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Editorial

Cooperation Between ATV and Snowmobile Interests will Work to the Advantage of Both The strength of Maine’s ITS trail system is that it’s “interconnected.” That’s also its weakness. Despite the fact that snowmobiles and ATV riders have thousands of miles of trails theoretically available, the network has pinch-points, and if the connectivity of the system is broken at any of those locations, the effects are felt not only by local riders, but also by folks utilizing those sections of trail to access destinations farther along the route. Such was the case in the Strong, Phillips and Avon area, where successive historically severe winter wind and rain storms (succinctly summarized as “a 500-year flood, a 50-year flood, and a 30-year flood, all within a year,” by Brent West of High Peaks Alliance) washed out sections of trail, swept away bridges, and toppled trees across the access routes. But as you will read in these pages (see this month’s snowmobile special section, starting on page 40), those directly affected by the trail closures did not waste time bemoaning their bad luck, but rather began organizing a coordinated response. High Peaks Alliance hosted what they called an All Hands on Deck Motorized Club meeting in Strong, Maine on May 11, which brought together ATV and snowmobile clubs from Franklin, Oxford, and Somerset Counties. The meeting also attracted representatives of state agencies (Brian Bronson, of Maine’s Bureau of Public When an ITS trail (in red) or a connector trail (green) Lands), the legislature washes out or is blocked, it affects not only local (Rep. Mike Sobeleski), riders, but all those folks who use the trail to get to the counties (Franklin destinations south or north of the broken link. In this area of Strong, Avon and Phillips, for example, if County Commissioner ITS 89 can’t be used, folks heading north have a Bob Carlton), and the lengthy detour to reach destinations such as the large associations and Rangeley region. ITS map © MSA organizations (Maine Snowmobile Association, ATV Maine, and the Maine ATV Coalition). One of the key outcomes of the meeting is the formation of a steering committee of ATV and snowmobile club members. This committee will be responsible for organizing two annual regional meetings, and creating an email list for updates and communication. We commend the organizers and participants involved in this effort. ATV riders and snowmobilers have a lot more in common than they have differences, and they share the universal goal of ensuring continued access through public and private lands. Just as Maine’s trail system is interconnected, so are the goals of motorized riders. Cooperation and the sharing of effort and resources will result in faster and more efficient work, as the necessary trail repairs are completed.

On the Cover: Maine’s moose season is underway with a bulls-only season September 23 - 28 in selected Wildlife Management Districts (WMDs). The season ontinues through the month of October (during a hunter’s assigned week only), including an antlerlessonly “adaptive unit hunt” in WMD 4A that runs as late as November 9 and which is designed to “thin the herd” and reduce population density, making the moose population less susceptible to winter ticks. Good luck to all you permit-holders!

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Sportsman The Maine

ISSN 0199-036 — Issue No. 623 • www.mainesportsman.com PUBLISHER: Jon Lund MANAGING EDITOR: Will Lund will@mainesportsman.com OFFICE MANAGER: Carol Lund carol@mainesportsman.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Kristina Roderick kristina@mainesportsman.com ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Nancy Carpenter nancy@mainesportsman.com DISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR: Jon Mulherin 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: $33 • 24-Month Subscription: $54

TABLE OF CONTENTS Almanac by Will Lund.................................................... 15 Aroostook - “The County” by Bill Graves..................... 46 Big Game Hunting by Joe Saltalamachia.................. 37 Big Woods World by Hal Blood..................................... 32 Editorial.............................................................................. 4 Freshwater Fly Fishing by William Clunie...................... 54 Jackman Region by William Sheldon.......................... 56 Jottings by Jon Lund........................................................ 9 Katahdin Country by William Sheldon......................... 50 Letters to the Editor.......................................................... 6 Maine Sportswoman by Christi Elliott........................... 59 Maine Wildlife by Tom Seymour................................... 21 Moosehead Region by Tom Seymour......................... 60 New Hampshire by Ethan Emerson.............................. 73 Nolan’s Outdoor World by Nolan Raymond............... 58 Off-Road Traveler by William Clunie............................ 27 Outdoors & Other Mistakes by Al Diamon.................. 76 Petzal Logic by David Petzal........................................ 64 Quotable Sportsman by Will Lund................................ 19 Rangeley Region by William Clunie............................. 66 Ranger on the Allagash by Tim Caverly...................... 49 Riding Shotgun by Robert Summers............................. 75 Saltwater Fishing by Bob Humphrey............................ 43 Sebago to Auburn Region by Tom Roth..................... 63 Shooter’s Bench by Col. J.C. Allard............................. 34 Smilin’ Sportsman by Will Lund...................................... 75 Snapshots in Time by Bill Pierce.................................... 14 Southern Maine by Val Marquez................................. 65 Sportsman’s Journal by King Montgomery................. 11 Tales from the Warden Service by Ret. Lt. Doug Tibbetts. 68 Tidewater Tales by Randy Randall............................... 62 Trapping The Silent Places by David Miller.................. 69 Trading Post (Classifieds)............................................... 77 Trout Fishing by Tom Seymour....................................... 53 Vermont by Matt Breton............................................... 72 Western Maine Mountains by William Clunie.............. 70

GUEST COLUMNS & SPECIAL SECTIONS ATVing in Maine by Steve Carpenteri......................... 22 Bear Hunting in Maine by Staci Warren...................... 25 Deer Hunting in Maine by Jim Andrews...................... 30 GUEST: Fly Fishing for Bass by Joseph Coleman.......... 52 Snowmobiling by Will Lund............................................ 40 Upland Game Hunting by Ben Wyman....................... 29

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2024 • 5

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Letters To The Editor

Fie on Sonar-Aided Fishing

To the Editor: Eighty-odd years ago, when I spent summers on Lake Cobbossee in my parents’ camp, my older brother Jon would find a good strong flexible stick, tie a string on the end and tie a hook at the end of the string, to which he fastened a little twig or leaf fragment. I would lower the baited hook into the water off our float down to the sunfish, and watch them as they investigated the baited hook. Sooner or later, one of the sunfish would bite and I’d set the hook – and catch a fish! Jon would unhook the sunfish and release it. Sometimes, when I was a kid, we stillfished for hornpout, using a bobber and sinking the bait to the bottom where the hornpout were. I grew out of all that. Today, my wife and I have a small cabin on a pond (No-Name Pond) that has smallmouth and largemouth bass,

and some pickerel, and where I keep a lapstrake rowboat called (by its manufacturer) the “Andrea Dory.” It’s not a big pond – probably has no more than a dozen camps along its shore. No gas-driven outboard motors; only electric ones. Mostly kayaks, and a couple of canoes. One rowboat. I fish No-Name Pond almost every day we are there, most mornings from a small beach, often while rowing the Andrea Dory, sometimes trolling, more likely casting surface lures, sometimes with good luck, sometimes not. In the evening when I am out fishing, as often as not, I am alone, sometimes with one or two other boats on the pond, and it is totally quiet, and peaceful. The best of times.

This photo, taken at sunset, shows a portion of No-Name Pond. Erik Lund photo

Last evening, I caught three goodsized smallmouth bass, each of them feisty, each of them jumping out of the water two or three times. There was no warning they would strike. Each time they did, it was exciting, and the adrenalin kicked in. On the surface lures, there was a rush and an explosion, the lure disappeared, and the rod bent double. They fought, all the way in to the Andrea Dory. On one cast, a bass came up for the plug, just as it was hitting the water. I’ve never seen that before. He missed. On returning to our cabin, I happened on to an article in the Bangor Daily News reprinting a two-year-old article about two fishermen catching sixty-five togue from Sebago Lake in a day’s fishing, using $5,000-plus setups with forward-looking sonar devices that they sank under their boat while still-fishing with jig-baits. The way they fished was to watch the screen on their electronic device in the boat to see their jig-bait, watch until a togue became curious enough to come over and then take a bite, and then, by god, hook the togue and catch it! Wow! If you’re fishing for food, well and good, go to it, but this is not sport!

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�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2024 • 7 (Continued from page 6)

The essence of sport fishing, as I’ve understood it for eighty years, is not just to count how many fish you can catch, by any means, but, in the first instance, to gauge the day’s weather conditions, consider at what level in the water the fish are likely to be, then choose the lures you think likely to attract them, either below or at the surface of the water, and then troll or cast those lures where you believe the fish will be, and slowly reel them in. Then there is the waiting and the uncertainty – and the surprise and thrill when, unexpectantly, the fish hits the lure, and you set the hook, and then fight the fish while it fights – sometimes successfully – to free itself from the hook. In the end – if you are the one successful – you bring the fish into the net and lift it on board, to be unhooked, maybe displayed, and then released back into the water. I can’t identify with a so-called “sport” where you spend the time watching an electronic screen, see the fish, see the lure, and dangle it in front of the fish until it bites. What it reminds me of is when I was

a little kid on Lake Cobbosseecontee dangling a hook on a string at the end of a stick and watching the curious sunfish in the water exploring what this thing was. It was fun, but it wasn’t sport, except, maybe, for me when I was a little kid. Sometimes while fishing on NoName Pond – and other places – I don’t catch anything. No matter. A day spent fishing is never a day wasted. Fie on sonar, fie! Erik Lund, Londonderry, NH —

End of the Trail in Sanford To the Editor: Regarding the guest column by Andrew Dumond (see “Southern Maine – Where Have All the Good ATV Trails Gone?”, August issue), let me provide a little background on the reason the Sanford ATV Club was forced to close. Originally, the Sanford mayor and city council wanted ATV riders to be able to speak as one voice (versus many individuals) in discussions about the Sanford Rail Trail, (Continued on next page)

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(Continued from page 7)

or else we were told that ATV access would be cut off. This trail served as an important connector to many Southern Maine trails. Thus, the Sanford Maine ATV Club was formed around 2018. Membership grew fast, to over 300. They were well-represented at local parades, and organized weekend trail rides usually involving the club, often along the Rail Trail, starting and ending at a local gas/convenience store, the Depot. Much of the state’s money given to the club, combined with volunteers’ time, went into fixing the Rail Trail – $14,000 for the beaver dam area, and another $10,000 by Sherwin Williams, along with countless volunteer hours. Sanford PD even purchased an ATV to

Sadly, the Sanford, Maine ATV Club is no longer in existence.

enforce rules. Cooperation was reached with bikers, hikers, snowmobilers and equestrians. Yet with all that, and an overwhelming show of members at the meeting, the Rail Trail was closed to ATVs. This in turn caused the disbanding of the club. As was correctly reported by Mr. Dumond, most of the reported infractions did not involve club members. Guns • Ammo • Xbow • Vortex • Garmin • Lacrosse • Trapping • Rental Bruce Norwood, Sanford, ME Fishing Gear — Boating

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Weighing Your Deer – If It’s Edible, It Should Be Included, Says Reader To the Editor: Why is it that the heart and liver can’t be used when weighing whitetail deer, while a bear’s size is determined by weighing the entire animal?

The deer’s heart and liver are both edible, and I believe they should be included in the weight. I’ve hunted for over 50 years, and I’ve never tagged one over 200. I’ve had several just under by 2 or 3 lbs. Maybe the current rule should be looked at, and changed. I believe many hunters would like to see the rule changed. Marc Johnson, Woodland, ME (Aroostook County) The editor responds: Marc: You raise a very good question. We have not researched the issue, but we suspect the practice of excluding heart and liver may date back to the days of commercial hunting, when all organs would likely have been removed before deer carcasses were transported by train to the big city meat processors. We invite readers who have information on this subject, to forward that history to us here at The Sportsman. And congratulations on the bucks you have taken from the woods. Anything approaching 200 pounds is a deer to be proud of. Will Lund, editor —

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Like Shooting from the Hip When this writer was a young man and beginner hunter, his attention was drawn to the Winchester Model 71, a recent version of a long line of popular and powerful Winchester lever-action rifles. The Model 71 was available only in .348 caliber – a more powerful cartridge than I would need for whitetail deer, but that did not seem to pose a problem. The cartridge was reportedly suitable for any North American game, so I could learn to hunt deer with the .348, then move seamlessly onto larger game with the same rifle. Great plan. How could I go wrong? Unfortunately, I did not check out my great plan with more experienced hunters. If I had, they might

The publisher reflects on his history with guns, from his first BB gun, to launching grenades with an M1 rifle.

The Winchester Model 71 in .348 was a bruiser of a gun, especially in the hands of a youngster who weighed 125 pounds soaking wet. Photo credit: GunsInternational.com

have been able to point out some flaws in my reasoning. Don’t Point It At Your Brother Just a few years earlier, my first shooting iron had been a Red Ryder Carbine BB air rifle. My older brother Mort and I had each received an air rifle, and we were taught not to point it at each

other or anything else we did not intend to shoot at. We learned to always make sure the gun was pointed in a safe direction. In time, the BB gun was sidelined by a .22 rimfire, and the same rules applied. The targets became squirrels. Later on, I learned to shoot a Sears Roe-

buck 20-gauge bolt action shotgun, and a 12-gauge Fox Model B double. Model 71 Kicked Like a Mule But none of those experiences prepared me for the jolt handed

me by the recoil of the Winchester Model 71. Folks sometimes compared the rifle’s recoil to the kick of a mule. I’ve never been kicked by a mule, but after taking a few .348 shots offhand, I was starting to flinch bigtime. It was too much for a scrawny young kid who weighed maybe 125 pounds soaking wet. So I had a tough decision to make – 1) keep on shooting the big Winchester, and flinch any time I took ahold of my rifle; or 2) find a less punishing firearm. I chose the latter course. Rifle Grenade Some years after my bout with the Mod-

(Continued on next page)

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Jottings (Continued from page 9)

el 71, I was drafted into the army, and underwent Basic Training, which included marksmanship with the Garand Rifle. I do not recall any problems with recoil shooting the standard military 30M1 round. We were also given the opportunity to fire the standard issue Ga-

rand with a Rifle Grenade attachment. A rod holding the grenade was inserted into the rifle bore. To shoot it, you did not bring the butt of the stock to your shoulder at all, but rather you dug a small depression in the ground for the buttplate, and braced the stock into the

Letters (Continued from page 8)

How many meals do you think a single deer can produce? Not 20, not 50, but over 100 meals from just one deer. The Maine Hunters for the Hungry program is asking generous hunters to consider donating their harvested game meat, even if it’s a portion, to an approved Hunters for the Hungry processor to help feed Mainers in need. The program accepts deer, bear, and moose donations, as well as roadkill from these animals. (Roadkill needs to be approved for donation by a Maine Game Warden or a member of local law enforcement.) Hunters for the Hungry would not be a success without the engagement of all the generous Mainers from donations. To find out more, type “Maine Hunters for the Hungry” into your search

ground using the rifle sling. You then eyeballed the trajectory to the target. It was like shooting from the hip. The ground absorbed the sizeable recoil from the grenade launcher. In fact, it might have been a suitable approach to use when I’d been shooting the Model 71 Winchester.

The rifle grenade launcher attachment fitted to the M1 Garand could send an explosive projectile more than 900 feet, compared to a soldier’s “throwing” limit of about 90 feet. Photo credit: Military-History.Fandom.com

engine, and look for the result that has “Maine.gov” as part of the web address. Again, thank you. Nathan Lord, Maine Hunters for the Hungry program —

Fall Striper Fishing is Great

show folks that there are still big fish to be caught off the Maine shoreline. This photo was taken in early September around 2 a.m., fishing off the coast of Phippsburg with my buddy Ben Emoro. The changing tide and full moon triggered a feeding frenzy that resulted in a few amazing fish on fly.

To the Editor: Can you run one more beautiful striper photo in The Maine Sportsman before the end of the season? It’s to

The Skoks Mushmouth fly proved effective on stripers. Photo: L.L. Bean

I’d also like to recognize my co-worker at L.L. Bean, John Metzger, for helping get on these beautiful fish, and the Skoks Mushmouth. Jack Murray, Freeport, ME

Jack Murray and his September striper. Ben Emoro photo

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Revelation The outdoors has been an integral part of me ever since I can remember, and that covers an awful lot of years – almost 81 of them to be exact. Fishing in particular was an early draw. My father, a Kansas farm boy who became a career US Air Force pilot, was not versed in the angling sport, and usually was too busy anyway. In fact, a bit later in life, I taught him how to fish with “modern equipment,” and took him on the water as much as I could. He loved it! And I loved that he loved it. A heavy cigarette smoker – a veteran of World War Two, the Berlin Airlift, and the Korean War – he died of lung cancer at age 64. So, without an outdoors mentor, I learned to love Sports Afield, Field & Stream, and Outdoor Life magazines. I would cut grass, wash and wax cars, and walk the roads with a small gunny sack to find bottles for their two cents deposit value. That’s how I eventually got subscriptions to those magazines, a casting rod and reel, line, and some essential tackle; and subsequently I taught myself to cast, fish, and eventually fly cast. It’s amazing what you can learn even though the internet hadn’t been invented yet, there were no Lefty Kreh casting and fishing videos, and television was in its infancy!

The author takes a look back at how the outdoors – especially fishing – became a big part of his personal and professional life.

The author’s father, 2nd Lt. Vaughn Irl Montgomery, after completing US and British flight training in 1943, poses with the author’s mother, Ruth White Montgomery, whose training was to become completely on-the-job, as King Montgomery would be born in January of 1944. (Montgomery family photo)

Missouri River Cats I did have an uncle in Sioux City,

Iowa (where I was born but never lived) who was an ultra-avid fisherman – for catfish! And during my family visits to this stockyard town, he took me a couple of times on the Missouri River, the border between Iowa and Nebraska (with

Outdoor Life was one of the big-three outdoor magazines that shaped the author’s outdoors education and training for many years.

Sports Afield content seemed more hunting-heavy than the other two big outdoor magazines, according to the author, but h says it had good fishing information, as well.

South Dakota just up the river, and Minnesota just up the road) for big catfish. He fished only one way – using a stout metal bait casting rod, a reel with sturdy braided-cotton fishing line, and a short, strong nylon leader that was tied to a brass swivel and a sizeable hook on the end. He’d hook a large live minnow of some kind under the dorsal fin, cast it gently out into a big eddy or some other catfishy-looking place, set the rod down on a stick, and plop on the ground. After a half-hour – an infinity for a 10-year old – he’d check the bait, and replace it if it was gone. Then he’d repeat the process. I learned this system very well, and decades later, a very similar method was developed down South – namely, bass fishing’s Carolina Rig. Bored as hell, I took to walking up and down the river, casting a plug of some kind or another with my one-piece metal casting rod. I don’t remember catching much of anything, but I got pretty good at casting, both in length and precision. (And this was way before reels had anti-backlash and level-wind features.) One afternoon, my uncle told me to get to bed early, because in the wee hours, he and I and a friend of his were headed to the Little Sioux River, a tributary of the Missouri, to fish for smaller (Continued on next page)

Field & Stream, like many magazines back in the 1950s, used paintings or illustrations for covers instead of photographs. The author reports that he read almost every article in each of the Big-3 outdoor magazines. www.MaineSportsman.com

12 • October 2024 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

King Montgomery’s first real rod and reel was a metal rod with a cork-covered handle, and a simple plug/bait casting reel that had no backlash control. And unlike today’s reels with free-spinning spools, the handle spun around on the cast!

Sportsman’s Journal (Continued from page 11) river catfish. My aunt had packed fried egg sandwiches for us, and we ate them as we drove for what seemed to be 8 hours (actually probably not much more than an hour or so), to his favorite spot on the river. Even I could almost cast across it in spots. (Full disclosure: I just finished making a fried egg sandwich at our home in Kennebunkport because thinking about this trip almost 70 years ago, made me hungry for one! While it was most excellent, it tasted way better back then.) He gave a paper carton of worms (Styrofoam had not been invented yet), and sent me upriver a bit, telling me to bounce the worms along the bottom close to the near bank. I caught a ton of brown bullheads – well, it certainly seemed like that much, when I had to clean them after we got back to my uncle’s house. It was worth it, though, because the catfish my uncle caught and the bull-

The author says he caught “a ton” of brown bullheads on the Little Sioux River, “and it certainly seemed like a ton when I had to clean them after we got back to my uncle’s house,” he tells readers. www.MaineSportsman.com

Sioux City, Iowa is in the center of this map, with the Missouri River forming the border with Nebraska. Several of the author’s early fishing expeditions were in this area.

heads I managed were absolutely delicious when we cooked them on the grill with barbeque sauce for about a dozen and a half relatives. Catching fish and eating them added fuel to my burning outdoors desires. Fresh does taste extra good. The People As much as the love of the outdoors is a gigantic draw for me, it is the people whom I’ve met over the many years who made a biggest, most positive difference. People – including hunters, anglers, outdoor photographers and birdwatchers – are what it’s all about. The ducks, grouse, brook trout and largemouth bass are wonderful, but it’s the people who are the greatest asset to our outdoor sports. Lefty Lefty Kreh is one of those people, and over two decades that we were fast friends and fishing buddies, I had the pleasure of fishing with him in Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, the Bahamas and Maine. We also did a lot of outdoor shows. Those are times, places and people I met along the

Lefty Kreh and the author at a Project Healing Waters fly fishing event/ fundraiser in Virginia in September 2008. The two men hung out a lot back then on the water, and at outdoor shows and events. “We also loved fishing in Maine together,” reports King Montgomery.

King Montgomery’s uncle’s favorite fish to catch was the channel catfish, and the fish got pretty big in the mid-20th century Missouri River. “I have to admit,” reports the author, “they put up a tussle, and tasted pretty darn good.”

way that I’ll never forget. When we met and began hanging out, doing outdoor shows and fishing together, I was a fairly established parttime outdoor writer and fishing guide. He lived in Maryland, and I was an hour-and-a-half away in Fairfax County, Virginia. We had a mutual affection and respect for each other, and I often served as a sounding board for his ideas of a professional nature, and also for more personal issues held closely between ourselves. We trusted each other. Sounding a bit maudlin by recounting the above musings from the past, there is a reason, which I’ll share below. The Future My health is leaving me, and the time has come to slow down quite a bit. You’ll notice that my column doesn’t show up as frequently, and when it does show up, it may be shorter with fewer photographs. While I wish it were otherwise, I, like everyone else in creation, am not in charge. And that’s the way it should be.

Lefty and King on the Androscoggin River near Rumford area in 2007, with guide William Clunie, a long-time writer/ photographer for The Maine Sportsman.

