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Libby Outposts – Then, and Now The outlying camps owned and operated by the Libby family have varied as much as the Maine weather. The cabins started off as nothing more than a rough trapper’s cabin in the late 1800s, and morphed into what we have today. The value of the cabins then as now is location. In the 1900s, these cabins were necessary for overnights on the canoe or hiking trails throughout the headwaters of the Aroostook and Allagash Rivers. The six generations of Libbys that
have operated the cabins have all put their own stamp on these log cabins, and many if not most have had to be rebuilt to meet the expectations of the current day’s sportsmen and women. Thi photo below is from 1917 on our river, and shows the dress of the women then. In subsequent years, Orvis and L.L.Bean have changed the women’s styles to make climbing over rocks, brush and wading through quick water a bit more enjoyable. Now, family members arrive decked out in their waterproof waders and Goretex rain suits, and with improvements in transportation, they can travel here from
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4 • May 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————————
Editorial
Coalition Advances Land Conservation Legislation If there’s one thing we’ve learned watching land conservation efforts over the past 50 years, it’s this – if you want to preserve land for use by the public, and if you want to prevent it from being clearcut to the stumps, or if you want to maintain or improve existing public access to the water, or preserve working waterfronts, or even keep farmland from being developed for houses – you’ve got to buy the land, or protect it with permanent easements. And all that takes money. A coalition of organizations, including Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine – Institute for Legislative Action (SAM-ILA), Maine Coast Heritage Trust, the Nature Conservancy, and Maine Audubon, are working with lawmakers, including Senators Jackson and Black, and Rep. Landry, to bolster the state’s ability to purchase land or easements, and to fund that effort in a way that is consistent and reliable and which is insulated from the politics that often surrounds funding decision made in each separate legislative session. The details are still being worked, out, but advocates have several templates to follow: • The success and popularity of the Land for Maine’s Future program; • The federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF); and • The federal Pittman-Robertson Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, through which taxes on firearms and ammunition are distributed to states for reimbursement of certain expenses such as habitat management. A tip of The Maine Sportsman’s hunting cap to those who are working to develop consistent, non-political funding for land conservation, water access, working waterfront protection, and farmland preservation in Maine. —
Ken Allen, Former Maine Sportsman Editor 1946-2023
Ken Allen passed away on March 28, 2023 in Augusta at age 76. Ken served as a columnist, an associate editor to Harry Vanderweide, and finally as senior editor, for The Maine Sportsman magazine. He had a vast knowledge of the outdoors. He was an English teacher, and a regular columnist for the Kennebec Journal. He published two books, and his family estimates that his writings appeared in more than 90 different publications, including national periodicals. Ken held himself to high standards in his own writings, and held his writers to the same high standards. He brought a schoolteacher’s sense of discipline and precision to his work. One of his greatest joys was mentoring writers so effectively that they were able to sell material for national distribution. Ken loved fly fishing, birding, bicycling, good food and good wine, and those interests showed through in his work. He will be missed by his former co-workers here at The Maine Sportsman magazine.
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On the Cover: Although the north zone officially opened up to open water fishing on April 1, the month of May is when things really get underway. Tom Seymour covers the topic in “Trout Fishing” (page 48), while William Clunie’s “Freshwater Fly Fishing” (page 50) reveals a new fly he’s invented – at least in his imagination. So get out there with dry flies, streamers, or, where permitted, “garden hackle” (i.e., worms) this month. Enjoy! www.MaineSportsman.com
New England’s Largest Outdoor Publication
Sportsman The Maine
ISSN 0199-036 — Issue No. 606 • www.mainesportsman.com PUBLISHER: Jon Lund MANAGING EDITOR: Will Lund will@mainesportsman.com OFFICE MANAGER: Carol Lund carol@mainesportsman.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Kristina Roderick kristina@mainesportsman.com ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Nancy Carpenter nancy@mainesportsman.com DISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR: Lorry Plante distribution@mainesportsman.com Second class postage paid at Scarborough, ME 04074 and additional entry offices. All editorial inquiries should be emailed to will@mainesportsman.com Phone: 207-622-4242 Postmaster: Send address changes to: The Maine Sportsman, 183 State Street, Suite 101, Augusta, ME 04330 12-Month Subscription: $30 • 24-Month Subscription: $49
TABLE OF CONTENTS Almanac by Will Lund.................................................... 14 Aroostook - “The County” by Bill Graves..................... 30 Big Game Hunting by Joe Saltalamachia.................. 38 Big Woods World by Ben Allen..................................... 37 Central Maine by Steve Vose....................................... 61 Downeast Region by Jim Lemieux............................... 57 Editorial.............................................................................. 4 Freshwater Fly Fishing by William Clunie...................... 50 Get Out There by Staci Warren.................................... 36 Jackman Region by William Sheldon.......................... 53 Jottings by Jon Lund........................................................ 8 Katahdin Country by William Sheldon......................... 34 Letters to the Editor.......................................................... 6 Maine Sportswoman by Christi Holmes....................... 44 Maine Wildlife by Tom Seymour................................... 19 Maine Wildlife Quiz by Steve Vose............................... 29 Midcoast by Tom Seymour........................................... 58 Moosehead Region by Tom Seymour......................... 55 New Hampshire by Ethan Emerson.............................. 73 Nolan’s Outdoor World by Nolan Raymond............... 52 Off-Road Traveler by William Clunie............................ 46 Outdoors & Other Mistakes by Al Diamon.................. 76 Quotable Sportsman by Will Lund.................................. 9 Rangeley Region by William Clunie............................. 68 Ranger on the Allagash by Tim Caverly...................... 33 Riding Shotgun by Robert Summers............................. 75 Saltwater Fishing by Bob Humphrey............................ 28 Sebago to Auburn Region by Tom Roth..................... 62 Self-Propelled Sportsman by Jim Andrews.................. 45 Shooter’s Bench by Col. J.C. Allard............................. 42 Smilin’ Sportsman by Will Lund...................................... 75 Snapshots in Time by Bill Pierce.................................... 13 Southern Maine by Val Marquez................................. 63 Sporting Environment by David Van Wie.................... 59 Sportsman’s Journal by King Montgomery................. 10 Tales from the Warden Service by Ret. Lt. Doug Tibbetts. 66 Tidewater Tales by Randy Randall............................... 67 Trapping The Silent Places by David Miller.................. 64 Trading Post (Classifieds)............................................... 77 Trout Fishing by Tom Seymour....................................... 48 Vermont by Matt Breton............................................... 72 Western Maine Mountains by William Clunie.............. 70
GUEST COLUMNS & SPECIAL SECTIONS ATVing by Steve Carpenteri......................................... 20 Boating by Bob Humphrey............................................ 23
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6 • May 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————————
Letters To The Editor
Clunie Offers Good Survival Advice
To the Editor: William Clunie provided excellent advice in his recent “Off Road Traveler” column titled “Surviving the WorstCase Scenario in Comfort” (March, 2023 issue). I surmise he is a military veteran or a skilled woodsman, or both. There are many good references on his topic, starting with the Boy Scout Handbook. Accompanying this letter is a photo of another important source of information – the US Army Field Manual, titled “Survival, Evasion and Escape,” as well as a photo of a page from the 1969 edition that sets forth the basic tenets of survival. Although the field manual (FM) has been updated a few times since 1969, I chose this edition because I knew it had the survival summary page I wanted. Near the end of William’s column, he outlines an actual situation in which a hunter removed some of his clothes be-
cause he imagined he was overheating. In fact, this is not an unusual action for folks in advanced stages of hypothermia. That fellow must have a very high-powered guardian angel. He’s more than lucky to be alive. Hawk Holloway, Parrottsville, TN —
Not Fans of Wasps and Yellow Jackets To the Editor: Please help. My 11-year-old son and I are explorers of the woods throughout the state. We love hiking into remote streams to try to find brook trout. However, I fear he is losing his passion for it because the last two years we
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have stepped in a total of five ground wasp or yellow jacket nests. The poor kid has been stung over 30 times, and it has gotten to the point that he freezes whenever there is a possibility of wasps. I have gotten stung about 10 times, but fortunately seem to have avoided the brunt of it. The nests don’t seem localized to any one part of the state. We live in Poland, and we found one nest there, one in New Gloucester, one on a trip to Spencer Pond Camps north of Moosehead, and one at Mt. Blue State Park. Finally, at the trout stream for kids off the trout hatchery in East Grand Lake, there is a birch tree across the stream and – yup – there is a nest in the stump. So, is there an increase in these stinging insects from a warming climate? Or do they run in a cycle and happen to be in a population increase recently? Is there anything in particular we can look for to try to avoid them? Any suggestions on the specific time of year they are most active? Do they actually serve any purpose that helps justify their existence? We’d appreciate any information you can offer to help avoid these pests. Brian Cee, Poland, Maine Editor’s response – Brian, we asked our “Maine Wildlife” expert, Tom Seymour, to weigh in: He replied: I have some suggestions regarding ground wasps. First, they seldom build nests away from trees, so avoid lingering near trees ... not always easy in the woods, but the point is to try not to stand still near any tree or stump, since that increases the chances of them detecting you. Next, yellow jackets and wasps have more venom in late summer and early fall, and also they are more aggressive at that time. A sting that might only hurt a little in May will feel many times worse in early fall. A warm, dry summer exacerbates ground wasp/yellow jacket activity. They seem to thrive during these conditions, and they become more eager to attack anything and anyone. If you are going to walk through brush, take a long stick and tap the brush first. Also, always keep an eye peeled for insect activity. Regarding what to wear, remember that they attack from the ground level and work their way up, so long sleeves, long pants and pant legs tucked into boot tops can thwart these attackers. Also use insect repellent containing DEET on the outside of clothing. (Continued on next page)
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Finally, my usual belief is that everything was created for a purpose. Even black flies serve as food for a multitude of creatures. However, I have yet to determine what purpose yellow jackets and wasps serve, other than to bedevil people and livestock. – Tom —
Fossil Fuel Emissions Bad for Trout To the Editor: I am always amazed at the amount of trout and salmon stocking occurring in Maine. Your magazine’s extensive list of stocking sites fits with David Van Wie’s article describing the benefits of solar energy. Members of the salmonid family are among the many species adversely affected by global warming. The faster we welcome green energies globally, the better the habitats for the fish—and ultimately, for those who enjoy the sport of fishing. Joseph N. Weiss, Ph.D., Clarence, NY —
Being Prepared for a Pet Emergency To the Editor: I am writing in response to William Clunie’s recent column about the various items dog owners should have on hand as part of an emergency medical kit (see “Helping Your Pet Survive a Drug Overdose,” Western Maine Mountains column, February 2023 issue). I live in Pennsylvania but subscribe to the Sportsman, and I am an avid outdoorsman. Please express our thanks to William for the great article on how dog owners can increase their awareness and preparation toward the goal of helping their pet survive. We ordered those items he suggested, and we’ve added them to our first aid kit. It’s a shame that we pet owners would even contemplate having to prepare for accidental drug overdoses from discarded substances our dogs find on the ground, but in many cases, such preparation could mean the difference between our pets living or dying. Steve Drasher, Reading, PA
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8 • May 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————————
Sunday Hunting and the Right to Food – “Not So Fast There” The author raises doubts about whether the state’s Law Court will interpret the “right to food” constitutional amendment as a directive to end Maine’s ban on Sunday hunting. gambling, but if I were going to bet on the outcome of the pending litigation, I would bet “Close, but no cigar.” Even Constitutional Rights Have Limits For openers, there is nothing in the language of the Maine Constitution to give a clue as to the issue of food. Does it mean that if a person is starving, they can walk into a grocery store and help themselves freely? I would not think so. We have statutes making larceny a crime.
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Lack of Debate History? In interpreting what is meant by a law, sometimes a court will look at the “legislative history”; i.e., what the law looked like before it was changed, and what was sought to be accomplished by the change. That approach is sometimes criticized, because an interested party may use debate to try to fill the record with comments intended to confuse the issue with explanations that the sponsor of the law
The author is not a betting man, but he says if he were, he’d wager that the Maine Supreme Court will not use the new “right to food” constitutional amendment to overturn the state’s ban on Sunday hunting.
does not agree with. In this case, the law came about through an initiative (citizen referendum) process rather than a legislative process, so legislative debate history may not exist. However, it may open another door. The initiative was voted on
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favorably by Maine voters. So the question could be asked, “Before the people voted, was there any public discussion of the impact of the right to food on the future of Maine’s Sunday hunting laws?” (Continued on next page)
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A number of writers appear to be convinced that the fact that our state has enshrined a “right to food” in our Maine Constitution means that it is likely that the state’s Supreme Judicial Court will find that our tradition of no hunting on Sunday will go out the window like last week’s trash bag. I don’t have any inside track on where the members of our Supreme Court are leaning on this issue and I’m not a big fan of
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I don’t know the answer to that question, but if there was discussion of the effect of the “right to food” on our Sunday hunting ban, it was very quiet. I don’t recall reading or hearing about the Sunday hunting issue being raised at all. So
legislative or referendum debate history doesn’t help, except perhaps to support the argument limiting the effect of the right to food. It has been many years since I have had a case before the “Law Court,” as it is known, but historically it had been a conservative
Quotable
Sportsman
by Will Lund
“We had about 300 attendees. The $1.5 million was raised because the broader Cobbossee community recognized a need, understood the problem, and responded with great generosity to protect and preserve Lake Cobbosseecontee and potentially all other Maine lakes.” John Stanek, vice president of the Cobbosseecontee Lake Association, discussing the strong level of support demonstrated at the opening kick-off event for a three-year “Love the Lake” fundraising campaign to fight the spread of invasive plants in Lake Cobbossee. Chris Bouchard, Kennebec Journal, 1/16/23 —
court, rarely throwing out criminal convictions or advancing new processes or procedures. Most Landowners Do Not Support Change Our Sunday hunting ban has been in effect for many years. I am not moved by the
argument that many other states are changing their Sunday hunting bans. In Maine, I would estimate that 90 percent of our hunting is done on private land. In some states, the numbers are reversed, with 90 percent of the hunting being done on public lands. In legislative battles, land-
ing game will allow players to “explore the great outdoors by boat, off-road vehicle, or on foot, doing so on your own or in online co-op multiplayer for up to 12 players.” — “Bumper Dumper” One of this month’s contenders for best-named outdoor product. It’s a hitch-mounted portable toilet frame that fits a standard 2-inch towing ball receiver, and which can be accessorized with a toilet paper holder, plastic bags, and a 5-gallon plastic bucket. For more on taking care of business in the wilderness, see Randy Randall’s “Tidewater Tales” column, page 67.
“Our open world fishing game – Call of the Wild: The Angler – is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One this summer.” Announcement from video game company Expansive Worlds. The video fish-
owners have generally supported our Sunday hunting ban. So to those who would use the new “right to food” as leverage to remove the ban on Sunday hunting, I would say, “Not so fast there!”
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“MegaJaws” Another contender for best-named outdoor product. The full name is KastKing’s MegaJaws Elite Baitcasting Reel, and it features an “Auto-adjustment Magnetic Braking System” which the company claims “rarely backlashes, since the system automatically adjusts the reel brakes depending on the speed of the spool.” Source: Dena Vick, King Eider Communications press release — “More than 1.5 million pounds of plastic shrink wrap come off boats around Maine each spring, and the vast majority of that plastic is bound for landfills or incinerators.” From an article titled “Shrink wrap coming off Maine boats … and then what?” by Kate Cough, The Maine Monitor, March 26, 2023. The author details how difficult it is to recycle shrink wrap, which is often muddy from springtime removal, and which includes tape, vents and doors that all must be removed before the material is compressed into 1,200-lb bales and trucked to recycling facilities.
Letters to the Editor (Continued from page 7)
Real Threats to Salmon? Long Nets To the Editor: For several years now, I have read and heard that “saving” the Atlantic salmon in Maine rivers depends on dam removal, more fishways, and raising more in the hatcheries. In my opinion, this is just a waste of federal and state dollars. The Atlantic salmon will NEVER be restored until something is done with other countries fishing them with 3-mile nets. I hope I’m wrong, because I had the best times of my life fly fishing for Atlantic Salmon in the 1980s in Veazie, Maine. G. Spencer, Buxton, ME
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10 • May 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————
Those Mousam Dams Again There was a time in American history when dams on streams and rivers were needed and played a part in our evolution as a society. Dams initially were sources of water power, crop irrigation, flood control, reservoir building, and electrical generation. As time went on, many of our dams completely lost their mission and no longer provided anything useful. The three lower Mousam River dams are among those derelict structures that should be removed. Southern Maine’s Mousam River flows out of Mousam Lake near Shapleigh, and winds its way along an almost 30-mile course over 15 dams to its mouth in the Gulf of Maine between Kennebunk’s Great Hill and Parson’s Beach. This small river is the most heavily-dammed river without any fish passage, which is required by law, in the Pine Tree State. The Kesslen,
Removing the dams along the Mousam, says the author, is simply the right thing to do.
Removal of the Kesslen Dam under Route 1in Kennebunk would open up about four-and-a-half miles of river to the sea. The lower three Mousam Dams no longer are licensed to exist without the addition of fish passageways. Photos by the author unless otherwise noted
Twine Mill, and Dane Perkins dams lost their operating licenses from the federal government in 2022, and the Kennebunk Light and Power District (KLPD), the owners of the dams, has given them up rather than do very costly upgrades, including installing fish passages to allow resident and migratory fishes
The three dams of the lower Mousam River are in Kennebunk. Map by Portland Press Herald www.MaineSportsman.com
to move up- and downstream. The undammed Mousam once hosted significant spawning runs of Atlantic salmon, American shad, alewives, blueback herring, striped bass, American eels, and others that are now blocked by the Kesslen Dam over Route 1 in Kennebunk. Removal of the
Kesslen would open up about four-and-a-half miles of river. Some folks say the dams should stay because “they’ve always been here.” Others expound that only people from Kennebunk have any say in the matter. Both are wrong: The issue of dams or no dams is not just for locals to consider, but concerns all residents
The Twine Mill Dam provided power to cotton mills that produced string, rope and twine. Today it does nothing.
of Maine – there are no private rivers in our state. The waterways are “owned” by all Maine citizens. The Fish Tim Sommers, a construction professional and an active member in the Mousam and Kennebunk Rivers Alliance (MKRA), has a really sweet wooden drift boat he built from a kit, and it was in the water at Roger’s Pond, a Kennebunk town park just downstream of the Kesslen Dam. Licensed weirs to trap elvers, the young of eels, were deployed along the banks. The elvers are sold to Asian buyers who take them to their home countries, where they are raised to adulthood as great (and very expensive) delicacies. My first few casts with a small spoon brought several young smallmouth bass to hand. These smallmouth most likely came over the Kesslen Dam and now were (Continued on next page)
Dane Perkins is the third dam up from the sea, and it serves no useful purpose today. Photo: Ken Janes
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The Old Falls Dam would become the first Mousam Dam on the river if the lower three were removed by the Kennebunk Power and Light District.
Moving upstream from the sea, the Mousam River comes to an abrupt stop at Kennebunk’s Kesslen Dam. The dam once provided a small amount of electricity, but does nothing now.
It’s heartbreaking to look at the pool just below the dam in the spring and see thousands of fish darting frantically and confused with nowhere to go except back downstream. Photo by John Burrows at a dam on the Kennebec River
(Continued from page 10)
limited to a habitat constricted by the dam and a salt wedge that ebbed and flowed with the tide. In the shallows, small brownish “minnows’“ swam in tight formations looking, no doubt, for food while trying not to become some other critter’s dinner. The Mousam, like many Maine rivers, used to be home to brook trout and salmon, but dam installation caused the waters to warm to the point where salmonids couldn’t live, and the warmwater fishes moved in (or were placed in) to supplant them. The tide was near slack high, but there were murmurs of an ebb as we loaded into
The gentle rapids on the Mousam below the Kesslen Dam are pretty, and in spring, the stretch of river hosts permitted elver weirs to catch the glassy eels as they try to make their way upriver.
Tim’s craft. Tim came in with the tide, having rowed up from the Route 9 bridge between Wells and Kennebunkport. That also was where we would
Tim Sommers has a really sweet wooden drift boat he built from a kit, and it was waiting for us in the water at Roger’s Pond, a Kennebunk town park just downstream of the Kesslen Dam.
take out. His daughter trolled a lure along the way and caught a school-size young striper, so we knew at least some striped bass were in the river.
My angling companion, John Burrows, another Kennebunker, is the Executive Director, U.S. Operations, Atlantic Salmon Federation, and is very
John Burrows looses a cast on the beautiful stretch of the Mousam River below the Kesslen Dam. There is very little development on the river, and the homes that are present, are set back away from the banking.
active with Maine Rivers, the MKRA, and many other conservation-minded organizations in Maine. He’s also a helluva fly angler, and he loves fishing the Mousam below the dams for American shad and striped bass. But today the shad were not yet in – they would be, soon – and the stripers caught were smallish, though larger bass were also on the way. That’s how it is in spring in Maine. Both of these fish live their lives in the Atlantic saltwater and run up our rivers to spawn. And both species, along with many others, hit a concrete wall that is the old, useless, obsolete, and frustrating Kesslen Dam. (Continued on next page)
John Burrows is the Executive Director, U.S. Operations, Atlantic Salmon Federation, and is very active with Maine Rivers, the MKRA, and many other conservationminded organizations in Maine. He’s also a helluva fly angler, and he loves fishing the Mousam below the dams for American shad and striped bass. John Burrows photo www.MaineSportsman.com
12 • May 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————
American shad are anadromous fishes and must run up rivers to freshwater to spawn. However, they are blocked by the three lower dams. Photo by John Burrows
The scenic railroad bridge over the Mousam in Kennebunk sports a deep channel/hole on either side for fish to congregate before continuing their futile spawning run up the river.
Sportsman’s Journal (Continued from page 11)
It’s literally heartbreaking to look at the pool just below the dam and see thousands of fish, many alewives and other river herring, darting frantically and confused with nowhere to go except back downstream. Again, there would be no spawning this year. What’s Happening Now? The KLPD has not renewed their federal license, and has
“given up” the dams knowing full well how useless they now are. The FERC, apparently, is considering the next step in the process. And we know how quick the government often is. Attempts by some locals to stop dam removal pretty much have been thwarted by law and circumstance. Streams and rivers are the lifeline – virtually the arteries, veins and capillaries – of our
ecosystems. They are essential in ensuring our living planet is watered, and that the myriad of living creatures in and along the river can survive and flourish. We should not interfere with natural proceedings by leaving useless dams along its courses. The major advocates for the removal of the dams on the Mousam River is the Mousam & Kennebunk Rivers Alliance (www.mainerivers. org/mousamkennebunk), a grassroots
Tim Sommers with a not-quite-yet trophy striped bass on the lower Mousam River. John Burrows smiles his appreciation of the fish from the back of the boat. www.MaineSportsman.com
The homes along the lower Mousam are tastefully set back from the river. The striper and shad fishing here in spring can be pretty hectic.
group of concerned local citizens, and the Wells Reserve, 6461555, National Estuary Research Reserve at Laudholm Farm in Wells, www.wellsreserve.org. The MKRA is under the umbrella of Maine Rivers, a conservation organization dedicated to protecting, restoring, and enhancing the ecological health of Maine river systems. Other supporting groups include the Atlantic Salmon Federation. Removing KLPD’s dams would not only
restore a good stretch of the main-stem Mousam, but would add another six miles of high-quality tributary habitat. This would greatly benefit the river’s three species of herring, as well as striped bass and American shad, and also would restore a significant amount of habitat for brook trout that is currently unsuitable. Yes, removing the dams is just the right thing to do.
¶
The bow of the beautiful drift boat points to the take-out point below the Route 1 bridge in Kennebunkport. The Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge is on the right.
���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • May 2023 • 13
“Snapshots in Time”
Historical Glimpses from Maine’s Sporting Past Compiled by Bill Pierce, Former Executive Director, Outdoor Heritage Museum
Devil’s Tracks in Maine? What follows appeared in the December 12, 1895 edition of the Rangeley Lakes newspaper. It features the curious account of some odd, fossilized for-
mations imprinted in the granite ledge on a mountaintop in the Sebec Lake region. I have never seen them myself, but my interest is definitely “piqued.”
Enjoy what follows, and if you decide to “make tracks” to find them for yourself, please let us know how you make out.
Curious Footprints to Be Seen on the Summit of a Mountain of Granite. “During a trip for land-locked salmon last summer to the mountain-environed head of Sebec Lake,” said a New York visitor to Maine, “fishing was slow one day, and my guide suggested that we vary the monotony by climbing to the top of Granite Mountain, whence a fine view might be obtained. “This mountain is simply one vast granite rock, miles in area, rising abruptly from the lake and Wilson stream, and is overtopped at its back by Ragged Mountain. It is wooded at the base, with a thin growth of small trees and bushes on its face where soil has found lodgement. “A climb of thirty minutes, up a path whitened and worn by the feet of generations of blueberry pickers, brought us to the broad, rounded summit. “Two long depressions divided the top into three rounded ridges. On the second of these ridges, my guide paused to examine something at his feet. ‘No mistaking it!’ he exclaimed. ‘It’s one of his tracks, for certain.’ “I came up to where he was, and he pointed to an oblong depression in the smooth face of the ledge. It was about the size and shape of the imprint which a moccasined foot would make in treading upon soft loam. “’Let’s see if we can’t find some more of ’em, so as to locate the way he went,’ said the guide, and searched ahead in the direction in which the seeming footprint pointed. ‘Yes, here’s another— and another still. We’ve got his trail located. Let’s follow it up a bit.’ “I went along with him and became much interested in this novel sort of trailing. In places, the tracks were
quite lost, or so light as to be hardly distinguishable. In other places the impressions were as deep as would be made by the foot of a heavy man stepping in soft mud. “For considerable distances, the tracks would disappear where there was a growth of heavy moss, huckleberry bushes, or small poplars, to reappear on the bare rock beyond them. In general, the trail could be described as the tracks of a long-striding man. They were widely separated, but in places enough of them appeared in succession to give warrant to this inference. “‘They’ve been there, and folks here know of ’em, ever since I was
Scientists are studying fossil footprints at White Sands National Park that date back to the last Ice Age. Does a granite mountain in Maine feature similar footprints? Photo: National Parks Service
a boy,’ said the guide. I’d almost forgotten ’em, but they all came to mind when I saw that first footprint. I never followed ’em all the way, but it was said they could be traced a mile or more, all the way from the summit opposite Greely Falls, on Wilson Stream, over Granite Mountain, to where it breaks down to the lake. That’s a distance of a mile or more. “‘What caused ’em? That’s more’n I, or I guess anybody else, knows. Some folks call ’em the Indian’s trail, but most say the Devil’s tracks. That granite rock must have been pretty soft when he went over it, if ’twas a man that made ’em.’ “I allowed that he was right, and we went back to our fishing. Inspired by the subject, I went later in the summer to see the snowshoe sloates (tracks), a noted local curiosity, near Milo village, about six miles southerly from the foot of Sebec Lake. There near the roadside, on a bluestone ledge, is a line of indentations, such as would be made by a man walking on a snow crust on narrow snowshoe about three feet long. These tracks continue for rods to where the earth covers the ledge. So distinctly carried out is the snowshoe idea that in some of the tracks one may see marks like the cross-woven buckskin filling characteristic of the Maine snowshoe.” (Author’s note: When evaluating the veracity of this final piece of the story, it’s important to know that to our knowledge, snowshoe technology 5,000 years old, which is far short of the estimated 360 - 500 million year old history of most of the Pine Tree State’s rock formations.) www.MaineSportsman.com
Almanac
14 • May 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————
Three Minutes with a Maine Guide
Compiled and Edited by — Will Lund —
Sailing Your Canoe — the “Wilderness Heist” By Lisa DeHart
Sailing fully loaded canoes on a lake, in a tailwind, has always made me feel like I’m getting away with something. Like a wilderness heist. We took the wind and paid nothing. The times this happens are rare and therefore seared into canoeists’ memories. They can tell you the color of the shirt they had on, the time of day, wind speeds, and what they ate for lunch. My first trip down Chesuncook as a beginner guide, we sailed 20 miles in just over 3 hours. I ran the rudder for six canoes rafted together. My shirt was blue; the wind gusted at 12 mph and held steady at just over 9 mph; I ate a PB&J on homemade bread with homemade jam; and it was glorious! The wake behind our rig was just boiling in between those boats.
