Sportsman The Maine
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Whitetail Issue Stories from Deer Camp Page 41
Hunt from a Ground Blind Page 20
Big Woods Tracking Page 26
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2 • November 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————————————
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4 • November 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Editorial
Federal Study Proves Maine Sportsman Readers are Part of an Irrepressible Economic Force We always knew that hunting, fishing, ATVing and snowmobiling were fun, healthy activities, but now – thanks to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis – we also know that we are part of an economic juggernaut. Further, recreational activities are especially important to the economy of the State of Maine. Here, outdoor activities are responsible for generating income equaling 4.8% of the state’s total gross domestic product, putting Maine in third place in the country in that category, behind only Montana and Hawaii. Maine’s number is more than double the average percentage across the country, according to Maine Outdoor Brands, a new in-state recreation industry association. Other findings from the study? • Outdoor recreation supports more than 40,000 jobs in Maine, accounting for 6.4% of all employment. • Manufacturing of outdoor recreation goods contributed $328 million to Maine’s economy in 2017, an increase of 47% over the previous five years. • Boating and fishing were the largest conventional outdoor recreation activities in Maine. And state government itself is starting to take notice. Maine Outdoor Brands drew attention to the fact that Maine recently became the 12th state to establish an “Office of Outdoor Recreation” within the state’s Department of Economic & Community Development. That new office became permanent on July 1, 2019. These folks may look like they are merely And what does the future hold? snowmobiling along a beautiful trail in Some folks think the market sec- Maine, but in fact they are making valuable economic contributions to retailers, guides, tor will continue to grow. apparel and equipment providers and “Outdoor recreation is vital to repair facilities operators, who are among Maine’s economy – from guides, the 40,000 people employed in this State in supporting outdoor recreational activities. to retail, to the manufacturing of outdoor products and apparel,” said Jenny Kordick, Executive Director of Maine Outdoor Brands. “With the right support, promotion and investment, outdoor recreation has the opportunity to play an even bigger role in attracting businesses and creating jobs across the state.” So remember – when you are tracking that whitetail deer this month, or drilling holes and setting traps in the ice in January, or traversing Maine’s many snowmobile trails all winter long, you are not just getting outside to see our beautiful state in the company of your friends; rather, you are supporting Maine’s retailers, guides, sporting camps, restaurants and convenience stores – in short, you constitute the critical foundation of the state’s financial infrastructure. So get out there and exercise that economic muscle!
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New England’s Largest Outdoor Publication
Sportsman The Maine
ISSN 0199-036 — Issue No. 566 • www.mainesportsman.com PUBLISHER: Jon Lund MANAGING EDITOR: Will Lund will@mainesportsman.com OFFICE MANAGER: Linda Lapointe linda@mainesportsman.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Kristina Roderick kristina@mainesportsman.com ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Nancy Carpenter nancy@mainesportsman.com Second class postage paid at Scarborough, ME 04074 and additional entry offices. All editorial inquiries should be emailed to will@mainesportsman.com Phone: 207-622-4242 Fax: 207-622-4255 Postmaster: Send address changes to: The Maine Sportsman, 183 State Street, Suite 101, Augusta, ME 04330 12-Month Subscription: $30 • 24-Month Subscription: $49
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Almanac by Will Lund........................................................ 11 Aroostook - “The County” by Bill Graves......................... 36 A Warden’s Life by Warden Lt. Bill Allen (Ret.)................ 39 Big Game Hunting by Joe Saltalamachia...................... 27 Big Woods World by Logan Rackliff................................. 26 Bird of the Month by Erika Zambello................................ 14 Central Maine by Steve Vose........................................... 53 Downeast by Jim Lemieux................................................ 50 Editorial.................................................................................. 4 Freshwater Fly Fishing by William Clunie.......................... 43 Jackman by William Sheldon........................................... 45 Jottings by Jon Lund............................................................ 7 Katahdin Country by William Sheldon............................. 41 Kate’s Wild Kitchen by Kate Krukowski Gooding........... 25 Legislative Update by David Trahan............................... 16 Letters to the Editor.............................................................. 5 Maine Sportswoman by Christi Holmes........................... 58 Maine Wildlife by Tom Seymour....................................... 18 Maine Wildlife Quiz by Steve Vose................................... 42 Midcoast by Tom Seymour............................................... 52 Moosehead by Tom Seymour.......................................... 48 My Maine by George Smith.............................................. 19 New Hampshire by Ethan Emerson.................................. 72 Off-Road Traveler by William Clunie................................ 54 Outdoor Chronicle by Ed Pineau..................................... 40 Quotable Sportsman by George Smith........................... 18 Rangeley Region by William Clunie................................. 65 Riding Shotgun by Robert Summers................................. 74 Saltwater by Barry Gibson................................................. 56 Sebago to Auburn Region by Tom Roth......................... 60 Self-Propelled Sportsman by Jim Andrews...................... 63 Shooter’s Bench by Col. J.C. Allard................................. 69 Smilin’ Sportsman: Adults & Kids by Will Lund.................. 74 Sporting Environment by David Van Wie........................ 64 Sportsman’s Journal by King Montgomery....................... 9 Southern Maine by Val Marquez..................................... 62 Trapping The Silent Places by David Miller...................... 59 Trading Post (Classifieds)................................................... 75 Trout Fishing by Tom Seymour........................................... 71 Western Maine Mountains by William Clunie.................. 67 Young Maine Sportsman by Luke Giampetruzzi............ 47
GUEST COLUMNS & SPECIAL SECTIONS
Be the Best Liar You Can Be by David Putnam.............. 51 Clapping in Church by Randy Randall........................... 44 Deer Hunting in Maine by Steve Carpenteri................... 20 Deer Hunting in Maine by Russ Anderson....................... 22 Deer Hunting in Maine by Steve Carpenteri................... 24 Snowmobiling in Maine by Steve Carpenteri................. 30 Snowmobiling in Maine by Steve Vose........................... 32 Two Wild Turkeys on the Wing by Brad Varney............... 35 Youth Writing Contest Runner-Up Story by Kyle Graffam.29
On the Cover: Whitetail season is upon us, with Youth Day October 26, residents-only opening day November 2, and even-those-from-away opening day November 4. Benefit from valuable deer-related advice found in many of the columns and reader stories in this issue. Good luck, and be safe.
Letters
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To The Editor
Likes Thomas & Thomas Rods To the Editor: I enjoyed reading the September issue of The Maine Sportsman, especially William Clunie’s column about his new Thomas & Thomas fly rod. I grew up in Western Massachusetts and spent a lot of time in the old Thomas & Thomas shop in Turners Falls, MA when Tom Dorsey and Len Codella were running the company, and I spent many hours over the years casting their rods in the street out front. I was, and am, a big fan of their rods. I still love to fish my 8-foot 4/5 wt Special Dry Fly rod designed by Tom Dorsey. It sure seemed awfully expensive for the college student I was then, but I am so glad I was able to scrape enough together for it. Being a two piece, it is tough to bring with me on an airplane, and I wouldn’t mind some extra length for bigger rivers, so that Aeros might be just the ticket for me. Thanks again to William for the informative review. Mike Desjarlais – Albuquerque, NM
is a narrow gauge steam railway named Puffing Billy. It is the oldest preserved and functioning steam engine in Australia, and still makes daily excursion runs on a single track through the Dandenong Ranges in Melbourne. I imagine firemen working a steam engine would have a real need for a device to help start and revive fires. Bill Holmbom was a respected artist and a true Renaissance man, and is missed in his home town of Monson. A. Michael Moriarty – Farmingdale, ME —
Lake Whitefish; Round Whitefish To the Editor: Enclosed please find my application for a “Catch and Release” patch, for catching and then letting go the salmon you see in the accompanying photo.
—
Name Origin of the “Puffin’Billy”? To the Editor: Thanks for including in the October issue the article and photo of Bill Holmbom’s blowpipe fire starter called “Puffin’Billy.” I wonder how many of your readers caught the historical reference in his name for the device. “Puffer Belly” was an old nickname for steam locomotives, and in Australia there
I have a different question for you regarding the catch and release patch club. The application form currently lists only lake whitefish. However, Maine has another type of whitefish, called a round whitefish. They usually run smaller than the lake whitefish. How big a round whitefish must an angler catch in order to qualify for a patch? Wyatt Ford – St. George Lake, ME
The editor responds: Congratulations on the salmon, Wyatt – it looks like you had to get right into the water to net that nice fish. Regarding the round whitefish – we will amend our form to add round whitefish (which are distinguishable because they have a flap of skin between their nostrils, while lake whitefish do not). We will leave the qualifying size the same for now. Fisheries biologists Wes Ashe and Jeremiah Wood in Sidney and Ashland agree with you that round whitefish are usually smaller. However, there is – or was – a population of round whitefish in the Kennebec River (Bingham) that grew huge – up to 20 inches long – so we will have to see how the patch club submissions go before deciding whether to reduce the qualifying size for round whitefish. —
Precision Marksmen Are Also Hunters To the Editor: My name is Lucas Mason, and my picture was featured in the October issue of The Maine Sportsman. I was firing the rifle off of the tripod that I fashioned out of three small trees that were provided to me as part of the stage at the New England Precision Rifle Match held at the Team O’Neal Rally School in Dalton New Hampshire at the end of July. Although we are precision shooters, most of us – like those reading your magazine – are sportsmen. I love to hunt and fish and do anything that involves the outdoors, and I am teaching my two sons to follow in my footsteps. Like many veterans, I am a firearms enthusiast. I thought I was pretty good with a rifle, but then I went to a local club match in central Missouri, and I learned that – well, that I still had a lot to learn. I worked hard to improve, and it was not long before I was getting sponsorships, including my primary sponsor Shilen Rifle (Continued on next page)
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6 • November 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Letters to the Editor
that you are not comfortable taking off hand. Do you shoot and risk a bad unethical shot, or (Continued from page 5) do you pass? Well the average hunter would pass; howCompany, a producer of quality barrels. ever in my case I would set up a stable shoot There is a direct connection between skill ing position on whatever I have available. I on a range, and taking clean, ethical shots would dial my optics up to compensate for the while hunting game animals. drop due to the distance, and I would judge Let me set the scene – it’s a cold Novemthe wind and make a clean ethical shot. I am ber morning, opening day. You are walking able to do this because I practice, with the toward your stand, and you jump the buck of result that I have confidence in myself, in my a lifetime. rifle and in my equipment. To ensure that the slug will have proper penetrating ability at distance, I use a ballistic solver that is programmed into my environmental meter. The meter is called a Kestel, and the program is called applied ballistics. This tells me how much drop the bullet has at any given distance, how much remaining energy at that distance, and the time of flight. I input information about the bullet’s weight, speed, and ballistic coefficient. My rifle is a custom built 6.5mm CreedLucas Mason on the range. moor, featuring a Defiance action, and a 1:8 right hand twist 4 groove rifled barrel by This buck, like many others, immediateShilen. It also has an Area 419 sidewinder ly runs and makes a big circle around you muzzle brake to reduce recoil, a jewel trigstraight downwind. Being the skilled hunter ger set at 8 ounces, and a Grayboe ridgeback you are, you wait, and sure enough the buck stock, stopped off with an Athlon Cronus appears directly downwind of you on the next BTR 4.5-29 x34mm scope. ridge over. I encourage anyone who has an interest in You range the buck with your rangefinder improving their abilities as well as their odds and realize this buck is 300 yards, a shot farof making an ethical shot to get involved in ther than you are used to taking and a shot precision shooting. As a pro shooter, I love to increase participation in the sport. We have participants from 9 years old, to 90. If you don’t have the equipment, let me know. I will bring PO Box 158, 526 Main Road, Eddington, ME 04428 enough ammo and let you shoot my rifle. See you at the range! Lucas Mason – Londonderry NH
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Matches and a Lighter Belong in Emergency Pack To the Editor: In the October issue of The Maine Sportsman, Steve Carpenteri wrote a great snowmobile article, including (on page 38) a list of items that should be included in an “emergency pack.” Those items included a first aid kit, a flashlight, a space blanket for warmth, bottled water and a cell phone.
I’ve been riding for 44 years, and I have an important addition for any emergency pack; namely, a lighter, and some waterproof matches. People need to be able to start a fire – period. For example, if your sled goes through a pond or brook 38 miles from nowhere, you’d better be able to start an emergency fire (yes, it’s legal in an emergency). So please encourage your readers to carry fire-starting material at all times. Toby Milliken Lewiston, ME Educational. Personalized. Awesome.
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��������������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • November 2019 • 7
Up on a soapbox —
Anadromous Fish Passage
Early explorers to what is now Maine marveled at the discovery that if they lowered a basket weighted with a few stones into our coastal waters, it would come up with cod in the basket. The cod were everywhere, and their presence was evident by the many places on early charts and maps that are labeled “Cod Rock,” “Cod Ledge” and the like. Even in more recent times, cod ran much larger than they do today. Note the size of the antique cod jig in the accompanying photo. The other feature that was noted by early explorers was the presence of bountiful sources of falling water that could be utilized for water-powered sawmills and grist mills. It required only modest ingenuity to build a dam by driving logs into the ground to create a low-head dam to power a simple water- wheel.
A local group known as “Upstream” has established as its mission the restoration of anadromous fish runs in Cobbossee Stream. I wish them Godspeed.
Vintage J. T. Buel jigs. Photo by Joan Sturmthal
Dams Blocked Passage As Douglas Watts chronicles in his book titled Alewife, the creation of such a dam had the negative result of blocking the upstream passage of anadromous fish, such as alewives, shad and Atlantic salmon (“anadro-
mous” fish are those that migrate up rivers from the sea to spawn). The Massachusetts General Court, which was the legislature of that day, recognized that effect by requiring by law that such a dam was required to open up a passage for migrating fish.
That law was simple and clear. However, it provided no mechanism to enforce its mandates.
When settlers came up the Kennebec River to Gardiner, they saw the water power potential in Cobbosseecontee Stream, which falls 148 feet from its origins at Cobbossee Lake and drains 221 square miles. It falls about a hundred feet in its last dash to join the Kennebec River in Gardiner. Accordingly, in 1761, Silvester Gardiner erected a mill dam at the mouth of Cobbossee Stream to operate an upand-down saw mill, but made no provision for fish passage. He ignored the law. Challenged in the 1770s During the Revolutionary war, the British naval blockade of the New (Continued on next page)
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8 • November 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Jottings
(Continued from page 7)
England coast limited the ability of inhabitants of coastal towns to catch fish at sea, and many towns sought legal action against milldam owners who blocked passage of sea-run fish, a possible food source. Among them were the citizens of the town of Winthrop, who petitioned the Massachusetts legislature to make a route for alewives to pass Mr. Gardiner’s dam. However, the petition brought no relief. In 1791, Robert Hallowell, Jr., the son-inlaw of Gardiner’s founder, came up with a novel argument to avoid the application of the fish passage requirement. He argued that historically, shad, alewives and salmon never migrated up Cobbossee Stream. Mr. Hallowell’s claim was quickly countered by the affidavits of several citizens who stated they had seen plenty of alewives in the stream prior to the building of any
dams. But the law requiring fish passage was still not enforced. Dams Get Legal Protection Then, in 1806, the Massachusetts Legislature finally passed a law exempting Cobbossee Stream from the law requiring fish passage. Robert H. Gardiner had won the long battle, and he built nine high stone dams on Cobbossee Stream in Gardiner to utilize some of the 2,000-horsepower potential of the water flow. He proceeded to lease out waterpower sites to a number of small mill operators. These actions reduced the run of anadromous fish in the Cobbossee watershed to a trickle. Over the years that followed, the Gardiner heirs pursued their authority under Maine’s Mill Dam act, and acquired the right to flow the land of lake shore property owners by build-
ing additional dams on the watershed’s lakes to further increase the waterpower potential of Cobbossee Stream. The current level of Cobbossee Lake is about eight feet above the natural level. When I first spent time on the lake, the high spring water level was drawn down during the course of the summer, giving us more beach and shore areas as the summer progressed. Three Dams Remain Over the years, neglect and the forces of nature have toppled all but three of the stone dams in Gardiner. The New Mills dam alone generates electricity, and is subject to regulation by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The other two dams hold back water and limit passage by searun fish. The New Mills dam owners will be obliged to provide fish passage two years after migrating alewives reach that dam. To date, however, the owner of the intervening dam has shown no inter-
est in cooperating with the local group, known as “Upstream,” that has established as its mission the restoration of anadromous fish runs in Cobbossee Stream. I wish them Godspeed. Little Alewives Produce Big Cod Interestingly, over the years, proponents of fish passage pointed out that the vitality of the cod fishery was dependent in part on the largescale production of young of the year alewives and other anadromous species. A female alewife carries from sixty thousand to a hundred thousand eggs, which translates to an astronomical number of young alewives migrating downstream to the ocean from even a modest number of spawning alewives. Studies have shown that 37 spawning alewives can lead to 240 alewives returning from the ocean. However, in considering ways to boost the cod fish stock, proposals have centered on conservation measures (limiting
fish catch), rather than improving the supply of small fish upon which the cod population depended for years. Developing New Sport Fisheries? Tom Seymour wrote a glowing account of the excitement of catching shad in the Kennebec River in the October issue of The Maine Sportsman. Some anglers have been catching shad at the mouth of Cobbossee Stream, and in the main stem of the river in Waterville. Restoration of anadromous fish runs may well offer us new opportunities for sport fishing for this “poor man’s salmon” in the near future. Readers who wish to pursue the saga of fighting for anadromous fish passage will enjoy reading Alewife, by Douglas Watts, published by Poquanticut Press, 131 Cony Street, Augusta, ME 04330. For more information, email the book’s author at info@ dougwatts.com.
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��������������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • November 2019 • 9
Fishing Belize’s Ambergris Caye Okay, so it’s getting a bit cold in Maine. There’s no really good open-water fishing available, it’s too early for ice-fishing, but you still want to wet a line. I suggest you head south to much warmer climes where the fish are still biting, the air is warm and balmy, the people are great, and the accommodations superb. Go to Belize. The former British Honduras, now known as Belize after it was granted independence in 1981, is a relatively small country located in Central America, just south of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Guatemala is west and south of Belize. Its almost 275,000 people are an eclectic mix of Mestizo, Maya, Garifuna (Carib, Arawak and West African people), Creole, European and Asian. English is the official language, and one US dollar equals about two Belizean dollars. The east coast is on the picturesque Caribbean Sea, and a number of large and small keys (also called cayes or cays) sit a short distance away. The world’s second largest barrier reef runs
My goals on this trip were to fish each day with a different guide, and to explore as many areas as possible. I caught plenty of bonefish, but could not entice any of the cruising permit to take my offerings. Next time, perhaps.
El Pescador has been one of Belize’s premier fishing destinations for over 45-years. Family-owned and operated—three generations live, play, and work here—it is one of the best run angling establishments I’ve ever visited. Photos by King Montgomery
north-south from near Cancun, Mexico to the Belize-Guatemala border (the largest barrier reef is the Great Barrier Reef in Australia). And these clear, warm, fertile waters are full of fish. It is the fish that brought me back to Belize and to Ambergris Caye, the largest of the cayes in the Belize archipelago. The waters on all sides of
The former British Honduras, now known as Belize after it was granted independence in 1981, is a relatively small country located in Central America just south of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.
Ambergris from the reef to the east and the smaller mangrove-lined cayes to the south and west are home to some of the finest saltwater flats fishing in the world. The big three tropical saltwater flats species— bonefish, tarpon and permit—abound here, and this is one of the few places where anglers can catch all three spe-
cies in one day (a Grand Slam) year ’round. Plus the nearby reef provides some interesting fishing, too. Ambergris Caye The Tropic Air Cessna Caravan lifted off from the Belize International Airport and climbed for altitude. The American Airlines jetliner I’d just arrived in after a two-
We no sooner reached a cruising altitude of a thousand feet or so when the plane’s nose pointed downward on approach into the San Pedro Town airport on Ambergris Caye.
hour flight from Miami was still parked on the tarmac below, ready to head back to the States. We’d no sooner reached a cruising altitude of a thousand feet or so, when the plane’s nose pointed downward on approach into the San Pedro Town airport on Ambergris Caye. Below, Ambergris Caye stretched toward the Mexican border, waves crashed gently over the reef, and the colorful homes and businesses of the San Pedranos complemented the emerald green of the water, the pale blue of the clear sky, and the forest green and reddish brown of the mangroves. What could have been a chromatic aberration was instead a symphony of color. After the 18-minute flight, a member of the El Pescador Lodge team— “El Pescador” is “The Angler” in Spanish—met me, and I was whisked away on a two-minute drive to the docks, where we boarded a comfortable open boat for the 10-minute run to the lodge. El Pescador has been one of Belize’s premier fishing destinations for (Continued on next page)
Below, Ambergris Caye stretched toward the Mexican border, waves crashed gently over the reef, and the colorful homes and businesses of the San Pedranos complemented the emerald green of the water, the pale blue of the clear sky, and the forest green and reddish brown of the mangroves. www.MaineSportsman.com
10 • November 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————————
Bonefish are my favorite species to catch on a fly. They are plentiful in Belizean waters, and even a small bonefish will take your reel into the backing--maybe several times!
One side of my fly box holds common bonefish flies that permit also will take, but only when they really want to--a most elusive fish, permit are the Grail of flats fishing.
Sportsman’s Journal (Continued from page 9)
over 45-years. Family-owned and operated— three generations live, play, and work here—it is one the best run angling establishments I’ve ever visited. The rooms and villas are nicely-appointed, air-conditioned, and have all the amenities including fresh, filtered drinking water in every room. The food, particularly breakfast, is excellent, and there is plenty of it. Belikan Beer, the beer of Belize, is served free-of-charge at the bar. It is an excellent brew. The Fishing My goals on this trip were to fish each day with a different guide, and to explore as many areas as possible to get a good overview of the fishing possibilities around Ambergris Caye. I caught plenty of bonefish, and managed a couple of nice casts to cruising permit, but they didn’t take the offerings, much to my disappointment. Next time perhaps. El Pescador guides fish from sturdy pangas, which are relatively heavy but stable shallow-draft boats. The front casting deck is carpeted, and provides a large nonslip surface from which to cast. I had the pleasure of fishing with Erlindo Graniel, Tomas Paz, and his son Luis. They all are top notch guides and interesting folks. Other guests at the lodge raved about www.MaineSportsman.com
their guides, too. Generally, there are three main ways to fish the saltwater flats: • poling along the mangroves looking for fish; • anchoring or staking the boat along a known fish, usually permit, “highway”; and • blind-casting into deeper “muds” for feeding bonefish. Most anglers much prefer the first two methods, because you actually see the fish you’re hunting before you cast. Fishing the muds often is frowned upon, but it’s not a bad way to introduce a beginner to hooking and fighting a bonefish on spin or fly tackle. Tackle Since Belize bonefish tend to run relatively small, from about 1.5 to 3 pounds, some anglers use 5- or 6-weight rods or too light spinning gear for these wonderful fish. Sure, they get a long, protracted fight on the lighter tackle, but I’m convinced they are doing the fish possible irreparable harm by wearing them out and stressing them severely. An exhausted fish becomes easy shark prey. I have little respect for those who “macho” fish with too light gear. At a minimum, I recommend a rod for a 7-weight line, and an 8-weight is even better;
and for permit, a 9 or even a 10-weight rod is not too much, particularly if the fish are running large. If you encounter permit, you can use the bonefish rod already in your hand because they like most bonefish flies. A 12-weight rod will handle most tarpon you’ll encounter. Medium heavy spinning rods and 15-pound test mono or braid catches most of the fish you’ll encounter, and a little heavier rod with 20-pound test or more can deal with tarpon. If you use braid, I suggest you knot on a mono- or fluorocarbon leader at 10 – 15 pound test for bones, 15 – 20 or more for permit, and a suitable bite leader for tarpon. Most of the time, weight-forward floating lines are all fly fishers need, and the major line companies have bonefish and tarpon lines specifically designed for casting to those fishes. I’m partial to the 3M Scientific Anglers Amplitude Grand Slam and Bonefish specialty lines. There are many good knotless, tapered bonefish/permit leaders on the market, and I recommend you get some in 9 – 12 foot lengths with tippets tapering to 10, 12, and 15-pound test. I once carried a million flies on every flats trip, but now limit the selection to less than a hundred, most nicely arranged by weight in two – well, maybe three –waterproof
The barrier reef that follows the Ambergris Caye shoreline is loaded with snappers, jacks, and a bunch of other notable gamefishes of the tropics. All will take a fly, lure or bait.
fly boxes. The usual lineup of bonefish flies work well in Belize, including McVay’s Gotcha, Crazy Charlie, Clousers, and Fish Skulls. For permit, have some crab patterns, such as a Merkin, to tie on the 9-weight rod; but remember – permit will take bonefish flies, too. Stock some tarpon flies in various sizes and colors, and tie on the one your guide likes to the 10-weight rod with a leader with a 30 – 40 pound test bite tippet attached or use a pre-tied knotless tapered tarpon leader. There are spinning/ casting lures made for bonefish, and I suggest the smaller sizes. And, of course, shrimp and crab on a sturdy hook or small jighead will catch about anything that swims in these waters. Check with your guide to see which bait du jour is best. The Bonefish & Tarpon Trust Belize was one of the first countries to ban commercial taking of saltwater flats fishes including the bonefish, and El Pescador Lodge, along with several other Belize fishing establishments, was instrumental in getting the law passed. Belize fisheries works closely with the lodges and with the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust headquartered in Florida to monitor and study these fine fishes. The Bonefish & Tarpon Trust’s name pretty much underscores its goals—ensuring
healthy populations of bonefish, tarpon and permit for the future. And after eight years of existence, BTT is a leader in sponsoring and funding the research needed to accomplish those goals. Most of BTT’s work is done by volunteers, with only a very small portion of funds used to fund administrative functions. The vast majority of its budget goes directly to supporting research and education. Yes, Belize is relatively easy to get to from the USA and if you want to catch a bunch of nice fish, see some beautiful sights, dive or snorkel in crystal clear water, and experience the atmosphere of a first class lodge, then Ambergris Caye and El Pescador Lodge are for you. Oh, and “ambergris” is a solid, waxy substance produced in a sperm whale’s digestive system and it often is regurgitated. The stuff historically was used as a fixative in perfumes. Belize Information: El Pescador Lodge: 1-800-242-2017, www. elpescador.com. Belize Tourism: www. travelbelize.org. Bonefish & Tarpon Trust: 239-283-4733, www.tarbone.org. Tropic Air Belize: 1-800-422-3435, www. tropicair.com. American Airlines: 1-800-433-7300, www. aa.com.
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Almanac
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Compiled and Edited by — Will Lund —
“Snapshots in Time”
Excerpts from the Annals of Maine’s Sporting Past Submitted by Bill Pierce, of the Outdoor Sporting Heritage Museum in Oquossoc, Maine There is an old saying: “Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good.” In my experience, most sportsmen are “good.” I am often reminded of the many astonishing shots I have witnessed while partridge hunting with friends over the years, or watching a companion make an amazing cast to hook an exceptional fish. Like when my pal Scott Davis dropped two grouse that were 30 yards apart and hauling-ass out of an apple tree cover, in what was the best “Double” I have ever witnessed. Or when my friend Reggie Hammond made a beautiful cast on a turtle grass flat to fool a nine-pounder among a school of the most finicky hard-to-catch bonefish on Cherokee Sound in Abaco.
19th-Century deer camp
Those guys, like many of my sporting buddies, are “good” at what they love to do
in the outdoors. However, my own “golden moments” have all taken place thanks to just crazy good luck. Much like the “sport” in this story below, taken from the October 10, 1895 edition of the “Rangeley Lakes.” This story is so incredible that the guide who witnessed it apologetically describes the event as “unbelievable,” and so much so that he refused to share his name at the close of the tale. I hope you enjoy reading the following installment of “Snapshots in Time,” and I wish you incredible luck as you get outside and make some great outdoor history of your own.
Deer Killed by Glancing Bullet
A Story of the Cupsuptic Valley Which Seems Almost Incredible A well-known and truthful guide, and a regular attendant of Sabbath School, was in town a day or two ago and relates the following: “Last week I was guiding J.B. Freeman, Esq., of New Jersey. We were after large game and were way up on the Cupsuptic Stream, at a point where the stream expands into quite a pond. “Tracks of deer were all about, and I knew we would not have a long wait before one appeared. I selected a protected point where an unobstructed view for half a mile on either side of the stream was had. “We had only got in position when a beauty of a buck stepped from the bushes on the shore into the water. He was too far off to venture a shot, so we laid low and waited. “After a look up and down the stream he started in our direction, occasionally stopping to take a bite from the bushes, and in a short time was so near as to make an excellent mark. He stood for a moment full side towards us, head erect, gazing into the bushes. “Mr. Freeman took deliberate, aim and pulled the trigger, but the cartridge failed to explode. The deer seemingly jumped
twenty feet, going out of sight between some immense boulders. “Mr. Freeman was so struck with astonishment at the failure of his rifle that he seemed to be paralyzed. He never moved or changed the position of his rifle, when all of a sudden it went off. “There were words used that we were both sorry for afterward, but it was a trying time. “However, we went to examine the tracks and see the direction the buck had taken. Well, I have hesitated about telling the rest of the story, but it is gospel truth. Not ten rods from where the deer stood when the hammer snapped, was his dead body. We thought at first it was caused by fright, but seeing blood running from under him, we turned him over and found a bullet hole just over his heart. “As it was on the opposite side from that which Mr. Freeman would have hit, we felt sure some other hunter was near and had fired at just the time the poor cartridge had exploded. No one appeared and we could find no signs of another hunter in the vicinity. “Neither of us are superstitious, but
here was something beyond our explanation. We extracted the bullet and found it to be the peculiar kind used by Mr. Freeman. Then we began to study. “Going back to the point where we had been hidden, the gun was pointed as nearly as could be in its former direction, the course was taken and it led to a boulder, the face of which was covered with a polished surface of quartz, and on this surface was a mark evidently made from a leaden missile, the angle of deflection would turn the bullet in the direction of the course taken by the deer and would cause the shot to enter on the opposite side from us, as we had discovered. We were satisfied with this explanation and accordingly appropriated the venison. “Mr. Freeman has sent the head to be mounted, and above it will be the bullet that made this, the most wonderful shot ever known.” In reply to the request to publish his name, the guide hesitated, finally he said, “It’s a true story, but no one will believe it, and as I have never before met with an adventure that would call my credibility into question, I had rather remain unknown.” (Almanac continued on next page) www.MaineSportsman.com
12 • November 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————————
Almanac (Continued from page 11)
Ubiquitous Maine Alder Swamps How is it that Maine whitetails can prance through alder thickets like the one shown below, making nary a sound? Abandoned logging roads located in wet areas are particularly susceptible to hosting these dense growths.
However, that’s certainly not true for snowmobile registrations, which have held relatively constant over the last 5 years: 2014/15: 84,000 2015/16: 59,000 2016/17: 85,000 2017/18: 79,000 2018/19: 85,000. The only anomaly in this listing is the year 2015/16, a winter when the State of Maine received below-average snowfall. —
You Think it’s Hard to Use Your Chain Saw? Is your chain saw a bit unwieldy? Just be thankful it’s not 1946, when cutting up logs involved using this contraption. It’s a Canadian product, called the Precision Bow Saw.
instead is designed to cut up trees that are already lying on the ground. The one-cylinder engine is started by wrapping a cord around an exposed wheel, then pulling. Then the machine is held in both hands, and the weight of the saw aids in the cutting process. The throttle is a twistgrip on the left handle. —
More Possums Equals Fewer Ticks? Possums are ugly. However, ticks are just bad. And a recent scientific study demonstrates that having possums around, reduces the numbers of ticks. You see, possums are meticulously clean, and they groom themselves frequently. If they find ticks on their bodies, they eat the ticks.