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2024 • 13

2024–2025 Maine Sportsman Readers Poll 1. Do you hunt with non-lead ammo? YES__________ NO___________ 2. Should Maine establish a spring bear hunt to help reduce the bear population? YES__________ NO___________ 3. Should the applications filed by landowners for preference in any-deer permit drawings be open to public inspection? YES__________ NO___________ 4. Have you removed all lead sinkers, lead split shot and lead jigs from your freshwater tackle boxes? YES__________ NO___________ 5. Did you hunt coyotes within the past year? YES__________ NO___________ 6. Do you support the efforts of the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine to challenge Maine’s new 72-hour waiting period for firearms purchases? YES__________ NO___________ 7. Virtually all of Maine’s navigable rivers and streams have been channelized, bulldozed, dynamited, straightened, or otherwise altered to facilitate driving of logs, which ended in 1976. Should the state initiate a program to restore our rivers to provide better habitat for fish and wildlife? YES__________ NO___________

25. Do you approve of DIF&W’s current practice of stocking brook trout in marginal, put-and-take waters where these fish cannot survive warm summer water? YES__________ NO___________ 26. Did you spend time fly-casting in the past 12 months? YES__________ NO___________ 27. Should mechanized gold mining in Maine rivers and streams be ended, to protect trout and salmon spawning areas? YES__________ NO___________ 28. Only 3% of all bears killed each year are harvested by trapping. To remove an emotional issue from future bear hunting debates, should the state end the recreational trapping of bears? YES__________ NO___________ 29. Should municipalities that regulate bow hunting in the expanded season zones be barred from charging fees for permits? YES__________ NO___________ 30. Should landlocked salmon be managed to promote larger fish? YES__________ NO___________ 31. Should DIF&W regulate winter-feeding of deer? YES__________ NO___________

8. Did you hunt with a crossbow within the past 12 months? YES__________ NO___________

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

9. Did you hunt with a muzzleloader within the past 12 months? YES__________ NO___________

33. Were you checked by a game warden within the last 12 months? YES__________ NO___________

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

34. Do you agree with the state’s recent decision to allow the use of crossbows wherever archery is permitted? YES__________ NO___________

11. Do you believe global warming is caused by human activity on Earth? YES__________ NO___________

36. Should the owners of land with conservation easements be required to post online maps showing the land and the location of the public’s right of access? YES__________ NO___________

12. Do you believe global warming is a real environmental threat? YES__________ NO___________ 13. Should DIF&W establish a program to improve spawning habitat for trout and salmon? YES__________ NO___________ 14. Should ice fishing be allowed on some salmon and trout waters now closed each winter, if anglers are required to use only artificial lures? YES__________ NO___________ 15. Did you hunt or fish outside of the state of Maine in the past 12 months? YES__________ NO___________ 16. Has the turkey population expanded to the point that the state should end the seasonal tag limits for the spring season, and allow the taking of one tom turkey each day? YES__________ NO___________ 17. Is the dumping of household goods and tires causing landowners to post their property? YES__________ NO___________ 18. Should buyers of auto and truck tires pay a returnable deposit, as we do on beverage bottles, which we would get back when we returned the used tires? YES__________ NO___________ 19. Pike are an exotic invasive species that have the potential to wreak havoc with our native trout and salmon. Should anglers be required to kill any pike that are caught? YES__________ NO___________ 20. Would you support a proposal to expand the instant background check of purchasers of firearms to include sales between private parties? YES__________ NO___________ 21. Should income from bear bait hunting sites leased by landowners be taxed, with the revenue going to DIF&W? YES__________ NO___________ 22. Should a system be developed to allow an any-deer permit to be used in more than one Wildlife Management District? YES__________ NO___________ 23. Do you believe DIF&W wardens are spread too thin to deter poachers? YES__________ NO___________ 24. When wardens spend time on search and rescue activities unrelated to fish or game activities, should the state’s General Fund pay for their time? YES__________ NO___________

35. Do you believe many hunters in Maine tag deer they didn’t shoot? YES__________ NO___________

37. Should Maine’s law permitting children of any age to hunt under supervision, be modified to establish a minimum hunting age? YES__________ NO___________ 38. Have you utilized the online turkey tagging process now offered by the state?” YES__________ NO___________ 39. Should the price of a Maine hunting license include the right to hunt all game animals (except moose) without additional fees?__ YES__________ NO___________ 40. Have you (or has anyone you know) seen a cougar in Maine? If you answered “Yes,” write will@mainesportsman.com and tell us about it. YES__________ NO___________ 41. Please write in any question you’d like to have us ask in our reader poll next year:__________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION! Mail your responses to: The Maine Sportsman 183 State Street, Suite 101, Augusta ME 04330

You may also answer the poll questions online at www.bit.ly/TMS2024Poll or scan this QR code! We’ll tally up the results and print them in a future issue. If you have an opinion on a topic not covered above, describe it on a separate sheet and include it with your poll results, or email our Editor, will@mainesportsman.com. Name (Optional):____________________________________________ Address (Optional): __________________________________________ City, State, Zip:_______________________________________________ Email (Optional):_____________________________________________ www.MaineSportsman.com

14 • October 2024 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

“Snapshots in Time”

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

Fishing Stores from 1904 Who doesn’t enjoy a good fish story? This column shares four short humdingers, ALL TRUE of course, that appeared in the August 21, 1904, issue of MAINE WOODS newspaper. Do Fish Bite Twice? I noticed in the news where one party went fishing, and one of them lost a hook and leader by a trout carrying it away. A few days later, Party No. 2 went fishing, and one of them caught Party No.1’s trout, still carrying the hook and leader. Now here is a fish story, or rather the story of a fish, which is true and can be vouched for. A few years ago, Mr. T. J. Woodbury of Patten, two of his boys and some others went to Lunksoos Lake (T4 R7 in Penobscot Co.) to fish through the ice. After cutting the holes and getting everything ready, they caught several 2- and 3-pounders. Eddie Woodbury, the older of the two boys, hooked a little trout that was inclined not to come out of the water. The fish started off, carrying with him a large hook, rigged as a mackerel jig, with about an ounce of lead on the upper end for a sinker. Eddy and Bill Allen put on a new hook, and Eddy ran to another hole about two rods away in the direction the trout had taken, and began fishing again. In less than 10 minutes from the time Mr. Trout bit the first hook, he was landed at the other hole, with the hook and line still in his mouth. This “little” trout weighed 4-1/2 pounds. There are many more in the pond just as foolish. — From our correspondent in Patten Author’s note: Many years ago, while fishing the Yellowstone River in the Park, I watched my pal Blaine snap off a big cutthroat trout after he had skillfully identified the exact, and fairly obscure, “natural’ that the fussy rising fish were taking. He fastened another to his tippet, and sure enough … www.MaineSportsman.com

Sometimes an angler hooks a salmon and loses it. Sometimes it’s caught a second time. Sometimes the angler doesn’t have to hook the fish at all -- it jumps right into the boat!

10 minutes later, he landed that same fish, and retrieved both flies. Salmon Caught Twice An angler on Mooselookmeguntic had a rare experience a while ago. On one hook he had worms, and on the other, a minnow. A large salmon grabbed the worms, and almost immediately took the minnow. Both hooks caught him. Fish Was Weighed and Lost At Upper Dam, a fisherman is said to have caught a big salmon and lost him after getting his weight. After a hard struggle, the fish was landed. He was laid up on an apron of the dam after the delighted fisherman weighed him and found that he tipped the scales at 12-1/2 pounds. The spectators present admired the beautiful fish for a while, and then the big fellow revived and flopped over into the water and was gone. Salmon Surrenders Young Chester Willets, the 10year-old son of Mr. Charles A. Willets of Flushing, N.Y., is quite as enthusiastic a fisherman as his father, and the fish in Mooselookmeguntic Lake appear to regard him with the same respect that the historical racoon entertained for the pioneer, Mr. David Crockett. While out rowing for exercise on Friday last, wearing his brilliant red sweater, Master Willets was recognized by the school of salmon sporting

about a short distance from the hotel, and one of them, not knowing that Chester was not fishing, concluded to surrender without the usual struggle and pain incident to being hooked. This fish jumped gracefully into the boat. Chester, prompted by his hereditary instinct, coolly struck him a scientific blow on the head, and ended his troubles. The salmon weighed three pounds, and Landlord Page had him planked in his customary delicious style and served to Chester and his family for dinner. This is the first instance known of a salmon of this size being caught “on the wing” on Mooselookmeguntic, and Chester now holds the record. Author’s note: I’ve never had an unhooked fish jump in the boat, but I have had a couple of hooked fish leave the water and slam into the side of the canoe. In the same vein … many years ago, I was guiding Harry Vanderweide, and he shot a grouse that “towered” – flying in tight circles, straight up. It’s somewhat rare but occurs when a pellet strikes a section of their brain. After a few seconds, the partridge expired and fell straight down in my direction. I deeply regret that I did not “signal for a fair catch” as a returner does a punted football, as the bird landed on the toe of my boot! Be sure to get out on the water before “she skims over,” and make some great outdoor history of your own!

Almanac

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2024 • 15

Three Minutes with a Maine Guide with Lisa DeHart

Compiled and Edited by — Will Lund —

Hand Care on a River If you’re a canoeist, your hands are how you get downriver, and how you hold a paddle or a pole. You tie up boats with your hands, unload canoes, cut firewood, set up tent, tie tarp lines, cook and tend a fire – boy, your hands take a beating on a river. Then when you finally get in your tent at the end of a long and fabulous day … all your precious things are closed up in dry bags. Dry bags are indispensable for canoeing, but in the almost 30 years of doing this, the buckle, which is the linchpin to all the things you WANT – no, NEED – inside, keeps getting smaller and cheaper and less hand-friendly in the design. Does this save 1/1000 of a cent in bulk? I was on the St. John with a friend who works for L.L. Bean and was complaining about the smaller flat buckles. You could tell he thought I was being,

If you’re a river guide, your hands paddle and pole the canoe, tie and untie knots, and prepare the meals. Take care of your hands, advises the author, so they can take care of you. Photo: Dave Conley

well … old. Then his hands did four days into a 10 day trip, and he knew exactly what I was talking about.

Here are some tips to help protect your hands on a river. A good pair of leather gloves, ones that fit really well, goes in the side cargo pocket of my river pants, and they don’t get out of my reach until I toss them in the laundry basket when I get home. Before the trip, I trim my nails as short as I can stand it. I have done this my entire Guide career, because no matter how clean your hands are when you’re cooking for a group, if soot from the fire gets under your nails, everything after that is suspect. Hand cream of all kinds is stashed multiple places in my gear. In short, take care of your hands, so they can take care of you. — Guide Talk by John LaMarca

Carbines and Peep Sights – What’s the Big Deal?

For those who follow deer hunting in the Northeast (which is most of us read(Continued on next page)

www.MaineSportsman.com

16 • October 2024 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

Almanac (Continued from page 15)

The author’s Browning BAR Mark III carbine features a Skinner peep sight. It’s chambered in .308 Win, and weighs just under 7 lbs. Photos by the author

ing this issue of The Sportsman), you’ve likely noticed the hype or gain in popularity of carbine length rifles utilizing peep style iron sights. For those who may not have tried this set-up, you may be asking, “What is the big deal?” Let me start by saying there is no perfect rifle/sight combo that fits every single person. Rather, preference is determined by the user, not by popularity. However, let me shed some light as to why this setup is so well-liked. • Weight/Maneuverability – One of the biggest advantages of the carbine length barrel is the reduced weight and shortened length. This weight reduction doesn’t seem like much for those who hunt out of shooting shacks or tree

Here’s the view down the barrel of the author’s rifle, showing the view through the peep sight. The set-up offers plenty of light, is simple in design, and allows for quick acquisition of the target.

stands, but for trackers, still hunters or those who have a long hike to their hunting spots, the reduction in weight and the shortened overall length makes your ability to move through woods FAR more efficient. It’s a compounding effect – the first mile with almost any rifle of any length/ weight setup is more or less the same. But when you hit double digit miles in a day, a heavier rifle can feel like you’re carrying around an oak log. The shorter barrel has its advantages. • Accuracy – Many people get hung up on, “Well, that short barrel must be good only to 50 - 75 yards.”

There are two important factors to consider. First, most deer shot in Maine are at distances 40 yards or less, so even if the critics were right, it would still work. But second – they are wrong, Using my 16.25” barrel Browning BAR Mark III, I can ring steel at 200 yards, no problem at all. Modern bullet ballistics and barrel twists allow the bullets to be exceedingly accurate for a long distance, even with a carbine barrel. So, this will definitely get the job done. • Peep Sight – The peep sight is such a simple iron sight that it’s difficult for some people to grasp and understand how well it works. Essentially, the open ring in the back allows plenty of light and visibility, and the front post is clear and unobstructed. You just align the front post in the center of the peep sight aperture to make a “bullseye,” and place that on your target. It’s quick, it’s simple and it works, time and time again. —

Alexandra Conover Bennett Shares Fly Rod Crosby Outdoor Lifetime Achievement Award by Tim Caverly

At a recognition banquet on September 7 at the Elks Lodge in Waterville, (Continued on next page)

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�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2024 • 17 (Continued from page 16)

Alexandra Conover Bennett was awarded the Fly Rod Crosby Outdoor Lifetime Achievement Award. The award was one of two such honors given out by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife at the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine’s annual banquet; the other Crosby award went to Master Maine Guide Tenley Skolfield. I was particularly pleased to see that Alexandra received one of the awards, because it caused me to think back on my first meeting with her, on a frigid February day in 1982 when I was headquartered at the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. But first, let’s take a look at Fly Rod Crosby, for whom the awards are named.

Fly Rod’s cabin at a sportsman’s show.

Who was Fly Rod Crosby? Cornelia Thurza Crosby was born in Phillips, Maine in 1854. She guided extensively in the Rangeley Lake area and beyond. She was Maine’s first registered guide, and a fly-fisher extraordinaire who earned the nickname “Fly Rod Crosby.” She was especially skilled at marketing the State of Maine, encouraging others to go outdoors, and advocating for fish and game laws to protect overharvested species. Cornelia promoted Maine at sportsman’s shows in many states, by standing on a porch of a small cabin that featured aquariums of salmon and brook trout. In 2017, Cornelia was inducted into the Maine Women’s Hall of Fame. Tim and Susan Meet Winter Walkers During my 32 years as a Maine ranger, I met many guides who provided an exemplary experience for those seeking to explore the wilderness. These were folks who not only talked the talk, but walked the walk. I first met Alexandra Conover Bennett during my first winter as supervisor of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. At the time, my wife Susan and I were living at the AWW headquarters on Umsaskis Lake in T11 R13. We were 14 miles from our nearest neighbors, an International Paper Company Depot. We lived at the end of a snow-filled driveway, a mile from the nearest plowed road and our truck. We used a snowmobile to reach our GMC 4x4 pickup to make the

Life-size carving of Fly Rod Crosby at the Maine Fish and Wildlife office in Augusta.

90-mile trip to Millinocket. It was February of 1982, and the weather had been bitterly cold for days, with a high of 20 degrees below zero, accompanied by a 10-mph wind. Umsaskis was not open to ice fishing, and snowmobile trails were nonexistent. Early one morning, a knock came on our kitchen door. We wondered why we hadn’t heard the announcing noise of a snowmobile, nor the landing of a plane. After a second rap, I cautiously opened the doorway. There stood a tall (Continued on next page)

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18 • October 2024 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

Almanac

(Continued from page 17)

Trimming log log home.

for

Alexandra trout.

holds

Alexandra Conover Bennett canoeing.

man wearing a hooded parka and sunglasses, his face so heavy with a frosty beard that his lips were barely visible. From around his right shoulder appeared a face with sparkling eyes and a brilliant smile that announced, “Hi, I’m Alexandra, and this is my husband, Garrett. We are snowshoeing for our honeymoon, and stopped by to say hi.” Over coffee, we learned that the couple was tenting at the Ledges Campsite and had seen the lights of our cabin the night before. They explained their northward trek had started in Greenville, eventually reaching Allagash Village. The couple were on their return trip south. Their trip covered more than 100 miles. Since that first meeting, we have remained close friends. Over time, we learned about Alexandra’s amazing knowledge and abilities. Why Alexandra Deserved

Sitting by the shore in Northern Canada.

the Award Even a passing inquiry of Alexandra’s accomplishments reveals an astonishing outdoors woman. In fact, she was once recognized in Outside magazine as one of the “Heroes for a New Millenium.” With forty-six years of experience, Alexandra is a legendary Maine wilderness guide, and is co-owner of North Woods Ways. She is an author, and an outdoor instructor for the College of the Atlantic. She has restored and built her own wood canvas canoes; she’s an internationally recognized paddle maker; and she’s a log home builder, taxidermist, and naturalist. I applaud her advocacy to protect the Allagash Wilderness Waterway as the wild place envisioned by Maine voters in 1966, a status that was reinforced in 1970 when Governor Curtis and U.S.

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Alexandra watching Allagash moose.

Senator Muskie arranged for the Allagash to be included in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Alexandra Conover Bennett continues the role of activism first displayed by Maine Hall of Famer Fly Rod Crosby. She does so by teaching others to respect Maine’s natural outdoor world, encouraging enforcement of environmental laws, and promoting wilderness values and traditional methods and skills. On hearing about the honor, Alexandra said, “I’m thrilled! The best thing I can do to honor Fly Rod Crosby is to continue bringing young people into the Maine Woods so they can fall in love with it as we did.” Susan and I are proud to call her friend, and offer a heartfelt, “Well done, Alexandra!” Tim Caverly has authored thirteen books about Maine.

State Releases Advisory on 72 Hour Waiting Period for Gun Sales (Continued on next page)

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2024 • 19 (Continued from page 18)

and Mental Wellness

On August 9, 2024, a new law took effect requiring a 72-hour waiting period for certain sales of firearms. The Maine Department of Public Safety and the Maine Office of the Attorney General have provided guidance to sellers and buyers of firearms to assist them in complying with this law. Of particular interest to guides, as well as hunters who might borrow a buddy’s gun to use, is the following clarification: Question: Does the waiting period apply to all transfers of firearms? Answer: No. The law applies only to transfers in which a person who owns a firearm is transferring ownership of the firearm to a buyer. Generally speaking, a temporary loan or rental of a firearm for a limited period of time will not require a waiting period. Examples might include temporary use of a firearm for instructional activities and guided hunts. Whether ownership is being transferred is a fact-specific question and will depend on the particular circumstances of the transaction. ***** To read the rest of the questions and answers, search online for the following phrase: “Advisory on 72 Hour Waiting Period,” and make certain the web address you reach contains the designation “Maine.gov”. Wilderness First Aid By Stacey Wheeler, RN

October includes National Youth Sports week. Now is the time to celebrate our kids, and to mentor them as they work toward becoming Maine sportsmen or women. Health benefits abound for both the youth hunter and mentor, boosting physical and mental wellness. Bird hunting can involve miles upon miles of walking. Deer hunting requires the dragging or packing out of game after a successful hunt. Turkey hunting tests your army crawling ability across open fields. Waterfowl hunting demands hauling in heavy gear through marshes. Being in good physical shape is a prerequisite to many hunting activities, and it’s also a great opportunity for the mentor to get into shape and to coach the youth hunter into becoming physically capable of participating in challenging hunts. Hunting activities require varying your strategies to execute a successful hunt. Learning and implementing these tips and tricks builds patience, confidence, discipline and a good work ethic. Patience is a virtue that everyone must learn in the hunting world, yet few ever master. It is vital for the mentor to exhibit extreme patience when teaching a young hunter how to sit for hours, possibly without seeing any game the entire day. Confidence is built over time through learning new skills, understanding the outdoors, and adapting to the unpredictable. Many youths discover a level

Mentoring Our Youth Promotes Physical

Quotable

Sportsman

by Will Lund

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“We must circle the wagons.” Brent West, of High Peaks Alliance, on the alliance’s efforts to coordinate funding and trail repair for snowmobile and ATV clubs in Franklin, Oxford, and Somerset Counties. See the full story on page 40. — “Fish will often swallow rubber worms and other soft plastics like live bait, leading the fish to be mortally injured when the hook is removed.” Julie Harris, Bangor Daily News, July 2024, in an opinion piece titled “The State of Maine is Classifying Artificial Lures Incorrectly.” Harris points out that the definition of artificial lure has not been changed for decades, and that a primary reason for allowing artificial lures in Maine water bodies (that fish don’t swallow artificial lures, making it easier to unhook and release the fish) does not apply to soft rubber worms, which are often swallowed like live bait.

The author’s son and a friend, both of whom the author mentored for turkey hunting. The boys and the author were unsuccessful on this day, but they enjoyed themselves so much that the foray marked the beginning of a lifelong love of hunting.

of confidence when taking on new challenges. Hunting demands discipline. From waking in the wee hours to following Maine IFW laws and a code of ethics, Maine sportsmen and sportswomen are expected to conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner. The successful hunter obeys the rules, and puts in an extended effort to complete their hunt. The valued skills listed above all work in conjunction with building a positive work ethic. Teaching these skills allows the mentor to stay in great physical shape, while brushing up on their own skills of patience and discipline. Watch(Continued on next page)

“Bullet Weights produces traditional lead products as well as lead alternatives like brass, tin, steel and tungsten to meet ever changing regulations and needs of the modern angler.” Advertisement for fishing sinkers manufactured by Bullet Weights, an Alabama company. This and other companies have found it necessary to branch out from their traditional lead-weight manufacturing to attract customers in states like Maine that have prohibited small lead weights. — “The two fishermen told authorities the man yelled at them for fishing too close to his dock, and then took aim and fired his rifle in their direction.” August 23, 2024 OutdoorLife online story from Missouri titled “Man Arrested for Allegedly Shooting at Two Anglers Who Fished Too Close to His Dock.” The man, who later failed a breathalyzer test, told authorities he had fired his .22 rifle to scare away some raccoons. www.MaineSportsman.com

20 • October 2024 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

October 2024 Sunrise/Sunset Bangor, ME DATE 1 Tue 2 Wed 3 Thu 4 Fri 5 Sat 6 Sun 7 Mon 8 Tue 9 Wed 10 Thu 11 Fri 12 Sat 13 Sun 14 Mon 15 Tue 16 Wed

RISE 6:32 6:33 6:34 6:36 6:37 6:38 6:39 6:41 6:42 6:43 6:44 6:46 6:47 6:48 6:50 6:51

SET 6:16 6:14 6:12 6:10 6:09 6:07 6:05 6:03 6:01 6:00 5:58 5:56 5:54 5:53 5:51 5:49

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

RISE 6:52 6:53 6:55 6:56 6:57 6:59 7:00 7:01 7:03 7:04 7:05 7:07 7:08 7:09 7:11

SET 5:47 5:46 5:44 5:42 5:41 5:39 5:38 5:36 5:35 5:33 5:31 5:30 5:29 5:27 5:26

Almanac

(Continued from page 19)

ing a kid grow within these disciplines boosts mental well-being, and it also helps us with interpersonal relationships and acceptance. Developing these new behaviors takes time, consistency and commitment, yet it builds a lifetime of character and a future pool of Maine hunters to carry on tradition, sustainability, and a love of nature.

Clarification from Lou Z.

ber Fly Fishing Unpredictable but Rewarding”), I reference the West Outlet of Moosehead Lake, which forms one of the origins of the Kennebec River, when in fact I intended to refer to the East Outlet. The two outlets are very different. I don’t want our readers bushwhacking to the West Outlet looking for Sandy Beach pool, which is on the East Outlet.” Thank you for the clarification, Lou.

