The Maine Sportsman - June 2019 Digital Edition by The Maine Sportsman - Digital Edition

Sportsman The Maine

June 2019 â&#x20AC;¢ $4.99

Bass Action Heats Up Page 68

Christi Reels in a Tuna Page 23

Best Big Woods Deer Rifle Page 58

Stealing, Selling Deer Page 37

Reader Moose Stories Page 27

Gov. Mills Establishes ATV Task Force Page 31

2 • June 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————

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Macannamac Camps

Located in the Remote Area of Allagash Lakes Region The highlands of the north Maine woods, the headwaters of the Allagash River, and the quality camps along the lake shores make the perfect combination for a vacation getaway. For over 35 years, Macannamac Camps has been providing accommodations to outdoorsmen from Maine and beyond. Not only do hunters and fishermen find their way to the heart of the big woods of Maine, but also families come to experience the value and simplicity of outdoor fun. Seven Cabins Macannamac provides the opportunity to enjoy seven remote cabins on the shores

of Haymock, Spider and Cliff Lakes. A main lodge at Haymock Lake provides an additional level of service and luxury to a vacation plan. The cabins are separate and remote, which provides the atmosphere of enjoying your own privately-owned camp. Since each cabin has its own front porch and private dock, all guests are able to relax and capture the refreshing solace that only a remote area can provide. Lakeside sunrises, sunsets and spectacular night skies only add to the experience. Fishing, Hunting and Other Attractions Fishing and hunting in the North Maine Woods are definitely primary draws. With seemingly endless numbers of lakes, ponds, streams and rolling landscapes, the region is a giant playground within which to pursue trophy deer, moose, grouse, lake trout, brook trout, whitefish and cusk. Points of interest such as Churchill Dam, the Logging Museum, and the Locomotives and Tramway are all nearby to explore. Cabin Features The cabins are traditional, round-log construction or log cabin kits, and are fully equipped to provide four seasons of comfortable atmosphere. Cabins are set up with fully outfitted kitchens, living space and quality

bunk beds. The cabins on Haymock Lake offer full indoor plumbing. All are well maintained, offering guests a unique sense of home away from home. For More Information Call Macannamac Camps any time at (207) 307-2115, or write to P.O. Box 598 Millinocket, ME 04462. And stop in whenever you are in the neighborhood. The north woods, the Allagash, and Macannamac – the ultimate backwoods hospitality experience.

Shoreline Camps SHORELINE, on Big Lake at the mouth of the fabled Grand Lake Stream, has been welcoming sportsmen and families to the pristine shores of Big Lake for over 60 years. Shoreline offers eight great cabins in a great location. Open-water fishing season opens April ice-out. Spring fishing is world class. Fly fish Grand Lake Stream, or slow troll Big Lake for salmon. June begins smallmouth bass season. Big Lake is one of Maine’s trophy smallmouth bass lakes. Summer brings families that enjoy swimming, canoeing and kayaking, hiking and fishing, July through August. Fall brings on the landlocked salmon run, and group-event season. Whether vacationing with two or 20, Shoreline Camps is the place to be. Well-appointed seasonal and year-round housekeeping cottages provide everything needed for a long week-end, week- or month-long stay in the quiet beauty of the Down East Lakes Region. Big Lake and the surrounding fields and

forests are well known for excellent grouse and turkey hunting. The island-dotted lake is a kayak paddler’s paradise, with boating, swimming, snowmobiling and ice fishing, hiking and ATV trails making Shoreline Camps a four-season Maine experience. Big Lake is one of Maine’s largest lakes, encompassing almost 18,000 square acres of area, a maximum depth of 70 feet, and measuring 70 miles in perimeter. It draws anglers from across the country; and Grand Lake Stream fly fishing is world-renowned. Local Registered Maine Guides are available for hire to assist you in catching trophy fish, finding a bear or moose, or inland game birds. Traditional guide services in traditional Grand Laker Canoes made right here in Grand Lake Stream. Each camp – waterfront or water view – has from one to three bedrooms, a full kitchen, living room and private bathroom with shower, including fresh linens, blankets and towels. Shoreline Camps offers complimentary firewood, boat docks, boat launch and trailer parking.

Shoreline Camps provides facilities for group events (catering is now available), family reunions, sporting club events, corporate retreats and workshops, destination weddings and event planning. Waterfront decks and fireplaces are perfect for enjoying a quiet cup of coffee while watching the sun rise, or for sharing the day’s adventures with friends and family. Join them for an unforgettable vacation, sporting trip, corporate or club retreat or family gathering. Shorelines Camps is the ideal place for seasoned hunters and anglers to introduce nature and the great outdoors to the next generations of their children and grandchildren. Whether you are fishing, hiking, bicycling, bird watching, swimming, or simply relaxing, Mike and Jean Lombardo are there to make your stay enjoyable. For more information about planning your visit, go to www.shorelinecamps.com, or contact them at 207-796-5539; email shorelinecamps@gmail.com.

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4 • June 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Op-Ed

New England’s Largest Outdoor Publication Readership

Writer Says It’s Time to Connect Katahdin to the International Appalachian Trail by Christopher Keene Twenty-five years ago, former Maine Commissioner of Conservation Dick Anderson wondered why the Appalachian Trail ended at Katahdin, even though the Appalachian Mountains kept going. What it would be like, he thought, to connect countries, states and provinces, mountains and parks—and people? Thus the International Appalachian Trail (IAT) was born. The plan for this 600mile trail was to start on Katahdin, head northeast to the Canadian border, then continue into New Brunswick and Quebec, ending on the Gaspé Peninsula. The IAT concept was warmly received by the managers of Quebec’s Matane Reserve, where 170+ miles of trail and numerous overnight shelters were constructed. The folks in New Brunswick were less enthusiastic, however, and except for good trails in Mount Carleton Provincial Park, it’s an arduous 170-mile walk along roadways. Maine Route Includes New Monument Maine’s slice of the IAT pie is somewhat better. When hikers are not slogging up Route 11, they encounter a spattering of off-pavement pathways, including ATV trails, ski trails on Mars Hill, and the Maine/New Brunswick border swath itself. And then there’s the Katahdin Woods & Waters Monument, now home to 30 miles of the IAT. Starting just south of Barnard Mountain, the route heads north to Deasey and Lunksoos Mountains, then follows the East Branch of the Penobscot River upstream almost to Matagamon Lake, where the (mostly) roadwalk to the border crossing at Fort Fairfield begins. But where’s Katahdin? Lukewarm Response In the IAT’s infancy, when there was no Monument next door to Baxter, IAT-ers had two options: 1) Hike up Katahdin, then head north via the Pogy Notch and Five Ponds Trails north through the park, and exiting at Matagammon Gate; or 2) Hike south out of the park, dodging log trucks the whole way down the Golden Road, through Millinocket and Medway to Route 11. For a while, there was a third option: the Katahdin Lake Trail, which was closed by Baxter almost to the day the Monument was born. When I called the Park’s administrative office to ask if IAT-ers could at least exit Baxter via Katahdin Lake Trail, I received what could fairly be described as a lukewarm response. The person on the phone made it clear that Baxter State Park “does not host the International Appalachian Trail.” Time for Action Well, I say it’s time to heat things up. Here’s my solution for a Baxter-Monument connection. Assuming you’re starting in Baxter, the easiest route to Togue Pond Gate from Katahdin Stream Campground (see “A” on my map) at the base of Katahdin (use the Hunt Trail to ascend) is to take the Blueberry Ledges Trail (“B”) to the Abol Pond Stream Trail, then continue east to the Cranberry Pond Trail. That’ll take you to Togue Pond Gate (“C”) —Baxter’s southern entrance—easily enough. Here, a new trail would begin, but not in the Park. Within spitting distance of Togue Pond Gate (see “B” on my map) is the Nature Conservancy’s Trout Mountain Preserve (“D”). From there, this connector trail would follow the former fire warden trail up Trout Mountain (“E”), turn northeast, passing Logan Ponds (“F”) (reputedly some of Maine’s best native brookie fisheries), to the southwest corner of the Monument. By hugging Sandy Stream (“G”) and Gilead Brook upstream, it’d be but a stone’s throw to the Monument’s Katahdin Loop Road (“H”), which will eventually bring IAT-ers to the trail’s current “official” southern terminus, near Barnard Mountain. Considering there is active logging in this part of the Monument, this connector may not be all that easy to get on the ground. But it seems like the best option, one that would connect not only Baxter, the Preserve, and the Monument, but just may(Continued on page 9) www.MaineSportsman.com

Sportsman The Maine

ISSN 0199-036 — Issue No. 561 • www.mainesportsman.com PUBLISHER: Jon Lund MANAGING EDITOR: Will Lund will@mainesportsman.com OFFICE MANAGER: Linda Lapointe linda@mainesportsman.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Kristina Roderick kristina@mainesportsman.com ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Nancy Carpenter nancy@mainesportsman.com Second class postage paid at Scarborough, ME 04074 and additional entry offices. All editorial inquiries should be emailed to will@mainesportsman.com Phone: 207-622-4242 Fax: 207-622-4255 Postmaster: Send address changes to: The Maine Sportsman, 183 State Street, Suite 101, Augusta, ME 04330 12-Month Subscription: $30 • 24-Month Subscription: $49

TABLE OF CONTENTS Almanac by Will Lund........................................................ 12 Aroostook - “The County” by Bill Graves......................... 34 A Warden’s Life by Warden Lt. Bill Allen (Ret.)................ 37 Big Game Hunting by Joe Saltalamachia...................... 43 Big Woods World by Michael Scheeren.......................... 58 Bird of the Month by Erika Zambello................................ 16 Capitol Report by George Smith..................................... 19 Central Maine by Steve Vose........................................... 65 Downeast Region by Jim Lemieux................................... 63 Editorial (Op-Ed)................................................................... 4 Freshwater Fly Fishing by Lou Zambello........................... 50 Jackman by William Sheldon........................................... 46 Jottings by Jon Lund............................................................ 8 Katahdin Country by William Sheldon............................. 39 Kate’s Wild Kitchen by Kate Krukowski Gooding........... 61 Letters to the Editor.............................................................. 7 Maine Wildlife by Tom Seymour....................................... 30 Maine Wildlife Quiz by Steve Vose................................... 42 Maine Sportswoman by Christi Holmes........................... 23 Midcoast Report by Tom Seymour................................... 62 Moosehead by Tom Seymour.......................................... 54 New Hampshire by Ethan Emerson.................................. 67 Off-Road Traveler by William Clunie................................ 56 Outdoor Chronicle by Ed Pineau..................................... 38 Quotable Sportsman by George Smith........................... 20 Rangeley Region by William Clunie................................. 71 Riding Shotgun by Robert Summers................................. 74 Sebago to Auburn Region by Tom Roth......................... 68 Self-Propelled Sportsman by Jim Andrews...................... 44 Shooter’s Bench by Col. J.C. Allard................................. 59 Smilin’ Sportsman: Adults & Kids by Will Lund.................. 75 Sportsman’s Journal by King Montgomery..................... 10 Southern Maine by Val Marquez..................................... 70 Trapping The Silent Places by David Miller...................... 48 Trading Post (Classifieds)................................................... 76 Trout Fishing by Tom Seymour........................................... 52 Western Maine Mountains by William Clunie.................. 72 Young Maine Sportsman by Luke Giampetruzzi............ 66

SPECIAL FEATURES Annual Reader Opinion Poll............................................... 6 A Guide to Understanding Birders by David Putnam.... 18 Saltwater Fishing by Barry Gibson.................................... 21 Boating in Maine by Steve Vose...................................... 25 Maine Moose Lottery: Reader Stories.............................. 27 ATVing in Maine by Will Lund............................................ 31

On the Cover: Kid-in-a-Kayak — The photographer’s son Ben Humphrey was 13 years old when this photo was taken on the Penobscot River near Lincoln, where the smallmouth bass run big and fiesty. Photo by Bob Humphrey, bhhunt@maine.rr.com

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6 • June 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————

2019 Maine Sportsman Opinion Poll 1. Should Maine allow small-game hunting on Sundays? YES________ NO______ 2. Should Maine create a spring bear hunt to help reduce the bear population? YES________ NO______ 3. Should the applications filed by landowners for preference in any-deer permit drawings be open to public inspection? YES________ NO 4. Have you removed all lead sinkers and lead split shot from your freshwater tackle boxes? YES________ NO______ 5. Did you hunt coyotes within the past year?

YES________ NO______

24. When wardens spend time on search and rescue activities unrelated to fish or game activities, should the state’s General Fund pay for their time? YES________ NO______ 25. Do you approve of DIF&W’s current practice of stocking brook trout in marginal, put-and-take waters where these fish cannot survive warm summer water? YES________ NO______ 26. Did you spend time fly-casting for trout this past year? YES________ NO______ 27. Should mechanized gold mining in Maine rivers and streams be ended, to protect trout and salmon habitat? YES________ NO______

6. Should the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and the Maine Land Use Planning Commission approve construction of a powerline from the Canadian Border to The Forks to supply Massachusetts with electricity? YES________ NO______

28. Only 3% of all bears killed each year are harvested by trapping. To remove an emotional issue from future bear hunting debates, should the state end the recreational trapping of bears? YES________ NO______

7. Virtually all of Maine’s navigable rivers and streams have been channelized, bulldozed, dynamited, straightened, or otherwise altered to facilitate driving of logs, which ended in 1976. Should the state begin a program to restore our rivers to provide better habitat for fish and wildlife? YES________ NO______

29. Should municipalities that regulate bow hunting in the expanded season zones be barred from charging fees for permits? YES________ NO______ 30. Should landlocked salmon be managed to promote larger fish? YES________ NO______

8. Did you hunt with a crossbow this past year? YES________ NO______

31. Should DIF&W regulate winter-feeding of deer? YES________ NO______

9. Did you hunt with a muzzleloader this past year? YES________ NO______

32. Should nonresidents be permitted to hunt deer on opening day of the firearms season? YES________ NO______

10. It is unlawful to hunt in Maine with an autoloading rifle with a magazine with the capacity of more than five cartridges. Should it be unlawful to possess an autoloading rifle with a magazine having a capacity of more than five cartridges? YES________ NO______

33. Were you checked by a game warden this past year? YES________ NO______

11. Do you believe global warming is a real environmental threat? YES________ NO______ 12. Do you believe global warming is caused by human activity? YES________ NO______ 13. Should DIF&W establish a program to improve spawning habitat for trout and salmon? YES________ NO______ 14. Should ice fishing be allowed on some salmon and trout waters now closed each winter, if anglers use artificial lures? YES________ NO______ 15. Did you hunt or fish outside of the state of Maine this past year? YES________ NO______ 16. Has the turkey population expanded to the point that the state should end the two-bird seasonal tag limit for the spring season, and allow the taking of one tom turkey each day? YES________ NO______ 17. Is the dumping of household goods and tires causing landowners to post their property? YES________ NO______ 18. Should buyers of auto and truck tires pay a returnable deposit, as we do on beverage bottles, which we would get back when we returned the used tires? YES________ NO______ 19. Pike are an exotic invasive species that has the potential to wreak havoc with our native trout and salmon. Should anglers be required to kill any pike that are caught? YES________ NO______ 20. Would you support a proposal to expand the instant background check of purchasers of firearms to include sales between private parties? YES________ NO______ 21. Should income from bear bait hunting sites leased by landowners be taxed, with the revenue going to DIF&W? YES________ NO______ 22. Should a system be developed to allow an any-deer permit to be used in more than one Wildlife Management District? YES________ NO______ 23. Do you believe DIF&W wardens are spread too thin to deter poachers? YES________ NO______ www.MaineSportsman.com

34. Should hunting with crossbows be allowed wherever hunters can use regular bows? YES________ NO______ 35. Do you believe that many hunters in Maine tag deer they didn’t shoot? YES________ NO______ 36. Should the owners of land with conservation easements be required to post online maps showing the land and the location of the public’s right of access? YES________ NO______ 37. Should Maine’s law permitting children of any age hunt under supervision, be modified to establish a minimum hunting age? YES________ NO______ 38. Should a system of tagging turkeys by telephone or online replace tagging stations? YES________ NO______ 39. Should the price of a Maine hunting license include the right to hunt all game animals (except moose) without additional fees? YES________ NO______ 40. Have you (or has anyone you know) seen a cougar in Maine? YES________ NO______ If you answered “Yes,” write will@mainesportsman.com and tell us about it. 41. Please write in any question you’d like to have us ask in our reader poll next year: ________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________

Thank you for your participation! Mail your responses to: Will Lund, Editor The Maine Sportsman, 183 State Street, Suite 101, Augusta ME 04330

You may also scan/photograph your poll page and email to will@mainesportsman.com OR answer the poll questions online at mainesportsman.com/resources We’ll tally up the results and print them in a future issue. If you have an opinion on a topic not covered above, describe it on a separate sheet and include it with your poll results. Name (Optional):_____________________________________________________ Address (Optional):____________________________________________________ City, State, Zip:______________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ Email (Optional):______________________________________________________

Letters

�� The Maine Sportsman • June 2019 • 7

To The Editor

Manage Pike for Trophy Fishery

To the Editor:

Let’s talk pike. They are ambush predators, and they can grow up to 50 pounds. Here in Maine, the state record is just over 31 pounds. If pike were to make their way into Maine’s pristine brook trout or salmon territory, it would most likely be the end of that fishery. Why is that? In other states, don’t pike and brookies exist in the same ponds? Yes, but they evolved in those systems together, meaning the trout developed strategies to ensure their survival while occupying the same body of water. Because Maine brook trout have never had to deal with a predator such as a pike, their strategies for maximizing survivability don’t include a chapter on how to avoid being eaten by pike. So is the answer just to kill all the pike? Instead, I would encourage a different approach. Anyone who has had a great day of pike fishing is likely to describe the day’s events as exhilarating. I am an avid fly angler. I fly fish for pike multiple times a year, and I see an opportunity that is being wasted. Unfortunately, pike aren’t going anywhere – they’re here to stay. So why not make the most of it? Other states have recognized the potential for pike fishing. People fly in from all over the world to target pike in Wisconsin, Canada and Minnesota. In Minnesota alone, some 500,000 people will target pike on opening day this year. However, unlike Maine, Minnesotans frequently practice catch-and-release, have strict laws in place, and manage pike to create trophy fisheries. States can employ seasons, creel limits and size limits in order to develop monster pike. For example, portions of Wisconsin are subject to a pike season (May 4 to March 1), so anglers don’t fish the spawn. Bag limits are enforced, and fish must be at least 26 inches long to be kept. Maine has the capability to do just that, but yet we choose not to, because of our negatively skewed views towards pike. I believe we need to contemporize our outlook, sensitivities, and management strategies. Managers are correctly trying to control pike movements, but why not simultaneously manage populations that are under control? Sabattus Pond is a great example. IFW fisheries managers even state under their management objectives that where northern pike exist and create no threat to surrounding fish populations, efforts to enhance size

Greg LaBonte caught and released this 15-pound, 38-inch northern pike in the Androscoggin River in the Lewiston/Auburn area on May of 2018. He believes Maine fisheries biologists should control the spread of pike, but should also manage certain non-flowing waters to produce trophy pike.

and quality should be undertaken. Yet, none of the 28 non-flowing Maine waters where pike reside have special regulations aimed towards creating a trophy fishery. Creating a trophy pike fishery would mean more anglers, busier guides, more goods being sold and more gas being bought – there’s an economic gold mine literally swimming in our waters, and yet we ignore it. I see certain areas of Maine as having the potential to become destination locations for pike anglers; places like the Sabattus Pond, and the Androscoggin River around Turner. The time for managing pike as a resident species in Maine has come. We need to stop looking at the species as simply an invasive, and instead embrace their potential. My number one priority in life is preserving and conserving Maine fisheries, but something has to change regarding pike management. Pike are not the enemy. Greg LaBonte Maine Fly Guys - maineflyguys@gmail.com —

JR Will be Excited Again! To the Editor: It was great to see your writers and editors at the Maine Sportsman booth at the State of Maine Sportsman’s Show this spring. I just received my copy of the May issue of the Maine Sportsman, and I want to thank your staff so much for publishing 8-year-old J.R. Miller the photo of JR Mill- of Cape Cod shows er with his big bass. off a lunker large I have already mouth he pulled the ice mailed JR a copy. He through during his first-ever is going to be very excited! Thank you ice fishing adventure. again. Justin Petelle - Wells, ME Registered Maine Guide —

Clarification on Search Story

To the Editor: I read and enjoyed the “Warden’s Life” column by Warden Lt. Bill Allen in the May issue, titled “Gone Hunting.” However, I would like to offer a correction to the story. It was I who went up in the plane, not Mr. McPhee. That day in 1994, the Wardens office called me and asked if I had a telemetry with the frequencies as Mr. Fuller’s dog collars, which I did. Warden Thompson picked me up and took me to Belfast Airport. We hooked the antenna to the plane strut, and off we went. We did locate Mr. Fuller and his dogs. I knew Mr. Fuller real well. The Warden Service sent me a very nice letter thanking me for my help. Jack Pierce - Lincolnville, ME pandj@tidewater.net Editor’s note: Thank you for the clarification, Mr. Pierce. —

Gramp Caught Brook Trout with a Cunner Pole

To the Editor:

Thank you for the great coverage of brook trout fishing in the May issue of The Maine Sportsman. Reading the columns, I was reminded of my grandfather and the time he rigged up an old cunner pole to go after brook trout. Gramps was crafty, and as I recall the pole was a complete success – except for the difficulty of transporting it on top of his car. As a youngster, I used to stop in at his house almost every day on the way home from school, just to see what he was up to. One afternoon I found him in the barn making up a new fishing pole. He had a long cane pole laid across two sawhorses. The cane must have been fourteen or fifteen feet long – one solid piece. I think it might have been an old cunner pole (a cunner is a tasty saltwater fish) used to fish off the rocks. Gramp looked at me, “You know that brook in Dick Grant’s cow pasture?” We all knew about the brook at the lower end of the field. It was four feet across in most places, and resembled a ditch. We also knew it harbored some nice brookies, but no one could catch them. Ei-

The letter-writer’s grandfather “thought like a fish,” and figured out a way to pull big trout out of a tiny pasture stream with a long cane pole. (Continued on page 9) www.MaineSportsman.com

8 • June 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Four Reflections from a Lifetime of Fishing The Mentor My first fly-casting mentor was my father, an indefatigable fly caster, who might fish from dawn ’til dusk. Dad had powerful arms and shoulders. As a young man in the Norwegian military, he was reportedly able to hold his arms out at shoulder height in either direction, with each hand grasping the barrel of a Krag-Jorgensen rifle – weighing over eight pounds – so that the rifle butts pointed straight out and the rifles were level with, and parallel to, the ground. Dad’s favorite trout rod for pond fishing was a Thomas bamboo ninefoot, seven-ounce Atlantic Salmon model. He usually fished with one or two dropper wet flies. He retrieved his line until the dropper fly was at right at the edge of the boat. Brookies would sometimes follow the fly and only hit it when he raised his rod to make his back-cast. In fact, it was a not unusual to see a goodsized brook trout fly out

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The author’s mentor was his father, Anton Lund (far right), a powerful man who could cast all day. The author is standing next to his father. Others in the photo are (left to right) Julius Lader, Morten Lund and Jack Mazer. The trailer in the foreground was constructed from a Model T chassis.

of the water and land on the other side of the craft. “Let the Fly Hit the Water!” Vin Swazey, a wellknown Atlantic salmon guide on the Miramichi River in New Brunswick, related to me a story about one of his customers who was proud of his casting skills. The gentleman, who worked for a fishing line company, liked to make incredibly long false casts out over the river. At one salmon pool,

he was whipping his line to and fro as he lengthened the line. He looked to Vin for approval. Vin watched the casting performance silently. Eventually commented dryly: “We usually have to let the fly get into the water if the salmon is going to hit it.” Wet Flies Rule Most of my trout fishing has been pond fishing with wet flies, sometimes casting to a rise, sometimes casting blind. Not having been blessed

with my father’s powerful arms and shoulders, my favorite rod is a ninefoot St. Croix graphite five-weight, casting a sixweight, weight-forward floating line. My experience has been that I can usually cast most efficiently with a line at least one number higher than the rating for the rod. Perhaps the manufacturers of the rods hire folks like Vin Swazey’s client to rate the rod – people who like to make lots of long casts. I tend not to concentrate on making long casts, but limit the number of false casts, and make each cast count by retrieving close to the boat or canoe. Sometimes it pays to pause to allow the fly to sink a bit before starting the retrieve. Sometimes a trout rise at the outer limit of my casting range tempts me to make a few false casts to get out a longer line to reach the rise. The result is usually disappointing. Sometimes the trout has moved away after coming to the surface. Zero results. Other times, the extra long cast lands in a curve, rather than straight, and if the trout

does hit the fly, I am not able to tighten the line promptly and the fish departs. Experience leads me to think I should skip the extra-long casts, because my experience has allowed me to calculate that my long casts have a success rate that is inversely proportional to the square of the length of line. But the temptation is strong. Hard Work On occasions when there is no sign of trout feeding on the surface and casting a wet fly with a floating line finds no takers, it may be a time to try casting a sinking line. This can be hard work, and it’s not my favorite style of fly-fishing because – like when trolling – you usually don’t get to see the trout strike. You just feel it. The late legendary guide Wiggie Robinson opined that when fishing a sinking line from a boat or canoe, you should anchor the craft at both ends to keep it from swinging in the breeze. You want the line to sink straight. I usually shorten the leader, to get the fly down closer to bottom, where the line is. The usual drill is to cast the line out as far as you can get it, using repeated false casts. When you get to your limit, stop and let the line sink, counting off the seconds: one thousand and one, one thousand and two, and so on until you believe it is deep enough. Then you strip in the line, dropping the line into your lap, or into a stripping basket, or into the bottom of the canoe. Some anglers tuck the rod (Continued on next page)

�� The Maine Sportsman • June 2019 • 9 (Continued from page 8)

under one arm and strip with both hands. I strip with my left and hold the rod with my right. If the fly comes in

clean, with no vegetation on it, you may want to allow the line to sink longer to get closer to the bottom. If the line comes in with vegetation on it, you should shorten the sink

time. When it is time to cast again, you try to get the line back into the air without a tangle. Anglers who favor large-arbor reels have an edge here,

Letters to the Editor (Continued from page 7)

ther our shadow falling on the water spooked the fish, or the vibrations from our feet in the field scared them. Most of us passed the pasture brook by and fished it farther up the hill and into the woods. But Grandfather had a plan. He had inserted three or four screw eyes along the length of the long cane pole and run a length of cod line through in a continuous loop, not unlike grandmother’s backyard clothesline. To this cod line he had tied a six foot length of black silk fishing line with a bigger than average split shot and a number six fish hook. He said, “This will let me stand far back from the edge so I don’t spook the fish.” “How are you going to put that pole in your car?” I asked. “Can’t,” he said. “It’s too long. I’ll tie it up on the roof.” Then he waved a small red flag at me. “I’ll put this on the end,” he explained. A few days later, I saw the old

man’s car in the driveway and walked up to see if he was home. This time he was getting ready to clean some of the prettiest eightand ten-inch brook trout I’d seen. “Gee Gramp, where’d you get those fish?” He pointed his fillet knife toward the car and said. “That long pole worked pretty good.” I saw the cane rod lashed to the roof rack and the red flag hanging off the end. “Just like I figured.” he said. “Kept the sun in my face, stepping along real quiet and careful, I pushed the tip of the pole out over the brook and let down my worm. I caught six.” After grandfather died and my dad and I were cleaning out his old barn, I found that long pole hanging on some wooden pegs up high on the wall. Dad didn’t know about the cane pole, so I told him about Grandfather fishing Dick Grant’s brook with it. He laughed. “Yeah,” he said, “Dad thought like a fish. I can’t imagine how he got that rod in his car, though.” So I showed him the red flag, still attached to the butt end of the pole. Randy Randall – Saco, ME

NOW AN AUTHORIZED

DEALER

because their lines have less tendency to tend to curl and tangle. At the end of the retrieve, when you see the fly come into view, jig it around a bit. Don’t be in

a hurry to lift it out of the water, because some trout like to trail the fly in and they may strike at the last moment.

