Sportsman The Maine
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Fall Fishing Heats Up Pages 44, 45, 55, 58, 68
Choosing a Moose Gun Page 34
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Matt Breton Tracks Bucks Page 32
2 • September 2020 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————
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4 • September 2020 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————
Editorial
Great American Outdoors Act Becomes Law — at Just the Right Time When things got tough this year, with schools closing early, no organized sports, and enforced social distancing, where did many Maine families head? That’s right – to the trails, parks and open spaces in their neighborhoods and all over Maine. It’s a reminder of what’s important to this state – our outdoors. That’s why we are celebrating the passage by Congress and signing by the President of The Great American Outdoors Act, which will benefit Mainers by providing permanent funding for thousands of acres of public outdoor spaces and for national parks. The new law ensures permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Established in 1964 with the goal of paying for public outdoor spaces without the use of taxpayer money, LWCF is funded by royalties from the leasing of public lands for offshore drilling; in other words, the use of public lands also benefits public lands. The new law will prevent those funds from being diverted to other uses. It’s a rare bit of good news these days, so we give a tip of The Maine Sportsman’s hunting cap to all involved in the law’s passage.
A Time to Appreciate the Legacy of Maine Land Trusts Much of the land Mainers have been walking, hiking, hunting and fishing during the pandemic is owned or controlled by land trusts. The Maine Land Trust Network (mltn.org) points out that land trusts maintain more than 1,000 miles of recreational trails. Maine has 80 land trusts – community-supported non-profits that have permanently conserved more than 2.5 million acres in our state. Why is that important? Because compared to other states (including those in New England), Maine has very little public land. Much of the land managed by land trusts – 75% of the total – is not owned outright by the trusts, but is instead subject to conservation easements. The land itself remains privately-owned and stays on the municipal tax rolls. Not all commercial activity comes to a halt when an easement is negotiated; in fact, land trusts provide acreage for working forests, farms and waterfronts. Easements can provide tax benefits for the property owners, since the “highest and best use” of the property is no longer development, but conservation. Our recommendation for those Mainers who take large, undeveloped areas of Maine for granted – don’t. Instead, join your local or statewide conservation group or land trust, and help control the destinies of the properties that make Maine different from anywhere else in the world.
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www.MaineSportsman.com
New England’s Largest Outdoor Publication
Sportsman The Maine
ISSN 0199-036 — Issue No. 576 • www.mainesportsman.com PUBLISHER: Jon Lund MANAGING EDITOR: Will Lund will@mainesportsman.com OFFICE MANAGER: Linda Lapointe linda@mainesportsman.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Kristina Roderick kristina@mainesportsman.com ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Nancy Carpenter nancy@mainesportsman.com Second class postage paid at Scarborough, ME 04074 and additional entry offices. All editorial inquiries should be emailed to will@mainesportsman.com Phone: 207-622-4242 Fax: 207-622-4255 Postmaster: Send address changes to: The Maine Sportsman, 183 State Street, Suite 101, Augusta, ME 04330 12-Month Subscription: $30 • 24-Month Subscription: $49
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Almanac by Will Lund.................................................... 12 A Ranger on the Allagash by Tim Caverly.................. 39 Aroostook - “The County” by Bill Graves..................... 40 Big Game Hunting by Joe Saltalamachia.................. 30 Big Woods World by Matt Breton................................. 32 Central Maine by Steve Vose....................................... 63 Downeast by Jim Lemieux............................................ 57 Editorial.............................................................................. 4 Freshwater Fly Fishing by Lou Zambello....................... 45 Jackman Region by William Sheldon.......................... 52 Jottings by Jon Lund........................................................ 8 Katahdin Country by William Sheldon......................... 47 Kate’s Wild Kitchen by Kate Krukowski Gooding....... 33 Letters to the Editor.......................................................... 5 Maine Sportswoman by Christi Holmes....................... 25 Maine Wildlife by Tom Seymour................................... 19 Maine Wildlife Quiz by Steve Vose............................... 29 Midcoast by Tom Seymour........................................... 58 Moosehead by Tom Seymour...................................... 55 My Maine by George Smith.......................................... 17 New Hampshire by Ethan Emerson.............................. 75 Off-Road Traveler by William Clunie............................ 70 Outdoors & Other Mistakes by Al Diamon.................. 78 Outdoor Chronicle by Ed Pineau................................. 38 Quotable Sportsman by George Smith....................... 18 Rangeley Region by William Clunie............................. 72 Riding Shotgun by Robert Summers............................. 79 Saltwater by Barry Gibson............................................. 59 Sebago to Auburn Region by Tom Roth..................... 68 Self-Propelled Sportsman by Jim Andrews.................. 65 Shooter’s Bench by Col. J.C. Allard............................. 66 Smilin’ Sportsman: Adults & Kids by Will Lund.............. 79 Southern Maine by Val Marquez................................. 69 Sporting Environment by David Van Wie.................... 50 Sportsman’s Journal by King Montgomery................. 10 Trapping The Silent Places by David Miller.................. 64 Trading Post (Classifieds)............................................... 80 Trout Fishing by Tom Seymour....................................... 44 True Tales from the Warden Service by Ret. Lt. Doug Tibbetts.43 Western Maine Mountains by William Clunie.............. 74 Young Maine Sportsman by Luke Giampetruzzi........ 54
GUEST COLUMNS & SPECIAL SECTIONS
A Small Cabin by Randy Randall................................. 49 ATVing in Maine by Steve Carpenteri......................... 20 Bear Hunting in Maine by Steve Carpenteri............... 23 Listen to Your Taxidermist by Steve Carpenteri.......... 28 Moose Hunting in Maine by Steve Carpenteri........... 34 The King of the Forest by J. Birney Dibble.................... 37 Youth Writing Contest Submission by Charlotte DelPra... 36 On the Cover: Our Maine Sportswoman columnist Christi Holmes is ready for for ruffed grouse season, which starts September 26. The photo was taken by Melissa Goodwin (www.MelissaGoodwinPhotography.com) at a farm in Windham where Christi has permission to hunt. Christi is carrying her 20 gauge Beretta 686 silver pigeon, and is accompanied by her Brittany, Argos, who is wearing a Sportdog 625 ecollar and a Ruffwear orange vest.
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Letters To The Editor
“Uncle Arthur” is Her Dad
To the Editor: I was very pleased to read the article titled Uncle Arthur: “The Teacher,” written by Ed Pineau in your November 2019 issue. The “Arthur” in the column is my Dad, who passed away in September of 2001. The article brought back fond memories and smiles. My Dad was very fond of hunting and fishing, and was especially fond of spending time outdoors with family and friends while enjoying the Maine woods. You couldn’t go outdoors with him without learning about the wildlife and the plants and the solar system. It would mean a lot to me to have a copy of this issue to share with my children and grandchildren. Thank you. Louise Stevens – Jay, ME
ing his military service. I had the opportunity 13 years ago to purchase a 1921 vintage Merkle for $1,700. However, I also wanted a good gun dog. I couldn’t afford both, so I brought home a beautiful English Cocker named Freckles instead. Never regretted the choice, and often laughed about it. Thanks to The Maine Sportsman for the always-interesting columns. Erik Warren – Columbus, Ohio —
Loon Chases Man To the Editor I need your advice about a case of wildlife harassment. No – it’s not what you think – I am the one getting harassed. For exercise, I used to swim out to a large rock that’s fully underwater in the middle of a cove on our Maine lake. It’s a great place to stand and catch your breath before heading back to shore.
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Reader Chose Dog Over Shotgun To the Editor: I am writing in response to Col. Jim Allard’s enjoyable “Shooter’s Bench” article titled, “Sometimes Moving Forward Means Looking Back” (August, 2020 issue), about Allard’s reacquaintance with a Rottweil 12-ga. O/U shotgun he brought back from Germany after complet-
The saga began 5 years ago when I set out for my morning swim, and a loon appeared in front of me and started hooting. I looked down into the water and saw a cloud of baby bass swimming about, so I figured the loon was warning me away from his breakfast. So I didn’t think much about it – touched the buoy marking
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6 • September 2020 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————
Letters to the Editor (Continued from page 5)
the underwater rock, and headed back for shore. The next time I swam out to the rock, the same thing happened, except this time the loon moved toward me on an intercept course. So I gave him the benefit of the doubt and turned for home. The following summer I again tried to swim out to the rock, but that same darned loon showed up and chased me off. And the next year and the next. This spring, I went out for my inaugural swim and got within 100 feet of the rock, and that same loon popped up between me and the rock and started swimming back and forth and getting closer and closer. This time he wasn’t hooting – he was silent. And if there’s one thing I know about loon behavior – when they go silent, you know they’re serious. I headed back for shore, and he followed me to make sure I got the message. So what do I do? Other swimmers don’t get this treatment. My family isn’t helpful – they find it humorous. I don’t dare follow suggestions that I challenge the loon. I have seen two loons fight. They circle each other, and eventually lock beaks and start whaling on each other with their wings. And that can be a fight to the death.
And we all read in The Maine Sportsman about that loon that killed a bald eagle by stabbing it with its beak. So, no, I am not going to challenge that bird. I am convinced it’s the same bird year after year because his behavior is so consistent. And I know that loons can live for 20 - 30 years, so this problem may not be resolved anytime soon. Can you offer any advice? A. Michael Viles – Augusta, ME The Editor responds: We applaud your decision to back away from a confrontation. Maine Audubon at Gilsland Farm in Falmouth confirms it’s a violation of state and federal law to harass a loon. So if you see both a state Game Warden and a federal marshal show up on your camp porch, you know you are in real trouble. In the witness stand, we predict the loon’s testimony would prevail over yours, so our advice is to find another rock to swim to. —
Experienced Angler To the Editor: On July 27, 2020 my father-in-law Bob Rourke of Orono landed a 21-½ inch togue on Toddy Pond. He was using a bright orange Weeping Willow. Robert is 87-½ years old. He’s an avid angler, having fished all over Maine, as well as in Alaska, Labrador and Montana.
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Are any records kept regarding the age of fishermen who land something like that? John Beaulieu – Westbrook, ME The Editor responds: Congratulations to Mr. Rourke – that’s a big fish regardless of the age of the angler. We are not aware of “age categories” for fishermen catching trophy fish, but we are pleased to print the photo you provided of Bob and his togue. —
Enjoyed Sheldon’s Kennebec River Column To the Editor: I’ve been a subscriber of The Maine Sportsman for the nearly 50 years you’ve been around. I’m writing to tell you that was a nice article by Bill Sheldon on his Kennebec River trip (see Jackman Region, “Bingham to Solon by Land and Water,” August 2020). As I travel up to Jackman each year and pass through Bingham and Solon, I think about the raft trips offered in those areas. I always like looking at the pole/ monument in Solon indicating the halfway point between the North Pole and the Equator there. Many years ago, there was a sportsman named Gaddabout Gaddis who produced the “Flying Fisherman” program. I think his Piper Cub airplane was based at a little airstrip in Bingham. I don’t know whether that the airstrip is still there. Sheldon’s article brought back fond memories of traveling through the area, and made me look forward to the next trip north. Wayne Dengler – Danbury, CT William Sheldon responds: Wayne – thanks for reading. Eight or nine years ago I went to a fly-in using (Continued on next page)
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that air strip. It is still there, but I’m not sure how active it is. My father and uncle were big fans of Gaddabout Gaddis. – Bill Sheldon —
Sad about Shark Attack To the Editor: I was extremely saddened to read in the local and national media about the woman who was attached by the Great White Shark off Bailey Island. I feel great sympathy for her family and friends. In the late 1990s or early 2000s I wrote to The Maine Sportsman to express concerns about all the seals eating stripers off Fort Popham. I used to fish the Kennebec River around Mother’s Day, and noticed 30 or so seals shredding stripers and shad. I also predicted that nature’s imbalance would be corrected by Great White Sharks showing up in Maine waters, much as they have appeared off the shores of other states along both the East and West Coasts. A friend of mine who lobsters off Long Island, Maine complains about seals getting in his traps and damaging them to get at the bait. He and his wife (who is a stern women) noticed that seals can now be seen lying on every ledge and rock in the area. My friend has no love for seals. David Golden – Conway, NH. & Saco, ME —
Another Ethanol-Free Fuel Source To the Editor: Great work. I love your publication. We were in Greenville Junction during a recent weekend and found ethanol-free fuel at the main pumps at Breton’s Store. They are at 6 Rockwood Road, right in Greenville Junction. The ethanol-free fuel is higher octane, perhaps 89 or 91. The regular 87 octane fuel is the normal 10% ethanol blend, I believe. It’s nice to have options. Perhaps you can pass this information along to readers. Michael Maines Gray and Harfords Point, ME —
Just Learned about the Catch and Release Club To the Editor: Is there a way to release a trophy fish and still have it recognized with a patch? In late July I caught the biggest bass of my life – 7 lbs., 4 oz (23.3 inches) – at Little Ossipee Pond in Waterboro Maine. This is one of the largest fish I have seen out of there, and I wanted to get it certified to be in the prestigious club. However, because Maine law prohibits the transport of live fish, I was con-
cerned there was no way to get it certified. I have witnesses to the catch and to the weight and measurements. I firmly believe there should be other methods to attain this patch (other states have ways to do this). I would much rather conserve our trophy fish and see them swim away than have a patch. Surely I’d love to have both, but there is no way to do so currently. Evan Paquette – Biddeford, ME. The Editor Responds: Congratulations on your catch, Evan. Regarding a patch, you are in luck. The Maine Sportsman instituted a “Catch and Release Club” patch club last year. Here’s the patch —> Details on how to apply can be found at www. mainesportsman.com/patch-club/. A photo of the fish alongside a ruler should be submitted. With the details in your letter and the supplemental information you provided when our office contacted you, upon application you will be awarded a patch to commemorate your catch. —
Rattlesnakes in Maine? To the Editor: I have enjoyed Val Marquez’s columns in The Maine Sportsman for many years. Recently, I was deep into “A Redneck’s Search for the Lost Dutchman’s Mine” (p. 62, July issue), when a short paragraph made me sit up and take notice. I am referring to Val’s account of a trip to Porter, 20 years ago, in which he nearly stepped on an Eastern Timber
Rattler. As an amateur herpetologist, let me provide some Maine-specific history: 1) There are three mountains named “Rattlesnake Mountain” in southwestern Maine – in Casco, Albany Township, and Porter. 2) In the 1800s, relict populations of timber rattlers were present at these locations. 3) At the time, farmers reportedly conducted several snake “roundups,” which were effective in reducing the populations since the snakes are prone to communal denning, and because they reproduce very slowly. Maine biologists have considered them extirpated ever since. Since Val is an experienced outdoorsperson, I doubt he would have misidentified a milk snake or a water snake as a rattler. In addition, he was on a talus slope in the right geographic area and in the specific terrain favored by timber rattlers. This seems like big deal to me – a timber rattler is the “Eastern Cougar” of the reptile world. Thanks to Val for an outstanding (Continued on page 9)
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8 • September 2020 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————
Outboard Motors I Have Known – Part Two: “Small” Four-Cycle Engines Arrive on the Scene One of the challenges for the owner of a small outboard motor is maintenance and repair. I once telephoned a local marina to inquire about repair of an older two-cycle outboard motor and was greeted with the following question: “What is the history of this motor?” I didn’t answer the question because I’d bought the motor second-hand, and figured
that by that question the dealer was signaling they would work on it if they sold it, period. If it was a second-hand purchase – not interested. No Installation Guide One of my longtime favorite motors is a 2-hp Yamaha. The cooling pump impeller failed, and I searched the internet to find replacement parts. The parts arrived, but without an instruction sheet. I studied the parts and the motor. The impeller mounts on the main driveshaft above the gearbox. I couldn’t find any way to mount the impeller without disassembling the gearbox, a task that is above my pay grade.