Here’s a message from Lou Zambello: “In last month’s Freshwater Fly Fishing column (see “Septem-

Fall 2024 Maine Hunting Seasons

October 2024 Tides Portland, ME DATE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

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 Wed Thu

HIGH AM PM 11:09 11:25 11:43 — 12:02 12:16 12:38 12:47 1:12 1:17 1:47 1:49 2:23 2:25 3:04 3:07 3:51 3:56 4:45 4:52 5:44 5:54 6:47 7:00 7:48 8:04 8:45 9:04 9:36 9:59 10:25 10:52 11:13 11:44 — 12:01 12:37 12:50 1:29 1:40 2:23 2:32 3:20 3:30 4:22 4:33 5:26 5:39 6:30 6:44 7:31 7:47 8:27 8:44 9:14 9:33 9:56 10:16 10:33 10:57 11:07 11:35

www.MaineSportsman.com

LOW AM PM 4:59 5:14 5:33 5:51 6:05 6:26 6:36 6:59 7:07 7:33 7:40 8:10 8:16 8:50 8:56 9:35 9:43 10:28 10:37 11:26 11:36 — 12:27 12:40 1:29 1:46 2:28 2:48 3:21 3:44 4:11 4:37 4:59 5:29 5:47 6:21 6:36 7:13 7:25 8:05 8:17 9:01 9:13 10:01 10:14 11:05 11:20 — 12:10 12:27 1:14 1:33 2:12 2:33 3:02 3:24 3:45 4:08 4:22 4:48 4:56 5:24

Source: Maine DIF&W

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2024 • 21

Maine Wildlife:

Pheasants

The author believes pheasants could survive Maine winters, if the state planted forage crops to provide a food source.

by Tom Seymour

In the 1960s, when I was first cutting my hunting teeth, pheasants provided hunting opportunities in much of Maine. To me, these large, noisy, glamorous birds rated as the next best thing to a big-game animal. Back then, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (DIF&W) released pen-raised pheasants on stateowned game-management (yesterday’s version of today’s Wildlife Management Area, or WMA) land. For me, the nearest spot was at Frye Mountain, in Montville. The Frye Mountain parcel covered a wide expanse, consisting mostly of reverting farmland. Maine purchased the entire area during the Great Depression, when landowners were only too happy to get money for their land. The DIF&W kept fields mowed in summer in order to hinder pioneer growth, and by October, the grass was usually of a perfect height for pheasant hunting. Also, the department retained hedgerows – strips of usually impenetrable brush, weeds and shrubs. This represented valuable game habitat, and pheasants in particular loved the hedgerows. The department released pheasants here on a weekly basis throughout October, ensuring a steady supply of game. Frye Mountain became so popular that hunters from far and wide visited there, specifically to hunt pheasants. Spinoff Birds Many pheasants escaped being shot by hunters, and those birds often left Frye Mountain in search of nearby agricultural land, which was plentiful at the time. I recall my grandpa telling me that a pheasant would fly up to 10 miles in search of a corn field. I don’t know where he got his information, but it seemed reasonable enough. The end result was that wherever you hunted, the possibility always existed that a pheasant would flush ahead of you. These “escapee” pheasants survived our Maine winters just fine, and some places were noted for always having some wild pheasants around. People would see pheasants many miles from where the birds had

Photo by James Mann, Flickr

originally been released. As for the hunting qualities, while partridge and woodcock remained our staple fare, pheasants represented a special treat. Their raucous nature when flushing, the noisy flapping of their large, powerful wings and – if a male – the rooster-like crowing, was enough to inspire the most dispassionate soul. I hate to admit this, but while hunting with my grandpa during my early teens, I missed a huge male pheasant that flushed from practically underfoot, on the edge of an open field. We’ve all heard of buck fever, and what gripped me that day was something similar – call it “pheasant fever,” if you will. I could never live down the ribbing I got from the old man, and it only ceased when I finally became consistent at dropping pheasants on the wing. Pheasant Farewell And then it was over. Our DIF&W decided to end the stocking program, while continuing to support private stocking by individuals and sporting clubs. I contacted DIF&W and asked why they had ended the program. I was told that pheasants couldn’t survive Maine’s winters. That was an insult to my intelligence, and I pointed out that in parts of the Dakotas, pheasants outnumber people per square mile. Dakota winters are severe – worse than Maine winters ever thought to be. What pheasants were left on Frye Mountain soon vanished, but the escap-

ee birds managed to hold out in secluded parcels here and there. Inevitably, they, too, petered out because of a lack of birds coming in to supplement their populations. Now, except for the occasional bird released by private raisers, pheasants are gone. Well, there is an exception. Aroostook County has a significant agricultural presence, and pheasants continue to survive there. A year-round food source is key to pheasant health, and harsh winters have nothing to do with it. Just ask someone from The County about their winters. If pheasants can forage for leftover grains during the winter, they will persist, as demonstrated by the Aroostook pheasants. It was always my hope and dream that DIF&W would plant forage crops for pheasants on some WMA and do an experimental stocking. But I suspect that plan will never see the light of day. Too bad, since pheasants could most certainly do well here in Maine, and they would provide another needed dimension to the upland game scene. For now, though, the only chance to find pheasants, other than a visit to The County, is to hunt pheasants released by clubs, or go to a pay-to-shoot game farm. I visited such a farm once, as the shooter for someone who was training his young dog, and I found that the pheasants there flew as fast as any pheasants anywhere. Someday pheasants may return. I hope so. www.MaineSportsman.com

22 • October 2024 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

Jackman PowerSports: A Family Tradition by Steve Carpenteri When Dave Jones began selling Yamaha and Polaris snowmobiles and ATVs in 1987, he had no idea that his small, family-owned business would still be going strong in 2024. Their shop was originally set up in the old Jackman Hardware store. Since then,

The owner of Jackman Powersports stresses the important work done by local ATV clubs in maintaining existing trails. He also notes a surge in customer demand for comfort, technology, and increased passenger capacity. however, Jones, his wife Doreen, and son Travis, along with a short list of dedicated part-timers, have

turned the shop into one of the most successful of its kind in the region. The new shop, lo-

cated at 549 Main Street in Jackman, is nestled among a variety of rafting outfitters, campgrounds and

hunting operations that use the scenic Kennebec River corridor as a base. Jones said that he originally offered Yamaha and Polaris machines when he started out, but within 10 years he’d switched over to Can Am, BRP and Polaris off-road products.

(Continued on next page)

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LEWISTON Central Maine Powersports 845 Main Street 207-689-2345 www.centralmainepowersports.com WARNING: Polaris® off-road vehicles can be hazardous to operate and are not intended for on-road use. Driver must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license to operate. Passengers, if permitted, must be at least 12 years old. All riders should always wear helmets, eye protection, and protective clothing. Always use seat belts and cab nets or doors (as equipped). Never engage in stunt driving, and avoid excessive speeds and sharp turns. Riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix. All riders should take a safety training course. Call 800-342-3764 for additional information. Check local laws before riding on trails. ©2024 Polaris Industries Inc.

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2024 • 23 (Continued from page 22)

“In the beginning, we sold primarily to hunters, fishermen and recreational riders who were more interested in speed and utility,” Jones noted. “These days, it’s all about comfort. Side-by-sides are our best-selling models, because they offer the features that today’s buyers are looking for.” Those features include enclosed cabs, increased storage, heat, and air-conditioning. The range of options and accessories is endless, Jones said, but most riders want to include GPS, winches, and communication systems. “Currently, customers can purchase a multi-helmet Bluetooth system that lets multiple riders keep in touch on the trail,” Jones said. “The cost

Dave Jones, his wife Doreen and son Travis have kept the family business thriving since 1987. Photos by Steve Carpenteri

Jackman PowerSports boasts a wide variety of 4-wheelers, side-by-sides and snowmobiles. They also carry off-roading gear and equipment.

of a fully-equipped helmet can run over $500, but it’s still a popular accessory, since cellular phone service is very spotty in this area.”

Border Riders ATV club for maintaining the majority of trails in the region. “Most of the major hubs have their own ATV clubs,” Jones said. “No matter where you go up north, there’s a club whose members maintain existing trails. We recommend that riders join a club, not only to help with the workload, but also

What’s the Buzz? Jones said that the Jackman area has over 200 miles of inter-connected ATV trails that riders use on a regular basis. “We don’t get a lot

of complaints from landowners about ATV use, because riders here know and appreciate where their opportunities are coming from,” Jones noted. “The sport of ATV riding is growing annually, and I believe Maine now has the most connected ATV trails of any state in the country.” Jones credits the

to assure landowners that their property will be well taken care of. “If you can show landowners that you have a well-managed maintenance system and a working club, you are more likely to get permission to create new trails,” Jones pointed out. “Also, the amount (Continued on next page)

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ATVing (Continued from page 23)

of funding made available to ATV clubs is directly connected to the number of ATV registrations,” he explained. “The more riders we have, the more money the state can provide for trail establishment and maintenance.” For every ATV registration purchased, over 2/3rds of the fee goes directly into the trail maintenance fund. Jones added that most of the ATV-connected businesses and services in the Jackman area take donations for trail maintenance, sign re-

Jackman PowerSports is located along the Kennebec River in Jackman, at 549 Main Street.

placement and other related uses. Many of those who donate are vacationers who come to the area and rent ATVs and equipment while using the local trails.

without signs is not posted against public access for most other purposes (see the MDIFW website for specific details), in the ATV world, only land that is clearly posted for ATV use may be accessed by riders. The general ATV riding season in Maine runs from May to October; however, specific trail opening and closing dates are set based on current and often-changing conditions. Two different state agencies coordinate to oversee ATV activity. The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is responsible for safety education, law enforcement, the state’s landowner relations program, and administrative processing of registrations, while the OffRoad Recreational Vehicle Office of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s Bureau of Parks and Lands is charged with establishing a statewide trail network, providing development and maintenance grants to clubs and municipalities, conducting landowner relations, and coordinating with – and supporting – ATV clubs. Jones noted that

No Signs Means No Access Jones pointed out that sign requirements for ATVs are different than those for hunting or other landowner access. Where it’s generally accepted that land

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all approved ATV trails are clearly marked with signs. “No signs means no access,” he said. “Riders should follow the signs on approved trails, ride where they are allowed to ride, and act responsibly at all times. One person’s careless actions can cause a private landowner to close a trail for years.” Looking Good for the Future Jones said that the future of ATV riding in Maine looks promising. “We are selling more side-by-sides than ever, perhaps because it’s cheaper to buy, register, and maintain one rig that seats four or six people than it is to purchase and maintain individual 4-wheelers for everyone in the family. “Also, Covid drew everyone outside the house, and this made motor sports more appealing to young people,” he said. “Recreation riding is on the upswing, at least in northern Maine. The more people we get to appreciate the outdoors, the better it will be for the industry.” For more information, check out JackmanPowerSports.com, or call Dave Jones at (800) 287-7669.

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2024 • 25

Sizing Up a Bear by Staci Warren Maine has an abundance of bear. The average size of a bear is 120 pounds. Do you know what a 120-pound bear looks like? Sitting for hours in a stand, waiting for a bear to show up on your bait can be tiring, so when one finally shows up, it’s easy to get excited and harvest the first one that comes in. And then,

Patience is key when bear hunting, not just for the sit, but also the harvest. The author offers specific suggestions for accurately estimating the size of Maine’s black bear, in order to avoid the phenomenon known as “ground shrinkage.” often disappointment sets in when ground shrinkage makes that bear that you thought was bigger, turn out to be a lot smaller one. Patience is key when bear hunting – not just for the sit, but

also for the harvest. I’m not about to shame anyone for taking whatever size bear they decide to harvest, but if you’ve got your heart set on one of those bigger bear that have been showing up

all over your camera, then you need to remember these pointers before you take that shot. Two Cameras Rule #1: Have more than one camera at a

bait site. Just hanging a second camera higher, or at an angle, can change the way a bear appears. At first glance it’s “a nice one,” but the next picture from another camera might have you saying, “Oh, that’s a little bear,” or that the “nice one” is accompanied by two cubs. Having two cameras helps with iden(Continued on next page)

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Little bear. All photos provided by the author

Average bear.

Bear Hunting (Continued from page 25)

tifying bear that are young or average. Of course, when it’s a big bear, there’s no question it’s a big

Nice bear, but the author did not hunt this bear because a different camera showed it to be accompanied by smaller bears -- presumably cubs.

bear, but patience still plays a role, since you’ll need to take your time in order to make a good clean,

ethical shot. Take Inventory One of the things I like to do is keep an inventory of the different bear visiting my bait sites. I keep

BIG bear.

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diately come in right after the site is baited, or a day later. This information helps me determine which bait I should sit at, should they all be active. There’s always a chance that an unknown bear will show up, but most of the time it’s the same ones that have been visiting regularly. My records also help me determine which bear I want to target. By studying the bear in photos, you learn how tall it is next to the barrel, the size of its head and ears, (Bear Hunting continued on page 28)

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2024 • 27

Remote Off-Road Travel Requires Communication Connection I remember scouting for moose just north of Baxter Park when the fuel pump failed on the truck I was driving. Cell coverage was not available anywhere near our location, so I thought we were going to have to announce on the CB that we needed help, and hope that someone could come along and provide assistance. The fellow I was with got laughing when he heard my suggestion. Then, he pulled out his

Remote locations are often beyond the reach of standard cellular phone service. For those who spend time in the deep woods, the author suggests modern devices, features and apps you can use in emergency situations. “sat phone” (satellite phone) to make a call to get us a tow truck. I was amazed when a tow truck pulled into our campsite two hours later and towed us to a garage, where they repaired the old truck. I was just lucky to have my friend along … he used a sat phone for his job, and always

carried it just in case. The phone used satellite signals, and could make calls for him in most remote locations without a problem. What a lifesaver. Sat phone service is quite expensive, with an initial cost up-front, and then a monthly charge. He said he wouldn’t have that phone if his com-

pany didn’t pay for it. I was glad he had the phone and was able to get us out of the big woods … I didn’t feel like waiting for someone to answer our call on the CB radio. New Phone Secret Apple iPhones feature an emergency SOS function that is designed to work us-

ing satellites, when cell service is not available. A similar feature will soon be available on the Pixel 9 Android model, according to a recent press release from Google. I have not personally set up or used this SOS feature on a cell phone, and you want to make certain you understand how to make such a call (and stop a call if it’s been placed by accident), but I am really impressed that there’s a satellite-based feature (Continued on next page)

www.MaineSportsman.com

28 • October 2024 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

Off-Road Traveler (Continued from page 27)

on iPhones, and soon on Androids, that can be used in an emergency for connecting with emergency services. You will need to learn to push the correct buttons on the phone, and in the right sequence, to set it up. You can also input emergency contacts, such as family members, so they are notified as well. When an emergency arises, the phone can be used to pinpoint your location, and to call or text for help even if you are off-grid, by connecting to satellites. Deep-Woods Navigation I will suggest that folks still keep up on their map and compass skills, and make sure to have a good mapping/navigation system on their cell phones. I run the onX Hunt system (onxmaps.com) on my phone, and I am happy with the way it allows

me to navigate around the most remote parts of our state. If I’m able to drive my vehicle or walk, I can find my way home with the compass and onX Hunt mapping program, even if I don’t have cell coverage. That’s because the onX maps can be downloaded directly onto my phone in advance, so I am not dependent on getting a cell signal. In an emergency where the vehicle gives out or gets stuck beyond my capabilities and extraction equipment, or if I’m injured and can’t walk, I will need a cell phone with an SOS feature. There are other, similar types of emergency-signaling devices on the market (including Garmin InReach, and Spot X), but this cell phone SOS feature interests me because it is so handy – I am already using a cell phone for

Bear Hunting (Continued from page 26)

the features of its face – i.e., whether it has a square, short nose, or a narrower nose. Make note of any markings, scars, or individual behaviors. Size Up Bear An average bear should stand with the top of its back at the second line (24 inches from the ground) on the bait barrel, based on a 55-gallon metal barrel measuring 34 inches tall. Shorter than the second line means a one- or two-year-old bear (last year’s cub), and they tend to be leaner and have larger almost out-of-proportion ears, compared to older bear that are more likely to push a younger one off the bait. Be sure to check to see if the bottom of the barrel is higher than the bear’s feet in the picture. If the barrel is elewww.MaineSportsman.com

other jobs, and always have it with me in the woods anyway, and there’s no additional monthly charge or setup fee for the SOS feature. Besides taking other precautions necessary for remote, backwoods travel, this new (to me) SOS phone feature completes the system. Travelers leave an itinerary with someone back home that outlines a return time. Then, if that time isn’t met, a search begins. This SOS feature will aid this search by allowing the lost person to give details verbally or via text. Searchers will also be able to pinpoint the location with an exact GPS coordinate. I’m not sure how it can get any better than this, but I’m sure the high-tech people will keep coming up with new stuff each year – and I’ll keep learning as much as I can about the latest technologies.

The SOS feature on newer cell phones will make a fine addition to helping off-road travelers find their way. William Clunie photo

vated, you need to take that into consideration when sizing up a bear. Depending on the diameter of the opening you make in the barrel, a bear that can fit its entire head or entire body into your barrel opening, is not a big bear. However, if you make an 8-inch opening, and the bear can only get its arm in, then that’s a bigger bear. Much of this information is relative to factors that exist at your individual bait site – how big is the hole in your barrel, and how tall is your barrel? Use the information you have at your site to help determine the size of a bear. Key Indicators Muscle mass and small-looking ears are key indicators that you have bigger-than-average bear. If its back is at the top of the barrel, or if you lose sight of your barrel when it steps in front of it, you have a BIG bear.

When trapping bear, the only measure you have is the cable – you either catch it, or you don’t. Cables are set to allow smaller bears to easily escape. My cable is always set larger than the minimum, so it has less chance of catching a sow or cubs, but it will still catch a big bear. There is much less forgiveness in estimating paw size and what will hold. The real trick is getting untargeted bear to leave the trap alone, so that when the bigger bear comes around, the cable is still in place. In the end, the key to harvesting the bear you want is patience and the willingness to pass on a bear if it’s not big enough. By being able to identify the bear, you are less likely to be disappointed when you walk up to that bear in the woods.

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2024 • 29

How to Mess Up a First Bird Hunt by Ben Wyman, Caribou, ME For over 20 years, I have hunted each fall. During that time, I have worked on my skills such that I have become proficient in my pursuit of game. Some days, when my hunting vest pockets are filled with grouse or I’m watching the fading light drift away into the west while field-dressing a deer, I have thought of myself as an experienced hunter. So when my partner, who had never hunted before, asked this past fall if I would teach her how, I jumped at the opportunity to pass on this great tradition to someone I loved, while also passing on the knowledge I had acquired over the years. I was very confident I would have no problem setting her up for quick success. I forgot, however, the importance of the Biblical passage in Proverbs 16 that reads: “Pride goeth before the fall.” Getting Ready Leading up to October and the opening of partridge season, my partner took her required hunter safety class, purchased her license, and practiced shooting with my old single-shot 20-gauge. She was excited, and I was excited. I tried to share my

got there the mist had stopped, but the sky was still overcast and ominous, and more rain was in the forecast.

We’d been hunting for only an hour, and our first partridge was sitting at the edge of the road right in front of us, oblivious to our presence. What luck for my partner’s first attempt at shooting a game bird! What could possibly go wrong?

The author’s partner, on the first road they walked down. All photos: Ben Wyman

experiences, including both my hunting successes and failures, and I thought I had prepared her well. I explained the safety etiquette for walking the roads together – how the muzzle always needs to be pointing toward the ground or sky and in the opposite direction of your partner; how a hunter never shoots across the road, only on their own side; and what to look and listen for, to be successful. For her first foray

into the North Woods, I chose to go in through the Six Mile Gate just west of Ashland, where I had always had great luck. I spent the week or two prior bragging about all the birds I had gotten there, and how some years it seemed as if you had to kick them off the roads. As the day of the hunt crept closer, her anticipation, and my confidence in her future success, grew into full-blown arrogance on my part.

We left Bangor in the early morning hours of Saturday, October 7th and drove through heavy mist or light rain the entire 3-hour drive to the gate. When we

This Will Be Easy After about an hour and several turns onto smaller and less traveled roads, we finally saw our first bird, sitting on the edge eating gravel, oblivious to our presence. What luck for somebody’s first attempt at shooting a partridge! I calmly explained to her what she should do. However, as she crept closer to the bird, it abruptly lifted its head, stretched out its feathered neck, turned tail, and quickly strutted into the thick vegetation. Unfortunately, in my desire to help guide and instruct her, I had taken my own eyes off the spot where our feathered friend had disappeared. After several moments of straining our ears and eyes, I told her to walk a bit far(Upland Game Hunting continued on page 31)

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Recipe for a Great Deer Season – Hunt Every Day by Jim Andrews It’s easy to have a crummy deer season, and it has probably happened to most of us at one time or another. It starts with no time to do preparations in the pre-season. Throw in a demanding job that lim-

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the woods. Even a hunter who somehow bags a deer against these odds won’t have a great hunting season. Making vs. Finding Time to Hunt Great deer seasons are made, not born. Nobody is going to give us extra time to hunt. We are fooling ourselves when our plan (Continued on next page) Located in Zone 4 in the Adaptive Unit North Section Only 13 Miles from the South Section

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�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2024 • 31 (Continued from page 30)

is to find some extra time in our busy schedule to get away to the deer woods. Time is a zero-sum game. Last year, after several crummy seasons in a row, I tried to figure out a way to increase the time set aside to hunt. Making time means planning for it, and sticking to a schedule – not hoping it will magically appear or be gifted to us. I started with the idea that I wanted to hunt every legal day of the regular firearms season. Sounds completely crazy; yes, I know. Why commit to something so unrealistic when you’re already pressed for time? It worked out this way. After I did some legwork, a family friend offered to let me hunt his family farm property, located just a few miles from my home. I sought him out in early October,

and had scouted out a couple of stand sites before the firearms season opener. It was completely new territory to me. It was refreshing in a way I didn’t expect. I have religiously hunted the same property in Oxford County for many years – the site of a deer camp I coown. Other than deer hunting vacation trips up north, the camp property gets my full attention on weekends and holidays. But it’s an hour away, and not feasible for less than a half-day hunt. The new location made shorter hunts much more appealing. My stands were close to the road – easy to get to in low-light conditions. My pledge to hunt every day began to take shape. Hunt Every Legal Day Legal hunting time starts a few minutes on either side of 6 a.m., even in mid-November. It was easy to grab

an hour or more at the new hunting grounds during the early morning when I would usually be drinking coffee and doomscrolling on my laptop. I could still be at work in plenty of time. Committing to hunt every day took the decision-making out of the equation. I didn’t give myself the option of waiting for a warmer day, or a colder day, or a different day – I just went. And if I didn’t go during the day, I would go in the evening and hunt the last hour or half-hour of legal time. I set my phone each day to sound an alarm at the end of legal hunting time. It usually sounded on my way out to the truck. The payback was huge. I spotted more deer than I had in years. The new hunting area held far more deer than my camp property, and also more hunters. But I rarely saw anyone on those weekday morn-

ing and evening hunts. Some days, I would scout new parts of the farm. Other days, when short on time, I would just drive over and quickly check for fresh tracks at a particular crossing, or sit on a stone wall and watch a field for the last few minutes. It was fun hunting. I didn’t have high expectations. I never once grimly decided to sit in one spot for hours at a time. I felt no real pressure to succeed in a way that required killing a deer on these new grounds. The hunt-every-day routine also sharpened my experience on Saturdays and other days I spent at the more remote camp. I felt less pressured by my own expectations throughout the season. If I hunted every day, the season seemed long, with endless possibilities. It’s only when I looked at the season as a short series of weekends interrupted by workdays

that I felt pressured. Long days at camp passed effortlessly. Spoiler Alert I did not, in fact, hunt every legal day of last year’s regular firearms season. I don’t have that kind of discipline. But I missed only a few days. And despite passing up on several legal deer during the season, both at camp and on the new property, I did not tag a buck. A failed experiment? Absolutely not! In fact, it was my best deer season in years. I saw more game, more territory, felt less pressured, and had more fun than I have for a long time. I never once thought to myself, when not hunting, “I should be out hunting right now,” or while hunting, “I need to suck it up and hunt hard, because the next chance is a week away.” That’s a win for any hunter.

Upland Game Hunting (Continued from page 29)

ther up the road, while I went into the brush to see if I could see anything. No sooner had I broken through some alders, and she had gone about five paces up the road, than the bird burst from its cover with a thunderous cacophony 15 to 20 yards away from where we’d been looking. I swore, and my partner turned to me with a devastated look on her face. I knew my own excitement and arrogance had gotten the better of me, and that I had screwed up in an easy situation, where 9 times out of 10 I would not have. We were both disappointed, but I promised her there would be more opportunities that day, and now at least she knew what she was looking for in the wild. Undeterred, we carried on, excited over the thought that we had a great

Road signs posted at a junction on the Pinkham Road, North Maine Woods.

deal more hunting time remaining in the day. Unfortunately, we didn’t see another shootable bird the entire day. Meanwhile, the weather took a turn for the worse, as heavy mist turned into a steady drizzle that turned into full rain. We exited through the gate as night was closing in and the rain was still falling. We were dirty, hungry, and birdless.

Vibrant October colors.

We both still had an incredible time together sharing the hunting experience, and I learned that while I may be a good hunter, my teaching and mentoring skills could use some practice. The next time I take a new hunter into the woods, I will remember the basics myself, keep my confidence level in check, and hopefully learn how to be a more successful mentor.