Op-Ed

(Continued from page 4)

be – as Dick Anderson hoped for so long ago – the people who manage and enjoy them all. *** Christopher Keene, a Registered Maine Guide, is the author of the guidebook North Woods Walks. Publisher’s Note: While Mr. Keene has an interesting proposal, it is likely to face strong opposition from the Baxter Park Authority and many B.S.P. supporters. Percy Baxter would turn over in his grave at the notion that the park should be an element of a larger entity, as a way-point in a larger expedition. I would predict that “it ain’t gonna happen”. Jon Lund, Publisher Former member, Baxter Park Authority

Summer

SPORTING AUCTION Saturday, August 3, 2019

Wildwood Function Center, Route 113, Steep Falls, Maine We are now accepting Consignments and/or Purchasing Items, Single Pieces to Entire Collections, for this Summer, 2019, Sporting Auction Event in the following Categories:

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10 • June 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Of Popper Tactics, Finding Love at Caneel Bay, and a Friend Named “Slime” While the replacement right shoulder on my shooting and casting arm is mending, and other ailments are coming along, I’ve been unable to get on the water or in the field. What I have had time to do, however, is to reminisce. The memories come in short sequences, and feature very diverse settings. Let me bring you along as I think back on three experiences, focusing first on fishing strategies, then on finding life’s balance at an exotic Caribbean location, and finally telling you about a very different friend named “Slime.” 1) Fly Rod Poppers -Nothing is Often Better than Something A major spring cold front and rainstorm rolled in, and the fish had shut down like a seized-up engine. As I sat on the front porch of the cabin on the lake, bundled up in more clothes than I thought I’d brought, my thoughts turned from the lousy angling prospects to reflecting on past successes and the tactics that had brought them about. Specifically, I was thinking about how the best retrieve with a fly rod popper for bass or

I’ve got one friend named Slime, whose smell actually attracts fish. Another friend, Pierre, is a master chef who brings linen and crystal glasses to fishing camp. And then there’s Sweet Sally, the former centerfold model who likes to wear only hip boots and a baseball cap when she fishes in warm weather. But the editor tells me I’ve run out of space for this column. No room for a photo, either.

Just beyond our balcony is an emerald green bay where pelicans skim the calm waters in the early morning light, and the killer sunrises and sunsets are beyond stunning. All Photos © King Montgomery

sunfish often is none at all. A few hours before the storm moved in, I had cast a popper to a sunken brush pile against the bank. Varying the retrieve resulted in a few nondescript fish, but I knew larger ones lurked nearby. On the next cast, I let the bug sit. And sit. And sit some more. Even more minutes passed, and then a big female bluegill slurped the fly with that

characteristic “splat” that always makes me smile. Few fish fight harder than a near-pound bluegill on a light rod, and this was just one of many over the next hour. The same non-tactic worked on largemouth bass when I throw a popper on either fly or spinning/casting gear. It works on striped bass, too. Why did these fish strike an inanimate, unmoving, seemingly boring

We’re coming back to this beautiful place again sometime, and we’ll wade the pristine flats and troll the offshore canyons. But, as for now…. www.MaineSportsman.com

object? I would like to say that the two pairs of rubber legs on the fly were undulating seductively, but I’ve done the same thing with poppers, other bugs, and hardware lures that don’t have rubber legs. And lest you think this was a phenomenon associated solely with an approaching storm, I have seen the “do-nothing” retrieve work in all open water seasons. One summer morning it was oppressively hot

and muggy, and breathing raised a drenching sweat. The surface bite ended soon after the sun peaked over the trees. Bottom-bouncing flies and streamers didn’t produce, and neither did plastic worms and jigs. It looked like it might be one of those days. I switched to a Dahlberg diver for the fly rod, cast it to the lily pads, and worked it slow, fast, and in-between. Nothing. Now I was really sweating. A nap in the air conditioned cabin was looking real good. I made one more half-hearted cast, set the rod down against the gunwale of the jonboat, and reached for a cold bottle of water. A great blue heron flapped into the cove and began wading, fishing. I reached for the camera and popped off a few shots. (You can never have too many blue heron photos.) Another swig of cold water, and I glanced toward the pads. The Dahlberg was gone, and the line was slowly moving to the right. I made my presence known, and five pounds of largemouth bass exploded from the surface. After releasing the (Continued on next page)

When Pierre and I fish off my boat, for lunch we’re not talking about Twinkies, Vienna sausages, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or pork rinds -- he always goes first class!

�� The Maine Sportsman • June 2019 • 11 (Continued from page 10)

bass, I tried the same tactic farther down the line of pads. It worked more than once then, and still does now. Cast it out, let it sit, pop a soda or grab a sandwich, scratch, mop your face, pour some coffee, and set the hook – low maintenance fishing at its best. I don’t ask why anymore – I just do it. In fishing, sometimes nothing is better than something, and slower is better than fast. Right now, the wind is whipping through the trees, and the temperature has dropped a few more degrees. Time to kick back in front of a warm fire. Tomorrow? Well, tomorrow could be another do-nothing day. 2) “Fish” and Other Four-Letter Words This time I’m not sitting on the front porch of the cabin on the lake reflecting on the meanings of fishing and life, two concepts inseparable in my mind. Instead, my musing spot is a balcony overlooking a richly-landscaped garden and manicured lawn that gently slope to a white sandy beach. Just beyond is an emerald green bay where pelicans skim the calm waters in the early morning light. The air temperature is already 80 degrees and, according to the day’s faxed highlights of the New York Times, it’s in the mid-20s back home. No, I’m not chasing fish on this trip, except with a snorkel and disposable underwater camera, but rather spending quality time a great lady. Yes, I researched the angling opportunities here at the paradise known as Caneel Bay Resort on St. John in the US Virgin Islands. There are bonefish, tarpon, and barracuda nearby, and farther offshore, marlin and other noble sailfish. “Maybe

“Fish” is a four-letter word, and one of the most important in my vocabulary. But sometimes -- no, oftentimes -- other four-letter words are critical, too.

next time,” I muse, but now it’s other four-letter words besides “fish,” that occupy my thoughts. Sometimes we anglers obsess about our sport, spending time, money, and effort—probably excessive amounts of all three—to satisfy our quest for piscatorial pleasure. If we are alone, fine, because the idea of eatsleep-fish can consume us, affecting no one but ourselves. But, if another is involved in our life, our behavior calls for a modification or two to help the relationship work and grow. “Talk” and “hear” are four-letter words that mean “communication,” the single most important factor in a successful relationship. Sure, I could spend a day or two out of this special week fishing in tropical heaven, and she probably would join me on the sandy flats—she does like to fish, and she’s good at it. But somehow it wouldn’t seem right, even though she says it’s okay. So I don’t, and feel very good about it. Now those of you who know me, realize this totally is out of character, both for the not fishing part and actually being in a wonderful relationship. All of my life, probably like many of you out

there, I have chosen fishing over all else. I now have come to realize there is a balance— you can have both with a little “give” and “take,” two more four-letter words that put the icing on the communications cake. It’s been a great respite from the cold and the day-job back in the lower forty-eight, but now my reflections are over for awhile, and it’s time to saunter down to the beachfront restaurant for the killer buffet breakfast. We’re coming back to this beautiful again sometime, and we’ll wade the pristine flats and troll the offshore canyons. But, as for now, the primary word is “love.” And who said four-letter words are bad? 3) “Slime” Knows Fish Like you, I regularly fish with a few select friends. I never really consider why, until someone asked the reasons I often fish with so-and-so. It got me to thinking, often a dangerous proposition, so I made some notes on my angling companions, and you can decide if you want to hit the water with any of them. Harold “Slime” Pickens knows fish—he out-fishes every single person who’s ever wet a

In fishing, sometimes nothing is better than something, and slower is better than fast. Low-maintenance fishing at its best!

line with him. “Slime” is, first of all, a conservationist. He seldom intentionally bathes, thus ensuring the rest of us have a vast supply of unpolluted water. Consequently, at worst, he smells like a week-old dead fish much of the time; or, at best, he reeks of a bottle of Real Craw fish attractant that has been marinating in the hot sun for several years. Fish love it, particularly when he wades in shorts and tennis shoes. Trout, smallmouth bass, landlocks—it makes no difference—come from miles around to position themselves at his feet and just downstream. Sort of like in a chum line. All “Slime” has to do is cast a lure or fly that has touched his essence into the slick, and he’s instantly hooked-up! As for me, I stand well downstream on the dry land (I’m not getting into that water), and cast upstream to the assembled mass of fishes. Pierre L’Beauardee, known as “Chef” to his friends, is a gourmand and an amateur gourmet cook. He always insists on bringing breakfast, lunch, and snacks whenever we fish, which is fine with me. We’re not talking about Twinkies, Vienna sausages, peanut

butter and jelly sandwiches or pork rinds here—he always goes first class. When we fish on a boat, the storage compartments always are dedicated to his substantial larder and cooking accoutrements, that include a propane stove, ice chest, linen tablecloth and napkins, real china and silverware, and crystal wine glasses. “Here, try this superb pheasant pâté on freshly-baked German seven-grain bread. Goes great with this fine 2009 real French Burgundy.” While masticating and swallowing these delectables, I always think this beats the heck out of a warm Pepsi and stale potato chips. Oh, and we manage to catch a few fish now and then. He does get a bit irritated at my strict catch-andrelease ethic, because recently he’s really into sashimi and sushi. Then, there was “Sweet Sally,” the former, fairly recent centerfold model, who likes to wear only hip boots and a baseball cap when she fishes in warm weather. But, that’s another story. The editor tells me I’ve reached the word-limit for this column. No room for a picture here either.

www.MaineSportsman.com

Almanac

12 • June 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Compiled and Edited by — Will Lund —

“Snapshots in Time”

Excerpts from the Annals of Maine’s Sporting Past Submitted by Bill Pierce, of the Outdoor Sporting Heritage Museum in Oquossoc, Maine Angling in Maine is in its prime, as I share the following excerpt written by Francis Maule of Philadelphia as a special to the Maine Woods. It was penned in January of 1905, and was surely a happy memory written by an angler longing for winter to end so he might return to his beloved backwoods paradise.

Maule was a regular customer of guide and camp owner Ed Grant. This missive captures the essence of the adage, “The early bird gets the worm.” It gleefully shares something that most ardent anglers can be accused of doing at one time or another; namely, enjoying getting to, and having success at, a prime spot before the competi-

tion does, and then victoriously letting them know about it. Maule mentions “Camp 3” which is a pretty little private camp that remains on the shore of Kennebago to this day. Enjoy the following fish tale, and be sure to get out and make some outdoor history of your own!

“Speaking of Early Birds” from “Maine Woods,” June 8, 1905

On the morning of a certain bright autumn day way back in the nineties (1890’s) I was sunning myself in front of Camp 3 with that peculiar sense of contentment easily traceable to an extra good and very recent breakfast. As I sat musing on the doorstep the little Kennebago steamer rounded the point above me, bore down on the camp and at once, I was hailed by several ardent angler friends, who forthwith took to their boats and rowed up within easy earshot when the following dialogue ensued: “You’d better come along with us, we’re all going up to the big pool to try for a regular Old Whale, we saw there yesterday. Come along and try your luck. He was sloshing around the pool for a couple of hours yesterday, but he wouldn’t look at any bugs we had and maybe you can fool him with some of yours?” “No thank you,” quoth I, “not this morning. I’ve got a lot of letters to write and cannot go, but if any of you do get the old gentleman be sure to stop and let me see him before you go up in the steamer.” [Exit five boats up stream.] At early dusk that evening the

Here’s an unidentified Rangeley region angler in the early 1900s with a “whale” of a brookie.

flotilla came out of the mouth of the stream and I hailed the foremost boat as follows: “Come ashore and see what I’ve got in this box. Did any of you ever see a young hedgehog?” A visible commotion in the fleet

follows and ten men soon climb the little grassy slope in front of Camp 3 and gather around a carefully covered soap box, keen for a look at that little “quill pig.” I carefully remove a long slab of spruce bark and disclose to ten pairs of porcupine expectant eyes a 19-inch trout laid upon a bed of freshly picked ferns. Profound sensation! “Now boys, you can see for yourselves just why I was not exactly keen to join your gang this morning, eh? The fact is I had ‘heard tell’ of that old big one myself and had succeeded in deducting him from that pool about 5:15 a. m. this morning. Why did I let you all go up there for nothing? I didn’t. How could I be certain that my friend here was the only good fish in that pool? But I could be ‘cock sure’ that a few hours’ practice at casting would not lessen your chances of getting a big one someday somewhere, See?” And then the whistle blew, and the little steamer with its not-so-very-enthusiastic passenger list was soon lost in the rapidly looming darkness. —Francis I. Maule. Philadelphia, Jan. 2, 1905. (Almanac continued on next page)

www.MaineSportsman.com

�� The Maine Sportsman • June 2019 • 13 (Continued from page 13)

Meet the Newest Wardens — Tennie Coleman

Game Warden Tennie Coleman

Game Warden Tennie Coleman grew up in Dennistown, a small town located near Jackman, Maine. Coleman graduated from Forest Hills High school in 2003 and went to work in the community as a heavy equipment mechanic until he attended Eastern Maine Community College as Diesel Mechanic, graduating in 2006. Through his college years, he obtained his whitewater guides license, guiding rafts part time on Maine’s rivers for several summers. Coleman also obtained his Maine Guide license in 2006, guiding moose and deer hunters. Coleman was introduced to an outdoor lifestyle at a very young age, following his father around as a local forester, Maine Guide and bush pilot. Living in the relatively remote Jackman area caused outdoor recreation to become the norm for Coleman. Fishing small ponds for brook trout is his passion, but seasonally he can be found snowmobiling, kayaking, hunting, fishing or trapping. Coleman worked many different jobs, including automotive mechanics, equipment operator, guiding, and carpentry. With a life of wild surroundings and a passion for the outdoors, Coleman decided to make every effort to becoming a Maine game warden. Warden Coleman spent as much time as possible working with local game wardens while juggling a family that includes a wife and two young children. After being hired on full time with the Maine Warden Service, Warden Coleman attended the 34th Basic Law Enforcement Academy and 2018 Advanced Warden School. Warden Coleman says he’s honored to be a Maine game warden, and he looks forward to working with the people of Maine to conserve our natural resources for future generations. —

Truck Cab Styles – What’s in a Name?

Shopping for a pick-up truck? Con-

fused by the options for cap configurations? We don’t blame you. Here’s a primer: • You’ve got regular cabs with no access to the space behind the seat. • You’ve got regular cabs with small rear access half-doors (some models have a single access door, while others have the small doors on both sides of the truck). • You’ve got extended cabs, sold under such names as Nissan King Cab, the Toyota XtraCab, the Toyota Access Cab, the Ford SuperCab, the Mazda SE Cab Plus and the Dodge Dakota Club Cab. • Then you’ve got models with two full seats, such as Crew Cab (Chevy, GMC, Nissan); Quad Cab (Dodge); Double Cab (Toyota); SuperCrew (Ford); CrewMax (newer Toyota Tundras). Got it? Next time maybe we’ll cover pick-up truck beds – short, standard and long; style-sides, step-sides and flaresides! —

Sign of the Month

This tongue-in-cheek sign was offered for sale at the recent State of Maine Sportsman’s Show in Augusta:

—

News from State Biologists: The Porcupine’s Foe by Regional Wildlife Biologist Scott McLellan It’s no surprise that the porcupine has so few natural predators, given the fact that it is well-armed with about 30,000 quills. (Continued on next page) www.MaineSportsman.com

14 • June 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Almanac (Continued from page 13)

within muscle tissue and against bone, while many others lie between the skin and muscle matter. A study conducted by the University of Maine at Orono during the 1980s revealed that snowshoe hare and porcupines were the most common mammal species found within a large sample of scats, suggesting that porcupines are an important food source for fisher in some areas of Maine. —

However, one of the more fascinating prey/predator interactions exists between the porcupine and fisher. The fisher, which is a member of the weasel family, has carved out a hunting strategy that enables it to seek out and successfully kill porcupines.

Known for being a very aggressive and opportunistic predator, the fisher has figured out how to repeatedly attack the only exposed part of the porcupine’s body that does not have any quills – the face. The porcupine’s main method of defense is to try to keep its face toward the trunk of a tree, and charge backwards with a flailing tail. The precision of the fishers’ attacks is not perfect, as they often become embedded with quills as a result. Embedded Quills Don’t Bother Fishers? A significant amount of research has been done to understand this phenomenon, and as many as 2/3 of male fisher have carried quills in some studies. As painful as it may seem (some fisher had over 100 quills), the quills do not seem to have any apparent effects on their health (no signs of inflammation or harmful effects). Many quills have been found embedded deep

Fins & Furs Adventures

Q&A– Nine Questions about Sépaq Anticosti

Jean-François Bernard, sales representative (or, to use the far more elegant French title, “Délégue Commercial”) for Sépaq, staffed a booth at the recent State of Maine Sportsman’s Show in Augusta. We took the opportunity to ask him nine questions about Sépaq Anticosti, legendary for its whitetail deer hunting. Question: What is Sépaq, and is “Sépaq” an acronym? Answer: Sépaq stands for La Societe des Établissements de Plein Air du Québec, which translates to “Quebec Outdoor Network Society.” Question: Tell me about Anticosti Island— where is it, how big is it, and how do hunters travel there from Maine? Answer: We are located northeast of the Gaspé Peninsula. The island is 138 miles long and 35 miles wide. Anticosti Island rises front and center at the mouth of St. Lawrence River. To get there, Maine hunters first drive to Montreal, Quebec City or Mont-Joli, and then take a short flight to the Anticosti.

American Woodcock

Sépaq Anticosti, a Quebec island renowned for its whitetail deer hunting, is located north and east of Maine (see map inset) at the mouth of the St. Lawrence River.

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Question: Does the Quebec provincial government own the island, or is it privately owned? Answer: The Quebec provincial government owns the island and manages Sépaq. There are also two other private outfitters on the island. Question: How many guides, outfitters and sporting camps are on the island? Answer: We at Sépaq Anticosti are managing 25 different hunting camps – four lodges that offer the American plan (includes all meals), and 21 other camps that provide the European plan (no food provided in the package). Question: How much does it cost to hunt at Anticosti? Answer: Prices range from $1,600 to $6,000 per hunter for either 5 or 7 days of hunting, depending on their choice of accommodations, food plans and whether guides are supplied. Question: How many square miles is each group of hunters able to use? Answer: All our hunting grounds are exclusive, and each group can expect an average area of 40 square miles for their use. Hunters can either use a stand, or go still-hunting. Question: How big do the deer get on Anticosti? Answer: Dressed bucks average between 130 and 150 pounds. Question: What is the bag limit on deer per hunter? Answer: Two deer per hunter – bucks or does. Question: Can Mainers pack their deer meat back to our state? Answer: Yes, boneless meat can be brought back to Maine. —

Fins & Furs Adventures — and —

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In mid-April of this year, our photography friend Dave Small of Bangor (who calls his offerings “NatureShots”) took some great photos and videos of American Woodcock, when the birds flew into Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, located in Milford, northeast of Old Town. I love to watch them forage,” reports Dave. “They use their long bills to grab worms wherever the ground has softened sufficiently.” Although some call them “Timberdoodles,” hunters who have tried to catch up

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(Continued on next page)

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Outdoors

— NEXT CLASSES — MAY 30–JUNE, 1 2019 Penobscot County Conservation Association, Brewer JUNE 20–23, 2019 Windham-Gorham Rod & Gun Club AUGUST 1–4, 2019 Chandler Lake Camps

�� The Maine Sportsman • June 2019 • 15 (Continued from page 14)

“Birder Bands” Protect Wildlife - And Spruce Up Your Binoculars!

Nick Lund, nlund@maineaudubon.org Outreach & Network Manager, Maine Audubon

Photo by Dave Small

with them in the woods during upland game season have another phrase for them: “Timber Rockets.” —

State Offers ATV Club Grant Applications Online

The Maine State Bureau of Parks and Lands recently announced that ATV Club Grant Application packets are now available online. Interested parties should go to www. maine.gov/dacf/parks/grants, then click on “club,” for more information.

Birders aren’t known for their style. In general we’re a pretty beige bunch, known for muted colors, floppy hats, and lots of pockets. But thanks to an innovative program from the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Maine birders can protect habitat and at the same time, add some bling to their wardrobe. For $20, DIFW will send birders a Maine

Purchasing birder bands supports DIF&W’s efforts to preserve land, and triggers matching federal monies. Nick Lund photo (Continued on next page)

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A subscription to The Maine Sportsman makes the perfect gift!

Building a trail bridge

An ATV Club Grant is money made available to all ATV Clubs registered with the ATV Program of the Bureau of Parks and Lands. Clubs use the funds to defray some ATV trail development and maintenance expenses. Clubs should be registered with the state by June 1 to avoid late penalties (the state is no longer mailing out reminders). Applications are due July 1, and January 30 of next year is the last day to submit reimbursement requests. If the application requests financial assistance in building a trail that is to run across private land, applicants must prove that the landowner has given written or oral permission is required. Documented proof must be submitted with the application. Clubs can submit requests for reimbursement for a wide range of expenses, including: • Gas and oil; nails and bolts • Equipment rentals, repairs, or hourly rates • Bridge and culvert materials • Labor for approved work on the trails This is a reimbursement program, and does not provide advance funds for trail improvement. Additional questions should be directed to: Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Parks and Lands, ATV Program, 22 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0022, (207) 287-4958.

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16 • June 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Almanac (Continued from page 15) Birder Band – a shiny aluminum ring similar to the leg bands that scientists place around the legs of geese and other large birds. When secured around a binocular strap, Birder Bands become shiny, jangly bits of jewelry. As a birder with all eleven years worth of Birder Bands around my own pair of binoculars, I can attest to their attractiveness: I get asked about them by almost everyone I bird with. Important Purposes Birder Bands serve important purposes in addition to fashion. For one, the unique number on each band can help identify the owner, if a pair of binoculars is left in the field. However, such a recovery has only happened once in the program’s history, according to Steve Walker, who co-created the program with now-Commissioner Judy Camuso when they were both DIFW biologists. (I’m not surprised that more binoculars aren’t lost: how could any birder let such an attractive pair out of their sight?) Perhaps the most important feature of Maine Birder Bands is the conservation element. The $20 fee goes to support the nongame and endangered species that most birders seek, joining the Chickadee Check-off as the only programs dedicated to raising funds specifically for non-game species. As important Birder Bands are to the state and to a birder’s sense of fashion, it remains a small program. According to numbers provided by Danielle E. D’Auria, DIFW Wildlife Biologist in the Bird Group, 347 bands were sold in the programs first year of 2009, but have slid to just 38 so far in 2019,

due in part, she says, to a lack of promotion from the Department. Still, state funds are leveraged to help obtain additional federal funds from the State Wildlife Grant program. Birder Band dollars and the matching federal funds have been used to protect many of Maine’s most iconic birding destinations, including Kennebunk Plains, Scarborough Marsh, Brownfield Bog, Weskeag Marsh, Caribou Bog and Messalonskee Lake. It’s a program that benefits birds and fashionable birders alike. —

Bird of the Month: Canada Goose by Erika Zambello

Last month, I wrote about the lone Snow Goose I spotted in a field covered with Canada Geese. While the Snow Goose certainly stood out, what about its browner cousins? How do they fare in Maine’s colder climate? If you ask Mainers, most of us either love or hate Canada Geese – with few emotions in between. They are found in some part of every state, foraging on grasses or within water bodies. Their populations have increased steadily since surveys began in 1966, and some estimates peg their North American population

at over five million. “Canada Geese numbers are definitely on the increase in Maine,” says Doug Hitchcox, Naturalist at Maine Audubon, “Since their reintroduction in the 60s (they were previously extirpated as breeders by over-hunting), they have increased to record numbers at all times of the year. Much of this is due to their adaptability – they now thrive in close proximity to human development (especially in city parks and suburban areas) and even overwintering in Maine.” He agrees that some people do view Canada Geese as a nuisance. From an ecological perspective, landscape managers aren’t too worried about their expanding populations, as they are a native species. However, Mainers don’t appreciate their tendency to get aggressive, or the risk that they carry disease. Moreover, geese tend to leave their droppings wherever they congregate. Aggressive behavior can get especially common during nesting season. “From the human’s perspective,” Hitchcox continues, “they’ve got an angry goose near where they want to sit in the sun. But from the goose’s perspective, the person is a potential predator closing in on their chicks or eggs.” In Maine, multiple seasons exist for hunting Canada Geese. The early season runs from September 1st through September 25th, with daily and possession limits differing among north, south, or coastal zones. The second season runs from October 1st through December 8th; in all zones the daily limit is two geese, with a possession limit of six. —

Book Review: Cornelia “Fly Rod” Crosby – Champion of Maine By Pam Mathews, Illustrated by Heidi Kendrick

MAKE SAFETY A PRIORITY WARNING! Be cautious when recreating near dams. Water conditions can change quickly and without notice. Stay clear from dams and respect all signs and warning signals.

Reviewed by George Smith

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Pam Mathews’ book about Fly Rod Crosby is a keeper, and the illustrations by Heidi Kendrick are awesome. If I didn’t love the book so much, I would rip out a few of Heidi’s (Continued on next page)

�� The Maine Sportsman • June 2019 • 17 (Continued from page 16)

illustrations, frame them and put them up on our walls. A lot of the book focuses on Fly Rod’s childhood. I had no idea she suffered her whole life from the same illness – consumption – that killed her dad and brother. That makes her accomplishments in the great Maine outdoors even more amazing. There were times when her breathing troubles convinced doctors that she would not recover. Pam writes: “One day, after she’d been housebound for months, she threw down her book in despair. ‘Oh, Mother, I’m tired of staying in the house when the woods keep calling me,’ she complained. Her mom sent her up the road to a farmhouse, where Fly Rod could sit outside next to a stream and feel better.” The farmer gave Fly Rod and old fishing pole and showed her how to cast a line in the stream, and immediately she fell in love with fishing. Heidi’s illustration of Fly Rod pulling a brook trout out of the stream is unforgettable. It didn’t take long for Fly Rod to fall in love with hunting too. As a kid, Fly Rod was fearless, spending lots of time on the waters and in the woods surrounding her home in Phillips. While hunting and fishing at that time were considered sports for men only, Fly Rod knew better. She told her friends, “I can shoot a rifle and hunt as well as any man, and I often catch more fish!” She even made significant changes to the long skirts and delicate

$5,000 to build a chapel in Oquossoc which is still in use today. Fly Rod fished into her 80s and lived to be 93. That is astonishing, considering her lifelong illness. It’s particularly nice that there is a Fly Rod Crosby Trail in the Western mountains which she loved. The book is called Cornelia Fly Rod Crosby - Champion of Maine and I guarantee you will treasure it. At the back of the book is this wonderful quote from Fly Rod’s book, The Maine Woods, published in 1908: “Someone once said of love, ‘For people who have never known it, any description seems overdrawn, and for people who have it, it is quite beyond description.’ This is surely true of a life out of doors – on a lake, by the laughing brook, in the wilderness, on the mountain top, or in the valley.” And on the back cover is this great quote from our governor, Janet Mills: “Pam Matthews’ words and Heidi Kendrick’s illustrations have us fishing alongside Cornelia Fly Rod Crosby, healed by Maine’s fresh mountain air and rivers and streams and knowing, because Cornelia taught us how, that our lives are what we make of them. Let all children know Maine as ‘the playground of the nation’ and like Cornelia, work to preserve and protect it for generations to come.” I couldn’t say it any better than that. Thank you, Governor! And thank you Pam and Heidi for giving us this wonderful book.

