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

Sportsman The Maine

March 2018 • $4.99

Old Fashioned Ice Fishing – Part 2 –

Fowler’s Patagonian Shelter – Part 2 – Page 28

Page 29

Snowmobile Clubs Tackle Challenges Page 25

Give Kids Confidence and Skills for Safe Boating Page 19

Fewer Coyotes Equal More Deer? Page 45

2 • March 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

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�� The Maine Sportsman • March 2018 • 3

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—Editorial—

4 • March 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Hunt the Katahdin Woods & Waters Monument Lands, Then Make Your Voices Heard

We viewed a well-done YouTube video the other day titled “Monumental,” showing three young people who traveled a big loop through the Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument this past fall, using canoes to paddle downstream, and mountain bikes to head back to the starting point. In our opinion, it’s important for outdoorsmen and -women to hunt the property, and similarly document their experiences, in order to remind everyone that this traditional use is permitted in several large areas of the monument. The proclamation and associated land deeds that established Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument expressly allow hunting – except for bear baiting or chase dogs – on certain lands east of the East Branch of the Penobscot River. Snowmobilers have certainly discovered the monument. In the winter of 2016 – 2017, an estimated 15,000 snowmobilers used the park trails. Sleds can travel on the existing ITS trails on the east side of the East Branch, as well as on a section on the west side of the East Branch that connects the ITS to the Millinocket area via the Stacyville Road. So snowmobilers have established a presence within the monument lands – now hunters should do the same. We need to get into the huntable areas of the monument, learn the boundaries, shoot wild game, take photos, write stories and otherwise document and publicize our successes. While mountain biking and canoeing are worthwhile activities, so is hunting. To avoid the perception of being outnumbered by those who advocate for non-consumptive uses, hunters need to step up and be counted. Planners are in the middle of developing the monument’s management plan, a process anticipated to take three years. “Listening sessions,” workshops and public hearings have been held, and more will be scheduled. We should request a meeting dedicated solely to hunting and hunters, and hunting should play a prominent role in the monument’s final management plan.

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Sportsman The Maine

ISSN 0199-036 — Issue No. 546 • 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 ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER: Chris Brawn chris@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........................................................ 11 Aroostook - “The County” by Bill Graves......................... 69 Big Game Hunting by Joe Saltalamachia...................... 42 Bird of the Month, by Erika Zambello............................... 14 Bowhunting by Chris “Bubba” Johnson.......................... 55 Capitol Report by George Smith..................................... 17 Central Maine by Steve Vose........................................... 54 Danger in the Outdoors by David Van Wie.................... 76 Downeast Region by Jim Lemieux................................... 63 Editorial.................................................................................. 4 Freshwater Fly Fishing by Lou Zambello........................... 72 Jackman by William Sheldon........................................... 67 Jottings by Jon Lund............................................................ 7 Katahdin Country by William Sheldon............................. 74 Kate’s Wild Kitchen by Kate Krukowski Gooding........... 51 Letters to the Editor.............................................................. 5 Maine Wildlife by Tom Seymour....................................... 34 Maine Wildlife Quiz by Steve Vose................................... 44 Midcoast Report by Tom Seymour................................... 57 Moosehead by Tom Seymour.......................................... 65 New Hampshire by Ethan Emerson.................................. 35 Off-Road Traveler by William Clunie................................ 49 Quotable Sportsman by George Smith........................... 18 Rangeley Region by William Clunie................................. 45 Riding Shotgun by Robert Summers................................. 16 Saltwater by Barry Gibson................................................. 23 Sebago to Auburn Region by Tom Roth......................... 48 Self-Propelled Sportsman by Jim Andrews...................... 52 Shooter’s Bench by Col. J.C. Allard................................. 59 Smilin’ Sportsman: Adults & Kids by Will Lund.................. 16 Sportsman’s Journal by King Montgomery....................... 9 Southern Maine by Val Marquez..................................... 47 Trapping The Silent Places by David Miller...................... 53 Trading Post (Classifieds)................................................... 77 Trout Fishing by Tom Seymour........................................... 62 Western Maine Mountains by William Clunie.................. 37 Young Maine Sportsman by Luke Giampetruzzi............ 58 Young Maine Sportswoman by Alyssa Sansoucy........... 56

SPECIAL SECTIONS

Boating in Maine by Mike Lund........................................ 19 Ice Fishing in Maine by Randy Randall............................ 29 Snowmobiling in Maine by Cathy Genthner.................. 25

GUEST COLUMNS

Fowler’s Patagonian Shelter - Part 2 by Zachary Fowler.... 28

Snowmobilers in great numbers have discovered the Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument. Now it’s time for hunters to do the same. Susan Adams photo www.MaineSportsman.com

ON THE COVER: Photo by Jonathan Wheaton. January 1, 2018 -- Opening day of ice fishing on East Pond Lake in Smithfield. “Even though it was minus 25 degrees, the anticipation of fishing was strong enough to get us out on the ice two hours before daylight,” wrote Jonathan. See more of Jonathan’s photos, including some previously unreleased images, at the Art Show at the upcoming State of Maine Sportsman’s Show, Easter weekend (March 30 - April 1).

�� The Maine Sportsman • March 2018 • 5

Letters

Sheldon, used a 16 ga. side by side (a LeFever on loan from my uncle, which my son has since inherited). Thanks to Bill for the great article, and the memories it brought up. Bart Schairer Hammonton, NJ

To The Editor

—

Do Beagles Stress a Marriage?

Nice Fish; Sorry About the Patriots! To the Editor: I caught this pickerel on January 28th in China Lake, and I thought your readers might be interested in seeing it. I receive your magazine every month.

Take My Plastic Lip – Please!

To the Editor: I enjoyed Bill Sheldon’s article on hare hunting in the December issue of The Maine Sportsman. I had to laugh when I read “It’s difficult for the ‘average’ sportsman like me to own enough hounds to successfully orchestrate a Maine snowshoe hare hunt without ending up in divorce court.” Since before I was born, my dad always had a pack of beagles for rabbit hunting, and he ended up divorced. For that reason, as a married adult I never hunted as much as he did, but I must admit my fondest childhood memories are of rabbit hunting with my dad. While we don’t have snowshoe hares in New Jersey – only “regular” rabbits – of those fond memories, the fondest are of rabbit hunting in the snow. And until I was 14 and had finally saved enough money for half the price of an Ithaca 20 ga. Model 37 (with Dad throwing in the other half as a Christmas present), I, like Bill

To the Editor: I enjoyed reading the recent “Jon’s Jotting” column about the publisher’s early experiences bass fishing with surface lures. Please inform him that the Jitterbug lure with the plastic lip he described was manufactured during WWII at a time when metal was earmarked for war industries. Those WWII lures are eagerly sought today. He was worried that he had ended its collectable value by repainting it by hand. Perhaps, but an unscrupulous collector would love the parts in order to “re-manufacture” a WWII era lure. In fact, I have a good friend who would be happy to make him an offer. Donna Moriarty Farmingdale, ME —

When I pulled the pickerel out of the hole, I thought it was a pike because of its size. But discovered it was a pickerel. I know that 26 inches is pretty big for a pickerel. Sandra Tinney Palermo, ME (Continued on next page)

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6 • March 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Letter to the Editor (Continued from page 5)

Stolen Glory To the Editor: My three Big Buck patches (and my Maine Guide patch) were all on my hunting jacket, and the jacket was stolen from my truck. I have enclosed details of each deer taken. Enclosed is a check to replace the patches. Thank you. [Name withheld] Harrison, ME —

Greetings from Belgrade’s Great Pond To the Editor: I have been a subscriber for quite a few years and have always enjoyed The Maine Sportsman. I am happy to say that I believe that the quality of the publication has always been interesting, and that high level of quali-

ty has remained consistent over the past few years. Keep up the good work! My wife, Judy and I own a camp on Great Pond in Belgrade. We are in North Bay, behind Camp Bomazeen. We are both originally from New York City – Judy from Brooklyn and me from Manhattan – but we have lived in New Jersey since we were married, in Tenafly, which is near the George Washington Bridge, leading to N.Y.C. We both enjoy fishing, and fish a lot when we are at the camp. We are there on and off during the summer. I guess we have caught and released our share of smallmouths over the years. I do believe the pike have damaged the quality of the fishing over the past few years. I’m sorry that Shawn Simpson is no longer writing his column about our area. I always enjoyed it, and hope that another columnist will pick up where Shawn has left off and write about the Mid-Kennebec Valley as he has done so well for these years. Marty Lebson Tenafly, NJ and Belgrade, ME

The Editor responds: Thank you for the kind words about our publication, Martin. Shawn Simpson has been a valued member of the writing staff for many years, but recently discovered he could be hunting and fishing instead of meeting monthly deadlines. It’s very likely that his byline will reappear over future special sections. In the meantime, Steve Vose has picked up the newly-titled “Central Maine” regional column, including the Belgrades. —

Share the Sportsman with the Grandkids To the Editor: I think The Maine Sportsman is a great magazine! The articles are very informative, and the jokes are hilarious. I have two young grandsons who read it after I am done, and we can’t wait until the next issue. It keeps me up to date on all the new laws, and the ads let me know what’s happening around the state for places to go and things to do. It’s all about the great State of Maine and the many things it has to offer for recreation! Ronald Ingersoll Moscow, ME

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Likes the Writers To the Editor: Your magazine is a much better buy than the national sporting periodicals that are nothing more than a platform for advertisers. Pages and pages of “new for the season” guns, rods and other gear take up most of the print. Although I live in New York State, the subjects you cover apply to me and most non-Maine sportsmen. The fellows and women who write your columns are well-steeped in their subjects, and it shows. Joe Weiss Clarence, NY

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�� The Maine Sportsman • March 2018 • 7

Are Coyotes to Blame for Increase in Ticks? The deer tick moved in a circle on the leg of my jeans. Ticks usually climb only in an upward direction, but after making a few circles, the insect curled up and dropped off. The tick did not just happen to climb onto my pants; rather, it was taking part in a test. We had a family gathering at the beach, and my daughterin-law, Ruth, announced she had a tick climbing on her clothing. So we transferred the pesky bug to my jeans as a test of the permethrin treatment. We interpreted the results as positive when the tick dropped off. It meant I would probably not pick up ticks while wearing those jeans.

Mice, chipmunks and shrews carry ticks. Foxes are better than coyotes at catching these small mammals, but fox populations are shrinking while coyotes are more numerous. Is it time for a bounty on coyotes?

Small mammals like this deer mouse carry ticks. Foxes are better mouse-killers than are coyotes, but fox numbers are down because they are in competition with coyotes. Would reducing coyote numbers increase the fox population, leading to fewer mice and slowing the spread of ticks? Photo: National Park Service

Permethrin I had previously sprayed the jeans with permethrin, and allowed

it to dry. Permethrin is a synthetic version of a chemical that occurs naturally in chrysanthemum

blossoms. It’s the active ingredient in bug repellent clothing such as Buzz Off

and No Fly Zone, and is also used in various tick repellent sprays. All the anti-tick sprays I’ve seen identify the permethrin concentration as one-half of one percent, a mighty low concentration. While permethrin spray can be sold and used in the United States, it is not allowed everywhere. For example, the European Union has not approved the sale and use of permethrin. L.L.Bean cannot export its Buzz Off clothing to Europe. My personal take is that while there may be some risk, the risk of Lyme disease and the host of other equally-dangerous diseases carried by ticks outweighs the (Continued on next page)

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8 • March 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Jottings (Continued from page 7)

possible health risk of using permethrin carefully. In my case, that means buying permethrin in bulk via the internet, calculating how much of the chemical diluted in a gallon of water equals one half of one percent concentration, spraying it on front and back of both legs of my jeans using a pump-up garden sprayer or Windex-type sprayer, and letting the pants dry before wearing. I avoid laundering the jeans for as long as possible, and make an indelible mark: a “P” and the year of application, written on the inside pocket where it can be seen when I put them on. To find out if my home brew tick spray is still effective, if no tick is available, I find an ant, put it on my jeans, keep it there by covering it with a glass and observe its behavior. If the ant climbs the glass vigorously to stay off the fabric, or dies, I figure the spray is still effective. Clothing commercially treated with permethrin is touted to stay ef-

fective despite many trips through many launderings. I suspect the clothing is treated with heat to make the application last through washing, but I haven’t tested my theory yet. Life-cycle Ticks have a complicated two-year life cycle. They hatch out in the spring, as tiny as a period on this paper. They have to latch onto a small mammal, like a mouse, for a blood meal. If this is successfully accomplished, the larvae become nymphs in the fall, and look for another blood meal by waiting up to three feet off the ground on a grass tip or leaf to catch a host, including deer or humans. If the adults successfully mate and over-winter, a female may lay as many as 3,000 eggs. Why Ticks Spread Many of us who spend a lot of time outdoors wonder why ticks have spread over the state so quickly. Some believe ticks may have been

spread by turkeys, since turkeys have become numerous during the spread of ticks. Watching a flock of turkeys work over a field, I have tried to count the frequency with which these big birds peck at something. Sometimes it seems like a peck every second or two. Ticks often perch on the top of a blade of grass, waiting to hitch a ride on a passerby. Turkeys are omnivorous and may nab a significant number of ticks each day. Could they be spreading ticks? Global warming produces changes outdoors people notice every day. Years ago, we never heard of a possum in Maine. Now they are often seen as roadkill. Lakes freeze over later than usual, or do not freeze over sufficiently for some activities to be carried on safely. It has become rare to have tracking snow in the regular deer season in the southern part of the state. Cottontail rabbits are seen now where they have not been seen before. Could global warming be speeding the spread of ticks?

Is Wily Coyote the Cause? In a research paper presented in the highly-respected journal of the National Academy of Sciences, five scientists set forth the hypothesis that despite the widespread assumption that increased populations of deer are the cause of the enormous increase in cases of Lyme disease in the ten years from 1997 to 2007, a “growing body of evidence implicates small-mammal abundance” as the cause. The paper says that beyond a threshold number, increases in deer numbers do not significantly affect the tick infestations. Research indicates increases in populations of the white-footed mouse, Eastern chipmunk and short-tailed and masked shrew. The range expansion of coyotes following the extirpation of gray wolves has reduced the population of the red fox. The coyotes are not as efficient predators of small mammals as the red fox, leading to greater numbers of the small mammals which “are responsible for infecting 80-90% of the ticks.” The article points out that red fox “cache [conceal in hidden spaces]

prey for later consumption, and are thus capable of killing large numbers of prey when prey are abundant.” Lyme disease cases were positively correlated with coyote abundance and negatively correlated with fox abundance in all states that were studied. The summary of the 2012 study, titled “Deer, Predators and the Emergence of Lyme Disease,” is easily understood by non-scientists, and I encourage our readers to check out the publication online at: www.researchgate.net/publication/227343689. So, assuming the study is “good science,” what can be done about it? Can we increase the number of foxes so they’ll eat more mice? Can we decrease the numbers of coyotes to reduce the competition with foxes? Time for a coyote bounty or to reward successful coyote hunters by giving them an any-deer permit? For years, coyote-hunting fans have urged greater efforts in order to save the deer herd. Now they have an additional argument for their cause: To get rid of the ticks.

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�� The Maine Sportsman • March 2018 • 9

Swan Island: “An Island in Time” There is some disagreement about how the Kennebec River’s Swan Island, a Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (IF&W) Wildlife Management (WMA) Area, got its name. Some say early English explorers named the place because large numbers of migratory swans were sighted nearby. Others say the name comes from the native Abenaki word “swango” which means “the island of eagles.” Take your pick. I do know when we – my wife Elizabeth and I, together with IF&W’s Bonnie Holding, and all of us escorted by island manager John Pratte – visited Swan Island in the middle of June last year, we saw plenty of eagles and no swans, but that doesn’t close the debate. Turn the Delorme Maine Atlas & Gazetteer to Map 6, A-5 and you’ll see the WMA just across the Kennebec from Richmond, a quaint historic town worth a visit itself. The river splits at the north of the island and runs along either side before coming back together and flowing into Merrymeeting Bay. This is quite an interesting and engaging place that’s rich in human and natural history. The Steve Powell WMA is owned and operated by IF&W. It is named after an early, longtime wildlife biologist who lived on Swan Island and helped it on its way to becoming a WMA. The island is about 4 miles long, and ranges in width from 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile. It comprises over 2,000 acres of gentle for-

Located just a few miles from downtown Augusta, Swan Island – a state wildlife management area -- offers wildlife viewing, kayaking, limited camping, a kids-only fish pond and a glimpse into its history of 1700s and 1800s settlements.

Swan Island is about 4 miles long, and ranges in width from 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile. It comprises over 2,000 acres of gentle forests, rolling wild meadows, wetlands and tidal flats. All photos by King Montgomery

ests, rolling wild meadows, wetlands, and tidal flats where wild rice proliferates. Wild rice, long a staple for migratory birds including waterfowl, once covered vast parts of the Merrymeeting Bay ecosystem.

History The Kennebec (“large body of still water; large bay”) tribe of the Abenaki Indians populated this part of what now is Maine, and Swan Island and Little Swan Island were used as hunting

and fishing camps. Little Swan, a 30-acre islet just at the northeast end of Swan island, apparently was an Indian stronghold, too, and the remains of stone walls were reported here as of 1867. A small Abenaki vil-

lage once stood on the southern part of the main island, but gave way in the early days of the onslaught of European settlers in the 17th century. By the late 1700s, about 20 people lived on Swan Island, and at one time, in the mid-19th century the census recorded almost a hundred residents in 27 homesteads. In 1847, the island separated from Dresden, and was incorporated as the Town of Perkins. Those on the island worked at farming, fishing, ice-cutting and shipbuilding. But it was a tough life and, over time, Swan Island ceased being a site of habitation by people. Five homes and some out-buildings survive, and those structures can be viewed today on a tour of the island. A wonderful booklet is available when you visit Swan Island, and it has a comprehensive summary of the island’s history. A History & Self-Guiding (Continued on next page)

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10 • March 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

Sportsman’s Journal (Continued from page 9)

Tour of Swan Island: “An Island in Time” also is on IF&W’s website. Today A WMA conserves and manages land for wildlife habitat while allowing some recreational use of the area. Swan Island is located less than 30 minutes from downtown Augusta, and it offers a unique mix of wildlife, recreation and history. Accessible after a 5-minute small ferry boat ride from Richmond, or in a personal kayak or canoe, the WMA provides a number of outdoor activities, including overnight camping by reservations only. There are Adirondack shelters, fire pits and picnic tables at every designated camp site. Bathrooms also are nearby. A 4-1/2-mile dirt road bisects the island neatly from north to south, and it is open to hiking and biking (no motorized vehicles are allowed on the island except official vehicles). There are 7 miles of hiking trails that crisscross the scenic island, and these are great for wildlife viewing. This is a prime location for wildlife and landscape photography, and when the hundreds of acres of wild meadows are in bloom with wildflowers

Wildlife biologist John Platte is the manager in charge of the WMA, and he, with the help of seasonal interns and volunteers, takes care of Swan Island, although it’s left as wild as possible.

and other blossoms, the latter can be quite good. A wildlife viewing tower sits above a vista of forest and meadow just below midpoint of the island. The old fire observation tower, which was once located in Montville in Waldo County, provides an excellent vantage point to survey a lot of land and water. With a long lens or two, photographers reasonably can expect to be rewarded for sitting here for a while. Wider angle lenses produce scenic landscape shots. Water sports opportunities abound. There is a small freshwater trout pond for supervised children under 16 to fish, with fishing tackle provided by the IF&W. Others may fish with the appropriate fishing license in the nearby Kennebec River for smallmouth and striped bass. Keep an

The campground on Swan Island has Adirondack shelters, bathrooms, and a boat house for canoe and kayak rental. The view is of the Kennebec River and Little Swan Island. www.MaineSportsman.com

eye out for Atlantic sturgeon that often leap clear of the water and fall back with a large – sometimes startling – splash. Canoes and kayaks may be rented at the campsite by the hour or day. A Living Classroom Swan Island is a marvelous place anyone to visit, but it’s particularly well-suited for groups such as school classes, girl and boy scouts, and anyone interested in learning about a unique ecosystem in the Pine Tree State. Groups don’t have to be all children either, and I believe it’s a good idea to get some people out of the cities – Portland and environs come to mind – to see something different and something a little wild. Last year, hundreds of children, teachers and chaperones took good advantage of the

At one time in the 19th century, over a 100 people lived on Swan Island in 20 different houses. Today five homes, including the Robinson-Powell house, and other out-buildings, still stand.

IF&W-sponsored educational (and fun) activities and guided tours at the Steve Powell WMA at Swan Island. Fees for a day’s activities are very reasonable at $8 per person; those 5 years and under are admitted free. There is ample parking space for cars and buses at the ferry dock in Richmond. Those interested in acquiring more information on Swan Island wildlife education programs offered in May, June, September and October can call 207-287-5244; For information on and booking of independent field trips, truck tours, and camping call 207547-5322 or email Swan. Island@Maine.gov. You may book online at book.rvspots.com/ SwanIslandWildlifeManagementArea. All reservations are first-come, first-served.

This old fire observation tower, once located in Montville in Waldo County, provides an excellent vantage point to survey many acres of land and water.

A wealth of information, including a number of PDF downloads, is on the website at www.maine.gov/ifw/ programs-resources/recreational-opportunities/ swan-island/swan-islandfield-trips. My hat is off to Swan Island wildlife biologist and manager John Platte, who is entering his fifth season on the island, and to the dedicated staff of IF&W’s division for information and education, headed by Bonnie Holding in Augusta. These folks, particularly Lisa Kane, work very hard, believe strongly in sharing the bounties Maine has to offer, and take genuine pleasure in introducing new people, young or old, to the outdoors.

Interpretive signs (see center of photo) are posted at points of interest around the island. This one describes wetlands and the creatures that live there.

Almanac

�� The Maine Sportsman • March 2018 • 11

Compiled and Edited by — Will Lund —

“Snapshots in Time”

Excerpts from the Annals of Maine’s Sporting Past

Lost in 1840 on Rangeley Ice Overnight, They Danced to Stay Warm by Bill Pierce, Executive Director Outdoor Sporting Heritage Museum, Oquossoc The following is a brief but interesting account of a very early ice fishing trip in the Rangeley Lakes Region. If the author is recalling the timing of the incident correctly, it would place the incident at about 1840. In the book entitled “A Chronological History of the Rangeley Lakes Region,” the 4 men mentioned in the story are not specifically mentioned; however, all have well-established family names. The book does mention Deacon Eben

Lake who had a cabin on the north shore in the early 1840s, and the Deacon often hosted bands of visiting Native Americans of the St. Francis tribe on his property. An 1861 map of Rangeley Lake in our collection, showing all the landowners at the time, does not include Lake’s property, so one must assume that it was no more by that time. The account details an outing that would be a modern Game Warden’s nightmare. It in-

volves four men traveling in a 2-horse sleigh on thin ice, getting lost. They were very illequipped to survive the weather conditions during an unplanned overnight in the woods. It does, however, share some interesting recommendations on keeping warm on a cold night in a raging blizzard. Enjoy and remember…History can be fun, and you can a great deal from those that boldly strode forth before us!

Lost on an Island in South Bog During Blizzard

From the Phillips Phonograph newspaper, April 4, 1900

To the Editor of the Phonograph, As your paper is open to all sporting stories, 1 thought I would relate a little fishing excursion as told me by my father, Jacob J. Barker. In those days people could fish when, where and with what they had a mind to, without license or guide. About sixty years ago my father, in company with David D. Lord, Stephen Sawyer and Guy Howard, with two horses and double pung, went to the Cupsuptic Lake fishing sometime in December, soon after the lakes were frozen over, I don’t remember the amount or weight of the fish, for in those days they didn’t weigh their catch. After fishing all they cared to, they started for home and by the time they reached Rangeley Lake, it being nearly dark, and a regular blizzard having set in, they lost their course. At last they struck land, but where they were they did not know. The ice being thin and weak, they did not dare to go any farther, so concluded to stay where they were through the night. They led their horses into the bushes. The wind blew so they could not keep the blankets on the horses, and their matches got wet, so they could build no fire, and without shelter or fire and a long, bitter, cold night before them, the outlook was a

A 19th Century two-horse pung, slightly smaller than the one described in this true story that carried four men and their fishing gear on an ice fishing adventure on Cupsuptic and Rangeley Lakes in the 1840s. Courtesy of Maine Memory Network, from collection of the Patten Lumberman’s Museum; Rhonda Brophy, Curator

little gloomy. But they made up their minds to make the best of it, so they chased each other round trees, wrestled, danced, and in fact did everything they could think of to keep from freezing. Uncle David, although no fine ear for music, sang:

The cat came dancing out to the barn with pipe and tobacco under her arm.

Whether they danced by that tune father did not say, but were glad when morning came, and they espied a light across the lake, which proved to be Deacon Eben Lake’s.

By this time their hands were so numb that only one of the party was able to bridle the horses. They then started for the light from the window. The horses were so cold they could not get them into a trot until half way across the lake. After getting warmed and refreshed at Deacon Lake’s, they started for home, where they arrived all safe and sound, and hoped to never have another such night’s experience. The place where they spent the night proved to be a small island at South Bog.

T. R. Barker (Continued on next page) www.MaineSportsman.com

12 • March 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

Almanac

(Continued from page 12)

Get to Know our Writers – Capt. Barry Gibson Each month, Capt. Barry Gibson brings his real-life experience to the “Saltwater” column. He earned his writing credentials during 27 years with Salt Water Sportsman magazine, working with 100 contributors, and overseeing staffers, art directors and field editors.

vice president of the Northeast Charterboat Captains Association, which he co-founded in 1988. He has fished inshore and offshore in North America, Central America and South America for over 35 years, and is a former IGFA world record holder for big-eye tuna caught on a fly rod. Barry has been charter fishing and guiding out of Boothbay Harbor since 1971, when he bought his first passenger boat, the Sasanoa. Since then, he has owned a succession of boats, all named Shark, as a tribute to Joe Russell, a Key West charter captain who had guided Ernest Hemingway.

na-built charter boat named Shark. I thought being a charter captain was just about the coolest profession in the world, and on the last trip we made with him, I sat up on the bridge with him and I told him I was someday going to be charter captain up north, and that I would name my boat after his so that we’d have the whole coast covered. “Joe liked that idea, so that’s how it happened. “He died shortly thereafter. I have had six charter boats named Shark since 1974: Shark, Shark II, Shark III, Shark IV, Shark V, and now Shark Six. I am not sure there will be a Shark 7 but you never know. I already have the hull graphics for it figured out in my head. “Rumor has it that Sloppy Joe’s Bar in Key West is named for Russell.” —

Can You Spell “Leviathan”?

Capt. Barry Gibson aboard his boat, Shark Six.

In this photo from the 1930s, Ernest Hemingway (right) is shown here with famed guide Joe Russell (center), celebrating the taking of a blue marlin off Bimini. As usual, Joe has a drink in his hand.