When your canoe’s sail is up and the wind is behind you, it’s like you are getting away with something. Lisa DeHart photo
Here is a quick, very cursory version of how to rig: 1. Raft up, keep same-sized canoes together, and an odd-sized one in the middle. 2. Tie painter lines bow and stern. If the rig is slightly “pigeon toed” (i.e. nar-
rower) at the bow end, it’s faster. 3. Pull out two setting poles. 4. Tie a corner of an 8x8 tarp (bigger is harder to control) to the top of one setting pole, and another corner of the tarp to the top of the other pole. Use clove hitches over the poles. 5. Put the poles down into the handles (the openings in the bow decking) of Old Town Canoes on each end of the rig, so the poles stand upright. Put a bailer sponge under the pole tip touching the canoe, so you don’t damage the hull. 6. Tie the remaining lower corners of the tarp to the bottom of each pole, just above the canoes. 7. In the photo, notice the line on the right pole going back to the stern – that gets looped around the thwart in front of you. The one on the left is supposed to mirror that, but the young man on that side wanted to just hold the pole. Which is why it’s crooked. Oh well.
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���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • May 2023 • 15 (Continued from page 14)
Staying Safe This Turkey Season
by Blaine Cardilli When I pen my turkey hunting articles, I usually write about calls, gear, and set-ups, but rarely do I talk about safety when it comes to the turkey woods.
Calling a wild turkey in this close requires the hunter to blend into the background, which can put the hunter in danger from other hunters as well as from predators of the the turkey. Blaine Cardilli photo
Turkey hunting means being totally camouflaged to match your surroundings, and it often involves either skulking around in the underbrush, or moving slowly through the woods, semi-hunched over, while trying to sound like an actual turkey. This is all well and good, but when we’re so focused on attracting that big old boss gobbler to us, have we ever really considered all the other things we could be attracting? Dangerous things, such as another hunter or perhaps even a coyote or bobcat? If you’re not hunting from a blind, one rule of thumb is to find a tree that’s wider than your shoulders, and sit up against it. That way, if an inexperienced hunter tries to sneak up on you from behind in order to get a look at the “hen” or “gobbler” they just heard, you’re less likely to get shot accidently. And though many hunters don’t think to pull it out, it’s a good idea to be wearing a turkey vest that has a blaze orange flag up in a pocket on the back of the neck which can be easily seen by an approaching hunter. Occasionally, while calling from a stationary position, I have had other hunters come in from my front, stalking my calls. In the event
this happens, I recommend not moving – at least initially – because that movement allows the hunter to pinpoint your location and possibly even shoot. Rather, my advice is to yell out loudly and clearly, identifying yourself as another hunter. That way, the only thing ruined is that particular set-up, and not your health. On more than one occasion, I’ve been stalked by coyotes that usually come in from the front or sides, eyeing my decoys. However, on one hunt, I had a coyote jump me from behind on a dead run, and that time I was not sitting with my back against a tree. Nine rabies shots and a missing filling later, I carry a hand mirror so I can watch my own back. And when I am successful and have a big old gobbler draped over my shoulder, you can be sure of two things: first, I’ve got the orange flag from my vest pulled out over my bird; and second, I’m wearing a blaze orange hat. Safety should be the first item on every hunter’s checklist. —
Book Review “Scat Finder,” by Maine’s Dorcas Miller
We have to admit – we’ve never thought as much about animal scat (aka droppings, excrement) as we did when perusing Dorcas Miller’s small-format (4” x 6”, to fit in your hiking short’s back pocket) “Scat Finder” book, published by AdventureKeen. Even Dorcas herself admitted that the book gets immediate reactions (“Scat Finder is a smash hit with four-year-olds,” she told us).
Dorcas Miller’s “Scat Finder” book is a valuable resource for naturalists, hunters and trappers. W. Lund photo (Continued on next page) www.MaineSportsman.com
16 • May 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————
Almanac
(Continued from page 15)
But get beyond that initial distraction, and you quickly realize the story each woodland deposit reveals. It tells you what species left it; their travel routes and browsing sites; and, in the words of the book, “what was on the menu.” And the process of pooping is more than just a way for an animal’s body to expel indigestible material – when used to mark territory, it’s also a form of ag-
gression, telling competitors to keep away. This well-illustrated 62-page booklet categorizes the leavings of birds, rodents, large mammals and other animals in the Eastern US and Canada (what wonderful mind thought up these descriptions – pellets, stringy cords, tubes, plops, piles, splats and twists?), and offers a great deal of helpful knowledge for naturalists, as well as for birders, hunters and trappers. “Scat Finder” is one of a series of “finder” books published by AdventureKeen (AdventuresWithKeen.com). Dorcas Miller is founder and past president of the Maine Master Naturalist Program, and author of a dozen books, including Track Finder, also published by AdventureKeen, which we will review in an upcoming issue. —
to coyote predation. Another study in southwestern Georgia, according to Humphrey, showed the percentage of deer hair in coyote scat almost doubled during the fawning season. In addition, researchers at Auburn University found coyote predation to be the leading cause of fawn mortality.
Hunting Coyotes: Preying on Predators by John Lamarca
While diminutive in size, “Scat Finder” is packed with precise and helpful information about North American mammals and birds, and it handles its unusual topic with scientific levels of detail and discretion.
Hunting coyotes is a great way to help your local deer herd stay strong through the late winter and into springtime. Some folks voice skepticism on the effectiveness of managing coyote numbers. During a recent interview, Bob Humphrey, a well-known Maine hunter, outdoor journalist and wildlife biologist, told me about a U.S. Forest Service study in South Carolina – where winter is not a factor – which determined that coyote predation accounted for between 46 and 84 percent of all deer mortality, and that between 47 and 62 percent of all fawns succumbed
The author (right) guided Peter Brown, Jr., who made an excellent shot on this big male coyote. Outside the heated hunting shelter (shown in the background), the air temperature was only 6 degrees above zero.
This brings to light a reality that coyotes are targeting newborn fawns as a major food source come spring birthing season. A denning female coyote with pups may kill as many as 19 fawns to feed herself and her new young during those initial months. So thinning coyote population, even by a few numbers in your preferred hunting areas, can greatly in(Continued on next page)
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���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • May 2023 • 17 (Continued from page 16)
crease the deer presence and herd size in very short order, and help ensure future hunting success. In addition to helping the deer herd, coyote hunting can provide an awesome outdoor experience. Some hunters use high-tech night vision scopes and rifles that are capable of shots at 500 yards. Therefore, this sport is not only a great way to harvest some coyotes, but also a test of your marksmanship skills. I guide coyote hunting out of a heated, elevated cabin I built, and it offers a comfortable way to enjoy the sport. However you choose to do it, it is a great way to keep in the woods during the early spring, and an even better way to help your deer herd and improve your odds for the next whitetail season. —
Wilderness First Aid: Feel the Burn by Stacey Wheeler RN
With spring in bloom in Maine, hiking, camping and other outdoor activities begin filling the family calendar. There are many activities
Campfires provide heat, light and a way to cook meals. However, burns are common when camping, so you need to know how to prevent, assess and treat them. Stacey Wheeler photo
that make the body susceptible to a burn. Preventing a burn is the first line of defense, but knowing how to treat a burn, when medical attention is unavailable, is paramount to successful recovery and preventing further harm. Most will recall the important instructions in elementary school of Stop, Drop and Roll. If your clothing or skin catches fire, it is im(Continued on next page)
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18 • May 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————
May 2023 Sunrise/Sunset
May 2023 Tides Portland, ME
Bangor, ME DATE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue
RISE
5:23 5:21 5:20 5:18 5:17 5:16 5:14 5:13 5:12 5:10 5:09 5:08 5:07 5:06 5:04 5:03
SET
7:41 7:42 7:43 7:44 7:46 7:47 7:48 7:49 7:50 7:52 7:53 7:54 7:55 7:56 7:57 7:59
DATE 17 Wed 18 Thu 19 Fri 20 Sat 21 Sun 22 Mon 23 Tue 24 Wed 25 Thu 26 Fri 27 Sat 28 Sun 29 Mon 30 Tue 31 Wed
RISE
5:02 5:01 5:00 4:59 4:58 4:57 4:56 4:56 4:55 4:54 4:53 4:53 4:52 4:51 4:51
Almanac
(Continued from page 17)
portant not to run. Running creates wind and fans flame. Stop immediately, get down on the ground, and roll to extinguish. The sooner you stop the flame, the less harm will occur. Flame is not the only source of burn in the wilderness. In fact, the most common cause of burns while camping is being scorched by boiling water. Howev-
SET
8:00 8:01 8:02 8:03 8:04 8:05 8:06 8:07 8:08 8:09 8:10 8:11 8:12 8:13 8:14
HIGH LOW AM PM AM PM Mon 8:51 9:21 2:42 3:05 Tue 9:38 10:00 3:29 3:44 Wed 10:21 10:36 4:11 4:21 Thu 11:03 11:11 4:50 4:58 Fri 11:44 11:48 5:30 5:36 Sat — 12:25 6:10 6:16 Sun 12:27 1:08 6:52 6:58 Mon 1:09 1:53 7:37 7:44 Tue 1:55 2:42 8:26 8:34 Wed 2:46 3:38 9:19 9:30 Thu 3:44 4:40 10:17 10:32 Fri 4:48 5:44 11:19 11:39 Sat 5:56 6:48 — 12:23 Sun 7:05 7:50 12:49 1:26 Mon 8:12 8:47 1:58 2:26 Tue 9:13 9:39 3:01 3:21
DATE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
er, caustic chemicals, the sun, lightning and steam are also culprits. There are three classifications of burns: Superficial – skin is red and painful, flesh is swollen Partial thickness: Red, painful, swollen, and blistered Full thickness: Painless, without blisters; can be pale or blackened Initial treatment is the same for each category:
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HIGH LOW AM PM AM PM Wed 10:09 10:26 3:57 4:10 Thu 11:01 11:12 4:48 4:57 Fri 11:50 11:55 5:36 5:42 Sat — 12:36 6:22 6:26 Sun 12:38 1:21 7:05 7:08 Mon 1:20 2:04 7:48 7:50 Tue 2:02 2:49 8:31 8:34 Wed 2:46 3:35 9:16 9:21 Thu 3:33 4:24 10:03 10:11 Fri 4:24 5:14 10:52 11:04 Sat 5:16 6:04 11:40 11:59 Sun 6:10 6:53 — 12:28 Mon 7:05 7:41 12:55 1:17 Tue 8:00 8:27 1:51 2:05 Wed 8:52 9:09 2:42 2:50
DATE 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Assess the location and severity of the burn Irrigate with cool water for 10 minutes Do not break blisters Apply lotion or antibiotic cream Cover with a clean loose dressing Stay hydrated Superficial burns can be treated on the trail. Do what you can to prevent infection, and treat pain with over-thecounter pain relievers. Major burns need to be evaluated by a medical professional. Face, neck and circumferential burns are the most dangerous. Call 911, and wait until help arrives.
¶
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���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • May 2023 • 19
Maine Wildlife:
Catfish
by Tom Seymour
Hornpout – brown bullhead catfish – rank among the most ubiquitous freshwater fish in Maine. Being so widespread, hornpout make for a dependable fish for anglers interested in both the fun of catching them as well as securing the makings for a great fish fry. Like suckers, another fish common to Maine, hornpout account for a good percentage of any pond’s or lake’s biomass, but that percentage cannot be accurately gauged. Suffice it to say, we have lots of hornpout, and you can catch them almost everywhere, with the exception of some northern deepwater lakes. There, you will catch cusk, or burbot – another bottom-dweller. Hornpout don’t achieve any great weights. When I was about 7 years old, my grandpa took me fishing, and I caught a hornpout that weighed over 3 pounds. They don’t get much bigger than that. My big hornpout became a family legend. I recall Grandpa bragging to friends about it years later. I took the great fish by using bait on a 7½-foot Kingfisher hollow fiberglass fly rod. Spinning gear hadn’t become widely available yet, and we employed a method called “strip casting” with our fly rods. Since then, I have taken 2½-pound hornpout, but never anything approaching that 3-pound leviathan. Usually, hornpout run between 9 and 12 inches, with some places seeing only 8-inch fish. Pond Shopping I’d like to say that smaller waters produce smaller hornpout and larger waters yield larger hornpout. But that
isn’t the case. I have taken all sizes of hornpout from both large and small ponds and lakes. So it was a crapshoot when, last May, I decided to try for hornpout in my new hometown’s mill pond. Lots of Maine towns have a mill pond, and most all of them contain hornpout of varying sizes. As luck would have it, my local mill pond holds mostly 7- to 8-inch hornpout. But as far as eating, smaller are better, so I happily cranked in those little hornpout, and didn’t complain. The local millpond sits within walking distance of home, which means I will fish it again this year. And who knows, but with my removing some of the smaller fish last year, perhaps the average size will increase? Anyway, I’m willing to do my part to improve hornpout fishing in our local mill pond. For the reverse of this, another small pond not far from me – a pond not much larger than the mill pond – holds hornpout of 2 pounds or more. It appears that each body of water differs as far as hornpout size. Maybe the little pond down the road from you holds some of the biggest hornpout around. There’s only one way to find out, though. Grab a light rod, some worms and a folding chair, and try fishing some evening. Even if the fish are small, it’s a memorable experience to watch the world shut down on a small pond, to see evening mists develop, to hear frogs commence croaking, and to listen to birdsong in the riparian shrubs. White Catfish White catfish, a newish species to Maine’s saltwater environs, run much
larger than our native hornpout. According to anglers I’ve spoken with who have taken them, white catfish can weigh up to 10 pounds. In their native range south of here, where they exist in fresh water, maximum weight is considerably less. White catfish rank as a true gamefish because of their fighting ability. I once watched as former Maine Sportsman editor Harry Vanderweide caught a white catfish in the Kennebec River. We were fishing for shad with artificial lures. Harry used a fly rod, and I was sure he had a shad on, given the way the fish fought. Because they are an illegally introduced species, and because they live in saltwater, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (DIF&W) does not manage white catfish. But what if they turned up in a freshwater location? The bucket brigade has no compunction regarding disrupting the balance of nature in lakes and ponds by surreptitiously releasing non-native species. That is exactly what happened in one Midcoast trout, togue and salmon lake recently. In addition to its coldwater fishery, the lake also supports a large population of black bullheads. We know the invasive species is present because DIF&W took one while trapnetting a few years ago. The question now is: Are there more? It seems doubtful that someone performing illegal stocking would release only one of any species. So if the population does begin to expand, what effect will it have on the native species? We’ll just have to wait and see.
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Maine Dealers Offer Well-Designed, Well-Equipped ATVs by Steve Carpenteri According to a recent Portland Press Herald report, a record 82,322 ATVs were registered in Maine last year – up 5 percent from 2021. Since 2012, the number of ATVs in Maine has climbed 32 percent. In addition, about 25 percent of ATVs in Maine are side-by-sides, or even larger machines that can hold from three to six riders, making it possible for an entire family to own and use
Want an ATV with lots of room? A heated, enclosed cab? A stereo, a gun rack and an LED lightbar? Just say the word, and Maine retailers are ready to meet the demand. just one machine. Many base-level ATVs come equipped with side mirrors, fender flares, and even stereo systems. The high-end models also include a windshield, heaters, auxiliary lights, a winch, dump body and a wide variety of additions and specialty features.
Optional Add-Ons While many riders are content to take their new ATV on the trail with original equipment, others are always seeking new options, add-ons and accessories designed to make their ride more interesting, comfortable or specially geared to a particular
pursuit, such as hunting, fishing, camping, kayaking or mud-running. Possibilities for enhancing your ATV include a weather-proof cover (useful during inclement weather and during the off-season); balloon tires; front, rear, side and top gear boxes and stor-
age units; utility jump seats (for additional passengers); trailers (and ramps for loading them); jump-starters; pull straps; and winches. In addition, consider accessory lighting, roof racks, chocks (for keeping your ATV from rolling while parked on steep terrain); bed racks; plows, discs, aerators and harrows (for creating wildlife food plots); portable fuel reser(Continued on next page)
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���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • May 2023 • 21
WORK HARD, PLAY HARDER 2023 PROWLER PRO XT
The Can Am Defender Limited offers an outstanding and luxurious base model that can be modified and accessorized to meet every rider’s needs. Photo: Can Am (Continued from page 20)
voirs (instead of using 5-gallon cans); mowers; and bush hogs. Some riders focus on performance. These are the owners who opt for improved suspensions and steering. Lighting and drive train modifications are also available, giving ATV owners a wide range of options when considering how to make the most of their off-roading capabilities. What’s New in Maine ATVs? Wallingford Equipment in Auburn sells Can-Am machines, and the folks there are pleased to talk about the capable units made by that manufacturer. According to Butch Keene at Wallingford, ATV riders will get the ultimate in off-road equipment if they purchase a Can-Am Defender Limited. “This unit has everything,” he said. “The base model goes for $12,000 and comes with a rear-view mirror, dump body, three-person seating, a flip-up windshield, tow hitch and a winch.”
And that’s just for starters. Hunters will want to add a gun rack, canoe rack, front and rear LED light bars, an enclosed cab, heat and air-conditioning, heavy-duty front basket for hauling deer and bear, extra storage and racks, plus an available track kit for traveling on snow. “We have four fully tricked-out Defenders on the lot that will go for nearly $40,000,” Keene said. “The accessory package is pretty much unlimited, and covers every desire hunters or fishermen may have.” Keene can be reached at (207) 7824886. Arctic Cat’s Prowler Salesman Dakota Healey at Northeast Motorsports in Lebanon was equally enthusiastic about his “dream machine” – an Arctic Cat Prowler Pro side-by-side. “For starters,” Healey said, “ground clearance is 13 inches. The base model includes an 812cc engine, locking differential, (Continued on next page)
Keeping all of the features you love from the Prowler Pro EPS, the Prowler Pro XT also offers standard color matched springs, a 4500-lb WARN winch and roof. 3-passenger bench seating with behind seat storage ensures that you have room for all the necessary gear and passengers for a day on the trails. See Your Local Arctic Cat® ATV Dealer For Current Promotions! GORHAM White Rock Outboard 351 Sebago Lake Road 207-892-9606 www.whiterockoutboard.com
SIDNEY Kramer’s Inc. 2400 West River Road 207-547-3345 www.kramersinc.com
LEBANON Northeast Motorsports 451 Carl Broggi Hwy. 207-457-2225 www.nemotorsportsofmaine.com
BERLIN, NH Jericho Outdoors 232 Jericho Rd. 603-215-6002 www.jerichooutdoors.net
WARNING: Arctic Cat® vehicles can be hazardous to operate. For your safety, all riders should always wear a seat belt (Side-by-Sides), helmet, eye protection, and protective clothing. Riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix. Arctic Cat recommends that all operators take a safety training course. For safety and training information, please see your dealer or call 1-800-887-2887 (ATVs) or visit www.ROHVA.org (Side-by-Sides). Arctic Cat vehicles are for operators age 16 years and older with a valid driver’s license, except the Alterra 90, which is intended for operators 10 years of age and older. ©2023 Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc. All rights reserved.
SPRING is Your GO TIME.
GET OUT THERE. See Your Local Polaris Dealer for Current Offers! JACKMAN Jackman Power Sports 549 Main Street 207-668-4442 www.jackmanpowersports.com
GORHAM, NH MOMS Jericho 461 Main St. 603-466-5454 www.momsjericho.com
LEWISTON Central Maine Powersports 845 Main Street 207-689-2345 www.centralmainepowersports.com WARNING: Polaris® off-road vehicles can be hazardous to operate and are not intended for on-road use. Driver must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license to operate. Passengers, if permitted, must be at least 12 years old. All riders should always wear helmets, eye protection, and protective clothing. Always use seat belts and cab nets or doors (as equipped). Never engage in stunt driving, and avoid excessive speeds and sharp turns. Riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix. All riders should take a safety training course. Call 800-342-3764 for additional information. Check local laws before riding on trails. ©2023 Polaris Industries Inc.
www.MaineSportsman.com
22 • May 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————
— WOLVERINE RMAX — GET OUT AND RIDE FOR AS LOW AS
5.99% APR FOR 84 MONTHS
1
PLUS
2,000 CUSTOMER CASH $
†
Visit Your Local Yamaha ATV Dealer for Details Today! LEWISTON Central Maine Powersports 845 Main Street 207-689-2345 www.centralmainepowersports.com
SKOWHEGAN Whittemore & Sons 257 Waterville Road 207-474-2591 www.whittemoreandsons.com
1 - Offer available on approved purchases of new 2021-2023 Yamaha Wolverine RMAX Side by Side models made on the Yamaha Credit Card issued by WebBank. Offer valid 4/1/2023-6/30/2023. Account must be open and current to be eligible for this offer. Promotional 5.99%, 7.49%, 11.99%,17.99% APR with minimum payments of 3.05%, 3.12%, 3.33%,or 3.62% 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%. † - Customer Cash offer good on select Wolverine Rmax models between April 1, 2023 through June 30, 2023. See dealer for additional details. Side-by-Side (SxS) models are recommended for use only by operators 16 years and older with a valid driver’s license. Always wear your seat belt, helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Yamaha recommends that all Side-by-Side riders take an approved training course. For Side-by-Side safety and training information, see your dealer or call the ROHVA at 1-866-267-2751. Read the Owner’s Manual and the product warning labels before operation. Avoid excessive speeds and never engage in stunt riding. Always avoid paved surfaces and never ride on public roads. And be particularly careful on difficult terrain. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or other drugs; it is illegal and dangerous. Models shown with optional accessories. ©2022 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved • YamahaMotorsports.com
2022 COMMANDER X mr 1000R
1,000 REBATE + 1.99% FOR 36 MONTHS
$
*
— OR — 1,000 REBATE + 3.99% FOR 60 MONTHS* $
MSRP $ 21,999
Contact Your Local Can-Am Dealer Today for Details! AUBURN Wallingford Equipment 2527 Turner Road 207-782-4886 www.wallingfordequipment.com AUGUSTA North Country Can-Am 3099 N. Belfast Avenue 207-622-7994 www.northcountryh-d.com
DETROIT Huff Powersports 284 North Road 207-487-3338 www.huffpowersports.com
LINCOLN Lincoln Powersports 265 W. Broadway 207-794-8100 www.lincolnpowersportsme.net
GREENVILLE JUNCTION JACKMAN Moosehead Motorsports Jackman Power Sports 13 Moosehead Industrial Park 549 Main Street 207-695-2020 207-668-4442 www.jackmanpowersports.com www.mooseheadmotorsports.com LEEDS Reggie’s Kawasaki Ski-Doo 255 US HWY 202 207-933-4976 www.doitatreggies.com
©2023 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. Offers valid in your state only from Saturday 1st April 2023 to Wednesday 31st May 2023. The terms and conditions may vary depending on your state and these offers are subject to termination or change at any time without notice. See an authorized BRP dealer for details. † Rates as low as 1.99% APR (Annual Percentage Rate) for 36 months. Examples of monthly payments required over a 36-month term at a 1.99% APR rate: $25.89 per $1,000 financed. An example of a monthly payment with $2,074 down, no rebate, an APR of 1.99% APR for 36 months at an MSRP of $21,599 is $559.18/mo. Total cost of borrowing $604.82 with a total repayment obligation of $20,130.31. Down payment may be required. Other financing offers may be available. Minimum and Maximum Amount Financed may vary. Not all buyers will qualify. Higher rates apply for buyers with lower credit ratings. Other qualifications and restrictions may apply, depending on the participating financial institution(s). BRP is not responsible for any of the financing terms and conditions. Offer subject to change without notice. Financing promotions void where prohibited. See your BRP dealer for details. † Rates as low as 3.99% APR (Annual Percentage Rate) for 60 months. Examples of monthly payments required over a 60-month term at a 3.99% APR rate: $16.57 per $1,000 financed. An example of a monthly payment with $2,160 down, no rebate, an APR of 3.99% APR for 60 months at an MSRP of $21,599 is $357.91/mo. Total cost of borrowing $2,035.67 with a total repayment obligation of $21,474.77. Down payment may be required. Other financing offers may be available. Minimum and Maximum Amount Financed may vary. Not all buyers will qualify. Higher rates apply for buyers with lower credit ratings. Other qualifications and restrictions may apply, depending on the participating financial institution(s). BRP is not responsible for any of the financing terms and conditions. Offer subject to change without notice. Financing promotions void where prohibited. See your BRP dealer for details. BRP recommends that all ATV-SSV drivers take a training course. See your dealer or call the ATV Safety Institute at 1-800-887-2887. ATV and SSV can be hazardous to operate. Never carry passengers on any ATV-SSV not specifically designed by the manufacturer for such use. All adult model Can-Am ATVs are Category G ATVs (General Use Models) intended for recreational and/or utility use by an operator age 16 or older. Carefully read the vehicle’s operator’s guide. Follow all instructional and safety material and observe applicable laws and regulations. ATV and SSV are for off-road use only; never ride on paved surfaces or public roads. For your safety, the operator and passenger(s) must wear a helmet, eye protection and applicable protective clothing. Always remember that riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix. Never engage in stunt driving. Avoid excessive speed and be particularly careful on difficult terrain. Always ride responsibly and safely. See your authorized BRP dealer for details and visit www.can-am.brp.com.
www.MaineSportsman.com
Arctic Cat’s Prowler has great ground clearance, and can be equipped with racks, heated seats, and tracks that will allow the machine to travel over all types of terrain. Photo: Arctic Cat
ATVing (Continued from page 21)
winch, 4WD, power steering, a three-person bench seat, and a 1,100-pound capacity dump bed. “As far as accessories go, the sky’s the limit,” he added. “A vented, flip-up windshield is available, along with rear-view mirrors, heat, air-conditioning and heated seats. “There is a fourdoor model available with fully-enclosed cab. We can also install GPS, a radio/speaker system, and a variety of racks and boxes that will bring the price of the fully-equipped Prowler Pro to about $25,000.” Similar to the Can Am machine, Arctic Cat also offers a track system for use on snow. That technology will add another $6,500 to the purchase price. “When fully equipped with all the bells and whistles, the Prowler Pro has capabilities equivalent to those of a Jeep Wrangler,” Healey said. “We can tailor the
base model to fit any outdoorsman’s needs, whether it’s hunting, fishing, kayaking or touring.” For more on Arctic Cat’s line-up, contact Dakota Healey at (207) 457-2225. Think It Through Hunters may prefer certain accessories that are of no use to fishermen, trappers, recreational riders or other users, so it’s important that buyers carefully consider theirs needs and interests before signing on the dotted line. Of course, it is possible to buy a base-model unit and then purchase separate accessories. Gun racks can be swapped out for kayak racks, for example, or cargo boxes can be replaced by coolers, gear boxes and spare fuel containers. There is no limit to the user’s imagination, and most Maine dealers can provide, supply or find the specific accessories that fit a buyer’s specific goals.