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32 • October 2024 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

Prepare to Hunt Moose by Hal Blood In the Beginning The end of September ushers in the start of the moose hunting seasons in Maine. Moose hunting has changed tremendously over the last forty-plus years. My father was lucky enough to get drawn in the first regular season, after the state legislature approved the hunt with 1,000 permits. There were only six zones at that time in the northern half of the state. My father drew his last choice of zones – the northwest sector, which is now

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A lot has changed since the moose hunt was started more than 40 years ago, and the author has been witness to all of it. Zone 1. I was at the drawing when the Boy Scouts drew names out of the drum. I think the last fifty people drawn all got the northwest zone, as it was the farthest away from most anybody in the state. We, like most people, had never been to that part of the state. I was sub-permittee for my dad, so I opened up my Maine Atlas &

Gazetteer and began to study the maps and roads in the area. Forty years ago, I would say there were only ten percent of the woods roads in that area that there are today. There were also very few campsites in the North Maine Woods. We drove to Ashland and headed in the Realty Road, knowing we had to cross the Allagash River to be in

our zone. Other than that, we knew nothing about the area – or about moose hunting, for that matter! We were truly winging it, as at that time nobody knew anything about moose hunting in Maine. Our crew was my father and I, along with my mother and my wife, Deb. We all crammed into my ’76 Dodge single cab, short-bed pick-up with

a bench seat. I had a cap on the back to keep our gear dry. We had a 10’x14’ umbrella tent, a Coleman stove, Coleman lantern, coolers for food, and sleeping bags with air mattresses. You might say that we were traveling light, compared to how moose hunters camp today. We found an old gravel pit off the Realty Road to set up camp and settle in for our hunt. Trying to Figure It Out That year, the sea(Continued on next page)

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2024 • 33 (Continued from page 32)

son was held the third week in September. The state closed the bear season a week early to accommodate it. The gals were content to hang out in camp and cook for us, so we struck off first thing Monday morning to look for a bull, although permits back then were either sex. I didn’t want to drive roads all day, so we went looking for old roads to walk. We found what looked to be a good walking road, and struck off. We walked most of the morning, seeing very little sign, and the temperature shot up to 90 degrees, so we went back to camp for lunch. It being too hot to walk much, we decided to scout for clearcuts from the truck.

There were only a few drivable roads, and I think we ran into half the people who had permits in that zone. There was only one road that connected the Realty Road to the Maibec Road. Everything else was a dead end. They were just starting to build the Depot Road north, and were clear-cutting softwood along the way. The weather stayed hot for three days, and all we saw was a cow and calf crossing the road a half mile ahead of us. We had come on the hunt hoping to shoot a big bull, but now my father had decided that we would shoot the next moose that we saw. It poured rain all of Wednesday night, turning the weather cooler. We were float-

The author shot this trophy bull moose in 2013, after waiting 33 years for his name to be drawn in Maine’s annual lottery.

ing in water on our air mattresses when we woke up! My father and I slipped out of the tent and headed out to see if the cool weather would change things. We decided to drive a road we had found the day before, that had the most cuts we had

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put the finishing shot in the bull. We were excited to have a moose, but now we needed to get him loaded in the truck. We pulled him up into a tree with a comealong, and then backed up to him and pushed him in. It was relatively easy, as he weighed only 400 pounds. By the time we rolled into camp, it had stopped raining, and the women were trying to dry things out. We made a little breakfast before breaking camp, and then headed out for the long drive back to Harpswell. (Big Woods World continued on page 36)

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seen anywhere. It was still raining when we crept down the road at daylight. We hadn’t gone far when a moose bolted from behind a patch of brush and disappeared down over the hill. I jumped out, grabbed my rifle and ran to the edge of the hill. When I stopped, the moose, a spikehorn bull, was standing about fifty yards away. All I could see was his head and neck above the brush. I put the crosshair behind his ear and at the crack of my .270, the bull dropped. My father came over and

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Ruger’s Gold Label: An American Tragedy Seeing that very few side-by-side shotguns were being made domestically, William B. Ruger at Sturm, Ruger & Co. tried to change that trend by developing the Gold Label. It had all the makings of a great American firearm, but the energy and momentum went out of the project once the founder retired. Five Octobers ago, this column proclaimed the on-going renewed interest in side-by-side shotguns by American bird hunters, as something of a Renaissance. An inflated choice of words perhaps, but now we’re five upland seasons on, and the trend continues unabated. American and Canadian bird hunters love the look, feel, and performance of a dou-

ble-barreled shotgun. October is the pinnacle of the shooting year for those who chase woodcock, pheasant, and his majesty the ruffed grouse, from Minnesota to Maine, and the Maritime Provinces south to Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Throughout this vast territory that also includes Ontario and Quebec, shooters enjoy the rebounding of the

side-by-side shotgun. Unfortunately, only a few new guns carry local branding, and almost none are domestically produced. Most now come from the Mediterranean Basin or Europe. North America seems incapable of producing a two-barrel shotgun affordable to manufacture and to market, though some have tried. Most notable among

Ruger’s ill-fated Gold Label shotgun, manufactured from 2002 to 2006, is a round action boxlock. It had the potential to bring on a rebirth of the Americanbuilt side-by-side shotgun, but that potential went unrealized. Photo credit: Ardent, AfricaHunting. com

those who tried to facilitate the rebirth of the side-by-side shotgun was the late William B. Ruger of Sturm, Ruger and Company. Building

on the huge success of the Ruger Red Label (1977-2011) over/ under shotgun, Bill Ruger embarked on a design and business plan for a side-by-side he called the Gold Label. Begun in the waning days of Bill Ruger’s tenure, the Gold Label really developed after his retirement and subsequent passing. Ruger was the kind of dynamic individual who caused historian (Continued on next page)

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�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2024 • 35 (Continued from page 34)

R. L. Wilson to say of him, “Ruger was a true firearms genius who mastered the disciplines of inventing, designing, engineering, manufacturing and marketing better than anyone since Samuel Colt. No one in the 20th Century so clearly dominated the field or was so skilled at articulating the unique appeal of quality firearms for legitimate uses.” If anyone could husband the rebirth of the American side-byside, it was Bill Ruger and his company. Gold Smithing Manufactured in Sturm, Ruger’s Newport, New Hampshire factory, the Gold Label soft-landed in the market two years after Bill Ruger’s 2002 death. “Soft landed” is the right term, because the Gold Label never saw anything like full production or even

reasonable availability. So far as is known, none were made after 2006, despite a place in Ruger’s catalog until 2008. C o m p l e t e l y American made, the 12-gauge Gold Label employs a stainless steel round action box lock receiver with a single selective trigger that is controlled by a tang-mounted switch. Its 28-inch blue steel barrels are connected by a solid rib. The barrels have three-inch chambers to please waterfowlers and turkey hunters, as well as steel shot-compatible interchangeable choke tubes and ejectors. At 6½ pounds, the Gold Label has the heft and balance of a top-notch field gun. The Gold Label’s checkered stocks and splinter forearms are carved from highgrade American walnut to complete the (Continued on next page)

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Shooter’s Bench (Continued from page 35)

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Sad Legacy Alexander Sturm died when the company was just two years old, and made one line of semi-automatic pistols. Bill Ruger went on to build the largest firearms company in the world, and the one with the broadest portfolio of rifles, pistols, revolvers, and shotguns. The present corporation seems a mere shadow of what

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version. With Bill Ruger no longer running the company, the new leadership team quickly lost interest in further developing the Gold Label line. Promises were made. Orders were taken. However, no one can claim that the Gold Label ever seriously went into production. A few examples reached retailers, including here in Maine to the old Bennett’s Gun Shop on the outskirts of Freeport, and gun writers across the country expressed excitement. But most orders went unfilled. The company blamed the intricacies and cost of producing a two-barrel firearm. Others might blame the loss of Sturm, Ruger’s founding genius. Yes, building and forging double guns is expensive. Just consider

The Modern Era Moose Hunt A lot has changed about the Maine moose hunt over the last 40 years. Hunters have learned how to call moose, as well as how to quarter and pack them out. The number of campsites has increased, and they are vastly improved. Camping equipment has improved, and technology has made it possible to have creature comforts while camping in the woods. The moose population went from a growing population to an overpopulation, then through a

once was. The Gold Label deserved better. It should be with us today, offered in at least 20- and 28-gauge in addition to the 12-gauge, as was the Red Label. Additional choices of 26- and 30-inch barrel lengths would be in order as well. The false start of the Ruger Gold Label was a tragedy for American wingshooters. It was a shotgun of great potential, perhaps a modern-day Parker, or A. H. Fox. A few examples survive in the market today, and anyone wanting to upland hunt with a traditional side-byside ought to consider bidding on one. They will never be cheaper, and they are something of an heirloom from Bill Ruger.

crash, and now it’s back to a growing population. I have guided through the last 30-plus years of these changes, and I’ve had to adapt to them. I have seen a lot of long faces on hunters we encounter at the end of the week, because they have not seen a moose. Usually, it’s because their buddies told them to just ride around the logging roads and they would shoot a moose. Twenty years ago, that might have been true, but nowadays, shooting any moose from the road is solely the result of occasional luck. Moose hunting has finally become a real hunt instead of a shoot. Good luck to all of you who have a permit for this season.

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Our Time Is Now! As deer season approaches, the author’s excitement grows. However, he also becomes philosophical, counting and appreciating his blessings, as well as his family members and hunting buddies. He vows to make the most of each hunting experience. After nine months of waiting, deer season is finally upon us. For those who hunt expanded archery, the season began September 7, almost a month ago. (Just don’t get me started on this year’s late October 5 regular archery opener, since I am still very unhappy about that.) For those of us take part in fall hunting activities for game other than deer, we’ve been able to hunt waterfowl, upland game, turkeys, bear and deer, for weeks now. So much to do, and so little time to do it all.

Those in my inner circle know it was my passion for white-tailed deer that brought me to Maine. In my teens, twenties and thirties, I would eat, breathe and sleep deer. My actions bordered on an unhealthy obsession. In college, my goal was to become a deer biologist. Dreams of graduate school, deer research, and a career dedicated to this magnificent animal, filled my days and my mind. There was little room for anything other than deer and deer hunting.

However, like most deer hunters, I enjoyed many other types of hunting. I frequently targeted small game and waterfowl with high school and college buddies. As long as I was hunting, I was happy. However, nothing made me happier than deer hunting. Looking back at photos from seasons past, it’s clear I acquired many important skills as a deer hunter. My success actually led to me writing in this wonderful magazine. I’ve had a great time! (Continued on next page)

Pictured together are Joe and his father. A family friend, Debbie, generously allowed Joe’s father to hunt a great blind on her property, where he sealed the deal on this beautiful Maine buck. It was the first Maine buck for Joe’s dad, and he decided to have it mounted. Time spent with family and friends, says Joe, makes each hunting season more enjoyable.

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Big Game Hunting (Continued from page 37)

Not Going to Deny Myself Anymore Deer are still a favorite; however, I’m no longer an obsessed kid. At 55, I’ve slowed down. One might say that I’ve stopped to smell the roses. Whitetail hunting will always be my favorite, but my wife’s passion for bird dogs and my love of dogs has me doing more bird hunting than ever, includ-

ing annual trips to the Allagash, lots of early season duck hunting, and even out-ofstate dream hunts. Pheasant, Hungarian partridge and sharptailed grouse are part of my life now. I’ve written about hunts in Iowa, Missouri, Indiana, New York, Connecticut and Montana. I absolutely love hunting new places and exploring new

territory. I’ll be sure to write about these trips, too. However, there’s a small voice inside that often reminds me not to get “carried away.” Another thing I’ve experienced more in life as my golden years approach, is the loss of loved ones and sickness in loved ones. Nothing gets my brain thinking about the realities of life more than the loss of a loved one. “The end” has been on my mind this year,

more than years past. I’ve lost friends who are my age or younger, and that has reminded me that death is an inevitable part of life. Fellowship, Love, and Laughter I’ve never attempted to count my friends, but there are many. My inner circle is small, but my hunting circle is large, and I’m proud to call many of my hunting buddies “Brother.” Some are friends from school. Some I’ve met

through hunting over the years. Many of these friends are my age, and we’re having similar thoughts about life. None of us knows how many more hunting seasons we have left. None of us knows how many more deer we’ll harvest, how many more ducks we’ll fold or how many grouse we’ll fry in a pan. However, we all have free will. We can choose to do more of (Continued on next page)

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�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2024 • 39 (Continued from page 38)

the things we love, with the people we love. This means more bird hunting with my wife and dogs. It means I’ll hunt annually with my dad, until he can’t hunt any longer. There will be more hunting (and fishing) trips with my buddies. If it means hunting bear, elk or antelope instead of whitetails, I’m in. It’ll be difficult for me to say no to an invitation from a friend or family member. Of course, when I’m the social coordinator, it’ll likely be a deer hunt being planned. Maine deer hunting is awesome, and I’ve killed my biggest bucks in our state. However, I’ve seen the biggest bucks of my life in other states and Canada. Having friends with the means and time to travel is important. Sometimes they’ll come to Maine and hunt. If I have it my way, we’ll be exploring new places in search of giant bucks. Saskatchewan, Illinois, Texas, New Mexico, Wisconsin and Manitoba are on the

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40 • October 2024 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

New Maine Snowmobile Association President Takes Over in Consequential Year by Will Lund Maine snowmobilers have experienced a tumultuous last ten months, as a series of intense weather events culminated in a wind-and-rain winter storm in December of 2023 that washed away miles of trails, and even some trail bridges. Howev-

er, snowmobilers are nothing if not optimistic about the upcoming winter of 2024 – 2025. “Riders are a unique breed,” Mark Chinnock, incoming president of the Maine Snowmobile Association (MSA), recently told The Maine Sportsman. “Last winter we

faced challenges from the devastating winter storm, and the lack of snow, but we are very hopeful for a great upcoming season of snowmobiling. “That’s just the way we are built.” “All Hands on Deck” Far from discour-

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aging snowmobilers in Maine, the adversity had a galvanizing effect. A motorized club meeting held May 7 and organized by the High Peaks Alliance, attracted a crowd of nearly 100 people, including representatives of state agencies, politicians, and club and association officers and members. The gathering was billed as an “All Hands on Deck” meeting for ATV and snowmobile clubs from Franklin, Oxford and Somerset Counties. Its purpose was to identify priorities, and ensure good communications among all the interested parties. Most of the area’s 23 snowmobile clubs were represented, including riders from Strong, Phillips, Rangeley, Eustis and Stratton. Three Floods in One Year At the meeting, Brent West, the High Peaks Alliance’s executive director, summarized the importance of working together: “After a 500-year flood, a 50-year flood,

and a 30-year flood all within a year, the already-stressed trail system is at a breaking point,’ he said. “The Alliance realized all of these clubs share similar problems – lack of volunteers, landowner issues, and lack of funding. Without new thinking and massive action, our snowmobile and ATV trail systems will see mass closings of trails. We must circle the wagons, and address the most pressing needs of this system.” According to Mark Chinnock, who attended the meeting on behalf of MSA, the mood in the room was supportive and uplifting. “Folks stood up and volunteered their labor, and even items like culverts and timbers,” he said. “Lee Libby, one of the directors of the Rangeley Lakes snowmobile club, offered up building materials that could be used to tackle some of the larger projects. The entire group understood this was a time to pull together.” Among the larg(Continued on next page)

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2024 • 41 (Continued from page 40)

er repair projects is a 150-foot-long bridge that was washed away. In addition, many trees were toppled across the trails, and damage to ITS (Interconnected Trail System) 89 in the Weld/Dixfield area threatened to cut off a major corridor to the Rangeley region. Repairing trail infrastructure is not a simple task, Chinnock explained, and involves engineering, GPS work, and staying within Maine’s environmental rules. Nearly all club and association work is done on a volunteer basis, said Chinnock, but at the same time, the economic impact of snowmobiling is huge. A recently-updated study pegged the revenue generated by

snowmobiling at more than $700 million, an increase of more than $200 million over the past five years. “When a customer stops at a store for fuel, they are filling up two or three different machines,” Chinnock said, “and then they head into the store for food. Riders stay at motels, hotels and bed-andbreakfasts.” Chinnock is taking over the presidency following the 2-year term of the highly-regarded Al Swett, who is staying on with MSA as a director of operations. Chinnock says he has assembled an excellent group of volunteers to head up the different operations at MSA. “One of the very first things I learned in business is to surround yourself with a team of people

who are like-minded – who have a nose for success and who love a challenge,” he wrote in the Maine Snowmobiler newsletter. “My job as incoming president will be an easy one, because many of those types of individuals are already in place, and the new faces we see are going to be ready to hit the ground running.” Question #4 of the November Ballot A vote of great significance to users of Maine trails, including snowmobilers, will take place in this November’s elections. Question 4 will read: “Do you favor a $30,000,000 bond is-

Mark Chinnock of Poland, ME has taken over as president of the Maine Snowmobile Association. He is optimistic that the Maine riders and clubs will be able to bounce back from challenges resulting from extreme weather events in 2023 and early 2024. Photo: Maine Snowmobile Association

sue to invest in the design, development and maintenance for nonmotorized, motorized and multi-use trails statewide, to be matched by at least $3,000,000 in private and public contributions?” The bonds will be used for nonmotorized, motorized, and multi-use trails, as

well as trailheads and trailside amenities. Out of this amount, 25% of the funds must be used for nonmotorized trails, 25% must be used for motorized trails, and 50% for multi-use trails. “We are cautiously optimistic about passage of this bond vote,” said Mark Chinnock.

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MAINE SNOWMOBILE SHOW

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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. ©2024 Arctic Cat Inc. All rights reserved.

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42 • October 2024 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

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JACKMAN Jackman Power Sports 549 Main Street 207-668-4442 www.jackmanpowersports.com ©2024 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. Products in the United States (US) are distributed by BRP US Inc. Always ride responsibly and safely and wear appropriate clothing, including a helmet. Please observe applicable laws and regulations. Remember that riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix. See your authorized BRP dealer for details and visit ski-doo.com.

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�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2024 • 43

Counting Maine’s Great White Sharks The first thing I noticed was our balloon bobber moving steadily along the surface. Then, the rod tip bowed, and the drag clicked – slowly at first. Fish on! This was it – three long days, and we finally had our first bite. The angler thumbed the drag up a few pounds, then reeled while the rest of the crew cleared lines and prepared for work. It wasn’t a big fish, but given the time and location, odds were good it was what we were after. Anticipation grew as the swivel broke the surface, followed by a flash of gray and white in the murky waters below. Excitement turned to disappointment, though, when the fish rose, revealing the cobalt back of a blue shark – an unexpected guest that had lingered longer and ventured closer to shore than any of us expected. The goal of our expedition was to catch

Great white sharks are present in countable numbers off the Maine coast. The author was among those who were sent out to catch a great white and tag it with an electronic tracking device.

This white shark was observed feeding on a whale carcass off Harpswell in July, 2024. Photo courtesy of Reel Addiction Sportfishing

and tag a great white shark, a cooperative venture with the Maine Department of Marine Resources, the University of Arizona, and the Atlantic Shark Institute. A recent rise in encounters had prompted a similar increase in interest. While many mistakenly perceive great whites as relatively new arrivals on the coast of Maine, great whites have been visiting our waters since long before we bipeds

walked the continent. Shark Biology It goes by many names, including great white, and white pointer. Scientifically, Charcharodon carcharias is a member of the lamnid shark family, which also includes makos, porbeagles, and salmon sharks. This group shares similar adaptations with other sharks, such as ampullae of Lorenzini (electro-receptors on the shark’s head that

detect electromagnetic fields), a lateral line that detects movement, and a limitless supply of replaceable teeth. They differ from

the other groups by being endothermic (warm-blooded). They conserve heat generated by muscle contractions using a complex physiological system called a rete mirabile. This allows them to maintain body temperatures higher than the surrounding water. As a result, they can not only tolerate colder water, but they can actually be more active in it, particularly when it comes to dinner time. As Matt Hooper said in Jaws, “It’s a perfect engine, an eating machine that is a miracle of evolution. It swims and eats and makes little baby sharks, that’s all.” (Continued on next page)

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Great white sharks can grow as long as 21 feet, and can weigh 4,800 pounds. Like basking sharks, white sharks are federally protected. Illustration courtesy of Maine DMR, and Maine Coastal Heritage Fund

ELLSWORTH Pirie Marine 53 Sunset Park Road • 207-664-0500 www.piriemarine.com www.MaineSportsman.com

44 • October 2024 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

Saltwater Fishing (Continued from page 43)

Reliability Starts Here. ®

A Rise in Encounters Recent awareness was raised by the state’s first-ever shark attack, which occurred in 2020 off the shores of Bailey Island. That incident prompted researchers to put underwater receivers along the coast. These receivers pick

up signals from sharks tagged with transmitters, mostly off Cape Cod. Early results were surprising, as receivers placed between Cape Elizabeth and Cape Small (a distance of roughly 20 nautical miles) detected 13 different white (Continued on next page)

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�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2024 • 45 (Continued from page 44)

sharks in one season. That may not sound like much until you consider those are only the tagged sharks that swam within detection distance (300 yards) of a receiver. The multiplication factor could be as little as 10 or as much as 100. Since then, sensors have detected 81 different great whites all along the coast. No Need to Panic While this may seem unsettling to some, there’s no need for panic. White sharks have been around a lot longer than we have.

Recent conservation efforts directed toward sharks and marine mammals have likely led to an increase – actually more a recovery – of both. Caution is advised when swimming and surfing, especially when seals or schools of baitfish are present. Regardless, an encounter with a great white shark is a rare opportunity, best experienced on the water, rather than in it. For more information, visit the Department of Marine Resources website, www.maine.gov/dmr.

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Leah Smith, age 7 of Springfield, caught and released this 35.5-inch, 15-lb. togue August 27, 2024 in northern Washington County. She was accompanied by her father Aaron Smith and her grandfather Stuart Smith. It took 20 minutes for Leah to reel in 100 feet of lead-core line, which she accomplished “all on her own, other than some support of the rod,” said her dad, who added: “Leah caught the togue I’ve been fishing my whole life for.” As for Leah, she exclaimed, “The fish is almost as tall as me!” The family owns Smith’s General Store in Springfield, and they have been weighing and tagging whitetail deer there for about 40 years.

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5 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY applies to qualifying purchases of Suzuki outboard motors sold and delivered to the retail purchaser, for pleasure (non-commercial) use only, from April 1, 2021 through March 31, 2024. See Suzuki Limited Warranty for additional details. Suzuki, the “S” logo, and Suzuki model and product names are Suzuki Trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2021 Suzuki Marine USA, LLC. All rights reserved.

www.MaineSportsman.com

46 • October 2024 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

Bird Hunting Bonanza Up North The array of hunting options available to Aroostook outdoor folks this month is simply mind-boggling. A dozen seasons, a couple of dozen big game, small game, wild fowl, waterfowl species, and a mere 31 days to fit it all in. And don’t even get me started on late-season fishing opportunities. Choices must be made, and sacrifices endured. Household chores, the garden, yardwork and even your 8-to-5 job, must all take a back seat.

scarce by the end of October. To ensure dual waterfowl outings, I scout fields close to rivers, streams, lakes, ponds and marshes. This is where Canada geese, occasional snow geese, and several duck species roost regularly. I make it a point never to hunt these “rest and recreation” waters, as the flocks may relocate out of my hunting region. Gunning nearby feed fields will only cause birds to find another food source, and they’ll often return to that same field a few days later. Also in the hunter’s favor this month is the constant migration of thousands of waterfowl, especially geese, moving from Canada and stopping for weeks or even months to enjoy Aroostook’s

Conditions should favor bird hunters this month. Whether it’s geese, ducks, woodcock or partridge, the author offers suggestions for hunting in Aroostook County – “the Crown of Maine.”

Doing Double Duty I’m a goose hunting fanatic. Consistent shooting opportunities require a good deal of scouting to locate active feeding fields, which change regularly. The Crown of Maine abounds with a variety of grain fields and even more harvested potato

Duck hunting is in full swing this month, and what better companion than one that does all the retrieving? Photos by Bill Graves

fields where honkers congregate heavily on cold late-season days to devour the sweet, starchy energy of small spuds left by the mechanical harvesters.