Hunters can almost hear the deer snickering as the hunters perform moves combining high hurdles and the limbo in an effort to traverse these areas – a nearly impossible feat without causing a cacophony of sound that causes all animals to flee in the opposite direction. —
Snowmobile Registrations Hold Constant by Steve Vose
With decreasing numbers of hunting and fishing licenses sold every year, one might assume that Mainers were losing interest in outdoor pursuits.
This heavy-duty model is on display at the Cumberland Fair Farm Museum. It appears incapable of felling a standing tree, but
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They don’t like carrying ticks. In the words of the study, they are “intolerant hosts” of the tiny arachnids. But as possums prowl around your woods, fields and lawns, they are, in effect, sweeping the area for ticks, and then later disposing them. And now you know! —
Knots to Know by Bill Graves
Learn how to tie the Prusik knot – it’s a useful knot for anyone using a tree-stand, or working on a roof, staging or ladder.
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It’s a type of “friction hitch” that attaches a loop of cord to a standing line. It’s designed to easily slide upward as you climb, but should you fall, it binds immediately when weight is applied. (Continued on next page)
���������������������������������������������������The Maine Sportsman • November 2019 • 13 (Continued from page 12)
Two Ways to Make Your Fish Look Bigger 1) Get a small tackle box. This particular model is a “Snoopy” kid’s model, called the “Catch ’em” and it was distributed by Zebco starting in 1958.
2) Get a set of tiny “FishyHands.” These miniscule hands are placed under a fish, which is then held toward the camera, making even a small yellow perch like this one look large enough to tow your boat around the pond.
closed in. Some Mainers who have spent time on frozen lakes have seen unfortunate loons trapped by the ice and turned into an easy meal for scavenging foxes or coyotes. Most loons, however, make it safely out, and head to the coast. The open Atlantic never freezes, and with plenty of fish to eat the sea is an ideal place to ride out the winter. Thousands of Common Loons that breed on Maine’s inland lakes in the summer spend their winters in the near-shore waters in the Gulf of Maine. They’re not the only loon species out there, either. While the Common Loon is the only loon species that breeds in Maine, they are joined in winter by another species, the Red-throated Loon. Red-throats breed in far northern Canada, but similarly need to find open water in the winter, and Maine is one of the closest destinations. Occasionally even rarer loon species are sighted in the Gulf of Maine, including Pacific and Yellow-billed Loons. The observer should be aware that loons in winter don’t look like loons in summer. In the summer, Common Loons sport their stunning and intricate blackand-white breeding plumage. In winter, however, loons aren’t trying to impress potential mates with their vibrant colors, and instead wear a bland nonbreeding plumage of dark brown/black above and white below.
—
Winter is a Great Time to See Loons by Nick Lund – Maine Audubon Most Mainers associate loons with summer on our lakes and ponds, but in truth they’re actually easier to see in the winter, if you know where to look. I wrote a few months ago about Maine Audubon’s annual Loon Count, which just wrapped up its 36th consecutive count. We are still tabulating the data and sorting through the sightings to get a final number, but things are looking good for our Common Loon population. Our Loon Count takes place each July on freshwater lakes and ponds, but if you want to find loons in November, you need to head elsewhere. The challenge for loons and other waterfowl that breed on freshwater lakes is that fresh water freezes. As the seasons change, waterfowl need to leave inland Maine before the ice comes, and find some open water. It’s a particularly perilous time for loons, since they are heavy birds that need up to a quarter-mile of open water to take off into the air. If the birds wait too long and the water surface freezes to within a quarter-mile, they risk being
Common loon in winter plumage.
It’s best to focus on the structure of the loon for identification in winter: large body, blocky head, and long pointed bill. No other bird wintering off our coasts has such a combination. Nonbreeding Red-throated Loons are also black and white, but are thinner and daintier, and often hold their bills up in a slightly snobbish manner. You’ll know it when you see it. With a good pair of binoculars, a birder should be able to see loons from shore almost anywhere along the Maine coast in winter. The experience isn’t quite as pleasant as along a lake in the summer, but it’s good to know that our resident loons are nearby all year long. —
Bird of the Month: Red Knot by Erika Zambello
Head down to the coast of Maine throughout spring and fall, and shorebirds dot both our beaches and our (Continued on next page)
NEW INSIDE U.F.O. Agency Liquor Store – Over 1700 Choices Craft Beer – Over 800 Choices Fine Wines – Over 1800 Choices www.MaineSportsman.com
14 • November 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————————
Almanac (Continued from page 13)
Red Knot
marshes. From afar, their silhouettes look remarkably similar. With long legs, small heads, and bodies that look like miniature footballs, they move quickly along the shoreline or mud flat to feed. Though they may appear alike, shorebirds fly from Maine’s oceanfront to vastly different breeding grounds in the summer and wintering regions in the coolest months, and few travel as far as the Red Knot. About the size of an American Robin, Red Knots sport beautiful, rust-colored plumage during the spring and summer, though the rich hues are still visible when they migrate south for the winter. Juveniles are gray and white, with a scale-like pattern along their backs and wings. When in full color the cinnamon shades of the adults make identification easy, but juveniles and non-breeding adults are recognized because of their thicker bills, white eye stripe, and yellowish legs. When migrating through Maine, Red Knots feed mostly on bivalves, including clams and mussels, to recharge before they continue north to nesting grounds in the Arctic Tundra. Though they are known to spend winters in the Southeastern United States,
they can also migrate as far as the very tip of South America. Unfortunately, Red Knots have proved vulnerable if food sources decline or if their habitat is disturbed when they are migrating. Because they use consistent flight pathways, they often stop to rest at the same places year after year. In fact, Delaware Bay is such a critical stopover that as many as 90% of all Red Knots can be present in a single day. The result? If Mainers want to continue to see this impressive species on our shorelines, we must also support protecting the species in other states and other countries. —
Book Review: “Storied Waters,” by David Van Wie
Reviewed by George Smith Awesome fishing in these historic waters I enjoy David Van Wie’s columns in The Maine Sportsman, so I’ve been looking forward to reading his new book, “Storied Waters,” published by Stackpole Books. “Storied Waters” is the story of David’s six-week adventure fishing from Maine to Wisconsin. He actually traveled 5,000 miles and fished in many famous waters. David started his adventure on Walden Pond, the home of Henry David Thoreau, and finished his adventure back in Maine on the Rapid River and the East and West branches of the Penobscot River. All three are longtime favorites of mine. On the Rapid River, David stays with Aldro French, in the summer camp and winter house that once belonged to Louise Dickinson
Rich. Louise wrote a book about her life there, titled “We Took to the Woods.” I stayed with Aldro once, and slept in the summer house. After Louise’s husband died, she sold the house and camp, but she left a lot of things there. I had my picture taken sitting at Louise’s manual typewriter, which is now in the Oquossoc Museum. And yes, on that visit, I caught a lot of beautiful native brook trout. David fishes in many famous waters, often with people who know those waters very well. He also tells us the history of the waters, and about famous angler/authors who fished in and wrote about those waters. I enjoyed the quotes that David included from those famous angler/authors. And he provides all the details you need to fish those waters yourself. What I most enjoyed about the book are David’s stories about his own experiences on those waters. Yes, he caught lots of fish, but not always. The book includes many beautiful photos of those famous waters. David has had an interesting career, serving as Director of the Bureau of Land and Water Quality for Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection, and as a state representative in the 124th legislature. He writes a blog about fly fishing and environmental issues at www.watchyourbackcast. com. Check it out!
¶
Did It Tow Your Kayak Around the Pond?
Thomas Jent of West bath qualified for The Maine Sportsman’s new “Catch-and-Release Club” by hauling in this 22”, 5.25-pound largemouth on September 28, 2019. Thomas was on Sewell Pond, Arrowsic, casting from his specially-equipped fishing kayak. www.MaineSportsman.com
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November 2019 Sunrise/Sunset Portland, ME DATE 1 Fri 2 Sat 3* Sun 4 Mon 5 Tue 6 Wed 7 Thu 8 Fri 9 Sat 10 Sun 11 Mon 12 Tue 13 Wed 14 Thu 15 Fri
RISE 7:15 7:16 6:17 6:19 6:20 6:21 6:23 6:24 6:25 6:26 6:28 6:29 6:30 6:32 6:33
SET 5:33 5:32 4:31 4:30 4:28 4:27 4:26 4:25 4:23 4:22 4:21 4:20 4:19 4:18 4:17
DATE 16 Sat 17 Sun 18 Mon 19 Tue 20 Wed 21 Thu 22 Fri 23 Sat 24 Sun 25 Mon 26 Tue 27 Wed 28 Thu 29 Fri 30 Sat
RISE 6:34 6:35 6:37 6:38 6:39 6:41 6:42 6:43 6:44 6:45 6:47 6:48 6:49 6:50 6:51
SET 4:16 4:15 4:15 4:14 4:13 4:12 4:11 4:11 4:10 4:09 4:09 4:08 4:08 4:07 4:07
November 2019 Tides Portland, ME DATE 1 2 3* 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
HIGH AM PM 2:43 2:52 3:38 3:46 3:36 3:45 4:35 4:46 5:34 5:46 6:31 6:45 7:23 7:39 8:09 8:27 8:50 9:11 9:28 9:51 10:03 10:30 10:37 11:07 11:11 11:45 11:47 — 12:23 12:25 1:05 1:08 1:50 1:56 2:43 2:51 3:41 3:52 4:42 4:57 5:44 6:05 6:46 7:11 7:44 8:13 8:37 9:09 9:28 10:03 10:16 10:54 11:04 11:44 11:51 — 12:33 12:38 1:21 1:25
LOW AM PM 8:38 9:18 9:32 10:15 9:30 10:14 10:31 11:14 11:33 — 12:12 12:35 1:07 1:31 1:55 2:20 2:37 3:02 3:14 3:41 3:49 4:18 4:24 4:54 4:59 5:30 5:36 6:09 6:15 6:50 6:57 7:35 7:45 8:25 8:38 9:21 9:38 10:20 10:42 11:21 11:49 — 12:23 12:56 1:24 1:59 2:20 2:55 3:11 3:48 4:01 4:39 4:50 5:28 5:38 6:16 6:25 7:04 7:12 7:52
*Daylight Savings ends at 2:00AM Sunday, November 3rd.
www.MaineSportsman.com
16 • November 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————————
Sportsmen and Sportswomen Had a Good Legislative Session There are many reasons for outdoor enthusiasts to feel optimistic following the completion of the First Regular Session of the 129th Legislature, which adjourned June 20th. Let’s look at some of the results. DIF&W Receives Long-Needed Funding Boost It’s estimated that in Maine, hunting generates 3,400 jobs, mostly in economically-challenged rural areas of the state. Fishing in Maine provides a similar 3,330 jobs, and together with hunting the two activities generate nearly $750 million in economic activity.
In place of a troublesome “Red Flag” law, a compromise bill became law after garnering support from all sides. The measure strengthens the protective custody statute for individuals in a mental health crisis who are released without treatment and who may pose a danger to themselves or others. That new Maine law may serve as a model for the US Congress, which is currently debating similar issues. These amazing numbers are compiled despite a tiny marketing budget, as most of the State’s advertising dollars are spent promoting coastal tourism. For years our organization has battled to get some money spent in the areas outside coastal Maine. Finally, Governor Mills proposed – and IFW received – an additional $250,000 in new market-
ing and communications dollars. In the coming months Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine (SAM) hopes to see a new plan on how those dollars will be spent, but I hope it will be outside the Gold Coast of Maine. Landowner Relations Program Receives $150,000 Appropriation With over 95% of
NOW AN AUTHORIZED
Several New Hunting Opportunities for Kids and Adults The IFW Committee and the Legislature endorsed several new opportunities for hunters. SAM introduced a comprehensive overhaul of the turkey hunting management plan through Senator Black, R-Wilton. The bill would have broadly expanded the bag limit on turkey in appropriate Wildlife Management Districts to 6, and made other changes. (Continued on next page)
DEALER
Tagging Station
Hunting & Shooting Supplies
Scents and Lures
Muzzle Loading Supplies Scopes, Binoculars, Decoys Handguns Shotguns Rifles
Maine privately owned, maintaining access to private land for hunting fishing and trapping is paramount. That means constantly working to build positive relationships between outdoor recreationists and landowners. The small but effective landowner relations program at IFW, led by Warden Rick LaFlamme, got a $150,000 well-de-
served boost in funding. From initial discussions, it appears the initial funds will be spent addressing illegal dumping.
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Josh Wells from South Jersey shot this massive 400-lb. black bear over bait in September. Wells was a client of Borderline Guide Service in Eagle Lake, run by Mark Belanger. According to photographer Stacy Belanger, this was Wells’ first-ever bear hunt. He patiently hunted over bait nearly all week with no luck, but with only five minutes to go on his last day, Josh took down the big bear with one shot from his Savage Arms .308 rifle. Stacy Belanger photo
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Immediately, newly-appointed Commissioner Judy Camuso entered into discussions with us, and after just a few meetings it was obvious 1) the department was receptive to increasing turkey bag limits; and 2) they were willing to do it without a new law. As a result, SAM asked that the bill be withdrawn, and the department implemented a new fall season 5-bird bag limits in some districts, as well as an earlier season, which started in September. We have a similar SAM bill related to bear management that would expand bag limits and opportunities, and that bill was carried over until the next session. Initial discussions have been very productive, and we remain hopeful. A new cast-and-blast opportunity was created when opening day of the ruffed grouse season was moved to an earlier date – the last Saturday in September. Another bill was enacted that directed the Commissioner to establish a new Thanksgiving Day Youth Turkey hunting day, and finally, a new law will allow the use of crossbows for the next three years during the regular archery seasons on whitetail deer, and during the fall archery seasons for wild turkey.
private individuals to seek a court order to temporarily take firearms from other individuals. All the bills failed, including the “Red Flag” bill, and we negotiated a new bill, LD 1811, with the long title of “An Act to Enhance Personal and Public Safety by Requiring Evaluations of and Judicial Hearings for Person’s in Protective Custody Regarding Risk of Harm and Restricting Access to Dangerous Weapons.” The bill was supported by the gun right community and more than a dozen other organizations, and it passed easily. The bill strengthens the protective custody statute for individuals in a mental health crisis who are released without treatment and who may pose a danger to themselves or others. The bill is now the subject of debate in the US Congress, where it’s considered by many to be a much better bill than the so-called “Red Flag” legislation. Two other SAM bills passed the Legislature related to this subject, both sponsored by Rep. Patrick Corey, R-Windham – one to create a School Safety Center at the Department of Education to update and improve secu-
rity measures and training in Maine schools, and another incentive-based bill to establish a sales tax exemption for gun safes and lock boxes. That bill remains in the Appropriation Committee waiting for final approval and funding. Land for Maine’s Future Bond Still Needs Funding There is still one big item to be resolved, and that is a new General Fund Bond to replenish the depleted Land for Maine’s Future (LMF) program. In the last voter-approved LMF bond, our organization, working with well respected deer biologist Gerry Lavigne, were successful in amending the program to prioritize the purchase of land that contains critical wildlife habitat such as deer yards and trout spawning habitat. However, there was no consensus in the last session, and we could not achieve a necessary 2/3rds vote to put the issue on the ballot. We feel really good about our chances in the future. In the last LMF bond, this new prioritization of critical habitat led to the purchase and protection of 5,000 acres of deer yards, and the perma-
Alexis Gradie bagged her first bear while hunting in Western Maine September 18, 2019. It weighed in at 170 pounds.
nent protection of miles of trout spawning habitat in the Forks region near Jackman. So although readers of The Maine Sportsman can be pleased with the
outcomes from the First Session, more work remains to be done when the upcoming Second Regular Session convenes in January.
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Gun Control Bills Fizzle In the last session, we were the tip of the spear negotiating gun control and gun safety legislation. There were over a dozen perennial gun control bills, mostly bills that are driven by out of state organizations; in addition, the same groups introduced a very controversial “Red Flag” bill that would have enabled www.MaineSportsman.com
18 • November 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————————
Maine Wildlife: Porcupine
by Tom Seymour
Everything in nature has a purpose and is here for a reason. But occasionally it’s difficult to comprehend the value of some creatures. Take porcupines, Erethizon dorsatum, for example. On their plus side, they represent an easy meal (with the chance of getting a potentially lethal quill in the bargain) for fishers. But fishers can do quite well by eating red squirrels and other small critters, and if porcupines were to become extirpated, fisher populations would probably not see much of a decline. On the negative side, porcupines cause considerable damage to white pines, often girdling a tree to the point that nutrient flow is disrupted, leading to the tree’s death. Besides that, the bristly critters chew on sides of buildings, ostensibly for minerals in the paint or stain. Also, anything touched by human hands becomes possible porcupine food, because of salt transfer from the tiniest bit of sweat. Finally, porcupines do some crop damage, especially to standing corn. Disused and vacant buildings suffer too, if a porcupine or porcupines manage to chew their way in. Such structures serve as perfect dens for porcupines. Imagine going to camp, only to find that porcupines had spent the winter there. It’s not a pretty scenario. Roadkill Too Porcupine populations regularly increase and decrease, and an increase becomes obvious by growing numbers of road-killed porcupines along the road. Logic dictates that motor vehicle/porcupine collisions should be rare, but that’s not the case. Porcupines move slowly as they cross roads, and being
Quotable
Sportsman
by George Smith
The fox got inside, jumped up and bit Julia in the back of her leg… Socks ran around the corner, grabbed the fox, took it outside and killed it. TV13 newscast, August 9, 2019 — The widespread practice of catch-andrelease in waters across Maine has thrown many ecosystems out off balance, creating a vicious cycle – an overabundance of fish leads to a lack of forage, resulting in scrawny catches that no one wants to keep. So the fishermen www.MaineSportsman.com
fairly large animals, should be easy to spot. But often, especially during foggy nights and on misty mornings, porcupines appear to come out of nowhere. And striking an animal weighing upwards of 28 pounds and measuring up to 30 inches long can easily end with unpleasant results – drivers may instinctively (and dangerously) swerve to avoid the porcupine, and if there is a collision, significant damage to the motor vehicle may result. As often as not, after being killed on the road, dead porcupines will remain in place until crows and turkey vultures finish off the remains. This sight of a dead porcupine surrounded by large scavengers also causes vehicles to swerve, bringing with it additional potential for motor vehicle collisions. So in general, my take on porcupines is that they are somewhere up there with blackflies and mosquitoes as wildlife that we wish would just go away. That won’t happen, of course, and if it did it would probably upset the natural balance in a way far worse than the inconvenience caused by our interactions with the stupid-acting rodents. Old-Timers Porcupines have been around for a long time, as attested to by fossils from the Oligocene period. The reason for their long presence on the planet has much to do with their armament – long, sharp, detachable quills that after having pierced the flesh, are able to travel throughout the body, sometimes with deadly results. Porcupine quills have an insidious aspect in that they go in easily and hardly hurt at all. But removing the barbed quills (porcupine quills look something like a pinecone, with barbs all facing one way) is an entirely different story. In other words, quills go in easy, but come out hard. And that’s putting
it mildly. I can speak with confidence regarding the discomfort involved in removing porcupine quills. Removing the one quill that became embedded in my calf was one of my more painful life’s experiences. Regarding getting pricked by a porcupine quill, the sooner it is removed the better, since at first it’s easy to pluck the quill out. But if you wait, the one-way barbs will cause the quill to move deeper and deeper as muscles contract. Besides all that, even a brief encounter with a porcupine quill or quills can lead to tetanus, so a tetanus shot becomes absolutely necessary. Northwoods Bogeyman To the uninitiated, night sounds in the woods can conjure images of all kinds of scary creatures. And while most critters’ calls and vocalizing is easily recognizable, another animal lurks in the woods that can easily confound the most seasoned woodsman. And one of those animals is the porcupine. Porcupines may vocalize at any time of the year, but the fall rutting season brings out the worst in them. My Peterson Field Guide to the Mammals says that porcupines utter grunts, groans and high-pitched cries that can be heard for a quarter mile. I might add to that list wails, whines and screams. So just imagine someone new to the Maine woods, camping out for the night and hearing a porcupine going through its playlist of ghoulish sounds. Who could blame someone for being alarmed at hearing, possibly close-up, the litany of porcupine sounds on a pitch-black night? Taking this one step further, imagine that our camper has an intrepid bent and pursues the source of the eerie sounds with a flashlight. Porcupine eyes shine deep red upon being hit with a beam of white light. That would be enough to seal the deal that the devil incarnate has come to the Maine woods. And all the while, it’s only a porcupine doing its thing. Maybe the lesson here is to not believe everything you hear. Porcupine’s Future A heavily forested state such as Maine will always hold its share of porcupines. So like them or hate them, they aren’t going away any time soon. And that’s probably as it should be.
throw them back – usually under the assumption that they’re helping. Deirdre Fleming story, Maine Sunday Telegram, August 11, 2019
bait hunting will not be as productive as last year, which should result in a total harvest near 3,000. Randy Cross, DIFW bear biologist. John Holyoke story, Bangor Daily News, August 27, 2019 — The state has adopted a recreational fishing rule that will limit the use of live fish as bait in much of the northern management zone in order to protect wild trout waters, including tributaries and outlets of heritage ponds. The new regulation would prohibit the use of live fish as bait in most of northern Maine’s lakes and ponds, which represent the majority of the wild brook trout waters in the Northeast. Deirdre Fleming story, Portland Press Herald, August 22, 2019
One thing Brautigam does not foresee happening is a state-mandated requirement for fishermen to kill certain non-native fish species. “Some people might view it as unethical. It’s an area where we tread lightly,” he said. Same Fleming story. — The relative abundance of natural foods on the landscape has the greatest influence on hunting success and physical condition of the bears. More natural food results in fewer bears visiting bait sites and a lower number of bears taken over bait. I can say that overall,
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In Suburbia, Too Many Animals Wild animals are a significant problem throughout our country, and deer are one of the biggest problems. Tom Rawinski, a U.S. Forest Service botanist in the Northeast, calls overabundant whitetails “the greatest conservation challenge of our time.” In one state, a hunter can legally kill a deer a day for more than 100 days. By 2000, American drivers were hitting 3,000 to 4,000 deer per day. Deer-vehicle collisions kill upwards of 300 people and hospitalize nearly 30,000 more annually. Within an hour’s drive of Mount Vernon last year, almost 300 deer were killed in motor vehicle collisions. A lot of them are collected by my friend Bob in Mount Vernon to feed his lions. I remember the first time I drove across Pennsylvania I was astonished by all the dead deer along the highway. Central Maine -Too Many Deer By the 1980s, whitetail populations started to explode, especially in suburban and rural areas where more people were living and where hunting was highly restricted. Instead of five to 15 deer per square mile, as was common in rural areas, sprawl was accommodating 40, 80, or even in excess of 100 deer per square mile. Where allowed in the United States, some 11 million hunters kill about 6 million deer annually— not nearly enough to stabilize, let alone reduce, populations. As I started writ-
in Linda’s gardens. I shot two of them but didn’t get a chance at the third. We were going on a trip, so a friend came down and trapped the third and removed it. But when we got home, our neighbors told us they’d seen an eagle flying up the road carrying a woodchuck and it dropped the woodchuck on our front lawn and the woodchuck ran off. Great – eagles were delivering them now! One night I was late for a selectmen’s meeting. You go down some steps and cross my workshop to reach the door to the garage. It was dark but I was in a hurry so I didn’t turn on the light. In the darkness of my workshop, I thought it was my cat brushing against my shoes, so I reached down to pet it. I was wrong -- it was a skunk.
ing this column, I saw a doe deer hanging out on our side lawn. Twice, she’s brought out her little fawn. In central and southern Maine, the deer herd is substantial. Northern Maine – Not Enough Deer But we failed to protect critical deer wintering areas in the north woods and after two bad winters, we lost our deer herd up there. A couple years later, I got a letter from a group of Massachusetts hunters who had been hunting our north woods for many years. They had just finished deer hunting the north woods for a week on snow, and said they hadn’t even seen a single deer track. They told me they were done hunting in Maine. We have lost a lot of nonresident hunters.
Wild Horses and Iguanas And deer aren’t the only problem. In the Western states, everything from wolves to wild horses pose problems. I just read a news story about the horrible problem they’re having in South Florida with iguanas, which are not native to the state. They dig up everything from sidewalks to foliage, and poop on docks, decks, boats, and swimming pools. Yuck! And the males can grow to 5 feet long. Florida officials are encouraging people to kill them. Bears Here in Maine we have a very high population of bears. Our Department of the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife thinks we need to reduce that population, and they are considering allowing hunters to shoot two
bears. Right now hunters are limited to one bear. I’m not sure that most hunters would actually want to shoot more than one bear. Coyotes Coyotes have been a controversial wild critter since they arrived in Maine. There’s actually an organization that advocates for coyotes and opposes any effort to kill them. But they are trapped and hunted with dogs. DIF&W also has a group in northern Maine to kill coyotes during winter when they threaten deer in their wintering areas. Critters There are lots of small critters that I don’t like to see in our yard, including woodchucks, porcupines, and skunks. I used to shoot them all. One year we had three woodchucks eating
Raising a Stink When I reached the door, I felt our cat walk across my foot, so I reached down to pet it, and a skunk blasted me right in the face. I ran upstairs, throwing off my clothes, which Linda later threw away, and I jumped in the shower. Eventually I got to the selectmen’s meeting, but nobody sat near me! Now, I have to admit that I love living in Maine’s wild kingdom. We’ve been enjoying all the baby birds on the lawn from geese to robins. A grouse up the road has babies and we often see our neighborhood fox. Our stream is loaded with everything from otters to beavers. And snapping turtles are laying their eggs in Linda’s flower garden. OK, she doesn’t like that!
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20 • November 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————————
The Blind Approach by Steve Carpenteri Maine’s deer-hunting traditions are well-known throughout the country. We still-hunt, we track, we stalk and we drive. Mainers are probably the best and most successful at these techniques when conditions are right, but, alas, the weather during deer season does not always cooperate. In fact, according to Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife deer biologists, the annual whitetail harvest essentially follows the ups and downs of weather conditions, with higher kills during periods of good weather and reduced harvests when it rains, snows or is extremely windy. This is not to say that Maine hunters are fair-weather sports, but it only makes sense to sit
Fifty years ago, I was one of those macho hunters who took the pain while suffering through November’s worst weather. In my golden years, however, I’ll sit out of the cold wind, rain and snow inside my cozy blind – thank you very much! it out for a day or two until the worst of the stormy weather passes. Or does it? Blinds Getting Better and Better Thanks to continuing improvements in the design of portable blinds for hunting, more and more sportsmen are using these camouflaged, lightweight, roomy shelters to add quality hunting time to their cold-weather seasons. While we may have trouble enduring miserable weather conditions in November, the deer have no choice. They continue to go about their business
– especially during the rut – rain or shine. Blinds allow hunters to do the same without having to suffer the wet, cold misery that is part and parcel of late-season storms. Hot Cup of Tea For decades, I braved the worst of Maine’s November weather – soaked to the bone, shivering in the relentless wind – and I got my share of deer. Since portable blinds have come along, however, I much prefer to sit inside my dry shelter, propane heater blazing away with a cup of hot tea in hand.
Thanks to the blind’s screened windows, I can see all around me without getting drenched in the process, and I have killed plenty of deer in weather that was simply too harsh for normal tactics. Placement – Where and When? Because hunters are likely to use their blinds only during seriously inclement weather, it’s best to place them where they will do the most good. Just as trout fishermen are fond of seams in the current, I prefer to hunt “cover seams” – those places where the
hardwoods meet the softwoods, or where one cover type merges with another. These locations tend to be natural travel ways for deer, especially during stormy periods. I have seen and shot many a meandering whitetail that decided to do some browsing during a wet, windy or stormy spell. My favorite spot of all is that area where a dark, lowland swamp meets a hardwood slope. The deer will often move around in the evergreen cover, while occasionally slipping into the hardwoods to browse. Timing, of course, is everything. Today’s portable, lightweight blinds can be dismantled and moved in minutes, so if deer appear to be spending their time in a pas(Continued on next page)
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Locating this blind along a trail leading into a cornfield produced a nice doe on a blustery, windy day. All photos: Steve Carpenteri (Continued from page 20)
ture, apple orchard, cropland or similar specific area, by all means move the blind to a different spot so it’s set up and ready when bad weather moves in. See Deer; Be Seen by Other Hunters During rifle season, it’s best to set a blind 40 to 50 yards from where you expect to see deer, but during archery season, a 20-yard buffer is usually plenty. Deer will see the blind and go through their usu-
Older hunters and kids are among those who will especially appreciate the comfort of a blind when bad weather strikes during deer season.
al cautionary maneuvers at first, but because the blind doesn’t move and appears to offer no threat, they will quickly get used to it. Some blinds blend in so well that even the hunters who own them can’t find them in the dark! Hang a few strips of orange cloth from all four sides of the blind, to alert other hunters to your presence. If you choose to leave the blind set up in the same place all season (a natural crossing, food source or bedding area),
the deer will soon learn to ignore it, especially because it won’t be used unless the weather turns sour. In fact, one rainy day I went in to sit in my blind and bumped two deer that were bedded right next to it! The blind had been in place since late September, so they had plenty of time to become accustomed to it. I didn’t get a shot at either of those deer but later, during a heavy snowfall during muzzleloader season, I shot a fat doe just 20 yards away.
This fat doe wandered by the author’s blind during a December rain/snow event.
Best Used in Bad Weather I would not recommend hunting out of a blind every day of the season unless you are after a particular deer, can’t or won’t move around in the woods or just like the convenience of hunting the same area every day. However, when bad weather keeps most other hunters home by the wood stove, you can be where the action is, protected from the elements and at least have a fighting chance to fill your tag, bad weather notwith-
standing. Remove your blind from the woods after the season, keep it clean and dry and away from mice, and it will last several years. Fifty years ago, I was one of those macho hunters who took the pain and suffered through November’s worst weather like any respectable mountain man. In my golden years, however, I’ll sit out of the wind and rain in my cozy blind – thank you very much!