His stories have appeared in many national magazines, including Sports Illustrated, Sports Afield and Field and Stream. He has long been active in the cause of responsible fish management, and has served as member and chair of the New England Fisheries Management Council as well as other regional and international fishing advisory panels, councils and alliances. He is

Russell’s boat was named Shark. Barry had an opportunity to fish with Russell in 1967, and he told us about that experience: “When I was in junior high school,” Capt. Gibson reported, “my father took me to Key West a couple of times. We fished with a grizzled old guy named Joe Russell who had been a captain for Ernest Hemingway. “Joe had a big, bright-yellow Caroli-

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No Computer? No Moose. Permit Applications “Online-Only” this Year Applications for the 2018 Maine moose permit lottery are available now, but will be accepted (Continued on next page)

�� The Maine Sportsman • March 2018 • 13 (Continued from page 12)

region, primarily because of lack of access to their spawning habitat. In many instances, debris and inactive beaver dams at the mouth of the spawning tributaries have limited or completely eliminated the ability of smelts to successfully spawn in those tributaries. That has become a common problem and an issue that has only one solution;

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online only. According to DIF&W, the online application process is “fast and simple,” and applicants receive instant confirmation that they have successfully entered the lottery. To apply online, go to www.mefishwildlife.com and fill out the online moose permit application. Applicants will be able to indicate several preferences, including which wildlife management districts (WMDs) they are willing to accept a permit in, and if they would accept a permit in another WMD if their name is drawn and all of their top choices are filled. Applicants will also be able to select their preferred hunting season, whether or not they would accept an antlerless permit, and their choice of a sub-permittee. The deadline to apply for the lottery is 11:59 p.m. on May 15, 2018. Applicants are awarded bonus points for each consecutive year that they have applied for the lottery since 1998 without being selected, and each bonus point gives the applicant an additional chance in the drawing. Bonus points are earned at the rate of one per year for years one to five, two per year for years six to 10, three per year for years 11 to 15 and 10 per year for years 16 and beyond. Since 2011, applicants have been able to skip a year and not lose their bonus points, so if a hunter applied in 2016 but not in 2017, they will still have points available if they apply in 2018. The 2018 moose lottery permit drawing will take place during the Skowhegan Moose Festival. The festival runs June 8-10, 2018 at the Skowhegan Fairgrounds, and the drawing will take place on the afternoon of June 9. For more information on the festival, please visit skowheganmoosefest.com —

Beaver Dam Removal Benefits Smelt by Nels Kramer, DIF&W Fisheries Biologist A great deal of work has been undertaken in the Penobscot Fisheries Region to address and improve smelt spawning habitat. Populations of smelt have been in decline in several lakes throughout the

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namely, remove the barrier. The first task was to identify at risk spawning tributaries, and then get to work developing a plan to remove those obstructions. It involves a lot of time, labor, collaboration with landowners, and sweat to accomplish, but we set about assembling work crews of interested anglers, camp owners and conservationists to assist us in removing these obstructions in a number of lakes throughout the region. These lakes included Nicatous Lake, East Grand Lake, Deering Lake, East Musquash Lake and Hay Lake – these are all lakes and ponds that have salmonid fisheries that are dependent upon healthy smelt runs and populations. To assist game wardens, state biologists and hatchery culturists, volunteers participated from the Nicatous Lake Association and the Chiputneticook Lakes International Conservancy (East Grand

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Lake Association). Crews were assembled on site, donned chest waders, grabbed a beaver rake or a chain saw, hiked and/or floated into where the obstructions were, and went to work. Although it was not glamorous work, a great deal got accomplished. When the assembled crews were finished, smelt once again had free rein to their traditional spawning grounds. In some instances, we also transfer fertilized smelt eggs to “jump start” the restoration process, especially where (Continued on next page)

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14 • March 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

Almanac

(Continued from page 13)

the habitat has been unavailable for an extended period. We have identified additional smelt populations that are at some risk and are making plans to address those problem areas in the near future. I would encourage interested anglers to keep a close eye out for areas that might benefit from this sort of rehab project, and contact your Regional Fisheries Biologist to explore viable restoration opportunities.

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DNA Evidence Being Used to Catch Poachers When a poacher kills a large animal, it’s likely to be a messy process, especially if it’s done at night. The poacher is likely to end up with blood, hair, bone or antler traces or fragments on the poacher’s person, clothing, shoes or tools. What if law enforcement could match that evidence to the dead animal, using DNA testing? According to a recent story in The New York Times, it’s already happening, as part of South Africa’s efforts to protect rhinos and elephants. More than 1,000 rhinos are poached each year for their valuable horns, according to the Times, and elephant tusks sell for about $500 per pound. The Times reports that researchers are compiling a database of samples of blood, tissue or hair collected by park rangers from rhinos killed, dehorned or moved. The database is similar to the systems used by the FBI to connect crime scene evidence to suspects. As the technology becomes less expensive and less complex, will we see it here in Maine? —

Maryland Hunter Knocked Out by Falling Goose

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In early February, a Maryland hunter was knocked unconscious by a goose that fell about 90 feet out of the sky. Another member of Robert Meilhammer’s hunting party in Easton, MD shot the goose, which plunged directly into the hunters’ blind, and struck Meilhammer on the head. First responders later reported that when the injured hunter regained consciousness, he knew his own name but he was “a little hazy” on any details of his situation. —

Bird of the Month: Piping Plover

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by Erika Zambello

Every summer, small, plump shore-

birds make the long trek north from the Southeastern United States to the coastline of Maine to build nests and raise their young. Piping Plovers have long been favorites of wildlife-watchers because of their pale, ghostlike plumage and busy activity on our beaches. These plovers – which stretch up to 7.1 inches and weigh between 1.5 and 2.2 ounces – feed on invertebrates on top of, or buried in, the sand. Pale brown above and white below, their light coloring is strategic – when they stop moving, their bodies are perfectly camouflaged against the beach. Nests are merely simple depressions in the sand above the high water line, lined with pieces of shell or small pebbles. After a bit less than a month, 3 to 4 chicks hatch, appearing for all the world like fluffy ping pong balls with yellow legs. Though small, Piping Plovers aggressively defend their nests or actively work to distract potential predators. They have been known to attack other birds that stray too close to their chicks or eggs, or pretend to have a broken wing or other injury to lead people, gulls, skunks or raccoons away from their vulnerable young. In addition to the Northeast, Piping Plovers also nest in the Midwest U.S. and Canada. However, they are globally rare, and listed as “Near Threatened” by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. The beaches they depend on for nesting are also popular for coastal development and recreation. Conservation efforts have focused intensely on this little bird, and their numbers have appeared to stabilize in New England and the mid-Atlantic. In 2017, Maine hosted 64 nests and over 100 successfully fledged chicks – a good showing for a population that totals only 8,400 birds.

�� The Maine Sportsman • March 2018 • 15

— March 2018 Hunting & Fishing Information — Hunting Seasons and Rules Moose: The deadline to apply for this year’s moose lottery online is 11:59 p.m. on May 15, 2018 (see more details about the online-only lottery in this month’s “Almanac”). Crow Spring Season in WMDs 7 – 29 started January 20, 2018 and runs through March 31, 2018; while in WMDs 1 – 6, the season runs February 3, 2018 through April 14, 2018. (No daily bag limit on crows.) Snowshoe Hare season, which began October 2, 2017, runs through March 31, 2018 (except in Vinalhaven Island, where it closed February 28, 2018). Coyote Night Hunting Season, which began September 16, 2017, runs through August 31, 2018. Coyote (day hunting), Woodchuck, Porcupine and Red Squirrel: No closed seasons. Spruce Grouse, Lynx and Cottontail Rabbit: Hunting for these species is prohibited year-round. Special Falconry Season: In addition to the regular migratory bird season, there’s a special falconry season on ducks, geese, mergansers, and American coots – Spring Wild Turkey: Youth Day is April 28, 2018. WMD 8: Season runs April 30 – June 2 (one tom). WMDs 7, 9 – 29: Season runs April 30 – June 2 (two toms). WMDs 1 – 6 have split seasons, alternating weeks based on year of birth (check law book), April 30 – May 26, 2018 (one tom); All hunters in those WMDs can hunt May 28 – June 2, 2018 (one tom). No Sunday hunting. HUNTING HOURS: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset, except for migratory game birds (1/2 hour before sunrise, to sunset) and raccoons (night hunting allowed in season). Ammunition: Non-toxic shot only for migratory waterfowl.

Select licensing information: • Adult combo hunting and fishing: $43 • Archery (adult): $26 • Coyote night hunting permit: $4 • Expanded archery deer, either sex (limit 1): $32 • Lifetime licenses available to those under 16 and those older than 65; for example, 65 year old resident 3-sport license (hunt, fish, archery): $110; at age 70, one-time fee of $8 permits all hunting, trapping, fishing rights and privileges; see lawbook for details. ———————————————

Fishing Seasons and Rules

Season – Rivers, Streams and Brooks From October 1 through March 31, rivers, streams and brooks are closed to all fishing. Season – Lakes and Ponds North Region – From October 1 through March 31, lakes and ponds are closed to open-water fishing and ice fishing, unless ice fishing is permitted under a Special law (“S” code). South Region – Open to ice fishing and open-water fishing all year; general law. Size Requirements Minimum size for brook trout, splake and arctic char: 6 inches; for landlocked salmon: 14 inches (with a maximum size for salmon of 25 inches in much of Washington and Hancock Counties); for togue: 18 inches; for brown trout: 14 inches in lakes; 6 inches (with maximum of 25 inches) in streams and rivers; for rainbow trout: 12 inches in lakes; 6 inches in streams and rivers. Bag Limits Brook Trout: Daily bag limit 2 trout on lakes and ponds in South Region (Androscoggin, Cumberland, Franklin, Hancock, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Oxford, Penobscot, Sagadahoc, Waldo, Washington and York Counties); otherwise, 5-fish limit. Five-fish limit in rivers and streams statewide. Other Fish Other daily bag limits and minimum lengths (if any): Bass (2 fish; 10-inch mini-

March 2018 Sunrise/Sunset

March 2018 Tidal Chart Portland, ME

Portland, ME

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

RISE 6:14 6:12 6:11 6:09 6:07 6:05 6:04 6:02 6:00 5:58 6:57 6:55 6:53 6:51 6:50 6:48

SET 5:31 5:33 5:34 5:35 5:36 5:38 5:39 5:40 5:41 5:43 6:44 6:45 6:46 6:48 6:49 6:50

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

Fri 6:46 6:44 6:42 6:41 6:39 6:37 6:35 6:33 6:32 6:30 6:28 6:26 6:24 6:23 6:21

SET 6:51 6:52 6:54 6:55 6:56 6:57 6:58 7:00 7:01 7:02 7:03 7:04 7:06 7:07 7:08

mum; only one longer than 14 inches); Whitefish (3 fish); Smelts (2 quarts); Pickerel (10 fish; no minimum size); Northern Pike and Muskies (no size or bag limit); Eel (25 fish); Shad (2 fish); Striped bass (one fish; minimum 28 inches); Alewives (25 fish). Go to www.eregulations.com/maine/fishing/general-law-information/ , find the lake, pond, river or stream you want to fish, and interpret the codes that apply. Look up the “S” (special rules) Codes. Learn the open-water season, the ice fishing season (if any), whether you are limited to artificial lures, or catch-and-release, and whether there’s a slot limit. ***** Atlantic Salmon can’t be targeted, and if caught they must be released immediately. Also determine whether the inland water you are fishing is labeled with S-33 code; if so, the maximum length for landlocked salmon and brown trout is 25 inches, to prevent the accidental taking of Atlantic Salmon that have found their way into the water body. Current saltwater fishing regulations are found at www.Maine.gov/dmr/recreational-fishing/regs-tips/index.html. Use of Lead Tackle 1) Lead Sinkers: The sale or use of lead sinkers not exceeding the designated length (2.5 inches) and weight (1 ounce) requirements, is prohibited. The definition of a lead sinker does not include artificial lures, weighted line, weighted flies or painted jig heads (see bare lead jig discussion below). 2) Bare Lead Jigs: As of September 2017, the sale or use of bare lead jigs not exceeding minimum length (2.5 inches) and weight (1 ounce) requirements is prohibited. Select Licensing information: • Fishing license needed for anyone 16 or older • One-day resident license: $11; may be “traded in” for value toward season license • Non-residents 18 – 24 who are full-time students may qualify for lower resident fees

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

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

HIGH AM PM 10:16 10:50 11:07 11:38 11:57 12:24 12:45 1:10 1:33 1:55 2:22 2:42 3:13 3:31 4:08 4:24 5:07 5:21 6:08 7:21 8:08 8:20 9:03 9:13 9:50 9:59 10:32 10:41 11:09 11:20 11:44

LOW AM PM 3:59 4:35 4:52 5:24 5:42 6:10 6:31 6:56 7:20 7:41 8:09 8:28 9:00 9:16 9:54 10:08 10:52 11:05 11:53 12:06 1:54 2:05 2:49 2:59 3:38 3:47 4:20 4:29 4:58 5:08 5:33

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

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

HIGH AM PM 11:57 12:18 12:34 12:53 1:12 1:30 1:53 2:10 2:38 2:55 3:28 3:45 4:24 4:41 5:27 5:45 6:36 6:55 7:46 8:05 8:52 9:11 9:51 10:10 10:43 11:04 11:31 11:53 -

LOW AM PM 5:44 6:07 6:21 6:41 7:00 7:18 7:41 7:58 8:26 8:42 9:14 9:31 10:09 10:26 11:10 11:28 12:17 12:36 1:26 1:47 2:33 2:54 3:33 3:54 4:27 4:49 5:17 5:39 6:03

www.MaineSportsman.com

16 • March 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

Smilin’

Sportsman A Texas rancher had a prize bull. He wanted to find a suitable mate for the bull, in order to produce a herd of prize cattle. After a nationwide search, he found an impressive cow in Maine, and had it shipped to Texas. Once the cow arrived, the rancher released the cow into the bull’s pasture. The bull slowly approached the cow from the front. The cow backed up, staying just out of reach. The bull approached the cow from the right side; the cow moved left. The bull approached the cow from the left side; the cow moved right. The bull approached from behind, and the cow moved forward. Perplexed, the rancher called a veterinarian, who carefully examined both the bull and the cow. Finally, the veterinarian said to the rancher, “By any chance is this cow from the State of Maine?” The rancher was amazed. “That’s exactly right!” he exclaimed. “How on earth would you know that?” “Well,” explained the veterinarian, “my wife’s from Maine.”

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

••••••••••••••••••••••• Doctor: “You’re overweight.” Patient: “The problem, Doc, is that obesity runs in my family.” Doctor: “Actually, the problem is that nobody runs in your family.” ••••••••••••••••••••••• Wife: “What’s that horrible beeping noise in the car?” Husband: “It’s the ‘fasten seatbelt’ alarm.” Wife: “That’s ridiculous! I can’t believe it! How can you possibly ignore something so annoying?” Husband: “Huh?” ••••••••••••••••••••••• In a New England competition, the Maine wrestling coach warned his top wrestler: “Be careful of your Massachusetts opponent’s famous ‘pretzel hold.’ He’s never lost a match when he gets the other fellow in a pretzel hold.” Sure enough, the opponent got the Maine wrestler in a pretzel hold. Just when everything looked bleak, there

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

Pete: “Did you hear about the thief who stole a calendar from the store?” Larry: “Yup – he got 12 months!” ••••••••••••••••••••••• Pete: “My old hound dog has no nose.” Larry: “Well then, how does he smell?” Pete: “Really, really bad.” ••••••••••••••••••••••• A man was in a hurry taking his 8-year old daughter to school. As he turned right at a red light, he saw a sign: “No Right on Red.”

www.MaineSportsman.com

“Uh-oh,” he said. “I think I just made an illegal turn.” “I think it must be OK, Dad,” said his daughter. “That police car behind us just did the same thing!” ••••••••••••••••••••••• A smart little girl went up to her mother and asked: “Mom, where did all of my intelligence come from?” “Well,” the mom replied, “you must have gotten it from your father, since I still have all of mine!”

was a loud shout, the Mainer got free from the pretzel hold and pinned the Massachusetts wrestler. “How did you manage to do that?” asked the coach, afterwards. “Well,” said the Mainer, “we were all twisted up, and suddenly I saw buttocks right in front of my face. So with the last of my strength, I chomped down with my teeth as hard as I could.” “So that’s what finished the other guy off?” asked the coach. “Well, not really,” said the Mainer. “You’d be surprised how strong you suddenly get when you bite yourself in the butt!”

�� The Maine Sportsman • March 2018 • 17

Maine Should Act Now to Save Our Moose Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is doing exceptional research to document the tragic deaths of our moose, killed by ticks. Moose biologist Lee Kantar gets great credit for his moose research. Our moose population today may be as low as 50,000 (down from a possible high of 90,000), and moose hunting permits have been reduced by 50%, a devastating development for guides, sporting camps, and rural Maine towns. DIF&W recently reported that they’d located, captured, and collared 83 moose in early January in northern and western Maine. This is the final year of the agency’s five-year study of moose mortality. And the research has been challenging. As Kantar recently told Bangor Daily News outdoor reporter John Holyoke, “The thing that’s the challenge is that there’s no perfect data on how many moose are in any of those areas.” Holyoke noted another gap in the data: It’s impossible to tell how many ticks are there, either. “Ultimately, we want to know about survival rates about cows and calves because they’re so crucial to our moose population, and whether we have growth or decline or stability,” Kantar told Holyoke. “We want to know how that’s going to work, and we want to be able to predict at least the near-future so we can satisfy what the public wants. Which is, they want to see moose,

Maine’s moose population continues to be threatened by ticks.

they want to hunt moose, and it seems, more importantly, they want to know that our moose are healthy.” All very important and very true. Unfortunately, despite our ability to capture and collar moose, including collecting blood, hair, and fecal samples, conducting a tick count and weighing the moose, we are apparently unable to figure out a way to keep those ticks

from killing the moose. I believe this is our next big challenge, now that we know how damaging these ticks are to our moose and our outdoor economy. At my camp on Sourdnahunk Lake, next to Baxter Park, we used to have moose all around us. I have lots of photos of moose on our lawn, sometimes right beside our kids. But in the last 3 years,

we’ve seen just one moose there. In August, we used to see as many as a dozen moose in a nearby pond, eating plants. Today, I can’t find any moose in that pond in August. I’m wondering if we could put out food stands, and spray the moose and kill the ticks when the moose approach the stands to eat. I know they do this for cattle in Texas.

Law Breakers During the 8-year period 2007 – 2015, game wardens gave more citations to ATV riders, snowmobilers, and boaters than any other outdoor group. ATV riders were the worst law breakers, getting a total of 4,863 citations for violating Maine’s laws. Those citations broke out this way: • 1,921 Operating unregistered ATV • 1,229 Operating ATV on public way • 433 Operating ATV on land without permission of landowners • 413 Failure to display ATV registration numbers • 247 Failure to present ATV registration • 245 U n l a w f u l l y permitting operation of an ATV • 220 Carrying a passenger on an ATV without headgear • 155 Allowing minor to operate ATV in violation (Continued on next page)

Don’t miss the Maine Professional Guides Association’s

39TH ANNUAL BANQUET & MEETING April 7, 2018 Jeff’s Catering 15 Littlefield Way, Brewer 5:00PM - Happy Hour/Cash Bar 5:30PM - Welcome Speech and Annual Meeting 6:00PM - Dinner SEATS GO QUICKLY! Email pgross@maineguides.org for reservations Send check to: MPGA, c/o Pat Gross 3 North Stonington Road, Stonington, ME 04681

See you there! www.MaineSportsman.com

18 • March 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

Capitol Report (Continued from page 17)

Snowmobilers came in second for most violations, with 3,831, barely nosing out boaters. Those citations broke out this way: • 1,862 Operating unregistered snowmobile • 723 Violating snowmobile noise limits • 636 Failure to provide and display snowmobile registration • 449 Operating snowmobile left of center • 161 Operating snowmobile on public way Boaters Boaters received 3,503 citations, broken out this way: • 1,930 Operate watercraft without safety equipment • 840 Unregistered motor boat • 274 No lake or river protection sticker • 252 Registration numbers not displayed • 207 Operating at greater than headway speed where prohibited

Guilty, but Let Off I have my own warden story to go with this column. One spring, up to camp, a game warden approached me as I got into my boat to go fishing, informing me that I had not registered my boat before bringing it to camp. I’d forgotten. But as he began to write a citation for my violation, I gazed over to the warden’s boat, which they kept at our camps, and noticed that it had not been registered. Warden boats are supposed to be registered too. I pointed out to the warden that his boat hadn’t been registered either, and we both agreed to get our boats registered, as he put away his citation book without giving me a citation. Anglers Break More Laws than Hunters In the 8-year period 2007 – 2015, Maine game wardens gave more citations to anglers than to hunters. Anglers received a total of 4,192 citations

Quotable

Sportsman

by George Smith

“The deer population in the congested area, many of these act quite tame. You can stop, get out of your car and whistle, and they’ll walk toward you. It’s not the way it should be, frankly.” Chris Bartlett, member of the Eastport Deer Committee, Bangor Daily News, December 11, 2017 — “To be honest with you, I don’t ride in Massachusetts. We haven’t had a winter in Massachusetts in three years. You can get on a trail in Maine and ride all the way to Canada.” Michelle Vincent of western Massachusetts, who does her snowmobiling in Maine, as do riders from other states. Deirdre Flemming story, Maine Sunday Telegram, December 10, 2017

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while hunters received 2,869. More than half of the citations given to anglers were for fishing without a license. Here is how the citations broke out: • 2,338 Fishing without a valid license • 786 Fishing violation – number, amount, weight or size • 573 Use of bait in artificial lure only water • 255 Unattended lines (ice fishing) • 240 Possessing fish in violation It is particularly alarming to learn that so many anglers are using live bait in waters where that is illegal. That is just how so many of our native fisheries have been damaged by competing species. Hunters Hunting citations broke out this way: • 687 Loaded firearms or crossbow in motor vehicle • 358 Placing bait to entice deer • 346 Hunting from stand or blind over deer bait

• 244 Night hunting • 218 Hunting with firearms or crossbow without hunter orange • 208 Using artificial light to illuminate wild animals • 184 Illegal placing of bear bait • 162 Hunting without a valid license • 158 Fraudulently obtaining a hunting license or permit • 153 Driving deer • 151 Discharging firearm or crossbow near dwelling I hope all hunters are aware of the controversial change in the baiting law, which now takes your hunting license for life for a second baiting conviction. In addition to these hunting and fishing citations and the ones handed out to ATV riders, snowmobilers, and boaters, reported in my last outdoor news column, the only other violations that got 150 or more citations in this 8-year period were these: • 528 Possession of marijuana • 431 Littering • 425 Possession of

“People who drink beer and those with O blood type are their favorites (deer ticks)… Maybe you should think twice about that brew if you are heading into woods.” Nightwalk, a book by Karen Zimmerman about using your senses to explore the natural world. — “Originally, birding was like fishing. The object was to bring home the bird. Gradually definitions changed, and just a hundred years ago the term “birding” was first defined in a dictionary as observing birds, not shooting them.” Bob Duchesne’s column in Maine Woodlands newsletter, January 2018. — “Coyotes are a formidable predator, moving into the places where we take our kids to school and walk our pets.” Dennis Murphy, who deals in pelts of coyotes he kills in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. New York Times, December, 2017. — “We carry the largest inventory of tanned furs and leathers in North America. We get

marijuana • 203 Sale and use of drug paraphernalia Yes, game wardens are often involved in law enforcement issues well beyond our favorite outdoor pursuits (assuming one of your favorite outdoor pursuits is not smoking marijuana). And I do want to especially thank our game wardens who are out there writing up road slobs who trash our woodlots and roadside Portage Lake In my February report, I told you about a controversial proposal to stock Portage Lake in northern Maine, which drew criticism from some DIF&W fisheries biologists, a very unusual situation. The good news is that the department denied the request made by its fisheries biologist in that region to stock Portage Lake, focusing on the importance of protecting our native brook trout in nearby (and connected) waters.

furs from all over the world.” Randy Richard of Glacier Wear in Greenville. Aislinn Sarnaki story, Bangor Daily News, December 30, 2017. — “There are between 50,000 and 70,000 moose in Maine. That’s not as high as the moose population across the vast wilderness of Alaska, but it beats every other state…. What helps moose thrive in Maine is the lack of wolves.” Lee Kantar, DIF&W moose biologist. Deirdre Fleming story, Maine Sunday Telegram, December 31, 2017 — “There are many preventive measures that can be taken to combat the spread of ticks…. Towns and cities could monitor deer populations and reduce them with altered hunting seasons or controlled kills.” Susan Elias, disease ecologist at Maine Medical Center Research Institute. Joe Lawler column, Maine Sunday Telegram, January 7, 2018

�� The Maine Sportsman • March 2018 • 19

Give Kids Confidence and Skills for Safe Boat Operation by Mike Lund As kids growing up, we had access to small boats all summer long. At the time, we just took the situation for granted, but looking back it’s clear how many opportunities were made available to us. We stayed at lakefront summer cottage, near a camp that had been owned by our grandparents since the 1940s. We had a ready supply of small boats, including 14-foot aluminum boats with 6-horse Mercury

Kids need to explore and learn at their own speed and in their own way. Once they are good swimmers and can handle boats with confidence, they should be encouraged to take out canoes and small motor boats by themselves for fishing or exploration. outboards, old aluminum Grumman canoes, Sunfish sailboats and single-seat kayaks. This flotilla of used boats was primarily the result of our father’s irrepressible bargain-hunting. When yet another watercraft appeared at

the landing on a rusty trailer pulled behind his vehicle or atop the car’s roof rack, he would shrug and explain that the boat “followed him home.” Most importantly, we had the freedom to use these boats, starting at a very young age. Today, in

this age of helicopter parenting, some observers might view the amount of freedom we were given at the time as irresponsible. For example, as 8 year-olds, we were provided with a life jacket, a paddle and a canoe, with no instructions or limita-

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tions other than that we could go anywhere we wanted on the lake but that had to “be back before dark.” That freedom to use boats was the result of some deliberate parenting on the part of our father and mother, and my siblings and I have enjoyed lifetimes of safe, confident boating because of it.

Swim Tests The first thing our (Continued on next page)

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20 • March 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

Boating in Maine (Continued from page 19)

parents did was to make sure we all knew how to swim. They were both former camp counselors, and taught us progressive steps, through the dog-paddle and deadman’s float to the breast and crawl strokes. As toddlers, we were required to wear life jackets in boats and on the floats. Once we had grown a bit and could swim 500 yards to a nearby island, the life-jacket-

on-the-dock rule was relaxed. And when we could swim a half-mile across a large expanse of the lake, we were permitted to go boating without wearing our life jackets (although they were always in the boat). Capsizing Boats – On Purpose Next, our parents allowed us to familiarize ourselves with the limits – and capabilities –

of small boats. We were encouraged to play with the old Grumman canoes in shallow water. We stood on the edges of the gunnels and tried to tip our own boats over. We stood up in the canoes and jousted with inflated inner tubes, trying to tip each other over. We flipped the boats completely upside down, and then went under the water and popped up inside the air pockets formed by the overturned canoes. Then we’d right the water-filled canoes our-

selves and swim or drag them back to shore. We learned that the canoes would not sink, and that we could stay securely inside them even when most of the canoe was submerged. We learned to bail the canoes out by rocking them back and forth, then splashing out the water by hand or using paddles. Power Boats Soon thereafter came our hands-on instruction with power boats. On family boat trips, we were

allowed to help drive the small motorboats. Gradually we learned to check the gas tanks to make sure we had sufficient fuel, start the outboards using the pull-cords, and proceed at slow speeds away from the beach or dock. We learned to reverse the process and to dock the boats, gaining confidence to approach floats even in a driving wind by circling around to the sheltered side, controlling our speed as we came into the wind. (Continued on next page)

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The author learned boating skills at a very young age, leading to a lifetime of boating -- and fishing -- fun. W. Lund photo

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

Our parents recognized that kids need to explore and learn at their own speed and in their own way. Once we had proven we could operate the small power boats safely and not run them up on shore or bang propellers on rocks, we were encouraged to take out the boats by ourselves for fishing or exploration. Building Confidence and Skills This approach to boating gave us kids confidence in boats and in our abilities. Knowing we could swim to shore if we had to, meant we weren’t afraid of the water or of being away from

the shoreline. Knowing how to capsize a boat and then right it again meant that we weren’t afraid of bad weather or big waves. Exploring a lake on our own meant we had to learn how to find our way home (sometimes after dark and way past dinnertime.) But knowing we were going to have to find our own way home meant that we learned to pay close attention to the route we took, the rocky areas along the way, the navigational aids and the landmarks on the shore. As a result of this training, we are stronger and more confident boaters and we are grateful

The author states that young boaters should be encouraged to practice overturning canoes in shallow water, to gain confidence in themselves and the boats. Photo credit: Anganettew

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(Continued on next page)

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22 • March 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

Boating in Maine (Continued from page 22)

for the careful parenting that made it possible. Also, when it came to teaching our own kids or those for whom we had responsibility, we had a good model: first, make sure they are comfortable in and on the water; next, make certain

they know the capabilities and limitations of their boats; and finally, allow them to use that confidence and those skills on their own.