June 2019 Sunrise/Sunset

June 2019 Tidal Chart

Portland, ME

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RISE SET

blouses that women were expected to wear, making it easier to hunt and fish. As an adult she traveled the state, often with guides, and she began writing about her adventures in the local paper that nicknamed her Fly Rod. Townspeople of Phillips helped build the train tracks from Farmington to their town, and Fly Rod was on the first train trip from Farmington to Phillips. Even that trip was an adventure, because the train jumped off the tracks, but eventually they made it to Phillips. Fly Rod began working with the Maine Central Railroad to bring more people to Maine. In 1895 Fly Rod participated in the first sportsman’s exposition at New York’s Madison Square Garden. The following year, she arranged to move 105 trout and salmon from Maine to New York for the show, which stunned the crowds. That was the show where Fly Rod became friends with Annie Oakley. Fly Rod worked for years to create rules for hunting, fishing and guiding, and when the Maine Guide program finally began, she was given the first license. I especially appreciate Fly Rod’s focus on conservation. Pam tells a story that one day, heading home from Rangeley, Fly Rod caught 55 trout in 44 minutes, releasing most of them. Concerned that most people did not release fish, she began writing about catch and release. I’ve fished those same waters, but I never caught 55 trout in 44 minutes! Fly Rod was also religious, and raised

4:57 8:27

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LOW AM PM 5:05 5:11

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www.MaineSportsman.com

18 • June 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

— Special Feature — by David Putnam

A Guide to Understanding Birders A big-city wit was once asked how he enjoyed a recent visit to a friend’s country home in Maine. “It was dreadful,” he said. “The air was full of uncooked birds.” Sometimes it feels that way around my busy bird feeder in Waldo, Maine, with countless birds chewing away at my sunflower seeds. Canada geese and mallards dot the marsh in front of our house, and right now a turkey gobbler is strutting his stuff for three hens in a field behind our barn. They’re all a constant pleasure. I keep my “Peterson” nearby— Roger Tory Peterson’s book for birders. Even expert birders admit they misidentify the occasion bird they see, though most will get their feathers ruffled if you challenge their onthe-spot “sightings.” Ivory-billed Hoax? A few years back, a birder claimed to have seen an Ivory-billed Woodpecker in the Big Woods of Arkansas. His sighting stirred up excitement, with coverage in the New Yorker Magazine and all around the world, about a bird thought to be extinct since the 1950s. I was skeptical, but I would have thrilled if they had found that spectacular bird with its 30-inch wing span. Despite extensive efforts of birding experts who scoured the swamp, no one else managed to catch a glimpse of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker. So we’re left with online recordings of its call, from decades ago, and old photographs. Just that one birder had seen one—or so he said. I wouldn’t be surwww.MaineSportsman.com

Even expert birders occasionally misidentify birds. While we were duck hunting, my friend told me not to move because a flock of pintails was about to land among our decoys. The birds landed, all right – not in the water, but in a tree. Pintails don’t land in trees. Oops!

Have you seen this bird in Maine? (That would be surprising, since it’s extinct!)

prised if he was involved with the Big Woods Conservation Partnership. Thanks to his one “sighting,” the group reportedly managed to protect a zillion acres of swamp from loggers and developers.

Truth is, the incident carries the scent of a tall tale, a backwoods hustle. But as a quiet tree-hugger myself, I have to admire the group for their success.

To Err is Human My best hunting friend in high school was an avid birder. (Hunting to kill things you love is an age-old paradox. John James Audubon reportedly killed birds by the

thousands.) We were duck hunting one morning when my friend whispered for me to stay still. He told me there was a flock of pintail ducks on his side of the blind, about to land in our decoys. We waited, and sure enough a flight of birds came into view … and landed in the trees across from our blind. Pintails don’t land in trees. Oops. Another time, I was fly casting from a canal bank in Florida, near the St. John’s River, and sighted a group of birders walking toward me, easily identified by their fanny packs and notebooks, binoculars, fancy cameras, pants with zip-off legs, and the Tilley hats sailors wear. Their lecturer pointed out an Anhinga, a long-necked bird seen frequently in those parts. The group looked at it in their binoculars, not realizing that they were looking at a Cormorant, not an Anhinga (a rookie mistake). Wax in your Ears? One day, a man with a birding reputation came to deliver parts for one of our appliances. Recently, he had catalogued various bird sounds in an annual bird-counting event sponsored by the local chapter of the Audubon Society. As this gentleman and I started talking about my stove problems, I noticed he tilted his head quickly, quite birdlike, when I spoke. He reminded of a robin on wet grass listening for a worm. (I’ve always assumed that’s why robins tilt their heads.) It wasn’t long before he added another gesture, when he cupped his hand behind his ear to (Continued on page 20)

�� The Maine Sportsman • June 2019 • 19

The Legislature, Coyotes, Bears, and...Moose Turds? The Legislature’s Inland Fisheries & Wildlife Committee considered many interesting bills this session, and made some good decisions. The committee showed a lot of respect for DIF&W Commissioner Judy Camuso. The new commissioner worked closely with the committee, and embraced a wide range of ideas for providing sportsmen with improved hunting and fishing opportunities. A good example would be on turkey issues. Significant changes are coming to increase the number of turkey hunters and the number of turkeys harvested. The discussion started with a hearing on LD 1124, “An Act to Encourage Turkey Hunting,” sponsored by Senator Shenna Bellows, who

worked with me on the bill. Shenna did a good job explaining her bill, and she explained that all the towns she represents have problems with wild turkeys. The bill would have eliminated the turkey hunting fee and permit, eliminated the tagging requirement while requiring hunters to let DIF&W how many turkeys they killed at the end of the season, and expanded the bag limit. DIF&W reported that last year, hunters killed only 6,246 turkeys in the spring and 3,507 in the fall. While DIF&W opposed the bill, they reported they are considering eliminating the permit and fee for all fall turkey hunters, and significantly increasing the

fall bag limit in central and southern Maine districts. While some groups spoke in opposition to the bill, including the Guides Association and SAM, they emphasized that they were pleased DIF&W was moving in this direction. DIF&W seems fully committed to doing this in 2020. That is really good news. Bear Bill Considered A bill giving DIF&W authority to establish bear seasons and bag limits drew a lengthy debate at the Legislature’s IF&W Committee. The bill sparked lots of discussion and testimony. Rep. John Martin expressed concern that, if the committee gave the department this authority, including the possibility that bear trapping

would be expanded, it would provoke another ballot measure to ban bear trapping. DIF&W Commissioner Judy Camuso told committee members the agency is concerned about the growing population of bears, and their goal would be to stabilize that population. She said they would consider increasing the opportunity for trappers and hunters to kill two bears. The current limit is one bear. She also said they would continue to limit trappers to a single bear trap, and would limit hunters to shooting only one bear a day. After a long discussion, the committee decided to carry the bill over to next year’s session, to give the department time

to create a definitive proposal. Coyote Debate A coyote bill gave rise to even more concern. Right now, you can hunt coyotes almost year-round, including at night. It’s hard for me to believe anyone would think that coyote hunters need to hunt on Sundays, but that’s what LD 1179 (Continued on next page)

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www.MaineSportsman.com

20 • June 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Capitol Report (Continued from page 19)

called for. DIF&W and the Guides Association opposed the bill, as did a long list of animal rights groups and individuals, including landowners. I found it interesting that only 8,000 hunters buy the required coyote hunting permit. The committee killed this bill, along with other Sunday-hunting bills. Talkin’ Turds Enough legislative news – let’s talk moose turds. I’ve mentioned this trend before, but it’s the gift (and the resulting pun production) that just keep on giving! Mary Winchenbach’s

moose turd art is flowing faster than… well, faster than moose poop. The headline for Deidre Fleming’s article in the Kennebec Journal grabbed my attention: “Moose Turd Artist Pooped”. Winchenbach lives in Somerville, and her moose turd business took off when a video of her at the Common Ground Fair went viral, viewed by more than 3.3 million people. The publicity resulted in more than 2,000 orders for the moose turd art from her business, Tirdy Works. According to Fleming, moose turd art is also sold in Alaska, although

Understanding Birders (Continued from page 18)

hear me more clearly. It struck me that this fellow was hearing-impaired, and wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between the call of a Tit and a Cardinal! Birders! Look Up; Look Down I can easily imagine a courtroom scene where bird identification was the issue: Attorney: Mr. Birder, your testimony is the heart of the Prosecutor’s case, and the keenness of your vision is crucial. You said you observed a Calliope Hummingbird in a tree nearby. How far away was the bird, approximately? Mr. Birder: 75 to 100 feet away. Attorney: I see. And how large are Calliope Hummingbirds? Mr. Birder: About 3 inches. Attorney: I see. Slightly longer than

Quotable

Sportsman

by George Smith

“Of the 75 moose calves to which radio collars were affixed last year, just four died, all in the western zone around Greenville. However, winter ticks may be hurting the reproductive rate of cows.” Lee Kantar, DIF&W moose biologist, Deirdre Fleming story, Portland Press Herald, March 22, 2019 — www.MaineSportsman.com

I don’t remember seeing any during my three visits to Alaska. I did see lots of moose. Winchenbach began making moose turd items in 2005. “I had way too much time on my hands, and one day when I was in the woods, I found a pile of turds and jokingly thought, ‘How funny would it be to put eyeballs on it and call it a head?’ So I did.” They dehydrate the turds and coat each twice with polyurethane, so the turds are safe to handle and clean enough to hang on your wall or even your earlobes. Mary and her helpers collect moose turds on their own property and from a nearby bog. The most popular

moose turd product is their “poo-poo clock” which has turds placed between the numbers, to indicate one-turdy, two-turdy, etc. They’ve just created a new character, Forrest Gump, which they are calling Forrest Dump. I saw Mary in her booth at the State of Maine Sportsman’s Show at the Augusta Civic Center in April, and she told me her moose turd items are selling worldwide. In fact, she’s having trouble getting enough moose turds, so she’s had to recruit more folks to collect moose turds for her!

This publication’s editor is the proud owner of a distinctive “Tirdy Works” product -- the aptly-named “Number Two Pencil.” W. Lund photo

a kitchen match, is that about right? Not quite as long as my little finger? The smallest of North American birds, is that right? Mr. Birder: Yes. Stellula Calliope. Attorney: And it was in a tree, 100 feet away, and you were able to recognize it how? Mr. Birder: It was green on the top, white underneath, with green flanks. Attorney: What amazing vision you have! Were you using binoculars? Mr. Birder: Oh, no, I didn’t have my binoculars. It was just there for a few seconds. I know what I saw. Attorney: You’re absolutely sure it wasn’t a female Broad-tailed Hummingbird, a Black-chinned Hummingbird, a Costa’s Hummingbird, a Ruby-throated Hummingbird, an immature Anna’s Hummingbird, a Bahama Woodstar, a Broad-tailed Hummingbird or a female Lucifer Hummingbird, all of which also have at least some green on their wings and whitish underbellies? Mr. Birder: I saw a Calliope.

Attorney: I see. Please let the court record show the witness is sitting in the chair with his pants legs slightly raised. It is plain to see that he is wearing a blue sock on his left foot, and a brown sock on his right. Also, please note that the witness is wearing glasses – thick ones. (Attorney continues): Are you aware, Mr. Birder, that the Calliope Hummingbird has never been seen in Maine? According to National Geographic’s Field Guide to the Birds of North America, the Calliope is found only in the Northwestern states. Mr. Birder: I know what I saw. Attorney: Did anyone else see the bird? Mr. Birder: No. I was alone. Attorney: Yes, now I get it … Your Honor, this witness has delivered to us a magnificent whopper under oath. I move to have the witness dismissed, and his testimony stricken from the record. Case closed: Birders can’t be trusted!

“The next generation [of landowners] will be less tolerant of public misuse of their property. Family woodland owners have a long tradition of sharing their land with others. Whether it’s the changing landowner attitudes, new ways of recreating, or recreational users not understanding proper behavior, access for public use – and the outdoor economy that depends on it – is clearly at risk.” Tom Doak, Maine Woodland Owners newsletter, April, 2019 —

cubs, adopting out from 1 to 3 at a time. Cross often goes out on his own time to place the cubs – usually they’re moved to remote areas, often by snowmobile.” Deirdre Fleming column, Maine Sunday Telegram, April 14, 2019 —

“In his 37 years with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Randy Cross has handled close to 90 orphaned bear

“There’s people [not only] from around the country, but also from around the world. They all want to see a moose, of course. That’s the highlight.” Superintendent Curt Johnson of DIFW’s Wildlife Park in Gray, which attracted 124,000 visitors in 2018. Kathryn Skelton story, Maine Sunday Telegram, April 14, 2019

�� The Maine Sportsman • June 2019 • 21

Go Totally Tubular for Stripers by Barry Gibson June is a great month to troll a tube-and-worm rig for striped bass close to shore. It’s a very productive technique for taking the larger fish, and although it’s more widely practiced from Massachusetts on south, it works just as well here in Maine. A number of guides along our coast have been “tubing” for years, but the tactic hasn’t been well publicized. Tubing consists of slow-trolling a two-footor-so length of plastic or latex surgical tubing, armed with a single hook in the end and sweetened with a sea worm . It sounds easy, but there are several pieces of the method that must mesh properly together for optimum success. First off is the lure itself. You can fashion your own, but my favorite is the Santini Tube, made by my friend Pete Santini of Fishing Finatics Tackle Shop in Everett, MA. His are rigged with a length of twisted single-strand stainless wire inside the half-inch tubing, terminating with a special offset-shank J-hook. At the front end are a 1/2-ounce egg sinker, four plastic beads, and a single nickel-plated Colorado spinner blade. The tubes come in a variety of colors, but I like honey-mustard best,

hence the need for the big snap-swivel. If it’s not spinning, you can bend the interior wire a bit to help it do so.

Slow-trolling a tube lure in five to 20 feet of water near underwater structure such as piers and ledges can result in big bass like this one. Barry Gibson photos

then black or red. A lively sandworm or bloodworm is pinned onto the hook through its collar, and the rig is ready to fish. Get Out the Lead You can troll with a standard spinning outfit and mono line, but for best results you’ll want a lead-core line setup. This consists of a six- to seven-foot 30- to 50-pound class rod and a conventional saltwater reel (an inexpensive Penn 309M works fine) loaded with 50-pound Dacron or Superbraid backing and at least 90 feet of 45- to 60-pound lead core line. Lead core comes marked in 30-foot sections of alternating colors so you can tell exactly how much line you have out. Attach a six- foot leader of 50- to 60-pound mono to the end of the lead core, and to that tie in a 1/0 Cross-Lok snap swivel. Then attach the

tube lure to the snap. The most productive tubing waters will be from five to 20 feet deep with a bottom that’s strewn with ledges and boulders, or near other structure such as steep shorelines, kelp beds, piers and sand bars. The whole idea is to go “low and slow” – a speed less than three knots, with one-and-ahalf to two knots being ideal.

Tube lures are simple yet effective. Honey-mustard and black are good colors for stripers, and a spinner blade at the front end will add some attracting flash.

Depending on trolling speed, each “color” of line will get your tube down about six feet, and you want it to be as close to the bottom as possible. If you aren’t snagging a bit of seaweed or bouncing off rocks every so often, chances are the tube is running too high – put out some more line. If the tube is running properly, it will spin slowly in the water,

Hookers Take Notice! Hooking a bass can take a little practice. Some tubers simply fish the rod in a rod holder. Others, like Santini, hold the rod at a 90-degree angle to the gunwale and wait for the tell-tale tap-tap-tap of a striper. When you feel the taps, resist the impulse to set the hook! Wait a few seconds, because the fish is just smacking the worm. Almost every time it will come back, and ultimately hook itself. Wait until the bass starts pulling drag against the reel before lifting the rod. However, if the taps stop abruptly, chances are the fish has stolen your worm, so reel (Continued on next page)

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22 • June 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Saltwater Fishing (Continued from page 21)

in and re-bait. Best tides? My friend Larry Grimard, who tubes the mouth of the New Meadows River with much success, favors the last half of the outgoing tide. “That’s when I catch the majority of my fish,” he says. “The hour either side of high tide is usually pretty unproductive, so that’s a good time to go ashore for lunch.” J-Hooks OK Although Maine continues to require circle hooks when using bait for stripers, there is an exception for tube lures as long as the tube is at least eight inches in length and is armed with only one j-hook . A circle hook will not work with a tube lure – trust me. Other species? Bluefish love tube lures as well, so don’t be surprised if you haul in one of these toothy critters now and then if they’re around.

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But they can shred a tube up in a heartbeat, so it’s wise to carry a few spares, rigged and ready to go. Most Maine tackle shops such as Kittery Trading Post, Saco Bay Tackle, Johnson’s Sporting Goods, LL Bean, and The Tackle Shop on Veranda Street in Portland carry tube lures and components, as well as lead core line and appropriate rod and reel combos. Many shops can rig up an outfit for you, as well as giving you some additional pointers and suggesting some good striper locations to try as well. Nobody really knows why a trolled tube lure works so well. It doesn’t really resemble anything in nature – more like an eel on LSD – but stripers can’t seem to resist it. And that’s all that matters!

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�� The Maine Sportsman • June 2019 • 23

Tuna Fishing Off the Maine Coast All anglers dream of reeling in the big one, and here in Maine, the big one is a bluefin tuna. Atlantic bluefins are a highly sought-after delicacy for sushi in Asia, and fishermen are well-rewarded for their efforts. A single bluefin can sell for anywhere from a few thousand dollars, to $70,000. As a type of publicity stunt in Japan, the first bluefin of the season typically sells for much more; this year’s sold for over $3 million. Atlantic bluefins are part of the mackerel family. They are listed as endangered, a result of overfishing during the 1970s from which they are still recovering. Rough Water Equals Good Fishing I’ve been lucky enough to tag along tuna fishing the past three years. One of the more memorable trips was a particularly rough trip – so rough we almost didn’t go. It was October, and the fish would soon be gone. Bluefins migrate annually from the cold waters of Newfoundland and Iceland to warmer waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Mediterranean Sea, where they spawn. Unlike most fish, Atlantic bluefins are semi-warm blooded, which means they are able to regulate their body temperature, allowing them to live in both warm and cold waters. We set out from South Portland at sunset and headed south. After a few hours and 40 nautical miles, we anchored atop Jeffrey’s Ledge,

We took turns reeling in the big fish, trading places only when our biceps started to burn. The fish shook its head during one long run, signalling that it was a tuna and not a shark.

hoping to catch a bluefin while it chased baitfish up onto the ledge.

The fish was 83 inches long, well above the 73-inch minimum size, and it weighed nearly 400 pounds. Even though I grew up lobstering, I got pretty sea sick that trip as a result of fishing all night in the rough seas. However, that was a small price to pay for such an unforgetable adventure.

First Job – Catch Bait I quickly got to work

jigging for bait, carefully bracing myself as the rough seas tossed the

boat up and down. It was already dark. Schools of mackerel were circling the boat, attracted by the lights. I caught a few mackerel, and we baited one of the rods. But what we really wanted were squids, a/k/a “tuna candy,” so I switched to the squid jig. I finally caught a decent-sized squid, and it squirted ink with displeasure. Soon the deck was covered in black ink, and all three rods were baited and set at varying depths. We set the bait at different distances below the surface because bluefins are pelagic fish, meaning they spend time in various depths of the water column, as well as out to sea and near shore. (Continued on next page)

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24 • June 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Maine Sportswoman (Continued from page 23)

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©2019 BRP US Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®,™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. or its affiliates.Offer valid only to qualified buyers on purchases of engines bought for recreational use only. Excludes engines purchased under commercial, professional, and government programs. Offer is valid in North America only on new and unused Evinrude E-TEC® engines purchased, delivered and registered between 4/15/19 and 6/30/19 at an authorized, participating Evinrude dealer. *5-YEAR COVERAGE: Subject to all exclusions, limitations of liabilities, and all other terms and conditions of BRP’s standard limited warranty and B.E.S.T. contract, including without limitation the exclusions of damages caused by abuse, abnormal use or neglect (see B.E.S.T. contract for specific details of coverage and exclusions). Offer effective on all new and unused 15 H.O. and above Evinrude E-TEC outboard engines. Eligible models will receive 5-year coverage (3 years of BRP Limited Warranty and 2 years of BRP Extended Service Terms [B.E.S.T.] coverage) subject to a $50 deductible on each repair. Benefit offered to Florida residents is a 5-year BRP Limited Warranty. Evinrude Jet Series engines are eligible for 5-year coverage offer on the upper unit only. The jet pump assembly will only receive a 3-year BRP limited warranty. Offer subject to change without notice. **UP TO $2000 REBATE: Offer effective on all new and unused 40 HP and above Evinrude E-TEC and E-TEC G2 outboard engines. Based on horsepower, consumer will receive a discount which is to be denoted on the bill of sale, off of the purchase price agreed upon with qualified, authorized Evinrude dealer. Rebate amounts are as follows: $2000 rebate on 200 H.O.–300 HP models, $1000 rebate on 150 H.O.–200 HP models, $500 rebate on 115 HP–150 HP models, and $300 rebate on 40 HP–90 H.O. models.See your authorized, qualified Evinrude dealer for details. Terms and conditions apply. Offer may not be assigned, traded, sold or combined with any other offer unless expressly stated herein. OFFER VOID WHERE RESTRICTED OR OTHERWISE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Not Usually Prone to Seasickness I grew up lobstering off Beals Island. I took a ship from Spain to Morocco, and laughed hysterically as items flung around and other passengers got sick. “No, not me,” was my response when asked if I got sea sick. But sitting on this anchored 37-foot boat, in the dark, as it rocked back and forth, required a different kind of sea legs. I crawled down below to my bunk and tried to rest, but the six-foot seas were tossing the front of the ship around. I swallowed my pride, and threw up everything else. All. Night. Long. Of course, there was no medicine on the boat because “no one on board gets sea sick,” I was told. It was the longest night of my life. “We’re On!” Morning finally came, and although the seas had settled, my stomach had not. I hoped ground fishing would be a good distraction. I hauled up a couple of haddock (which I kept) and a dogfish (which I released) before getting sick again. Then we heard a beep on the fish finder, and there it was – a tuna mark. You can tell it’s a tuna because it looks like an upside-down U, whereas sharks show as a straight line. Everyone was watching the screen as I watched the rods. All of a sudden, a rod turned abrupted to the side before bending over. The reel started screaming. “We’re on!” everyone seemed to yell at the same time. Travis jumped on the rod with the fish and adjusted the drag. Captain Mark started the engine and came off anchor.

Keith and I frantically reeled up the other two rods to get them out of the way. I hoped it wasn’t a shark. “Fish Torpedo” We took turns fighting the fish, switching when our biceps burned. During one of my turns, the fish took a big run and I felt head shakes – it was definitely a bluefin. Bluefins are fish torpedoes, built for speed and endurance. They can reach speeds up to 43 mph, and even retract their pectoral and dorsal fins to reduce drag. They cross the Atlantic several times per year. On cue, I threw up again. At least this time, I could blame it on excitement. Yeah, it was definitely due to excitement. How could I have anything left to throw up?! Seriously. After what felt like forever, but was probably only about 45 minutes, I saw a flash of silver near the surface. We reeled cautiously, since on a previous trip we had fought a fish for over three hours, only to have it chafe the line and get away. I eyed this fish, was it big enough? Bluefin must be a minimum of 73 inches for commercial fishermen to keep, and the refraction of the water can play tricks on eager fishermen. However, soon we could see this one was easily over 73 inches. Bringing It In I got the harpoon ready, and handed it to Keith. The next time Travis got the fish near the boat, Keith threw the harpoon, and hit it just behind the gill plate. Not until we had a rope tied around the fish’s tail, did I begin to catch my breath and notice my tired muscles. We bled the fish out, tied it off the back of the boat, (Continued on page 26)

�� The Maine Sportsman • June 2019 • 25

Staying on the Right Side of Boating Laws by Steve Vose Memorial Day weekend typically marks the beginning of Maine’s boating season, so by midJune the inland waters are loaded with resident and non-resident boaters, enjoying the summer season. While the vast majority of individuals are contentious and careful, some boaters – through ignorance of the law or simply neglect – put themselves, their passengers and others at risk. To help boaters make responsible choices, ensure the safety of wildlife, and to protect private property, the Maine Warden Service regularly patrols our state’s ponds, lakes and rivers. In talking with members of the Maine Warden

Service, I was provided with a list of the top violations for which boaters are cited during the busy summer season. Top Violations First on the list are violations related to operating motorboats in prohibited or restricted areas, and driving at unsafe speeds. All vessels must only operate at “headway speed” while within 200 feet of any shoreline, including islands. The only exceptions to this rule are when the operator is actively fishing, and when the operator is following a direct course to pick up or drop off a water skier. This rule is in place to protect public safety, but also to decrease the chance that a vessel’s

wake will damage waterfront piers, floats or shorelines. Operating a motorboat with no registration is the second most-ticketed offense. Maine vessel registrations are valid from January 1 through December 31 of the year the registration was issued, so put it on the calendar and go online (https://www5.informe. org/online/boat) and purchase registrations at the same time you buy your annual hunting and fishing licenses. The third most ticketed offense is operating a motorboat while un-

derage. The rule is clear: “A person under 12 years of age may not operate a motorboat of more than 10 horsepower, unless under the supervision of someone who is at least 16 years of age. No one under 16 may operate a personal watercraft . . . except if they have completed an approved boater safety course and have on board proof of age and course completion OR are accompanied on board by a person who is at least 18 years of age.” The fourth most ticketed offense is operating a watercraft 26 feet or longer without adequate

safety equipment (fire extinguishers, lights, an auditory signaling device, and the proper number of life jackets). While most boaters understand that each passenger must have an accessible lifejacket, folks using paddleboards, canoes and kayaks after sunset may not know they must carry a sound-producing device (like a whistle), and that if they are out, they must have at least a flashlight or head lamp. So make this season on the water a success by (Continued on next page)

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26 • June 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Boating in Maine (Continued from page 25)

POWER OF PROTECTION SALES EVENT

taking the time to understand a few of the laws, rules and regulations that are in place to make

sure these activities are done safely.

Maine Sportswoman (Continued from page 24)

Contact Your Local Mercury Outboards Dealer for Details! EAST BOOTHBAY Ocean Point Marina 216 Ocean Point Road • (207) 633-0773 oceanpointmarina.com

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*Eligible Mercury I.Q. Certified Boat Builder models sold to US and Canada residents will receive 5 years coverage (2 years of Mercury Limited Warranty and 3 years of Mercury Power of Protection Limited Warranty). Valid on boats purchased from July 1, 2018 through June 29, 2019 and registered by July 15, 2019. The information provided in this document is intended to provide only a brief description of the benefits of this Mercury 5-Year Gas Sterndrive and Inboard Engine Limited Warranty. This Mercury Limited Warranty also has exclusions and limitations that apply to the benefits discussed in this document. For complete details as provided in the Agreement document (including “What is not Covered”), please call the program administrator at 866.404.3064.

and drove around “swimming” the fish, to cool it. It was 83 inches long – all that puking had been worth it. Back at the dock, our fish dealer, Seth, met us. He took a sample of tail meat and a core of body meat. This fish wasn’t particularly fatty, but the meat wasn’t burnt (a term used when you fight a fish for so long, its adrenaline “cooks” the meat, making it less desirable). The fish weighed in at nearly 400 pounds. The record bluefin was caught off Nova Scotia and it weighed 1,496 pounds, but more common numbers in Maine range between 300 and 700 pounds. Seth said he would overnight the fish (for a fee of $1,000) to Japan to be sold at auction. The sale price would be determined by two factors – the market that day, and the fat content. Next time you’re in a sushi restaurant, look for “fatty tuna” listed on the menu, usually followed with “market price.” Order it, and you won’t be disappointed by the melt-in-your-mouth delicacy. If you’d like to try tuna fishing, check out F/V Live Liner out of South Portland, and don’t forget your seasickness medicine.

Christi Holmes is a Registered Maine Guide.

The Maine Sportsman

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�� The Maine Sportsman • June 2019 • 27

Reader Moose Hunting Stories 21-Year Old Bailey Sutherland Leads the Way by Stephen McLean, Winterport, Maine My name is Stephen McLean, and I live in Winterport. On October 25, 2018 I was hunting with my son Austin, the primary permit holder, and his fiancée, Bailey Sutherland, age 21 and the subpermittee. Thursday was the first day Bailey was able to join us in our search for a cow moose in Zone 5. Just over three hours into the hunt, she yelled “Moose!” By the time the guide, John DeRosa of Oxbow, got the truck stopped, Bailey had already jumped out of the vehicle and had her ammo in her hand. The moose had been lying down, but now

it was up and moving fast into the woods. Bailey headed down the road and followed the moose into the trees, loading her .308 Browning carefully as she pursued the moose. Bailey pulled up, steadied herself, and fired. The cow took only two more steps, and down it went, dead from a single, perfectly-placed quartering-away double lung shot. The memory of this hunt will remain with these young people forever. If you have an opportunity, take members of the next generation out into the woods, and teach them what you know. Stay safe, have fun and make memories.

Sutherland bagged this cow moose with a single, well-placed shot from her Browning .308. (Moose Hunting Stories continued on next page)

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28 • June 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

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From left to right – Brothers Jim and Dan Beetz, and Matt Tinker (guide; a/k/a “Mooseman). Jim’s bull weighed 851 pounds. Dan had tagged out three days earlier, with an 808-pound bull.

My brother Jim and I are both in our 70s. We were hoping to get one

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We hired Matt Tinker, a/k/a “Mooseman,” and stayed at Ross lake camps, in the Allagash Region. Matt was concerned about filling two tags in one week, but we did well on our marksmanship test, and assured Matt that if he put us each on a bull, we’d “get ’er done.” I tagged out on October 10th, when a heavyracked bull followed a cow out into the clear. I took the animal with my 50-year old 7mm Remington Magnum – a rifle that’s put a lot of venison in the freezer over the years. The bull weighed 808 pounds, my biggest ever, at the Ashland check-in. Now for a bull for Jim, and time was getting short. Early in the morning of the 13th, the guide hid my brother behind a black sheet and called a nice bull out of cover, and Jim took it with his .308 Winchester. Jim’s moose weighed in at 851 pounds, and after dropping it off at Blackwater Guide Service in Masardis, we headed home – me to York, ME and Jim to Litchfield, NH. Mission accomplished!