During October, before colder conditions drive many smaller species of ducks south, I try to select hunting locations that entice ducks and geese to visit. Hardy

black ducks and mallards will hang around in huntable numbers even into December, but blue- and greenwinged teal, wood ducks, pintail, gadwall and widgeon become

(Continued on next page)

Aroostook County TH

AMP BU W S E

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The Crown of Maine

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�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2024 • 47

A full-color mallard is always a great prize. Greg Palm of Presque isle also got some jewelry (a leg band) with this beauty. (Continued from page 46)

plentiful food supply. Novice waterfowlers or visiting hunters should explore the many secondary and farm field roads along the St. John, Little Madawaska and Aroostook Rivers, as well as Prestile, Meduxnekeag, and St. Croix Streams. Check the newest edition of Delorme’s Maine Atlas and Gazetteer for these waterways. Note areas with several ponds nearby – adjacent fields offer prime sites to set a decoy spread. I use 50 full-body geese, and 12 to 16 full-body duck decoys, set in groups of three or four, along the outer edge of the goose formation. Waterfowl feed around sunrise, as well as a couple of hours before dusk during October’s warmer weather. Be on site with decoys and blinds in place at least a half-hour early. Ducks will fly first, in several larger flocks. Geese will arrive in smaller groups over the next hour or two. I load up with two 3” four shot and a third size two shot if I’m us-

Promising harvested grain fields can be located by following flocks of geese from roost ponds to nearby agri-land. Be waiting the following morning when they return at daybreak to feed.

ing my 12 gauge auto, and one #4 and one #2 chilled shot in my O/U or side-by-side. Upland Combo For me, a little piece of heaven on earth is a crisp autumn day spent meandering through a second growth field of alders, small firs and big gold tamaracks with two and four-legged hunting buddies. Select a spot bordering a brook and edged by forest, to enjoy both partridge and woodcock during each outing. The mild winter and ear-

ly spring was perfect for grouse hatches, and I’ve spotted large, healthy broods while on fishing and camping trips all summer. Aroostook’s existing woodcock population will increase notably with the influx of migrating timberdoodle from Canada that began in September and continues this month. A favorite cover may harbor a couple of woodcock one day, and a dozen stopover flight birds two or three days later. Observance of mul-

Even after bear baiting season is over, hunting black bear is still legal, and chances occur while deer hunting or driving and scouting for other game.

tiple fresh splotches of droppings and plenty of drill holes created by beaks searching for food will be a good indication of fresh flights and multiple wing-shooting opportunities. Off Route 1A at Easton Center is what I call the Riviere de Chute rectangle, accessed via either the Ladner or Hersom Roads; DeLorme’s Map 65, Grid E-4. Fling and Riviere de Chute Brooks and Hersom and Delano Ponds are surrounded by dozens

The Most Remote Hunting in the North Maine Woods Wilderness

of wood lots, pastures and second-growth fields easily accessible to grouse and woodcock gunners. As a second thought, this is also a very productive region for waterfowl. Check out fields along the Pulcifer and West Chapman Roads in Mapleton near Presque Isle Stream as another waterfowl area; DeLorme’s Map 64, segments D- & E-4. You can bet there’s a good timberdoodle spot near every town and village, and now is (Continued on next page)

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48 • October 2024 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

While October abounds with hunting opportunities, autumn bass fishing is still top rate, and casting surface bass-bugs offers big action.

Hunters in Zone 6 will find the wild turkey are beginning to flock up as cool weather begins. Always bring a turkey gun and appropriate loads along, even when you’re scouting other game.

Woodcock hunting is probably the least appreciated and most overlooked wildfowl action in Aroostook. There are lots of migrating birds around this month, and grouse are often flushed as well.

Audrey Rooney of Easton proudly displays one of several partridge she and her father Seth wrangled on an outing last fall.

After a perfect spring for hatch survival, partridge should abound throughout the Crown of Maine. When birds are plentiful, the author rises to the challenge with his T/C Contender .410.

Pre-season scouting for geese and ducks leads the author to discover a pasture where deer visited frequently, a great perk during archery season.

The County (Continued from page 47)

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rested from crops and planted with a clover infused cover grass all draw hungry deer. Some hunters create man-made scrapes or deer lure drips to draw bucks within bow range. Compared to down-state, Aroostook has far less hunting pressure this month, and way more open land with food sources.

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In addition, most landowners are agreeable to permission requests from archers. Scouting is crucial, so get out early and often. One last thought from an incidental turkey hunter who learned the hard way. Regardless of the waterfowl, upland birds or big game you’re scouting or hunting this month, have a big bore, turkey-size scattergun and appropriate loads in your vehicle, along with your usual firearm or bow. Gobblers are grouping up and often allow a random sneak, peek and shoot opportunity, a more productive option than calling, which is more springhunt effective. Better to have and not need than vice versa when it comes to a turkey gun – I’m living proof!

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2024 • 49

Getting Away From It All Maine has long served as an escape for many individuals, and for many different reasons. Some come to learn about and enjoy nature, or to discover wilderness landscapes, all the while accepting the challenge of wilderness living far from the conveniences of grocery and hardware stores. Then there are those who have fled for other reasons. History records such trespassers such as the Hermit of Cuxbexis Lake in T12 R5 and T6 R12, who lost his cabin to fire when the local sheriff arrived. Or the Hermit of Hudson Pond, who shot his dog for chasing deer, and then took his own life. A suicide note pinned to his union suit explained that he had done himself in “because I can’t live without my dog.” In my book Wilderness Ranger’s Journal, readers learn of Buckshot Pete, a Canadian draft dodger who came to the Allagash in 1943 to escape the law. Always carrying a shotgun, Pete eventually took the life of guide Mr. Wesley M. Porter at a camp on Webster Lake, while Pete was searching for food.

This newspaper photo and caption from 1943 chronicles the investigation into the death of guide Wesley M. Porter, at the hands of a fugitive nicknamed “Buckshot Pete.”

Folks travel to northern Maine to get away from whatever’s bothering them. For those who are fleeing from the long arm of the law, the expression “escape to Maine” takes on an unusual meaning. Hard-working rangers must deal with the oftendifficult public-health situations that arise. That crime resulted in the longest manhunt in Maine history until 2015. That was the year a woman was killed in Parkman, and the accused hid in the forest. This demonstrates that fugitives sometimes use areas other than northern Maine in their effort to elude capture. While Maine parks are valued for their recreational resources, sometimes they become the scenes of sad events, such as an incident that occurred last June at Cobscook Bay State Park in Edmunds. Ranger Work Not Like a Paid Vacation It isn’t unusual for park visitors on a trip to consider the outdoor lifestyle as attractively simplistic. Whenever I or my rangers were asked whether our jobs were like long, paid vacations, we’d just smile and affirm that we enjoyed our jobs, not admitting there were times when we were required to respond to uncomfortable circumstances involving public safety. According to a Bureau of Parks and Lands report for Cobscook Bay State Park, one such incident happened on June 8th, 2024, at 11:15 a.m. That morning, rangers visited Campsite 31 to inform the occupant that he was due to check out, and to inform him that if he wanted to stay another night, he’d need to re-register at the park’s gate house. However, the rangers were unable to locate the occupant, despite several attempts. At 6 p.m., a couple camping on Site

122 approached the park receptionist to inquire about a black pickup truck with out of state plates parked in the “day use” area of the park, near a memorial bench. The couple stated that when they drove along the road around 2:30 p.m., they saw the black pickup parked in the picnic area. When they drove by again between 5 and 6 p.m., the truck was still there, and the occupant appeared to be asleep. At 6:32 p.m., a local EMT was called to respond to what rangers thought to be an unattended death (later it was ruled a suicide). At 6:36 p.m., the EMT confirmed the occupant was deceased. At 6:55 p.m., Washington County deputies arrived at the scene. The road to the day use lot was closed to traffic to secure the area, while officers finished their investigation. Once such examinations are complete, the normal course is for the body of the deceased person to be picked up by a mortician. (Ranger on the Allagash continued on page 51)

This map of Cobscook Bay State Park shows its size and the large number of camping locations. Rangers are responsible for responding to emergencies anywhere in the park, which hosts campers in small tents, large tents, and even camper trailers and motorhomes longer than 35 feet. Sadly, the day use area on the southern tip was the scene of an unattended death early this summer. www.MaineSportsman.com

50 • October 2024 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

Bamboo Rod Build Fulfills a Long-Time Goal It’s taken close to a decade, but the last piece of a puzzle has neatly fallen into place. Readers know I have a passion for building my own outdoor gear. A good friend of mine reminds me often that “It doesn’t always have to make sense.” Of course, with a lifetime of listening to loud machinery, my hearing may have confused “sense” with “cents.” Either way it’s a passion. My humble story began in my teens. My father took me bass fishing often. The smart play was to purchase the Fred Arbogast Hula Popper. With every chug, the wide-mouthed lure let out an enticing gurgle, attracting the attention of every bass in the lily pad-covered pond. Passions Collide This is where my passion for fishing and woodworking collided. Armed with a whittling knife and a small chisel, I handcrafted a fleet of hula poppers. A mail order catalog provided the grass skirts. Catching my first bass on the black wooded hula popper with the bright red mouth hooked me on building my own “stuff.” Next came homebuilt nets. The steam bent ash fish scooper sported a mahogany handle. On a flyin trip to Canada in 1997, the two guides taking gear out of the www.MaineSportsman.com

As a passion for fishing and woodworking collide, this author builds a bamboo fly rod. Sometimes, it doesn’t have to make “cents.”

Bill Sheldon’s finished bamboo fly rod has an olive wood reel seat and six pieces of specially-planed Tonkin bamboo glued together. The 7’ 6” two-piece rod is specially tapered to cast as a 3/4 weight -- perfect for dry fly fishing, but with enough extra spunk to push a line out to that just-out-of-reach brook trout. Bill Sheldon photo

float plane got into an extensive discussion when they unloaded my freshly built net. Finally, one of them pointed to the net and with limited English mixed with French gave me a nice compliment. He pointed and

said, “Nice beau.” It took me a few seconds to realize “beau,” if I heard it right, meant “beautiful” in my English-speaking world. That’s the first time someone noticed a piece of my puzzle.

Drift Fishing 101 Then along came building a custom Makenzie River Drift boat, in 2018. The all-wood river runner turned heads everywhere she went. That ambitious project was followed by a set of ash

counter-balanced oars. Needless to say, I fabricated the anchor. When I headed down Maine’s waterways with this homemade gear, all felt good. However, something was missing. I tie my own flies and build my own nets. What could be better? Still, something wasn’t quite right. How could a guy like me be satisfied with a store-bought fly rod? I started on a mission to find the final piece of the puzzle. My home-tied flies needed a cousin. I needed to build my own rod. No, not buy a graphite blank and wrap on some eyelets. That simply would not satisfy this desire. Bamboo would be my material of choice. Bamboo Rod Bamboo is technically a grass. Builders of fine bamboo rods universally agree that Tonkin bamboo, grown only in a small region in China, is the best. The characteristics of Tonkin bamboo, with its strong power fibers, have made it the go-to fly rod material for decades. To get started, I bought not one, but two books on crafting a bamboo fly rod. Reading the classic Fundamentals of Building a Bamboo Fly-Rod by George Maurer and Bernard P. Elser, and a competing book, Handcrafting Bamboo (Continued on next page)

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2024 • 51 (Continued from page 50)

Fly Rods by Wayne Cattanach, filled my evenings. I quickly learned that building a bamboo fly rod is a combination of art, science, and craftsmanship all rolled into one. I also suspected that a lot of the little “tricks of the trade” were not in print, and an assortment of specialty tools would need acquiring. I needed HELP! Fred Kretchman Fortunately, I found Fred Kretchman, a bamboo fly rod maker located in Kittery Point, Maine. Kretchman offered a one week, one-on-one class on building bamboo fly rods. My wife, Denise, and I headed to Kittery Point the first week of July.

I had developed a risky plan. While I spent the days learning the fine art of building a bamboo rod in Kretchman’s specially set-up shop, Denise would spend the days raiding the gift shops up and down Route One. This could get expensive. I have my passion, she has hers, and it doesn’t always have to make sense (cents). Fred Kretchman is a master craftsman who has spent his adult life specializing in the fine art of building fly rods. As I suspected, Kretchman taught me many of the trade secrets the books failed to mention. Goal Reached By the end of the week, my 7’6” 3/4 weight rod was in need

Ranger on the Allagash (Continued from page 49)

At 10 p.m. that night, rangers locked the gate and left for the day. The next morning, they collected the personal belongings found at Site 31, so they could be returned to the man’s next of kin. Yes, each day our park rangers conduct a multitude of tasks – everything from interpreting Maine’s natural resources, rescu-

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of a reel. Kretchman had carefully listened to my fishing tendencies before recommending this particular weight, length, and taper. The 3/4 delicately puts dry flies in front of bug-sipping salmonids. That little 3-plus allows me to punch some distance on a cast when needed. Kretchman patiently walked me through the process from a bamboo stalk to a family heirloom. With the missing piece of the puzzle neatly in place, my homemade fishing arsenal stands ready to float, cast, and net the finickiest of fish. Never satisfied, I’m trying to figure out how to build a reel for my new rod.

Bill Sheldon is shown in the early steps of building a bamboo fly rod. Here, he splits a culm of Tonkin bamboo into smaller pieces that he will eventually glue together into the rod of his dreams. Bill Sheldon photo

ing lost children, and providing first aid, to recovering a damaged canoe from Chase Rapids on the Allagash, and extinguishing forest fires. No, rangers’ jobs are not like being on vacation. Instead, these stewards of the wilderness are first responders in every sense. And they never know what a day will bring. A big thanks to our Maine park rangers for all you do. Tim Caverly has authored thirteen volumes about Maine.

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— Guest Column —

Fly Fishing for Largemouth Bass with Little Mary by Joseph Coleman, Registered Maine Fishing Guide, Freeport My niece, Little Mary (Big Mary being my sister Mary), is super cool and has always been involved in the arts. She grew up in Ellsworth, and like so many children of her generation, she lost three years of her childhood to the Covid pandemic and its social distancing mandates. It was a challenging time for her, and at the height of the pandemic, she came to live with me and my family to support her and her mom, who was a nurse on the front lines in Ellsworth. Going outside was not one of Mary’s strengths. My wife had to bribe her with ice cream to walk our dog. If I suggested going snowshoeing in the woods, she’d look at me like I was sentencing her to life without parole. Actually not life without parole, because in jail she’d be able to lounge all day. I understood Mary’s vibe, and didn’t push. After Covid, Mary got her driver’s license, managed a thrift shop, and got a job walking dogs. Then she met Alex, who is a major gearhead and very good bass fisherman. Mary went from a professional couch lounger to a phenomenal bass fisherman! She competes in tournaments, ice fishes almost every weekend in winter, and spends too much money on fishing gear. What the …? Where the …? Who the…? How did that happen?!

The author’s niece Mary has developed into an excellent bass angler.

Author’s Goal: Largemouth on a Fly Rod I had never caught a largemouth bass, and I asked Mary and Alex if they’d take me out so I could try to catch one on a fly rod. www.MaineSportsman.com

The author watches the transformation of his niece from a couchlounger to a phenomenal bass angler.

Mary and her friend Alex enjoy a great deal of success fishing for bass on Alex’s well-equipped (and speedy) bass boat.

My first stop when trying to fish outside of my comfort zone of the Kennebago, Upper Dam and Magalloway region is to swing by L.L. Bean Sunday mornings and have a pow wow with John and Paul in the fish section. They hooked me up with the right flies. I met up with Mary and Alex at the boat ramp at 8 a.m. on Wilson Mills Pond in Sabattus. It was Labor Day weekend. The water temperature was 71°, the sky was gray, and a light breeze came from the south. Perfect conditions. Alex and Mary worked in synchronized perfection launching the boat – an 18-foot bass boat with a 150 Johnson engine. We flew across the lake to a protective cove. That alone was worth the price of the ticket – so fast. I immediately hooked up to a smallmouth bass on my yellow popper in about eight feet of water. The fish skipped across the water, then jumped off. Next, we worked in shallow, where I placed the popper next to a lily pad and a beautiful white lily. A big largemouth scared the boots

off me when it crashed the bait. I missed the set, but what an adrenaline rush! The wind shifted, so we zipped across the lake to find a lee out of the wind. Using his remote control motor, Alex got Mary close to a rotting, fallen spruce tree, and Mary cast the plug along the shore, working it by pulling sharply and making a splash with each tug. A largemouth bass came out from beneath a deep hole under the tree, crushing the popper. This was Mary’s first bass on a fly rod, so I was yelling “Strip the line in! Strip! Strip!” She did, and after several jumps and tense moments, Alex netted the fish. We cruised along the shore to another fallen tree. I was busy editing the photo I had taken of Mary when I looked up. The biggest bass I’ve ever seen lifted itself out of the water, defying gravity for a split-second. Mary was hooked up again! Alex cried out, “It’s a hog!” Mary yelled, “I’m on fire!” The fish then crashed again out of nowhere, droplets of sparkling water sprayed the air, and within a second the beast was gone. Mary was devastated. “It would have been a personal best,” Alex said. “Close to six pounds.” What a thrill!

Mary also enjoys ice fishing, including “sleeping on a bunk bed in the middle of the night in an ice shack listening to the booms of the ice cracking,” she says. (Bass Fishing continued on page 55)

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2024 • 53

Small Ponds, Big Trout In October, trout fishing remains limited to rivers that the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (DIF&W) has opened to year-round fishing. Therefore, the advice in this column is designed to whet your appetite for next year, and another round of fishing in lakes and ponds. I know thinking about new approaches to open-water trout fishing helps buoy my spirits during the long autumn and winter, and I hope it does the same for you. So to the title, “Small Ponds, Big Trout.” This sounds contradictory. After all, don’t the biggest trout come from the biggest lakes and ponds? Yes, but there’s more to the story. All About Oxygenation Every pond – even a smaller one that offers at least some deep, well-oxygenated water – has the potential to produce huge trout. The smaller the pond, the fewer the lunker trout, but nonetheless, the big ones are still there. The questions are 1) how to find them; and 2) how to catch them. Each pond has unique characteristics, and to be successful, the angler needs to identify and exploit those singular traits. For instance, trout in some ponds may re-

The author is already looking forward to next spring and summer. Here’s how to find and catch big trout, regardless of the size of the pond you’re fishing.

Landing a big fish in a small pond. Tom Seymour photo

spond best during or near twilight hours, so fishing during the day, even all day, becomes an exercise in futility. It requires time on the water, and conversations with local experts, to learn the intricacies of each individual pond. Spring-Fed There are some exceptions to the above statement that in order to hold lunker trout, a pond must contain some deep,

cool, well-oxygenated water. Those exceptions are spring-fed ponds. I’ll detail one pond I know as an example. This pond covers only 35 acres, and has a maximum depth of 22 feet – not the kind of place where anyone would expect to find big trout. Our DIF&W stocks the pond heavily – mostly to cater to ice-fishers who flock to the place in droves. In winter, it’s so popular

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that cars and trucks line up for 100 yards along the road to the pond. So how could a place like this produce fish in summer? It would seem that nothing could survive the winter onslaught of anglers. And yet, many trout do. Not only do many trout survive the winter, but in fact they carry over to spring, and some live a normal lifespan, becom-

ing naturalized and in the process – fat, canny and hook-shy, at least as regarding taking a baitfish dangled down through a hole in the ice. But trolling in summer produces surprising results. I use a dodger, with a small shiner trailing about two feet behind. It’s best to fish close to bottom, where fish lounge over cool spring water. This method pays off even during midday, with the sun shining. Ponds such as this abound in much of Maine, and yet few people bother with them, once the ice melts. Hopefully, thoughts of similar ponds near you are dancing in your mind. The bottom line here is to never discount any small, stocked trout pond out-of-hand, because it may be a warm-weather honey hole in disguise. Trolling Basins Many small ponds contain pockets, or basins, of deep, cold, trout-filled water. For an easy way to identify such waters, look (Trout Fishing continued on page 55)

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54 • October 2024 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

Zen and Life Vests (PFDs) for Fly Fishing A famous fly-fishing guru was being interviewed a while back, and the reporter asked, “Do you think fly fishing is kind of like a form of Zen meditation?” The famous angling instructor replied, “Not at all,” and then went on to explain how he believes fly fishing is just good for a person because it relaxes you, since you’re doing something you love, and you are outdoors in the fresh air. Well, I’m not here to try and scientifical-

ly convince folks to believe that fly fishing is good for anybody, but for some anglers it is an extremely satisfying experience that settles their minds and produces an increased sense of well-being. In numerous recent studies, medical professionals checked cortisol levels in veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) before and after a two-day fly-fishing trip. Cortisol is a naturally occurring hormone related to adrenaline. Cortisol levels

peak in folks who are highly stressed, and these veterans went into the trip with very high cortisol levels. After the fly-fishing adventure, all of the veterans were found to have drastically reduced cortisol levels – indicating a definite therapeutic value in fly fishing. Even folks without PTSD can benefit from fly fishing. Personally, I always come away from a fly-fishing outing with a clearer head and a more relaxed feeling. My old fishing friend used to call it, “Fish-ical Therapy.” PFD Testing Continuing on this theme, let’s make sure that while we are out fishing, we are doing it in a safe manner. I reported a while back about the ineffectiveness of most PFD/ life vests in keeping an unconscious per-

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son face-up in the water. Well, I didn’t jump in the water with each of the vests on to prove the point … rather, I did some research, made a few calls, watched some instructional videos, and came to my own conclusions. What I discovered is that the only vest that will keep an unconscious person from drowning is the auto-inflatable, strap type PFD. The most illustrative videos I found on this topic is a clip by Trip Smith titled, “Will Your Life Jacket Save You? PFD Testing,” and a second one that tested an auto-inflating PFD, titled “Will a Life Jacket Actually Save your Life?, by the improbably-named videographer,“Crappie Head Fishing.” Readers can watch these videos and make up their own minds,

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but remember that most non-inflating life vests, even those that are US Coast Guard approved, will not roll an unconscious person over, and therefore won’t keep that person’s nose and face out of water. I could wear the strap vest right over my fly-fishing vest, but that would inhibit me from reaching certain items in the vest pockets, and it’s just uncomfortable for me. Instead, I purchased a chest pack that allows me a system for carrying my gear and which also offers a better fit while I’m wearing the strap vest. The shoulder straps on the vest fit on either side of the chest pack, allowing me to get at my gear while also allowing the vest to inflate when needed. The strap vest has a waist belt that helps stop water from filling the waders if I go under. I’ll be wearing this arrangement from now on, even if I’m fishing with a group of friends (not just on solo trips). The old Mae Weststyle vest was a close second to the auto-inflating strap style, in keeping an unconscious person from drowning, but still failed occasionally. Most folks are familiar with this orange, bulky life vest. It is just too uncomfortable and cumbersome (Continued on next page)

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2024 • 55 (Continued from page 54)

for me to wear while fly fishing, so I’ll stick with the auto inflatable strap vest. Fly-Fishing Trick I’d like to take a moment to thank my fishing buddy, Stephen Marsters, for giving me so many fly-tying tips. He showed me one last winter that really helps make fishing easier and more effective. If an angler has ever fished with flies that have a long tail, they certainly will have experienced that long tail wrapping around the curve of the hook, causing all sorts of problems. Marsters simply ties on a small loop of monofilament (10- or 20-pound test) right

off the back of the hook shank (where it starts to curve) before tying anything else on to the fly. I attached my thread to the hook, run it right to the back, and tie the monofilament loop on. I dab on a bit of waterproof super glue to help it stay in place before adding anything else (see photo). The loop keeps rubber legs, flowing marabou, and other fur and feathers from tangling with the hook shank, but without interfering with the action of the imitation. I now put a monofilament loop on all my poppers, divers, sliders, and most streamers. Thank you, Stephen Marsters!

Bass Fishing (Continued from page 52)

Whether summer-fishing or ice fishing, Mary and Alex work together well as a team.