Maine Boating Laws for Adults AND Kids • An operator of a boat of more than 10 horsepower must be at least 12 years of age, unless the child is under the immediate supervision of a person at least 16 years of age. • Children 10 years of age or younger are required to wear a Type I, II or III PFD in all watercraft. • Watercraft less than 16 feet, and all canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, regardless of length, must carry at least one Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD), Types I, II, or III (wearable), for each person aboard. Watercraft 16 feet or longer must carry the above, plus a Type IV (throwable) device immediately available in craft. • It is unlawful to engage in prolonged circling, informal racing, wake jumping or other types of continued and repeated activities if those activities harass another person. • Watercraft operating between sunset and sunrise must display

lights. • Personal water craft such as jetskis cannot operate between sunset and sunrise. • Waterskiing is prohibited between a half-hour after sunset, to a half-hour before sunrise. • It’s not illegal in Maine to waterski behind a jet ski, but the jet-ski must be carrying a passenger at least 12 years old who is facing backwards, observing the skier. • Within 200 feet of the shore of the mainland or the shore of an island, watercraft may not be operated at a speed greater than headway speed (the slowest speed at which steerage and control can be maintained). The only exception is when a boat is picking up or dropping off a waterskier. • Any watercraft that exceeds a noise level of 90 decibels when subjected to a stationary sound level test or a noise level of 75 decibels when subjected to an operational test, may not be operated.

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BRUNSWICK Bamforth Marine 200 Maine Street • 207-729-3303 bamforthmarine.com ©2017 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 the USA only on new and unused Evinrude E-TEC engines purchased, delivered and registered between 11/1/17 and 4/30/18 at an authorized, participating Evinrude dealer. *10-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 10-year coverage (3 years of BRP Limited Warranty and 7 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 10-year BRP Limited Warranty. Evinrude Jet Series engines are eligible for 6-year coverage offer on the upper unit only. The jet pump assembly will only receive a 3-year BRP limited warranty. All rigging components purchased on the same bill of sale as the engine, will be covered under the same BRP Extended Service Terms as the engine. **Approximate retail value of 7 years BRP Extended Service Terms coverage is based on number of HP and is up to 7,500 USD for a 300 HP engine. Offer subject to change without notice. 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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LEWISTON Al’s Sport Center 1818 Lisbon Street 207-784-7591 alssportcenter.com MACHIAS Whitney’s Tri-Town Marine 29 Dublin Street 207-255-3392 tritownmarine.com

PORTLAND Portland Yacht Services 400 Commercial Street 207-774-1067 portlandyacht.com

STANDISH Richardson’s Boat Yard 633 White’s Bridge Road 207-892-4913 richardsonsbycom YORK York Harbor Marine 20 Harris Island Road 207-363-3602 yorkharbormarine.com

*At participating dealers only. Qualifying retail customers may receive instant savings off the selling price of a Honda powered boat package or Honda Marine engine(s) sold for repower. This promotion is limited to new Honda Marine 40 HP through 250 HP outboard engines, 2013 and newer models, sold and delivered between January 3, 2018 and June 4, 2018 and registered by the Dealer in accordance with American Honda Motor Co., Inc.’s sales registration requirements. Only Honda Marine outboard engines sold for personal use qualify for this promotion. Fleet, commercial & government sales are ineligible. Engines sold under special pricing / promotions are also excluded. Honda Marine reserves the right to modify, amend, cancel or revoke, in whole or in part, this promotion at any time without prior notice.

�� The Maine Sportsman • March 2018 • 23

Tips for Better Fuel Economy Fuel prices at marinas and gas stations in Maine are down significantly from the painfully high levels of five or six years ago, so there’s less stress when it comes to filling up your boat’s fuel tank. However, you can make each gallon go as far as possible by making a few simple modifications to your boat weight, propeller pitch, trim tabs and the course you plot for your fishing trip. The number-one fuel thief is unnecessary weight, and one of the most common offenders is the amount of fuel that’s carried. My 28-foot center console has a capacity of 150 gallons of gas, but I rarely fill up. I can pretty well estimate how many gallons I’ll burn in any given fishing trip – normally 25 to 35 gallons – so I usually fill to no more than the 100-gallon mark. What’s the point in hauling around an extra 300 pounds? Carrying unneeded fuel is just plain inefficient. Same goes for your boat’s fresh water tank, by the way. Shed Those Unwanted Pounds! You can shed those “unwanted pounds” in other ways, too. Do you really need to carry four flats of spring water, a case of oil, and two extra anchors on every trip? Do you need to lug around all your cleaning supplies? (While you’re at it, does Weird Cousin Dexter need to come along? Probably not.) Remove everything you don’t really need for a single trip, and store it in a dock box or in the

The number-one fuel thief is unnecessary weight, and among of the most common offenders are the amounts of fuel, water and extra gear that are carried.

The author’s boat, “Shark Six,” is shown properly trimmed for maximum fuel efficiency at cruise speed in calm sea conditions -- a fairly flat running angle with only moderate bow rise, and level port-to-starboard. Photo by Steve Rubicam

garage. (Dexter would rather stay home on the couch with his Xbox anyway.) Another step you can take is empty your live well when it’s not needed. I have a 30-gallon well in the stern, and we often catch a bunch of mackerel at the start of the trip, then head to the striper or offshore grounds. I need a full well to keep the bait frisky during the fishing day, but don’t need to lug 240 pounds of seawater home with me, which equates to the weight of an additional footballplayer-sized person on board. Therefore, we normally release any remaining baits and drain the well dry before the run back to the dock. There’s another

“weight problem” your boat may have that you might not realize. Ever pick up a gallon of antifouling paint? Heavy, isn’t it? That’s because it’s loaded with biocides such as copper, as well as dense “binders” and other materials that help it do its job. After the initial bottom coating, I’ll only paint from the boot top down to the chine for the next five years, even longer. If you dutifully paint your boat’s complete bottom every year, you can potentially add 100 or more fuel-stealing pounds of paint. People who look at the bottom of my boat when it’s out of the water are always amazed when I tell them I haven’t painted it in six or seven

years. Then they’ll ask “What paint do you use?” So I tell them – waterbased Pettit Hydrocoat, which sells for $169 a gallon. Best bottom paint I’ve ever found for Maine salt waters. (And no, I don’t have stock in the company, and they don’t

send me free products!) Right Prop, Right Spot You need to run the right prop. This is vitally important for peak efficiency. Your prop should allow your engine to turn up to the stated rpm range that will deliver the maximum horsepower for which your engine is rated. If, for instance, your 150-hp four-stroke outboard delivers its rated horsepower between 5000 and 6000 rpm, then you want it to be able to turn up in that range. If it will only turn 4500 rpm at full throttle, you have an issue, and it’s most likely that the propeller has too much pitch and/ or blade diameter for the application. Check with the engine manufacturer or a dealer, and provide them with the basic specifications of your boat (length, hull type and weight). Usually they can plug the info into a computer and tell you what the correct prop size should be. Even an inch of pitch can sometimes make a huge difference. Most marine engines (Continued on next page)

www.MaineSportsman.com

24 • March 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

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ROCHESTER, NH NECC Boats 144 Flagg Road 603-335-1570 NECCBoats.com

*PROGRAM TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Consumer benefit for purchasing a new (unused, not previously warranty registered) select eligible Yamaha 2.5 to 300 HP four-stroke outboard is a choice of either a 24-month Yamaha Extended Service contract (choice offered in Florida is a 24-month Yamaha Limited Warranty), or a credit based on MSRP toward the purchase of goods and/or services at the authorized participating dealer that sold the outboard, at no extra cost to consumer. NO BENEFIT SUBSTITUTIONS. To be eligible, outboards must also have been manufactured since January 2011. Promotion is only applicable from authorized participating Yamaha Outboard dealers in the USA, sold to purchasing consumers residing in the USA. Promotion is limited to available stock in dealer inventory that is sold, PDI completed, delivered and warranty registered on YMBS by the dealer in accordance with Yamaha’s Promotion and warranty registration requirements during applicable dates. Applicable models may vary. Any new models introduced after December 1, 2017 are NOT eligible for this Promotion. No model substitutions, benefit substitutions, extensions or rain checks wil be allowed. Outboards sold or provided for commercial, camp, resort, rental, promotional/demo, government agency, competition, tournament or sponsorship use are not eligible. This Promotion cannot be used in conjunction with any other Yamaha offer. Some exceptions may apply. See authorized participating Yamaha dealer for complete details. Yamaha reserves the right to change or cancel this Promotion at any time. Other restrictions and conditions may apply.

BAMFORTH MARINE Brunswick, ME 207-729-3303 bamforthmarine.com

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LAKE & SEA BOATWORKS Bar Harbor, ME 207-288-8961 lakeandsea.com

(Continued from page 23)

have a narrow rpm range at cruise speed, or “sweet spot,” that’s the most fuel-efficient. This is where your gallons-perhour (gph) gauge comes into play. Most large outboard motors and I/Os now include a gph function in the instruments that come with the engine. If not, you can purchase an aftermarket flow meter. Play your gph against your speed (using your GPS) and engine trim angle until you find the rpm or range that gives you the greatest distance per gallon of fuel. Lookin’ Trim That brings us to trim. Your boat is designed to run most efficiently at a certain attitude (bow height), and proper trim, which is usually when the boat is riding level port-to-starboard. You can easily correct the boat’s attitude with the engine’s power tilt switch, but unless you have trim tabs you may need to

PORTLAND YACHT SERVICES Portland, ME 207-774-1067 portlandyacht.com

rearrange passengers in order to “trim” the boat so it rides level. If folks are sitting on one side or the other and the boat is only riding on one-half of its bottom, you are losing efficiency. There’s no substitute for moving people and gear around until the boat rides properly, without help from the tabs, even if you have them. Finally, create a game plan for your fishing trips. Spend a little time developing a course that will allow you to burn the least amount of fuel on any given day. Figure tides, time of day and “bite windows,” and then create a route to your string of honeyholes and back that will eliminate fuel-robbing side runs and backtracking. Hey, put all this together and you might save enough money on gas this season to buy a few new rods and reels!

RICHARDSON’S BOAT YARD Standish, ME 207-892-4913 richardsonsby.com

�� The Maine Sportsman • March 2018 • 25

Maine Snowmobile Clubs Adapt to Meet Trail Maintenance Challenge by Cathy Genthner

Maine is famous throughout the Northeast for its well-groomed snowmobile trail system. Most of the work obtaining landowner permission, laying out trails, cutting brush in the summer and grooming the snow in the winter, is accomplished by volunteers.

On average, Mainers are older than the residents of any other state in the country, according a November 6, 2017 Time

Magazine article written by David Johnson titled “These are the Youngest States in America.” Maine has the highest

median age at 44.5 years, with Vermont (43.1) and New Hampshire (42.7) coming in right after. (Utah was the youngest

population, with a median age of 30.7 years.) What does this have to do with snowmobiling? Well, volunteers who

groom the trails are getting older, and not enough younger snowmobilers are volunteering to (Continued on next page)

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LINCOLN Richard’s Sport Shop 239 W. Broadway 207-794-3363 Visit Us on Facebook

GORHAM, NH Absolute Power Sports 471 Main Street 603-466-5454 absolutepowersportsnh.com

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Always wear an approved helmet and eye protection. Observe all state and local laws. Respect the rights of others. Ride within your capabilities. Allow extra time and plenty of distance for maneuvering. Do not perform stunts. ©2014 Yamaha Motor Corp, U.S.A. All rights reserved.

www.MaineSportsman.com

26 • March 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

Snowmobiling in Maine (Continued from page 25)

help on the trails.

— Visit Your Local Arctic Cat Dealer for the Latest Promotions — AUBURN Ames Sport Shop 84 Littlefield Road 207-782-4917 See Us on Facebook

GORHAM White Rock Outboard 351 Sebago Lake Road 207-892-9606 whiterockoutboard.com

SIDNEY Kramer’s Inc. 2400 West River Road 207-547-3345 kramersinc.com

CARIBOU Plourde & Plourde 11 Laurette Street 207-496-3211 plourdeplourde.com

JACKMAN Jackman Power Sports 549 Main Street 207-668-4442 jackmanpowersports.com

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

Always wear a helmet and don’t drink and ride.

See Your Local Yamaha Snowmobile Dealer for Details! BUXTON Reynolds Motorsports 702 Narragansett Trail 207-929-6641 reynoldsmotorsports.com

JACKMAN Jackman Powersports 549 Main Street 207-668-4442 jackmanpowersports.com

TOPSHAM Woody’s Performance Ctr. 70 Topsham Fair Mall Road 207-729-1177 woodysyamaha.com

FORT KENT Roger’s Sport Center 214 Market Street 207-834-5505 rogerssportcentermaine.com

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

RANGELEY Rev-It-Up Sports Shop Route 4 207-864-2452 revitupsports.com

1 AS LOW AS 0% APR UNTIL PAID IN FULL 1: Offer available on approved purchases of new 2015-2018 Apex, Viper & Sidewinder models made on the Yamaha Credit Card issued by WebBank, member FDIC. Subject to credit approval as determined by WebBank. Offer valid through 4/30/18. Available to cardholders of the WebBank Yamaha Card. Account must be open and current to be eligible for this offer. 0%, 4.99%, 8.99%, or 12.99% APR with Minimum Payments of 1.67%, 1.89%, 2.08%, or 2.28% respectively of the purchase price balance, based on your creditworthiness, are effective until the purchase is paid in full. Minimum Interest Charge $2 per month. Standard APR 15.99%-23.99% 2 0% APR FOR 6 MONTHS: Thereafter, your standard APR will be 15.99%-23.99%. Offer available on approved purchases of new 2015-2018 Yamaha Snowmobiles made on the Yamaha Credit Card issued by WebBank, member FDIC. Subject to credit approval as determined by WebBank. Offer valid through 4/30/18. Available to cardholders of the WebBank Yamaha Card. Account must be open and current to be eligible for this offer. Eligible purchases will be charged no interest for 6 months from the transaction date. Thereafter, you will be charged your standard APR 15.99%-23.99%. Minimum Interest Charge $2 per month.

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“Not a Crisis, Yet” “I wouldn’t call it a crisis yet, but the volunteers are getting older, and at some point they won’t be able, physically, to groom the trails,” said Bob Meyers, executive director of the Maine Snowmobile Association. “In addition, younger riders aren’t stepping forward.” “I think there are a number of reasons for this,” Meyers continued. “Society has changed, and people have very different lives than they did even 20 years ago. People have very limited time to do what they really want to do. They would rather be out riding a snowmobile than working on snowmobile trails.” That is because trail maintenance takes time and work. There are 14,500 miles of trails in Maine that have always been groomed in the past. There could be the expectation by some that the trails will always be groomed in the future. While grooming only takes place during the winter months, trail maintenance, repair and construction take place year-round. There is also the work of getting landowner permission for trails each year. Challenge – Getting Folks Involved There are 289 snowmobile clubs in Maine. Some larger clubs are able to pay for trail grooming but could still use volunteer help. Club membership has been relatively stable during the past few years, with 10,000 family memberships and 2,100

business memberships. However, a relatively small percentage of those who join clubs and pay dues are volunteering to work on the trails. It is an industry-wide problem, with most of those who work on the trails being between the ages of 50 and 70. Grooming isn’t difficult physically; however, building bridges, cutting brush and trees and moving culverts is demanding work – even for a younger person. “The solution isn’t simple,” admitted John Monk, president of the Maine Snowmobile Association. “People need to get educated about how the trail system gets put into place. Folks are sitting on the sidelines, waiting for the clubs to take care of grooming and maintenance, because that is how it has been happening for years.” “The age of volunteers is getting up there,” concluded Monk, “and people now spend so much time with technology – such as being on their computers and phones – it seems many of them are not as outdoorsy as they used to be.” Economic Impact However, those who are outdoorsy love Maine for its incredible trail system, which attracts snowmobilers from across the country. It is estimated that snowmobilers “from away” and from the next town contribute anywhere $350 to $500 million to the economy. Snowmobilers stay in hotels, eat at restaurants, buy gas, and shop (Continued on next page)

�� The Maine Sportsman • March 2018 • 27

Looking for new and innovative ways to keep trails groomed and maintained, snowmobile clubs are now getting assistance from Boy Scouts, as well as from high school students who need community service credits to graduate. And for multi-use trails, ATV clubs are joining snowmobilers, pitching in to complete the work. (Continued from page 26)

at local stores. Within the next few years, there will be a new study conducted exploring the economic impact snowmobiling has on Maine. The last study was done in 1998, and it was estimated that the economic impact of snowmobiling was around $300 million. That number will definitely increase when the study is updated more than 20 years later. Search for Innovative Solutions State officials and snowmobilers are looking at a number of creative ways to keep the trail system groomed and maintained. For example, clubs have been utilizing the help of groups such as the Boy Scouts. Another resource is high school students who are required to perform a certain number of community service hours in

order to graduate. Snowmobile clubs are also teaming up with ATV clubs on trail work, when it is appropriate for a multi-use trail. Joining more than one club also helps the trail system. For example, if you live in southern Maine but ride in “The County,” join two clubs. Most people will trailer their sleds if there isn’t enough snow for riding near where they live. “Join where you live, and join where you ride,” said Monk. With Maine’s economy so dependent on a quality snowmobile trail system, joining a club and volunteering to work on the trails makes sense for the future of snowmobiling and the future of Maine. For more information about a club near you, visit: www.MeSnow.com

Snowmobile Rental & Guided Tour Directory

The Northern Timber Cruisers Snowmobile Club in Millinocket is one of Maine’s largest clubs. The club offers a museum, cross-country skiing, ATVing and even food on weekends during the wintertime. Presque Isle

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28 • March 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

— Special Feature — by Zachary Fowler

Making a Shelter Into a Patagonian Home – Part 2

Once he got back to Maine, Fowler decided to recreate his Patagonian structure, except using plant materials he found in Maine. First, he pounded stakes into the ground, and then wove saplings through them to create the walls.

Our story so far: Fowler was flown to Patagonia in 2016 to compete against nine other contestants in the History Channel’s reality television show “Alone.” Using the ten tools he’d selected to bring, he built not a mere crude shelter, but rather a home, out of woven bamboo double walls with leaves in between for insulation. He constructed a fire pit for warmth, and learned to keep the fire lit day and night. He constructed the bamboo home up against a giant fallen tree, which became the back wall of the structure. ***** The thermal mass of the giant Patagonian log held a great deal of warmth inside the structure. If I had to guess, I estimate the temperature inside never dropped below 50 °F. I’m basing that assumption on the fact that I was still comfortable when I got up in the morning, and didn’t have www.MaineSportsman.com

to rush to get all my layers on. In fact, sometimes I would lounge about in my long johns until after my breakfast of fish head soup.

To the outside of the woven sapling walls, he thatched reeds five inches thick for insulation. He then made plans to build a rocket stove for warmth, and to add shingles to the roof. He filmed the construction’s progress for his YouTube video series titled “87 Days.”

ments. Of course I didn’t hide inside all the time – I had daily chores to do like checking on my “fish-uation” down by the lake, harvesting firewood, practicing shooting my slingshot, checking my traps, and collecting more building materials to keep my busy during my inside times. All of which was only possible because of the home I had built. It gave me somewhere to rest between chores, and a place to dry out on rainy days – a place of comfort away from the elements.

It was especially important because the high winds in Patagonia tended to blow down the giant trees and limbs. But I was safe with my sleeping spot half tucked under the giant log that made the back wall of my home. Had a tree or limb fallen on the structure, the big log would have deflected the force, and I would not have been affected.

Below Freezing Outside During the first month I lived in the bamboo structure, the temperatures outside remained below freezing for the entire time. But my little home-away-fromHand-Built Shelter home was a sanctuary Here in Maine from the cold. After my success on During the last month the Alone show, I reof my time there, it rained turned home to Maine. or snowed almost every When I got here, I wantday, but I was dry and ed to recreate the Patacozy sitting gonian shelin front of my ter, except fire and whitI decided to tling gifts for build it usmy family. I ing resources carved over I have on my 200 spoons land. and 200 sets I have been of chopsticks working on as Christmy newest mas presents shelter, and while I sat Once his chores were done each day in Patagonia, filming progin front of Fowler relaxed in front of his fire inside his cozy home ress for use in the fire, safe and carved 200 spoons and 200 sets of chopsticks as my YouTube from the ele- gifts for his friends and family. series called

“87 Days.” The structure developed a bit differently this time, since the availability of resources is vastly different here in Maine compared to South America. This time around, I made the inner structure from saplings in a “hurdle wattle” (woven) fashion. Then I thatched the outside with reeds about five inches thick, to provide insulation. It turned out awesome, and I plan to continue to modify and improve it as the “87 Days” YouTube series continues. I will add a rocket stove, and also handmade shingles for the roof. So, watch the progress on my YouTube channel. I hope to see many of you at the State of Maine Sportsman’s Show over Easter weekend, March 30 – April 1. I will be there, and I’ll have a few surprises. See you next time. Fowler Out!!!

�� The Maine Sportsman • March 2018 • 29

Ice Fishing Was a Lot of Work —

Part 2 (Gramp’s ice chisel goes through the Ice, as does the author’s leg) by Randy Randall Our story so far: The author’s grandfather was a traditional ice-fisherman. He wore a heavy woolen overcoat, and his wool pants were held up with suspenders. He cut precise round holes in the ice with a long heavy metal chisel called a spud. In this second and final installment, the old man’s spud slips out of his mitten-clad fingers and heads for the bottom of the pond. ***** An integral part of Grandfather’s day on the ice was a campfire on the shore. He’d find a sheltered spot behind some boulders out of the wind and kindle a small fire. We scavenged blowdowns and dry limbs to feed the campfire, and as the day wore on, the ice underneath the fire melted into a puddle. At lunchtime, Gramps toasted his sandwich over the fire, and set his tin coffee cup close to the embers to keep the drink warm. In the afternoon, the clouds rolled in, the sun began to set and a little wind sent a chill across the pond. “Time to pick ’em up,” Gramps would announce, and he’d plod from hole to hole, methodically winding up his lines and knocking the live bait off the hooks. We’d throw snow on the campfire, causing the half-burned logs to sizzle

and clouds of steam to rise about the rocks. Gramps would then struggle back into his woolen overcoat, and we’d follow in his tracks up over the bank through the woods and across the marsh out to the car. Stepping in it Holes in the ice were expensive, both in terms of time and energy, so Gramps was not disposed to practice the “run ’n gun” style of ice fishing we pursue today as we cut multiple holes, always searching for a better spot. But there were times when he suggested maybe we should try cutting a new hole a little ways off that point of land. We kids took the hint. We manhandled his ice chisel out onto the ice and took our turns chipping away. One day we had cut a few extra holes, and when Gramps moved his traps, we filled the old holes in with loose snow. Gramps warned that someone was going to get caught in one of those holes. He was right, of course. Not less than an hour later as we were all running for a flag, I stepped into the vacant hole and soaked my leg nearly up to my hip. Gramps could have admonished us with a terse, “Told you so,”

wool overcoat.

In this snapshot from the early 1950s, the author’s grandfather, Forest “Doc” Randall, heads out onto the ice with the author’s father. Doc, holding his ice chisel, is dressed in his customary wool shirt and heavy coat with wide collars, and he’s wearing waterproof rubbers on his feet. Photo courtesy of R. Randall

but he didn’t. Instead, he ushered us over the campfire, and helped me shed my wet pants. He arranged some poles over the fire on which to dry the wet clothes. “Here,” he said, “put this on,” and I wrapped up in his bulky

Lost his Grip I find it intriguing the things a man leaves behind when he dies – the personal items that get passed down through the generations, such as Gramps’ pocketknife, his compass, his watch, his rifle, his canoe and his ice traps – and, in this case, his ice chisel. Gramps almost lost that ice chisel once. He was getting tired as he came to the end of a particularly rugged hole. He gave a mighty stab with the last of his strength, and in an instant the ice chisel broke through the ice, the frayed lanyard let go, and the chisel slid out of Gramps’ hands and vanished down the hole. We were stunned. Gramps’ ice chisel had just disappeared. After a few moments of

silence, Gramps opined, “That’s my only ice chisel.” By lying down on the ice and shading our eyes, we were able to peer into the water and see the forlorn ice chisel stuck in the muddy bottom in (Continued on next page)

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30 • March 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

Ice Fishing in Maine (Continued from page 29)

about eight feet of water. The shaft of the chisel slanted upward at an angle, somewhat like a javelin hurled by an Olympi-

an. The saving grace was that we could at least see the thing. It took only a few minutes for us to cut a long

slender birch branch, fasten a loop of rope on the end, lower it down into the hole and coax the loop over the handle of the chisel. Then we pulled it tight and hoisted the chisel back up onto the

ice. I still have that ice chisel, as rugged and as sharp as the day it was made. I carry it with me out on the ice, using it as a walking stick. As a kid, I’d helped

Gramps cut many holes with that chisel. Having it along with me is like having him along for another memorable day out on the ice.

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— The Maine Sportsman —

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�� The Maine Sportsman • March 2018 • 31

A True Maine Tradition...

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32 • March 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

— The Maine Sportsman’s Featured Maine Sporting Camps —

Rideout’s Lodge

Rideout’s Lodge, located on 22-mile-long East Grand Lake, has been operating for over 70 years. Their very long history has included notable customers such as L.L. Bean himself. From their humble beginnings in 1947, they’ve grown to 15 fully modern cabins, a renowned restaurant, a fleet of superior quality rental boats, and much more. Most importantly, Rideout’s has long been the standard for Maine fishing. Early season anglers arrive at ice-out to troll for salmon, and similar techniques often result in netting large togue and healthy brook trout. Later, the bass spawn arrives, during which an experienced pair of sports can net up to 100 bass per day! With their reliable, quality rental boats (16’ Lunds with Honda 4-stroke electric start motors), customers will have all they need for a successful and comfortable day on the lake. They also provide an orientation of the lake (with courtesy map) and the latest fishing re-

port, and they can set you up with the proper lures and gear through their on-site tackle shop. Many of their customers return every year – some for over 25 years! If preferred, customers are welcome to bring their own personal boats. These are secured on their 215’ long dock....one of the longest docks in northern Maine. Tucked into Davenport Cove, your boat will be safe and wind-protected even under the most adverse conditions. Rideout’s also has access to an excellent selection of registered Maine guides, and again this year they will be offering sports the traditional shore lunch option while being guided out of a Grand Lake canoe. They can easily accommodate large groups in their panoramic lake-front dining hall and conference room, where wi-fi is always available – the perfect choice for family reunions or corporate retreats. Most cabins have fully furnished kitchens

for a budget-minded “cook-your-own” option. For a more carefree stay, book their full service American Plan, where they provide all the meals and superb accommodations with room service. Summertime brings sunny days for family time on their sandy beach, swimming, dock fishing, kayaking, canoe trips or just relaxing on the porch. They offer discounted family vacations, delicious meals and an ideal location with easy access for touring outlying areas. Count on Rideout’s Lodge for an outstanding fishing and vacation experience. From their docking and rental boats to their accommodations and meals, customers want to book their next fishing trip, family vacation or corporate retreat there. To arrange a trip or for more information, call 1(800) 594-5391; visit their web site: www.rideouts.com; visit on Facebook at Rideouts Lakeside Lodge or email info@rideouts. com.