¶
���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • May 2023 • 23
Boating Safety by Bob Humphrey Imagine the following scenario – it’s the end of a glorious summer day spent tubing, water skiing and pleasure boating, and you’re headed for home. The lake is smooth as glass, and the kids are asleep in the bow, so you nudge the throttle up a bit and glance around to take in your surroundings. Admiring the fiery western skyline a moment too long leaves you temporarily blinded, and then it happens. The boat hits something solid, the impact knocking two passengers overboard. The engine is screaming but providing no forward progress, and smoke begins billowing out from the engine cover. Then you notice water rising up from the bilge. You need to act quickly. Do you know what to do, and do you have the equipment you need? An Ounce of Prevention The Maine legislature enacted a bill into law last year requiring a mandatory boating safety course that will, according to the sponsor’s language, “pro-
The reason to have safety equipment on board your boat is not simply to avoid a citation if you are inspected by a warden or marine patrol officer. Rather, it’s to provide real protection and safety to everyone on board in an emergency.
Being prepared with the right knowledge and equipment helps ensure you make it safely back to shore at the end of the day. Bob Humphrey photos
vide basic information for recreational boaters about how to identify and reduce primary boating risk factors and mitigate the dangers of recreational boating.” In simpler terms, that means knowing how to avoid, prevent and respond to accidents. The law takes effect in 2024; it applies to boaters born after
January 1, 1999; and it requires the safety course only if the boat is propelled by an engine greater than 25 hp. It was enacted following reports of irresponsible and unsafe boat operation on Maine waters, with some incidents resulting in personal injury. Who’s Got the Right of Way? One of the first and
best ways to reduce risk – and an area in which many recreational boaters are deficient – is knowing the basic Rules of the Road. These rules provide clear instructions on who has the right of way and how each operator should react to avoid collision when two vessels encounter one another. It’s a matter of both courtesy and safety.
As a general rule, the vessel that has the other on her starboard side (i.e. the right side facing the bow), must keep out of the way. The rule is especially important on Maine coastal waters, since the so-called “standing shelters” on many lobster boats block the operator’s view off the port side. All boat operators are required to take early and substantial action in an approaching situation, but taking the wrong action (like stopping or turning without warning in the middle of a narrow, congested channel) could also be dangerous. Learn the navigation rules, and when in doubt, give way. Boaters should also be familiar with aids to navigation (ATONs). Those are the red, white, black, green and orange buoys, lights and signs that tell you where you should and shouldn’t go. Maine’s coastline is rocky and unforgiving, and its lakes and ponds feature unexpected ledges, so learn the meanings (Continued on next page) www.MaineSportsman.com
24 • May 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————
Boating
(Continued from page 23)
of navigational aids, and double-check your assumptions on your chart.
Suzuki Marine Now Offers a
5 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
on new Suzuki outboards!* *Contact Your Local Suzuki Marine Dealer for Details! BAR HARBOR Lake & Sea Boatworks 204 Knox Road (207) 288-8961 www.lakeandsea.com
SOUTHPORT Hodgdon Yacht Services 100 Ebenecook Road (207) 633-2970 www.hodgdonyachtservices.com
PORTLAND Portland Yacht Services 100 W. Commercial Street (207) 774-1067 www.portlandyacht.com
STANDISH Richardson’s Boat Yard 633 Whites Bridge Road (207) 892-4913 www.richardsonsby.com
The 5 Ps Familiarity with navigation rules is but one form of proper preparation. Another involves making sure all your equipment is in good serviceable condition – before you leave the dock. At best, breakdowns can be a major inconvenience. At worst, they can put passengers at risk. Some find it helpful to remember the five Ps – Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance. Everyone’s pre-departure checklist will be a little different. However, they all should include three
things: 1) Check the weather forecast, and delay or adjust your plans if necessary. 2) Leave a float plan with a trusted source on land. That way, if you don’t return, people will know where to start looking for you. 3) Ensure you have the necessary safety equipment. Even with the best attention to detail, mechanical devices can fail, so it’s also not a bad idea to belong to a private recovery service like SeaTow or BoatUS. While it’s embarrassing to get towed back to your mooring, it’s more embarrassing to be forced to explain to your pas(Continued on next page)
See Your Local Yamaha Outboard Dealer for Current Promotions! BAR HARBOR Bowden Marine Service 713 Norway Drive (207) 288-5247 www.BowdenMarine.com
HAMPDEN Hamlin’s Marine 581 Main Road North 207-907-4385 www.HamlinsMarine.com
THOMASTON Jeff’s Marine 2 Brooklyn Heights Road (207) 354-8777 www.JeffsMarine.com
BRUNSWICK New Meadows Marina 450 Bath Road (207) 443-6277 www.NewMeadowsMarina.com
LINCOLN Lincoln Powersports 265 W Broadway (207) 794-8100 www.lincolnpowersportsme.net
WATERVILLE Hamlin’s Marine 290 West River Road 207-872-5660 www.HamlinsMarine.com
SOUTHPORT Hodgdon Yacht Services 100 Ebenecook Road (207) 633-2970 www.hodgdonyachtservices.com
© 2023 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. Remember to always observe all applicable boating laws. Never drink and drive. Dress properly with a USCG-approved personal flotation device and protective gear.
www.MaineSportsman.com
Our outboard motors are about a whole lot more than just the specs. A truly great motor delivers it all:
PERFORMANCE, SAFETY, and the ULTIMATE EASE OF USE. Visit Your Local Dealer for the Models & Promotions!
ELLSWORTH Pirie Marine 53 Sunset Park Road • 207-664-0500 www.piriemarine.com SPRUCE HEAD J&H Marine 670 Spruce Head Road • 207-596-5511 Find Us on Facebook
���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • May 2023 • 25 (Continued from page 24)
sengers that you have no power and are drifting helplessly toward a distant rocky shore. Safety Equipment When it comes to safety equipment, remember – your primary reason for having it is not to prevent you from getting a citation; rather, it’s to protect you and your passengers. Some items are required, but others are plain common sense to have. All watercraft, from an inboard-powered Cigarette boat to a stand-up paddleboard, must have at least one USCG-approved personal flotation device (PFD) for each person on board. In most cases passengers older than 10 need not wear a PFD, but it won’t do you much good if
you’re not wearing it, which is especially important when boating alone. Some folks avoid PFDs because of the bulk, but that can be easily remedied by wearing an inflatable one (and they must be worn to count as a PFD aboard). Some vessel types are also required to have a throwable PFD, which you won’t appreciate until someone accidentally goes overboard while you’re under power. Navigation lights are required when operating between sunset and sunrise. They let you know there’s another boat out there, where it is and which way it’s heading, all of which become more important to preventing collision in low light conditions. A fire extinguisher may be required depending
on the vessel’s configuration and where it’s being operated. It’s always a good idea on any motorized craft.
Boat fires are more common than you might think, and if they get out of control you have nowhere to
Visit us in Bowdoin or Call Us and We Will Come to You!
go but over the side, where help may be a long time coming, if it comes at all. (Continued on next page)
Keep it Simple. Build it Rugged!
www.pleasantdocksystems.com Pleasant Dock Systems are Manufactured by JL Custom Fab, Inc. Augusta Road (Rt. 201) Bowdoin, ME • (207) 666-5800 Buy DIRECTLY from the Designers and Fabricators!
Our warranty is the best in the business. Just like you’d expect from Honda.
All New 20hp & 15hp FourStroke • • • • • • •
EFI delivers fast, reliable starting and instant throttle response in all weather Superior torque provides greater acceleration and faster boat planing Lightweight design improves performance, fuel efficiency and hull control New and exclusive tiller handle has the lowest vibration and is adjustable for right- or left-handed operation for a more enjoyable driving experience Quick and easy no-mess oil and filter change Convenient freshwater flush system Low-copper aluminum alloy protects against corrosion Learn more at mercurymarine.com/FourStroke
Contact Your Local Mercury Outboards Dealer for the Latest Promotions! GORHAM White Rock Outboard, Inc. 351 Sebago Lake Road (207) 892-9606 www.whiterockoutboard.com
5 YEARS – NO STRINGS ATTACHED With Honda’s True 5 Warranty, your motor is covered from top to bottom – from the first day to the last day of your warranty.
Visit Your Local Honda Marine Dealer for Details! ELLSWORTH Pirie Marine 53 Sunset Park Road (207) 664-0500 www.piriemarine.com LEWISTON Al’s Sport Center 1818 Lisbon Road (207) 784-75910 www.alssportcenter.com
PORTLAND Portland Yacht Services 100 W. Commercial Street (207) 774-1067 www.portlandyacht.com
STANDISH Richardson’s Boat Yard 633 White’s Bridge Road (207) 892-4913 www.richardsonsby.com YORK York Harbor Marine 20 Harris Island Road (207) 363-3602 www.yorkharbormarine.com
*This warranty is limited to Honda Outboard Motors and related original equipment distributed by American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Power Equipment Division, 4900 Marconi Drive, Alpharetta, Georgia 30005-8847. The Honda Outboard Motor must be purchased from American Honda or a dealer authorized by American Honda to sell Honda Outboard Motors in the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands. This limited warranty applies to the first retail purchaser and each subsequent owner during the applicable warranty time period. See dealer for details. Always wear a personal flotation device while boating and read your owner’s manual.
www.MaineSportsman.com
26 • May 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————
PATCH CLUBS You’ve been successful at the hunt, now wear your pride by entering one of The Maine Sportsman’s exclusive patch clubs! To find a club and download an application, go to
www.mainesportsman.com/patch-clubs Print and mail your application with fee to: The Maine Sportsman, 183 State Street, Suite 101, Augusta, ME 04330 Don’t have a computer or printer? No problem! Give us a call at (207) 622-4242 and we’ll mail you an application.
Be Sure You’re Ready! Call Us Now for Boat Tops, Covers & Interiors
Repairs and Alterations Welcome!
Boating
(Continued from page 25)
The odds of summoning help are a lot better if you have Visual Distress Signals (VDSs) on board. These include smoke, parachute and pyrotechnic flares, as well as lights and flares. Non-pyrotechnic VDSs include lights for night and orange flags for daytime. Among the less necessary but useful, helpful and welcome items are things like drink-
ing water, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit. It’s easy to get dehydrated or burnt on a hot summer day, and boats often have all manner of sharp, pointy objects to scratch, cut or impale you. Beyond that, the sky’s the limit, but most boaters find cell phones, multi-tools, duct tape and wire ties to be quite handy.
¶
Mid-Maine Marine
INC.
Become a Member of The Maine Sportsman
THE BOATER’S CHOICE
www.midmainemarine.com
Protect the Interior
nd Your a u o Y r y! Keep ean & D l C t a o B
COVERS IT ALL UPHOLSTERY & CANVAS Central Maine’s Largest Upholstery Service Oakland • (207) 465-7847 • www.coversitallupholstery.com — A full time, full service shop where experience counts! —
885 Kennedy Memorial Drive Oakland, ME 04963 (207) 465-2146
FOUR-STROKE OUTBOARDS IN STOCK: • 2.5 M • 3.5 M •4M •5M •6M • 8 M, ML • 9.9 M, ML • 9.9 EH, ELH • 15 M, ML • 15 EH, ELH • 20 M, ML • 20 EH, ELH, E • 20 ELHPT • 25 ELHPT • 40 ELPT • 40 ELHPT • 50 ELPT • 60 ELPT • 60 ELPT- CT • 60 ELHPT • 90 ELPT • 90 ELPT- CT • 115 ELPT • 115 EXLPT PRO XS • 150 ELPT
* Limited Quantities Available * Check Inventory at
www.midmainemarine.com www.MaineSportsman.com
���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • May 2023 • 27
— THE MAINE SPORTSMAN —
FISHING CHARTER DIRECTORY BATH / BRUNSWICK / MID-COAST
PORTLAND/SOUTH PORTLAND
Penobscot Bay Outfitters
GO FISH! CHARTERS KEY:
— Captain Todd Jackson —
SALMON & TROUT
Fishing the way it should be...FUN!
Morning & Afternoon Trips for Striped Bass 4-6-8 Hour Trips • Shark Trips Available
(207) 322-7919 • www.Seaduck.net
LAKE ONTARIO, NY
Full & Half Day Trips • Tackle Provided • Family Friendly Stripers and Bluefish • Light tackle sportfishing at it’s best! Capt. Ben Garfield: gofishben207@gmail.com
(207) 232-1678 • gofishmaine.com
Fishing year-round in Maine & Key West, Florida since 1996
Wilson Harbor Lake Ontario, NY 270 Sea Ray Amberjack —
Captain Roger Young
USCG Lic. #811007 (860) 480-3395 papasmurffc@hotmail.com www.papasmurffishingcharter.com
Captain Andrew Gibbs
MEXICO, NY
Striped Bass Mackerel • Pollock
Fishing Charters: 4 Hours $550 • 6 Hours $750 Puffin Tours $400
Bay & Lighthouse Tours $300
(207) 323-9713
Stripers • Sharks • Tuna • Ground Fish —
Stripers Bluefish 4 Hours $400 6 Hours $500 8 Hours $600
Kennebec River Casco Bay Tackle Provided Light Tackle Fly Rod
Captain John L. Nowinski 207-831-2922 • ncreek@comcast.net KEY: 102 Rita Way, Brunswick, ME 04011
+
SACO BAY
PULASKI, NY
DEEP SEA FISHING
Fishing April–September Out of Mexico Bay of Lake Ontario King & Coho Salmon Steelhead Trout Brown Trout • Lake Trout Smallmouth Bass — Captain Rich Nau — USCG Licensed
FLY FISHING & 2-HOUR KIDS TRIPS — Capt. Robin Thayer —
(207) 650-3494
KEY:
PORT CLYDE
Sea Ventures Charters
Fishing is Our Main Business!
NOW FISHING YEAR ROUND Tuna Trips • Inshore Fishing • Full & Half Day Trips Fishing Out of Boothbay Harbor for Over 35 Years
WE FISH ON OUR DAYS OFF! KEY:
+
— Captain George Warren —
Charger.Marine@yahoo.com • 207-380-4556
(315) 387-1000 • (203) 912-9915 www.PrayingMantisSportFishing.com
~ Captain Dave Sinclair ~
Custom Schedule, Personalized Charters Commercial Diving/Salvage • Recreational Dive Trips • Island Cruises Offshore & Inshore Fishing Sharks, Giant Bluefin Tuna, Mackerel, Halibut, Bottom Fishing
OSWEGO COUNTY, NY — Captain Ed Monette — 1/2 & Full Day Charters on Lake Ontario
207-446-5484 • dave@divefishmaine.com Credit Cards Accepted
www.DiveFishMaine.com
KEY:
Wellcraft 3300
+
Salmon • Walleye Brown Trout • Steelhead
YORK/KITTERY/PORTSMOUTH, NH
Fish the Kennebec River for Striped Bass, Bluefish, Mackerel Fish Offshore for Groundfish, TUNA, Shark Capt. Jordan Caron KEY:
SHOALS FLY FISHING & LIGHT TACKLE Captain Peter A. Whelan
www.ReelAddictionFishingME.com
KENNEBUNKPORT/OGUNQUIT
DEEP SEAon FISHING
• Full & Half Day Fishing Trips
Captain Tim Tower
• Charters Also Available
207-646-2214
KEY:
+
315-952-6200 • www.CannonballRunner.com
USCG Lisc. • Registered Maine Guide Striped Bass • Tuna • Bluefish 23 ft. Mako • Furuno Radar-GPS • Furuno Color Fish Finder Fly Casting Instruction • Family Trips Welcome
+
KEY:
+
Perkins Cove • April 1–November 15th Daily For Info Write: Tim Tower, PO Box 837F, Ogunquit, ME 03907 www.bunnyclark.com • e-mail: bunnyclarkdsf@gmail.com
Your Premier, Full-Time Lake Ontario Fishing Charter for Trophy Salmon & Trout April–October
802-999-4631 • www.DownNTightFishing.com
FISH MAINE! INSHORE & RIVER FISHING
Charger Sportfishing
• Rods & Reels Provided
+
Follow Us on Facebook: Pana-Sea-Ya Fishing Charters
BOOTHBAY HARBOR
(207) 380-2791
DOWN-N-TIGHT SPORTFISHING
KEY:
14 Ocean Street, South Portland, ME 207-939-2713 • www.TeazerCharters.com
www.marshriveroutfitters.com
+ (UP TO 6)
KEY:
EAGLE CHARTERS SPORT FISHING Lake Ontario, NY Salmon • Brown Trout Steelhead Captain Bruce Mattison
Wentworth Marina, Newcastle, NH • 603-205-5318 pawhelan@comcast.net • www.shoalsflyfishing.com
SEAFARI CHARTERS
Offshore / Inshore Fishing • Large Private Groups • 44’ Henriques 4-HOUR KITTERY, MAINE Sportsfishermen • Climate Controlled Cabin • Rods, Bait & Tackle Provided • Free Parking • Bookings May–Oct • Early Week Discounts • Find Us on Facebook for Current Reports
INSHORE $ 1,100
8-HOUR GROUNDFISH $ 1,700 Also Booking Shark / Bluefin Tuna Charters and Marathon or Long Range Trips
www.SeafariCharters.com (207) 439-5068
seafari2@comcast.net
802-558-9675
www.EagleChartersLLC.com
KEY:
+
Book Your Chartered Fishing Trip Today! KEY: How Many Anglers Per Trip
1 or 2
Up to 4
6+
+
www.MaineSportsman.com
28 • May 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————
Doing a Jig The list of lures you can use for saltwater fishing is nearly limitless, but if you want to catch a limit of almost anything, jigs should be at the top of the list, and should take up a good bit of the rest. They come in an array of shapes and sizes, and can be used in a variety of ways to catch a broad range of fish. By simply changing size, you can catch everything from the smallest to the largest saltwater fish. Further, aspects like shape and adornment make jigs even more versatile. Small Stuff Let’s start with
Of all the terminal tackle available, jigs just might be the most universal and versatile. basic mackerel or diamond jigs. As the name implies, they consist of a diamond-shaped (in cross section) weight fitted to the shank of a single hook, generally available in sizes from 1/4 oz. - 1.5 oz. Which size you can or should use will vary with circumstances or targeted species – big fish, big bait. The beauty of this lure is simplicity. Shore anglers can simply tie one directly on their line or use a swivel, then cast and retrieve as you would a spoon or plug. Boat anglers can do like-
wise, or simply lower it down and jig – pulling up quickly, then letting it drop. On or near the surface, you’ll most likely catch mackerel. On the bottom, you’ll catch pollock, cunner and redfish, but almost any bottom feeder might bite a jig. Add a Sabiki rig (with multiple hooks) above the jig, and you’ll catch even more. Groundfish The old standard for groundfish is the three-sided Norwegian or cod jig, which typically ranges from 6-24 ounces and has a treble hook attached at the bottom by a split ring. Simply lower it to the bottom, then jig up and down. Larger diamond jigs in the 6-16 ounce range work equally well (vary weight with wind and tide). You may miss a few bites, but swapping out the
treble hook for a single “J” hook allows for quicker removal when the fishing is hot. Single and treble hooks are sometimes adorned with florescent red, pink or chartreuse tubing on the shank. Attach your jig to a Hi-Lo rig with feathers, and you gain two hooks. Adding clams or squid strips will also increase bites. When groundfish are aggressively feeding, most any jig will work, but you might try something different when they’re finicky. There’s a range of shapes and sizes to choose from, including long and thin or short and fat, and a rainbow of color options, including stripes, scale patterns and reflective flash coating. Their distinct shapes are designed to provide more realistic action, like a wounded fish on the drop or a fleeing fish
on the lift. They often come without hooks so you can add an assist hook or two on the top, not the bottom, of the jig. Stripers The classic striper rig is a lead-head, bucktail jig. Cast it out, then retrieve by alternately reeling and letting it sink. Add a strip of squid or pork rind to increase bites. Another favorite striper slayer is a leadhead jig with a rubber eel or minnow on the hook, fished similarly. Though less common, vertical jigging can also be effective on stripers suspended in the water column, which you’ll often find during slow midday periods. Use your fish finder to locate schools, then drop your bucktail or diamond jig and go to work. Any jig will work, but those designed for slow pitch jigging can be more enticing. (Continued on next page)
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Stripers can be caught on a variety of jigs, including bucktails, lead-head jigs with soft baits, and even diamond jigs. (Continued from page 28)
Big Game It’s a fairly common occurrence for charter or headboat anglers to hook into a shark while jigging for groundfish. While it’s not the target, it can be fun, provided you have heavy enough gear to handle them – and release them carefully. While few if any an-
The basic diamond jig and its many variations make it a versatile lure for catching everything from mackerel, pollock and groundfish to striped bass and tuna.
glers target tuna with jigs up our way, it’s a common practice in waters from Cape Cod south. Those same fish swim up to Maine, and anglers have experienced a recent rash of tuna bites. Veteran practitioners will tell you technique and terminal tackle can be critical for finicky bluefin, but when they’re blitz-
ing, it’s more important to get jigs in front of the fish as quickly as possible. That requires a fast, maneuverable boat and good electronics. Also make sure you have heavy enough gear, from hooks, lures, leaders and line to rods and reels. Also be advised you need a highly migratory species permit.
Jigs come in a wide variety of styles and designs. Bob Humphrey photo
Where Larger tackle shops like L.L.Bean, Cabela’s and Kittery Trading Post have good selections of mackerel, groundfish and striper jigs. For more specialized bottom fishing or tuna you may try Kittery, Saco Bay Tackle, or The Tackle Shop in Portland. Shop before the season, and if you
find something you like, buy several, as supply chain issues still exist. Capt. Bob Humphrey runs Sport-Ventures Charters, fishing for groundfish, striped bass and tuna in Casco Bay and the Gulf of Maine.
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Maine Wildlife Quiz: CATFISH (Brown Bullhead or Hornpout) by Steve Vose
In Maine, we have one native catfish species, the Brown Bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus), also known as simply the bullhead, hornpout or catfish. Adult bullheads found in this state are typically 10 inches long and weigh less than a pound. Fish up to 14 inches are occasionally caught; however, fish 18 inches and larger are rare. The Brown Bullhead coloration is dark brown to olive green on the back, with mottled sides, and a creamy white belly. In some Maine waters, it’s also common to see fish with white patches on their sides and back. A Brown Bullhead has a thick, rounded body; a broad, somewhat flattened head; and a distinctive set of “whiskers” around the mouth called barbels, which are used to locate prey. Questions
1. What is the name of Maine’s one native catfish species? 2. What is a typical length for a Brown Bullhead in Maine?
The dorsal and pectoral fins have sharp saw-tooth spines at their base that can be locked in an erect position. The caudal fin is square, and there is a pronounced adipose fin. They have no scales. The Brown Bullhead’s range is from near the Hudson Bay in the north to the Gulf of Mexico in the south, and from the Atlantic coast westward into the nation’s midsection. It lives on the bottoms of lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams. 3. What is the coloration of a Brown Bullhead? 4. What are the “whiskers” or Barbels on a Brown Bullhead used for? 5. What is the range of the Brown Bullhead?
Once greatly revered table fare, bullheads have fallen out of favor in recent generations, for unknown reasons. Effective angling for this species mostly occurs at night, when the Brown Bullhead comes out to feed. Voracious eaters, bullheads eat worms, fish and fish eggs, insects, leeches, plants, crustaceans and even frogs. Adult bullheads have few predators due to their impressively sharp venomous spines on their pectoral and dorsal fins. When deployed, the spines can do some serious damage on any predators, including humans! The largest Brown Bullhead ever caught weighed 7 pounds, 6 ounces, and was caught on Mahopac Lake, New York in 2009.
6. What does a Brown Bullhead eat? 7. How does a Brown Bullhead defend itself against prey? 8. What was the largest Brown Bullhead ever caught?
Answers on Page 35
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30 • May 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————
Spring Trolling Finally Arrives in Aroostook I’ve come to the conclusion – after more than half a century of personal experience, and interactions with many hardcore angling friends – that for the majority of Maine fishermen, spring trolling is the most anticipated season of the year. It’s not just the open water deprivation due to the long, cold winter, but also the real chance to hook, play and land the largest freshwater fish of the season – perhaps of your lifetime. Unlike other methods of salt- and freshwater fishing, neophyte trollers stand just as much of a chance of hooking a trophy as do the more experienced sportsmen dragging a fly or lure behind a boat. Crown of Maine anglers must suffer
pear, and the action is hot and heavy for a couple of weeks. Often the regional smelt runs for spawning occur during the post ice-out interval specific to each waterway and its tributaries, so float your boat early and often this month.
Among expert anglers and beginners, trolling is the great equalizer, since neophyte trollers stand just as much of a chance of hooking a trophy as do the more experienced sportsmen dragging a fly or lure behind a boat.
Cross Lake Aroostook lakes experience ice out as much as two weeks apart depending on their location, and this varies each year as a result of spring weather conditions. The Fish River chain of lakes often provides a baseline – usually fishable within a week of Mother’s Day; a few southern county spots like East Grand a bit earlier; northern deep-woods water like Musquacooks a few days later. Local nimrods as
The author is a firm believer in brightly colored attractor patterns for spring trolling. When the lakes are high, off-color and debris-filled, fish can see the flies better. All photos by Bill Graves
and wait a month longer than trollers downstate, and our season is
shorter as well – about four weeks of top-rate action. It seems to me
the fish are just as excited as the fishermen to have the ice disap-
(Continued on next page)
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Bill Graves displays a hefty salmon for a quick photo before release. Cross Lake gets lighter pressure than some other Fish River lakes, and offers steady action this month. (Continued from page 30)
well as sports from Southern Maine and carloads of non-resident trolling enthusiasts flock north each May to the seven sister gems of the Fish River chain. Salmon enthusiasts bee-line for Long Lake, while those hoping for a bragging size brookie often visit Square, and trollers hoping to tussle with a big togue favor Eagle Lake. I’ve enjoyed steady action and avoided early season crowds the first week dragging tandem streamers at various Cross Lake locations. A well maintained wharf and boat ramp can handle even large pontoon boats, and there’s parking for at least 15 vehicles and trailers. A rough, winding gravel road about 20 minutes off Route 161 between Caribou and Fort Kent will lead to the lake launch. Check Delorme’s Atlas, Map 68, grid D-3. While most boats are heading for the thoroughfare (TF) and right into Square Lake, I troll around the mouth of the TF and about halfway up in and then back several times. A
Sherby Morris of Fort Kent shows off a silver leaper that grabbed a tandem streamer trolled on Long Lake in mid-May.
small, often overlooked creek inlets on the opposite side of Cross Lake from the launch site, and I’ve enjoyed steady action from both trout and salmon while motoring that shoreline. Another proven stretch for several passes runs between Dinah and Matrimony Points
on the western side of the lake. My most consistent action and largest fish, especially salmon, have come while making oval trolling passes about 100 yards into and 200 yards out from the Cross/Mud TF. A day or two after ice out when water levels are
Jack Thibodeau of Portland displays a beauty of a brookie, while Bill Graves shows the Colonel Bates streamer that coaxed the strike while trolling Cross Lake last May.
high and a bit off-color and smelt are running, this is a killer location
for streamers. Oddly, bait fish imitators like (Continued on next page)
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Trolling around Goddard Brook inlet at the far end of Square Lake is the spot for big May brook trout, and Tom Wolters of Michigan visits every spring ice out.