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22 • November 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————————
— Deer Hunting in Maine —
A Tale of Two Bucks by Russ Anderson – Gardiner, Maine When I started hunting as a youngster, my father showed me how to shoot, use a compass, track, scout, and field dress. So it was a thrill to be able to share an experience with him this past November. I received a call one night from my Dad. He had been doing some scouting and felt that one of his stands should be moved to a better area about 300 yards away. I told him to go with his instinct. He moved the stand at noon, and spent some time touching up the site, cutting a small branch here and there. By that time it was 3:30 p.m., and the woods fell silent to
Early in the season, my dad and mentor had dropped a 225-pound buck. The day after Thanksgiving, I had a chance to match his accomplishment. only a light rain gathering on the leaves. My father looked over his left shoulder to an area of thick beech trees where he simply did not expect a deer to come through. But today, in the light rain and at a stand he just moved a few hours before, a deer was in fact coming through. Dad could see nothing but horns, slowly and methodically making their way through the beech leaves. He brought his Browning 30-06 around to his left and raised the gun. He was patient as the buck carefully made
its way closer. When the deer turned and presented a broadside view, my father placed his shot, and the buck dropped. At 4:42 p.m. I received a text from my dad. It read, “Just shot a massive buck”! I was ecstatic! I couldn’t believe the size of this animal. It was an 8-pointer and dressed out at an impressive 225 pounds – a once-in-a-lifetime deer that most of us dream of taking. My Turn? For the next two weeks, I hunted hard. It
had occurred to me that there was an area my uncle liked to hunt that had not yet been frequented by our small group this season. One morning, I decided to slip into the woods well before light and settle into the area. I did not need a tree stand, since the previous September’s wind storm had overturned a tall oak tree, and it still had its ball of roots attached. It was a perfect spot to sit. As the morning light slowly increased, something caught my eye about 100 yards out. I
watched the silent movement of a large deer make its way from left to right. The buck stopped behind a tree. I slipped silently off my seat and raised my 30-06. I found the animal in my scope just as it was turning back to where he had come. At seventy yards, he began to spring over piles of brush, sporting what appeared to be a magnificent rack. I was no stranger to shooting a running deer, so I held just in front of the buck, and as it jumped through my center scope, I pulled the trigger. I was thrilled! I had all the confidence in the world that the deer had been hit. (Continued on next page)
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���������������������������������������������������The Maine Sportsman • November 2019 • 23 (Continued from page 22)
The buck made one last bound and was out of sight. I waited, listening for the rustling of leaves by the fallen buck ... but that sound did not come. I spent what seemed like forever searching for a sign – a drop of blood, a tuft of hair, a stumbling track – but there was none. My father and Uncle Bob came upon the scene much later, and we all arrived at the unfortunate truth – I had missed this incredible animal. Second Try Against my personal rules of hunting, I went back to the same place that afternoon. I sat in the same tree roots and watched that same area. The morning’s events kept running through my head. What did I do wrong? More importantly, would I ever see that buck again? An hour before sunset, I heard something making a VERY strange sound over my right shoulder – a noise like a loud sneeze. I slowly turned my head and saw the side of a deer, sticking out from behind one of the only trees between us. I could see antlers and knew it was a shooter. I needed to move, to line up a shot, so pulled my head back behind the root ball, raised my Browning to my shoulder, and slid off my seat. But the big deer had disappeared, as if by magic. I held that gun at my shoulder until the muscles in my arm hurt. I had no choice but to lower my gun slightly to look with my naked eyes. At that instant, hell broke loose. The buck charged out of nowhere, low to the ground, flying as if someone shot him out of a cannon, and the last thing I remembered was that HUGE rack, sticking up off his head
like two tree branches. There was absolutely no time to react. I had zero chance to do anything other than watch in amazement and respect. He’d won ... AGAIN! I left the woods, empty handed. Final Effort The next day was Thanksgiving. After dinner, I found began getting my gear ready for what would prove to be the third and final rematch. I got to my area early that Friday morning. I sat in the same spot, my clothes odorless, my eyes and ears peeled, my gun held tight in my hands, even though I knew the odds were not in my favor to relive the experience a third time. By 9 a.m., I had lost all hope. I felt the season coming quickly to an end. Just then, I sensed a deer coming. I heard the sound of hooves in the leaves walking at a steady pace from over my left side. Unfortunately I would only be able to see if I leaned forward a hair. As I did just that, my world locked horns with his – the monster I had been searching for! He was walking straight toward me, and
My Dad texted me at 4:42 p.m. with the message, “Just shot a massive buck.”
at ten yards he came to a dead stop. His head was low as he looked straight up at me, antlers seeming to scrape the sky! Small maple shoots restricted the barrel direction, so I tilted my gun sideways to get the shot. POWWWWWwww! While I fully expected him to drop in his tracks, he wheeled broad side and took two bounds, landing on the top of a small knoll about ten yards in front of me. That is when I shot him again, and he dropped like a stone. I could not see the buck’s head from where I stood but I knew that
From the Hills of West Virginia
After two clean misses by the author, the hunting gods offered him one last try at this heavy-antlered buck.
what lay on the other side of a dead log on the ground was going to be something that far surpassed any deer in my past. When my dad arrived, he held his right hand over his chest, grasping it as if having a heart attack, and said “Oh my god!” over and over. Like my dad’s buck, this monster weighed 225 pounds, and it had the most impressive rack I’d ever seen apart from those on display at the State of Maine Sportsman Show.
Incredibly, we found that my first shot had hit some of those maple shoots that were not visible through the scope. In other words, I MISSED! Had he not run up in front of me for that second shot, he would have won yet again. That buck will always be an awesome trophy. However, he will most importantly serve to remind me of the best-ever season of my hunting career – the year my dad and I both shot our lifetime bucks.
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24 • November 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————————
— Deer Hunting in Maine —
Whitetail Hunting and the Importance of Timing by Nate Grove
Careful exploration, observation and calculation gave me confidence – I was tucked behind a hummock in a field, with apple trees behind me, a thicket off to my right and an impenetrable swamp along the far perimeter. So much of success in life seems to come down to timing. This is true in many facets of our daily lives, and no less so as outdoors-people. Exploration, knowing the lay of the land and acquiring a sense of deer movement in it can really tip the odds a person’s way, but the real challenge is accurately predicting the moment that big buck will tiptoe into view. The more frequently you can do it, the less other hunters can attribute it to luck. Patterning deer – it sounds simple, doesn’t it? Yet any Maine hunter who has spent time walking the woods knows this isn’t so. In Maine most of us don’t hunt vast open areas where deer are forced to travel along narrow little strips of trees and creeks. The deep woods can seem pretty big when you get out there, unless you break it down into segments of space and time. One of my most satisfying hunts offers an example of when things work out right. 6,000 Acres of Varied Terrain The Bud Leavitt Wildlife Management Area (6,000 acres located seven miles southeast of Dover-Foxcroft on both sides of Route 15; DeLorme’s Atlas, Map 32, C/D3,4) is a short drive from my camp. In the middle of the woods, there’s a down-sloping old hay field that faces southwest. One season in early www.MaineSportsman.com
November I settled into the highest portion of it – an uphill corner overlooking pine and birch saplings that were in the process of reclaiming the once-cleared field I placed my back against a hummock just high enough to cover my sitting silhouette, dug my boot heels into the earth and laid my Enfield 30.06 in easy reach. It was just after 1:00 p.m., and I had planned my arrival for this exact time. Apples, Saplings and a Bog Behind me, through a corridor of open hardwood, lay another field sprinkled with old apple trees that dropped their sweet fruit daily like so much candy. I knew that does came here just after dark to nose and nibble. Downhill to my right, 100 yards away, lay an impassable patch of clumped saplings. The same does liked to nap there in the last blast of afternoon sun. More than once I had been too late, and seen only the flying fur of white tails high. Downhill straight away to my front, some 400 yards off, was a cool, thick cedar bog. Dark and twisty, miserable for a man to walk through, it provided daily safe haven for mink, bears and bucks. I couldn’t hunt it easily, but I could watch over it, waiting for the right time. Sloping away to my left was the barren area, too open, risky and inconvenient for deer who wanted to easily court,
connect and follow up their amorous encounters with some tasty apple snacks. Smack down the middle of this hidden gem was the winding path, trodden down by my quarry this time of year at this time of day.
The author and his dad admire the 11-point “racker” shot southeast of Dover-Foxcroft.
Connecting My Line with Those of the Deer Careful exploration, observation and calculation gave me confidence. In breaking down a larger piece of woods this way, I’m not hunting for a particular deer – I’m searching for a particular occurrence. Like when Hal Blood talks about connecting two lines, I’m looking to connect my location with the locations of deer at a specific place at a specific time. You might think of it as connecting my line with the lines of several deer, some of which will be joining me – although they don’t know it yet.
haps 50 yards – and I could easily see the intensity of its eyes without my glasses. Softly exchanging my Steiner Predator binocs for my Enfield, I watched big buck as it moved slowly toward me. With neck slightly lower than the line of his spine, it was clear he had business on his mind. He was so close – thank goodness I had the hummock behind me to hide my outline! With elbows resting on knees, I set my crosshairs ahead of the next little pine and waited for him to present me with his shoulder.
Viewfinder Fills with Brown About the time of the golden last hour, I began carefully observing the space with my woods eyes. Without focusing on any one spot, I let my peripheral vision watch for movement. After a time, I gave in and slowly raised my binoculars to see as clearly down the middle as I could. Though it was only 75 yards, I enjoy being able to see things close up, so I took a peek. In what seemed no time at all, my viewfinder filled with brown! The buck was so close – per-
Staying Hidden But the buck did not come around the pine. Peeking over my scope, I saw he had stopped and turned around behind that tree, and was now facing back the way he’d come. So I shifted my aim to his likely exit spot. However, he did not appear there, either. All I could see – aside from more living rack than many people will ever be close to – was that he was beginning to do a little dance. All four feet were going, like a cat’s on a warm quilt! It seemed some crafty sense had turned him
around and he had decided this wasn’t his scene after all. I thought I’d better get cracking. He looked nervous and was sure to bolt at any moment. A Racker! Between two trees, I found a window to his boiler room and let fly. He bounded down the slope among the saplings for just over a hundred yards, then went down and didn’t move again. My father, at that time in his final hunting season, helped me locate the 179-lb., 11-point deer. The buck was past his prime and lacked some of the mass he probably had in earlier years, but what a “Racker.” Dad and I had a wonderful final trip, reveling in each other’s company. The big whitetail was the icing. So if the deer woods seem huge, break the area down into manageable chunks – whether tracking, still hunting or setting up an ambush. Make every decision with the aim of improving the odds in your favor. And stick with it – there are memories to be made!
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Sloppy Kathaleen’s Featured in this month’s recipe is Fiore Harrisa Olive Oil, which originated in North Africa and the Middle East. Harissa is often made with smoked chili peppers,
garlic, caraway, coriander and cumin pounded to a paste, then left to develop its flavors for 12 hour or more. As we head towards the depths of winter, this oil is great for winter
*** lost one of my contacts. I had to ride my bike back to Jackman, where Janine Everett and I were living, with only my close-up contact. My family still teases me about riding my bike lopsided. Ashley came up with my nickname *** This quick, easy and warming-from-the-inside-out dish could quickly become a staple. I test many recipes on my neighbors, and Jim went back for seconds and thirds! Keep Fiore Harrisa Olive Oil in your pantry and flavor-layer your dishes! I love memories where there is nothing like big belly laughs. I was in Moose River at my brother Chris’s in a canoe with my niece, Ashley, and nephew, Jeramey. All of a sudden they decided it would be funny to tip over. Upon righting the canoe, we discovered I
stews and soups. Try this oil in doses, as it can intensify both in flavor and heat. Bon Appétit, and Happy Healthy wild game meals! “Auntie Kathaleen” (get it – ’cause I was leaning?), and it just stuck. And now her daughter, Addisyn, calls me this. This lopsided dish was created with one eye open and the other closed!
Ingredients • 6 tablespoons Fiore Harrisa Olive Oil • 1 cup red onion, chopped • 2 pounds ground bear, moose, beef or most red meats • 6 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce • 1 cup “your favorite” barbeque sauce • 3 tablespoons Paprika • 1 tablespoon TheSpiceHouse Vulcan Fire Salt* • ½ cup beer (I used brown ale) • Shredded Horseradish Cheddar (optional) Heat oil over medium heat until hot; sauté onions until translucent. Turn to high heat add bear, breaking it up to coat and brown well. Stir in remaining ingredients, and bring to medium heat; cover and reduce to low simmer 20 minutes. Serve over hot cooked rice or toasted buns. *Vulcan Salt includes salt, Louisiana Chile Mash, Garlic, Habanero Chile, Shallots, Tellicherry Pepper, Lime Peel, Pimenton, Picante, Cumin, allspice and powdered Vinegar. TheSpiceHouse.com
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26 • November 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————————
Becoming a Tracker by Logan Rackliff I am 30 years old now and have been visiting the Big Woods of northern Maine with my father since I was 5 years old. Though I am not accomplished or great tracker by any means, I am thankful and humbled to have had some great, consistent looks at mature bucks over the last 4 or 5 years. I have been fortunate to connect with a couple, as well as having missed a few. You can read my stories on the www.bigwoodsbucks. com blog. I would attribute these buck sightings and thrilling adventures to two primary things: Faith and Wisdom I am a very religious person, and I believe that has helped me in all areas of life. First, while my faith has not by itself resulted in better “hunting skills,” what it has given me is much more true peace in life, which means not worrying about things at work, home, or personally when I’m in the woods. Secondly, my faith and my beliefs have helped me overcome any anxiety I had about getting lost or being unable to surmount certain conditions while out in the Big Woods. Both of these aspects
The young, humble author relates that, armed with the knowledge from Hal Blood’s books and Deer Clinic, he was able to track two deer in two years. Hal himself fills in the details – the two deer tracked by Rackliff weighed 239 lbs and 248 pounds!
Logan Rackliff has developed skills for tracking big whitetails. His faith plays a big role in the calm approach he brings to the big north woods.
help me focus on the hunt, and enjoy it more. Appreciative of Hal’s Influence Wisdom consists of knowledge gained and skillfully applied. We get most of our wisdom in life over time through our experiences, as have I with tracking. Having said that, I would be lying if I said my tracking game wasn’t catapulted ahead by probably 20 years through the knowledge I have received from Hal Blood. When I was 20, I bought Hal’s books and DVD. Having hunted and
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tracked the Big Woods for quite some time, I will say that I believe there has never been – nor will ever be – another two books (“Hunting Big Woods Bucks,” volumes 1 and 2) that have so much useful and original material in them about hunting/tracking mature bucks in the Big Woods. With knowledge gained from these books I went into the Big Woods with confidence. I had a great time for a few years getting close to bucks, learning a lot, but never connecting. So then I decided to take Hal’s Deer Clinic. I showed up at the clinic excited and with my questions ready. It was a great group of guys, good food, and most importantly, Hal was a kind and forthcoming host. Hal methodically and openly took us through the knowledge he has gained while hunting over the years. There
were many details that you wouldn’t pick up on in his books. His stories were entertaining and helpful, driving each lesson home. He answered all our questions insightfully, never made us feel like the rookies we were. Hal showed us what he looks for on maps and in the woods. Going in the woods with him looking for signpost rubs and listening/ watching him point out where, why and how deer move through a piece of woods was priceless. Long story short, the class was extremely helpful. Armed with this new knowledge, I was able to track down two bucks the following two years. Gratitude I thank my religious beliefs for where they have brought me in life. I am not saying that faith by itself will make you a better hunter; rather, I
am saying if you develop strong religious beliefs your whole life will change for better, as mine has. Nor am I guaranteeing you’ll shoot more deer by just reading books and taking classes. I am simply calling it how I’ve honestly seen it, sharing the facts about things that have helped me in my life. My beliefs had encouraged and led to enjoyment in the woods and peace in life. Please contact me through www. bigwoodsbucks.com with any questions. Thoughts from Hal Blood I remember when Logan showed up to take my deer hunting clinic. I could immediately tell that he was excited and anxious to learn. He was one who asked the detailed questions. I think every day he had a new list of questions. He was serious about putting the pieces of the puzzle together so he could put it to use on the upcoming season. He did in fact put the puzzle together when he shot his first two bucks, tracking one that dressed 239 lbs., and the other dressed 248 lbs. Logan not only gained the knowledge, but had the drive and persistence to make it happen. Knowledge is great, but the most important attribute to consistent success in the Big Woods is persistence. For me, Logan is a classic example of passing the torch to the next generation of hunters.
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How Long Should You Hold Out for that Big Buck? The passion to shoot an adult buck truly drives me. The desire to harvest a heavy bodied, large racked whitetail pushes me to spend much of my free time in pursuit of these wily animals. Some call it an obsession. I remember my 1998 Maine deer season well. It was both frustrating and rewarding. You see, my 1997 deer season ended with a yearling sixpoint falling to my rifle just minutes into opening day. I vowed ’98 would end much differently – I would either harvest a true adult buck, or I’d end the season with nothing. I had no any-deer permit, so it was literally big buck or bust. Making the decision to hold out for a mature buck isn’t something a deer hunter should do without careful consideration. There are myriad reasons why the decision to pass young bucks, does and fawns could actually be a negative for some hunters. Certainly no
hunter seeks a bad deer hunting experience. I’ve spoken with thousands of deer hunters over the last 35 years. If I could somehow get them all into an auditorium and survey them regarding reasons they love to deer hunt, it’s likely we’d get a large and varied response. I’m guessing putting meat in the freezer would be a top-three most popular answer. A large number of hunters seek time away from work and an opportunity to relax. Some hunters might rank “time spent outdoors,” “the thrill of the hunt” or even “time spent with friends” as the biggest reasons they hunt. While all of those reasons resonate with
me, it’s the desire to shoot an adult buck that truly drives me. I find the challenge of getting close to an adult whitetail buck, the toughest of all the hunting I do. The desire to harvest a heavy bodied, large racked buck pushes me to spend much of my free time in pursuit of these wily animals. Some call it an obsession. Obsessions Often Mean Sacrifice Since making the commitment to chase adult bucks, I’ve had to sacrifice a few things. “Juicy venison,” as my niece refers to it, is one of my favorite things to eat. Most deer hunters love a good venison steak, venison sausage, burger
The author poses with his first true adult buck. The 206-pound, 9-point whitetail was killed just a couple of days before Thanksgiving after a long and enjoyable season. Joe killed the buck in its bed, after a lengthy still-hunt. What a great way to start a big buck hunting experience.
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(Continued on next page)
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28 • November 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————————
Big Game Hunting (Continued from page 13)
or some other awesome dish prepared with deer meat. Winters are much less
enjoyable when I can’t retrieve venison from my freezer. Unfortunately, it’s a sacrifice a hunter
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must be willing to make if they don’t have an anydeer permit, and commit to harvesting only a big buck. The good news is that not having deer meat is really the only major potential sacrifice required when choosing to wait on a “shooter.” The opportunity to enjoy nature, spend time with
family and friends and to relax away from work can increase when strictly hunting for an adult buck. Here’s more good news – since Maine’s deer population has grown significantly in recent years, large numbers of deer hunters have been awarded any-deer permits again this season.
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A hunter possessing one of these tags and some extra time, has the perfect opportunity to hold out for an adult buck. The question is, how long should a hunter wait for a big buck, before making the decision to shoot a young buck or doe? What’s Your Passion? The answer depends on a few factors. Hunters having lots of vacation time and an understanding family, often have an advantage. Admittedly, extra days off and a supportive wife have aided in my success over the last 20 years. Hunters in this (Continued on next page)
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2019 Maine Sportsman Youth Writing Contest Runner-Up: Maine Senior Category
First Time Out
by Kyle Graffam – Age 15 – 9th Grade – Mt. Ararat High School
Kyle’s dad checked him out of high school that afternoon so the young man could share the experience and tradition of hunting. In the late afternoon, as the sun began to dip toward the horizon, Kyle’s father leaned over and whispered: “This is prime time.” I had been thinking about it all day! Finally, the school secretary called me down to the office to get dismissed. I walked down the hallway, excited to see my dad. He had signed me out of school, and I went and got in his truck. We drove to the spot, and when we got there my dad helped me put on my camo and my bright orange vest. It was cool out, with a northwest breeze. We walked in and sat at the stump of an old oak tree. Then my dad sprayed some “Buck
Bomb” on the tree in front of us and around us. After sitting for about an hour or two it started getting a little dark. My dad whispered to me and said, “This is prime time.” I will never forget him saying that. All of a sudden, a deer stepped out. I lifted up my shotgun, looked down the worn-out sights, and POW!! After I fired, everything went silent. After waiting a few minutes, we walked up to a little four-point – my first deer ever.
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Big Game Hunting (Continued from page 28)
situation should wait until the last possible day to harvest a younger buck or doe, in my opinion. Deer hunters who pursue their quarry with both archery equipment and firearms often have an advantage. Being in the deer woods a month before firearms hunters are out there can certainly increase success rates on big bucks. Hunters unable to live without deer meat shouldn’t wait too long to harvest a deer. However, shooting a mature buck just means there’s more meat in the freezer. A 130-pound yearling buck yields approximately 50 pounds of boneless meat. A 200-pound buck will yield close to 100 pounds of meat. Waiting pays big sometimes. Hunters who are not interested in big racks or heavy bodies shouldn’t wait at all. These people should focus on all the other
Kyle Graffam and his 4-pointer.
great benefits of deer hunting, and take the first deer that truly makes them happy and satisfies their deer hunting desires.
every day. Going days or weeks without seeing deer can make waiting on an adult buck seem an impossible task.
Patiently Passing Up on 10 Bucks In 1998 when I shot my first 200-pound buck, I killed him two days before Thanksgiving. That’s a stark contrast to the previous season, when I was finished so quickly. Not every hunter is willing to wait so long, especially when they don’t have the any-deer tag to fall back on. I spent well over 100 hours deer hunting that year. The harvest of that big nine-point buck is still one of my most satisfying accomplishments in hunting. I passed up on more than 10 young bucks that year because I knew there were at least two large bucks on the farm. The thought of finally placing my tag on “a giant” was enough to keep my eye on the prize and not shoot a deer I wouldn’t be happy with. It also helped that I saw deer nearly
No Yearling Bucks I’ve eaten tag soup many times over the years because I either waited too long or didn’t have the option of taking an antlerless deer. I absolutely will not shoot a yearling buck with my regular tag; however, this is always an option for hunters unwilling to sacrifice their deer meat. In my opinion, however, shooting a yearling buck after waiting all season kind of defeats the purpose of hunting mature bucks. More yearling bucks making it through the season means more adult bucks next year. More adult bucks in a population increases rutting activity among bucks and increases the odds a hunter will cross paths and kill a big buck. How long will you wait this year?
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30 • November 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————————
Warden Service Emphasizes Need for Safe Snowmobile Operation by Steve Carpenteri As we enter another exciting Maine snowmobiling season, the Maine Warden Service and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife are once again encouraging riders to ride safe and prevent accidents on the trail and on our frozen waterways. Maine’s snowmobile accident records show that 2003 was the worst year ever for fatal accidents, with 16. In 2011 there were 10 people killed while riding snowmobiles, followed by an encouraging decline in deaths through 2012 and 2013, with just two fatalities each year. In 2014, six Maine riders died while snowmobiling, with three the following year and then five more deaths in 2016.
Youngsters ages 10 to 15 must take a safety course in order to operate snow machines off their family’s properties. An adult must take the course together with the young person. Topics include how to properly operate and maintain a snowmobile, as well as applicable laws and regulations, and principles of responsibility and personal safety. Wardens said that there were nine snowmobilers killed in 2017 and seven in 2018. This increase in accidents demonstrates the need for additional caution and education for those who use Maine’s extensive winter trail system. Excessive Speed a Leading Factor The Maine Warden Service reports that the leading contributing factor in preventable accidents is excessive speed. For that reason, Wardens encourage riders to allow
The Maine Warden Service recommends that snowmobilers travel in groups to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. www.MaineSportsman.com
extra time when traveling between destinations, and to remember that not all sections of trail are smooth, flat and perfectly groomed. Also, snow depths, temperatures and wind action can turn a level section of trail into a nightmare of bumps, drifts, holes and even bare spots overnight. Logs, rocks and limbs create destructive obstacles that can severely damage a fast-moving sled, especially during periods of bad weather or at night.
Courses Required for Youngsters, Parents Maine law requires a person 10 years of age or older but under 16 years of age to successfully complete a training program, together with that person’s parent or guardian, prior to operating on land other than that owned or leased by their parent or guardian or on which they live. These courses are made available statewide by volunteer instructors certified by the Maine Department of Inland
Caution is urged when snowmobiling on forest trails where logs, rocks and other obstacles can suddenly appear. Photo credit: visitmaine.com
Fisheries and Wildlife. Pre-registration is requested and/or required. Courses include six hours of instruction. Sponsors include school districts, sports clubs, civic groups, and others. Courses are scheduled based on instructor availability. Maine’s snowmobile education courses include how to properly operate and maintain a snowmobile. Laws, responsibilities and personal safety are also covered. Passage of a final exam is required, and students must attend every day of the class in order to receive their certificate of training. For more information call the Recreational Safety Division in Augus(Continued on next page)
According to the Maine Game Wardens, speed has been the primary factor in snowmobile accidents in Maine. Photo credit: visitmaine.com
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ta at (207) 287-5220. Thin Ice Danger Also, snowmobilers should keep in mind that the safest rule is to avoid crossing lakes or rivers, because doing so puts you at risk of plunging through the ice. If you decide to snowmobile on ice, make sure the ice is safely frozen, and trust only your own judgment. Drowning is a leading cause of snowmobile fatalities, so buying a buoyant snowmobile suit could be a life-saving decision. If you do go through the ice, your helmet and snowmobile suit, even if it’s non-buoyant, may keep you afloat for several minutes. Try sliding back onto the ice, using anything sharp to dig into the ice’s surface to allow you to pull. Kicking your feet like a seal can help propel you onto the ice. If the ice keeps breaking, continue moving toward the shore or the direction from which you came. Don’t remove your gloves or mitts. Once you are back on the ice’s surface, roll away from the hole, making sure not to stand up until you are well away from it. Helmets Required for Those Under 18 According to state law, a snowmobile may not be operated on a snowmobile trail identified by the Bureau of Parks and Lands as having been funded by the Snowmobile Trail Fund by any person under 18 years of age who is not wearing protective headgear. And it’s not just the snowmobile operators who are governed by this rule – the requirement applies to passengers, as well. Operators Liable for Damage to Property Wardens also remind ATV riders and snowmo-
bilers that any person who intentionally enters the land of another without permission and causes damage to that property is liable to the owner in a civil action. This includes damage to any fence, bar or gate; leaving a gate open; breaking glass; damaging a road, drainage ditch, culvert, bridge, sign or paint marking; inflicting damage to any structure; or disposing litter, in any manner or amount, on property that is not that person’s own. If the damage is intentional, the person doing the damage is liable to the owner for two times the actual damage plus additional costs which includes the attorney fees of the landowner, costs and the value of the owner’s time spent on involvement in an enforcement proceeding. If the damage is not caused intentionally, the person is liable to the owner for the actual damages plus additional costs. Final Warnings Wardens are also reminding snowmobilers that slush ice, which is often encountered early and late in the season, is only one-half the strength of blue ice. In addition, state enforcement officials advise snowmobile operators to always know the area they ride in, ride at safe speeds, signal their riding intentions, watch for other snowmobilers, and never operate under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The underlying message? It’s that ATVs, UTVs and snowmobiles are not toys, so taking these precautions can mean the difference between having an enjoyable time on the trail, and getting involved in a preventable accident.
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Always wear a helmet and don’t drink and ride. © 2019 Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc.
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32 • November 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————————
— Snowmobiling in Maine —
Choosing Snowmobile Helmets for Kids and Adults by Steve Vose Times sure have changed since I was a 10 year old kid back in 1981. In those days, Dad’s 1978 Arctic Cat was capable of attaining a top speed of 40 mph … if it was going downhill with a stiff wind blowing on the rider’s backside. By the end of the 1980s, however, almost every snowmobile on the market was capable of speeds exceeding 90 mph. Today, top sports snowmobiles can surpass speeds of 120 mph, and drag snowmobiles have reached speeds of 200 mph. Not many of us wore helmets, whether riding a bicycle, a three-wheeler
Some high-tech helmets feature tiny electrical heaters to defrost the face shield. A lower-tech (and less expensive) approach – and the method used by Maine Game Wardens – involves use of a “breath guard” that directs the rider’s breath down and away under the front of the helmet, reducing fogging and freezing on the face shield.
Helmets range in cost between $60 and $200, depending on features, including heated face shields and integrated Bluetooth. A sampling, from left to right, includes models from Castle, HJC, Vega and HHH.
(remember those?) or a snowmobile, while growing up in rural Washington County, And I wit-
nessed several accidents in which young riders were injured and their injuries would have been
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speeds has come the necessity for riders to employ helmets for protection against the effects of a crash.
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avoided had they been wearing helmets. With the staggering increase in snowmobiles
The Law Under Maine law, a person under 18 years who is operating a snowmobile on a snowmobile trail identified by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Parks and Lands as having been funded by the Snowmobile Trail Fund, must wear protective headgear that conforms to established safety standards. Additionally, riders may not carry a passenger under 18 years of age on the (Continued on next page)
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���������������������������������������������������The Maine Sportsman • November 2019 • 33 (Continued from page 32)
snowmobile unless the passenger is wearing protective headgear. Personally, I feel every rider under the age of 18 should be required to wear a helmet regardless of whenever they are riding, whether or not the trail was funding by the Snowmobile Trail Fund. Buying a Kid’s Helmet In a recent discussion with a member of the Maine Warden Service, I was given several recommendations for adults looking to purchase a snowmobile helmet for a child. The most important factor? Making sure the helmet fits properly. Sizing for youth helmets is crucial for comfort and safety. Wrap the cloth measuring tape around the head, 1” above the eyebrows, over the ears, and around the largest point towards the largest point at the back of the head. The measuring tape should remain snug, but not overly tight (think of the tightness of a baseball cap). If the child’s head measurement falls in between two helmet sizes, choose the larger of the two sizes when purchasing a helmet. A helmet that fits too tight will be a bit uncomfortable, especially after it’s worn for an extended period of
time. Basic sizing for a child’s helmet runs as follows: Small (18.5-19.5 in.), Medium (19.5-20.5 in.), Large (20.5-21.5 in.), and Extra-large (21.522.5 in.). As helmet sizing varies slightly across brands, children should try on helmets before purchasing. Style and Features The Maine Warden Service also recommends that children wear fullface helmets, as these provide the best protection in a crash as well as offering a defense against cold-related injuries. It is important to note that the face shield on a snowmobile helmet differs from that of a motorcycle helmet. Motorcycle helmets have a face shield comprised of a single pane, while a snowmobile face shield is dual pane. A single pane shield on a motorcycle helmet just will not work in cold winter temperatures, as a rider’s breath with condense on the interior of the shield and cause fogging. A dual pane shield minimizes fogging, since the two shields are separated by a thin layer of gas. The layer of gas acts as an insulator, helping to prevent heat transfer and thereby decreasing condensation on the shield in
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34 • November 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————————
Snowmobiling in Maine (Continued from page 13)
cold temperatures. Riders who use their machines in severe, Arctic-like conditions can even purchase helmets that have heated electric shields. In these types of helmets, electric heating elements run along the
outside rim of the shield and plug directly into the sleds electrical system. These electric shields act similar to the “defrost” setting in a car and can reduce or eliminate fogging even in extremely low temperatures.
Breath Guards Riders wanting a more “low tech” solution that doesn’t require electrical power should explore using a breath guard. These devices seal tightly over the rider’s nose and mouth to help deflect breath down and out of the bottom of the helmet. With breath directed out the bottom of the helmet, it does not condense on to the shield. If you’ve seen the helmets worn by the Maine Game Wardens, you may have noticed they employ specialized breath guards to combat cold temperatures and reduce fogging while riding. Helmet Certification Anyone purchasing a helmet should assure that it is approved by either SNELL or DOT. DOT and SNELL are two of the main safety rating systems that test helmets for Impact (shock absorbing capacity), Penetration (ability to withstand a blow from a sharp object),
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Retention (chin strap’s ability to stay fastened), and Peripheral vision. Both DOT and SNELL rigorously test snowmobile helmets to ensure that they meet the prescribed standards. As a final note regarding operation of snow machines by youngsters, remember state law reads that “a person may not
permit a child under 10 years of age to operate a snowmobile unless the child is accompanied by an adult.” This does not apply on land that is owned by the parent or guardian, or on land where permission for use has been granted to the parent or guardian.