So I took the little engine and parts boxes to a local Yamaha dealer to explain my dilemma. It happened that the person I spoke to was the owner, and he said, yes, they would take on the job, but would have to serve their regular customers first. That seemed fair enough, so I agreed. Several phone calls later, I concluded that they were ALWAYS going to have some customers’ work that kept them from installing the impeller on my little two-horse Yamaha. A year later, I wrote the owner and reminded him that he’d said they would do the job. Shortly after that I got a call that the motor was ready. As I entered the marina front door, I saw a small note taped to the glass saying that they would
not undertake repairs where parts were supplied by the customer. Mine was apparently the last case. The marina has since changed ownership. From 2-hp to 10-hp Here’s one person’s adventures dealing with “small “four- cycle outboards. Some years ago, I tested and wrote about on these pages a Honda 2-hp, 4-cycle outboard, and compared the performance with that of a Yamaha two-cycle of equal power. The Honda employs the same air-cooled engine that is used to power a lawnmower. It has a water-cooled exhaust, but is otherwise aircooled. Because it has no water-cooled jacket to muffle the mechanical clatter, it is noisier than the Yamaha. But the Honda is about 50% more fuel
efficient than the Yamaha. More recently, I had a 10-hp Yamaha 4-cycle outboard that had two cylinders. It was heavy. It ran very quietly and smoothly, but was a bear to crank. The compression was such that I could not comfortably start it. The young, rugged fellow whom I sold it to had no problem. I believe that Yamaha no longer makes the two-cylinder 10-hp model. Apparently smaller outboards are expensive to design and manufacture, so some brands in the past have put their brand on a motor made by another manufacturer. Nice 6-hp, 4-cycle Models I have recently been running two four-cycle outboards in (Continued on next page)
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the six-hp range. The specs are similar: • Honda BF6 – wt. 60 lbs., .40-gal, internal tank. List: $1,689.99 • Suzuki DF6 – wt. 52 lbs., .26-gal. internal tank. List: $1,509 Both motors can be fitted with an external gas tank. It is more important to have a separate tank for the Suzuki. Both my wife Joan and I have operated each of these, and
their performance is quite similar. They each can run at slow trolling speed. We had trouble cold-starting the Suzuki reliably until we first pulled out the choke and pulled the starter cord slow-motion for two compression cycles. On each motor, the choke control can be pushed in as soon as the motor starts, but sometimes the Suzuki stalls if you accelerate right away without cracking the choke. Starting the engine
Letters to the Editor (Continued from page 7)
when it is warm can be a puzzle. If you choke it, it may flood and refuse to start, so best to try starting without choking a warm engine, and only work the choke if needed. The Honda is made in China to Japanese specs. It features a green light to signal that the oil pressure is adequate. It appears to be well-made. Honda enjoys a solid reputation for quality engines used in generators, pumps and wood-splitters.
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Honda’s 6-hp, four-cycle outboard features contoured styling and a large internal tank.
rattlers in nearby New Hampshire, I did not report the sighting to Maine’s DIF&W.
column, and I look forward to further developments. Rick O’Donoghue Tenants Harbor, ME —
More on Rattlers To the Editor: I enjoy reading Val Marquez’s articles in The Maine Sportsman. In his July, 2020 column, he mentioned an encounter two decades ago with an eastern rattlesnake. That caught my eye. since they are long thought to have become extinct in Maine. Perhaps others have also commented on his observation. Could it possibly have been another snake commonly found in Maine, such as the milk snake? If not, then IF&W would be interested in learning of his sighting. Steve Holt – Brunswick, ME Val Marquez responds: Thanks to both readers for their letters concerning my July Southern Maine column. The event with an eastern timber rattlesnake happened 20 years ago in the town of Porter in southwestern Maine. I know it was a rattlesnake because as it slithered between large rocks, the last thing I saw was a rattle. The snake was black and about 3 feet long. The area where I saw the snake consists of a rockslide of rubble from an ancient mine shaft. It doesn’t surprise me that there has not been a flood of rattlesnake reports, since no one in their right mind would be climbing around there. Only a local land surveyor who needed to check property lines and myself (I was looking for a lost mine shaft) have seen a timber rattler there – that I am aware of. Since I knew there were
For more information on timber ratters, check the NH Fish and Game website. That state has an ongoing timber rattler program, and they’ve been tracking a large timber rattler with a monitor inside it – check out their videos. By the way, the area I saw the rattler was within view of the NH border. Val Marquez —
The Unfairness of Non-Resident Status for In-State Property Owner To the Editor: I am writing to voice my frustration with the State of Maine. I just purchased my 2020 hunting license. It cost me $115. I am a native son, and I own two properties in Maine – one is a hunting property, and the other is a residence. I pay substantial taxes on those properties, and I support the Maine economy while I am there. I am at the point where I am considering posting my land because of the way the state looks at me as an absentee owner. I know I am not alone – I feel there should be a provision for landowners
The Suzuki 6-hp model is lighter weight, a bit less expensive and has a smaller internal fuel tank. Both models run smoothly, operate efficiently and push a small boat as fast as most of us need to go.
and possibly native sons. Rant over. By the way, I enjoy the The Maine Sportsman; it keeps me tied to my home state of Maine. The articles and the stories are tremendous. My whole family reads it – after me, of course. Peter Haskell Pennsylvania and Maine The Editor responds: Thanks for writing, Peter. You pose an interesting question. We have not researched whether any other states have an “in-between” status that permits a reduction from the non-resident hunting license fee for those who own property in the state – especially if they permit hunting on their land. If we learn any information in the future, we’ll report it. —
Reader Agrees – Kennebago Fishing in Decline To the Editor: Regarding Lou Zambello’s excellent Freshwater Fly Fishing column in your July, 2020 issue (“A Tale of Two Rivers”), unfortunately I must agree with Lou’s assessment of the Kennebago River. Having fished it each spring in midJune for the past 12 years, I too have seen the number and size of salmon decrease steadily, to the point where I haven’t unpacked my waders for the past three years. Sure hope it turns around, but without good flows it is hard to see any changes in the foreseeable future. Luckily for me, Kennebago Lake is fishing really well! Stephen Morawski – Russell, MA
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www.MaineSportsman.com
10 • September 2020 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————
Grouse & Woodcock: The Birds of Tim’s Life For many years, my friend Tim Flanigan and I usually fought it out over the top photography awards at the annual meeting and awards ceremony of the Mason-Dixon Outdoor Writers Association (M-DOWA). I might have taken first place once, maybe twice in a category or two, but it always was Tim who copped the trophies and checks for being the best. And he was the best. Still is. For over three decades, Tim was a decorated Pennsylvania Wildlife Conservation Officer – a game warden, to those of us in Maine – and he learned early on in his career that having a camera along on his rounds in the woods and on the waters of the Keystone State was a good idea, for a couple of reasons: • First, photographs make good corroborative evidence in cases against scofflaws who flaunt the fish and game laws, so it made sense to have ready access to a camera. Tim said he never lost a court case when his photographs were introduced into evi-
Fins & Furs Adventures
TM
For many years, my friend Tim Flanigan and I fought it out over the top photography awards at the annual meeting of the Mason-Dixon Outdoor Writers Association. He usually won. All photos: Tim Flanigan
dence. • Second, a dividend to becoming proficient with a quality camera and lenses is that wildlife photography is readily available when your job takes you into the wilds where forest and field creatures abound. While patrolling an area, a deer or bear could present a rich target for a Nikon SLR with a long lens resting on a beanbag set on an open pickup front window. Or while staking out an illegally-placed deer stand, Tim could photograph a woodcock pulling an earthworm from the damp ground, or a vocal ruffed grouse drumming mightily
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and preening in the spring getting ready for the lady partridges to show up. Learned from His Grandfather Tim wrote for the state fish and game publication, and, if memory serves, also published a number of gorgeous wildlife photos in their annual calendar. The Game Commission encouraged Tim’s photography, and used the pictures to promote Pennsylvania’s wildlife and outdoors activities. The more photos Tim took, the better he became. Back in those days, we talked some about bird hunting, but never were able to get together, due mostly to geography – he was in Pennsylvania and I was in Virginia – and to general life stuff just getting in the way. I’m sorry we didn’t hunt together, because not only is Tim good company, but also I could
have learned a lot. Flanigan began his outdoor journey at the knee of his grandfather in the woods and on the waters of the Keystone State. His grandfather taught him a lot about the outdoors, including how to shoot guns and handle hunting dogs. Most importantly, his grandfather instilled in the young boy a sense of outdoor conduct and ethics that heavily influenced Tim in becoming not only a fine upstanding sportsman, but turned him on the road to becoming a Wildlife Conservation Officer. And eventually he picked up wildlife photography and outdoor writing, and now teaches others about the outdoors. “You Should Write a Book!” Hunting grouse and woodcock with his Brittanys long has been his favorite outdoor pursuit, and
he’s always been very good at all of the many skills that make a great wingshooter. His decades in the woods have paid off, and Tim is considered one of the most knowledgeable ruffed grouse and American woodcock hunters in the country. Many folks thought he should write a book, and use some of his many wonderful photographs of Old Ruff and the Timberdoodle. Well, Wild River Press listened, and Flanigan’s book is on the street. Grouse and Woodcock: The Birds of My Life is Tim’s Magnus opus, and it contains about everything you need to know to successfully hunt ruffed grouse and American woodcock – and then some. (Even if you don’t hunt birds, but are an avid birder, this book has a ton of good stuff to interest you.) Not just a pretty coffee table book, this work is a graduate course in the disciplines we use in our quest in the fall and winter for the ultimate in wingshooting sport. The 40 chapters cover everything about the birds, including life cycle, habitat, breeding and nesting, nourishment sources, predators and the like. You’ll also learn about selecting shotguns and loads, and how to use them; the best ways to find productive coverts and how to work them effectively with (Continued on next page)
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“Earthworms comprise nearly 80 percent of a woodcock’s diet, and they are daily devoured in quantities roughly equal to the bird’s weight.” Grouse & Woodcocks, p. 269. (Continued from page 10)
or without dogs; how best to hunt in the rain and snow; and the best times of the day to hunt these wonderful birds. He also talks a lot about dogs – another subject at which he excels. At the beginning of the book are eight short chapters, each containing a great tip for successful grouse and woodcock gunning. The tips in these sections include: • Avoiding detection and hunting quietly. • Reading the wild menu of what these birds eat, and when. • Keeping a diary of your hunting days. • Learning to identify “birdy” covers. • Hunting the edges – a key to success. • Following up on flushed birds you either didn’t engage or missed. • Hunting later in the day, and
Sometimes grouse can get downright friendly and tame. Here, Tim talks to a ruffed grouse. He obviously did not shoot it.
• Making the most of every precious opportunity. Substance. Great Photos and Grouse History If we can learn and follow the information presented above, our game bag probably will increase quite a bit. I was most impressed by the way Tim presents his observations and recommendations. He knows of what he speaks, and the book is chock full of his observations over the last half-century plus. There is a great bonus near the end of the book that lists a number of “fascinating facts about the ruffed grouse.” For example, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is the only state that has the ruffed grouse as the state bird. And there’s more: • Pleistocene Epoch bones show the ruffed grouse existed in
“Grouse are moderately dark, overall, with an ample sprinkling of white that greatly enhances their magically effective camouflage.” From the book, p. 241
North America at least for the past 25,000 years – from coast to coast in the USA. • In the late 1600s, grouse tails were shipped from Nova Scotia to France to be made into fans for the ladies of fashion, including those in the court of Louis XIV. (What a waste of a good grouse!) • Adult ruffed grouse are mostly vegetarian, and may dine on almost a thousand different kinds of food from 334 plant species. • Massachusetts and New Hampshire paid bounties on ruffed grouse carcasses in the late 1800s and as late as 1924 in New Hampshire. It seems the birds were eating too many apples in the orchards! (Again, a waste of good grouse!) • In 1929, it was first determined that the drumming sound made by male grouse is caused when a “sud-
Tim Flanigan is a Brittany man, and likes them as much for their off-season behavior as he does for their finding, pointing and retrieving abilities.
den compression and release of air by the grouse’s rapidly beating wings creates a series of small sonic booms.” A Smart Grouse Hunter is an Effective Grouse Hunter Tim’s book takes you on a journey, and it is a fascinating one that leads us into the woodlands and uplands where the ruffed grouse and the American woodcock provide us with the ultimate wingshooting experience – and both birds taste pretty good, too. The 40 chapters of the work are presented in an easy style of storytelling, as if Flanigan was sitting by the fireplace in the chair opposite the reader. In the Preface, Flanigan tells us that “The more we know about grouse and woodcock, the more we appreciate each wood-
“Woodcock and grouse often share similar coverts, especially in wetlands, stream edges, beaver dam perimeters and early successional forest generated by timbering.” From the book, p. 269.
land encounter and enjoy every minute afield. An informed grouse and woodcock hunter is an effective grouse and woodcock hunter. When you read this excellent book, you solidly will be among the informed. And you will have been thoroughly entertained as well. **** Grouse & Woodcock: The Birds of My Life, by Timothy C. Flanigan, 2020. This beautiful 413-page book, replete with hundreds of quality photographs by the author, is published by the Wild River Press. It is casebound cloth hardcover with jacket, 11 x 8.5 inches in landscape format on thick matte stock. The standard edition is $100, while a deluxe leather-bound edition in a tan leather slipcase sells for $300. The book is printed in North America.
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We’ve all seen grouse rise and go like crazy in a blur of brown and air. For a relatively large bird, grouse are more like fighter planes than bombers. They can move www.MaineSportsman.com
Almanac
12 • September 2020 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————
Compiled and Edited by — Will Lund —
“Snapshots in Time”
Excerpts from the Annals of Maine’s Sporting Past Submitted by Bill Pierce, of the Outdoor Sporting Heritage Museum in Oquossoc, Maine
The more I study the various publications I regularly peruse as part of my research and preparation for the exhibits we share at the Outdoor Heritage Museum, the more I marvel at how much things have changed and how they have not. What follows is an article from the “With Sportsman” section of the July 30, 1896 edition of the RANGELEY LAKES newspaper. The first installment shares how a poacher, despite the time period, can justify his crime in his own mind and will, in most cases, eventually receive the resulting bad karma he so richly deserves, whether at the hands of the law or not. Keep in mind that in 1896, deer were extremely scarce. So much so that in 1898, a law was passed that it was illegal to shoot a moose, caribou OR a white-tailed deer in a coastal county of Maine. The lead-in is a charming story regarding the feeding of a family down on their luck, and I have even heard of “modern” wardens either turning a blind eye or dropping by with a deer for them as few as 20 years ago or so. Today, State relief programs for those during troubled times are not in short supply, so taking game illegally is more strictly enforced. In other words, there
As a result of overhunting, in 1900 there were estimated to be only 500,000 white tailed deer in the continental United States. For comparison, the current US whitetail population is about 30 million. Source: Penn State University
is no excuse for “Stealin’ Your Jump Meat.” The following story just flat-out blows my mind, as to how much things, quite thankfully, have changed. All I will add is that today, if poachers purposely tried to intimidate wardens by shooting at trees to make bark fly off near them
(“barking” the wardens), SWAT Teams would be deployed and the result would be far from the “smiles” and release mentioned here. Enjoy what follows, and as you are out there making some outdoor history of your own…please don’t “Bark the Warden.”