�� The Maine Sportsman • June 2019 • 29

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30 • June 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Maine Wildlife: Bullfrogs

by Tom Seymour

Beginning in early summer, wetlands and shallow ponds resonate with the booming, “jug- ’o-rum” of bullfrogs. In places with high bullfrog populations, the combined sound borders upon obtrusive, unless you are another bullfrog. Bullfrogs, Rana catesbeiana, rank as our largest frog, capable of reaching 7.9 inches from tip of nose to vent. But that’s just the body. Add legs, and the length nearly doubles. Despite their large size, bullfrogs are expert swimmers. Also, they make lightning-fast dashes at their prey, dashes from which most victims never escape. Bullfrog prey includes almost anything the huge amphibians can fit in their mouths. The list includes any and all invertebrates, fish, tadpoles, other frogs (including other bullfrogs), snakes, young turtles and even mice. It’s a good thing bullfrogs don’t grow larger, because if they did they could pose a threat to small game and even house pets. Bullfrogs live in Central, Southern, Midcoast and Eastern Maine and are absent only from the far north. Bullfrogs prefer warmwater situations, places with lots of emergent and riparian vegetation, so shallow ponds, backwater sections of larger lakes with lots of vegetation and even manmade ponds suit them well. Enter Bullfrogs Many years ago I was startled to hear a loud, “rum” coming from my farm pond. This single, staccato burst told me that a bullfrog had moved in. At the time it seemed like good news, since, having grown up fishing a bullfrog-infested pond, the sound of bullfrogs calling brought back many fond memories. But as so often happens, what at first seems appealing quickly becomes objectionable. The following year my pond hosted several bullfrogs, and the population grew rapidly from that point on. The nightly bullfrog chorus became so loud that the sound carried into my bedroom, interrupting my sleep. Living back in the www.MaineSportsman.com

Bullfrogs will eat anything small that moves. In fact, it’s a good thing they don’t grow larger, because if they did they would pose a threat to small game and even house pets. woods like me entails some concessions to nature and that is to be expected. But eventually the sounds of the woods at night become a comfort. A distant coyote howl, or the repeated hooting of barred owls, can have a soporific effect. Bullfrog “music,” on the other hand, grates on the ears. Luckily, I had long planned to build an addition to my cottage and a new bedroom on the far side of the cottage, away from the pond, solved the bullfrog problem. In time, the bullfrogs kind of grew on me, and one of my favorite after-work pastimes was to sit out by the pond in a folding chair and try to count bullfrogs. Sometimes the sound was impossible to trace to its source. This was mostly owing to the frog being well-camouflaged by aquatic weeds. But eventually, the inflating and deflating vocal sac created just enough movement that the frog suddenly appeared out of the weedy background. The bullfrogs were silent as long as the pond was bathed in sunlight, but when shadows lengthened the afternoon chorus began. One lone “rum” would signal the start of the show. Many minutes would pass before another frog, perhaps on the other side of the pond, chimed in. And after that, the place came alive, with bullfrogs everywhere, all seemingly trying to call just a bit louder than the other fellow. This struck me as comical, and I spent many happy hours sitting, listening and watching. Aggressive Behavior The bullfrogs in my pond ceased to amuse me when they began interfering with my fishing. Each spring I stock my pond with trout and raise them to size quickly by feeding them high-protein fish pellets. Watching trout jump and splash for the pellets became my favorite evening activity, far more interesting than communing with bullfrogs. But

this fish-feeding activity put the frogs into a tizzy. It’s a good thing I stock 8- to 10-inch trout, because if they were smaller, the bullfrogs would surely catch and eat them. Even so, bullfrogs hang around the periphery of fish-feeding action, waiting to pounce upon whatever moves. Also, the bullfrogs became a decided nuisance when casting for trout. Like a pack of wolves, the frogs would immediately lunge for whatever bait or lure I cast to my trout. Sometimes I would try to prod them out of the way with the tip of my fishing rod, but instead of swimming away, the frogs bit the end of the rod. Talk about aggressive! In late summer, my trout became more difficult to catch and would mostly refuse artificial lures. They would take terrestrial dry flies, but even here the frogs intervened. The moment my fly hit the water, several bullfrogs would race toward it, beating the trout to my offering. The only way to take a fish on a fly was to wait for a rise and immediately place my fly in the rise ring. When no insects were on the water, flies were useless because bullfrogs always interfered. So then the only way to take a fish was to use a thin line and tiny hook with a lively earthworm hooked just once. But even this eventually required modification. The trout would not take the worm fished on bottom but would come to it if the worm were suspended several feet down beneath a tiny bobber. It’s easy to see where this is going. The moment the bobber lit on the water, bullfrogs from all over the pond would swim to it, bite it and then reject it. None of this inspired the trout to bite. Bullfrog Identification For most of us, a frog is a frog, and there appears to be no significant difference between sexes. But male and female bullfrogs are easily distinguished between each other. First, male bullfrogs have yellow throats and whitish bellies, while female throats are the same color as the rest of the belly. Second, the tympanum, the external eardrum on the head just behind the eyes, is larger than the eye on males, but the same size as the eye on females. Bullfrogs, while often nuisances, would be sorely missed if we could no longer hear them bellowing on lazy summer afternoons.

�� The Maine Sportsman • June 2019 • 31

Bills to Limit Size and Weight of ATVs Prompt Governor Mills to Establish Task Force by Will Lund How big and wide can an ATV be, and still be an ATV? This issue and others were brought before lawmakers in March and April as the result of two bills considered by the Legislature’s Committee on Inland Fisheries & Wildlife.

The issues raised will hopefully be resolved by a task force formed as the result of a wide-ranging order issued by Governor Janet Mills.

titles: “An Act Regarding the Size and Weight of All-terrain Vehicles ….” Both bills would have limited the size of an all-terrain vehicle to 65 inches in width, and 2,000 pounds in weight.

Two Bills The two pieces of legislation – LD 1109 and LD 1147 – had similar language as part of their

Why an Issue? What has led to a de-

bate about ATV sizes and weights? Basically, there are two competing factors: 1) Much of Maine’s ATV trail system is built on private land, and landowners have certain expectations when they allow trails, gates and bridges to be laid out

and constructed on their property; and 2) ATVs have gotten bigger, heavier and wider, such that many modern side-by-sides approximate or exceed the size and weight of original Willys Jeeps of World War II. (Continued on next page)

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32 • June 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

ATVing in Maine (Continued from page 32)

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Order’s Preamble Governor Mills’ order establishing an ATV task force lays out the growing controversy very clearly. Excerpts of the order’s preamble read as follows: “WHEREAS, although there are many responsible ATV users operating on more than 60,00 miles of trail on public and private land, there also are other ATV operators who, among other acts, damage the land of private landowners, trespass on private land, disobey State laws and cause environmental damage; and WHEREAS, some private landowners who are frustrated by irresponsible ATV operation and the varying sizes and capabilities of these machines are posting their land and trails banning public use; and WHEREAS, there are concerns that continued disrespect of private land will affect other recreational opportunities that have been afforded by the generous allowance of public use on private land ….” Committee Testimony At the public hearings on the two pieces of legislation, committee members heard from several witnesses, including Larry Daggett, club trailmaster of the Abbot Explorers ATV Club, with members in Abbot, Guilford, Blanchard, Monson, and sections of Kingsbury. Daggett expressed his club’s support for the bills: “We have several gates and bridges that are currently sized to the existing law of 60 inches width,” he testified. “These gates work relatively well in reducing the use of Jeeps and small pickups on our trail system. “However, with the ATV/ UTV manufactur-

ers making the machines faster, the machines need to be wider for stability. Our club has several areas where machines have made a new path around the gates which they cannot fit through. This is upsetting to the landowners. “By allowing trails to be 65 inches, we can accommodate these wider machines. Unfortunately this width also allows the Jeeps and small pickups to access the trail system, [but the proposed] weight limit of 2,000 pounds will curtail these vehicles.” Large Land Manager Weighs In Next to present testimony in support of the bills was Gordon Gamble, a professional forester representing Wagner Forest Management, Ltd. and its clients. “As a timber management organization,” his letter to the committee reads, “we have clients throughout Maine, some of whom allow ATV use, and some who do not. Therefore, it is critical that there are clear parameters on what qualifies as an ATV. “Stream crossings are designed for 60-inch wide vehicles, and often structures and streams are damaged when larger vehicles try to use the typical ATV trail. “We are willing to accept the suggested 65inch width, but reserve the right to post trails limiting the width if damage occurs.” Maine DIF&W Testifies Colonel Joel Wilkinson, Chief of the Maine Warden Service at the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, spoke on behalf of the Department, in support of the bills. “The proposal before you,” he explained to the (Continued on next page)

�� The Maine Sportsman • June 2019 • 33 (Continued from page 32)

lawmakers, “has developed because the current definition of ATV is antiquated and hasn’t kept up with newly-designed ATVs. “Landowners who have allowed access to ATV use never intended to accommodate vehicles as large as Jeeps and trucks on trail systems that ran across their property. “Current manufacturing and design has resulted in ATVs as large as 72 inches wide, and weighing as much as 3,035 pounds.” Executive Order Signed On May 1, Governor Mills signed an executive

order creating an ATV Task Force. “Maine has a proud history of outdoor recreational activity, and I want to ensure it stays that way,” she stated in an accompanying press release. “This Task Force will help preserve our traditions and their substantial economic contributions, while also protecting public and private lands.” IF&W Commissioner Judith Camuso, who will co-lead the group once it’s formed, stated that the task force “is designed to ensure that the concerns of private landowners are addressed, in order to continue Maine’s tradition of landowners and

land users working together to enjoy Maine’s outdoor recreational opportunities.” Issuance of the order was also hailed by ATV Maine, Maine Woodland Owners, and the Maine Forest Products Council. Ed Pineau of ATV Maine commended the Governor, and stated that his group “looks forward” to the effort. Tom Doak of Maine Woodland Owners agreed, stating that “the growth in ATV use, size and weight of machines, and expansion of the trail network, requires a fresh look.” And Patrick Strauch of the Maine Forest Products Council stated that his group welcomed the

opportunity to “work with the Task Force on these challenging issues.” Mission The Task Force is charged with: • Discussing creating an ATV trail system with consideration to ATV size, weight, environmental impact and other relevant factors; • Discussing construction and maintenance standards for Maine’s ATV trail system; • Creating a plan to enforce compliance of trail construction and maintenance by the State, including discussion of third-party inspections; • Creating a communication and outreach plan

for the Maine ATV trial system, to include a focus on landowner considerations designed to educate the public on responsible ATV operation; • Discussing ATV registration requirements based on size, width, weight and/or value; and • Discussing the adequacy of funding for the oversight, construction and maintenance of the ATV trail network. Task Force Membership The Governor’s order closely delineates membership on the Task Force, and is intended to ensure that all major interested parties have input into the final product. The group will have (Continued on page 36)

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FORT KENT Fort Kent Powersports 377 Caribou Road 207-834-3659 fortkentpowersports.com © 2018 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserve<!.™.®, and the BRP logo are trademarks of Bombardier Recreational Products, Inc. or its affiliates. 1AII other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. In the USA, the products are distributed by BRP US Inc. BRP reserves the right, at any time, to discontinue or change specifications, prices, designs, features, models or equipment without incurring obligation. Some mcxlels depicted may include optional equipment. BRP highly recommends that all ATV drivers take a training course. For safety and training information, see your dealer or, in USA, call the ATV Safety Institute at 1-800-887-2887. In Canada, call the Canadian Safety Council at (6131 739-1535 ext 227. Read the Operators Guide and watch the Safety DVD before riding. Wear appropriate protective clothing and helmet. For side-by-side vehicles, fasten lateral net and seat belt at all times. Never engage in stunt driving and avoid excessive speed. Always observe applicable local laws and regulations. Side-by-side vehicles and ATVs are recommended for drivers aged 16 and older, and passengers aged 12 and older only. For off-road use only. Never ride on paved surfaces or public roads. Always ride responsibly and remember that riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix.

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34 • June 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Time for Wet Flies and Wading June is very weather-dependent month for Aroostook anglers. As The County fights to change from spring to summer, weather and water conditions vary week to week. Medium-sized streams and rivers flow at ever-changing levels. But on those days that they reach a level just too low for trolling but barely low enough for wading and casting, wet fly fishing can be fabulous. Occasionally there’s even a short-lived surface hatch, and large trout may be teased to slurp dry fly offerings. The Aroostook River, Meduxnekeag Stream and Prestile Stream are very rewarding waterways this month if your timing is correct. ’Roostook Revelations As much as I enjoy trolling flies, lures, and spoons along stretches of this long and winding County namesake, the Aroostook River, cast-

The Aroostook River, which winds from its wilderness headwaters beyond Oxbow to its exit into New Brunswick at Fort Fairfield, provides great fishing this time of year. Whether you gain access by canoe, by ATV or on foot, it’s possible to wade and cast forest- and field-lined stretches for hours, seldom seeing another soul.

Aroostook Rivers and streams tend to run high and must be waded with care during most Junes. Here, Bill Graves casts and moves downstream slowly and carefully along a stretch of the Meduxneakeag River in Littleton. All photos by Bill Graves

ing wet flies and small streamers on lighter rods is even more fun. With high, swift water conditions, chest waders are a must, and neoprene provides insulation on long outings.

Also, regardless of an angler’s age, balance and spryness, a sturdy wading staff helps ensure dry, safe movement. In fact, fishing in pairs this month isn’t a bad idea either – I enjoy

the comradery, the satisfaction of watching and photographing a friend catch fish, and of course the added safety of companionship casting and wading remote runs. There are hundreds of

roadside riffles and rapids, islands and eddies to cast a wet fly all along the Aroostook River, and despite easy access, trout are plentiful and action consistent. Thanks to the Aroostook River’s long, winding path through or near a dozen towns and villages from wilderness headwaters beyond Oxbow to its exit into New Brunswick at Fort Fairfield, there are also thousands of secluded, rarely reached pools to visit. Whether you gain access by canoe, ATV, rough and rocky two-tracks and field roads or on foot, it’s possible to wade and cast forest- and field-lined stretches for hours, while seldom seeing another soul. Fishing Small Streamers is Productive Near Castle Hill and Wade, fishermen should explore the stretch of riv(Continued on next page)

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�� The Maine Sportsman • June 2019 • 35

Fat and feisty brookies like this beauty readily grab wet flies and streamers all along the Aroostook River. (Continued from page 34)

er between the inlets of Gardner and Donnelly Brooks. A bit of walking will be required, but the South Wade Road on one shoreline and the Garner Creek Road on the opposite bank will get you close. Check Delorme’s Atlas, Map 64, C-4 for explosive June action (get it? C4 – “explosive”? Sorry; I couldn’t resist). There are half a dozen fair-sized islands along a length of the Aroostook between Washburn and Crouseville, and working a small streamer along the edges and eddies of these isles is very productive this month. Route 164 or Parsons Road along each shoreline will yield close access; check DeLorme’s, Map 64, C-5. Over in Caribou, I’d suggest casting near Otter Brook, and as soon as water levels decline enough for safe wading, I’d try the very fishy run where the Little Madawaska River inlets near Grimes Mill. Brookies 12 to 16 inches are common, with an occasional brute near 20 inches. Keep a box of size 12 or 14 dry flies at hand too; once a day or so there’ll be a hatch for 30 minutes to an hour, and surface action is top-rate. Popular Prestile I was born and raised less than 100 yards from

the Prestile Stream in Robinson, and I’ve hunted and fished the entire length for over 50 years. June fishing pressure is light with most anglers preferring summer dry fly casting. There’s a great June wading run beside the old grass strip airfield above the Mars Hill pond along the West Ridge Road. A couple of ATV trails and some farm field roads lead right to the stream

Mike Wallace of Freeport braves June high, fast water conditions on the Aroostook River to cast wet flies for brookies. The action is rewarding.

edge along a 500 yard stretch of water. A second likely spot is north of Westfield about two miles and accessed via the Egypt Road and/ or the old B & A railroad track bed that’s now an ATV trail. Check your Atlas, Map 65, E-2 for Clark Brook and fish downstream. In Blaine, take the Robinsons Road off Route 1 to Pierce Road. Park near Pierce’s Bridge, then

Often during early June, there are still some tasty fiddleheads along the shoreline of local brooks and streams. Shown here along the Prestile are the ingredients for a delicious evening meal.

walk the ATV trail south paralleling the Prestile for half a mile, then cutting through the sparse woods to streamside. Pockets and potholes are plentiful, full of 8- to 10-inch brookies and away from the more heavily fished roadside runs. One final Prestile option would be the stretch of water below the Robinson Bridge, which is about 75 yards down-

stream from the dam. There’s a 500 yard run of excellent wading, with several proven holding runs. Despite the ease of access, pressure is moderate, at least this time of year. Several parking spaces are available on either side of the dam and a gravel road to an old potato storage building as well as an ATV trail yields quick access along (Continued on next page)

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36 • June 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Tom Tardiff of Robinson used a black conehead leech pattern to attract this fine trout from a swift,deep run on the Prestile Stream.

Caston Lovely of Presque Isle haunts certain stretches of the Aroostook River between Caribou and Fort Fairfield during June high water conditions. Here. he works a streamer around a mid-stream island where trout often congregate.

The County (Continued from page 35)

the brook. Look over Atlas, Map 59, B-3 for more specifics. Brown Bonanza Last but certainly not least of my trio of favorite June wading and wet fly destinations is the Meduxnekeag River near Houlton. The big reward here is the opportunity to hook a bragging size brown trout as well as a bunch of brookies. Browns are an un-

common species throughout The County and the ’Keag is the only flowing waterway with a substantial population. Except for evening and night dry fly fishing in July and August, the best chance for action on wet flies and streamers occurs this month. The Foxcroft Road parallels the Meduxnekeag from Littleton to Houlton, offering dozens of roadside access points

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with a walk of 25 to 200 yards. Several side roads lead from Route 1 to the Foxcroft and other rural gravel byways. With the water level fairly high, trout are well spread out this month, and one stretch is as likely as the next to produce action. So explore, spend half an hour casting, and move on – sooner or later a tough brownie will put a bend in you fly rod. Check your DeLorme Atlas, Map 59, E-4 for logistics. Proven Patterns Each angler has their own set of favorite fly patterns, but for the rookies out there or visiting fishermen who wish to try my Aroostook go-tos, here are some ideas: I lean toward size 8 or 10, 3X or 4X streamers in a Black Nose Dace, Magog smelt, Supervisor, Little Brook Trout and an old family favorite, the

Bill Graves used a minnow imitation to entice this colorful brookie to strike from a holding run on the Prestile Stream during June high water conditions.

Roger Shaw of Mars Hill travels to Caribou to wade and cast along stretches of the Aroostook River during June’s high water. Warm chest waders and a sturdy wading staff provide comfort and safety during such outings.

Jasbo. As far as wet flies, I’ve gotten a steady response over the years using a Light Cahill, Royal Coachman, Silver Doctor, Hare’s Ear and Trout Fin. Generally I cast a floating line with a 9-foot leader, cross-current, adding a foot of line each cast to cover the entire pool. Once at optimum line length, I then take

ATVing in Maine (Continued from page 33)

14 members, appointed by the Governor, representing large forest landowners, a statewide forest products organization, a statewide small family woodlot organization, a large farmland owner, a statewide farming organization, a utility corridor right-away owner, a land trust organization, a statewide ATV organization, a combination ATV/snowmobile club, a Maine ATV dealer, a statewide snowmobile organization, the Department of Agriculture Conservation and Forestry

a step downstream after finishing each cast and slow retrieve. If the water is fairly high and somewhat off-color, I may turn to a sinking tip line. Wet fly fishing seems to be slowly fading to a lost art. However, it’s very effective on county waterways during June, so give it a try.

ATV program, and the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IFW) Landowner Relations Program. It will be chaired jointly by Commissioner Camuso and a member representing a large-forest or farmland owner. Deadline Given the wide scope of topics before the group, it will be operating under an ambitious and challenging deadline – the order requires the Task Force to submit its recommendations to Governor Mills on or before January 1, 2020.

�� The Maine Sportsman • June 2019 • 37

Deer: Stealing, Selling and Buying One morning in late November 1976, I received a complaint from a man in Machiasport saying that his deer had been stolen. The deer, which was a nice buck, had been hanging in a tree in front of his house. During the night someone had cut the deer down and taken it. He went on to say that he had dragged it through an area that had been recently burned, so there was some soot and ash on the deer’s hair. He also told me that a friend of his had been at a deer registration station in Machias that morning, when a man from out-ofstate had tagged a nice buck with black material on the coat that appeared to be from dragging the deer through a burn. Detective Work I checked with the Machias tagging station, and learned that a man from Connecticut had tagged a buck there with what appeared to be charcoal on some of the deer’s hair. After speaking with several different folks at the tagging station, I finally found one who said that they thought the suspect was staying in Whitneyville. (Now we’re on a roll!) From the tagging station in Machias, I drove to Whitneyville and located the house where the suspect was staying. I knocked on the door, and a man matching the description of the suspect answered it. I identified myself and told the man that I had

At first, my suspect couldn’t remember the names of the men from whom he had purchased the big buck. Soon, however, his memory improved, and it occurred to him that that one of them was called “Teddy,” and that Teddy might be from Machiasport. heard that he had tagged a nice buck. I asked him if I might be able to take a quick look at it. He appeared to be a little nervous but took me out back to the woodshed and showed me the deer. One whole side of the deer had charcoal on it from being dragged through a burned over area. “I Met These Guys in a Bar ….” I explained to the man that I believed the deer that he had tagged in Machias and that was now hanging in his shed with his tag on it, had actually been stolen from a man in Machiasport, and that he was in possession of stolen property. He immediately explained that he had not actually shot the deer, but had been at a bar in the Machias area the night before when two men had approached him. He said that after some conversation, the men asked him if he would be interested in buying a nice buck. He told me he had no idea that the deer had been stolen. Memory Improves At first my suspect couldn’t remember the names of the men from whom he had bought the deer, but after a little more conversation, it came to him that one of them was called “Teddy.” He gave me a good description of “Teddy” and

his running mate. After talking with a few folks around Machias, I managed to come up with a couple of potential suspects named “Teddy,” as well as the names of the guys they hung around with. Finding Teddy The next day, I drove down to Machiasport and interviewed Teddy #1. At first, he didn’t seem to know anything about any stolen deer, but finally gave it up and explained to me – through some tears – that he needed the money and saw an opportunity to make some.

Not a good decision. In late November of 1976, Teddy pleaded guilty to “Sale of Deer,” with a penalty of $500 and three days in jail. In December of 1976, his chum pleaded guilty to “Aiding in the Sale of Deer” with a penalty of $100. And finally, in February of 1977, Mr. Dooley of Connecticut pleaded guilty to “Buying a Deer” He paid a penalty of $500, and spent three days in jail. Fast Cases Rare Cases such as this are rare for a district warden, and are usually encoun-

tered only by wardens working undercover. On this occasion, however, I got the complaint and then got just plain lucky with several things falling into place for me. Most wardens will tell you that when they’re on a roll it seems like everything falls into place. It’s at those moments that the job is really satisfying, but there are other times when we know what happened and who did it, but one of the pieces to the puzzle is missing and we just can’t put it together. Those are the times that are most frustrating but with persistence, time, and a little luck, we can usually figure it out and manage to ensure that someone is held accountable.

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38 • June 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Evolution of the Worm Upon returning from grabbing a coffee with my buddies, Island Boy and George, I got to thinking about worms. Springtime brings the remarkable phenomenon of “ice-out,” or as the wife says, “Water-in.” Ice-out in my younger years was April 1, treading waist-deep snow down James brook for the first brookie to be landed of the year. Of course, before trudging down the brook, Mike and I would head to the worm hole with the goal of digging a sufficient number of angle worms for this first trek of the year. Our worm hole was located across the street from my house. It was behind the shed on Mike’s land. Those early worms were tiny, slow moving, and very few in number. However, we always came up with enough of them to head out fishing. Warmer weather had us trespassing on neighbors’ lawns after, or during, rainstorms, going after the big guys. Yeah, a coffee can in one hand, a two-cell flashlight in the

other, and nightcrawlers squirming on the grass’ surface – it was a very happy time. Golf Courses, Gardens Offer Worms A great night occurred when brother Ron would drive us to the golf course, where there were hundreds of the fattest crawlers you have ever seen. (In fact, in my opinion, serving up big fat worms is the best possible societal use for a golf course.) The other place to find hefty angle worms, is gardens. As I kid, I found the only reason to venture into dad’s vegetable garden was in pursuit of worms. Today, I find the wife’s flower gardens a

great place to score. One must wait, however, for the wife to be absent, as she does take issue to me stealing her worms. Times certainly have changed. Every corner market, every grocery store sells containers of trout worms and crawlers. Can’t remember the last time I saw a kid on a lawn after dark hunting down a catch of worms. Dealing with Rubber Worms I received a flyer from a sport store today in the mail. It had eight pages full of plastic worms. All colors, all shapes, multiple lengths, all marketed as the only way to catch a fish. This reminds me of a pet peeve of mine. Liv-

ing on a pond in central Maine, I witness boat after boat whose occupants all use the rubber worms. Think about it – what happens to those rubber worms that fall off the hook after a strike, or get tossed overboard because they are damaged? Or maybe swallowed by the fish prior to being released? I’ll tell you what happens – other fish eat the rubber worms. Then these fish simply cannot break down the worm to digest it. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out what happens to a fish after it ingests these worms. You Should Care Folks who invest twenty to fifty thousand

A task force overseen by IF&W Commissioner Judith Camuso will study the risk to fish of rubber worms that do not break down once they are ingested by fish. Photo credit: State Senator Paul Davis

dollars in their fishing boats, motors, trailers and gear should be concerned. The fish they release could have a death sentence on its head because of the rubber worm it bit. Bass clubs should really care. Every fisherman or women should care. I will tell you a guy who cares – Paul Davis. Luckily for us, Paul is a State Senator. He has submitted a bill to have the manufacturers of the worms work towards biodegradable worms. He has shown me photos of lake trout with 6 and 7 worms in their stomachs. One lady who cares about researching the issue is Inland Fisheries & Wildlife Commissioner Judy Camuso. She asked the committee to have Senator Davis’ bill amended to a study. She is gathering a team to investigate what these rubber and plastic baits are doing to the fish, if anything. I am hoping the folks who wet a line will support her in her efforts.

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�� The Maine Sportsman • June 2019 • 39

Find Great Hiking and Hungry Trout at Baxter State Park this Month My first excursion to Baxter State Park (BSP), a round-trip hike that started and ended at Roaring Brook Campground, introduced me to remote ponds such as Davis Pond, Chimney Pond and Russell Pond. That was a 23-mile trek that left precious little time for fishing. Of the three, only Russell Pond supports brook trout. The excursion did, however, plant the seed for a return to BSP with a little more emphasis on fishing. The next summer, I hiked the 7.2-miles required to revisit Russell Pond, and spent two days casting to rising native brook trout. I’m not sure who really got “hooked” on that expedition, but I’ve returned to the park every year since, hoping to fish as many remote ponds as possible. Backpacking into remote ponds for a day or two requires a little bit of back-country camping gear. I always give myself a day to hike in and a day to hike out, even if it’s only a three-hour hike. Any leftover time on the hike in gets allotted to setting up camp and – you guessed it – fishing. Most times I’ve got enough time on the hikeout day to do some early morning fishing, break down the campsite, pack up and head home. Baxter Hike/Fish I try to select campsites that have a lean-to and a canoe. The canoe is important, because it also comes with paddles and life vests. The other option, pack in a float tube, has little appeal to me. Many of the Baxter

While some folks like day trips, I prefer camping along a pond. There’s nothing like waking up in the morning, making breakfast, washing down some camp coffee, and having nothing left to do but figure out how to entice brookies to hit your fly.