¶
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���������������������������������������������������The Maine Sportsman • November 2019 • 35
— Guest Column —
Two Wild Turkeys on the Wing:
Double of All Doubles by Brad Varney My dream of wing-shooting two turkeys was inspired by an episode of the television show “American Sportsman.” Hunters on that show called two tom wild turkeys in close. Then one hunter jumped to his feet and ran after the two turkeys, which took flight. The hunter stopped, mounted his shotgun and fired. The closest turkey fell. The hunter then quickly pivoted and shot the lead turkey. It was an amazing feat captured on film. From that day on I dreamed of someday making a double on wild turkeys on the wing. Soon thereafter, at the ripe old age of 76, I started hunting turkeys. I found that in addition to offering a challenging hunt, they are really good eating – in fact, they are a delicacy. I shot a couple of toms on the ground, and then started contemplating how to shoot two out of the air – just like the hunter on “American Sportsman.” Ammo for my Dream Double I usually hunt the fall bird season with #7-1/2 shot, but for my wing-shooting effort, I decided to use #6 shot, with one-and-a-half ounces of shot. This load is commonly known as a 2-3/4inch magnum load. Why such a hefty load? Well, I decided if I wanted to fulfill my dream of making a true double on wild turkeys, I’d better get serious. Thirty-five yards was my self-imposed limit for any wing-shot at a wild turkey. This meant I had to shoot the first turkey closer – most likely twen-
“You can’t shoot a double,” my friend patiently explained, “unless you kill one bird first!”
ty-five yards or less. I rehearsed in my mind just how I would handle different scenarios for a turkey double. Finally I decided a double on turkeys would not be much different than a double on pheasants – which I had managed to do numerous times. I remembered what my good friend and expert wing-shot Jim Whitney once told me: “To make a double,” he explained, “you must kill the first bird!” I knew Jim was right, and I decided that was how I would handle any opportunity two turkeys might provide me. I now had a plan and a very positive mental outlook.
from chasing or hunting turkeys. I did this because when Mooney was not yet a year old, he almost was run over by a car while chasing a turkey. So I decided if I saw a flock of turkeys and had a chance for a true double, I would leave Mooney in the Jeep and then I would stalk the big birds. As the bird season progressed, I was beginning to think my dreams of making a turkey double were not going to happen. However, on October 24th I was driving on a gravel farm road owned by my friend Fred Thurston, when turkeys started crossing the road in front of me.
Keep the GSP in the Jeep October 1, 2018 was the opening last year’s upland bird season. I was hunting mainly pheasants. Pheasant cover was also good turkey cover. I had discouraged my German Shorthaired Pointer (G.S.P.) Mooney
Landscape an Advantage I waited for the last turkey to cross, and ran out of my Jeep. I loaded my Remington while on the move. I found myself in a mowed hay field, while the turkeys were in a harvested cornfield. The
two fields were separated by a row of trees. The physical landscape and the turkeys’ position gave me the upper hand. As soon as I reached the cornfield, I made a 90-degree turn to my left. There I spotted at least thirty turkeys near the east edge of the corn field. Several of them were near a steep gravel bank on the east side of the corn field, which prevented them from flushing in that direction. I ran as fast as I could towards the closest turkeys. They ran south and west, and then took flight. I stopped and quickly fired at the closest turkey. It was 20 yards away and six feet off the ground when it folded. Magnum sixes centered on its head made a clean kill. Swing-Through Shot I started to make a move for the next closest turkey, when three turkeys flying towards me caught my eye. The middle turkey was the
largest, and I could see its beard. I knew immediately this was the turkey I wanted. I quickly executed one of my best swing-through shots. As my muzzle blotted the big tom’s head, I squeezed the trigger. The tom folded, when he hit the ground, the thud was music to my ears. I had finally fulfilled my dream a true double on wild turkeys. The first shot was similar to a low seven skeet shot. The second shot was like a high five skeet shot, but higher. I paced the second shot off, and it was thirty-two paces. The one downside to this hunt was that I had not brought my camera, so I took no pictures. However, I have the whole event captured in my head, I hope forever. The lesson? If you have a dream, you can make it come true. You only fail when you stop trying. *** Notice to All Turkey Hunters I do not recommend that hunters try to duplicate my success in the harvesting of wild turkeys on the wing. Only a person who has years of success in both clay target and live bird competition should contemplate wing-shooting wild turkeys. Every hunter should know his or her limitations, and strictly adhere to them. The average hunter should not try to wing-shoot a wild turkey. They are large, noble birds that deserve a hunter’s respect.
¶
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36 • November 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————————
Whitetails and Waterfowl Up North Last winter was one for the record books in Aroostook County – the duration and snow accumulation were daunting, even for life-long residents. Not only was the prolonged deep snow cover detrimental to deer and turkey populations, sportsmen suffered as well. With the season’s premier snow storm surprising The County during the first week of November, the ducks and geese headed south over a month early. Three major storms arrived before December, yielding tough deer hunting conditions – reminiscent of whitetail seasons in the 60s. Playing the Field When heavy snow accumulation limits access to favorite North Maine Woods roads and two-tracks – many won’t be kept plowed – forward-thinking hunters shift their efforts to ur-
pleased to take full advantage. The fact is, many of us aren’t 30 anymore, and most of us have even passed the big 5-0. Older hunters and those with disabilities and medical issues just can’t traipse through the woods any more, especially when there’s any amount of snow.
Even when scouting for geese, be sure to bring your deer rifle along – you’re as likely to spot fur as feathers.
Spot-and-Stalk, or Hunt Open Areas While some tracking and trailing is possible for us under the right conditions, far more plausible and accommodating approaches involve spotand-stalk, or hunting fields or open woodlots from a blind or tree stand. Considering the vast acreage of farm land throughout Aroostook, most deer hunters won’t need to travel more than 15 minutes from their house to bag a buck. It might surprise you how many outdoorsmen can
Aroostook County boasts wonderful urban edge agri-land and plenty of small fields, pastures and wild apple trees to attract whitetails. Pre-season scouting can yield important info for hunting locations. Photos by Bill Graves
ban edge woodlots, rural crop fields, second growth pastures and recently cut-over and thinned forest nearer towns and villages. An evident increase
in the whitetail population throughout agricultural land has occurred over the last decade or so in the Crown of Maine. I believe it’s the result of fewer coyotes, and more
plentiful and accessible food sources during recent harsh winter conditions. Many regional deer hunters are aware of these changes and are
(Continued on next page)
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If you think all the big bucks are in the deep woods , guess again -- more and more whitetails are using farmland and rural woodlots as home and hearth. (Continued from page 36)
walk less than 10 minutes in rural areas and be in huntable fields and light forest. For example, near Easton Center, the Ladner, Mahaney and Hersom Roads offshoot Route 1 A, and are all interconnected. There are over 100 fields along this trio of back roads for hunters to select from to take a stand along, and it’s also a great area to drive-andspot. Check Delorme’s Atlas, Map 65, E-3 and E-4 for these likely deer havens. Number 9 Loop Whitetail enthusiasts near Monticello and Bridgewater might want to take advantage of a ride I call the Number 9 loop. It can be accessed from either the Bootfoot
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If time constraints or physical limitation keep you from hunting the deep woods, you’ll still find plenty of deer taking advantage of rural crop fields and small woodlots for food and cover. The drive-and-spot approach might result in venison in the freezer.
Road in Bridgewater or the West Road at Jewells Corner in Monticello. Both run west off Route 1, and either can be the entrance or exit, depending on which direction you start from. As you might guess by the name, the midpoint of this circuit is Number 9 Lake, and along the rippled and potholed excuse for a road are many tote roads and old skidder trails to stalk for a few hundred yards. There are also a good number of fields and recently logged tracts to sit whitetailwatch over. Map 59, C-2 and C-3 will place you in the right territory. Deer hunters in Houlton or a bit south who need a spot to sit and wait or take a short spot and stalk outing before work should visit
the lightly-forested area and abundant fields between East Hodgdon and Hodgdon Corners, east of Route 1. Map 53, B-4 offers an overview. Deep woods deer hunting isn’t what it used to be “Up North,” and it isn’t for everybody anymore; think close to home and farm country fields this fall – you might find them very rewarding. Snow Goose Gunnin’ During their fall migration, thousands of flocks of traveling Canada geese inundate Aroostook County. Thanks to untold acres of crop fields and the tasty tidbits they offer, many honkers take residence until deep snowfalls and frozen ground and water force them south. With most Crown of Maine out-
This pair of hunters, Tom Tardiff of Blaine and Dale Hafford of Presque Isle, haul a bragging-size buck to their truck. The deer was spotted walking through a corn field.
A black Labrador Retriever brings a duck to shore, saving his master a lot of work in the cold November water. There are still a few ducks around most Novembers, and gunning pressure is light as most hunters are in pursuit of whitetails.
doorsmen in hot pursuit of a big, bragging-size buck, persistent waterfowlers can enjoy some of the wildest wing shooting of the season. Some years – rare as they may be in the tip top of Maine – we have actually been able to keep hunting deer into December.
However, last year was the worst in over a dozen – four major storms in November, and all the geese and ducks were gone by the 10th of the month. A bit of snow can actually be an asset to late-season honker hunt(Continued on next page)
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The author bagged this trio of Canadas with his Rizzini O/U 16 gauge the day before last November’s major early snowstorm arrived. Within two days after the storm, all the geese had headed south.
Brian and Buddy Horr of Dedham, and Beaver Pierce of Blaine, joined writer Bill Graves for a snowy morning hunt. The snow was heavy and the geese were hungry, and it took a longer time to set out decoys than to shoot a limit.
Roger Shaw of Mars Hill and Mike Wallace of Freeport hold some of the heavy honkers that responded to bare spots the hunters had swept and shoveled in the snow to expose food.
The County (Continued from page 13)
ers. However, adjustments must be made, not the least of which is layered warm clothes to allow immobile shooters in layout blinds to stave off cold so hands and bodies respond when it’s time to spring up and shoot straight. Snow Does Not Accumulate on Live Geese Add a flat shovel, a full size broom and a whisk broom to your decoy rigging. Snow does not accumulate on live geese, so use the whisk broom to keep them clean, and use the shovel and broom to clear snow from the ground in several spots the size of a bathtub. Place your decoys
around the exposed grain stalks, potato field or winter rye – with snow everywhere, the bare ground will draw hungry honkers like a magnet. Use old white sheets or made-toorder blind covers to help make green and brown layout blinds blend into the snowy surroundings. Geese need to eat more and feed for longer periods in colder weather. They will decoy more readily to obvious food plots, especially when surrounded by fake feathered friends. Fields near open water are prime set-up locations. Check along the North Caribou Road that parallels the Aroostook River in Fort Fairfield – ravenous honkers will
The Most Remote Hunting in the North Maine Woods Wilderness
Don’t let a bit of shoreline ice keep you from duck hunting The County late in the season -- break up some ice, or set the dekes in open water on the edge, and let a good retriever do the follow-up work.
flock (pun intended) to your dekes and calling. Map 65, C-3 will help you feather your nest. When Scouting, Bring Your Deer Rifle Along Another dependable region this month also brackets the upper reach-
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this month when you scout both of the areas I’ve mentioned – you’re as liable to spot fur as feathers. Look over DeLorme’s Atlas Map 64, E-2. While we’re discussing the Aroostook River, if you prefer seeing ducks over the vent rib of your scattergun, there are plenty of backwaters and bogans between Washburn and Presque Isle. Black ducks and mature mallards prefer these pot holes to setting along the main waterway, and they trade back and forth among them all day. When nearby lakes and ponds freeze up, even more ducks show up on the river. Dress warm, wear neoprene waders, bring lots of shells and check it out. They will all wing south soon.
¶
���������������������������������������������������The Maine Sportsman • November 2019 • 39
Lawbreaking Squatters at Mattamore Farm One cold winter Sunday night in the mid1970s, my phone rang in Jonesboro. It was Warden Supervisor Gene Mallory. Gene was in charge of the Washington County Warden Division and one of the best men that I ever had the pleasure of working for. Gene told me that Fred Mawhinney of Machias had been up river to check on his camp at the old Mattamore Farm and had discovered that several men had taken up residence in the camp. One of the men was a relative of Fred’s but didn’t have permission to be in the camp, and Fred wanted them out. Fred also mentioned to Gene that he had seen illegal ice fishing traps set on the river, and he believed that other illegal activities were taking place as well. Mustering the Troops I met Washington County Deputies John Crowley and Dale Clemmons at the Sheriff’s Office in Machias. From there, we traveled north up Rt. 192 to the mouth of the Bear Brook Rd. where we met Warden Phil White out of Wesley. Phil and I had gone to Warden School together during the winter of 1972 and occasionally worked together. He was an excellent woodsman, and an experienced trapper. We left our cruisers out on Rt. 192 and headed in the Bear Brook Rd. with Phil in his four-
As a spotlight shined out the back of the camp in our direction, we dove face-first into the snow. I reached up with my right hand to cover my hat badge, so the suspects in the camp wouldn’t see any reflections.
As John and I approached the camp, a spotlight shined out the back of the camp in our direction.
wheel drive pickup to an old woods road that led down to the Machias River and the Old Mattamore Farm. We left Phil’s truck out on the Bear Brook Road and headed in to the camp on foot. It was well below zero, and the snow crunched softly under our boots. Movement, and a Spotlight When we came to the edge of the clearing on the bank of the Machias River, we stopped and observed the camp from a distance of a couple of hundred feet. We could smell the wood smoke from the fire and see several people moving around inside the camp. We decided that Deputy Crowley and I would enter the camp, and that Warden Phil White and
Deputy Clemmons would cover us from outside the windows of the camp. John and I approached the camp. As we were moving through some old apple trees, a spotlight shined out the back of the camp in our direction. We dove face-first into the snow. I well remember reaching up with my right hand to cover my hat badge so that the suspects in the camp wouldn’t see any reflections. Obviously, these guys were night hunting as well as violating numerous other criminal and fish and wildlife laws. Going In When the lighting stopped, John and I continued toward the camp, followed by Phil and
Deputy Clemmons. We went around the camp to the river side where the porch and entrance door were located. Phil and Dale took up positions by the windows where they could observe what was happening inside the camp. John and I made it up onto the porch without being detected, which was not an easy feat on a bitterly cold night due to the normal creaking and groaning. John very softly tried the door, but it appeared to be locked from the inside. Without a single word, John kicked the door right off the hinges and into the middle of the camp. We burst through the doorway as the door was landing on the floor. Out of the corner of
my eye as I entered the camp, I noticed a man with long dark hair seated at a table beside the window. He was reaching for a shotgun that was leaning up against the wall. Before I could react, Phil’s gloved hand – holding a Smith and Wesson .38 – came smashing through the window, with the .38 sliding right up under the bad guy’s chin. That ended any foolish thoughts for the guys in the camp. Perp Walk We cuffed them up and walked them out to Phil’s truck for the cold ride out to Rt. 192 and the waiting cruisers. They were all taken to the Washington County Jail in Machias, where they were charged with numerous criminal and Fish and Wildlife violations. Phil and I returned to the camp the next day and found homemade ice fishing traps set in violation on the river. We also found steel traps baited with peanut butter and apples set out behind the camp for rabbits. Phil still has one of the homemade ice fishing traps. It was fashioned from an alder stick with cord line and a hook made from a safety pin. Over the years I’ve heard a lot of comments about a warden’s job, but I’ve never heard anyone say that it wasn’t interesting.
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www.MaineSportsman.com
40 • November 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————————
Uncle Arthur — “The Teacher” Well, there goes another season. I thought it was springtime that just ended, but it was really summer. The good news is summer is followed by autumn. And autumn means hunting season. No more hot-day barbeques, no more mowing the lawn, no more wishing for cooler weather. No more catching fish after fish. No more filling the outboard with gas. No more tangled fishing lines. Sitting here in my favorite chair, I got to thinking, and asked myself, “Why do I enjoy the outdoors so much?” I’ll tell you why. I was lucky enough to have three “old guys” take an interest in me – my dad, my Uncle Lester, whom I was named after (I’m Edward Lester Pineau), and my Uncle Arthur. Uncle Arthur Uncle Arthur was quite a fellow. His only character flaw was he was unlucky enough to have Island Boy as his son, and Island Boy having me as his side kick! Summer months found Island Boy and me digging worms, getting the 12-foot boat ready, loading it up with all our gear, and waiting not-so-patiently for Uncle Arthur to come home from the mill to take us fishing. Yeah, after his day shift in the plant, he would come home, and grab a coffee. We would load the boat in the back www.MaineSportsman.com
All the time we were hunting, Uncle Arthur was quietly teaching us things -- tree identifications, types of mushrooms, how to cross streams, how to see part of an animal, and how to find our way in the woods. Hell, I thought we were out there just to shoot something!
From left: Uncle Lester, Gerard Samson, Raul Roy, dad, Uncle Gerard, Uncle Arthur and Edmund Roy.
of his truck, and hover around him like two mosquitos until he finally got in the truck. Then off we’d head for a night of hornpout fishing. It never dawned on Island Boy or me that Arthur might be tired from work. Or maybe he would rather have puttered around the house, or visited with his wife. No, he would take us out all the time. Once out in the boat, after dark, he would tell us the names of the constellations which were clear to the eye on warm summer nights. He didn’t show me how to look at the stars – he taught me how to see them. Only later in life did I learn
he use to navigate Navy ships during World War II with a sextant. Hunting Season When fall came, Uncle Arthur would bring Island Boy and me hunting for all kinds of varmints, including grey squirrels, rabbits and partridge. I would be focused on looking for game, not realizing he was teaching us tree identifications, names of vegetations, types of mushrooms, how to cross streams, how to see part of an animal, and how to find my way in the woods. Hell, I thought we were out to shoot something! The month of November was his month to excel. When Arthur was
dressed from head to toe in wool, no deer was safe. Don’t get me wrong – he didn’t run through the woods looking for a whitetail. In fact, he didn’t run, period. Some might say he was slow. I say he was deliberate in his movements. Arthur would grab his Remington 740 in ’06, and off we’d go on another adventure. He walked so slow, rumor had it deer would lose their composure and charge at him, determined to commit suicide by hunter. Up north at deer camp, his hunting buddies never went without a meal of heart and liver, courtesy of Arthur. Some might have had venison
Here’s Arthur’s rifle, resting as it did on many a spruce tree while he waited for a whitetail. Rumor had it that he was so patient, the deer would lose their composure and come rushing up to him in the woods. Pineau photo
in their freezer because of him. Arthur never seemed to mind taking Island Boy and me along on all these trips outdoors. I sometimes wonder if he enjoyed our shenanigans, or just figured the Good Lord was getting even with him for past sins! Now when I am sitting out on the deck on clear nights, gazing up at the stars, I often think of the man who taught me so much, when I thought I was only out having fun. And I thank those same stars I was lucky enough to have an “old guy” like Uncle Arthur.
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Two Dollars Short —
Best Deer Hunts Not Always About the Deer “Okay, you’ll need $110 to cover license, chipping in for food and renting the camp,” advised my father back in 1979. Going deer hunting in Maine with the guys was big stuff back in the day. In fact, to hunt with his “gang” basically required a birth certificate. Prove blood relationship first, load your gear second. Yup, had to be born into that group. Over the years, the rules have loosened a bit. With that said, life memories come from people, places, experiences and the occasional harvested trophy. In the 1960s, before I was old enough to tag along with the guys, they rented a camp in Milo. By all accounts and old photos, it was little more than a tarpaper shack. It costs one dollar a day per person – a real bargain. Of course, as the saying goes, you get what you pay for – daylight flooded through the torn paper sides, just ahead of the cold north winds. The gang froze pretty good that first year. Rat Gun Undaunted, they reupped for a second year. Determined to stay warm, they hauled in a propane heater and a couple of big propane tanks. Installation was, let’s just say memorable. In order to vent the unit, they needed a sixinch hole put in the side of the camp. Who thought to bring a hole saw? No one. Undaunted, Wally Potter pulled out his “Rat Gun.” What is a “Rat Gun”?
rarely talked about the two nice bucks they came home with. Instead, the story of venting the heat pipe always draws a chuckle or two.
Need a vent in the side of the deer camp for the heater pipe? Forgot your hole-cutting saw? No problem – you’ve got a semi-legal shotgun loaded with buckshot along, don’t you?
Some of Maine’s finest deer hunting stories started in ramshackle hunting camps like this one. Notice the vent pipe for the heat source coming through the side wall. I wonder if they used a “Rat Gun” to cut the vent hole? Shutterstock photo
Simple. It’s a 12-gauge Belgium Auto 5 that had the barrel blow up when a wad got stuck in it. To make it almost legal, they cut it off just past the forearm and added a poly choke.
Old Wally just dialed up the poly choke to six inches and ran the rat gun dry, creating a perfect hole for the vent pipe. This is how buckshot and Maine engineering crossed paths along the
banks of the Penobscot River. Most of that crew hunts on the other side these days. But, when they were alive, they
Outhouse Fireworks Hunters looking to spend some time deer hunting the Katahdin Region have much better lodging options than Wally’s crew. A quick perusal of the advertisers on the pages of The Maine Sportsman will reveal plenty of warm, comfortable accommodations loaded with amenities. No need to bring one’s own heating system. The other story that always circulated concerned a handful of firecrackers that somehow went off under the outhouse while my dad was using it. I guess he came scurrying out like a snowshoe hare late for supper. For awhile we switched to a camp owned by a friend of mine known (Continued on next page)
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42 • November 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————————
Katahdin Country (Continued from page 13)
as Big Jim. He had a trailer set up with an addition off the front. The memories there revolve around actually getting to the camp. It featured one of the steepest, rock-infested inclines for a driveway that I know of. Making it to the top was the price of admission. Sluggards had to navigate that mile-long driveway, gear in hand, on foot. Solo Canoe Hunt Some of my fondest memories revolve around my solo canoe hunts. The fact that everyone’s busy and no one has time to hunt never kept me from going anyway. An old saying I picked up along the way; “If you spend your
life waiting for others, then expect a life spent waiting.” I don’t advise recreating alone. There’s safety in numbers. These days it helps that products like Earthmate, GPS, satellite phones and of course, everyone’s favorite, the Apple iPhone, can help outdoor types stay connected, especially in an emergency. Take advantage of the technology, especially when going solo. With that disclaimer noted, I thoroughly enjoy the solitude of muddling along one stroke at a time, looking for deer while floating along. And, the tactic has proved very successful.
I like slow water, places like beaver flowages, streams, and slow-moving rivers. Like much of Maine, the Katahdin Region has plenty of water hunting options for folks who would like to experience a real quality hunt. Hunting from a canoe requires extra gear, care and preparation. I always wear waist-high waders when hunting bogs. There’s usually a main channel for the canoe to slip through, but expect to have to portage or somehow navigate across beaver dams. The last time I shot a deer in such a flowage, I crossed five separate beaver dams, which of course meant five crossings on the way home with a boatload of venison. A
good life jacket and a dry change of clothes can quickly rate as a lifesaver. Thousand Acre Bog Deer hunters looking for boggy areas to try slipping a canoe through could Google Earth Thousand Acre Bog (DeLorme Map52, C-2), and study the streams that trickle through the bog. Again, any water excursion requires lots of planning. Much of the real estate between Route 95 and Route 11, north of Sherman Mills, has waterways worth exploring. With a good map, still hunters can navigate along the various bog edges. I like the edge cover where bogs transition to forest. I’ve run into a
few deer working the bog side of the transition. It makes sense, since a couple of jumps take them from being out in the open to back in the safety of big woods. A few of them didn’t make the jump quick enough, and got a canoe ride instead. I remember well explaining to my dad why I came up two dollars short back in 1979. Oh, I had the $110 he instructed me to bring. I dutifully paid my share of the camp, gas and food. Never figured I’d need two more dollars to check in a ten-point buck. After letting me sweat it out, he let me borrow the two dollars. Notice I said “borrow.”
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MAINE WILDLIFE QUIZ: Porcupine by Steve Vose
The North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum), ranges from Alaska into sections of northern Mexico, where it favors woodland habitats with high densities of evergreens. A porcupine can live five years in the wild. It spends a majority of that time in the tops of evergreen trees in pursuit of its favorite foods. As herbivores, porcupines eat a wide variety of conifers as well as green plants, berries, seeds and nuts. In addition to plant material, porcupines crave salt, and are attracted to objects that have salty human sweat on them, such as ax handles and boat oars. Know simply as the porcupine, it’s a member of the “rodent” order of animals. In fact, the porcupine is the second largest rodent in North America, losing by only a narrow margin to the beaver. Mature porcupines grow to a snoutto-tail length of between 2 and 3 feet, and
weigh around 12 pounds, although the largest specimens can tip the scale at a whopping 35-40 pounds. Porcupines come in various shades of brown and gray, and rarely, white. Porcupines are nocturnal, and daytime
finds them lounging peacefully high up in the branches of a tree or caring for young underground in simple burrows. The best-known features of porcupines are their sharp quills, which help them defend them against predators. In fact, adults’ backs and tails are covered with almost 40,000 quills. When attacked, the porcupine defends itself by swinging its tail like a club, pounding quills into its hapless enemies. In the past, it was believed that porcupines were capable of launching or throwing their quills, but this proved untrue. Each quill features tiny barbs that cause a penetrating quill to slowly push even deeper, making removal extremely painful. Despite their impressive defenses, porcupines still occasionally become meals for bobcats, coyotes and fishers who have learned to attack the porcupine’s unprotected nose and belly.
Questions 1. What is the range of the porcupine? 2. What is the average lifespan of a porcupine in the wild? 3. What is the average weight of an adult porcupine? 4. What impressive maximum weights have some adult porcupines reached? www.MaineSportsman.com
5. How long, head-to-tail, do porcupines grow? 6. What do porcupines eat? 7. How many quills do adult porcupines have? 8. What predators eat porcupines?
Answers on Page 70
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Christmas Ideas for the Discriminating Freshwater Fly Fisher I remember that when I was a child, Christmas gifts always seemed a little late to the party. What I mean is – all I ever wanted for a Christmas gift was something to do with hunting or fishing, but fishing season, deer hunting and bird hunting all ended before the Christmas holidays. Therefore, my gifts came too late for these activities, and I’d have to wait until the following year to make use of the Christmas presents. Some kids didn’t have the luxury of any presents at all, so even in my youth, I took some consolation in knowing that my parents were excellent providers – and I learned to be patient. Some years, it worked out perfectly – I’d get some hunting gear that I could use during the lengthy rabbit season that lasted through the month of March. Sometimes it would be ice fishing gear that could be used immediately. Open water fishing gear was a different story. Once again, I’d have to wait until the following season to make use of fishing gear Christmas gifts. Waiting to use the gear was almost too much ... when fishing season rolled around, I was so ready. Maybe the extra anticipation helped me appreciate the gifts even more? Fishy Christmas Gifts Sometimes, folks don’t know what to get an avid fly fisher – either they don’t understand what they need, or they think the angler already has everything.
Finding holiday gifts for someone who fly fishes is really quite easy – a garment that provides protection from the rain, new fishing line, a gear bag, a new rod – what could be simpler? The only tough part is that the angler must wait until the ice melts off the streams and ponds!
Backpacking anglers are obsessed with shaving ounces off their gear. Bourne Outdoors’ rod case is one of the lightest and strongest available. Photo credit: Bourne Outdoors
The following are recommendations on fly fishing items that I believe any angler will appreciate – beginner or discriminating expert.
Here’s a bundle of gift ideas for the discriminating fly fishing angler. William Clunie photo
Rain Jacket I’ve tried various rain jackets made for fly fishing. When the rain starts, an angler must have a huge rain jacket that fits over the vest, or transfer
everything from the vest into the rain jacket. I don’t prefer either method, and have purchased a rain poncho from Frogg Toggs (froggtoggs.com) that quickly and easily
slips over everything and keeps me dry and fishing even when it starts to rain. Line, and Line Cleaner Some anglers forget to replace line regularly – it’s easy to overlook. Simply find out what kind of line they are presently using, and duplicate it so they are ready to go next year. I have tried plenty of fly fishing line, and there are many quality products out there. I have a preference for lines from RIO Products (rioproducts.com). I just replaced their old “Clouser” line that I had used for more than five years ... it just started to check slightly. An angler can hardly beat that kind of long-lasting (Continued on next page)
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44 • November 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————————
— Guest Column —
Clapping in Church by Randy Randall We never clapped in church. Frowned upon – poor show of decorum – lack of respect. Even when the choir had nailed the “Hallelujah chorus,” we kept quiet and just smiled. I think things have changed over the years. Solo performers, young people, and someone with a particularly stirring testimony might receive gentle applause now days. However, years ago we broke the silence barrier once with a Boy Scout trick. It was “Boy Scout Sunday” in early February, and I was scoutmaster. Breaking the Mold By tradition, the boys wore their uniforms and served as ushers and greeters for the Sunday morning service. They rang the bell and took up the collection, and as the scoutmaster I gave what was called the “Children’s’ Sermon.” In previous years I had dredged up something about Baden Powell and the founding of the
Prior to the service, I found Ben and John and asked them if they could do the demonstration. “No problem,” they said. “Would you like to practice beforehand?” I asked. “No need,” they said. “We got this.” Boy Scouts, but not this year. This year we were breaking the mold and going for style points. In the Boy Scout Field Book there was a diagram of how scouts could make a stretcher to carry an injured person, by pulling their shirts off over their heads and onto two stout
hiking staffs. The trick was for the boys to pull each other’s shirt off over their heads so the sleeves slid right onto the poles, making a serviceable ambulance litter.
Freshwater Fly Fishing (Continued from page 43)
durability. Keep that line in the best shape possible, and it will last an angler beyond what anyone could believe. I always use a line cleaner/preservative called “Endura.” Freshly-treated line seems to fly out of your hand during casting. Purchase this special product by phone at Melinda’s Fly Shop (315)298-2993. Gear Bag Keeping fly fishing gear from getting soaked in the bottom of a canoe or drift boat can be a challenge. I just got a waterproof boat bag from L.L. Bean (llbean.com) that handles that problem with ease. No more wet gear and hours of wasted time drying everything out – which equates to more time fishing. www.MaineSportsman.com
“We Got This” Prior to the service I found Ben and John and asked them if they could do the demonstration. “No problem,” they said. “We’ll get Eddy to be the victim.” “Would you like to practice before hand?” I asked. “No need,” they said. “We got this.”
When it was time for the Children’s Sermon, a group of kids came down to the front of the church and sat on the steps. I introduced myself to the audience and said a few words about the scout motto, “Be prepared.”
Then I posed the kids the scenario of someone on a hike who had hurt his leg and could not walk. How could the boys carry this person to safety? The kids offered a variety of options, but then I asked, “Well how about this?”
Flying Into Action I nodded to Ben and John waiting in the wings. The boys strode in from stage left carrying the two poles with little Eddy Johnson following behind. “Now Eddy here has
Rods Eamonn Conway owns Tain Fly Fishing (tainflyfishing.com) and makes some of the finest rods available at a very reasonable rate. He sent me one of his SST Nymphing rods, a 10-foot, 5-weight, and I have to say the rod performs exactly as needed for nymphing in both big rivers and small streams. I especially like that the handsome rod has enough spine to allow an angler to set the hook on big and small fish while doing the delicate work of nymphing. I always have this rod and another rigged for fishing – the Tain SST for nymphing, and a Thomas and Thomas (thomasandthomas.com) for dry fly fishing. I’m ready for anything this way, and any angler would be beyond happy to find either or both of these rods under the Christmas tree come December 25.