Tim Pond Wilderness Camps “The Place You’ve Been Looking For and Didn’t Know How to Find!” Tim Pond Camps, located in Eustis, Maine, consists of a Main Lodge and 11 rustic log cabins. The cozy cabins are equipped with a bathroom and hot and cold running water, and are heated with woodstoves. Delicious home-cooked meals are served in the spacious lodge dining room, and the cookie jar is always full for snacking! Tim Pond, which has never been stocked, stretches a mile long and is well known for unbelievable fly fishing for native brook trout. Tim Pond is actually one of only a few ponds

www.MaineSportsman.com

left in Maine that is still all-natural. Although a lot of fishermen practice catch-and-release, each angler is allowed to keep two fish. Brookies are great fighters and a lot of fun to catch, and to eat – if you get “fish-hungry,” the cook will fry up your catch for breakfast! Guests staying at Tim Pond Camps in September enjoy taking a hike up the brook to see the fish as they make their way to spawn, and they are always amazed at how far up the mountain the fish travel, and the small amount of water needed to make the voyage. Tim Pond offers many adventures and attractions in addition to the spectacular fishing. If learning to fly fish is on your bucket

list, then enroll in Tim Pond’s Fly-Fishing School, or just to learn some new fly-fishing techniques. Guests can enjoy an energetic hike, go bird or moose watching, or just sit on the porch and read a book while listening to the loons and enjoying the beautiful scenery. Deer, moose, eagles and fox are often seen without leaving the porch. And, if hunting is your passion, Tim Pond offers upland game and deer hunting in season. Make Tim Pond Camps your next fishing or vacation destination. Call 207-243-2947, or visit www.timpond.com.

�� The Maine Sportsman • March 2018 • 33

— The Maine Sportsman’s Featured Maine Sporting Camps —

Libby Outpost Camps

Libby Outposts are historic remote lakeside or riverfront log cabins located throughout the North Maine Woods. Each cabin has the feeling of being the only camp in the wilds. Starting in the 1890s, the Libby Family used many of these cabins to access their main lodges on the headwaters of the Allagash and Aroostook Rivers, when the only available routes were by trail or stream. Today, logging roads and seaplanes make access much easier. Cabins are located in WMD Zone 5, in the heart of the best hunting and fishing territory Maine has to offer. All

cabins are miles apart and within the NMW gate system. Check out the website www.libbyoutposts. com or Libby Outpost Facebook page for all pictures, cabin information and rates (from $32/person + up). Cabins come equipped with propane lights, stoves, fridges, kitchens and beds, and are ready to call your own. Cabins have been built or rebuilt from local timber by the Libby Family. 1. Aroostook River Camp: Log cabin built in 1941 at the confluence of Munsungan and Millinocket Streams. Gated road or stream access. 5 beds. T8R8 2. Brown Pond: Log cabin rebuilt in 2006 on a beautiful remote trout pond. 4 beds. Gated road or seaplane access. T8R9 3. Chandler Pond: 2 Log cabins built in 1952 on the shores of Chandler Pond. 4 beds. Gated road/boat or seaplane access. T8R10. 4. Clear Lake: 2 Log cabins built in the early 1900s and rebuilt in the late 1990s. Cook cabin and sleeping cabin with total of 9 beds. Road or seaplane access. T10R11 5. Echo Lake: Large log cabin with 8 beds built in 1983. Road or seaplane access. T9R11 6. Lower Hudson Pond: Two connected log cabins with total of 10 beds, built in 1984. Trail or seaplane access. Very remote. T10

R10. 7. Mooseleuk Lake: 2 Log cabins with total of 7 beds, built in 2007. Best wildlife lake for photography. Gated road or seaplane access. T10 R9. 8. #1 Camp: 2 log cabins on Munsungan Stream built in the 1920s and rebuilt in 2011. 5 beds total. Road access. T8R9. Contact Matt & Ellen Libby at 207-5732396 or mattp@libbycamps.com. Mailing address: 197 Haystack Rd., Castle Hill, ME 04757

Grand Lake Lodge Grand Lake Lodge, with its six cozy cabins, sits right on the shore of West Grand Lake, in Grand Lake Stream. West Grand Lake offers miles and miles of pristine waters, the perfect habitat for landlocked salmon, lake trout and smallmouth bass, with waters so crystal-clear that anglers say you can see the fish before you catch them! Owners Chris and Lindsay Wheaton and daughter Ali are in their 14th year of welcoming guests to Grand Lake Lodge. Chris, a Registered Maine Guide, offers guests top-notch fishing experiences on the 31 lakes that make up the Grand Lake Watershed. West Grand Lake is open for fishing from ice-out through October 1, and stays open for

catch-and-release angling from October 1 - 20. Grand Lake Stream, a world-class landlocked salmon fishery, is open from April 1 through October 20, and offers a three mile long, fly fishing-only stream full of healthy landlocked salmon. Hunting for white-tailed deer, birds (grouse, woodcock), moose and black bear is phenomenal. Guides are available to assist hunters in navigating the thousands of acres of remote land surrounding the lodge. Each of the comfortably-heated six cabins offers a screened-in porch with a shoreline view, a fully-appointed kitchen, a full bath with hot water and showers, and sleeps between five and seven people.

Grand Lake Lodge boasts gorgeous scenery and abundant wildlife, making it the perfect family vacation destination. Guests will enjoy fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, exploring, swimming and much more. Boats are available for rent, and if kayaking or canoeing are your passion, paddling to many islands and exploring hidden beaches will satisfy the adventurous spirit. To book your next fishing trip or family vacation, call the Wheatons at (207) 796-5584, e-mail them at info@grandlakelodgemaine. com, or visit their website at www.grandlakelodgemaine.com.

www.MaineSportsman.com

34 • March 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

Maine Wildlife: Spiders

by Tom Seymour

The mountain stream leaped and foamed. Brook trout dashed about in the gentler water below some boulders. A 12-inch trout grabbed my angleworm and, using the current to its advantage, headed downstream. My rod danced as the trout pulled line against the drag. Then something hit me in the face and I woke up from my dream. While I’d been sleeping, a spider had walked over my forehead, eliciting an autonomous response – that being me slapping myself in the face. What a terrible way to end a happy dream. Later, waking up itching, with two red welts, side-by-side, told me that a spider had bitten me during the night. These house spiders are not poisonous per se, but their bites itch like mad and often persist for several days. Some of the worst bites can get infected – a real nuisance. And so it was that my war against spiders began. From then on, spiders in my house would get no mercy, no quarter. Nonetheless, spiders are very interesting creatures. Here are a few of the more fascinating kinds.

ing in the web’s center and finally, it could attract flying insects. As splendidly garbed as they are, with their distinctive black-and-yellow exterior, these pretty spiders have something in common with many other spiders – they bite. Prod the spider with a stick or place a finger on the web near the spider, and you’ll probably get nipped. Garden spider venom, though, is not toxic. But that’s scant comfort when swelling starts and itching begins. Funnel Weavers Imagine early-morning sun on a late-summer morning. Dew sits heavily on the ground, and here and there, thick, gauzy webs shine in the newly-risen sun. These are the webs of funnel-weaving spiders. It amazes me how numerous and how thickly woven these webs are. As a youngster, I often wondered if these webs were really made by spiders, or if they were formed by some other process. But yes, these are truly spider webs, and they are a particular kind of web. These webs always have a beginning point, and that is the place at the small end of a funnel where the spider lurks inconspicuously, ready to pounce upon any prey that might become entangled in its ground-hugging web. These webs – indeed, all spider webs – are highly sensitive, transmitting the tiniest vibration to the waiting spider. When a funnel-weaving spider detects a prey, it immediately shoots out from its hiding place, grabs the hapless insect and hurries back to its funnel-like hiding place. This funnel-hiding habit explains why, while the webs are so conspicuous, the spi-

der is rarely seen. But again, I don’t advise poking around too much, since to mess with any fairly large spider is to ask for a bite. Besides that, these outdoor spiders do catch lots of insects – insects that might otherwise bite us. So view at a safe distance and, if possible, try not to disturb the webs. The Hunter When viewed close-up, spiders present a fearsome countenance. Even some names denote an aggressive attitude. Take wolf spiders, for instance. Belonging to the family Lycosidae, literally meaning “wolf,” these spiders do not build webs, but rather, they actively pursue prey at night. Quick and nimble, wolf spiders have excellent eyesight. This enables wolf spiders to chase down their prey. Wolf spiders also wait for prey to pass near their burrow, where in a flash, they grab it. Wolf spiders are so-named because they hunt down their prey and pounce on it, just like wolves. But this wolf-like behavior only pertains to their hunting habits. If confronted, wolf spiders back down and seek shelter, but like many other spiders, it will retaliate when provoked. When a wolf spider bites, it injects venom in the wound. Although not technically toxic (as in requiring hospitalization), spider venom is something to avoid. Wolf spider venom causes swelling and itching and can be painful. Like so many other unwanted critters, wolf spiders enter houses in fall. There, they come out in the nighttime and hunt. Any insect they catch inside a house is one less pesky insect to bite or otherwise irritate humans. But on the other hand, no one wants to think about venomous spiders lurking around the house.

Orb Weavers Not all spiders live inside, of course. Among the most fascinating species to study are the orb weavers. These are the spiders that build those roundish webs, full of concentric circles connected to each other. Scientists have examined how spiders manage to construct such complex webs and the steps involved speak much of a spider’s technical know-how. Reading about the process reminded me of how we humans construct suspension bridges, stringing first one wire than another. Perhaps the most notable orb weaver is the garden spider, Argiope aurantia. Their 2-foot, circular webs are familiar to everyone, and are a favorite of wildlife photographers. One feature of a garden spider’s web is the stabilimentum, the tightly-woven circle in the web’s center. The purpose of this isn’t fully established, but it might serve to Wolf spiders, one of many different types of spiders found in Maine, alert birds to the web’s presence. It are so-named because they hunt down their prey and pounce on may also help hide the spider hid- it, just like wolves. www.MaineSportsman.com

Spider Thoughts Spiders make an interesting and satisfying subject of study. Whether you like them or not, Maine has lots of spiders and they are here to stay. Also, spiders make excellent photographic subjects. A macro lens can bring out the best – or the worst – of these often-misunderstood creatures. So just don’t get too close when snapping that shutter. Some people even keep spiders as pets. Jumping spiders are a favorite, and have been called cute and adorable. Beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder. It is said that the 650 species of spiders found in New York and New England are roughly equal to the number of species of breeding birds north of the Mexican border.

�� The Maine Sportsman • March 2018 • 35

A Barry Good Summer Camp In this world where kids can’t look up from their video game screens or iPhone apps long enough to get off the couch, let alone go outside, there is still a special place where youth are exploring the wonderful world of the outdoors and all it has to offer. They are catching fish, shooting guns, building campfires and camping out. Nestled several miles back into the White Mountains National Forest, near Berlin, New Hampshire, is a most superb summer camp – Barry Conservation Camp. Barry Camp is a joint effort of several agencies and organizations: The camp sits in National Forest land, but the facilities are owned by NH Fish and Game. The programming is coordinated and developed by 4-H, through the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension. The camp is also conveniently located right next door to the regional fish hatchery. Though this is an educational camp, it is far from a typical classroom setting. 4-H’s motto is “learn by doing.” Campers aged 7-17, from different backgrounds and experience levels, take part in a wide variety of activities each week. The summer camp is divided up into six weeks, each with its own primary activity: Shooting Sports, Mini-Camp, Fish Camp, 4-H Wild Side, Hunter Education, North Country Adventure, and Junior Conservation Of-

Clear enthusiasm shows on the faces of these Barry campers, as they pose with the catch of the day -- a giant largemouth bass from the Androscoggin River. Barry Camp photos

ficer. Though each week is themed, there are some mainstays that are incorporated into every session, including fishing, shooting, camping, hatchery tours and kickball. Firearms Galore! The summer really starts off with a bang the first week. During the course of the Shooting Sports week, campers have the chance to shoot hundreds of rounds from various firearms. The BCC staff members are all trained and 4-H certified shooting sports instructors, and maintain safety and discipline as the top priority at the ranges. Campers shoot rimfire rifles, center-fire rifles, rimfire pistols and revolvers, shotguns, muzzleloaders, and archery equipment.

Within each of these disciplines is a variety of action-types, manu-

facturers and models. Campers gain experience with a wide range of fire-

arms. Beyond the paper targets, campers at Barry get to hit reactive targets, including clay pigeons, balloons, paintballs, lollipops, watermelons, potatoes, and gallon-jugs of tomato-paste. At the end of the week there is a cabin-by-cabin shooting competition that includes aspects from each discipline. Also during this week, campers enjoy a day-hike to one of the local mountaintops. A recent favorite has been the breathtaking Percy Peaks. Mini-Camp is for the younger campers (8-12). Since it may be their first time away from home, the session is only a halfweek long. These campers still get a chance to shoot rifles and bows, and – (Continued on next page)

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36 • March 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

New Hampshire (Continued from page 35)

for those big and brave enough – shotguns. This session does include a day-long trek to South Pond for a hike to Devil’s Hopyard, a picnic, swimming, and a humorous attempt at canoe steering and paddling. They also get a chance to fish at several locations, including the almost-guaranteed-catch hatchery ponds. Campers also get to experience tent-camping on the edge of a picturesque mountain pond. There is usually a pretty great s’mores cook-off, too (especially if you happen to be judge!). Fish ’til Arms are Sore At Fish Camp, even the most enthused young fishermen sometimes get tired of reeling them in this week. Campers will spin fish for bass, pickerel, perch and pike off a

pontoon boat in Pontook Reservoir, in the tailrace of a hydro dam, and in the weedy backwaters and rocky flowings of the Androscoggin River. They will also fly fish for trout in the local mountain brooks and ponds, and in the famous “Flat” Pond, where the giant hatchery stock go to live out their days. This pond routinely produces 5+ pound brook trout and 8+ pound brown and rainbow trout. Activities come full circle throughout the course of this week, as campers learn the various fishing laws, make their own lures, tie their own flies, learn to cast and give action to their bait, learn basic fish biology and habitat, catch fish, release fish, keep fish, and learn how to prepare their fish.

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On Friday, the campers spend the morning preparing all their kept fish from the week (often more than 100 in total), learning to gut, fillet and debone. Everything is then battered and put into a deep fryer or oven, and serves as their last lunch before pickup. Young campers get to experience the whole process start to finish, and then enjoy the savory taste of their hard work. Wild Side, and Adventure Weeks 4-H Wild Side and North Country Adventure weeks are similar to each other, in that they both provide numerous outings and are adventure-oriented. These weeks offer overnight canoe trips on the Androscoggin River, as well as overnight treks into the backcountry of the WMNF, where campers pitch their tents alongside Roger’s Ledge, the

Bulge, and Unknown Pond. Hunter Education week sees campers age 12-16 go through a weeklong certification course needed to obtain a hunting license of their own. This is a great alternative to the typical 1-2 day course offered by the state, allowing more information to be taught in an individualized basis. Certified volunteer Hunter Education instructors are on hand this week to do the programming, but there is still plenty of “Barry time” for the traditional mainstay activities. The last half-week is a relatively new feature, having been added in the past few years. However, its popularity has skyrocketed, earning it numerous features in news articles and even a couple of segments on the New Hampshire edition of North Woods Law.

It is Junior Conservation Officer week, where campers are introduced to what it takes to be a C.O. Officers from across the state show up to share their law enforcement experiences, the latest in gear, and some exciting activities. These officers have all the cool toys to try, from night-vision and infrared goggles, to electro-fishing equipment and even M-4 rifles. There is plenty of excitement in the programming, as well – early morning physical training, mock night-hunting stakeouts, canine unit searches, evidence recovery, and interrogation tactics are all part of this fun-packed week. Enrollment Fills Quickly Barry is truly doing something special, as evidenced by their enroll(Continued on page 39)

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�� The Maine Sportsman • March 2018 • 37

Hare, Coyotes and Snowmobiles Provide Winter Activity Aplenty Several years back I bought a new Ruger MK II, .22 caliber pistol with a heavy barrel in stainless steel. The handsome pistol turned out to be one of the most fun shooting handguns I ever owned, and it really held a special place in my heart because of its extreme accuracy. I decided to take the pistol with me hare hunt-

ing, because on numerous occasions while hunting hare with my beagles, I would find myself unable to swing around fast enough to shoot a rabbit that ran by me on my right side. I’m right-handed and it can be clumsy trying to quietly swing to the far right for a shot in that direction. My solution was to carry a .22 caliber hand-

gun that I could quickly pull out and take those fast shots to my right if needed. I could simply hold the shotgun or rifle in my left hand and shoot the speeding hare with my pistol in my right hand. The new Ruger fit the bill. While waiting for my beagles, Molly and Ebony, to drive the hare in a circle back in my di-

rection, I realized that I didn’t have to wait for the perfect shot to try out the pistol. I set my .22 caliber rifle to the side and pulled out the pistol, determined to use only the Ruger pistol for any shot the rabbit might take. The dogs did a fairly small circle and brought the running hare directly back in my direction. As the hare ran up to me

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Western Maine (Continued from page 37)

Western Maine Mountains (WMM), simply review a map and search for areas of frozen, evergreen swampland. The area east of Andover (DeLorme Atlas, Map 18, D-4), overgrown with loads of swampy rabbit cover, offers plenty of hunting opportunities. Moose and whitetails abound in the thick growth here, so take the proper measures to keep

the dogs from running the wintering ungulates. Keep an eye out for the same kind of hare thickets anywhere around the Roxbury Pond Road (Map 18, C-4) in that same region. A portion of Roxbury Pond Road doesn’t get plowed, so a snowmobile comes in very handy. Good hare-hunting territory south of Number 6 Road (Map 19, C-1) can also be accessed with

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a snowmobile. Hunters in this area get a full view of Tumbledown Mountain in all of its winter glory. Areas of lower elevation around Mount Blue State Park (Map 19, C-2) also hold a good hare population. A lot of deer winter in these areas too, so keep an eye out for coyotes while bunny hunting here. Thinning the coyote population helps hare and deer survive tough winters. Mr. Wily Coyote Hunting coyote

at night, legal with a night-hunting permit, runs until August 31, 2018 and offers an awesome nighttime hunting adventure. Generally speaking, coyote feed in darkness, and hardly move during daylight hours. Hunting them at night increases the chance of getting a shot at Mr. Wily Coyote. When the snow gets deep, hunters find the coyotes on packed snowmobile trails around deeryards or low, swampy

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areas with a lot of hare. Corridor 17, a snowmobile trail that connects Mexico (Map 19, E-1) with Oquossoc (Map 28, E-3), has many miles of this kind of terrain. Snowmobile trails around Weld (Map 19, C-2) and Carthage (Map 19, D-2) meander through this same kind of cover. Good coyote hunting can be found on the trails between the two towns. The mountains in this area have plenty of (Continued on next page)

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deeryards, and in Weld the yards come right into town. Deer used to find protection in these yards close to town because coyote tended to avoid the close proximity to residential areas, but many locals have noticed a change in the habits of local coyote lately. Some of the coyote have become less afraid of humans and show up in backyards around the Weld deer yards. Wintering deer travel on the packed snowmobile trails around the town when the snow gets deep, so the coyote hunt them on the trails; even when the trails come near homes and businesses. If an adventurous person were properly equipped, they could ice fish for salmonid in the morning, chase hare during the day, and then hunt coyote when darkness fills the woods. Winter in the WMM means howling coyote, baying beagles, hard-water fishing, and of course,

a thick, white blanket of Mother Nature’s finest. WMM Trails A well-packed base on snowmobiling trails in this area this year offers many miles of sledding pleasure. The parking area at the end of Poplar Hill Road (Map 19, D-1) connects snowmobilers to Corridor 17, a beautiful starting point for heading out to ride on the Interconnected Trail System (ITS) in the WMM. Corridor 17 offers snowmobilers a convenient access trail into this pristine area. The wellgroomed trail parallels Route 17, from Mexico to Oquossoc, and connects ITS 82 and 84. Some of the most breathtaking views in the region originate from the peaks of the mountains that act as guideposts for those that travel this spectacular trail. Another favorite local trail runs from the northern tip of Webb Lake, where the Number 6 Road (Byron Road) meets West Road (Map

19, C-2) at Weld Corners, to Corridor 17, near the town of Byron. Number 6 Road offers precious winter access to the snowed-in beauty of the Jackson Mountains and picturesque Tumbledown Mountain area. Most of the road won’t be getting plowed this winter, and in essence remains a snowmobile trail during the winter months. Be sure to stay on groomed and marked trails – the plowed roads in Byron are not for snowmobile travel. These trails, and others like them in the WMM, lead to great hare hunting, provide snowy highways for cross-country snowmobilers, and allow access to remote areas for folks interested in anything outdoors. March in the WMM gives sports folks ample opportunity to burn off the cabin fever that late winter can sometimes bring.

Skilled houndsman Bill Houghton lifts a hefty 49-pound male coyote taken from the Western Maine Mountains. William Clunie photo

New Hampshire (Continued from page 36)

ments. More than half of the campers last year were returnees, with some campers in their 6th or 7th year at Barry. It is also not out-of-the-ordinary for some campers to enroll in two or three sessions in one summer. Perhaps the most telling statistic is the fact that in the past few years, when enrollment has gone live on a Friday at noontime, by 4:00 p.m. that same day, some weeks are already full (40 campers). And within a couple of weeks, it is hard to find a spot open in any week of the summer. Barry is made possible through the generous donations of time, money and supplies from a variety of people and organizations. More than half of the campers who attend Barry come on a scholarship. If you are interested in learning more about what Barry does, how to enroll a camper or how to get involved, visit www. wildlife.state.nh.us/barrycamp/ or extension.unh.edu/4-H-Youth-Family/Barry-Conservation-4-H-Camp or email me at eemerson1993@gmail.com.

Barry campers practice their whitewater skills on a two-day canoe trip down the Androscoggin River.

Barry campers relax and enjoy the spectacular vista from Roger’s Ledge, which makes the eight-mile overnight hike worthwhile. www.MaineSportsman.com

40 • March 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

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42 • March 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

Being a Productive Big Game Hunter Can Start Indoors As a writer for The Maine Sportsman for more than 15 years, I am frequently approached by deer hunters from all over the northeast. Some recognize me from sitting in on my seminars at the State of Maine Sportsman Show at the Augusta Civic Center (which will be held this year over Easter weekend). Some recognize my name and ask if I’m the big buck killer. Others know of me through friends or through Facebook. No matter the circumstance, the questions that follow almost always revert to deer and why I

After I clean the barrel of each of my deer rifles, I clean the rest of the guns and check them over thoroughly to be sure they’re in great shape. I am striving for accuracy – my goal is to be able to cover a three-shot group at 100 yards with a dime. have such a high rate of success on adult bucks. When our former editor Harry Vanderweide asked me to write for this magazine, he simply explained, “I want you to tell people how you’re killing these great bucks so often.” Harry explained that the success rate for Maine deer hunters was approximately 10% each year, and most hunters don’t kill an adult buck every year.

“You have a gift and I’d like you to share it,” he explained. From the response of our readers, comments on Facebook and interactions with people at the Show, I think I’ve done a good job over the years. There are some important steps I take over the winter to prepare myself for next hunting season. By following these tips, I believe that you too can increase your success

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rates during upcoming whitetail hunts. Focus First on Your Firearms Late February and early March are tough times of the year for big game hunters. Unless you’re a coyote hunter, there’s not a whole lot going on this time of year. The snow is often deep, making shed hunting difficult. It’s still cold, and sometimes sitting at home by a warm wood-

stove is just what a person needs to ward off the winter doldrums. Years ago, I learned that it’s not always necessary for me to venture outdoors to help me feel productive when it comes to deer hunting. Maximizing my time and increasing success rates begins during the time of year when Maine is frozen and deer are doing their best to conserve energy avoid coyotes. There’s more to do in winter than most hunters may consider. Ever since I missed a young buck using a borrowed rifle during my (Continued on next page)

�� The Maine Sportsman • March 2018 • 43

Cleaning a rifle’s bore will ensure maximum accuracy when a shot presents itself, while pre-season target practice will hone a hunter’s skills. Shown: (Continued from page 42) Mod. 11 in .243 Win.; Savage Arms, Westfield MA

first Maine firearms season deer hunt, I vowed that would never happen again. I needed to practice, and do it often. Fortunately, my father is an amazing rifle shot and is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to getting a rifle to shoot its best. Thoroughly cleaning a rifle barrel is one way to ensure accuracy. Once each year, I clean my deer rifles until the insides of the barrels look new. After I clean each barrel, I clean the rest of the gun and check it over thoroughly to be sure it’s in great shape. My goal is to be able to cover a threeshot group at 100 yards with a dime. Of course, practice makes perfect, but I use the winter to prep the gun and make sure it can perform to my standards.

rope steps and treestands thoroughly for broken parts, frayed ropes and loose parts can prevent serious injuries later. Don’t wait till the week you put these up to check them out. Use Care with Valuable Optics Scopes, binoculars and other optics should

be completely cleaned and readied for their next use. Cleaning optics is a task that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Some scopes today cost more than our guns. I start by dusting the optics. Normally, compressed air is a great way to start. I hold the optics above my head and begin spraying the air in short

bursts. This dislodges most of the large debris before I begin dusting by hand. Remember, any debris rubbing on the lenses can damage the coating or worse yet, scratch the lens itself. When dusting by hand, a high quality lens pen is a must. Start at the outside and work inward, allowing gravity to

do its job and carry debris away from the lens. After dusting thoroughly, any other smudges can be taken off using a microfiber polishing cloth. These clothes are reusable, much softer than cotton and far less likely to scratch the surface. Warning; don’t use old shirts or hand tow(Continued on next page)

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Stands, Blinds and Ladders Pop up ground blinds, tree stands, rope steps and pull ropes are all integral parts of my deer hunting life. They’re also pieces of equipment that can wear out over time, reducing chances of success. Over the last five years, I’ve replaced the swivel ends of the poles on my double bull blind. The old style ends crack over time, and the company provides users with replacements at no charge upon request. Last year I noticed two of the swivels were cracked. Fixing them now is the way to make certain the blind will ready for next season. Checking www.MaineSportsman.com

44 • March 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

Big Game (Continued from page 43)

els to clean optics. Once they’re scratched, we either live with it or send them back to the company to be professionally replaced.

Organizing Gear If your hunting area

is anything like mine, it gets cluttered and disorganized over the course of a few months. My early season camo has been buried by late season and cold weather gear. Archery equipment has

and ammo in parts of my hunting room. Heck, there are even a few used handwarmers on the floor by year’s end. The winter months are a great time to sort camo, clean closets and organize hunting areas. If nothing else, I can see the floor when I’m done, and my wife won’t nag at

me – I mean ask me nicely – to clean my room. There’s so much more I do during the winter months to begin the process of harvesting my next big buck. The tasks I mentioned might seem trivial to some, but I’ve found they actually increase my success rate by building my confidence

and allowing me to focus on more important things once the season begins. Seasoned deer hunters know that paying attention, being prepared and having equipment ready when the moment of truth occurs is the key to success.

