The Maine Sportsman October 2023 Digital Edition

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Handgun Accuracy P. 10 Hunt with Your ATV P. 21 Tactics for High Pressured Deer P. 27 Airplanes Over the Allagash P. 54 One-Armed Angler P. 14

Barbie Takes Al Diamon for a Ride P. 79 Boats, Dogs, & More For Sale P. 80

2 • October 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————

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�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2023 • 3

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Editorial

Two Opportunities for Increased Hunting – One Should Work; the Other May Not

New England’s Largest Outdoor Publication

Sportsman The Maine

ISSN 0199-036 — Issue No. 611 • www.mainesportsman.com PUBLISHER: Jon Lund

Sportsmen in Maine are discussing two separate proposals, each of which would bring additional hunting opportunities to our state. The first is to open the regular whitetail deer archery season earlier, to coincide with the dates of expanded archery season. The second is to bring back the spring hunting season for black bear. In our view, the first idea is workable, and could be instituted with a minimum of political opposition. That may not be said, however, for proposals to bring back the spring bear hunt. Opening Regular Deer Bowhunt Early By its nature, bowhunting is a low-impact sport – relatively quiet and unobtrusive. It’s most often pursued in areas of high deer concentration, since it requires that the hunter be up close and personal with the whitetails. As Joe Saltalamachia points out in this month’s “Big Game” column starting on page 32, under current rules, by the time regular archery season begins, turkey hunters and small-game hunters have been prowling the woods and fields for more than a week, disrupting the big bucks’ travel and feeding patterns. Joe Salty believes opening the regular bowhunting season early will not result in a harmful reduction in the deer herd, since the numbers of archers, and their success rate, do not approach those of rifle hunters. He also believes an earlier season would encourage more young hunters and beginner hunters to head out into the fields and woods, in warmer weather and without competition from rifle-hunters. We agree. Springtime Bear Season? The second, admittedly more controversial proposal would be to bring back the spring bear hunt. The spring bear hunt ended in 1982, out of a concern, according to Maine DIF&W, for protecting sows and dependent cubs. With bear populations increasing, and with the recent publicity of bear/ human conflicts, you’d think this would be a perfect time to re-institute the spring season. Further, you’d also think such a proposal would be strongly supported by Maine’s registered guides, who could be employed by customers eager to pay for the guides’ expertise. However, that turns out not to be the case. The majority of those guides, at least the ones who are members of the Maine Professional Guides Association, have been steadfast in their reluctance to opening the can of worms that would result from a legislative proposal to bring back the spring season. Why? Because they’ve seen the lengths to which hunting opponents are willing to go – and the resources they are willing to expend – to assert their will on Maine’s outdoorspeople. And they should know, having waged two battles on bear baiting, and having fended off efforts to restrict use of hounds when bear hunting, as well as proposals to change the hours of coyote hunting. The guides are also aware that in a state in which most huntable land is privately owned, the opinions of those landowners are paramount. Guides are concerned that landowners won’t react well to the idea of baiters, hunters and guides driving trucks and ATVs on the muddy springtime gravelroads for scouting and baiting. As a result, many believe that on balance, it’s best to enjoy the fall bear season as it’s currently established, and to work collaboratively with the state’s biologists, sporting groups and landowners to explore other options for increasing bear hunting opportunities that complement our state’s bear management objectives and avoid landowner and user conflict.

Almanac by Will Lund.................................................... 15 Aroostook - “The County” by Bill Graves..................... 49 Big Game Hunting by Joe Saltalamachia.................. 32 Big Woods World by Joe Kruse & Hal Blood................ 31 Downeast Region by Jim Lemieux............................... 61 Editorial.............................................................................. 4 Freshwater Fly Fishing by Lou Zambello....................... 45 Get Out There by Staci Warren.................................... 59 Jackman Region by William Sheldon.......................... 55 Jottings by Jon Lund...................................................... 10 Katahdin Country by William Sheldon......................... 52 Letters to the Editor.......................................................... 7 Maine Sportswoman by Christi Elliot............................ 64 Maine Wildlife by Tom Seymour................................... 20 Midcoast by Tom Seymour........................................... 62 Moosehead Region by Tom Seymour......................... 57 New Hampshire by Ethan Emerson.............................. 75 Nolan’s Outdoor World by Nolan Raymond............... 60 Off-Road Traveler by William Clunie............................ 42 Outdoors & Other Mistakes by Al Diamon.................. 79 Quotable Sportsman by Will Lund................................ 19 Rangeley Region by William Clunie............................. 71 Ranger on the Allagash by Tim Caverly...................... 54 Riding Shotgun by Robert Summers............................. 78 Saltwater Fishing by Bob Humphrey............................ 47 Sebago to Auburn Region by Tom Roth..................... 66 Shooter’s Bench by Col. J.C. Allard............................. 37 Smilin’ Sportsman by Will Lund...................................... 78 Snapshots in Time by Bill Pierce.................................... 14 Southern Maine by Val Marquez................................. 67 Sporting Environment by David Van Wie.................... 65 Sportsman’s Journal by King Montgomery................. 12 Tales from the Warden Service by Ret. Lt. Doug Tibbetts. 69 Tidewater Tales by Randy Randall............................... 73 Trapping The Silent Places by David Miller.................. 70 Trading Post (Classifieds)............................................... 80 Vermont by Matt Breton............................................... 77 Western Maine Mountains by William Clunie.............. 74

On the Cover: Upland game hunting is upon us! Ruffed grouse (in Maine, “partridge”) season starts September 30, 2023, and ends December 30 (a Saturday). Daily bag limit is 4; possession limit is 8. Partridge hunting starts one-half hour before sunrise, and ends one-half hour after sunset. Woodcock season starts September 30, and ends November 21 (a Tuesday). Daily limit of woodcock is 3; possession limit is 9. Woodcock hunting starts one-half hour before sunrise, and ends at sunset.

ATVing in Maine by Steve Carpenteri......................... 21 Bear Hunting in Maine – Reader Stories...................... 24 Bowhunting in Maine by Val Marquez........................ 28 Deer Hunting in Maine by Blaine Cardilli..................... 27 Fly Fishing in Maine by Jessica Cobb........................... 44 Moose Hunting in Maine by Jim Andrews................... 35 Snowmobiling in Maine by Steve Carpenteri............. 39 Sporting Dogs by Michael Browning............................ 29

www.MaineSportsman.com

MANAGING EDITOR: Will Lund will@mainesportsman.com OFFICE MANAGER: Carol Lund carol@mainesportsman.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Kristina Roderick kristina@mainesportsman.com ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Nancy Carpenter nancy@mainesportsman.com DISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR: Carol Lund distribution@mainesportsman.com Second class postage paid at Scarborough, ME 04074 and additional entry offices. All editorial inquiries should be emailed to will@mainesportsman.com Phone: 207-622-4242 Postmaster: Send address changes to: The Maine Sportsman, 183 State Street, Suite 101, Augusta, ME 04330 12-Month Subscription: $30 • 24-Month Subscription: $49

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GUEST COLUMNS & SPECIAL SECTIONS

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2023 • 5

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6 • October 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————

Attean Lake Lodge

Imagine a place where time seems to stand still, where the world slows down, and all your worries and stress just melt away. That place is Attean Lake Lodge’s Family-Friendly Getaway. Situated on a secluded island on the stunning Attean Lake just south of Jackman, Maine,

our lakeside cabins offer a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel a sense of calm wash over you as you take in the breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding wilderness. As you settle into your cozy cabin, you’ll realize that this is not your typical vacation – there are no distractions from technology or the outside world. Instead, you’ll spend your days exploring the island and the lake, fishing for trout or bass, or just soaking up the sun on the sandy beaches. There are plenty of activities for families to enjoy, from kayaking to hiking to playing board games in the lodge. Mealtimes are a highlight at Attean Lake Lodge. You’ll savor home-cooked meals made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, and enjoy the company of other guests and our friendly staff. After dinner, gather around the fire pit for s’mores and storytelling, or retire to your cabin for some peaceful downtime. Attean Lake Lodge has been family-owned for four generations, and that legacy shines through in everything we do. Owners Barrett and Josie Holden

have preserved the lodge’s rustic charm while providing modern amenities like solar power and 24/7 wifi. Escape and recharge at Attean Lake Lodge’s Family-Friendly Getaway, and discover the joys of nature, family time, and unplugging from the outside world.

Matagamon Wilderness

Matagamon Wilderness is located 26 miles west of Patten, and 1-1/2 miles from the North Entrance of Baxter State Park. Nestled on the East Branch of the Penobscot River, and featuring a private boat launch on Grand Lake Matagamon, the cabins and campground are right off ITS 85, known for its scenic snowmobiling. For sportsmen, Matagamon specializes in guiding hunters as they participate in trophy black bear, moose, whitetail deer, coyote and partridge hunting, in some of the best habitats in Maine. The region also offers native brook trout and landlock salmon fishing on some of Maine’s most pristine waters. The camp is currently booking for 2024 spring and fall hunts. There are plenty of other outdoor activities available, for each season of the year: Spring/Summer: Boating, canoeing, fishing, hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, swimming, relaxing, tubing in the river, and camping fun. Fall: Hunting, fishing, leaf-peeping, and relaxation. Winter: Ice fishing, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and www.MaineSportsman.com

relaxing. The Cabins at Matagamon Wilderness are located on a quiet road across the river from the store. Two of the cabins, Deer Yard and Bears Den, have new bathroom facilities. All the cabins are great four-season getaways. Cabins include the “Moose Shed,” the largest cabin, which offers an indoor full bath, running water and refrigerator. Its combination of double beds, twins, queens and bunks sleep 12 people. For those who prefer camping out to cabins, Matagamon Wilderness Campground is a nice quiet, family friendly campground, and the owners welcome all campers to come and enjoy the facilities. There are plenty of campground activities in which to participate all year long, including: Annual Lobster Bake: On the Saturday of the 4th of July weekend, they

hold a huge lobster bake, with all sorts of food – lobster, hamburgers, hot dogs, potatoes, corn, eggs, onions, chips, soda, and blueberry cake. Pot Luck Dinners: They hold a pot luck dinner at the picnic area in front of the store periodically throughout the camping season. Bean-Hole Bean Dinners: They also periodically have bean-hole dinners, and provide the bean-hole beans, homemade bread or rolls, and water, lemonade or ice tea. Joe & Sue Christianson have owned Matagamon for 25 years. Joe is a Master Guide, and Sue is a Master Cook. It’s a family operation, including the assistance of their son, Allen, who is a Master Maine Guide and who works at the camps, as does his wife Brandi. Also on site is one of their daughters, Katie Gowell and her husband Sasha. Sasha has his Maine Guides License, and provides guiding services for guests at the camp. Katie is the Owner of “The Moose is Loose Ice Cream Shoppe,” and both Katie and Sasha tend Gowell’s Bait, where they sell night crawlers all year round. Call to book your stay at Matagamon, 207-446-4635.

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2023 • 7

Letters To The Editor

Moose Biologist Appreciates Good Information

To the Editor: Kudos to Staci Warren for tackling a difficult topic in her “Moose Meat Challenges” column (Maine Sportsman, September, 2023). We appreciate it when writers do their research, understand the subject matter, and present the facts to readers in a clear and concise manner. Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has worked to develop a number of informative resources for hunters on the important elements of moose and moose hunting – see, for example, the comprehensive moose hunting section of our website at mefishwildlife.com/ moosehunt, or the updated “Maine Moose Hunting Guide” and the department’s “Adaptive Hunt Packet,” which constitute excellent primers

for first-time moose hunters and veterans alike. Lee Kantar, State Moose Biologist, Bangor —

Not a Fan of Striper Slot Limit

To the Editor: It’s messed up to have a slot limit for stripers. It is the last year of that fish’s life before it is big enough to get caught in a trawler’s net and not be able to escape. So they have made it so that the sportsman can only have one year of that fish’s life to be able to catch it (which is an astronomical chance to do in the first place), and then it is gone. Why don’t they do something to restrict or stop all the foreign vessels off our coast from over-fishing our pogie, striper and bluefish stocks so the poor fisherman trying to feed his family can catch something so their family doesn’t starve? And I know that you know what I am talking about when I say the government allows them to overfish our waters. James Bailey (Continued on next page)

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Letters (Continued from page 7) The Editor responds: James: Thank you for writing to express your concerns. I took your note to our resident experts. They believe that your comments about the foreign fleet might have been applicable years ago. However, that pressure was alleviated when the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ, otherwise known as the 200-mile limit) was established. That federal law currently prohibits foreign vessels from fishing in U.S. waters. And regarding concerns over trawlers’ nets, in general those boats trawl offshore, in deep water. Stripers, on the other hand, are a coastal species.

Although she is correct that the eggs may have been warehoused for 4 – 6 weeks before delivery to the store, I believe they may have been refrigerated in the warehouse and again in the store. Brian MacLeod The Editor responds: Thank you for writing, Brian. Refrigerating eggs is a topic about which there are differing viewpoints. Although in the US, consumers are advised to refrigerate eggs, in many countries in Europe and around the world (and possibly in Maine, if you purchase eggs directly from the farmer), eggs are not washed as part of the processing, and folks consider it safe to store those eggs at room temperature for up to two weeks. —

Must Hen’s Eggs be Refrigerated?

Agrees with Joe – Don’t Take Risky Shots

To the Editor: In the Maine Sportsman’s September issue, Lisa DeHart states in her “Three Minutes with a Maine Guide” column (“Eat Like a King on a Canoe Trip,” Almanac, p. 14) that eggs will last fine unrefrigerated in their cardboard container, so long as you keep them dry. However, according to the Egg Safety Center, the rule of thumb for eggs is that you can leave them on the counter about two hours at room temperature or one hour if the temperature is 90 degrees F or hotter, before you start to worry.

To the Editor: I just wanted to say that Joe Saltalamachia’s article on ethics in the September issue (see “When Our Ethic Costs Us,” p. 22) is a must-read, and reread, for many hunters. As an ethical, lifelong deer hunter, I have passed up on the chance for many whitetails by not wanting to take a risky shot. Nothing burns me more than hearing “hunters” talk about losing a blood trail and giving up on the animal they wounded, only to repeat it again in the season.

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Bobcat in the Yard To the Editor: My friend, Roger Huppe of Alfred went to the shed in his backyard. Then he heard a hissing sound. He spotted a bobcat, and was able to snap this picture.

The bobcat stood its ground, as if it were protecting something, and Roger backed off. I thought your readers would appreciate the photo. Craig Linscott, North Berwick, ME —

Vendor Interest in 2024 State of Maine Sportsman’s Show To the Editor: I am writing for information on the 2024 State of Maine Sportsman’s Show, that will be held April 19 – 21, 2024 at the Augusta Civic Center. Can you provide me with some information regarding booth size options? We will be a new vendor. We operate 207 Outfitters, a hunting, fishing and trapping outfitter here in Maine. Thank you very much. Seth Edwards, Palmyra, ME The Office Manager responds: Thank you for writing, Seth, and thank you for your interest in the 2024 State of Maine Sportsman’s Show. We here at the Sportsman have already been busy planning for the 2024 show, meeting with our co-producers of the show, Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine (SAM). For new vendors, send me a description of your product or service (including website and photos), and tell me how your business relates to Maine hunting, fishing or outdoor recreation. Include your contact information (name, ad(Continued on next page)

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

dress, email, and phone number). For those prospective exhibitors who are currently on our wait list, we will be offering new vendor applications starting in January. —

Tomah the Moose Guide To the Editor: I am writing in regard to my trophy moose photo in The Maine Sportsman’s moose issue (see Moose Patch Club display, p. 40, September issue). In my information sent to your office, I listed my father as the witness. I am writing to add an important fact – my excellent guide was Charles Tomah. I was wondering if there is any way to make certain he gets well-deserved recognition.

and applied for a patch, I also received a sticker, which I put on my truck. However, I just traded it in, and scraped off the old sticker. Is it possible to get another sticker for my new truck? Daniel Wadman, Ellsworth, ME The Office Manager responds: Thank you for your note, Daniel. Hunters who need a replacement sticker can send us

the following information, with a $10 replacement fee: year of their hunt, description of the buck (so we can look it up in our records here), and the reason why the replacement is needed. Payment can also be made with a card, by calling our office during business hours, Monday – Friday, 9 – 4. Carol Lund, Office Manager

Guide Charles Tomah, and youth hunter Maeryn Mercier.

Charles was my guide for Thursday, September 29, 2022. He went above and beyond to make sure that I harvested a moose. I want to give credit where credit is due. Maeryn Mercier Grand Lake Stream, ME The Editor responds: Consider it done, Maeryn. —

Traded Truck; Needs New Biggest Bucks Sticker To the Editor: I have an unusual situation and I need your help. When I got my 2021 biggest buck www.MaineSportsman.com

10 • October 2023 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

Tips for More Accurate Handgun Shooting Follow these hints about grip, sight picture and even a slight modification to limit trigger travel, and you’ll be shooting bullseyes in no time. It all started some years ago when I received an invitation from a friend to join him in a handgun practice session at the Tri-City Fish and Game Association’s indoor shooting range in Hallowell. He lent me his .22 Colt Woodsman. I had not had any prior handgun instruction or handgun target practice, and I enjoyed the evening. I stuck with it for a time. Eventually, I found that with a bit of luck, I could put ten shots in a one-inch circle of a fifty-foot target. Here is some of

what I learned. The Hold First, hold the handgun in a consistent fashion for all your shots, in a comfortable, firm grip. When the bullet exits the barrel, it exerts an upward push to the barrel. A loose grip will send your shot higher. A tight grip will send your shot lower. Try to maintain a consistent grip. Sight Picture Second, try for a consistent six o’clock sight picture. That is, the front sight evenly centered within the gaps formed by the

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“patridge”-type rear sight, and the top even with the top elements of the rear sight. Then, position the round circle of the target above – and just touching – the front sight. Trigger Pull When the sight picture is correct, start to tighten the trigger finger. When the sight picture becomes less than perfect, stop tightening the trigger finger, but don’t slack it off. When the sight picture is correct again, increase pressure on the trigger. If your arm or arms become tired, relax and rest, but keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. If you follow the process, the gun

The author’s Colt Woodsman .22 semi-automatic, showing the epoxy “trigger pad” he inserted to eliminate excessive trigger travel, or “backlash,” after each shot. Joan Sturmthal photo

should fire only when the sight picture is correct. Bull’s eye! Modification There are a number of things an owner can do to improve the accuracy of a .22 autoloading handgun, and most are beyond the reach of this short piece. However, I found a simple fix that im-

proved my Colt Woodsman: reducing the travel of the trigger after the shot is fired. We referred to it as the “backlash,” but that may not be the correct term. After making sure again the gun was not loaded, I carefully cleaned the back side of the trigger, and then placed a small dab of (Continued on next page)

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�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2023 • 11 (Continued from page 10)

epoxy resin on the back side of the trigger. Then I waited for it to harden. The epoxy pad blocked the path of the trigger pull, and prevented the gun from fir-

ing. Next, I protected the gun’s blueing with a layer of electrician’s tape, and reduced the thickness of the epoxy pad by inserting a strip of fine sandpaper behind the trigger and

Trophy Gallery

the epoxy, and drawing out the sandpaper while gently pressing the trigger. I repeated the process until the epoxy pad allowed the gun to fire. This process reduced the backlash to zero.

Many years later, the handgun still shoots well. DISCLAIMER: Now, if you try this out, and have somehow not removed enough epoxy for reliable operation, and in a critical mo-

ment your handgun won’t fire and a mountain lion eats you alive, don’t complain to me. P.S.: If you can learn to shoot a handgun accurately, a rifle should be a piece of cake.

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So You Want to Be an Outdoor Writer? Folks occasionally ask me how they can become outdoor communicators, and my answer could be detailed and involved, but usually neither one of us has the time to give and get the full spiel. So I’ve decided to write down some things that might help aspiring outdoor writers and photographers. Now, you must realize you almost always can’t make a living doing the job full-time, but it is fun and rewarding, and it can open up a world of places you normally wouldn’t – or couldn’t afford – to visit. Ideally, you want to be both a writer and a photographer so you can illustrate your own articles with your own photographs, and not leave it to editors or art directors to use photos they have on hand. Today, everyone with a smartphone is

The author says he feels a great deal of anticipation and excitement as he waits for his work to be published – like a kid just before Christmas. And when it’s published, “the finished product you hold in your hands is like a nicely-wrapped present under the tree.” an image-maker, but very few actually are photographers. More on that below. My Start I began outdoor writing almost 40 years ago, and never did I consider it for a full-time job. The same is true in my retirements. I write when and what I want to, and money earned usually is directed toward my outdoor interests, such as buying a gun or fly rod I probably don’t need, but must have. Established outdoor writers can receive discounts on outdoor gear, including guns and fishing rods, but there are ethical considerations that should be followed.

My outdoor writing/photography mentor was the late Lefty Kreh. He helped me along the way for over 20 years, and we spent a lot of time traveling and fishing together. All photos by King Montgomery www.MaineSportsman.com

Writing There are a lot of outdoor writers out there, but there are relatively few very good ones. If you can, find a mentor who can help you navigate the outdoor writing environment. My friend Bruce Ingram called it “Magazine World,” and it has its own set of rules, often filled with potential pitfalls. One of the first things to do is to write some articles based on your fishing or hunting experiences. The next time you go fishing, for example, write what you consider to be a magazine article. Do this regardless of the number and size of fish you caught, or if you had a good time, or if the weather was

inclement and you got wet and cold, or anything else. Just write like you’re talking to someone about the venture. And have some photographs to illustrate your words. Limit yourself to no more than about 1,500 words, and no fewer than 1,000. If you have a mentor or are still in school and know a teacher or professor who gladly would help, or anyone else you trust to read it, give it to them for comment. This, of course, is after you have proof-read it a number of times. If you have a local or regional outdoors or other publication, consider sending your article to it, and include several photos. An “other” publica-

I use my photographs of a trip as a notebook that lets me refer to images to write any subsequent articles.

tion mentioned above could be any small distribution product or home-town newspaper. Before you send in copy and pictures, make sure your work conforms to the style of the receiving publication. Note that the publication can be either in a paper or digital format (or both). Some outlets prefer you send a brief query beforehand on what your article is about. Once you establish credibility in outdoor communicating, join an association of like-minded folks such as a state or regional outdoor communicators association. (I’m a member of – and recommend – the New England Outdoor Writers Association (www.neowa.org)). This opens up more opportunities, including product discounts; and it establishes your credentials to query other regional and national outlets. (Continued on next page)

This image shows not only the Mousam River in Kennebunk, but also the nets employed to capture live elvers. Always take long and close-in photos.

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2023 • 13

Take close-ups of fly boxes, aquatic insects that land on you or your fishing rod, or the boat, and anything else of interest. I’ve used my iPhone to get very usable macro photos. (Continued from page 12)

It also gives you bona fides to query outdoor lodges and sporting camps for discounted or complimentary visits. Photography Use a good smartphone such as an iPhone model in the teens (mine is an iPhone 13) for most of your outdoor photography except for zooming out to distance. For the telephoto stuff, you’ll need a good SLR-style digital instrument paired with a variable lens that can take fairly close shots, ands zoom out to at least 200mm. My grab camera is an (now) older Nikon 7100 with a Tamron 18-400mm lens. This is not the best high-resolution rig, but it can take a good photo of my wife hold-

Insert a little history into your articles, and take photos accordingly. For centuries, lamb in Chile have been slowly grilled next to hot coals, and it’s an honor to be invited to dinner by the local residents.

ing a fish usually larger than one I caught that day, and zoom to capture a moose on the shoreline a hundred or so yards away. It produces quality photos for newsprint and slick page outlets. Learn to use your smartphone or tablet photo editing program that comes with the device. I edit over 95% of my photos on an iPad 13 Pro that is synched with my iPhone. (The iPhone photos go to the iPad automatically when they are in proximity.) If I need more precision, my big computer has a more advanced editing application. Do not take photos or videos with your smartphone in the vertical position. Seldom are vertical photographs used by digital or print magazines. Vertical covers are an

A gray fox in Kennebunkport struts its stuff. Including wildlife photos adds a nice dimension to an article. This and most of my other wildlife photos are taken with a Nikon SLR and a variable lens that zooms out.

exception. Look at your television, or a movie screen, or computer, or most magazines and newspapers: the images are horizontal! And it looks pretty stupid, for example, when you see a vertical smartphone video or photo on your horizontal TV screen. (If I were in charge, all smartphones would be disabled from taking vertical photos and videos most of the time. (Thanks for letting me vent on this major pet peeve of mine.) Image-makers take almost nothing but vertical phone shots, while true photographers turn the phone sideways! Benefits & Perks of Outdoor Writing Besides the aforementioned discount on outdoor products, once you’re established in the outdoor writing

Humor always is good in outdoor articles, and a photo that evokes smiles not only reminds you of the great time you had, but also shares part of the experience with readers.

world, you can work with destination businesses for comp visits to gather information for articles. For example, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Alaska, several islands in The Bahamas, Labrador, Mexico, Bermuda, Belize, Chile, and other locations multiple times. The trips were either fully or partially compensated by the outdoor establishment visited. Some journeys included comp or discounted air travel as well. Add dozens of trips within the Continental USA, and you readily can see some benefits from being an outdoor writer/photographer. Even more important to me is the satisfaction you feel after researching and writing/photographing an outdoor article. While waiting for the work

Take close-ups of food when you’re visiting camps, lodges or resorts together stuff for future articles in magazines and/or on the internet. Always comment on the chef or cook, servers, and other staff members.

to come out in a magazine, you feel like a kid just before Christmas. The finished product you hold in your hands is like a nicely-wrapped present under the tree. Ethical behavior in outdoor communicating is a huge consideration, and we always must be upright and straightforward in how we represent ourselves, how we handle complimentary trips or products, and how we behave in the outdoor industry at large. There is so much more to share with you on how to be an outdoor writer, but the publisher and editor of this magazine limit the number of words in articles. If you become an outdoor communicator, you’ll get used to it. Welcome to “Magazine World.”

A radiant brook trout photo always adds to articles. Take close-ups, in addition to shots that include the fish, angler and guide. Also take photos of the stream, river, lake, or pond to give readers a good idea of terrain where the fishing occurs. www.MaineSportsman.com

14 • October 2023 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

“Snapshots in Time”

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

The One-Armed Angler – a True Story Written Up by Fly Rod Crosby Introduction: The following appeared in the June 16, 1905, edition of MAINE WOODS. It was penned by none other than the celebrated Cornelia “Fly Rod” Crosby. I have often wondered how Mr. Spaulding lost his arm. The Civil War took many a limb, and that conflict had

I stopped at Bemis one day recently, just long enough to eat a good dinner and learn the best fish story thus far of the season. From the Bemis Wharf, different folks had declared they had seen a big trout swimming around. All agreed it was a big fellow – an old settler of Bemis Bay. All kinds of tempting bait had been dangled before its nose, but the old beauty did not feel hungry, or had perhaps by an experience of his own in bygone days learned not to yield to temptation. The old story, so much like human life, has been repeated, however, and Mr. Trout has been hooked. This is the story: ***** E. J. Spaulding, who for several years has been in Capt. Barker’s employ, having charge of the store, was most unfortunate years ago and lost

An 11-pound, 4-ounce brook trout, caught on 40 feet of line, with no net … one handed! ended just 40 years prior, so was he a veteran? Or perhaps it had been a lum-

bering or industrial accident? Although I have searched his name in many old records, I never found out. Regardless, Fly Rod is right – it makes for an even greater fish story. Just think … a 11-pound 4-ounce Brookie, on 40 feet of line, with no net … one handed!