A Game Played Down in the Nicatous Region, But Never in the Rangeleys (1891)
A Frenchman Who Got His Discharge, Got Five Deer, But Didn’t Get the Meat “It takes a thief to catch a thief, and it takes two thieves and a game warden to catch a poacher,” is the time-honored saying in the backwoods, where deer come out and eat up the growing crops every season, and where fresh beef is such a luxury that many residents do not know how it tastes. The people have plenty of fresh meat, however, that is served in many ways; and if no cattle are killed to help out on the bill of fare, other animals, which “split the hoof and chew the cud” are always near at hand to supply www.MaineSportsman.com
any deficiency that may be felt. With 100,000 deer running wild in a pasture of a million acres, the game wardens cannot protect them all, so they do not try overmuch, but confine their efforts to suppressing illegal slaughter along the railroad lines and near the big cities. Though it is an unwritten law to allow the woodsmen to kill all the deer they care to eat and deal mercifully with the poor man who slays deer to feed his family, the life of the chronic poacher is full of troubles that would
discourage a book agent and drive a tree peddler out of business. Stories of hardships endured while defying the game laws come floating downriver nearly every day. One of these concerns a French Canadian from Old Town, who was discharged from the West Branch drive about two weeks ago, when low water held back the logs so that half the crew was thrown out of employment. This Frenchman took his rifle and a few bunches of matches and started to (continued on next page)
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walk through the woods to Mattawamkeag, saying he could shoot enough to live on as he went. He did. About a week after quitting the drive, he showed up in Lincoln and, buying two stout barrels, he hired a truckman and started back for the woods. Three miles out they found five newly killed deer lying in an old woods road, and proceeded to dress and quarter them and stow them away in barrels. Paying the truckman for his work and telling him to send the barrels to Old Town by freight the next day, the Frenchman took the train for home. Of course, ho had to tell his friends how he had 20 quarters of venison coming to him on the next train; and when they expressed a desire for samples of his prowess, he invited them to call at his house at boon, when he would show them what a Poor Frenchman could do. He paid the truckman 50 cents to bring up the barrels, and cheerfully settled a 50-cent freight hill at the railroad office. After dinner, he and six of his friends went to the barn and hammered away at the barrels until they were open. Tipping them bottom side up on the floor, the contents slipped out on to the clean hay. They looked sharply for deer meat but failed to find a trace. Somebody had removed the venison and refilled the barrel with rubbish. The Frenchman said several things that would be very wicked if they were spoken in English, and then asked his friends to the nearest saloon. They are getting sober now and do not care for
deer meat, but the Frenchman will call on the Lincoln truckman the next time he goes up-river.
“Barking” a Warden (1898)
Lawbreakers who want to be really funny and see how far they can go without getting found out, have a way of pestering the game wardens, to which they have given the name of “barking.” It is an exciting game even when played by skilled men, and few novices care to enter into the hazards unless they have committed murder or long for the bracing sea breezes that float through the state prison at Thomaston. Barking is at its best when an obnoxious warden is on one side of a wide stream, or narrow pond, and a party of lawbreakers is on the other. When the combatants are rightly placed, the poachers will skulk along the shore and shoot among the limbs over the warden’s head until the clothing is covered with bark that the bullets have removed from the trees. Armed with magazine guns, they will keep up a continuous fire, and the air around the warden will be full of bark and flying splinters as long as he stays in sight. Now and then a particularly good shot will make a big joke by putting a bullet through the warden’s hat, or sending it ringing against his gun stock. If the warden jumps about or shows any signs of fear, the shooting is renewed with vigor, and the victim is followed to the clearing. Wardens who have met bears without fear, and have been chased by an-
gry wolves, have been known to go straight home and get into bed after having a gang of barkers follow them for a mile or two. Those who have been induced to confess how they felt when the bark was dropping around them, say the situation was very trying to the nerves. A big fat warden who lives up in Burlington was barked this summer. He did not like it very much and thought he would play a return engagement with the boys. His usual place of observation is on a high point which overlooks a lake in the Nicatous region. Putting on a new suit of clothes and stuffing his discarded garments with brush and grass, he placed the dummy where he was wont to sit, and waited. Presently a shot rang out across the pond, and a bullet went swashing through the limbs, bringing down a shower of bark and leaves. This was followed by another and another until the warden knew there were at least five in the party. While they were pegging away, the warden made a wide detour and came upon them unawares. “I saw you couldn’t hit me at so long range,” said he, smiling, “so I’ve come over to give you a better shot.” Finding they were caught and being sure they would have to kill the warden to avoid punishment, they surrendered. Then the warden told them he had enjoyed the sport as much as they had, and let them go without so much as a word of warning. Nobody has tried to bark that warden since. — (Almanac continued on next page)
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14 • September 2020 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————
Almanac (Continued from page 14)
You’ve Got Back-up Cameras and ObstacleSensors on your Car – Why not your Boat? In an effort to make boating – especially docking in a busy marina or slipway – easier, designers of boat gear have been busy incorporating technology that’s now common on motor vehicles.
The display array for Raymarine’s “DockSense Alert” system.
How advanced has the gear become? Here’s Raymarine, describing its “DockSense Alert” system: The system detects, displays, and alerts the captain to obstacles around the boat using FLIR machine vision camera technology and video analytics. The system consists of an array of three stereo vision cameras and a central processor connected to a Raymarine Axiom display or network. It accurately measures distances to the
dock, pilings, and other moored vessels, and provides real-time visual indicators along with a live camera view on multifunction displays. The system also provides audible and visual feedback to alert the captain in real-time to the proximity of objects near the boat. How soon until we have self-driving boats? —
I Want to be a Fishing Rod Tester for St. Croix Rod Company Here at The Maine Sportsman, we receive a lot of information about fishing rods – each year, the rods, according to the promotional material, are new and better. We never thought about how rods are tested. We assumed there was a shallow pool out back of the factory, where the pro staff would try out the different blanks to see how they casted. But until we saw some material from St. Croix rods, we never thought of rod-testing as fun. Fascinated by this photo, we contacted the company to learn what this machine was called, and what its capabilities are. After receiving an answer, we’re still not certain about much, except that it’s called a DA – short for “Dynamic Analyzer.” Here’s St. Croix’s explanation, from their engineering department: The machine pictured is the Dy-
namic Analyzer. It can be used to dynamically test rods or blanks in any bending position desired. It was designed to put stress on rods that mimics actual fishing applications that will be enforced out in the field. Its number one application is to test all new blank designs that get put into our lineup. In addition, we use it to view guide trains, test guide ring wear, test new materials and review blank actions under a load.
The company explains that carbon serves as the primary building block for their rod blanks, and their rods come in six different models, each with a different modulus (stiffness of the graphite fibers) and variable strain rate (how far carbon fibers stretch before failing). Thanks to St. Croix’s engineers for the explanation, and to Jesse Simpkins, Director of Marketing, for her assistance. —
Killer Loons on the Loose in Maine; Here’s How to Stay Safe by Nick Lund, Maine Audubon By now, most of you have read the story that made national headlines last (Continued on next page)
www.MaineSportsman.com
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month, but for those who missed it – there is a killer loon on the loose in Maine. Biologists from the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife released the results of an autopsy for a Bald Eagle found floating dead on Highland Lake near Bridgton last spring. The eagle was found with a large puncture wound in its chest, which the Department says matches the size and shape of a Common Loon’s bill. The eagle was after the loon’s chicks, and in fact a baby loon was also found dead nearby, with injuries consistent with an eagle attack. At some point during the attack, the Department deduced, the adult loon plunged its spear of a bill into the heart of the eagle, killing it nearly instantly. The question on everyone’s mind now is: Will this murderous loon strike again, and how can I keep my family safe? Biologists have known for a long time that loons are not to be messed with. Many I’ve spoken to have shared their reluctance to handle loons, scared of meeting the business end of their sharp bills. They tell stories of colleagues who lost an eye to a loon one time, and otherwise speak with a frightened reverence usually heard from those who work with traditionally dangerous creatures like piranhas or venomous snakes. Thankfully, Maine’s loons pose absolutely no threat to anyone so long as you don’t try to handle them, or bother their chicks. There’s no need to be afraid! Loons will let you know when you’re too close. Learning their “tells” and keeping your distance is the best way to ensure everyone’s safety.
September 2020 Sunrise/Sunset Portland, ME
A loon in this position is guarding its nest. If you see this, back away. Photo credit: Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation; www.adkloon.org
Nesting loons are particularly vulnerable. They’re great swimmers but can barely walk, meaning they’re on high alert when they’re sitting on their nests, and if they feel threatened they will abandon the eggs for the safety of the water. If you’re too close to a nesting loon, they’ll let you know by extending their neck and putting their head close to the water. If you see a loon in this posture, back away immediately. On the water, loons may let you know you’re too close by doing an elaborate “penguin dance.” Here, they raise their whole bodies out of the water and rapidly paddle their feet, running atop the surface. Loons sometimes perform this dance in the spring to attract a mate, but also perform it when they’re agitated or stressed out. In either case, make sure to give them plenty of room. Maine’s loons are a beloved addition to a summer’s day on the lake, but a Bald Eagle floating face down in Bridgton is a reminder that they can also be a fearsome defender of their own safety. As with all wildlife, keeping your distance and giving loons the space they need to feel safe is the best way to prevent a conflict.
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You’ve been successful at the hunt, now wear your pride by entering one of The Maine Sportsman’s exclusive patch clubs! To find a club and download an application, go to
www.mainesportsman.com/patch-clubs to download, print and mail your application with $10 to: The Maine Sportsman, 183 State Street, Suite 101, Augusta, ME 04330 Don’t have a computer or printer? No problem! Give us a call at (207) 622-4242 and we’ll mail you an application.
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
RISE
6:04 6:05 6:06 6:07 6:08 6:09 6:10 6:11 6:12 6:14 6:15 6:16 6:17 6:18 6:19
SET
7:17 7:15 7:13 7:12 7:10 7:08 7:06 7:04 7:03 7:01 6:59 6:57 6:55 6:54 6:52
DATE 16 Wed 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
RISE
6:20 6:21 6:23 6:24 6:25 6:26 6:27 6:28 6:29 6:31 6:32 6:33 6:34 6:35 6:36
SET
6:50 6:48 6:46 6:44 6:42 6:41 6:39 6:37 6:35 6:33 6:31 6:30 6:28 6:26 6:24
September 2020 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
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
HIGH AM PM 11:32 11:42 — 12:13 12:23 12:50 1:02 1:26 1:39 2:00 2:16 2:34 2:55 3:11 3:37 3:52 4:24 4:37 5:15 5:27 6:10 6:22 7:10 7:22 8:10 8:21 9:05 9:17 9:55 10:08 10:42 10:59 11:30 11:49 — 12:17 12:40 1:04 1:31 1:53 2:24 2:44 3:20 3:39 4:22 4:40 5:27 5:45 6:35 6:52 7:42 7:59 8:44 8:59 9:38 9:52 10:25 10:39 11:06 11:21
LOW AM PM 5:20 5:28 6:02 6:10 6:39 6:50 7:14 7:27 7:47 8:05 8:21 8:43 8:57 9:25 9:37 10:10 10:21 10:59 11:09 11:53 — 12:02 12:52 1:00 1:52 2:01 2:50 2:58 3:41 3:51 4:29 4:42 5:16 5:33 6:03 6:24 6:50 7:15 7:38 8:08 8:28 9:03 9:22 10:03 10:21 11:07 11:24 — 12:14 12:31 1:23 1:40 2:29 2:44 3:25 3:39 4:13 4:27 4:56 5:10
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16 • September 2020 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————
Boggy Brook Outfitters Boggy Brook Outfitters is a family-owned and operated Maine Guide Service with a main lodge and cabin, located in Ellsworth, Maine. This is a four-season operation, providing year-round adventures and lodging to their guests. Since 2006, owner Jesse Derr has offered client-tailored hunting and fishing trips, wildlife observation tours, and luxury lakefront accommodations. Nestled in a quiet cove on pristine Branch Lake, the main lodge offers luxury, log-home accommodations, exceptional sunsets, hunting, fishing, swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing and wildlife observation. The convenient location presents clients not only with a tranquil lakefront retreat, but also close proximity to explore such must-see attractions as Acadia National Park, Baxter State Park, and much more. Maine Master Guide Derr and his son Christopher take pride in the exceptional services provided by Boggy Brook Outfitters to their guests from Maine and around the world. They provide fully-guided bear hunting, deer hunting, turkey hunting and moose hunting trips, as well as four-season freshwater fishing trips.
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Boggy Brook Outfitters offer deer hunting in all three of the available seasons in Maine (Bow, Rifle, and Muzzleloader). They hunt over active food plots and well-traveled deer trails, and offer metal ladder tree stands, shooting houses and ground blinds. The guides work hard planting and maintaining food plots all year. Trail cameras are placed in hunting areas and food plots. Throughout the year, Boggy Brook Outfitters check over their well-established 1,500 gated acres of hunting land. Jesse and Christopher look forward to serving each client with professionalism and experience, with hunting and fishing adventures and with memories that will last a lifetime. Lifelong friendships are often created during these ad-
ventures. Boggy Brook Outfitters’ goal is not only to meet their clients’ expectations, but to always exceed them. For more information, or to contact Boggy Brook, check out their website at boggybrookoutfitters.com, or call (207) 667 -7271 (Office), (207) 266 -0685 (Cell), or email jdcon@yahoo.com.
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������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • September 2020 • 17
Great Memories of Hunting with Dad Of Pheasants and Fathers The crisp autumn afternoon, the stiff point of the English setter, the explosion of a pheasant from the tall grass, the heft of the shotgun as I brought it to my shoulder, the crack that cut the cool air, and the folding of the colorful bird followed quickly by the dog’s retrieve, set my course for a lifetime. Dad’s presence right behind me reinforced the hunting tradition and all its glory. On my office wall, I still have the photo of us with the setter and my first pheasant. I look awfully small, but I must have been twelve years old. Forty years later, I returned the favor and introduced Dad to turkey hunting. After a year of hunting turkeys myself, I knew he’d love the challenge, camaraderie and interchanges with the tom turkeys. A couple of years ago, on opening day of the spring season on turkeys, he and I sat at the edge of a Mount Vernon corn field as I “talked turkey” to a tom down in the woods. Eventually, the tom moved out into the field and headed for our decoys. Dad shot him at about twenty yards – a hefty 21-pound bird. I retrieved the bird. We haven’t had setters in a long time. What we do have is a generational bond, forged in the fields
The author looks back on more than 50 years of hunting with his father. and forests and on the lakes and rivers of Maine. Hunting and fishing have always been my links to Dad. The time we spent together in the woods and on the waters is priceless – beyond the comprehension of those who are less privileged. Another Morning The canoe paddle dipped silently into the calm waters of Hopkins Stream, mist hiding the shoreline ahead, allowing us to sneak up to three Buffleheads that took off in surprise. A muskrat slowly meandered toward shore, in no hurry to get away. He stepped up on land and gazed out at us. We quietly exited the canoe, and quickly glanced at the oak knoll in front of us where deer had been feeding heavily. Fresh deer sign was everywhere as we trudged 300 yards to our ground blind on the top of a small ridge overlooking the oaks. This morning, Dad and I chose to sit together. He looked one way; I looked the other. It was quiet, comforting, cleansing for the mind and body. I’d been known to nap in the woods during deer season. We enjoyed coffee and muffins, content to sit in anticipation. Anticipation that a deer might appear at any moment was the
best part of the hunt, and we did a lot of anticipating. This particular morning, that was all we did. No deer appeared, although later in the morning I jumped one in a thick fir stand, hearing the crack and commotion of an escaping whitetail without casting my eyes on the critter. I paused to enjoy the smell of the firs, the cushion of the mossy forest floor, the skittering of red squirrels and the sharp taste of my fresh Maine apple. A chickadee alit two feet from my face, unafraid. I remember the time an ermine ran up my leg and arm while I sat on the ground leaning against a tree. Last year I was mesmerized by two fisher cavorting along through my woodlot. They never saw me. You see amazing things while hunting. As I moved into an open area with a parcel of standing dead trees, a magnificent Pileated woodpecker cried out, then landed 30 yards away. Wow! What a bird! I am living proof that hunting does not destroy the ability to love the critters in the forest. A few I shoot and eat, respectful of them and what they contribute to my life and my table. I am not a killer. I am a hunter. And I do understand the difference, thanks to Dad.