Here’s the author’s campsite on Billfish Pond, located in the Five Ponds area of Baxter State Park. His typical “Trout Bum” set-up includes an L.L.Bean Microlight LS 2 tent, a fourpiece Sage fly rod, and an assortment of lightweight camping gear. Nothing beats a couple of days unplugging at one of Baxter Parks many remote campsites. Bill Sheldon photo

Park sites have both a lean-to and a canoe. Reservations are required. Even with a reserved lean-to, I pack in my single person LLBean tent. By loosely (since park rules prohibit using nails on the lean-to) setting it

up inside the protected structure, I gladly take advantage of the insect screening. This time of year, the bugs have a tendency to look for a place to land. Not all remote ponds have a lean-to. Two years

ago, Steve Carter and I hiked into Billfish Pond. Billfish has a canoe but

no lean-to – just a campsite with a fire ring. Needless to say, a mountain shower passed overhead just as we set foot onto our new home away from home. We scrambled around and got our tents set up quickly and managed to keep our gear dry. By the time we did all that the shower had passed. A lean-to would have been appreciated. It’s also nice to sleep off the ground. For meals I dehydrate lasagna, hot dog stew and a breakfast quiche. Dehydrating my own meals is less about saving money and more about packing in great meals. Anyone interested in dehydrating their own trail food should find a copy of Backpack Gourmet by Linda Frederick Yaffe. June rates as the perfect month to combine backpacking and brook trout fishing in Baxter State Park. A few times we tried it latter in the summer and the fish (Continued on next page)

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Katahdin (Continued from page 39)

were down deep and out of fly rod range. Five Ponds I’ve focused my attention on the northern reaches of BSP, specifically the waters accessible from the Trout Brook Farm Campground. This is often referred to as the Five Ponds area, although I count more than five ponds in the immediate area. The Five Ponds Trail starts at the trailhead located directly across the street from the Trout Brook Campground. Interestingly enough, on the way to Billfish Pond, my friend Carter and I stopped to look at Littlefield Pond before moving on. On the way out of the park, while checking out, the ranger in charge mentioned that a lot of folks walk into Littlefield for a day of fishing and do very well with brook-

ies. Carter and I looked at each other, knowing we probably snubbed our noses at some premium water. The lesson here is to take a few minutes to talk to – and, more important, LISTEN to – the park rangers. Frost Pond, a short hike off the Freeze-Out Trail, has a lean-to and two canoes. One goes with the lean-to, and the second canoe is reserved for day-use. Although it’s not considered part of the Five Ponds, it’s only a 5.2-mile hike from Trout Brook Campground to Frost Pond. Like many of the ponds under the arm of the campground, they are close enough for day use. While day use may appeal to some, there’s nothing like waking up in the morning, making breakfast, washing down some camp coffee, and having nothing left to do but figure out how to get

Steve Carter is living large in a lean-to located along the remote shoreline of Frost Pond in Baxter State Park. Many of the park’s backcountry ponds have a lean-to, available by reservation. Note the tents loosely set up inside the lean-to (no nails or stakes are allowed in the lean-to, per park rules). The wood floor gets our butts off the ground, and tent screens keeps any hungry bugs from eating us alive. A canoe came with the campsite -- our mode of travel for three glorious days of back-woods brookie fishing. Bill Sheldon photo

a remote mountain brook trout to gobble down a fly. All of the waters along the Five Ponds Trail can work for day hikes. I just think it’s a lot to squeeze into a single day. I want to enjoy the journey as well as the destination. And – disclaimer here – as I get older, I seem to hike a little slower.

Lower Fowler Pond Farther up the Bax-

ter State Park Perimeter Road, anglers looking for Heritage water-caliber brook trout fishing can hike the 1.4-mile Fowler Brook Trail into Lower Fowler Pond. This 64acre pond has a stellar reputation for producing wild squaretails. Check in with the rangers at the Matagamon Gatehouse, Trout Brook Farm or South

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Branch Pond Campgrounds for a key to use the Lower Fowler Pond canoe. Both Lower Fowler and Middle Fowler have campsites. Matagamon Wilderness For angler/hikers looking to explore the Five Ponds/Trout Brook farm area and not spend their nights in the wilderness, another option exists. Located by the bridge over the East Branch of the Penobscot River, Matagamon Wilderness provides wilderness camping and cabins (with inside “flush”). They also have a General Store and a restaurant (Momma Bear’s Kitchen) to help with the needs of far north wanderers. For fishermen looking to do day hikes, inquire about the Matagamon Wilderness shuttle service. Perhaps getting a ride to the trailhead makes day hike/fishing more time-efficient. There’s also a definite value in a coming in at the end of a long hike to running water and a full bath. When planning a trip to Baxter State Park, please visit their detailed website at www.BaxterStatePark.org or call the park headquarters in Millinocket at 207-7235140.

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�� The Maine Sportsman • June 2019 • 41

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MAINE WILDLIFE QUIZ: American Bullfrog by Steve Vose

The American Bullfrog (rana catesbeiana), also known simply as the bullfrog, is the largest frog in North America. Some bullfrogs grow as long as 8 inches, and weigh more than 1-1/2 pounds. Of the eight primary species of frogs found in Maine, the bullfrog is by far the largest. Dull green in color with brown spots, bullfrogs blend in perfectly with their natural habitat, which includes the edging and shallow waters of swamps, ponds and lakes. Distinguishing male bullfrogs from females is relatively easy, as males display bright yellow throats that are used to assert social dominance and attract mates during breeding season. In sharp contrast to the flashy coloration of the males, the female’s throats are simply white. While native to the Eastern United

States, bullfrog populations now extend across the entire United States and Canada. Bullfrogs have also been extensively introduced to foreign countries, as either supplemental food sources or biological control agents. Unfortunately, due to the bullfrog’s voracious appetite, many of these introductions have proved disastrous for native wildlife populations. As detailed in Tom Seymour’s

Questions 1. How big can bullfrogs grow? 2. How many types of frogs can be commonly found in Maine? 3. What color are bullfrogs? 4. What do bullfrogs eat?

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5. 6. 7. 8.

“Maine Wildlife” this month, scientists studying the bullfrog’s diet have found that they will eat almost any creature they can fit down their throats, including insects, fish, birds, rodents, crayfish, snakes, small turtles, salamanders, bats, tadpoles and even other frogs. Depending on weather conditions, the bullfrog mating season usually starts in late April. Male bullfrogs defend a certain territory, where they attempt to attract and mate with females. Once mated, females deposit large egg masses that float on the water surface. Eggs hatch into tadpoles in May, and by June, most tadpoles have turned into young frogs. If they are able to avoid predation by great blue herons, turtles, snakes and raccoons, young frogs will mature into adults in about three years.

When is the bullfrog mating season? When do bullfrog eggs hatch? What types of animals eat bullfrogs? How long does it take for a young frog to grow into an adult?

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Take the Time to Thank Those Who Got You Started I’m writing this column from my step-father Charlie’s hospital bedside, in order to encourage all readers to take kids fishing so they become well-rounded sportsmen. I’m forever grateful you taught me, Charlie. “Put the hook through the top of the shell near the tail, and be careful not to poke through the body.” My stepfather had purchased two dozen soft-shelled crayfish for us. We were two miles offshore on Lake Ontario and we were targeting small mouth bass. We were using simple rigs and dropping the crayfish to the bottom in hopes a big bass would bite. Most of my friends who hunt, also fish. In fact, I’d bet the excitement and enjoyment of fishing is what gave many young people the courage to try hunting. For me, fishing started when I was six or seven years old … at least the enjoyable part of fishing. I wasn’t seriously hunting then. Father Hunted; Stepfather Fished Growing up around two role models who loved the outdoors was a significant advantage for me. My father fished, but hunting was his passion. My stepfather Charles Geers on the other hand was much more interested in fishing. Though I know the two of them didn’t like each other very much, they did love sharing their outdoor passions with my brother and me. I’m grateful these men taught me to fish so I had something to do when hunting season was closed. Charlie encouraged me to fish. He shared his rods and reels with

us and tried to teach us which lures or bait to use for specific fish and for different bodies of water. He especially loved to watch us catch fish! As I write this, Charlie is dealing with a serious illness. Doctors say he’s in his final days. So I find myself thinking back to the great times we had. Lake Ontario, NY I was fortunate to grow up in Central New York, on the southeast corner of Lake Ontario. It’s likely Lake Ontario and Oswego bring thoughts of giant King Salmon, huge brown trout and awesome steelhead fishing. In my early years of fishing however, that particular fishery was not yet mature. There were a few outfitters around in the mid-70s, but the fleet was much smaller than today. The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation was hard at work raising trout and salmon in hatcheries. Charlie actually took us to a brand new hatchery in 1980 in Altmar, NY. Fisheries biologists were hard at work, stripping eggs from spawning female salmon in hopes of raising young fish for the next generation to enjoy. With the salmon fishing being new, my step-father had not been hooked on this as a kid. Instead, he enjoyed fishing for northern pike and bass.

Northern Pike One of Charlie’s favorite places to fish was Black Lake in Hammond, NY. He’d take us camping and fishing there when we were younger. In Charlie’s opinion, the best things about Black Lake were the Northern Pike swimming in its waters. Charlie would set us up with live bait (extra-large shiners). He’d always use his favorite lure, the red and white Dardevle. We would patiently watch our bobbers for movement, and Charlie would cast in search of a toothy giant. More often than not, it was Charlie who’d find the fish first, but it was my mother who seemed to get the big ones. Though I never landed a pike from our boat, the excitement was enough to keep my attention. I always loved fishing Black Lake in the summer.

Young Joe Saltalamachia and his brother (behind Joe) gaze out at the waters of Lake Ontario, NY accompanied by their stepfather Charlie Geers. “He never missed a teachable moment,” reports the author. “In this photo he is likely explaining how water color and underwater structure affect how and where fish will bite.”

16’ Glastron, and Smallmouth Bass My luck catching bass, however, was a different story. Some of my fondest memories are of fishing for smallmouth bass from Charlie’s old 16-foot Glastron. The boat was powered by a 75 HP Mercury out-

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board, and it absolutely flew across the water! On summer days when the waves were less than four feet, we would venture about a mile offshore from Eastport Bay, and fish in 50-60 feet of water. Charlie knew the huge underwater humps held (Continued on page 45)

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44 • June 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Canoe Economics 101 With warm weather finally a fixture, some of us will be looking to expand our fleet of canoes this year. It’s easy to justify a new boat – just ask someone who already owns a half -dozen. Plenty of folks go straight to the retail store for their canoe shopping needs. But they are missing a whole world of experience that awaits the used boat buyer. Used boats make a practical choice for many buyers. Most showrooms carry only a few basic canoe models from just one or two manufacturers. The more specialized models and exotic composites are often only available on

You can tell a lot about how a canoe has been cared for by visiting the owner’s home. An older couple with a carefully edged and mowed lawn and a well-maintained perennial garden probably didn’t leave their wood and canvas heirloom outside last winter. the used market or from a distant, high-priced factory. With the help of the internet we can shop used canoes over a wide territory while sipping coffee at the kitchen table. Popular websites such as Craigslist or the old Maine favorite, Uncle Henry’s, carry ads for hundreds of used boats this time of year. Digital photos help us narrow the field.

Wood and Canvas Dreams If you love canoes, you love wood and canvas canoes. You might think they’re too delicate, too expensive, too difficult to maintain – but you still almost certainly always wanted to own one. The Northeast generally – and Maine specifically – still carries a torch for wood and canvas boats. The state’s historic connection to the Old Town

brand, and before that the E.M. White Company, has an attachment on our outdoor souls. No large corporation manufactures these icons in modern times. A few small companies still produce them. Waiting lists are long, and the prices reflect the hours of skilled labor involved. But wood and canvas models still pop up in any computer search for used boats in Maine. If you’re

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handy in the shop, and can re-canvas, re-paint and restore an old boat yourself, a solid candidate for restoration can be found for only a few hundred dollars. Expect to pay between one and two thousand dollars for an already-restored antique boat or one that remains in excellent condition despite its age. Used models from more modern wood and canvas builders will be toward the upper end of this scale. Tin Can Navigation Used metal canoes from Grumman, Sears and other manufactures (Continued on next page)

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�� The Maine Sportsman • June 2019 • 45 (Continued from page 44)

are peppered across the state. And at any given time, a bunch of these nearly indestructible boats are for sale. Between four and seven hundred dollars will buy most of them. Expect to pay more for square sterns, or the longest, roomiest models. Sometimes sold with a small motor and trailer, they make for an inexpensive, versatile fishing boat. Plastic by Any Other Name If the ad you are looking at mentions Royalex™, add several hundred dollars to the asking price. Old Town and other manufacturers used this lightweight, toughas-nails polymer material for years before it became unavailable. The nostalgia is still driving the used market upward. The more famous Old Town “tripping” designs, in good condition, can ap-

proach or even break the $1,000 barrier. Less-famous Old Town models, with non-Royalex heritage, are more reasonably priced. The popular Discovery model, in various lengths, are staples on the used market, and with a little searching you can find one for under $500. Kevlar, T-Formex™ and Flex-Core™ are also material names that will drive used boat prices skyward. These are the new space-age, super-lightweight materials modern builders use on high-end models. They are both rare and pricey in Maine’s used market – expect bidding to start at over $1,000 for used models. Polyethylene is the low end of the synthetic market. Bargain models from big box stores are the least-expensive used models on the market. Expect to pay under $300 in most cases.

Big Game (Continued from page 43)

large numbers of bass, and he knew how to catch them. We’d fish straight down over the sides of the boat, drop the bait to the bottom and wait for a strike. Nine out of ten times, it was me who’d catch the first fish … and the second, third and fourth. The unfortunate thing about catching so many fish in our boat, was you’d run through the bait allotted to you and then be forced to watch everyone else fish. On multiple occasions, I worked through my six crayfish before anyone else had caught a bass. Charlie would tell me it wasn’t fair to use other people’s bait, and I’d just sit there in frustration and wait for my mother to give her bait to me. A Jig from the Tacklebox On a particularly memorable trip, I caught four beautiful bronzebacks quickly. My mother, determined not to be skunked again, forced me to switch seats with her. She thought it was my spot in the boat, and gave little credit to my fishing techniques. We swapped and I immediately caught two fish from her spot. We all chuckled a little.

Fiberglass Bargains Glass has become the red-headed step-child of the canoe-making world. Its weight, bulk and fairly fragile nature seems to drive down prices. But for those with lake-side camp storage available, these boats are a bargain. They often were built with exquisite lines and handsome finishes. These flatwater beauties are often priced under $300. Magic of the Used Boat Market The magic of the used boat market is very much about the experience after the computer search. I visited for over an hour with a couple from Greenville last June, before driving away with a new-to-me solo canoe on my truck. We exchanged stories and common acquaintances before any money ever changed hands. You can tell a lot about how a canoe has been cared for by visiting

Unfortunately, I was out of bait again. There was no way I was going to sit and watch. I asked Charlie if I could look through his tackle box. Normally my brother and I weren’t allowed to open it. It was full of Dardevles and spinners, but it also contained a few buck tail jigs. I tied on a large black jig and sent it to the bottom. My mother and brother laughed, but Charlie was impressed with my determination. Within minutes, I had a bass on the line. My streak continued until my mother ordered Charlie to shore in frustration. What a day!

The author is shown here with one of his internet purchases -- a 1953 Old Town “Otca.” The company advertised this model as “one of our quintessential wooden canoe designs that has remained virtually unchanged since the turn of the century; it is beautiful to look at, and even better to paddle.” Jim Andrews photo

the owner’s home. When I drove up the long, freshly-paved driveway in Greenville, I knew I was probably going to buy the canoe. The guy with a carefully edged and mowed lawn probably didn’t leave his wood and canvas heirloom outside last winter. The lady who plants and maintains a

carefully-weeded perennial garden almost certainly doesn’t pound her loaded tripping canoe over shallow rock gardens. To me, the experience of meeting real Mainers beats buying your boat from a big box store any day.

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Forever Grateful to Charlie He might not have been a hunter, but I thank Charlie for teaching me to fish and helping me to enjoy the sport. As I write this column from his hospital bedside, I’m thankful for everything he did for me. I’m thankful he knows I’m a passionate sportsman today, partly because he took the time to encourage and teach me. Take your kids fishing and they’ll become well rounded sportsmen. I’m forever grateful you taught me, Charlie.

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46 • June 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

You Can’t Catch Trout Unless Your Fly’s in the Water We all have goals. Unfortunately, mine tend to repeat on a yearly basis, which means I’ve failed to meet or exceed those lofty aspirations. This fishing season I set the same old goals: • fish more • catch more, and • land a trophy fish. In the past, that usually meant spending the off-season loading up on new gear, buying the latest fly patterns or making plans to access waters overloaded with hungry fish. With less than stellar results the last few years, I finally realized the problem was the man in the mirror, and not the fault of the folks at Orvis,

I tend to false-cast too much, which limits my chances for success. It’s hard to catch anything with the fly in the air, unless you count shore-hugging branches.

The Jackman Region reigns supreme when it comes to native brook trout. This pansized brookie fell for a bead head pheasant tail at the end of a bathtub-sized pool. It pays not to overlook the mountain streams, tributaries and beaver flowages that bubble through prime brookie country. This author has often made the mistake of cruising by no-name waters he later found out overflowed with squaretails. Bill Sheldon photo

L.L.Bean, or Cabela’s. First, I knew I had to improve my casting.

When I first arrive waterside, my fly line rolls out pretty well. However, it

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River in Altmar N.Y., my first few casts reached across a wide stretch of river to a deep run that held hungry steelhead (my guide informed me that steelhead are really just rainbow trout that migrate). Nevertheless, I had to really focus to get that little bit of extra distance needed. On the third cast, the water exploded as a steelhead raced downstream with my fly. After my borrowed seven-weight rod doubled hard, the line went slack. I reeled in to see what a hook straightened out by a steelhead looked like. Armed with a new (Continued on next page)

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�� The Maine Sportsman • June 2019 • 47 (Continued from page 46)

fly, I figured just drop it in the feeding channel and game on. As the sun rose in the sky that frosty morning, each cast got a little bit shorter, just shy of the deep run full of hungry steelhead. Airborne Fly? Another fatal flaw, false casting too much, limits my chances for success. It’s hard to catch anything with the fly in the air, unless you count shore-hugging branches. Way back in time my fishing buddy Lenny Potvin was wondering out loud why his son-inlaw Aaron Black caught twice, maybe even three times, more fish as he did. I offered to stay on shore and watch. They both had the

same fly patterns and similar equipment. After fifteen minutes, the difference was painfully obvious. Black’s fly was in the water three times longer than Potvin’s. Potvin did a little extra false casting, and had a naturally slower casting pace. Even the time between casts was significant. The internet has oodles of You Tube casting videos that really opened my eyes. It’s also helpful

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to have a good fly-caster watch and offer observations. Even a not so good caster like me could see that Potvin needed to get his fly in the water more if he wanted to keep up with his son-in-law. Fishing I.Q. Along with trying to improve my casting, I realized a need to up my overall fishing I.Q. While catching pan-sized brook trout hasn’t been too much of a problem, those

larger, magazine-photo slobs have eluded me. I’d like to net a real trophy brook trout. When fellow Maine Sportsman writer Lou Zambello came out with his new book In Pursuit of Trophy Brook Trout, it had my name all over it. It was clear after reading this information-packed book why all I do is catch small, pan-sized brookies

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while others spread “grip and grin” photos across social media. Zambello does a great job of communicating the fine details in reading water, tactics and presentation that make the difference between catching average fish, and targeting the larger specimens in the watershed. I saw several of my bad habits (Continued on page 49)

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48 • June 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Skunks and Trapping In some cases, local populations of furbearers, including skunks, are managed to help reduce or eliminate human/wildlife conflicts. Most urbanites who have a skunk digging up their lawn grubbing, or whose dog gets into it with a skunk, want the skunk gone. Normally they end up calling in an Animal Damage Control agent to remove it. Ninety-five percent of the time, this is accomplished without any unwelcomed smell. Skunk are most common in the southern, central, and coastal areas of Maine. As you move north and west, you see fewer skunk. The History of the Skunk Trade The skunk has a long association in the fur trade and with medical practices. At various times in the past, the skunk has been a very desirable and valued pelt, with widespread use. In the 1950s the fur

Surprisingly, in today’s fur market, the skunk is almost as valuable as wild mink. If you include the value of the skunk’s scent glands, they are actually worth much more. market wanted skunk pelts with as little amount of white as possible in its fur; today, however, the demand is for those with lots of white fur. It would shock some to know that in today’s fur market, the skunk is currently almost as valuable as our wild mink. If you throw in the value of their scent glands, they are worth much more. Valuable Today – Perfumes and Lures In the last few years, on average an ounce of the essence (scent) sells for between $20 and $30 dollars per ounce at local trapper gatherings. While there is a synthetic skunk essence available, it is of little real value because it loses its strength in a short amount of time. Today the two main markets for the real scent

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are in the perfume industry, and the manufacturing of animal attractive lures. The scent is used both in the commercial lure-manufacturing industry, and by individual trappers who make their own lures. If you ride around on the back logging roads here in Maine during the two-month general trapping season with your windows open, you will occasionally smell our friend the skunk. Fisher, Martin, Bobcat, Bear & Coyote Lures Skunk essence is the main ingredient in most fisher, marten and bobcat lures. One of the most popular lures used for these furbearers is a simple concoction made by melting Vaseline and stirring in a good amount of

skunk essence. This congealed mixture is then applied a few feet up on a tree by the trap set. The strong smell lures the animals in from a distance. Many trappers in Maine and most trappers from out of state who come here to trap, trap the fisher and marten. They are traditionally two of our most valued furbearers. The out-of-state trappers come here to harvest them because they do not have them in their home states, or because they have restrictions on harvesting them through lottery systems. The odor of skunk is also used in the formulation of some bear and canine lures. For cold weather canine trapping, its use is more pronounced. Some trappers apply

the lure they use for marten and fisher on a tree near to a canine or feline set to lure the animal into the immediate area where the trap is set. This allows the canine to discover the bait and lure that is used in the actual trap set. The odor of a skunk acts as a Long Distant Calling Lure for many predators, from weasels to bears. Some trappers also utilize the carcass of a skunk as bait for canine trapping. It is normally buried and staked in place with only a foot above ground level. This results in the coyote or fox working the set location longer to get at the bait, which enhances their chance of stepping into the trap. Other Skunk Products The fat of skunk may be rendered down, resulting in a fine oil that has had many uses in the (Continued on next page)

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�� The Maine Sportsman • June 2019 • 49 (Continued from page 48)

past and is still utilized some today. The bulk of a skunk’s oil is obtained from two lateral glands that run the length of a skunk‘s back. Skunks store fat in these glands for use during hibernation. The oil is rendered by slowly heating the fat. This is most commonly accomplished by placing a pan of water on to boil, and putting the fat into another container which is then placed into the container of water. After a period of time, the oil will work out of the fat. The oil should be filtered through a cloth filter or a coffee filter. Good Medicine? Believe it or not, the oil had many uses in the past for making alternative medicines. It was a common component used in medical treatments in the 19th and early 20th

centuries. It is also used by trappers in several animal lure formulations. Many medicines used by the Native Americans included uses of skunk oil. These uses were passed down to the early pioneers. Early explorers and fur buyers found that the oil was a very useful addition to their medical kits, so they paid the natives a premium price for it. The oil rendered had moisturizing properties, and was used on both hands and feet to soften them. It was applied to exposed skin to prevent chapping and chafing from cold temperatures and the wind. It has also been utilized as a warming oil for chest rubs for coughs and colds. The warming action helps to clear mucus, much like Vicks is used today. It was rubbed into the skin to strengthen muscle tone and has been

utilized in the past as a contraceptive. Internal Use Skunk oil was also taken internally like castor oil. It was believed to cure colds, coughs, laryngitis, and the croup. It was taken internally to aid in the healing of broken bones. According to the Alberta Online Encyclopedia, even an oil derived from the “foul-smelling spray (essence)” was used by aboriginal people of the Boreal Forest to get rid of toothaches and sore throats. Water was mixed with the oil before applying or gargling with it. The book “Medicinal and Other Uses of North American Plants” states that skunk oil was used in home remedies into the 1920s in the United States. Another book that addresses the use of the

Through history, skunks have been valued for their fur and their oil.

skunk in medicines is the book “Country Folk Medicine.” Of interest is that for several years in the early 1900s, Maine pro-

duced over 20,000 gallons of skunk oil annually, which sold for about $4 per gallon.

Jackman Region (Continued from page 47)

in black and white print. Cold Stream Conservation Area The early part of this month rates 5-Star for brook trout fishing in the region. The 2016 purchase of the Cold Stream Conservation Area provides anglers with some of the most pristine fishing opportunities in the Pine Tree State. I’ve heard experts tell me that a majority of the brook trout in the Kennebec River come from the Cold Stream drainage. Delorme’s The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer, map 40 has the details you need to reach this brook trout-rich country. Many of the ponds require some bushwhacking to access. A few years ago, I fished one of the remote ponds with a guide, and learned a few important lessons. First, most guides have beater canoes stashed along the shoreline. This saves packing in a float tube or other small floating fishing platform. While Cold Stream itself is wading-friendly, the multiple ponds require some kind of canoe or kayak to fish. In our case, a prolific Green Drake hatch on the opposite side of the pond made our beater canoe a must. We just needed our fishing gear and a life vest. A good guide will attend to all the details. The particular pond we fished offered no clear cut path to the water’s edge. Going in was easy, a mile or so of bushwhacking.

It’s a blast catching small brookies on light tackle. This colorful brook trout succumbed to a three weight fly rod just six feet long. A razor-thin fluorocarbon leader and a size 14 may fly nymph did the rest. Squaretails can hold in tributaries most Mainers could easily spit across. Travel light and spit often when chasing brookies. Bill Sheldon photo

However, the way out in the pitch black, quite another story. Our guide was on top of his game. He had placed small, reflective dots on trees and bushes along the route. A standard headlamp made the walk out easy. Good guides make it painless. With improved casting and a few tips from Zambello’s new book I’m hoping to post one of those “grip and grin” photos soon. For

now readers will have to tolerate my pansized photos. I can’t emphasize enough what a valuable, pristine asset the Cold Stream Conservation Area represents. All the land, animals and fish need and deserve the respect of those utilizing the region if we expect our children and grandchildren to enjoy it too.