Fly Rod’s Notebook

Today, the One-Armed Angler’s giant brook trout graces the walls of the Outdoor Heritage Museum in Oquossoc. Bill Pierce photo

his right arm, yet he seems to accomplish everything he undertakes. All the fishing tackle about the place was in use, except one old rod and reel with some forty feet of cotton line that no one thought of using. Business was dull, and Mr. Spaulding – having a few minutes leisure –

took this old rod, and putting some nice fat angleworms on the hook, went out onto the wharf a few feet from the store, and dropped the hook into the water. Quickly, there was a splash and a fight, for Mr. Trout had yielded to the temptation of a good supper. Off came the reel from the rod, but the one-armed fisherman held the rod tightly between his knees, grasped the line in his left hand and pulled, holding it with his teeth, taking a new hold whenever a foot or two of the line was brought in. The fish came up onto the wharf, flopping and jumping – the biggest trout that has been seen at Bemis for years: 11 pounds, 4 ounces by the Fairbanks scales in the store. This trout is at Nash’s to be mounted. – Fly Rod

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Almanac

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2023 • 15

Three Minutes with a Maine Guide

Compiled and Edited by — Will Lund —

The Art of the Tarp by Lisa DeHart

Nothing makes you feel invincible like sitting by a fire under a tarp in the absolute pouring rain. If you’re a canoe Guide, you won’t see a vehicle or a roof for days and days at a time. It’s essential that you know how to set a tarp you can cook for a dozen people under; have a nice warm fire protected by a tarp people can comfortably stand under; sit at a picnic table; change out of soaking wet rain gear so they don’t have to get their tent wet, and so they can warm themselves and relax, in the romance and adventure that’s on every river. If you’re gonna have a nice fire under that tarp you gotta get that tarp high enough. I don’t know a single river Guide who can’t pole a canoe, so we all use our setting poles to get the tarp 9-10 feet up. If you don’t pole, that’s OK – poles are lying all over the woods, almost like they grew on trees. When you gather your

Photo: Dave Conley

firewood, save out two lengths that you don’t cut up and burn. You only need two knots – clove hitches to tie the tarp to the pole, and taut-line hitches to tie the poles to the trees (and to set the stakes). There is an app called “3D Knots” that’s really good. You can control the speed of the presentation, and even turn the image 360 degrees. It makes learning the basics of knot tying visual and friendly.

Clove hitches go over the two poles that are at opposite sides of the tarp, to form a ridge line. Unlike a usual ridge line, you get a lot more height, and more important, a rope is not touching the inside of your tarp, where the wind can rub a hole in it. Taut-line hitches secure the four corners, and the nature of this knot allows you to adjust the lines. If it’s raining and you don’t have a roof, you don’t have a fire, and if you don’t have a fire, you don’t have hot food. However, with a tarp, you can have a roof and a fire wherever you go – no matter what the weather is doing. Now that’s security. —

Guide Talk #1 Building “Camp Fork-Horn” by John LaMarca

It’s almost here – the time for which many of us wait all year long – the (Continued on next page)

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16 • October 2023 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

Almanac

and propane heat run to the cabin, hunting out of your blind is a very relaxing and effective way to get hunting in the woods in any weather for years and years to come. —

(Continued from page 15)

white-tailed deer firearms season. Like many others, I enjoy getting out in the woods, still-hunting, or cutting a track in pursuit of a big buck. However, since I have young kids, it can be a challenge to get away as often or for Camp Fork-Horn, as long as I used to. fully assembled In recognition of and in place. Pho- this life change, tos: John LaMarca and planning for future young hunters, I created a .6-acre “Honey Hole” hunting plot with a lofted hunting cabin-style blind we named “Camp ForkHorn.” Deer frequent this area, allowing me to guide hunters. It’s also constructed such that as my kids get older, I can introduce them to hunting in a safe and comfortable setting. Start by checking sources such as Facebook Marketplace for materials. “Camp Fork-Horn” started its life as a shed tucked behind a little Bed & Breakfast in Bar Harbor. The primary quality that attracted me was that it still had “good bones” – only a little rot – and best of all, it was FREE! With the cost of materials being

Using your Boat’s VHF Radio is Both a Science and an Art Whitetail deer are plentiful in the area around Camp Fork-Horn. The author recommends extensively scouting your property before locating a hunting structure.

The boating organization BoatUS recently put out a press release on the use of VHF radios on boats. It got us thinking about how the radios are used, especially in Casco Bay, what they are, having four walls, a door, which sees an incredible amount of boat windows, and a roof to start from, was a traffic during warm weather months. huge leg up and cost savings. It did reCasco Bay, especially the Fore River quire breaking the shed down into wall (which divides Portland and South Portsections, loading them onto a trailer land) is phenomenally busy – private with the roof on top, and bringing them and charter sailboats zig-zag back and home for reconstruction. forth across the narrow opening; Casco After re-building the shed on my Bay line ferries charge in and out of the front lawn in a manner more conducive Maine State Pier on their ways to the isto hunting rather than storing garden lands; lobster boats and fishing trawlers tools, I disassembled it and called in enter and exit the area at all times of some help to bring the individual piecthe day and night; and powerboats of all es to the final location. It’s important sizes, from lake boats that aren’t really to consider the angle and placement of designed for salt water’s larger swells, your hunting blind, taking into account to mega-yachts with captains and crew, your entrance and exit strategy from the pull into the slips and docks at Fore blind, the deer travel patterns that lead Points Marina, DiMillo’s and several to the blind, and forage drawing the deer other marinas that are located on the to the spot. You also want to angle the South Portland side. building so as to provide the best shot Add to that the monstrous oil tankopportunity. ers, guided by the Portland Pilot and I recommend taking the time to nudged along by tugboats, passing by on heavily scout the area where you intend their way under the raised ramps of the to build your blind. All that efMillion Dollar Bridge to offloading tanks fort will be for nothing, if you upriver. build the best blind in an area VHF radios are a primary means of with no deer! broadcasting notifications from one boat With a little elbow grease, to all others. Channel 16 is the “hailing some siding, stain, metal roof frequency” through which initial information is communicated. If it’s necessary for two vessels to continue a dialog, frequently they’ll agree to “go down one” or “go up one” (i.e., change their radios to Channel 15 or 17), thereby keeping Channel 16 free for others to use, including the Coast Guard, for emergency calls and information. A common and routine but extremely important role of Chanwww.sun-mar.com nel 16 is the “Security Call,” whereby an inCome Visit Us at Our New Location Just 2 Doors Up! coming or outgoing vesNow owned and operated by Gary Coleman, who has been doing service work for General Appliance for 35 years – nothing has changed! sel announces that it Still Here Serving Up First-Class Customer Service! will be moving through

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�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2023 • 17

Photo: BoatUS

a narrow area. For example, Long Wharf Slipway serves recreational boats affiliated with DiMillo’s Marina and Chandler’s Wharf Marina. However, it’s also home to lobster tour boats, the Islander ferry, whale-watch boats, and even Harbor Queen, a mammoth tour boat that’s more than 85 feet long and over 30 feet wide. When these commercial boats are moving through the slipway, there’s simply no room for any other boats. That’s why it’s important to monitor and understand Channel 16 broadcasts. A typical call goes as follows: “Security Call – this is Islander, approaching Long Wharf Slipway. All concerned traffic monitor Channel 16. Islander standing by.” The call is made before the incoming boat’s captain can see down the length of the docks to determine whether the path

is clear. Therefore, it’s incumbent on the captain of a boat that’s, for example, positioned across the width of the slipway, to get right on the radio: “Islander, this is Sightseer. We are in the process of backing into a slip, and we will clear out of your way as soon as possible. Sightseer, standing by on Channel 16.” This response allows the vessel entering the slipway to slow down – although all boats are supposed to be maintaining headway speed, slowing a large vessel down quickly is not an easy task. More than once, we’ve witnessed commercial boats entering the slipway, and discovering that a small recreational craft is floating directly in its path, the operator and passengers gawking at the latest gleaming white foreign-registered yacht. Beginner ocean boaters don’t have a radio, or don’t have it on, or don’t understand the importance of the routine notifications, or don’t know exactly where they are (a notification that a large boat is entering Long Wharf Slipway is meaningful only if you know you’re in that slipway). The result is an immediate reversal of the large boat’s engines, the piercing sound of the big boat’s horn, and many raised voices and terrified crew of the smaller boat as a large bow bears down on them. Learn how to use a VHF radio. Don’t

be the operator of that small boat.

Guide Talk #2 Bandits in the Night by John LaMarca

With the crisp autumn air and color-changing foliage, hunters are now gearing up for a wide range of seasons. For some of those hunters, their minds do not shift solely to deer, moose or bear. Instead, they think of the traditional practice of using hounds to hunt for racoons at night. Raccoon hunting gained its popularity in the 1800s, when hunters could sell a raccoon fur for 25 cents. This doesn’t sound like a lot of money, but when you consider inflation, it would be the buying power of about $6 today. With raccoons aplenty, this could result in quite a payday for a night of hunting. Many folks nowadays get their first exposure to raccoon hunting from the classic 1961 children’s novel and resulting movie, “Where the Red Fern Grows,” by Wilson Rawls, about a boy who purchases and trains two Redbone Coonhounds for hunting. A raccoon hunter lives and dies by the partnership and training of a good dog. It’s crucial for hunting raccoons, as the dog is a master of tracking, locating, (Continued on next page)

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18 • October 2023 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

Almanac (Continued from page 17) and treeing the raccoon. Then it’s the hunter’s job to find the raccoon in the tree. Raccoons have “tapetum lucidum” eyes, which is the fancy way of saying their eyes shine in the dark. When hunters are searching a tree, raccoons will remain still, sometimes hiding their eyes and blending in with the tree. With any luck and a good headlamp, eventually their telltale eyes will give away their position. Like many other furs, raccoon furs are not worth a great deal of money these days. However, raccoon hunting is a great way to help in the conservation of other animals. For instance, raccoons are a major predator of turkey eggs. Since turkeys are ground-nesting birds, raccoons will often sneak in and pilfer all the turkey eggs from the nest. This year, raccoon season runs October 2 through December 30. During a recent season, I had the opportunity to go raccoon hunting with a fellow who owns an American Leopard Hound. The hound’s name is “Jed” (the dog’s full name, “Sir-Jed-Trees-A-Lot,” evokes medieval splendor). Jed bayed up two raccoons that night – a 25-pounder, and an even larger 35-pounder (see photo). It’s an unforgettable experience – walking in the woods in the pitch dark, so quiet you could hear a pin drop, only to hear, off in the distance, Jed’s tri-

The author (left), his hunting buddy (right), and in the center, “Sir-Jed-TreesA-Lot,” his buddy’s American Leopard Hound.

umphant bay piercing the silence, with a great AROOOOOO signaling he’d tracked a raccoon and the hunt was on. See more on raccoons on page 20 of this issue, as Tom Seymour (“Maine Wildlife”) tells of his life-long battle against what he considers to be among the most destructive animals in our state. —

Treating Gunshot Wounds by Stacey Wheeler RN

In the movie Forrest Gump, our hero is shot in the buttocks by sniper fire in Viet Nam, and he utters the memorable line, “Ah! Something bit me.” Because of his character’s understated, matter-of-

I am a ninth generation Maine native. My new book is a true account of my hunting life throughout America, Canada, and one trip to South Africa. I discuss firearm collecting and restoration by hand methods and rust bluing. Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop. www.MaineSportsman.com

fact telling of the incident, the scene is designed to evoke grim humor, However, gunshot wounds are clearly no laughing matter, and it’s a situation no one expects to encounter when hunting in the woods of Maine. However, thinking about the possibility, and preparing a plan of action, could be very important in preserving your health or the health of others. As with many types of accidents, prevention is your first defense. Knowing how to properly handle and carry your firearm reduces your risk of an accidental discharge. Modeling appropriate behavior for younger or less-experienced hunters helps keep both you and them safe. If after all precautions are followed, an unfortunate accident still occurs, follow these steps: Get To Safety: If able, get to a safe location, and immediately call 911. Do not move the victim if the victim has been shot in the back or in the neck. Stop the Bleeding: There are three approaches: 1. Apply a tourniquet 2 - 3 inches above the wound site. 2. Apply direct pressure and firmly hold for a minimum of 5 - 10 minutes. 3. Apply a dressing to help the wound clot. This can be a t-shirt, a towel, or dressing from your first aid kit. Don’t Elevate the Legs: Elevating the legs in a gunshot wound victim can make the wound bleed more profusely or cause breathing difficulty. If the victim is awake, move them into a comfortable position. If the victim is unconscious, place the victim in the “recovery position,” meaning on their left side, with their upper leg bent and their head tilted slightly back, to promote a clear breathing passageway. Gunshot wounds are puncture wounds, but they are not straightforward in the way of other types of puncture wounds, since the slug may have caused unseen internal damage. CPR may be necessary for chest or abdomen wounds. Since proper treatment may be well beyond the scope of field management, your first move – as stated above – must be to seek medical treatment immediately.

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2023 • 19

Quotable

Sportsman by Will Lund

“Jesika’s husband introduced her to the ‘run and gun’ style of wild turkey hunting. It’s an active, more aggressive type of hunting in which the hunter doesn’t remain stationary, but rather moves and changes positions to locate birds and call them in.” “Year-Round Maine Outdoorswoman – Jesika Lucarelli,” North American Outdoorsman magazine, August 2023 issue. The article focuses on Ms. Lucarelli, of Great Mountain Guide Service in Medway. Lucarelli was also featured in the digital magazine’s June, 2023 issue, in an article titled “How to Select a Canoe.” — “Take Charge” The name of a Pendleton Boat Yard’s new fully electric-powered outboard boat. Judy Long of Orrington submitted the winning entry in a contest to name the boat, beating out almost 300 other contestants. The yard, located in Islesboro, will use the boat, powered by a 40-hp Flux Marine outboard and charged with solar power, for service calls, moving equipment and material, and other routine jobs. Source: The Working Waterfront; September 2023

Flux electric outboards range in power from 15 to 100 hp.

— “Eight teams participated in removing 148 invasive Rusty crayfish from the Rangeley Lakes Region.

Total weight of the invasive crayfish was 2 lbs. 3 oz. The winning team, the ‘Hunter Cove Crayfish Killers,’ collected 70 Rusty crayfish, including 36 females, with a total weight of 1 lb. 1 oz.” Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust, reporting on the results of the first annual week-long Invasive Rusty Crayfish Contest.

October 2023 Sunrise/Sunset Bangor, ME DATE RISE SET 1 Sun 6:31 6:17 2 Mon 6:32 6:16 3 Tue 6:33 6:14 4 Wed 6:35 6:12 5 Thu 6:36 6:10 6 Fri 6:37 6:08 7 Sat 6:38 6:06 8 Sun 6:40 6:05 9 Mon 6:41 6:03 10 Tue 6:42 6:01 11 Wed 6:43 5:59 12 Thu 6:45 5:57 13 Fri 6:46 5:56 14 Sat 6:47 5:54 15 Sun 6:49 5:52 16 Mon 6:50 5:50

DATE RISE SET 17 Tue 6:51 5:49 18 Wed 6:52 5:47 19 Thu 6:54 5:45 20 Fri 6:55 5:44 21 Sat 6:56 5:42 22 Sun 6:58 5:40 23 Mon 6:59 5:39 24 Tue 7:00 5:37 25 Wed 7:02 5:36 26 Thu 7:03 5:34 27 Fri 7:04 5:33 28 Sat 7:06 5:31 29 Sun 7:07 5:30 30 Mon 7:08 5:28 31 Tue 7:10 5:27

October 2023 Tides Portland, ME DATE Mae Derrig, Hanna Pitkin, and their faithful dog Straberry, collect invasive Rusty crayfish from Rangeley Lake at night.

— “In Maine, a permit is required to own most wild birds or animals. Several species are prohibited as pets, including bear, moose, wild turkey, deer, lion, cheetah, wolf, monkey, camel, alligator, monk parakeet, and mute swan. But the emu, domestic ferret, sugar glider, and chinchilla are allowed without a permit.” Source: Townsquare Media, Inc. and WJBQ.com — “Our visit was wonderful, but we never saw any bears. Please train your bears to be where guests can see them. This was an expensive trip to not get to see bears.” Written comment left by a guest at Yellowstone National Park lodge.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

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

HIGH AM PM 12:43 1:02 1:33 1:49 2:25 2:37 3:18 3:29 4:16 4:26 5:17 5:27 6:18 6:30 7:20 7:33 8:17 8:30 9:07 9:20 9:50 10:04 10:29 10:44 11:04 11:22 11:36 11:58 — 12:08 12:34 12:40 1:10 1:14 1:48 1:52 2:30 2:35 3:19 3:26 4:15 4:25 5:19 5:31 6:25 6:40 7:31 7:49 8:32 8:53 9:26 9:50 10:16 10:44 11:04 11:36 11:50 — 12:26 12:36 1:15 1:22

LOW AM PM 6:48 7:18 7:35 8:09 8:23 9:01 9:13 9:57 10:09 10:57 11:08 — 12:00 12:12 1:04 1:16 2:04 2:17 2:57 3:09 3:40 3:54 4:18 4:34 4:52 5:10 5:24 5:46 5:56 6:21 6:29 6:57 7:04 7:35 7:43 8:17 8:25 9:05 9:14 9:59 10:10 10:59 11:13 — 12:03 12:20 1:09 1:30 2:12 2:37 3:09 3:36 4:01 4:30 4:49 5:21 5:36 6:11 6:23 6:59 7:09 7:47

www.MaineSportsman.com

20 • October 2023 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

Maine Wildlife:

My Lifetime Battle with

Raccoons

by Tom Seymour

Masked bandit, a common nickname for raccoons, Procyon lotor, suits the animal well. When I think of raccoons, nothing good comes to mind. All I can see is the masked bandit ransacking my trash can, spreading its contents far and wide. To that thought, I might add the picture of raccoons breaking down my cornstalks and eating all of the ripe corn that I had worked so hard to cultivate. To my mind, the raccoon is a thug, a thief and a vandal. This is not a vague anthropomorphism, either. The animals rightly fit the description. Raccoons must contribute to nature’s common weal in one small way or the other, but I have yet to find out how. Fringe Element Raccoon populations occur throughout the state, but the animals are fewer in dense forests. However, let a sporting lodge or hunting camp pop up in the middle of the forest and, as if by the waving of a magic wand, raccoons suddenly appear. Where do they come from? It reminds me of being far back in the woods and seeing house flies on a dead animal. How far did the insects have to travel to feed on this carrion? Likewise, how far did the raccoons have to go to find a lone human habitation in the middle of nowhere? More questions than answers, for sure. In general, we find more raccoons near civilization than we do in remote areas. Raccoons come to depend upon the edible leavings of society. Nothing is too stinky or gross for them to at least peruse. The same may be said of skunks, but we’re talking raccoons here. Indeed, suburban and small-town dwellers do not escape the ravages of local raccoons. Something that puzzles me about this is that while in rural settings, raccoons spend daytimes sleeping up in trees. So where do they sleep in built-up areas? If they took to the trees, someone would surely spot them. My guess is that they modify their sleeping habits, and seek the protection www.MaineSportsman.com

afforded by sheds and other outbuildings in the daytime. Urban and suburban raccoons have a relatively easy life, with more than enough cast-off foodstuffs to make them fat, happy and sassy. Raccoons in the wild at least need to work for most of their living. Sunflower Seed Stalker I now live on the outskirts of a small village. It has taken several years to build my gardens, and this year I had hoped to reap a bounty of hybrid sweet corn. Thoughts of raccoons never entered my mind. But now they have, because of an incident that occurred on my front porch. A black-oil sunflower seed feeder hangs off one side of the eaves of the porch roof. Not quite directly beneath this is a large planter filled with my favorite red geraniums. One morning I awoke to find the planter on its side, planting soil all over the porch, the geraniums unpotted and spread around. It was a mystery, at least for a while, as to what could have done this. Then I reconstructed the events that must have happened to cause this. A raccoon had used the planter as a stepping stool to reach the feeder. But its stepping stool fell over, and it couldn’t reach the feeder anyway. The animal must have mused over this for some time, but still the feeder hangs there, unmolested. So, then, the question remains, is this raccoon a local resident, or was it

just passing through? My house is in a valley, surrounded by mountains and hills. Hopefully, this was a one-off occurrence. On the other hand, it is possible that just as my corn reaches full ripeness, I may go to pick it and find none left. Such is the legacy of our friends the raccoons. Grudging Admiration For all their faults, raccoons have some admirable traits. Highly dexterous, intelligent, wary and strong, these animals seem almost unbeatable. Also, their acrobatics rival that of human gymnasts, except that raccoons lack our grace and style, as witnessed by the individual that fell off my flowerpot. As a raccoon hunter in the 1960s and 1970s, I pursued raccoons across much of rural Maine by the use of coonhounds. Sometimes it appeared as if the raccoon was deliberately toying with the dog, doubling back on its track in order to confound its pursuer. Other times, the raccoon would take to water – a place where a hound dog’s nose was of little use. I even became familiar with the raccoons that lived in certain areas – ones that never came to bay and always got away. I finally developed a grudging admiration for raccoons’ skills and mental abilities. Not Enough Despite this acknowledgment of a raccoon’s abilities, they are not enough to elevate the species to my well-liked list. Sorry.

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2023 • 21

Hunting with Your ATV by Steve Carpenteri Hunters who purchase an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) for recreational purposes or for use on the farm or family property almost immediately see the advantages of including the unit in their annual hunting plans. What better way to transport blinds, stands, hunting partners and everyone’s gear, and even the game they harvest? Equipping your machine for hunting is all a matter of advance planning and preparation, which should begin well before the season opens.

With a little planning, and a minimal amount of gear and accessories, you can turn your ATV into an indispensable hunting machine. Pre-Hunt Prep These days, hunters spend as much time setting up for the coming season as they do on the actual hunt. An ATV can save hunters many miles of walking, and hours of lugging gear and equipment, as food plots are prepared, trail cameras are set out, tree stands and blinds are put up, and shooting lanes are cut. Also, if those early-season trail cams indicate a shift in

game movement, the ATV can again be used to relocate stand and blinds, saving hunters many hours of intense labor as they work toward their goal of taking that trophy Maine buck, bear or moose. The process begins with ensuring that the ATV is in good working order, which may include replacing tires, and getting the vehicle tuned up and serviced with the necessary fluids and filters. Make sure that all lights,

operating systems, brakes and parking brakes are in working order, because the vehicle will see the most use in the hours of darkness before and after the hunt, when conditions may not be favorable for emergency field maintenance. Rig For Success Experienced hunters know that once a rifle, bow or muzzleloader is sighted in, it must be handled with kid gloves to ensure

that it will be dead-on when that 200-pound buck makes its appearance. It is folly to trust a cheap rack on your ATV to protect scopes and sights, and it is never a good idea to just toss a gun or bow into the back seat or cargo hold of your machine and expect it to be on target after bouncing around untethered for miles over rough terrain. The best approach is to transport guns and bows in a solid, padded case, which should then be strapped down to (Continued on next page)

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*Offer available on approved purchases of new 2021-2024 Yamaha Motorcycle, Scooter, ATV or Side by Side made on the Yamaha Credit Card issued by WebBank. Offer valid 7/26/2023-9/30/2023. Account must be open and current to be eligible for this offer. Promotional 5.99%, 7.99%, 12.49%,18.49% APR with minimum payments of 3.05%, 3.14%, 3.37%,or 3.64% respectively of the purchase price balance, based on your creditworthiness, are effective until the purchase is paid in full. Minimum interest charge $2 per month. Standard APR 15.99%-23.99%. Always wear your seat belt, helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Yamaha recommends that all Side-by-Side riders take an approved training course. For Side-by-Side safety and training information, see your dealer or call the ROHVA at 1-866-267-2751. Read the Owner’s Manual and the product warning labels before operation. Avoid excessive speeds and never engage in stunt riding. Always avoid paved surfaces and never ride on public roads. And be particularly careful on difficult terrain. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or other drugs; it is illegal and dangerous. Models shown with optional accessories. ©2022 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved • YamahaMotorsports.com

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©2023 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. In the U.S.A., products are distributed by BRP US Inc. Some vehicles depicted may include optional equipment. BRP highly recommends that all ATV drivers take a training course. For safety and training information, see your dealer or, in USA, call the ATV Safety Institute at 1-800-887-2887. In Canada, call the Canadian Safety Council at (6131 739-1535 ext 227. Read the Operators Guide and watch the Safety DVD before riding. Wear appropriate protective clothing and helmet. For side-by-side vehicles, fasten lateral net and seat belt at all times. Never engage in stunt driving and avoid excessive speed. Always observe applicable local laws and regulations. Side-by-side vehicles and ATVs are recommended for drivers aged 16 and older, and passengers aged 12 and older only. For off-road use only. Never ride on paved surfaces or public roads. Always ride responsibly and remember that riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix.

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Park your ATV well away from stand or blind sites, using available cover to keep deer, bear and other game from spotting it during the hunt. Steve Carpenteri photo

ATVing in Maine (Continued from page 22)

keep them from jostling around during transport. Many a trophy buck or bruin has escaped with its hide, thanks to a mishandled gun or bow with its sights knocked askew. Keep It Quiet! As useful as an ATV can be in transporting hunters and their gear to hunting destinations, it is equally important to remember that any noise made during the approach to a stand or blind will alert game to the hunter’s presence – the animals will flee the area, and will avoid returning for hours. For this reason, it’s a good idea to secure all items being transported in the ATV to avoid rattling or other noise. Also, keep the conversation to a minimum, and speak in low whispers – as you know if you’ve been on a stand deep in the woods when other hunters approach,

human voices carry a long way. Finally, make it a point to park the ATV at least 100 yards from the stand or blind. Also, consider the terrain in deciding where to park. If the vehicle is visible from the stand or blind, there’s no doubt that the animals can see it as well. Not all deer, bear or turkeys are fearful of a parked vehicle, but it only takes one suspicious buck or bear to ruin a hunt. Park the vehicle in thick brush, or in a low spot behind some evergreen trees or in tall grass for additional camouflage. It’s better to have the vehicle completely out of sight than take a chance that incoming game will see it. Better yet, arrange to have someone drop hunters off at their stand sites, and use cell phones or radios to call in for a ride home after the hunt. (Continued on next page)

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2023 • 23

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A wood or metal ramp, and plenty of rope or straps, will simplify loading game onto an ATV, truck or trailer. Steve Carpenteri photo (Continued from page 22)

Transporting Game A huge benefit to owning an ATV for hunting comes into play when that big buck, bear or bull moose hits the ground. Old-time hunters would have loved the chance to load their game onto an ATV for the long haul back to camp. Make loading game easier by using ropes and a plywood or plas-

tic ramp to lift the animal into the cargo bed. Smaller animals can be lifted easily onto the machine, but big bucks, bear and moose will require other means of attachment to the vehicle. Plan ahead, and bring plenty of rope, tow straps or even a portable winch or hoist designed for the purpose.