MAINE WILDLIFE QUIZ: Spiders by Steve Vose

Spiders are classified as arachnids, a group that also includes ticks, mites and scorpions. A spider’s body is divided into two sections – a cephalothorax, containing the eyes, mouthparts, and legs; and an abdomen, containing the genitals, spiracles and anus. Unlike insects, spiders have eight legs, and they lack antennae. Spiders also have the unique ability to spin silk, which is used to make webs for trapping prey or transportation/escape. Spiders are beneficial, because they feed heavily on insects, thus helping to keep global numbers in check. Some spiders (like the funnel-building Grass Spider) wait for prey to get caught in their webs, while others

(like the Dark Fishing Spider) actively hunt for prey. Spiders inhabit every continent except Antarctica, and have been on earth since the Triassic period, over 200 million years ago. Scientists have identified approximately 45,700 different species of spiders. About 40

Questions: 1. Spiders are part of what class? 2. What other creatures are categorized within the class of arachnids? 3. How many parts is a spider’s body divided into? 4. How are spiders different from insects?

different species of spiders call Maine home. Only a relatively small number of spiders are dangerously poisonous, and even these seldom bite humans unless provoked. Because many people have a strong aversion to spiders, they tend to be killed indiscriminately even if they are harmless. Only two spiders have been found in Maine that are dangerous to humans. While not Maine natives, both the black widow and brown recluse spiders occasionally hitchhike their way into the state via shipping boxes, old furniture or luggage. For this reason, if you receive clothing or furniture from southern climates, it’s important to thoroughly inspect the items for possible infestation.

5. How long have spiders been on earth? 6. Worldwide, how many species of spiders are there? 7. How many species of spiders call Maine home? 8. How many different species of Maine spiders are poisonous to humans?

Answers on Page 46

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Predator Control Helps Deer in Rangeley Region Last month in this column I mentioned the surprising amount of lynx tracks I’ve been seeing and the increase in reports of lynx sightings here in Maine. I ended my February 2018 column by stating, “These big cats can do a number on the deer population – I wonder when the state of Maine will ever have a hunting or trapping season on lynx again, or at least have them removed from the endangered species list?” Well, just recently I noticed the federal government has released a statement saying they have determined that the time has come to remove the lynx from the “Endangered Species” list, and that data from studies done by Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (DIF&W) were used to come to this conclusion. Good job DIF&W – now let’s move on to re-establishing the coyote snaring program to help our struggling deer herd, and the even bigger hurdle of stopping all forestry harvesting anywhere near a deer yarding area. I also hope that deer hunters take up the fight at local levels, encouraging their appointed representatives to work toward efforts that help our deer numbers increase. Even non-hunters have to agree – deer hunting is a HUGE part of Maine’s economy. Deer hunters – and anyone in favor of a healthy deer herd – can also help out by hunting or trapping coyotes and bobcats to prevent the hungry predators from

If we can use DIF&W data to get the lynx removed from the endangered species list, that’s good news. Now, let’s complete the job of helping whitetails by reestablishing the coyote-snaring program, and stopping all cutting near deer yards.

Bill Houghton, a Carthage coyote hunter and highly-experienced houndsman from Carthage, puts tracking collars on two of his hounds before turning them loose on a fresh coyote track. William Clunie photo

killing so many deer. I try to do my part by hunting coyotes and bobcats; maybe lynx will enter into this equation at some point in the future? Coyote Hunting Although some folks in this region have noticed coyotes coming close to residential homes and businesses, the majority of these predators choose to hunt for deer in the surrounding big woods. As a safety note, hunters should do like the coyotes, concentrating their efforts away from town to maintain proper landowner respect.

Heading north out of town on Route 16 to the Morton Cutoff Road (DeLorme Atlas, Map 28, E-3) gets hunters started on the path to some of the finest coyote hunting territory in the region. Any of the logging trails that branch off from this road and the connecting Tim Pond/Lincoln Pond Road bring hunters directly into the sneaky predator’s home range. Another route in this region, Cross Town Road (Map 18, A-4 and A-5), courses through prime coyote territory and connects Route 17 and Route

4. A network of logging trails cross this route as it weaves through a mix of conifers and hardwoods.

Ponds, streams and small brooks fill in the lower areas, creating some really awesome coyote-hunting locations. A few cleared sections of woods along this trail offer hunters open views and possible long shots. Hunters with snowmobiles can travel the many miles of trails in the Rangeley Region to access more remote sections of coyote hunting territory. Boy Scout Road (Map 28, D-3 and E-3) gets used as a snowmobile trail during snowy months, and leads hunters directly into great coyote habitat. Follow this trail north from Route 16 and into the Interconnected Trail System (ITS) that runs north of Rangeley and Oquossoc. Snowmobile Trails Speaking of trails, the Rangeley Region boasts 150 miles of meticulously-groomed snowmobile trails, with two major ITS routes meeting at the east end of town (ITS 84 and ITS 89). Most of the businesses in Rangeley and Oquossoc can be easily accessed from the ITS trails or smaller connect(Continued on next page)

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46 • March 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

Rangeley Region (Continued from page 45)

ing trails that lead into the towns. Many snowmobiling travelers trailer their sleds up to Rangeley and use the area as a base for trail riding into the northern reaches of Maine’s western mountains or across the border into Canada. Some rid-

ers don’t go any farther than the fine system of local trails that surround Rangeley Lake itself, and the trails right in town. The numerous loop trails around Rangeley give riders a chance to see new territory without riding on the same trail twice. Often, riders head

Wildlife Quiz Answers (Quiz on Page 44)

1. Spiders are classified as arachnids. 2. Ticks, mites and scorpions are also arachnids. 3. A spider’s body is divided into two sections, a cephalothorax and an abdomen. 4. Unlike insects that have 6 legs, spiders have 8 legs, and no antenna. 5. Spiders have been on earth since the Triassic period, over 200 million years ago. 6. Scientists have identified about 45,700 different species of spiders. 7. About 40 different species of spiders call Maine home. 8. Currently, only two spiders (the Brown Recluse and Black Widow) have been found in Maine and are considered poisonous to humans. They are not native to this state.

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out for a lunch destination on one trail, enjoy a great meal, and then return using a completely different route. Snowmobilers who might like to stay over a few nights in the region have a great selection of lodges that provide plenty of room for sleeping and lounging, tasty meals and a cordial atmosphere for hungry trail riders. The spectacular sporting camps surround the region, and it almost seems like a rider could hit any trail and find a place to stay at the end of the ride. The majority of these lodges have been around for decades as traditional hunting and fishing camps. Nowadays, sledders also can take advantage of the comfort of these high-quality lodging and dining destinations when snowmobiling out from Rangeley. The rustic charm of the late-nineteenth century sporting camps reminds

Hare Hangouts Hare hunters who follow snowmobile trails near logging operations find most of the rabbit sign in the big woods. The trick is to hunt in areas where loggers have finished their work. Hunting too close to active logging operations creates a dangerous situation for both hunter and logger. Be courteous by staying far away from all logging operations. Ongoing logging activities along the trails near Lincoln Pond Road (Map 28, D-2) leave lots of brush piles for cover and browse. Hare hunting in the pockets of lowland swamps along the trail here should produce many hours of glorious beagle music. Seldom-hunted hare cover, found throughout the Rangeley Region, can be reached by snowmo-

Rangeley Lakes Region Revive Your Senses.

bile on any of the many miles of smooth snowmobile trails. The two major routes (ITS 84 and ITS 89), just east of Rangeley, take riders through miles of hare-hunting territory in any direction they choose to travel. Another good hare hunting destination lies on either side of Route 16, between Oquossoc (Map 28, E-3) and Wilsons Mills (Map 27, E-5). Loads of cutover parcels here have left the bunnies with substantial underbrush, and slash piles for shelter. Travel more slowly than usual on roads with logging activity, and remember to never ride a snowmobile on these busy trucking trails. Keep safe by monitoring channel 19 on a CB radio in the vehicle in order to keep track of logging trucks that travel the back roads.

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�� The Maine Sportsman • March 2018 • 47

Salmon Caught in the Upper Mousam River? In the late 1950s, Mr. Miles from Springvale fly fished the Mousam River in front of my home in Emery Mills. I can still picture him with his bamboo fly rod, wicker fishing basket and worn felt hat, looking like a cover from Outdoor Life. He routinely fished the upper Mousam River after work. Whenever I saw his rusty black Ford parked roadside, I would abandon whatever game I was playing and headed for the “chair rock.” I never fished; I left my fishing gear in the barn. I just sat watching him cast and drift dry flies. He was a master, and caught many trout. He also caught salmon – not often, but I remember him hooking a silver fish that jumped all over the pool. He showed me the 8-inch salmon then released it. I never caught any salmon in the pool because I only fished with worms on bottom at that time – not the best way to catch salmon. But I did catch the fly fishing bug watching Mr. Miles casting his classic bamboo rod. Since then, I’ve fly fished the upper Mousam 60+ years and never caught a salmon; Mr. Miles may have caught the last wild salmon in the Mousam. Historical records report salmon in the river well after dams were constructed in Sanford. They were trapped, cut off from the sea, and if they did manage to swim over the dams and return to the sea, then they could not return. They survived there for some time

though – so the Mousam the question tributaries is, are some starts once still there, the waters deep in the are free from headwaters? ice (check law T h e booklet for Mousam is dates). Two only 24 miles often-overlong as it runs l o o k e d from a dam streams are on Mousam the Middle Lake to the Branch of the sea in KenMousam, and nebunk. But Littlefield its waterRiver. shed is huge, The Littlecontaining field offers Troy Suhy, the author’s grandson, is seen here fishing the 349 miles of good bass upper Mousam on “Chair Rock,” just like six generations rivers and fishing beof anglers before before him. Photo by Val Marquez streams. tween Shaker A water quality re It drains Pond and Esport performed by the 117 square miles of tes Lake. You can launch Wells Reserve from 2009 mountains located in a small hand carry boat to 2012, found measurShapleigh, Acton, Wateror canoe at the bridge on able levels of pollution boro and Alfred. Route 202 – just downand low levels of oxygen The headwaters begin stream of Shaker Pond. in the lower Mousam. Are life as springs and seeps, Middle Branch bestagnant waters above which form brooks that gins in cold water brooks dams causing some of run into the Littlefield on Fort Ridge, and bethese problems? River and the Middle comes an excellent and If useless dams were Branch of the Mousam, often-overlooked wild removed and/or fish paswhich then flows into Esbrook trout water. Acsageways installed, the tes Lake in Sanford and cess is along the Gebung fishing would really imAlfred. Road that parallels most prove. I could catch shad of the upper sections. Mousam’s Dark Side and salmon out my front Brooks that flow into Dams on the Mousam door. the river originate from are environmental night I will not see that, but swale swamps that drain mares. There are 15 hopefully my grandkids the mountains, and a few dams on the Mousam – will. have beaver ponds that 11 on the main river, and hold brookies. Still Offers Quality others are on tributaries. Many years ago, Fishing None have fishways. Marcel Grondin, from The Mousam water The Mousam is the Springvale and I dragged shed remains a yearonly river system in a small, dented, green Maine without fishways. round quality sports fishaluminum boat down a ery. The ice fishing on EsThis isn’t a new issue. faint trail to a beaver tes Lake is always excelThe first record of a citipond located north of the lent for warm water fish. zen’s petition to establish Gebung Road in Alfred. Shaker Pond in Alfred is fish passage for salmon, The pond drained into part of the Mousam washad and alewife on the a brook that eventually tershed, and is another Mousam was in 1816 flowed into the Middle good spot to ice fish in from Dr. Jacob Fisher in Branch. March. You will not catch Kennebunk. We caught wild brooka lot of trout, but the Today, the battle still ies both in the pond and warm water fish – bass, rages. Especially in the in the downstream brook. pickerel and perch – will summer, water quality in They were dark and colkeep you running. some sections is becomorful typical of wild trout. Spring trout fishing in ing an issue.

Wild trout still live deep in the head waters, but you must work to find them. Disregard any waters that kids can reach by bicycle, and waters with worn paths along banks. These spots should be your starting points. Hike deep to head waters, and start fishing there. Where do wild brookies hide? An example to the resilience of wild trout came a few years back. Hal Blood, a master guide in Maine, and I were placing bear bait in Jackman , we were high on a mountain when he stopped his truck at a culvert on a remote logging road pointing out native brookies in a little pool below the culvert. The brook ran clear and cool, but was only a trickle, and the little pool was two feet wide at the most. I have seen the same thing here in southern Maine. Are there salmon in the Mousam now? I received an e-mail from a reader thanking me for writing about fishing behind the Mousam Lake dam in Emery Mills. He started fishing there after reading it, and listed the trout and salmon he had caught. The salmon were landlocked salmon stocked in Mousam Lake that had dropped down into the river. These salmon aren’t the large sea run Atlantic salmon that once swam the river in the past, but in time they will migrate the full length of the river system, providing fishing opportunities for future generations.

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48 • March 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

Tom Likes to Cast ’n’ Blast in His Region This Month Crow hunting is a run-and-gun sport. You get a brief flurry of activity, and then it’s best to move spots, as spooked crows won’t return to the scene of the hunt. I usually line up six or so spots the day before, and then start hitting them at daybreak. It was a typical mild March morning. The air temperature was in the 30s, but snow was melting and it was foggy. As I drove down Route 136 from Auburn into Durham, I was looking at the cornfields that were covered with snow but which showing a few bare brown spots where the ground was uncovered. I parked next to a field and lugged my gear bag to the treeline as the morning sky brightened. In a few minutes I had my crow decoys set out, remote call in place and the final touch was an owl decoy in the field. I could see black dots against the morning sky coming over the river from Lewiston, so I knew the crows were flying. Once I was settled

in among the bare trees, trying to hide against the trunk of the largest maple I could find, I loaded my shotgun and turned the call on. The raucous calling was hard to listen to, but it began drawing the birds in. First singles, then a few more. In a matter of seconds I had a “murder” of crows circling overhead, looking for the gang that wasn’t there. Crow Action A few locked in on the lone owl decoy perched in the field. I concentrated on those. I drew a bead on the closest one and fired. He flinched but soon crumpled up and dropped at my second shot. The rest retreated and the sky was once again silent. This was crow hunting! Sports in this re-

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gion can get in on some great crow shooting this month, but there is plenty of ice-fishing still to be had. That makes March a great month for cast-andblast adventures in the Sebago to Auburn region! For crow hunters, any open filed adjacent to a treeline works great. Cornfields that are melting their icy cover and exposing soil and perhaps some lingering corn cobs are a huge draw. This region is full of places like I mentioned as you drive to the more rural hamlets. Crow hunting is a run-and-gun sport. You get a brief flurry of activity, and then it’s best to move spots, as spooked crows won’t return to the scene of the hunt. I usually line up six or so spots the day before, and then start hitting them at daybreak. Decoys are a big help and don’t take up much space, but a call – mouth or electronic – is a must. Even without dekes, crows will come in looking for the excitement. Decoys, however, do hold them in and provide closer shots. Crow season is open through the end of this month in this region. Fishing Options The old adage, “Go big or go home” works this month. For me, it’s go for big fish, or go home! Let me explain. With the winter we had, there is ice aplenty, and anglers

The author prepares to release a small brown trout during a sunny March day on the ice. Photo by Tom Roth

can choose to target spots with big fish like lakers, pike and even salmon – it’s your choice. For lake trout fans, Sebago (DeLorme Atlas, Map 5, C-1) still produces this month. It was unusual to see fish-able ice at the start of the New Year. I do recall pulling my shack the last week of March, but that was in the early 1990s. While I may not keep my shack out that long, I will definitely fish Sebago this month in hopes of jigging up lunker lake trout. Jigging a Swedish pimple tipped with a piece of minnow is a deadly combination. Try fishing closer to shore in shallower water this month. Togue can be had close to shore, and I have caught them while

watching my traps from the comfort of my living room window looking out at the lake. You may get rewarded with a Sebago cusk, too. Typically I fish 30 to 80 feet of water when in pursuit of Sebago togue, but late season angling puts the fish anywhere. A flasher or fishfinder works wonders, especially late in the season. Sebago has a slot limit on togue which goes as follows: There is no bag limit on togue under 23 inches, and no minimum length limit. The daily bag limit on togue greater than 33 inches is one fish. All togue between 23 to 33 inches must be released alive at once. This limit is designed to grow trophy lakers and (Continued on page 50)

�� The Maine Sportsman • March 2018 • 49

New Tires, Jacks, and Other Backwoods Necessities Last month I wrote about dangerously slipping down an icy logging road in my 2010 Toyota Tacoma, outfitted with tires that had insufficient tread for the conditions. I also said I’d get back this month to report on the new tires I purchased to replace the old, worn tires. The new tires, Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires, work perfectly on snow and ice, as well as giving a smooth and quiet ride on pavement. Several tire experts reported that anyone in the business now understands that studded tires don’t

In the next few weeks I’ll be having a Warn winch installed – no more getting stuck in the mud. I’ll also get a few accessories – a remote winch control switch, a tree strap, a tow rope, a length of chain, thick leather gloves and a tool bag for everything, to keep out the road dust. handle icy and snowy conditions any better than tires made with the new compounds available today – I would strongly agree. With that said, I still got stuck the other day while out coyote hunting on a new logging road with some extra deep ditches. As I left the area, a friend followed in his truck – a big Dodge, if I

remember correctly. We both had to pull over to the far right when a couple of loggers approached us in their pickup truck. As we pulled over, we both got “sucked” down into the deep dropoff of the newly-created ditches on each side of the road. It really wasn’t a problem – another member of our coyote-hunting

party had a tow strap and easily pulled both trucks out. The thing to take away from this is that a method of extraction should still be installed to help with situations like the problem mentioned above and others. Extraction Tool In the next few weeks I’ll be having a winch from Warn Industries (warn.com) installed

to take care of this extraction issue. No more getting stuck for me – a good winch can get a back road traveler out of most any situation. The winch comes with their “Trans4mer” mounting system, complete with a brush guard and a synthetic winch line made with “SpyDura,” a material that they say works better than the usual steel cables. I’ll also get a few winching accessories to make the job easier – a remote winch control switch, a tree-saving strap, a good tow rope, a (Continued on next page)

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50 • March 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

Off-Road Traveler (Continued from page 49)

short length of tow chain, protective leather gloves, and a nice tool bag to contain it all. I also have a hi-lift jack (hi-lift.com), another extraction tool that comes in handy when a vehicle gets really stuck. The jack is a four-footer, and I’ve only needed it a few times in the past. I will eventually order a protective cover and locking rack for it, to secure it safely and out of the way in the bed of the truck. Anything that rides in the back of an open pickup bed will get completely covered in a fine powder from the dust created by heavy logging truck traffic on most backwoods roads in Maine. The dust collects rust-creating moisture, so protective covers for items like a jack or other tools makes plenty of sense. Sled in the Bed Coyote hunting with hounds is one of my favorite wintertime activities, but it comes with its own special dilemma – how to transport the snowmobile. Of course the simple solution is a snowmobile trailer purchase, but please consider some of the dicey places coyote hunting in the mountains of Western Maine takes a hunter. A day of chasing

coyotes usually involves throwing your sled on and off the truck several times, so most hunters opt to carry the machine in the bed of the truck. Hunters can easily load and unload their sleds on a snow bank that stands level to the tailgate. Just back up to the snow bank, and drive the snowmobile right up into the bed. The problem I’m having with that is the tailgate really takes a beating; from getting chewed up by the spinning track, slammed hard if I don’t pick a snow bank at just the right level, and worn out from carrying the extra weight of the snowmobile. I’ll be solving that dilemma soon by placing a solid, ¾-inch piece of plywood on the floor of the bed, making sure to allow it to extend beyond the most rear section of the tailgate to enable the wood to take the beating instead of the truck’s tailgate. This summer I’ll build a loading platform I saw constructed on youtube.com. The unit uses a two- by six-inch base with a sheet of plywood on the top, and a two- by four-inch platform built so it can slide out from underneath the loading

Sebago to Auburn (Continued from page 48)

who knows – someday soon we may see the state record broken from these waters. Pike Angling If you have a hankering for large fish, northern pike should be on your list. At the northern reach of this region, pike angling is booming at three spots: Taylor Pond in Auburn (Map 1, E-4), Sabattus Lake in Sabattus (Map 12, E-1), and the Androscoggin River flowing through Turner and Auburn (Map 11, D-5). Sabattus Lake pike grew rapidly after the illegal introduction of these voracious fish into the lake more than a decade ago. www.MaineSportsman.com

Dan’s Automotive Repair in Rumford will be installing a Warn Industries ZEON - 10-S winch with their Trans4mer mounting system and brush guard. Photo: Warn Industries

platform, thus creating a loading ramp to drive the sled up on. Finish Details I also plan on doing a few other additions on the truck this summer when the weather gets a little warmer. I don’t have a heated garage, and some of these projects require a warmer atmosphere than I have in my garage during the winter months. Most folks probably don’t think of a window vent shade as a necessity, but I do. Let’s say I have been out tromping in wet and rainy woods searching for a great fishing location. After I fish for a bit it really starts raining so I get back into the

truck and notice heavy moisture from my clothing and evaporating body has fogged the windows up. No matter how much A/C or heat I turn on it will take quite a while for the fog on the windows to clear enough to drive. Opening the windows slightly offers the best solution, allowing the moisture to vent out from the interior of the truck. However, with most trucks I know of, a slightly-opened window will allow too much rain to come inside the cab of the truck to make this a viable option. A snazzy vent shade solves this problem by covering the area just

Pike have flourished in the lake, and anglers flock here for the sport. Access is easy from the boat launch, but parking can be challenging, due to the lake’s popularity. Taylor Pond in Auburn is a unique spot. With no state boat launch, there is no public access. You either have to “know someone,” or snowmobile onto the lake from an area trail. Taylor Pond used to get a good dose of stocked brown trout, but that stopped in the 1980s. Icy Salmon Anglers wanting salmon have a few limited options. Most wait for Sebago to release its icy cloak in the spring, but there are

above the window and allowing the windows to be opened just enough to let out the foggy air while remaining covered enough to stop the rain from pouring in. Another thing that I like about having a truck with vent shades is that if I decide to take a nap in the woods on a hot and rainy day or night, I can leave the windows cracked a little to constantly vent the moisture instead of waking up to windows covered in a layer of fog. As long as the windows are kept open, a mosquito-repelling Thermacell unit (thermocell. com) will be safe to use, keeping the bugs at bay.

some nearby spots where salmon cooperate. Panther Pond in Raymond (Map 5, C-2) follows the general fishing law, and salmon have been stocked there regularly. Panther Pond anglers do well with traps baited with a small shiner. Trickey Pond in Naples (Map 4, B-5) is stocked with splake, brook trout and salmon, making it a great destination for game fish. It too follows general laws. March is more than the start of mud season. Angling opportunities and crow hunting keep us outdoors well into the winter and allow us to usher in spring. Crow hunting and fishing opportunities abound in this region – you just need to get out there!

�� The Maine Sportsman • March 2018 • 51

Cornbread, Fiddleheads and Coconut Smelt I use cast iron for the cornbread recipe, because it gets nice and hot, which makes the edges of the cornbread wonderfully crispy. Did you know that cast iron is notorious for cold spots? You would think that the thickness of cast iron would distribute heat well. The best way to ensure even cooking while using any cast iron

pan is to heat the pan very well, either on the stovetop or in the oven, prior to use. Cast iron pans are generally made of 100% natural materials—namely iron and oil. This is an enormous benefit for anyone or any establishment that focuses on clean cooking and natural ingredients.

Come visit me mid-day at The Maine Sportsman’s booth at the State of Maine Sportsman Show in Augusta on Saturday March 31st! And here’s a terrific offer – Sign up for a 2-year subscription to The Maine Sportsman magazine (new or renewal) and get my book, Wild Maine Recipes, a $19.95 value, at NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE!

Cast Iron Cornbread • • • • • •

1 cup flour ¾ cup yellow cornmeal ¼ cup Coconut flour 2 tablespoons sugar 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder ¾ teaspoon salt

• • • • •

2 teaspoons Curry Powder Pinch (1/32nd teaspoon) cayenne 2 large eggs 1 cup buttermilk ¼ cup butter, cooled and melted

Preheat oven to 400° F along with cast iron skillet in oven with vegetable oil. Combine flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt, curry powder, and cayenne in bowl. In separate bowl, beat eggs into buttermilk and add butter. Pour liquids into flour mixture and stir just until moistened. Scrape batter pan and smooth. Bake 25 minutes or until bread springs back when lightly pressed in the center and begins to pull from pan sides, Cut and lift from pan with a slender spatula. Serve hot or cool.

Fiddleheads with Bacon and Shitake Mushrooms • 1 pound fiddlehead ferns • ¼ pound shitake mushrooms, halved • 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped • 4 ounces bacon, cut into ¼ inch cubes • Sea salt and ground black pepper

Trim dark ends from fiddlehead stems and wash in coarse strainer using a strong stream of cool water. Place in large bowl of water, swishing to rub off thin flakes of chaff on ferns. Drain and dry in kitchen towel. Heat olive oil and sauté pan over medium – high heat. Add bacon and cook, stirring until lightly browned. Add fiddleheads, mushrooms and garlic and cover, cook 4 minutes. Uncover and cook for additional 4 minutes; they’ll be tender and slightly crunchy. Add salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.

Baked Coconut Smelts

Yes! Baked, not fried. I feel they are just as good as fried. Let me know. • • • • • •

1 cup sweetened coconut flakes ½ cup Panko bread crumbs ½ cup Coconut Flour ¼ cup flour 2 teaspoons cumin, roasted and ground 2 teaspoons Smokey paprika

• 1 teaspoons coriander, ground • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt • 2 eggs • 4-6 dozen small smelts, fresh or thawed

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In food processor, pulse coconut flakes until coarsely ground and transfer to shallow bowl. Add Panko crumbs, flours, cumin, paprika, coriander and salt, and set aside. Beat egg until slightly foamy. Dip smelts in egg and coat with coconut mixture. Repeat to form a double coating. Place smelts on rack placed within a sheet pan and bake for 10 minutes. www.MaineSportsman.com

52 • March 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

Tame Big-City Deer Seen as Big Pests The buck calmly examined me from 20 yards away. He remained lying down in full view as I loaded bags of holiday gifts into the family car. The setting sun revealed a tall eight-point rack as the deer slowly swiveled his head in apparent boredom. I started the car and slammed the driver’s side door – the deer never rose from his bed. I swerved out of my way as I walked across the lawn back to my in-law’s suburban New Jersey home. Despite my passing within 30 feet of the buck, he remained in place. His lack of motion was not a feigned attempt to avoid detection or in preparation for flight – no, the buck simply gave me a passing glance and then ignored me. “There’s about 160 pounds of free, organic and locally-sourced lean protein resting on your back lawn,” I announced upon returning inside. Brother -in-law Tony Monks, a non-hunter, told me that the spot behind the pool-house was the buck’s preferred bed on most evenings. “Last week, he didn’t even move when I started the leaf-blower,” Tony reported. Deer Problem The megalopolis that begins just north of Portland and extends southward along the eastern seaboard has a deer problem. Whitetail deer account for more than a billion dollars’ worth of nationwide car insurance claims each year. Many places have so many www.MaineSportsman.com

car-deer colple find challisions that lenging or police or conengaging. servation ofThe deer that ficers don’t they expeeven respond rience on a unless the daily basis vehicle is disare not wary abled. Deer of humans carcasses are and don’t exa common hibit any real sight along sense of wildthe edges of ness. busy urban Almost Backyard buck -- This nice 8-point buck, which would be zero highways. skill Overpop- a trophy if successfully pursued through the thick Maine would be rewoods, is one of tens of thousands of suburban deer ulated deer quired to populating no-hunting areas of the mid-Atlantic states, are decimat- where it becomes part of the herd of semi-tame animals kill the buck ing the un- that eat household shrubbery and cause collisions with behind the derstory of motor vehicles. pool-house. the remainIt would be deer overpopulation coning forested areas in the something like shooting tributes to the problem. most populated sections rats at the local dump Those same biologists of the northeastern U.S. when I was their age – worry that the extraordi In the New York metkind of a public service, nary deer densities may ropolitan area, the obbut no real test of skill, give rise to outbreaks of vious browse line in any woodcraft or expertise. wasting disease and bosmall copse of trees is 8 or They won’t become vine tuberculosis. 9 feet high. Native plant deer hunters anytime From Noble Prey, shoots are on the verge soon -- along with milto Pest Status of extinction in large lions of their peers who My nieces and nephswaths of the suburbs. are growing up in megaew in suburban New JerThe Audubon Society has lopolis. They perceive the sey see deer every day. noted the adverse effects human activity of huntTheir formative years on populations of ground ing in terms of how they are occurring in an enviroosting birds and small perceive deer as animals. ronment where deer are mammals in these same Market Items seen as nuisances and areas. to Coveted potentially dangerous Expensive landscape Sport Trophies pests. The idea that these plantings are not im It’s not the first time animals might be worthy mune. Many landowners that the public perception prey for an armed hunter invest in eight-foot-tall of deer has changed the is completely foreign to deer fencing, which can way Americans hunt and them. cost as much as an inthe way they view deer They don’t necessariground pool for a large hunting. In the 1800s, ly recoil from the thought lot. venison was a market of killing deer. It’s not The Town of Lyme, item with a per-pound a Bambi-type reaction Connecticut probably cash value in urban cenwhere they attribute never suspected that ters. Market hunters in sympathetic human emoits deer overpopulation Maine and elsewhere tions and thoughts to the problem would result sent millions of barrels of buck on their back lawn. in the village becoming salted venison to market After all, they see plenty the namesake for the by rail. of dead deer on the local tick-borne disease that Deer were perceived highways. has spread far and wide. as a food source for the Instead, these young Approximately 300,000 growing republic. A huntkids just don’t underAmericans contract the er’s expertise was meastand how deer hunting disease every year. Bisured in terms of how could be a thing that peoologists suspect that

many barrels of deer saddles he could put on the next train through town. The hunting methods by which those deer died meant very little to anyone – jack lights, salt licks, set-guns, bait piles and even deadfalls were all market hunting tools. These methods all worked so well that whitetails were extirpated from large areas of the country by the early 1900s. It was only then that the modern conservation movement began to form – closed seasons and bag limits became law. This was the birth of the sport hunting tradition and the perception of deer as trophy animals. Deer came to be considered as a rare embodiment of wildness in a rapidly developing nation. Hunters could demonstrate their expertise in navigating the fast-disappearing natural world by pursuing and bagging a deer by fair-chase hunting methods. Sad Ending The buck on my brother-in-law’s back lawn will probably die after being struck by a car. Or he may be targeted by a hired sharpshooter hunting over a bait pile in a local effort to cull the overpopulated herd. This is the future of deer hunting in the megalopolis. Not because the deer have changed – but because the collective public perception of them has. Either way, his eightpoint rack won’t be proudly displayed in anyone’s living room.