Sleek silver salmon like this one Bill Graves is about to release keep May trolling rods bent and bouncing on Cross and Mud Lakes this month.
The County (Continued from page 31)
a Gray Ghost or Magog Smelt produce well, but a bright fly like the Redand-White or Ouananiche Sunset often yield more strikes in the dingy, debris-strewn water. Maybe Mud Beyond avoiding the heavier trolling traffic on Square and Long Lake, another advantage of fishing Cross is the chance to make a quick exploration to Mud Lake. During the first week or so after ice
out, there’s enough water flow to motor up the Cross/Mud TF rather than trailer your boat. It’s a bit tight under the Route 161 bridge, but doable, and my 21’ Maine Freighter canoe manages even when the water levels drop off. Most folks overlook Mud Lake unless they own a camp there, so pressure is light. Sometimes when fishing is slow on Cross Lake, I’ve enjoyed great luck on Mud.
Tom Tardiff of Blaine is a premiere fly tier, and this streamer produced strike after strike from trout in a small early ice out pond near Presque Isle. www.MaineSportsman.com
I recollect one visit when Mud Lake was still half-covered in ice, but we couldn’t troll along the ice edge without hooking a salmon. We released over a dozen fish in about 90 minutes using size 7 orange and perch colored Rapalas and Blue Devil, Morning Glory and Mickey Finn tandems. It’s always good to have a backup plan when spring trolling, and little Mud Lake can yield big action. Urban Edge Option For ice out anglers in the central Aroostook area – the Houl-
Many small neighborhood ponds and small lakes near Aroostook towns clear of ice a week or more before the big waters. Tom Tardiff of Blaine trolls streamers, and occasionally hooks two at a time.
ton to Caribou region – there are well over two dozen small lakes and ponds that will often be fishable a week or more before the large lakes clear. For fishermen who don’t have a boat and must fish from shore, check out Carry, Conroy, Portland, Logan, Arnold Brook, Number Nine and Mantle Lakes for a spot near you. If you’re within a 30 minute drive of Mapleton, Hanson Lake, located just off the north end of the Presque Isle airport, is a great option. Small boats and canoes can
Roger Shaw of Mars Hill dresses in layers for May trolling outings as the Aroostook wind, weather and water are all still chilling, but landing trout helps keep warm.
be launched, but it’s a small, tight, unmaintained ramp area. There are several easy to reach locales around Hanson where casting lures or bait and bobber rigs produce steady brook trout action from this well-stocked waterway. A quick outing before work or after supper usually guarantees a couple of tasty brookies for the breakfast frying pan. Look over DeLorme’s Atlas, Map 64, D-5 for location and best approach roads.
¶
Writer Bill Graves is fortunate to have 10 small lakes and ponds less than 30 minutes from his home in Presque Isle. Some are fishable in early May before the big waters clear of ice.
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Is the Fishing on the Allagash as Good as Some Say? How was the fishing this past winter along the Allagash Wilderness Waterway? Has the presence of rainbow smelt affected the whitefish population? Our writer checked in with other experts, and he provides us with the answers.
Aerial photo of Allagash Headquarters. Photo: MDIF&W
In May 1981, I moved into the Allagash Wilderness Waterway (AWW) headquarters, a log structure in T11R13 that overlooked Umsaskis Lake. At the time, Supervisor Myrle Scott was ”showing me the ropes” as we stood on the cabin’s front porch. Myrle pointed to a spot on the lake, and shared, “That’s ‘Togue Alley’.” All I could see were rolling waves of the huge blue surface, so I asked how to find the fishing hole. Myrle instructed, “Paddle your canoe along an imaginary line from the northeast corner of this porch toward that white rock across the way near the old Paquette Settlement. Once 100 feet offshore, triangulate your location between the porch and the rock. This can be done by visually following the ridge lines of Priestly Mountain, where the sloping terrains creates a V. “Set your anchor and bait your hook with a small live minnow. The movement of the swimming bait will attract bigger fish. Before long, you’ll pull up a good-sized lake trout.” As we headed back inside, he finished with, “I’ll leave my smoker here for you to use. Nothing better than smoked togue and a cold drink before supper.”
Has AWW Been Stocked with Non-native Fish? Later that summer, I discovered a 1950s letter from Al Nugent to Maine’s Fish and Game. In that dispatch, he asked the agency to stock white perch in Chamberlain Lake “so [his] sports would have something to catch.” I do not believe that request was ever acted upon. However, I remember a rumor that years earlier, rainbow smelt had been illegally stocked in Allagash Lake. So I asked my friend and respected retired Regional Biologist Paul Johnson if he knew of such an introduction. Here is Paul’s reply: “Based on the information I have reviewed, smelts are not native to the Allagash Wilderness Waterway lakes, or to any waters in the two watersheds that feed the Waterway. The initial documentation for them being present was the early 1960s, when the smelts were reported in Chamberlain Lake. I believe that Nuge [Al Nugent] made that report, but there is no record that IF&W personnel were responsible for stocking smelts or smelt eggs in any of the AWW lakes. “Smelts were first reported from Allagash Lake in the early 1970s. The belief is that the lake-whitefish population in the AWW watersheds has been adversely affected by the smelt introductions. Allagash, Chamberlain, and Telos lakes appear to be the exceptions, at least for now. “Lake whitefish were found in all the AWW lakes when they were first surveyed by IF&W – Allagash Lake in 1957, and the other lakes in 1958. Little Round Pond in T8R13 has not been formally surveyed, but if any lake-whitefish are there, they are likely drop-downs from Allagash Lake.”
Jigging on Chamberlain Lake. Photo courtesy of Barb Pineau-Robinson
During the winter of 1982-1983, my friends and I often jigged for whitefish at Leadbetter Brook. The limit was 8 fish a day, so we often competed to prove the better fisherman. It wouldn’t take long for one of us to limit out on the mild-flavored, sweet tasting fish.
Whitefish on the ice. Tim Caverly photo
One example of the number of smelts in the lakes occurred in the spring of 1982, when Ranger Brian Cain arrived at our home with a gift of smelts that he had hand-dipped off Allagash Lake’s Sandy Point. Today I recently spoke with IF&W biologist Tim Obrey about the whitefish population. Tim told me, “The numbers in Chamberlain and Allagash are still very good. It’s true, we suspect, smelt introductions have impacted whitefish populations across the state, but Chamberlain and Allagash seem to be exceptions. “The average size of whitefish harvested is around 16½ to 17 inches,” he continued. “The daily limit is currently 3 fish, with a 16-inch minimum length. People caught plenty, but there seemed to be less emphasis on taking a limit and more desire to release legal whitefish than in the past. That is related to the [lower] bag limit. “We don’t see a lot of anglers going to Chamberlain to target whitefish like we did 20 years ago. I think most anglers are primarily interested in catching a big brook trout, and to fish a line or two for lake trout or whitefish. My staff conducted a creel survey of Chamberlain this winter, and the fish looked good. However, angler-use was down, due to the lack of safe ice in January.” Tim Caverly has authored twelve books about Maine.
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34 • May 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————
Nymphing on the Wrong Side of the Stream Watching a fellow angler wade-fishing the opposite shoreline reeling in one nice river salmon after another was frustrating. Folks looking at my empty creel might call it jealousy. Often, our lines were within spitting distance of each other. He was doing something very right, and I obviously had no clue. Undaunted, as dark drew near I staked myself strategically along the only path exiting this midsized stream. It seemed like all I had to do was mug this guy, steal his fly box, and make a run for it. However, looking at the sizable angler as he made his way toward me forced a “Plan B.” I also quickly ruled out pick-pocketing his fly vest – not a skill I have.
I wanted to try Euro-nymphing, but I was suspicious of the “Euro” part of it. I mean after all, those are the folks whose steering wheels are on the right-hand sides of their cars!
The author has a passion for catching native brook trout in the region’s many nameless streams. A six foot three weight rod with a size 16 Pheasant Tail Nymph have been the components of his go-to set-up. He’s slowly trying to enter the world of Euro-nymphing, which calls for 10-foot rods and long leaders. Either way, he plans to have some fun chasing native brookies. Bill Sheldon photo
I casually stumbled into the middle of the path and struck up a conversation. Much to my relief, this oversized fly fisherman was friendly and will-
ing to share his highly successful strategy – almost. He had caught all those flashy silversides Euro-nymphing. He carried a long
10-foot, three-weight rod rigged with what looked like a saltwater reel. His leader looked a mile long, and had a “color sighter” at about water level.
He said the trick was getting to the bottom quickly, and the Europeans had figured out how to do that. My standard four weight dialed in with an indicator fly apparently wasn’t getting the job done. One secret he didn’t share caught my attention. Whether intentional or not, sometimes the important stuff gets left out. Armed with new-to-me information, I began formulating an updated nymphing strategy. Bugs on the Water While nailing down the exact best time to fish for salmonids in Katahdin Country, most would agree that the month of May dominates. I have good intel from the Matagamon Wilderness Campground that the week of the 17th has historically produced very well. Hatches, or “bugs on the water” as Jim Thibideau used to say, brings out anglers itching to fool colorful brook trout or flashy silversides with a dry fly. Watching a targeted fish slurp a handtied dry fly on a perfect drift puts a smile on a fly guy’s or gal’s face every time. Still, salmonids do most of their dining underwater. Options Galore Anglers have a lot of options to choose from when it comes to (Continued on next page)
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���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • May 2023 • 35 (Continued from page 34)
casting a line in the region. Baxter State Park alone has, at my last count, 41 “Heritage Fish” waters. But while bigname waters get most of the attention, don’t overlook the creeks, streams and small ponds along the way. A few years ago, Steve Carter and I decided to hike into Billfish Pond and spend a few days at the remote campsite located at the northern tip. A canoe comes with the campsite, so it’s really set up for anglers. It is possible to hike in and out of these ponds in a single day. However, we like to fish the evening hatch. By spending the night, we can walk in and out during full daylight. On both the way in and out of Billfish, the Five Ponds Trail skirts the edge of an unnamed, very small pond. Almost looked to us like a big mud hole. In a conversation with
the ranger on the way out, he told us that anglers were fishing that little hole and doing extremely well with native brookies. Both Webster Brook and the East Branch Penobscot River have storied fishing. Webster Brook requires a boat ride across Grand Lake Matagamon or some hiking along the Freezeout Trail. The East Branch Penobscot River has good access from where Grand Lake Road crosses it, and the Katahdin Woods and Waters trails make it accessible from their north lot parking area. Euro-Nymphing and Chariots So my decision to try Euro-nymphing came with some reservations. I’ve always been a short, lightweight rod guy, especially where the alders hang heavy across smaller streams. And I’m not knocking our friends in Eu-
rope, but they do seem to have their steering wheel on the wrong side of their vehicles. And, not in all of Europe, but in some areas, they drive on the wrong side of the road – very concerning. I’ve researched that out, and as near as I can tell, chariot drivers controlled their horses from the right side of their chariots and drove on the left side of the road. so as to have their right arm free to hold their lance at oncoming opponents. Being right-handed, I figured I was good to go for Euro rod nymphing. I’ll have to draw the line at navigating in the left lane. I’ll leave that to Europeans, and to folks who text while driving. The fly that gentleman was using caught my eye. Always pay attention to the business end of a fly rod. It was a beaded Prince Nymph. I noticed it
Wildlife Quiz Answers:
CATFISH (Brown Bullhead or Hornpout)
Brian Vandal shows the results of fishing a Woolly Bugger off the front seat of the author’s McKenzie River drift boat. It takes some experienced hands on the “sticks” to keep the boat in position while a good caster works the seams of moving water. Bill Sheldon photo
had not one, but two beads! He forgot to tell me that.
it.
Don’t worry, I’m on
¶
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(Quiz on Page 29)
1. Maine’s one native catfish species is the Brown Bullhead. 2. The typical length of the Brown Bullhead in Maine is 10 inches. 3. The Brown Bullhead’s coloration is dark brown to olive green on the back, with mottled sides, and a creamy white belly. 4. The “whiskers” or Barbels on a Brown Bullhead are used for finding food. 5. The Brown Bullhead’s range is from near the Hudson Bay in the north to the Gulf of Mexico
in the south, and from the Atlantic coast westward into the nation’s midsection. 6. Voracious eaters, bullheads eat worms, fish and fish eggs, insects, leeches, plants, crustaceans and even frogs. 7. Adult bullheads have few predators, due to their impressively sharp, venomous spines on their pectoral and dorsal fins. 8. The Largest Brown Bullhead ever caught weighed 7 pounds, 6 ounces, and was caught on Mahopac Lake, New York in 2009.
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36 • May 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————
Tick Prevention Tactics May is one of my favorite months. Weekends are filled with fly fishing, turkey hunting, and finding fiddleheads and morel mushrooms in the outdoors. But with all those adventures, we will be encountering ticks. Their Month According to the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Tick Lab, May is peak season for deer ticks. Sitting in hardwoods turkey hunting means you’re going to get ticks on you, but that doesn’t mean you have to get bit. Since ticks are here to stay, we have to learn how to deal with them. The old saying, “the best defense is a good offense” couldn’t be truer when it comes to ticks. Permethrin Each season, in addition to my turkey hunting clothing and gear, I designate two pairs of jeans, socks, shoes/ boots and t-shirts as my adventure gear that get treated with permethrin. Hang the garments outside and with plenty of ventilation to avoid inhalation, give them a good spray, and leave to dry. Cover the entire garment, but concentrate on the neckline and hem of the shirt, and the waistline and ankles of the pants.
The author in her turkey gear. Her pants are tucked inside her boots to keep ticks out. www.MaineSportsman.com
Here are the commonsense steps you can take to leave ticks in the woods, and not bring them back with you into your truck or home. The treatment lasts for 6 weeks of sun exposure, or 6 washings. The manufacturer recommends storing out of sunlight to preserve the treatment. It’s important to know that you only treat clothing and gear with permethrin – never spray it on your skin. For Your Skin In addition to permethrin, a good deet or picaridin spray used on exposed skin is essential, not just for ticks, but all the other biting insects out there. According to a leading consumer magazine, “products containing 25 to 30 percent deet or 20 percent picaridin typically provide at least several hours of protection. Any more than that, and you’re increasing your exposure without improving the repellency.” It’s recommended that you wash insect repellent off once indoors, or at least before bedtime. I often find ticks at my ankles, my waist and my neck. To reduce chances of getting bitten, I do the following: • Once dressed, wrap pant legs snuggly around ankles and pull socks over pants. • Wear boots of at least shin height, so that pants stay tucked in socks. • Layer clothing. I wear a tank top under my t-shirt. The tank is tucked in, and the treated t-shirt is untucked. • Wear long hair in a braid or bun if possible. I have found that a ponytail allows for hitchhikers more easily. If you are in and out of your vehicle throughout the day, do a quick tick check before climbing back in. At the end of the day, a tick check is necessary. Just like muddy boots, leave your tick clothes at the door. Check clothing over before putting them into a gear bag for the next use, or place in the washing machine if it’s time for a wash. Inspect for ticks, paying attention to hairline, arm pits, back of legs, and the groin area. For those with long hair, I rec-
ommend brushing your hair and really feeling over the scalp for hidden ticks. If possible, use the buddy system and have someone help you check, since it’s easy to miss tiny ticks. Remember to keep your pets treated and to check them before letting them onto furniture or onto your bed. On more than one occasion, I’ve found a tick on my dog’s face, or I’ve awoke with a tick on me that wasn’t there before I went to bed. If you do find a tick attached, remove it as soon as possible, since the longer a tick stays attached, the greater the risk is for developing Lyme disease or one of a number of conditions no one wants. If you develop a rash or ring around the bite area, or feel ill, call your doctor to see if you need treatment. A regimen of prevention will reduce your chances of getting bitten, and will ease your concerns when it’s time to get out there. There are too many adventures to be had, and I’m not about to let ticks take away my time in the outdoors. Just remember – it won’t be long before blackflies, midges, mosquitoes, horseflies, bees, hornets and brown-tail moths are here, so what’s a little tick?
¶
Aaron and Brody Soucy after a successful turkey hunt. Spring turkey hunters are especially prone to encountering ticks, since waiting for a big tom to come along involves blending into the grass, bushes and trees where ticks hang out.
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Buck Antlers and Brookies – Combining Springtime Woods Activities by Ben Allen
Don’t be single-focused in your outdoor activities. Follow a stream looking for trout pools in the spring, and you’re just as likely to discover a deerrich area that will pay off in the fall. As May arrives, my thoughts change over to springtime scenes and activities – bubbling trout pools and antler-hunting spots that need to be explored. One of my favorite spots often provides a combination of these activities. It starts with a seemingly-insignificant little trout stream, but its character changes as you walk a good distance upstream. All of a sudden, the woods surrounding you change from open hardwoods to a mixture of cedar and mature hemlocks. Here, the stream splashes over a series of mini-waterfalls that each have deep pools often holding some amazing wild Maine brook trout. It was at one of these pools on an early spring day that I found my first deer shed. It was a small antler, but it’s still one of my favorites. Follow the Signs A few years later, when I really got into shed hunting, it dawned on me that I should check out that spot again. When I went back and started to investigate, I realized that the trout stream led me right
into a very large deer wintering yard. Not only that, but it soon became apparent from the old sign I was seeing that this area held some nice bucks in the fall. So naturally, I made my way in there during deer season. I never did take a buck out of that piece of woods, but I experienced some exciting hunts. Each one of these adventures started with a walk along that little trout stream, and I usually ended up crossing it multiple times during the day while on a buck’s trail. Trout Pool One time while I was shed hunting along a well-used deer trail, I discovered an old beaver dam the deer were using to cross the stream. The pool on the downstream side of the dam has consistently produced some of the nicest trout in this long stretch of water. It’s important to mark these spots when you encounter them. While walking along a deer trail this fall in the north Maine woods, I discovered a promising trout pool. In the past I would never have taken the time to mark a spot
As the snow recedes, shed antlers make their appearance. Ben Allen photos
like this on my OnX or GPS, because I was deer hunting and assumed I’d remember where to come back to. However, by the end of a season, places like that may simply be memories, so from now on I’ll take the time to make a waypoint. This not only allows me to plan a route back in, but it also gives me a visual reminder of where deer like to cross that stream for future hunts.
Make certain to include family members in your springtime woods adventures — the memories will last forever.
deer hunting spots. If this sounds like fun to you, dig out your trout pole, and go hit up a stream that leads into some big woods. Pack a sandwich, and be sure to bring your compass, in case you find yourself wandering away from the stream. So get out and explore. The more places you know where to
fish or hunt, the better your chances are of becoming consistently successful. If possible, combine activities like brook fishing and shed hunting, and maybe you’ll find your next favorite spot. Hal Blood’s Thoughts Ben, like me, is (Big Woods World continued on page 39)
Family Time I’m looking forward to getting back there with my wife and daughters to see what kind of memories we can make. While we are sitting down to a shore lunch, I’ll undoubtedly be telling the story of how I found this spot. For me, brook trout fishing is a great way to get exercise in the off season and to explore new shed and www.MaineSportsman.com
38 • May 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————
Big Racks, or Big Bodies? Unfortunately, a severe back injury and surgery forced me to miss the hugely successful State of Maine Sportsman’s Show this year. I always look forward to the show and to conversing with sportsmen, especially deer hunters. While this year’s show was going on, I couldn’t help but reminisce about my interactions with deer hunters who attend my trophy whitetail seminars. A question that comes up often is, “Which one is most important to you – the size of the rack, or the
When he was 23, the author declared he was going to earn 10 Biggest Bucks patches by the time he was 60. He is 6/10ths of the way to that goal, with seven years to go. His Maine patch bucks dressed at 205 lbs., 206, 209, 206, 216 and 223. He bowhunted a buck in Iowa that dressed at 270 lbs., but you don’t get a Maine patch for an Iowa deer. dressed weight of the buck?” The first time a sportsman asked this question, I struggled to answer it effectively. My first patch buck means a lot to me. First, I killed the buck in his bed. I still-hunted silently on a cold, crisp, calm
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morning, and was able to sneak to within 35 yards of the sleeping deer when I killed him. Not only am I proud of my hunting skills that day, but I am also proud because that year was the first year I decided to hold out for a mature buck. Everything worked that season, and I was rewarded with my first 200-pounder.
His 9-point rack is nice, but he’s no giant of the whitetail world. Don’t get me wrong, a 130 class whitetail is a great example of a mature Maine buck. In fact, he’s a buck I’d shoot today, if he walked by. However, under most circumstances, a 150 class buck would make me much happier.
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What Counts as a “Big Rack”? During my seminars, I emphasize shooting mature bucks and not passing bucks that are typical of other adult bucks killed in our state. How do we determine what a “good example” is? In my case, I learned by visiting deer lockers (butcher shops) and by conducting house-tohouse deer checks in the mid to late 1990s while working for DIF&W. A 140” typical rack is required to make The Maine Antler & Skull Trophy Club (MASTC). 135” for the awards book. MASTC was started in 1978, with the goal of honoring and recording the biggest game in the state of Maine. By that thinking, a 140” or better typical buck is among the biggest taken each year, and not necessarily a “typical example” of a big, Maine buck. A typical buck scoring 165” or better should be enough to earn a top 100 among Maine’s all-time harvested bucks. Deer hunters who’ve seen or held a 160 class buck, have experienced a true giant. Bucks of this size are considered world-class animals. For deer hunters serious in their pursuit of giant bucks, a rack of these proportions should be very satisfying. In my 31 years of hunting Maine, my three largest bucks score between 146” and 156”. (Continued on next page)
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Joe’s biggest 8-point. The buck dressed just under 200 pounds, but that rack grossed over 146”. (Continued from page 38)
What About Those Big Bodied Maine Bucks? Outside of Maine and New England, I don’t believe I’ve ever heard hunters focus on the dressed weight of deer, the way we do here. I saw my first Biggest Bucks in Maine Patch in 1993, while working a deer check station in Bingham. A veteran hunter pulled in with a great buck. He had a green wool jacket on with nine red patches on it. As he stepped out of the truck, he greeted us by saying, “This should get me my tenth patch.” I had to ask biologist, Doug Kane what the hunter was referring to. After Doug explained, I responded by saying, “My goal is to kill 10 patch bucks before I turn 60.” Doug’s response, “You’ll be lucky to get one.” Well, that was 30 years ago. I’m now 53 and earned six of those ten patches. Will I make it to ten? That remains to be seen. What I can tell you is, I still love those heavy-bodied bucks. My heaviest buck to date wasn’t shot in Maine. I shot an Iowa buck in 2016 that dressed around 270 pounds. His rack was nice, grossing at 144” and I took the deer
This big patch club 10-pointer dressed over 200 pounds, and made the MASTC with a gross score over 156”.
with my bow, which makes him more special. However, there’s no Maine patch for Iowa bucks. My Maine patch bucks dressed 205, 206, 209, 206, 216 and 223, respectively. Unfortunately, I haven’t killed a patch buck since 2014. In the years since then, I’ve passed on bucks that dressed over
200 pounds, because their antlers weren’t big enough. One was a small 7-point the neighbor killed, which dressed 201 pounds. A different neighbor killed the other. Its 8-point rack was barely 100”, but it dressed 204 pounds. I really do want to reach my goal of 10 patches; however, I’m guessing it’ll be a tall
Big Woods World (Continued from page 37)
a wanderer of the woods. Whatever there is to do in the woods, we will find the time to be in there doing it. Most people are single-focused, meaning that whatever
This big 10-point dressed 216 pounds near the end of the firearms season and gross scored over 156”.
order while passing bucks with racks under 130”. The heaviest Maine buck ever killed is the Hinkley buck. That buck was killed in 1955 by Horace Hinkley. It tipped the scales at 355 pounds. The rack was never officially scored, but had a reported 12 scoreable points and likely scored in the 140”
activity they are engaged in, they are solely focused on that activity. Ben and I are always looking for anything going on in the woods. I have found great deer hunting spots while moose hunting, and vice versa. I find new places to hunt and fish while riding around on my snowmobile in the winter.
range. It’s not a buck I’d pass anywhere in the country. The answer is clear. I love the big racks more than big bodies. However, I just booked a hunt in Saskatchewan for 2024. My goal is a 145” buck that dresses 250 pounds or better. Maybe I do want both?
¶
Maybe I’ll find a moose antler, but the mission always turns up something else new. Don’t be single-focused in your outdoor activities. There is plenty to be learned in the outdoors, as long as you take the time to absorb your surroundings.
¶
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40 • May 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————
— The Maine
2022 GRAND SLA
The Maine Sportsman’s G “An Association of Hunters Who Have Taken a Turkey
Jaxson Desjardins of Jackman earned his Maine Sportsman “Grand Slam” patch in 2022. Jaxson, age 12, was accompanied on the hunts by his father Jeff. His first of the four trophies was the largest -- this 776-lb. bull moose, harvested in T12 R17 WELS. Then came a 182-lb. black bear from Thorndike Twp; a whitetail deer from Dennistown; and a wild turkey from Moose River. All four animals were registered and certified at Bishop’s Store.
Gracie Elizabeth Feeney of Rangeley earned her Grand Slam patch in 2022. Already a seasoned hunter at 15 years old, she bagged a 222-lb. black bear in Beattie on August 31, 2022; a buck in Rangeley on October 7; a 675-lb. bull moose on October 13 in Russell Township; and this impressive tom turkey on October 22, in Rangeley. www.MaineSportsman.com
Logan Estes of Sinclair had a busy fall hunting season in 2022, and for his skill and efforts he earned a Maine Sportsman “Grand Slam” patch. He bagged a black bear in Van Buren; a wild turkey in Wells; a 785-lb. bull moose in Cyr Plantation; and a whitetail buck in Wells. Congratulations, Logan!
Boden Fenderson of Cornish had a great year hunting in 2022, and earned a Grand Slam patch in the process. He started the year with a 20-lb. turkey in Hiram, then successfully hunted this 185-lb. black bear in Denmark. He completed the 4-part qualification with an 850-lb. bull moose taken in Allagash, and a whitetail buck in Newfield. Boden was accompanied by Maine Sportsman subscriber Brandon Fenderson. Nice job, Boden!