Tom Turkeys Dad had been looking forward to turkey hunting during a recent spring, but he was in the Hospice Unit at the Togus Veterans Administration in Augusta, nearing the end of his 91 years of life, and his legs weren’t up to the challenge of chasing turkeys. So we got in the Subaru and drove around the Windsor and Somerville area where we first hunted turkeys with our friend Harry Vanderweide. When we got to the place where Dad shot his first turkey, we stopped and reminisced. As Harry drove up the road that day eight years ago, we spotted a big tom turkey in the strawberry field where we had permission to hunt. But he was close to the road, so we told Dad there was no way he could sneak up and shoot the turkey. Dad insisted that we stop. He hopped out, loaded his shotgun, and somehow managed to sneak up on the tom, using a big tree as cover. When Dad got to the tree, he peeked around it, raised his gun, and shot the turkey. I wish I had recorded the smile on his face as he walked back to the vehicle with the turkey. As we sat in that spot one May afternoon, retelling this
story, we looked across the road and spotted a flock of turkeys. Dad was so happy about that! “Well, they’re still here,” he said. And so too was Dad, for which I was so grateful. We didn’t have firearms that day, and didn’t kill anything, but that’s the smallest part of hunting, so I counted it as our 54th year of hunting together. With Thanks to Dad I was born a Maine sportsman, raised a Maine sportsman, and will die a Maine sportsman. Thanks to Dad. Just like Dad. My first memories are of pheasants, rabbits, setters, and beagles. Of course, before that, there was the hunter safety course and lots of shooting at the range at my Dad’s club. My Dad, Ezra, insisted on that. We raised English Setters and used them to hunt the pheasants Dad’s club raised and put out all over Readfield, Winthrop, and Monmouth. I’ve never forgotten the experience of shooting my first pheasant, with Dad right beside me, in a field at the end of Maranacook Lake. In that exact spot, there’s now a house. We also had beagles, and I absolutely loved rabbit hunting, the cold mornings, the trudge through the snow into the woods, usually up on Memorial Drive. The baying of the beagles, and the (Continued on next page) www.MaineSportsman.com
18 • September 2020 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————
My Maine (Continued from page 17)
knowledge that the pursued rabbit would run in a circle and pass right by me if I got into the right spot, was electrifying. Occasionally, I even shot one. Dad also taught me to trap. He always accompanied me to check my traps, early mornings before school, on a nearby stream. It was so exciting to find a muskrat in a trap. And we returned to that same stream to hunt ducks. I have a vision of a flock of black ducks flying low over our decoys, and Dad saying “Shoot!” We shot at the same time, and each of us got a duck. Whitetail Deer Hunting But it was deer hunting that put us in the woods together for the longest periods of time, and ironically, the sport that I was least successful at, initially. I didn’t shoot my first deer until I was 25 years old. My recollection is that there weren’t that many deer in the woods in the 1960s – but that may be fanciful thinking. Dad introduced me to deer hunting on his old farm in North Wayne, and in 2013 we hunted there for the 53rd year. That’s where I shot the Thanksgiving buck – my favorite deer hunting story.
It happened about 20 years ago. I was sitting on a bucket in the woods, behind an old cemetery, and Dad was hunting his way up over a ridge from the farm, toward me. It was a very cold and icy day, and I heard the tromp, tromp, tromp of a deer coming from a long way off. I got the gun up, aimed for a small opening in the trees, and when the deer – a huge buck – stepped into the opening, I shot. Tromp, tromp, tromp, he continued on his way. I had missed. As the family gathered mid-day for a Thanksgiving feast, I was morose. Worst Thanksgiving ever. The next day, we decided to try it again, only I moved slightly to have a better shot if a deer came up over the ridge. Thirty minutes after I sat down on the bucket, I heard him coming. Tromp, tromp, tromp. I was sure it was the same big buck. And it was. And this time, I hit him. But he continued for a way, so I shot him again, and he ran straight into a tree and flipped completely upside down. Dad said he could hear me hollering, even though he was several hundred yards down over the ridge. Best day-after-
Quotable
Thanksgiving ever. Particularly because Dad was there with me. Eventually, I purchased a woodlot in Mount Vernon, and we started hunting there. One year we shot nice bucks two days apart. I got the first one – 153 pounds. Two days later, Dad was sitting in one of our favorite spots when a buck burst out of the bushes, running right at Dad. His buck weighed 155 pounds – two pounds more than mine, giving him bragging rights. Eventually, as Dad and I got older, the hunters’ breakfasts became as much a part of our tradition as the hunt. But every year, one or both of us would get a deer, and we piled up story after story after story. Some were pretty amazing, like the time Dad was sitting just outside the bog, watching a ground scrape, when a spike horn walked up to him and he shot it. Before he could even get out of his seat, a huge buck came along, following the spike horn. I returned to that seat the next day, and sure enough, the big buck came back. I was reading a novel when I looked up and he was straddling the scrape. I put the book down, picked up the rifle, and shot him. He weighed 196 pounds and had a beautiful rack. And then there
The author and his Dad after a successful spring wild turkey hunt in 2012.
was the year before he died. Dad was hurting but determined to hunt. I put a chair up near the road, at the top of the steep hill that leads down into my bog, and told him to sit there while I thrashed around in the bog. But he trudged all the way down the hill, and when I found him there, it took over an hour, with a lot of stops, to get him up the 200 yards to the road. I knew then it would be our last year of hunting together. A True Maine Sportsman Dad was in the Hospice Unit at the Togus VA hospital, unable to hunt that fall. But he hadn’t giv-
Sportsman
DIFW moose biologist Lee Kantar, Deidre Fleming column, Sunday Telegram, June 7, 2020 —
“Perhaps people also realize what a phenomenal resource we continue to have with moose, despite struggles with winter ticks. Maine should be considered a top choice of anywhere for moose hunting.”
“As I look back, I think the Land for Maine’s Future program may be the single most important thing that I’ve done in my career. This is one of the few things that we can do that’s permanent.” Angus King, Maine Magazine, June, 2020
by George Smith
www.MaineSportsman.com
en up fishing. Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife stocks a small pond on the hospital campus, just for the patients. I’d taken Dad there five times, and casting from his wheelchair, he caught brook trout. At the age of 91 and in poor health, he was still a Maine sportsman – and we were still creating wonderful memories. Opening day of the deer season since his passing won’t be the same. But I’ll think about our favorite spots, and I’ll think a lot about Dad. I will let the memories flow by me.
¶
— “There’s so much lost in history these days, and I’m a believer that not only is it enjoyable to read writings from the past, but we can also benefit a great deal from the information they provide…. Walter Arnold was a special man who shared a lot with fellow trappers in his day. I hope his words prove valuable to you.” Walter Arnold, Maine Trapper, a book by Jeremiah Wood
������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • September 2020 • 19
Maine Wildlife:
Loons
by Tom Seymour
Perhaps I’m being redundant to call the common loon ubiquitous. All the same, loons are everywhere, and in strong numbers. This was not so in my youth. Or at least I don’t recall there being so many loons back then. Perhaps it’s a matter of perception rather than fact. Suffice it to say, if a lake or pond has enough surface area to meet the requirements for a nesting pair of loons, it will have loons. The larger the water body, the more loons. When most people think of loons, they envision a loon in summer, complete with the trademark checkerboard back. Lately, I consider the winter variety more representative of the species. After all, summer is a short season, while winter, fall and very early spring take up far more room on the calendar. In winter, common loon plumage loses its sharp black-and-white contrast, and the birds become dark above and whitish below – totally bland. But they are still loons. Winter Loons Also in winter, loons no longer let loose their quavering, frenetic yodeling. That alone may be the reason so many people experience difficulty identifying loons in winter. You can see what looks like a loon, but if you wait to hear its call, you may need to remain in place until the following spring. My fascination with loons in winter stems from more and more time spent around saltwater environs, camera in hand, prowling breakwaters and the shorelines of harbors and coves, seeking waterfowl and marine mammals. It’s a fascinating and rewarding hobby. Moreover, it gets me out of the house when I might otherwise remain cooped up inside. Even a trained eye, though, sometimes wonders if that distant bird is really a loon. They are that drab and indistinctive. Generally, it is the body shape, coupled with their dagger-like bill, that seals the identification. Also,
loons in winter act the same as loons in summer, in that they frequently dive and stay under for long periods of time, only to surface some distance away from where they disappeared. The key to getting photos of loons after they have submerged is in anticipating where they will reappear. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. I approach this the same as when casting dry flies to surface-feeding trout in lakes and ponds. Trout usually continue in one direction for some distance and repeatedly follow that same line of travel. The same with loons. Well, not all the time, but sometimes. Seasonal Predictors For me, loons serve as harbingers of the coming season. Loons possess the ability to fathom when they should leave their summer homes before freeze-up. Sometimes, though, it seems that the garrulous birds tarry too long, causing us to worry that they will become trapped if they don’t leave right away. Loons require a long, open distance to become airborne, and if ice forms and blocks their escape, they are in big trouble. While some loons appear to wait far too long to leave, they most always get it right. When a lake’s or pond’s loon population finally leaves for either points south or else the Maine coast, something unique occurs. That is, a sense of melancholy pervades the now-silent pond. It’s an empty feeling, filled with acute loneliness. We know the loons will return in spring, but that does little to quell that feeling of remorse. When spring does finally roll around and the loons return to their traditional haunts, all sense of emptiness is forgotten. A new season has begun. I count the return of loons as a semi-official announcement of the return of spring.
And conversely, when the loons leave in fall, I know that autumn has truly arrived. Urban Waterfowl Loon “music” represents the epitome of Maine’s wildness to legions of fans. In truth, though, loons don’t only frequent remote or even semi-wild waters – they also seem quite at home in more developed settings. While nesting loons become greatly agitated at the slightest intrusion and may even abandon their nests, post-nesting loons quickly lose that distinction. I have seen loons placidly floating on a lake while speedboats zip by them. The loons usually remain unperturbed. This, I think, can be attributed to learned behavior. Learned behavior occurs when some animal or bird recognizes common or frequent patterns, and reacts – or fails to react – accordingly. While motorboats certainly do strike loons occasionally, most boats pose no threat to loons, and the loons gradually accept that boats pose little threat. Loons inhabit most inland Maine waters – both wild and urban. The only qualification, other than adequate surface area, is that loons must have fairly clear water, because they hunt for fish, their mainstay, by sight. Dirty water doesn’t permit that. Also, to truly experience loon magic requires spending time on a remote lake or pond where good numbers of loons live. Their yodeling laughter throughout the day and coyote-like ha-ooing at night, paint the perfect picture of wildness coupled with serenity. Get Acquainted Loons in summer, loons in winter, all deserve our attention. No matter the season, why not take some time and get to know our resident Maine loons a little better? www.MaineSportsman.com
20 • September 2020 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————
Rigging for Hunting Season by Steve Carpenteri
The fall means less daylight, colder weather and deteriorating trail conditions. The author suggests addressing ATV maintenance items now – like battery, bulbs, winter tires and wipers – so you can spend Maine’s relatively short hunting season in the woods instead of in the shop. This year Maine’s small game hunting season opens Sept. 26. Bear hunting opened Aug. 31. “Resident” goose hunting begins Sept. 1, the Expanded Archery Deer Season begins Sept. 12 and the fall turkey hunting opens Sept. 14. This means ATV fans don’t have much time
to switch from summer riding and fishing to gearing up for the fall hunting season – leaving even less time for serious pre-season scouting before the shooting begins. To begin, there are issues of landowner permission when it comes to ATV riding in Maine. Here is the
Maine ATV trespass law in a nutshell: “A person may not operate an ATV on the land of another without the permission of the landowner or lessee. Permission is presumed on designated state approved ATV trails or in areas open to ATVs
Be sure that all items of gear --- especially your firearm and its scope or sights -- are boxed, bagged and securely fastened to your rig while en route to your Maine hunting hotspot. Photos courtesy of Arctic Cat
by landowner policy. A landowner may limit the use of a designated state-approved ATV trail on that landowner’s prop-
erty through agreements with the State or an ATV club to address environmental, public safety or management concerns. (Continued on next page)
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AUGUSTA North Country Can AM 3099 N. Belfast Avenue 207-622-7994 www.northcountryh-d.com
LEEDS Reggie’s Kawasaki Ski-Doo 255 US HWY 202 207-933-4976 www.doitatreggies.com
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LINCOLN Lincoln Powersports 265 W. Broadway 207-794-8100 www.lincolnpowersportsme.net
GREENVILLE JUNCTION Moosehead Motorsports 13 Moosehead Industrial Park 207-695-2020 www.mooseheadmotorsports.com ©2020 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. In the U.S.A., products are distributed by BRP US Inc. *Offers valid in U.S.A. only Sunday 1st March 2020 to Thursday 30th April 2020. The terms and conditions may vary depending on your state and these offers are subject to termination or change at any time without notice. See an authorized BRP dealer for details. Some mcxlels depicted may include optional equipment. BRP highly recommends that all ATV drivers take a training course. For safety and training information, see your dealer or, in USA, call the ATV Safety Institute at 1-800-887-2887. In Canada, call the Canadian Safety Council at (6131 739-1535 ext 227. Read the Operators Guide and watch the Safety DVD before riding. Wear appropriate protective clothing and helmet. For side-by-side vehicles, fasten lateral net and seat belt at all times. Never engage in stunt driving and avoid excessive speed. Always observe applicable local laws and regulations. Side-by-side vehicles and ATVs are recommended for drivers aged 16 and older, and passengers aged 12 and older only. For off-road use only. Never ride on paved surfaces or public roads. Always ride responsibly and remember that riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix.
������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • September 2020 • 21
— 2020 RANGER 1000 —
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Ensure that all operating and safety systems including lights, brakes and battery, are in good repair prior to Opening Day. (Continued from page 20)
Written permission of the landowner or lessee is required on cropland or pastureland or in an orchard.” Get your permission slips in order, and keep them in your rig’s glove box to avoid issues with landowners, neighbors and law enforcement types. Also, know which trails you can and cannot use while operating an ATV – the “no” list is short but includes snowmobile trails and railroad rights-of-way. For complete information, log onto the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s Web site (www.mefishwildlife. com) and click on the ATV icons. Now, let’s get serious about hunting season! Back to Basics When it comes to ATV travel during hunting season, there are some basic truths to remember. It will get darker sooner as fall progresses. It will get increasingly colder as well, and trail conditions are likely to deteriorate as a result. Add a little cold rain, snow and sleet to the mix, and you have perfect hunting opportunities but terrible riding conditions. Thus, we must plan ahead.