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50 • June 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

It’s Drake Season — the Dry Fly Fisher’s Dream As soon as my wooden Rangeley boat pulled away from the weather-beaten dock on Kennebago Lake, I was on the lookout for any signs of a drake hatch. The term “drake” is commonly used for any large mayfly in the order Ephemeroptera, a group of aquatic insects known for their extremely short life spans and emergence in large numbers in the summer months. The Kennebago Lake surface was glassy and the air still on this late June afternoon last year – perfect hatch conditions, it seemed, and I almost vibrated with anticipation. But I saw no sign of any insects on the surface as we motored up the lake shore. I try to be at our lakeside camp as much

Hatch time on Kennebago Lake. Erika Zambello photo

as possible after ice-out, but last year was an exception because my son, Gwynn, graduated from UCal Berkeley in midMay, we stayed in California to do a little sightseeing, and remained at our Cumberland house for a few weeks after that to visit with Gwynn before he left for the rest of the summer. (Why are

graduations [and often, weddings] scheduled in May and June during prime fishing times?) My wife and I hadn’t been to the lake for over a month when we went fishing that day, and I wasn’t sure of the mayfly hatch timing, since it varies by several weeks from year to year. The drakes emerge sometime in June over

most of Maine, continuing into July for the colder climes. Brown drakes are typically first, followed by green drakes, and then Hexagenia (called Hexes). In some years, emergences overlap with several species on the water at the same time. Nymphal Shucks Halfway up the lake, I spied something on the surface of the water

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and idled the motor to look more closely. Sure enough, I had spotted a handful of shucks on the water. Shucks are the skins of mayfly nymphs that remain when the nymphs float to the surface, split out of their skin, dry their wings, and fly off. The shucks will remain floating for hours, if the water remains calm. Looking around, I saw no other sign of hatch activity, which puzzled me. Even though the water was calm, I did detect a slight current, and noticed dozens of shucks slowly drifting out from a nearby cove. I eased over toward the cove and looked across the water towards a wall of dark green shoreline evergreens. They provided me the contrast to see a sunlit bug here and there fluttering off the surface. A cedar waxwing launched from an alder to grab a morsel mid-flight. Forty yards off to my right, a small trout broke the surface in a slow roll as it took what I assumed was an emerging mayfly. Finding the Hatch Upon seeing just a few bugs, I concluded a good hatch had occurred several hours earlier and was now winding down. But I also guessed the fish would still be looking up. I tied on a Quigley Drake Cripple, and my wife changed to an emerging brown drake parachute pattern (imagine a long shank hook with a thin body of brown dubbing and a white fiber wing post to float the fly). We cast out, even (Continued on page 53)

�� The Maine Sportsman • June 2019 • 51

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52 • June 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Getting to Know Your Fish Locator Fish locators – or “fish finders,” as some call them – have become a must-have item in any boater’s arsenal. These marvelous devices show water depth, water temperature and fish size. They also feature graphic depictions of the bottom, either in black-and-white or color, depending upon the model. Some fish locators also have a speed indicator, making it easy to duplicate whatever speed you were at when the last fish hit. When fish locators first arrived on the scene, some people felt that they were a way for anglers to take advantage of the fish. Nothing could be further from the truth. The fact is, while fish locators show us where the fish are, they cannot make

them bite. That aspect of fishing is left entirely up to us. Most Important Feature – Bottom Readout? While it may seem at first glance that seeing where fish are holding is the biggest benefit of fish locators, that is only a small part of their value. Truth be told, were I obliged to choose just one feature for my fish locator, it wouldn’t be the fish-finding part at all. Instead I would choose the bottom readout feature. That’s because, depending upon the season, seeing what the bottom looks like allows us to fish in the best locations, whether or not fish show on the screen. In fact, I have taken

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many trout in places that had good-looking bottom, but where no fish were depicted on the fish locator screen. That’s because my fish locator, not the most expensive model, shows only a swath of bottom not much wider than my boat. In other words, fish can be in the area but won’t necessarily show up on the fish locator. Fish Icons None of this is meant to disparage the fish-finding ability of fish locators. My Humminbird fish locator shows fish

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icons according to size of the fish. It takes a bit of getting used to, but in time it becomes easy to make a ballpark estimate of fish size according to the icons. And despite my long acquaintance with fish locators, seeing one or several of the biggest fish icons go across my screen always makes my heart beat just a little faster. What’s even better – and to me even kind of magical – is seeing a fish icon and then, after passing over the fish, having it hit the lure. With continued use, it becomes possible for an angler to anticipate when fish will strike. It’s kind of a minor-league, fishy version of Babe Ruth pointing to where the ball would land on his next home run. Also, nothing impresses a fishing companion more than to tell them to get ready and then say, “Now,” and have the fish strike at that exact time. A Window to the Depths This works for most fish, but what really excites me is seeing togue 50 feet down and having them hit my lure, as if scripted. To have a way to examine, close-up, fish in such deep water would have seemed impossible a few generations ago. But now, with our fish locators, we can go out on a scorching-hot summer day and catch ice-cold fish from the bottom of a lake. This represents an interaction between two greatly different worlds. When fishing lakes or ponds with nondescript, level bottoms, the fish-finding aspect of fish

locators can save lots of legwork. In places like this, fish are where they are, and other than seeing them depicted on the screen, we have no way of knowing where to fish. So instead of slowly plodding along hoping for a bite, we are able to cruise around with an eye on the fish locator, only stopping to fish when fish show up on the screen. Bottom Topography Getting back to bottom topography, fish locators really come to the front in waters that have lots of lumps and bumps on bottom. Places where deep water suddenly shoals up attract fish like nothing else. And without fish locators, the best we could hope for in the past was to get a depth map and try our best to locate such places by the poke-and-hope method. Just as important as finding shoal water in the midst of deep water is locating drop-offs – places where the bottom either slowly and gradually – or quite rapidly – turns from shallow to deep. Such places are especially good places to pound in springtime. Fish from deeper water gradually filter in to more shallow surroundings as water temperatures rise. Knowing that such places are fish havens, and having the ability to see in real time if fish are present or not, makes things so much easier. But again, even this knowledge cannot force fish to bite. And another thing, since fish don’t flock to such places all in a mad flurry, but rather (Continued on next page)

�� The Maine Sportsman • June 2019 • 53 (Continued from page 52)

singly or in small groups. It is entirely possible that a place that was barren in the morning could have plenty of fish in the afternoon. And having a fish locator makes it easy to return to the place without lots of hunting. One lake I fish has an interesting bottom, with not only drop-offs, but also ragged, stand-alone ledges and rock piles with lots of chinks and declivities. Sometimes the fish

locator will show a huge fish hiding beneath a shelf. Don’t ask me how the machine does that, but somehow it does. And of course it’s nearly impossible to entice a fish to leave its safe lair and strike our lures or baits. All the same, I often return to such places several times a day, hoping that the fish have come out in the open on their own. Sometimes they do, too. Which Device? Several manufactur-

ers offer fish locators. Some of the top-end devices even show GPS coordinates. Those are universally expensive. But even inexpensive models work fine. My Humminbird is portable, a very handy feature. This allows me to use it on either of my two motorboats and even my canoe. All fish locators, expensive or inexpensive, will help you find fish. The choice is up to you.

Freshwater Fly Fishing (Continued from page 50)

though we didn’t see anything rising, and within ten seconds each of us connected with a chunky native brook trout. As I released my fish, I noticed his bulging stomach filled with mayflies, but he still had attacked my offering, wanting more. The Maine summers are short, and Kennebago Lake is locked in ice for six months, so fish gorge when food is available. Brook trout continued to slurp our brown-drake imitations, and every so often we could tell we had hooked a larger fish, because the strong initial pull would tow the boat slightly. A few brookies out of the two dozen we hooked exceeded 14 inches. Suddenly, both our flies disappeared simultaneously, and an instant later two silvery shapes glistened in the sun as a couple of landlocked salmon jumped again and again trying to free themselves. Small schools of landlocked salmon will often cruise along lake drop-offs feeding opportunistically, and a group of them swimming through attacked our flies. After their airborne antics, the two salmon ran in different directions crossing our lines. We hurriedly handed each rod to the other and eventually landed both fish – a tag-team effort. A Loon Arrives Our fine fishing ended soon after, but not because the trout were any less eager. A loon, attracted by the splashing fish, swam over to about ten feet from our boat, and I sensed trouble. This particular bird often followed area anglers, and I knew the minute we hooked a trout, the loon would chase the fish underwater and grab it off our line, taking our fly and tippet with it. My wife hooked a small trout, and

Hexagenia dun resting on the surface, ready to fly off. Lindsey Rustad photo

by horsing it across the surface, she managed to boat the fish just ahead of the rapidly closing loon. But this isn’t a fun way to fish, so we opted to motor 50 yards away, hoping to stay within the hatch zone, but putting some distance between the loon and ourselves. But this loon could not to be dissuaded, and quickly swam over to us again. We reluctantly gave up, and motored half a mile down the shore away from the loon. However, after no takes for half an hour, we realized we had also moved away from feeding trout. Hatches on Kennebago Lake typically progress along the shorelines from east to west over a period of several weeks, and we had relocated to an area where the hatch hadn’t yet occurred. The soon-to-emerge nymphs were probably crawling along the bottom and keeping the attention of the fish, killing the dry fly fishing on the surface. But that was okay with us – we had stuck plenty of fish for one day. My wife and I smiled at each other, silently communicating that this afternoon by ourselves, on the water with willing native brookies, was magical. What’s more, several weeks of scintillating drake fly fishing lay ahead of us – the highlight of the summer.

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54 • June 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Tom’s Goal — Get in the Middle of a Hex Hatch Gusty winds made casting exasperatingly difficult, which was a shame since trout were rising all around my canoe. Still, the occasional lull allowed me to place a fly in nearby rise rings, and when that happened a trout would immediately grab it. Little Lyford Pond was alive with wild brook trout on that June evening as I happily paddled about in a canoe supplied by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC). My goal was to hit the Hexegenia hatch, but cold weather had set the hatch back. Still, even without those giant “Hex” mayflies on the water, Little Lyford’s willing brook trout made my trip worthwhile. While trolling ranks as my favorite kind of fishing, the Hexagenia hatch brings out the flycaster in me. Most Moosehead Region lakes and ponds, large and small, host Hexegenia hatches, and that includes Moosehead Lake itself. Biologists in the Region E office in

Hexagenia hatches bring out the flycaster in me. Most Moosehead Region lakes and ponds host Hexagenia hatches, including Moosehead Lake itself. Even the in-town Greenville section of the lake features trout and salmon smashing the hatch, according to regional biologists.

Wild brook trout about to be released back into Little Lyford Pond. Tom Seymour photo

downtown Greenville have mentioned to me that even the in-town section of Moosehead Lake sees trout and salmon smashing mayflies on top during the much-awaited Hexagenia hatch. Sometimes the pre-Hexegenia hatch stirs up trout too. I once had luck on large nymphs on Little Lyford Pond. The water boiled as trout nabbed giant nymphs swimming just below the

surface. Times such as these are memory-makers, and for a wilderness adventure along with lots of wild brook trout, I highly recommend a trip to one of the various AMC lodges in the Moosehead Lake region. For more information, visit www.outdoors. org/lodging/ or call (603) 466-2727. And if you arrive in late June or early July, you just might hit the Hex hatch, so bring some large dry flies and prepare for fast action. Look for Little Lyford Pond in the DeLorme Atlas, Map 41, C-5. Trolling Gets Comfortable in June May rates as a favorite month for trolling on Moosehead Lake, since for several weeks after ice-out fish come near the surface as they prey upon schools of spawning smelt. One of the red-hot locations, the mouth of Moose River in Rockwood, sees both salm-

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on and togue slamming lures, baits and flies. This red-hot fishing continues into June, making for a lengthy season for topwater trolling. But June, while still a month of fast-paced fishing, allows us to fish in comfort. May’s often-frigid temperatures and cold rains give way to easier times on the water once June rolls around. By June, fish have changed their patterns. Instead of concentrating along river and stream mouths, salmon and togue have dispersed and show up all over the lake. Since water temperatures haven’t yet risen to the point where fish are driven to seek comfort in the depths, anglers still take fish on streamer flies. Sometimes, though, fish can hold 30 feet or more down, not all that deep by Moosehead standards. So instead of using a fly rod and sinking fly line, a lead-core line takes more fish, because

it takes flies down deeper than a fly line can reach. Salmon, however, are willing to dash 10 – 15 feet or more toward the surface to smash a fly or bait. For togue, though, we must put our offerings down to wherever they are holding, since they won’t take a fly or bait unless they encounter it at their own level. So now, fish still bite near the surface but they also can hold somewhat deeper. The best bet is to bring both a fly rod and a lead-core outfit. Downriggers perform as well, since they take our offerings down to any specified depth. Bait Options Frozen or preserved smelt work wonders now. Of the two, preserved smelt, sold in tackle shops and Mom-and-Pop stores throughout the state, get my vote. Frozen smelts, while effective, exhibit a sunken-eyed, gray pallor. Also, frozen smelts must be handled with care, since they tend toward being soft and mushy. Preserved smelt, though, remain firm and lifelike. They also shine like live smelt. So for a Moosehead Lake trip, a package of preserved smelt makes good sense. With the post-ice-out dispersion of salmon and trout, angling ramps up all over the lake. Area guides like Larry Farrington and Eric Holbrook connect their clients with trophy trout and salmon in the southern end of the lake, while those fishing out of Rockwood continue to slam the fish. To paraphrase James (Continued on next page)

�� The Maine Sportsman • June 2019 • 55 (Continued from page 54)

Russell Lowell, “What is so rare as a day in June spent fishing Moosehead Lake?” Salmon Galore My friend Peter Clifford loves catching salmon, and to that end, he makes an annual trek

to Chesuncook Lake. Chesuncook teems with small-to-medium-size salmon, and catching 40 or more fish per day isn’t unusual. In order to stimulate overall growth, regulations allow for no size or bag limit on salmon under 16 inches, while there’s a

bag limit of 1 fish per day over 16 inches. Peter Clifford likes his luxury, and he boasts of being the first one to haul a pontoon boat into Chesuncook. Talk about fishing in style! We needn’t emulate Peter’s method, since any boat will work just fine.

As for the fishing, don’t expect to take a trophy from Chesuncook, but if you love catching salmon, Chesuncook stands as a prime destination for sometimes non-stop salmon fishing. Bring some liniment too, because at day’s end your wrist may become

sore after catching all those hungry salmon. Chesuncook Lake encompasses both Caribou Lake and Ripogenus Lake, and regulations are the same for all. As you can see from Map 50, C-1, D-1 and D-2, it’s all really just one, huge lake. (Continued on page 57)

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56 • June 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

“Off-Road Ambulance” Will Travel the Remote North Woods We’re going to do something a little different for June – this month’s Off Road Traveler takes a look at a unique form of off-road travel that’s being planned by fellow I met at the 39th Annual State of Maine Sportsman’s Show in Augusta. While tending a booth at the show, I had a chance to speak with a gentleman, Darwin Webster, who is a retired U.S. Navy Captain. He surprised me by saying that he was heading out West to purchase a medical ambulance for traveling the backwoods

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Sure, it’s an ambulance, but it’s not an ordinary ambulance. For starters, it’s equipped with the legendary 7.3-liter International diesel engine that has a solid reputation for going 500,000 miles. Additionally, this beast has a Quigley 4x4 drive-train, with limited-slip differentials fore and aft. of Maine. My first thought was that he was joking ... until he explained his thought process. Webster said he found that he could purchase used ambulances at a fairly low price, and then he described the particular vehicle he had decided to purchase. He explained, “They’re

already outfitted with an air-conditioner, and come with four-wheel-drive.” This sealed the deal for me. I’ll let Mr. Webster provide the rest of the details, in his own words. Webster’s Ambulance – in His Own Words My experience with off-road travel vehicles began with a Toy-

ota FJ40 that had been outfitted with a Chevy, 283cc, small-block motor. I fell in love with the reliability of Toyotas and the power of bigger motors; to a great extent, I have continued using variants of both in my off-road travels throughout the years. My choice of V8 vehicles has ranged the

gamut from Jeep Cherokees to Ford F-350s. As for Toyotas, I have driven both 4-Runners and trucks, and currently drive a 2003 4x4 extended cab with a hard tonneau bed cover. Typically, I use the Toyotas as my daily drivers and “light” off-road adventures, while saving the V8 gas-guzzlers for towing boats and deepwoods traveling. In both cases, the vehicles only served to get me where I was going, since I set up tents for my living arrangements. However, I recently (Continued on next page)

�� The Maine Sportsman • June 2019 • 57

Extreme close-up of a gray whale off the coast of the Mexican Baja California Peninsula. (Continued from page 56)

retired, and am planning to spend more time in the woods, which has resulted in the purchase of my latest off-road travel vehicle – a 1992 Ford E350 Econoline Ambulance. Yes – An Ambulance! Yes, you read that last line correctly – I just bought an ambulance to use as an off-road-travel vehicle, and here’s why. First of all, I wanted a reliable diesel motor, and this one is equipped with the legendary 7.3-liter International engine that has a solid reputation of going 500,000 miles. Additionally, this beast has a Quigley 4x4 drive-train, with limited-slip differentials fore and aft. If you aren’t familiar with Quigley, you can run a quick Internet search to verify

that their drive-trains set the standard for 4x4 conversions. I also wanted to be able to sleep comfortably in the van; in this one, the gurney has been replaced with a removable double bed. I also love that I can sit up in the bed, since the van has a high-top fiberglass roof. Additionally, the van is equipped with a solar panel, an inverter, and two separate deep-cycle batteries for off-grid power, plus a 110-volt shore power connection for plugging into a generator or receptacle at a campsite. The van is already wired for 110-volt outlets, and has dual heaters – one that’s supplied from the motor (including air conditioning), and the other that’s powered off

Darwin Webster, his wife Kathy, with their Ford Ambulance/Off Road Vehicle conversion. Darwin Webster photos

the 110-volt system. Creature Comfort Additionally, the van is well-insulated, and I can sleep comfortably in almost any conditions. The van is also loaded with see-through storage cabinets and has additional storage under the bed frame. Further, the van has Reese receivers installed both up front and out, back for carrying coolers or motorcycles. Other cool features include both interior and exterior lights, and a small footpump operated sink. To quote Baloo the

Bear from the Jungle Book, “Man, this is living!” So, I know what people are thinking… “What about the rust?” None – I bought the van in Yuma, Arizona, and it is currently in Colorado, where my brother is building a roof rack for it. My wife and I will be touring the U.S. as we drive it back to Maine in late May. In fact, we’ve already taken it on one off-road adventure. After picking the van up in Yuma, we drove down the Mexican Baja California Peninsu-

la to see the gray whales that give birth in the Sea of Cortez during the winter months. I wish I could say that the van ran flawlessly, but the truth is that it blew a couple of belts, so we ended up staying with a Mexican couple for a few days while we waited for the parts. We still had a great time, as it is hard to beat petting a gray whale and cleaning its baleen. I’m sold on the belief that this ambulance is the perfect vehicle for offroad traveling.

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(Continued from page 55)

Once, the sea covered what is now Chesuncook Lake, and proof of that is visible in a petrified coral reef on the far side of Ripogenus Dam. Visiting this site makes for a pleasant diversion while fishing Chesuncook. Happy Birthday The Moosehead Lake region abounds in history, with Little Lyford Pond Camps dating back to 1874. And this year, Maynard’s Camps in Rockwood celebrates its 100th birthday. Maynard’s has always been, and remains, a family-operated business. Members of the 5th generation now join in the work. Happy birthday, Maynard’s!

Salmon such as this 4-pounder await anglers on Moosehead Lake in June. Photo courtesy Larry Farrington

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58 • June 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Picking the Right Rifle and Optics for Big Woods Hunting by Michael Scheeren

People ask me all the time, “What rifle do you think is best for tracking and still-hunting in the big woods?” I also get asked what optics or open-sights I prefer or recommend. These are good questions, because in this day and age, there are so many options out there that the process of figuring out what works best can get a little overwhelming. Also, the Internet is not very helpful in this regard; it actually adds to the pile of confusion, and can provide a lot of misinformation. Hunt Method Any rifle/optic/sight combination that works well for tracking or still-hunting in the big woods will also be adequate for the stand hunter. Keep in mind that I did not say that a track-

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Topping my list of deer-tracking firearms are Marlin lever-action and Remington pump-action rifles. Other favorites include the Remington Model Seven Laminate bolt-action, Ruger Compact, Browning Micro, Kimber Adirondack, Savage Lightweight Hunter and Winchester Compact Model 70.

Mark W. Scheeren of Big Woods Bucks.

ing/still-hunting rifle is the best option for the stand-hunter (especial-

ly if you are shooting at ranges longer than 200 yards). I’m merely pointing out that a light, accurate rifle of carbine length in any whitetail-appropriate cartridge will work effectively in a stand-hunting scenario. If you are shooting longer ranges than 150 to 200 yards, I’d start by looking into a solid, accurate bolt-action rifle with a standard 3x9 scope for “bean-field” style stand hunting. For trackers or still-hunters covering a lot of ground, portability is the most important characteristic you are looking for. The rifle must be lightweight; it must have a thin waist (where you cradle the gun in your hand); and it must balance well in your hand. This removes many of the heavier semi-au-

tos and bolt guns that are tactical in nature and weigh more than 7 1/2 pounds, not counting a scope. These rifles tend to need special slings that add weight and complexity, are geared toward longer-range shooting and/or Three-Gun competition, and are not necessarily the best when chasing old Mossy-Horns through spruce thickets and wet mountain terrain. Tracking and Still-Hunting Once you eliminate heavy and ill-balanced rifles from the analysis, you are left with a field of very good rifles from which to choose. Topping my list are Marlin lever-action and Remington pump-action rifles. I prefer the Marlin lever guns over the Winchester models only be-

cause the Marlins are very easy to add scopes or peep-sights to without any modifications or gunsmithing. Add any Williams, Skinner or XS ghost sights and a correct height Williams fiber-optic front sight to either of these rifles, and you have about as good a tracking rifle as can be found or created. For the scope-lovers out there, a good 1x4, 1x6, 2x7 or 3x9 in Leupold, Trijicon or any other well-known brand is a good option. I tend to favor the Trijicon 1x4 for its versatility, battery-less function, and compact features. Bolt-Actions In the bolt-action realm, there are an amazing number of good carbine-length short-action rifles for the ardent woodsman. One of my favorites is the compact Remington Model Seven Laminate. It has open sights, is drilled and tapped for a scope, it’s lightweight and it carries well. Others like the Ruger Compact, Browning Micro, Kimber Adirondack, Savage Lightweight Hunter, and the Winchester Compact Model 70 all can be made into suitable deer-slaying platforms. Again, any one of these rifles, including the aforementioned pumps and lever guns, with a compact scope installed, can be a cross-over rifle for your treestand hunts as well. With the right detachable scope rings and mounts, and the addition of open-sights, you can have one gun that (Continued on next page)

�� The Maine Sportsman • June 2019 • 59

Browning — the 16-Gauge Savior Gun writers at work 60 years ago wrote often about the waning demand for 16-gauge shotguns. Come forward a decade, and writers of that time pronounced the 16-gauge dead in North America. Once a symbol of the so-called “Golden Age” of upland bird hunting in the early 20th century, the 16-gauge all but disappeared by 1970. One by one, most major makers dropped 16-gauge guns from their catalogs. Ammunition, while still produced, found its way to fewer and fewer retail outlets. The versatile 12-gauge eclipsed the 16-gauge with pheasant shooters and waterfowl hunters. The advent of the threeinch 20-gauge shotshell completed the encirclement of the beleaguered 16-gauge, and with no official 16-gauge events in either trap or skeet competitions, the market for 16-gauge faded like a tenyear-old wall calendar. As with the side-byside two-barrel shotgun, the small but dedicated band of fans turned to Spanish, Italian, British, or German makers to find 16-gauge guns. These imports arrived most noted for their exorbitant price tags, which further limited the gauge’s popularity on this side of the Atlantic. Nevertheless it kept enough guns in the field in the hands of zealots to prevent the gauge from slipping away entirely. Among major American manufacturers, only Browning kept offering a line of 16-gauge shotguns through the darkest days of the gauge’s popularity. The “Sweet

Browning made a bold move this year by releasing two new 16-gauge shotguns – the Citori Feather Superlight 16 Gauge (6 pounds, 2 ounces), and the Citori 525 Field 16 Gauge (six pounds, 11 ounces). Both will appeal to the small but enthusiastic group of 16-gauge fans.

New for 2019, Browning’s Citori over/under shotguns in 16-gauge help bring back an oldie but goodie. Shown here is the Feather Superlight. Source: Browning

Sixteen” evolved as a version of the famous Auto5 semi-automatic model made in Belgium from 1937 to 1975, and then in Miroku, Japan from 1987 to 1992. Browning launched a modern version called the “A5” in 2016. The new A5 incorporates a modern gas-operated action to replace John Browning’s original recoil-operated design. Sweeter Sixteens This year, Browning’s directors made a

bold move and reversed a 50-year-old trend. They developed and released to market not one, but two new 16-gauge shotguns. Apparently tired of ceding the marketplace to high-end European imports, and deciding that the 16-gauge remains ballistically viable, they now offer these two newbies at prices comparable to other American-branded shotguns. At a bit under $2,500, they price thousands less than even the cheapest imports of similar quality.

Unveiled at the 2019 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, these two new variations derive from Browning’s long-popular Citori series, manufactured in Miroku, Japan, since 1970. According to the company’s website, the Citori model over/under shotgun “gradually replaced John M. Browning’s Superposed model as the key product in the Browning line.” These two latest over/ under shotguns to bear the Browning Citori name received the monikers Ci-

tori Feather Superlight 16 Gauge and the Citori 525 Field 16 Gauge. The company catalog lists them under the heading “Citori Shotguns With Limited Production,” and calls them “2019 SHOT Show Specials.” So, anyone interested in owning one ought to take action before the decision makers move to curtail the run. The firearms are very similar to one another, so fans of the 16-gauge will have trouble choosing between these two variants. Both guns use alloy receivers and come in a choice of 26-inch or 28inch barrels that contain 2¾ -inch chrome-plated chambers. The differences appear in the fine details that characterize each gun. Defining Characteristics The most important distinction between the Feather Superlight and the 525 Field lies (Continued on next page)

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60 • June 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Shooter’s Bench (Continued from page 59)

with the interchangeable choke system. Both come with improved cylinder, modified and full choke options. However, the Feather Superlight uses Browning’s Invector-Plus system, while the 525 Field uses the Invector-Standard system. Invector-Standard tubes should not be mixed up and used in any barrel made for the Invector-Plus system. The systems are not interchangeable, and confusing the

two could permanently damage the barrels. A second distinction is weight. With 26-inch barrels, the 525 Field tips the scales at six pounds, 11 ounces. A Feather Superlight weighs six pounds, two ounces. Barrels 28 inches long add a couple more ounces to each model. Feather Superlights sport an English-style straight-grip stock with a gloss-finished grade II/III walnut stock. The

Big Woods World (Continued from page 58)

can literally do it all. Remember to Enjoy Yourself Don’t over-think it when choosing your next tracking rifle. If it feels good in your hands, comes to your cheek naturally, and is less than 7 1/2 pounds without a scope, then you’ve probably picked a friend that will serve you for many years in the deer woods. After all, in the end it’s about enjoying yourself on the track. Hal Blood’s Thoughts Nowadays, a hunter has so many options in guns, calibers and sights that to a new hunter – or any hunter, for that matter – it can be a daunting task to choose just

525 Field mounts a pistol grip walnut stock, with a more weather-resistant oil finish. Both guns have Schnabel forearms and 18-lines-per-inch cut checkering. Both guns use polished blue barrels and silver nitride finishes on the receivers. Both also have a single-selective trigger, and tang-mounted safeties. Interestingly, both shotguns use plastic – what the catalog calls “Hard, snag-free buttplates.” The companion Citori Feather Light-

ning in 20-gauge uses a rubber recoil pad. Even the Citori Gran Lightning in 28-gauge and .410 bore mounts the Browning “Inflex” recoil pad. In a nod to the Old School, both the Feather Superlight and the 525 Field have ivory beads for sights and quarter-inch wide ventilated ribs. Will We See a 16-Gauge Revival? No one can know for certain whether or not a genuine revival of interest is afoot regarding the tried-and-true 16-gauge shotgun. Plen-

one. Many hunters will just select a gun because their buddy told them to, or they took a poll among other hunters. The problem with choosing hunting rifle this way is that everyone is built differently, and what is a comfortable gun for one person to carry may not be comfortable to another person. I recommend narrowing your choice down to one or two actions, and then going to a gun shop and handling all the brands that make that action. Remember, a deer hunting rifle will become a personal friend and companion for years to come, so choose one wisely. There are also plenty of options of calibers. I recommend a minimum caliber of .270 or 7mm on up. I would advise staying away from the magnums for hunting in the

ty of evidence argues against such a notion. Outpaced in the marketplace by so many brands and varieties of 12-gauge and 20-gauge guns, the 16-gauge would struggle to catch up even if it were the top-seller for the next one or two generations. Todd Woodard, the current editor of the late Frank Barnes’ book Cartridges of the World says, “The 16-gauge lingers on in what seems to be a nearly perpetual state of surprising continued existence.” Surprising or (Continued on next page)

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Marlin’s lever-action serves the Big Wood Bucks hunter well.

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�� The Maine Sportsman • June 2019 • 61

Venison Creole Burgers Winter Season, Mud Season, and now Grilling Season is here! Now we can really focus on grillin’ and chillin’! I have been reviewing recipes in all my

cookbooks and discovered my new “go to” burger for this summer. I made this first with Lamb, in my “Simple Gourmet Lamb, Side Dishes and Wine Pair-

ings,” then tried Bison, Beef, Moose and Venison. While they were all delicious, my favorites were Venison, Lamb and Bison, in that order. I didn’t like cheese

on the Venison, Moose or Beef, but I did on the Lamb and Bison. It really does make a difference in the flavor of the meat and what you decide to pair with it –

condiments, cheeses, tomatoes, lettuce, and pickled onions included. Try it all. Bon Appétit and Happy Healthy wild game meals!

Creole is typically known as a combination of French, African, Spanish, and Native American. I threw a little South Carolina in here with my brother Mark’s, homegrown cayenne peppers. I pinpointed his cayenne peppers carried a heat yet lightness with a finish that was long and delectable. • • • • • •

1 ½ pounds venison, ground 1 medium red onion, chopped 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded chopped 2 tablespoons Creole spice mix (recipe below) 4 rolls, toasted on the grill Dijon mustard

Preheat grill to high. Combine venison, onion, pepper and spices then form 4 patties. Grill 4 minutes per side, or until no longer pink in the center. Place burgers on rolls with mustard. Cook’s note: Great as an appetizer too! Serves 4 Creole Spice Mixture

Creole Cole Slaw

Combine the following ground ingredients and store in a glas jar.