�� The Maine Sportsman • March 2018 • 53

Beaver Trapping, and More on Tick-Related Diseases Most readers are aware of the ongoing beaver problems of flooding out private and state lands, cutting down trees that property owners desired to retain, flooding roadside areas, and causing road washouts. In response, trappers manage the furbearer, helping to reduce or eliminate this conflict between humans and wildlife. Trapping seasons vary slightly across the state, but generally run from November to the following April. This gives trappers six months to eliminate beaver problems. The beaver also still has some value as a furbearer. The pelt is not prime at all outside of the season, and during the first and last parts of this long season, the fur is not fully prime, lowering its value. Also in the spring, beaver start to mate. Younger generations get pushed out of their home territory. Fighting during this period results in lower fur values, due to bite marks in the pelts. Trappers can harvest the castor glands and oil sacks, adding to the beaver’s value. The beaver’s tail may also add to the value, so long as it is not chewed up too badly from fighting. Beaver tails are used to make high quality custom wallets and gun holsters. A final consideration is the meat value. A trapper can sell the meat of trapped animals directly to consumers. There are markets for the beaver to be used for human consumption, dog food, and trapping baits.

The amount of beaver meat people consume is slowly increasing. This may be the result of the increase cost of commercially available meats, or the current trend for organic-based foods. Years ago, people consumed a lot more meat of wild animals. As Americans became more urbanized and moved away from rural areas to seek better-paying jobs and opportunities, they were further removed from that rural lifestyle. Much the same as with pork, beaver meat requires careful handling and preparation if it is to be use for human consumption. Tularemia In last month’s “Trapping the Silent Places” column I addressed Tularemia, which is a disease, caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. Tularemia is typically found in animals, especially rodents, it is most commonly found in beaver and muskrats here in the United States. In the U.S., it was never, particularly common, with the disease most frequently found with trappers, hunters, cooks and agriculture workers. The incident rate dropped during the 20th century, resulting in an occurrence rate of 1 in 1,000,000, meaning that the disease currently is rare. This is in part mostly due to fewer and fewer people processing and handling animals today, resulting in most all reported cases being in rural areas. As with pork, one

should thoroughly cook the meat of beaver and take the normal sanitary steps and care while processing any meat. Also as stated in the March article, is that evidence of tularemia in an animal includes white spots on the liver. I would highly suggest anyone eating beaver or muskrat, or feeding them uncooked to pets, to check the liver. Powassan Powassan encephalitis is a serious illness caused by the Powassan virus. The virus was first recognized in the small town of Powassan, Ontario in 1958. Powassan (POW) virus is a flavivirus, and it’s the only well-documented tick-borne transmitted arbovirus occurring in the United States and Canada. Due to the ability of the virus to cause encephalitis, it is considered very serious. POW virus is one of a group of viruses (arboviruses) that can cause swelling of the brain (encephalitis). The time from tick bite to onset of illness ranges from one week to one month. Anyone bitten by a tick in an area where the virus is found can get infected with POW virus. The risk is highest for people who live, work or play in brushy or wooded areas, because of greater chances of exposure to infected ticks. There is currently no vaccine available to prevent POW. Many people who become infected do not develop any symptoms.

Serious Symptoms POW virus can cause swelling of the brain and meninges (the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord). Symptoms can include fever, headache, vomiting, weakness, confusion, loss of coordination, speech difficulties and seizures. Diagnosis is based on a combination of signs and symptoms together with laboratory tests of blood or spinal fluid. There is no specific medicine to cure or treat the POW virus disease. Treatment for severe illnesses may include hospitalization, respiratory support, and fluids. Powassan encephalitis can cause residual neurological problems in patient who recover. Powassan is not common in humans, but Maine has seen a few cases in the last decade. The deer tick (Ixodes scapularis) can carry Powassan. There have been several cases reported in Maine over the years, and a recent case resulted in a fatality. The most cases have been reported in Cumberland County. The testing of ticks disclosed that most are in coastal Maine, while there are three locations in Northern Somerset County. Different from Lyme Powassan is distinct from the much more common Lyme disease in several ways. In addition to being caused by a virus rather than a bacterium, Powassan spreads in two strains, through the bite of both the deer tick (Lyme’s preferred host)

and the woodchuck tick. Both strains cause the same symptoms in humans. Woodchuck ticks gained that name because they are often found on woodchucks. They are also found on skunks and weasels, according to Charles Lubelczyk, a field biologist with Maine Medical Center Research Institute’s Vector-borne Disease Laboratory. Powassan also has been detected in Maine deer and moose, though the virus doesn’t appear to sicken the animals, he said. Reducing Your Risk How do sportsmen and -women the chance of being infected? The best way to prevent the disease is by protecting yourself from tick bites, the same as you would to protect yourself from Lyme disease. Reduce the chances of contact with ticks by avoiding wooded and bushy areas with high grass. Apply repellents according to label instructions. Clothing and gear may be treated with permethrin, which remains protective through several washings. Find and remove ticks before they have a chance to bite and attach. Shower (preferably within 2 hours after being outdoors) to find and wash off any ticks on your body. Conduct a fullbody tick check. Parents should thoroughly check children, including their hair. Also, be sure to examine clothing, gear, and pets.

www.MaineSportsman.com

54 • March 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

Use Electronic Call and Motion Decoy to Kill More Coyotes Regularly killing coyotes is something akin to an art form. These wily predators are incredibly gifted in recognizing – and therefore effectively avoiding – danger. To consistently outsmart these canines, hunters must be flexible and not afraid to try new techniques and tactics. And coyotes can be found in Central Maine; specifically, in wooded regions of Augusta, China, Vassalboro and Windsor. Baiting and Calling Coyotes For many years, I hunted coyotes over bait sites. While this method is extremely effective, the logistics of securing landowner permission, setting up a shack, finding fresh bait and hunting the bait almost every night (who wants to feed coyotes!) caused me to reach the point where baiting was no longer fun – it was just work. I knew there must be a simpler way to hunt coyotes that was easier but also effective. Hunters who practice the art of calling coyotes free themselves from the burden of managing bait sites. They also become exposed to a whole new world of coyote hunting that bait hunters don’t get to experience. This isn’t to say anything negative about bait hunting, as I still believe this is an extremely effective way of killing coyotes and helping manage their population. However, just like whitetail hunters who still-hunt as a change from their usual practice of taking a stand, the exercise of running, calling and gunning for coywww.MaineSportsman.com

The key, says the author, is to provide a clear shot opportunity by making sure each setup has at least one shooting lane between the electronic call and motion decoy, and the location where the hunter is hiding.

According to the author, coyote hunters looking for public lands in Central Maine should explore the Alonzo H. Garcelon Wildlife Management Area, which consists of 4,882 acres in Augusta, China, Vassalboro and Windsor.

otes differs greatly from baiting, and it’s a fun challenge all sportsmen should try. Here’s the Critical Gear The sequence of purchasing gear for calling coyotes follows a predictable pattern. First comes the purchase of a simple hand-held wounded rabbit call; next comes an electronic call; and finally comes the addition of some type of motion decoy. The importance of these last two purchases is that they distract the coyote’s attention away from the hunter, and focus it in the direction of the electronic call and motion decoy. The electronic call and decoy are placed upwind of the hunter. The idea is that the approaching predator’s keen eyes

and sensitive nose will be diverted toward the call and decoy, and away from where the hunter is hiding. Setting Up for Success Calling coyotes into effective shooting range is not an easy task. The shots all coyote hunters dream about – where the coyote appears, slowly creeping across an open field and into the scope of the awaiting hunter – are extremely rare. Mostly, these canines stick to heavy cover, exposing themselves only for a shot for a few seconds. Because of this tendency, proper set-up is of utmost importance. The key is to provide a shot opportunity by making sure each setup has at least one shooting lane between the electronic call and the location where the hunter is

hiding. I like to set my call and decoy on the edge of a field where the visibility is high, but I situate myself 30-40 yards inside the wood line. Typically coyotes will follow the wood line right to the decoy, creating a shot opportunity for either rifle or shotgun. Coyote Calling The go-to call for coyotes is a wounded rabbit but because of its popularity, it is often overused. Last season, I had great luck in Central Maine using a turkey decoy and making turkey sounds, specifically the kee-kee-run. Because of the extremely healthy turkey population in this area of the state, coyotes have really homed in on turkeys as a readily-accessible

prey animal. Those looking to “talk turkey” to coyotes this March should grab a slate or box call and give it a try. For the turkey hunting crowd skilled at using diaphragm calls, conduct a Google search for “Howl on Turkey Diaphragm Call,” and watch how some hunters are using the turkey diaphragm to make coyote howls and barks – very interesting! The howl and bark is another call every hunter should have in their hunting arsenal. By starting each calling sequence with a few howls, hunters trigger the coyote’s strong territorial instincts, often forcing it to run into the call before the perceived challenger beats it to a free meal. When a hunter plays a coyote howl on an electronic caller placed 30-40 yards away and answers it with a handheld caller, it creates the illusion of multiple coyotes. This can sometimes be the trigger needed to dupecall shy coyotes. Over-calling is the most common mistake made by beginner coyote hunters. Start calling sequences with a couple of howls, followed shortly after with a prey sound, then wait 10 minutes. If you get no response, try another prey sound, but be very careful of any movements. It is likely that a coyote is already there watching and waiting. Typically if there are coyotes in the area and everything has been done right, they arrive quickly. Never start your call(Continued on page 56)

�� The Maine Sportsman • March 2018 • 55

Can Compound Archery Become an Official Olympic Sport? Later this month, on March 25th, the Maine State Archery Championships, sponsored by the Maine Archery Association (www.mainearchery. org), will take place at the West Gardiner Rod & Gun Club. This may come as a surprise, but Maine is home to some of the best target archers in the country, both traditional and compound. Spectators are welcome and will have the opportunity to enjoy some extremely competitive, yet friendly, competition. This is an indoor event with targets placed at 20 yards, and the key isn’t hitting the undersized bullseye once, but rather, hitting it 30 consecutive times, which many Maine archers can do. Organized shoots will continue later in the spring, with outdoor 3D shoots sponsored by the Maine Bowhunters Association (www.mainebowhunters.org). These are great events for kids and adults alike, offering everyone the chance to participate in Maine’s archery circle. Maine’s best archer is Dave Cousins, and he also happens to be the world’s greatest archer of all time. I’ve seen Dave shoot first-hand, and can say this: if Robin Hood were a real character, he’d need a lot of practice to get up to Dave’s level of skill. Compound Bows in the Olympics? Speaking of Maine’s own Dave Cousins, I believe he would be a household name in Maine— even among non-ar-

velopment for compound archers, as the Pan American Games are an important step for compound archery’s bid to be included in the Olympics.

Will America’s greatest compound archers ever compete in the Olympics? The answer is both logistical and political. Photo courtesy Dave Cousins

chers—if compound archery were included as an Olympic event. When a Mainer qualifies to represent the U.S. at the Olympics in any event, it often makes the local news, regardless of the sport. Dave has represented the U.S. for decades in World Archery competitions, achieving double-digit world championships. However, he specializes in compound competitions. Only recurve bows are acknowledged by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and, thus, he’s never been sent to the Olympics. History Archery made its debut in the second Olympic Games in Paris in 1900, and continued being an event through the 1920 Olympic Games when the sport was dropped. It reappeared in the 1972 Munich, Germany games, and has remained

during the 46 years since. Compound bows were invented in the late 1960s and when archery was reintroduced into the Olympics in ’72, they had not yet become popular. In fact, World Archery—the international governing body for the sport—did not include compound bows in its competitions until 1995, so it makes complete sense they weren’t part of the Olympics at that time. Progress However, the popularity of compound bows has increased several-fold since then, and compound competitions have been progressively introduced into what were traditionally recurve-dominated tournaments. For example, although the World Games are less-marketed than the Olympics, compound target archery was first included in the World

Games in 2013, and the competition was considered to be a great success. It was part of the World Games in Poland in 2017 and will be again in 2021, when the events are held in Birmingham, Alabama. And perhaps one step closer to the Olympics are the Pan American Games, an event in which World Archery announced that compound competitions would be included beginning in 2019. These Games occur every four years, one year before the Olympics, are an Olympic-type event for countries in North and South America, and are testing grounds for Olympic athletes as well as sports whose supporters are seeking to be part of the Olympics. Karate, for instance, was added to the Pan American Games before officially becoming an Olympic sport. This is an exciting de-

Challenges Currently, Olympic recurve archery competition allows each country with a National Olympic Committee (there are 206 around the world) to send a team of six archers. Those archers shoot at the beginning of the Games to qualify for 64 male and 64 female slots in the individual competition. Twenty-four national teams of three archers apiece—12 men’s and 12 women’s teams—are chosen from the 128 total archers to compete for team medals. Introducing the same format for compound archers would necessitate the need for additional athletes, coaches, officials, requirements for space and housing to name a few, for the simple reason that recurve and compound archery are two completely different disciplines. It wouldn’t be the same athletes competing in both recurve and compound competitions. It’s akin to fencing, in which the épée and saber follow different rules and feature different competitors. Or like volleyball, where those competing in 6-person traditional indoor volleyball, are not the same athletes as those competing in 2-person beach volleyball. Compound Archery, or Skateboarding? But the challenge is more than just logistics; (Continued on next page) www.MaineSportsman.com

56 • March 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

Alyssa is Looking Forward to Open-Water Fishing As the ice melts and the temperatures finally start to rise, spring activities – such as open water fishing – begin. There are many places you can go to open water fish. Some places could still have some ice on them during the first part of the season, but it will soon be gone. Open water fishing is different from ice fishing, because it is more handson. In other words, you do more to interact with the fish to catch them, as opposed to ice fishing, in which you just set out traps and wait for a flag to go up. Personally, I like ice fishing better, because you can have multiple lines in the water and therefore have a better chance at getting fish, especially if you have good bait and your traps are

Speaking from personal experience, casting from shore can be challenging, because you have to be careful of tree branches – hooks can easily get stuck in them, and it can be hard to get your line unsnagged! set right. However, most people enjoy open water fishing more, because you can take a boat out on rivers, lakes and ponds to get to best fishing areas. Small Pond? Use a Small Boat I like fishing from a boat more than fishing from shore, because you can cast farther across the water from a boat, and you can move all around the lake rather than having to stay in a single location. Try to match your boat to the water you are fishing on. If you are fishing a small pond, use a canoe or small boat and lightweight motor, be-

Central Maine (Continued from page 54)

ing until you are completely ready – properly concealed, and with your gun positioned for a shot. Alonzo Garcelon WMA If you are looking for public lands in Central Maine to hunt coyotes, the Alonzo H. Garcelon Wildlife Management Area (DeLorme’s Atlas, Map 13, B-1) is a good place to start. It’s comprised of several land

Bowhunting in Maine (Continued from page 55)

instead, the real hurdle to introducing compound archery is the competition from other sports. After each Olympics, the OIC sits down and hears from world sports committees, like World Archery, about sports that could be added to the next Games. So the task is not just convincing the IOC that adding compounds would be good for archery at the www.MaineSportsman.com

cause you will be able to easily go into the shallow fishing spots – like weedy coves where huge bass are spawning in the springtime. Another reason some people like open water fishing more than ice fishing is that you have many more options to tie onto the end of your line – spoons, streamers, surface plugs, rubber worms, diving lures or (where allowed) live bait. Casting from Shore? Beware of Tree Branches! Fishing from shore can be fun if you are fishing along rapids, or along the banks of a stream or brook where you can

keep moving upstream or downstream to find the best spots. It can be challenging, though, because when you cast you have to be careful of trees and other greenery – hooks and line can easily get stuck in them. Speaking from personal experience, it can be hard to get your line unsnagged! Most of the time when I fish from shore, I just go behind my house and fish the Mousam River. However, I like fishing from a boat better. Biggest Thrill – Salt Water Streams, ponds and lakes are fun, but if you have a chance, I recommend you also try salt

water fishing. It’s the most fun kind of open water fishing. A few years ago, my dad and I took our boat out almost every weekend and headed out in the ocean. We fished for mackerel, cod, and stripers. We even went out on a charter boat once, and spent an entire day fishing, getting farther out into the ocean than we did in his boat. Even in our boat, we got to see pods of dolphins and even whales. Sometimes the dolphins would be very close to the boat, and you could see them clearly as they swam by. Whales were farther away, and were often hidden in the fog. I am looking forward to a season of fishing – in fresh water and salt water.

parcels totaling 4,882 acres, spread across the towns of Augusta, China, Vassalboro and Windsor. Access to the various parcels within the WMA is difficult in most areas, due to private land ownership and lack of parking. My favorite access location is via the Mud Mill Road, located off Route 17 approximately 7 miles east of Augusta. (If you pass Clark’s East Side Scrap, you have gone too far.) There is a sign at the end of this road marking the WMA and a small parking

area. Be sure to bring skis or snowshoes, as even in March snows will likely be deep. Be prepared to hike, as the trail system is fairly extensive, offering lots of choices on where to set up ambush locations. Be cautious and make certain you absolutely identify all targets, as this WMA is also used by people walking their dogs and enjoying other non-hunting recreational activities.

Games in general, but rather that adding it would be better than adding any other sport. The 2016 London Games saw additions of golf and 7-on-7 rugby, so compound folks are up against a wide range of sports. Other sports currently vying for spots at the Olympics are 3-on-3 basketball, skateboarding and sport climbing. Whether or not compounds will be added to any near Olympics is a question. One good factor on our side is that archery, in general, is one of the most watched and at-

tended events at any summer Olympics, so interest from the public isn’t an issue. Maneuvering through the politics and bureaucracy of getting it on the ticket is very much a different thing. We will see, but I’m sure of this: if compound bows had been included since at least the 1990s, Maine would be home to a number of Olympic medals, as Dave Cousins wrote the book on compound target archery.

�� The Maine Sportsman • March 2018 • 57

Early Open-Water Fishing a Cabin-Fever Reliever Anglers in midcoast Maine enjoy the good fortune to have access to a number of rivers that remain open to fishing year-round. And by March, a few daring souls venture forth, perhaps not so much to catch fish as to break the cabin-fever monotony of winter. Count me in among those daring – perhaps foolish – souls. While ice fishing puts food on the table, I would rather take one fish in open water than 20 through the ice. There’s just something about landing, and sometimes losing, a fish in open water, using a fishing rod rather than pulling the line in by hand as done with an ice-fishing trap. So long about now when the occasional warm day conjures thoughts of open-water fishing, I’m the first to take advantage of it. Megunticook River Megunticook River in Camden, a year-round stream that the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (DIF&W) stocks with brook trout in spring and brook trout and rainbow trout in fall, stands as one of my favorite very-early-season haunts. Many of the stocked fish remain in the river over the winter, giving early-season hopefuls a shot at taking a decent-sized trout. As with any other river, it takes some prospecting to learn where best to look for holdover trout. Typical riffly water, a good choice in May, won’t hold fish now. Instead, search for deep holes where trout can find suitable condi-

We cast out, hoping for a rainbow trout to take one of our baits. It wasn’t long before my bobber took a plunge. I set the hook and was thrilled to feel a heavy pulsing at the other end of the line.

The author looks forward with great anticipation to catching his first fish every year, whether it’s a trout, a bass or even a pickerel.

tions for the winter. One such place marks the beginning point for me when hitting the river. That is the dam just off Mt. Battie Street. A scenic nature trail leads upstream to the dam, and under the right conditions, the place will hold trout – often big ones. And sometimes not. But at least it’s worth the effort, just in case a carryover trout feels like biting. Either way, the dam pool puts us in position to head upstream or downstream. Megunticook River is really a two-parted system. The upstream sec-

tion consists of stillwater between the dam at Megunticook Lake and the dam mentioned above, off Mt. Battie Street. Just below the dam at the lake, the river looks perfect. Sadly, it’s off limits due to posting. But slightly downstream, on Molyneaux Road just east of where it crosses Route 105, a roadside turnoff and picnic area offers plenty of opportunity to get out and cast. Find this section of river on the De Lorme Atlas, Map D-3 and D-4. First Fish Rainbow trout that

have escaped over the dam at the lake, are the quarry here. But this being at the head of a long, still section of water, other fish are present, too. And in March, any fish taken in open water is good enough for me. It needn’t be a trout. Last year, fishing with Alan Gallant, my first fish of the new open-water season came from this road crossing. Alan had managed to scratch up some golden shiners and, equipped with small bobbers, we sat along the road crossing and cast out, hoping for a rainbow trout to take one of our baits.

It wasn’t long before my bobber took a plunge. Waiting a bit for the fish to get the bait in its mouth, I finally set the hook and was thrilled to feel a heavy pulsing at the other end of the line. The fish fought well for being in such frigid water. Finally it quit battling, and I pulled in a pickerel. It wasn’t a trout, but for the first fish of the open-water season, it was good enough for me. This might come as a good time to mention that pickerel become active at ice-out. Even when parts of a pond or shallow stream remain locked in ice, pickerel go on the prowl. The old Crosby Stills & Nash song, Love the One You’re With, comes to mind, but with a slight change – “Love the fish you’re with.” And so a pickerel taken in open water in March suits me just fine. Look for this crossing on Map 14, D-4. Route 52 Route 52, which goes from Belfast to Camden, passes two decent places to try for trout and warmwater species as soon as ice melts in March. Of course that’s assuming that ice does begin to melt sometime during the third month. Headed south from Lincolnville Center on 52, the driver passes a tempting roadside pulloff situated by a stream crossing. This is where a large culvert allows water from a slow-moving, marshy stream to enter Norton Pond. Here, in May, white perch run up through (Continued on next page) www.MaineSportsman.com

58 • March 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

Tapping Maple Trees for Syrup I was pleased to see that Maine Sportsman author Alyssa Sansoucy wrote in the January issue about making maple syrup, since it’s also one of my favorite things to do, and now’s the time of year when the maple sap runs in Maine. The exact timing of the sap flowing depends in the weather, because it’s a particular combination of temperature that gets things going. To be specific, maple sap flows when the daytime temperature rises above 32 degrees, and nighttime temperatures fall below 32 degrees. You want to find a tree that’s at least 12 inches thick, or larger if possible. A 12- to 20-inch tree should be tapped no more than once; a 21-to 27-inch tree can be tapped twice; and a tree with a diameter greater than 27 inches can support three taps. All four types of maple trees (Sugar, Black, Red or Silver) produce sap that can be made into syrup; however, sap from

In some places where there aren’t many maple trees, folks actually tap birch trees. However, while maple syrup requires about 50 gallons of sap for a gallon of syrup, it takes about 100 gallons of birch sap to make sweet syrup.

Taps are driven into the maple tree, and a bucket is hung under the tap to collect the sap. A large tree can support several taps. Although the bucket in this photo is open, most sap buckets have tented covers to keep out rain and snow. Credit: Minnesota Audubon Center

the Sugar Maple has a higher sugar content than the others.

Midcoast

(Continued from page 57)

the culvert into the boggy area in the early evening. But now, in March, pickerel, largemouth bass and the occasional rainbow trout are the target species. My universal lures, Trout Magnets, work well here. One warm day during the third week of March saw me casting out on the Norton Pond side. A slight “tic” on my line told me that something had nabbed the magnet. Quickly setting the hook, I was on to a fish. It didn’t take long to realize that this was no trout. It made short, powerful runs, but with none of the electric, head-shaking feel of a trout on the hook. After a brief but spirited battle, a largemouth bass slid into my net. Again, it wasn’t www.MaineSportsman.com

In fact, syrup can be made from trees other than maples, since many

different types of trees have sugar in their sap. For example, in Alaska

what I had hoped for, but it was a fish, a fish taken in open water on an ultralight spinning rod, in March. For me, that was a big deal. I knocked the bass on the head to take home to fillet for supper. The two fillets gave me enough to enjoy a good fish fry. See Map 14, D-3. Lakeside Trout Continuing on along Route 52, the road bounds Megunticook Lake. Huge boulders, the result of old rock slides, line the immediate shoreline. In some cases the boulders extend out into the lake, having tumbled as they slid. The warm March sun heats up the rocks and even now, in March, the occasional trout will come along the shore, prodding and poking in crevices and crannies for baitfish and perhaps insect larvae. Trolling is out of the question, because

they don’t have many maple trees, so they actually tap birch trees. Since birch tree sap has a lot less sugar than maple trees, it takes about twice as much sap to make syrup – while maple syrup requires about 50 gallons of sap for a gallon of syrup, it takes about 100 gallons of birch sap to make sweet syrup. To tap a tree, you will need a drill bit that matches the size of your tree tap, and a hammer to insert your tap. The tap is usually metal or plastic and has a hook so you can attach a bucket underneath. (Other tapping systems use plastic hoses to collect the sap.) Once you collect the sap, carefully boil it down (without burning it, which will affect the taste) until it turns the right color – dark brown – and then can your syrup. One of my favorite treats is vanilla ice cream with warm maple syrup on top. I recommend it!

the boat ramp remains frozen in. But that ribbon of open water bounding Route 52, some of the earliest open-water spots around, stands as a magnet for those wishing to get a head start on open-water fishing. My habit here is to cast out an earthworm-baited hook, and let the bait sit on bottom while I use another rod to cast Trout Magnets and other lures. It’s slow fishing and often fairly cold because of predictable ocean breezes buffeting the shore. It might take hours to get a bite, and some days nothing bites. But it’s open-water fishing and the chance of landing a trout that can be measured in pounds, not inches, is always present. See this area on Map 14, C-3.