Trout Fishing (Continued from page 53)

for small ponds in your area depicted in Delorme’s Maine Fishing Depth Maps booklet. This booklet provides total acreage, as well as maximum depths. Also, the booklet’s maps show boat landings, tributaries, outlets, and depths at various locations around the pond. The knowledge obtained from scrutinizing the DeLorme booklet can help start you off in the right place, even if you’ve never before visited the pond. Start trolling where the map indicates the deepest water. A fish locator will help greatly – not so much in finding

When tying a fly, initial wraps are used to secure a thick monofilament loop to the rear of the hook (see lower photo). The completed popper is shown at the top of the photo. The loop prevents long tail feathers, rubber legs and other appendages on the fly from dropping down and interfering with the effectiveness of the hook. William Clunie photo

Alex understood just how devastated Mary was. It was touching to see how these two young kids were able to relate to – and communicate with – each other. Alex showed me all his fish-finding equipment and how it worked. He taught me to use a bait-casting rig, and how to prevent the line from balling and tangling up by stopping the spool with your thumb before it hits the water. I could cast it a country mile. I loved it. We were fishing in a deeper part of the lake, off a little island. He told me to count to 20 seconds and let the bait

sink. And sure enough as it dropped, a bass hit it. It jumped twice and “Boom!” – my first bass ever was in the boat. “Welcome to the dark side” Alex laughed. I was hooked! Mary acknowledged her transformation, telling me, “If you’d asked me when I was a kid whether I’d love to bass fish and that I’d be sleeping on a bunk bed in the middle of the night in an ice shack listening to the booms of the ice cracking, I would have said you’re nuts. But I love it.”

fish, but in giving you an idea of the bottom contour and the size of the deep area. Once you establish the boundaries of the deep water, make sure to troll at different depths. The thermocline, that often-thin layer of comfortable water where trout congregate, may not necessarily be near bottom. In some cases, it may occur in as little as 20 feet. Here is where experimentation pays off. Also, DIF&W fisheries biologists often know the location of the thermocline, and they’re glad to share that information. Our biologists are a much-untapped resource for those seeking to learn more about local ponds, so ask them ques-

tions. Once you locate the thermocline, and the trout residing in it, don’t think that if you catch a 4- or 5-pound fish, it’s the only one of that size in the pond. Some small ponds host a dozen or more lunkers.

Cast About After you’ve identified a trophy pond, make sure not to pound it too hard, since that may put a big dent in the trophy trout population. Instead, cast about for other small waters in your area. Soon, you will have an inventory of red-hot waters at your disposal.

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56 • October 2024 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

Chasing Opening Day “Road Runners” Decades ago, my bird hunting partner, Dick Freeman, gave me a bit of advice that still rings true today. “Whatever money you have,” said Freeman, “spend it on the dog.” He continued to tell me that any old bargain variety single shot shotgun would kill grouse and woodcock on the fly, but a good dog will sniff out those birds. Most guys blow their wad on a fancy side-by-side, and then go hunting with an old couch-hound. Freeman knew the value of a sharp-nosed pointing hound. His dog, Hunter, worked covers like a mine sweeper. Hunter, a purebred German Short-Haired Pointer, put us onto hundreds of wild birds during its lifetime. Jackman Grouse The Jackman Re-

Because game birds love the edge covers offered by logging roads and skidder trails, hunters – with or without a dog – have excellent opportunities to encounter both grouse and woodcock.

The author’s favorite gun for hunting Maine’s cagey “Road Runners” is a Savage Model 24C, chambered in .410 shotgun and .22 caliber magnum. These versatile guns come in many shotgun/rifle combinations. Spotting a nervous grouse along the road usually leads to a foray into some of the region’s prime game bird coverts. Bill Sheldon photo

gion boasts a robust grouse population. Success is limited only by poor shooting or the occasional dog that goes on strike. But not everyone has the

good fortune to own a fine canine pointer or flushing breed. Bird hunters lacking a dog can still fill the game pouch using boots on the ground.

The Route 201 corridor has plenty of side roads that lead to a network of logging roads and abandoned skidder trails. Because grouse

love the edge covers offered by these minimum maintenance roads, bird hunters have robust opportunities for both grouse and woodcock. Anywhere that the wood line meets the road, or a cutting abuts mature growth, has wild birds written all over it. Active logging roads usually have shoulders with drainage ditches along the sides to control runoff. Birds love the taller grass between the tree line and the road. They’ll take a drink of any standing water available. Road Runners Why do birds migrate toward the road? First, they need small pebbles and gravel stones for their gizzard, which helps them digest food. Second, they also like to “dust” (Continued on next page)

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�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2024 • 57 (Continued from page 56)

themselves free of parasites. Third, after a below-freezing night, they like to come out and take advantage of a good beam of sunshine to warm up a bit. Simply put, gravel roads rate as a natural attractant for the king of game birds. This phenomenon gave birth to the scores of “heater hunters” cruising passable logging roads looking to limit out on the tasty grouse. As I get older, a little bit of heater hunting works for me. This tactic is especially appealing on rainy or windy days. For some reason beyond any logic, I hate boots on the ground hunting in heavy winds. After spotting a bird, the chase is on. Many a time we spotted a “road runner” and quickly stopped and let our dogs have at it. Just remember not to load up until after exiting the vehicle. Even if the road runner disappears into the thick Maine woods, all is not lost. Either by running or flying,

these birds rarely go over 100 yards. On one such instance, we saw a bird scurry across the Capital Road. We pulled over to the side of the road and let my son, Matt, out with his 20-gauge Parker Brothers. Before long, we heard a telltale shot. I’ll always remember looking in my rearview mirror and seeing him strolling toward the truck with the King of Game birds dangling from his free hand. The bird had flown less than 50 yards into the woods. Stop, Look, Listen Stalking grouse on foot without a dog requires a bit of stealth. A stop-and go still-hunting approach works well. Working a zig-zag pattern between a tote road and the mature forest, while stopping often, will give hiding grouse and woodcock nervous feet. The next rule of still-hunting for gamebirds – keep your eyes and ears open. Birds usually scurry a bit before taking flight. Movement in tall grass

or low underbrush easily betrays their escape route. Also, birds that take flight often will land in a tree. It pays for hunters to look up from time to time. I’ve found they are usually less than 20 feet up, and by then they’re just a bit edgy. Get ready! Don’t underestimate listening. Scrambling grouse can create enough noise for astute hunters to pick up on. This is often a forgotten aspect when bird hunting. The sound of a flush out of sight signals the beginning of a challenging still-hunt. I’m a big believer that any serviceable shotgun in the hands of a capable marksman will put meat on the table. However, a few tweaks can make that assignment easier. In the early part of the season (it opens this year on Sept. 28), an open-choke shotgun works well. As long as the leaves cling to the trees, short, close shooting will rule the day. When the leaves start piling up on the

Sportsmen come from near and “away” to hunt Maine’s legendary grouse population. While hunters with sharp-nosed hounds may have an advantage, classic stop-and-go stalking accounts for plenty of home cooked grouse dinners. Called by many “The King of Game Birds,” grouse use the notoriously thick Maine coverts to challenge Maine hunters. Shutterstock photo

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58 • October 2024 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

Bird-Hunting Primer With partridge season rapidly approaching, I am excited to get out with my friends and family, not only to hunt, but to socialize and explore new places. Bird hunting has been a family tradition during my entire life, and I’m lucky enough to have some friends who also enjoy searching for game birds in their spare time. When we were in high school, we spent many afternoons trekking to nearby logging roads after class to find some bird cover. Although we didn’t always have luck, we had fun, and found plenty of new deer hunting spots, and also discovered some productive trout streams. Intimidating Start Upland bird hunting can seem intimidating if you’re just getting into it. The barrier to entry appears financially taxing, and finding places to go seems to require the unlocking of a series of well-guarded secrets. If you walk in to most any gun store, you’ll find a number of firearms appropriate for upland hunting. Hunters opt for a shotgun, typically. Some prefer to

The author found success last fall while walking a woods road. www.MaineSportsman.com

It can seem intimidating, says the author, to join the ranks of partridge hunters. What gauge shotgun should you use? What clothes should you wear? Should you ride the roads looking for birds, or walk? Here, he breaks it all down, for those just getting into the sport. hunt with a larger 12 gauge, some with a light .410 or 28-gauge, while others (including myself) split the difference and hunt with a 20-gauge. I have found that a 20-gauge packs enough punch to shoot through some light brush, and it reaches an acceptable range without causing excessive damage to the harvest. I shoot a double barrel, over-under shotgun. You’d likely be amazed at the cost of some of the more refined upland shotguns. I have even seen some for sale in the $7,000 range – yikes! Luckily, that kind of expense is not necessary to acquire a gun that will provide you with a successful hunt in the woods. Although these firearms are beautiful, ornate pieces of art, a more budget-friendly gun can be just as effective. It’s fairly easy to find a quality bird gun in the $200 - $300 range. For ammo, I shoot Remington Express Long Range on my bird-hunting adventures. These shot-shells pack a little more punch than some game loads, and they are reasonably affordable. Looking the Part Beyond a reliable shotgun, there’s not much you need for some success in the woods. You’ll want some orange clothing. Legally, you only need to wear hunter orange when bird hunting if the season overlaps with the firearm season for deer (you must wear two articles of orange – a hat, and a piece that covers your torso) or the moose season (you are only required to wear a hat that’s orange). That being said, I always wear or-

ange, no matter what the season. I wear a hat when firearm deer season isn’t open, and a hat and vest when it is. It is vital to maintain awareness of where you are relative to your hunting party and others – and bright, fluorescent orange helps. You’ll need transportation as well. Although a 4x4 vehicle is a big help, it’s not entirely necessary. Use your vehicle to drive logging roads (where legal) and walk others that aren’t passable with your vehicle. It’s also great to get out of your vehicle and walk, even if the road is drivable. You’ll become more aware of your surroundings, and often spot or hear birds that you wouldn’t have noticed from the truck. The spring weather was fairly dry this year. Things are looking good for a solid partridge season. It’s nice to know that you can get out and enjoy the outdoors, and even have some luck, without spending your life’s savings on equipment.

The author’s father explores likely bird cover along a logging road.

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2024 • 59

What Hunters Should Know About Tracking Dogs There is nothing worse than the pit you feel in your stomach when you realize you’ve wounded an animal. A clean miss would be better. I wounded my first deer, but with the help of Scot Clonz and his tracking beagle, Darwin, we were able to recover it. I spoke with Susanne Hamilton from Montville, who has been tracking wounded game with German wirehaired dachshunds for 22 years. She is the President of worldwide United Blood Trackers, and she’s passionate about helping the hunting community and mentoring new trackers. Her current dog, Fritzi, at only 4 years old, has recovered 249 deer. I also spoke with Lindsay Ware of Ellsworth, who has been tracking since 2011. Currently, she tracks with two dachshunds (Aldo and his offspring Juniper). In 2023, they went on 166 tracks, and recovered 64 animals. The Benefits of Tracking Dogs Your Uncle Joe might be a great tracker, but consider that Susanne and Lindsay went on over 300 tracks between the two of them in 2023 alone. That’s many more deer than a hunter will see over a lifetime! “An experienced tracker can tell a lot by bone fragments, the color of the hair, the color of blood, any air bubbles in the blood, and the height of blood,” Susanne ex-

it hunch and kick? Did you hear any crashes? When you’re on the ground, mark the deer’s entrance and exit spots from the video with flagging tape or toilet paper. When you find blood and begin tracking, snap a few photos of the blood, and note its color, smell, and height.

A well-trained tracking dog can follow a scent that is more than 24 hours old, says the author. Here, she shares what she learned from interviews with two of Maine’s most experienced blood-trackers.

When to Call a Tracker Susanne recommends calling sooner rather than later. “If you believe you’ve hit a deer, rather than grid searching, tracking it over a long distance, jumping it from its bed and risking losing the blood trail, pick up the phone and call. Once you make an appointment for a tracker to come, stop tracking. By continuing to track, you will spread the blood in the wrong direction, and make it more difficult for the dog to work.” Even if the tracker is busy and can’t get to you immediately, send them photos, and they can counsel you on what might have happened and give advice on what to do next.

With the help of tracker Scot Clonz and his tracking beagle, Darwin, the author was able to recover her first whitetail buck several seasons ago.

plained, “but all that just confirms what the dog is telling us by following his nose.” A well-trained tracking dog can follow a scent that is multiple days old. Even though light rain makes blood harder to see, it helps hold scent for a dog. In addition, dogs are much faster at tracking than humans, so you’re more likely to catch up with an injured deer that’s still on the move. Some hunters think they have missed if a deer doesn’t drop immediately, but I believe if you find any blood, you owe it to that animal to

do all in your power to try to recover it, or confirm it was a non-fatal hit. Using a tracking dog is no guarantee. If they can’t recover your deer, they can offer the likely conclusion that it was a non-fatal hit and the animal will recover. When that is the case, you can sleep better, and give yourself permission to get back into the stand. Before Calling a Tracker Whenever I take a shot at a deer, I take out my phone and record a video. I video where the deer came from, where it was when I shot, and

where I last saw it, all before climbing out of my tree stand. This is usually for storytelling purposes, but can be valuable when tracking. Susanne suggested making a note in your phone with such details as how the deer reacted when you shot – did

(Maine Sportswoman continued on page 61)

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Things Looking Up for Bird Hunters Because of our warm, dry springtime – as opposed to the cold rains of the spring of 2023 – the author predicts this is going to be a great season for ruffed grouse and woodcock. Last year stood out as a very poor season for grouse. I had reports of people hunting all day and bagging only one or two birds. Unfortunately – or fortunately, depending upon how you look at it – I didn’t get out hunting last season. Eye problems, which culminated in surgery later in winter, kept me from going afield. This broke my heart, since it marked the first time since I was a wee lad that I didn’t get out hunting. But as my friends from the Moosehead Region told me, if I had to miss a season, that was the one to miss. So, this summer saw me asking everyone who moved about in the woods, if they had seen any broods of partridge. As many of you recall, the fre-

quent, heavy rains of spring 2023 resulted in a low survival rate for chicks. But this past 2024 spring was more favorable, and field observations show it. People are seeing birds of all ages, young and old. During years of scarcity, when young birds are few and far between, the remaining adults prove difficult to take. These senior citizen “pats” seem to have doctorates in evading hunters. This is for good reason – the old birds must survive and reproduce the following year to perpetuate the population. If too many mature birds are shot, future overall numbers will remain low. Dry Spring My pal Bob Lawrence tells me that he

feels this season will be better than last for grouse hunters. “We had a dry spring,” Bob said, “so that has to help. I think it will be a good year.” Moosehead-area guide Eric Holbrook concurs. Eric feels that this year will out-perform last year. In the end, we’ll still need to get out and determine the bird population for ourselves. But buoyed by news of promising spring conditions, I think it wise to plan for fall hunting now. Woodcock, Too Also, remember that grouse are not the only game in town. Woodcock hunting has become a dependable pursuit in the Moosehead Region. Our “local” birds, those born in the area, plus migratory woodcock touching down in local covers, make for lots of fun shooting. I always found local birds a more difficult target than the migrating kind. Here’s

The results of a successful grouse hunt. Photo by Eric Holbrook

why. Those woodcock born here are in top shape. Having waxed fat and sassy all summer and not having to fly very far, these birds are rested up and in the prime of life. Which means they aren’t tired out when they flush. When migrating woodcock take to the air, they often do so on tired and weary wings. Consequently, they lack the speed of well-rested, local birds. When local woodcock flush, they do so as if spring-loaded. Through the years, I have also noted that migrating woodcock make loud twittering sounds when flushed,

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but local birds produce softer tones, if they twitter at all. Seeing a woodcock when nearly out of range, with no advance auditory warning, often means a missed bird. This certainly helps in preserving woodcock numbers. You’re more likely to encounter local birds early in October; later in the season, the migrating variety make for easier shooting. While the region certainly does boast of some traditional woodcock covers, including alder thickets and stands of young poplar, another kind of cover has emerged, and these often prove extremely productive. Regenerating clearcuts, with young poplar and birch, along with other pioneer growth such as wild raspberries, appeal to migrating woodcock. There may not be a lot of apple trees and oldstyle covers, but these new-fangled covers (Continued on next page)

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2024 • 61 (Continued from page 60)

hold plenty of birds. Cover-Hunting Just as some people ride the roads looking for grouse out pecking gravel for their crops, others comb the North Woods for birdy looking alder or similar covers. The

good news here is that lots of prime woodcock cover exists within a short distance of traveled roads. For example, a friend mentioned that when he stopped along a paper company road to take a lunch break, he inadvertently stumbled upon a woodcock

Maine Sportswoman (Continued from page 59)

Susanne Hamilton (with headlamp) was able to help this client recover a trophy buck. Her current dog, Fritzi, has recovered 249 deer in four years.

Other Tips and Things to Know • Screenshot the contact info of trackers ahead of time. The information can be found by conducting a web search for “Maine licensed dog trackers”. • Ask the tracker how much experience

cover, loaded with birds. I had a pretty good idea where he had found this “woodcock honey hole,” and it all made sense. Some of the area’s best woodcock covers are not far off the beaten path but rather are within easy walking distance of named or

numbered dirt roads. I frequently run across such places, mostly when I am headed out grouse hunting and don’t have time to stop to flush a few woodcock. Grouse account for most of my time, but I still love to grab some #8 shotshells and traipse

they and their dog have. Ask them what they charge. • Many trackers, like Scot, Susanne, and Lindsay work off donations. Susanne told me it’s because they don’t want someone to not call and lose a deer because they can’t afford a tracker. A typical donation for tracking a deer is between $100-$200, depending on how far the tracker drives and how long the track is. • Keep a good headlamp with extra batteries. • Research the abutting property owners near your hunting spot, in case you need to track a deer across their land. You can even ask them ahead of time so you have permission should you need it. • In Maine, tracking dogs must be leashed and licensed through IFW to track wounded bear, deer, and moose. You cannot go home and grab your black lab and see if he can find your deer. • Trackers can track and dispatch your deer after legal hunting hours and on Sundays. However, they must abide by all other laws including archery-only areas, and minimum distances to dwellings. You can follow Lindsay on Facebook at “Lindsay Ware, Large Game Blood Track-

through the alders, ready for a woodcock to rocket into the sky. You can locate these hidden-in-plainsight woodcock covers, too. Just head out, with no particular agenda in mind, and keep an eye peeled for good-looking woodcock cover.

Lindsay Ware and Susanne Hamilton teamed up with a German wirehaired dachshund to recover this moose. Lindsay and her dog recovered 64 animals last season.

ing” and follow Susanne on Facebook at “Susanne Hamilton Large Game Blood Tracking”. They share maps and details about their tracks, and it’s informative to read about others’ experiences. I hope you don’t have to use a tracking dog, but don’t hesitate if you do! Good luck this season!

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Cutting Our Own In my cardio class, we were doing an exercise called “the lawn mower.” With a 4-lb. weight in your right hand, you lean over as if you were going to pull-start a lawn mower, and make the jerking motion of pulling on the rope. We did that a few times and the PT nurse, probably to improve the silence and to cover up the wheezing of the patients, asked how easy it was to start a chainsaw. She told us how over the weekend, she had tried to help her father-in-law start his chainsaw. Jeff spoke up. “What kind of saw?” he asked. “How old is it?” “Yeah,” Jim said, “the new ones are pretty good.” Then Paul spoke up: “Did you put your foot on the handle? They’re made so you can hold them down when you jerk the rope.” And then John chimed in: “Unless you’re a pro,” he said. “Working in the woods, they do a drop start.” The nurse paused. “How’s that work?” she asked. John said, “Well, they hold the pull cord and sort of let the saw drop, quick-like. It’s easier to do than tell about it. Guys working the woods ain’t got time to fool around, you know. They grab the cross bar and sort of drop the saw. One, two times, they usually www.MaineSportsman.com

In the late 1970s, cutting and splitting firewood from tree-length logs was a cooperative neighborhood activity in Hampden.

Dolmar made some very big chainsaws -- big, and heavy “Greg had a German Dolmar,” writes the author, “that was a beast of a saw. When it was running, it sounded like a dirt bike.” Photo: Farmers Forum

start. If it doesn’t, they get another saw.” The 1970s Energy Crisis By now, we were doing bicep curls, but the short discussion had taken me back to the 1970s and early 80s when we had something called the energy crisis, and a lot of us burned wood. There were three or four young families in the neighborhood in Hampden, and we chipped in and ordered a truck load of treelength. The following Saturday, we all got together and cut it up. Some of us had Echo saws, or Stihls, or Homelites. Greg had a German Dolmar that was a beast of a saw. When it was running, it sounded like a dirt bike. But we were young and full of energy, and within a day we’d cut all our firewood. The wives and kids helped stack wood, and made lunch. The following

weekend we rented a splitter, and did it all over again.

the wood had plenty of time to dry and season.

Portable Sawmill When I told Dad how we had all gotten together to buck up our firewood, he recalled growing up in Windham, and how the sawyer came around in the fall with his saw rig. This was a big circular saw mounted on a wagon and pulled by a team of horses. The saw was powered by a make-and-break engine. Dad said the sawyer arrived in the neighborhood and made the rounds from one small farm to the next. He’d saw for one guy for a few days, and then move on. It sounded like the sawyer got room and board at the homes and farms where he stopped. When the sawyer was done, grandfather had his wood cut for the next winter, a year away. The old guys were always a year ahead, making sure

No Safety Equipment My chainsaw was a small Echo. It cut fine, but with a 14inch blade, it couldn’t handle some of the big stuff. However, it saved my back. Yes, we were young, but even back then, twinges of lower back pain were appearing. The little saw was easy to lift and control, unlike Greg’s Dolmar, which he struggled to position across a tree trunk. As I think back, I’m ashamed to admit we used hardly any safety equipment other than gloves and maybe safety glasses – no chaps or ear muffs or hard hats. Today guys working in the woods will have all that gear, plus steel-toed boots and a combo hard hat with a wire face shield and ear muffs.

End of an Era? Maybe even in the deep woods, the days of the chainsaw are fading, as modern tree harvesters take their place. While the operator sits safely inside the air-conditioned cab, the machine cuts the tree, delimbs it, bucks it to length, and piles it up for the forwarder to pick up. Tree after tree, hour after hour and no need to take a break and sit on the tailgate of the truck and patiently sharpen each tooth on the chain. I also suppose there aren’t many homeowners today, no matter how young, who are buying treelength and cutting it up. More likely the dump truck comes and upends, and out slides three cords of “seasoned” oak. I’ve even seen firewood stacked on a pallet and wrapped in cellophane, neat and clean, ready to store inside the garage. Things change. Mostly for the better, I guess. New homeowner saws are electric. You let go of the switch, and the chain stops – a wonderful safety feature. I now have a Stihl saw that starts and runs perfectly. However, we heat with propane, and I must admit I haven’t had a reason to start that saw for several years.