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WORK HARD, PLAY HARDER 2023 PROWLER PRO XT Keeping all of the features you love from the Prowler Pro EPS, the Prowler Pro XT also offers standard color matched springs, a 4500-lb WARN winch and roof. 3-passenger bench seating with behind seat storage ensures that you have room for all the necessary gear and passengers for a day on the trails. See Your Local Arctic Cat® ATV Dealer For Current Promotions! GORHAM White Rock Outboard 351 Sebago Lake Road 207-892-9606 www.whiterockoutboard.com

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

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24 • October 2023 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

Maine Sportsman Readers Report Their Successful Bear Hunts New State Record Black Bear Sow Taken in Andover On September 22, 2022 Brendan Gardner was hunting with Dirigo Outfitters & Guide Service out of Dirigo’s camp in Andover. It had been a busy week for the guide service and for Walker’s Guide Service, as they had combined to help clients harvest six bears in six days. Two groups were out on that rainy, windy day. Brendan was with Registered Maine Guide Billy Walker of Walker’s Guide Service, and Registered Maine Guide Jon Munroe, with Munroe’s pack of Northeast Kingdom Hounds.

As Michael Hansen of Dirigo was helping two clients with one bear, he received a communication from Billy Walker about another bear: “Bear down!” came the call, “and they are going to need an army!” “Rain had been heavy for days, rivers were flooded, and roads out all over the region,” reported Hansen. “Jon Munroe and client Brendan Gardner’s bear had brought them and their dogs across a flooded river three times and then through a swamp, into the heart of the Appalachian Mountains.”

“By the time I arrived,” reported the shooter, Brendan, “the bear had injured one dog and had another one by the neck.” Guide Jon Munroe gave the OK to client Brendan to take the shot whenever the dogs were clear. “The harvest was successful,” Michael Hansen told The Sportsman, “but then the hard work began.” Hansen called in a recovery team, and the effort really showed the multistate undertaking it took to harvest this magnificent bear and get the animal to (Continued on next page)

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�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2023 • 25

The huge bear was almost too large for the back of Michael Hansen’s pick-up truck. (Continued from page 24)

certified scales whole. Hansen’s clients Miles Herring and Zoe Graves from Virginia joined in to help. Client and shooter Brendan is from Massachusetts. George Wheeler is local, from Andover. The hounds are from Vermont, and they were handled by guide Jon Munroe of Massachusetts. And to get across the river to the bear required the assistance of “local mountain man” Greg Patneaude of Roxbury, who arrived with a boat. Patneaude ferried everyone and their gear across the river, and the group started the long trek through the mountains back to the bear. Finally, everyone arrived on the scene, all soaking wet from the rain. “We were excited at the magnificence of this

“It was the largest sow any of us had ever set eyes on.”

bear,” said Hansen. “We stood around speculating over the bear’s weight. It was the largest sow any of us had ever set eyes on.” With ropes and tackle, foot by foot, the recovery team worked their way up the steep grade, over the hill, back down the mountain, and across the river. Finally, with the bear secured in Hansen’s truck and most of the day behind them, the party headed for Rivers Edge tagging station in Oquossoc, Maine for their certified scales for an accurate weight so Brendan could get his Black Bear patch. As the bear tipped the certified scales at 395.5 lbs, the weigh station began to draw a crowd. George Wheeler of Andover suggested the bear would break the

current state record for a sow, and a review of the records determined he was correct. The registration was approved by a wildlife biologist and was witnessed by a dozen folks from three states, including Gerald White, owner of River’s Edge Sports. It’s now in the official record books maintained by The Maine Sportsman magazine. Congratulations to Brendan Gardner and to the many folks who provided a hand in getting this record bear to the certified scales. (Google “Largest black bear sow harvested in Maine” to watch a video of the arduous recovery.)

(More Reader Stories continued on next page)

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26 • October 2023 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

— Bear Hunting in Maine —

Better Late Than Never

Emily Albright of Deansboro, NY got her big boar in Western Maine several years ago, and recently learned of the Black Bear Patch Club. Albright formerly worked for Remington Arms. She used a .308 to drop the bear during a September hunt in Newry. The registration was certified by now-retired game warden Norm Lewis, of Bryant Pond. “I’ve been hunting Maine every year for the past 16 years,” Albright told The Sportsman. “Thank you very much for sponsoring the various hunting and fishing patch clubs. These patches are something special that I have added to my collection and to my memories.”

Big Year, Big Bear for Weston Alex Charles

Weston Alex Charles of East Baldwin earned his Maine Grand Slam patch club membership in 2022, at the age of 10. In addition to this 180-lb black bear tagged during a hunt in Porter, Weston harvested a 540-lb moose in Allagash, two tom turkeys in Baldwin, and a whitetail deer in Cornish. He was accompanied on the hunts by Adam Charles.

Boden’s Big Bruin

Youth hunter Boden Fenderson of Cornish gained entry into the Maine Sportsman bear patch club in 2022, by tagging this 222-lb. black bear on September 13 with his .243. Boden registered the trophy at Jimbob’s General Store in Denmark.

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Tactics for High-Pressured Deer by Blaine Cardilli One of the things I’ve noticed as a deer hunter is that a lot of the areas I hunt contain more hunters than I’d like to see in any one spot, and this is true of the Central Maine region where I hunt, in and around District 16. Once I get settled, it’s not unusual for me to see four or five hunters walk through during the half-day that I’m sitting. It’s frustrating to have that happen, because each time it does, I feel my sit is being wasted. According to Maine state deer biologist Nathan Bieber, based on 2020 – 2022 estimates, the Central Maine region, specifically around District 16, featured 18.1 hunters per square mile, and 31.4 deer per square mile. The hunter density estimates seem on the high side, but that’s because the “area” part of the equation is based on deer habitat area rather than total land area in the WMD (Wildlife Management District). Estimates based on total land area approximate 14 to 15 hunters per square mile. The hunter density numbers to not mean that on average, there were 18 hunters out at the same time on each square mile.

In certain areas of the state, especially in Central Maine, whitetail deer are pushed around by large numbers of still-hunters. Here’s how to position yourself to use that pressure to your advantage.

The author watches a secluded trail in the midst of thick cover, near a “safe haven” staging area where pressured deer wait for most of the day before moving. All photos provided by the author

Rather, the numbers mean that on average, each square mile saw 18 different hunters at some point during the season. Hunting pressure as experienced by deer can vary, but either way, at least to me, these statistics equate to too many deer being pushed around by other hunters. For that reason, I’ve learned to use hunting pressure to my advantage. Hunt Thick Spots Near Staging Areas When I know I’ll be dealing with too

many hunters, I like to find the thicker areas that will be too hard for most hunters to want to traverse – areas with brush, tall grass, ground debris, and ankle-deep water. That reduces the hunter density. In addition, if deer are getting pushed around by still-hunters, the animals are more likely to be in these thicker areas anyway. When deer are getting bumped by hunters who are more inclined to still-hunt rather than sit, this can also trigger in-

creased nocturnal activity, and when this happens, you’ll want to figure out where the deer may be staging. Deer will often hang out in a particular area where they feel safe until they can move at dusk, and this

staging area is generally a “safe haven” between bedding and a preferred food source. When deer are pressured, this is where they will most likely wait until darkness approaches, so consider placing your stand where you’ll be able to catch deer moving, both early mornings and evenings. Be Willing to Stay Put As frustrating as it may be to have hunters moving through the area, make the commitment to stay put, because the movement of these haphazard individuals will oftentimes move deer right through the thicker areas you are watching! Also, go in before season, locate your spots, and try to clear or at least widen out a shooting lane or two where you feel deer may cross as they seek to escape other hunters. (Deer Hunting continued on page 30)

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What Broadhead is Best for Maine Bowhunters? by Val Marquez Expanded archery season runs September 9th through December 9th, and regular archery season starts in October. As a result, local archery dealers experience a large influx of bowhunters looking for gear, including broadheads. Among archers, any discussion of broadheads is akin to “opening a can of worms.” Today’s manufacturers offer many designs, including cut-on-contact (point starts cutting tissue on impact) and mechanical (force of impact opens blades). Then there’s the weight of the broadhead to consider – it can be very confusing for new bowhunters. First, some history. Cut-on-contact broadheads have been around forever. Old

I’ve had success and failures with all types of broadheads, so I will give you a few examples – then you make your own choice.

Here are a few broadhead designs available to Maine bow hunters: (left to right) 1) the Bear Razor head that the author used to kill his first deer in the 1970s; 2) a mechanical head that he used to killed a pronghorn antelope; 3) a cut-on-contact style head; and 4) and a replaceable-blade broadhead. All designs will kill Maine game when placed in vitals, he says; it’s those other shots where the head’s design can make a difference. Bad hits need to be considered when selecting broadheads. Val Marquez photo

standbys include Bear Razor Heads, and Zewicky. These styles offer the best pene-

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tration on game. The disadvantage is that these heads need to be sharpened to a razor-like edge – a challenge for some folks. Mechanical broadheads are easy to tune and are accurate, because the blades aren’t open while in flight. Their blades swing open as they cut into the hides of game. The issue with them is that

the arrow loses energy due to blade deployment – they don’t penetrate as well as cut-on-contact broadheads, and when they strike bone, the blades can bend and break. Replaceable Blade Broadheads Replaceable blade broadheads come in either 3- or 4-blade designs, and the blades can be replaced if they

are damaged or become dull. Each manufacturer has developed its own locking method. These broadheads are a good compromise between mechanical and conventional cuton-contact designs. I’ve had success and failures with all types of broadheads, so I will give you a few examples – then you make your own choice. Mechanical Broadhead Mishap At dawn, I watched a large deer from a distance as it slowly fed along the edge of a bean field. I was in a ladder stand located in a corner of the field. Soon, the deer was in range. I had used a range finder to determine distance, and I knew a large weed that the deer stood beside was 30 yards. The deer turned slightly, offering a broadside shot. I drew my 60-pound compound bow, buried the pin on the deer’s heart and lung area, and then released. The deer moved a little, or perhaps I flinched ever so slight(Bowhunting continued on page 30)

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2023 • 29

Training Bird Dogs ...and Letting Them Come Into Their Own by Michael Browning I have owned and trained eight bird dogs over the years, and while I don’t profess to be a professional trainer, anyone who has hunted over my dogs will tell you they do well. Dogs are like people – regardless of their level of intelligence, most can learn if their teachers employ persistence and consistency. It’s important to realize that not all dogs learn the same. Just because two pups are the same age and litter, doesn’t mean they will adapt to training equally. Ryker and Charlie For example, I have two English setter males who are 2 years old and from the same litter. Ryker is a tri-color, and Charlie is mostly white with a splash of orange. Not only do they not look alike, but also they don’t act alike, and they certainly do not respond to training the same. Ryker developed quickly and matured faster than his broth-

er Charlie. When Ryker was less than 6 months old, I worked on “Whoa” with him for a week. After that, I’d say “Whoa” once, and he never moved. He looked in my eyes, paid attention, and learned quickly. Charlie, on the other hand, thinks “Whoa” means stop and then take a couple of steps. I’m not implying that Charlie is slow or learning disabled. It’s that he doesn’t pay attention to what the trainer wants. Instead, he wants to do what Charlie wants. How can you correct that? Well, how does a teacher deal with children in school? One youngster could be an excellent student, while another is not interested whatsoever (that was me). It doesn’t mean the less-motivated child is stupid, any more than Charlie is stupid; they either haven’t matured or haven’t found a way to learn. And it’s the teacher’s responsibility to help find the solution. As for bird work,

Ryker is way ahead. He knows how to search for bird cover, stays close, works the scent and establishes a point. Charlie runs through the cover, doesn’t stay close, and bumps the bird. Charlie’s Forte However, Charlie does excel at an important skill – retrieving! He’s much better than Ryker, and has a softer mouth than his brother. Why? It’s because that’s what Charlie pays attention to. Since he was a puppy, he has always brought me a slipper, glove, or something he wasn’t supposed to. Never chewing anything or ripping it apart. Ryker would retrieve, too, but not with the same passion as Charlie. Once you notice what your dogs excel at, keep at it and they’ll come around to what they don’t do well. Briar Another example is a female setter I have. Her name is Briar. She’s from the

first litter, and she’s 3 years old. Very smart, and listens well, but she’s a nervous wreck. Briar didn’t come into her own until she was 2 years old. All my dogs would be hunting at 6 to 8 months of age. Gun shots didn’t bother the rest of the dogs. Unfortunately, when Briar was a little puppy at 16 weeks old, a thunderstorm came in all of a sudden. A bolt of lightning flashed in the sky, followed by a boom of thunder. Briar ran, crying, and hid under my four-wheeler. An important rule in training gundogs is that the owner is not supposed to show any concern for loud noises, to prevent the dog from associating noise with being scared and seeking help from her

owners. But from that day, Briar feared all noises. I spoke with several experts, but then it dawned on me – they don’t know my dog, and I do. Portable Speakers I started by taking Briar for walks in the field and waiting until she was at 300 yards, and I would shoot my .22 blank pistol. As soon as I touched off that gun, Briar would come running back to me and stay by my side. She would not leave. Then one day, I had an idea – why not download the sounds of shotgun blasts, and play those noises through my portable Bluetooth speakers? Gunshot noises are available online from (Continued on next page)

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Sporting Dogs (Continued from page 29)

www.Spookless.com. I hung the speakers from my belt, and played shotgun blast noises when we went out for walks. At first, I took her out with the other dogs, and they didn’t pay any attention to the noise. Then I took Bri-

ar out alone. She was skeptical at first, but eventually moved on and forgot about it. After the first week, she didn’t acknowledge the noise whatsoever. I decided to put the experiment to the test. I grabbed my .22 blank pistol, cast her out into

the field at 150 yards, and waited until her attention was on something other than me. I raised the gun, BOOM! I looked the other direction from Briar, and kept walking. I anticipated her to be right by my side, but as I turned my head, I saw she was the same distance

away, not paying attention! I kept walking along and occasionally firing the pistol at a safe distance, and she was fine. Eventually I converted to pistol training with birds. Once her bird instincts took over, she never heard that pistol or shotgun again. It was a 3-month process,

but she’s doing very well, and I shot several birds over her that fall. So if your dogs aren’t developing as quickly as you’d expect, don’t worry. Keep working with them, and they’ll eventually come into their own.

Deer Hunting (Continued from page 27)

Scout The Trails Aerial maps of the area can be a huge help when scouting for escape trails, as well as identifying trails used by deer to get to and from bedding and food sources from the staging areas mentioned above. These are the places they will most likely be when the pressure is on. I prefer to hunt from the ground, so I’ll position my chair in a location where I can see these trails from a distance, yet be in an area most other hunters will be unlikely to trudge through. Deer hunting in Maine is tough enough as it is, so when faced with areas of high hunting pressure, success

Bowhunting (Continued from page 28)

ly as I released, and the arrow hit the deer’s shoulder blade. I watched the deer jump and run into the woods, with my green-fletched arrow waving in the air. I hoped for enough penetration for the 100-grain mechanical 3-blade to do its job. After a 30-minute wait, I climbed down and quickly found my arrow on the ground, just inside the wood line. It was evident the arrow had penetrated only a few inches – no blood whatsoever. We searched for most of the next day, even using a tracking dog – nothing. I admit it was a bad shot, and if I’d placed the arrow in the deer’s vitals, the mechanical head would surely have done the job. However, I’m also convinced that if I had been using my 175-grain cut-on-contact razor-sharp broadhead, the arrow would have reached deeper and likely killed the deer. www.MaineSportsman.com

The author caught up to this 5-point buck as it emerged from a staging area in an oak swamp.

will depend on where we choose to set up, coupled with a lot of patience.

Better Results with the Mechanical Head I was hunting pronghorn antelope in Wyoming, sitting in a ground blind. Again, I was using an expandable, mechanical broadhead. An antelope offered me a quartering-away shot. I drew my bow, placed the pin on the last rib, and released the arrow. My arrow hit near the last rib and penetrated the full length of the animal, exiting from his shoulder – complete penetration.. The pronghorn went down within eyesight. Other Heads I have also killed two black bear, one over 300 pounds, with replaceable-blade heads. Both arrows completely penetrated the thick hair and hide on both sides. The first deer I killed with a bow was in the 1970s. It trotted through an opening and stopped at about 25 yards. I used a Bear Razor Head, which passed through the deer and dropped it.

The author took this large 130-lb fielddressed doe as it crossed a heavy, wet swamp.

Happy hunting!

What’s Best? So here it is, the “can of worms,” and the question: Which is better for big game in Maine – heavy, cut-on-contact 2-blade broadheads, or mechanical broadheads? There’s no simple answer; lots of variables need to be considered, including bow weight, type of game pursued, shot angle, and arrow weight. Every shot opportunity is different, with its own specific details. All modern broadheads will get the job done and kill game when placed in the right spot. Try different types, and then make your choice. Before making a final decision, talk with the folks at your local archery pro shop; they can help you make a good choice. I will be using a 175-grain, cuton-contact style head for deer-sized animals. My experience is this type of arrow and broadhead can offer better stopping power on less-than-perfect shots, and they also work well on those ideal shots.

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2023 • 31

The Power of Positive Thinking by Joe Kruse & Hal Blood

A hunter who tracks a buck while truly believing that the deer will appear, has a much better chance of success than someone who’s following a track simply because they think that’s what hunters are supposed to do. I remember hearing an expression many years ago that has stuck with me ever since: “The man who says he can, and the man who says he can’t, are both telling the truth.” This same mindset applies well to hunting deer, and more specifically, to tracking. Since following tracks is one of the most challenging ways to hunt deer, you will help your chances by simply believing that you can do it. I think many hunters who take a track are just following tracks and not really hunting, simply because they don’t expect to see the deer. It seems illogical that someone would walk for miles after a buck if they don’t think they really have a chance of shooting it, but sometimes hunters go through the motions because they think they’re doing what they’re supposed to be doing. When you don’t believe you’re going to have that encounter, it’s easy for the mind to wander. You might start thinking about work-related responsibilities, or daydreaming about killing a big buck, but without the full confidence that

you’re going to do it, the likelihood of it actually happening is slim. Confidence is Key I can’t say that I always feel like I’m in the game or that I’m going to get a shot at the deer I’m tracking. As every experienced tracker knows, some days are just better than others. Conditions will usually dictate how confident you feel about a track, and when those conditions are good, you have to know that it’s going to happen. As I follow along on a track, I’m not only reading the sign as I go, but I’m also visualizing where I expect to see the deer. Have you ever picked something out that turns out to be a deer head, an ear, or a hindquarter sticking out from behind a tree? I believe that happens many times due to visualization. If you’re not visualizing it, you’re not going to see it.

This past season was a good example of it working for me. From the minute I took the track at first light, I knew I was going to catch up to that buck. It’s sometimes hard to describe it to someone who hasn’t done it, but it’s just a feeling you get when everything seems right. And when it does happen, you’re not really surprised or rattled, because you expected it. The Mental Game This obviously doesn’t mean that every time the conditions are good, you’re going to kill a deer solely because you’re confident. It also doesn’t mean that a person can’t get lucky and stumble across the buck of a lifetime when they never considered that it was possible. But with tracking bucks being as challenging as it is, doesn’t it make sense to do whatever you can to increase your odds? Much is made

SKINNER SIGHTS

Author Joe Kruse and his 2022 buck.

about being in good physical shape if you want to kill a buck on the track, but the mental game is equally, if not more, important. Take some good advice that Big Woods team member Neil Pendelton recently made a video about, and set your goals. It might be tracking down your first doe, or getting your first 200-pounder. Once you have that goal in your mind,

don’t leave any room for doubt. Know that you’re going to do it. By having a positive mindset, it will push you further and make you a more successful hunter than if you walk through the woods “hoping” to get a look at a deer. Hal’s Thoughts I have always said that tracking bucks is a mental game. You (Big Woods World continued on page 34)

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Joe Salty Wants to Start Regular Archery in September Opening day of archery season found me sitting 20 yards downwind of a well-used run, near the corner of a cut cornfield. Watching the field from a distance, I’d observed a shooter buck coming to the field, just before dark each evening. As I sat waiting for some activity, my confidence wasn’t high. Had the season opened two weeks earlier, my excitement would be really high. Multiple does, fawns and yearling

The author makes his case for starting the regular whitetail archery season at the same time as expanded archery. He believes such a change will attract new or returning archers and crossbow hunters to the sport, allowing them to enjoy warmer weather and more convenient hunting opportunities, all without adversely impacting DIF&W’s big game management strategy. bucks passed by that evening. However, the good buck likely didn’t show up until well after dark. Deer were still on a summer feeding pattern; however, by the time our season opened, turkey

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pecially those of adult bucks. Maine’s expanded archery season was created in the late 1990s. Since then, I’ve been advocating for regular archery to be moved to the same

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date as the expanded opener. A September opener would create more opportunities for new hunters, especially our youth hunters, to enjoy this sport. A September opener would also create an opportunity for archers to hunt deer before small game and turkey hunters get into the woods. Hunting unpressured deer would be more advantageous to Maine archery hunters. Would an Earlier Start Result in More Deer Harvested? Currently, firearms hunters kill more than 10 times the number of deer our archery hunters kill. I discount the argument that archery hunters shouldn’t get more (Continued on next page)

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

time because it will take away from firearms hunters, since there’s little evidence it will make a difference. In fact, with crossbows now being legal in our state, there’s little excuse for firearms hunters not to join fellow deer hunters in starting early. In theory, more hunters would mean more deer harvested; however, it’s unlikely the end result would negatively affect our firearms season. Normally, when more deer are harvested, fewer any-deer tags might be available to hunters the following year. If, however, the early season resulted in a significant increase in the buck harvest, it could conceivably result in a shortened season. Considering the modest harvest numbers of Maine’s bowhunters, it’s unlikely this would occur. If such an experiment were undertaken, harvest numbers wouldn’t likely go up significantly, at least early on. However, over time, as new bowhunters gained expe-

rience, it’s conceivable that harvest numbers would climb. Looking back at the start of Maine’s expanded archery season, this was the case. Today, there are many more hunters taking advantage of the expanded archery season, and they’re taking more deer. Why Open Regular Bowhunting Earlier? Opening Maine’s regular archery season at the same time as the expanded season opens could result in the recruitment of new archery hunters be-

cause of warm weather alone. September is a warmer month than October, and warmer temperatures often result in more comfortable hunting conditions. If I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard a new hunter tell me they quit hunting because they got too cold, I’d have enough money to take a few guided trips out West. Few people truly enjoy the cold. I speak with thousands of seasoned bowhunters. I don’t know many who’d choose to hunt in temps of 1020 degrees, if they had

the choice of hunting when it was 30-40 degrees or warmer. The extended season might also attract hunters who struggle to get time off work. Young hunters, still in school, might also be attracted to an extra three or four Saturdays in the woods. If DIF&W is interested in recruiting new hunters, this change in seasons could have a positive effect. Finally and admittedly, my favorite reason to start the season in September would be an increased opportunity to chase adult

bucks. These days, I spend 20-30 days hunting each deer season. This expansion would allow me to hunt close to home, instead of traveling to expanded areas. That would save me nearly two hours of driving, and would fit my work schedule much better. My other reason for advocating to extend regular archery, would be the change in hunting tactics. I’m very experienced hunting the “searching, chasing and tending” periods of the rut. However, I am less (Continued on next page)

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Big Game (Continued from page 33)

experienced hunting while whitetails are on summer feeding patterns. This part of the season can offer hunters an opportunity to hunt unpressured deer. That element of surprise doesn’t last long. However, if played smartly, it only takes

one hunt to score. I’m not alone in my desire to see Maine’s regular archery season open in September. Most of Maine’s current bowhunters would likely be in favor. Having an opportunity to hunt deer before the woods “get busy” would help

bowhunters have a more satisfying experience, and potentially help increase success rates. It’s my hope DIF&W will consider an experimental early start to regular archery, and then share the statistical results with the public.

Big Woods World (Continued from page 31)

can talk yourself in and out of things all day on a track, depending on what the buck is doing and where he is going. There are decisions you have to make constantly. I call them forks in the road. You come to a certain point, and you have to turn right or left, so to speak. You make a decision and head down that road until you come to the next fork, and then repeat the process. Then, along the way, if you have taken the correct forks, and your timing is right, you may get your shot at the buck. It’s almost like a chain of events. Along with all of this, your mind might be telling you that you’ll get the buck, or it might be telling you that you won’t get him. I call this an emotional roller coaster ride. You’re up, then you’re down, and then up again. This continues all day or until you do in fact shoot the buck. Thinking and strategizing along the way are what keep a tracker going. You are in the game, and you should expect to win. If you don’t expect to win, then you probably never will. So stay in the game, be confident, stay positive, and eventually you will win the game.

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�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2023 • 35

Five Reasons to Quarter Your Moose Instead of Field Dressing by Jim Andrews Your moose is down. Congratulations! Now what? Hunters who successfully take a moose in the backcountry often have no choice but to quarter the big animals for transport out of the woods. For instance, canoe hunters can’t realistically transport an entire moose carcass – even after field dressing. But any hunter

The author encourages even those moose hunters who down their animals near a road, to consider quartering the moose, to make transportation more efficient; to allow the meat to cool down quickly; and to keep it clean in cotton game bags. who has a moose down – even if you’re within a short distance of a road – might also want to consider quartering the animal where it fell. While hunters in

the western U.S. regularly quarter large game animals, eastern hunters typically fielddress and drag out the carcass of deer. This habit was carried over into the modern Maine

moose hunt when it began 40 years ago – and for some, it continues today. So why change now? It’s Perfectly Legal Maine law once

required that moose hunters remove the entire animal from the woods – minus the entrails –after downing a moose. But that law changed in 2021, as the Maine DIF&W worked to convince moose hunters to step away from the roads and adopt heritage hunting techniques to be successful. (Continued on next page)

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36 • October 2023 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

A downed moose presents a moving job to be reckoned with. All photos provided by Jim Andrews

One quartered moose; one truck; no heavy lifting.

A quartered moose can be transported in a medium-size canoe.

With the meat cooled off in game bags, and the head retained for a trophy mount, this quartered moose is ready for canoe transport.

Compare quartering to the more common whole-body transport, shown here, which requires a trailer, winches, blocks, tackle, pulleys, turnbuckles, come-alongs, and miles of rope.

Even a huge bull moose can be reduced in size so as to fit in the bed of this compact pick-up truck --except for the wide antlers!