LAST NAME
FIRST NAME
CITY/TOWN
STATE
Aultman
Jonathan
Sumrall
MS
Beane **
Myranda
Moscow
ME
Bradford **
Colt
Hampden
ME
Brown **
Natalie
Unity
ME
Cash
Robert W.
Otisfield
ME
Charles **
Weston A.
E. Baldwin
ME
Clark
Katelin
Windsor
ME
Condon
Michael
Ashland
ME
Cote
Jacob J.
Connor Twp
ME
Currier
Colby
Milford
ME
Curtis **
Gage R.
Solon
ME
Desjardins **
Jaxson
Jackman
ME
Derr
Jesse
Ellsworth
ME
Dowling
Charles
Addision
ME
Dufour
Donald
Ft Fairfield
ME
Dunn
Tony
Mt Vernon
ME
Erickson **
Brexton
Florence
VT
Estes**
Logan
Sinclair
ME
Feeney **
Gracie E
Rangeley
ME
Fenderson ** Boden
Cornish
ME
Findlay
Brandyn
Bucksport
ME
Folino
Ernest P
Wales
ME
Franck
Shawn
Steep Falls
ME
Gebhardt
Brooke
N Berwick
ME
Gardiner
Wayne
Searsport
ME
Harmon **
Bayleigh Jo W Baldwin
ME
Harwood
Julian T.
Manchester
ME
Hyler
Wayne
Warren
ME
**Indicates hunter
Check out more 2022 Grand Slam
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Sportsman —
AM PATCH CLUB
Grand Slam Patch Club – y, Bear, Moose and Deer in the Same Calendar Year” LAST NAME
FIRST NAME
CITY/TOWN
STATE
Johnson
Garth
Stockholm
ME
Larrabee **
Alex
Deer Isle
ME
Legendre
Jason
Berwick
ME
Magoon **
Mallorie
Aurora
ME
Mason IV **
James L
W Paris
ME
Matthews **
Cullen J
Newport
ME
Miller **
Wyatt A
Hiram
ME
Nadeau **
Blaine
Dennistown
ME
Peat
Whitney
Greenville
ME
Peirce **
Emily
Albion
ME
Pelletier
Troy
Ft Kent
ME
Pepin
Isaac
Acton
ME
Pono
Paul
Skowhegan
ME
Ramsay
Ryan
Addison
ME
Reinhard
Sadie
Naples
ME
Robinson
Travis
Augusta
ME
Shea
William
Hiram
ME
Smith
Mark A
Bucksport
ME
Soper
Dennis
Orland
ME
Strout
Richard A
Gray
ME
Sylvester III
Thomas
The Forks Plt
ME
Vachon
Steve
Buxton
ME
Varney
Hayden
Portage
ME
Warren
John P
Smithfield
ME
Whited **
William J
Bridgewater
ME
Whitney **
Kaden
Poland
ME
Wilkins **
Michael
Strong
ME
Winston
Matthew
Hope
ME
was 16 or younger
m Patch Club photos pages 43 & 65!
Brexton Erickson of Florence, VT traveled to Maine and accomplished the rare feat of a Grand Slam, all within a period of less than three weeks. He shot a black bear on September 27, 2022 in Charleston, in Penobscot County. Then, hunting solely in Roxbury, in Oxford County, he bagged an 810lb. bull moose on October 10 (shown in photo); a wild turkey on October 11; and a whitetail deer on October 13. He was accompanied on the hunts by his father, Brett Erickson.
Shawn Franck of Steep Falls took this 177-lb buck on November 9, 2022 while hunting in Standish. Earlier in the year, he harvested a 649-lb. bull moose in Van Buren, a 154-lb. black bear in Standish, and an 18-lb. 2 oz. tom turkey in Buxton. These accomplishments within a calendar year earned Shawn membership in The Maine Sportsman’s Grand Slam patch club.
Mallorie Magoon of Aurora harvested this big tom turkey last spring, and then traveled the state to continue her successful quest for membership in the Grand Slam patch club, with a bear from Fryeburg, a 710-lb bull moose from Allagash, and a whitetail deer from Harrington, in Washington County.
Wayne Gardiner of Searsport, shown here with Kelly Murphy, successfully hunted this 143-lb. black bear in Sullivan on August 29, 2022. He had already taken a spring season wild turkey in Unity, and he followed up with a 675-lb. bull moose from T14 R15 WELS, and a whitetail buck in Frankfort, to qualify for membership in the Grand Slam patch club. www.MaineSportsman.com
42 • May 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————
Henry Releases Innovative Semi-Auto Carbine With 200 models and variations of rifles and shotguns on offer, Henry Repeating Arms Company now manufactures more lever actions than anyone else, and is among the most successful arms makers thus far into the 21st century. Marlin, once a powerhouse, is now a subsidiary of Ruger, slowly rebuilding its product line. Savage quit making the famous Model 99 years ago, and Winchester now offers just the Model 94 lever ac-
The new Henry Arms “Homesteader” shoots 9mm pistol cartridges, meaning it’s not designed for big game or distance shooting. But for farmers or ranchers overrun with varmints, or for those who want protection around their home, it offers versatility and capacity. tion. Headquartered in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, Henry dominates the market for lever action guns, making everything from beginner-suitable diminutive .22 rimfire, .17 HMR varmint rifles,
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bright and shiny brass-framed western classics, and reproductions of its namesake from the 1860s. And they do manufacture large frame hunting rifles in such calibers as .223, .243, 6.5mm Creedmore, .308, .3030, and .45-70, as well. To round out the line-up, Henry makes lever-action and sin-
gle-shot shotguns, as well as a cut-down “pistol” called the Mare’s Leg. Up to now, Henry’s only semi-automatic venture has been a remake of the U. S. Air Force A-7 .22 rimfire survival rifle. The A-7 breaks down, and its components fit into the oversized stock for storage and flotation—
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should the need arise. Named for but not otherwise connected to Benjamin Tyler Henry or his company that made the first repeating rifle in 1860, Henry Repeating Arms blazed its own trail since its 1996 founding in Brooklyn, New York. Today, the company employs 600 people at sites in Wisconsin and New Jersey. Its total output makes the Henry Company among the top five producers of firearms in the United States. For 2023, the company decided to diverge from its classic and western heritage roots and embark on a different product line. The “Homesteader,” launched this year, is designed and engineered to be versatile, or, as the company says in its own literature, “to effortlessly go from bedside protector to varmint-patrolling ranch hand and back again at the end of the day.” Light and Lithe The Homesteader is a semi-automatic carbine that weighs in at 6.6 pounds, and its blue steel barrel is just 16.37 inches long. The overall length of the Homesteader is less than 36 inches, making it both agile in handling and quick to come on target. The barrel carries a 1:10 twist, and the muzzle is threaded and suppressor-ready. The anodized aluminum receiver houses (Continued on next page)
���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • May 2023 • 43 (Continued from page 42)
ambidextrous bolt controls. In an increasingly rare move today, Henry shaped both the stock and forearm from American walnut, sealed for durability. Other features include a tang-mounted, thumb activated safety switch, sling swivel studs, and a recoil pad. The Homesteader comes with an adjustable rear aperture sight and a removable front sight post. For anyone wanting to add optics, the Homesteader arrives from the factory drilled and tapped for popular Weaver 63B bases. For business, the Homesteader fires the 121-year-old 9mm Luger (9mm Parabellum) pistol cartridge. Since the U.S. military adopted this cartridge in 1985, joining the rest of our NATO allies, the 9mm has shot to the top of the popularity charts in the
New for 2023, the Henry Homesteader is a smart, sleek and versatile little carbine. Photo credit: Henry Repeating Arms
United States. Readily available and handling a variety of bullets from 100 grains up to 147 grains, it is popular with police organizations and suitable for short-range small game hunting. Technically a handgun cartridge, the 9mm achieves enhanced performance in a platform such as the Homesteader. Quoting company literature again, “The longer sight radius (when compared to a handgun) is far more accurate at distance and forgiving of mistakes.” Henry supplies both a five- and a tenround magazine with each Homesteader. They also offer addi-
tional magazines and some as yet unique options that, for now, put the Homesteader in a class by itself. Real Innovation What sets the Homesteader apart at this moment rests in Henry’s development of adapters for the magazine well. A simple bit of molded plastic now makes it possible to use other magazines with the Homesteader. Add to the five- and tenround Henry magazines the double-stack magazines for the Glock G17 and G19, the P320 by Sig-Sauer, and the Smith & Wesson M&P. Henry has ren-
dered the Homesteader far more versatile, and volumetrically increased its firepower. For now they are unchallenged in this regard, and they have opened potential new markets among owners of Glock, SIG, and M&P pistols – an intriguing step for sure. As a field gun, the Homesteader has limitations. The 9mm cartridge is strictly a small-game-only choice. But for those who want to shoot a lot; for homeowners plagued by porcupines; or for boat or airplane owners, farmers, or others who want some extra protection, the Homesteader offers an exceptional choice.
The Homesteader’s adjustable aperture sight permits rapid target acquisition, especially in low-light situations.
Equipped with Henry’s five-and tenround magazines, the Homesteader MSRP rings in at $928. Outfitted with adapter and double stack magazines, the suggested price increases to $959. Of course, the adapters and additional magazines may be purchased separately. Looking ahead, a more powerful version of the Homestead might enhance its utility in places such as Maine. A carbine in .44 Magnum, .480 Ruger, or .500 Smith & Wesson opens the door to more hunting, and what sportsman could dispute that?
¶
— The Maine Sportsman —
2022 GRAND SLAM PATCH CLUB Continued from pages 40-41. More photos on page 65!
At 10 years old, Alex Larrabee of Deer Isle is already an accomplished hunter, having earned his Grand Slam with this 7-point buck from his home town, as well as a big tom turkey from Brooklin, a bear from Silver Ridge Twp, and a moose from T9 R4. Alex was accompanied by his father, Jason Larrabee.
William Shea of Hiram earned his Maine Sportsman’s “Grand Slam” patch for his successes last season. His trophies included this 898-lb. bull moose, shot in T19 R11, and a 232.5-lb. “Biggest Buck” whitetail harvested in Hiram.
As shown here, Emily Peirce of Albion had a successful wild turkey season. She followed that up by taking a sow bear in Upper Enchanted Township, a bull moose in T6 R12, and a whitetail buck in her hometown, to earn entry into the Maine Sportsman’s Grand Slam patch club. www.MaineSportsman.com
44 • May 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————
Fishing Superstitions and Hunting Rituals We outdoorsmen are eternal optimists, always full of hope. We’ve all said it, at least to ourselves: One more cast. Five more minutes. My lucky fly will do the trick. Maybe your lucky fly was the key to success, or maybe you were skunked and blamed your friend for bringing a banana on the boat. We all have good luck charms and rituals. NFL Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes admitted he wears the same pair of lucky red Lululemon underwear every game day, and winning the Superbowl is all the scientific proof we need to accept that it works. Below are some common fishing superstitions and hunting rituals. Incorporate them in your future endeavors for more success! *Knock on wood!* Fishing Superstitions -- Bad Luck Bananas – The most subscribed-to fishing superstition is that bananas bring poor fishing, poor weather, and/or boat problems.
Is it bad luck to bring bananas aboard a boat? Is it good luck to bring pineapples? If your shot at a deer misses cleanly, will your hunting buddies mark the occasion by making you cut off your shirt tail? Our author unravels these and many more outdoors superstitions and rituals. Whistling – Sailors believe that whistling on a boat will whistle up the wind and bad weather. Renaming a Boat – According to legend, it’s bad luck to rename a boat, because Poseidon and Neptune keep track of every boat’s name. There is a way to rename a boat, however, and it consists of a formal renaming ceremony that involves lots of champagne. Women – Women (but not the ship’s figurehead on the bow of the boat) were considered bad luck. But clearly that ship has sailed. Fishing Superstitions -- Good luck Pineapples – Pineapples are believed to bring calm seas and good fishing. That’s why Wicked Tuna’s Pinwheel is covered with them. This superstition began in the Caribbean, where fishermen would put pineapples on the bow of their boats.
Many sailors consider it bad luck to bring bananas on board, and stickers like this are intended to put guests on notice. Source: Salmon River Fly Box
There are several explanations for this belief. One, it wasn’t uncommon for venomous spiders to hide in banana bunches. Another theory is that because bananas ripen quickly, boats carrying them had to travel quickly, meaning there wasn’t time for the crew to fish, and thus no fish were caught. Others claim that when a boat carrying bananas sank, all that was left at the scene were floating bananas. www.MaineSportsman.com
As seen by the pineapple situated strategically on deck, the crew of Pinwheel Fishing Team believe the fruit will bring them good luck in their pursuit of big tuna. Source: National Geographic network’s broadcast of “Wicked Tuna”
Make an Offering – Another superstition involves tossing a coin or pouring a
Throw a coin into the water (or pour a shot of alcohol over the side) to honor the gods Poseidon and Neptune, and you’re destined to catch fish like this every time. Photo of Mickenzee Prentiss by Christi Holmes
shot of alcohol overboard, as an offering to the fishing gods. Whatever you want – A lucky lure, hat, song, number, or growing facial hair, all can bring good luck. Try different things, and find what works for you! Final note on fishing luck: Studies have shown that people who believe they have good luck, have more success. Maybe it’s because you’re more focused while fishing your lucky lure, but regardless – the power of positive thinking is real! Hunting Rituals Anglers may be the superstitious bunch, but hunters are ritualistic. Below are a few of the more common ones, many of which derive from an effort to honor the animal. • When a hunter shoots their first deer, blood is smeared on his or her face. This ritual dates back to 700 A.D. as a tribute to Saint Hubert, the patron saint of hunters. • Many hunters eat the heart of their quarry first. This tradition is attributed to Native Americans who believed that by eating the heart, they are both honoring, and gaining strength and courage from, the animal. • Some hunters place a fresh twig in the mouth of the animal. This tradition originated in Europe, and is known as letzebissen or “the last bite.” In addition to placing a twig in the mouth of the animal, the animal is laid on a bed of leaves, and a sprig is placed in the hunter’s hat. • When a hunter misses a deer, he or she has to cut off their shirt tail. (Maine Sportswoman continued on page 47)
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The St. John River: the King of Maine Canoe Trips in May The Allagash Wilderness Waterway (AWW) is rightfully famous for the canoe tripping experience it offers to paddlers from around the world. Even Mainers consider the AWW to be the trip of a lifetime. But a few miles northwest of the Allagash and running parallel to the northward course of the more famous waterway, is the St. John. It’s an even wilder, more remote and more challenging trip that should hold the number one spot in any canoeist’s wish list for a trip during the month of May. No Bad Choices Plenty of people will disagree with that statement. Trout fishermen, for instance, will correctly point out that the upper St. John is infested with muskies and hasn’t had a reliable trout population in many years. Campers will argue that because the St. John is not patrolled and maintained by waterway rangers, like those assigned to the Allagash, the campsites are rougher and less numerous than those on
The St. John River offers wild and remote paddling. All photos by the author
the more-famous river. The ranger camps, spaced strategically along the length of the AWW, provide a sense of security and peace of mind for wilderness travelers. They are missing on the St. John. In addition, the Allagash can boast of two private sporting camps that provide refuge for canoeists, one at Chamberlain Lake (Nugent’s) and another at Round Pond (Jalbert’s). All of this is fair. The two rivers are different. At the same time both are magnificent. And this month, there are no bad choices between the two for a great canoe-camping experience in northern Maine. But for paddlers and polers who want the purest river experience, the most challenging water, the strongest sense
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of remote, uncrowded backcountry – May is the month for the St. John. River vs. Lake The headwaters of the Allagash are populated with huge lakes that pose both a blessing and a challenge to spring canoe trippers. Those vast reservoirs mean that, with the help of dams at Telos, Churchill and Chamberlain Lakes, the waterway can maintain navigable water throughout the summer months. This reliable water level is part of what makes the AWW so popular. But the lakes also can be a nuisance to canoeists. A windless day in Northern Maine during the month of May is a rare thing indeed. A headwind on one of these lakes can keep a party shore-bound for hours or sometimes days at a time. A strong crosswind can be just as much trouble. Allagash guides often plan shorter trips that avoid the open-water exposure to windy headwater lakes – particularly in early spring. Meanwhile, the St. John is an almost pure
river trip. Tiny Baker Lake is the biggest body of water on the river. It’s also the most popular put-in point for canoe trippers. The next 100 mile stretch downstream is nothing but wild, undammed river, with all the twist, turns, rapids and unexpected thrills that such an idea implies. I love lake paddling as much as the next canoeist. But an uninterrupted wild river is a special experience. Ecosystem vs. Beauty Strip More than 50 years ago, the AWW was designed with the goal to create a place “where present and future generations may experience a primitive northwoods canoeing adventure.” The result was a long, narrow, sinuous, semi-protected strip of land along the riverbanks and lakeshores of the waterway. In some places, the protected area is only 500 feet wide. It was a revolutionary idea in its time. And Mainers are still battling over what the government’s “wilderness” designation means.
Thirty years later, ideas about international conservation were transitioning from efforts to preserve micro experiences, into attempts to preserve entire ecosystems. In 1998, The Nature Conservancy, a private, non-profit organization, bought 200,000 acres of the upper St. John watershed. More than 35 miles of river frontage was protected by the purchase. Eighty thousand acres was designated as reserve land, to remain untouched by human intervention, for purposes of scientific study and natural preservation. It was the largest purchase that the Nature Conservancy had ever made. And it rocked the world of land conservation. The result is a protected river corridor that is much wider, much wilder and more remote than on the Allagash. Untamed Whitewater vs. Controlled Dam Releases Most of the AWW is comprised of lakes and the flatwater sections connecting them. The exception is Chase Rapids below Churchill Dam. Here the river level is maintained by dam releases to accommodate canoeists. The run’s difficulty and character doesn’t change significantly from year to year or season to sea(Self-Propelled continued on page 47)
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46 • May 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————
This Off-Road Traveler is Built for Comfort The old blues singer Howlin’ Wolf sang the song “Built for Comfort,” and I remember hearing the words as a teenager. When he belted out the line, “I ain’t built for speed – I’m built for comfort,” I kind of related to what he was layin’ down, if you know what I mean. I am the kind of person who would rather ride in comfort, and at a slower pace, than speed on down the road in an uncomfortable manner. I don’t get too excited about speed unless I’m being pursued by a
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Stock truck and SUV suspensions are often either too soft for off-roading, or too firm for highway driving. One approach is a leveling suspension kit, which increases clearance and provides a more versatile and accommodating ride over a wide variety of road and off-road surfaces. hungry grizzly bear. When I was in high school, everyone cruised around in their parents’ vehicles, and each of my buddies would rate the ride. Some of my high school buddies lived in very high-dollar parts of the county, and their parents often drove equally high-dollar vehicles.
So we were able to rate Lincolns, Cadillacs, several nice Buicks, and all sorts of loaded Chevrolets, Dodges, Fords, and other domestic and imported cars and trucks. The Cadillac took the highest honors, with a Lincoln Town Car coming in a close second. When it came to putting a long drive
together with my buddies, we always tried to get the Cadillac owner to bribe his parents into letting us take their nice car. Obscure Differences When it comes to riding comfort, feeling the difference between mediocre comfort and highly exceptional comfort can be hard to
define. On short road trips, where smooth pavement covers the surface, most folks won’t even notice a difference in comfort. Long trips on pavement are a different story, as well as any trip that includes gravel or dirt roads featuring potholes, ruts, washouts, and water bars. The rough trails call for a vehicle with a strong suspension that can handle the bumps and ruts that come with off-road travel. My Tacoma came with the standard suspen(Continued on next page)
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sion and gave me a terrible ride as soon as I got off the pavement. After I had a “Rough Country” Leveling Kit and Suspension installed (roughcountry. com), I could feel the difference in off-road comfort with every mile of travel. On smooth pavement, even a poor-quality vehicle can sometime offer a nice, comfortable ride. Try taking that same vehicle for a long-distance drive (like eight to twelve hours a day), and anyone will notice a huge difference in driving comfort. I have family back in Michigan, and my wife and I have routinely traveled the 18-hour drive over the years. I’ve traveled that same route in various vehicles, and the ultimate comfort came from our big old Cadillac.
After driving that plush car all day long, I would hop out of the driver’s seat and (I swear) it felt like I had just driven for an hour or less. I’m sure it had a lot to do with the awesome suspension system, coupled with some excellent tires, but I think a lot of the comfort came in the seating and silence of that beautiful machine. That Cadillac was built to ride extremely quietly, and everyone on board would tell you, “I can’t feel a single bit of the road as we’re cruising down the highway.” Off Road Comfort When folks purchase a vehicle for off-road traveling, comfort isn’t usually what they are after. Most will agree – what you want is something that can plow through the roughest terrain; a vehicle that has some guts, and lots of traction.
Maine Sportswoman (Continued from page 44)
• Some hunters hang the buck’s scrotum from a tree branch near the gut
Well, back a few years ago I had just purchased my 2010 Tacoma and really enjoyed the comfortable ride it offered. When my back went out at the beginning of bird season, I figured I could still ride around hunting birds in the truck, even if I could hardly walk more than ten to twenty steps without extreme pain. I went ahead and hit the logging roads with my trusty Vizsla hunting dog, Ginger, and paid the price. I bounced around all day in that truck the first week or so of hunting season, and vowed to replace the suspension with something else to see if it might make a difference. After the “Rough Country” Leveling Suspension Kit was installed, I almost cried with glee – what a huge difference the kit made when traveling back roads, as well
The author’s 2010 Toyota Tacoma provides a smooth off-road ride with “Rough Country’s” suspension leveling kit. William Clunie photo
as on pavement. Even with a set of off-road tires installed, the ride was wonderfully smooth. My wife drove my Tacoma from Dixfield to Augusta and back and remarked, “I didn’t even notice anything about the ride … it was so very comfortable.” On the opposite end of the off-road spectrum, I had an older-model 4-door American-made pickup that rode like a charm on pavement.
As soon as the wheels hit dirt, however, that wonderful experience turned into a bit of a carnival ride – bouncing and rocking like a small sailboat on the high sea. So, if I acquire a vehicle in the future that rides a little rougher than usual, I’m going with an improved suspension kit and the best tires around – I don’t want anything spoiling my days afield.
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pile. I’m not sure where this ritual came from, but I have stumbled upon this scene in the woods. Whatever the superstition or ritual, I’m sure we all agree that the most important tradition is to make a quick kill, and always show respect for the
animal. What good luck item, superstition or ritual do you practice? Email them to christiholmes87@gmail.com, and we’ll include a few in the “Letters to the Editor” section in a future issue.
Loaded and ready to head onto the river.
Watching for obstacles on the St. John.
ticed by paddlers in very high water. At low water, the same rapid might find us dragging boats through shallow shoals. In some places, medium water can be the most difficult condition – requiring technical maneuvering to avoid midstream obstructions – on what would otherwise be easy rapids. And to make things even more complicated, conditions can change dramatically overnight, or any time there
is significant rainfall. Water levels can rise more than a vertical foot in a few hours – and they can fall just as quickly. All of this uncertainty and wildness is what makes the St. John king. It’s all about canoeing for 100 miles without really knowing what might be around the next bend.
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Self-Propelled (Continued from page 45)
son. For a small fee, rangers at Churchill Dam will shuttle your canoe and gear around Chase Rapids. While I welcome the reliability of sufficient Allagash streamflow in summer months, May paddling begs for wild, untamed rapids. And the St. John has them in abundance. Compared to the AWW, it is the wild, wild West of whitewater. The St. John River corridor is governed solely by the river’s dynamic cycles of freezing, thawing, flooding and unpredictable weather. Any number of named or unnamed rapids might be a dangerous Class IV runs that require expert skill to survive the huge waves and hydraulic features. Or they might be submerged and go completely unno-
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May – The Month for Great Trout Fishing Trout fishing never gets much better than what we find in May. With warming water, trout in lakes and ponds as well as rivers and streams become active after a long, cold season. My ageing eyes no longer permit me to tie on tiny flies, so I long ago turned to ultralight spin fishing. I find it gives me as much enjoyment as fly fishing ever did. The amazing power and strength of modern ultralight rods continues to impress me as I continue setting personal records for ever-larger fish taken on my wispy tackle. But ultralight gear does not cut it when it comes to trolling, and trolling draws more and more adherents with every new sea-
“There is not a finer month for trout fishing,” states the author, and he informs readers how to approach large lakes, small ponds, and even how to fish from shore if you don’t have a boat in the water! son. For trolling, we need tackle better suited to the larger fish this fishing method attracts. Even here, the codfish rods of yesteryear have ceded their place to modern, graphite models that are thinner, lighter and far more sporting. Even better, the price of quality trolling gear has increased as prices have decreased. Midrange Trout In the early part of May, trout tend to hug shorelines, where warmer water temperatures and plenty of forage species abound.
As the days lengthen and temperatures continue to climb, fish slowly wend their way to mid-depths, away from shallow shorelines but not yet out to deeper, cooler areas where they will spend the summer. Trollers will still take fish near the surface during morning hours, and later – from late morning on – trout will hold slightly deeper. The trick to taking fish now is to find them. This may sound overly simplistic, but once you locate one or two fish, you are cer-
tain to find more at similar depths. Nothing is static in nature, and that includes where trout congregate. Trolling for trout – at least successful trolling for trout – presents an ever-changing equation, with new factors constantly being added and old factors being discarded. So experiment. Of course our modern electronic gear helps greatly, but in the end, it is our willingness to try different depths, different speeds and even different directions. All of these thing bear on whether or not we take fish.
Smaller Ponds Here’s something to note that can help improve your score – don’t scorn those smaller trout ponds. It’s likely there are some in your area. Maine abounds in stocked waters where the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (DIF&W) regularly stocks brook trout, brown trout and to a lesser extent, rainbow trout. For chances of taking a trophy, concentrate on brown trout waters. Consider these smaller ponds as nothing but scaled-down versions of larger waters. To hold trout year-round, and thus produce large fish, a pond or lake must hold at least some habitat that offers cool, well-oxygenated water year-round. (Continued on next page)
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Rainbow trout taken by trolling on a cold May day. Andrew Collar photo (Continued from page 48)
Perhaps such a place won’t hold as many big trout as a much larger water, but chances are, you will have little competition, and in the end you may wind up taking even more fish by zeroing in on these smaller, less-popular waters. Last season, a young man who lives nearby showed me a photo of a 3-pound brown trout he caught in a local, 77-acre pond that DIF&W annually stocks with brown trout. Sure, the amount of carrying water is miniscule compared to larger ponds and lakes, but the place stands as a steady producer of 2- to 3-pound brown trout, with a few larg-
er individuals showing up once in a while. With two or three such ponds under their belts, anglers can enjoy a whole new world of great trout fishing. Shore Fishing You needn’t own a watercraft in order to take trout in May. Early in the month, casting from shore can put you into troutfilled water. Here’s a tip to consider – If fishing in the morning, concentrate upon the south-facing side of a lake or pond. The water warms quicker here, attracting and holding baitfish, and in turn, trout. If you can find access to a lengthy section of water, by all means go back to your ultralight tackle and using artificial lures, work as much water
as you can, slowly and thoroughly. Spinners can produce now, but I much prefer smaller versions of popular trolling spoons such as Mooselook Wobblers. Cast out as far as possible, allow the lure to flutter down toward bottom, and slowly bring it back in. It doesn’t take much speed for the lure to wobble enticingly. Also, along with casting straight out, make it a point to cover every inch of water. That includes casting parallel to the shore. In May, trout can lurk beneath overhanging limbs and also on either side of ledges and drop-offs. Work these carefully. So get out there this month. There is not a finer month for trout fishing.