�� The Maine Sportsman • March 2018 • 59

German Rifles: A Legacy of Unmatched Quality German-made rifles seem even less popular in Maine and across the country than the German shotguns covered in this column last month. As with German automobiles, such rifles are known for their top-quality design and engineering, but the prices often scare off would-be purchasers. That said, the influence of German rifles on American sporting firearms development cannot be overstated. German makers pioneered the turning-bolt action and the center-fire brass cartridge way back in the

The story behind my friend Dr. Lyon’s German rifle seems a bit fantastical – a former enemy helped financially by a group of conquering Army officers; a master gunsmith pulling together a shop after fleeing his home, and then building a run of rifles from machine gun parts collected from the vanquished … it sounds like a movie on Netflix. 1870s. Spanish soldiers equipped with Mauser bolt actions and smokeless powder cartridges taught the American Army many hard lessons in 1898. A few years later, Charles Newton built his ahead-of-its-time Newton rifle, using the Mauser action. Unfortunately for Mr. Newton, 1914 was not

a good year to start manufacturing rifles based on German parts suppliers. However, Peter Paul Mauser’s Model 1898 design caught on far beyond just the German military and Charles Newton. In 1925, Winchester launched the now iconic Model 70 bolt-action hunting rifle based on Mauser’s earlier design.

Even today, many of the best sporting arms in America, as well as Europe, carry the basic Mauser action devised more than 120 years ago. Its controlled feed and three-lug bolt remain unsurpassed for reliability and safety. Small wonder that firms such as Kimber, Sako, Weatherby, Winchester and Husq-

varna continue to use the Mauser design. World War I disrupted the sporting firearms industry in almost every country, but it soon rebounded – even in Germany. The Kaiser abdicated and the empire crumbled, but the 1920s and 1930s spawned something of a Golden Age for German shooting sports. Rifles from German makers dominated all over Central and Eastern Europe. They were extremely popular in Africa, even among the British colonies. However, the aftermath of the Second World (Continued on next page)

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60 • March 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

Shooter’s Bench (Continued from page 59)

War proved something quite different. Agonizing Rebirth World War II destroyed German industry. That which survived the ground combat and round-the-clock aerial bombardment succumbed to unconditional surrender, looting by the Soviet Union, and the rise of communist East Germany. For several years after the war, Germans were permitted to hunt only with shotguns or small caliber rifles. Occupying forces confiscated thousands of sporting arms along with millions of surrendered military weapons. Old firms such as Heym and Sauer struggled to re-establish themselves in West Germany. Companies like Merkel somehow survived in East Germany, but with little access to western markets. Many small companies disappeared altogether. Several years ago, my friend Dr. Harold Lyon told me of an unusual German rifle dating from

the dark post-war days of occupation. This past season, on a week-long deer hunt with Pleasant River Guide Service in Sebec, I finally found an opportunity to see this special rifle in action. A West Point graduate, former Army paratrooper and Ranger-turned-noted-author, educator and psychologist, Hal divides his time between hunting and fishing in New England and lectures at the medical college of Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich, Germany. Born in 1935, he was the teenage son of a U.S. Army colonel living in Germany during the occupation days of the late 1940s and early 1950s. Hal’s parents indulged his passion and reverence for hunting and fishing with a 16th birthday gift of a rifle – the rifle he’s hunted with every season since 1951. He has taken chamois, deer and wild boar in Europe, whitetail deer in New England, and moose in Newfoundland, all

with the same rifle. Master Work Kurt Jaeger and others escaped the old gun-making center of Suhl in East Germany. He set up a shop in the western city of Mainz, on the Rhine River. Sometime in 1950, a group of American officers affiliated with the Wiesbaden Officers’ Club commissioned him to make 50 custom rifles. In an effort to help rebuild the local economy, the Officers’ Club provided Jaeger with 50 chrome-lapped Swedish steel machine gun barrels and 50 Mauser Model 98 bolt actions otherwise slated for destruction. Jaeger turned that captured ordnance into 50 fine hunting rifles. Hal Lyon still holds the receipt showing his parents paid $99 for his custom rifle, chambered for .30-’06 Springfield. The barrel bears the marking “K. Jaeger – Wiesbaden” and the action retains the original Mauser military serial number. The trigger guard showcases Hal’s initials in a bold monogram.

Noted author, educator and psychologist Dr. Hal Lyon has hunted a lifetime with the rifle he received for his 16th birthday. Allard photo

The rifle weighs a hefty nine-and-a-half pounds with its Turkish walnut Monte Carlo stock, leather sling, original iron sights and recently added Zeiss 3x9x36mm scope. The former machine gun barrel measures 23-and-a-half inches long.

The trigger pull feels smooth and crisp at the break point. The trigger pull gauge reads 3.7 pounds. Both the stock and the metal parts show the effects of 67 years, but the three eye-catching ivory inlays (probably salvaged from piano (Continued on next page)

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�� The Maine Sportsman • March 2018 • 61 (Continued from page 60)

keys) remain intact. Still Ahead Hal Lyon’s .30-’06 ex-military, re-purposed rifle is unusual, maybe unique, since who knows where the other 49 salvage-cum-custom rifles may be. It is safe to assume that Hal was the youngest original owner, and what happened to the others is anyone’s guess now. The whole project seems a bit fantastical; a former enemy assisted back toward business solvency by a group of conquering Army officers; a master gunsmith pulling together a shop after fleeing his home and then building a run of rifles from scavenged pieces collected from the vanquished. It sounds like a story from Netflix or Hulu. After 66 hunting seasons, Hal told me that the only other gun he’s ever owned is an ornate drilling (a combination rifle and shotgun) that his father saved from the crushing treads of a tank in the closing days of the war. That reflects a special kind of loyalty to a 16th birthday present.

Created from parts seized from the German military, this custom hunting rifle helped restart West Germany’s sporting firearms industry. Allard photo

Most will never experience anything even close to Dr. Lyon’s rifle, but contemporary German hunting rifles come together with a similar devotion to craftsmanship and performance built in. One of the places to find and consider

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New Season, New Tackle With open-water fishing just around the corner, it’s time to take a look at tackle, old and new. That new rod and reel under the Christmas tree probably doesn’t require much attention right now, but still it will pay to take a moment to become familiar with it. The first thing to do is to either put line on the reel, or at the least, check the line that came with it. All too often, a rod-andreel combo comes loaded with line that is way too heavy for the intended use. For trout fishing with ultralight or even light tackle, lines over 6-pound test are unnecessary and can even be a hindrance because heavy, stiff line does not cast well. It also fails to get the proper action from some lures. The rod and reel may well be of good quality, but the line might not match the rest of the outfit. So it’s time to go to the tackle shop and buy the best line possible. Of all the components of a fishing outfit, line, and to a lesser extent, hooks, are the weak links in the chain. Line Care After filling the spool with new line, attach a small weight and do some informal casting. This can even be done indoors.

My Scottish blood won’t permit me to discard a perfectly good line when a viable alternative exists. So I tie off the end, walk out the entire length of line, cut the line, then walk back to the far end and spool it back on the reel from there. This reverses the line, allowing the frugal among us to wring another season out of last year’s line.

March is tune-up time for lines, hooks and messy tackle boxes. Seymour photo

The idea is to see how the outfit casts. If the spool was overfilled, loops of line will fall off the face of the spool and upon reeling in, create a bird’s-nest tangle. That’s the last thing you want when out on a stream. Even the most pious are known to resort to colorful language when

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the line bunches up and ruins the day. So if the line falls off the spool in loops, keep pulling it out by hand until it no longer falls off, and then trim it at that point. However, even with a properly filled spool, line can form loops which can lead to tangles. It happens this way. After casting, the bail closes, but the line had made a small loop. If this isn’t removed immediately and the rest of the line is reeled in over it, the next cast is sure to cause a nightmare loop, because the momentum will not only carry the loop off, but the loop will form oth-

er loops as it goes. But don’t despair, because there is a way to solve this. Upon seeing a line tangle, do not pull straight out, because that will only cause more loops to form. And if you pull too hard, the loops will form a knot and that will probably require that you cut the line and re-tie your lure. So don’t pull straight out. Instead, pull sideways, so the spool turns the same way it would if a fish were pulling out line against the drag. Keep gently pulling until you get to the loop, and then, with the next cast, make

sure to check for loops before closing the bail. Finally, if the line does blow up into a tangle, try just lightly pulling on the different loops. Never pull hard, but instead try to fluff it up. This usually allows you to see the problem and resolve it without forming knots. Old Line What about last year’s line? It may be a bit worn on the working end, but otherwise than that it’s fine. My Scottish blood won’t permit me to discard a perfectly good line when a viable alternative exists. So here’s what I do. Given that there is sufficient line left for making long, accurate casts, just tie the working end to something and, pointing the rod at that point, walk along with the bail open until all the line has paid out. Then cut the line off at the spool and leave it on the ground. Walk back to where you tied off the used end and tie that to the spool. This reverses the line and allows you to wring another season out of last year’s line. And if you feel the amount of line is insufficient, it is possible to add additional line without the worry of knots messing up your casts. Just tie the new, extra line to the end of the old line that you tied off when un-spooling the line. Then tie that to the spool and the blood knot you used to join the two will be way back on the spool and won’t ever pose a problem. (Continued on page 64)

�� The Maine Sportsman • March 2018 • 63

Hot Fishing Awaits Downeast Anglers in March Many lakes and ponds in the Downeast Area produce notable ice-fishing opportunities each March. By checking Delorme’s Atlas, a majority of area fishers find that Maps 23, 24, 34 and 36 contain the most productive fisheries in Washington and Hancock Counties. Jacob Buck Pond, a 190-acre water in Bucksport (Map 23, D-2) offers quality ice fishing this month. According to avid Jacob Buck Pond fisherman Myron Herbest of Bucksport, splake and brook trout are the preferred species; however, anglers also catch salmon and pickerel. Three hundred and fifty 11-inch splake, as well as 100 13inch and 50 17-inch brook trout were stocked in this water in 2017. Therefore, folks should experience some fantastic winter angling. Additionally, folks might catch some of the older class splake, brook trout or salmon. Special regulations on Jacob Buck include: one fish limit on trout, with a minimum length of 14 inches. There is no size or bag limit on pickerel or bass. Heavy white perch in the 1 -pound category are also caught here each winter. Ice fishermen can gain access to Jacob Buck Pond by driving out the Jacob Buck Pond road to Barbour Drive. Plowed parking is available near the public boat launch area. Cold Molasses Another water that will once again offer outstanding ice-fishing re-

Fisheries biologists stocked smelt eggs in Molasses Pond in 2010 to counteract poor fish growth. It worked! The pond now produces brown trout between 5 and 8 pounds, and salmon up to 5 pounds.

Flag! Fish on! Lemieux photo

sults is Molasses Pond in East Brook, Map 24, C-3. Molasses Pond is a 1,252acre pond with a maximum depth of 47 feet. A good road goes by the north end, where a boat launch site is available for public use.

In his spring fisheries report, Region C biologist Greg Burr provided the following information: “In the fall of 2010, fisheries biologists scientifically sampled Molasses Pond. The results of the netting confirmed an-

gler reports that growth and condition were poor. Seeing the drop in quality, we then considered strategies to improve the growth and condition of the fish, and to stock smelt eggs in the spring of 2011.

“This worked! By the winter of 2014, anglers were reporting catching brown trout up to 8 pounds, and salmon between 3 and 4 pounds. “In the fall of 2015, we stocked retired brood salmon, thereby boosting the 2016 winter catch rate. During the 2016 winter season, anglers were reporting regularly catching brown trout between 5 and 8 pounds, and salmon up to 5 pounds.” Thank you, Biologist Burr! Last year, Molasses was stocked with 300 12-inch brown trout, 50 14-inch brookies and 50 18-inch brook trout. The good news is that many of these salmonids will likely still be available for ice anglers to catch in March. My hat goes off to our dedicated and knowledgeable Maine fisheries biologists, who, year-after-year, create outstanding fishing opportunities from Kittery to Fort Kent. More Salmon and Brookies Cathance Lake (Map 36, E-4) in Washington County is another popular ice-fishing water for landlocks. Its 2,905 acres and 75-foot depths provide excellent habitat for salmon. (Continued on next page)

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Downeast (Continued from page 63)

Cathance is one of the most consistent salmon fisheries in Washington County. Again quoting fisheries biologist Greg Burr, “Cathance has a terrific salmon fishery.” Salmon caught by ice anglers typically range from 17 to 19 inches, with average weights of 2 to 3 pounds. Occasionally, anglers catch fish weighing over 3 pounds. This lake is stocked each year with about 900 salmon. Even though salmon are the principal game fish caught on Cathance, brookies are also a highly-prized gamefish pulled from this water. Folks often catch brookies by fishing in 3 to 4 feet of water, while other anglers increase their chances of catching a salmon by fishing just under the ice. Winter anglers catch wild brookies that were produced from the lake’s inlets. Fish in the 10- to 12-inch range are typical of a day’s catch, with a few 14- to 16- inch brook trout caught by hard-water anglers each winter. Smelts or worms are the usual bait to entice these beauties. However,

a jig stick and a “Buoyant” 1/6-oz., gold/red lure manufactured by Thomas Spinning Lures, Inc. has produced trout for me. Smallmouth bass are plentiful; however, they are usually only 8 to 10 inches in length. Smallies in the 11- to 15-inch range are considered trophies. Anglers are encouraged by a “no size or bag limit” regulation to catch as many bass as possible. Easy access can be gained at the well-maintained boat launch off Route 191. Many anglers are successful by fishing around Todd Island. First-Rate Brookie Paradise Another topnotch brook-trout haven for sports is Alligator Lake (Map 34, E-4). This is a medium-sized 1,159-acre lake that produces many fish each winter. Salmon and brook trout provide most of the flag-flying excitement for cold-weather anglers. An annual stocking of salmon helps to maintain this water as a quality game-fish water. The most productive winter fishing for landlocks is on the northeastern shore of the lake. However, anglers also enjoy quality brook-trout

Trout Fishing (Continued from page 62)

The Point Let’s get to the point – the hook point, that is. Ever get strikes or bites, but find that you cannot hook the fish? The problem may well be a dull hook, or one that has become slightly bent at the tip. Either way, the end result isn’t good. It’s difficult to detect bent-over hook points. What with low-light conditions and in the case of older anglers, poor vision, lots of hook problems go unnoticed until it’s too late. There is a solution. Take some time now, inside, where it’s warm and bright. Spread your hooks, and also your favorite lures, out and check each and every one. Use a magnifier if necessary, but do a thorough check. In the case of dulled or bent-over hook points, discard the hook. That way, when you do go afield, you www.MaineSportsman.com

Deven Pendexter of Poland, ME with a winter brookie. Lemieux photo

fishing on the northwestern end of this water, where several small brooks empty into the lake. Most of the brookies caught each winter measure from 15 to 17 inches. Typically ice fishers catch brook trout in the 13- to 14-inch category,

Pendexter releases a brook trout back into the pond. Lemieux photo

and salmon in the 17- to 18-inch range. Ice drillers catch a few heftier brook trout and salmon each March. New regulations on Alligator Lake include: Total daily bag limit on trout: 1 fish; all salmon between 16 and 20 inches must be released

can be certain that all your hooks are razor-sharp and ready for service. I used to carry a hook hone and that worked, to a degree. But after several sharpenings, hook points became rounder and rounder. Then it occurred to me that hooks are the cheapest accessory to our fishing outfit. There is no excuse for fishing with substandard hooks. Now I carry good hooks, either brandnew ones or used hooks that were tested for sharpness. When fishing, some amount of hook-dulling occurs every time you get hung up on a rock and manage to save your hook. Always check the hook before letting out line again. I’ve lost some mighty big trout because of dull hooks. Lures, Too Last fall I managed to find a huge, deep pool that was full of brown trout. After experimenting with different lures, I found

alive at once. Restricted to two lines per person. Minimum length limit on trout: 18 inches. Daily limit on salmon: 1 fish. Winter anglers taking the Middle Branch Ridge Road can gain access to this isolated lake from Route 9.

one with a treble hook that the fish absolutely loved. They struck it with every cast. But despite strike after strike, I only managed to hook and land two fish. The hook points on my lure, a lure that wasn’t used for several years, were compromised. My hook sharpener was not in my creel and there was nothing I could do. But that taught me to be as careful about hooks on lures as I am with single-pointed hooks. So again, check all your used lures. Chances are good that at least a few will have compromised hook points. And instead of filing the points, remove the treble hook and replace it. This means going to the tackle store (perhaps you might combine this with buying new line) and buy some assorted-size treble hooks. Remove the old, dull hooks and replace them with brand-new, sharp ones. These simple steps may result in you landing a trophy of a lifetime.

�� The Maine Sportsman • March 2018 • 65

Trophy Togue Time at Moosehead Lake March, the last month for ice fishing on Moosehead Lake, stands as a bittersweet month for dedicated ice fishermen. But instead of bemoaning the end of ice fishing for another year, anglers should rejoice in knowing that March also offers the best chance of the year for taking a giant togue. Togue, or lake trout, can run over 20 pounds in Maine’s biggest lake. Those who specifically target trophy togue know that March marks their best chance for tying on to a lunker. Those unfamiliar with Moosehead Lake might be well advised to hire a local guide. After all, ice fishing Moosehead, especially late in the season when ice is at its maximum thickness, requires not only know-how, but also some special equipment. Foremost on the equipment list is a power

auger with an extension bit. Nothing can cause more frustration than drilling through the ice only to find that the auger motor sits flush with the ice surface and yet the bit still hasn’t broken through to open water. Fortunately, area tackle shops sell extension bits. But for those who use a guide’s services, such worries are completely negated because the guide has not only extension bits but also snowmobiles, ice-fishing traps, terminal gear and bait. Going Solo It is possible to go out on the big lake with no prior knowledge, and still catch fish. My recommendation is to visit the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife boat ramp and parking lot in Rockwood, and head straight out onto the lake.

Even if you’re lacking a snowmobile, snowshoes will suffice to take you out to good fishing grounds. A pull-along equipment sled, one of the many varieties of plastic sleds used for ice fishing, will hold the needed equipment. Deep snow may require snowshoes. Try to get out at least 300 yards from shore. There, chances are good for taking salmon, togue and brook trout. All three species inhabit the same general area now, except togue are a bit deeper than the other two. So set your traps at different depths. Try one baited trap set just below the ice in order to intercept cruising salmon. Then set two others in medium depths, from 20 to 30 feet down. These put your baits in range of both salmon and brook trout. And set the other two

traps deeper, at least 50 feet or more. These are your togue traps. Alternately, try setting out four traps at different depths and reserving the last line for jigging. Don’t use a toolight jigging outfit either, because of the very real possibility of hooking a double-digit togue.

Baitfish Confusion Ice fishers know that smelt make the very best bait for salmonids. But sometimes, especially toward winter’s end, smelt become hard to obtain. This is true throughout the state. But smelt aren’t the only baitfish that work well on trout, togue and (Continued on next page)

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Moosehead Report (Continued from page 65)

salmon. Fortunately, bait dealers offer a number of perfectly fine baitfish species other than smelt. The confusion results from the use of colloquial names or, in one case, a proper name but one applied to the wrong baitfish. The 2018 issue of the DIF&W Open Water & Ice Fishing Laws contains a list of baitfish that may legally be used in Maine waters. Any baitfish not on this list is not legal for use. The law booklet not only presents the list of allowable baitfish species, it also shows color pictures of the most popular species. This is of great help for those who capture their own bait. But no one would ever think that baitfish bought from a licensed bait dealer would be on the list of banned baitfish. The problem lies in

the name. People are buying, using and having great success with a baitfish sold under the name “emerald shiner.” And emerald shiners are not only not on the approved baitfish list, they are non-natives, and as such they are illegal to transport to, or use in, Maine. Misleading Names Back in the 1980s, DIF&W responded to reports of emerald shiners in certain Maine waters. But after a diligent search, fisheries workers didn’t find one single emerald shiner, and so they concluded that emerald shiners were not present in Maine and the rumor of their presence here was just that, an unfounded rumor. And then bait shops began advertising emerald shiners for sale. The saving grace here is that the “emerald shiners” bait shops sell and

Flag up on Moosehead Lake -- an exciting moment. Photo: Eric Holbrook

people buy in Maine are not emerald shiners. Instead, they are eastern silvery minnows, a native species, and one that is perfectly legal to use in Maine. This highlights the potential problems in playing fast and loose with baitfish names. A zealous Maine warden may well find cause for suspicion upon seeing a sign advertising emerald

shiners. But that doesn’t happen because wardens are aware that the fish being peddled as emerald shiners are not emerald shiners. So go ahead and buy “emerald shiners” from your favorite bait dealer. And know that these are eastern silvery minnows, a fine, legal and effective baitfish. This use of colloquial names isn’t limited to eastern silvery minnows. Bait shops throughout Maine often offer “tomcods” for sale as bait. Tomcods are a saltwater species, and also are not on the approved baitfish list and are thus are illegal for use in Maine. So what gives? Well, banded killifish and a similar species, mummichogs, appear on the approved list. And these are what dealers refer to as “tomcods.” Confusing? Well sure it is, and this underscores the dangers of using the wrong names for baitfish. But at least now you know, as Paul Harvey

used to say, “The rest of the story.” Relaxing Vacation Of course the Moosehead Region offers much more than just ice fishing on Maine’s premier trout, togue and salmon lake. Snowmobiling, downhill and cross-country skiing also attract folks who enjoy the winter sports. Even those without skis, snowmobiles or ice-fishing tackle can find plenty to do in the Moosehead Region in winter. A relaxing stay at any of the various lodges and resorts might be just what the doctor ordered. It’s a different atmosphere now in March, an easy-going, relaxed atmosphere. Staying a few nights in the area and just making day trips here and there to savor the breathtaking scenery can prove quite satisfying. So come and visit this March. Maine’s Moosehead Lake Region awaits.

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�� The Maine Sportsman • March 2018 • 67

Cold Calling – Dialing Up a Winter Coyote Hunters looking to exercise that itchy trigger finger can find plenty of action chasing coyotes in the Jackman region this month. With deer season clearly in the rear view mirror and the open water fishing season still a calendar page or two away, outdoor types have found the sport of coyote hunting in March the perfect “gap” filler. A standard issue Maine hunting license allows sportsmen to whack coyotes all day long. For a small additional fee ($4), the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (DIF&W) allows coyote hunters to pursue these tricky varmints at

A hungry coyote is bound to check out any rabbit, fawn or rodent distress call that carries with it the promise of an easy meal. Curiosity has killed many a ’yote, which accounts for the popularity of canine-distress calls. night. The usual no Sunday hunting rules apply. Check the DIF&W website (www.maine.gov/ifw) for complete rules and regulations. Staying Warm What does it take to draw a bead on a cold-weather coyote? The first step involves comfort – as in “staying warm.” A few simple steps will make certain you are ready to take on the elements when you arrive at the blind or calling site.

I personally don’t have a lot of expensive cold weather clothes. I simply use a layer of polyester-based undergarments next to my skin, and then I start layering my clothing. Heat gets trapped between the layers. Sometimes I’ll carry in a layer or two, and put them on after I arrive at a blind. This delayed layering helps avoid getting too sweaty on the walk in. For extreme cold,

I’ve got an old one-piece suit that makes up my final layer. Air-activated hand warmers stuffed in gloves, pockets and socks do a great job of keeping motionless bodies toasty warm. A warm hunter has a distinct advantage over a cold predator. Hungry Coyotes Coyotes require more calories during cold weather. Hunters also require more calories during frigid weather, but unlike coyotes,

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we can stop at Dunkin Donuts on the way to the hunt. Also, the deep snow pack that has accumulated throughout the winter increases the physical demand on travel weary coyotes. By this time of year, coyotes are cold and tired. It’s also a difficult time of year for coyotes to replace those rapidly-escaping calories. Many of the rodents they dine on during the summer months have found relief under the snow pack. Instead, dead animal carcasses and snowshoe hare make up the lion’s share of the coyote’s meager meal plan. They also (Continued on next page)

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68 • March 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

Jackman Region (Continued from page 67)

prey on the smallest and weakest of the winter deer herd. They say coyotes “live hungry and die hungry.” Following that line of thinking, “prey-in-distress” calls warrant serious consideration. Given the Jackman Region’s healthy snowshoe hare population, the classic dying rabbit call has a long history of success. Manufacturers report that these calls have an effective range of a mile or more depending

on wind direction and the surrounding topography. A cold and hungry coyote has no choice but to check out any distress call that has the promise of an easy meal. Rabbit, fawn and rodent calls all have led to the coyote’s last steps. Curiosity has killed many a ’yote, which accounts for the popularity of canine-distress calls. Calling Gear Electronic predator calls, which are legal in Maine, provide hunters

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with instant credibility while trying to entice a cold, hungry coyote to take that final footstep into an ambush site. With that said, I’ve found my mouth-operated dying rabbit call very easy to use, and it sounds just like my electronic call. Both style of call are the result of extensive research by the respective manufacturers. Night hunting will require one additional piece of equipment – a powerful spotlight. My fellow writer and good friend William Clunie advised me a long time ago to use a red lens. The red lens seems to hold the coyotes still a little longer than a clear

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�� The Maine Sportsman • March 2018 • 69

Aroostook’s Late Winter Drill-and-Blast Options As I swung my 20-gauge shotgun to catch up with the speedy white hare, I tried to swing my leg, forgetting I was wearing cumbersome snowshoes. A small fir tree caught the edge of the snowshoe, causing me to lose my balance and pitch forward. beagles were unleashed. The March Hare In fewer than 10 minutes, a scent trail was cut and baying beagles were in hot pursuit of our quarry. By the fast-approaching sounds, I could tell the chase was heading back toward me, so I shuffled into a likely shooting position. A streak of white broke from the tree line not 20 yards away coming right at me, offer-

ing an easy shot for my quick-handling Ruger Red Label 20-gauge O/U. The situation went downhill from there – literally! As I quickly shouldered my scattergun, the rabbit did a stutter step and made what seemed an impossible turn to my left that would make any NFL running back envious. Since I couldn’t swing the gun any farther that direction from

my position, I attempted to turn by swinging my right leg, totally ignoring the fact I was wearing cumbersome snowshoes. A Perfect 10 The event went as follows: Twist, turn, snowshoe grabs small fir tree, hunter performs swan dive accompanied by face plant for a perfect score of 10. Seconds later a shotgun fires, and half a minute later my friend

appears holding MY rabbit, and attempts not to fall over with hysterical laughter as I imitate a turtle on its back trying to right itself! Our trio of hare-hunters bagged a limit in less than two hours of fast and furious action; still, to this day you can guess which part of the outing is retold most often. March remains my favorite month to rabbit hunt – days are longer, the sun offers more heat and the snow pack has shrunk and hardened offering better mobility. Keep in mind, winter lasts longer up north, and most of Aroostook’s lakes (Continued on next page)

AMP BU W S E

What had been a perfectly splendid afternoon 30 seconds earlier became squirrely and somewhat embarrassing in a hurry. Sunny, not a breath of wind and 40 degrees – an unusually comfortable day for March in Aroostook County, and just right for two friends and me to enjoy a rabbit hunt. I had snowshoed from the snowmobile into a sparse field of second-growth brush, and small trees along a small woodlot proven to be a haven for many snowshoe hare. My hunting buddies took up posts 30 yards on either side of me, and a brace of eager

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70 • March 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

The County (Continued from page 69)

will likely still be iced in until May. Another plus to hare hunting this month is the advent of mating season, during which rabbits move about more frequently seeking companionship. While bunnies are usually most active at dawn and dusk, this month mid-day can be just as productive. Most Crown of Maine hunters can enjoy successful snowshoe hare hunting within 15 minutes of their house – it’s a great option for a prework outing. For local or visiting rabbit gunners, there are plenty of covers to investigate between Hersom, Mahaney and Ladner Roads, just off Route 1A in Easton. Check out Delorme’s Atlas, Map 65, E-3 for a vast array of wood lots, fence rows, second-growth fields, twotracks, hedges and bogs – home to many furry, four-

legged white lightenings. But watch out for fir trees – because this area is where I was hunting when one grabbed my snowshoe, causing the infamous nose-dive! More Hare Territory Near Limestone, I’d recommend sportsmen visit fields and forest on either side of the Center or West Limestone Roads. Most of the local landowners are farmers who are amenable to rabbit hunting. While snowmobiles offer easier and more distant access to likely warrens, snowshoeing works just fine for hunts along these secondary roads. Beagles and basset hounds save a lot of leg work for rabbit hunters, but my friends and I have filled many limits with side by side, slow, stopand-go tactics, especially during March mating month.