Moose Hunting (Continued from page 35)

Maine law now specifically permits dismembering moose, bear, or deer for ease of transportation. It is also now legal to leave the “viscera, hide, lower legs and rib cage, in-

cluding the ribs, spine and pelvis” of a moose in the woods, providing that the parts are not visible from a public or private road. That’s a lot of weight and mass that

doesn’t need a ride out of the woods, then to a game processor, then to be disposed of as waste. Even a single moose hide can weigh over 100 lbs. Cool As a Moose As the moose seasons seem to get warmer every year, it’s never been more important to take immediate action to preserve moose meat from spoilage after the shot. With an internal temperature of over 100°, and a thick hide insulated with both external hair and internal fat deposits, moose be-

gin to spoil almost immediately, even in cold weather. The massive body structure is designed to retain heat. Field dressing to remove entrails and contents of the chest cavity would help. But it’s nowhere near as effective as skinning the animal and breaking down the body structure into quarters. Body heat can’t dissipate quickly and completely unless the body parts are separated and exposed to the air. Moose quarters in cotton game bags, kept

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dry, and hanging in the shade with good airflow around them, will suffer almost no spoilage, even on the warmest fall days in Maine. It’s Cleaner and Quicker Even if your moose died in the middle of a navigable woods road, it’s almost certainly quicker to quarter the animal for transport. But most moose are not so accommodating. Legendary feats of strength and cunning have been employed to move intact moose carcasses from woods to roadside. It’s almost never a quick process. Traditional field-dressing takes time, especially for such a big animal. Retrieving a transport vehicle, positioning it for loading, and then (Moose Hunting continued on page 38)

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2023 • 37

October Belongs to the Birds Shotguns evoke the majesty of the season. More than mere tools, they reflect the personality and style of their owners, and they are emblematic of game bird hunting’s rich histories and traditions. Archery hunters are in the woods now, waiting in silence for a deer to walk by. Bear hunters have been working over bait sites since late August, and those hunters who were fortunate enough to receive a moose permit will be afield this month as well. However, the bright, crisp, magnificent days of October really belong to the game birds and those who stalk them. For the sportsman, these are the glory days of the year – days of story and legend, when skeins of waterfowl wing their way over Maine and the rest of New England, destined for winter quarters far to the south. Woodcock are moving, too – from nesting grounds in eastern Canada, they fly from alder swamps and spruce thickets, through old farm fields, all the way to Texas, Louisiana, and Florida. The ruffed grouse, known in Maine as a partridge, is an aristocrat among game birds, whose thundering wingbeats excite dog and man whenever one explodes through the cover of an October wood. The experience of slipping along the edge

where an overgrown field meets a woodlot, tensed for the flush of a rocketing bird, can convert a scrawny kid into a life-long hunter. It can make a devout old-timer temporarily forget about the start of deer season next month. Majestic Shotguns Whether waiting in a blind for arriving squadrons of ducks or high flights of geese passing down from the Arctic, or following an old tote road that skirts a former clear cut, October is the season of the shotgun. And more than

any other type of firearm, shotguns evoke some of the majesty of the season. More than mere tools, they reflect the personality and style of the owner, and are emblematic of the season itself, much like the birds. A rifle may be summed up by knowing its caliber and whether it has iron sights or mounts a telescopic sight. Here in Maine, a rifle is either a “deer rifle” or it’s not. With very few exceptions, all shotguns are bird guns, but they pull together (Continued on next page)

The author prefers to spend his October hunts with a 16-gauge Model 12 made in October 1929, the same month the stock market crashed. Keith Parker photo

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Shooter’s Bench (Continued from page 37)

an array of details and features that make them suitable for use on the desired quarry. First, and not quite foremost, is gauge – a shotgun’s equivalent of caliber. Then comes barrel length and choke (restrictions in the bore that regulate

the flight pattern of the shot). Next comes the choice of one barrel or multiples, one trigger or two, and in our contemporary world some consideration of the action is a given. An over/under or side-by-side performs far differently

than a slide action or semi-automatic. New Developments Though steeped in traditions, the October bird seasons are anything but static. Innovations in the hardware come along with some frequency. Over the past few decades, gun makers in continental Europe, Great Britain and Turkey have brought about a Renaissance in double-barrel, sideby-side shotguns once so favored for upland and waterfowl hunting. After a long decline, these guns are once again part of the scene. At the same time, popular demand for over/under and slide-action shotguns seems on the wane, and shifting toward a whole new generation of semi-automatics. Once popular only

among waterfowl hunters, semi-autos now control a major share of all shotgun sales. Guns by Beretta, Benelli, Browning, and Franchi lead the way, but Winchester’s Super X-4 follows close behind. And this year even Germany’s J. P. Sauer & Sohn got into the act by launching the SL5, their first ever semi-auto. Non-Lead Ammo Advancements in shotshell ammunition have brought other changes impacting bird hunters everywhere. Ever since the federal government banned the use of lead shot on migratory waterfowl, ammunition makers have sought better replacements for lead, and to expand the options for upland hunters wanting to utilize a non-toxic substitute.

Moose Hunting (Continued from page 36)

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somehow winching the huge animal onto the platform all take time as well. Two hunters with knives can skin and break down a moose into transportable parts in about two hours. If they use the “gutless method” for quartering, neither one of them will be exposed to intestinal contents or even much blood. The Maine DIF&W website provides an excellent step-by-step video and diagrams on the gutless method for quartering your moose. Freedom “Good God! What if we shot a bull back in here? We’d never get it to the road!” That nagging voice in the back of nearly every moose hunter’s head can be quieted forever, by committing to quartering your moose. Using either a canoe or a Jet Sled for transport of a quartered moose, there is no part of the state not accessible to moose hunters. The process also offers freedom from extra vehicles, trailers, winches, blocks, tackle, pulleys, turnbuckles, come-alongs, and miles of rope. Everything you need to kill, quarter, and remove a moose from the woods can be contained in one large canoe or one small pickup. Including the moose!

Steel shot used by waterfowlers is not suitable for older shotguns, and the hard shot is incompatible with many choke systems. Recent options to use tungsten and bismuth variants offer upland hunters the same opportunity to protect the environment that waterfowlers have had for a generation. Companies such as Apex Ammunition offer non-toxic loads for both upland and waterfowl hunting. Italian shotshell maker Baschieri & Pellagri and a Spanish company called Bioammo take protecting the environment a step further by offering plastic-free, biodegradable shotshell hulls and wads. These shells decompose if inadvertently left behind in some favorite cover. New Traditions The color-filled days of October can stir the soul of any sportsman, and none as much as wingshooters. To be afield with treasured friends, good dogs, and a favored shotgun defines the sportsman’s life for those who choose to walk the uplands or keep watch over a spread of decoys. It matters not whether someone carries a hundred-yearold hand-me-down shotgun, or a freshout-of-the-box Benelli with interchangeable choke tubes tucked in a vest pocket – either one contributes toward making new traditions. October is about the birds, and the autumn skies, and the earthy smell of a woodlot or marsh.

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2023 • 39

Pre-Season Snowmobile Prep by Steve Carpenteri October may seem a bit early to be thinking about snowmobiling in Maine, but dealers and repair shops statewide are likely to be swamped with maintenance requests the closer we get to the riding season. All the folks in the snowmobile sales and repair business with whom I’ve talked agree that early maintenance is the best way to go. When going the doit-yourself route, al-

Carefully inspecting your snow machine now – and making any necessary repairs – in the bright sun and relative warmth of autumn, is far preferable to encountering a preventable maintenance issue on a cold, dark winter night, on a remote and faraway trail. ways refer to the owner’s manual for lube types, torque specs, filters and other routine maintenance details. The Basics For starters, take a close look at your sled for leaks, worn parts,

bent studs, or bent carbides. Check all fluids, and top off as needed. Make sure your throttle lever moves freely, and returns when you let off. Ensure that the brake system (fluid or cable) is working prop-

erly. Check the air box for mouse nests, and be on the lookout for rodent-damaged wires and other parts. Refresh Your Fuel and Oil If you used a fuel additive at the end of

last season, you can top off your sled with fresh, non-ethanol premium gasoline, and run most of the contents of that tank through the engine on your first time out on the trails. If you didn’t use an additive, drain the fuel system and flush the lines before adding fresh fuel to the tank. If the fuel has gummed up during the summer, the entire (Continued on next page)

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40 • October 2023 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

Snowmobiling (Continued from page 39)

Before winter arrives, your snowmobile should be carefully inspected and serviced, to ensure the machine’s safe and dependable operation throughout the upcoming riding season. Steve Carpenteri photo.

fuel system (carburetor, fuel line and fuel pump) may need to be cleaned. Chain case oil breaks down with time. For the average rider, yearly chaincase draining is a great way to prolong the life of lubricated parts. For best results, drain the oil, then pull the chain-case cover and inspect for rust (on bearings or chain) or kinks. Replace parts as necessary. Check the Belt Check the drive belt for signs of cracking or splitting. Look for strands protruding from the belt side, or discoloration on the belt edge. A dark area can show a burn mark from a previous event in which the operator throttled up while the track was frozen in place. Incidents of this type can damage or weaken the belt. Steering Move the handlebars back and forth, and note the amount of play. Examine the steering system from the post and steering linkage down to the tie rods and tie rod ends. If any area exhibits excessive play, it’s time to replace that part. In addition, rusty tie rod ends and linkage can make steering increasingly difficult over time. Power Valves Cleaning your power valves is a great way to help maintain the peak level of performance. Different manufacturers have developed different ways to remove the valve system on their sleds, but in most cas-

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es the process involves removing two bolts, and then removing the power valve housing. Clean up excess oil from the moving parts and from the port that goes into the cylinder, using brake cleaner and heavy-duty paper towels. Once you have removed all the carbon and oil, you will need to replace the valve gasket. Refer to the owner’s manual for details, or leave this maintenance aspect to a trained professional. Ski Dampeners Lift the front end of the machine, and move the skis up and down. Look for cracks and missing pieces. If you have excessive play or “floppy” skis, your ski dampeners should be replaced. Won’t Start The most common issue with snowmobiles that have been sitting all spring, summer and fall, is failure to start. Be sure the key is turned to the “On” position, with the tether plugged in all the way. Make sure the kill switch is also in the “On” position, and ensure that your main fuel valve is open. Check all fittings, spark plug wires and fuses before attempting to start the machine. Also, be sure the battery is fully charged. If the engine doesn’t start, review the owner’s manual for trouble-shooting advice. Check the spark plugs (they may be fouled, or too wet with fuel after you’ve turned the engine over too many times). (Continued on next page)

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2023 • 41 (Continued from page 40)

Spray a small amount of fuel into the air box, to give the system a quick jump start. As a last resort, consider pulling the carburetors off along with the fuel pump, and give both devices a good cleaning. When to Call In a Pro If the snowmobile shows signs of damage, has major broken parts, or won’t start, it’s time to call in a professional. The Maine Sportsman is a good source of information for those looking for

parts and service, since its advertisers include representatives of all of the most popular manufacturers. Trained technicians can find and resolve issues relating to snowmobile maintenance, parts and operation. So do what you can to maintain your machine, but don’t be afraid to ask for help, and to get the most prompt service, make that call as soon as possible, long before the first big snowstorm of the year.

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WARNING: Arctic Cat snowmobiles can be hazardous to operate. For your safety, all riders should read and understand their owner’s manual and safety instructions. Always wear an approved helmet and other safety apparel. Be aware of natural hazards you may encounter and don’t drink and ride. All scenes depicted or described were performed by professional riders under carefully controlled conditions. Never attempt to duplicate these maneuvers or encourage others to do so. Arctic Cat recommends that all operators take a safety training course. For safety and training information, please see your local dealer. ©2023 Arctic Cat Inc. All rights reserved.

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42 • October 2023 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

Off Road Traveler First Aid Kit for the Backwoods When I was in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman, I worked with the Marines and always carried what we called a Unit One – a first aid kit in a canvas shoulder bag, for medical emergencies out in the field … that’s what I was trained for. I still have my Unit One, although I’ve modified it a bit. I keep it in the truck for medical emergencies when I’m in the woods hunting, fishing, camping, or just traveling. I started building a first aid kit for my

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A good first aid kit is like an insurance policy, says the author – hopefully, you won’t need to use it, but knowing it’s there (and fully understanding it) provides comfort and confidence. hunting dogs, but soon realized that almost all the items were interchangeable with items in the first aid kit for humans. Therefore, I combined items into a larger bag. Now I have a medium-sized duffle bag containing a first aid kit for dogs and humans. I don’t ever want to be out in some remote part of Maine and not

have the tools necessary to help someone who gets injured. I guess the Navy ingrained that thought in my head, because it still resonates with me today. When I was a Maine guide, most of my clients never knew they were entrusting their health to some of the most highly-trained hands this

nation offers. I don’t want to brag, but just ask any U.S. Marine, and they will tell you. Mind Set Some folks would laugh if they knew how prepared I am for a medical emergency, but when a problem arises, I will have the gear and training necessary, and they won’t be laughing. Typically, medical emergencies

don’t take place, and life goes on without me ever having to open the first aid bag. I prefer it that way, and count my blessings. I suggest that anyone who travels or recreates outdoors in remote places should take a first aid course and get certified in CPR. It is not complicated, and the knowledge can help save lives and limit medical complications, should the need arise. It’s kind of like insurance – you never know how (Continued on next page)

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2023 • 43 (Continued from page 42)

much you need it until an emergency takes place. Taking a basic first aid course helps increase your confidence so you can handle an emergency. If you do all that you can do to prepare, then you can relax, knowing you have done your due diligence for when the time comes to go into action. If no emergency takes place, you can also relax and comfortably enjoy the wonders of remote life in the wild woods of Maine. The First Aid Kit I like to fill the kit with gear that will get used for smaller medical problems like minor cuts and scrapes. I load up on Band-Aids, triple antibiotic gel, small sterile bandages and tape, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin) and Tylenol. Some type of sterile eye/wound rinse will also get used up quickly, so fill every empty space in the bag with bottles of that solution. For more serious cuts and abrasions, I carry larger bandages, Ace wrap, some type of blood-clotting powder, tourniquets, and a staple gun used for closing up large gashes on a hunting dog that might otherwise need stitches. I probably would just keep direct pressure on a wound

The author’s current Off Road Traveler first aid kit (left) compared to his old, much more compact military “Unit One” (right). Both kits contain supplies necessary to provide basic medical care in the field. William Clunie photo

on a human to stop the bleeding, and then get them to the nearest medical facility to do the rest of the work of closing the wound. For head and spinal injuries, or broken limbs, you are going to have to learn how to use what is available in the woods for bracing. I carry a small handsaw for cutting branches suitable for making a headboard, supporting broken limbs, or for fashioning a gurney of some sort to carry or drag an injured friend (dog or human) out of the woods. For working on hunting dogs, I have in my bag a rubber muzzle that keeps them from being able to get their teeth on me. (I’ve never had to use one on a human, but I have considered it on occasion.)

Other tools that come in handy are heavy duty scissors for cutting through clothing, leather boots, belts, and heavy bandages. A good thermometer and stethoscope are also necessary to complete the emergency bag, as is a sharp knife, and some kind of plastic material for sealing a sucking chest wound (credit cards work pretty well).

Without getting into complicated medical procedures, this basic list of gear will get you by in a pinch. I recommend that you watch video instructions for various basic procedures, as it might save a life sometime. I don’t carry oxygen or intravenous fluid in my kit, but most of what I could do won’t require that kind of gear. Also remember

that this first aid kit list is not ever complete. If you look into this topic deeply, you will find things I might have left out. Do your part and study up, then let me know what other items might also help – there are too many medical problems that could arise to cover them all, but I am always open to suggestions.

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Maine Fly Company by Jessica Cobb Every time Jeff Davis constructs a fly rod, he thinks of his father. Davis, founder of Maine Fly Company in Yarmouth, began the business in 2018, as a tribute to his father who had passed away seven years earlier, leaving behind many unfulfilled dreams. In the 1960s, Davis’s father was stationed at the Brunswick Naval Air Station, where he fell in love with fly fishing. According to Davis, even when his father left the state, he always wanted to return – a plan that never came to fruition. After his father’s death, Davis was struck by the reality that his father wasn’t fulfilled in life. His father always talked about coming back to

Maine to fly fish, but he never did. Davis saw this realization as a wakeup call with his own high-powered corporate lifestyle and job. Davis went fishing with his father’s fly-fishing gear, and found that the activity relaxed him. “Putting on the waders, standing in the middle of the river – the sound of the river blocked out all the noise. I felt safe in the river. Phones weren’t ringing, emails weren’t going off, no pressure, no quotas, none of it.” Davis decided he did not want to return to his previous lifestyle. He began planning how to get out of his corporate job as quickly as possible.

Building a Better Fly Rod Soon, Davis, like his father, fell in love with fly fishing. He knew his future would involve fly fishing; he just was not certain about what form that involvement would take. Examining his father’s fly rods, he felt he could do better work. Removing the guides off his father’s fly rods, Davis obtained a kit to fix fly rods, a book, and YouTube videos. Working for three weeks in his basement, he taught himself how to wrap guides. After Davis made several rods from blanks for family and friends, a family member suggested he sell fly rods. Davis then conceived of Maine

Here’s the workshop at Maine Fly Company. Each employee’s workstation has a view of the Royal River for inspiration while constructing fly rods. Photos: Jessica Cobb www.MaineSportsman.com

Fly Company, which he decided should be structured around the core values of the heritage and culture of fly fishing in Maine, environmental ethics, and ensuring Maine’s world class fisheries are around for future generations. A year after Davis learned to construct fly rods, the Maine Fly Company’s website went live on March 9, 2019. Within the first hour, he had made more than 50 sales. “A lot of it was friends,” he acknowledges, “but it was inspirational nonetheless, since these were people supporting my vision.” At the time, Davis was still working as a business consultant in the corporate world. He was finishing up one job and about to

start another, when the pandemic hit, and there was nothing to consult. “I looked at all these fly rods behind me and this new blossoming hobby, and I thought ‘I’m going all in.’ It was a no-brainer. It was the gift of circumstance, coincidence, a pandemic, the loss of my dad, and the birth of my sons. The way this all came, I could never repeat.” Growing Business After four years in business, Davis has built a considerable customer base. He credits his mother, who taught him that “your business is your reputation.” Davis worked hard to develop that reputation, even meeting with (Maine Fly Company continued on page 46)

These are “demo” fly rods. Customers can take these rods out to the parking lot or to the Royal River to cast, before deciding which rod to purchase.

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2023 • 45

October’s Fly-Fishing Bounty Unveiled in Maine Don’t rush to put away your fly-fishing gear in October, says the author. Rather, read the complex rulebook carefully to determine where you can still chase stripers, pike, bass and trout throughout the month. In the not-so-distant past, as the amber and crimson embrace of October swept over the Maine landscape, flyfishers stowed away their fishing gear. They swapped fly rods for hunting rifles, garden tools, tailgating grills, and, oh yes, spousal to-do lists that had lengthened during the fishing season. September marked the end of most angling, a time when rivers and lakes turned quiet. But the shifting climate often extends hot August weather well into September – to the detriment of the fishing – and October has become the new September, with warm breezes instead of chilling gusts. Instead of bidding adieu to our beloved pastime, anglers now find themselves embracing the delightful weather and extended fishing opportunities that this month brings. In both freshwater and the salt, coldwater and warmwater gamefish feed actively and return to shallower waters, more reachable for fly-fishers. Striped Bass As the brisk fall air starts to kiss the coastline and cool the water, the striped bass

begin their grand migration southward. Unlike the hurried rush of departing vacationers, these fish take more time, meandering south along the shoreline, following the baitfish. Countless stripers now spend the summers in Canadian waters like the Miramichi River and pass through Maine waters on their way south. For fly-fishers, this migration translates into at least several weeks of thrilling opportunities to target these striped brutes. Techniques and fly patterns aren’t much different from what we used earlier in the year, but matching the bait that the bass are feeding on always pays dividends. For example, during some years, baby bunker

are everywhere, and the bass can get locked in on such abundant prey. Prowling Pike Venture a little farther inland, and you’ll find another intriguing actor in this autumn production: the Northern pike. October sees these predatory fish returning to the shallows, voraciously feasting to fatten up for the impending winter. Armed with feathers and fur, fly-fishers can hunt these toothy marauders. You can target them with floating lines, casting toward shoreline weeds and cover. The visual spectacle of a pike charging out to seize your streamer is an experience that lingers long after the season ends.

Stripers of all sizes can be caught along the coastline in October. All photos by the author

Smallies and Largemouth But the pike aren’t the only ones bulking up for winter. As sunwarmed days wane, bass seek their last feast before winter’s shroud. Reacting to

cooling waters, smallmouth and largemouth bass also head to shallower waters. Their voracious appetites make them easy pickings when using any standard bass fly (Continued on next page)

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Freshwater Fly Fishing (Continued from page 45)

pattern. The challenge lies not in enticing these bass, but dealing with the tangles of dying aquatic vegetation. It’s best to cast weedless fly patterns or surface poppers that avoid much of the vegetation. If aquatic goo and pieces of water-weeds cling to your line after every cast, then change locations, and fish rocky and sandy areas with less growth. Fall bass hang out in those areas too, hunting crayfish and small minnows. Trout and Salmon Trout and salmon enthusiasts have an abundance of options, too. Whether you’re chasing the native brook trout that epitomize Maine, holdovers – the survivors

of seasons past that are no longer naïve pushovers – or freshly-stocked trout eager to pounce on anything flashy or colorful, October offers them all. October trout fly-fishing requires a different approach than spring angling. Hatches are sparse and surface water is cooling, so dry-fly fishing is difficult. Salmonids are still exhibiting spawning behavior, so streamers will often be attacked aggressively. Nymphing remains effective, but try small patterns (size18-20), since the young-of-theyear nymphs are still tiny. Midge fishing also becomes a productive option (see my column in the June 2023 issue of The Maine Sportsman). Freshly-stocked

Maine Fly Company (Continued from page 44)

customers at park-and-ride lots off Interstate 295 so they could cast a fly rod before committing to purchase it. Often, it is Davis himself who responds to customers’ emails. Maine Fly Company’s approach is so customer-based that customers can demo a fly rod for a weekend before they choose to purchase it. Since the Maine Fly Company is situated on the Royal River, customers also have the option to take fly rods out to the river and try them. Davis credits much of the publicity Maine Fly Company has received (including write-ups in Men’s Journal and Outside Magazine) to the personal story behind the business, rather than being based solely on the products carried in the shop. But Davis also acknowledges the backstory will only get Maine Fly Company so far. The business must become viable and grow. It needs to offer a product line that is diversified to keep anglers coming back in. Eventually, he would like to brand his own products, or work collaborawww.MaineSportsman.com

Brown Trout are aggressive towards yellow-hued streamers during their October and November spawning time.

trout and salmon will take bright attractor patterns, such as Crystal Buggers, Wood Specials, and Squirmy Wormys. See the Maine DIF&W online stocking report to see which waters are stocked in October. Open Waters Review the fishing regulations to determine the waters that remain open, because they are a hodgepodge, and vary from one water to another. Taking my home waters as a case in point, only the lower part of

the Crooked River is open in October, and it closes entirely halfway through the month. Meanwhile, the majority of Kennebago Lake is open through October, except for the western part beyond the causeway. Typically, lakes and ponds in the southern half of Maine (including Downeast) remain open, along with a selection of rivers and streams. In the northern half, almost all waters are closed, primarily to protect native fisheries where

tively with existing companies to add his branding to their products. Davis says Maine Fly Company is not about the latest and greatest technology; they aren’t creating anything new that has not been seen before. They strive for an authentic, artistic, genuine approach to a craft they love, using materials that already exist. Currently, Davis does not sell flies in his shop unless they are tied in Maine. His five-year goal is to source all parts he uses in fly rod construction from New England. And his ten-year goal is to have the parts for his rods 100 percent sourced in Maine. To Davis, that includes Maine-based products, Maine-based craftspeople, Mainebased commercial sewing companies, Maine-based fly tiers, and any other parts needed to make fly rods. Davis notes that Maine is a world class fishery, with guides known as some of the best in the world. He’s hoping to inspire local craftspeople to make fly fishing supplies or fly rod parts. Davis has hopes of seeing a reel company start up in Maine, and the same with fly fishing line. Currently, Maine Fly Company employs eight people, not including Davis, three of whom are independent con-

spawning is occurring, but some waters remain open. Don’t be that person fishing closed waters. I have almost made that mistake more than once. We can lament the warming and erratic climate that sometimes ends prime fishing season early or delays fall fishing. But let us also embrace the extended season, and continue to dance our flies upon the ever-inviting waters of Maine in October.

tractors. In the future, he hopes to hire more independent contractors, such as fly tiers, commercial sewers, machine shops, and lathe operators. Another challenge of being a small business owner Davis faces is what he describes as “navigating the noise” from competitors. Rather than being concerned, he prefers to focus on promoting the positive aspects of his craft. One way he promotes fly fishing is by offering a lady’s night at Maine Fly Company during which female anglers can trade information related to fly fishing. Another one of Davis’s goals is to be more involved with youth programs and schools to educate kids about fish ecology. He continues to issue new limited-edition rods. For example, this fall he plans to create a “Cast and Blast” rod that will feature a hunter-orange rod with wraps that replicate the Ruffed Grouse colors, and seats that will resemble shotgun shells. He also hopes to work with sporting camps, creating a series of fly rods in their honor using colors and themes prominent in and around the camps.

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2023 • 47

Haste Makes Waste Opening morning of waterfowl season began with the usual fast and furious action: whistling wings, raucous renditions of real birds, and guns popping by the dawn’s early light. Then, in similarly characteristic fashion, it quickly faded into relative quiet, punctuated by the occasional distant shot or the sound of motor boats headed back to the launch. Sitting in our makeshift blind on Merrymeeting Bay, waiting for a tardy stray, I noticed a commotion on the water – a splash, then another, and another. Watching the schoolie stripers feeding on baitfish, I wondered if perhaps I’d been a bit hasty in putting my fishing tackle away for the season. I’d venture it’s a common occurrence. Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer in Maine. Tourists head south, kids go

Keep your saltwater fishing gear handy, says the author – there’s more angling fun to be had this month.

Early October often brings a slug of baitfish to offshore waters, and with them come hungry migrating tuna. Photos provided by the author

back to school, and outdoors folks turn their attention toward upcoming hunting seasons. If you’re among them, you might miss out on some great saltwater fishing action,

often on uncrowded waters. It’s fall migration time for fish as well as fowl. Those striped bass that were finicky feeders during the past month while

they loafed around the shoals and shallows, suddenly grow voracious appetites as they fatten up for their journey south. In daytime you’ll find them in the crashing waves

around reefs and coastal islands, mostly accessible only by boat. But at night they move closer to shore, where they’re accessible to surf anglers on the beaches and rocks. Chunk baits and plugs are your best bet, and go a little heavier on your tackle, as there have been some big fish around this year. Offshore, bluefin tuna are also fattening up as they move south from as far north as Canada. The bite can be more hit-or-miss than in summer. You might see a couple of slow, fishless days until the next pod of migrating fish comes through. When they do, they’re more eager than the summer locals to collect what calories they can before moving on. Trolling, casting and jigging can sometimes work, but the best tactic is still dangling live bait while on anchor. Not all fall migrations are north-south. (Continued on next page)

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48 • October 2023 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

Saltwater Fishing (Continued from page 47)

As surface waters cool, groundfish move

up from the depths onto shallower reefs

and banks. Haddock have been virtually non-existent in the recreational fishery this year. However, commercial fishermen

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claim they can’t set a net without filling it with haddock, so hopefully those fish will become more accessible. Conversely, cod have recently rebounded more than anyone anticipated and are now a common catch offshore. Meanwhile, this year has seen a proliferation of pollack, and that trend is likely to continue well into winter. If you’re inclined toward a more casual trip, enjoying an Indian Summer day and maybe wetting a line while doing so, mackerel shouldn’t be hard to find in the bays, and a Sabiki rig should garner a bounty of fish for the grill or the smoker. That is, unless Old Yellow

Eyes is still around. Bluefish made a sporadic appearance in late summer. They often head south ahead of the bass, but lingerers could be scattering the mackerel and shredding striper leaders through mid-October. There’s still plenty of time and plenty to do in October. Weather can be highly variable, but there should be many days when the air is warm and still, and if you’re sitting on a deer stand or in a duck blind, you’ll wish you’d gone fishing instead. Capt. Bob Humphrey runs Sport-Ventures Charters.

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Anglers are only allowed one fish a day but there are some big cod to be had offshore in October.

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2023 • 49

Aroostook’s Fall Feather Forays When a person retires from work, a lot of friends ask, “How are you ever going to fill all that free time?” or “What are you going to do to keep busy?” Well, I retired a few years ago, after having one of those landmark birthdays – you know, the ones where a new decade of life begins. In response to folks asking how I’m spending my time, let me tell everyone the real question I now ask myself is, “How in the heck did I do all the things that now demand my attention, and still work a full week?” A prime example is the month of October here in Aroostook – there are five different bird hunting seasons open! Now that’s a real quandary – so many birds to hunt, and so few days. Well, I’ve developed a schedule to optimize time and enjoyment. Perhaps it will help other local or vis-

Grouse, woodcock, wild turkeys, geese and ducks – how can a diligent hunter possibly find time for all those opportunities?