Rod Case Mountain climbing anglers that hike
just twisted his ankle,” I explained, and Eddy made exaggerated limping motions for all to see. Ben and John flew into action. They held their ends of the two hiking staffs and expertly helped each other slide their shirts up and off over their heads and down onto the hiking staffs. They set the poles on the floor, sat injured Eddy on the shirts, picked up the poles with Eddy supported between, and trotted off the stage. The whole thing took two minutes. Shook the Pews The congregation burst into rousing applause that shook the rafters and rattled the stained glass windows. I thanked the scouts and disappeared while the crowd was still clapping. I’m pretty sure there hadn’t ever been that much applause heard in those old church pews before that memorable Boy Scout Sunday, and probably not that much in the years since then.
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in to glacial ponds can appreciate the next gift on the list. Bourne Outdoors (bourneoutdoors.com) makes the lightest rod case around, and at the same time the case remains extremely protective. Most rod manufacturers outfit their rods with a heavy case. They may not fully understand the goal of some of their customers, to shave ounces off from their gear for hiking into mountainous fishing locations. Bourne provides a sturdy and light rod case that substantially cuts down weight and also offers the needed protection while hiking. ***** Hopefully these gift ideas will help in finding the appropriate gift for the “hardto-buy-for” angler. Anglers, some of the most patient folks around, will be happy to receive these gifts for Christmas and wait without complaint to make use of the gifts the following fishing season.
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Hide and Seek Tactics for Jackman Bruisers Heavy dew hung tight on a buckwheat field just north of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. Shuffling in big boots through two miles of crunchy, wet stalks in the borderline-freezing air temperatures caused noisy reverberations that were too loud for my liking. The pre-dawn trek revolved around plans to sit tight in a strip of woods between the buckwheat field and an alfalfa field. At daylight I hoped to have my 20-gauge slug gun pointed at some “grain fed” deer. That was over 30 years ago, when a small group of “Yankees” got together and leased a 4,000- acre farm situated along the Chesapeake Bay. While the fantastic goose hunting originally drew us south, it only took one sample of what we came to call “grain fed” deer to start spending quality time during the “Old Line State” deer
I am not new to the ground blind approach. Way back in 1978, I carved out a hole in the middle of some downed pine tree branches, plopped my butt on an old wool blanket, and waited. The result? A trophy mount on the wall at camp, and a “Biggest Bucks in Maine” patch. season. We called these deer “grain fed” because the leased farm consisted of multiple fields growing buckwheat, oats and alfalfa. The meat from these deer actually tasted less gamey than the northern deer that survive on acorns and buds. Just a note of interest – Most large farms located near the Chesapeake Bay area lease out the
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oak acorns over the tart red oak droppings. Let’s face it – you are not going to have much luck finding fields of buckwheat or alfalfa in the Jackman mountains. Long before the sun peered over the horizon, I had settled my backside against a large hardwood. The game of hide
and seek had begun. The predawn silence came crashing down just 100-yards away. Some fool, not understanding that he didn’t belong on this property, set up one of those climbing metal stands and proceeded to elevate himself a good 35 feet in the air. It seems he found the only tree in that strip of woods with nary a branch. He just clattered his way skyward. Without him ever seeing me, I slipped away to find a (Continued on next page)
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Jackman Region (Continued from page 13)
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and far away descend on the hamlet of Jackman this month, dead set on tracking down a wall-hanger. The size of the woodlots in the region favors stalking and still hunting. This slow, methodical method requires keen observation, silent mobility and constant attention to wind direction. Deciding where to hunt in the Jackman Region may just determine the how-to portion of the equation. Those looking to track down a ridge runner will need a backpack with some supplies and a good set of comfortable boots. Not all deer reside on the top of the region’s various mountains. Many of the area’s logging roads circumnavigate the bases of regional mountains. With a little Google Earth research, you can find a geographically-friendly travel route (narrow ravine, gully, or funneled passage) that can expose tree stand or
Ground blinds offer an effective way to wait out a big Maine wall-hanger. With proper placement and some added natural cover, even the smartest buck in the woodlot risks looking down the wrong end of a barrel. (And no, I didn’t have my wife take this photo -- I used a tripod with a timer.) Bill Sheldon photo
ground blind opportunities.
three wood ladder stands. A little more work to drag in and set up, but whisper quiet, easy to climb
Wood Ladder Stands After witnessing the clattering climber, I built
(Continued on next page)
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Modern Waterfowl Loads Waterfowl hunting has changed a lot since the days of market hunting. Many federal laws have been passed to protect the population. One of those laws was the ban on toxic shot. The problem was when waterfowl were feeding, they would pick up the lead pellets from past hunting. Lead is a toxic metal, which would poison the birds. Federal studies showed that millions of birds died every year from ingesting lead shot. In addition, if a bird was crippled by the shot and eaten by a bird of prey, the larger bird would also be poisoned. So that’s waterfowl hunters are only permitted to use non toxic loads. Lead was very effective for killing waterfowl – it was cheap, readily available and, most of all, it was dense. Lead was so good for killing ducks because of its density. It
One good thing about steel shot is that it is fast out of the barrel, and that’s important, because steel doesn’t have many things going for it other than that. holds its energy. Also, it’s a soft metal, which means it does not harm the inside of your gun barrel, because the shot was malleable. But in 1991, the law changed such that only non toxic loads where allowed for waterfowl hunting. It was a race for companies to figure out how make a nontoxic load. Steel – Cheap, but Tough on Shotgun Bores Steel was considered the best option at the time, but steel is nothing like lead. It’s lighter than lead – about ⅓ lighter – and it’s a really hard metal – not soft at all like lead. Steel sometimes ruined the barrels in older shotguns, especially the ones with fixed full
Jackman Region (Continued from page 46)
and comfortable to sit in. It was worth the little extra weight to build the deck larger. My stands were built from pressure-treated lumber which eventually grayed and blended in nicely with most any tree. I’m sure commercially bought metal stands work just fine and pack in better. I’m just a wood guy. Finally, as I got older and my wood tree stands got heavier, I gave up climbing and started using ground blinds. Well, in the interest of transparency, this is not exactly a new tactic for me. Back in 1978, I carved out a hole in the middle of some downed pine tree branches, plopped my butt on an old wool blanket, and waited. Before long, two does rolled by. Shortly after that I let a big buck walk to within 25 yards of those pine limbs. He
chokes that were not designed to shoot anything but lead. In addition, steel often gave very undesirable patterns. But with a lot of trial and error, ammunition companies figured out that instead of 2 ¾ number 5s, a 3 inch shell with number 2s and up worked better. As stated above, steel is a lot lighter than lead so it’s really fast out of the barrel. Then it loses its energy really fast, so to cope with that, number 2s and up with steel is the way to go. That’s because the smaller the shot, the less range you got out of your load. The one good thing about steel is that it is fast, and that’s important because it doesn’t have many things going for it
other than that. Speed and density are the two main factors in a good duck load, especially during second season when the birds have developed a thick layer of down that too light of a load might not penetrate. Some people might argue this point, but I believe 2s are the best steel shot loads in 1 1∕8 ounce of shot. I like the 1 1∕8 ounce load better for ducks as opposed to a 1 ¼ ounce load because of the extra speed. Steel loads are common and best for a low-budget box of ammo, but there are two other non-toxic metals that are a staple in modern high end loads – and those are tungsten and bismuth. Tungsten Tungsten is actually more dense than lead. It’s
hangs on the wall of my camp to this day, along with his “Biggest Bucks in Maine” patch. Pop Up Blinds Today’s camouflage ground blinds offer the convenience of packing down to a manageable size and setting up quickly and easily. Mine came in a case with two backstraps for easy transportation. Even though the modern blinds come well camouflaged, I tend to cut or find a few branches to lean against it. A fresh pine or cedar limb works well to help mask any unwanted smells in case the wind shifts. Now, if I find a location I feel good about, it’s easy to set up and spend some time playing hide and seek. It also works great on those rainy days afield. It’s hard to out-quiet a big buck while moving. A ground blind evens the playing field a bit. Because the Jackman Region has plen-
heavier, and full tungsten loads have even more range than lead itself. This quality comes with a price – these loads tend to be very expensive compared to steel shot. However, some companies mix the steel and tungsten together in a shell, giving a denser pattern than steel but without the same range as full tungsten loads. Bismuth And then there’s bismuth – not as expensive as tungsten, but still not cheap. This metal is malleable like lead and these are therefore very desirable shells for older shotguns that can’t handle hard steel shot. Bismuth is only about 30% denser than steel, and in my opinion it’s not worth the extra price. Overall, the best thing you can do is pattern your shotgun and see what loads perform best out of your gun.
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ty of real estate for deer to hide in, hunters really need to do some scouting looking for Ol’ Hide Horns. A network of logging roads west of Route 201 in Dennistown PLT and Forsyth TWP (DeLorme Map 39, A-3) offers hunters plenty of big woods between the highway and the Canadian border. Most folks enter that acreage from the Holeb Road. The extensive network of streams and bogs, clearly identifiable on any good topographical map, offers ground blind hunters a plethora of options. Also, the Spencer Road (Map 39, C-1) takes an eastern path, weaving its way along the base of multiple mountains. Hunters who figure the deer have turned into ridge runners have plenty of steep terrain to climb while tracking these trophies. When all is said and done, deer hunting boils down to a game of hide and seek with a real cagey opponent.
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48 • November 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————————
Huge Moosehead Brookies A Continuing Mystery Over the last several years, Moosehead Lake has seen a significant growth spurt in brook trout. What precipitated this remains a mystery, as does most everything else regarding these enigmatic bruisers. Each year the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (DIF&W) samples game fish populations by setting out a weir in fall spawning streams. Results from the last sampling left one big question unanswered; specifically, where do these giant brook trout spawn? Roach River was the site of the last sampling. The reason for selecting this site was so DIF&W could compare the results to Roach River data collected in 2010 and 2011, and also to determine whether or not Moosehead’s monster brook trout were using Roach River for spawning. Unfortunately, none of the now-fabled 4- to 7-pound brookies got caught in the weir. According to Regional fisheries biologist Tim Obrey, those monster trout were either spawning some-
Moosehead Lake is consistently producing lunker brookies. Will this trend continue? No one knows, but fisheries biologist Tim Obrey feels that for anyone with hopes of landing a trophy brook trout, there is no better time than the present.
Seth Holbrook and his 5-pound, fish-of-alifetime, brook trout.
where else, or they were coming in the river much later than normal and thus were not present at the time the weir was in operation. So regarding the big brook trout, no one really knows how or why this spectacular growth rate
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The Moosehead Region abounds in grouse like this one seen along a road.
began or how long it will last. For now, the latest data brings good tidings larger fish. Specifically, in 2011, only about 20 percent of trout in the weir exceeded 16 inches, whereas in 2018, the figure was 56 percent. Also, the 2010 – 2011 figures from the Roach River weir indicated that only 20 – 25 percent of salmon sampled exceeded 18 inches, but in 2018 that figure was over 50 percent.
Will this trend continue? No one knows, but Tim Obrey feels that for anyone with hopes of landing a trophy brook trout, there is no better time than the present. That’s good advice, and hopefully many more anglers will profit from it. Solid Proof The good news from the weir results was reflected in angler catch during the 2019 open-water season on Moosehead Lake. My own personal results, plus reports from
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other anglers, show that salmon have grown larger and fatter. And those big brook trout just keep coming. Here’s something to consider regarding Moosehead’s big brookies. We must remember that more of these trophy fish come through the ice than to angler’s nets during the open-water season. Still, open-water anglers in 2019 regularly took brook of trophy size, or at least approaching trophy size. So finally, open-water anglers get their golden opportunity to take a huge brookie. In many cases these fish represent a once-ina-lifetime catch, and it’s a sure bet that more than one Moosehead brook trout has wound up in the taxidermist shop – a trophy to savor throughout the years. Despite all this, open-water fishing pressure on the big lake remains surprisingly low. With a few exceptions, most nice days in summer see only a handful of boats out trolling Moosehead. This light pressure from trollers would seem to have very little impact on the lake’s trophy brook trout. One happy angler, Seth Holbrook, took the brook trout of his dreams this past open-water season – a 5-pound trophy. Seth credits his success to the Moosehead Fisheries Coalition, along with smelt raiser John Whelan, for their past efforts in stocking smelt in Moosehead Lake. Seth said that it was a lifelong ambition to catch a 5-pound brook trout, and finally that ambition came to fruition. (Continued on next page)
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Grouse Hunting November offers wingshooters a rare chance to hunt without much competition. By now, most hunters have swapped their shotguns for deer rifles, leaving miles and miles of prime grouse country ripe for the picking. But don’t expect to see many “stupid” birds. Younger, less wary grouse usually get taken out early in the season,
and by November, most remaining birds have attained an enhanced degree of caution. So expect spooky birds and long shots. Of course that isn’t set in stone, and the occasional day when birds erupt practically from underfoot can still occur. Hunters with dogs probably have the best chance of scoring now. And what with trees completely barren of leaves, seeing the game once it
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flushes poses no problem. Sure, that old wily pa’tridge will still manage to place a tree between itself and the hunter. But remember – spooky birds such as these help to pass on good genes, the kind that help to preserve the stock. So when that big, old cock bird manages to escape, wish him well. Hunters without dogs can still find birds along the roads, particularly from mid-November on,
after birds have calmed down from October’s hunt. And for those who might also like a chance at a deer, remember to bring a rifle in the trunk of your vehicle, “just in case.” Fishing Too One of my favorite fun places to fish in the Moosehead region, the West Outlet, continues to put out fish in November. Brook trout, many of them leftovers from early fall stocking, have be-
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50 • November 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————————
Go Downeast for Fish, Fur and Feathers I slid a 30-06 clip into my Remington 742 semi-automatic rifle and cautiously inched my way onto a mature hardwood ridge. The view provided me with a clear 80-yard shooting lane. I noticed a small, clear-water brook meandering it way to a small ravine. I cleared the leaves and twigs from a 2-foot area at the base of an oak tree to prevent any shuffling foot noises. Now, I was in position to hopefully see my first deer of 2018 deer-hunting season. I quietly sat for nearly an hour before I noticed a flashing movement to the right of the sun-lit clearing. It was small, probably a coyote, I thought to myself. Twenty minutes later, a large doe stepped out into the clearing approximately 50 yards away. She walked to the center of the clearing and stopped broadside. Carefully, I aimed my rifle and squeezed the trigger – and that one well-placed shot put the deer down. The adult doe dressed out at 132 pounds. So 2018 ended for me with one more successful hunting memory with my family. Deer Hunting 2019 So now it is 2019. What might be my chanc-
My son, two nephews and I all hold any-deer permits this season. I am hopeful, therefore, that I will be able to enjoy the same success I experienced last year.
Ron Parent hold a smallmouth bass caught from Graham Lake 2019. The lunker weighed just under five pounds.
es of shooting a deer this year? My son Rick called recently to tell me that he, my nephew Mark, my nephew Kevin and I had all been chosen in this year’s any-deer-permit lottery. Mark and Rick were lucky enough to receive a superpack antlerless-deer permit, whereas my other nephew, Kevin Pendexter and I had been drawn to receive a regular any-deer permit. So yes – my chances of shooting a deer are favorable again this year. In my home area (WMD 26), 325 any-deer permits were issued and 200 bonus permits were also issued in subunit
The author’s hunting partner Peter Poland of Westbrook, with his 6-point, 170-pound buck shot November 2018.
26a. This number is a marked increase over past years. On a personal note, I have noticed and written about an increase in spring and summer deer sightings in this area for the past decade. Portions of towns in subunit 26a, where reasonable high deer populations exist, include Bucksport, Penobscot, Brewer, Castine, Dedham, Holden, Orland, Orrington and Verona. This area of the state contains hundreds of acres of blueberry fields, farmlands and an ample amount of prime cover to create an over-abundance of deer. Deer are so numerous that many of
these towns have created an expanded-archery season. Annual figures published by DIF&W list the 2018 deer harvest, and show that numerous towns in WMD 27 each tagged about 50 deer last year. Some of the top harvests occurred in the towns of Addison, Machias, Milbridge, and Machiasport. One area that contains pockets of deer is located all along the Machias River between Routes 1 and IA (DeLorme Atlas, Map 25, C-3). Fall Bass An additional latefall option for sports in the Downeast Region is open-water fishing.
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Many lakes and ponds in Hancock and Washington Counties are open to fishing from October 1through December 31 with artificial lures only (S-6). One November bassproducing water to consider is Graham Lake, which is found in the Mariaville-Ellsworth Region (Map 24, C-1). According to Graham lake resident Ron Parent, Graham offers excellent bass fishing in the fall. The lake has a size of 7,865 acres, and a maximum depth of 47 feet. Bass anglers often use live bait, bass plugs or bass lures to entice smallmouths in the 2- to 3-pound category. The possibility of bait-casters catching a 4- to 5-pound smallie exists on each outing. Fishing near the small islands produces most of the action this month. Another bass hotspot, according to angler Mike Cummings of Bucksport, is found on the northern part of the lake near Woods Island. The central part of the lake harbors the largest bass numbers, and is also the best environment to catch white perch. The deeper water here contains an abundant population of white perch. Anglers often use worms as bait to catch perch in the 8- to 12-inch range. Access to Graham Lake can be gained by choosing any one of the three boat-launching facilities. The most popular access is reached by going north, approximately four miles, from Ellsworth on Route 180. The (Continued on next page)
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— Guest Column —
Be the Best Liar You Can Be by David Putnam I was in a tackle shop this past summer, complaining to the owner that I didn’t catch anything – not one sunfish – at a spot he had recommended. Before I could quite finish, he started nodding his head, gasping like a guppy, and then jumped right in. “We caught 47 right there last Wednesday, using a little number-8 bumble bee popper,” he claimed. “I was fishing with the ol’ Pentecostal preacher from up near Chemquasabamticook Lake. He’s a great fisherman, but I caught a twopound bluegill, biggest of the day.” No way, José! He held his hands about two feet apart to indicate his fish’s length. Seeing my look of doubt, he boldly continued: “I held it up to show it to a guy fishing near us in a little Jon boat, and he reached down and lifted up a Red Ear Sunfish that had to go three pounds. Biggest ’un I’ve ever seen.” I’ve fly fished for more than 60 years for panfish, from the Everglades to Maine, and I’ve never seen a 2-pound bluegill sunfish. Maybe a pound-and-a-half. I’ve put around three-million bluegills in the boat. A copper-headed big sucker
few and 100 too many. It implies the action was lively, skill was involved, and all the fish were “nice.” Out of many fish came one giant, making the day a complete success. Saying you used a “number-8 bumble bee popper” lets the listener know that the fish were caught “on top,” not with sinking bugs or nymphs – a less stylish way to fish. An 18-inch piranha in Maine? D. Putnam photo
will run 10 to 11 inches, weigh around 14 ounces. Three pounders? No way, José! The story illustrates an important rule: Don’t lie to people who know the local fish. Measuring Trick For example, the dried-out piranha in the photo is a Mainer—in fact, it’s on a wall in my den in Waldo. Actually, it’s from the Guaviare River in Colombia. Did you notice that the measuring tape was shortened in the middle to tell a lie about the length? It’s a trick about as subtle as holding a fish toward the camera with outstretched arms. People new to Maine have a lot to learn. For example, if you’re from the Midwest, leave your Walleye stories at home. Know what a splake or a togue is? Got any gi-
Downeast Region (Continued from page 50)
boat launch is on the right at the southern end of Graham Lake. Another boat landing exists at Fletchers Landing, which is approximately four miles from Ellsworth Falls, on Route 179.
Feather Busting About five miles north of Bucksport and
ant tunas in Lake Erie? A walleye is a perch, for heaven’s sake! And don’t start with how tasty they are until you’ve eaten a Maine Brook Trout cooked over a campfire. Hey, even fish names are better here. What kind of name is Walleye? Be a Master Liar If you want to be a good liar, you’ve got to know where to start. A master liar never waits for the other guy to finish. Like the tackle shop owner, he’ll nod his head, agreeing with the liar, and hold up his hand like a school child, as if to say, “Me next. Wait ’til you hear this.” He’ll start scrolling through his cell-phone pictures, hinting at a bigger fish with more to come. (Is your liar actually holding the fish in the photograph, or did the picture come straight off
the internet?) The threat of photos will sometimes slow down the original liar, or it can force him to embellish even more while it’s still his turn. Devil’s in the Details Given a moment’s hesitation, the good liar will jump in, coming right over the top with a lie that is (a) unbelievable, (b) unverifiable and (c) detailed. No sense questioning the specifics, right? The preacher would turn out to be in the VA, getting treated for esophageal cancer he got from chewing Uruguayan tobacco. (You could walk away shaking your head at this point.) Details make the story. What sounds better to you – fishing with red wigglers, or with a size18 dry fly? Numbers frame the lie. Forty-seven is a good range—three being too
Orland is a great location to find ducks. It’s along the Long Pond outlet, which then runs into Moosehorn Stream (Map 23, C-3). Duck populations abound along this stretch of water. Access to this water can be gained at the Route 46 bridge. Jump-shooting from a canoe is an excellent method on this water. Because of the bends and turns on this meandering water, hunters can sneak into gun range before the ducks become airborne.
35-Pound Striper? One of the best, most consistent fishing liars I know uses another simple technique: He jumps to a larger species of fish without missing a beat. As you’re telling him about a good catch of bluegills, he’ll start nodding, agreeing, “Oh, yeah, good, nice fish,” in a supportive way. Then, before you’ve finished, he’ll talk right over you, saying, “We’ve been catching some nice stripers down in Wiscasset. Got one 35 pounds last week on a live eel.” Where are your panfish now? Moral of the story? You’ve gotta have a wide range of fish options, and you’ve gotta listen, then lie. That’s because the first liar doesn’t stand a chance.
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Duck-shooting action is often fast toward the end of this mile-long run. The best place to locate a few ducks is near the beaver flowage. An easy canoe trip can be best accomplished with a partner, so two vehicles can be used. One vehicle should be left at the iron bridge off the Mast Hill Road, while the other can be used to carry the duck-hunting gear back to the entry point on Route 46.
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52 • November 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————————
Late-Season Fishing Tops Tom’s November Agenda There’s a preconceived notion that fishing stops in September. I’m here to tell you that’s not true, and the brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout and saltwater mackerel in my freezer and my fish-smoker bear witness. November brings deer hunters to Midcoast woods and fields, and for good reason – Waldo, Knox and Lincoln Counties abound in deer. But another sport attracts more and more participants each year, and that is late-season fishing. This applies to both freshwater and saltwater fishing. For me, November fishing has loads of appeal. My deer-hunting efforts are mostly limited to afternoon stints at my deer stand. That leaves days available for my favorite sport – fishing. In years back, harbor pollock were the sole target species. Congregating around piers and floats, harbor pollock schools hold hundreds of fish, each one ready to pounce on a lure or bait. But last year saw another species take precedence – Atlantic mackerel had displaced pollock at my favorite float. Although pollock showed up occasionally throughout the summer, they were absent come fall. The mackerel, however, made an acceptable substitute. Besides that, these were big mackerel – 12 inches and longer. Mackerel jigs worked fine, but the most bites came on a small bit of shrimp. I rig my shrimp on a hook attached to a snap swivel. The weight of the shrimp and swivel allow the shrimp to slowly waft its way toward bottom, drifting at www.MaineSportsman.com
the mercy of the current. Mackerel and other fish find this irresistible.
Often, both pollock and mackerel will find these little lures to their liking.
Smoked Mackerel The several times I hit the saltwater last fall resulted in a big haul of mackerel, many of which I gave to appreciative friends. I ate some of the rest right away, and then what was left was smoked. To be eating freshsmoked mackerel during deer season seemed so unusual that I wondered what specifically caused these late-season mackerel schools to linger in our harbors for so long, and also what kept harbor pollock from coming inshore. But when considering the new types of saltwater species coming to Midcoast waters – black seabass, for instance – it’s for sure that something is happening in our ocean, and whether it proves good or bad, we anglers can and should take advantage of it. So if you want to jump on the late-season bandwagon, buy some shrimp, either fresh or frozen, and rig up as mentioned above. Go to any public landing or float and drop your baited hook in the water. If mackerel or pollock are present, they will smash your offering with surprising ferocity. Also, if activity wanes, try setting one rod out with bait and rigging up another rod with panfish jigs, the kind used to take perch and crappies.
Freshwater Options Trout fishing heats up when the weather turns cold. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (DIF&W) stocks several rivers with trout each fall. These are open to year-round fishing, which effectively extends open-water fishing to the onset of winter, when ice, snow and freezing temperatures make casting almost impossible. Depending upon the water fished, anglers have a chance at brook trout, brown trout and rainbow trout. Fall yearlings, these trout run 13 inches on the average, with lots of larger fish mixed in. And as far as fighting ability, the cold water of November supercharges these trout, turning them into incredible fighting machines. While some anglers fish larger rivers, such as the St. George River, with flies, others use small spinning outfits. My choice of an ultralight spinning rod and reel allows me to make long casts, while also reaping the maximum enjoyment from each fish taken. When DIF&W stocks these rivers depends upon both water level and water temperature. Sometimes, stocking gets put on hold until November, while other years stocking begins in late
The author and a couple of November-caught brook trout from a stocked Midcoast stream.
September and early October. Because of high water going into fall, this year likely say earlier stocking, which means that by this month of November, fish will have acclimated to their new surroundings and will require some degree of expertise to catch. Tom’s Choices The St. George River gets stocked at a number of locations along its route to the sea. Most of these places are so popular and crowded that I have stopped fishing them. Instead, I head for smaller venues. Megunticook River in Camden has become my favorite haunt. Our DIF&W stocks both brook trout and rainbow trout here, and anglers with a knowledge of the river find great sport. I’ve fished here in late November and even into December, with good results. Those 13- to 14-inch trout keep me coming back for more, and while I once felt a bit guilty for going fishing rather than sitting on a cold deer
stand, that sense of regret no longer arises. I’d rather fish than eat, and if you entertain similar feelings, this late-season trout fishing is for you. And while you may encounter other anglers on weekends, weekdays see few if any persons out fishing. Maybe part of this stems from people’s preconceived notions that fishing ends after September. Besides that, a great many who might otherwise go out fishing are spending their time trying for their venison. For all these reasons, November fishing brings lots of action, and except for some extremely popular places such as St. George River and the Wagner Bridge crossing on Medomak River in Waldoboro, anglers have the great outdoors mostly to themselves. Other places on Medomak River see much less competition, so some scouting there can reveal some prime hotspots. So dress warmly, bring a pair of gloves and have at it. Fall fishing might just grow on you.
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Frigid Central Maine Temps Require Resolute Approach to Hunting When the going gets tough, I put on a heavily insulated jacket and expedition boots, and fill up my pockets with heater packs. On the final day of the regular firearms season last year, I climbed into my stand at 5 a.m. The wind chill resulted in a temperature equivalency of minus 10F. I’m not a great hunter – I just have an extremely high tolerance for pain and suffering. Because of this physical malfunction, I am capable of spending hours in the extreme cold and freezing rain that would typically sends other hunters running for shelter. Statistics alone predict that the longer a person spends outside, actively hunting, the greater the chance of success. When the going gets tough, I put on a heavily insulated jacket and expedition boots, and fill up my pockets with heater packs. Equipped as described, I can shiver in a tree stand for hours, bordering on the very edges of hypothermia but without actually freezing solid and toppling off the stand like a frozen popsicle. No greater test of this ability was more evident than my time spent hunting during the 2018 deer season. Too Brash; Too Confident After shooting a 125lb. doe during the first week of expanded archery season, I got cocky. In my brash and boastful confidence, I had momentarily neglected to remember that deer hunting in Maine is seriously hard work. Success in the woods does not come easy, but in my quick harvest, I had forgotten this critical
detail. I was, however, soon to be reminded of this harsh lesson, and learned it well. Brutal Cold Front The remainder of September flew by, with multiple deer sightings but nothing that approached to within effective bow range. October also passed, and then came November. By this time, I had given up my bow, and picked up my rifle. However, despite the technological advantages offered by hunting with a firearm, the deer continued to evade me. Most of November also rushed by too quickly, and with just three days left in the season, a brutal cold front dropped temperatures into the single digits, encouraging many hunters to end their seasons early. Final Day of the Season Undeterred by the low temperatures, I spent 8 hours outside on each of the two days leading up to the final day of the 2018 deer hunting rifle season. On the final day, I climbed into my stand at 5 a.m. There was a chilly breeze blowing off the lake, and the forest floor was covered with 5 inches of newly-fallen snow. The wind chill pushed the morning temperature to a minus 10F.
Shocked to See a Deer The carpeting of snow allowed visibility for hundreds of yards through the mixed hardwoods, the white contrasting sharply with the dark coats of small animals that scampered past. After about two hours of carefully scanning the woods for deer, I was shocked when 50 yards away, a buck stood up on the edge of the lake, after apparently having been bedded there all morning. I swung the rifle, placed the cross hairs on the forward shoulder, exhaled an icy breath, paused and fired. The deer ran 50 yards and collapsed. Walking to the original spot of impact, I saw a bed was melted down to bare ground and still warm. The blood trail was scant, having been almost completely absorbed by the dry, powdery snow, but the fallen deer was in sight. As I approached, I realized the deer was much bigger than I had originally estimated. In fact, with a crown of 7 points, the deer became the second largest of my hunting career. What Did I Learn? A Maine hunter’s single biggest ally is patience. Deer hunting in Maine is an excruciatingly frustrating experience. Hours of stalking or sitting are typically rewarded with noisy red
The author’s last-minute 7-point buck from the 2018 season.
squirrels, rain, snow and freezing temperatures. Why I continue to hunt can only be explained by those few flickers of success that sometimes seem to occur more based on luck than skill. Most skilled Maine hunters have the innate ability to harness a high level of patience. In my experience, the best hunters always seem to be the most patient. Consistency kills almost as many deer as patience. For me, that means washing clothes regularly in scent eliminators, checking the rifle or bow aim point a couple times during the season, scouting on Sundays, and hunting no matter what the weather conditions. The only time I have seen consistency fail is when hunters consistently sit in a stand or stalk a section of woods over and over with no viable deer sightings. Deer cannot be shot where no deer exist. If hunters are not seeing
fresh sign, they need to move on and change up the game plan. Temps Affect Scent Wicks When temperatures dip into single digits, regular scent wicks freeze, and scent dispersal becomes limited. To find scents that keep working when temperatures plummet, hunters should check out the estrous scented candles by www. hottrails.com. Last season even as the temps dipped to near zero degrees and the wind blew, their doe-in-heat wicks continued to pump out scent for hours.
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54 • November 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————————
Side-by-Side ATVs – Great for the Aging Hunter I hate to admit it, but the strength and stamina of this ol’ hunter ain’t what he used to be. No more quick trips up the side of a mountain chasing deer or birds. Nowadays it is slow and easy ... I still get there, but it takes longer. I’m not sure how effective this “slow and easy” method is, but it’s all I have to work with, so I’m going to do the best I can. I read last month’s issue of The Sportsman and noticed a couple of the columnists mentioned their advancing age and how it comes into play in their outdoor activities.
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Getting old ain’t for wimps. As folks get on in years, they can continue enjoying hunting and fishing adventures. They just need to make a few adjustments to transport themselves, including considering a side-by-side with tires for warm weather and tracks for ice and snow. They are both younger than me, and it got me thinking, “I should start preparing now so I can continue my romping in the woods when I get really old.” The term “really old” can mean different things to different folks and doesn’t have an exact number – so let’s just say I’m a forward-thinking fellow.