This fresh tasting, crunchy, spicy with fresh fruit slaw makes the perfect pairing to my Venison Creole Burgers. I even put it on my sandwich.

• • • • • • • • •

3 tablespoons sweet paprika 2 tablespoons kosher salt 2 tablespoons garlic powder 1 tablespoon black pepper 1 tablespoon onion powder 1 (heaping) tablespoon cayenne powder 1 tablespoon oregano 1 tablespoon thyme 1 tablespoon sweet basil

Shooter’s Bench (Continued from page 60)

not, the 16-gauge remains alive because of those already mentioned zealots who refused to let it die off. That list of zealots must include John M. Browning’s namesake company. By continuing to develop and market 16-gauge guns at attainable price points, they have done

• • • • • • •

2 cups cabbage, shredded ½ cup Jicama, shredded 1 cup fresh mango, diced Zest and juice of one lime ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 2 tablespoons Fiore Gala Apple Balsamic Vinegar*

their part to keep the shotshell first patented in 1866 in the hands of ordinary hunters and sporting clays shooters. We fans of the old shell owe Browning’s present and past boards of directors a debt of gratitude. June is a fine time to purchase a new shotgun. There is ample time, and good weather and lots of daylight to get out and shoot a fleet of clay birds in order to tune up for the real bird shooting in the sea-

Combine all ingredients in bowl and toss. Serve chilled. *This vinegar really makes the salad, however, if you do not have it on hand toss ½ cup shredded apple with 1 tablespoon white Balsamic. Or substitute Honey Ginger Balsamic. For more delicious recipes, visit Kate’s website, www.blackflystew.com.

son ahead. And a lightweight, two-barrel 16-gauge is perfect for Maine’s grouse and woodcock coverts. Choose whichever Browning fits best. Either will give long years of service. But I recommend using the improved cylinder choke in the bottom barrel and the modified choke in the top, for a second shot at the fast-flying game birds around here.

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62 • June 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Crappies, Trout and Bluegills (!) Provide Fishing Options This Month! June brings with it so many fishing choices that it’s sometimes difficult to decide what to fish for. Trout now are still in relatively shallow water, perhaps 25 feet or so down. And then again, crappies are on the prowl, and early mornings find schools of fish in shallow water. My decision is usually predicated upon the weather. If it’s cloudy or even drizzly, my path leads me to local ponds for a day of trolling for brown and rainbow trout. Salmonids bite well on such days, and recreational boaters usually aren’t a problem on overcast, cool or rainy days. If the day dawns bright and clear, however, I’ll gear up for crappie fishing. Bluegills Have Arrived In addition to all this, there’s a new fish here in Midcoast Maine that interests me greatly. According to fishery biologists here in Region B, bluegills are thriving in Sheepscot Pond in Palermo. It is suspected that since these large sunfish already exist in the Sheepscot River drainage, they migrated to Sheepscot Pond on their own. I’m told that these

This Unity Pond crappie bit on a Jig-A-Fly, a red-hot crappie lure. Tom Seymour photos

tasty panfish inhabit the entire shoreline in vast numbers. For someone who loves light-tackle fishing and also loves sweet fillets rolled in Slap Ya Mama Cajun fish fry coating, this sounds too good to pass up. (By the way, while I love Slap Ya Mama products, any coating will do for bluegill fillets, including plain flour or cornmeal.) My plan for a day spent catching bluegills sees me launching my boat and then, instead of zipping off to parts unknown, fishing in the

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area of the boat launch and then making my way around the pond. As a bonus, Sheepscot Pond holds lots of 12- to 14inch white perch. And what better time to partake of these spiny-rayed treats than on a brilliant, calm day in June? Look for Sheepscot Pond in the DeLorme Atlas, Map 13, B-4. Crappie Fun An ultralight spinning rod, some crappie jigs and a school of hungry crappies spell fun and excitement. Lots of people fish for crappies with worms and shiners, but since these golden-andblack-patched warmwater game fish bite so well on artificials, there really is no need to use bait. For those who haven’t done much jig fishing, just remember to cast out and let your jig slowly settle to bottom, all the while watching the line for telltale movement

that signals a strike. Once the jig hits bottom, work it back slowly, in short increments. Bites most often come as light taps, and upon feeling a tap or “tic,” it’s time to set the hook fast and hard. The biggest mistake people make is to not respond quickly enough. But it only takes a few fish for anyone to get the hang of it. Upon locating a school, it is possible to get back-to-back strikes. The action of a hooked fish keeps the rest of the school interested, so it is important to unhook a fish and get the jig back in the water as quickly as possible. Sometimes I’ll bring two rods, both rigged up with jigs. If one jig gets stuck on bottom during one of these marathon feeding sprees, I’ll open the bail on my reel and leaving that rod to attend to later, pick up the other rod and keep on

fishing. The idea, again, is to keep ’em coming. A 3-pound-test line works well for me, but sometimes this light line hasn’t strength to lift a large crappie from the water. So a small landing net comes into play. Besides that, as often as not a bass will bite my crappie jigs and if the bass weighs 3 or 4 pounds, the net comes in real handy. My favorite crappie haunt, Unity Pond, holds more crappies than anyone could imagine, and the more fish people take out of the pond, the larger the average size will become. So get the frying pan ready, and head to Unity Pond for fast action on crappies. Look for Unity Pond on Map 22, D-1 and Map 21, D-5. Brown Trout Brown trout grow large in Midcoast Maine and most ponds and lakes that hold browns also contain some big – as in 4 pounds and over – brownies. Alford Lake, a pond noted for lunker browns, doesn’t give up its trophies willingly – we must work hard for them. But the big fish are there, as attested to by the 10 pound brown trout that Allen Gallant took two seasons ago. Allen, a dedicated troller, uses lead-core line, Les Davis trolling spoons and golden shiners on a sliding bait hook. His relentless dedication sees him landing, and sometimes losing, huge brown trout at Alford Lake. For success here, we all must emulate Allen’s determination. That (Continued on page 64)

�� The Maine Sportsman • June 2019 • 63

Downeast Features Outstanding Brook-Trout Fishing in June Fellow fly-fisherman Jim Sohns of Bucksport fishes Simmons Pond in Hancock several times each spring. He fishes a nymph, especially a gold-ribbed Hare’s Ear Natural on a wet-fly line, and catches and releases a sufficient number of 10- and 12-inch brookies to make the trips worthwhile. A 10-inch brookie broke the tranquility of the early-evening stillness by supping a water-borne insect. The fish slapped its tail and generated a tell-tall circle on the pond’s surface. Seconds later, a 9-inch, red-bellied brookie creased the water trying to inhale a surfacing insect. The top-water action gave me high hopes that I would catch a few trout. After several hurried casts, I was able to lay my fly line on the water. My dry fly, a Blue-winged olive, fell on the surface of the pond. Within seconds, the fly disappeared, and my fly line began to straighten out. I started to retrieve the line and play my first 9-inch brookie of the evening. I lifted my 9-foot Sage rod tip high in the air and carefully slid the fish

in close to the shoreline, then carefully removed the small fly from the fish’s jaw and released it back in on the small pond. The surface action continued non-stop for another half-hour. By dusk, I had caught and released eight more brookies. The feisty fish ranged from 9 to 12 inches. Downeast Trout Ponds Brook trout like those described above will be bending rod tips on many waters in the Downeast Region this month. Some

of the most fertile fishing grounds in Hancock County and Washington County can be found by referring to DeLorme’s Maine Atlas, especially Maps 24 and 25. Simmons Pond A prime producer of June brook trout is Simmons Pond in Hancock, Map 24, E-2. This small, 7-acre pond traditionally receives an annual allocation of 350 trout; however, that number increased this year – DIF&W stocked 250 7- to 13-inch brookies last October, and was scheduled

Fly-fisherman Jim Sohns has good success on trout using nymphs such as this a gold-ribbed Hare’s Ear Natural. Photo source: Kootenay Lifestyles

to stock another 125 10inch fish this May. This larger number of fall-stocked fish, combined with the 2019 spring stocking of brookies, should allow spin-casters (using artificial lures) and fly fishers additional opportunities to catch fish. Regulars

here consider a 12- to 14inch trout a trophy on this water. Fellow fly-fisherman Jim Sohns of Bucksport fishes this pond several times each spring. Jim, a dedicated fly fisherman, is usually fortunate enough to catch and re(Continued on next page)

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Downeast Region (Continued from page 63)

lease several 10- to 12inch brookies on each of his trips. Mr. Sohns reports that he fishes a nymph, especially a gold-ribbed Hare’s Ear Natural on a wet-fly line, which entices enough brookies to justify several outings to this pond each year. Access to Simmons can be gained by taking the Eastern Road to Washington Junction. A gate was installed years ago to curtail the careless actions caused by 4-wheel-drive vehicle owners, who in the past have rutted the road and made it impassable for months. According to Region C biologist Greg Burr, the gate will be unlocked as soon as road conditions permit. Partridge Pond Two other trout-filled waters found on Map 24 are Partridge Pond and Ducktail Pond in Amherst, Map 24, A-1. Partridge Pond, a 28acre brook-trout water, lies in scenic hill country. This area offers a beautiful wilderness experience, with the fragrance of white pine and the beauty of white birches. Access is off Route 9 on a dirt road. Drive as far as you can on this road, and hike or bike the remaining distance to the

pond. Partridge Pond was stocked with 591 7-inch brookies last October. Several cold-water springs in the pond allow a few hold-over brookies of a pound or more to survive. This pond is restricted to artificial lures with a daily bag limit of two trout. The minimum length limit is 12 inches, and only one trout may exceed 14 inches. Ducktail Pond Another small (24acre) brook-trout pond in the same region is Ducktail Pond, Map 24, A-2. This water has a maximum depth of 43 feet and contains a lot of clear, cool water adequate for brooktrout survival in the warm summer months. This pristine, boulder-strewn pond was stocked last fall with 260 7-inch brookies. Regulations restrict this water to artificial lures only, and a daily limit of one trout of a minimum length of 14 inches. Access to this water can be had by following the Partridge Pond outlet to Ducktail Pond. Washington County Brookies One small water in Washington County that can create a lot of brook-

Midcoast Region (Continued from page 62)

means even if nothing bites after two or three hours of trolling, that’s no reason to quit. The fish are there, and eventually one will bite. Alford also holds salmon, but most of these are taken in winter by ice fishermen. Some remain for summertime anglers, however. Last June on a still, misty day, brown trout refused to bite but a salmon took my golden shiner, making my day a success. Brown trout, though, outnumber salmon by a large ratio, and any salmon taken while trolling are just icing on the cake. By the way, the day I got my salmon, I noticed some interesting plants growing www.MaineSportsman.com

trout excitement is West Pike Brook Pond in Cherryfield, Map 25, C-3. West Pike is located on the blueberry barrens of Washington County. Canoes or small boats can be launched at a site near the western end of the pond. Hatchery personnel stocked this water last fall with 1,200 7-inch and 75 13-inch brook trout. Having fished this pond a number of years ago, I can assure anglers that the difficulty required to get to the pond is worth the effort. Brookies in the 14- to 16 in range are a times caught from this water. The following restrictive regulations are in effect: artificial lures only, a minimum length limit of 10 inches, only one may exceed 12 inches, and a daily bag limit of 2 trout. A second productive brook trout and brown trout water in Washington County is Simpson Pond in Roque Bluffs, Map 26, D-3. This small 21-acre pond is very shallow; however, natural springs in the pond provide enough cool water for trout to survive through the summer. Canoes or small boats may be launched on the pond – motor boats are prohibited. This water also provides an acceptable fishery for brown trout, which are stocked as

When he’s not casting a fly to trout, he’s turkey hunting! Down East regional columnist Jim Lemieux author had a successful hunt on May 4, 2019, bagging a 20-lb., 3 oz. tom.

spring yearlings. Anglers occasionally catch a few 3- to 4- pound browns. In a recent conversation with Maine Guide Stan Hubbard of Roque Bluffs, he mentioned to me that he had in fact caught a few 3-pound brownies in past years. Three hundred 12inch brookies and 50

near the boat landing. This was a stand of wild mint, high in menthol content and spicer and “mintier” than any domestic variety. This, too, went into my cooler. All in all it was a good day. My recommendation for taking a trophy brown trout from Alford Lake includes either lead-core line or any tackle fished from a downrigger. Use a set of trolling spoons with a small golden shiner behind the spoons. The notion of “big bait, big fish,” doesn’t always work and for brown trout fishing in summer, smaller baitfish perform far better. Find Alford Lake on Map 14, C-2, D-2. Best wishes and tight lines!

12-inch brown trout are stocked each spring, providing some fast action. A few of these brook trout holdover brookies attain lengths of 13-15 inches. Shore anglers enjoy fairly good luck using a worm and a bobber. Kayaks can be rented on-site to explore or fish the pond.

Brown trout weren’t biting this day on Alford Lake, but the author caught a salmon to make up for it.

�� The Maine Sportsman • June 2019 • 65

Fat Decoy Equals Turkey Success Last season, my son dropped the hammer on his biggest tom turkey to date, a 20.2 pound bruiser of a bird shot during the first week. It was a long morning hunt, and we had almost given up for the promise of McDonald’s breakfast sandwiches, when the woods were rocked by his impressively loud gobble. My son barely had a chance to collect his composure and get his shotgun into position before the behemoth strolled into range. Thankfully, old Tom was too transfixed and ready to pick a fight with our Avian X Strutter to worry about our erratic movements. Well, a deep breath later, my son took the shot, and old tom was meat. I have to say, after an entire season of using the Avian X Strutter, this large, bulky, inflatable decoy is well worth the extra effort and weight. I am hooked on its effectiveness, and wouldn’t dream of hunting without it. Last season, I guided my son and a family friend in harvesting two toms over 20 pounds, as well as two birds (18 and 19 pounds) for myself. In an open field, this enticing decoy has the size and realism to pull in big Toms and even curious jakes (early season) from long distances. In my experience, if they see it, they’re coming in for a closer look. Turkeys Thick as Ticks! On the heels of last year’s impressive season, now a full year later, we are experiencing another productive spring turkey

I had a premonition this turkey season was going to be great, as I watched the fields last fall and saw dozens of hens with huge broods numbering 6-7 poults. I also noted large flocks of turkeys inhabiting almost every field I passed.

The Wildman with his 20.2-lbs. Tom Turkey from the spring 2018 season. Steve Vose photo

hunt. I don’t remember the last time I walked into the woods and had turkeys gobbling on every cardinal point of the compass ... and then some! I had a premonition this season was going to be great, as I watched the fields last fall and saw dozens of hens with huge broods numbering 6-7 poults. In addition to the healthy brood sizes, I also noted large flocks of turkeys inhabiting almost every field I passed. I felt at times, I would have a difficult time stepping in the woods without step-

ping on a turkey! Turkey Troubles? All of the sightings and the excellent spring hunt seem in direct contrast to the turkey numbers being reported throughout the eastern United States. Decreasing turkey populations are being reported in such states as Missouri (down 30%), Mississippi (down 34%), New York (down 40%) and Arkansas (down 65%). The National Wild Turkey Federation reports that in 1973, there were approximately 1.5

million wild turkeys in North America. After 40 years of effort, that number reached a historic high of about 6.7 million turkeys. Today turkey numbers are creeping downward (everywhere but in Maine!), and are currently estimated at between 6 million birds. Wildlife biologists say these recent declines may not be long-term, but they do warrant close monitoring. Among the listed concerns, scientists feel that in some areas birds have reached carrying capacity and have declined as the

capacity of the habitat to support a certain number of birds has declined. If the habitat conditions decline across multiple counties and states, then birds have no choice but to decline with it. Another factor, in the mix is that turkeys are extremely susceptible to diseases, including blackhead, avian pox and West Nile. To avoid any fears of disease transmission to humans, turkeys should be cleaned using rubber gloves, and all instruments used in butchering should be thoroughly cleaned. Also when cooking turkey meat, the USDA recommends cooking it to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Tough Turkey Now I like to shoot big tom turkeys just as much as the next guy, but when it comes to eating big birds, they can be a little on the tough side. To combat this issue, one approach is to grind the meat before meal preparation. Ground turkey meat can be used in soups and tacos. It can be made into meatballs or – my children’s favorite – ground turkey nuggets. To try them yourself, follow this simple recipe:

• • • • • • •

Ground Turkey Nuggets 1/4 cup white flour 2 eggs, beaten 1 cup breadcrumbs 1 pound ground turkey ½-tsp salt 2 tsp Parmesan cheese, freshly grated 1/4 cup olive oil

(Continued on next page) www.MaineSportsman.com

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Best Fishing Experience? Camping on an Island! One year, we tried getting to an island in a 12-foot canoe, but with all our camping gear, fishing gear and food, the canoe was clearly overloaded. So I recommend a boat at least 12 feet long, rather than a small canoe, since you don’t want to capsize and have all your fishing and camping gear sink to the bottom of the lake. There’s one thing that I really enjoy in the summer, and that’s camping. I love being out in the woods early in the morning with not a worry in the world, watching the sun come up. But as much as I enjoy camping, I like fishing even more. However, combining fishing with camping is hard, if you have to lug all your camping and fishing gear along on the hike, and then fish from the shore of a pond. My solution? Find a pond or lake with an island, and camp on the island. Advantages of Island Camping What I like about camping on an island is you get solitude, peace and quiet, and above all, great fishing. But the “solitude” part does not always work out. In fact, the last time my friend and I went camping on an island, it was on a lake with a popular bass

fishery – great for fishing, but it also attracted night bass fishermen. My buddy and I were trying to get some sleep, when along came some guys in a bass boat that was lit up like a Christmas tree, with all of them talking, laughing and fishing big, loud poppers. While that experience was less than enjoyable, it only happened one time to us, and it may never happen again. Usually, on smaller islands and quieter lakes or ponds, you’ve got the whole place to yourself. Not only that, but you can catch all the fish you need, right outside your camp! Boat, or Canoe? We discovered that if you have a lot of gear, a small boat is better than a small canoe. One year, we tried using a 12-foot canoe with a trolling motor, but with two people, a tent and all the fishing gear, it wouldn’t have taken

Central Maine (Continued from page 65)

• • • • •

Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce ½-cup mayonnaise 3 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons yellow mustard 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard ½-tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Take out three small bowls. Add the flour to the first bowl. Crack the eggs into the second one. Add the breadcrumbs to the www.MaineSportsman.com

much of a chop on the water to capsize our rig. So I recommend a boat at least 12 feet long, rather than a canoe, since you don’t want to end up with all your fishing and camping gear sinking to the bottom of the lake. When you get there and get all your stuff set up, then you can start fishing right away. The cool thing is you can fish right up until dark when the fishing is best, and you can keep what you want for dinner. Suggestions for Tasty Eats A good side dish with your catch is wild rice – it goes really well with fish, and it’s pretty simple to prepare. Rice is also part of a plan that will let you keep the number of dishes needed for cooking, to a minimum. Here’s how it works – we heat the rice up in a metal pot right on the fire. If you have got some trout, gut the fish, cut the

As the author demonstrates with this lunker largemouth, when you are camping on an island, great fishing is available right in front of your campsite!

heads off and toss them right into a frying pan with some butter, salt and pepper. If you want to get fancy, you can add some gourmet fish seasoning and a lemon. No trout? No worry. Crappie and white perch are good, too – they are easy to catch, and they have nice flaky white meat. So learn to fillet perch and crappie, and either roll them in breadcrumbs, or blacken them in the fry pan – find some good recipes, and try them out. We’ve found that

third bowl. Put the ground turkey in a large bowl, and mix in the salt and Parmesan cheese. Put some flour on your hands and make a ping-pong sized ball out of the turkey. Set the ball on a cookie sheet, and continue until all of the turkey has been made into small balls. Roll each ball in the flour, dip in the egg, and then roll in the breadcrumbs. Place back on the cookie sheet, and then flatten gently. Repeat until done. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over me-

most often, the simpler preparations are the most rewarding. If you don’t like fish, canned soups are good, too. We’ve even brought steaks, but you’ll want a cooler because it’s important to keep fresh meat (and beverages) as cold as possible. And four final notes: 1) get landowner permission; 2) be safe and responsible in your actions; 3) don’t forget the bug repellant, and 4) pick up all your trash before you leave.

dium-low. Place the turkey pieces in the skillet, and cook for 2 minutes. Flip over and cook the other side for an additional 2 minutes. After they have been slightly browned on each side, place back on the cookie sheet, and bake at 375 degrees for about 8 minutes, or until cooked all the way through. Serve hot, with honey mustard sauce (see recipe above) for dipping!

�� The Maine Sportsman • June 2019 • 67

Summer Reconnaissance The snow that began to layer the ridges here in Northern New Hampshire last October finally receded in May. The front lawn of my remote mountain camp had snow on it for seven straight months! It was the longest winter I can remember. I, for one, got darn sick of sitting around inside waiting for nicer weather. Now that it is here, let’s make the most of it. Many sportsmen realize that the amount of consistent success they have is somewhat contingent on how much preparation they put into their efforts. Everyone is lucky now and then, but to be lucky repeatedly takes careful planning and preparation. The summer is when I begin to really start obsessing over the upcoming hunting season. (To be honest, I start thinking about it about two days after the end of the previous season.) Specifically, I start thinking about new areas I want to explore. Some hunters have their tried and true honey-holes – they sit in the same treestand year after year; they make the same walk around their property day after day. To each his own, but that would drive me nuts! I’m always driving farther and hiking deeper to see new country. Push-pins on Google Earth During the winter months, I usually peruse Google Earth and mark points of interest on the satellite imagery that I’ve yet to see with my

My wife and I attended the wedding of some friends in the Adirondacks. I suggested to her that we to do some “tent camping” with me. I love to hunt. She loves to tent camp. Apparently I didn’t disguise my actual intentions too well, because after we’d traveled along 20 miles of woods roads, my wife said, “Are we done looking for deer spots yet?”

On this October recon mission disguised to my dog as a grouse-hunting walk, we were able to confirm the existence of an old moose yard spotted on Google Earth. We also found this beautiful ledge overlooking a high-elevation remote pond.

own eyes. It’s kind of like a bucket list. Sometimes it’s a potential moose yard; sometimes it’s a big swath of old-growth timber (increasingly rare on paper company lands); sometimes it is a rocky underwater shelf that might hold smallmouth bass, sometimes it’s an inexplicable oddity in the imagery, in which I title the push-pin as “What is this?” By this time of the year, my Google Earth map looks like something out of a detective’s crime-solving drama: pushpins, lines, numbers, and pictures scattered all about.

Now it’s time to start checking coordinates off my bucket list. The weather is warm, and the days are long. I can verify whether or not an area holds what I am looking for without wasting a precious day of hunting season or shed antler season to do so. Recon Missions Better yet, many times I can share my reconnaissance or reconnoitering (“recon”) mission with other people. (I always hunt alone, so it is nice to show others the neat places and geographic features I come across in my escapades.) I can turn my deer scouting

mission into an adventurous bushwhack hike with a friend in to a nearby remote ledge or waterfall. Or turn an exploration of logging roads into a roadside brook fishing trip. Last summer, my wife and I were invited to some friends’ wedding in the Adirondacks. My wife, who couldn’t care less about deer hunting, loves to tent camp. I had read a few books about deer hunting in the Adirondacks, and had wanted for several years to take a hunting trip over there, but didn’t want to go into it blindly and waste precious days of the season floundering

about. This was the perfect opportunity to bridge that gap. After the wedding, we went on a short camping tour of the Adirondacks. Apparently I didn’t disguise my actual intentions too well, as when we were 20 miles deep on the dirt roads of the Moose River Plains, my wife turned to me, obviously annoyed, and said, “Are we done looking for deer spots yet? I just want to have a nice vacation!” “A Complete Success” As a result of that trip, though, I discovered free roadside campsites in the heart of the wilderness—just the logistic I needed to make the trip back in the fall. I went back to the Plains at the end of October with my old canvas wall tent, and spent five days doing what I love most – exploring new country with my rifle in hand. Even though I saw only a few deer—and nothing to shoot at—I was able to cross off several pinpoints on my Google Earth map that had been sitting idle for several years – a complete success. Summer Plans This summer I am eyeing quite a few pinpoint destinations to reconnoiter. Some small daytrips – a cabin roof in the middle of the White Mountains National Forest, on top of a mountain with no hiking trail or road within miles; what appears to be grass tennis courts (?) in the woods on the south side of (Continued on page 69) www.MaineSportsman.com

68 • June 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Bass Action Heating Up This Month Perhaps my favorite memory of my dad is him sitting in a lawn chair at the end of the dock, enjoying a cigar on a still June evening, fishing with a nightcrawler and bobber for bass. Sure, he cast for bass, trolled for salmon and lake trout and even did some fishing in Alaska, but the sitting-on-thedock method of angling on his little piece of heaven was all he needed to be content. As June ushers in summer and bass take center stage, I always think of him in that chair. The spawn is on, and bass all around the

When I was a kid, I would fish for bass with my Dad. On calm, cool June mornings, Dad would put on a Jitterbug and drag it across the surface of a shallow spot. Nothing prepared me for then violent eruption of a bass as it smashed the top-water plug. region hang out under docks and silty spots, making them prime targets to anglers (just be sure to release them unharmed near their nests). Sebago Lake (DeLorme Atlas, Map 5, C-1) is not only the region’s largest body of water; it’s one of the top bass lakes in the area. Bass tournaments draw competitive anglers, and little kids fish from shoreline and docks,

all in pursuit of the abundant smallmouth and largemouth bass. Fishing with Dad When I was a kid, my Dad and I would work the shoreline from our small boat with spin-casting rigs. We’d use the quiet electric motor to glide along, and then stop to cast toward shore. Dad preferred a Mepps spinner, and I used a small spinnerbait. Sometimes

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he would put a live shiner on a bobber and drift it off the back of the boat. When that bobber went under, it was usually a decent smallie. This was a productive way of fishing, especially in early to mid-June, as the bass were close to the shore. Strikes could come from hunger or from anger as they guarded the nest. Either way, many a Sebago bass was caught and released using this method. Nowadays, bass anglers used tube baits with great success. I think many of them, especially the darker colors, imitate a crayfish, another of Dad’s secret weapons on bass. On calm, cool June mornings, Dad would put on a Jitterbug and drag it across the surface of a shallow spot. Nothing prepared me for then violent eruption of a bass smashing a top-water plug. All of these techniques worked well and they still do today. But like the real estate professionals say, “It’s all about location, location, location!” Sebago – “Relatively Undeveloped”? Compared to other large lakes, Sebago remains relatively undeveloped. Wait – before you throw your copy of this fine publication down, hear me out. In the Sebago Lake watershed, more than 81 percent of the land is un-

developed. Now we aren’t talking just shoreline, but you can still find good stretches of undeveloped shoreline on the lake. While docks make great spawning structure, so do quiet sections of boulders, gravel and sand, away from the noise of humans. Fish these stretches of shoreline for some superb June bass angling. Another top bass spot this month is the boulder-strewn waters around the Dingley Islands. These myriad islands sit amid a field of rocks deposited by glacial activity. They feature gravel beds and sandy bottom, all prime bass habitat. Motor in slowly and work the large boulders – chances are there will be a bass hiding in the shadows. Little Sebago Just down the road in Windham is Little Sebago Lake (Map 5, C-3), another fine bass water with the variety of underwater terrain that bass love. Little Sebago has gravel bars, shallows spots, islands and inlets that draw bass in. The shoreline depth varies rapidly – you can be in 20 feet of water one second, and then run aground the next. I always keep my outboard hinge unlatched when working the shoreline on this lake, so the motor can pivot up if something unseen is struck. When after Little Sebago bass, I use my trolling fly rod, and tie on a 2-inch floating Rapala minnow in silver or gold color. These work wonders on local bass, and you will (Continued on next page)

�� The Maine Sportsman • June 2019 • 69 (Continued from page 68)

likely get a brown trout or two, to boot. Trolling the shallows at just enough speed to get the lure humming works wonders, but be sure to watch for abrupt depth changes. You can throw on a streamer fly, too and catch equal numbers of bass and brown trout. I use a Barnes Special to replicate the abundant yellow perch in the lake. Access is easy from the nice launch at the end of aptly-name Angler’s Road, off Route 302. Thompson Lake Just to the north, Thompson Lake (Map 5, A-2) is another top-notch bass fishery. As salmon trolling slows down this month, bass angling picks up. For largemouth anglers, the Heath at the southern end of the lake provides weed beds and quiet water. Motorboats are prohibited in the Heath, so this is a per-

fect spot to run a canoe or kayak. Use weedless lures and spinnerbaits for the best success. On the big lake, Thompson’s varied bottom structure and erratic shoreline hold some decent-sized smallies. Working the shoreline and watching for docks and rock structure is a productive way to fish the lake. Live shiners and crayfish do well when targeting rocky areas. Consider snipping off the crayfish pincers so they don’t grab onto structure and hide from the fish. Range Pond Chain Farther north, the Range Pond chain in Poland (Map 5, A-3) has plenty of docks to fish around, especially upper and Middle Range Pond. While known for abundant stocked trout – and you may latch onto some of these – the Range Pond Chain is a top bass fishery. I prefer to work Up-

New Hampshire

per Range Pond, as it is generally quieter, especially come the summer months. Middle Range Pond seems to host more boating activity, but a morning outing usually gives you the whole lake to fish undisturbed. Tube jigs and soft baits cast toward shore and brought in just above bottom are killer medicine for Range Pond smallies. Plenty of opportunities exist for early summer bass angling in this region. There are too many bodies of water to cover in a single column, so these are a few of my favorites and ones that I have consistently caught bass on.