Walk old log hauling roads in the North Maine Woods, and grouse can be seen picking gravel or sunning along the banks. Here, Bill Graves displays the main ingredient in that evening’s partridge stew. All photos from the author

iting Crown of Maine waterfowl and upland gunners. Since grouse are “king” this month, let’s start there. Ol’ Pat The myriad logging roads and old skidder trails of the North Maine Woods offer top-

A handful of Aroostook grouse hunters enjoy a bit more challenge than is offered by a shotgun hunt. Hunting partridge with a compound bow really keeps things interesting.

rate partridge hunting for walk-and-stalk, following a pointing dog, or the popular drive-and-spot style of bagging a biddy. Plan at least half a day outing, and don’t be concerned about crowding or over-hunting – the vast woodland is a spiderweb of haul-

ing roads, two-tracks and old cutting trails. It’s not uncommon to shoot a couple of birds driving in a road, and then bag a couple of more on the trip back out 30 minutes later. One of the areas I recommend for driving or walking begins at Fish River Check-

Danielle Brewer of Easton bagged this big tom turkey during the spring hunt, and got hooked on gobbler-gunning. She will be out this month, trying to put a fall bird from Zone 6 on the Thanksgiving table.

point, near Portage Lake. Use Route 11 north or south to arrive at the lake road. Delorme’s Maine Atlas, Map 63, grid C-5 offers a starting point. Check out Rocky Brook Road driving west toward Fish River Lake; more than a dozen side roads will fill a half day outing for two or three hunters. During early weeks of the season, it’s common to spot two or more birds together picking gravel in the road or feeding on sunny roadside banks. If there’s time for an all-day outing, I’d suggest hunting either Rocky Brook or Hew’s Brook Road, and make a full loop coming back to the Realty Road and exiting via Six Mile Checkpoint. Plenty of campsites or scenic stream or lake side spots offer perfect locations for a Coleman stove, tailgate lunch; maybe fried partridge (Continued on next page)

Cut grain fields abound throughout the Crown Of Maine this month. What better place to spend a sunny Saturday afternoon with a few friends and a few goose decoys? www.MaineSportsman.com

50 • October 2023 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

A good dog, a trusty shotgun and a half dozen decoys are the perfect start to any October morning in Aroostook, making the workday more bearable.

A retriever brings back a fat drake mallard from a urban-edge farm pond near Fort Fairfield. When there’s a well-trained fourlegged companion along, hunters don’t even need a boat to hunt one of these many potholes.

The County (Continued from page 49)

breast and home fries – a real taste treat. Timberdoodle Time October is the very best month for traipsing alder thickets and tamarack groves for woodcock, as the migration of birds

from Canada is in full swing. These tiny targets are the most underutilized upland gunning challenge in Aroostook, and it’s a rare occurrence to find a cover being hunted. While a keen-

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nosed pointer or setter is a definite asset locating and holding birds in tight covers, a surprising number of flushes can be enjoyed by a pair of slow-moving stop-and-go shooters. Second growth fields being regularly visited by timberdoodles as they hop-scotch

Connor and Carson Cushman of Mars Hill set up a portable blind, toss out a dozen decoys, and enjoy action-packed duck hunts before school many mornings in October.

south, are simple to recognize if you do a bit of scouting. Damp, soft earth is a must among the brush, brambles, and trees, and very obvious bore holes and white splotches of droppings signify woodcock probing for worms. These signs will indicate numbers of birds, and how re-

Aroostook County

cently they visited. Be persistent checking and hunting likely fields, since while one day may produce only two or three flushes, a couple of days later a new flight may arrive, and a dozen woodcock will be using that same cover. (Continued on next page)

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

Maine’s smallest game birds are found in fields throughout Aroostook, but farmland near the Canadian border seems to attract greater numbers, probably due to their migration flight paths from New Brunswick and Quebec. The Ladner/Hersom Roads loop off Route 1A near Easton Center warrants investigation. Likewise, along Rivere de Chute Brook are a trio of proven covers that attract woodcock each autumn. Peruse DeLorme’s Map 65, E-4. The Sam Everett Road and the Dorsey Road Extension near Monson Pond are two other sites, with plenty of small wood lots among grown-over fields with perfect combined woodcock cover and partridge cover worth scouting. Plenty of two-tracks and crop field roads offer access. DeLorme’s Map 65, D-4 will overview this area. Gobbler Gunning While we are discussing the Fort Fairfield region, I should mention that wild turkey flocks are plentiful and widespread. Zone 6 is the only one open in Central Aroostook, and a bird of either sex is fair game all October and through November 7. Grouse and woodcock hunters would be wise to pack a second heavier-gauge shotgun with a turkey choke and appropriate heavy duty shells, just in case. A friend of mine from Presque Isle has bagged a gobbler the last two years while scouting for geese. He spied a flock of turkey feeding in a field while driving by, parked a ways up the dirt road,

then snuck back along a tree line and hedgerow within range, popped up, and Boom! – there’s Thanksgiving dinner. Bow and rifle deer hunters and moose hunters should also consider having a scattergun in the vehicle for Zone 6 outings, just in case. Off Route 1A in Fort Fairfield are the Upcountry, Bryant Pond and Maple Grove Roads, all with several dozen farm field access roads and lots of turkey. DeLorme’s Map 65, D-3 offers an overview. Float Your Boat What October fullof-feather forays would be complete without my favorite pastime, waterfowl hunting? As luck would have it, there’s one-stop shooting available from tiny teal to giant ganders on a waterway I gen-

erally tout for spring trolling – the Aroostook River. Thanks to the river’s long serpentine pathway through or near dozens of towns and villages between Masardis and Fort Fairfield, gunning options are abundant. There’s jump-shooting on foot or via watercraft, pass shooting, or the ever-popular decoy and calling set-up; often, the choice is based on time constraints and how much gear you care to wrestle around. At least eight species of duck and thousands of Canada geese wing from water to nearby feed fields and up and down the river’s run to rest, relax and roost throughout the day. There are a multitude of locations reachable via canoe or a short 50-yard walk

from a riverside road to set out a dozen duck and half-a-dozen goose decoys. The set of islands and backwaters near the old rock quarry about a mile above the Route 1, Presque Isle Bridge is a productive site. Downstream of the Washburn bridge, several islands dotting the Aroostook offer another spot for a decoy set-up with plenty of cover. Both locations are short boat floats from a launch site or quick overland trek from the nearby Parsons Road. Perhaps you begin to see my quandary regarding multiple

seasons, bountiful species, and vast tracts of land and water to explore in 26 days (five no-hunting Sundays this month!). More’s the pity for sportsmen who are still working! On the plus side, every one of the birds mentioned above can be pursued within a 15-minute drive of most Aroostook County homes. Think prework outings, a few vacation days, and full day Saturday assaults, to ensure October memories and tasty fowl for the freezer.

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Kayak 2.0 Meets Lake Matagamon Putting our feet to the shores of Lake Matagamon in early August felt great. I looked up at the freshly-built Chesapeake Light Craft (CLC) 16 securely strapped to the roof of my pickup truck cap. “Not today,” I mumbled. Whitecaps washed across the big lake, and occasional gusts pushed the brim of my hat skyward. I was with my wife Denise and daughter Hannah. We decided to check the forecast for the following day. With cell phone coverage limited at the North Gate of Baxter State Park (BSP), we weighed our options. Weather Alert Option #1 involved checking the weather on my DeLorme InReach. This unit will retrieve a weather forecast utilizing satellites. I never head into the backcountry without it. The satellite communicator

In remote areas, if you want to know the atmospheric forecast, you can use satellite communications, or you can borrow a campground’s wi-fi signal. Or you can go lowtech, and simply ask a park ranger – after all, they keep pretty good track of the weather. requires a monthly subscription to access those revolving satellites. The second option, which we used, requires staying at the Lake Matagamon Wilderness Campground. We hopped on their Wi-Fi and were able to get an accurate forecast from the internet. A third option, which we used successfully for years before all these electronics invaded our privacy, was to simply ask the park ranger at the North Gate. They keep pretty good track of the weather. Careful paddlers pay attention to weather forecasts for safety reasons. I’ve been on a gravel bar in the middle of the Ken-

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nebec River during a passing thunder and lightning storm. Absolutely no fun. Matagamon’s big waves and high winds were more of a challenge than I wanted in my spanking-new kayak. Kayak 2.0 As forecasted, the next day dawned bright, with winds barely exceeding two miles per hour. It’s amazing how that lake looked like an ocean one day, and a mirror the next. We launched from the campground boat ramp, which is located within throwing distance of the dam. As the bow sliced through the glass-smooth water, I soon forgot about the hours and hours of

sanding that had been required to complete the boat’s construction. I selected the Chesapeake 16 design for several reasons. One was capacity. With a rating of 180 pounds capacity for the paddler and another 80 pounds allowed for gear, I figured it covered my weight and then some. Also, believe it or not, foot size comes into play. The deeper sides on this kayak allow for more foot space. Also, more cockpit room makes it easier to enter and exit. The CLC16 has an additional two inches in depth (freeboard, in boating terms) compared to Hannah’s CLC14.

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Locked and Loaded I have a tendency to load up with everything and anything I think I might need. One clear dry bag contains two medical emergency kits, rope, knives, fire starting tools and even an extra whistle. Another dry bag holds an extra set of clothes, rain gear, and an extra sweatshirt. A small cooler keeps a couple of waters, an IBC root beer, and my trademark bag of M&Ms, along with a turkey and cheese sandwich. Even with a spare paddle, the two compartments in the CLC 16 still have plenty of room. I’ve installed deck lashing both forward and aft of the cock pit, although so far everything fits neatly below in the two watertight compartments. I marveled at just how effortlessly this fully-loaded 42-pound (Continued on next page)

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

kayak glided through the water. My old ride, an 80-pound fishing kayak, took twice the effort. I’m now easily keeping up with Hannah. Matagamon Radio Phone For lack of a better word, on this day Lake Matagamon was beautiful. We weaved around countless islands, stopped paddling to enjoy a rock-faced wall, and had lunch on a delightful peninsula. We encountered only one motorboat. That was the BSA (Boy Scouts of America) doing a shuttle to their cross-lake camp. We stopped at the BSP boat ramp on Grand Lake Road and watched the waiting Boy Scouts take turns poling a canoe. The results were mixed – and at times, hilarious. While we were at the ramp, a park ranger came by and checked for fishing licenses. I wished I had asked him if the Matagamon Radio Phone I’d seen next to the ramp re-

ally worked. A fear of hornets kept me from opening it. Euro-Nymphing While staying at Matagamon Wilderness Campground, I couldn’t ignore the East Branch Penobscot River tumbling by our cabin. Perhaps it was a little late in the season for prime fishing, but that didn’t stop me from trying. Determined to stick with Euro-nymphing, I tied up a nymph with a dropper nymph, and started drifting various seams and runs. Before long, the local chub population took a liking to that plumply-tied pheasant tail. Normally, catching chubs frustrates me. On this day, it served to help sharpen my drifting and hook-setting skills. Eventually I was rewarded with a pleasingly healthy squaretail. I’m deeming “Kayak Build 2.0” a success. My Euro-nymphing, however, is still a work in progress.

The author spent countless hours building a wood kayak from scratch. Was it worth it? This was his view from the cockpit shortly after launching from the shores of Grand Lake Matagamon. From his perspective, it was worth every minute. Bill Sheldon photo

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Airplanes Over the Allagash If you had the opportunity to review excerpts from my ranger logs, you’d learn that as Waterway Supervisor, many of my routine patrols were by floatplane. However, whenever we needed to service our repeater on Priestly Mountain, we used a helicopter. On those occasions when we were required to respond to one situation or another, those two methods of flight were the quickest ways to cover the 200,000acre corridor.

Float plane loaded and ready for the Allagash. Photo: Currier Flying Service

As they flew toward their cabin at Churchill Lake, pilot Roland Norcross and his two passengers realized that portions of the landing gear on their float plane had fallen off. A crash landing in the woods was their only option.

Allagash Ranger Steve Wipperman, at Camp Pleasant. Photo from T. Caverly Collection

From the skies, I could inspect harvest operations for timber trespasses, mudding of brooks, forest fires, stranded canoeists, unpermitted structures, and illegal vehicle access points to the wilderness.

Fortunately, while I had a close call or two during flights, I never went down in a crash. But others were not so fortunate.

Captivating My first flight over this national wild river occurred in the spring of 1973. While managing Aroostook State Park, I also served as the radio operator for the Allagash staff, providing their only connection to the outside world. That spring, Supervisor Myrle Scott invited me to attend his ranger’s meeting at Umsaskis Lake. Afterwards, Game Warden pilot Jack McPhee offered a float plane ride back to Aroostook State Park. While viewing the north woods from the air, I became captivated by the endless canopy of the dark green coniferous forest. Before transferring to work on the river, I often spent a week during the November deer season in the Allagash Wilderness Waterway (AWW) corridor. One of my favorite spots to hunt was along the north shore of Churchill Lake in T10R12, not far from the site of a ranger’s cabin today, known as Camp Pleasant.

Landing a Float Plane in the Woods In the early 1970s, while following the tracks of a giant whitetail, I stumbled onto a scattering of aluminum which I suspected was residue of parts and pieces from an airplane crash. It was years later when I learned the circumstances. While working the Sportsman’s Show, I met Mrs. Pam Taylor of Winthrop, Maine. Pam knew about the scattering of metal, because she was related to one of the occupants of the crashed plane. Here is her story: “I knew a Mr. Roland Norcross from Winthrop. Norcross served during World War II as a test pilot for the military. Later, he opened a flying service to transport outdoorsmen to the interior of the north woods. “At the time, Roland’s father Earl Norcross had a camp along the north shore of Churchill Lake, at the base of Churchill Ridge in T9R12. “During the 1950s, Roland’s flying

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business suffered hardship, so he moved into the two sporting camps on Churchill Lake, where he guided and, together with his wife Mary, trapped fur. “Roland’s outfitting business improved, so he hired Maine guide Pete Paquette, a member of the Paquette family who once lived at Clayton Lake. “Late one afternoon, Roland, Earl and Pete were flying to their Churchill Lake log home. As they neared camp, they noticed that pieces of their plane’s landing gear had fallen off. Without any other option, Roland crashed his four seater aircraft in the woods. “Mary was in their camp, and heard the airplane go down. The wife was sure her husband and father-in-law were dead. However, she was pleasantly surprised a while later, when the men walked into the camp. “Peter had blood running down his face, because a 3-inch diameter tree had pierced through the thin fabric of the plane, spearing the interior between pilot Roland and Earl. The trunk of the sapling then stabbed the back seat area, where it clipped passenger Pete. “Mary remembered that Roland had always claimed he could land a plane in the woods if necessary. “In 1956, at the end of trapping season, Roland died of a heart attack at his Churchill Lake home. At the time, Mary was in Fort Kent visiting friends. The body was discovered when a game warden pilot passing over the camp became concerned when he didn’t see any human foot tracks in the snow. “Landing to check on the trapper, the officer discovered the body slumped over in a chair. Roland had one boot on, as he’d been preparing to leave for Fort Kent to see his wife. “In the 1960s, I went to the area where my father and mother hunted, and walked into the crash site and found the aluminum left from the wreckage.” When hunting in that area in the 1970s, I also found debris from the wreck, which had occurred twenty years before. Tim Caverly has authored twelve books about Maine’s northern forest.

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2023 • 55

Colton Black’s Great Northwoods Adventure – Part Two The author was sent back to the truck to retrieve more rope for the winch. Just then, he saw a grouse race across the gravel road. He decided the rope delivery could wait. When we last left 13-year-old Colton Black, he had just witnessed his dad, Aaron Black, fill Aaron’s Maine moose tag with a well-placed round from a 30-’06. It was hard to hold Colton back as Aaron and Rick (one of Colton’s grandfathers) carefully made their way to the harvest. Colton and I, together with his other grandfather,

Lenny Potvin, anxiously waited by the side of the road. Colton let out a Yippee! when he heard the call – “Moose Down!” With the nearly 800-pound animal on the ground, it was time to start the “work” aspect of processing. With a gas-powered winch, multiple large pulleys, and what seemed like a mile of heavy braided rope, we

commenced the task of getting the moose out. Aaron sent me back to Paul Beauregard’s remote camp to get the trailer, while Colton helped his dad and two grandfathers rig a moose caliper tow line. Our first priority was to get the big animal back to the PB Guide Service walk-in cooler as soon as possible. (Continued on next page)

Colton Black proudly displays his first grouse. His smile says it all. Upland bird hunters from around the country travel to the North Maine Woods looking to match wits with the King of Game Birds and a healthy population of woodcock. Bill Sheldon photos

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Colton’s second bird required teamwork. The author’s sharp-nosed Brittany, Baxter, located the grouse; Colton’s sharp eyes and his grandfather’s shotgun did the rest.

Jackman Region (Continued from page 55)

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What better way to welcome a next-generation hunter! Here, Colton’s father Aaron and grandfather Lenny are bursting with pride. Baxter, on the other hand, just wants to go point another bird.

a friendly Brittany named Baxter, and gave him the line he had waited for since arriving at camp. “You’re up next,” I told the anxious canine. The plan was always to harvest the moose, and spend any remaining time introducing young Colton to the sport of upland game hunting. The Great North Woods has a legendary reputation for grouse and woodcock. Moose extraction was hectic when I returned with the trail-

er. Aaron asked me to get some additional rope from the vehicle. When I got to the truck and grabbed the rope, I caught a glimpse of a grouse running across the road. My Attention Deficit Disorder kicked in, and I dropped the rope and went to find Colton. One Shot! On cue, Colton showed up with a single 28-gauge shell in his hand. We pulled Grandpa Lenny’s shotgun out of the case, made sure we both had orange hats on,

and went to work. I’m sure Aaron wondered why that rope delivery was taking so long. Colton has received good family training using firearms. I went through the basics with him just the same. We loaded just one shell in the 28-gauge semi-automatic. We both confirmed the safety was on, and he kept the barrel pointed at the ground. I put both hands on his shoulders, and we headed down the road. I didn’t realize it at the time, but walking behind him with my hands on his shoulders was a good way to make sure we were both on the same page. I whispered in his ear, “If the bird shows, shoot.” Colton pulled up, and the bird exploded into a puff of feathers. Before retrieving the evening meal, we went through the process of making sure the gun was unloaded and back on “safe.” Larger Freezer? I forget if it was Colton or me who (Jackman Region continued on page 60)

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�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2023 • 57

Moosehead Region is a Top Upland Destination In my opinion, the Moosehead Region stands as the salvation of upland hunting as I once knew it. Growing up in the Midcoast Region during the 1960s and 1970s, I was fortunate enough to have experienced the best upland bird hunting that ever existed. It was the golden age of bird hunting. Flocks of 50 or more woodcock landing in a single small alder cover were common, and reverting farmland, with scores of old apple orchards, held dozens and dozens of grouse. It really

With a guide or on your own, with a dog or on foot, the grouse and woodcock in the Moosehead area await your arrival. didn’t get much better than that. Then in the late 1970s, change set in. Although the transition was slow, it was evident that the writing was on the wall. Yellow “posted” signs began popping up where we least expected them. People bought up rural acreage, and before even beginning construction on new houses, they posted their newly-acquired land.

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In the days before that transition, I had so many prime covers that it wasn’t necessary to visit any one of them more than once or twice in a season. But with each posting, covers were suddenly taken out of circulation. Also, it was difficult to acquire permission to hunt, since many landowners had not come from a rural, hunting background, and some of them entertained harsh feel-

ings toward hunting. An era was quickly coming to an end. Enter Moosehead It seemed that no matter where you went, the scourge of posting was present, in great quantity. And then I recalled talking with friends who made an annual trek to the Moosehead Region for bird hunting. At the time, I believed that these trips were more for social reasons than

for the good hunting. Staying in a hunting camp with friends always had a special charm, and if someone found a bird or two, so much the better. Boy, was I wrong. I began looking at the Moosehead Region seriously during the 1980s. I already regarded it as a haven for trout and salmon fishing. Now, bird hunting came on the menu, as well. While the region had, and still has, some limited amounts of “classic” bird cover – that is, alder thick(Continued on next page)

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Moosehead Region (Continued from page 57)

ets with a smattering of old, gnarled apple trees – the bulk of the bird hunting takes place on reverting forest land. There, pioneer vegetation, wild raspberries and poplar, quickly take over after a paper company removes all the harvestable trees. These places don’t look particularly inviting, but that doesn’t keep grouse and woodcock from populating them. Hunting Methods Many of the old-timers I knew traveled to the Moosehead Region so they could road-hunt. While diehard bird-dog fans may consider it unsporting, the practice is rooted in time and tradition. Moosehead is a huge region, and for those without a dog, or advanced in years, brush-busting can take its toll. While I am now officially an

old-timer, I am still able to do a very limited amount of pushing through briars and saplings. However, a half-day of such activity these days requires many days of recuperation. I mostly confine my brush-busting to the limited number of covers near my Midcoast home. But in recent years, I’ve enjoyed nothing better than riding the back roads with my buddy Bob Lawrence, ground-sluicing birds as we find them. In fact, it is the highlight of my fall season. Bob knows the region intimately, and every year he shows me new landscapes – stick-in-your memory, calendar scenes. Besides that, we have a great time together. Road-hunting with Bob stands as a must-do each October. There is a happy medium between the two hunting methods,

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and it is this: Drive along, and when you spot a grouse, get out and walk toward it and try to get within range before it flushes. Then try to shoot it on the wing. Every so often this happens to me by chance, but some people choose this method by design. In the alternative, you could bring your own bird dog, and prospect likely-looking places. Or you might decide to hire a local bird-hunting guide. These people have only the best dogs, and they know with a certainty where the birds are. Woodcock, Too These reverting woodland covers also host local as well as migrating woodcock. While it’s best to use a dog – either your own

Bob Lawrence, enjoying the view with his morning cup of coffee. Tom Seymour photo

or while hunting with a guide – you can score on flight birds simply by walking them up. Here’s how I do it. Walk slowly and deliberately, always aware of where to place your feet so that you are in a good position to shoot if a bird flushes. But don’t just walk all the time. Stop on occasion, and stand

Jackman Region (Continued from page 58)

yelled down into the woods toward the moose hunters that Colton had dusted a partridge. Aaron, setting up the power winch, got the word first. He excitedly relayed the news to Colton’s two grandfathers, who were deeper in the woods, laying rope. With a moose down and a bird down, it was looking like the Black family might need to think about a larger freezer. I didn’t realize it at the time, but that was Colton’s first grouse. I was so happy to be a small part of the experience. It wouldn’t be his last. The Boy Can Shoot! With the excitement of the previous day over, it was Baxter’s turn. The Great North Woods has plenty of minimum-maintenance roads that have grouse habitat written along both sides. The key to getting “road runners” relates to understanding the effects of different temperatures. Cool nights followed by balmy sunny mornings bring the birds out to the roads to warm up. Our time in the North Woods didn’t af-

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for a minute or so. This makes woodcock nervous and fidgety, so when you do finally take that first step, any bird holding nearby will probably take to the sky. So there you have it. Come try the Moosehead Region for yourself.

ford those conditions, so we would have to rely on Baxter’s nose. The dog’s first point came in waist-high stubble along the edge of house-tall conifers. Once again, I put my hands on Colton’s shoulders, and we moved in on the solid point. The bird rocketed off before we could get a handle on the situation. Like they sometimes do, this bird flew to a nearby spruce tree. I couldn’t make eye contact with the bird. Colton assured me he could see the bird in the tree. “Okay, if you see it, shoot it,” I whispered. Grandpa Lenny’s gun fired another on-target 28-gauge shotshell. With his father and his grandfathers watching from a distance, bird #2 went down. It was three generations of ear-to-ear smiles. I told Lenny, “The boy can shoot, and by the way, I don’t think you’re getting that 28-gauge back!” His proud grandpa agreed. Before the end of the day, the 28-gauge recorded another grouse. As I reported in the September issue of The Sportsman, Grandpa Lenny passed away unexpectedly in April. The 28-gauge is in good hands.

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2023 • 59

Family Member’s Injury Brought Home Importance of Tree Stand Safety In late October 2008, deer hunting as we knew it ended abruptly for the season. The day before Youth Deer Day, my husband made preparations to take our youngest son on his first deer hunt, just down the road from our house. He was excited as he hung climbing steps and a hang-on tree stand for my son next to his own hang-on tree stand. He had left his stand in the tree from the previous season, so after he finished hanging our son’s stand, he stepped over and took a seat in his stand, to see if he needed to make any adjustments. Without warning, the top strap on the stand broke, sending him sliding off the stand. He fell more than 20 feet to the ground, landing on his back on top of an oak stump. My husband struggled to get up and catch his breath, then began coughing up blood. He realized that not only was he in physical trouble, but also he wasn’t sure anyone would know where to find him. He walk/crawled his way out of the woods, made it to his truck, and somehow drove home. From there, our daughter drove him to the emergency room. I stood in disbelief as the ER doctor told me they needed to send him to a trauma unit due to his multiple injuries, consisting of two broken vertebrae, 11 broken ribs, a broken shoulder blade, a punctured lung, and a ruptured spleen. He spent ten days in intensive care and then was laid up for another six weeks. A National Problem According to the Tree Stand Safety Awareness Foundation (TSSA), more than 3,000 people in the U.S. each year are injured in tree stand-related accidents. And that estimate may be conservative – in an article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Paul A. Smith wrote that the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA) reported that “nationally, between 300 and 500 hunter fatalities occur each year from tree stand accidents, and another 6,000 individuals are injured.” The State of Georgia alone experienced 85 hunter fatalities from tree stand falls in the decade 1979 - 1989. Tree Stand Injuries Statistics reveal that 20% of injuries result from the use of homemade stands.

He fell more than 20 feet, landing directly onto an oak stump. Struggling to get up, he tried to catch his breath – and started coughing up blood.

Accidents by type of tree stand. Source: TSSA

Ladder stands account for another 20%. Twenty five percent of injuries occur from climbers, and 31% occur when hunters use hang-on stands. Many hunters don’t think they need a safety harness and lifeline for ladder stands, but safety experts point out that the majority of injuries occur when

The author, in her full tree stand safety harness.

hunters are in the process of climbing in and out of their stands. And no style of stand is completely safe – you can add the “hammock saddle”-type stand to the try-not-to-fall-outof-the-tree list. Technically, a hunter is attached to the tree at all times, but that doesn’t mean you won’t get hurt if you fall. ABCD’s of Tree Stand Safety The TSAA has developed four safety principles, called the “ABCD’s of Tree Stand Safety.” A: Always remove and inspect all gear before using. Thirty-five percent of falls are the result of gear failures. B: Buckle Your Harness Securely. Eighty-six percent of fall victims didn’t wear a harness. C: Connect before your feet leave the ground. Ninety-nine percent of fall victims were not attached to harnesses. D: Destination. Share your stand location for every hunt. In an emergency, every minute counts. Your hunter safety course covers tree stands, but if it’s been a while, consider taking a free online tree stand safety course; see HunterCourse.com/ TreeStandSafety/ If you don’t prefer the complimentary harnesses that come with your tree stand, then buy one you are willing to wear in all types of weather. Some vests are heavier than others, so try one on before purchasing. There are plenty of choices, tailored for both men and women. If you do nothing else, wear it, and use it correctly. Don’t forget to inspect your pull-up ropes which – just like tree stand ratchet straps – can disintegrate if left out in the weather year after year. You should get in the habit of pulling your (unloaded) firearm or bow up, and not carrying it on your back. That goes for the backpack, as well. Have a lifeline on each stand, and purchase extra appropriate weight load carabiners to attach to the lifeline. I keep a carabiner right on my harness, but have misplaced it more than once, so extras keep me from having excuses to not use my harness. This year, let’s make October “Tree Stand Safety Awareness Month” – the year Maine has no tree stand injuries.