This means it’s time again for a general tune-up of your ATV’s operating and mechanical systems. This may include items such as a new battery, light-bulb replacements and new windshield wipers. A new light bar may be in order, because you’ll likely be traveling before sunrise and after dark. Also, you may want to switch to heavy-duty “winter” tires, because all those roads and trails are going to turn to mud at best, and may also fill with water and ice before the season comes to an end. In other words, your ATV should be in good operating condition, ready for the trail and off-trail situations in every capacity. After a long summer of riding, you already know what work needs to be done, what gear needs to be switched and what changes you’ll need to make. Get busy now with updates and repairs so you can spend the relatively short hunting season in the woods and not in the shop. Hunting Necessities Winter-related equipment including basic repair tools, shovel, flashlight, tow strap, winch (or similar device) and air compressor should be (Continued on next page)
(then goes to 4.99% for 60 months)
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Offers vary by model. Rebates available on 2016-2020 and financing available on 2016 – 2021 new and unregistered Polaris® RZR®, RANGER®, Sportsman®, GENERAL®, and ACE® models purchased between 8/1/20 9/30/20. †Rates as low as 3.99% APR for 36 months. Examples of monthly payments required over a 36 month term at a 3.99% APR rate: $29.52 per $1,000 financed; and with a 60-month term at a 6.99% APR rate: $19.80 per $1,000 financed. An example of a monthly payment with $0 down, no rebate, an APR of 3.99% APR for 36 months at an MSRP of $12,699 is $374.87/mo. total cost of borrowing of $796.27 with a total obligation of $13,495.27. Down payment may be required. Other financing offers may be available. See your local dealer for details. Minimum Amount Financed $1,500; Maximum Amount Financed $50,000. Other qualifications and restrictions may apply. Financing promotions void where prohibited. Tax, title, license, and registration are separate and may not be financed. Promotion may be modified or discontinued without notice at any time in Polaris’ sole discretion. 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. ©2020 Polaris Industries Inc. 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. ©2019 Polaris Industries Inc.
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TOPSHAM Woody’s Performance Ctr. 70 Topsham Fair Mall Road 207-729-1177 www.teamwoodys.com
Professional drivers on closed course. Always protect the environment and wear your seat belt, helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Read the owner’s manual and product warning labels before operation. Model shown with optional accessories. Vehicle specifications subject to change.
www.MaineSportsman.com
22 • September 2020 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————
ATVing in Maine (Continued from page 21)
in the gear box before you set out. This is the
stuff you should never leave home without.
Include a sufficient number of straps, bungee cords, racks and boxes to secure any guns and gear you
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contract through Cornerstone. REBATES UP TO $1,000 valid on 2010–2014 models and varies by model purchased. Offer subject to change without notice. Excludes tax, freight and dealer setup. Only ride an ATV that is right for your age. Supervise riders younger than 16. Arctic Cat recommends that all riders take a training course and read and understand the owner’s WARNING: Arctic Cat®orvehicles can be hazardous to see operate. Fordealer your safety, all riders always wear a seatat belt(800) (Side-by-Sides), helmet, eyeArctic protection, protective Riding manual before operation. For safety training information, your or call the should ATV Safety Institute 887-2887. ©2015 Catand Sales Inc.,clothing. Thief River Falls, MN 56701. and alcohol/drugs don’t mix. Arctic Cat recommends that all operators take a safety training course. For safety and training information, please see your dealer or call 1-800-887-2887 (ATVs)
or visit www.ROHVA.org (Side-by-Sides). Arctic Cat vehicles are for operators age 16 years and older with a valid driver’s license. ©2019 Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc. All rights reserved.
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need for a successful trip, such as kayaks, canoes, mountain bikes and snowshoes. Don’t just tie these items onto your machine – secure them! Use additional straps and hooks to secure your backpack, climbing stand, blind and decoy bag. Everything you carry into the woods should be contained and secured to prevent loss or damage. Anything that is allowed to flop or bounce around is likely to be damaged or lost – Murphy’s Law applies to trail riding. During hunting season, it can be a good idea to tow a small covered and secure trailer behind your rig so you can bring more gear and stay in the woods longer. Camping gear will take up a lot of space, as will water, food and other necessary overnight supplies. Plan and
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pack for the expected conditions, bringing those items you know from experience you will need and use. Next, update your GPS equipment and mapping systems so that you are ready to hit the trail on Day One. These items will also come in handy while scouting for good places to hunt small game, deer, waterfowl, upland birds and other species. They will also help you locate pre-selected stand sites, bear-bait sites, stream crossings and other important landmarks in the dark. Finally, leave a copy of your itinerary with someone who can be trusted to call for help should you not return home on time – every time you hit the trail. Know your destination, have a schedule and stick to it.
¶
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������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • September 2020 • 23
Guns and Loads for Bear by Steve Carpenteri Much has changed over the years regarding what hunters consider “the best” guns and loads for Maine’s black bears. Back in the 1950s and ’60s, anyone equipped with a .30-30, .32 Special or .300 Savage was considered properly armed for the sport. Through the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, the popularity of heavy, powerful “magnum”
Ammunition manufacturers and engineers have been working to design and produce effective bullets for 100 years, and they’ve pretty much figured it out. Hunters have to do their part by sighting in their rifles to be dead-on at 25 yards – for bear hunting over bait – and then waiting for a clear, open shot at the heart-lung area. cartridges took the sport by storm, to the point that nearly every hunter in camp now comes equipped with a 7mm Magnum, .300 Winchester
Magnum or one of the many modern wildcat loadings touted to be bigger, better, faster and more efficient than last year’s trendy calibers.
The one thing that has not changed over the years is the black bear itself. Still made of flesh and blood, skin and bones, the average Maine bruin tips the
scales at less than 200 pounds and, to put the matter plainly, is no more or less difficult to kill than a good-size 8-point whitetail buck. Here’s the clincher: Put your bullet where it will do the most good, and you will not have to fire another shot, nor will you have to spend long hours following (or losing) a wounded bear. (Continued on next page)
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Guns and Loads for Bear (Continued from page 23)
25 Yards to the Bait Site Shot placement is far more important in killing a black bear than caliber, muzzle velocity, ballistic co-efficient, secant ogive and all the other arcane data-points that gun nuts love to discuss around the campfire. In most cases we’re talking about shooting bears that are at
or near a bait site, generally within 25 yards, broadside and totally focused on the bait consisting of donuts, meat scraps and assorted sweets. At that range and under those circumstances, a typical “deer rifle” bullet placed behind the shoulder will drop the bear right there or kill it within a few minutes and just a few yards away.
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No big-game animal in Maine hit in the heart/lung area is going to survive a hit by any typical, standard, commercial rifle bullet designed for the purpose – after all, bullet manufacturers and their engineers have been working on the problem for over 100 years and, by and large, have it figured out. The hunter merely has to do his or her part by sighting in his rifle to be dead-on at 25 yards (for bear hunting over bait) and waiting until the hunter is presented with a clear, open shot at the heart-lung area. “Experts” love to discuss other options, other shots, other circumstances, which is a good way to build up the word count in an article on the subject. Put Projectile Where It Belongs However, having hunted bears in Maine and elsewhere since 1961 and having killed them all with one shot, I can say with some conviction that if you place your projectile (bullet, slug or arrow)
This 20-gauge shotgun dropped this 200-poundclass bruin with one shot. Bullet placement, not ballistics, is the key. Photos by Steve Carpenteri
This .444 Marlin is more than enough gun for Maine black bears. Sight in from a stable bench at 25 yards. When you’re at the bait site, be patient and aim for the heart-lung area.
where it belongs, you won’t have to go back to camp with a long, sad story or spend a sleepless night wondering if you made the proper shot. So be patient with
your shot; wait for a broadside opportunity; and aim for the heartlung area – follow this formula, and your hunt will be done.
¶
������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • September 2020 • 25
Bear Hunting with Hounds Our Maine Sportswoman columnist participates in a bear hunt using brindle Plott Hounds. She comes away with a deep respect for the dogs – born and bred to track – and their handlers. “Tell them how much we love our dogs,” Matt said in his slight Downeast accent, one hand on the steering wheel, truck kicking up dirt on the Wyman’s blueberry land roads. I was bear hunting with Matt Tenan and his hounds, and I told him I planned to write about the experience. I was unsure about the practice. Hunting bears with hounds sounds barbaric, unsporting, and dangerous. But I am an “experience” hunter – I like the meat, and I like the antlers, but I like the experience of the hunt the most. Going places I wouldn’t, waking earlier than I want to, seeing new things, and trying things I would never do if I didn’t hunt. I met Matt in high school, and he and his friend Jason Strout balance lobstering with running Wildest Dreams Outfitters in Cherryfield. Dogs Yipping with Anticipation We pulled up to his first bait site and saw Jason and his father. “Checked the camera – just a sow with cubs last night,” Jason reported. Though legal, no one hunts a sow with cubs. On the back of Jason’s truck, six hounds stuck their heads out separate holes in a
metal dog box. They yipped with anticipation. They knew what we were up to. Matt’s father’s voice came over the radio, “No bears at this site last night.” It was a slow year for bear baiting due to all the natural food in the woods. We drove to another bait site, and suddenly, like turning on a light switch, the hounds started howling. Matt slammed on the brakes and quickly shifted into reverse. “Do they smell a bear?” I asked Matt. “Yeah, one must have crossed this road,” his voice trailed off as he jumped out of the truck. “I can’t find any tracks,” Matt explained, bent low, still searching. “We could let the dogs out, but we have no idea what type of bear we would be running. It could be a sow with cubs or a small bear.” We returned to the truck and drove on. Next Site The camera at the next site showed a nice
bear at about 11 p.m., around 200 lbs., Matt estimated. It was now 8 a.m., so the track was nine hours old – pretty old, but we did not have much choice. Matt let two dogs out of the box and put bulky GPS collars on them. The dogs remaining in the box voiced their anguish. They cried with jealousy, with fear of missing out on the race. The two dogs equipped with collars, Mandy and Timber, were tall and athletic brindle Plott Hounds. They got to work quickly, running and sweeping through the thick forest near the bait site. They were doing what they love, what centuries of breeding had instilled deep in their DNA, what they were literally born to do. It resembled a dance, the dogs trotting and turning, heads bent, noses to the ground, processing scent – discard, or follow? They choose the scent of padded paws and black hair, and followed it like a mag-
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net. Within minutes, the two dogs were out of sight, yipping and howling. This was an indication that they were on the track. Matt let out another four dogs, “younger and less experienced but very fast with great noses,” Matt said, with pride in his voice. Tracking the Trackers Matt showed me his GPS screen, which showed each dog’s location. The collars not only monitor their
locations, but their barks-per-minute and what direction they are facing. We watched their symbols approach the Narraguagus River and stop, the dogs initially hesitant to swim across the cool water. Eventually they crossed, and then we received a notification that Sherman, who had not barked all morning, was barking at 40 barks per minute. “I think they jumped the bear – see how tight they are?” (Continued on next page)
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Maine Sportswoman (Continued from page 25)
Matt pointed out how close together their symbols were. Matt started his truck and we drove toward the area the dogs were heading. Then Norman’s collar registered “treed.” The collar can tell that he was looking up. His barks per minute were also above 40. Then Timber’s collar registered treed, then Sherman’s, and the other three dogs. The bear was treed. Treed Twice We parked the truck as close as we could, loaded our fire-
arms and discussed the plan. “Christi – you stay with me and don’t shoot until I tell you to,” Jason directed. “Even though the dogs started on the bear track we saw on the camera, they often cross a fresher track and end up treeing a different bear. We want to make sure it’s a shooter.” “Sometimes bears don’t like people, and they’ll come down out of the tree,” added Matt. “I’ll leash the dogs.” “Dad, you get right under that tree and you poke that bear in
the butt if he starts to come down,” Jason ordered. Then we started bushwhacking toward the icons on the GPS. We hiked until we could hear a faint howling in the distance. As it grew louder, my heart raced. “There!” Jason whispered excitedly. The black shape was not very high up a tree, and she saw us and came down, running right past Jason’s dad. The dogs were on her heels and quickly treed her again, but this time she was much – much higher. Kill Shot Doesn’t End Effort Nervous energy filled the air. This was not the quiet, peaceful treestand hunting I was used to. Six hounds were barking and howling, and a dangerous, agitated animal looked down on us. Jason helped me steady my .308 against a tree, I exhaled a deep breath and pulled the trigger. Blood sprayed the
Jason Strout and Matt Tenan operate Wildest Dreams Outfitters, and are lobstermen between guiding seasons.
leaves, but the bear did not fall. She was slumped over, dead, and stuck in the crotch of the tree. “I’ve heard about this happening, and wondered when it would happen to us,” Jason observed. He and Matt discussed whether to hike back out and get a chainsaw. “It’s too far; it will take too long – I’ll climb up there,” Jason volunteered. And he did. Reflections on the Hunt After some time to digest and reflect upon
the experience, I concluded that I was not the hunter. Though I pulled the trigger and tagged the bear, the hounds were the hunters. The hunt was small dogs versus large bear, and life was on the line for all of them. The hounds love it, live for it and die for it. Today, all that is left for dogs are lap dogs. Is a German shepherd that goes on two twenty-minute walks each day a happier dog? Imagine refusing to play fetch (Continued on next page)
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������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • September 2020 • 27
The hounds were equipped with GPS collars, so their locations -- and even their barks-per-minute -- were recorded on screens so the handlers could follow. (Continued from page 26)
with a lab – that is what it would be like for hounds to not run bears. It speaks to the senses and skills of a black bear that it requires multiple dogs and hunters to kill one. Hunters use all sorts
The dogs’ electronic collars sense when the dogs are looking upward steadily, triggering a “Treed” signal to the receivers.
of tools while hunting – bait, scents, decoys, camo, calls, guns and bows. Hounds use nothing but their legs and nose. They smell a half-day-old bear track and follow that old track until they find the bear, then chase it up a tree. Two closely-matched competi-
tors. There is no braver, more intelligent or driven hunter than a hound dog, and I have the utmost admiration for them and the handlers who make them part of their family.
¶
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28 • September 2020 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————
Listen to Your Taxidermist! by Steve Carpenteri When it comes to solid outdoor advice, two topics reign as most ignored, particularly by hunters. One is any article on “scouting,” which usually offers logical ways to get ready for deer season. The second is planning ahead for trophy care. Quality articles on both subjects can offer excellent advice that hardly anyone follows, which may explain why 90 percent of hunters fail to tag a deer, and of those who are successful in dropping a trophy animal, 90 percent of them inadvertently ruin or destroy what could have been a first-class, long-lasting mount. Time is of the Essence When it comes to taxidermists, every single one of them
agrees that the faster a hunter gets his trophy to the shop, the better it is going to look. This is where the trouble starts. If one can’t get his bear, moose, deer, turkey or other game to a taxidermist the day of the kill, all sorts of bad things can happen to the hide, fur or feathers. Time is literally of the essence when it comes to a quality mount. Know what to do before your hunt so that your mount can be its absolute best. The most logical preparatory step is to visit your chosen taxidermist before your trip, and discuss how he wants you to handle the animal after it is down. Options range from caping the animal and freezing or salting the hide, or bringing the whole animal directly to the
shop so the taxidermist can prepare the hide his way. Also, field-handling is especially important to the finished product. No taxidermist will recommend that you cut any animal’s throat to “bleed it,” which is an archaic technique best left in the past where it belongs. Gutting any big game animal effectively eliminates nearly all the blood except what’s left in the meat, none of which has any bearing on the mounting process. Bottom line: Get the hide off the animal quickly and efficiently per the taxidermist’s instructions, preserve it as he explained, and deliver it to him as soon as possible after the hunt. Avoid Unnecessary Damage The worst mistake
Taxidermists are happiest when they are presented with an animal that’s been well cared for after the hunt. Here, taxidermist Cody Gould displays the finished mount of a massive bull moose shot by Nick Archer in Zone 3 last season. Photo provided by Bill Brown
a hunter can make (aside from cutting the animal’s throat) is to tie a rope, strap or cord around the animal’s neck and use it to drag the animal back to the truck or camp, and then hang the animal from the same rope, sometimes for days after it was killed.