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50 • May 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————
New Fly for the Upcoming Fishing Season When the author is rich and famous as a result of the fly he’s going to invent, we can all say we knew him back when he was just a humble fly fisherman. Okay, let me admit it right up front – I’m writing this just in case someone tries to steal my idea for creating a new fly, claiming that they came up with the idea first. If I become famous and independently wealthy when everyone starts catching big fish with my fly, they can’t take all that wealth and fame from me, because I’ll have the proof right here on these pages. I’m going to invent a fly that imitates a lure I used as a kid, and later as an adult – the Flatfish (see photo). I used to really slay the big fish with
this lure, and now want to see if I can tie a fly that has the same fish-catching action as that old lure. If you’ve ever used a Flatfish lure, you’ll remember the awesome wiggle this amazing lure had – it moved through the water just like a baitfish. I think I can create a fly with that same wiggle. Also, when you reel the Flatfish lure in, it dives. When you let up on it, the wiggle stops, and the lure lies in suspension – very similar to what a real baitfish does. I’m trying to imitate the action of this tried-and-true Flatfish
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lure by fashioning a fly with similar characteristics. Foam Fly It’s the shape of the front of the fly that will make it wiggle back and forth so rapidly. A long, swooping nose will cause the fly to dive, creating so much resistance when stripped in that it will make the fly shutter like a speeding minnow. The nose of the fly will be shaped like a big lip, protruding past the eye of the hook in a downward direction, like the Flatfish lure. I’ll add some chenille material to fatten up the body and then a tail of some sort, to give the fly something to wiggle about … the wiggling fly will make the tail shimmy like a 1960s go-go dancer. The foam I am using is flimsy, so I’ll also have to coat it with some kind of solution
How many anglers have successfully used a Flatfish lure to catch fish as a kid, or as an adult?
that I can then harden with a UV light to stiffen it up. I’m still not sure this will stop bigger fish from damaging the material after a few bites, so I have a back-up plan. J. Stockard Fly Fishing (jsflyfishing. com) sells a product called Fly Lipps that might work even better than using foam. The hard plastic Fly Lipps get tied on to the hook up by the eye, and provide the same kind of action that the foam does, except they seem to be less apt to be torn up by fish chewing on them. I still might play around with the foam, since even if
these harder plastic lips work better – it’s fun to see what you can make with foam. Applications Some might ask, “How are you going to use these flies, and what fish do you think will like them?” Like anything I tie, there’s a good chance some fish will be fooled into biting at it, but is it something that all fish will try and eat? Time on the water will give me that answer. I am tying some larger flies to attract smallmouth bass and bigger salmonid, and smaller versions to see if I can entice healthy brook trout to take an interest. The smaller versions probably will be made with the foam material, as the hard plastic Fish Lipps seem to be too big for the smaller flies I have in mind. I’ll make the larger flies using a number two hook and maybe even a number one. The smaller flies will be made with streamer hooks around number ten or eight in size. (Freshwater Fly Fishing continued on page 52)
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Trick Out Your Fishing Boat When it comes to accessorizing and customizing his near-vintage aluminum boat, “the Rig,” the author has definite plans and products in mind. I’m proud of my fishing boat. It’s a 1977 Sears Gamefisher with an 8-horse Evinrude. To most, it’s an old aluminum clunker. But it has a story for me, and it’s an awesome trolling boat. It’s extremely durable and spacious, with deep sides. It can troll down slower than most larger boats with kickers. Its all-aluminum design allows us to use it for utility, like launching docks and setting moorings in the spring. This year, The Rig, as it has been named, will be receiving some upgrades and maintenance. The motor was recently gone through by a shop, and should run smoothly for years. However, the transom is wood and is getting soft, so I’ll
be building a new one. Transoms get rebuilt on aluminums fairly regularly, and this one was last done about 10 years ago. Next up, I’m hoping to purchase a fishfinder with GPS. I’ve been running a fairly basic fishfinder that doesn’t have any sort of navigation. After seeing the difference that navigation and depth maps make, I think I’m ready to invest. There are a number of affordable units out there that would be more than adequate for a small boat. Last year, I built some prototype side boards. They fasten to the oarlock brackets, and are located just inside the boat. I secured my fishfinder to one, and put upright
Freshwater Fly Fishing (Continued from page 50)
I want to use the smaller sized flies to really turn on the predatory instinct of the largest brook trout in a pool. On moving water, I cast straight across a stream and strip a streamer directly perpendicular to the current in a wild and crazy manner. I want the streamer to entice the bigger trout into attacking the fly for no reason other than that instinct that comes from being the “big daddy” in that section of the stream. The larger flies will be used on smallmouth bass. I think I can fish them with floating line, and at other times with a sinking head to get it down deeper in the water column. I am www.MaineSportsman.com
rod holders along both. I’m looking to redesign them this year, to work out any quirks. Also, I am going to use StarBoard on the top, which is material similar to the consistency of a cutting board. It will work well for cutting bait and be easy to keep clean. I’m considering whether I want to wire in nav lights. I’m not crazy on the idea, but it seems like all of the “clamp on” battery powered ones break really easily. Wiring them in seems like it could be more durable, although a lot more complicated, which I’d like to avoid. I’m still on the lookout for durable, battery powered lights. I have a big bluetooth speaker that I
The author has already started the process of adding accessories and making modifications to his 1977 “aluminum” so that it will perform even better at its primary task of catching fish while trolling on Sebago Lake. Nolan Raymond photo
use sometimes while trolling. It’s simple, removable, and works perfectly. I wired a USB charger into my battery box that runs the fishfinder, and charge the speaker with that when I need to. Also, I can plug my phone in, which is convenient in a pinch. Transom mounted rod holders have been a lifesaver for me, especially since I do a lot of solo trolling. Now, I can get two lines in the water, and still be able to steer the boat
or work on other rods. Also, the rod holders I put on the side boards have been great. They keep rods from getting banged up, and they can’t get tangled. This isn’t a new boat, and it’s not the biggest, tech-iest out there at all. But any boat can make a good, solid fishing boat. With these few upgrades, The Rig will provide me with Sebago Lake adventures for years to come.
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EMail Photos of Unique and Interesting Flies The Freshwater Fly-Fishing columnists would like to hear from you. We are interested in any fly-patterns you have developed that you’d like to share with our readers. We will choose a few and put them in our monthly column. The fly could be a classic pattern that you tie with new materials, or a different technique, a Now THAT’S what I’m talkin’ about! color or style variation of an existing pattern, or If Maine Sportsman writer Bill Sheldon were eligible to send something new and unique. Please include a photo or two as attachments in a fly illustration, it would be to your message, and provide contact informa- his infamous “Bandy the Rodeo tion so we can get in touch with you. Email both Clown.” of us, at louzambello@gmail.com and william.clunie@gmail.com. anxious to see how these flies work, and I’m pretty sure they are going to be a big hit with the fish. I can never forget how those old Flatfish lures worked so well when I
was a kid. My brother and I pulled in plenty of bass and pickerel with those wiggly lures. Just maybe this new fly of mine will do the same for me!
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Storied Waters Close to Town The good news for anglers is that there are plenty of fishing options in the Jackman Region. Moreover, even the best spots aren’t crowded, so you’ll be able to seek trout, salmon and togue without crossing lines with other anglers. Many moons ago, I made a very short hike off Route 201 to try fishing a small pond. What I found caused me to put my fly rod down and start clicking photos with my old camera. Cameras have come light-years since that old film-sucking device. Today’s digital cell phone cameras capture and record
activities with levels of quality and ease unheard of back then. While hard copies of those photos elude me, the memory of it still resonates in high definition. A lone angler on that water stood tall in a fire engine-red canoe. Part of the imagery was that the guy could really cast a fly rod. Like a “River Runs
Through”-type cast. He laid his line flawlessly on the water cast after cast, and feeding brook trout dimpled the water around him. His reflection graced the surface. After snapping a few long-distance photos, I moved on, not wanting to disturb the peaceful scene. I was pretty sure the noise of my line slapping the
This spring salmon fell for a spoon trolled on the surface by Parker Capwell. The author prefers to troll flies, but occasionally switches to “hardware” when conditions warrant it. Trolling some of the region’s larger waters is a rite of ice-out for many traditional anglers. Bill Sheldon photo
water would ruin the night for this gentleman. The good news for anglers is that there
are plenty of fishing options in the Jackman Region. No need to cross lines with oth(Continued on next page)
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54 • May 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————
Jackman Region (Continued from page 53)
er anglers. I consider this month prime time for cold water fishing in the north country. The time to beat the dog days of summer starts here and now. Closeto-town opportunities abound. Attean Lake Short ride opportunities from the hamlet of Jackman start with Attean Lake (DeLo-
rme’s, Map 39, C-4). One of the region’s larger bodies of water, the lake contains more than 40 small islands. To fish Attean efficiently requires at least a small motorboat. A public ramp at the end of Attean Road provides public access. The 2,745-acre lake has multiple streams feeding it. For brook trout, con-
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centrate around these feeder streams. The storied water also boasts a salmon and togue population. Moose River A short – about one mile – stretch of the Moose River connects Attean Lake to Big Wood Pond. Locals reluctantly admit the best time to fish this honey hole occurs just after ice-out. Typically, the last of the ice leaves mid-May. In warmer years, this could easily trend sooner. Spin fishing with a Mooselook Wobbler or similar hardware shines for the first of the season brook trout. This short edition of the Moose River has more than its fair share of rocks. This requires careful navigation, but also affords the oppor-
tunity to cast to plenty of structure. The trolling crowd can pick up some salmon, provided they avoid having a rock bite their prop. Access is just north of the Attean Road boat ramp. Attean Lake marks the start and finish of the Moose River Bow Trip. Attean is also a beautiful water for kayak and canoe exploring. Big Wood Pond Big Wood Pond and Attean Pond are literally attached at the hip. Connected to each other by the short but very fishable section of the previously mentioned Moose River, Big Wood provides plenty of recreational opportunities without leaving town. At 2,150-acres, it’s just a tad smaller than Attean Pond, but is
similar in opportunities. A healthy population of brook trout, salmon and splake keep anglers launching their boats at the in-town ramp. The DIF&W stocks splake, brook trout and salmon to help keep the population robust and anglers coming back. For those unfamiliar with splake, it is a cross between a male brook trout and a female lake trout. Early season trolling finds favor with local fishermen. Both splake and salmon will hit flies, spoons or lures trolled on the surface. The route around Hog Island is a rite of passage for Big Wood Pond regulars. Crocker Pond Just north of town, Crocker Pond (Map 39, (Jackman Region continued on page 56)
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���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • May 2023 • 55
Sizzling Action on Salmon, Togue Begins This Month Someone driving by Moosehead Lake in Rockwood might ask, “What are all those boats doing out there?” On any given morning, passersby may count 25 or 30 boats, all trolling in circles. Indeed, the month of May probably sees more boat traffic than at any other time. The reason? Salmon, togue and even brook trout, swarm to that part of the lake where Moose River enters, in order to gorge themselves on spawning smelt. And anglers congregate here to get in on the action. And what a fine group of anglers it is! I’ve never seen a more varied collection of boats grouped together in one place. People use everything from big, expensive, ornately outfitted boats, to canoes, and everything in between. While the larger boats can withstand whatever nature throws at them, smaller craft head up Moose River when the wind picks up. This may stand as a default move, but it doesn’t necessarily mean a decrease in action, because fishing in the river can come as hot and fast as it does out in the lake. Smelt vs Artificials The age-old question of which works better, smelt or artificial lures, continues to challenge anglers today. My take is that
The Rockwood area offers many options – salmon, togue and brook trout; a river into which smaller boats can escape if the wind kicks up; and the companionship of many other warmly-dressed anglers, in all manner of small and large craft, there for the common goal of catching fish that have gathered to feast on smelt.
View from the stern on a cold May morning. Tom Seymour photo
without question, live smelt rank as the firstplace choice. After that would come frozen and preserved smelt, followed by streamer flies and wobbling lures. So if you take time to pick up a dozen or more live smelts on your way to the lake, you will already have stacked the cards in your favor. But if you don’t do that, you’ll still take fish by trolling streamer flies at a brisk speed, or by going a bit slower and using such old standards as the venerable
Mooselook Wobbler. Most people use fly rods for trolling in May, but standard trolling rods work as well. If using a fly rod, load your reel with a fast-sinking fly line, since fish may hold 20 feet down or so. At other times, however, they may cruise near the surface, in which case a floating fly line, loaded on another rodand-reel outfit will work best. If using smelt, buy a few (or make your own) sliding-hook rigs. These have a station-
ary hook at the end, either a single or treble style, and a single hook above, one affixed to the leader in a way that it can slide up and down, according to the length of the baitfish. Stick the sliding hook in the membrane just behind the smelt’s lips, from bottom to top, and insert the fixed hook in the thick tissue along the
smelt’s vent. Adjust the length so that the smelt swims straight. A slight turning motion from one side to the other is acceptable, but absolutely do not allow the bait to twist as it is pulled along. Rockwood to Kineo You can also take fish in the larger part of the lake, from Rockwood across to Kineo and then on a line from Kineo back toward the mouth of Moose River. While this section of lake remains good year-round, May and early June can see exceptional action. I often use streamer flies in this part of the lake, and in May, they work exceptionally well. Here are a few tips about streamer-fly trolling in May. While schools of smelt usually follow the contour of the shoreline on their way upstream to spawn, that doesn’t mean that you can’t catch fish out in the lake, too. (Continued on next page)
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56 • May 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————
Moosehead Region (Continued from page 55)
So begin by trolling within 100 feet, give or take, from shore, and if you don’t get many hits, head farther out into the lake. After all, Moosehead is a big lake, and it holds an incredible number of game fish. These fish may travel a great dis-
tance from other parts of the lake in order to be present at the smelt run. Because you can effectively troll a bit faster when using streamer flies (trolling faster helps compress the fly’s wings, adding to the illusion of
Jackman Region (Continued from page 54)
A-3) offers easy access to remote pond fishing. A serviceable gravel ramp located just off Holeb Road works perfectly for canoes, kayaks and car-toppers. Crocker is regularly stocked by DIF&W with brook trout. The best fishing for me at this water has occurred in
a fleeting smelt), you can cover more ground than someone trolling with live smelt. This helps you to present your offerings to more fish. And the more fish that see your streamer, the more hits you will get. Weather Concerns It’s May and the daffodils are in bloom. But on Moosehead
Lake, cold temperatures can make it feel more like March than May. Today may dawn bright and warm, shirt-sleeve weather, and tomorrow may see cold drizzle and even sleet or snow. So bring plenty of warm clothing, as well as a raincoat. If you end up needing it, you’ll be glad you
the early morning and again as the sun sinks below the tree line. Dry fly fishermen covet the evening hatches that take place at this local jewel. Parlin Pond Anglers often overlook the wellstocked Parlin Pond on their way north. With DIF&W putting a healthy splash of brook trout into this scenic water, anglers would do well to put a
brought it. I also suggest that you bring a pair of light gloves, and also warm socks and insulated footwear. Don’t miss out on the smelt run on Moosehead Lake. It may become a lifelong tradition.
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small boat in at the public ramp and fish the evening hatch. Parlin Pond is not known for trophy fish, but more of a steady diet of pan-sized brookies. Please don’t block access to the ramp, and be sure to park at the upper parking area. Folks visiting Jackman can bring or rent a boat and not run out of close-totown waters to explore, fish or recreate in.
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Spring Fishing and Hunting Prospects Abound Generous stocking programs make several Washington and Hancock County ponds productive for trout this month. And don’t forget turkey hunting May 1 – June 3, during which each hunter can take two birds in the southern half of the state. Because of warmer-than-average winter conditions, many Hancock and Washington County waters saw fewer ice fishers venture out on questionable ice. Therefore, many fall-stocked ponds and lakes saw very little winter-fishing pressure. Mopang Lake and Stream Mopang Lake (DeLorme’s Atlas Map 25, grid 1-A and 2-A, and Map 35, grid 1-E and 2-E) is an excellent lake to fish in May. This picturesque 1,487-acre water is located north of “The Airline.” Access is via a good gravel road
which leaves The Airline about two miles off Mopang Stream bridge. An adequate boat launching site is located at the south end of the lake. Mopang contains well-oxygenated water that is suitable for coldwater fish. Management has focused primarily on stocked
salmon and splake, which have produced good fisheries. This lake was stocked last fall with 300 11-inch and 150 14-inch landlocks. Wild salmon, produced in the outlet, supplement the salmon population. According to Region C fisheries biologist Greg Burr, “Winter ice fishermen and
Mopang Lake frequently gives up 17-inch landlocked salmon like this one. Jim Lemieux photo
spring anglers have been successful catching lengthy salmon and hefty splake in recent years.” Hatchery trucks also dropped off 400 12-inch splake last fall. Spin casters using worms or trolling with a small,
copper-colored Mepps spinner entice a few 15- to 16-inch splake to hit their lures. General South Zone fishing laws apply, except the daily bag limit on brook trout and splake (Downeast Region continued on page 60)
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58 • May 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————
Turkeys, or Trout? Lots of people ask me why I don’t hunt turkeys during the spring season. The answer is, because it would conflict with trout and salmon fishing. Also, turkey season coincides with peak blackfly season. Finally, back problems preclude me from sitting motionless for more than five minutes. But mostly, I would rather fish than hunt turkeys. Midcoast Maine abounds in fishing opportunities, both for coldwater and warmwater game fish. Black crappies spawn in May, and nothing pleases me more than to sit in my boat and drift over a school of crappies. Better yet, crappies bite well on artificial lures, especially panfish jigs, so no need to bother carrying bait. Every year, it seems, someone tells me of a new crappie water, and it keeps me busy trying them all out. One of the more promising new waters, Stevens Pond in Liberty, has come to my attention as a producer of crappies. I
Too many angling options present themselves this month for Tom to be a turkey guy. Instead, he’ll be enthusiastically pursuing brook trout, brown trout, and even crappies – BIG crappies.
The author holds a brown trout taken while trolling in May.
used to fish this pond in winter for pickerel and yellow perch, but never imagined that it would eventually hold crappies, too. There’s no telling how black crappies found their way into Stevens Pond, but since these prolific panfish have such
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a strong pioneering instinct, it is possible that they made their way there via the St. George River system. Lakes and ponds farther south in the system hold crappies, so it just makes sense that they would find their way to Stevens Pond. Trues Pond If crappies now inhabit Stevens Pond, they must also live in Trues Pond, since both ponds are attached. So here we have two irregularly shaped ponds, both with lots of coves, points and drop-offs, with a new
population of black crappies. These ponds attract anglers, not for crappies, but rather for largemouth bass, which grow large in both waters. Once crappies become fully established, it seems likely that more anglers will take advantage of the crappie fishing. Also, as with most other fish, including trout, when a new species comes to a pond or lake, the initial tendency is to produce extra-large fish. This happened in years past with the brown trout stocking program. In the early years, some
waters routinely put out 6- to 8-pound monsters. Interestingly, this happened in Stevens Pond some time back. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife stocked brown trout in Stevens Pond, but eventually discontinued the program because of lack of angler return. But it wasn’t the fault of the fish – rather, it was the lack of angler hours. Not enough people pursued brown trout there with the right tackle and techniques. Despite that, a relic brown trout population remains, and people still take the occasional brown trout, usually 3 pounds and over, when they least expect it. My friend Gilbert Russel showed me a photo of a huge brown trout he caught while ice fishing Stevens Pond. Gil wasn’t certain what he had on, and was astonished when he pulled a brown trout out onto the ice. I saw this fast burst of growth mentioned above unfold when black crappies were illegally introduced into Belfast’s Upper and Lower reservoirs. Fish grew to 14 and 15 inches. Both reservoirs have had crappies for a long enough time now that the average size has diminished consider(Midcoast Report continued on page 60)
���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • May 2023 • 59
Taking Better Outdoor Photos Looking back over four decades of “fresh air photography,” from manual single lens reflex cameras shooting on film to several generations of digital cameras to today’s amazing smartphones, I thought I would share a few tips for taking better outdoor adventure and nature photos. With a little planning and a few quick edits, anyone can make their photos stand out among the billions of images posted to worldwide social media every day. Plan Your Shot The first things to do–even for something as basic as taking a photo of a group of friends outdoors–are 1) look for the main source of light, and 2) check for what is in the background. Is the sun or a bright light behind your subject, putting everyone in shadow? Is the light in everyone’s eyes, making them squint? If possible, move people or relocate yourself so you can get the best light. If everyone is in the shade, get in the shade with them so the camera can adjust and they don’t look too dark. As for background, scan quickly for things like ugly garbage cans, random vehicles, weird signs, or other distractions that might draw the eye away from the subject. Sometimes you can crop these out, but it is better to take a moment and plan them out.
The author reveals how to take the best photos possible, and how to edit them to make them even better.
Holding the camera down near the water takes a “frog’s eye” view of the surrounding landscape. All photos by the author
Pick a Creative Frame and Angle Try to frame your subject in the entire rectangle of the photo. Too many people put the subject’s face smack in the middle of the photo, cutting off the lower body and leaving empty space over their head. Make every square inch
of your image work for you! Another trick is to shoot from a creative angle. I like to squat down and shoot slightly upward, rather than from my eye level. Or try having your subject look at you over their shoulder. I sometimes hold the camera near the surface of the water, to get a “frog’s eye” view of an angler. Or lie down on the ground to shoot up at someone firing a shotgun at clay targets. Another idea is to purposefully show the subject in silhouette, black against a colorful sky. For better sunset photos, try to put something interesting in the picture, like a gnarly tree or soaring bird, to make a more dramatic image. Lastly, look for natural lines, shapes, or pleasing color contrasts to draw the eye toward your subject.
Lie down on the ground for a creative angle, shooting up at your subject.
Take Advantage of Great Light Sometimes you have to drop what you are doing and take advantage of great light, or a fleeting moment in time. One day when fishing with friends, I noticed that one of my buddies was standing in a beam of late afternoon sun with dark spruce trees behind him. His rod and yellow fly line were lit up against the shadows of the trees. I grabbed my camera and took some shots of him casting tight loops in the magical light. The effect lasted only
about 15 minutes. Try Live Mode Want to avoid a disappointing photo with someone’s eyes closed, or capture the best version of a wiggling dog or flopping fish? Most smartphones have a Live Mode (or Top Shot) that actually takes a short video rather than one frame. You can then use the editor to scan through the video to pick the best frame for your still shot – the one with eyes open! The Best Quick Edits Most smartphones and cameras now have excellent photo editors built in. I also use Lightroom on my laptop to edit photos I upload from a digital camera chip. Here is the normal edit sequence I use for almost every photo. Go to Edit mode and hit the Crop/ Straighten icon. First, make sure the horizon in your landscape is level, and that vertical trees, door frames, or posts are actually vertical. Off-kilter shots can be very distracting (unless done on purpose). Second, use the Crop function to improve the composition of the photo and put your subject in the most flattering layout. This can be the most creative part of photography. You can cut out unwanted stuff around the edges, and give more emphasis to your subject and/or the scenery in the background. The crop function allows you to zoom in and change the size or location of your subject. Often, a slightly off-center subject is better. (Continued on next page)
Sunset and sunrise shots are popular, but best if there is something else in the photo to tell a story. www.MaineSportsman.com
60 • May 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————
Sporting Environment (Continued from page 59)
Next, adjust Exposure to brighten or darken the entire image using the slider, if
necessary. My favorite adjustment is the Shadow slider that lets
Downeast Region (Continued from page 57)
is two fish; minimum length limit for brook trout and splake is 12 inches, and only one may exceed 14 inches; the maximum length on landlocked salmon and brown trout is 25 inches; and the daily bag limit on white perch is 25 fish. The outlet, Mopang Stream, is one of the most productive trout streams in Downeast Maine. However, the best trout fishing occurs far downstream. All one needs here to pick up a few brookies are worms or nightcrawlers fished close to the bottom. North Myers Pond Got kids? North Myers Pond in Columbia (Map 25, C-3) will make for an exciting Washington County trip. It’s open to fishing only for persons under 16 years of age, and has a two-fish limit on trout. This small, isolated pond was stocked last spring with 150 10-inch brookies, and again in the fall with 300 8-inch trout. Ice fishing is not permitted, so all those fish are waiting for young open-water anglers to try their luck. One access route to the pond is to take the Georgetown Wood Road in Harrington northerly, where you will find a rough gravel road leading to the pond. A small primitive boat landing is located on the south end of this water. Hancock County – Orland River A year-around trout-fishing water
Midcoast Region (Continued from page 58)
ably. The Belfast reservoirs aside, I predict that for the next 8 to 10 years, crappies will grow fast and large in both Stevens Pond and Trues Ponds. If I am correct, this system should become a crappie hotspot. Trout Trolling I love fishing in streams and brooks for brook trout, but come May, trolling becomes my obsession, especially trolling for brown trout and rainbow trout. And while I seldom cast flies for trout, www.MaineSportsman.com
me brighten only the parts of the subject lost in shadows. What a difference this can make! Lastly, I use the Highlights slider to
make the sky more dramatic or to tone down a bright light or glare off water, snow or ice. And that’s it. There are many other
ways to edit photos, but I rarely use them. I hope this makes your photos better and more fun to share.
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in Hancock County that holds a lot of excitement for all types of anglers is the Orland River (Map 23, E-3). It contains swift-running water where I’ve often caught-and-released many stocked, 10- to 13-inch brookies each outing. Whether you use a Panther-Martin spinner (my personal favorite features a yellow-body and black and red dots), or worms and a bobber, or even dry flies, anglers catch fish here. Biologists plan to stock this water two times this year – once in the spring, and again in the fall. The Orland River was stocked with 150 10-inch brookies last spring, and 400 10-inch brookies last fall, and to my knowledge very few of these fall fish were caught. According to Mr. Burr, more spring-yearling brook trout will be dropped off by hatchery personnel between the Upper Falls Road and Alamoosook Dam early this month. Another excellent water for brook trout is Salmon Pond (Map 24, D-5). This 10-acre pond was stocked with 300 7-inch brook trout last October, and may receive more brookies this spring. Salmon Pond is subject to general-law-fishing regulations. Hiking into this water takes only about 10 minutes on the trail from Route 182. Brook trout in the 8-inch range are the norm, with a few 10- to 11- inch trout taken by skilled anglers. Fishing slowly with a sinking fly line tipped by a dark Wooly Bugger, will produce trout. Spin casting with worms can also tempt a few brookies.