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2024 • 63

Pheasant Hunting, Fishing and Bowhunting Signal Arrival of Fall The author admits that even after pheasant hunting for more than 40 seasons, his heart still skips a beat the instant the birds take off. Our adventure started on a Sunday. We met the stocking truck that was loaded with hen and rooster pheasants, and received our stocking assignments and allotment of birds. I knew the release sites, so my stocking and hunting partner, Waleed, and I, headed to the location. We unloaded two crates and opened them up. The birds rocketed out into the woods and fields. I remarked that we would be back soon, and we moved onto the next site. Across York and Cumberland Counties, rod and gun clubs partner with Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (DIF&W) biologists to stock pheasants on public lands – and on private lands that are open to the public – providing hunters with some exciting pheasant action. These birds hold tight, allowing even novice dogs to get a point or flush. Even better, these large birds make line-drive flights and allow neophyte hunters a crack at a bird or two. The DIF&W website lists the release sites, and generally 30 birds are released three times in October at each spot. These aren’t the thunderous wild

grouse we all revere, but they are a great alternative to driving farther north; they hold tight for young hunters and young dogs; and the release sites are generally a short drive from anywhere in this region. Pheasant hunters without a dog can flush these birds, but it takes work. Walk in a thick, overgrown field or bust the brush, and have a partner walk parallel to you. One of you may get a shot. I must admit, even after hunting pheasants and other birds for more than 40 years, these cackling giants still cause my heart to skip a beat when they take off! Any gauge shotgun can take pheasants, but I’d limit my choice to 20, 16 or 12-gauge guns. A light field load in #4 to #6 shot will work. Several companies make a 3-inch 20-gauge shell just for pheasant, and I prefer those. I run a modified and full choke in my over/under shotgun – a quick combo for both close and farther birds. Fishing Action If you can’t put away the boat or the fishing rods, October provides some exceptional salmon and

lake trout angling, especially on Sebago Lake (Delorme Atlas, Map 5, C-1). This spring and summer offered a phenomenal salmon season on the big lake. I personally caught more salmon this season than many other seasons combined. The fish were fat and healthy, and they seemed to hit on any lure we presented them. Many were over 4 pounds, and Guide Glen Gisel of Sebago Sport Fishing even had a client boat a plump 6-pounder. We all remarked that this was like salmon fishing was on Sebago Lake decades ago. Lake trout were abundant, also, but my salmon numbers outshone the lake trout count. I attribute that to running salmon sets when trolling more than lake trout sets. Every indicator points to October being a great salmon and lake trout month for those who continue fishing. Anglers are reminded that on Sebago, starting October 1, all salmon caught must immediately be released, and you can only use artificial lures. The mouth of the Songo River is also closed to angling, so be sure to review the laws to make certain you

Waleed Rabbat of Cumberland, and Rylee, a German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP), show off the fruits of their labor while hunting a pheasant stocking site. Photo by Tom Roth

are abiding by them. Archers’ Delight Archery season is also in full swing in this region. Expanded archery season opened on September 7 and many locations in this region support the expanded zone. Regular archery season opens on October 5 and runs through November 1 in non-expanded zones. Crossbows

are now considered archery equipment, and they can be used during any season that is open to archery and in any location except where prohibited by a municipal law or ordinance. Many purists feel that a crossbow gives an unfair advantage to archers, but studies showed that archery accounts for (Sebago to Auburn continued on next page)

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64 • October 2024 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

Deer Hunting in Maine – What Are the Odds? Last month, I wrote about deer hunting luck. This month, the subject is actual deer hunting, and in Maine we have it tough. I once asked a gun writer friend if he’d ever hunted whitetails in Maine. “God, no,” he said, nearly speechless with fear at the thought. He got paid to take trophies and write about it. He knew what the odds were in the Pine Tree State. At Odds with Numbers No one seems to agree on the numbers. One source puts our success ratio at 12 to 15 percent. Another sets it at 20 to 22. Maine did the best in the 1950s, when there were not only more deer in the woods, but more hunters. We currently have 200,000 whitetail, but they’re spread across 30,836 square miles, which makes for scant pickings. Things are different in other parts of the country. South Carolina has 700,000 deer and a 70 percent success ratio. The success ratio for Texas hunters is 68 percent. I’ve hunted the lovely, open country around the Devil’s Tower in Wyoming, and there was never a time during the day when there were no whitetails in plain view. The first time I ever hunted in Kansas was on an evening stand. As the light started to fade, deer began stepping out of the trees. I stopped counting them when I exceeded 20. But if you appreciate big-bodied whitetails, Maine is the mother lode. A good Maine buck just about equals the combined weight of three West Virginia whitetails. I’ve seen several Maine monsters that were in the high 300- to 400-pound range on the hoof, and they were the size of small elk. Maine Whitetail Curiosity Since they’re not in constant contact with humans, our deer are not sophisticated. In some places, where there are

Sebago to Auburn (Continued from page 63)

only about 4% of the deer harvest, with or without the use of crossbows. Hunters with injured shoulders, older hunters, and some smaller-framed hunters www.MaineSportsman.com

If you appreciate bigbodied whitetails, Maine is the mother lode. The author reveals why Maine bucks are highly sought-after.

Maine has fewer deer than some states, the success rate is correspondingly lower, and the hunting is hard. So why try? Because older deer here are “wide-bodies,” says the author, and besides -- hunters get to spend time in Maine’s deep woods.

brigades of hunters in the woods, the animals get a very good sense of the life and death game in which they’re involved. Not so here. You may catch a break because a buck may be overcome by curiosity about what you are, and that gives you time to shoot. Whitetails are indeed curious. On Anticosti Island, where the whitetails hardly ever have contact with humans, I had a doe follow five yards behind me for are better suited to crossbows, and can now participate with their compound and long-bow friends. I picked up a crossbow last season and have yet to use it, but with our farm being in the expanded zone, I may give it a try. Fishing action, pheasant hunting,

perhaps 100 yards, head down, sniffing my footprints. Finally, she snorted and sauntered off into the woods in search of better company. A day or so later, I was crossing an open field when two halfgrown fawns charged me and came skidding to a halt within petting distance. They inspected me for a few seconds, and then went racing off to wherever they had come from. I have no idea what that was about. Calls, Scents, and Really Big Bucks I don’t think calls or rattling work very well here. That is, they don’t seem to work well in Maine. I’ve hunted in places where the bucks literally come running when you crank up the sound effects. Scents are a waste. I’ve bought who knows how many bottles of the really expensive stuff where they squeezed the does extra hard, set up the wicks with religious attention to detail, and watched as nothing at all happened. We seem to get a break with the really big bucks. Normally, when male deer reach 5 years or so (and not a lot of them do), they become super cautious. These critters hardly ever make a mistake, and eventually die of natural causes, full of years and honors. Not so in Maine. Here, the old giants seem to turn up on the check-in scales more than they do in other places. So why bother? I’ve mentioned the group that I’ve hunted with out of Eustis for more than two decades. Most of us were born about the time that Grant took Vicksburg, but one of our number is a 30-ish resident of Dallas who comes all the way to Maine to join us every year. He doesn’t care what the odds are. He gets it. This is the Great North Woods, and it’s deer season. No further reason to hunt is required.

and archery for deer are but a few of the activities available to local sports this month. Waterfowl season is in full swing, too. October truly offers a smorgasbord of opportunities to those who love the outdoors.

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2024 • 65

So You Want to Bowhunt Southern Maine’s Expanded Archery Zones In the mid-1990s, Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife had a problem. Due to firearms restrictions in many coastal areas, deer populations were out of control. As a result, automobile and deer collisions were causing higher insurance rates, tick-borne Lyme disease was on the increase, and deer were consuming vegetable gardens, fruit trees and expensive shrubs. Authorities were inundated with deer nuisance calls. That’s when folks first floated the idea of a special archery deer season designed to offer hunting opportunities while also lowering deer populations, especially in suburban areas. Soon thereafter, a deer task force was formed, coordinated by Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine (SAM). I was active in Maine Bowhunters Association, so I was invited to become part of the team. Other bowhunters in the group included Ron Wilson and Bob Humphrey. We met, and drafted a bill authorizing DIF&W’s commissioner to establish an expanded archery season. After several redrafts, the proposal was presented to Maine’s legislature. The bill was subsequently enacted into law, and the following year (1997), Maine had

The author helped draft legislation that created Maine’s first expanded archery season in 1997. Here, he tells you what to expect if you participate in this hunt, especially along the highly populated coast.

Bowhunting along Maine’s rocky coast is a completely different experience than hunting the big woods deer farther north and inland. Bowhunting deer here isn’t for everyone; there are pros and cons involved with hunting in these populated areas. Val Marquez photo

its first-ever expanded archery season.” Over the past 27 years, the hunt has been a success. New areas have been added or removed by deer biologists, on the basis of sound deer management and science. So, what should you expect if you decide to hunt these highly-populated coastal areas? Let me illustrate by taking you on a few recent hunts. Island Hunt Thundering surf pounded gray-rocky ledges; green seaweed was tossed into the air and then pulled back out to sea as waves retreated. Dawn found me overlooking this scene, as the pink sunrise materialized on

the eastern horizon. But this wasn’t a scenic Maine vacation; rather, I was bowhunting for white-tailed deer during Maine’s expanded archery season. Ahead in the darkness, I saw an outline of a large white oak; this was my ambush site for the day. After reaching it, I slipped into my leaf suit, pulled the hood up, and donned a face mask and gloves. My goal was to become part of the forest. Back to Reality A squirrel digging loudly in dry leaves snapped me from deep thoughts about deer management, and back to bowhunting deer. No deer were seen that morning,

which is quite normal when deer hunting in Maine. I decided to eat lunch, drink some coffee, and take a nap. After a few hours, I awoke refreshed and ready to do some still-hunting. However, conditions had changed. The tide was now at low ebb, still and quiet; the leaves had dried, and it was noisy to walk. Little critters and birds scurried about, and then there were the endless calls from circling sea gulls. Regardless, I decided to still-hunt, but that didn’t last long – after a few loud steps, I retreated back to my seat at the large oak. A younger version of me would have forced the issue and continued walking, spooking ev-

ery deer on the island. However, this older, wiser me stayed put. I did hear deer that afternoon as they foraged around in a nearby thicket, saw a flicker of white and brown, but had no shot opportunities. As the sun dropped below the tree line, I packed up and started the walk back to my truck and the real world. Day Two The following day, I decided to hunt on the Rachael Carlson National Wildlife Refuge. I parked at a small spot on a dirt road that runs through a section of the refuge, strapped on my sitting-stool, grabbed my bow, and entered the old growth forest. My ambush location was only a few hundred yards from the dirt road. My spot was a hardwood ridge surrounded by thick swamps. Oaks on the ridge always produced acorns. Some years have better crops than others; this was a good year. I set up against a large tree with my leaf suit on, and disappeared into the forest. Later that day, a yearling deer trotted onto the ridge and started feeding. Then, another small deer stepped from the thicket. I knew that a mature doe was nearby watching. I sat still, hoping for a shot at it. (Southern Maine continued on page 67) www.MaineSportsman.com

66 • October 2024 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

Author Tries Bowhunting, but Returns to Firearms The author may not be much of a bowhunting enthusiast himself, but he knows a good book about bowhunting when he sees it. I grew up in Michigan where my father took me and my two brothers out hunting at an early age. I remember when I was about eleven years old, following my dad through the woods while carrying my grandmother’s single-shot, .410 shotgun. He had me carry the little shotgun empty, so he could coach me on how to hunt with it safely. I carried that empty shotgun all season long, and then finally got to hunt with it the following year. My father wasn’t a bow hunter, but my uncle Jim Fox was, and he mentored me through the years. I purchased my first bow, an old 45-pound, fiberglass recurve, and thought I had practiced enough the summer before my first deer hunt.

www.MaineSportsman.com

Missing Every Shot On opening day, I walked through an area that had been closed to deer hunting for more than a decade and then opened just for bow hunters. There were deer everywhere, and I thought that meant it would be easy for me to arrow one. I had 14 deer run past me at one point, and I missed an easy shot. Throughout that first day, I took five shots at deer, and missed every one cleanly. I went home in frustration, and decided to practice even more before heading out ever again. It didn’t feel worthy – I felt that the deer deserved more than a lucky shot. As much as I tried, I couldn’t seem to get good enough at shooting the cheap bow. After a few years,

I bought a Bear Kodiak Magnum bow and started practicing. I was 18 years old, and I figured I was a good enough shot to start deer hunting with a bow again. After a few more hunting trips with the bow, I found out that I just wasn’t made for shooting a bow, so I gave it up and only went after deer with my rifle. Compound Bow Sometime in the early 2000’s, I decided to get a compound bow and give deer hunting with a string a try again. I bought a Mathews “Solo Cam” bow, and found out that I could easily put all my shots into a tennis ball sized target at thirty yards. I planned to hunt deer with a bow in October. That way, if I didn’t get one, I’d rifle hunt deer in November. However, I never did get to shoot a deer with a bow, and gave up after a few years. I blamed it on my love of bird hunting with my dogs in October, but really, I just never turned out to be a good bow hunter—I never shot anything with a bow and arrow, and always thought anyone that did was a fantastic hunter.

When the author was 18 years old in the early 1970s -- the days before compound bows were widely used -- he purchased a Bear “Kodiak Magnum” recurve bow. However, he had no better luck with it than he’d had with his first bow -- a 45-pound fiberglass recurve. Years later, when he acquired a “modern” compound bow, he realized the bowhunting season conflicted with his more favored pastime -- upland game hunting with his shotgun and his dog.

I stuck to rifle hunting for deer, and had plenty of success. I bird hunted all of October with my dogs, and then deer hunted with a rifle in November. After all, I could only do so many things outdoors, and I decided that bow hunting just wasn’t for me. All the while, I admired those who chose to hunt with a bow. In my home state of Michigan, everyone looked up to the great bow hunter, Fred Bear, and his hunting buddy, Ted Nugent. To say it’s been a struggle is putting it mildly. New Bow Book A friend of a friend just finished writing a book, and has asked me to review it. My dear friend, legendary fish-carving taxi-

dermist Gene Bahr, said a friend of his would be calling me about his new book. Reverend Ken Turley, Gene’s buddy, called later that month and told me about his new book. Author Turley said, “Gene and I used to shoot bows together every week for years. I wrote this book, and asked him if he knew someone who might want to review it for me.” The book is titled, “Hunting with Reverence; Seeking the Spirit of the Hunt.” After a few pages of reading, I knew this book would be right up my alley, so to speak. Anyone who has ever aspired to hunt deer with a bow will enjoy reading this (Continued on next page)

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2024 • 67 (Continued from page 66)

book. The pages are full of anecdotal bow hunting tips and stories of hunting adventure, all in a very

deep-seated spiritual manner … this Turley fellow digs way into his reasons for hunting and his spiritual connection to the hunt. Turley’s wife, Lau-

rie, completes her husband’s writing by filling the book with pleasant artwork. Both Turley and his wife grace the pages with poetry that com-

plements the artwork, the hunting stories, tips, and the sometimes-humorous text. The book is getting close to publishing, and I will inform inter-

Southern Maine

ested readers where to get this fine bowhunting volume as soon as it comes out.

hunts, I saw several deer that day, but had no shot opportunities.

(Continued from page 65)

A few minutes later, she stepped from the swamp with her nose high, testing the air currents. She was out of range. The three deer continued feeding, and then slipped back into the swamp. It was another close, enjoyable encounter. The Next Day I drove to a different location – a small woodlot nestled in a suburban area. I had permission to park on a friend’s property. Once there, I walked a hiking trail to the center of the woods, and set up with my hunting stool. I could see distant roof tops through the trees, and heard traffic on I-95. I could also hear folks talking in their back yards. This area was one of those subdivisions plagued with an overpopulation of deer. I have found that

Certain areas of Southern Maine hold so many deer that they sometimes have trouble getting out of each others’ ways. Val Marquez photo

landowners welcome archers on their lands, as long as they are discrete and respectful, but to gain permission involves knocking on a few doors. As had occurred the previous two

Pros and Cons These hunts are examples of different terrains and situations that bowhunters will encounter while hunting along southern Maine’s coastal sections. I’ve killed deer there, but many of the hunts end like the above examples. Compared to the rest of the state, success rates here in Southern Maine are a little higher. However, not every hunter is interested in listening to traffic along I-95 and dealing with landowners, just to have a better chance to kill a deer. However, a three-month hunting season, combined with the availability of multiple deer tags, are big bonuses to consider – you decide.

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Rambler Versus Cadillac Thinking back on the events I relate below reminds me of Commander Cote and his Lost Plant Airmen singing about a Cadillac passing his Hot Rod Lincoln on Grapevine Hill. The big difference was that in my case, the Hot Rod Lincoln was my Rambler Ambassador. We Hear a Shotgun Blast It was November 7th, 1974, and Warden Norman Gilbert had talked me into working at a location in Pittsfield, near the intersection of the Crawford Road and Somerset Avenue. I wasn’t crazy about the place, although I had learned to trust Norm’s judgment in such matters. I didn’t like where we had to park – it was a fair distance from the road, and our view of the area was limited. At any rate, I got the Rambler situated where I felt confident I could get out onto the road without the use of lights. A couple of uneventful hours passed, and it was getting to be almost time for our usual snack of crackers and cheese. Suddenly, a loud bang, typical of a shotgun blast, erupted from the area down near the intersection of the two roads. Speedy Caddy We could not see down to that area, and www.MaineSportsman.com

The author, driving his patrol vehicle – a Rambler Ambassador – with a fellow warden in the passenger seat, was chasing a Cadillac down a rural road at more than 100 mph. Ahead, the Cadillac’s brake lights blinked on. Sparks flew as the big car bottomed out going over a set of railroad tracks.

The early 1970s Rambler Ambassador was somewhat of a sleeper -- usually thought of as a family sedan, a more powerful version was marketed to municipalities across the country as a police car. Photo credit: Autoboom

decided to stay put, at least for the time being. In less than a minute, a vehicle that appeared to be a Cadillac came up past us on the Crawford Road, traveling at a pretty good clip. We continued waiting, to gain a better understanding of what was transpiring. It wasn’t long, three or four minutes, when the same vehicle came back past us, heading toward the intersection. I eased the Rambler out onto the Crawford Road, and – without utilizing our headlights – made my way down to the intersection, about 150 yards away. From there, we could see the taillights of a vehicle that was

stopped in the roadway, 300 yards west of us on Somerset Avenue. Using my binoculars, I could see that someone was walking past the vehicle’s taillights, as the glow from the taillights was intermittently blocked out. That was a pretty good clue, based on our life experiences, that a deer was going into the vehicle’s trunk. The Vehicle Departs — Fast Subsequently, the vehicle started pulling away. I made a very short-lived attempt to gain some ground without lights, but quickly abandoned that idea. I snapped on my lights. The vehicle had a big lead on me. I attempted to gain some

ground, but the vehicle was now in full fleeing mode, and we were barely able to keep it in sight. As we continued westerly on Somerset Avenue, we were just close enough to see the Cadillac take a left onto the Snakeroot Road. Now, the chase was really on. I was not all that familiar with the Snakeroot Road, so I asked Norm if this road was straight, as the Rambler was at top speed. He said it was. I had taken my foot off the floorboard only to make the turn onto the Snakeroot Road, and catching this car was going to be no easy feat. Gaining? I believed I was gaining, ever so slow-

ly. I knew this was far worse for Norm than me, as I had previously been a passenger in similar situations, and understood how tense and stressful it was for him. As we continued to gain, Norm told me there were some railroad tracks up ahead. Just as he said that, we saw the Cadillac’s brake lights blink on, and sparks flew as the big car bottomed out going over the tracks. I didn’t want to slow up, because I was really gaining, and I was confident that the Rambler’s suspension was firmer than that of the Cadillac. As I approached the tracks, I noticed that Norm had his hands gripped onto my padded dashboard. We made it over with flying colors – at 110 miles per hour. The Chase Culminates Once over the tracks, we approached Route 100, and we were really gaining on them. I think their trip over the railroad tracks had scared them enough to make them slow up a little. As they blew through the stop sign, taking a right onto Route 100, I had completely closed the gap, and we were right on their bumper. Then, all at once, the driver gave up, slamming on (Tales from the Warden Service continued on page 71)

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2024 • 69

Fur Handling As wild fur increases in value, it is important to handle it correctly when making it ready for market. This is most important if one wants to realize its best value. The first thing to remember is that prime fur always rewards one with top dollar as long as it is prepared correctly. I know how hard it is to be patient and not start setting traps as soon as the season opens. It would be better if most Maine furbearer trapping seasons started later than they currently do. This is even more important as our winters become milder, and the really cold weather starts later in the season. IF&W should seriously consider this if they want to encourage the best use of the renewable resource that is our furbearers. It is a well-known fact that our coyote and both the red and gray fox are not yet prime when the season starts in mid-October. It is also a fact that many of the early trapped coyotes are the young of the year and not yet of adult size. Primeness and size add up to more dollars when furs are sold. If you trap coyotes only to help the deer herd, then go for it. Other furs that one should consider starting to trap later in the season are fish-

Prime and well-handled furs give trappers the best return, if they want top dollar for the results of their efforts on the trap line.

Using the correct size and shape stretcher is an important part of proper fur handling. As seen here, some sizes can be used for one than one species of furbearer. Illustration by the author

er, marten, mink, and otter. If the value of beaver shifts from the felt trade back to the fur industry, then they also should be trapped only when prime. Bird Hunters and Traps Many folks take their vacation time to trap canines during the early season.

During this period, some bird hunters ruin your day when you find your fur destroyed with several loads of birdshot fired at close range. It’s even worse is that your trap has been destroyed or stolen. It has been my habit of informing any bird hunters I see along my trap lines

that coyote trapping is in progress, and I ask if they know how to get their dog out of a trap. If not, I show them how a trap works and the process of releasing a dog safely. The area I trap has a lot of hunters from out of state and from southern Maine staying at lodges or camps. Many are outright

hostile to find out that trapping is in progress, even though you are trying to help the deer herd by reducing coyote numbers. This is an old drum I just have to sound. Now back to fur handling. Care of Fur Care of fur starts with the combing or brushing out of all debris and stickers in the fur, along with gently washing out any blood. Dry the fur before you start to carefully skin and flesh the fat and tissue off pelts. Be extra careful in the belly area, as this is the area where the skin is the thinnest. Take extra care around the ears, eyes, and mouth areas. Although these areas on most fur bearers have no value to the fur trade, they tell the buyer that the fur was handled with care. Once the pelts of species that are boarded with the fur on the outside are removed from the stretcher, they should be brushed out again to display the fur at its best. Inspection Windows Another area of preparation of fur is the inspection window in some species. This refers to the opening left at the “bottom ventral side” of a furin skin that allows one to examine the quality and color of the fur. In-

(Trapping continued on page 71) www.MaineSportsman.com

70 • October 2024 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

Pleasant Dreams of Hunting Birds with Dogs Most of us use our senses to recall both good and bad memories, even if we don’t realize it. For instance, when I smell a certain brand of soap, I vividly remember washing my hands in my grandparents’ home. My grandmother always bought the same brand of soap, and that particular smell connects me to pleasant memories at their farm home. Some of us get physically sick when certain smells remind us of a previous experience. Both of my brothers can’t handle the smell of muskmelon because they ate so much of it one time that they both got sick. They are both in their “senior” years and still, to this day, recoil at the smell of muskmelon. Sometimes, when I hear music from

Dreaming of the September 28, 2024 opening day for grouse and woodcock season. William Clunie photo

my teenage years, I am transported back in time. The sense of hearing amazes me, since it is so strongly connected to our memory … almost as much as the sense of smell. And don’t get me started on the sense of taste. Certain food flavors bring on an automatic recall for me. The flavors of certain

comfort foods bring back comfy, homey, relaxing times around the dinner table at my parents’ home. My mother was a wonderful cook and served up some scrumptious meals that I can easily recall today. My wife is a fantastic cook and often prepares a dish that matches my mother’s

cooking … evoking some beautiful dinnertime memories. Hunting Scents I think anyone who calls themselves a hunter can relate to the smell of the autumn woods and how it stirs the senses, bringing back memories of past hunting experiences. The acrid smell of burning gun

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powder, mixed with the earthy scent of the damp forest floor, creates such a rich aroma – a vibrant scent that turns our memory banks on as clearly as if we were watching a video of an experience from our past. And now, upland season is upon us. As you may be able to tell, I am so enthralled at the thought of another autumn of bird hunting starting this month that it seems to be all I can think about. No matter what I’m doing throughout the day, my mind always wanders to crunching through the colorful leaves and stirring up that earthy aroma under the dried leaves. In my mind, I hear the dogs running through the leaves at their fast pace, then (Continued on next page)

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2024 • 71 (Continued from page 70)

stopping to point. I feel the tension in the air as my older dog stands pointing, locked in a stare down with the grouse … and as my younger bird dog wisely honors his elder. The rest of the vision involves the “King of the Forest” taking flight, launched like a rocket into the colorful autumn foliage. At the shot, there is a blur of dogs fetching the bird, sweet wafting gun smoke, panting dog sounds, and a single feather floating in the air, slowly settling down to the dried leaves on the wooded, forest floor.

Trapped Bird Dog My memory was also triggered when a recent video I watched showed a method for removing your bird dog from a trap. Years ago, my neighbor had a pet cat get caught in a foot-hold trap. The neighbor didn’t know how to get it open. Eventually he did, but the delay caused the cat unnecessary stress. Not knowing what to do when a trap catches your dog’s paw could ruin a hunting trip. Hunting dogs can get a paw caught in a trap, because they run around in the woods and cover a lot of ground.

Tales from the Warden Service (Continued from page 68)

the brakes. I was so close, still pedal to the metal, that I had all I could do to keep from crashing into the rear of the Cadillac. I locked up the brakes and came to a stop about one foot from their bumper, somewhat sideways in the road, with my engine stalled. We could see blood all over their rear bumper, leaving no doubt there

Trapping (Continued from page 69)

spection windows are only done on furs dried with the fur on the inside (leather outside) such as raccoon, mink, otter, skunk, and opossums. This inspection window is commonly made with a proper opening cut during skinning and sometimes while cleaning up the edge of the opening during boarding of the pelt. Raccoons need a proper inspection window made to ensure buyers can best evaluate the fur. Oftentimes, mink and otter have problems when the belly fur is dried in line with the dorsal fur. If it is dried without an inspection window, the fur grader has to force the opening to assess the fur quality and color. If the inspector can’t do this, then the fur is downgraded.