When an animal is destined for the taxidermist, the better choice is to use a sled, trailer or ATV to transport it carefully out of the woods and then hang it from the back legs for a short time. Clean all dirt, blood and other mat(Continued on next page)
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������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • September 2020 • 29
Any animal destined for the taxidermist should be photographed to make a record of important details, and then brought immediately to the shop. Photo by Steve Carpenteri. (Continued from page 28)
ter off the front half of the animal (or all of it, if a full body mount is planned). Dry the fur or hair with towels, and use a long, stiff hairbrush to finish cleaning and drying the animal. The more care you take of your trophy after the shot, the better the mount you will have. Another common error is to tie the carcass onto the roof of a vehicle or trailer and then drive it around
the countryside for a week. It’s great that your trip was successful and it’s understandable that you want to show all your friends and family what you’ve brought home, but the damage you’ll be doing to the hide and fur can be unrepairable. In plain language, an animal’s body begins to spoil the instant it stops breathing. The longer you wait to get your trophy to the taxidermist, the more time you are allowing for the skin to
Birds headed for the taxidermist should be handled carefully and slid into a nylon stocking to protect fragile feathers en route to the shop.
disintegrate and the hair to fall off, creating real issues for the taxidermist. Some hunters wait days or even weeks to bring their trophies to the shop, and by then the only retrievable part may be the skull or antlers. The rest will have deteriorated so badly that it may not be good enough for mounting. This is the reason many taxidermists keep a supply of replacement capes on hand. They know that many hunters will
have read or heard good advice like the above, but will ignore it anyway. When this happens you will get “a” deer back from the taxidermist in six months, but it won’t be “your” deer. Instead of making the rounds, take pictures of your trophy immediately after the shot and show your buddies great “in the field” photos when you get home.
With large animals, it’s best to let the guide or taxidermist handle the skinning chores.
ahead and follow your taxidermist’s instructions to the letter. Most offer a free pamphlet or instruction sheet that covers all the basics of immediate handling of a trophy animal, bird or fish. Follow his instructions and get your trophy to the shop as soon as possible after the hunt. This will result in a trophy mount that will look great for years to come.
¶
Plan for Success Plan ahead, think
MAINE WILDLIFE QUIZ: Common Loons by Steve Vose
The Common Loon (Gavia immers) frequently can be heard singing its hauntingly beautiful call on lakes and ponds throughout its widely distributed range, which includes Alaska, North America, Mexico, Europe, Africa and even rarely in Japan. The calls of the loon widely vary in accordance with perceived threats, territorial disputes, distress, mating and communication of their location. The most common loon vocalization is the tremolo, or “laughing” call. This call is characterized by its short wavering quality. It is comprised of 8-10 high notes and is used primarily to communicate a loon’s presence to other loons on a body of water. It is also the only call loons use during flight. Adult loons possess exquisite plumage that includes a black-and-white checkered back, iridescent black head, black bill, red eyes, a prominent white “necklace” marking around the neck, and a much smaller white “chinstrap”
marking at the throat. The sexes look alike, though males are significantly larger and heavier than females. The loon has an innate and natural ability to catch fish that would make any angler jealous. Able to dive underwater as deep as 200 feet, the loon has no problem chasing, catching and eating fish as well as a wide range of other prey animals, including clams, crayfish, insects and even aquatic plants. They swallow most prey underwater, where the prey is caught, but sometimes must surface to consume larger food items. Evolution provided the loon with powerful legs and pelvic muscles for swimming, but the bird is ungainly on
Questions 1. What is the native range of the loon? 2. What can the various calls of the loon signify? 3. What is the most common loon
vocalization? 4. How can you tell the difference between a male and female loon? 5. How deep underwater can a loon dive?
land due to the legs being positioned so far toward the rear of its body. In early May, both the male and female loon work to construct a large nest out of grasses along the shore. A single brood is raised each year, with 1 or 2 chicks. Within hours of hatching, the young leave the nest with the parents, swimming close by and sometimes riding on one parent’s back. Both parents feed the chicks live prey from hatching to fledging, and after about two months, the young birds become able to feed and fend for themselves. Biologists have estimated that a pair of loons raising two chicks feed on approximately 1,000 pounds of fish during the 6 months they spend in their breeding grounds. If able to successfully avoid predators, like snapping turtles, seagulls, bald eagles and northern pike, the loon can live up to 20 years, with the maximum recorded age being 29 years, 10 months. 6. What do loons eat? 7. How much do loons eat? 8. How long does a loon typically live?
Answers on Page 42 www.MaineSportsman.com
30 • September 2020 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————
Sight In Now and Recognize High Percentage Shots Dad set down his slingshot. He’d fired 15 marbles into a thick bedding cover 150 yards upwind and downhill from him. He knew deer bedded there often, and he’d found a great escape route to sit on. As the last marble rattled off the oak branches, he caught movement in the thicket. A yearling spike was running from the “intruder” it heard in the bedding area, and it was running directly toward him. As the young buck slowed its pace and looked back toward the bedding cover, Dad drew his bow. The young buck came to a screeching halt, just eight yards from him; however, it was facing him head-on. With no other shot, dad took aim at
The buck is looking right at you, its chest obscured but its neck and white throat patch clearly visible. Do you take a neck shot? “Don’t shoot,” says the author.
Shoot, or don’t shoot? The author says “No.”
the white patch on the buck’s neck and released his arrow. THWACK! The arrow hit the buck perfectly in the spine. The deer toppled backward and
died almost instantly. It was a quick and humane kill, but knowing what I know now about the riskiness of this shot, I question whether it
was an ethical shot for most bowhunters to take. I’ve made similar shots with my bow, at deer facing me head on, and have killed many this way with
my gun. However, today, I would not take such a shot with a bow or a gun. Lessons from Hunter Education Class I remember going through my father’s deer hunting magazines as a kid, drawing crosshairs on every deer photo, in an effort to demonstrate my knowledge of shot placement. My dad praised my efforts, saying “Nice job – those are all kill shots.” I recall being confused when participating in my hunter safety class and a “Shoot/ Don’t shoot” scenario. The instructor penalized me for taking a shot at a deer while it was facing me head-on with its vitals/ chest covered. I didn’t understand why my (Continued on next page)
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������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • September 2020 • 31 (Continued from page 30)
neck shot was considered a “low percentage shot.” Deer dropped when hit in the neck, right? I nearly lost a young spike when I was a youngster, because I listened to my father and took a neck shot, despite having an opportunity to shoot the deer through the lungs. The young buck ended up running away with a hole through its trachea. Thankfully, Dad and I tracked it and were able to kill it before it ran too far. I’ll never forget that day, and won’t make that mistake again. Ethics of Taking a Low Percentage Shot Experience has taught me why low percentage shots aren’t always ethical. Some people will disagree with me. I completely understand why a tracker often has to shoot at a running deer, or at just part of the deer. After tracking a giant buck all day, passing a shot because a deer wasn’t completely broadside or because it was running away, might not be an option a hunter is willing to accept. As a deer hunter who doesn’t hunt the big woods, my goal is to do my best to take only high percentage shots, which result in quick, humane kills. Having a deer die in someone’s back yard or end up in town where I can no longer legally dispatch it, is not an option or a scenario any hunter wants to be in. Of course, mistakes happen, but we should all do our best to avoid these situations. Shots can’t always be perfectly broad-
side; however, recognizing the difference between marginal shots and shots that are high percentage is not always easy. In a scenario where a deer is moving quickly or when adrenaline is coursing rapidly through a hunter’s veins, mistakes frequently happen. However, it remains our duty to take shots that will dispatch an animal quickly. Shot Placement The best broadside shots should be placed just behind the shoulder, midway up a deer’s body. In this scenario, a high hit breaks the back or hits
high lungs. A low hit is a heart shot. A hit left breaks the shoulder and spine. A hit right goes through the lungs and or liver. In the same scenario, a hunter taking aim at the neck might hit center and drop the animal. A hit left, right, high or low, however, is often a flesh wound or trachea hit, resulting in a deer running far away or never being recovered by the hunter. Same thing for that head-on shot. Sure, a center shot to the brisket is lethal, but a shot that’s off left or right will result in a marginal hit that leaves
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a deer wounded, and often not recoverable. It’s our job to recognize shots that are low percentage and either wait for something better, or not take the shot at all. Get Out There and Practice Early September is a great time to practice for October or November’s season. Waiting to sight in a bow or rifle just days before the season opens is irresponsible. There’s plenty of time to do this now, before deer season, and it makes
great sense to do so. Practice may not always make perfect; however, the more we shoot, the better we’ll be when the opportunity arrives. For those hunting with firearms and concerned about the ammunition shortage, make sure the deer rifle is dialed in perfectly, but consider shooting a .22 or pellet rifle for practice. Get out there and practice this month!
¶
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32 • September 2020 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————
Fast and Slow Dancing by Matt Breton Hunting bucks across the Big Woods of northern New England leads to adventure unfolding in the snow in front of you. I love the fact that I don’t know where I will end up or what might happen when I start the day. I always try to have an idea of where I’d like to check – maybe a signpost waypoint or a new saddle to walk into I found using my OnX app. Those plans will get dropped in a hurry the moment I cut a buck track. In my early days as a tracker, when I found that track, it was game on. I usually went as hard as I could. I caught up to a lot of bucks and heard a lot of crashing away. Those were the years of fun chases, but no drags. I wasn’t thinking about what the buck was doing at all – only following him. Once I started to read the sign more carefully, I was able to adjust the pace to what was happening in front of me. Once I started changing gears, I started killing bucks. In 2019, I shot bucks in Maine and New Hampshire, and each required a different pace to catch up to and then kill him. Time to Boogie The buck track I crossed on a bitter cold morning in New Hampshire was smoking hot. On the early side of Novemwww.MaineSportsman.com
How fast should a hunter follow a track? Matt Breton tells the tales of two bucks and two tracking approaches – one fast, and one slow. It will be no surprise to learn the answer to the “how fast” question is, “It depends.”
Two states -- two buck-drags in 2019: A successful hunter must match the speed of his pursuit to the age of the tracks and the behavior of the buck. In 2019, Matt Breton dropped an 8-pointer in New Hampshire (above, left) following a day-long, non-stop chase. His Maine 6-pt buck (right) was the result of a slow, careful stalk.
ber, I suspected he was cruising. I wasn’t wrong. I started off at a medium pace, thinking he might be at the end of his night of wandering and bedded in some thick stuff, but as he sailed back into the hardwoods, his pace never slacked. He never veered, didn’t wander at all, didn’t feed, didn’t make a scrape, didn’t rub his antlers. The only time he changed direction was when he crossed other deer tracks. One footprint out of line, a tine mark where he bent his head down to sniff, then back to
charging ahead. He was on a mission. Knowing how fresh the track was, I started picking up speed. I’d pause to look down ridges and across openings to see if I could spot him. He crossed one road and then another, his hoof prints on top of the truck tracks. I took my sweatshirt off and swigged some water, then struck off as fast as I could walk in the woods without running. After another mile ticked away, I finally spotted him. With his head down, he looked like a bea-
gle sorting out hare tracks. A few more steps for him, a couple side steps for me and the dance was over. I suspect it was as fast as I had ever followed a buck. Waltzing the Day Away My Maine buck was a different story. My father came along to double-team when we picked up a track a quarter mile from the truck. It was older, made in the night. We settled in at a good pace, having to sort it out as kept checking other groups of deer.
This buck crossed a road, too, but there were a lot of truck tracks on top. As the miles ticked away, it seemed like we hadn’t gained much. Then, shortly after a brief lunch break, he started to loop around and chase a doe. I followed the circles while Dad watched. The day warmed and the snow started dripping as we climbed a knob. Suddenly the whirls turned into a barnyard of tracks, and freshly emptied beds. We eased along after a brief wait, knowing we had really fresh tracks underfoot. I snuck up little bluffs to peak over the top. Intense scan, then sneak ahead. I spotted a doe and another deer ahead as they headed uphill away from the truck. Dad called it quits then, said he was headed for the truck and suggested I go kill that buck. I kept up the scanning, mindful of my movement. Thirty minutes later, I caught the buck standing 90 yards away in the edge of a cut, looking at his doe. A pull of the trigger of my 760 ended my long, slow waltz with that buck, seven and a half hours on the track. Hal Blood’s Thoughts I think how fast or slow to go on a buck’s track is one of the most asked questions I get ask by hunters. (Continued on next page)
������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • September 2020 • 33
Grilled Bear Bacon Sausage Patties with Black Fly Stew Hot Sauce This month, let’s enjoy a new recipe with – wait for it – BACON! Also included is a new hot sauce I made. Come to the 2021 State of Maine Sportsman’s Show, and ask me for a sample.
One of the herbs listed, chervil, has a mild flavor with just a hint of licorice. It is sometimes known as French Parsley. Here it is a big behind the scenes flavorsupporter.
This patty is best hot and dripping right off the grill, so all the juices stay intact. Slap this on a bun and go to mouth heaven! Enjoy, and Bon Appétit!
Ingredients: • 1½ pounds bear, ground • 12 ounces bacon, minced • 2 teaspoons dried sage • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated • ½ teaspoon allspice • 1 teaspoon onion salt • ¼ teaspoon chervil, or parsley • ¼ teaspoon Sauce**
BlackFlyStew
Hot
Grind bear and bacon together. Add sage, ginger, allspice, onion salt, chervil and hot sauce in large bowl; mix well. Scoop into ¼ cup patties, and shape. Heat grill on high. Grill on cast iron insert or cast-iron fry pan. You want to retain the juices, and not let them drain out. Chef’s notes: Here I baked a sweet potato, mashed in a little butter and cinnamon with a side of slaw and beet salad. It was also super delicious on a roll with cole slaw, hot sauce and mayo and lots of onions.
BlackFlyStew Hot Sauce
** Ingredients:
• 1 cup dried Trinidad Scorpion Chili Peppers • Boiling water • 1 cup apple cider vinegar • 1 garlic head, peeled • ¼ cup brown sugar
Big Woods World (Continued from page 32)
The answer is most often connected to the age of the track. Until a hunter gets good at aging tracks, how fast to go will be a crapshoot. The two go hand in hand, so learning to age tracks
Cut tops off chili peppers and place in small bowl. Pour boiling water to top of peppers. Spoons can anchor floating peppers. Soak peppers for 30 minutes, then drain.
Pour peppers, garlic, and vinegar into blender and add sugar. Blend until smooth. Pour in jars and refrigerate for up to 4 months.
Add peppers to bowl with garlic cloves and pour on vinegar. Spoons keep peppers from floating; soak for 30 more minutes.