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60 • October 2023 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

Birds are Only One of the Reasons to Go Grouse Hunting I love partridge hunting in the fall. The weather is incredible – cool, crisp mornings with comfortable afternoons. The rich smell of fallen leaves is unmistakable, and it’s among my favorite aromas. Bird hunting is social – you get to spend time with friends and family, and oftentimes make new friends along the way. I really like the adventure of partridge hunting. It’s not like deer or turkey hunting, where you just sit and wait. Instead, there’s hiking, riding woods roads, and lots of exploring to be had. It’s a really great way to scout for other sorts of hunting, and gain confidence in the woods. The best part of bird hunting is that even when the grouse aren’t cooperating, you still have options. You’re spending hours and hours in

Upland game season is about much more than just the pursuit of birds, says the author – it’s a time to explore, scout, and even enjoy wild-game-meat-onthe-grill tailgate cookouts with friends and family. the woods, covering ground and actively observing your surroundings. Scouting for Other Seasons Bird hunting helps you prepare for the upcoming hunting seasons, and even for winter and spring fishing trips. With a 4x4 truck or rig, you can cover a lot of ground. Keep your head on a swivel, and you’ll certainly pick up on a number of game trails, deer yards, trout ponds, and a lot of information that can help you in coming seasons. I like to pick bird hunting areas that are “interesting,” meaning areas in which I hunt other species, or near lakes, ponds or streams, or that contain unique geographic

An old International Scout the author found while bird hunting in the Maine woods. All photos by the author www.MaineSportsman.com

or historic landmarks. Find a promising pond you’d love to see before ice fishing season, and hike into it while keeping your eyes and ears open for birds. Being able to cover ground allows you to spend a lot of time familiarizing yourself with the land you’d like to hunt, or the waters you hope to fish. More on Fishing Speaking of fish, there are a lot of opportunities to wet a line while out bird hunting. Typically, the opening weekend of bird hunting coincides with the closing weekend of open water fishing, meaning that stream fishing and North Zone lakes and ponds are closed, unless otherwise written in the lawbook. South Zone ponds remain

open unless otherwise noted. If the local waters remain open, buy a breakdown rod that fits in a backpack, and tote it with you into a pond for some brookies, or sneak down a stream, while at the same time keeping birds on the brain. Just be sure to check the body of water in the lawbook to verify that it’s open, since many South Zone trout ponds are closed in the fall to protect the brook trout populations. Tailgating If you think tailgate parties are limited to football games, you’re wrong. Cooking out on the tailgate with friends and family on a bird trip is a great way to keep morale up on slow days,

The author’s father taking a break from walking through a clearing on a bird trip.

and you’ll be sure to make some memories to take home. There’s no need to go overboard with loud music; in fact, most times the sounds of the woods are enough to fill the silence. Bring a small grill and some burgers, hot dogs, or (if you were lucky during a recent season) moose, deer, or other game steaks. As you see, bringing home a partridge is just a small portion of the activities that may go down while you’re partridge hunting. In a broader sense, they’re the excuse to spend your time wandering the backcountry of Maine. So select an area you want to know better, do some research before heading out, and enhance your bird-hunting experience with new adventures. It’s what keeps things fun.

The author and the author’s brother after doubling up on birds on this same hike.

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2023 • 61

October Offers Exciting Hunting Downeast The expanded archery season constitutes an exciting October prospect for hunters in the Downeast Region. Deer populations in my Penobscot Bay area seem to be rebounding nicely. Mild winter weather conditions have helped more deer to survive. Most of the deer I have come upon in my travels were seen in Bucksport’s expanded-archery zone, DeLorme’s Map 23, E-2, or in Castine’s expanded-archery zone, Map 15, B-2. It’s also important to review Maine’s hunting regulations from DIF&W to study the detailed maps and confirm the specific boundaries of each zone. The expandedarchery deer season began on September 9, and it runs through December 9. Hunters who have a valid archery license will be able to purchase multiple expandedarchery-antlerless deer permits for $12 each, and one expanded-archery either-sex permit for $32. This year, I have seen more does with fawns than usual. In addition, I have noticed four or five healthy velvet-antlered bucks. I have also seen a rare pie-bald yearling very near where I saw an albino adult doe several years ago. Is this just a coincidence,

The Downeast Region offers many opportunities this month, says the author, including expanded archery, fall wild turkeys, bear, grouse and woodcock.

The author, shown here, has enjoyed consistent turkey-hunting success. Maine’s estimated turkey population, according to a state bird biologist, is 70,000 birds.

or could it be genetic? I think creating WMD 26a and allocating 250 antlerless-deer permits has taken some of the hunting pressure off the buck population. Fall Turkeys Another autumn hunting opportunity is Maine’s fall turkey hunt. WMD 26, my home range, offers prime turkey habitat,

from the coastal waters of Bucksport to Lamoine. Some other top-notch hunting areas to pursue a wild turkey lie within the boundaries of WMD 27 and 28, from Sullivan to Lubec. A copy of Maine’s hunting regulations should provide folks with sufficient detail to hunt turkeys in these districts. Maine’s turkey-

hunting season runs from September 18 to November 7. Downeast hunters can

tag three wild turkeys in WMD 26, two wild turkeys in WMD 28 and one wild turkey in WMD 28, although the cumulative total from all WMDs cannot exceed three birds per hunter. Some top-notch hunting areas to pursue a turkey lie within the boundaries of WMDs 26, 27 and 28, especially along Route 1, between Bucksport and Lubec. The estimated turkey population, according to DIF&W bird biologist Kelsey Sullivan, is 70,000 birds scattered over the state. Due to the unseasonably mild, snow-free winter of 2022 – 2023, biologist Sullivan feels that most adult birds fared quite well. Spring weather conditions this year were cool and rainy, and may have had an adverse effect on spring-hatching conditions – only time will tell. Bear Hunting The general hunting season for bear began August 28 and runs through (Downeast Region continued on page 63)

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62 • October 2023 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

Grouse Scarce; Woodcock Hopeful; Trout Willing A scarcity of grouse in the Midcoast Region has led many upland gunners to look to woodcock as a fallback quarry. While it is possible that the rainy, cool spring caused both grouse and woodcock broods to fail, at least in the case of woodcock we can always count on migrating birds coming through to give us at least some sport. My quest for new bird-hunting covers continues. Living in Frankfort, a townowned forest covering several thousand acres sits just across the street and up a hill from my home. However, organized bird-dog groups have secured permission to use the wonderful covers there for field trials for their dogs in early fall, just before hunting season begins. It seems that every inch of cover gets pounded down by men and dogs. Consequently, after the field trials end, the few birds that haven’t flown to other covers are spooky and mostly flush out-ofrange. While this great opportunity exists just across the road, it is of

The author hoped to try out a nearby bird cover, but dog owners used it for field trials. Another likely spot was occupied by a bowhunter in a tree stand. He knows of a couple of other opportunities, but if those don’t pan out, there’s always trout fishing in selected rivers.

The mountain road home. Tom Seymour photo

little use to anyone after the field trials. So I continue to search.

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One place, again very close to home, Mt. Waldo, has some limited covers. Much of these are taken by archery hunters sitting in tree stands, waiting for deer. Cross these off the list. I managed to secure permission to hunt a small piece of private land, and it holds at least a few

woodcock. I was told that the place has birds year-in and yearout. Missed Opportunity So one bright October afternoon, I decided to try out this new cover. I probably should not have ventured out, since my arthritic back had suffered painful spasms and it was hard to

walk, much less swing on a flying object and hit it with a string of shot. But that didn’t deter me. Almost immediately upon entering the place my friend had described, I heard a woodcock twittering, but didn’t see it flush. This was in an overgrown field, and the bird was hidden by the tall grass. I did catch a glimpse of it as it sped by, twisting and turning as woodcock so often do when in full flight. I swung, clumsily, and missed. Another bird flushed, under the same conditions, and with the same result. But at least I had found a single, small area to hunt. Nostalgic Having developed my wingshooting skills in the Midcoast Maine of the 1960s and early 1970s, I continue to lament the loss of bird covers to development and posting. I feel like one of the Indigenous Peoples of the western plains in the 1800s, looking for the bison to return, inherently knowing that it isn’t going to happen. Likewise, those glory days of upland hunting will never return. However, we should appreciate the opportunities that remain. I did find a good-looking cover on state-owned land, Treat’s Point, along (Continued on next page)

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2023 • 63 (Continued from page 62)

Marsh River, managed by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (DIF&W). However, when I visited it last year, a deer hunter was already in the cover. Last spring, torrential rain washed the steep road away, so it may be that only those few who are willing to walk and climb in order to reach a good cover, may find some productive hunt-

ing. On another note, judging from the number of people who tag their deer during archery season, it looks as if the deer herd is thriving. The same holds true for the firearm season. There is a high success rate, at least in the Frankfort area and environs. Second Love The old Crosby, Stills and Nash song says that if you aren’t with the one you love, love the one you’re with. And so these

Downeast Region (Continued from page 61)

November 25. Hunters with a resident license do not need a special bear tag to harvest a bear during those dates. Hunting bear with dogs ends October 27, and bear trapping comes to a close on October 31. Last year, 3,758 bear were harvested in Maine. The Downeast area has numerous great habitats for bear to forage, and WMD 28 accounted for 248 bear tagged. Hotspots for bear include the Dedham area, where bruins are ambling their way north after feeding on blueberries, and the hardwood ridges near Bald Mountain (DeLorme’s Map 23, D-4) and Big Hill (Map 23, D-4).

days, I probably spend more time in October on year-round trout streams than I do in bird covers. Sometimes I’ll take a day and visit both the Medomak River in Waldoboro and the Megunticook River in Camden, both stocked in fall by DIF&W. Note that fall-stocked trout are mostly (with a few retired broodstock fish thrown in) fall yearlings, and run from 11 inches up to 14 inches, with the occasional larger individual add-

ed to the mix. Some of the newly-opened rivers offer limited tailwater fisheries. Even before DIF&W stocks the waterways in fall, fish from downstream head up to the dams, with handfuls arriving each day. These trout are two years old and sometimes older. They are fat, beautifully colored, and fully naturalized to the wild environment. Their flesh is the color of commercially raised Atlantic

Feather Hunting Another gunning opportunity in the Downeast area can be found on the outskirts of Machias (see Map 26, C-3). Timberdoodle hunters thrashing through alder covers, especially along Route 1, will find productive areas. This range is one of the first stops for these migrating birds, who will settle in with native woodcock. Other nearby birdy covers in this region are located all along the Machias River, especially near the Stud Mill Road. There are many alder-stream covers that contain woodcock, as well as some excellent partridge haunts adjacent to long-abandoned woods roads. Healthy partridge populations can be found by driving along the Studmill Road, especially between Fifth Machias Lake and the Machias River (Map 35, D-2, D-3). Many of these former paper company roads sustain healthy pockets

salmon, and tastes as sweet. When stocking finally occurs, fishing can rate as very good indeed. While I still miss walking my old favorite bird covers in October, such trout fishing fills the gap in a grand manner. Try Both So get out the shotgun, and don’t put away that spinning rod or fly rod. October has much to offer, for hunters and anglers.

of grouse, especially where small stream cross the roads. Old twitch roads off the main road provide excellent cover to flush a few wily grouse. Home Bird Covers Other productive bird covers, closer to my home, exist in Prospect. These timberdoodle haunts are located in the vicinity of the Old County Road (Map 23, E-1). This state-owned parcel, known as the Stockton Springs Flowage, creates ideal habitat for waterfowl, as well as excellent terrain for hunters to locate some fast-flying woodcock action. Thick alder growth between the Meadows Road and the northern end of this flowage may require a fresh box of shotgun shells when trying to bring down a few elusive woodcock. The thickets here are more easily hunted with the assistance of a trained bird dog.

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64 • October 2023 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

Everything to Know About Donating Wild Game Sometimes we hunters are blessed with the good fortune of having plenty of time to hunt, more tags to fill, but an already-full freezer. What do you do? Go fishing? Go back to work? It’s a personal decision, but one option we’ve all heard is, “Keep hunting, and donate the meat.” It’s a win-win. You get to continue hunting, and someone in need gets lean, high protein meat. But is it that simple? How exactly do you go about donating wild game? Hunters for the Hungry The Maine Hunters for the Hungry (H4H) program started in 1996 and enables hunters to donate bear, deer and moose to food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters without having to pay for the butchering. The program is a cooperative effort by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Maine’s H4H program is funded by the State of Maine. A portion of the meat is from illegally-harvested animals confiscated by the Warden Service. After the cases clear, the frozen meat is released and donated to the program. In 2022, Maine’s H4H program received 88 deer, 24 moose, and 9 bears. www.MaineSportsman.com

Maine’s Hunters for the Hungry (H4H) program accepts deer, bear or moose, and the donation process is very easy if you know how. Certain food pantries are also enthusiastic direct recipients of healthy wild game meat.

Bear meat, properly packaged and labeled. Christi Elliott photo

Other states run similar programs, and nationally, over 8 million meals of wild game are donated each year. Finding an Approved Butcher To find a list of approved butchers who participate in H4H, google “Maine Hunters for the Hungry.” Most counties have at least one participating butcher. Maine’s H4H program is actively recruiting butchers. Ask your butcher if he or she is interested in the program; remember – they still get paid by the program! The Process If you want to donate a deer, bear, or moose, here are the recommended steps: 1. Call the H4H-ap-

proved butcher in your area to confirm that he or she has the capacity to process your game. 2. Field-dress your game, properly care for it, and tag it. 3. Get it to the butcher as soon as possible. 4. You’re done! The butcher will process the animal and coordinate providing the meat to a local pantry. Do’s and Don’ts, and FAQs • Only legally harvested deer, bear, and moose may be donated. Other wild game and fish are not accepted through the program. • Deer harvested on nuisance permits may be donated. • Roadkill may be appropriate on a caseby-case basis. Call law enforcement first, then

follow the same steps above. Sometimes, roadkill is too far gone, but there are instances when edible meat is salvaged. • You do not have to donate the entire animal. You may donate a portion of the meat, but the H4H program pays only for the donated portion. • You may keep the antlers or hide, but H4H will not pay for caping fees. Other Options Pantries value the standard of high quality from the H4H approved butchers, but there are some other options. • Donate last year’s frozen meat from your freezer. Call H4H, and they will try to help you find a pantry for

your donation. • Donate self-processed meat, though it exposes pantries to potential risk. Contact H4H, and they will do their best to match you with a pantry that will accept your self-processed meat. • Pay any butcher to process your game, then donate it to a pantry. Be sure to contact your local pantry ahead of time to confirm they have the space to accept your donation. • If you can’t make the necessary arrangements, then donate your surplus meat to a friend or acquaintance in need. Jimmy Durda, Emergency Food Coordinator for Maine’s H4H program, explained to me that “[t] he majority of our food pantries are interested in wild game, but with almost 250 pantries in our system, the meat really is only going to a small percentage. Hunters should consider us when adding antlerless harvests to their fall hunting plans. We have room in our budget to support processing plenty more hunter donations.” For more information, email H4H@ maine.gov or call 207287-3491. A note about my name: Travis and I eloped in Montana in July, and I have taken his last name. So now I’m Christi Elliott!

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2023 • 65

Doubling Down on Invasive Aquatic Species A recent trip to the Adirondacks reminded me of the severe impact of invasive aquatic species. Crossing over the south arm of Lake Bomoseen on Route 4 in Vermont, we saw mats of Eurasian milfoil that cover about 10% of the lake. On the south bay of Lake Champlain in New York, the expansive green tangle of water chestnut nearly covered the entire width, except for a narrow navigation channel. Beneath these problem plants in both lakes are invasive zebra mussels, small non-native bivalves that attach to almost everything underwater, creating serious problems. New York, Vermont and New Hampshire all have aggressive laws and programs to control and prevent spread of invasive aquatic species. But for many locations, the damage has been done. Out of 800 lakes and ponds in Vermont, more than 100 have infestations of invasive aquatic species. New Hampshire has 80plus lakes and ponds with invasive species infestations, but – so far – no zebra mussels. Protect Maine Waters Here in Maine, only about 1% of our 2,400 lakes and ponds over ten acres have infestations of invasive

Maine has two important sets of environmental restrictions – one old, the other brand new – designed to protect our waters from invasive species. The author has seen first-hand what happens in other states, when the spread of such species threatens recreational opportunities, native habitat, and shoreowners’ property values.

Volunteers hand-pull invasive water chestnut plants in Oyster Bay, NY. US Fish and Wildlife Service photo

aquatic plants, according to Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection. But the threat of more infestations looms large, whether from out-of-state visitors, from boaters and anglers spreading problems from lake to lake, or from Mainers returning from trips out of state. And there is heightened concern that zebra mussels, found recently just 30 miles from Maine near the St. John Riv-

er in Canada, might find their way into the state. Since 2002, Maine has administered the Preserve Maine Waters Boat Sticker program aimed at preventing the introduction and spread of invasive plants through education and courtesy boat and equipment inspections. In June, the Legislature doubled down with an emergency law mandating that boat owners drain bal-

last and live well water before launching or post removal to prevent spread of both invasive plants and animals, especially zebra mussels. The familiar CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY mantra is now an enforceable requirement. Why are these laws vital for Maine’s waters? The Threat of Invasive Aquatic Species Invasive aquatic plants and animals are known to drasti-

According to Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, invasive zebra mussels have been found within the Saint John River drainage in both Quebec and New Brunswick, with the nearest visual confirmations less than 30 miles away from the Maine/Canada border. MDIFW photo

cally alter the ecosystems they infiltrate. Non-native species often have no natural predators in their new environment, allowing them to proliferate unchecked. As they spread, they may out-compete, displace, or prey upon native species, disrupting the food chain and upsetting the natural ecology of our waters. Shallow areas in bays and shorelines provide an ideal environment for certain invasive plants, like the Eurasian watermilfoil, which can form dense mats that hinder recreation, reduce property values, and create dead zones by blocking sunlight and reducing oxygen for fish. Zebra mussels attach themselves to almost anything: boats, motors, docks and power plants. Their larvae are microscopic, so they can spread invisibly in any water transported from one waterbody to another. The “Preserve Maine Waters” Boat Sticker Program Maine’s boat sticker program has served as an important educational outreach and funding mechanism. With the simple act of placing a sticker on a boat, visitors and residents are reminded of the duty to protect Maine’s waters. It’s not really about the sticker, of course. (Sporting Environment continued on page 68) www.MaineSportsman.com

66 • October 2023 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

October’s Cornucopia Awaits Area Sports I always like looking at old paintings of cornucopias, or “horns of plenty,” as they are often referred to. They always seem to have an autumn feeling – my favorite season of the year. The cornucopia derived from Greek mythology, and a few accounts describe it as a goat’s horn bearing abundant fruit in unending supply. In modern versions, the horn is depicted as a wicker horn-shaped basket filled with fruits and vegetables typically harvested in the fall. This is how I think of October – there are so many things going on for the avid sportsman or -woman, that we have a cornucopia of fish and game from which to partake.

The colors of fall and two plump pheasants the author took at a local release site. Photo by Tom Roth

Angling Action From an angling standpoint, we get some of the best lake trout fishing of the season on Sebago Lake (DeLorme Atlas, Map 5, C-1) this month. The second half of

last month started the cooling trend on the lake, bringing the fish up closer to the surface, and that trend continues this month. Anglers can’t use live bait and must immediately release

A cornucopia is a mythical source of unending autumn-related bounty, which is how the author views the month of October in his region.

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salmon, but lakers are king this month. I have trolled fly lines all season and done well, but they really shine in October. All the guides on the lake fish generally the same way, with subtle nuances among each of us. Dan Hillier of Songo River Guide Service is like me – he loves the traditional use of fly rods for trolling. His tactic involves using fly rods on his downriggers so his clients can catch the fish deep but play them on a fly rod – a novel approach. I like to target shallow-running fish, so I typically put a fly rod out on each side of

the boat when guiding clients. Lately, I’ve been picking up more lakers on the fly rod set-up than downriggers, but who cares – a six- to eight-pound laker on a fly rod is a hoot! Thompson Lake in Poland (Map 11, E-2) is another top October angling spot. In October, Thompson Lake has an artificial-lures-only rule, but I find that Gulp minnows satisfy both the law and the fish, especially salmon. Togue in Thompson are native to the lake, and I believe they display a duller green coloration than lakers from Sebago. I’ve bet

several friends that I could tell a Thompson laker from any other, but nobody has taken me up on my offer yet! Nearby, Lake Auburn (Map 11, E-4), a top lake trout and salmon water, allows fishing this month, but anglers can’t keep either species, so I avoid Lake Auburn this month. Avian Action October is peak waterfowl season as well, so the scattergun crowd can share in the bounty. Seems as though there are fewer and fewer duck hunters out there, so I don’t think the birds fly as much, but there is still something magical about paddling into a marsh in the dark, setting out a decoy spread, and watching the sun rise while holding a steaming thermos of coffee. Hunters in the Lewiston-Auburn region have the Androscoggin River (Map 11, D-5) as a great source of waterfowl action. From geese to mallards to black ducks, the river holds them all. The Basin (Map 11, D-4) in Auburn is another storied waterfowl spot. I was chatting with avid waterfowler Paul Bissonnette of Minot just the other day, and the subject of The Basin came up. We both agreed this marshy spot holds (Sebago to Auburn continued on page 68)

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2023 • 67

Bowhunting Deer from Ground Level All I could see through my peep sight was brown hair – the peep was hiding the rest of the deer. I could see the green pin on brown hair, but couldn’t tell where it was positioned on the deer. The deer had walked past me at around four yards; I never knew it was coming. I had to lift my head to see where I was aiming, then adjust. However, the deer saw my movement, stopped in midstep and then bounded off down the mountain. Move Only Your Eyes, Not Your Head On that hunt, I was sitting in a natural blind I had quickly built a few hours before. It all happened in only a few seconds. I was busted. If I had been hunting with my recurve, I could easily have killed that deer. Regardless of that failure, hunting from ground level can be a successful way to bowhunt deer. To be successful, however, you must follow a strict regimen that controls your scent and your movements. You must also make adjustments to your hunting gear. I have successfully taken deer while hunting from a stool in natural, quickly constructed blinds, and my learning curve has evolved into a rather simple system that

The author has devised a way to see deer up close from a temporary blind, yet avoid having the whitetails sense his presence. He says his methods include controlling his scent and his movement, as well as entering, setting up and then exiting the woods while staying within the forest’s natural sounds and rhythms. works, at least for me. It’s simple, cheap, safe and effective. To see deer, you must remain completely still – use only your eyes to look around, and don’t move your head. You must enter, set up and then exit while staying within the forest’s natural sounds and rhythms. You need a strong mindset to do this; sitting still for hours isn’t easy. Gear Considerations I prefer a comfortable folding chair; that way, I am able to sit still much longer without back pain. A stool can become uncomfortable, and ground hunting just doesn’t work if you are fidgeting around. It also doesn’t work if you’re playing around with your cell phone, reading a book, or moving your head while looking around. Deer generally take a few steps and then scour the area looking for movement. A deer that’s standing still in the forest is difficult to see; a deer will see your movement, and slip from the area without you even knowing it was there. You were busted, and

didn’t even know it. As far as your bow, any type bow will work if you can draw it back while seated, with minimal motion. Also, I have lost a few opportunities at deer because of a peep sight on my bow string. This usually involves not enough light available during dawn and evenings, with still plenty of legal hunting time available. Peeps can also twist or move, thereby preventing accurate shots. You’ll be surprised at how well you can shoot without a peep in your string. I have two compound bows set up – one with a peep sight, and the other without a peep. If I am hunting in thick cover, and expect close-range shots, then I use the quickto-aim bow without a peep, or a recurve bow. For open, well lighted areas of the forest, where longer shots may be required, then I carry the bow with a peep sight. Other Considerations • Wind current is critical. Milkweed is the best wind detection material – commercial puff-type powders disappear within

a few yards and can give a false reading. Milkweed will drift with the wind and remain visible at long distances. • If sweet fern or goldenrod grows in your hunting area, then rub the oily leaves on your boots and clothing; it’s a

good natural cover scent. Avoid unnatural cover scents. • Access and egress are extremely important. You should never walk in along the route you think the deer will use. • All your gear should be soundproof and camouflaged – also consider a ghillie or leaf suit, face mask and gloves. • Don’t jerk your head around every time you hear sounds behind you; learn to distinguish different animal sounds. (Continued on next page)

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68 • October 2023 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

Southern Maine (Continued from page 67)

The System Develop your own well-organized and quiet system, and then practice with it. Learn to shoot while seated and while using the gear with which you plan to hunt. To be successful, you must micro-manage everything from your gear to your mind. One stick that snaps, a slight movement, a shiny spot or squeak from your gear, and the hunt is over. Ground hunting offers freedom from carrying around a heavy

metal stand and installing it in a tree – a process that’s difficult to accomplish without alarming deer. Also, hunting from ground level allows you to be mobile. You are able to move quickly when wind currents change. Using these methods will allow you to be situated in the forest without your presence alarming the deer. Hunting deer eye-toeye is exciting, fun and gratifying, but the learning curve is steep; hopefully, my failures and how I overcame

Sporting Environment (Continued from page 65)

Funds raised from this initiative support courtesy boat inspection programs and the wardens who enforce boating laws in the state. Trained inspectors, stationed at popular boat launches, ensure that boats, trailers, and equipment are free of potential invasive plants and organisms. This proactive approach has proven effective in educating boaters and preventing the spread of invasive species. The New Law Plants aren’t the only concern. Invasive animals, including zebra mussels, snails, crawfish, water fleas, and non-native fish, can stow away in the bilge, engines and live well water of boats.

Sebago to Auburn

(Continued from page 66)

some duck, but is difficult to hunt, as you typically get one blast at the birds since they don’t fly much. Flushing Pheasant One of my most vivid hunting memories is my first pheasant hunt with my dad. I was 14, and was judged old enough to hunt. I was given my grandfather’s shotgun – a 16-gauge Remington 870 Wingmaster. www.MaineSportsman.com

The author’s bow he set up to hunt in thick areas, where quick shots at close ranges are the norm. He removed the peep sight, and placed a kisser button on the string; this allows for fast, smooth shots at deer. Archers will be surprised at how well they can shoot without a peep on their strings. Photo by Val Marquez

some of them will help you become more successful. I am still not an

expert at the ground game; rather, I’m still learning, with the biggest challenge being

the requirement to remain completely still.

Recognizing this, Maine’s new legislation requires boat owners or operators to do the following: Just prior to launching and when removing a watercraft from an inland water body and prior to transport away from the launch site, a [boat owner or operator]: A) Shall remove or open any hull drain plugs, bailers, valves, live wells, ballast tanks and other devices designed for routine removal or opening and closing to encourage water to drain from areas containing water …. [emphasis supplied] B) May not allow drains to be opened in a way that allows water to enter any inland water body. Separate containers holding live baitfish for personal or commercial use are exempted from the draining requirements, but the water should never be dumped into a lake, pond or river.