Making Accommodations This column is dedicated to helping those hunters who feel they might not be able to enjoy the rigors of hunting the Maine woods on foot as easily as they used to do at a younger age, and to those with some kind of physical limitation. As a young man, I used to walk for miles through the roughest parts of the
countryside. While I can still get around pretty good, at this time in my life I would like to walk along the mountain tops without doing any irreparable damage to my body. As part of that transition, within the next few years I will be trading in my ATV and my snowmobile for a side-by-side ATV with an accessory track system for the winter snow.
I never thought I’d enjoy riding a side-byside until I tried one while hunting moose. A fourteen-mile ride back to our hunting location convinced me that this machine could come in handy, for several reasons. Several Reasons First, before anyone jumps to hasty conclusions, be aware that I’m not advocating hunting directly from an ATV. I’m just using this “tool” (the ATV) to get me into prime hunting locations, then I’m striking out on foot to hunt. (Continued on next page)
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I’m not lazy; I’ve run circles around many hunters much younger than myself. I just don’t want to limit myself because of my age and physical limitations. A side-by-side ATV could keep me in the game longer. I can see its usefulness in getting me to the top of a mountain to check out that big buck that hangs out up there. Then, after the shot, I could use the machine to ride the venison back to the truck. Bird season could go the same way. I’d ride in to locations that can’t be reached by cars or trucks, and then unload my bird dog and gear to chase game in these remote areas. Packing a stove to cook lunch right on the trail wouldn’t be a problem. Even packing along a friend for the ride would work out perfectly. I can also envision this machine with a track system installed, taking me and a friend throughout the snowy woods
chasing coyotes. The machine would really come in handy when hauling extra dogs deep into the woods to replace other dogs after a long run. Once again, carrying in extra cooking gear would be no problem at all. I could feed a crew of hunters with the gear a side-by-side is capable of carrying. Ice fishing usually requires a lot of physical stamina – dragging fishing gear out to the middle of huge lakes and ponds can be a challenge beyond some folks’ abilities. A side-by-side with tracks makes the journey easier and carries more gear, allowing anglers to stay out longer. Purchase Details I probably won’t buy this machine until I sell my ATV and snowmobile, but still, I have thought long and hard about various brands and accessories to make the purchase fit my needs. Of course I’ll make sure to have a heavy-duty winch and all of the gear necessary for extracting the machine from dicey
Side-by-side ATVs are rolling their way into the outdoor market, assisting hunters and anglers to access remote locations in comfort. William Clunie photo
holes on the trail. I also want to have a complete cover (roof), windshield and doors to keep out the elements (including dust, rain, snow and bugs). Another reason I really like the idea of a closed cab is if a cold rain suddenly comes up, I can go back to the machine and sit it out under cover. I’ll be looking for a side-by-side with an area in the rear to carry plenty of gear – and possibly a return trip lugging a hefty whitetail. Riding the side-byside, with its steering wheel and gas pedal, is
easier and more intuitive than using the handlebars and thumb-control on a regular ATV. I know some folks really like trail riding with ATVs, enjoying a rough and tumble ride, but I prefer a controlled ride, and I only use the machine as a tool for hunting or fishing expeditions. Someone once told
me, “Getting old ain’t for wimps.” Most older folks do begin to have more aches and pains as they age, but we’re not going to let it stop us from having fun in the outdoors. We just regroup, use the wisdom that comes with age, and approach things from a different angle.
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Shouldn’t Young Pete Just Retire From Deer Hunting Now?
That’s a Nice Bear!
James Garvin of West Deptford, NJ took this 255-pound boar on Septemner 15, 2019 near Portage Lake.
Here’s young Peter Bryce (“Pete”) Vicneire, who -- at 10 years old -- had a productive Youth Day in 2018, dropping this 255-pound monster buck in North Anson. Visiting The Maine Sportsman booth at the State of Maine Sportsman’s Show this past spring, he told us he hopes to get a bigger one this season. He reports that he wants to be a Maine Guide or a Warden. He admitted that he’s not so enthusiastic about school, since it keeps him out of the woods in the fall. Photo submitted by Pete’s proud mother, Holly Dunphy www.MaineSportsman.com
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My Most Memorable Charter Each summer, a few charter customers ask, “Hey Cap – what was the most memorable trip so far in your career?” Well, after 48 years in the business, it’s hard to pin one down as “most memorable.” There was the trip where we caught a 937-pound tuna on a hand line, the day a 33-pound striper struck a trolled mackerel daisy chain (that bass is on my wall), and the foggy morning we harpooned an 845-pound tuna just minutes from the dock. But I think the most memorable trip was the one with Jimmy Dean, and Little Jimmy Dickens. Big Bad John Country & western singer Jimmy Dean of “Big Bad John” (and later sausage) fame came to Boothbay Harbor for a number of summers in his 114-foot motor yacht, which was aptly named Big Bad John. He would always tie up at Brown’s Wharf Inn, where I kept my 24-foot Boston Whaler, and we would occasionally exchange pleasantries on the dock. I think it was his third summer, sometime
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I will never forget the time I guided country singers Jimmy Dean (“Big Bad John”) and Little Jimmy Dickens (“May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose”) for striped bass and an unforgettable feast from their giant Igloo cooler.
The gang on the author’s most memorable charter trip, at the dock at Brown’s Wharf Inn in Boothbay Harbor, July, 1996. From left, friend of Jimmy Dean’s, Jimmy Dean himself, Little Jimmy Dickens, Capt Barry, and Pete Drapeau (doing the rabbit ears on Capt. Barry!).
in July of 1996, when the captain of the yacht strolled over to my boat and politely asked, “Could you take Mr. Dean and his friends out fishing for a couple of hours tomorrow?” I was thrilled, and we agreed on a 9 a.m. departure. That afternoon I scrubbed the boat to within an inch of its life,
and recruited my good friend Peter Drapeau of Waterville to come along as crew. We rigged tackle, and everything was set. A Feast At 8:30 the next morning, two crew guys in crisp white uniforms came down the dock from the yacht, each straining under the weight of a giant Igloo cooler. They carefully placed it in the bow of the Whaler, and opened it up for one last look. I peered over their shoulders, and couldn’t believe what was inside – a whole ham, an entire roast beef, breads of all types, tins of pies, boxes of pastries, a half-dozen bottles of wines with fancy labels, and about 30 assorted cans of beer and soda.
Country singer Jimmy Dean of “Big Bad John” fame displays a striped bass he caught aboard the author’s Shark Five in the summer of 1996. Barry Gibson photo
“You know, we’re going be to back at 1 o’clock this afternoon,” I reminded the crewmen. “Mrs. Dean packed the cooler herself,” was their only reply, and the two ambled back to the Big Bad John. “May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your ….” At 9 a.m. sharp, Jimmy, his lovely wife Donna, another couple whose names I cannot recollect, and a very short guy appeared at the Whaler. Jimmy introduced everyone, and when he got to the short man he simply said “This here is Little Jimmy Dickens, but we call him ‘Tater’.” I immediately recognized Tater as the Grand Ole Opry singer of “May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose” fame some
years back, but it wasn’t until much later that I found out he had done another song called “Stone Cold ’Tater” – hence the nickname. Anyway, everyone piled into the boat, Pete cast off the lines, and we headed out into the bay to catch some mackerel. We quickly picked up a dozen or so, then headed upriver to my Secret Spot, anchored up, and dropped some chunk baits over the side. Little Jimmy – Big Angler The whole time, Jimmy Dean good-naturedly ragged on Little Jimmy, who stood 4’ 11” tall and was dwarfed by the tall, lanky Jimmy D. Little Jimmy would rarely reply, but instead would quietly hold his spinning rod like a rifle, cheek on the cork handle, and eyes fixed on the tip. As soon as Little Jimmy saw the tip bounce up and down just the slightest, he’d jerk the rod upward and hook the fish, every time. Dean wasn’t as focused, so he missed most of his bites. When Little Jimmy hooked his fifth bass, Jimmy Dean fumed “Dammit Tater, how in hell are you catchin’ every fish? How come? What’s your secret? Tell me!” Little Jimmy just smiled, dropped another bait over, put the rod butt to his cheek, and sighted down the “barrel” again. Fun Time We had a ball that day on the water. Jimmy Dean was one of the funniest and most irreverent people I’ve ever met. (Continued on next page)
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He related the story of “Big Bad John,” a song that he said somehow came to him while on a flight from Atlanta to Nashville in 1961, which became a crossover country-to-pop hit and earned him the money to buy the fledgling sausage company. Sausages, he told us, “made me mah real money.” And we all ate like kings. Donna made sandwiches, passed around pastries and pie, and generally saw to it that everyone was well fed. Finally, around 1:30, we up-anchored and motored back to the dock. Little Jimmy Dickens was high hook with nine stripers, and Jimmy Dean was low man with four. We kept a couple to take back to
the Big Bad John’s chef to prepare for his guests’ dinner. Big Tipper Back at the dock, the two Jimmies posed for photos with Pete and me, and thanked us profusely. The crewmen arrived to lug the cooler – now considerably lighter – back to the yacht, and the captain peeled the charter fee off a wad of bills and handed it to me. He then slipped Pete a tip more suited to a day of marlin fishing in the Caribbean than a few hours of stripering in Maine. Jimmy Dean came back to Brown’s on the Big Bad John during the next several summers, and we made a couple more successful striper forays up to the Secret Spot. Always fun, and always plenty of laughs.
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And one December, Donna called me and asked for the brand and model of the spinning reels we used – Shimano Baitrunners – because she said Jimmy raved about them and she wanted to get him a couple for Christmas. Gone But Not Forgotten I didn’t see Jimmy again for a number of
years, but he did return briefly one summer on a friend’s yacht. I didn’t immediately recognize him. He was in a wheelchair, and was being ushered down the ramp at Brown’s to the float. When he got to my boat, he pointed at it and said to his attendant, “I caught a lot of striped bass on that boat!” By the time I realized who he
was, he was back in the yacht. I never did see him again. Jimmy Dean passed away in 2010, and Little Jimmy Dickens followed in 2015. The memories of fishing with these two country music greats will remain indelibly in my brain until I fish with them again, at the Secret Spot.
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58 • November 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————————
Maine Guide Exam Here’s a hint – if the testing wardens hand you a firearm and ask you what species of game you would hunt with it, before you respond, check to confirm that the chamber is empty. If you fail to make certain the gun is unloaded, you automatically fail the exam. If you’re reading this magazine, then you’re likely an avid outdoorsman, and a part of you may wonder if you have what it takes to be a Registered Maine Guide. Guiding has a long, rich tradition in this state, and Maine Guides are considered some of the most knowledgeable and proficient outdoorsmen in the country. Maine began licensing guides back in 1897. There was no formal testing – you simply passed muster with your local game warden. S tandardized testing was implemented in 1975, and the Maine exam has long been recognized as one of the most difficult tests in the country. Some states require as little as a first aid certification to become a guide. Guides out west will occasionally test in Maine as a way to set themselves apart in their home states. Five Different Certifications Being a Maine Guide holds merit, and is respected. It means you have a depth of knowledge, and a breadth of knowledge. The test covers laws, safety, ethics, client care and species knowledge. The test is offered in five areas – 1) hunting; 2) fishing; 3) recreation; 4) sea kayaking; and 5) tidewater fishing. Applicants must pass a background check, be www.MaineSportsman.com
first aid certified, and pay the $100 testing fee (which includes one retake if you fail). The exam has a 15% - 20% pass rate for those who do not take a preparation course. The test consists of the following sections: • Map and compass • Written • Oral exam, and • Catastrophic event You must pass all section in order to pass. If you fail one section, you are allowed to continue testing, but you will have to return and retake the section you failed. The Written Portion The written portion consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, and is the easiest section. The questions are a mix of laws, wildlife behavior, and common sense. You must get 70 correct. You have 90 minutes to complete the written portion. Map and Compass The map and compass section is generally considered the hardest. When I tested in 2018, I was given a 7.5-minute topographical map and compass, and I was asked to answer the following questions: From the outlet of Daicey Pond to the inlet of Hale Pond, provide the following: • Distance in miles • Magnetic bearing • True bearing • Back azimuth They don’t point out
the areas on the map, so using the contours I had to identify an inlet versus an outlet. You have ten minutes to answer, and you must be within +/- 3 degrees of the actual bearings. The map and compass portion was the first thing they had me do, and I was so nervous I almost mixed up magnetic and true bearing. Verbal Section The oral section is an hour long, and is administered by a combination of two or three guides or wardens. This part of the test is pretty subjective. You will need to be an expert on more than just your narrow area of expertise. For example even if you plan on guiding togue fishing on Sebago Lake, you will be asked about fly fishing techniques and equipment. Plan on guiding grouse hunts? Make sure you know your bear baiting laws and duck identification, too. The wall on the testing room is full of numbered photos/illustrations of fish, trees, plants and mammals. In the fishing portion, I was asked to identify all of the fish on the wall, including hard-to-differentiate baitfish. It’s a bit tricky because all of the fish are shown at the same size, and they are artist illustrations, not photos. The room also has gear – life jackets, a ca-
Christi (right), who is registered as a Maine Guide in both hunting and fishing, is shown here guiding at a “Casting for Recovery” event -- a non-profit program in which women with breast cancer are taught to fly fish.
noe paddle, flies, rods, and animal traps. They handed me a 30o6 and asked what species I would hunt with it (hint: you must check that the chamber is empty, or you will automatically fail). Water Knowledge I was handed a box of flies, and asked to name all of them. They handed me a box of fly line and asked what the 9WFF meant and would I use it with this rod? What about this rod? Why? They showed me a lure which I admitted I had no clue what it was. They handed me an unpainted sounder and asked it was legal (it’s not). They asked what type of canoe stroke I would
use if I were paddling alone (j-stroke). They asked open ended questions like, “Tell me everything you know about these life jackets.” They asked me to name the parts of a canoe. They asked what knot I would use in a specific situation, but did not ask me to demonstrate it. They asked about minimum length requirements in general fishing laws (not S laws). They asked about possession limits while fishing (fish in the freezer at camp count!). Upland Game They asked a lot of scenario type questions such as, “You’re guiding me grouse hunting and I shoot number 8,” pointing to photo 8 on the wall, (Continued on page 61)
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Bear Trapping All bear trapping methods and devices require approval by IF&W prior to use. The state establishes strict limitations for traps and their deployment. Bottom line? Trapping is a highly regulated activity, with many technical aspects. The new bear trapping regulations proposed last year and put into effect earlier this year (2019) are the result of a perceived threat to the federally-threatened Canadian Lynx. Although a lynx or a bobcat was not caught in a bear snare, the slightest chance it could happen drove the state to once again change the state trapping laws. In 2018, IF&W adopted an Emergency Bear Trapping Rule that limited some methods used to trap bear that could possibly have accidentally captured a lynx. The Emergency Rule limited some methods used to trap bear, and was in force for only the 2018 bear trapping season. During subsequent trapper and outfitter meetings with IF&W which resulted from the Emergency Rule, a new snaring system (discussed at the end of this article) was introduced which had a huge impact on the resulting new regulations. (All bear trapping methods and devices require approval by IF&W prior to use.) New Rules Brief summaries of the new laws and regulations effective this year are: • Only one trap may be set for bear. • Only a cable trap (foot snare) or live cage (culvert) type is authorized. • The Belisle foot snare is prohibited.
• Each cable trap must be set at or below ground level. • All bear traps must be tended daily. • Only the trapper may kill or register a bear caught in a trap. • No one may continue to trap bear after having killed or registered one taken in a trap. • Bears caught in traps cannot be transported live – they must either be killed at the trap site, or released (by opening live cages, or for small bears, by releasing them using a choke pole to maintain distance and avoid injury to the trapper). • A bear caught in a trap cannot be used in conjunction with a hunt, or to train a dog for bear hunting. • A line of demarcation of at least 500 yards must be established at sites permitted or licensed for a disposal of solid waste. A person may not trap within the demarcation area (except for an agent of the Commissioner). • The same rules that apply to hunting bears with the use of bait, also apply to trapping. Design and Deployment Requirements There are also design and deployment requirements (trapping is a highly regulated activity with many technical aspects)
as follows: 1) Cable Trap Design Standards • The cable must have a minimum closing diameter of not less than 2 ½ inches. • The cable must be at least 3/16 inches in diameter • The cable must include at least one swivel, which is typically located between the foot loop and the anchor point. 2) Cable Trap Deployment Standards • The cable must be set at or below ground level. • Drags are prohibited. • The cable must be secured to a fixed anchor point. • If a tree is used as an anchor, it must be at least 6 inches in diameter at 4 ½ feet above ground level and be free of limbs for at least 7 feet above the ground. • The catch circle cannot be greater than 8 feet. • The area within the catch circle must be clear of woody vegetation, debris and manmade material that could cause entanglement. This does not include a tree used as an anchor. Sticks and rocks, and rotten/decaying woody material may be used for stepping guides, blocking, and backing if they are not rooted to the ground. 3) Bucket, Tube or
The trap weighs approximately 25 pounds, which includes a kit containing two lanyard-and-anchor assemblies, carrying handle, bait bag, one 33 inch long cable spring loaded snare assembly, and instructions. The device is 18 inches in height, has an inside diameter of 6 inches, a trigger assembly is recessed 15 inches inside the tube, and an outside collar that is pushed up releasing the snare. This occurs when a bear reaches down inside to get the bait bag which is attached to or placed below the trigger mechanism, activating the trigger.
Pipe-style Traps Design Standards Whenever a cable trap is used in conjunction with a device that is designed to capture a bear when it reaches into the device to obtain bait (e.g. bucket, tube, or pipe style trap):
• The trigger must be at least 12 inches below the opening of the device. • The opening and inside diameter of the device must not be more than 6 inches. • A bucket or other sim(Continued on page 61)
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60 • November 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————————
Doe Tags and Acorns Excite Tom This Month Beginning in August, the acorns started dropping from the white oak tree alongside my house. The tree is next to my bedroom. When my parents bought the place, it was just a small sapling that produced a few acorns each season. Now it’s about a foot in diameter, and it throws more than two five-gallon pails of nuts per year. How do I know the yield of this one tree? My dad used to rake them up and give them to me to dump. I threw them out on my woodlot, and the
Find a spot among the acorn-laden oak trees or near an apple tree or orchard, and wait. If you’re lucky you will be rewarded with deer meat for the freezer. deer devoured them. At night, since August, I have had to listen to the racket they make as they hit the roof and roll down. It sounds like an elf landing on the roof and running for cover. I picture an aerial insertion of armed gnomes, coming for some yet unknown nefarious action. Strange, I know, but that’s where my mind wanders at night when I am sleep deprived.
If the trajectory is just right, an acorn will occasionally hit the skylight in the bathroom, sounding like it will break the glass for sure. Other times if the acorn’s drop is precise, it will hit the gutter, missing the roof making a tremendous metallic clang. If I look tired lately, you know why. It’s these incessant acorns! A Good Sign But despite my ramblings on about their sounds, acorns are harbingers of a good hunting season. An abundant acorn crop on my tree means others in the woods will be full of these morsels so sought out by deer. Combine a good mast crop year with an abundance of any-deer permits, and you have reason to be optimistic in the deer woods this month. Permits Galore This region essentially encompasses Wildlife Management Districts (WMDs) 15, 16, 21 and
22. This year, 27,200 anydeer permits were issued for these districts. That’s nearly a third of the whole state allocation! This lucky hunter drew a Superpack permit, so in addition to a buck, I can harvest an antlerless deer in the district I was drawn in. Now that’s not to say my deer is in the bag, but the odds sure do go up when you have a permit. Hunters in WMDs 21 and 22 really cleaned up with permits. They received 8,250 and 9,700 respectively. District 21 is a huge zone, and stretches essentially from Minot Avenue in Auburn south to Old Orchard Beach. Hunters in this column region do well hunting South Auburn, New Gloucester and the lakeside towns of Raymond, Casco and Naples. District 15 received a scant 3,150 any-deer permits, and this zone covers hunters in much of North Auburn and Turner.
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District 16 covers a small portion of Auburn and Turner, along with parts of Lewiston, Greene and Leeds and hunters there got a decent 6,100 permits. Finally, Zone 22 covers a sliver of Lewiston and towns south of Route 202 along the Leeds, Greene and Wales corridor. Hunters there received a whopping 9,700 permits. Close Calls Deer sightings, although anecdotal, are a good indicator of deer abundance. This summer I’ve seen more deer than normal, meaning I’ve seen more deer during the heat of the summer than I typically do. Up to the fall, my sightings have continued, again with more frequency that I can recall in many years. Some of these sightings were “close calls” while motoring the backroads of Raymond and Casco in the evenings. Last year it seemed that squirrels and chipmunks were all over the roadway, many making fatal last-minute direction changes. This year they have been replaced with deer, which rarely change course, but do dart out in front of cars and trucks. Development Intrudes Hunters in and around the Sebago Lake Region (DeLorme Atlas, Map 5, C-1) have old farmland, pockets of wooded areas and some hills to hunt. I hunted all along Quaker Ridge Road in Casco for years, until houses limited my (Continued on next page)
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access and safe shooting. This was a classic area of field edges and forest that deer thrive in. Up until hunting season you could see the deer enter the fields at dusk to feed and get a good idea where they would be, come daybreak. A similar strategy around undeveloped areas in this region will help hunters pinpoint deer activity. Apple Trees To the north, there are still more active farmland and apple orchards – big draws to deer. I took a nice buck a number of years ago while sitting in an apple orchard in Turner. The deer would jump the fences meant to deter them at night, and feed on apples until daylight when they would retreat
to the safety of the woods. I positioned myself along the main row that ran to the wood line, in hopes of spotting a deer slinking back as the sun rose. I had an any-deer permit that year for WMD 16, and it was toward the end of the season, so I wasn’t picky. I would take most any deer that showed itself long enough for a shot. I quietly made my way to my pre-selected spot in the orchard while it was dark. I sat on a pungent pile of wood chips made from chipped old apple trees. The mound put me up off the ground, and I was certain the aroma of apple wood covered any scent I may have carried. Couldn’t See Headgear As the sun rose and legal shooting time arrived, I spied some movement
Maine Sportswoman (Continued from page 58)
a ruffed grouse, “What do you say to me?” I responded, “I’d give you a high five, because we are having fresh grouse for lunch.” He followed up, “What about number 9?” while pointing to a spruce grouse. I responded, “I would tell you we had to call the game warden, but you would know it wasn’t a huge deal because we would have discussed it before we started hunting. I would have explained the difference between the two species and told you that if you accidentally shot a spruce grouse, we would have to tell the warden.” He tested my stance, taking the part of an upset customer: “Oh no, you can’t do that. I’ll leave you a bad review online and won’t give you a tip.”
Trapping Silent Places (Continued from page 59)
ilar device may be used if it is modified to have an opening and inside diameter no greater than 6 inches. 4) Bucket, Tube or Pipe-style Traps Deployment Standards • Animal based bait and/or lure cannot be placed within the bucket, tube, or pipe. Animal-based bait is defined as animal matter, including meat, skin, bones, feathers, hair or any other solid substance that used to be part of an animal. This includes live or dead fish. • Only non-animal based bait and /or lure
to my right. It was a deer leisurely feeding along a line of trees. I could see the body, but could not make out head gear. Tree trunks and low hanging branches obscured my vision, but it was definitely a deer and a decent-sized one, at that! Once it came into full view it dropped its head to feed on another apple, and I dropped the hammer. Imagine my surprise when I reached my deer and saw it sported a nice 6-point rack! Acorns and apples along with any-deer permits are what make this month enjoyable for deer hunters. Find a spot amongst the acorn-laden oak trees or near an apple tree or orchard, and wait. You may be lucky enough to be rewarded with meat for the freezer to feast on
The author shows off a plump 4-pointer that he took in Auburn. The deer was feeding on abundant acorns that year. Photo by Tom Roth
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during those soon-to-behere long winter nights.
He pointed to a photo of a Lady Slipper, “If I want to dig that up and take it back home to Pennsylvania, can I?” (Answer: “No”). Catastrophic Event My catastrophic event scenario was pretty straightforward, but I’ve heard some are very tricky. He told me I was taking him fly fishing at Slaughter Pond and he went off to relieve himself and fell off a cliff, breaking his leg. What would I do? I said if I could get down to him, I would try to make him as comfortable as possible. Then I’d leave him to go where there was cell phone service to call for help, since he couldn’t walk. They don’t expect you to be a doctor. Studying I took a four-day review course with Maine Outdoor Learning Center ($499) can be placed within the device and must be below the trigger. • The opening to the device when set must be covered by a weight of at least 30 pounds to prevent access by non-target species. The other common methods of bear trapping, including the use of trail sets and blind sets that are set in accordance with regulations, are still legal. The Bear Foot Snare Delivery System The new cable trap design referenced at the start of this column is called the Bear Foot Snare Delivery System, and it’s manufactured by Wes Osborne (Crit-R-Done Animal Trapping Service) of Pulaski, PA. Wes has trapped bear in Maine for a
before taking my exam, and tested within three weeks of completing the review, so everything was fresh in my mind. I highly recommend taking the course; they hold classes across the state, and have over 90% pass rate. The course prepares you for all three main sections (hunting, fishing and recreation). Whether you want to guide clients or simply put your knowledge and experience to the test, becoming a Registered Maine Guide is a great personal challenge. Also, once you pass and if you join the Maine Professional Guide’s Association, you’ll enjoy discounts at both L.L. Bean and Cabela’s! Good luck, and let me know if you pass! Christi Holmes is a Registered Maine Guide in both fishing and hunting.
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number of years. His design is a result of much trial and error done along with Orin Young of Bounty Hunter Guide Service of New Portland, ME. Both were unhappy with the cable snaring devices developed that had replaced foothold bear traps. Orin has an extensive amount of experience in bear trapping. His expertise was instrumental in the development and final design of this most effective bear trap. The trap is available in Maine through Steve Rankin, the sole authorized Maine distributor for Crit-R-Done. Steve can be contacted at (207) 628-4503, or on Facebook (basswoodfurstretcherssprankin).
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www.MaineSportsman.com
62 • November 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————————
Firearms Hunting is Allowed in Extended Archery Areas A cold, cloudy day, so typical of mid-November, I walked along a wellworn trail that meandered through a mature forest in an expanded archery zone located in Kittery. I wore a hunter orange vest and hat, rather than the camouflage I generally wear while bowhunting. I silently walked the trail with a bow in my hand. As I came around a bend in the trail, I saw a bowhunter in total camouflage walking towards me – he was familiar, a gentleman I had met a few times on this island before, I was comfortable around him and enjoyed talking with him, unlike some folks I encounter. After the usual small talk, I told him he should consider wearing hunter orange because firearms season is open here. He looked at me and exclaimed, “You can’t hunt with a gun here – this is in the expanded archery
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Deer hunting in November firearms season along the coast in the expanded archery zones can be difficult – deer have developed survival patterns different than northern deer. They often bed in salt marsh lands during the day, and move inland to feed at night. zone.” I explained that many areas are indeed open to firearms during the firearms season. He looked puzzled, and said he was still sure there were firearms restrictions in place. Then a shotgun boomed on the other side of the island. We both stared at each other for a few seconds, then smiled at the timing. I offered to walk with him to his truck – my hunter orange vest and hat would keep him safe. He thanked me, said he’d be fine, and we both went on our ways. Check Directly with the Town Most of the coastal areas between Kittery and Portland are restricted to shotguns, muzzle-
loaders and bowhunting; however, hunters need to do research before hunting. Each town has its own regulations and restrictions as to firearms – most are restricted to shotguns only, some do allow muzzleloaders, and most allow bowhunting. Many areas overlap and may cause confusion, however. To avoid hunting accidents and or being arrested, hunters need to contact town offices and their local Police Department to gain knowledge about areas where they can hunt and what restrictions are imposed. Carson Refuge More information can be learned from the folks at the “Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge” (NWR). They conduct a hunt each fall; and provide an in-depth handout with maps and requirements for all 11 divisions of the refuge, which are strung out between Kittery and Portland. This saves a lot of time and research. New this year is a requirement that you purchase refuge hunting permits online. To purchase a $10 permit to hunt on the refuge, go to www.fws.gov/ refuge/rachel_carson/, click on Hunt Permits, and then create a RecAccess account. In the past you applied at their headquarters on Route 9 in Wells.
The hunt permit allows hunters to hunt big game, migratory birds and upland birds, and participate in falconry. The hunt permit allows you to be on refuge lands only during the appropriate season, and you must be engaged in hunting activities. Other rules apply as well. The refuge is open for deer and fall turkey. Only shotguns and archery are allowed (no center-fire guns or muzzleloaders) with valid state license and associated permits. Fox and coyote may also be taken during the state firearm deer season. More rules apply – hey, you’re dealing with the government. If you hunt migratory birds, ducks, geese, or snipe of course you will need a Duck Stamp. The refuge is closed to all hunting except falconry from February 1 to August 31. Only portable tree stands are allowed, and they must be removed each day – no nails, wire, and screw-in-tree steps. You must keep cutting of vegetation and limbs to a minimum. The refuge allows only shotguns and archery gear. No crossbow hunting allowed in the expanded archery zones. A few words about the refuge: It was established in 1966, and consists of 5,600 acres in 11 divisions between Kittery and Cape Elizabeth.
It consists of coastal salt marsh and uplands, and offers some of the best duck hunting in southern Maine. Not all divisions are open to hunting, and one division – Little River Division, located in Biddeford – allows only archery hunts. A statement in the refuge hunt packet reads as follows: “The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recognizes hunting to be an effective tool for wildlife management. Hunting has been identified as an appropriate wildlife-dependent use at Rachel Carson NWR. Continue Maine’s tradition of responsible use of our natural resources. Enjoy your hunt, but provide for public safety.” You will not have any landowner or anti-hunting issues while hunting on the refuge – no knocking on doors for permission to hunt, no dog-walking, anti hunters and no condos or malls built in your favorite hunting locates. You are hunting on your own (the public’s) land, with some restrictions that are clear-cut and reasonable. If you have any questions about hunting on the refuge, stop by their office at 321 Port Road in Wells. It’s open Monday to Friday 8 a.m. till 4:30 p.m., or you can call 207646-9226. Deer hunting in November firearms season along the coast in the expanded archery zones can be difficult – deer have developed survival patterns different than more northern deer. During heavy mast crop years, (Continued on page 63)
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Take a Hipster Hunting This Month Where will new hunters come from? The author suggests we look to young, local farmers, and those attending the Common Ground Fair. Like hunters, these folks know the real-life connection between outdoor animals and food on the plate. From the top of the hardwood ridge, I could see the dawn outlines of the nearby hills through the bare branches. The sun poked slowly above the southern horizon and warmed my back as I leaned against the trunk of a huge red oak. A mile or more away, a single rifle shot announced opening day of Maine’s firearm season for deer. I could remember back when sunrise at this same spot – on this day of the year – sounded something like a pitched gun battle breaking out. These hills echoed with gunfire, and often with the shouts of early success from hunters. Deer camp was at full capacity in those days. This year, I had been alone there the night before my opening-day hunt. Two does appeared from my right and made their way slowly along the faint trail that followed the crest of the ridge. They were upwind and had no way to see me in the bright glare of the low sun from behind my back. It was the perfect spot to spend opening morning. I had killed a nice buck following a doe on this same trail some years earlier. Hunting’s Demographic Cliff Hoping a buck would follow this time, I waited motionless next to the oak for as long as I could.