¶
is critical to becoming a good tracker. As Matt illustrated, your pace is basically a direct correlation to how fast a buck is traveling as well as the age of the track. If the track is made in the night, start off at a fast pace until you catch up to the buck, and then slow down and hunt him. The faster
ENJOY the heat!!
you catch up to a buck, the more time you will have to hunt him. Too many hunters “Elmer Fudd” along on a track that is hours old and seldom ever catch up to the buck.
¶
www.MaineSportsman.com
34 • September 2020 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————
Guns for Maine Moose by Steve Carpenteri
Just because you’re pursuing a bigger animal does not necessarily mean you need to trade up from your deer gun, says the author. There are factors more important than caliber. If I’ve seen it once, I’ve seen it 100 times – A lucky hunter is drawn for a Maine moose permit, and immediately heads for the gun shop to buy a large-caliber moose-hunting rifle. Logic suggests that a big animal requires a big gun, and it’s a safe bet that most of the rifles being carried by
today’s moose hunters are of the magnum variety. Certainly there is no harm in choosing a .300 Weatherby, .300 Winchester Magnum, .338 Lapua or similar caliber. However, the reality is that any proper “deer rifle” in .308 Winchester, .30-06 or .270 Winchester will kill any moose that
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Learned from the “Experts” My opinions on this subject – a subject that comes up in conversations among hunters every September in Maine – are based in part on my first-hand personal career experiences. You see, for a time back in the 1980s, I worked at a state prison, one that housed many of the most prolific poachers around. Some of these wildlife outlaws were midnight moose specialists. For many of these poachers, their preferred firearm was a .22 rimfire using hollow-point bullets – about what the av-
This fine Maine moose was hit through the heart at 30 yards and traveled only 50 feet before falling dead. Photo by Steve Carpenteri
erage hunter would consider suitable for rabbits, squirrels and ground hogs. One well-known poacher explained the method and its effectiveness to me: “One shot behind the ear is all you need.” And this fellow would know, I suppose. Legitimate hunters must be more practical, of course. Moose are admittedly the
biggest wild animal we are able to hunt in Maine. It stands to reason that something larger than a typical carnival caliber would be more effective, but it’s not necessary to break the bank by buying a heavy magnum-caliber rifle that you are likely to use only once in your hunting career. The fact is that any (Continued on next page)
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������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • September 2020 • 35 (Continued from page 34)
rifle designed for deer hunting, especially those in the .30-caliber range, will put a moose down quickly if the hunter does his or her job. Placement is Key The secret? Bullet
placement. No animal in Maine will live long or go far when hit in the heart, lungs or liver with a typical deer-hunting cartridge and appropriate bullet. Over the last 100 years, more big-game animals (including
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deer, bear and moose) have been taken with slugs in the 150- to 200-grain range than any other.
Bullets with a bit of extra lead showing (Power Points and Silvertips come to mind) offer a bit of an edge
over pointed copper bullets, with internal damage noticeably increasing when more (Continued on next page)
BIGGEST BULL / COW MOOSE IN MAINE CLUB Biggest Moose Club Requirements:
Minimum Weight: Bull 800 lbs. • Cow 625 lbs. Moose must be shot in Maine. Only the shooter is eligible to join the club. Shooter will receive a PATCH, a CERTIFICATE, and will be in the MOOSE CLUB REGISTRY. Cost is $15 payable to B.M.I.M.C. Biggest Moose Club postcards can be found at tagging stations or request one by email at
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36 • September 2020 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————
2020 NEOWA Youth Writing Contest Winner: Honorable Mention Maine Junior Category
Outdoor Experiences by Charlotte DalPra, Massabesic Middle School
This essay earned Charlotte an “honorable mention” award in the 2020 New England Outdoor Writers Association (NEOWA) Youth Writing Contest. Some of my fondest memories from when I was little come from camping and exploring the world with my family and Girl Scout troop. Camping can be an escape from your busy, crowded life. When you’re camping and exploring the outdoors, you can just take in all the sights, and not worry about anything else. When I was younger, we used to go to the Lost River Campground in New Hampshire, and we would always get a site right by the river. I remember how as soon as we got there, my sisters and I would ask to go to the river. Our parents always said, “Not yet” or “Not now,” but as soon as we pitched the tents,
we’d ask again. The river was always cool and refreshing in the hot, muggy summers. There were always a lot of large, smooth rocks just submerged under the water. We’d always just sit, lying on them for as long as we could, but eventually, our parents would call us in. Every year, we’d look forward to going and escaping the heat in the cool river. Just about every year, my Girl Scout troop would go on at least one camping trip or adventure. One of my favorites was when we went to Acadia National Park. It was the summer of 2016, and it was a big Girl Scout event. I don’t know how many troops went, but there
Moose Hunting In Maine (Continued from page 35)
lead is showing. Although some tracking may be involved with a heart-lung shot, the moose will be dead when you get to him. To drop your moose in his tracks, wait till he is broadside, and then aim for a point approximately one foot below the animal’s shoulder “hump.” This is where the spine and shoulder blades meet. Crack these bones, and the moose has no choice but to fall where it stands. www.MaineSportsman.com
was enough so that, by the time we went to register, there was only one activity left – hiking Cadillac Mountain. When we all heard, we booed and whined. We wanted to do the “fun stuff” not just “boring hiking.” I didn’t want to go, either, but my mom was excited. We all had to gather around, and follow the guide as he explained the route, and what to expect on the hike. Just about no one wanted to be there. When we started the hike it was only about as much fun as an uninterested kid could have on a hike they didn’t want to go on. However, once we started climbing, and getting higher and being able to see more, some people, myself
As a Girl Scout, the author hiked Cadillac Mountain, and called it a “beautiful” and “amazing” ascent.
included, got interested. It was a beautiful hike. At some points, it was tiring, but overall it was amazing. You could see just about everything. The sun was out that day, so it got a bit hot while hiking, but having lunch on the nice, warm stones of the mountain, overlooking the park, was one of the best parts. Kids everywhere should be able to experience the outdoors,
This shot is devastatingly effective, and affects very little meat in the process. And the secret to bullet placement is to practice at the range with the ammo you are going to use hunting. Put enough rounds through the action so you know firearm’s – and your own – capabilities with respect to accuracy at various distances. Simply put, the same deer rifle you’ve been using all your life is more than adequate for your Maine moose hunt if you use the proper ammunition and aim for the heart-lung area.
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no matter where they live. Just going to an aquarium for a school field trip may spark an interest in marine biology that they never knew they had. Going camping, hiking, biking, or even just taking a walk can be beneficial to a child’s physical state, as well as their emotional state. Being outdoors is an important and unique experience. Use it well.
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Let the moose get broadside, and then aim for a point about one foot below that big, black hump. The result will be a quick, ethical kill. Photo by Steve Carpenteri
������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • September 2020 • 37
— Guest Column —
The King of the Forest by J. Birney Dibble, MD Quietly, tensely alert, he stalks through the leafless tag alders with the aplomb of a king reviewing his honor guard. He lifts each three-toed foot with infinite precision and places it unerringly directly in front of him. With each step his crowned head bobs in concert. It’s a chicken-like bob, but there’s nothing ludicrous nor unseemly about it. Rather it conveys a fluxive artistry, the posturing of a noble aristocrat. A sudden gust of wind swooshes through the alders. Overhead a small branch cracks like a pistol shot. The ruffed grouse freezes, feathers sleek, tail pointed straight down, neck elongated, head up and beak outstretched. Take your eyes off him, then look back. He’s gone, and in his place is a short broken-off stump – with one beady eye searching the hostile forest. Imperceptibly, his head turns in a full half circle, and you see the other eye, dark brown, almost black. For a full minute, perhaps longer, he remains motionless. Slowly his head comes around again and he resumes his trek. He enters a dense stand of Norway pines, some mere saplings, but most twenty to thirty years old, sired by a two hundred year old giant that still stands only fifty feet away from the grouse’s destination.
Without pausing even for a moment, the grouse jumps up onto a huge log thirty feet long and almost two feet in diameter. Still without hesitation, he struts directly to the exact spot on the log where he drummed last year, and where he has drummed this year since the snow melted and the vernal equinox turned winter into spring. The downed tree which the grouse has claimed is covered with thick, dark green moss, except for a small spot measuring about three by five inches. Here, where his feet have dug in hundreds of times, he has worn away the moss and soft grey outside wood and exposed the yellow inner timber. On the log and on the ground are his droppings – the fresh ones small grey cylinders, the older ones like fluffy, light brown caterpillars. Motionless he stands, tail furled behind him, wings cupped easily at his side, breast thrust out slightly, neck elongated, beak pointing straight in front of him. His black eye is accented by spots of white directly fore and aft. His brownish crest is thrown upward several inches and blows gently in the breeze. “Here am I,” his manner says, “the King. Here am I, the lord of this part of the forest. This is my log, my pines, my oaks and
alders, my lake there through the scrub. This is where I live, and where my mate will come to meet me, and where I will die. “And this is where I drum.” For half a minute his head turns slowly from side to side. He scours the shadows for fox and coyote, scans the skies for hawk and owl. His tail is now partially fanned out, the black and white bars showing plainly in the bright sunlight. Deftly he drops the tip of his tail onto the log and locks it there for balance. He puffs out his crest, wiggles his shoulders a little as if to arrange them into the proper slot, and then settles his whole body downward so that his rump is only an inch off the log. He no longer bears any resemblance to the graceful grouse who just pranced to his drumming spot. Rather he is a rectangular mass of feathers perpendicular to the ground. With a quick but easily perceived motion he flips his wings straight backward and swings them together in front of him with a swift clapping movement. A deep boom resounds through the brush. Even though you are watching the production of the sound, you scarcely can believe that it didn’t come from behind you or above you or a hundred yards be-
“Here am I,” the ruffed grouse’s manner says, “the King. Here am I, the lord of this part of the forest. This is my log, my pines, my oaks and alders, my lake there through the scrub. This is where I live, and where my mate will come to meet me, and where I will die. And this is where I drum.”
hind the grouse in the forest. Still maintaining his rectangular shape, he settles his shoulders and slumps his body, then beats the air again – and again – and again. Each boom follows the previous one by a slightly decreased interval of time, until his wings are a brownish blurrrr and the sound a ventriloquistic whirrrrrrrr. His wings never touch in front of him, nor do they ever touch his body. Coincidental with the finish of the drumming, he tucks his wings against his body and with one fluid motion straightens his legs, throws his tail up behind him and fans it. The entire performance has taken eleven seconds. Proudly he stands, inert, alert, wary.
Then he seems to relax just a bit, his neck not stretched out quite so far, his tail not quite so stiff. He rests. For about three minutes. Then he gradually regains the regal pose he affected only minutes before. His head turns slowly, his eyes catching every subtle movement in his immediate environment. Then his tail drops, his breast puffs like a pigeon’s, his body settles onto the log, his wings flip backward. And he drums. He drums for hours, every two to four minutes. Then without warning he slowly marches down the log toward the root end, leaps gently to the ground, and disappears into the shadows. A few hours later, fed and rested, he (Continued on next page) www.MaineSportsman.com
38 • September 2020 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————
Senior Moments In mid-July, I went back to work. The bass in the pond out front had been caught so often they were swimming around with band-aids on their mouths. The ospreys were feeding on crappies, since the alewives had ended their spring spawn. The woodpeckers had decided to chase the songbirds off my feeders. The only good thing about July is that it’s followed by August and September. Of course, we all know August and September are when we seriously start planning and packing for a moose hunt. I pride myself in being the “designated driver” on a moose hunt. One must be able to creep along and spot the elusive beasts. Once spotted, the skill and experience of alerting the permittee, stopping the vehicle, and marking the shot. My Wife, the Moose Hunter A few years back, my wife was chosen for a bull permit. Being a new moose hunter, she wanted to practice hunting from a vehicle so she would be successful. She approached this as she does most tasks: in
Looking down the road, I saw a huge animal with antlers. It was the beast we’d come for. However, I couldn’t notify the others, because I couldn’t remember what the animal was called.
steps. Step 1. Grab door handle. Step 2. Open door. Step 3. Exit vehicle. Step 4. Insert magazine. Step 5. Aim. Step 6. Shoot. Saturday and Sunday before the hunt saw her practicing these 6 steps repeatedly. Come Monday morning, she was ready. Except there wasn’t a moose to be seen. 12 hours of creeping over rutted gravel roads after the 90-minute drive at daybreak to get to our secret spot. Staring into the forest. Staring out the windshield for a sighting. Then the 90-minute drive after dark back to camp. Tuesday was an-
King of the Forest (Continued from page 37)
wends his way back. He hops up and takes his place on the worn yellow spot on the moss-green log. Poor bird, you think, tied inexorably www.MaineSportsman.com
other 12-hour day of bouncing along the logging roads. Staring into in forest. Staring out the windshield. Throughout these days, I was giving encouragement and support. I was cheering her endurance on. I was praying we’d see a moose on Wednesday. Wednesday morning, our luck changed. After the 90-minute drive at dawn, and after four more hours of creeping along, I spotted a gut pile of a moose on the roadside. I slowed the truck and pointed and exclaimed, “There’s one,”’ momentarily forgetting the term “gut pile.” My wife immediately proceeded to complete Steps 1 through 4, after which she expressed her disappointment in my
lack of verbal clarity. Thursday of her week we did score a nice bull. Island Boy (Mike) and Me Another hunt found me once again in the north woods, this time with Island Boy, in pursuit of a bull moose. He had been chosen in the lottery for his first permit. This hunt found me driving again, with Mike riding shotgun. He had mastered calling the moose for several years now. His #2 son had joined us on the hunt. We had mounted the “Moose Ridah” tower on my truck. Nick was perched way up high, with a good view. After an unsuccessful morning, we decided to park and take a break. Island
to his instincts, drumming incessantly, off and on, night and day – and then you realize this is what it’s all about for a ruffed grouse. He drums because he has to, because he wants to, because he would be frustrated if he couldn’t. He’s there still, as I pen these words,
Boy needed to close his eyes for a bit. I had set up my folding chair so I could look down a long stretch of logging road, probably 700 yards or so. Mike was in the cab with Nick’s buddy, who was really chatty. Mike exited the truck, bemoaning the fact the kid would not shut up. Then Mike did a few calls. We instantly heard a reply behind the truck. He kept the beast coming and answering him. Mike was calling and waiting. As all this was happening, a nice bull stepped out into the logging road in front of me, about 200 yards or so. As happens sometimes, I simply could not remember what the beast was called. I knew what it was – just couldn’t find the word! Luckily, Nick happened to look my way and said, “Moose”! Then I remembered the word …. Mike came around the front and dropped it in its tracks. I can’t wait for this year’s hunt, as Island Boy was picked again. He has me practicing saying “Moose!”
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establishing his niche in the ecosystem, regal and haughty, the little drummer boy grown up into an imperial, majestic, sovereign soul. The King of the Forest. All Hail!
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������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • September 2020 • 39
“All in a Day’s Work” – Part 3 Camping by Plane Years before dirt roads opened automobile access to places like the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, sportsmen often used seaplanes to reach favorite fishing and hunting grounds. Upon reaching a destination, the plane would taxi to a campsite containing a canvas shelter, rustic beds, chainsaw-planked tables, and stone firepits. Downwind from the tent ground, outdoorsmen might find an open-air toilet made from two split cedar shingles nailed v-shaped across logs over a dug hole. After dropping off passengers and supplies, the pilots would arrange to return at a designated day and time. Allagash Lake was one of many such destinations they serviced.