Why Both Laws Matter In combination, the boat sticker program and the mandatory drain law will significantly reduce the chances of transferring invasive aquatic plants, animals and their larvae from one water body to another. While some may argue that the new law cannot be fully enforced, it will change the baseline expectations of how boaters launch and remove their boats. Maine’s lakes and ponds contribute significantly to the state’s economy through tourism, recreation, and property values. For many Mainers, the legacy of fishing, swimming, and boating on Maine’s pristine waters is part of their very identity. These important laws safeguard the Maine experience for future generations.

My dad and I went to a pheasant release site, and while I was walking along a trail, a hen pheasant erupted from the forest floor and headed away from me like a line drive. I put the bead on the bird and slapped the trigger. To my elation, the bird crumpled, and at that moment a pheasant hunter was born. We soon joined a local hunting club and got in on the raising and releasing of pheasant, a program that continues. Now, the State buys the birds, and my club, the Windham-Gorham Rod and Gun Club, releases the birds across Cumberland County. Check the Maine

Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website for details. There’s still so much more in this cornucopia of a month. Bow hunters get archery season for deer, plus the continuing expanded season. Grouse hunters can scour the countryside for the wary Southern Maine grouse. Trappers get early season and a sneak peak at the local furbearing population. No one ever said October is too short of a month, at least not any outdoors-savvy soul.

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2023 • 69

This is a Great Plan A man from Etna, Maine came to see me one day in the fall of 1983. He and his dad, both of whom I was acquainted with and regarded as honest hard-working people, were engaged in trapping muskrats that fall. He explained that he believed another trapper was robbing their traps of muskrats before they got to them. I was immediately very interested, as trap or fur thievery within the trapping community is looked upon as something done only by the lowest scoundrels one can imagine. Additionally, suspects are usually very difficult to apprehend, and proving the case in court can be a challenge. He explained where the traps in question were located, and whom they suspected of the misdeeds. After hearing his story, including the suspect’s name (a name that was familiar to me), I determined this to be a very credible complaint. I suggested we could collaborate on a plan to ensnare the unscrupulous knave. The Plan Comes Together The described trapping location was on Stetson Stream, which flows from Pleasant Lake in Stetson into Sebasticook Lake in Newport. My complainants were ac-

Someone was stealing muskrats out of another trapper’s trap. The author hatched a plan to place a marked animal in the trap for later identification, knowing the suspect would not be able to resist taking the animal. A well-designed, simple strategy – what could possibly go wrong? cessing the stream utilizing a john-boat from the northeast side of Sebasticook Lake, where Stetson Stream dumps into Sebasticook Lake. We decided that the next day, my newly-acquired assistants would place a muskrat trap within sight of where the suspect was landing his canoe. In my opinion, he would not be able to resist checking another person’s trap that was placed in an area he’d consider to be within his sphere of operations. Then, early the following day, Warden Pat Devlin and I would access the area, secure a muskrat from one of my associate’s traps, mark it for later identification, and place it in the designated trap for our unscrupulous trapper to steal. The Plan Commences Two days later, the morning dawned bright and crispy. Warden Devlin and I unloaded my canoe at Durham Bridge, and set out for Stetson Stream. We made good progress, smartly getting up into the stream shortly after the sun peeked up over the eastern wall of the forest.

A while after, we began to see some traps, marked by red flags on the banks. We decided to put into shore, and continue on foot. The woods were still and quiet, with the sun beginning to gleam down through the trees, creating an enchanted wonderland. Deer season was open, and Pat had brought along his .444 Marlin rifle, just in case a big buck emerged from the woods and presented a broadside shot. We worked up along the southeastern side of the stream for over an hour, picking up a muskrat out of a trap belonging to our operation cohorts. We would need that muskrat in case there wasn’t one in the targeted trap; if the targeted trap was empty, we could mark the muskrat we’d collected for later use as evidence, and place it into that trap. I had misjudged the distance and time it would take going by land. The walking was slow, due to blowdowns, thick brush and some wet areas. As we slogged along, we lost all interest in deer hunting. The .444 had become a bur-

den to carry, and we regretted bringing it along. Finally, we arrived at the location of our suspect’s canoe. We looked for the trap that had been set near his canoe, but to our dismay we discovered it was located on the opposite side of the stream. Initiating the Plan Seeing that the water was too deep to wade, we decided our best option would be to borrow our unsuspecting target’s canoe to get across the stream and plant the muskrat in the designated trap. It would only take two or three minutes, then we would place the canoe exactly back where it had been. After that, we would conceal ourselves and have a nice little rest while we waited patiently for some results. You’ve Got to be Kidding Me Just as we began to slide the canoe into the water, with Pat carrying the muskrat under one arm, someone yelled loudly, “Hey, where are you going with that canoe?” Our suspect had picked that very moment to come down the path to check his traps.

Thinking as quickly as I could, I replied, “Oh, we were just going to borrow your canoe for a few minutes to see who else besides you is setting traps in here.” He replied, “Well, you could have asked,” and I responded, “We didn’t know where you were, and we didn’t think you would mind.” While we were having this conversation, the suspect’s back was toward Pat, which gave him the opportunity to quietly toss the muskrat into a nearby brush pile. The suspect said, “Well, you can use my canoe if you want, and let me know who else is trapping the stream,” even though he clearly knew the identity of the owner of the traps he’d been disturbing. We took the canoe for a short time. When we returned, our guy had departed, so we left a note with the other trapper’s name, and thanking our suspect for the use of the canoe. In those days, we had no cell phones, so we had to walk another couple of miles to the Stetson store so I could call my wife to come pick us up. Lady Luck was not on our side that day, but it’s not like I didn’t know what always happens to “the best laid plans of mice and men” – inevitably, they turn to dog poo.

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70 • October 2023 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

Trapping Starts This Month Trapping season is again only days away. Come 15 October, trappers will be out stringing steel for the early canine season. Although the price paid to the trapper has dropped in the last couple of years for coyote, it has started to increase for both the red and gray fox. Foxes are harder to come by than in years past, because of the coyote, which has reduced the fox population. A little more money can result if a trapper waits a few more weeks to start trapping them. Although the canines prime earlier than other furbearers, they are not fully prime at the first of the season. Hunters/Dog Owners Take Note A reminder to small game and upland hunters who use dogs – go to the Maine Trappers Association’s

Know the laws; understand the tagging and sampling requirements; and if you’re a dog owner, learn how to quickly and safely remove your dog’s foot from a canine trap. website (mta.homestead.com) to see how to safely remove your dog’s foot from a trap. The information provided addresses the different types of traps used for canines, with the coil spring being the most commonly used one by today’s trappers. You will learn how to ensure both the dog’s safety, and yours, while releasing the dog. Trapping Seasons This year, the general trapping season starts 29 October, and runs until 31 December. The beaver season varies in Maine depending on the Wildlife Management District (WMD) in which one traps. As currently listed for the 20232024 trapping season,

they are: • WMDs 1-4 Oct. 15, 2023 to April 30, 2024 • WMDs 5,6 and 8-11 Oct. 22, 2023 to April 30, 2024 • WMDs 7 and 12-29 Oct. 22, 2023 to April 15, 2024 ***** Furbearer Sampling During the general trapping season, all bobcats trapped and those taken while hunting are required to have a tissue sample and the lower jaw, lower canine, or lower lateral incisor tooth submitted, for each bobcat taken. By testing these items, the state wildlife biologists monitor the sex and age of the cats to ensure a sustainable

harvest is maintained. For the same reason, trappers are required to submit a lower jaw or lower canine tooth for all fisher, marten and otter taken. This includes incidental otter taken during the various beaver seasons.

If you want to receive the age results of any sample sent in, it must be tagged with your name and contact information. For those wanting to mount a bobcat who need a replacement incisor for the tooth you submitted, contact Shevenell Webb at Shevenell.webb@ maine.gov. (Trapping the Silent Places continued on page 72)

Releasing Dogs from Traps Source: Maine DIF&W Courtesy of Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies

A dog’s reaction to being caught in a foothold trap can vary from calm to frightened, but upon being released, they do not normally sustain injury. Foothold traps are designed to hold an animal by the foot. The most common type of foothold trap used in Maine is shown here. If your dog gets caught in one of them, follow these steps: Stay Calm and Get Help: If available, get a second person to assist you. Protect Yourself: Some dogs may attempt to bite, especially as the trap is removed from their foot. Protect yourself by securing the dog’s muzzle using a jacket or vest, or by placing a barrier between you and the dog. Open the Trap: If possible, put the trap flat on the ground. To open the trap, push down using your hands or feet on the levers located at either end of the jaws (see arrows in the diagram). This will release tension on the jaws and allow you to remove the dog’s foot. Respect the Trapper, and Obey the Law: It is unlawful to take or destroy a trap without permission from the owner. Prevent Future Incidents: Trappers commonly use lures and urine to attract furbearers such as foxes and coyotes. You can train your dog to avoid trap locations by utilizing these scents in mock trap sets.

www.MaineSportsman.com

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2023 • 71

Grouse Season Tests Shooting and Cooking Skills When the crisp autumn leaves crunch under your boots and an early morning frost nips at your nose, it surely must be time to hunt grouse and woodcock in Maine. This month is truly my favorite time of the year. My leather hunting boots have a new coat of beeswax, my shotgun is oiled and ready to go, my favorite knife has been sharpened, the dogs are at their best, and I have kept to a strict walking regimen to stay in shape – this bird season is looking

good. Some folks have said the wet spring dropped the nesting grouse numbers, but it won’t stop me from getting the dogs out – there will still be plenty of birds to stir my blood and get my pointers excited. Grouse numbers have varied up and down over the fifty-some years I’ve been hunting them, so I’m not too worried. I will be hunting a little differently this season. When I am hunting by myself, I’ll take both dogs with

me – Ginger (five years old) and Andro (almost seven months). I will work hard this fall, training young Andro in his first season. Ginger will help show him the ropes. I’m sure none of my friends want to hunt over Andro at this point – he’ll be a little out of control in his first season, with wild flushes and missed points. It’s all part of hunting with a puppy, but I won’t make my friends struggle through this. For me, I actually can’t wait to see little Andro in ac-

tion. Next year will be a different story, if I do my part this year, and my friends will

really look forward to hunting over the little Andro boy for years to come. (Continued on next page)

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Rangeley Region (Continued from page 71)

Bird Shot Ask a few bird hunters what size shot works best on grouse in Maine, and you’ll get several different answers. I have always preferred number six shot, while many of my hunting buddies say they only use low brass seven and a half shot. While I agree that a hunter doesn’t need to use any kind of heavy load to drop a grouse, I like the size of number six shot for the simple fact that it seems to chew up the meat a little less than smaller-sized shot. I find far fewer pellets in the meat when I am

cleaning them for the frying pan. I used to think, probably because I missed a lot of birds when I was a kid, that I needed a heavier load to “reach out” and smack those fast-flying birds. Well, I was wrong, and several friends I’ve hunted with over the years who shoot light or standard loads have proved the point by outshooting me on many occasions. If you ask road hunters, they’ll tell you just the opposite. They prefer heavy “high brass” rounds for those long-distance shots that often

Trapping the Silent Places (Continued from page 70)

Furbearer Tagging The skins of all beaver, bobcat, coyote, fisher, fox, marten, mink and otter must be tagged within 10 days after the end of the trapping season on each species. All incidental otter taken between January 1 and April 30 must be tagged within 10 calendar days of being trapped. Bobcats taken by hunting must be tagged within 10 days from the time of harvest. Tags must be attached to the skins of these furbearers before you may sell, gift, send or transport the pelts (other than for preparation and tagging purposes). A fee of 25¢ is charged for each pelt registered at Fur Tagging Stations. The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife itself no longer charges fur registration fees. It is mandatory that all bobcat and otter be tagged by the Department. This is normally done by a game warden, or at one of the Wildlife Management District offices. Trapping Associations Those trappers not belonging to a trappers’ association are missing out on a lot. As far as I know, all states have a state trapper’s association. Here in Maine, we have a www.MaineSportsman.com

present themselves on gravel roads, especially on straight roads where shots are especially long. I prefer to shoot birds in flight, over my dogs, but am not opposed to anyone who enjoys a day of driving around in their vehicle, spotting birds in the road, and then getting out to shoot them before they scurry off into the brush. Heck, as I approach seventy, I am wondering when my walking days will be over … it won’t be long, and I’ll be looking to become a fulltime road hunter. Roast, or Stir Fry? When I was a teenaged bird hunter, my father and his buddies taught me to always

pluck the birds that we shot. I never heard of “breasting” (cutting out just the breast) a bird until I moved to Maine in 1990. The idea seemed right – there’s hardly any meat anywhere else on the bird, so why not just pull the breasts out? Somewhere along the line, a hunting buddy must have taught me how to lay the bird on its back, step on each wing, and then grab the feet to pull the breast free and clean from the rest of the bird. This has been my usual method for field dressing grouse ever since. At home, I’ll cube the tasty breast meat, and stir-fry it in olive

long-standing organization that has worked closely with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife for furbearer management. The Maine Trappers Association (MTA) promotes humane and ethical trapping, and supports various research projects not only for furbearers but also for various other fields, including public health issues. Trappers wanting to learn more about trapping specific furbearers and getting involved in promoting trapping to the general public should join the MTA and a local chapter. If you’d like information on a chapter, go to the MTA website (mta.homestead.com), and send a message or email to the contact listed. They all welcome new members. The MTA has chapters scattered around the state. They are as follows: • Penobscot River Chapter Meets the first Monday of each month at the Penobscot County Conservation Assoc. clubhouse in Brewer at 7pm. • Aroostook County Chapter Meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Washburn Town Office in Washburn at 6pm. • Capitol Area Chapter - Meets the last Wednesday of each month at the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine in Augusta at 6 pm. • Central Coastal Chapter - Meets the last Sunday of each month at the Wiscasset Rod & Gun Club in Wiscasset at 6:00 pm.

oil and a little salt and pepper. In my humble opinion, nothing beats the flavor of this except for (maybe) a brook trout or a deer tenderloin. This year, I’m going to pluck a few birds and go back to roasting the whole bird rather than breasting them out. If you pluck the feathers right after shooting the bird, they come out a lot cleaner, and you won’t be ripping off the skin like you will if you pluck it an hour or so later. I use a roasting bag, I can almost taste the wonderful flavor right now.

• Central Maine Chapter - Meets the first Thursday of each month six months of the year at the Palmyra Town Hall/Community Center in Palmyra at 6:45pm (there are no meetings in January, June, July, October, or November). • Northern Coastal Chapter Meets the second Thursday of each month (except for midsummer) at the Snowpackers Snowmobile Club in Belfast at 7pm. • Southern Aroostook Chapter - Meets the second Sunday of each month. The location moves around among several towns. Contact Jeff Mitchell at 207-365-4188 for info. • York County Chapter - Meets on the second Sunday of each month at the North Berwick Rod & Gun Club in North Berwick at 6pm. • Union River Chapter - Meets the second Wednesday each month (no meeting in November) at the Ellsworth VFW Hall in Ellsworth at 6pm. • Western Maine Chapter - Meets the 2nd Thursday of each month at the Post 123 Legion Hall in Kezar Falls West at 6:30 pm. • The Carrabassett Valley Trappers - This group is not a chapter, but its members are MTA members, most of them Lifetime. They meet on the 2nd Sunday of each month at Jerry LeBeau’s in North Anson at 6pm.

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2023 • 73

The Inflatable Donut The little engine roared to life, and the boat took off. No passengers were aboard – in fact, the only items of cargo were our cans of beer. Thirty years ago, we had very little extra money. We got along by doing things ourselves and buying stuff in Uncle Henry’s, and that’s where Bill found the inflatable boat. In those days, Bill and his family camped in a Dodge panel van. They went all over the state, but preferred hanging out at South Arm and Oquossoc. That was all fine, except Bill felt the need of a boat, and it had to be a very special craft – which is to say compact, portable and most important of all, cheap. He found an inflatable dinghy in Uncle Henry’s. It even came with a motor. The first outing was at our cabin. Bill was enthusiastic; the rest of us – not so much. But he’d paid short money for this monstrosity, and dammit, he was going fishing. Step one was to dump the boat, such as it was, out of the storage bag and inflate it. You did that with a foot pump. Bill unfolded the boat on the beach, hooked up the hose and began stomping on the pump. I dipped into the cooler and got us each a cold beer. “Here,” I said,

handing him a can. “You’re going to need this.” As the boat grew in size, we thought it looked like a giant pastry. “Hey, Bill, it’s a floating donut!” we chortled. What Could Go Wrong? Bill pressed the sides of the boat with his fingers, testing for the correct inflation. At most, this thing was 8 feet long – maybe even just 6 or 7 feet. Regardless, it wasn’t very big, and Bill is a pretty big guy. What could go wrong? Bill dragged the little boat into the pond, and then went after the motor. This was a very old 2-hp Johnson. It had no gears, and you turned it around to go in reverse. The only way we could mount the motor was to wade out into the water and set it on the transom. We put our beers inside the boat. Meanwhile, Bill tightened the clamps, tilted the lower unit down into the water, and said, “Better see if it’ll start.” Like I said, what could go wrong? He twiddled with the carburetor set-

tings and opened the gas valve. The throttle lever slid back and forth. Standing there knee-deep in the water, Bill yanked on the cord. One, two times, and the little motor coughed and came to life. And the boat took off! There was no clutch. No neutral. It startled us both. Bill dodged to get out of the way of the berserk boat, and I snatched out my beer as the boat went off on its own. The motor rotated hard to one side and the blow-up boat just started going in circles. Like rodeo clowns trying to divert an angry bull, Bill and I stood not-too-close to the circling boat, waiting for our chance to grab the damned thing. Finally, Bill got hold of one pontoon and wrestled it to a stop, while I quickly closed the throttle. That was that. Lesson learned. You’ve got to be ready when you pull the rope. Bill thought this was all very promising. He had visions of chugging off by himself and casting for white perch. “Got to try it out,” he said. “Hold it steady.” As I mentioned,

Bill flops into his Uncle Henry’s leaky bargain inflatable. Randy Randall photo

Bill probably weighs 240 or so. He is no ballerina, that’s for sure. He couldn’t figure out how to get into the boat. Finally, he backed up to the side, and flopped backwards like a scuba diver going off a boat. Whoa! Bill’s head hung over one pontoon, and his legs hung over the other side. Kind of like sitting sideways in a hammock. I knew none of this boded well. Bill scrunched around and got settled and told me to let go once he started the motor. I couldn’t help but notice how Bill’s butt was sagging in the bottom of the boat and the pontoons were being pulled inward. Next thing I knew, Bill had fired up the motor again and yelled “Look out!” and he was off – lying sideways across the pontoons and steering with his left hand. We all stood on shore and watched as the end of the pontoon sunk into the wa-

ter and Bill’s butt began to get wet. Bill was awash. He hadn’t gone very far anyway, so he was able to flop over the side and stand up; but not before killing the motor. There he stood beside his bargain boat wondering what the hell happened, and us on shore laughing our asses off. “Your boat’s too small,” his wife yelled, “or you’re too big.” Bill was disgusted, and shoved the little boat back toward the beach. “There must be a leak,” he said. “Once I find that and get it patched up, I think we’ll be alright.” We murmured quietly, “Sure you will – good luck.” As far as I know, that was the one and only time Bill ever attempted to use that inflatable boat. Some things are just better left alone to gather dust, fade away and be forgotten.

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74 • October 2023 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

Moose Tag Donation Benefits a Wounded Veteran When Roger Berry was finally selected for a moose tag after 40 years of trying, he donated the tag to Operation ReBoot, and then was granted permission to go along on the hunt. It was a win/ win outcome. When Carthage hunter Roger Berry found out he had been selected for a bull moose permit for October 2022, his very first thought was to donate the hunt to Operation ReBoot Outdoors (ORO), a non-profit veteran’s organization that helps veterans, active-duty military, LEOs, and First Responders heal from emotional and physical trauma through outdoor programs. Berry had applied for a moose permit for forty years, but never got selected until 2022. He had helped on seven other moose hunts with family and friends over the years, but felt that some lucky veteran deserved the hunt more than he did. His generous donation went to Alabama

resident Josh Wilson, a United States Marine Corp (USMC) veteran who had been wounded in two separate battles in Afghanistan in 2011. Berry’s longtime family friend, Sherman Bradeen, owns Bradeen Brothers Guide Service, along with his brother Abe Bradeen. Together, they have helped with numerous ORO hunts in the past, and were really looking forward to assisting Josh Wilson with this donated hunt. The Donor Goes Along on the Hunt Dan and Nicole Waite created ORO, and they agreed with a suggestion by the Bradeens, deciding it would be a great idea to allow the person donating the hunt (Roger Berry) to go along on

the hunt as an observer. Berry’s donated hunt was the first time ORO authorized a hunt donor to actually join the hunting party while they attempted to down a moose. Berry explained, “It was so nice to be there when it all happened. I was just as excited about the hunt as the fellow I donated the hunt to – and even more excited to have him drop the bull. You can’t believe how satisfying it was to donate this hunt and have Josh shoot such a great bull.” Abe and Sherman Bradeen are wellknown for their prowess in the big woods – they have been successfully calling in big moose for many years. Their connection with ORO goes way back: ORO’s owner/cre-

Sherman Bradeen (L), Roger Berry (C), and Josh Wilson (R), with their bull moose. Photo courtesy of Bradeen Brothers Guide Service

ator Dan Waite has been friends with the Bradeen brothers for many years. Helping ORO veterans with hunting and fishing adventures just came naturally for the Bradeen Brothers Guide Service, and you couldn’t find a couple of brothers with bigger hearts if you tried.

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The Doe Strategy Do antlerless-deer permit holders go after the first doe they see? Or do they keep the tag in their pocket as an insurance policy? The author explores different approaches and options. Your name has been drawn in Maine’s antlerless deer lottery. Congratulations! Now what? Do you hunt like you normally do? Do you change strategy and target does? Do you shoot the first one you see? Do you take whatever the gods of chance give you? There are different approaches to be considered when you hold an antlerless tag – especially if you are hunting big woods. The Full Freezer Approach I would guess that a large majority of those who put in for the antlerless lottery do so to pad their freezer. This is a perfect reason for a doe tag: ten-

der, tasty meat. For these people, they will hunt hard, and take the first opportunity they get at a doe. This gives them two things: meat, and a sense of accomplishment. The sense of accomplishment is what I call the “Hunter’s High.” If you have one deer hanging (or already processed), it takes an immense amount of pressure off – allowing you to hunt more freely and enjoyably on your next tag. Hunting multiple states, I’ve had the privilege to frequently hunt after filling one tag. The head games and self-doubting abates, and I adopt a “Whatever happens, happens” mentality.

Not only do I enjoy the hunt more, but I also feel like a better, more in-tune hunter at these times. The Convenience Compromise Many hunters with a doe tag look forward to filling it and taking home some delicious meat, but they also feel confident enough in their odds and abilities that they are willing to wait until the right opportunity comes along, rather than jumping at the first chance. This was my father’s approach when he drew a doe permit last fall. He knew he had a full week to hunt out of our camp, and he assumed that with

Maine has been expanding antlerless deer tag opportunities over the past few years. Recipients should determine a strategy in how they’d like to use their tags, the author says. Brian Emerson photo

hunting hard and covering lots of ground, he would have several opportunities to fill his doe tag. He was right. His first opportunity came when he was tracking a buck and expecting to see him soon. As the sign showed pre-bedding activity, my dad intercepted a doe. Though

he had a good shot opportunity, he didn’t want to bungle his chances at the nearby buck, so he passed. His second opportunity came in one of those “God-forsaken hellholes.” It would have been a long, brutal drag back to the truck through a mess (Continued on next page)

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76 • October 2023 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

New Hampshire (Continued from page 75)

of tops left by loggers, so again, he decided to pass. His third opportunity was about 300 yards across a clearcut. Since he was hunting with his father’s 760 .300 Savage (with which he’s for years wanted to shoot a deer), he didn’t feel ballistically comfortable. His fourth opportunity came conveniently. A good-sized doe walked broadside 75 yards in front of him. It was only a quarter-mile drag downhill on snow to the truck. And it was first thing in the morning, so he had plenty of time to take care of things. He took advantage of the convenience and got some good meat with a sentimental rifle. The Wild Card Strategy Many times when still-hunting or tracking, you get only obscured or fleeting glimpses of deer. It is

exceedingly frustrating to routinely forgo shot opportunities because you can’t completely confirm the presence of antlers. Having both a buck and a doe tag in your pocket (and, of course, hunting in the WMD that matches your doe permit) allows you – once you’ve identified the target as a deer – to come up shooting, adopting the “If it’s brown, it’s down” mentality. I think of this approach as being akin to holding a “Wild” card at the end of a game of Uno. It doesn’t matter what the card showing is – you can still play yours and win. Last year, while hunting New Hampshire, I tracked a buck to the thick spruce top of a knob. I caught a flicker of brown disappear over the rise ahead of me. I blew a couple of times on my grunt call and immediately heard the deer

Western Maine (Continued from page 74)

erationrebootoutdoors.org), their story also clearly illustrates the change in technique for hunting moose nowadays – you don’t just drive around and see a moose to shoot standing by the roadside like you could twenty years ago. Rather, you have to get deep into the woods. Bradeen said, “We met at ORO’s Camp Byron Saturday, after locating several places that looked promising. We did a little more scouting on Sunday, and found a great spot to hunt. We got up at two o’clock in the morning on Monday, and walked into our spot. Immediately, we found cow and bull tracks all around our position. “Just then, we spotted a 52-inch plus bull moving through the brush, and we had two cows approach very close to us. All of a sudden, another bull showed itself at about three hundred yards. He was a true Boone and www.MaineSportsman.com

coming back in my direction. I squatted down, in order to see under the boughs of the spruce trees. The deer was uphill from me, so all I could see was its legs aggressively side-hilling by me. It passed through a crack of an opening, and I thought I saw antler, but I wasn’t 100 percent sure. The deer stopped about 25 yards from me. I could see every part of it except for the head. It was a good-sized track I’d been following; this was obviously a big-bodied deer; its body language and response to the grunt call told me that it was a buck. And yet, I couldn’t be certain without seeing its antlers. I had the crosshairs of my 35 Whelen all over it, but alas, the deer sensed something was wrong and bounded away without me getting a better look. Five hours later, his track took me by a trail camera that belonged to a friend of mine. I stuffed the SD card in

A buck goes by a trail camera. Five hours earlier, the writer had this deer in his rifle scope’s crosshairs at 25 yards, but he didn’t have an antlerless permit and he couldn’t see the deer’s head. Holding a doe permit would have allowed the writer to ethically shoot the deer.

my pocket to look at when I got home. If I had a doe tag in my pocket, I would have killed that deer that morning. And it would have been a nice, darkhorned 8-pointer. Doe Permit as Insurance Against Unintentional Harvest In a past issue of The Sportsman, I told true stories that have been relayed to me over the years about honest mistakes. One story described how a hunter killed a nice buck in a flurry of

Crockett bull, but never presented a clear shot.” Bradeen continued, “We hunted the same area that afternoon and Tuesday morning without seeing any other moose. Tuesday afternoon we spotted a good bull at 100 yards, and Josh dropped it. It was only about 375 yards from our truck, so it wasn’t much of a problem getting it out of the woods with trucks, lots of rope, and some wellplaced pulleys.” Scouting Pays Off Bradeen’s story doesn’t take into account the hours of scouting and preparation that go into a moose hunt. He and his brother spend a great deal of time in the woods, and they located a great spot for finding the moose. I called Josh Wilson and asked him how the hunt went, and he confirmed that the Bradeens really know their moose hunting. He expressed appreciation to Roger Berry, who donated the tag. The decorated Marine said, “I can’t

shots after he jumped it out of its bed in a thicket. Long story short, unbeknownst to the hunter, one of his shots landed in the vitals of a doe that he didn’t know was there. Mistakes happen. Holding a doe tag could be like holding a “Get out of Jail Free” card. That’s one good reason to keep the tag in your pocket for this sole reason, never intending to use it unless forced to by some honest and unforeseen happenstance.

thank Roger enough for donating the hunt. What a gracious offer and kind thing for this fellow to do. I also thank Sherman Bradeen for getting me my bull. I had never seen a live bull moose before, and couldn’t believe how huge it was. I was kind of shook up, but ended up getting in a good shot.” Positive Effect “This hunt really helped me,” Wilson concluded. “I’ve hunted before, and this hunt just encouraged and strengthened my passion for the outdoors. I’ve already got plans for returning to Maine to hunt bears with ORO this fall. I can’t wait to get in the big woods again.” Stories like this fill our hearts with joy … the success of ORO volunteers in helping these deserving veterans heal through outdoor programs is tremendous. Contact Operation ReBoot Outdoors to donate and make a difference in someone’s life.