But replacement body parts are not designed to remain motionless in the cold for long periods of time. As I limped along the trail, slowly following the does, it occurred to me that pain was a huge motivating factor when it comes to declining participation of hunters of my vintage. As the Baby Boomer generation ages, there has been a steady decline in hunter participation and license sales. That declining slope is expected to become a steep cliff in the next decade as most of my generation hangs up their deer rifles for good. I love to hunt alone, but the eerie quiet of the deer woods in recent years has been disturbing. And license sales do the heavy work of funding wildlife conservation. This is doubly true in Maine, where the Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife is supported almost entirely by license sales alone. Kids Might Not Be the Answer The tracks of the two does turned slightly to follow a shoulder of the mountain sloping to the west. They passed twenty yards from an empty deer stand marked by an upside-down five-gallon bucket set on a granite ledge. In the deer camp’s more robust years, the bucket stand would have been a hot commodity
on opening morning. My own kids were stationed there in years past. Maine’s Legislature recently deleted the minimum legal age for hunting in the state. This was, in part, an effort to recruit more youngsters to the tradition. But if we really want to recruit and retain lifelong hunters, kids can’t be the only target. Our own kids may stick around in the sport, but recruiting kids from non-hunting families is a losing proposition. Neighbor kids have no disposable income, and they have even less free time than adults – a choice between partridge hunting and soccer practice on Saturday morning is not really a choice for these kids. Their parent is directing their time, and the parent is not a hunter. Inviting the local neighbor kid to go hunting makes us feel good, but the odds of that kid becoming a life-time participant are slim and none. I sat for a while at the bucket stand, but felt restless as the air warmed with the sun. Working my way slowly down the north slope of the mountain, I heard the second gun shot of the morning ring out quite close below me, and then a follow-up shot a few moments later.
Fifty years ago, deer camps were full in November; now, not so much. So where will the new crop of hunters come from? The author has some ideas. Jim Andrews photo
New Neighbors in Town I knew there was a small farm in that direction, and turned toward the shots to see if I could help. Kevin and his wife Marla, in their thirties, had purchased a small overgrown dairy farm near the foot of the mountain three years earlier. They had abandoned their urban lives to grow table vegetables, raise dairy goats and organic eggs in western Maine. They supplied the local farmers market and the fancier restaurants in town with their products. Their tidy place always made me smile when I drove by, because it reminded me of the back-to-the-land farms that popped up in the area fifty years earlier. I found Marla in her back pasture, with a single-shot 20 gauge in her hands. She was standing uncertainly over a large, freshly killed doe. Kevin waved as he arrived with a small farm tractor. We shook hands and re-introduced ourselves as we admired the deer. Kevin noted that
the doe was well-fed because she had been eating his lettuce all summer. “I’m glad you’re here,” Marla noted. “We’ve never done this before. But it can’t be that different from goats, right?” We moved the doe to the shade and hung her from the bucket of the tractor to help with the field-dressing. It was short work with such capable help. I noticed Kevin carefully set aside the heart and liver to cool on a shady rock wall. Farmers like Kevin and Marla are starting small new farms in Maine, and across the nation, at a record rate. And Maine now finds itself in the midst of an incredible local food movement that has seen more organic produce, more food sovereignty for farming communities, and more restaurants focused on local products. The folks who make up this movement want to know where their food comes from. They want meat that’s untainted by antibiotics and other feed additives. And they’re a (Continued on page 63) www.MaineSportsman.com
64 • November 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————————
How the Sporting Culture Shapes the Sporting Experience It’s not just the spread on the 12-point buck in your scope, or the leap of a lunker bass. It’s not just the spectacular sunrise, the smell of frost at sunset, or the explosion of the ruffed grouse bursting from close cover. It’s not just the thrill of finding your first morel mushroom, or the hearing the buzz of a hummingbird for the first time in the summer. Our sporting experience isn’t just what we see and hear and smell. It’s not just the race of our pulse, the thrill of the take, or the satisfaction of a perfect cast. Those might be what we would call the direct experiences of our sport. What We Think But the true, heartfelt experience of a day outdoors is also about what we think about those sights and sound and smells. It’s about anticipation and focus and reflection. Our sporting experience comes not just from the woods and the water and the wild animals. It also comes from within. What we experience is heavily influenced by what we have learned from others, what we have read, and how our friends and family share our adventures with us. In short, the sporting experience is shaped as much from the sporting culture as it is by our activities in the outdoors. Sporting Culture How we think about our many individual sporting experiences will be defined by the sporting culture in which we live. www.MaineSportsman.com
Not only did I read the books about fly fishing – I also decided to visit the rivers, ponds and streams where many of these writers learned their craft and cast a line. So, in 2017, I took an epic six-week trip from Maine to Michigan and back, fly fishing in the footstep of giants who helped shape our fly fishing culture.
The body of literature that defines our sporting culture is nearly boundless. Van Wie photo
The sporting culture surrounds us from the first time we lace up a pair of boots, put on a jacket, pick up a fishing rod, or sight in a gun. Our thoughts and feelings, our preferences and disappointments are shaped by our upbringing, our background, our preparations and our peers. Some of that sporting culture is taught by our parents or mentors. Much of it is shaped by our heroes and community leaders. Our culture is shaped as much by older traditions, time-honored techniques and classic equipment as it is by the latest and greatest gadgets and technology.
On David Van Wie’s “Storied Waters” journey, he visited author Robert Traver’s famous retreat on Frenchman’s Pond in Michigan.
Cultures Can Differ Sporting cultures can differ from one person to the next, or from one sport to another. We all share some common values and desires, yet we may differ for reasons both personal and practical. The big game culture differs from the birding culture. The fly-fishing culture differs from the bass tournament culture. One culture isn’t necessarily right or wrong – it just is. It’s the product of years of contact with individuals who share common interests, who teach and tease, who prepare and practice, and who prefer similar outcomes.
So Many Sources Much of our sporting
culture comes from the books and magazines we read. It comes from the television shows and movies we watch, and more recently, by what we see and read on social media, videos and podcasts. Before television, monthly magazines and books were the main source of information and entertainment about outdoor sports. Those of a certain age still recall the excitement when Field & Stream or Outdoor Life arrived in the mailbox. Readers young and old would devour stories about big bucks, trophy trout and exotic species like wild boar or grizzly bears. We had favorite writers like Edmund Ware Smith, Arthur
Macdougall and Gene Letourneau. We followed the adventures of Gadabout Gaddis – “The Flying Fisherman” – and Lee Wulff on The American Sportsman TV show. Today, we get bombarded on TV by that rantings of Charlie Moore “The Mad Fisherman,” learn how to cook game with Steven Rinella “The Meat Eater,” or take uncharted outdoor adventures with Jim Shockey. Maine Sportsman Matters Of course, The Maine Sportsman has influenced the sporting culture in Maine as a print publication. The digital subscription now provides an alternative means to absorb the wisdom of experts, the news about resources and regulations, and updates on the latest equipment. We swap stories and photos about notable events, triumphs and tragedies big and small, and where to explore on a future adventure. A Cultural Odyssey A few years ago, I became very interested in how our favorite outdoor sporting experiences have been shaped by the books, magazines and stories we read. For me, the sport of interest is fly fishing, but it really could be any outdoor sport: mountain climbing, canoeing, bear hunting, trapping, you name it. I found I really enjoy reading early fly fishing writers like Izaak Walton; classic stories by Robert Traver, Corey Ford and Sparse Grey Hackle; novels that in(Continued on page 66)
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Tweaking Instead of Tweeting in Preparation for Deer Season I resisted the initial surge of folks who joined Facebook until my grandson, Cody, set me up with an account, and it has been downhill ever since. After noticing the amount of time I was spending on this form of entertainment, I backed off, and now I maintain only minimal contact, except for family and a few friends – email and the phone work fine for me. I have never tweeted, at least not on purpose, and won’t be joining Twitter anytime soon. It’s not like I don’t have a brain that can comprehend “how” to create an account; it’s more that I have a brain that tells me my time could be better spent enjoying the outdoors hunting or fishing. So instead of tweeting, I have been tweaking – tweaking my deer hunting gear for the upcoming season. Please find below a few of my favorite tweaks for this deer season.
I am not on Twitter. I’ve never tweeted – at least not on purpose. Instead of tweeting, I’ve been “tweaking” -- tweaking my deer hunting gear and tactics for the upcoming season. Here are a few of my favorite tweaks for this deer season. Thrifty Tweaks One of the first tweaks for any deer hunter has to be tuning in the rifle of choice. Get out early and dial that rifle in, so when the time comes, the shot will be right on with no excuses. Once it’s putting them right where you want them, take the rifle off the bench and shoot from various positions. If you can hit a pie plate at 100 yards from different positions, you are doing fine. I had a Timney trigger (timneytriggers.com) installed on one of my favorite rifles for hunting whitetails. The trigger is set for two and a half pounds now, and breaks clean – without any creep at all.
I also installed flipup scope caps for easy and quick access during rain or snowy conditions. The caps pop up quietly and almost automatically when I mount the rifle. I practice with them at the range, opening them as I mount the rifle during shooting session. The practice helps when they need to be opened in a hurry during hunting season.
ber works perfectly as a conditioner for me. One of the tweaks I start during the summer months is something a lot of hunters don’t do anymore – I like to reload my own ammunition for hunting purposes. I just can’t find the type of
ammo I prefer for hunting at a reasonable price – plus, I can fine-tune (tweak) the ammo to fit my rifle specifically. I use Nosler (nosler. com) or Barnes (barnesbullets.com) bullets at a minimum velocity that maintains a flat trajectory – no big kicking, powerhouse rounds needed for deer hunting. All I want is a high-performance bullet with enough speed to keep it flying as straight as possible. (Continued on next page)
Tweak Your Physique and Ammo Forward-thinking hunters tweak their workout so they are walking at least a couple of miles a day to maintain their physical health – this is a minimum. I prefer walking in the woods with my dog, so bird hunting season in Octo-
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Rangeley Region (Continued from page 13)
Final Tweaks Another effort initiated before deer season takes place right here at the computer. I like to get my DeLorme Atlas out, and search out several possible hunting locations. Then I find the locations on mapping sites (like mapquest.com) and get a look at the areas in a satellite mode. Between the two, I get good idea of what I’ll run into when I get out in the woods. The next step involves getting a good set of boots on the ground and doing some scouting. Most of my scouting happens during the October bird season. I hunt over scrapes, so I like to see where the current scraping activity is happening. Once I find a scrape, I build a simple ground blind downwind of where
the prevailing winds will be blowing. I visit the site once again a few days before the November deer season to place a scent dripper over the scrape. My dripper of choice is from Wildlife Research Center (wildlife.com), with their “Active Scrape” lure. Clear a path to allow for a silent entry into the site and let it set for three or four days before hunting over the scrape. My final tweak, organizing my hunting gear, happens a few weeks before the hunt. I like to fill a backpack with all of my gear and try to remove as much as I can from the pack over the weeks leading up to the hunt. This way, by the time the opening day arrives, I’ve narrowed down to a minimum what I will be carrying with me throughout
Southern Maine (Continued from page 62)
like this year, deer have concentrated their feeding along oak ridges. They often bed in salt marsh lands during the day, and move inland to feed at night. Coastal deer do spend a lot of time in the safety of salt water marsh habitat. After being pressured by bowhunters for two months, they feed on green grass and moss
Self-Propelled Sportsman (Continued from page 63)
younger, energetic, practical-minded crowd that is not spleeny about getting their hands
Sporting Environment (Continued from page 64)
clude characters who fly fish by Howard Frank Mosher and Jim Harrison; and many of the thousands of “how to” books by the pillars of our sport: Ray Bergman, Charlie Fox, or Fran Betters. And not only did I read the books, I decided to visit the rivers, ponds and streams where many of these writers learned their craft and cast a line. So, in 2017, I took an epic six-week trip from Maine to Michigan and back, fly fishing in the footstep of giants who helped shape our fly fishing culture. www.MaineSportsman.com
The author found this small rub while scouting in October in the Rangeley Region and made a mock scrape nearby that produced the buck shown in the second photo. William Clunie photo
the season. I will be carrying a cell phone for emergency use, but it will be turned
This 210-pound, eight-point buck fell to a hand-loaded .308 Winchester round in the boiler room. William Clunie photo
off until needed. The only tweeting for me this deer season will be coming from the
tweety birds, way back in the woods.
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and bed on high ground and islands during the day. Good luck when hunting these conditions. Hunters can kill deer by setting a treestand at the edge of a marsh land where oak limbs overhang in to the marsh – deer do slip into these boundary spots to feed on acorns during the day light hours. A treestand allows you to shoot down into the marsh grass. My bowhunt, mentioned above in Kittery, wasn’t over. As the camo bowhunter
started to walk towards his truck, we heard something running our way. A buck jumped the trail, fleeing into a nearby swamp. My friend said: “Darn [actually, another word was used], I was positioned on that trail for five hours, and now that deer comes by!” I could relate to how he felt. I remained at the deer crossing the rest of the day, but saw nothing.
dirty. When we go to recruit new hunters, we should focus less on elementary schools and more on the local farm markets and the annual Common Ground Fair. These people
know the real-life connection between animals and food on the plate. They sound like hunters to me.
You can read all about it in my book, Storied Waters, which just came out in September. Part literary history, part natural history, part travel narrative and part fishing porn, it’s a grand vicarious adventure seeking to explore the roots of our sporting culture.
Or maybe you dream of retracing a canoe trip that your dad and mom told you about. Where do you think those dreams come from? It is important that we all appreciate what has shaped the sporting culture around us: our history, our friends and family, and our heroes. All of us draw inspiration from somewhere. When we chase our dreams, but we probably aren’t the first to do so. Our sporting culture has shaped our experience. And we will help shape the culture for others.
Embrace Your Culture Maybe not your cup of bourbon? Perhaps your dream trip would be to hunt big horn sheep in the Canadian Rockies or chase giant muskies in Minnesota. Well, there’s a book about that, I’m willing to bet. Also a podcast or TV show.
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To Get Your Deer, Become a Confident and Prepared Woodsman Deer hunting rules the Western Maine Mountains (WMM) this month – it is what November is all about for residents of this region. Restaurants and various clubs offer a hearty “hunter’s breakfast” at extra-early hours; stores put up signs that read, “Hunters Welcome”; and other businesses go out of their way to offer special deals to hunters during this community tradition we call hunting season. During the bird season of October, I walked the woods with my young Vizsla, Ginger, and at the same time scouted for the perfect deer hunting location. I say perfect because I won’t be deer hunting much; the new dog will be keeping me in the woods bird hunting as much as possible during October, November and December. I want a quick deer hunt this year – just like last year, when I went out on opening day and ended the season the first day. Most hunters realize that goal probably won’t be attained with any certainty, but I will still try again this year. Deer hunting has taken a back seat to bird hunting for me. I can hardly believe I’m saying that, but one look into my puppy’s eyes
I am not asking for much – all I want is an opening day buck, just like last year, so I can quickly get back to bird hunting with my young Vizsla!
Author’s opening-day, 2018 buck -- photographed directly in the location it dropped after a short tracking job. William Clunie photo
and all I can think about is grabbing my shotgun and vest and heading out the door. Lucky WMM hunters like us have it made... so many wonderful choices and beautiful opportunities to enjoy the gorgeous, mountainous surroundings. Where to Go Sometimes a WMM hunter can get overwhelmed with all of the great choices for locations – so much so that it can be hard to know where to start. My first thought for excellent deer hunting has me heading north on Route 142 in Dixfield (DeLorme Atlas, Map
19, E-1) or Route 17 in Mexico (Map 19, E-5). As the elevation increases, take note of the mountain peaks to the east and west of both of these paved routes. Almost any of these mountaintops hold big bucks, but it takes a hunter full of energy to climb to the top and bring one home. There won’t be any paved roads to the top, so you’ll just get there the old-fashioned way – tighten up the boot laces, and head up hill. The big bucks around here do come into the lower land to chase does and feed, but mostly hang out in the peaks where nobody usually travels. I
In areas where deer are concentrated, sorting out tracks can be difficult. William Clunie photo
like to pack a lunch and always carry my compass and a fire-starting kit that contains matches and some cotton balls with petroleum jelly mixed in. I carry a small backpack with me to hold the lunch and other gear, including a small padded seat, drag rope, rain poncho, water filter straw, small titanium pot, and flashlight with extra batteries. Some folks like to load the backpack with extra socks, an extra jacket, folding saw, water bottles, and other heavy stuff. I try my best to keep the weight down so as not to limit my climbing ability in any way.
Become a Woodsman Become a woodsman or woods woman first, then attempt a hiking-hunt up the mountain to find big bucks. A deer hunter has to be comfortable with climbing to the top of unknown mountains in unfamiliar territory. It can’t be done with confidence if the hunter fears getting lost. Knowing how to use a compass or GPS unit will eliminate a lot of the fear and will provide a measure of confidence. The rest comes through experience – you have to get out there to learn the ways of the woods. The more knowledge a hunter can gain from being in the woods, at anytime of the year, will boost confidence tremendously. A simple method to help gain confidence is to take a fellow hunter along on the hunt. The tag-team approach can be very successful, and less formidable. Many deer have been taken because the animal is distracted by a first hunter, while a second hunter takes a careful shot. If you’re lucky, you’ll be that second hunter. Another way to become more confident in the expansive woods during deer season can (Continued on page 70)
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Finally: An Affordable Rifle for Lefties The genesis of this column rises in Maine’s western mountains like an unknown number of watercourses that carve and then sustain some of the finest hunting terrain in the east. A longtime reader who lives in that special place wrote to ask me about purchasing a center-fire hunting rifle for his young son. First, he had done some research of his own, and he asked my opinion of the Axis II bolt-action made by Savage. Caught off guard and thoroughly unfamiliar with the model, my scramble for information began. Savage’s Rich History Among Maine’s shooting fans and hunters, the Savage name remains a respected icon. Century-old cartridge developments such as the .2503000 and the .300 Savage helped usher in the modern ballistic era. Revered among hunters, the famous Savage Model 99 stands as a symbol of the Golden Age of field sports. In more recent times, the bolt-action Model 110 and 111 gained a reputation for accuracy and reliability, and those rifles are seen often wherever deer hunters gather. The Axis is one of the latest links in the evolutionary chain of Savage bolt actions, and at first look the model seems to offer appealing features to shooters in Maine and elsewhere. Those features attracted our Franklin county reader. In seeking a suitable first center-fire “deer rifle” for his son, this reader scoured the options
The Savage Axis II LH offers left-handed shooters – especially young or smaller-framed hunters – a tough, affordable rifle in a wide range of calibers, an adjustable pull and a 4-round detachable magazine.
The Savage Axis II LH offers some great features for left-handed shooters at some of the best prices in the business. Photo: Savage Arms
looking for suitability, reliability and affordability – just as we all would. To complicate the matter, the boy needed a rifle that, if not specifically designed for left-handed shooting, at least would accommodate it. Today’s rifle and shotgun marketplace is acutely and chronically unkind to left-handed shooters.
Enter Axis Founded in 1894 by
Arthur Savage, his namesake company built rifles, pistols and shotguns popular from the goldfields of Alaska to the blueberry fields of Downeast Maine. Throughout the 20th century, in group photos of hunters, at least one in the picture held a Savage. In the 1980s and 1990s, the company suffered through several periods of downturn and financial challenge. Sales
declined, and popular models went out of production. Fans watched as the company endured reorganization, sale and resale. Finally, the company entered the 21st centu-
ry, leaner but stronger. Buoyed by their development of the user-adjustable “Accu-trigger” and other innovations, Savage resumed its place in the market. With renewed faith in Savage products, old fans returned to the fold, and new fans joined. Descended from the successful Model 110 bolt-action series, the Axis was launched by Savage in 2011 as a more affordable alternative within their line-up. Back in 2011, the MSRP for new Axis rifles stood at $375. Prices come in somewhat higher today, but (Continued on next page)
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70 • November 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————————
Shooter’s Bench (Continued from page 13)
16 variations of the Axis and Axis II (new for 2019) compete in the primary and secondary markets. While similar to the Axis, the Axis II improves the model ahead by adding the now famous Accu-trigger, as well as a bold, ergonomically designed, adjustable synthetic stock. Savage managed to add these new features while still maintaining a price point well below much of the competition. Even in combination with a mounted and bore-sighted Bushnell scope, the Axis II prices at half of the asking price of the current run Winchester Model 94. Features Aplenty Many of us traditionalists would prefer one of the Axis or Axis
II rifles with the offered hardwood stock. However, that risks falling into what Emerson called “a foolish consistency.” The ergonomics and versatility of the Savage’s synthetic stock offers customized accuracy, comfort and sustainability. At 6.3 pounds, the Savage Axis II LH (for left hand) makes as fine a choice for a hunting rifle as any model in the scarce left-hand marketplace. Nothing else compares with an MSRP of about $429. The thin, curving pistol grip, adjustable length of pull, and 22-inch barrel offer real advantages to young and slightly-built shooters. The four-round detachable box magazine provides an extra measure of safety to any
Western Maine (Continued from page 67)
be undertaken any time of the year. Solo hikes into mountainous campsites provide all anyone needs to become a little more confident in the deer woods. Solo camping helps by showing the hunter what it takes if they ever have to stay overnight alone in the woods while hunting. A deer hunter should always be prepared to stay overnight if something unexpected happens. If needed, I can survive the
chaperone who prefers to tote the ammunition when not actually hunting. Lefties find the Axis II LH offered in nine of the most versatile and popular chamberings. At the small end is the .22-250 derived from the .2503000 Savage cartridge, and the extremely popular .223 Remington. For those wanting more power, the upper end holds the .270 Winchester, .308 Winchester, and the .30’06 Springfield. The .243 Winchester, .25-06 Remington, 6.5 Creedmoor and 7mm-08 Remington round out the selection. Savage goes further than most manufacturers in providing a wide range of caliber choices for left-handed customers. Often, lefties find themselves forced into highpriced custom realms when it comes to finding
a genuine left-handed platform, or at least they suffer a distinct lack of choice of calibers. The Axis II LH provides a tough working tool when so often rifles with this array of features remain beyond the reach of folks who want and need a left-handed action. Young Guns The reader from the western mountains made a sound decision to consider the Axis II LH as a first rifle for his up-andcoming Maine hunter. Forcing someone with left hand or left eye dominance to adapt to a firearm made for right-handed shooter throws obstacles in the path of that lefty’s progression. It may also discourage a novice shooter from sticking with it. Investing in a left hand rifle or shotgun will always be the better choice.
coldest night in the woods with just the gear I carry in my little pack. It won’t be the most comfy night, but it will surely be one of the most memorable. Play it Safe Be sure to tell someone where you are going and that you’ll check back with them when you return. If you don’t call back at the prescribed time, this person will begin the search and know the general location of where you are located. I always carry more food that needed, but not so much that it weighs me down.
The Savage Axis II LH meets the need at some of the most reasonable prices for center-fire rifles in the marketplace. And it offers features not seen on rifles costing much more. With the adjustable length of pull and adjustable Accu-trigger, the rifle can actually grow along with a young owner, making the initial investment last for years. This column is for those who shoot from the left side of the body. However, the Axis II LH represents only one of the sixteen variations that Savage Arms offers. Right handed shooters need not feel slighted. A version of the Axis or Axis II will meet their needs equally well. Shopping around for other rifles may be fun for some, but it will not likely lead to a better gun for the money.
¶
I empty a noisy, store-bought bag of jerky into a quieter sealed bag and feel like it would provide plenty of protein for a few nights in the woods. That and a bag of trail mix, and I’m good for a while. Of course, I have tea bags to add to boiling water for the solo nightcap – for me, a cup of tea takes the dampness and chill out of a cold and wet night. So be prepared, and good luck to you all during the firearms season this month.
¶
Wildlife Quiz Answers: Porcupine 1. The range of the porcupine stretches from Alaska and into sections of Northern Mexico. 2. The average porcupine lives 5 years in the wild. 3. The average weight of an adult porcupine is 12 pounds.
4. Some adult porcupines have grown to reach 40 pounds. 5. Porcupines grow to a snout-to-tail length of 2 to 3 feet. 6. As herbivores, porcupines eat a wide variety of conifers, as well as green plants, berries, seeds and nuts.
(Quiz on Page 42)
7. Adult porcupines have almost 40,000 quills. 8. Despite its impressive defenses porcupines, are still preyed upon by bobcats, coyotes and fishers, who have learned to attack the porcupine’s unprotected nose and belly.
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Should Technology Trump Spontaneity? With some fish locators now featuring GPS and sidescan, and measuring water temperature and boat speed, we live in a brave new world of trout fishing. The author suggests that it’s important to avoid becoming overreliant on technology, at least without first developing a base of knowledge the old-fashioned way – by getting out on the water. We trout fishermen love our bells and whistles. Fortunately for us, we live in an age where technology offers a never-ending list of electronic and digital devices designed to make our outings more successful. But in the end, do all these gee-gaws make fishing more fun? I wonder. Having cut my trout-fishing teeth during the pre-electronic era, I learned my chops from personal experience and also from tapping into the wisdom of my peers and elders. The net result was an immense feeling of satisfaction when things came together and I caught fish. Being a successful trout fisherman was in a large part due to familiarity with the rivers, streams, lakes and ponds that I regularly fished. Of course it was possible to go to a new water and take fish, but knowing the ins and outs of a place really paid in dividends. Case in point: Deep trolling before the age of fish locators and depth finders required an intimate knowledge of the bottom. In many places, we had to triangulate positions over underwater shoals, ledges and dropoffs. This was never a 100% accurate method, but it served us well, nonetheless.
Intuition, too, played a big part in putting trout on the end of the line. We didn’t know for certain where fish would be, but we were able to make educated guesses. And when those guesses paid off, we felt as though we had truly achieved something special. Enter Technology Electronic fish locators were the biggest thing to hit the angling world since the invention of monofilament line. All of a sudden, we could see, displayed on a black-andwhite screen, a representation of the bottom, as well as fish icons. This was Star Wars come to the fishing world, and our fishing gear would become more technologically advanced with each succeeding year. All of this had the effect of taking the guesswork out of fishing. It also took something else, too, and that was the human element. Like everyone else, I was quick to jump on the digital bandwagon. And why not? Instead of wasting time probing a lake, it was now possible to find fish almost immediately. For me and everyone else, fish locators were a great boon. But those early devices were a far cry from the highly sophisticated fish locators of today. Basically, all the early fish locators did was
give readouts of the bottom, showing depths of the water and locations of fish. But that was enough to completely change our outings from the typical poke-and-hope trip, to being able to target individual fish. In time, no one would think of going afield without that trusty fish locator. We became dependent upon them. Eventually, people coming of age in the electronic era lost their ability to deduce things, to figure out what was going on below the surface. We had become totally dependent upon our electronic devices. Modern Devices Today, those archaic fish locators we thought were the bee’s knees back in the old days are woefully inadequate to the totally modern angler; they are mere curiosities. Today’s device is about as much a fish locator as a Smartphone is just a phone. Now, these devices tell us our boat speed and water temperature. Also, new models with sidescan technology show us a far wider field than the older devices. We can see front, back and to the side. A recent trip with a friend was an eye-opener. He showed me the bottom 100 yards ahead of the boat. This was because his electronic device was
Electronics make life easier, but can’t take the place of firsthand knowledge of fish habits.
able to incorporate satellite images along with pre-mapped data, in real time. Mind blowing, for sure. High-end fish locators also use GPS signals to plot courses. Not only that, but once plotted, the device stores the data so that on the next visit, we can pick up where we left off and follow the same routes over fishy areas. The degree of sophistication of modern fish locators boggles the mind. None of this is to say that these modern devices are a bad thing, because they are not. But to become totally dependent upon them means giving up on the accumulation of knowledge – a dangerous trend, in my opinion. Both Worlds In amateur astronomy, no computerized telescope, the kind that will find objects in the sky all by itself, can take the place, at least for the beginner, of a good sky atlas. In order to really understand the heavens,
it is imperative to go out, atlas in hand, and learn your way around the sky the old-fashioned way. The same is true in fishing. I believe learning the ins and outs of the fish and their habitat enhances our enjoyment of the outdoors, and no electronic device can supplant that experience. And after that, if we incorporate fish locators, GPS units and the like into our routines, we truly will have the best of both worlds. Fishing tackle, the nuts-and-bolts stuff, continues to become more efficient and goodness knows that we all can benefit from that. From reels and rods to lines and electronic devices, we live in a brave new world of trout fishing. So go for it, but at the same time try to stay in touch with the nuts-and-bolts stuff because that, too, only adds to our enjoyment of our favorite sport – trout fishing.
¶
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The Lucky Tree This is a hunting story. It is not a story of exceptional skill or extraordinary tactics. It is a story of exceptional coincidence, and extraordinary luck. I’d much rather have the latter two. Often, hunting stories begin with a tale of Murphy’s Law. This is not one of those stories. Murphy’s Law affects those who are trying hard to do their best, but despite their efforts, everything that can go wrong will go wrong. This story, on the other hand, recalls a day when I wasn’t trying hard to do my best, and despite my lackluster performance, everything that could go right, did go right. Breakfast of Champions It was November 15th, 2018—the second day of NH rifle season. I had been hunting hard for a week and a half straight – several days at my camp on Parmachenee Lake, Maine, and several days in the Northeast Kingdom of VT. Despite my best efforts and scores of miles humping up, over, and around the ridges, I had yet to fire my gun. As a treat to my efforts alone, I decided when my alarm went off at 5 a.m. I would hit the snooze button, sleep in, and just hunt somewhere closer to home in New Hampshire. At 8 a.m. I was up, dressed, and loading stuff into my truck. All I had left was to get my rifle and go. Then my wife pulled in. “I’ll Remind You to Pack Your Dumb Gun” She had just gotten www.MaineSportsman.com
I threw the Remington pump to my shoulder. Antlers filled the Leupold scope. There was only one problem – I had flipped the “mitten” portion of my combination glove/ mitten over my fingers, and couldn’t operate the safety! By the time I got my fingers free and switched the safety off, the big buck had disappeared.