Spring Turkey Hunt An exhilarating opportunity that awaits sports during the month of May is the spring-turkey hunt. Maine’s turkey-hunting season runs from May 1 to June 3. Downeast hunters can tag two bearded turkeys in Hancock or Washington County. Some top-notch hunting areas to pursue a turkey lie within the boundaries of WMD 25, 26, 27 and 28, especially along Route 1, between Bucksport and Lubec. Refer to DeLorme’s Atlas and Maine’s turkey-hunting regulations for a detailed map of these districts. According to Region C bird biologist Steve Dunham, “Hunters in the Machias area should find good turkey hunting east and west of the Kennebec Road, Map 26, C-3. Another area that contains several flocks of turkeys can be found in Deblois on many of the blueberry barrens, Map 25, C-1. One more location to find turkeys is along the Tibbetstown Road in Columbia Falls, Map 25, C-5.” These are only a few of the locations where turkey populations are on the upswing in Washington County. The estimated turkey population, according to DIF&W biologists is approximately 60,000 birds scattered over the state. Due to our unseasonably mild winter, biologist Dunham feels that most birds will have fared quite well. Hopefully, spring weather will continue to be mild and dry, fostering ideal spring-hatching conditions.
I still honor the old and hallowed tradition of trolling with streamer flies. Anyone skilled at trolling for salmon with streamers and bucktails knows how to troll for trout with flies, since both methods are the same. Techniques do vary from early May to later in the month, though. For cold-water trolling during the first week or so of May, it pays to troll close to shore, following the contour of the shoreline, working the fly vigorously and keeping speed down to a minimum. Then, as the water warms, stand offshore a bit more, increase speed, and also increase depth. Sometimes,
around the time the lake turns and water from bottom and top mix, trout will bite quite near the surface on a fasttrolled streamer or bucktail. You needn’t change fly selection, either. Whatever works for salmon will take trout as well. Remember, most lakes and ponds have at least a token smelt population, and trout – like salmon – home in on these spring-spawning forage fish. Turkeys, crappies or trout – they’re all available this month, in a place near you.
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���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • May 2023 • 61
Maine’s Tribute to Fly Rod Crosby Cornelia Thurza Crosby was the first Maine Registered Guide and a tireless advocate for Maine’s outdoors. Her efforts helped attract thousands of outdoorsmen and women to the woods and waters of Maine. A life-sized carving of Cornelia, or “Fly Rod” as she was popularly known, has recently found a home at Maine’s Inland Fisheries and Wildlife in Augusta. This oneof-a-kind likeness, by artist Brian Stockman of Tuftonboro, New Hampshire, is displayed for public viewing in the IFW lobby. A special thanks to the High Peaks Alliance (highpeaksalliance.org) and the generous donors who made the acquisition possible. The dedication and lobby viewing, featuring the carving took place on February 14th. The Ballad of Fly Rod Crosby The song “The Ballad of Fly Rod Crosby” was sung at the February dedication by Stan Keach (guitar), with Bud Godsoe (banjo) and Liz Keach (upright bass) providing the rhythm. Stan and Bud belong to the Sandy River Ramblers bluegrass band, one of Maine’s premier bluegrass bands and the longest-running bluegrass band in Maine, with 2023 marking the band’s 40th year! The full Sandy River Ramblers band – including
Fly Rod Crosby has been honored in many ways, including with a life size wooden statue, and a 45-mile multimodal trail that ties together many locations and buildings that are associated with this important woman – Maine’s first registered guide, and an ambassador of our state’s outdoor recreational treasures. fiddle and mandolin players – has released two CDs of Maine music and has several concerts planned for summer 2023, so be sure to give them a listen. The Fly Rod Crosby Trail Banjo player Bud Godsoe of the Sandy River Ramblers is also the Fly Rod Crosby Trail (FRC) trail master. Bud was kind enough to provide me with an overview of the FRC. The 45-mile FRC trail winds its way from Strong to Oquossoc along the Sandy River, Orbeton and Hardy Streams, across the Appalachian Trail and Rangeley Lake to the Sporting Heritage Museum. The trail provides users a unique look at the historic, natural and cultural landscape of Maine’s High Peaks region. The goal of the trail is to help residents and visitors alike take an active interest in preserving the unique character of High Peaks communities and natural resources. Bud emphasized several important landmarks to experience along the trail
trail that provides users with many ways to enjoy the FRC trail experience. An unusual trail by pure “hiking” standards, it not only includes hiking, but certain sections can also be traveled by other modes of transportation, including bicycle, ATV and even automobile. The trail even includes a canoe paddle across Rangeley Lake!
This one-of-a-kind likeness of Fly Rod Crosby, carved by artist Brian Stockman, is displayed for public viewing in a lobby of the Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife building in Augusta. Vose photo
that highlight key points in Fly Rod Crosby’s life. These include the “Our Lady of the Lake” church in Oquossoc, the Rangeley Lakes Outdoor Heritage Museum, Fly Rod’s home in Phillips, the Rail Road museum in Phillips, and Fly Rod’s grave site in Strong. The FRC trail ties all of these together. The FRC trail is a multimodal heritage
Saddleback Mountain Trail Hiking the FRC, it’s practically impossible to not want to take a quick jaunt up Saddleback Mountain. Listed as one of Maine’s fourteen 4,000+ ft. peaks (4,120 ft.), Saddleback is a relatively straightforward slog up ski trails. While the hiking is far from technical, the views all the way to the summit are stunning. Hikers looking for an additional challenge can hike an additional 1.6 rugged miles on the Appalachian Trail to the summit of the Saddleback Horn. Both mountains have impressive 360-degree summit views. Outdoor Heritage Museum The Outdoor
Heritage Museum (www.outdoorheritagemuseum.org) in Oquossoc showcases the unique history of the Rangeley region, and it’s a “must see” for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. From my several visits to the museum, I can attest that it is well worth a trip. The museum typically opens mid-May, and closes around the beginning of October. During the months of May, June, September and October, the museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am – 4:00 pm. During July and August, the museum is open Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m. – 4:00 pm. Our Lady of the Lake Chapel Toward the end of her life, Fly Rod helped construct a Catholic church in the village of Oquossoc, located between Rangeley and Mooselukmeguntic Lakes. Our Lady of the Lakes chapel is still there, and holds regular services during the summer. The chapel is located on 43 Rangeley Avenue in Oquossoc. Mass times are Sunday at 7:30 am (Memorial Day until Columbus Day) and Friday at 9:00 am (Memorial Day until Columbus Day). For more information, contact: ourladyofthelakes@ portlanddiocese.org.
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www.MaineSportsman.com
62 • May 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————
May Trolling Tops Tom’s List Trolling will be excellent on local ponds, says the author. And on Sebago, he predicts it will be “on fire” this month. He explains that he anticipates a great May on the big lake, since “the lake never froze, so the fish saw no ice-angling pressure.” It was an unseasonably warm day for May, so I decided to go fishing when I got out of work that afternoon. I was hemming and hawing between spots, when I made the firm decision to fish Coffee Pond (DeLorme Atlas, Map 5, B-1) in Casco. Coffee Pond is the quintessential Maine pond, with a scatter-
ing of cottages and homes, a gorgeous kids’ summer camp, and a healthy fishery consisting primarily of brook trout and splake. The splake were what I was after. These hybrids between a brook trout and a lake trout grow fast, fight hard and love to attack flies, bait and
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lures. Getting Onto the Water Coffee Pond has a rudimentary launch just off Route 11 in Casco that is very shallow and can only handle light boats or canoes. I have a 17foot square stern canoe, with an antique 3-horsepower Evinrude engine that is perfect for a pond like Coffee. When my working day ended, I was loaded up and on the water in no time flat. I rigged two fly rods with sliding bait rigs, and brought along some frozen smelt. Coffee Pond, as I mentioned before, has a healthy smelt population, so smelt are the best thing to use. The pond has a “No live fish as bait” restriction, so the
The author prepares to release a brown trown. He predicts great fishing this month on local ponds and on the “Big Lake” — Sebago.
bait must be dead. Trolling Fun The old Evinrude purred like a kitten as I pulled away from the launch. I turned on my portable fish finder, but to my dismay, the battery was dead. Oh well, I know the pond, so I continued. I payed about half my fly line out on my first rod as I started trolling the eastern shore, and soon felt a firm pull indicating I had snagged bottom. So much for knowing the pond. I shut the
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old motor off and prepared to work the line loose. Suddenly, my rod started pumping. This wasn’t bottom – it was a fish, and most likely a splake! I set the hook and the fight was on. Splake offer the weight of a big laker and the evasive tactics of a brookie, so this was a fun battle. It was a game of giveand-take, but I eventually won, netting the whopper splake that I estimate went three pounds. I released it and continued trolling as the sun set, without another bite. But oh, that one fish was worth the trip – like getting a kiss from the prettiest girl at the dance!
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Day Trip to New Hampshire’s Quality Brook Trout Ponds The plan was simple – slip my beat-up aluminum canoe into Shawtown Pond (also called Shaw Pond) in Freedom, New Hampshire; do it as quietly as possible; and then fish until dark. It was midday, and the conditions were perfect for trout fishing – no breeze, and overcast. I’ve caught a lot of trout under these conditions. However, the fishing wasn’t good until I changed to a dry fly – we’ll talk about that later. Tried Dredging Seeing no activity on the water’s surface, I felt that aquatic insects were under their hideouts beneath water-soaked leaves and rocks; nothing was merging into the air. Maybe all the activity was down deep – I tried a hare’s ear nymph, letting it slowly sink toward bottom (adding weight to your fly line is illegal on fly-fishing trout waters in NH). I dredged with every nymph pattern in my fly box – nothing. After two hours of casting to every place where trout should be – still nothing. Despite NH F&G stocking around 1,000 brookies in Shawtown annually, on that day it appeared that there wasn’t a single trout in this 13-acre pond. Shawtown Pond has other restrictions – it’s managed as a “Trout Pond,” and it’s fly fishing only. Rules
Southern New Hampshire offers inexpensive, kid-friendly options for anglers, and good trout ponds are within easy driving distance of York County.
Quality New Hampshire brook trout fishing is only an hour away for most southern Maine anglers. This trout was caught in the fly fishing-only section of the Saco River, in North Conway. Val Marquez photo
include two-trout daily limit (only one over 16 inches), and any trout between 12 and 16 inches must be released immediately, unharmed. Also, no petroleum-powered motors are allowed. Access to the pond is from a muddy (during wet weather) dirt road with a small car-top boat launch site. The pond is difficult to fish from shore, because most of the banks are covered with overhanging brush – a canoe is the way to go. There’s one small beach area at an old youth camp along the southern shoreline. There is no other development on the pond. Big Hit on a Dry Fly Time to reconsider my options – why not try a mayfly on the surface? After I’d
made a few false casts, my dry fly landed on the water, and as soon as the fly touched the surface, a brook trout grabbed it and darted for the bottom. I landed and released the colorful trout. That trout must have been waiting for a hatch to occur, and slammed the first fly that touched the water. I would like to write that I caught other trout that day, but that was the only one. What did happen later was that about an hour before sundown, as shadows began to cover the water, two guys waded into the water at the little beach in front of the abandoned youth camp and caught trout, one after another. A few days later, I checked Google Maps and located the road
network that led to the camp. Once there, I found that it was posted. I then drove to the boat launch site on the west side of the pond and cast from shore at dusk. I caught two trout. Trout Pond vs. Wild Trout Pond New Hampshire F&G manages two types of waters for brook trout – one category, like Shawtown, is listed as a “Trout Pond”; the rest are managed as “Wild Trout Ponds,” and restrictions are different. As always, anglers need to study law booklets before fishing. NH non-resident fishing licenses are $15 for one day, $28 for two days, and $35 for seven days. While in the area, consider fishing the headwaters of the Os-
sipee River in Effingham and Freedom. Downstream of the dam is good fishing for salmon, browns and rainbows. Follow the river downstream to a large pool – this spot holds some sizeable smallmouth bass, as well. Bring the Kids; Sink a Worm The dam is a good place to bring kids fishing. It offers easy access and parking. Sinking a worm to the bottom of the whirlpools on either side of the dam outlet – the corner of the stoneworks – will almost guarantee a bass, sunfish or even a trout. I mention this because I see many parents bring their children there to fish, and they generally don’t have any luck casting into the rapids downstream of the dam. I bring my grandkids there, and we always catch fish using my method. These trout waters are less than an hour’s drive from most of York County; license fees are friendly; and the foothills of the White Mountains offer a great scenic ride. Following Route 153 to North Conway will take you to the Saco River with some good fishing. If you bring the non-angler family members, there are restaurants and shopping to keep them busy while you fish.
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www.MaineSportsman.com
64 • May 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————
The Maine Furbearers Management Plan The furbearer management planning process is nearly complete. The plan addresses the management goals from 2020 to 2030. It has been a long, drawn-out process. In 2019, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) started on the new plan for furbearers. This plan encompasses those mammals traditionally trapped or hunted for their fur within the State of Maine. This group of animals includes rodents and carnivores that live on land and in an aquatic environment. These species are common and live throughout the state. Their roles in the environment are many, the most common are that of being prey or predator. Some, such as the coyote and bear, are “keystone” species – meaning that without them, the state’s wilderness ecosystem would change dramatically. The Maine DIF&W contracted with Responsive Management – an internationally recognized public opinion research firm – to get the public’s opinions on the following topics: • Trapping in general • The public’s knowledge of furbearers • The public’s awareness of furbearer-related issues, and • The understanding of conflicts with the furbearers. Those contacted during this scientific survey were Maine trappers, hunters, landowners, and members of the general public, including animal rights advocates. The process also included focus group discussions, regional public meetings, and online discussions. Bottom Line All of this information was put in a big pot and stirred around to come up with the responses of the public’s knowledge of furbearers and their attitudes towards the trapping and hunting of furbearers. The bottom line of the results was that three quarters of Maine residents (75%) approved of trapping; 17% disapproved; and the rest were neutral. Of those who opposed trapping, the two most common concerns given were 1) that trapping was perceived as being inhumane; and 2) that non-target or accidental animals may be caught. www.MaineSportsman.com
It’s been a long process to develop the comprehensive plan that will guide furbearer policy makers until 2030. All interested parties, including trapping opponents, have had opportunities to voice their opinions.
Maine’s Furbearer Management Plan will help guide this state’s policymakers through 2030.
Many responders were unaware that trapping is highly regulated by the state, and they had no knowledge of Best Management Practices as related to trapping, which I have covered in previous articles. Specific Species Interestingly, the highest knowledge of furbearers was that of skunk, raccoon, and coyote, while the lowest were of muskrat and marten. Most thought the populations of skunk, raccoon, and coyote, along with fisher, were too high. These are the furbearers that most commonly cause problems for people or their properties. Conflicts reported included the killing of pets by coyotes and fisher, while raccoons and skunks were unpopular for getting into trash and digging up lawns. The essence of skunk drifting on the
evening breeze was also noted several times. Many residents think that populations of bobcat, otter, beaver, fox, marten, and muskrat are too low. These are the species that are less seen by the public, because of the animals’ habits and the environments in which they live. I was surprised to see that beaver were not listed by residents living in rural Maine as a species that commonly caused problems. It should be noted that there are more calls to MDIFW and licensed Animal Damage Control agents for the removal of beaver than for all other furbearers combined. All But Bear and Lynx The Furbearer Management Plan divided the sixteen species of Maine furbearers into six groups. This was due to their similar habitat and ecology. These were (1) beaver and otter, (2) mink and muskrat, (3) coyote and red and gray fox, (4) bobcat, (5) fisher and marten, and (6) raccoon, skunk, opossum, long and short tailed weasel (ermine), and the red squirrel. This last category is still being worked on. The only furbearers not addressed in the plan for management are the bear and the lynx. Bear management has been covered in the previously completed MDIFW Big Game Management Plan. The bear falls into either the big game or furbearer category, depending on whether a trapper or a hunter is leading the discussion. It truly is a big game species by all concerned. And then we have our Canadian lynx. The lynx is basically out of our hands, due to its federal designation and protection as a threatened species in the lower forty-eight. All matters pertaining to the lynx in Maine are controlled by a Federal Incidental Take Permit. Many observers believe the species is currently well-populated in the suitable habitat within Maine. Steering Committee A Steering Committee, made up of various interested parties, was established early on by MDIFW to guide the Furbearer Management Plan’s process. Members include the Maine Trappers (Continued on next page)
���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • May 2023 • 65 (Continued from page 64)
Association, the Maine Professional Guides Association, USDA Wildlife Division, Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine, Maine Forest Products Council, Maine Farm Bureau, Humane Society of the United States, The Nature Conservancy, Maine Chapter of The Wildlife Society, MDIFW Warden Service, MDIFW Legislative Committee Representative, MDIFW Advisory Council Representative, and the MDIFW Wildlife Division Director. The Steering Committee is led by
Sebago to Auburn
(Continued from page 62)
realistic, but smelt-imitating flies like a Jerry’s Smelt or a DB Smelt would be good choices on the pond. I prefer dragging a fly line for many reasons. First, it’s a traditional way to fish Maine ponds after ice-out. Second, today’s sinking trolling line gets down to where the fish are. Splake live near the bottom – like their half-brothers, the lake trout – so you need to fish deep. Finally, fly line adheres to the water and follows your trolling pattern. Monofilament line cuts the water and acts unnaturally behind the boat.
the MDIFW Small Mammal Biologist and the Wildlife Special Projects Coordinator. The Steering Committee provides guidance and advice during development of the plan. MDIFW also convened subcommittees made up of different interested parties, whose task it is to draft up goals, objectives, and management strategies based on the public survey reports generated by the Response Management’s final report and by the subcommittee members’ expertise on each furbearer. Members of the Maine Trappers Association attended meetings for all six of
the different groupings. Members participated, based on their level of experience with, and knowledge of, the species involved. Once the Management Plan is completed, MDIFW will use the goals and objectives as a guide, along with input from the annual harvest data from trappers, roadkill reports, habitat suitability and population studies, to manage each species. This information on Maine furbearers will also benefit the management goals of furbearer policy-makers throughout the northeast.
Range Ponds Next up on my list of favorite May trolling spots is the Range Pond chain (Map 5, A-3) in Poland. Consisting of Upper, Middle and Lower Range Ponds, these waters are stocked with the trout trifecta – brook, brown and rainbow. I’ve spent many a May day trolling the shoreline of one of the three Range Ponds with fly line and a streamer fly or lure. The Gray Ghost is likely my favorite Range fly, but you can’t beat a Barnes’ Special, either. For lures, I like smaller spoons like the Thomas Buoyant, or an Al’s Goldfish. Maine lure crafter Chris Everett of Trout Whisperer Tackle has some phenomenal patterns, and his 1/8 ounce lures are ideal for May trout trolling.
His ”brown trout” pattern is a top producer, and his “brook trout” pattern is nothing short of a work of art. My dad always said, “Lures are mostly designed to catch fishermen,” but these catch fish and anglers!
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Sebago Angling The big lake is on fire this month. I predict a great May on Sebago Lake (Map 5, C-1), as the lake never froze and the fish saw no ice-angling pressure. May is the top month for trolling in this neck of the woods. Whether it be on a small pond or the big lake, get out there and drag a line while the waters are cool and this fishing is hot!
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— The Maine Sportsman —
2022 GRAND SLAM PATCH CLUB (continued from pages 40-41 & 43)
Whitney Peat of Greenville earned her Grand Slam patch club membership with this whitetail buck, as well as a 614-lb. bull moose from T2 R13, a fall turkey, and a sow bear from Big Moose Twp.
Eleven-year-old Wyatt Miller of Hiram had quite a productive hunting year, which led to membership in the coveted Grand Slam patch club. He started in the spring with this 17-lb. gobbler from Brownfield, then harvested a moose in Elm Stream Twp, a bear in Porter, and a deer in Hiram. He was accompanied on the hunts by Brad Sanborn.
Hayden Varney (right) of Portage and his Dad admire Hayden’s 244-lb. buck. In addition to earning Hayden a “Biggest Bucks” patch, the big deer was onefourth of his 2022 Grand Slam, which also included an impressive 481-lb. black bear. Congratulations, Hayden! www.MaineSportsman.com
66 • May 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————
Panic on LaPonkeag Stream In the early spring of 1971, members of the Ashland Fish & Game Club were holding their annual Warden’s Night supper down at the club house next to the Aroostook River. I was excited to be there, filling up on fish chowder and homemade biscuits, and taking in some of the tales being told by veteran wardens. As I sat listening to Ivan Porter and Maurice Gordan talking about some hairy white water canoe expedition they had been on, I volunteered that I’d had no white-water experience. Maurice picked up on that and declared that I should get some, and that I could spend some time with him as soon as the ice went out. I gladly accepted his offer, and he said he would get ahold of me when the water was right. Sometime before Memorial Day, Maurice – who lived in Masardis – called, and we arranged to meet in T9R5, just south of Masardis. We would drive from there into Oxbow Village, and put into the river. No Wearable Life Jackets At Oxbow we launched Maurice’s 20-foot Old Town, equipped with a small Evinrude outboard motor, and set off in the high water of the spring freshet. In those days, we didn’t have any comfortable www.MaineSportsman.com
The little outboard motor died. We were being swept downstream. It was too late for me to grab a branch along the shore of the raging river. We were headed directly toward the thundering whitewater abyss they called LaPonkeag Falls.
“The water was violent as it roared downstream, over and around large boulders.”
life vests to wear, and we were required only to have one in the watercraft, and as I recall we only had the old seat cushion type, which are now no longer approved as your sole source of flotation. As we traveled along, Maurice opined on some historical facts about Oxbow, the river, and how the salmon population had been abused and commercially harvested years ago. We put ashore at a spot where there was a camp belonging to someone Maurice knew and looked around a little, while Maurice smoked a cigarette. It was kind of a cold, raw day, but I was really happy about Maurice taking me. He was a great guide, and very interested in the historical aspects of the river.
Veered Off Toward the Stream As we continued up the river, Maurice veered off the Aroostook and proceeded up into LaPonkeag Stream. There we found the current to be stronger, but Maurice expertly maneuvered the canoe, and we made steady progress up to a place he referred to as LaPonkeag Falls. The water was violent as it roared down, over and around large boulders. We had to stay hard over to the right in order to get up around the raging water, and our little motor had about all it could do. Slowly, we managed to get up around that torrent, and crossed directly over to the left bank, where we landed the canoe on shore and tied up. Maurice wanted to show me a spot on
the stream that he indicated was an ancient Native American campsite. I looked it over with considerable interest, and could see where there had been some excavation in a number of areas by artifact hunters. Maurice smoked another cigarette, and it was soon time to move on. We untied the canoe and got aboard, while I clung to a stout tree branch to hold us against the bank. Maurice instructed me to wait until he had the motor going, and then to push the bow out from the bank. Stubborn Motor I followed those instructions, but as soon as Maurice started to give the motor some throttle, it made a coughing noise and died. We immediately started going down-
stream toward the abyss. I tried to grab something along the bank, but to no avail. Maurice cranked on the motor, while I grabbed a paddle to do whatever I could do to slow our descent into the point of no return. There was no mistaking the fact that if we couldn’t do something very quickly, our chances of survival in that great chasm of cold water, in the middle of nowhere, were going to be slim. Just then, the little motor came to life. Maurice gave it everything it had, and I paddled like a madman. It was nip and tuck, but slowly we began to gain on the current, and finally we pulled ahead out of danger. Memories Over the years, that episode has turned into a rather humorous story and one that Maurice would chuckle about, but I can assure you it was no joke that day. Sadly, Maurice passed away in 1978. He’s buried at the cemetery just north of Masardis village, on the westerly side of Route 11. I was a member of the color guard at his funeral. Each time I pass that way, I glance toward his stone, and it reminds me of my panic-stricken experience on that gray chilly day at LaPonkeag Stream.
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Taking Care of Business The need has always been there, and will always be there. However, the “carry-in; carry-out” practices have changed, at least in heavily-traveled areas. Taking a dump in the Maine woods is never pleasant. Guys and gals will go to great lengths to avoid stepping off into the bushes and squatting. It’s no wonder. For one thing, the position is uncomfortable, and facilities are … well, let’s just say, spartan. There’s no doubt that dropping a deuce in the forest is awkward. Not to mention when you squat, it’s hard to relax and at the same time be on guard for tics and poison ivy and yellow jackets. I’ve always found it helpful to hold onto a stout bush with one hand for balance, and later, to pull myself upright. Paper Poop Targets When I was a boy scout, we learned to make a cat hole with the heel of our shoe. Years later, when I was a scoutmaster, “Carry in; carry out” was the outdoor philosophy. We provided poop kits, with paper targets. The idea was the scout could perch over the target, see how close he could come to the bullseye, then wrap it all up for disposal. Canoe trippers began using five-gallon
buckets and 50 caliber ammo cans for substitute commodes. Again, you carry out what you carried in. Providence Smiled One time when I was a kid, providence smiled on me at just the right time. We were following an old tote road into Four Ponds in Rangeley for some early season trout fishing – my dad and me and his friend Harry and his son Jim. Suddenly and without warning, I had the urgent need for a public restroom. I caught up to Dad and told him, “I gotta go.” Our march halted, and everyone said they’d wait for me. I stepped off the trail into the bushes, and lo and behold there was a privy – an hones t-to-good n e ss wooden backhouse! It must have dated back to the old pulp cutting days when guys were twitching logs out over this same road. The box was tilted a bit and the door wouldn’t close, but the bench inside was still in place, and it didn’t take me more than a minute to put that old backhouse into use. How or why we chose to stop at that particular part of the trail, I’ll never know, but right when I needed it most, a toilet ma-
terialized in the Maine woods. Vietnam The few times I’ve been caught short and found myself reluctantly lowering my trousers and bending my knees, I remember Vietnam and how the Vietnamese routinely squatted with ease – the Asian squat. This working, eating and resting position is used by millions of people across the Asian subcontinent. They just squat with their feet flat on the ground. Guys working on an engine in a shop, squat and pass the screwdrivers and wrenches. Women having tea and tending babies squat comfortably on a grass mat and gossip. Anytime anywhere, these people squat to have a cigarette or eat a bowl of pho. Americans don’t squat. We can’t squat with our feet flat. For some reason the position is difficult for us, but for the Vietnamese it’s just life as usual, and so it was for toilet purposes. By and large, Vietnamese used squat toilets. You use one by squatting over it. Many times over the years when getting caught short in the woods, I’ve wished I could perform the
The ultimate in personal safety in the woods – florescent orange toilet paper. Randy Randall photo
Asian squat. Making Do So, how do you do your duty out in the puckerbrush? Back at the truck or the campsite, you might have a bucket with a toilet seat. There’s even a seat that mounts into the trailer hitch (see this month’s “Quotable Sportsman,” p. 9), or something called the “Porta Loo.” If there’s no other choice, the guidelines from the Appalachian Trail say to move 200 ft away from the trail, and dig a cat hole 6 to 8 inches deep. Just As You Get To Your Tree Stand Having to answer the call of nature just as you’re getting settled in your tree stand is most frustrating. Nothing to do but climb down and find a fallen tree (test it first before sitting on
it) and getting on with business. So far as I can tell, the old boy scout cat hole is still environmentally sound. You bury the waste in the topsoil, where all the micro-organisms can work their magic turning poo into mulch. And by all means, don’t be a jerk and leave a wad of crumpled TP lying on the ground. That’s just plain gross. Bury it, burn it, or pack it out in a Ziploc bag. Remember, leave no trace. All of which reminds me that back in the day I seem to recall our friend and fellow Mainer L.L. Bean in his little mail order catalog sold red toilet paper for deer hunters. Nowadays, you can buy hunter orange.