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2023 • 77

Vermont Moose Hunting While much smaller in scope than Maine’s moose hunt, Vermont will give out 180 total permits this year. Like Maine, Vermont’s goal is in part to reduce the moose density, as a way of decreasing the impact of winter ticks. I’ve been lucky to be in on a few Vermont moose hunts. I’ve been there when they’ve been shot, done the shooting, packed ’em out on my back, and watched horses drag them out. As much as deer hunting is an old tradition, moose hunting has become one, ever since we started hunting them in the state in 1993. One hunt I recall was in 2013, with my buddy James. We had snuck around the edge of a hill, just off a cut, and there she was, unaware of our presence. The two of us crept back to his dad, Brian, and let him know there was a cow moose within range if we eased around the corner. All three of us slid up, and she was still there. I plugged my ears for the shot, at which point James, the tag holder, and Brian started to discuss who was going to shoot. James finally pulled the trigger, and, following a loud “Click” from his uncleaned, duct tapestocked, Remington 742 “Jam-o-matic,” the cow took off. Our intention was to bring home any moose, since several years before, the three of us had come home

empty-handed after traipsing through the woods of northeastern Vermont when Brian held an antlerless tag. Of course, that year we saw the biggest bull of our lives on opening morning. All we could do was watch him melt back into the woods. Vermont’s moose hunting peaked in the early 2000s, and declined through two decades to the point of not being hunted in 2019, and now seems stable and perhaps on the rebound. The bulk of the moose population is found in Wildlife Management Unit E, which is located in the northeastern-most section of the state. There are moose elsewhere, but their densities are low. The Fish and Wildlife Department partnered with University of Vermont researchers to conduct a study of moose health and survival in WMU E over several years, starting in 2017. The results of the study, in which 36 cows and 90 calves were fitted with GPS tracking collars, showed that chronic high winter tick loads negatively affected the health of moose. Survival of adult moose was relatively good, according to their report, but birth rates

were very low, and fewer than half of the calves survived their first winter. This led to a management strategy focused on improving birth rate and calf recruitment by getting the population down to a point where tick loads are lower, which seems to occur at a density of less than one moose per square mile. 2023 Moose Hunt Vermont has an estimated population of just over 2,000 moose, with about half of those moose located in WMU E. In this unit, the population is currently estimated at 1.6 moose per square mile – far higher than the desired density. The 2023 hunting season takes place in unit E, broken into E1 and E2. There are 180 total permits this year, with 100 of those specified as antlerless, and the remainder either-sex, including 20 archery tags. Up to 10% of the permits can be issued to nonresidents. The expectation is a success rate of around 60%, resulting in just over 100 moose being harvested. The VT F&W Department tracks numbers with great precision, and is hoping to reduce the

The author and Brian with their 2013 Vermont moose. Missing from the photo is James, aka “Click.”

population by 5% per year to get to the target density by 2030. This year, there are two seasons. Archery hunting will take place from October 1st through October 7th, with the six-day regular season starting on October 21st. The archery hunt gives hunters a good chance to call in a big bull, which is an absolutely thrilling experience. There might be a little calling still happening during the regular season hunt, but it can be sparse, so hunters should be ready to put some miles on to locate pockets of moose. The state estimates that last season’s moose hunt provided 60,000 servings of moose venison. That number should double this year. Get in the Game Vermont issues permits by lottery. The application is typically due in midJune, with the drawing taking place a month later. Lottery applications are $10 for residents and $25 for nonresidents. Tag winners then pay for

their permit once they win, costing resident hunters $100 and nonresidents $350. There are also some special tags issued – five permits are dedicated to Vermont military veterans, three permits are for recipients with life-threatening illnesses, and three permits are allocated for auction. After the loud “click” of James’ rifle, we shifted gears, circled around, and reset. I still-hunted along the cow’s track, as the two guys with rifles stayed ready. I bumped her up, and Brian was able to shoot her, with James finishing her off. We got lucky, since in all the action, she had moved closer to the road, making for a short drag out. James got a new rifle after the season, but we still call him Click. A moose hunt is tremendous experience, as those lucky enough to have drawn a tag know. While Maine is obviously the premier destination for hunting moose in New England, Vermont is pretty good.

www.MaineSportsman.com

78 • October 2023 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

Smilin’ Sportsman

But Good The camp cook placed a big plate of food down in front of his hunting buddy. “If there are two things I can make well, it’s meatloaf and apple pie,” he bragged. “Great,” said his buddy. “Which one is this?” —

www.MaineSportsman.com

Positive Diagnosis “Doc, are you positive I’ll get well? I’ve heard that some doctors mis-diagnose illnesses. For example, they’ll treat a patient for pneumonia, and later, the patient dies of typhoid fever.” “Don’t worry — when I treat a patient for pneumonia, he dies of pneumonia!” — All Choked Up “Doctor — come over quickly. My son ate a ballpoint pen.” “I’ll be right there. What will you be doing in the meantime?” “Using a pencil.” — I’ll Wait Husband: “How long will it take you to finish cleaning the house?” Wife: “About an hour. But if you help me, it will go much faster.” Husband: “No, I think an hour will be OK.” — Call Me Pappa Dad: “Joey, I know I haven’t been home much, since I’ve been spending so much

time hunting and fishing. But tell me: Do you think I’m a bad father?” Son: “My name is Fred.” — One-Way Communication My wife said she’d leave me unless I stop playing constantly with the walkie-talkie, over.

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2023 • 79

The Barbarism of Barbie

Our columnist reviews a movie he says he hasn’t seen There’s a vicious rumor circulating that I went to a showing of the Barbie movie. Supposedly, there’s video of me buying a ticket and entering a theater that’s displaying a large Barbie poster. This is categorically false. Close examination of this so-called evidence would reveal the person depicted is wearing a New York Yankees cap and a Coors Light t-shirt. No one who knows me would believe I’d possess such items. This video clearly shows an imposter put up to this stunt by my enemies (probably the Vegan Liberation Front) in an effort to embarrass me. Under Pressure For some weeks, I’ve been under intense pressure from nefarious forces trying to coerce me into watching this flick. These villains include my wife (“It’ll be funny”), my editor (“I’ll pay for your ticket”) and my therapist (“It’ll help you overcome your pathological hatred of dolls”). I resisted them all, only to be thwarted by some creep who produced a deep-fake, fabricated cell phone video. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it. Nevertheless, some obscure provision in the Code of Journalistic Integrity requires me to produce a column dealing with

worldwide. That’s exactly $997,845,318.33 more than A Doll’s House.

the Barbie phenomenon, just because it’s the only thing anybody has talked about all summer. I promise you I will not allow my utter ignorance of the subject to interfere with my entirely objective reporting. As you probably know, Barbie surprised its critics by proving to be much more intellectual than anyone expected. Early in the film, Barbie (played by Greta Garbo) sets the tone by addressing Ken (played by Rock Hudson) with this speech: “Blow winds and crack your cheeks! Rage, blow, you cataracts and hurricanes.” Oops, sorry. That was from King Lear by William Shakespeare. It’s understandable that I’d confuse the two works of art, given how closely they resemble each other in their deep philosophical underpinnings. If you doubt that, consider this actual quote

from the Barbie movie narrator: “To live in Barbie Land is to be a perfect being in a perfect place. Unless you have a full-on existential crisis. Or you’re Ken.” Eat your heart out Bard of Avon. Blame Mattel Don’t think I missed the sophisticated humor throughout the movie. By my calculation, it accounts for maybe 12 minutes of its two-hour running time, and includes such gems as, “Thanks to Barbie, all problems of feminism have been solved,” and “Don’t blame me – blame Mattel.” Speaking of Mattel, the giant toy corporation produced this movie, which accounts for why it appears to be an infomercial for its products (and, for some reason, those of General Motors). This shouldn’t spoil anyone’s enjoyment, since the Mattel characters are mostly villains

(and the GM characters are mostly motor vehicles). Barbie comments on this depressing situation thusly: “I only feel my life unspeakably empty. No one to live for anymore.” Oops, again. That’s not America’s favorite doll. That’s Nora from Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House. Don’t know how I mixed them up, but if you ever get a chance to see that play, go see Barbie, instead. You’ll thank me. It may have occurred to you that this column contains a lot of quotes from a movie I didn’t sit through with a notebook in my lap like a real critic. It’s only fair to let you know that I got all of them off the internet, except for King Lear, which I had to memorize in high school. Barbie has the distinction of being the first movie directed by a woman (Amelia Earhart) to earn over $1 billion at the box office

Back to the Plot But back to the plot, which as far as I can tell, has something to do with Barbie not being an airhead, and Ken being kind of a creepy airhead. I may have missed some of the subtler points, because, as noted above, I didn’t see the movie. No matter. This is Barbie; there weren’t any subtler points. There was a lot of cuteness, a good deal of running around, and a couple of coy sexual references, but nothing your prudish grandmother couldn’t handle. There may also have been some music ranging from the forgettable to the unlistenable. I don’t mean to judge Barbie too harshly. It had more wit than Ernest Goes to Camp, but somewhat less than The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special. If it was a cheeseburger, it would rank higher than Wendy’s, but lower than Five Guys. If it was a whiskey, it would be a decent argument for Prohibition. Or that’s what I assume. Because like I said, I didn’t see it. Al Diamon writes the column Politics & Other Mistakes for The Bollard magazine.

www.MaineSportsman.com

80 • October 2023 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

— TRADING POST — • Subscribers may place one free 20-word • The regular rates are $15 for up to 20 line classified ad per month (2-month limit) words and 50¢ for each additional word • Items for sale must include a price • Check, money order, MasterCard or VISA (Credit or Debit) are accepted • Real estate ads must include an address or location

• You may submit your ads by: Phone: 207-357-2702 E-mail: classifieds@mainesportsman.com Mail: 183 State Street, Suite 101 Augusta ME 04330

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

BOATS FOR SALE

CAMPS FOR RENT

TWO MAD RIVER CANOES FOR SALE #1) 16.5ft Kevlar Malecite, like new, 5-6 hrs. flat water time. $2,500. #2) 16.5ft TW Special Fiberglass. Exc. Cond. Tubbs of VT. wood trim. $2,000. Call 781-235-4616.

OFF-GRID CAMPS For hunting, fishing, families, sledding, ATVing. Ashland, Medford, Argyle, Lagrange. Ample parking, off grid, $400/ week, modern $700/ week. 207-745-1725.

HARD TO FIND GRUMMAN 15 FT. SQUARE STERN SPORT CANOE Like new condition. $1600 with trailer or $1200 without trailer$1200. Call 802-3636003.

www.MaineSportsman.com

CAMP RENTAL IN SOLON, ME Deer and Bow hunts, small game hunting, fishing. Camp sleeps 4-6. Full amenities, wifi. $1,000, plus tax for 7 days, Sunday to Saturday. 207399-1317. www.buckspointsportinglodge. com.

DOGS AKC BRITTANY PUPS Hunting & Family Pets. OFA cleared. Ready in November. Call 207-345-3258. QUAIL HOLLOW KENNELS: BRITTANYS Simply the best personal shooting dogs and family pets. Puppies and started dogs. Woodcock training November through March. Forty years of excellence. Call after sunset. 856-935-3459.

LAND FOR SALE

50 ACRES FOR SALE IN CORNVILLE, ME Abundant Wildlife, Moose, Bear, etc. Land abuts Paper Company land. ATV Trail Access, Snowmobile Trail to ITS 84. Twelve and one-half miles from Showhegan. Power Available. Owner finance option. $200K. Call 207-612-6294. –

MISC. LINE-CLASSIFIED FOR SALE AD Place a 20 word TEXT AD for a boat, rod, bow, car, truck or truck cap, firearm, ammo,

or other personal item at $10/month. Offer good through DEC. 31, 2023. Mail ad to our office or email: ads@ mainesportsman.com –

WANTED MOOSE GUIDES WANTED For sporting camps in Zone 4 North Maine Woods.September & October. Meals and lodging provided. Call 207-474-2644. SKI DOO, ELAN OR TUNDRA Any Condition. Have Cash. Will Travel. Call or Text 207-522-6940.

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2023 • 81

• Remote Waterfront Cabins • Spednic Lake – Vanceboro, ME – MLS #1564070 3.25 acre lot with 687 feet of frontage on Spednic Lake featuring 4 cabins. Unwind and re-connect with your own piece of Maine’s remote wilderness.

Beth A. Johnson

Todd Bassett

Sales Associate

c: 207-214-4696 o: 207-942-8261 tandb.realtyteam@gmail.com www.bhhsnere.com

Associate Broker

160 Broadway, Bangor, ME 04401

c: 207-214-3411 o: 207-942-8261 tgbassett@yahoo.com www.bhhsnere.com

— ANGLERS TAKE NOTICE! —

Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of the Rapid River, one of the premier native trout and salmon fisheries in the Northeast!

Andover – This one-of-a-kind property is located on the banks of the Rapid about 200 yards from the north end of Pond in the River, giving the owner immediate access to the section of the Rapid from Middle Dam to Pond in the River. This camp is unique in many ways – it’s the only dwelling on the upper river, surrounded by conservation land, and renovated to provide the luxury you seek in the seclusion you desire. The camp is NOT on leased land allowing the landowner to do as they please. Accessed by boat/float plane, on foot, or snowmobile, one must truly unplug when visiting this magical spot. Cabin has two first floor bedrooms, kitchen, living/dining room and two sleeping lofts. Solar panels provide electricity with a generator backup, and propane on -demand hot water with outdoor shower and pristine outdoor privy. Oversized shed provides tons of storage space. This camp comes fully equipped ready for your fishing and entertaining pleasure. In addition to the two first floor bedrooms there are 3 full-size mattresses and 1 twin size mattress in the attic with new linens and blankets. Inside lighting is a combination of electric and gas lightening. There is a large gas refrigerator and freezer as well as a gas stove inside. Your private dock is a great place to fish, lay in the sun, or tie up your boats. The camp comes with three aluminum boats and two 5-hp motors, along with 4 kayaks and a canoe. The shed has all of the tools, supplies, and equipment you could want. The gorgeous patio has a small outdoor kitchen to compliment the large kitchen in the camp - and comes with a Breoo Firepit with all the accessories you could want to cook outside. Enjoy watching the sunset behind the area mountains and listen to the bird’s call. Watch the eagles fish and moose feed without leaving your porch. MLS #1568060 – $599,000

Sally Harkins, Broker/Owner 111 Skiway Road, Newry, ME • Office (207) 824-1068 • Cell (207) 807-0732 sally@sundayriverhomes.com • www.SundayRiverHomes.com www.MaineSportsman.com

82 • October 2023 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

★★★ www.MaineSportsman.com ★★★

TWO FAMILY HOME

The Genuine. The Original. Serving the Bangor Area Since 1948

Residential & Commercial Garage Doors & Openers Sales, Service & Repairs

Jackman, ME – Two family home with tenants upstairs. Downstairs has two bedrooms, large sunroom/living room. Fantastic bathroom with jet tub and shower. $260,000. Call (207) 432-3606.

56 Liberty Drive Hermon, ME

WEST GARDINER – Excellent opportunity in desirable tax-friendly West Gardiner. 15 acres of surveyed, partially cleared land. Build your dream home surrounded by tranquility or invest in creating a rural subdivision. Potential cul-de-sac subdivision plan being conveyed including several house lots ranging between 1.96-3.28 acres. Manicured fields and privacy in the woods give this land a peaceful and serene feel. MLS: 1569341 – $150,000

(207) 848-2866

www.overheaddoorofbangor.com

Discover the versatility and convenience of Northeastern’s Camp and Cabin kits. Perfect for vacation homes or retirement retreats, these log cabin kits are easy to build and very affordable. They feature simple, open designs and come complete with pre-cut Eastern White Pine Logs, insulated doors, windows, rafters, roof sheathing and subflooring, plus step-by-step instructions.

Just imagine relaxing in your very own Northeastern log retreat!

MILO – Well-maintained 2-3 bedroom, 1 bath New England cape cod home with room to expand. Home sits on 30 wooded acres. Several opportunities for building, developing, and/or retaining it for the sportsman’s dream! Selective harvesting is currently in the works. Sellers are offering $3,000 credited in closing costs towards new flooring! Recent updates include a metal roof, vinyl siding, insulation, windows, paint, plumbing, electrical, and more! MLS: 1557271 – $299,900 BELGRADE – Well-loved 2-3 bedroom, 1 bath gambrel home on 8.7 wooded acres with 1000’ private frontage on Great Pond. Screened porch plus an extended dock to launch a boat. First floor boasts additional living space prepped for an in-law apartment – seller offering $5,000 credit towards finishing the in-law apartment. Newly built 28x56 garage with room above. Several outbuildings for storage and stand-by generator, plus a sauna room! MLS#1566446 – $699,000

Lindsey Brann Associate Broker, REALTOR®

Integrity Homes Real Estate Group 4 Beach Road, Monmouth, ME cell 207-441-9317 | office 207-933-8042 lindsey@integrityhomesregroup.com www.integrityhomesrealestategroup.com

10 Ames Road, Kenduskeag, ME

1-800-624-2797 • (207) 884-7000

www.northeasternlog.com

Great Business Opportunity in the North Maine Woods

BINGHAM – 4.44 surveyed acres with frontage on a shared private pond and the rail trail (there is no road or stairway currently to the trail). The land slopes and does have some wet areas but did pass a soil test years back and is buildable in places. Power is available at the street on this maintained year round road. There are restrictive covenants in place, this would make a nice spot for your camp or home in the heart of Maine recreation. Come take a look! MLS #1522571 – $27,500 CORNVILLE – Very nice, surveyed lot on the Shadagee Road in Cornville. This is an ideal spot to build your home or vacation getaway. Gravel driveway and gravel pad are already in. Power is at the road. This area is renowned for its wildlife. Only minutes from downtown Skowhegan. ATV and snowmobile trails are nearby. MLS #1569734 – $52,500 CONCORD TWP – Cast to rising trout right from your own property. This is a great opportunity to own 3.38 surveyed acres of water frontage on the gorgeous Kennebec River. Gravel driveway in place along with a gravel pad. Easy access from Pleasant Ridge Road in Concord. You can build your home or camp on this property or just park a camper and enjoy the sound of rushing water. This stretch of the Kennebec River holds a wild, self-sustaining population of trophy rainbow trout. Also enjoy close access to ATV and snowmobile trails. MLS #1507091 – $75,000 NORRIDGEWOCK – 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom 14x66 single wide mobile home on 0.97 acre available for sale. The home underwent reconstruction in 2013 with new sheathing, insulation, siding, metal roof and metal skirting done. In recent years the furnace has been updated and there is a tankless hot water heater. There is a barn out back that needs a little work but would be a nice spot for a few animals. MLS #1555577 – $97,000

Say hello to the ultimate work from home experience! Sally Mountain Cabins is situated on the shores of Big Wood Lake in Jackman, Maine, with approximately 355 feet of water frontage, and consists of a private 3-bedroom owner’s residence and office, 11 cabins, a 3-unit apartment building, a separate large garage and a bait shop. The current owner has operated the business since 1991, has repeat customers every year and is fully booked for the year ahead. This is a completely turn-key business opportunity equipped for every need. All cabins are fully furnished, nicely appointed, winterized, have covered porches and their signature red metal roofs. In the winter months you’ll earn extra income from Sally Mountain Cabins’ famous ice shack rentals and bait sales – the only bait shop in the area. The entire property is well-maintained and is on Jackman town water and sewer. Jackman is a popular 4-season sporting area with miles of world-class snowmobile and ATV trails stretching to Canada and across Maine. There are endless opportunities for every outdoor enthusiast. This business is everything you’ve dreamed of and more with the opportunity to get away from it all while making a great living doing something you love. $2,400,000

Lauren Kane McDermott, REALTOR

RE/MAX Shoreline | 875 Greenland Road, Suite B9, Portsmouth, NH Cell: 603-498-0630 | Office: 603-431-1111 laurenkane@remax.net | https://laurenkane.remax.com

www.MaineSportsman.com

MADISON – Log Home just listed. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. First floor bedroom. Beamed ceilings, vaulted ceilings, field stone hearth with wood stove. Main bathroom with jacuzzi tub, detached 4 car garage with a carport on either end and metal roof to name a few amenities. Home is wired for a portable generator. This home has a nice open concept feel that you and your family will enjoy for years to come. Taxes to be determined as this is part of a larger parcel. MLS #1561207 – $399,000 ATHENS – This 5 bedroom 3 bathroom home is nestled in a quiet, rural location, yet is only a short distance to town. The entire main level has radiant heat throughout with a 50/50 glycol mix so it won’t freeze, as well as two heat pumps and a propane fireplace to keep you nice and warm in the winter months. The exterior wall of the first floor is constructed with insulated concrete forms, and the ceilings are insulated with R150 as well as blown insulation for the most energy efficiency. The home also features a pantry/utility room as well as a second living area on the second floor. The wrap around deck leads to the large two story shed in the rear of the home, which offers ample space to store all of your tools and toys. All this and it’s just a short distance to the ATV trails and Iron Bound Pond. MLS #1561856 – $235,000 MADISON – Well kept 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom double wide home on 2.07 acres. Home is close to public boat landing and beach. Main bedroom has full bath with a garden tub. Home sits back off the road a bit and is quite private. Open back deck to enjoy your acreage and a storage shed/work area for the hobbyist. Most furnishings will be left with the house. MLS #1569564 – $190,000 10/23

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2023 • 83

SCREEN PRINTING & EMBROIDERY

“The County to The Coast”

T-Shirts $6.00 Heavyweight 100% Cotton Pre-shrunk

(207) 532-4500 FREE set-up on orders of 72 pieces or more! Prices on 36 pieces ($20 set-up) Price includes garment and 1 color 1 location screen print Rush Service Available ~ Call for free catalog

Hats $7.00

T-Shirts-Jackets-Sweatshirts-Sweatpants Hats-Aprons-Totes and more

www.FirstChoiceRealEstate.com

BERG ACTIVEWEAR 852 DEXTER ROAD • CORINNA, MAINE

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

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

PARKERTOWN TWP – Rustic fishing/hunting camp with 100’+ owned frontage on Aziscohos Lake. Off-grid 2 bedroom camp with open living/ kitchen area, sleeping loft, gas appliances/lights, wood stove, outhouse. Panoramic lake/mountain views and gradual slope to the water. Camp is located 15 miles out on dirt roads with no cell service, alternative power needed, and winter access by snowmobile. MLS #1571588 – $209,000 WELD – Check out this new to market building parcel. Gradually sloping 2.46 wooded acres with potential scenic Blueberry, Hurricane Mountain views. Located on year-round town maintained road – lot has been surveyed, soils tested, driveway entrance in, power available roadside. Quiet, peaceful spot off the beaten path and yet minutes to Mt Blue State Park, Webb Lake, Tumbledown Mt. Country living at its best! MLS #1546850 – $79,000

Lakeville – Large cabin is unfinished on the inside and sits on a half acre of land. End of road privacy in quiet, rural location on Duck Lake. It has a one car, drive in full foundation with a 400amp underground electrical feed. $229,000

Danforth – Lot offers relaxing sunset’s views, has electricity available at the road and is level and well wooded right on Lower Hot Brook Lake. This is a beautiful, quiet part of northern Maineready for you. $99,000

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

Enfield – This large lot is part of a larger parcel, owner would consider selling larger piece. Not far from Cold Stream Pond and Cold Stream. Public road of Caribou Road and short distance to electricity. Make this your camp/home. $34,000 Lee – Well wooded. Remote. Critters everywhere. Add in the good, clean air of Northern Maine and you’ve got yourself a “keeper”. This smashin’ little lot right off Mallet’s Mill Road shouldn’t last long- call today for a guided tour. $69,900 Lee – Looking for some privacy but still need year round access and electricity? This lot is well wooded, fairly level and ready for you to take a peek at on Old Steamboat Road. It could be the property you have been looking for. $37,500 T3R1 – Remote. Private. Wooded and beautiful. With deeded access to Bill Green Pond, this would be a wonderful place to build your seasonal cabin right off Engstrom Road. POSSIBLE OWNER FINANCING. $22,900

207-794-2460 • 1-800-675-2460 cwa@cwalakestreet.com R E A L

E S T A T E

5 Lake Street, P.O. Box 66 LINCOLN, ME

— Call any of our brokers to work for you! — “Tate” Aylward 207-794-2460 Peter Phinney (207) 794-5466 • Kirk Ritchie (207) 290-1554

Visit www.cwalakestreet.com for more listings!

RANGELEY – Four-season waterfront cottage on Haley Pond. Kayak, swim, ice fish, ATV/ snowmobile from your door. Two bedroom cottage with recent improvements, including new wiring, plumbing, insulation, windows, doors, new bathroom and kitchen, waterside deck. Town water/sewer. Walking distance to all Rangeley Village amenities, restaurants, shops, library, movie theater. MLS #1571706 – $419,000

Ed’s Sheds & Cabins CABINS • SHEDS • GARAGES • HORSE BARNS

WHY RENT When You Can Lease-to-Own One of Ed’s Sheds?

This Could Be Your

Sportsman’s Paradise!

Handcrafted in Maine

Bangor (207) 738-5315 Dexter (207) 270-2312

edwardl@edssheds-cabins.com

www.EdsSheds-Cabins.com

Silver Ridge Township, Aroostook County, ME This remote lodge sits on nearly 5 acres. Interior is beautifully finished in 6” pine, top to bottom. Loft, cathedral ceiling, 3 bedrooms and bath. All electric, all modern appliances, including dishwasher, drilled well, and approved septic. Wildlife galore! Great deer hunting on property and abutting land. Could be a hunting camp with memberships for full-year hunting, lodging, and fishing. Many great deer camp memories have been made here and many trophy deer harvested over the years. It is a 45 minute drive to Lincoln, ME (Lincoln Lakes area) known for great fishing for trout, salmon and smallmouth bass! This beautiful turnkey property (ready at day one) is being offered to carry on the heritage and tradition of Silver Ridge Lodge. Reasonably priced. For info, call 931-698-6714 or email buckreiley@icloud.com. www.MaineSportsman.com

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