I prefer a shotgun for fast moving hare – a 20-gauge with size 4 pellets works fine – but a lot of folks lug the all-around 12 gauge they favor for partridge and ducks too. A couple friends, hard-core rabbit stalkers, swear by scoped .22s to avoid meat damage, and they shoot a lot of hare that sit tight, thinking they are hidden. Once in awhile, I stack my odds and carry my old Savage .22 magnum/20 gauge O/U, or a .22 rifle and my Thompson Contender .410 in a chest holster. Near or far, sitting or running, I’ve got it covered. Spaulding Square Tails I’m just as fond of March ice fishing as rabbit hunting, and pretty much for the same reasons – more comfortable conditions. While I favor the larger, more popular lakes for early-season ice drilling, with the longer, warmer daylight hours this month I turn my hard water attention to smaller frozen gems. Spaulding Lake in

Late in the season, small Aroostook lakes are the spots to visit, and small crowds and big fish are the reason. This young angler won’t soon forget landing a brute of a brookie that’s nearly a third of his own height. Graves photo

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116 acres and an average depth of 18 feet, Spaulding is a great spot for newcomers and novice ice anglers. Use I-95 to the Oakfield exit, and then drive the Spaulding Lake Road which splits, thereby offering close access to both shorelines and no real need for a snowmobile. Take a look at DeLorme’s Atlas, Map 52, A-5 for a full overview. Fishing pressure is minimal this month, and action is fairly dependable. Set tip-ups near the brook inlets and outlets in roughly 12- to 15-foot depths. Splake Lake Cochrane Lake in New Limerick (Map 53, A-1) is another smallish, fairly shallow waterway worth a visit during March. The lake is 91 acres in area and averages 12 to 15 feet deep, with a maximum depth of 33 feet. Route 2, known as the County Road, passes right along the northeast tip. (Continued on next page)

�� The Maine Sportsman • March 2018 • 71

Dan Pelletier of Sinclair takes advantage of his location to visit all of the Fish River Lakes near his home throughout the winter, but as this brute of a salmon proves, late season on Long Lake is hard to beat. (Continued from page 70)

Variety is the drawing card, as Cochrane is well stocked with splake each year and also holds good populations of brookies

and some brown trout. Winter ice fishing often provides the best chance to catch a trophy brown – a couple of years ago, a brute over 6 ½ pounds was iced from Co-

Jackman Region (Continued from page 68)

man Region. They only plow snow on active logging roads, so use extra caution when navigating in the backcountry. This means keeping an eye for logging activity and taking advantage of the plowed roads, or accessing unplowed tote roads with a snowmobile. We’ve already encountered unplowed roads earlier this year while snowshoe hare hunting. Using the snow machines adds a nice bonus and element of fun to any winter hunt. Guided Hunt I talked to some happy clients that utilize the services of 15-Mile Stream Lodge and Outfitters, located on Route 201 in West

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Tom Tardiff of Robinson and Doug Swallow of Houlton use modern transportation to quickly and efficiently move a lot of ice fishing gear from one end of a lake to another. Graves photo

chrane. Brookies average 12 to 16 inches and 16- to 20-inch splake are caught regularly. Snowmobiles facilitate access, but anglers

can enjoy consistent action walking or snowshoeing around this often-overlooked lake. Small, road-adjacent waterways offer perfect spots for a half-day out-

Forks, Maine. Using a heated shanty set up over an active bait site gave these boys plenty of action. Harvesting coyotes over bait at night provides clients with a much higher probability of success compared to a do-it-yourself hunt. Guides spend time in the woods year round, and have a sixth sense when it comes to exactly where to set up a blind. Hunters without the time to scout out and set up an ambush site would do well to employ the services of local guides, many of whom advertise on the pages of The Maine Sportsman. Snowshoe Hares The snowshoe hare season lasts until the end of the month, and I’m hoping for one last try before the season expires. I had good luck back in November before serious

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While the sun is warmer and the days are longer in March, the ice is usually at its thickest. Here, Lee Shaw and Bill Graves combine efforts to wrestle an auger clear to the motor before finally striking water.

ing. With the ice-fishing season running down, it’s time to visit a nearby frozen gem.

snow blanketed the state. My January efforts, however, stalled, as the cold weather and deep snow proved problematic for the dogs. I’m hoping that by the end of this month the snow melts and settles just enough for the dogs to chase bunnies without having to swim through the snow. Also, the dogs should have an easier time picking up scent with the milder temperatures. We found plenty of rabbits North of Caratunk along Route 201. And, note to self – we spotted quite a few partridge that survived the fall bird season. That bodes well for next October. There’s still plenty of Jackman region hunting to do before it’s time to break out the fishing rods!

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72 • March 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

Lou’s Ten Fly-Fishing Season Resolutions As we head into the month of March, it seems too late to be making New Year’s resolutions. But not if they are New Year’s fly-fishing resolutions, since the official start to the fly-fishing year doesn’t arrive until April. It is wildly presumptuous for me to make resolutions for you, the reader, but I will do it anyway! The following is a list of fly-fishing resolutions I have made for myself over the last few years. I hope you will consider making at least a couple of these your own, and see if you can accomplish them this year. Good luck! 1. I will organize my fly-fishing gear, lines, leaders, tippets, and flies before the season starts. This includes keeping a running tally of new or replacement items needed. Labeling rods and reels so they can be identified quickly in their cases will save time

Whether it’s improving certain skills, fishing new places near and far, or taking better care of trout in his net, the author offers some great ideas on having a fulfilling fly fishing season.

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How often do you arrive streamside after a long exhausting drive, only to find you left a key item at home? My personal bugaboo is forgetting sunglasses on a bright day, and not bringing enough of my go-to flies. 2. I will throw out, give away, or sell any fly-fishing clothes, rods and reels, gear, nets, flies, magazines and books unused or unread in the last five years. The clutter builds every year unless some action is taken. This also includes tossing out tubes of fly floatant, sun block and bug spray that are 90% empty. Every year I buy replacements but can’t seem to part with the mostly-empties.

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3. I will create a list of fishing locations that I long to fish and then block out the calendar and make plans to fish as many as time and finances allows – this year. I can’t tell you how many of my older guiding clients tell me they really want to fish here and there, but keep putting it off. As they continue to age, chronic injuries or illnesses mount or care-giving obligations increase, until they are no longer physically capable of going. Don’t waste the limited valuable time we all have on this earth. This year I travelled out west, where I hiked 10,000-foot peaks in Montana to fish high alpine ponds. It was everything I hoped for, but I could barely get up (Continued on page 74)

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

and down at age 60. It would have been impossible at 70. 4. I will identify, locate, and try out new places to fish within a short drive of the house. I guarantee you that hidden gems await, and you will kick yourself for not discovering them earlier. This year I fished for the first time a small stream fifteen minutes from my house I had seen on the Maine stocking report for literally 35 years. It was early April, and my usual spots were too cold or flowing too high. I had a delightful time on this small water and caught my first brookies of the year. 35 years wasted. We do get stuck in ruts, fishing the same ol’, same ol’ rivers, ponds, lakes, and streams. Study maps, fishing guide books and blog posts. Haunt fly-fishing shops and clubs. Scope out promising sources of information. Then explore. Try out new places to fish a short distance away when you have a couple hours free. 5. I will learn to cast with my offhand. If you cast right-handed, learn to cast left-handed and vice versa. That way, a rotator cuff, tennis elbow or other arm injury will not kill your fishing for the season. As an added bonus, in some tricky fishing situations with casting obstacles or a tough wind, off-hand casting can give you a better casting angle. Giving Back 6. I will teach someone to fly fish. Find an interested friend, relative, or perhaps more critically, a member of the next generation, or the generation after that. If no acquaintance fits the bill, then join a local Trout Unlimited chapter or fly-fishing club and volunteer for their outreach program.

Among Lou’s New (Fishing) Year’s resolutions is a promise to organize his fly-fishing gear, lines, leaders, tippets and flies. Photo credit: Aristocrat-hat

7. I will help protect the natural environment that we fly anglers love. Environmental protection seems to be declining as a priority in this country and this state. We need to counter the trend. Donate money, write letters to public officials, or volunteer for local conservation efforts. My favorite participatory events are stream-improvement projects such as culvert replacement, trash pickup days and fish census counts.

8. I will learn a new fly-fishing technique. Alternatively, increase your skill level with a technique you don’t try often or haven’t quite mastered. We all have our triedand-true approaches in which we have confidence, but sometimes a situation arises when the usual methods do not work. Without a wider range of technical knowledge or skill level, you can be stuck fishless. This year, I am going to spend some time im-

proving my spey casting. It can be handy for larger rivers or places where back casting is impossible. Digital Photography 9. I will learn new technologies to better capture my fly-fishing adventures. For most of us, having a photo or video to better re-live a

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74 • March 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

Winter Camping Alive and Well in Baxter State Park When my children clean out my few remaining belongings someday, they’ll run across a winter camping patch I earned from the Boy Scouts of America. To earn that patch, a scout receives one point for every degree under freezing spent camping overnight – and it takes 100 degrees of below-freezing camping to own one of those merit badges. Well, I’ll confess right now – I’m no Boy Scout. However, my son Willie was, all the way to Eagle Scout. So when an old friend of the family advised me to get involved with my kid’s interests – as op-

Even more memorable than the thermometer bottoming out at zero degrees two nights in a row, were the strong, bitter winds that rattled the fly on our tent. Unfortunately, scouts receive zero additional points toward their winter camping merit badge for the wind chill factor. posed to pushing my preferences on them – I got mixed up with the scouts as a parent, and that included four-season camping. The most memorable nights included a weekend trip where the thermometer bottomed out at zero two nights in a row. It wasn’t just the low temperatures that made the trip stick in my mind, but the way the winds rattled the fly on our tent. Unfortunately, scouts receive

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zero additional points for the wind chill factor. I learned a lot camping with the scouts. Back then, winter camping trips required at least one parent to stay with the scouts. It was amazing how many adults ran to the nearest store that sold cold weather rated sleeping bags the morning AFTER the first nippy night. Winter in Baxter State Park (BSP) I’ve got a minus 20-degree bag that has never failed me. In fact, most times I need to unzip the side just to let a little bit of my body heat out. With winter camping less forgiving than staking a tent down during the friendly heat of summer, quality gear equals comfort. With the right

equipment, the challenge of staying warm and toasty becomes very doable. Winter camping has increased in popularity along with the resurgence of snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Baxter State Park (BSP) draws visitors year round, and winter wanderers take advantage of Maine’s ultimate winter playground. Special rules apply when entering BSP during the winter season. For a complete guide to access, reservations and winter camping guidelines please visit their informative website at www.baxterstatepark. org. Travel is Slower Through the Snow This month rates as a

particularly good month to visit the park for a variety of reasons. With longer days and spring-like sunshine to work with, hikers – especially day hikers – have more time to complete their chosen trail. That’s important because the ungroomed trails require travel using snowshoes, which significantly slows the pace. Traveling park trails after dark rates as dangerous. I’d recommend doing a test run with snowshoes and recording the run on a Global Positioning System (GPS) to determine an average moving speed. Factor in hilly terrain and deep snow. The BSP winter guide recommends using a backpack instead of a pull-along sled. With my fully-loaded backpack, my snowshoe-miles-per-hour comes in at a paltry one to one-and-a-half miles per hour – less than half my summer pace with the same pack. Knowing that rate of travel will help tremendously with planning a safe trip. Where to Go Hikers also benefit from this month’s moderating temperatures and something I call “snow settle.” Those rising temperatures and extended sunlight hours contribute to the settling or compressing of the snow pack. This compacted snow usually makes for a better base to snowshoe on. For starters, day hikers can use the plowed parking lot on the Golden Road near the Abol Bridge. A variety of trails (Continued on next page)

www.MaineSportsman.com

�� The Maine Sportsman • March 2018 • 75 (Continued from page 74)

provide ungroomed skiing and snowshoeing opportunities of varying distances. The opportunity to combine trails allows winter travelers to customize a route. For example, the Cranberry Pond Trail, at 1.4 miles one way, makes a nice twohour trip for me and my snowshoes, whereas the Rum Pond Trail and its 2.9-miles one way would end up using most of my day by the time I stopped and had lunch along the trail. Those looking to access the northern part of the park should keep in mind that the plowing stops about a mile from the Matagamon Gate. Travelers can park in the lot on the North side of Grand Lake Road, located just after crossing the East Branch Penobscot River. Again, these make great ungroomed wilderness trails that require good physical conditioning and excellent preparation. If something goes wrong on the trail, it will take a while before help arrives. Overnight Reservations Overnight use of BSP requires making reservations, good planning, quality camping equip-

ment and experience. Newbies to winter camping should go only with someone along who has successfully spent some time surviving the cold, hard bite of Maine at night. For those leery of battling the cold with only a tent and a sleeping bag, it’s possible to rent, with reservations, one of the bunk houses located at the various campgrounds in the park. And, by the way, they come with a woodstove. Another option is renting a lean-to. While this provides some protection from the elements, it won’t do anything in the heat-generating department. In fact, a snow shovel might come in handy. It makes sense to enjoy the trails located in the lower elevations of the park. These trails provide the average win-

ter traveler with more than adequate levels of challenge. Upper Elevations Hitting the upper elevations and traversing above the treeline require an entirely different set of skills. Ice climbing gear is involved, including professional crampons, ice picks, ropes and an assortment of ice climbing gear. Only very skilled climbers should attempt to navigate the steep elevations. Before visiting the park, take the time to view their website and study the winter camping section thoroughly. For some real live person-to-person advice, call the folks at the Baxter State Park Authority, Balsam Dr., Millinocket, ME., 04462 (207-7235140). The park does allow snowmobiles on the Park

Winter camping has a loyal following. Properly outfitted, one can spend time in Maine’s winter wonderland in complete comfort. Here’s the author’s campsite, just before he crawled into his sleeping bag -- rated for 20 below zero -- for a warm night’s rest. Bill Sheldon photo

Tote Road as long as they obey the 20-MPH speed limit. The road is not groomed, and motorized travelers must share the road with cross country

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76 • March 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

Float Planes Offer Excitment and Access to Remote Waters From 500 feet above the trees, the surface of the pond looks like a mirror reflecting the cottony clouds and blue sky above, while inverting the image of the trees along the shore. Not a breath of wind stirs the glassy surface. Perfect conditions for landing in a float plane, you might think, as you gaze out the window dreaming of a monster trout rising to your dry fly at sunset. But, for the pilot, a “glassy water” landing is one of the most difficult and dangerous maneuvers he or she might face. Glassy Not Good Smooth, calm water makes depth perception difficult, especially as the plane gets close to the water. In a glassy-water landing, it often takes more distance to land, as the pilot must settle the plane slowly. Because the pilot can’t see the surface, the descent is accomplished near the shoreline using peripheral vision of the trees or a rock jutting above the surface, to judge how many feet until touchdown. With hours of training and years of experience, the pilot touches down smoothly, and taxis to the lakeside campsite that will be home for the next few days. Long Tradition Flying in to a remote pond or lake to fish or hunt is a long tradition in Maine. Maine has 6,000 lakes and ponds of all sizes, covering over one million of the 22 million acres www.MaineSportsman.com

Here, float planes are docked, while kids look for fish. Photo: Steve Williams, Seaplane Pilots Ass’n

that comprise the Pine Tree State. That’s a lot of water. And much of it is far from the nearest road. In years past, before so many logging roads were built to access timber, flying was the only way to reach inaccessible parts of the North Woods. It is also a time-efficient way to fly sports in to remote camps, saving a day or more of travel each way from Boston or New York. Flying means less time driving and more time relaxing. Today, there are still hundreds of backcountry ponds with no road access, or that require long dusty drives over rough roads, so flying from lake to lake is a good way to go. Many of these distant waters offer not only solitude, but also excellent fishing for trophy trout because of the lower pressure. Visual Experience Steve Williams, Maine field director for

the Seaplane Pilots Association (SPA), notes that many sportsmen and -women love the visual experience of flying over the rugged Maine landscape dotted with lakes, mountains and rivers. Dozens of videos on YouTube demonstrate this point emphatically. The SPA lists a dozen commercial seaplane operations and ten seaplane bases scattered across Maine. Operators like Katahdin Air in Millinocket, Acadian Seaplanes in Rangeley, Jack’s Air Service or Currier’s Flying Service in Greenville, and Naples Seaplane Service on Brandy Pond, offer scenic seaplane rides as well as air transport to sporting camps, remote fishing destinations, or even fly-in/fly-out transport on wilderness canoe or hiking trips. International Fly-In Seaplanes are so much a part of Maine’s outdoor heritage that

Greenville on Moosehead Lake hosts an annual International Seaplane FlyIn the weekend after Labor Day, now in its 45th year. This exciting event draws hundreds of planes and thousands of participants and observers from across the country. Rare and vintage aircraft, fly-overs, take-off and landing contests, and associated fun make this a unique community celebration. The Moosehead fly-in promotes the tradition and mystique of seaplane adventures in the North Woods. Being Prepared Flying in a float plane, like driving a car, is not without risk. The SPA offers annual training seminars for pilots to keep them up-to-date on safety procedures, allowing practice of rarely-used but essential skills, like landing a plane after engine failure, or taking off and landing in a confined space. Ed McNeil, an expe-

rienced floatplane pilot who flies all across North America, says that pilots develop what he calls “habit flow” – always following a practiced sequence of checks and actions in the same order. “It’s important not to distract the pilot when he or she is going through their checklist,” Ed noted. Almost all float plane pilots operate under visual flight rules, so monitoring the weather is critical. If the weather turns, then the planes won’t fly. For sportsmen, this reality requires some flexibility, as an agreed-upon departure or pickup date may be delayed due to bad weather and poor visibility. Take-off and landing conditions may also affect how much weight a plane can carry. If the “runway” is short, the pilot may need to make several trips to reduce weight and drag on the plane. Sometimes a pilot will shuttle people and gear to a larger lake nearby that will allow a longer take-off run when fully loaded. Wheels Up Today, many float planes also have wheels for landing on paved runways. These amphibian planes, or “amphibs,” are versatile but present a unique risk for pilots who must be certain the wheels are up inside the floats when landing on water. Touching down on water with the wheels down usually causes the plane to flip immediately, and often fatally. This is exactly what (Continued on page 77)

�� The Maine Sportsman • March 2018 • 77

Welcome to The Maine Sportsman

TRADING POST Subscribers may place one free 20-word classified ad per month, limited to two months. Items for sale must include a price. Real estate ads must include an address or location. The regular rates are $15 for up to 20 words and 50¢ for each additional word. Include a black and white photo for an additional $10. Check, money order, MasterCard or VISA (Credit or Debit) are accepted. You may submit your ads by: Phone: 207-357-2702 • E-mail: classifieds@mainesportsman.com • Mail: 183 State Street, Suite 101, Augusta ME 04330

SUBMIT AD AND PAYMENT BY THE 30TH OF EACH MONTH AND YOUR AD WILL APPEAR IN THE NEXT ISSUE.

FOR RENT PARKMAN, MEBUCKS CROSSING WMD 17 RENTAL CABINS Turkey, deer, moose, upland game. All amenities included. Great ratesnightly, weekly, monthly. $75/night for two people. 207-277-3183 LAKEFRONT CABIN on the Little Narrows Basin of Upper Cold Stream Ponds in Lincoln, 4-season cabin w/cable, internet, kayaks, canoe, access to ATV & snowmobile trails. Depending on season, can be rented

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Danger in the Outdoors (Continued from page 76)

happened to a pilot landing on Moosehead Lake near Rockwood in August 2010. The float-equipped Cessna nosed over when the landing gear contacted the water. The pilot, who was killed, had never raised the gear after takeoff. The passenger was uninjured in the crash. Dramatic Video While most flights are uneventful, sometimes things go awry. In July 2017, a float plane was caught on a short but dramatic video making a hard landing on crowded Brandy Pond in Naples, narrowly missing several boats and bouncing twice on its floats before a wing-tip caught the water bringing the plane to a sudden stop. The pilot and passenger were not injured, but the plane was damaged. The video shows clear skies and relatively calm water, but the cause of the crash has still not been reported. Seasoned Pilots Despite the risks, Maine’s FAA-certified seaplane pilots and aircraft en-

joy a reputation for safe operation. Aircraft maintenance is critical, as are pilot experience and training. Some of Maine’s well-known air outfitters have pilots with thousands of hours of flight and take-off experience. According to the SPA, “seaplanes are maintained to a very high standard of safety, and seaplane pilots generally have more developed flying skills than most land pilots.” Enjoy the View Flying over our beautiful state in a small plane is a memorable experience. Float planes can fly low and slow over areas that are otherwise unreachable, and can land in places that would take days of hiking or paddling to access. There’s nothing quite like soaring low over the treetops and landing smoothly on a sparkling lake to unload your gear for a few days of solitude. Fly in; fly out. Enjoy the view.

www.MaineSportsman.com

78 • March 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

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

MONSON: Abutting Appalachian Trail 15 miles south of Moosehead Lake, start of 100 Mile Wilderness. 40 acre lots, 35 mile panoramic views of lakes and mountains. Rolling terrain with southern exposure. Gated gravel road 5 miles to village. Close to local snowmobile trail and ITS 85. Starting at $1250 per acre with owner financing 20% down.

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CABINS WITH WATERFRONT – HUNTING & FISHING LOCATIONS #427 – Private lot with a camp in Avon. Over 255’ of waterfront on Mt. Blue Stream. Level lot, wooded and more! $49,900 #423 – Charming, vintage, 3-season camp with renovations on Haley Brook. $99,000 #433 – Amazing property in Lincoln Plantation with 200 acres, 2000 feet of frontage on Magalloway River and a country cottage. Famous fly fishing area. $189,000

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Email: will@mainesportsman.com Photos to be published at Editor’s discretion. Not all photos may be published.

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INVESTORS TAKE NOTICE - Don’t miss this super opportunity on Rangeley Lake! “Fish-A-Do-Haven” - 1st time on the market in 30+ years. 2 2BR COTTAGES on scenic Hunter Cove with good 4-season rental potential. Both camps are fully year-round, well maintained, movein ready, furniture included. Protected frontage with dock, small boat launch. Sweeping lake/Mt views. Snowmobile trail access from your door, minutes to Oquossoc and Rangeley. MLS #1325550 – $289,000 BUILD HERE AND PARK THE CAR - ENJOY WATERFRONT LIVING at its best within walking distance to Rangeley Village! Gradual sloping building lot on peaceful Haley Pond offers town water/sewer and power at street, house site cleared, plus direct access to the ATV/snowmobile trails from your door. Short drive to Saddleback ski area. Canoe, kayak, hike, bike, fish, relax its Rangeley time! MLS #1330550 – $129,900

T3R1 - Private 1.9 acre lot, driveway, seasonal road, ATV and snowmobile trail access, other lakes close by, convenient to Lincoln’s amenities, owner financing, 228’ frontage on Bill Green Pond. $24,500

Mattawamkeag - 1.8 acres close to electricity, ATVing and snowmobiling, driveway and graveled area with fire pit and picnic table, easy access, stunning view of pristine Mattawamkeag River. $24,500

T3 R1 - Inexpensive 1.81 acre lot with driveway, privy and tent platform already onsite. Remote area with low taxes, seasonal access, kayak, fish and swim, path to the 224’ along Bill Green Pond. $29,900

Lincoln - Year round accessible 1.9 lot, driveway, gravel pad, and electricity available at the road, ready for building, wonderful swimming, boating and fishing on Caribou Pond. $69,000

Mattamiscontis - Great Frontage to enjoy all this beautiful River has to offer, fishing, hunting or paddling. Located on a yearround Road, choose from the 1.6 or 2.4 acre lot for your new getaway on Penobscot River. Owner financing. $19,900 each

Lakeville - Private 4 acre lot, mature trees for shade, low taxed area, owner financing available, gentle slope to the 200’ frontage on Horseshoe Lake. $39,900

THE LAST FRONT ROW CABIN AVAILABLE - Fully year-round and offered furnished. Featuring single floor living, open kitchen/living area, spacious 3-season porch just steps from prime 2400’ frontage on the South Shore. Beautiful setting on 45 park-like acres with blend of woods, fields, walking trails. Direct ITS SNOWMOBILE TRAIL access from your door. LIVING IS EASY and HASSLE FREE at Niboban Sporting Camps on legendary Rangeley Lake. Once you arrive, you’ll never want to leave - get it before it’s gone! MLS #1337468 – $269,500

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GREENVILLE

Private wooded location but only minutes from downtown Village of Greenville and Moosehead Lake. Lots 1,2,8,9 all for sale with driveways in place. Varying views to the north, south, west, and East depending on your preference. Protective covenants and private setting make this a perfect getaway spot, retirement home, or a great place to raise a family. Ask about owner financing. MLS #1336519. $49,900

TOMHEGAN TWP

This is the last set of lots on the power grid as you head north on the west side of Moosehead. Excellent recreational opportunities, great road, flat lots with virtually 100% of the lot useable. Quiet & private with deeded access just down the street to Moosehead. Have your choice of 18 lots still remaining, start a new family tradition in the north Maine woods and waters. Ask about owner financing. MLS #1336451. $24,900

Traditional Maine camp with two bedrooms in the north woods. Oversized lot of 4.4 acres and 330’ of frontage. Wildlife abounds and great fishing at your doorstep in this area of the state. MLS #1147158. $105,000

BIG W TWP

ROCKWOOD

Quality built low maintenance getaway in the heart of Rockwood. Perfect base camp for all your outdoor adventures. Standing seam commercial grade metal roof, vinyl siding, and a full foundation make this a home to enjoy, not work on while vacationing. Easy to heat, and room for a large crew with the bunk house style second floor. Situated in the middle of a winter deer yard, and very private with deeded access to Moose River. Give us a call to schedule a viewing. MLS #1296672. $150,000

www.MaineSportsman.com

Lincoln - Close to Big and Little Narrows, year round paved access, electric available, 3.5 acres with driveway, 4.5 acres with roughed in driveway, frontage on Transalpine Road. $15,000 each Lowell - Great area for a home or year round getaway. Nice 3.3 acre lot, soils tested, owner financing, electricity available, close to Cold Stream Pond, 251’along Route 188. $18,900 Springfield - 38.5 acre parcel close to cold and warm water fishing, ATVing and snowmobiling. Nice high piece of ground with lots of potential, owner financing. Good corner lot on Moores Road. $17,500 Lakeville - Deeded access to Lombard Lake within walking distance plus several others, 30 acre parcel, driveway, recreational area, ATV and snowmobile trails, low taxes, 1,170’ along Dill Valley Road. $19,900 Reduced to $17,900

R E A L

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

�� The Maine Sportsman • March 2018 • 79

www.MaineSportsman.com

80 • March 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

GET READY FOR FISHING SEASON Stop by our Hunting & Fishing Store in Freeport, open 24/7

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