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68 • May 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————
Rangeley Region Pre-Fishing Season Preparation Fly fishing in the Rangeley Region begins in earnest this month – are you ready? If you are like me, the process is routinely a game of catching up. As the years go by, I have learned the importance of getting prepared before the season starts, and nowadays I actually make a list of things that I need to get done before the first fly gets flung into the stream. The very first task is to compile a list of items you found lacking in last season’s fishing trips. Ideally, this job is completed at the end of the previous season, while the issues are fresh in the mind, That would give time to order replacement items (flies, tying material, fly dope, line, tippet, boot laces), and to avoid back orders and last-minute selections. Next is a general plan of mapping out fishing trips; booking your lodging and guides; and reserving
Fishing season is nigh at hand, so haul out the rods and reels, sort through your flies, get the truck purring smoothly, and get ready! The author sets forth a plan of attack, including some steps you should have started at the end of last season.
Start preparing for fishing season today, so you’re ready for a whopper like this hefty Rangeley brook trout. William Clunie photo
camp sites. Get together with your buddies, tie a few flies, and plan your trips for the season. Finding lodging in this region, and around the state, has become tough due to a number of reasons – book early. Get all of the less-exciting chores
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out of the way before fishing season starts. Be sure the vehicles are all tuned-up and ready to go, so you don’t have to perform maintenance during a day that you’d rather be on the water fishing. Take care of households projects before the fish start biting. Just think how bad you would feel if you had to put off fishing on a beautiful day and work on fixing a leaky roof. Let me tell you … I’ve been there, and it hurts. Gear Maintenance You still have time to check your fishing gear to make sure it’s all up to par before the season starts. Prime fishing will start soon after this issue lands
in your mailbox and on the newsstand. I like to clean my lines and stretch them out in the warm sun before every new season. As I’m cleaning the line, I check for wear, indicating the need to purchase new line. At the same time, I check my collection of leaders and tippet material, throwing out the old stuff and replacing it with new … I’m not losing a fish due to being cheap. Speaking of wornout line, leaders, and tippet material – closely inspect your rod guides for worn or rough surfaces. Just think of how often the line slides back and forth over the guides during the course of a fishing season, and
you can just imagine the damage a guide with a rough surface can cause to the line. Open your reels up, clean them, and grease them … nobody wants to have a reel crash during the middle of the season. Get those leaky waders patched. Replace that old, beatup canoe paddle with a new shiny one. You deserve it – after fishing with that cracked and dry-rotted paddle for years, you owe it to yourself. I like the wide version that I purchased years ago, since it gives me more control on the water with less effort. Lastly, take all of those flies you jammed in your vest pocket last year, and get them out on a flat surface for inspection. Save the good flies and put them back into their proper location, and dump the rest of the flies. No need to waste a single cast with those old, crumpled versions of a fly. Learn More It’s never too late to get in some pre-season casting practice. Grab your favorite fly rod and head out into the yard. Practice every day until the fish call you to the river or lake. Be ready for those fish by working out all your casting bugs before the season starts. Take an entomology (the study of insects) class. Often, a fly (Continued on next page)
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fishing shop will offer classes, or a community college. L.L.Bean’s and a few other outlets offer tying classes that include studying aquatic bugs, too. Tying classes can also be found through any of the Trout Unlimited chapters around the state. Their awesome volunteers will give you the best
instruction available. Sign up for a membership, and support fly fishing organizations like this. The last thing to do early in the season, even if you think the fish are not moving yet, would be to take what they call in the boat-building industry, a “shake-down” cruise. Get all of your fishing gear together, and
go out on the water, even if you know it won’t be a productive day of fishing. Give the gear a run for its money to test it for failure, before you are in the middle of a glorious hatch. On this shakedown cruise, go through all the motions of fishing. Who knows? You might even catch a nice fish.
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Kick Sledding – Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks As my life in the outdoors has progressed, I have always wondered how my interests might change with the passing of time. When I gave up deer hunting to be able to put more time in with my bird dog, some folks wondered if I had lost my mind … I’m still wondering, myself. I also wondered if I would take on new interests as I aged, or just gradually lose interest in current outdoor pursuits at an increasing pace. Well, I’m here to tell you, I haven’t lost any interest in anything to do with the outdoors. As a matter of fact, I’m looking into a “new-to-me” outdoor sport – kick sledding
To create your own mini-Iditarod, acquire a pulling harness and booties for your dog, tie one end of a strap to the harness and the other end to a kicksled, and hang on! with dogs. It’s like regular dog sledding, but on a smaller scale. If you open your computer to youtube.com and type in “kick sledding”, you’ll find a plethora of video clips that show you all about it. I have been trying to think of a way to get my bird dog, a Vizsla we named Ginger, out during the winter months for more intense exercise or conditioning. This past winter, my wife and I made paths with our snowshoes that allowed her to run even when the snow got deep or crusty.
The New Plan The problem with the back yard exercise idea is that our Ginger girl just can’t open it up and really run hard. Occasionally we take her to some of the major snowmobile trails around the area so she can get a complete workout. This works out fine, but I have a new plan that will increase the time afield for both of us. From our backyard, we have a local snowmobile trail that leads to a huge field. It is a dead end for snowmobilers, so they usually don’t ride in this
location at all – the only folks who make this short run are members of our family, and an occasional neighbor. This past winter, I did not see one snowmobile on the trail to the field. Next winter, I’m going to change this, and start grooming the trail with some kind of trail-grooming drag behind my snowmobile, to make it easier to ride the trail on a kick sled. Having my Ginger pull me or my wife on the mini-dog sled will be a great addition to the dog’s exercise program, one that has been lacking during the months where the snow is cov-
ered with an icy crust. Even if the snow gets crusty, I can break it down with the trail grooming drag and make it runnable for our dog. When a crust builds up on the snow, it really can cut into a dog’s paws and cause trouble. Grooming the trails turns that hard crust into powder, making it easier on the dog’s foot pads. Even though I can make it easier on my dog’s paws by breaking down the sharp ice with the grooming drag, I’ll still have her wear some booties to protect her foot pads. Cold ice and snow can damage those pads when the dog is exposed for long periods of time. The same goes for hot asphalt surfaces during summer months. (Continued on next page)
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���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • May 2023 • 71 (Continued from page 70)
Getting Started A good way to start out is to condition the dog to wearing the booties and the harness. Make sure to fit the harness properly, and teach your dog to enjoy wearing it by offering treats the first few times you make them wear the harness and booties in the house. Let them slowly get used to wearing the equipment before going outdoors. Gradually increase the time wearing the gear and then let them wear the harness and booties outdoors while they run and play. Attach the harness to a drag rope with something light to begin with, after they get used to wearing the harness and booties. Slowly increase the weight of the dragged object over a few weeks of time, until the dog is able to pull
a good sized piece of log around without difficulty. I would start with a small branch from a tree, move to a larger sapling, and gradually increase the drag to a small log. During this dragging period, use whatever commands work to get the dog moving and – even more important – stopping. Having a second person run ahead of you in the trail with some treats should get the dog moving, in combination with your command to start pulling. After the dog gets used to dragging the log, attach the kick sled and be ready to move out (did I say to hang on?) Be sure to tie off the sled so that the dog doesn’t just haul off with the sled when you aren’t on it. Enjoy the ride!
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Here, antique kicksleds — known locally as “sparks” — are lined up on Lake Hebron’s ice during Monson’s annual Snow Roller Day. Next winter, the author plans to harness up his dog to a kicksled, so both animal and rider can get a great workout along a groomed snowmobile trail. W. Lund photo
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72 • May 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————
Gates – Good, or Bad? I think it is a natural human tendency to break things into mutually exclusive groups. The creation of stark differences makes things easy on us mentally – we simply pick a side, and then move on to whatever YouTube video is next. This saves us from expending the mental energy it takes to ponder a gray area or lean into the nuance of an issue. Pick any recent controversial topic – even within hunting, fishing, or trapping – and there will likely be two camps, firmly entrenched against one another. This positioning is becoming more prevalent these days, at least between vocal extremes. I don’t think this trend is helping anybody, and the truth of the matter is that there is a likely a vast gray area between those poles that makes this either/or position a false dichotomy. At a recent conservation group meeting that I attended, the discussion turned to the 2022 deer and moose seasons. Locally, there was concern among a few of the board members about the proliferation of gates on some nearby timber company land that has a public access easement on it (among other easements). The biggest concern was if this was legal within www.MaineSportsman.com
Gates prohibiting vehicular access to timberland evoke a visceral reaction, especially if hunters are accustomed to driving through. If all hunters are restricted equally, then it’s easier to accept. However, if a few VIPs are given access codes, then it starts to feel more like a private hunting preserve. The “right answer” on gates, says the writer, often depends on your perspective.
“This is a gate I hope to hunt behind sometime down the road,” explains the author. Matt Breton photo
the parameters of the easement, with a secondary concern about vehicular access for hunters to land behind the gates. Access Tradition As it turned out, after some discussion, the timber company was operating within the framework of the easement around motor vehicle access. Historically, there was a broader level of access and more open gates, but due to turnover in the timber company staff as well as some logging, these gates ended up closed early in the fall. This changed some people’s
ability to hunt in areas in the manner that they had gotten used to. Another part of the problem was related to giving out codes to the locks on the gates to a few people in order for the timber company staff to know who was getting in there. This is within the letter of the law around the easement, but starts to drift away from the spirit of it, creating a sense of preferential and unequitable access to the territory beyond the gate. The area where the gate issue popped up has seen many changes over the last centu-
ry. Where it was once considered very remote, this land opened due to logging, and eventually that openness morphed into a tradition of vehicular access. That type of access is now swinging in the other direction, making it feel like a loss, even though the foot travel that has been the mainstay of access since the last glacier receded is unchanged. People’s concept of tradition, which might only be a generation or two in length, lends a dubious gravity to their feelings. I often hear the word “right” expressed around what is really
a relatively new tradition. Here we stray into a murky area, with all sorts of beliefs, legalities, and concepts that are rooted in the depths of our history. The Vermont Constitution recognizes that inhabitants have the right to hunt and fowl, as well as fish, “on the lands they hold, and on other lands not inclosed, and in like manner to fish in all boatable and other waters…” but it doesn’t mention anything about trucks and gates. I think that tradition as an argument holds little water; we should lean on something more. Neither Good nor Bad I like gates, especially if they keep everyone out equally. I feel like they providemore net land for hunting, and reward those willing to put the effort into getting back there. I feel that if you have a square mile of land with a road through the middle of it, there is less good huntable territory than if that road didn’t exist. I’ve been lucky enough to get access behind gates at times, and that feels special, but I’d rather that the overall vehicular access be reduced and left equitable to everyone. I’ve been on the other side of the coin (Vermont continued on page 74)
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Beat the Crowds, Pound the Water The best fishing to be had is in May. Not just because the fishing is good, but because the timing is also good. The weather is nice; the temperature is comfortable; there are no deer or bear or moose seasons to compete for your time; and the screaming kids on tubes and tourists on jet skis don’t show up until June. Pre-Spawn Smallmouth One of the most exciting fishing experiences is to hit the prespawn smallmouth just right. The bronzebacks are up on flats in four to ten feet of water. They are cruising and feeding aggressively on baitfish. Action that imitates a wounded baitfish is irresistible to them. Topwater is handsdown the most fun way to catch these
From smallmouth to pike to brookies to landlocked salmon, the author takes the reader on a quick tour of what fish are out there, and exactly what fly or lure to use. And when selecting terminal tackle for the cold water of May, his mantra is “Go big, or go home.”
Some of the writer’s favorite streamer flies for early salmon (blue smelt, White Witch, and rainbow smelt), accompanying some of the writer’s favorite dry flies for brook trout (grasshopper, Hornberg, and fluttering caddis).
feisty footballs. My personal favorite lure is a big, triple-treble Spook plug, made by Heddon. Constant twitch-and-reel makes the bait “walk” across the surface. When the bite is at its best, you get reactionary strikes the sec-
ond the bait hits the water. And it is not unheard of for anglers to hook two smallmouth at once competing for the bait. Other top water baits that work well are chatterbaits, floating Rapalas, torpedo baits, and plugs. Below-surface ac-
tion fishing is also highly productive and fun this time of year. My favorite bait for this is a suspended hard plastic jerk bait, Lucky Craft or other like-brands. Don’t be afraid of using a big triple-treble size. Jerking the bait hard
and fast while reeling the slack makes the bait dart erratically and irresistibly. Other suspended baits that work well this time of year are spinnerbaits, swimbaits, and lipless crankbaits. Early Pike Like smallmouth, northern pike are also aggressive this time of year. The earlier and colder the water, the better. Pike can roam the same loamy flats as the pre-spawn smallmouth, but they will also be found in the shallower and weedier flats, as well. They, too, are aggressively chasing baitfish and other small species like yellow perch. Again, I like to use big baits. The same topwater and jerkbaits I recommend for smallmouth will also work. However, those (Continued on next page)
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74 • May 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————
New Hampshire (Continued from page 73)
types of baits are expensive, and inevitably you will lose some to the razor-sharp teeth of northern pike. So, if I’m targeting pike, I tend to stick to cheap spinnerbaits or big soft plastic swimbaits. Or older, wornout yard-sale hardplastics. Heavy braid line is a must. Steel leaders inhibit the action of the bait and will get tangled on the hooks when casting.
year. If you can time things with a mayfly or caddis hatch, your arms will be sore from fighting fish. One Memorial Day weekend, my dad and I landed 150 trout in three evenings of fly-casting. My favorite flies are the brown caddis, and large, yellow-bodied grasshoppers. But mayflies, Wulffs, Hornbergs, parachute flies, and humpies also work.
Pond Brookies Mid-late May provides the best dry-fly fishing of the year in my opinion. Designated trout ponds, especially the remote helicopter-stocked ones, are much more fun to me to flyfish than any moving water. There is nothing more serene than casting a fly from a rowboat or canoe on one of these placid ponds this time of
Trolling Salmon Like pike, the earlier and colder the water, the better for salmon trolling. Admittedly, I do less of this kind of fishing than any other, but whatever success I have in trolling for landlocked salmon comes almost entirely during this time of year. This may be because I troll with flies and leadcore ex-
Vermont (Continued from page 72)
as well, having walked a couple of miles along a road in the dark only to be passed by a truck of guys that had the combination. There is an argument to be made about lost opportunity for those who can’t get back there, and I think that certainly needs to be considered. I do remember an older gentleman at a pub-
A selection of the writer’s favorite big baits for aggressive pre-spawn smallmouth and early season pike (spook/walkingbait, propbait, jerkbait, swimbait, spinnerbait, and wakebait).
clusively. This time of year, the salmon are nearer the surface and more aggressive. When the bite is at its peak, one has a hard time getting their line all the way out before getting a strike. If fishing with leadcore, one or two colors is typically all you need; sometimes you can catch them
in the ripples from the outboard motor! The best fly for me, by far, has been the Grey Ghost. My father has great luck on his own “White Witch” pattern, similar to the Grey Ghost, but, you guessed it, with a white feather. I’ve had occasional luck with Mickey Finns and Parmachenee Belles,
lic meeting once remarking, “I had my turn as a young man being able to get back there, and I figure it’s some other young buck’s time to wander around.” Talk about a generous, unselfish idea – that fella had an expansive view of what was going on with that chunk of ground, and recognized that what he valued about it decades ago might hold some value for someone else now. Gates aren’t inherently good or bad
too, but not nearly to the extent of the other two. Continuing with my “big baits are better” mentality, I often use streamers with a tandem hook. In every fishing pursuit, what I lack in skill, I make up for in hooks!
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– they simply exist, often at the expense of a private landowner. We need to protect our rights, but also realize that what is traditional hasn’t always been that way, and might even change. Respect is key. There is a lot of gray around many issues. We should embrace nuance and consider the proverb, “A wise man knows he doesn’t know everything; a fool thinks he knows all.”
¶
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Smilin’ Sportsman
Please Be Seated A dung beetle walked into a bar and yelled, “Bartender – is this stool taken?” — Give Me a Hint Nurse to man: “How much do you weigh?” Man: “I’m not telling you!” Nurse: “OK, what about just the last three digits?” — Driven Two old-timers were catching up at a Greenville coffee shop. “You still seeing that girlfriend of yours?” “Oh sure, but she moved down to Dover-Foxcroft.” “How’s the sex drive?” “Oh, not too bad – about 45 minutes each way.” — See? Man to his phone: “Siri, why am I still single?” Siri: “Activating front camera.” — No Takers Trucker: “I refuse to eat this chili. Please call the manager!” Diner waitress: “That’s no use. He won’t eat it, either.”
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76 • May 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————
Do Trees Make Good Pets? ...and other important questions nobody bothered to ask our columnist
People are so thirsty for knowledge of the Maine outdoors, they even ask advice from me (a person who never goes outdoors). Unfortunately, their parched throats make them difficult to understand, so I just made some stuff up. Q: I’m thinking of getting a pet that enjoys being out in nature. Is a tree a good choice? A: As with most pets, there are plusses and minuses in adopting a tree. On the positive side, they don’t track mud into the house, jump on strangers or require you to clean their litter box. They’re also easy to train. Order your tree to stay, and it almost always will. They do, however, shed, and no matter how you try to teach them otherwise, they’re going to bark. And if a high wind topples your tree onto your roof, it gives a whole new meaning to the term housebreaking. Q: What is the best music to listen to while fishing? A: Baithoven, of course. Q: Speaking of fishing, do you have some suggestions for reducing my carbon footprint while engaging in this activity? A: You bet I do. The first step you should take is replacing your old gas-powered fishing rod with one that uses solar or wind energy. Renewable power is not only better for the environment, but it also has the added benefit of being quieter, so it doesn’t scare away the fish. And if nothing is biting, you can connect a toaster oven to the rod and make yourself a nice hot lunch.
Q: Aren’t these devices dangerous? And do you have any financial interest in the company that makes them? A: Come on, how many fingers do you actually need? I can type and open beer cans with only two. And no, I’m not affiliated in any way with the manufacturer, who is merely a close friend or possibly a relative who owes me money. Q: I want to spend more time in nature, but I’m terrified that when I’m walking in the woods or fields, I’ll suddenly be attacked by fearsome creatures that will leave my poor body a desiccated wreck. Should I carry a gun? A knife? A bazooka? A: Use DEET. It’ll keep those black flies away. Q: My rustic hunting camp is infested with mice. I’ve tried all manner of traps, but the little boogers keep coming back. Do you have any helpful hints for making my retreat rodent-free?
A: Do I ever. What you need is the new and improved Mouse Mine™. This dimesized explosive device can be placed on
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any flat surface where you’ve seen indications of mouse activity. When one of those critters steps on the little circle, it’ll blow them to pieces. It’s quick and sorta humane, although it does tend to leave bits of mouse fragments on the walls and ceiling. But you probably haven’t cleaned those surfaces since disco was popular the first time, so the mess will provide the incentive you need to do a little scrubbing. And removing all that grime has been known to make all the inside dimensions of your camp a half inch wider. (A footnote: The same company that makes the Mouse Mine will soon be introducing the Cockroach Claymore™. Equally lethal results are guaranteed.) Q: I wasn’t referring to bugs. I just saw the movie “Cocaine Bear,” and I’m told there’s now a Winnie the Pooh slasher film. What do I do if I run into something like that? A: You should definitely skip the Pooh slasher flick. It gives the genre a bad name. As for real bears, the makers of the Mouse Mine have the product for you. It’s called the Bear Bomb™. Just pull the pin and toss it in the general direction of the offending beast. Then duck. Q: If you’re being annoyed by inebriated yahoos on personal watercraft, is it OK to use torpedoes? A: Yes. I’m afraid the makers of the Mouse Mine haven’t yet released a product designed to deal with this annoyance. But I hear rumors the Drunken Depth Charge™ is in development. Q: Is that mean editor still deleting all your best jokes before publishing your column? Do you want me to come to his office and give him a sound thrashing? A: Is that you, Mom? I thought so. I’m afraid he is, but no need for you to involve yourself. I’m told Mouse Mine, Inc. will soon be offering the Editorial Explosive™. (Please note: The Editorial Explosive only damages the editor’s delete button. No editors were harmed in the production of this article.)
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���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • May 2023 • 77
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★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
Discover the versatility and convenience of Northeastern’s Camp and Cabin kits. Perfect for vacation homes or retirement retreats, these log cabin kits are easy to build and very affordable. They feature simple, open designs and come complete with pre-cut Eastern White Pine Logs, insulated doors, windows, rafters, roof sheathing and subflooring, plus step-by-step instructions.
Caryn Dreyfuss, Broker • (207) 233-8275 caryndreyfuss@morton-furbish.com www.realestateinrangeley.com
RANGELEY – New subdivision off Dallas Hill Road with southwest facing views of Rangeley Lake, sunsets over Bald Mt. Ideally located minutes to town amenities, on the way to Saddleback ski area and offers snowmobile/ATV trail access from your door! Lot has been surveyed and cleared, plus town sewer, drilled well and underground power. Super spot to base your Rangeley adventures! MLS #1553774 – $129,000 WELD – Gradually sloping 2.46 wooded acres with potential scenic Blueberry, Hurricane Mountain views. Located on year-round town maintained road. Lot has been surveyed, soils tested, driveway entrance in, power available at roadside. Quiet, peaceful spot off the beaten path and yet minutes to Mt. Blue State Park, Webb Lake, Tumbledown Mt. Country living at its best. Don’t miss out on this one, inquire today! MLS #1546850 – $79,000 RANGELEY – Great views from this hillside lot in desirable Rangeley West subdivision! Enjoy the generous 1.78 acre parcel with building envelope designed to maximize the panoramic Rangeley Lake and mountain vistas. Super location handy to Mooselookmeguntic/Rangeley Lake public boat ramps, vibrant Oquossoc Village, plus DIRECT ACCESS to snowmobile trails from your door. MLS #1554754 – $114,900
ATHENS – Located on a quiet country road in the heart of Maine deer country, this charming cabin awaits. Over 100 acres of prime woodland and 2,500 feet of road frontage. Parcel has been professionally managed and is enrolled in the Maine Tree Growth Tax Program. This property has all the amenities you will need and it comes complete with cookware and all furnishings. The kitchen is well-appointed with an electric oven and range, ample counter and cabinet space, and a large refrigerator. This cabin also features two bedrooms and a full bathroom with a stand-up shower. This impressive property also has close access to a network of ATV and snowmobile trails where you can enjoy the outdoors all year long. And for those who like to fish, boat, canoe or kayak it is only a few minutes drive to Lake Wesserunsett, Ironbound Pond, Kingsbury Pond, the Kennebec River, and Wesserunset Stream. MLS #1538560 – $339,000 SOLON – Approximately 78 acres of wooded land with some views. Road is private and gated. ATV and snowmobile trails close by. Perfect spot for an off-grid hunting cabin. Taxes are estimated. Currently in tree growth for tax purposes. MLS #1534242 – $87,900 RIPLEY – Well-wooded 30 acres in the heart of the Maine countryside! Property would make a great spot to build a year round home or camp. Power is available at the street. Currently in tree growth for tax purposes. MLS #1555092 – $60,000 NORRIDGEWOCK – 2.5 surveyed acres of land with a 3-bay garage on the property. Drilled well in place. Mobile homes are allowed. MLS #1536880 – $97,000 HARTLAND – Surveyed 10.3 acre wooded lot on a paved, public road with town water. Power available at the road. Over 400 feet of frontage on Athens Road. MLS #1532083 – $44,900 SOLON – Great location to build your cabin or vacation retreat. 7.95 acres of land with 1,500 feet of road frontage on a public, town maintained road. Just a short drive to Athens and Solon, this property has a gentle slope that offers beautiful views. This property is located in the heart of Maine recreation. Wildlife abounds in this region and you are only minutes from the shores of Ironbound Pond and the Kennebec River. Also enjoy very close access to ATV and snowmobile trails.. Currently in tree growth for tax purposes. 23025Hb0360 MLS #1537747 – $45,000 RIPLEY – Approximately 46 acres of land on a maintained gravel road, with power available at the road. Great spot for hunting after setting up your camp. Currently in tree growth for tax purposes. Tax figure is estimated only. (23025Hb1000) MLS #1534664 – $86,900 NORRIDGEWOCK – 1.1 acre building lot that has been surveyed and soil tested. Situated a few miles out of town on a public maintained road with power at the street. There are protective covenants in place that allow modular homes but no mobile homes. Also included is a 50’ deeded access to the Kennebec River. Come see if this is the right place to build your camp or home. MLS #1541873 – $22,900 05/23
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Just imagine relaxing in your very own Northeastern log retreat!
10 Ames Road, Kenduskeag, ME
1-800-624-2797 • (207) 884-7000
www.northeasternlog.com
Lincoln – Come take a look at this large undeveloped lakefront lot on Cambolassee Pond in Lincoln. End of the road privacy, only 10 minutes from Downtown. One of the few undeveloped lakefront lots left in this area. $75,000
T4 R7 – Looking for remote pristine waterfront? Enjoy seeing a perfect starry night sky? Do you enjoy hunting and fishing? This leased camp on Seboeis River could be just what you are looking for. Call today for your appointment to see. $49,000
Lakeville – Large, private waterfront property on Lombard Lake & Stream, with cheap taxes. Cabin needs some love, but appears solid and square. Post and beam construction, on a full concrete foundation, offers plenty of potential. $229,000
Winn – This cute cabin is insulated with a knotty interior. The lot is heavily wooded and gorgeous. Situated on North Road; a paved, year round, secondary road. With a little fire pit sitting just off the cabin’s screen porch. $49,900
Lakeville – Gorgeous piece of land, heavily wooded and near the end of the Spaulding Pond Road with lakes all around. The cabin is small but sturdy. The privy and fire pit make it comfortable. Definitely well worth a look. $49,000
Prentiss TWP – Brand new home situated in the small, northern Maine Township. Cute, modern, located 1.5 hours from Bangor and Baxter State Park. Some of the finest outdoor recreational activities at your fingertips right on Park Street. Call today. $99,000
T3R1 – Remote. Private. Wooded and beautiful. With deeded access to Bill Green Pond, this would be a wonderful place to build your seasonal cabin right off Engstrom Road. POSSIBLE OWNER FINANCING. $22,900 Lee – Well wooded, remote property. Good, clean air and critters everywhere. This smashin’ little lot is right off Mallet’s Mill Road. $69,900 Enfield – This large lot is part of a larger parcel, owner would consider selling larger piece. Not far from Cold Stream Pond and Cold Stream. Public road of Caribou Road and short distance to electricity. $34,000 Carroll PLT – Unique, quiet and rural with year round road-town maintained, North Road. 4 BR septic, drilled well and driveway already in. Half open space and half woodland. Come take a peek. $80,000
R E A L
E S T A T E
5 LAKE STREET, P.O. BOX 66, LINCOLN 207-794-2460 www.cwalakestreet.com E-mail: cwa@cwalakestreet.com
1-800-675-2460 Call any of our brokers to work for you! “Tate” Aylward ............. 794-2460 Peter Phinney............... 794-5466 Kirk Ritchie................... 290-1554
FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION ON OUR PROPERTIES VISIT OUR WEB SITE AT CWALAKESTREET.COM
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