Knowledgeable individuals and organizations have produced several videos that demonstrate various methods for successfully removing a trapped dog without injury. Simply go to youtube.com and search for “Removing a dog from a trap,” and you will find quite a few videos that explain the technique. One of the better videos is titled “Animal Traps – How to Release your Pet,” produced by Fur Takers of America, Inc. It covers releasing your dog from all three of the most common traps – the foothold, the snare and the conibear

(body-grip) trap. Watch this video, and learn how to release a foothold trap by stepping on the two levers that hold the jaws closed. Snares can also easily be released, if you know how to pinch the locking mechanism. And for the conibear trap, carry a couple of long, 24” heavy-duty zip ties that will allow you to make a loop around the side-springs and pull hard, to forcibly compress the two springs, one at a time, to release the animal. As a special note to the readers of my columns … I often write about safety in the outdoors. Please

don’t ever think that the outdoors is more dangerous than you can handle. I consider venturing into the city as a more dangerous prospect. When I’m writing about various problems that might be encountered in the outdoors, I’m just trying to help you cover all aspects of completely enjoying the wonders of the outdoors. Making sure to follow a few safety guidelines will easily protect against anything that can happen during the outdoor adventure. Doing so builds confidence and enables you to relax and enjoy.

was a poached deer in the trunk. Because of the likelihood that the four occupants might be inclined to exit the car and run, Norm quickly got out of the Rambler. For my part, I wanted to get the Rambler re-started, in case they decided to remain in the car and accelerate again. The Rambler was “hot,” and steam was bellowing out from under the hood on both sides. I attempted to turn the engine over but it didn’t want to do so – it just kind of grunted the first couple of tries. Then, to my relief, the Rambler’s en-

gine fired up. We got the occupants, all teenagers, gathered up. I discovered that the owner of the Cadillac was the father of the driver, that father being a golfing buddy of Norm’s. We didn’t think things were going to go too well for this young fella, as the deer had been tossed into the car’s trunk and had deposited blood all over his dad’s golf bag. In the same way that the “Hot Rod Lincoln” prevailed in the song, so had our Rambler Ambassador.

On mink and otter, this window should not be above the genital opening, and the sides are not cut into the flanks. The female pelt should be proportional to a male pelt. Remember that inspection windows do not need to be large, and should not be cut into the flanks of the pelt. Interestingly, muskrat skins, although sold fur side in (leather out), do not need inspection windows, because the fur buyer can grade the quality by feeling the fur thickness of the pelt and by the leather. Skins of weasels and squirrels do not need windows, as they are graded by the leather side only. Longtail weasels and skunks may bring you more money by carefully skinning out the feet and leaving the toenails on. This is tedious work but worth the effort, if one has the time. Always use species-specific sized stretch-

ers when boarding fur, and preferably those made of wood. If you want top dollar for your efforts on the trap line, remember that only prime and well-handled furs give you the best return. There are many videos and books on fur handling, and any experienced trapper or fur buyer will gladly show you what should be done to produce the best product. Proper size stretchers are an important part of fur handling. Some can serve several species. More on this in a later column. The various state rendezvous are great places to see demos and ask questions about fur handling and preparation. One thing of note for the young or inexperienced trapper is to never-ever put salt on your pelts if you want to sell them at a fur auction (local or internationally).

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Landscape of a Life – Rolling with the Punches October, more than most months, is made for dreaming of adventures. The cooling temperatures and changing leaves set a New England hunter up to think anything is possible from now until ice fishing starts. Tracking down the buck of a lifetime. Perfect shots at grouse, woodcock, hare, and ducks. Stalking grunting moose. Maybe a bear. Drawing back on a beautiful buck or a gorgeous freezer-filling doe. None of this even includes the many adventures that exist outside of our region. When we widen the view and look around at other options, a Dall sheep hunt tops my list, but elk, mule deer, and pronghorn are always intriguing. After my recent family trip to Yellowstone National Park, now a bison is on that list, too. We saw bighorn sheep and mountain goats on our float trip down the Madison River – they look cool, and are probably pretty tasty. Prior to this Yellowstone trip, my world was starting to feel small, ever since I found out I wouldn’t be headed west to guide or hunt this fall. I’ve been fortunate to get out there in the wide world and have some amazing experiences in wild places. Like many folks, however, I’m always angling for www.MaineSportsman.com

A severe 2023 winter in Colorado resulted in that state restricting the availability of elk-hunting license for 2024. Therefore, the author was unable to guide or hunt in Colorado. However, a trip to Yellowstone helped energize and motivate him for the upcoming archery season in his home state of Vermont.

A young version of the author, with the last archery deer he killed.

more adventures. My time in Yellowstone refreshed me. I’ll be honest – 10 days away from work didn’t hurt, either. I am entering the fall season with the excitement I knew would be there. In addition to a desire for broad horizons, I’m

looking to add some depth to the valleys that are part of the landscape of my life. VT’s Archery Season Without a trip to CO on the books due to a rough winter causing some tag chang-

es where I have been guiding, I might do a little more archery hunting at home this fall, with an emphasis on a freezer-filling doe. I hate sitting, and I haven’t been in a treestand in more than a decade, so I won’t overdo it, but that should

Seeing this bison in Yellowstone National Park caused the author to think he may want to hunt one. Five states offer limited free-range bison hunting, but permits are extremely difficult to obtain.

add some depth to my October, along with chasing ducks (interior zone opens Oct 12th) and ruffed grouse (opens Sept 28th; limit 4 per day). Vermont’s regulations changed a little while ago, allowing a four deer per year annual harvest of whitetail deer with a one antlered-deer limit. Along the spine of the Green Mountains and into the Northeast Kingdom, the antler only needs to be three inches in length. In the Connecticut and Champlain Valley regions, at least one antler with two or more antler points one inch in length or longer makes a legal buck. The season now runs Oct. 1 – Nov. 15, and Dec. 2 –15, with a break for rifle season. Crossbows are legal to use. Hunters should check the regulations at www.vtfishandwildlife.com. I shot my last deer with my bow – a doe – more than a few years ago. I set up on the ground opening morning, nestled in amongst some long grass below the house near some apple trees that have gone wild. She came along a little hedgerow and into the rogue orchard looking for a last-minute snack before heading up the hill to bed. The wind was good, though I hadn’t expected her to (Vermont continued on page 74)

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2024 • 73

NH’s New Game Camera Laws New Hampshire has enacted several new laws regarding game cameras. Here is an overview of the new rules and how they will affect the hunting experience here in the “Live Free or Die” state. Permission Rule Any person placing a game camera on private property in NH must have written permission to do so from the landowner. Permission, unless otherwise stated, expires at the end of each calendar year, and thus must be renewed. Landowners may place visible signage on their land explicitly allowing the use of game cameras, nullifying the written permission requirement. Public land (owned by the state or a municipality) is exempt from the permission

The author believes few if any problems can be successfully addressed through legislation, and game cam (and “cell cam”) laws may have been easier to pass than they will be to enforce.

A New Hampshire buck carefully reads the owner identification label on a game camera, so it can learn the name of the hunter who set up the camera, and the hunter’s personal contact information. Photo provided by the author

requirement. As I stated in my August edition of

CRANE’S SNOWMOBILE MUSEUM

T.M.S. regarding the similar requirements for treestands and

blinds, I understand, from a landowner’s perspective, wanting

to know who and what is on your property, but I worry about the ramifications this new rule could have on accessibility. I would guess that the general land-owning public has little idea how prolific trail cameras have become within the hunting community. I think many landowners will be unpleasantly surprised by the overwhelming number of requests they receive from hunters to essentially surveil their property. This is unlikely to bode well for hunters, since many requests may be denied. In fact, some landowners may deny access to their land entirely. Previously unposted land may become posted. Those hunters who are dependent (Continued on next page)

Northern New Hampshire

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74 • October 2024 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

New Hampshire (Continued from page 73)

on their cameras may then converge in even greater numbers on the already crowded public lands. Labeling Rule All game cameras on private or public property must now be labeled with the name and contact information of the owner. Again, I’m sympathetic to the landowner who wants to know who is on his property, but I am wary about other externalities. Hunters are jealous and nosy people. If someone finds a camera with the owner’s contact information, he may tamper with the camera. If he doesn’t like the name on it, he may spy on that person’s social media to see what photos the person has gotten on that camera.

He may decide to hunt or not hunt that area, depending on the success of the person who the camera belongs to. He also could ruin that person’s “secret spot” by telling everyone where he found the camera. And there is always the issue of harassment. If someone, hunter or non-hunter, really takes objection to that camera being there for whatever reason, now there is a direct way to harass the camera’s owner, since the owner’s phone number and address are on the label. “Cell Cam” Rule The wording on the “cell camera rule” is very tricky, so instead of giving my (perhaps incorrect) summary of it, here is the full text: Any person tak-

Vermont (Continued from page 72)

come from that direction. I made a good shot, gave her some time, and had her hanging up before noon. I’m hoping for something similar with each arrow I nock as I step up my practice sessions. Check Road Conditions For anyone heading to the northeast corner of the state this fall, be sure to check on road conditions. This area got hammered with rain in at least three events in July and August, and several woods roads are no longer passable. Gates are generally open, but road work will be hit-or-miss based on the availability of contractors. As of this writing, the Nulhegan Basin Division of the Conte National Wildlife Refuge has several roads closed indefinitely, the road into the Bill Sladyk WMA is closed with several large washouts, and Weyerhaeuser Lands have extensive road damage. I see www.MaineSportsman.com

ing or attempting to take a game animal or fur-bearing animal may use a game camera to locate, surveil, aid or assist in any attempt to locate or surveil any game animal or fur-bearing animal, provided that no person shall take a game animal or fur-bearing animal within the same calendar day of remotely viewing any image or video of that animal from a game camera in that area. I think my previous writings have made clear my thoughts on cell cams. Or, at least on using them to actively aid you during hunting season. I’m not a fan. But that doesn’t mean that I love this new law. I tend to think that new legislation rarely, if ever, is the solution to any given problem. The cell cam controversy

this as an opportunity for folks who like to hike to get in deep and find a track – perhaps more of an old-school approach to hunting compared to driving roads looking for a track. Embrace Change It’s a lot of fun to do a variety of stuff to broaden those horizons, and October is great for that, especially if you travel to hunt. I’ll keep doing that, testing out different places and critters, and finding new things to chase and love. This season, though, I’m going to explore a few more activities in depth here in New England. As much as I don’t like change, when it is forced on me, be it tag changes in CO or washed-out roads, I try to embrace the new opportunities it presents. Whatever you’re after, make sure to keep broadening and deepening the landscape of your life by getting out and having some adventures this fall.

is a cultural issue. I think in order to really “fix” what I see as moral and ethical quandaries, we need to change the culture. It is hard to legislate the ambiguity of “fair chase.” The tangible criticism I have with this new law is that I think it’s going to be really hard to enforce. How will a Conservation Officer know if you’ve got a picture of that specific animal within that same calendar day (unless you blab about it on Facebook)? They’d need to see your phone. That introduces 4th Amendment complications regarding warrants and searches. How would law enforcement get tipped off, anyway? Through tattle-taling, of course. Hunters are a jealous and gossipy bunch. As soon as someone

shoots a giant buck, the rumor mill starts swirling. Questions start turning into accusations. None of that will be good for hunting. I think when it comes to cell cameras, it is an all-or-nothing gambit. You either have to outlaw them entirely (or at least during the hunting season), or allow free rein. This attempted pinpointing of legislation is anti-reality, and in my view it’s only going to stir up controversy even more than before the law’s enactment. Again, if we want meaningful change, we have to change the culture, by instilling respect, and by valuing the precepts of fair chase. Those things have to be taught and learned, not legislated and mandated.

Trophy Gallery

Kamdyn Conrad of Bingham was 15 years old when he began his quest for a 2023 Grand Slam, starting with a tom turkey on May 10; continuing with this bull moose from T10 R14 Wels on September 27 [in the photo, Kamdyn is on the right, his grandfather Troy Conrad is standing, and Donald Hunewell is on the left]; followed by a black bear from Johnson Mountain on October 14, and wrapping up with a doe deer tagged in Moscow on October 21. Congratulations, Kamdyn!

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2024 • 75

Smilin’ Sportsman Today during a drive, I decided to go visit my childhood home. I asked the people living there if I could come inside because I was feeling nostalgic, but they refused and slammed the door in my face. I mean, my parents are the worst! — Him: “Your place, or mine?” Her: “Both! You go to your place; I’ll go to mine.” — At a funeral: “Do you know this church’s WiFi password?” “Have some respect for the dead!” “Thanks. No spaces?” — Her: “I’m sick and tired of you pretending to be a famous detective all the time. I think we should split up.” Him: “Excellent idea. That way, we can cover more ground.” — At hunting camp, his cooking was so bad that his buddies all prayed after the meal. — Wife: “I felt incomplete until I married you.” Husband: “And now?” Wife: “Now, I’m finished.”

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A Non-Hunter’s Guide to Hunting Q: Is it hunting season yet? A: Hunting season is like Christmas-shopping season, which runs from early on Dec. 26 for fanatics hitting leftover sales, until late on the evening of Dec. 24 of the following year, for laggards frantically downloading Amazon gift cards. In other words, it’s always hunting season. It just depends on what you want to hunt.

In a helpful Q & A format, our columnist clues in the clueless about the sport of hunting, regardless of the fact that he himself has other priorities.

Q: Well, what do you want to hunt? A: I want to hunt for a good bar. With a little luck, there’ll be a deer head on the wall, and I can get my hunting kicks vicariously. Also, I wouldn’t mind a couple of those gift cards. Q: That doesn’t seem much like the grand tradition of Maine hunting. A: That doesn’t seem much like a question. Q: Isn’t hunting about immersing yourself in the wilderness, and reacquiring the skills our ancestors honed for generations in order to survive? A: You may have turned to the wrong column. As far as I can tell, hunting is about a bunch of guys going to some remote cabin with a deck of cards and enough booze to float an eight-man canoe, and getting snockered. Q: Where’s the uplifting cultural experience in that? A: You’re joking. Drinking cocktails is clearly a cultural experience. Whether it’s uplifting depends on whether or not somebody purchased top-shelf liquor. Q: But isn’t hunting about the quest? Isn’t it about pitting yourself against nature to acquire some elusive quarry? A: That sounds a lot like shopping for shrubbery at a lawn and garden center with my wife. Q: What sort of gun do you recommend for hunting deer? A: I’d advise bringing one that’s not loaded. In fact, the law says you’re not supposed to ride around with ammo in your rifle, so this is the first good advice www.MaineSportsman.com

to make it into this column thus far. Also, possibly the last. Q: How should I dress to go hunting? A: It depends on what type of game you’re seeking. For deer, you should wear at least two pieces of blaze-orange clothing, because scientists have discovered deer are not bothered by people who exhibit terrible fashion sense. For turkey, dress in camouflage the color of giblets and gravy. For bear, you should don a Winnie the Pooh costume. For moose, you should dress as Rocky the Flying Squirrel. For partridge, disguise yourself as a pear tree. Q: That’s more like cosplay than hunting, but never mind. Just tell me if I need a moose call. A: No, the moose will call you if it wants to talk. Q: How do you know where to find game animals? A: To scout the territory, you use drones, trail cams, robo dogs, and ex-spies who lost their jobs after revolutions in some

African country. For an additional fee, the former spies will shoot the animals, do the field dressing and butchering, and deliver neatly wrapped packages to the bar where you’re admiring that stuffed deer head. Q: That’s not hunting! A: Once again, that’s not a question. But let me explain, anyway. The alternative to this method is wandering around aimlessly in the woods, enduring bug bites, poison ivy, scratches and scrapes from assorted hostile rocks and trees, and uncomfortable encounters with anti-hunting activists. This blundering through nature won’t result in you spotting any huntable animals, since your thrashing about will have scared them away. (Note to potential duck hunters: This scenario doesn’t apply to you, although you face mud, leeches, frost bite, avian flu and swamp rot, in your fruitless quest to harvest waterfowl.) Your only option for avoiding a humiliating, empty-handed return to civilization is to stop at a deer farm and buy some prepackaged venison (or, for you waterfowlers, at a Chinese deli that offers pressed duck). For an additional fee, these establishments may allow you to pose for a photo with a dead buck, or a dead duck. Then you can post a copy of the photo on social media, along with a description of the hardships you endured during your hunt. Q: You should be ashamed of yourself! A: You’re right. If I had any sense, I’d have skipped all that traipsing around in the woods and gone directly to the deer farm. Q: I’m beginning to suspect you know nothing about hunting. What are doing in this magazine, anyway? A: I can’t spend all my time in that bar. Al Diamon writes the monthly column Politics & Other Mistakes for The Bollard magazine.

�� The Maine Sportsman • October 2024 • 77

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WANTED MOOSE OR BEAR MEAT Been looking for 20 years, never found it. If somebody wants to get rid of moose or bear meat from their freezer (up to 4 years old) I can pick it up myself. It is a big appreciation. Call 303-241-6862 SKI DOO, ELAN OR TUNDRA Any Condition. Have Cash. Will Travel. Call or Text 207-522-6940

CARIBOU – Cabin on 74 acres in WMD 6. Well, septic and dieselgenerated electricity. Flow controlled pond. Food plots and trail system. MLS #1578966. $329,000 Shane Patrick | 907-317-0888 | www.whitetailproperties.com

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Visit us online at www.MaineSportsman.com EBEEMEE TWP – This furnished lakefront cabin nestled on 1.95acre lot on Russell Island provides access to all that Maine’s recreation has to offer. Electricity, gas appliances, and an incinerator toilet make this cabin comfortable and convenient. Enjoy swimming along the tranquil sandy beach in the front after taking a boat ride across the serene 905-acre Ebeemee Lake. Located roughly halfway between Milo and Millinocket. MLS #1583230 – $179,800 BYRON – Three furnished cabins fully equipped for efficient yearround, off-grid living with a well and two septic systems. Property is powered by gas, solar panels, and a generator shed. Main camp boasts 3 bedrooms and 1 bath. Other two cabins each have1 bedroom and 1 bath. Garage, shed and outbuildings also on the property. ATV trails and other outdoor recreation close by. Smaller cabins currently being rented at $125 per night. MLS #1574474 & #1574475 – $397,000

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RANGELEY NORTH – Own a brand new home on this nicely wooded 1.42 acre parcel with views of Spotted Mountain. The 3 bedroom, 2 bath home offers a comfortable floor plan all on one level, plus walkout basement (plumbed for 3rd bath) can be finished for additional living space. Easy snowmobile trail access from your door. Great spot for your get away or fulltime home, just off the beaten path and yet minutes to town amenities, Saddleback, 4-season adventures. MLS #1588753– $589,000 T5 R7 Wels – Gorgeous frontage. Wellbuilt 2 bedrooms with 3 full baths, a laundry, enclosed screen porch and open covered porch on Lower Shin Pond. Generated power and propane. $479,000

Lincoln – This large lakeside home has an oversized garage, lawn to the lake and a paved driveway right on Mattanawcook Lake. Many mechanical updates completed, leaving cosmetics up to you to make your own. Come take a look today. $225,000

Passadumkeag – Authentic Maine hunting cabin on 3 acres on Caribou Road. Two sets of bunk beds, propane lights and wired for a generator, barrel wood stove means all you need is a cooler full of food and beer. $44,000

T3 ND – With direct access to the county road and only a few feet from the public boat launch on Nicatous Lake this is a rare find for a deep wilderness lakefront lot with year around access. Come take a look today. $125,000 Burlington – Large waterfront property on Madagascal Pond has driveway already installed and recently surveyed. Nice frontage with views across the water. Warm water fishing- perfect spot for your camp/camper. $119,900 T5 R7 Wels – Wonderful cold water lake with views across the entire water and of Mt. Katahdin. Nice frontage on Lower Shin Pond and year round access (privately plowed). $179,000 Danforth – Lot offers relaxing sunset 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 Maine- ready for you. $99,000

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RANGELEY OVERLOOK – Quiet, private corner lot offering views of Rangeley Lake and surrounding mountains! Gradual sloping 1.4 acre parcel has been cleared leaving the lovely birches for a parklike setting. Bring your building plans, lot has been surveyed, soils tested, plus underground power. Deeded access to the HOLA Association waterfront with small boat marina, canoe/kayak racks, swimming area with dock, nice lawn area with picnic tables and grills. MLS #1582461 – $169,000 RANGELEY WEST – This 10.25 acre land parcel offers potential lake and mountain views! This gradual sloping lot has been surveyed, soils tested, power available at the road. Property to be accessed by private driveway off of Route 17, (no HOA road fees). Nice private spot just a mile to vibrant Oquossoc Village boasting restaurants, grocery store, gas station, Mooselook/Rangeley Lake marinas. Short drive to Saddleback Ski Mountain MLS #1581184 – $209,000

— 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!

BINGHAM – Cape style home features an eatin kitchen, living room, bedroom, bathroom, office/bonus room and an enclosed porch all on the main level. The second level offers another bedroom and a large space that you can finish to fit your needs. The home has vinyl siding and a metal roof for easy maintenance. The property offers a 2 car garage with extra storage in the back, a paved driveway and a nice sized lot with plenty of landscaping already done. Schedule your showing today! MLS #1591509 – $80,000 SOLON – Two bedroom, 1 bathroom mobile home which makes a great place to stay and relax. The home sits on 8.7acres of land that has not been cut in many years, offers a very private setting with plenty of parking and room to roam. This location is perfect for anyone that loves the outdoors with many lakes and streams in the area as well as the ATV and snowmobile trails. Enjoy this home as it is or stay in it while you build your new home or camp. There are three additional buildings on the property for all of your storage needs. MLS #1590928 – $99,900 HARMONY – Enjoy 17.6 peaceful acres with 250 feet of frontage on the North Road and 560 feet of frontage on Higgins Stream. This property is the ideal place for your dream home or cabin in the woods. Whether you are looking for the tranquility of a country lifestyle or if you just want to hear the sounds of the rushing stream, this is the place for you. This is a well-wooded parcel with large stands of mature hardwood and softwood. This area is widely known for its exceptional hunting and here you can fish from your very own property. There are also ATV and snowmobile trails nearby. Call today for your private showing. MLS #1582681 – $69,000 CONCORD TWP – 90+/- acres of prime, Maine woodland. This land has ample road frontage and multiple year classes of timber. Great area for hunting, trapping, and all your outdoor pursuits. This is the ideal place to build your off-grid cabin in the woods. MLS #1596078 – $149,000 HARMONY – 95 + acres on a town maintained road in Harmony. There is an entry onto the property already. This would be an exceptional spot to build you quiet camp or home with privacy galore. Land is surveyed and there is power already on site. MLS #1588527 – $169,000 SOLON – 6.5 acres of wooded land with nice road frontage on Rt. 201 and plenty of space to build off the road for privacy. This property has abundant wildlife, power at the road and is located a short drive to Skowhegan for shopping, dining and the hospital. Travel a few miles North for all of your fishing, boating, white water rafting, hunting, ATVing and snowmobiling needs. This is a great spot to build your home or camp. MLS #1599083 – $50,000 HARTLAND – Approximately 112 acres of surveyed land on a town maintained gravel road, with power available at the road. Nice spot to build your home or camp. The ROW from Huff Hill Rd. offers a nice gravel road for more access to this property and is also the ATV and snowmobile trail. The property features beautiful views as well. Currently in tree growth for tax purposes. Tax figure is estimated only. (23025Sa1002) MLS #1537236 – $142,000 ANSON – Nice ranch home located in a private country setting. Open concept kitchen, dining area with woodstove and living room with a slider leading to the deck. Home has 2 bedrooms (could easily be converted to 3 bedrooms) one of which is very spacious, has its own full bath, the laundry area and a door leading out to the deck. Home features a second bathroom and 2 screened porches one is accessed from the kitchen and one of the bedrooms and the other is attached to the side of the detached 2 car garage. Finished space in the attic area. Property also offers a 14’ x 36’ carport which sits on a slab and has power, a paved driveway and nice landscaping. MLS #1588374 – $199,000 10/24

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