The writer tagged this NH deer (9 points, 184#) while still-hunting the exact spot where he tagged a buck the last time he hunted the area -- four years prior.
done a rough night shift at the nursing home, and wanted to have breakfast with me before I left. I protested in every way I could think of (“But the fresh snow … but I’m already running late … but ….) I even tried telling her that I couldn’t stay because if I did, I’d surely forget my rifle, which was the only thing I had left to put in my truck. She said, “Don’t worry; I’ll remind you to get your dumb gun. Just have breakfast with me.” Off Like a Herd of Turtles Half an hour later, I was in my truck and headed to a big ridge just a couple of miles from my house. Even though it’s beautiful country with a good deer population and only a few minutes
away, I’d previously only hunted it three times in my life—and I’d shot two bucks. The adventurous soul in me just doesn’t like repeating locations very often. As I put my truck in park at the bottom of the big mountain, I realized, lo and behold, I had, in fact, forgotten my rifle, which was leaning up against the kitchen counter. Luckily it was a short drive home so I could say, “I told you so!” to my wife. Fifteen minutes later I was back to the woods, rifle in tow. As I made my way up the ridge through over a foot of snow, I spotted several tracks of varying age and size. Nothing I wanted to take. I was prepared to hike to the top of the ridgeline (3,400 feet) in order to find a good, mature buck track
to follow. “E” marks the spot! About half a mile up the ridge things started to look a little familiar. In 2014, my first time hunting the area, I shot a 7-point buck not far from where I currently was. After shooting the deer, I carved an “E” into the tree where it dropped, so that if I was ever back in the area I might be able to find the exact location and relive the moment. Well here I was only a couple hundred yards away, no track yet, no schedule to follow, and nothing else better to do. So off I went, floundering around in circles in search of my marked tree. I finally found it. My “E” was almost indistinguishable with the bark regeneration. So I put my
rifle down, took out my Leatherman, and freshened it up. The bark was frozen, and it wasn’t the quietest process. A couple minutes later, I was done, my pack was on and my rifle in hand. I walked about 15 yards back in the direction I had come, and then turned back to make sure my mark was visible from a distance, in case I ever had to find it again. Sweet Serendipity As I looked back at my tree, I saw motion on the hill behind it. Instantly the Remington pump was up and antlers filled the Leupold. Only one problem: I couldn’t get at the safety. I couldn’t get my fingers free of my mittens! During the course of my initial-carving project, my fingers had gotten cold from the metal multi-tool. I must have subconsciously folded the mitten portion of my “glomitts” (convertible glove/ mitten combinations, also called “flip-mitts”) over my fingers. (This is something that I am usually very conscious about, and never do.) It only took a fraction of a second to get my trigger finger out of the mitten, the safety off, and the gun reshouldered. But it was a fraction of a second too long – the deer had disappeared into the trees. The mental curses began. I cannot print the thoughts that screamed inside my head. Back in the Crosshairs Then, I saw a flicker: just enough for me to detect movement through (Continued on next page)
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the trees. People who know me will attest that I am not bashful about pulling the trigger. But I knew that, for now, the deer was just casually walking. I got the crosshairs into the next opening and waited for him to come through. Nothing … still nothing…. Just as I was giving up hope and lift my head from the scope, there he was! His front half slid into the edge of the opening, and he immediately turned to face me. Before he could even put his hoof down, my .270 caught him in the base of the neck. I went to pump another round into the chamber while I followed him with the crosshairs (again, I’m not bashful about shooting), but the action was seized up! With the adrenaline pumping, I gave the forend a firm whack with the butt of my hand (it probably hurt, but I don’t recall). The action let go and I pumped another round in.
The “E” carved into the maple tree marks the spot where the author tracked and took a 7-point buck in 2014. While freshening the mark four years later, he spotted and shot a 9-point buck, which fell ...
Just as I got my crosshairs back on him, he went into a nosedive down the hill toward me. And never got up. Living it Up (and Throwing it Up) Words cannot relay the excitement of that moment. Other hunters will attest that there is a period of indescribable aftershock, once the firing has ceased and before you approach the animal. For some, they can’t move from where they’re
standing. For others, their legs start quivering uncontrollably. For still others, they begin to mentally panic, doubting themselves and what they shot. For me, it is all the above. And nausea. Before even approaching one step toward the trophy, I leaned my gun against a tree and threw up the contents of that nice breakfast I’d had with my wife.
A New “E” Only when I finally
...at the newly-emblazoned beech tree pictured. The two trees stand a mere 50 yards apart! What are the odds?
set my hands to the beautiful animal a full 15 minutes after I saw him go down, was I really able to take it all in. Having nice weather, and lots to think about and thank God for, I took my time cleaning him out and getting him back to the truck. I also made sure to take the time to carve a new “E” into the big beech tree where he fell—less than fifty yards from an old maple with the same marking. Upon reflection, I
am glad I hit the snooze button. I am glad my wife convinced me to eat breakfast with her. I am glad I forgot my gun. I am glad I found that stupid old tree. I am glad I put my mitten over my trigger finger. I am glad my rifle seized up and I didn’t ruin any more meat than necessary. And I am glad my dad’s old adage is true: It’s better to be lucky than good, any day.
¶
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Smilin’
Sportsman Matthew: Is it really true that menopause is mentioned in the Bible? Luke: Yup, it’s right there in Exodus 4:20: “And Noah’s wife rode his ass all the way to Egypt.”
••••••••••••••••••• Question: What’s the difference between a golf ball and a thoughtful wedding anniversary gift? Answer: A guy will search high and low for a golf ball. •••••••••••••••••••
Send your best hunting & fishing stories, and your favorite jokes, to the editor at will@mainesportsman.com
A 60 year old woman was walking along Main Street in Greenville when God spoke to her from the sky. He said, “You will live to be 100.” “Wow,” she thought. “I’ve got 40 more years to live!” So off she went to the plastic surgeon. She got everything fixed from head to toe. But as she left the plastic surgeon’s office, she got hit by a bus, died, and went up to heaven. She said to God, “You told me I would live to be 100. I was supposed to have had 40 more years. So how come you let the bus kill me?” “Sorry,” replied God. “I didn’t recognize you.” ••••••••••••••••••• The wife left a note on the fridge: “It’s not working; I can’t take it anymore; I’ve gone to stay at my Mom’s!” The husband opened the door on the
fridge, the light came on and the beer was still cold. What the heck was that woman talking about?
The Smilin' Sportsman Youth Edition Kids! Send your best hunting & fishing stories, and your favorite jokes, to the editor at will@mainesportsman.com. Teacher: “Little Johnny, I hope I didn’t see you looking at Susie’s test paper!” Little Johnny: “I hope you didn’t see me, either!” ••••••••••••••••••• Little Johnnie went to the ear doctor with hearing problems. The ear doctor said, “Can you describe the symptoms?” “Sure,” replied Johnnie. “Homer’s the bald dude, Marge has blue hair, and they have two kids, Bart and Lisa ....” •••••••••••••••••••
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Eb: My wife just found out that I replaced our bed with a trampoline. Flo: What happened? Eb: She really hit the roof! ••••••••••••••••••• Did you hear the news that a car just crashed through the high wall around the Greenville nudist colony and made a huge hole? It’s true. In fact, the police are looking into it right now. •••••••••••••••••••
When boots fight back
About a year before my grandfather died, he accidentally sat in a tub of lard. After that, he went downhill fast.
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SUBMIT AD AND PAYMENT BY THE 30TH OF EACH MONTH AND YOUR AD WILL APPEAR IN THE NEXT ISSUE. FOR RENT PARKMAN, MEBUCKS CROSSING WMD 17 RENTAL CABINS Turkey, deer, moose, upland game. All amenities included. Great ratesnightly, weekly, monthly. $75/night for two people. 207-277-3183 CAMP IN OTIS, MAINE Hancock County, Newly constructed cottage on Beech Hill Pond. Great fishing on the lake and plenty of Deer! $150/ night. Go to abnb.me/3SBiuJ1WX or call John @ 609-377-4091 ROCKWOOD HOUSE Sleeps 12. Great bird, moose, deer hunting. Large yard. Pet friendly. Starting at $160/night, WiFi & Cable included. 207-205-0414
ty, ME. Fully furnished 3 bedroom, 1 bath, sleeps 6, full kitchen all appliances, laundry, deck, firepit, woodstove, excellent upland bird and deer hunting $150/night, 2 night minimum. Call Jeff for details 207.590.5562 CAMP FOR RENT GRAND LAKE STREAM, ME Newly renovated year round camp on West Grand Lake. Easy road and lake access with dock on site. Sleeps six. Great location for fishing, hunting and four wheeling. $55per person, per night. Call 207-974-8778. HUNTERS & ANGLERS MID COAST ACCOMMODATIONS Comfortable, warm, breakfast 5 star “Cozy Farmhouse Bedroom” at my Airbnb Jefferson,
Maine for under $45/ night. Damariscotta Lake, public boat launch. Call or text: 203-505-3390 ———————————
REAL ESTATE HUNTING CAMP WITH 10.3 ACRES Garland, ME, Zone 17, 1-1/2 stories, sleeps five, gas lights, wood stove, fridge & stove, shower. Good deer hunting, 1 hour from Moosehead Lake, $39,000 Call: 802274-1377 LAND FOR SALE 1.5 acre lot on Sebec Lake, small bunk house, power & water only. 200ft. of water front. $75,000.00 call : 207-284-3319 HUNTING CAMP IN NORTH MAINE WOODS T13R10. Great Moose hunting Zone 2, also bird,
HUNTING LODGE Greenwood, Oxford Coun-
MEXICO, MAINE TURN-KEY RETAIL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
Jackman Maine
Excellent opportunity to own a wellestablished retail business in the Western Maine Mountains. This proprietorship caters to all outdoor sports enthusiasts selling gear for many outdoor activities. Convert the second floor into living unit to rent out or owner occupy.
72 ACRES FOR SALE
bear, deer. Furnished, sleeps 6, shower, propane fixtures, finished in Cedar, P&C lease, $39,900. 207-944-0873 NORTH MAINE WOODS CEDAR CABIN Elm Pond Twp. T4R16, 20x24 Log Cabin For Sale. Fully Equipped, electricity, propane, full sewer system, sleeps 8. 30 acres privately owned land, private locked gate. Terms may be available. $122,00. 207-522-6793 ———————————
COMMERCIAL RIVER FRONTAGE At the confluence of Andrsocoggin & Webb Rivers, Rt. 2 in Western Maine- 2 lots with 30ft x 170ft+_ commercial building, two full floors
plus stage, balcony-carpet/ hardwood. Full basement. Historic main floor beautifully renovated. Commercial kitchen, equipment included, 3 phase, Paved Parking Lot. Great for Fishing/ Hunting Lodge, Restaurant, Wedding Venue, more. Must see! Asking $139,000. FMI: call 207562-7564 ———————————
MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE SNOWMOBILE 2-SLED TRAILER Asking $500, Aluminum Ramp $200. Call 207782-8615 COASTAL DUCK DECOYS 12 Black & Mallards & 6 Goose. Excellent condi(Continued on next page)
PRICE DRASTICALLY REDUCED!
Joseph Hall
www.hebertrealtygroup.com
Cell (207) 357-5287 Office (207) 369-0551 jhall@hebertrealtygroup.com
SNOWMOBILING CAPITAL OF MAINE Upper Enchanted Township T3 R6 BKP WKR. 72 acres located high above Attean Pond. Off the Hardscrabble/ Spencer Road, at the end of Slim Haggle Road. Lot #5-2. End of road going up the hill. Property is on the right. Book 3346, Page 123. $69,000 OBO. (207) 313-9147
Large camp, A-frame smaller camp and several outbuildings on 5.5 acres in Shirley, Maine. Full kitchen, full bath with hot water, electricity, septic in both camps. SNOWMOBILE ITS trails 85, 86, 87. FISH (Moosehead Lake just 16 minutes away), HUNT Moose, Deer, Bear, Grouse, WMD 8 &14, ATV trails nearby. MOTIVATED SELLER!
Nicholas Beaulieu, Realtor (207) 570-0818 nicholasbeaulieu@eradawson.com www.eradawson.com
200,000 YEARLY PROFIT!
$
Live in Northern Maine & MAKE MONEY!
Restaurant Grammy’s Country Inn Linneus, Maine. $1.2 million average food-only gross sales in last 7 years. Opportunity for sales growth with addition of alcohol. Featured in Downeast Bangor Metro and Yankee Magazines. Named Top 10 Restaurants in Maine and Top 100 Businesses in Maine plus over 50 awards. Top rated on Yelp and Trip Advisor. 65+ year restaurant tradition. 30 years under same ownership. This is a step-in opportunity. Owner will work with you through the transition. They want you to continue the success! ONLY $599,000
Scot Walker (207) 532-4500 www.firstchoicerealestate.com www.MaineSportsman.com
76 • November 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————————
able. $800 or best offer. 207.672.4983 ———————————
(Continued from page 75)
tion. Will sell as set. Or separate: Duck $75/ea, Goose $100/ea. call: 207782-8615
WANTED DEER/MOOSE ANTLERS Buying any size deer & moose shed antlers/ racks or antlered skulls. All grades bought by the pound. 802-875-3206
1966 OLD TOWN W/C CANOE Serial #175513 - 17’. Useable as is, but will need new canvas and 2 ribs. Pictures avail-
NEW VINEYARD, ME
SKI DOO, ELAN OR TUNDRA Any Condition. Have Cash. Will Travel. Call Or Text 207-522-6940
¶
BEAUTIFUL LOG HOME ON MILLINOCKET LAKE $
,000
395
2017 Hill View Barns built log home with full foundation on Millinocket Lake. View beautiful Mt. Katahdin from your own piece of Maine wilderness. Wrap around deck and screened in porch for cool evenings, 200 feet of water frontage. Full daylight walk out basement for future expansion. Solar power and propane generator provide all the comforts. This is the ultimate place to unplug and getaway. Will consider reasonable offers.
Linda Gardiner (207) 478-5841
lindagardiner@masiello.com www.BangorsBestHomes.com
BROWNSVILLE, ME
Stay up-to-date on the latest Maine outdoors news with the
MAINE SPORTSMAN NEWSLETTER!
Route 27, New Vineyard, ME - 11.34 acres - Beautiful partially cleared lot with mountain views, spring fed pond perfect for hunting, hiking or relaxing. Conveniently located approximately 20 minutes from Sugarloaf and 10 minutes to Farmington. MLS# 1421392 - $149,900
247 Church Street, Brownsville, ME - 1 acre - Approximately one acre lot, located on a public road, close to hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and more. Remains of a hunting camp are onsite. Being Sold As Is. MLS#1423451 - $11,500
Melissa Morrill, Associate Broker (207) 233-2456 • melissa@signaturehomesmaine.com Signature Homes Real Estate Group, LLC 383 US Rte 1, Suite 2D • Scarborough, ME
www.signaturehomesmaine.com
Kersey Real Estate visit www.kerseyre.com to view our complete listing
“No Blarney Spoken Here”
207-585-2411 207-585-2412
506 West Side Road • Weld, ME 04285 •Mike Kersey, Broker O BYR
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Byron - Comfortable log cabin on 7 acres. Located in Byron Village with the Swift River in sight, ATV and snowmobile trails accessible from your dooryard. Enjoy all the amenities of the Western Mountains like worldclass hiking, gold panning, fishing, hunting, snowshoeing and lots more. MLS #1417503. $94,500
ELD
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WEBB LAKE updated waterfront home in a quiet cove on a dead end road. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the lake, mountains and wildlife right from your own private beach. This area is home to some of the best mountains for hiking in the east including Tumbledown, Big & Little Jackson, Blueberry, Bald, and Mt. Blue. Year-round activities include snowshoeing, snowmobiling, skating, and skiing at the well-known Sugarloaf and Sunday River resorts. MLS #1407157. $327,500
BYRON – 177 acres with half mile of road frontage and great south westerly exposure huge views of lake and mountains, you don’t wait to miss this one. Access to ATV & snowmobile trails from the property. Listing #300. $137,500 CARTHAGE - Very nice 21 acre lot on private gated road with access to ATV and snowmobile trails only minutes to Webb Lake and Mt. Blue State Park. Property has been surveyed, soil tested, driveway and gravel pad in place ready for your cabin or camper. great spot for solar power. MLS #1410469. $64,900 CARTHAGE - Just off the beaten path you will find a nice winding driveway leading up to a private and secluded building or camping site with vast southwesterly views. Come enjoy this 21.86 acre lot in the heart of western Maine’s best...! MLS#1402187 $59,900 WOODSTOCK - An absolute dream come true! 97 acres with nice brook meandering through the lower portion of the property and a series of old roads and trails will lead up to spectacular views from Mollyockett Mountain in Woodstock. MLS#1326728. $64,500
PENDING
PHILLIPS - 1.54 acre building lot off Rt. 4 between Rangeley and Phillips located on a nice knoll with potential views. Excellent spot to hit the trails for the weekend or make your home in the great western mountains. Property has power, survey, soil test, and direct access to snowmobile trails, plus an easement to the Sandy River which is just a short walk away. MLS #1419369. $21,500 SALEM TWP - A very rare find! This 1,077 acre lot has large deposit of quality gravel sitting on top of a large water aquifer. Located on a paved highway with miles of interior roads, it also has several trout brooks that meander throughout the property teaming with moose and other wildlife. This lot is located near Sugarloaf and Rangeley and has expansive views of Saddleback and Mt. Abram. MLS #1419362. $795,000 ANDOVER - S. ARM ROAD, 20 acres with INCREDIBLE frontage on Black Brook. This very rare find has deep water pools, great fishing and swimming on those hot summer days. Located on Fire Line 435 off South Arm Rd in the heart of Western Maine. $129,000. MLS #1412098
www.MaineSportsman.com
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CANTON - A true cabin in the woods. Very nice small log cabin located deep in the woods on a heavily wooded lot with great hunting and other out door activities at you door step. Don’t wait to check this one out. MLS #1421558. $59,500
RUMFORD - 347 acres with unique road systems that will lead to pinnacles and peaks with views of the Mountain Valley and Swift River Valley and beyond. This parcel also has frontage on Goff Brook along with frontage on a no name Brook. The recreation opportunities are endless with great hunting, ATVing, snowmobiling, hiking, skiing and all the other great activities available in the Western Mountains of Maine. $214,500. MLS #1369627 CARTHAGE - Excellent building lots w/ easy access to ATV and snowmobile trails. All lots surveyed and have driveways into building site. Ready for your new cabin in the woods? Then come check em’ out. $26,500. MLS #1205057 NEAR BETHEL IN ALBANY TOWNSHIP - This 40 acre lot has several hidden building site well off the paved road with beautiful Southeasterly views. Some areas would make great spot for passive solar cabin. The Crooked River meanders on through the lot for great wildlife watching. Only 7 miles from downtown Bethel. $39,900. MLS #1325975 NORTH RUMFORD - Very private 17 acres with great brook frontage and a common area on Meadow Pond located deep in the Western Mountains. $32,000. MLS #1354993 NEW LISTING: ROXBURY POND - 4 bedroom camp walking distance to public beach. $109,500. BETHEL KING LOT - This land boasts exceptional development potential or enjoy the vast land with your friends and family, excellent road infrastrucure and beautiful views of local ski areas. 1356 acres offered at $1,095,000. MLS #1335965 PERU - 59.3 surveyed acres walking distance to Worthley Pond.This lot offers 231’ of paved town maintained rod frontage plus your own water frontage on Worthley and Thomas Brooks come see why this is great spot for your own private resort and get away. $69,900. MLS #1363508
WEBB RIVER WATERFRONT LOTS - 1.6 to 5.9 acres. $39,000-$59,900
You will also receive special offers only available to our newsletter subscribers! We promise to never share your personal information.
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HIGH MEADOW Realty Trust
320 High Meadow Road, Perham, ME (207) 455-8340 • realty@mfx.net www.highmeadowrealtytrust.com
These parcels would make great hunting camps! 45 acres: Woodland Center Road, Perham, ME ... $45,000 57 acres: Fowler Road, Woodland, ME ................ $35,000 42 acres: High Meadow Road, Perham, ME ........ $29,900 68 acres: Borden Road, Washburn, ME ............... $47,600 55 acres: Mouse Island Road, Perham, ME .......... $35,000 — Financing Available — Noyes Real Estate Agency 2388 Main Street • Rangeley, ME 207-864-9000 • info@noyesrealty.com www.noyesrealty.com
GREAT OUTDOOR LOCATIONS!
#324 – MLS #1429700 – Mystic Falls Hilltop Haven, a rare offering, charming home with views and your own 18” waterfall in low tax Madrid. Soaring ceilings in the large open concept living area. 5 acres and garage with guest bedrooms. $329,000
#535 – MLS #1416133 – Newly remodeled home in Dallas Plt. 4 bedrooms, 1-½ baths on 2 acres. $189,000
#419 – MLS#1425112 – Stunning water views, 480 ft. of waterfront on Drury Pond in Temple. Completely renovated in 2018 by Maine Cabin Masters! Easy access to 4 season recreation. Minutes to Titcomb Ski area. $185,000
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★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ SUBSCRIPTIONS MAKE GREAT GIFTS! ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Send in the form on page 8 or 73 or call us at (207) 622-4242 for special gift subscription pricing! — BRADFORD —
(207) 943-5225 www.dewittjonesrealty.com SEBEC: Recreational 93+/-wooded acre lot close to Sebec Lake. Ideal location for a 4 seasons cabin or house. Plenty of privacy. Power at roadside. Great views and small brook runs through the property. MLS #1428927 - $77,000 MEDFORD: 37.5 acre wooded lot on a paved maintained road. Great place to build your home or a nice get-away cabin. Lot is from a bigger parcel and seller will have it surveyed before closing. MLS #1432063 - $37,500 LAGRANGE: 32.5+/-acre recreational lot ideal spot for a hunting camp. Seasonal road great area for hunting, 4 wheeling and snowmobiling. Possible Owner Financing. MLS #1359357 - $19,900 MEDFORD: RIVER FRONTAGE. 48+/- acre lot bordering Piscataquis River. High land on year round road with power at roadside. ATV trails to waterfront. Approx. 1800’+/- ft. on river. Don’t miss out on this rare find in the “Heart of Maine”. MLS #1365496 - $99,900
Small 20x24 Camp great to use for Hunting or just for a quiet Get-aWay sitting on 1.2 acres and has an attached wood shed. Quiet location with wood stove, gas lights, gas cook stove, newer privy, just minutes from Boyd Lake plus abundant wildlife. Power at roadside. MLS #1406689 - $21,500
— WILLIAMSBURG TWP — Great little cabin get-a-way tuck in the Woods. Easy to heat low tax area. Easy access to the ATV trails, hunting, short drive to Sebec and Schoodic Lake. Make an appointment before it’s gone. MLS #1431206 - $59,900
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE FOR OVER 100 LAND LISTINGS!
Caryn Dreyfuss, Broker • (207) 233-8275 caryndreyfuss@morton-furbish.com www.realestateinrangeley.com
SANDY RIVER PLT - Looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, check out this large acreage parcel located behind the gate on Red Moose Lane! The 32+/- acre wooded timber tract offers seclusion and privacy on semi-remote road not plowed in winter. Live off the grid, get back to nature! DEEDED ACCESS to association waterfront on Beaver Mt. Lake, super spot in the heart of recreation heaven, snowmobile friendly - don’t miss out on this one, call today! MLS #1426931 - $65,000 DALLAS PLT - VERY PRIVATE 28.9 acre parcel offers outstanding views of Rangeley Lake and the western mountains. Gated driveway leads to the park-like setting with cleared building site and fish pond - enjoy beautiful sunsets and bright stars at night. Property has been soils tested, surveyed, power available roadside. SUPER LOCATION off the beaten path and yet close to everything. Don’t miss out on this one - call today! MLS #1425669 $196,000 PARKERTOWN TWP - AZISCOHOS LAKE beautiful, remote, pristine! Westerly facing waterfront land parcel boasting 290’ gradual entry frontage on 2.25 wooded acres. Super quiet/private area to build your off-grid North Woods camp. If you are looking to get away from it all, this would be the spot - located 13 miles from Route 16, don’t miss out on this one! MLS #1356998 - $165,000
WATERFRONT RETREAT WITH 42+ACRES IN PORTER, ME
Endless recreational opportunities in South-Western Maine. Off-grid solar and generator powered home with 42+ acres, beautiful elevated views of, and 450 ft. of private frontage on Plain Pond, with a full view of Green Mountain. Last home on the dead-end road equals privacy! Propane and wood heat. Security system. Two wells: gravity fed, dug well and an artesian well. Huge livingroom with stone hearth, great natural light and cathedral ceilings. Master bedroom with double closets, balcony, and bath with jetted tub. Finish the daylight basement that is plumbed for a full bath. Oversized two-car garage with high ceilings and I-beam perfect for ‘lift’. Contact listing agent and schedule your private showing before it is gone! $339,000. MLS #1414065
Mark Moody, Realtor/Broker Bean Group (207) 491-4540 • mark.moody@beangroup.com
www.markmoodysellsmaine.com
3,911 ACRES
Dallas Plt - Timber, water, wildlife and views. Four miles of frontage on S. Branch of Dead River and four remote ponds. 1,700’ of elevation. Interior roads. Close to Rangeley. $2,750,000
192+/- ACRES
175+/- ACRES
Guilford - 192± acres w/ views from Oak Hill (920’ in elevation) & in the shadows of 1,326’ Guilford Mt. overlooking First Davis Pond. Wildlife galore with evidence of moose & deer. Cut in 2011. $129,000
Harrington - 175 +/- acres with 1,650’ of salt meadow frontage on Flat Bay. Numerous coves, sea grasses & changing tides create a unique experience. Westerly views & mature timber. $175,000
Bancroft Twp - Acreage on Mattawawkeag River. Camp just 200± feet from river w/exceptional frontage. Mature trees, easy access & special protection designated for Salmon & deer habitat. $125,000
Litchfield - Waterfront parcel with tons of diversity. Massive trees in park like setting. Mile plus frontage on Horseshoe pond feeding into Cobbossee stream. Extensive wildlife. $195,000.
2,900+/- ACRES
Rumford & Mexico - Approx. 2,900 acres including Whitecap Mountain (2,000’), South Twin Mountain (2,156’) and Black Mountain (2,300’). Part of the land is an active Sugarbush. Impressive views. Land can be separated. $1,450,000 Greenwood - 283 ACRES - Views of the surrounding hills south and west from 1,300’ of elevation. Ledge outcrops, old stone walls and recreation opportunities. Gravel for access and internal roads. $215,000 Greenwood - 251 ACRES - Views of the surrounding hills, lakes and Mt. Washington. 32’x20’ log cabin shell. Good access & road system. Highest elevation is 1,620’. Recreation paradise. $229,000
Phillips - BROKER OR OWNER MUST ACCOMPANY BUYERS. Approx 1,800’ on Bean Brook which is known to support wild populations of brook trout. Stone walls, trails throughout, good topo and an old historic foundation. Approx. 21 cords per acre. $110,000 New Sharon - 678 +/- acres with abundant wildlife including deer & upland game birds. Diverse land with Bragdon Brook & Salt Marsh Creek running through the lot. Over 900’ of frontage on Weeks Mills Road. $299k or only $441 per acre.
Beauty runs deep. So does our land sales experience.
John Colannino – Broker & Forester American Forest Management, Inc. 40 Champion Lane | Milford, Maine | 04461 O: 207.817.9079 | C: 207.266.7355 John.Colannino@afmforest.com
For more information on available properties please visit:
www.AmericanForestManagement.com www.MaineSportsman.com
78 • November 2019 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————————
North Maine Woods Camp For Sale Camp in the North Maine Woods T7R12 on Little Indian Pond. Camp is only 5 years old and has solar power and a septic system installed. Camp is on leased land. $150,000. Call for more info. (207) 568-3940.
★
Check out our website www.MaineSportsman.com!
★
Waterfront Camp for Sale on Webb Pond
27 Outlet Road, Waltham, ME Great four-season outdoor activities: boating, paddling, hiking, fishing, hunting, ATV and snow sled trail connected, snowshoe, etc. Off-grid without roughing it. Far away from it all, but only 25-minute ride to Ellsworth or Bangor – Perfection!!! $139,000 Carl Lusby, Associate Broker (207) 266-1733 carl@sargentre.com
www.sargentre.com
BINGHAM - 29 beautiful acres of land within feet of the Rail Trail for you ATV and snowmobiling enthusiasts. Double wide home with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Open concept home with a bonus room and a 2 car detached garage that is heated. There is a grass air strip (airport) within walking distance to the property. Home needs a little TLC and your interior design ideas. MLS #1434589 - $79,000 ANSON - Newly renovated throughout! New paint, floors and more! Home is ready for move in! This 3 bedroom, 2 full bathroom ranch style double wide mobile home is onefloor living, easily maintained and offers approximately 5 acres of land. Master bedroom has a full bathroom and walk-in closet. Home is on a full concrete foundation. If you need or want more land, additional acreage is available. MLS #1365877 - $99,900 SKOWHEGAN - Absolute beautiful waterfront parcel on the Kennebec River, consisting of 5.25 acres. Camp is insulated and could be an off the grid, year round home, or year round home with electricity just a poles length away. Deep water, bring your boat, fish from shore, only minutes from downtown Skowhegan. MLS #1412974 - $114,999 MERCER - Gambrel style building which could be used as a camp or perhaps a commercial business. 10 surveyed acres with about 220 feet of frontage on the Sandy River. Enjoy fishing, boating and kayaking. The building has a propane heater and circuit breakers in place. There is one bathroom. Could be made into a single family home with the addition or a well and septic. MLS #1432653 - $69,900 SOLON - Looking for a country location with water frontage to build your dream home or vacation retreat? Look no further! This 14.5 surveyed lot features nice road frontage on the River Road in Solon. Power is available at the road. Enjoy 260 feet of water frontage on the Kennebec River. Cast to rising trout, salmon, and bass. Beautiful knoll overlooks a large field that leads to the water. MLS #1414118 - $34,500 SKOWHEGAN - Beautiful 5.7 acre lot with about 400 feet frontage on the Kennebec River to build on and enjoy. New circular driveway in place with culverts. Property is located on a seasonal dead end road. MLS #1027359 - $39,900 BINGHAM - Approximately 123 acres of land with about 3.700 feet frontage on Mahoney Hill Rd and about 2,500 feet frontage on Brighton Rd. Lots of room to roam in this parcel. Currently in tree growth for tax purposes. (Hb323) MLS #983202 - $84,900 SOLON - Approximately 54.91 acres of land on town maintained gravel road. Flat and level land, great for home or camp. Currently in tree growth for tax purposes. (Hb 357) MLS #1098961 - $52,000 HARTLAND - Approximately 212.14 acres with about 1600 feet frontage on a brook. Town maintained road. Driveway already existing. Power and phone at road. ATV trail on property. Currently in tree growth for tax purposes. (Sa014) MLS #1100933 - $96,000 11/19
www.MaineSportsman.com
Lincoln - 3 bedrooms with 1 full bath downstairs and both a 3/4 master bath and 1/2 bath upstairs. Paved drive, attached 2 car garage, enclosed porch, covered porch, and patio all overlooking 191’ frontage on Cold Stream Pond. $299,000
Pukakon Twp - Beautiful year round cottage with hardwood floors, knotty pine interior, cathedral ceiling and a huge insulated and heated garage. End of road location for privacy. Boating, swimming, fishing, and snowmobiling right on Junior Lake. $269,000
Lakeville - Small cabin, dug well, privy, electricity, and a partially developed lot make this usable day one and it could be temporary lodging while you build your new waterfront dream house on pristine Junior Lake. $88,500
Mattawamkeag - Private cottage with shower house, shed, privy and covered porch overlooking the water. Gas lights and some wiring done for generator use. Enjoy all the outdoors has to offer on Back Settlement Pond. Not many like this one! $78,500
Lincoln - Gorgeous contemporary home sits right on the shore of Mattanawcook Lake with stunning views from the kitchen and Master bedroom. Beautiful landscaping, walking distance to all of Lincoln’s downtown amenities. $192,375
Springfield - Traditional Maine hunting camp on nicely wooded lot with easy access to all Maine’s outdoor recreational activities. Bring your big boy/girl toys and store ‘em in the shed on Old S. Springfield Road. $29,900
Carroll Plt - Private. Secluded. Beautiful. Pretty waterfront lot ready for camper or to build your getaway cabin. Large fire ring and path to a section of sandy swimming on Lowell Lake. Come to relax, kayak and listen to the loons. $45,000 Winn - Driveway in place, offering gentle slope to a beautiful section of the Penobscot River. Build your dream home, a getaway cabin or park the camper. Only 5 minutes from downtown Lincoln. $24,500 Lowell - Large lakefront lot, driveway installed and shore land area ready for your picnic table. Exposed beach in low water on Eskutassis Pond. Opportunities like this don’t come around often so you need to come look today. $85,000 Chester - Bass fishing. Boating. Blue sky. Clean air. Your own little slice of “heaven”. Build a home, or camp or simply park your camper here on Medunkeunk Stream. The driveway is already in place. $23,900
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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