The author’s late father, Jerry, shows off one of his bruiser “dock bass.” Photo by Tom Roth

But don’t take my word for it, get out there and find your own piece

of heaven on this region’s bass waters.

THE

LAKES REGION Bridgton • Harrison • Naples • Casco • Raymond Gray • Windham • Standish • Sebago • Denmark Brownfield • Fryeburg • Lovell • Sweden • Stow Stoneham • Norway • Oxford • Otisfield • Waterford

(Continued from page 67)

Christine Lake, in Stark; some new cuttings behind a gate in the northeastern reaches of the WMNF; and a remote pond I’ve driven by a hundred times but never fished. I also have a couple larger treks planned – some rumored free campsites somewhere east of Coburn Gore, Maine (definitely not scouting for areas to deer hunt ….); a small campground on the southern tip of Richardson Lake and some fishing in the Middle Dam area (again, definitely not a deer scouting mission, Honey ….). These are just a couple. As always, my list grows a lot faster than it shrinks. I wish I had the time, money, and interested company to knock more places off than I do. Let Me Know What You Find I encourage all outdoor lovers to turn to some satellite imagery and really start a deep exploration of your area. It is amazing how many little treasures this country has to offer. You will be surprised with all the neat things you find in your own backyard that you never knew existed. For all my time doing this type of recon, I can still find something new to explore within half an hour of my house, just about every time I look at the imagery. If you’d like, send me an email with your finds. From hidden waterfalls to unique growths on trees to old foundations, I’d love to hear about them all!

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70 • June 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Mid-Summer Fishing for Rainbows, Sheds and Stripers I’m often asked where to fish during mid-summer heat, a time when trout fishing can be difficult, and fishing for warm-water species like bass is at its best. I generally send them to water that has good numbers of fish, be it fresh water rainbow or brook trout, or salt water sea-run trout, shad or stripers. Many times I get feedback about trips I’ve sent these folks on, and some say that they had no luck. Generally I question when and how they fished the spot I sent them to, and most often they tell me they fished at midday, or on the wrong tide, or otherwise used unproductive tactics. I then explain that you need luck when you fish a body of water at the wrong time or use the wrong fishing methods – success comes when you fish at the right times and with the proper methods. So with that in mind, this column deals with more in-depth information on waters I’ve covered in past columns. Where to Catch Rainbows The Department stocks and manages a limited amount of rainbow trout waters in southern parts of the state. These waters include Crystal

Lake in Gray, Kennebunk Pond in Lyman, Little Ossipee Lake in Waterboro, Stanley Pond in Hiram, Warren Pond in South Berwick and Ell Pond in Wells. There are others around the state, but these are in my region and I’m familiar with them. Although these are only a few waters managed for rainbows, the state stocks large amounts of ’bows in these waters. As an example, last year, 564-acre Little Ossipee Lake was stocked with 3,125 ’bows in lengths ranging from 8 to 23 inches. Crystal Lake in Gray is 189 acres, and it’s stocked annually with around 300 rainbow trout. Stanley Pond received 1,030 rainbows, Ell Pond was stocked with 300, and Warren Pond received 350 fish. Kennebunk Pond in Lyman received a stocking of 225 rainbows. These waters are also stocked annually with brookies and brown trout. Rainbows are considered easier to catch than browns, and offer better catch rates; they are also better-adapted to warm water temperatures than other trout. Little Ossipee Little Ossipee Lake in Waterboro offers a vari-

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ety of fish species – rainbows, brown and brook trout, landlocked salmon, and many types of warm-water fish. Recently, 620 brook trout and 220 landlocked salmon were also stocked in the lake. The lake offers a substantial population of cusk that can be caught on sandy underwater points running into deep water. Cusk are nocturnal feeders, moving into shallow water to feed at dusk. Dead bait, fished on the bottom, will catch fish including bullheads (hornpout) during warm summer evenings. Little Ossipee also offers good fishing for crappie, pickerel, perch and bass that hang out in bays, as well as in deeper-water sections of the lake near structures and underwater rock piles. The lake is a great cold water fishery, but it also offers pan fishing excitement as well. Anglers can locate Little Ossipee Lake by studying DeLorme Atlas Map 2, A-4. Parking is at a boat launch site located on Route 5. Inland Fisheries and Wildlife fish biologists generally send stocking trucks out in May once the stocking locations dry up enough to make them passable for the heavy trucks. They keep records, and manage and monitor these waters and – good news for anglers – generally stock each lake with around the same numbers of fish each year. Fly Fishing Only (FFO) Trout Waters The Crooked River flows from Songo Lake

in Albany, to where it enters Sebago Lake in Casco. The river features fly fishing only (FFO) sections from North Waterford to Route 11 in Casco, and it’s managed as a wild trout fishery. Anglers are limited to one salmon at least 26 inches long. Additional rules apply between October 1 and October 15, so check the law book. Crooked River consists of pocket waters, riffles and pools. Some slow-moving sections have sandy bottoms that should be avoided in low water conditions. Feeder brooks empty into the river along upper stretches, and their cool-mountain waters attract brook trout during summer months. Deep pools also hold fish during heat waves. Smelt spawning runs begin when water temperatures are about 50 degrees, and salmon follow them upstream hanging out in pools below rapids – a great time for streamer flies like a Grey Ghost, Red Ghost or Mickey Finn. Matching the size of the smelt will get you into fish. Some spots to fish are at the bridge in Bolster’s Mills, and near the outlet into Sebago Lake. During rainy and overcast days, trout become active and fishing can be good along the whole waterway. Sea Trout and Shad Casting for sea-run browns near the Route 9 Bridge that crosses the Mousam River in Kennebunk will allow anglers to catch stripers and trout, as well as an occasional American Shad. Start by fishing un-

der the bridge. There’s parking at a launch site at the bridge, and limited parking along the road. Bridge fishing at night is an option, as well. Here’s how my friends and I catch browns in the lower Mousam River: • We park at Rodgers Pond in Kennebunk • Slip on waders and – during dead low tide – • Wade to a sand bar in the middle of the river just below the rapids. • We then cast into the pools and runs. There are no guarantees in fishing, but we generally take trout here. Sea-run browns can be caught in other river systems, including the Ogunquit River. Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IF&W) biologists tell us flies and lures that imitate shrimp or small minnows will work best on these waters. Low tides are the best times to catch shad in the Mousam, much like browns. Shad become trapped or just may hold in deep pools during low tide – fishing these pools at low tide will get hard strikes. Shad don’t feed in the river system, so using bright-small flies or jigs can result in instinctive strikes and hard acrobatic fights. Anglers can kayak or canoe the section from the Route 9 bridge to the railroad bridge about a mile upstream. Shad, stripers and trout hold in the many deep pools waiting for the tide to turn, sweeping bait fish from the sea.

�� The Maine Sportsman • June 2019 • 71

Spectacular Vistas, Great Fishing, and a Stellar Museum In most places around Maine, the month of June brings a drastic change in fishing conditions on lakes and big ponds ... enough to require a major change in technique. Ice-out time has passed, and the warmer weather changes water temperatures that cause a “thermal turnover” in big water. Water temperatures vary throughout the depths of a big lake (thermal stratification) depending on atmospheric temperatures. Colder water remains denser than warmer water, and sinks to lower levels in a lake or big pond. When the atmospher-

ic temperatures heat up and melt the ice, the colder water on the surface of the lake starts to sink to the bottom of the lake. Trout and salmon become more active, and feed more, in colder water temperatures (somewhere between fifty and sixty-five degrees), so the fish follow this cold water to deeper parts of the lake. Thus, anglers in search of trout and salmon adapt their techniques to fish for salmonid at these deeper depths. This month the big-water trout and salmon anglers in this region begin to change from trolling on the surface to going deep to find ac-

tively feeding fish. Heavy leaded line and downriggers come into play, and deep-trolling angling begins with a fury. Take a look at anyone of the scenic vistas overlooking Rangeley’s big lakes, and you’ll see a vast number of trolling boats out and about, plying the region’s waters for the awesome selection of trout and salmon thriving there.

lection of moving water the Rangeley Region offers! The Rangeley Lakes Region could be called the “Fly Fishing Capital of Maine,” but so could

Greenville, or Grand Lake Stream, or so many other awesome fishing communities around this state. Anglers living in Maine know they have (Continued on page 74)

Other “Avenues” Another “avenue” to successful fishing during June requires a little skill for fishing the many streams, rivers and little brooks throughout this region ... and what a se-

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72 • June 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

My Bird Dog, Ginger, Trains the NAVHDA Way This month my little Vizsla puppy turns eight – eight-months old, that is, and well on her way to becoming a top-notch bird finding machine. In the past, I explained in this column that I’d be training her with a NAVHDA (North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association) trainer from the Sebasticook chapter of the organization (sebasticook. com). The NAVHDA organization trains bird hunting dogs throughout the nation, holding special events to qualify the breeds for obedience, properly pointing game birds, and for retrieving game on land and water. I have been working with NAVHDA trainer and Maine guide Peter Wade and his wife Marie, from Northern Exposure Kennels (gspbirddog. com) in Farmington. I could not have asked for a better couple to teach me the details of perfecting my dog training techniques – they’ve been doing this for so many years that they instantly identify and correct training issues throughout the weekly program that I’ve been attending. Each week Peter and Marie host an informal training session in Mercer for around 15 dog owners. Each of us dog owners works on several commands during the training session, while receiving valuable advice from the Wades. They even have live game birds to help get our dogs acquainted to the scent and unpredictable actions of real game birds – a highly-valuable training rewww.MaineSportsman.com

If you find yourself getting frustrated when training a puppy, it may be time to step back, drop all training for a period of time, and just play with the dog.

Proper training should end on a playful note. That’s our Ginger, on the right. Ambyr Wilson photo

source in itself. To say the Wades have done a great job helping with the training is an understatement ... they have performed a fine-tuning of what I thought I already knew, to the point that I feel confident in my training

technique with my little bird dog. So look out, October – Ginger will be tearing up the grouse woods this fall! Old Techniques I grew up training hunting dogs and often

referred to the Koehler Method (William Koehler) of teaching basic obedience to young and old dogs alike. Mr. Koehler’s techniques draw on his extensive career in dog training, and most of what he teaches can still be used today.

A German Shorthaired Pointer from Northern Exposure Kennels perfecting the retrieve. Photo courtesy Northern Exposure Kennels.

With this being said, it has been extremely interesting to observe the subtle differences between the Koehler Method and the NAVHDA techniques for training dogs. Let me also explain something that should help anyone training dogs in obedience – or any kind of dog training, for that matter. Before the Internet came along, I relied on books, specialized classes and seminars, and personal experience to learn dog training techniques that really worked. For me, it was mostly a “trial and error” kind of method, to learn a wide variety of techniques. Some worked, and a lot just didn’t cut it. Nowadays, folks can simply scroll through the Internet to find literally thousands of ideas for training a dog. While this searching can often be productive, it can also lead to many dead-ends – somebody just babbling online and pretending to be an expert. Be aware of this, and understand that working with a qualified dog trainer will be the best way to get started. I still look over the Internet stuff ... but then I present any seemingly-good ideas to my training people to get their opinion. Yin Yang Effective dog training can be broken down into two opposing thoughts. One camp believes that dogs should be rigidly forced into learning commands, while the other believes in teaching (Continued on next page)

�� The Maine Sportsman • June 2019 • 73 (Continued from page 72)

the dog to learn how to want to please the owner through gentle techniques to persuade obedience. New dog owners, anxious to find the “right” method, often make the mistake of choosing one over the other. I believe that instead, there needn’t be a choice between the two, but rather a mixture of both to find a happy medium that works for both the partic-

ular needs of the owner and the dog. To make it clear, I’m not advocating for one or the other method – I’m choosing both for certain issue that arise during training. I strive to remain calm during the most frustrating times, and prefer to rely on positive reinforcement as the ultimate training tool. But – and this is a huge but – don’t ever fool yourself into thinking there won’t be times when you blow your cool

– it happens to the best of us all. What I have learned, and I’m a very calm person most of the time, is that when I get frustrated with my sweet little dog, I take a step back and regroup. Sometimes I completely drop all training and just play with the dog, refusing to let the young puppy get a negative reaction from me. Other times, I just take a deep breath and forge ahead. (Continued on next page)

Peter Wade working with live birds in the field. Photo courtesy Northern Exposure Kennels.

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74 • June 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Western Maine (Continued from page 73)

Dog training isn’t for everyone, but let me tell you, anyone can do it

Author’s wife, Nancy Carpenter, and Ginger, doing a combination of yoga and Zumba training we call “Dogma.” William Clunie photo

with the right instructors assisting you along the way. Just remember

– you’ll make some mistakes, but fortunately your dog will forgive you. That explains why they are truly man’s best friend.

Water retrieving is essential for the versatile hunting dog. Photo courtesy Northern Exposure Kennels.

Rangeley Region (Continued from page 71)

been blessed with so many great places to fish, but anglers in the Rangeley Region must feel extra blessed – the multitude of fantastic angling opportunities can make fisher weak in the knees. Kennebago River offers fly anglers quite a length of great fishing, all the way from its beginnings near the Canadian border (Delorme Atlas, Map 28, A-3) to where it pours into the big water of Cupsuptic Lake and Mooselookmeguntic Lake, where they meet at Indian Rock (Map 28, E-3). Anglers can find access at the bridge where the upper river and Tim Pond Road intersect (Map 28, C-3) as well as the lower pools along the Boy Scout Road north of Route 16 (Map E-3). The Magalloway River, another wellknown water that starts in a remote area near the Canadian border, also provides fly fishers with plenty of pristine pools and riffles to fish throughout its length. Anglers can access the upper sections of the river through a chain of logging roads that begin on Parmachenee Road in Wilsons Mills (Map 27, E-5) and head north into the big woods. The lower part of the Magalloway River starts at the tube flowing out of Aziscohos Lake on Route 16 (Map 27, E-5). Anglers access this section of the river along Route 16 in various locations where the river comes close to the road. Big brook trout and landlocked salmon can be found in both of these awesome and historic rivers. Each of these fly-fishing-only (FFO) waters contains spectacular aquatic www.MaineSportsman.com

The Upper Magalloway River provides anglers with plenty of productive fishing. William Clunie photo

insect hatches. Information specific to this region can be obtained by calling Brett Damm or his wife Sue, owners of the Rangeley Region Sports Shop, at (207) 864-5615. Outstanding Museum Every time I drive anywhere near the Outdoor Sporting Heritage Museum in Oquossoc, I can hardly drive past it without a strong urge to pull into the parking area and run inside the museum to see what new display they have for the viewing pleasure of anglers and historians. If you have never been to the museum, or if you’re a multiple-visit kind of obsessed angler like this writer, check out their website at rangeleyhistoricalsociety.org, or visit their Facebook page to see what’s happening at the museum and to check their hours of operation. Activities at the museum for June alone will keep interested anglers in deep thought and reflection for months to come. I really

enjoy the rich feeling of tradition that emanates from the walls and displays at that place. Anglers would do well to pay attention to the museum’s complete collection of traditional flies on the numerous displays throughout the building. These same flies that worked way back in those early days still work fine on the waters around this region today. Folks can also simply place a call at (207) 864-3091 to find out the museum’s schedule of activities and hours of operation. The drive up Route 17 to the museum’s Oquossoc location takes in some awesome scenery – the spectacular route has been deemed a scenic byway by the state and national government. Sweeping views of Mount Washington and the Rangeley Region greet visitors on both sides of the paved route to the museum ... don’t forget the camera.

�� The Maine Sportsman • June 2019 • 75

Smilin’

Sportsman Three things you really don’t want to hear while undergoing surgery at Greenville Regional Hospital: 1) “Better save that – we may need it for the autopsy.” 2) “Bo! Bo! Come back with that! Bad dog!” 3) “Wait a minute, if this is his spleen, then what’s that?” ••••••••••••••••••• Morris, an 82-year old man, went to the doctor to get a physical. A few days later, the doctor saw Morris walking down the street with a gorgeous young woman on his arm. “What are you doing?” the doctor asked, incredulously. Morris replied, “Just doing what you said, Doc. You said, ‘Get a hot mamma – be cheer-

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

ful’.” “That’s not what I said,” explained the doctor. “I said, ‘You’ve got a heart murmur – be careful.’” •••••••••••••••••••

A man is talking to God. “God, how long is a million years?” God answers, “To me, it’s about a minute.” “God, how much is a million dollars?” “To me, it’s a penny.” “God, may I have a penny?” “Sure – just wait a minute.” •••••••••••••••••••

This month’s top three country song titles: 1. If The Phone Don’t Ring, You’ll Know It’s Me.

2. I’ve Missed You, But My Aim’s Improvin’. 3. I’m So Miserable Without You, It’s Like You’re Still Here

The Smilin' Sportsman Youth Edition Kids! Send your best hunting & fishing stories, and your favorite jokes, to the editor at will@mainesportsman.com. Johnny’s mother had three children. The first child was named April. The second child was named May. What was the third child’s name? (Answer at bottom of page.) ••••••••••••••••••• Little Johnny was at the chocolate store. “How much for a candy bar?” he asked the clerk. “Two for a dollar,” came the reply. “How much for just one?” “Seventy-five cents.” “Good – then I’ll take the other one!” •••••••••••••••••••

Johnnie and his dad were tossing a football in the back yard. “Johnnie, what do you like most about me?” the father asked. “Is it my athletic ability, or my intelligence?” “The quality I like best, Dad,” replied Johnnie, “is your sense of humor!” ••••••••••••••••••• Young John decided he didn’t like having the toilet named after him, so he decided to call his toilet “Jim” instead. “It sounds so much better,” he explained, “to tell people I woke up early in the morning and went to the Jim!”

••••••••••••••••••• Did you hear about the cannibal who was late for dinner? His friends gave him the cold shoulder!

Answer to riddle: Johnny.

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76 • June 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

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LAND FOR SALE WOODVILLE, ME 114+/- ACRES This lovely gated parcel offers privacy, a nice road system for ease of access to most of the property, hunting, nearby lakes, ATV and snowmobile trails. Has been selectively cut. Ideal location for a camp and has been surveyed and soil tested $64,500. FMI please call (207)633-7838 ——————————— (Continued on next page)

Moosehead

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�� The Maine Sportsman • June 2019 • 77 (Continued from page 76)

WANTED DEER/MOOSE ANTLERS Buying any size deer & moose shed antlers/ racks or antlered skulls. All grades bought by the pound. 802-875-3206 WANTED - SKI DOO, ELAN OR TUNDRA Any Condition. Have cash. Will travel. Call or text 207-522-6940.

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Wildlife Quiz Answers: American Bullfrog (Quiz on Page 42) 1. Some bullfrogs can grow as long as 8 inches, and can weigh more than 1-1/2 pounds. 2. Eight primary species of frogs are commonly found in Maine. 3. Bullfrogs are dull green in coloration with brown spots. Males have bright yellow throats, while females’ throats are white. 4. Scientists studying the bullfrog’s diet have found that it will eat almost any creature it can fit down its throat. This long list includes insects, fish, birds, rodents, crayfish, snakes, small turtles, salamanders, bats, tadpoles and even other frogs. 5. Depending on weather conditions, the bullfrog mating season usually begins in late April. 6. Eggs hatch into tadpoles in May. 7. Animals that eat Bullfrogs include: great blue herons, turtles, snakes and raccoons. 8. It takes approximately three years for young frogs to mature into adults.

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852 DEXTER ROAD • CORINNA, MAINE

1-800-242-2374 • 207-278-7740 WWW.BERGACTIVEWEAR.COM

MADISON - 3 bedroom home with 149 feet of sandy frontage on Lake Wesserunsett. This location offers panoramic views of the Lake. Enjoy water views from almost anywhere in the home. Home sits on 0.76 acres of land. Lake Wesserunsett offers a variety of water activities including fishing, boating, swimming and then winter activities of snowmobiling, ice fishing or cross-country skiing. Here you are just a short distance from Lakewood Theater and Restaurant. Last house at the end of a private road. MLS #1360839 - $234,900 ATHENS - Cozy camp with approximately 200 feet of frontage on Black Stream. Located on a quiet, dead end road in a perfect area for the outdoors-person that’s looking to get away from it all! Relax on your porch that’s only a stone’s throw away from from the stream! New metal roof, siding, windows and support posts all within the past seven years! Small outbuilding for extra storage. This could be the seasonal home you’ve been looking for, come take a look! MLS #1409815 - $49,900 TROY - If you are looking for a turnkey getaway retreat camp with 100 plus acres, this is it. The camp is insulated, wired for a generator and finished. The property is located in the Chain of meadows in the heart of Central Maine. Privacy, seasonal road, drive a 4 wheel drive vehicle to your doorstep. This is the property you have been waiting for. MLS #1370873 - $84,999 SOLON - 25 acres for your private paradise. Camp has 2 bedrooms, open front porch, wood stove and propane heat. Hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and four-wheeling opportunities are nearby. All appliances and furnishings included in sale! ALSO SEE MLS 1351048. YOU CAN PURCHASE BOTH PROPERTIES, FOR A TOTAL OF 2 CAMPS, FOR AN ASKING PRICE OF $99,900. WOW! MLS #1357522 - $58,700 EMBDEN - Here is your chance to own a piece of Maine in a great location! 5.11 Acres with drilled well, septic system, driveway in place and power pole on the property is waiting for you to build your dream home. There is a 2007 Innsbruck Travel Trailer Camper with Slideout, bunkhouse bedrooms and master bedroom that will remain with the property so you can stay here while you build or just enjoy a low maintenance get-a-way! There is a partial hookup available for a second RV as well.Enjoy being near Embden Pond with a public boat launch and beach., short drive to whitewater rafting country, golf course, Sugarloaf Mountain and endless recreation opportunity. MLS #1410060 - $40,000 CANAAN - 18 acres with 1,200’ of road frontage on Route 2. Lot is wooded with electricity available along road. Would make a nice house lot, or two, with ample privacy and easy access to many areas. MLS #1403106 - $49,900 LEXINTON TWP - Approximately 3,750 feet frontage on Route 16 in Lexington Township with this approximate 97.12 acre parcel. Currently in “Tree Growth” for tax purposes. (Hb337) MLS #979168 - $95,900 SOLON - Approximately 25.58 acres of land with about 1,125 feet frontage on U.S. Route 201 and about 1,100 feet frontage on the West Road. Currently in tree growth for tax purposes. (Hb 363) MLS #979173 - $34,900 BINGHAM - Approximately 123 acres of land with about 3.700 feet frontage on Mahoney Hill Rd and about 2,500 feet frontage on Brighton Rd. Lots of room to roam in this parcel. Currently in tree growth for tax purposes. (Hb323) MLS 06/19 #983202 - $89,900

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★★★ June 16th is

FATHER’S DAY! ★★★

A subscription to The Maine Sportsman makes the perfect gift! Send in the order form on page 38 or subscribe online at mainesportsman.com!

★★★ Noyes Real Estate Agency 2388 Main Street • Rangeley, ME 207-864-9000 • info@noyesrealty.com www.noyesrealty.com

GREAT LOCATIONS!

#590 - MLS #1317532 - Camp in Dallas PLT. easy access to 4-wheeler/sled trails, includes bedroom and sleeping loft, nice open lot. $87,000 #591 - MLS #1356419 - Rangeley Village condominium with 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, well maintained, lake views, direct access to 4 wheeler trails. Walk to the village or restaurant next door! $119,900 #439 - MLS #1356825 - Large home on 44 acres, Sandy River frontage in MadridPhillips, potential B&B or hunting-fishing lodge, full basement and 3 garages. Direct access to 4 wheeler trails and Lufkin Pond - great fishing! $239,900

Lakeville - Acreage, views, close to power, year round road, well and septic. Wired for a generator and propane. Wonderful location on Dill Valley Road near snowmobile and ATV trails PLUS it has Lakeville’s incredibly low taxes! $69,900

Burlington - Well-built cute cabin tucked away in the woods with access to Madagascal’s gorgeous private sand beach. ATVing and snowmobiling and POSSIBLE OWNER FINANCING. Take a look today on West Madagascal Pond Road. $49,900

Winn - Beautiful 4.7 acre lot is home to Maine hunting and recreational cabin. Drilled well plus a rocked up spring. An outhouse, flush and shower are there too. You need to bring only a smile and your toys to Mattakeunk Road. $42,900

Pukakon Twp - Beautiful year round cottage has hardwood floors, a knotty pine interior, cathedral ceiling and a huge insulated and heated garage. End of road location for privacy. Boating, swimming, fishing, and snowmobiling right on Junior Lake. $269,000

Benedicta - 100+ year old farmhouse is stunning, hardwood floors, and beautifully handcrafted new woodwork. All new wiring, paved driveway, wrap around porches, newer roof/siding right on Pond Road. This property is Remarkable! $399,000

Topsfield - 30+/- acres of field, apple trees and a nicely wooded lot for a total of 143+/- acres. 2 bedroom home, plenty of storage, 25’ x 55’ barn and large lawn. If you are looking to homestead, this is an ideal property. Priced to move on South Road. $189,000

Aziscohos Lake - Call us about land and cabins on Aziscohos Lake, great fishing, remote, close to NH line off Route 16! Waterfront properties available on Rangeley Lake, Mooselookmeguntic, Cupsuptic Lake, Kennebago River, Beaver Mountain Lake, Dodge Pond, Quimby Pond, Kennebago Lake and Little Kennebago Lake. Call or email for complete listings!

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

RANGELEY - Custom-built cottage on 6.5 wooded acres, overlooking scenic Hayno Bog! Loaded with charm, the 2 bedroom, 1 bath camp is year-round and offers a sunny open floor plan, small sleeping loft, spacious screened porch for summertime living. Detached 2-car garage with heated bunkroom above that sleeps a crew! Beautiful sunsets over the bog, short walk to association 300’ waterfront on Quimby Pond. Don’t miss out on this one – call today! MLS #1413648- $299,500 RANGELEY- SUPER LOCATION for 4-season recreation! 80+ wooded acres with gravel woods road in place, stream frontage, filtered lake views. Property offers many potential building sites, power available at Shelton Trail, septic and well needed. Town maintained year-round road, low plantation taxes. ATV/ snowmobile from your door, access to Indian Cove Beach on Mooselookmeguntic Lake and the State boat ramp are less than a mile away. MLS #1413308 - $129,900 PARKERTOWN TWP - Fishing/hunting camp on OWNED LAND with 100’ sandy frontage on remote, pristine, Aziscohos Lake. Off grid camp with knotty pine through out, gas appliances/lights, Empire wall heaters for heat, wired for generator. 10x12 storage shed, 12x12 deck, privy, hand carry water. Peaceful lakeside setting, level lawn to the beach, unobstructed lake/Mt views. What a spot to get a way from it all - listen to the loons sing, gaze at the stars, be one with nature! MLS #1339003- $195,500

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Lowell - This nice private 1.5 acre lot has a driveway already installed and offers very nice frontage with great views out across the water. Many recreational opportunities from this beautiful area. This is a great property on Eskutassis Pond at an affordable price. $42,500 Lincoln - On a year round road with electricity available. Includes a 10 foot easement to Caribou Pond and the right to put in a dock. Nice lot with its own access to waterfront, its a must look. Not far from Lincoln, in a great area. $29,900 Cooper - Electricity available at the road, wonderful frontage on a high quality lake well-known salmon fishing in Maine. The view from this lot is known as Deep Cove Forest and will be maintained as forever wild. A must see Cathance Lake lot! $89,000 Lincoln - Large modern lot with electricity available, ready to be shaped into your lakeside dream. Build your year round home or weekend getaway on Long Pond. $63,000

R E A L

E S T A T E

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

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

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

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

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