Float plane. Photo by Currier Flying Service
Due to the limited space aboard the planes, only essential items were flown in or out. Provisions such as Coleman lanterns, cooking utensils and other essentials were stored in wooden supply boxes near the tent ground. One such container can still be found among the trees beyond the Cove Site. Today’s visitors delight when they stumble onto the relic, and carefully pry open a rusted hinged cover to see whether anything was left behind.
Photo of N. Sawyer camp at Edes on Allagash Lake. T. Caverly Collection
It was Day #2 of my patrol. At dawn, I awoke to a day that was already too warm. My plan was to canoe down the lower stream and spend the evening at Lock Dam on Chamberlain Lake. I was looking forward to seeing my wife and daughter the following night. Update on Poachers While I was loading my canoe for the trip, my two-way radio beckoned: “2248 to 1700.” “Go ahead.” “Thanks for the information on those campers who left the Allagash Lake cove campsite in a hurry yesterday,” my warden friend said. “Our aircraft was in the area when their plane took off from Johnson Pond. The pilot followed the aircraft to Cobbossee Lake, where both landed. The warden pilot checked the two fishermen and found violations of 20 trout over the limit, and a short togue. The pair have been summonsed for the fishing violations, for leaving an unattended fire, and for littering. I will send you the court date, as I may need you to testify. Good work.” “Affirmative – happy to help.” Paddling; Observing Settling in my canoe, I wondered what the rest of the day would bring. I paddled by the Ice Cave Campsite, and entered the widest part of the lake. A southwest wind rocked my canoe, as wave after wave splashed against the starboard side. I bladed diagonally along the rollers so Mother Nature would help me track the two miles toward the lower watercourse. Automatically, I scanned for other travelers who might be on the water, but didn’t see any. I hoped everyone would remain on their sites until the lake calmed. Nearing the Outlet Campsite, I floated by the remains of an old Roll Dam, and guided my canoe on the rough water through the narrow opening of the stream. On the shore, I saw a group of girls – the same group I had encountered the day before when I had helped rescue an injured member of the party and arrange air transport to a hospital. I eddied the canoe and paused to visit. Fortunately, the leader had anticipated the gathering blow, and this morning
she had her unit on the water at daybreak. Thanks to early planning, everyone had arrived at the Outlet before the heavy wind.
Roll Dam Outlet of Allagash Lake. T. Caverly photo
The leader told me she planned a late breakfast and would then continue downstream three miles to Little Allagash Falls to camp for the night. As I wished them a good trip, once again my voyage was interrupted by the two-way radio. “Greenville Dispatch to 1700.” “Go ahead.” “Regarding yesterday’s transport – the hospital has notified us that while the female is weak, she is resting comfortably and will be OK. If you see her group, please advise the leader.” “10-4 – Roger. Am with them now.” Having overheard the exchange, all members of the group cheered at the welcome news. The radio operator comes back on the air and said,“10-4, 1700 – I copied their reply. Glad everything’s OK.”
Little Allagash Falls D. Bennett photo
Little Allagash Falls and Beyond From Allagash to Chamberlain, the elevation drops 93 feet rapidly, so continuing downstream I quickly passed Otter Brook, reaching Little Allagash Falls in good time. (Continued on page 42) www.MaineSportsman.com
40 • September 2020 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————
Moose Hunting Tops Aroostook’s September Sportsmen’s Smorgasbord Instead of Rock-Paper-Scissors, Aroostook sportsmen play “Fur-Fins-Feathers” during September. There’s late-season casting and trolling for several species of fish, bear season is in full swing, and early goose season for native honkers runs most of the month. On top of that, for the
lucky lottery winners the Crown of Maine’s productive half-dozen moose hunting zones open for the first season of 2020. There are too many options and too few days this month, but if you plan accordingly it’s possible to cast a fly rod in the morning and swing a shotgun in the afternoon. Or
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vice versa – any combination will work; just don’t waste a day! Bag a Bull Most hunters with the good fortune to get a moose permit are just thrilled to experience a rare hunt and put some delicious meat in the freezer. But somewhere lurking in the back of their mind is the inkling, the hope, the true desire to bag a truly big bull with a wide, heavy set of antlers. Aroostook County is the land that holds those dreams and sometimes grants those wishes. These are two basic approaches to moose hunting success “Up North”: pick one, stick with it, and have faith. Probably the most common style of moose hunting is drive-andscan, and in Zone 6 where I live and hunt, this style of moose out-
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Many September moose are in rut, making them susceptible to calling. Seth and Destin Rooney of Easton needed only 10 minutes to coax this 52-1/2 inch rack bull, which dressed 867 pounds, out onto a woods road.
ing is very productive. The vast patchwork quilt of varied crop agri-fields, woodlots and small ponds offer excellent habitat, and while dusk and dawn are prime time for sighting, moose can be spotted traveling throughout the
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day. The extensive number of secondary and gravel roads along with thousands of field road, two-tracks and logging and ATV tracks offer amazing access to prime moose cover and feed fields. For sit-and-watch hunters, the spider web of byways and open crop land also offer the advantage of open shooting scenarios, and once a good shot is made, it’s often possible to drive right up to the downed animal for gutting and loading – much simpler than most woodland recovery situations. Another great asset for sit-and-watch or drive-and-scan moose outings throughout Aroostook is the vast number of broccoli fields. Tasty, green florets of broccoli entice moose just like cotton candy draws kids at a (Continued on next page)
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Sights like this feeding quartet are not uncommon in The County, producing an open shot and fairly easy handling and loading. (Continued from page 40)
carnival. Visit Route 223 and its side roads between Caribou and Limestone to spot a big bull in fresh broccoli. DeLorme’s Atlas, Map 65, B-3 will pinpoint a scouting region. South, between Fort Fairfield and Easton, drive the Dorsey and Gray Roads, and farther along Route 1A travel the Ladner Loop to the Graham and Hersom Roads. Lots of crop fields, pastures, swales and small wood
Salmon like this fat, feisty specimen are just as prevalent in the fall as in the spring in the thoroughfares that connect the Fish River Chain of Lakes.
lots, perfect moose haven on Map 65, E-4. Even after receiving a farmer’s permission, take special care to avoid damage to land and crops if you harvest a moose and need to retrieve it. Call of the Wild More and more early September season moose hunters are turning to calling to bring their quarry to them and away from thick forest where retrieval can be a major chore. A bit of pre-season scouting to locate
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well-used trails and wallows, or to actually spot the animal regularly traveling and feeding, helps establish likely calling locations. Also, some sportsmen prefer to spend more time in the woods than riding, and there are very few experiences in life that equal the thrill of personally calling and coaxing a 1,000-pound behemoth close enough to smell. Close up and personal is especially exciting to bow and hand-
As spawning season gets underway, many trout and salmon from the Fish River lakes move into the thoroughfares connecting the waterways, so there’s still time to fit in an autumn outing!
gun hunters – nothing compares to hearing a bull respond and then watching and listening to its progress through the trees and brush to locate a mate or sparring partner. Plenty of moose
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42 • September 2020 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————
The County (Continued from page 41)
DeLorme’s Atlas, Map 68, E-3 will put you in calling country. Up in the North Woods, through Ashland and Six-Mile Checkpoint, I’ve seen a lot of moose and moose sign while scouting for deer and partridge and fishing the regional brooks. Travel the Pinkham Road to Mile 27 and the Chandler Mountain Road on one side and the Craigville Road opposite – calling sites abound along each logging road. DeLorme’s Map 57, B-3 will guide newcomers.
Cross Connector While numerous fall fishing sites produce autumn action, a handful yield not only consistent strikes but a good chance to take a fairly big trout or salmon on a fly. All the connectors among the Fish River Lakes deserve some attention, but the Cross/Mud thoroughfare offers several benefits. Route 161 bridge over the stream in Guerette is right beside St. Peter’s General Store, which features food, gas, sundries and fishing
Ranger on the Allagash (Continued from page 39)
A half a mile farther downstream, I rounded a bend and saw two people traversing their canoe upstream. Pleasantly surprised, I greeted my friend State Senator Rick Bennett and his wife Karen. Senator Bennett’s family has a long history of respecting and educating others about the natural experiences offered by the Allagash.
supplies, and, best of all, current fishing info from Jules on where, when, and what flies are productive. There’s lots of room to park close at hand, and simple access to the thoroughfare that can easily be waded, even with hip boots. This time of year as autumn looms, large brookies and landlocks move into the lake connecting streams to spawn, presenting great streamer and wet fly opportunities. I favor colorful streamers in sizes 3X, 6 and 8 – fish are extremely aggressive during spawning, and attack
the vivid patterns more readily than bait fish imitations. There’s a one-fish limit on both species, but at this time of year its best to play and release quickly for the sake of propagation. Don’t forget – it’s artificial lures only this month on all these thoroughfares. If you have more time and a boat, the other five lake connectors are well worth a visit. For Cross/Mud, look over DeLorme’s Atlas, Map 68, D-3, and enjoy one last fall cast.
¶
After a quick hello, I continued along. So far, the day had proven uneventful. Farther downstream, I paused on the south side of the stream to inspect a nearby 7-Islands harvesting operation. I was pleased to note that the company was practicing sustainable forestry along the wilderness corridor. Here We Go Again Near dark, I arrived at Lock Dam, where I was greeted by the Lock Dam Assistant Ranger. After supper, while I was preparing for bed, my radio once
again summoned me. “Michaud Farm to 1700.” “Go ahead,” I replied. “We had a party just arrive from Five Finger Brook,” the ranger stated. “They reported seeing a human skeleton lying in the river, near the first island north of Gamash Brook. Are you available in the morning to help search?” “10-4,” I replied. “I’ll meet you at Henderson Brook Bridge at 11 a.m.” It looked like my plans for the following day had just changed.
¶
Wildlife Quiz Answers: Common Loons
1. The native range of the loon includes Alaska, North America, Mexico, Europe, Africa and even rarely in Japan. 2. The various calls of the loon signify perceived threats, territorial disputes, distress, mating, and communication of their location. 3. The most common loon vocalization
is the tremolo, or “laughing” call. 4. The loon sexes look alike, though males are significantly larger and heavier than females. 5. Loons are able to dive underwater as deep as 200 feet. 6. In addition to fish, loons eat a wide range of prey, including clams, crayfish, insects and even aquatic
There are some hefty trout and salmon to be hooked and played in The County. Here, Mike Wallace poses for a quick photo before releasing this beauty.
(Quiz on Page 29)
plants. 7. Biologists have estimated that a pair of loons raising two chicks feed on approximately 1,000 pounds of fish during the 6 months they spend in their breeding grounds. 8. The loon can live up to 20 years, with the maximum recorded age being 29 years 10 months.
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Where’s the Meat? It was May 4th, 1979 when I walked up the steps to the front door of the mobile home in the Town of Garland, Maine. It was easy to see through the window that two women were busy carving up the hind quarter of a large animal on the kitchen table. As a result of what I was observing through the window, I knew that one part of the case involving the bull moose that had been illegally killed a couple of days earlier would be wrapped up rather quickly. However, bringing other involved parties to justice would prove a little more challenging. Search Warrant Needed for Other Home I finished up at this residence after gaining what additional information I could, including the fact that “the boys” had killed the moose in the Town of Kingsbury while on a smelting expedition to Kingsbury Pond. I had only accounted for one quarter of the moose, and I had yet to deal with the folks who’d actually killed the animal, so there was much more work ahead. It was now early evening, and I determined that my next step should be to obtain a search warrant for another residence in the Town of Garland. Since it was after
normal working hours, I needed a place to fill out the paperwork required to submit a request for a warrant to a judge. The Dexter police department allowed me to use their office, and I set to work around 8:30 p.m. Time was crucial, since I was sure the suspects would be warned the Warden Service was hot on their trail. In order to get a warrant approved I needed to find a judge to review and approve my application. During a phone conversation with the Piscataquis Sheriff’s Department, I learned that a local judge would be stopping at their department around 11:00 p.m. to pick up some paperwork. I worked as quickly as I could to complete my application, and was waiting at the sheriff’s office in Dover-Foxcroft when the judge arrived. The judge approved a daytime warrant. I returned home to Corinna and called Sgt. Bill Allen (former Maine Sportsman columnist) to see if he could give me a hand the first thing in the morning. “I’m Innocent, I Tell Ya!” Soon after daylight, we arrived at the residence in question and located the owner and his girlfriend. Not surprisingly, the man seemed to expect us,
and acted with great confidence as he expounded on his innocence. As I’d expected, it was clear he’d gotten word that he needed to dispose of the evidence. Bill and I began to search, believing we could find something even if an attempt had been made to sanitize the place, but we could not find a trace of anything. I was frustrated in my inability to find anything to indicate any parts of a moose had been there. As this was going on, our suspect was getting more cocky and smug with each passing minute. We had reached a point where we were considering it was a lost cause, but as Bill and our suspect were speaking in the front yard, I decided to take one more trip around the outside of the residence. As I was walking past a bunny rabbits’ pen that was half open and half covered, I bent down to investigate the covered part and could see a white five-gallon joint compound bucket. I thought that was odd, as it was too tall for bunnies to eat out of. I reached in, pulled it to me and found it full of moose steaks. As I proceeded to carry it around to the front yard and approach Bill and the suspect, who was facing away from me, I
I saw nothing suspicious beside the barn -- only a dog’s dish. Then I took a closer look.
could hear him telling Bill, “See, I told you I didn’t have anything!” Bill then pointed to me, and asked him, “What’s he carrying?” The guy turned toward me, put his hands over his forehead and let out a groan. Next Stop: St. Albans From this encounter, more information was obtained indicating the rest of the moose was located in the Town of St. Albans. I would need to get another search warrant for that location, but we also knew the occupants there would have also been busy stashing the evidence. Bill and I enlisted the help of wardens Norman Gilbert and John Ford to go to Skowhegan and work on obtaining a search warrant. Meanwhile, Bill and I decided to go directly to the residence and see just who lived there and
explore the possibility of having a conversation with them. That endeavor was shortlived, as we did learn who resided there but were unceremoniously asked to leave. We did leave, but took up a position where we could observe the property from afar. Subsequently, two young men loaded up the back seat of a sedan with several bags and took off down the road. We felt obliged to stop the vehicle, only to find the bags full of stuffed animals. The young men enjoyed a good laugh at our expense. However, one of the guys had made the mistake of wearing a woolen jacket that had some moose hair stuck to his sleeve. A Second Warrant, and Man’s Best Friend We returned to our observation spot, and by mid-afternoon the (Continued on page 46) www.MaineSportsman.com
44 • September 2020 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————
MacGyver Rig Saves Tom’s Day It seems that the more complex our collection of fishing gear becomes, the more susceptible it is to malfunction or accident. Case in point – fish locators. Many of us, including me, have come to depend upon these scions of World War II radar. These devices help us locate fish, show us how deep the fish are, give us water temperature readings, and indicate depth. Fish locators are especially useful when targeting schooling species, such as white perch or black crappies. Fish locators come in a variety of configurations, from the basic $100 model with a minimum of functions, to do-all, be-all units costing upwards of $1,000. For me, the basic unit works fine. All fish locators, no matter the price or the number of bells and whistles, have one thing in common, and that is a transducer. Transducers are where it all happens. They are responsible for sending signals down to the bottom and bouncing them
back up again for the fish locator to interpret. Transducers are either directly mounted to the stern via bolts or, in the case of some portable units, held on by a suction cup. Lost Cup My portable fish locator uses a suction cup to attach the transducer to the stern. I prefer this to a stationary mount, because sometimes when launching a boat, especially during times of low water, a permanently mounted transducer will become damaged by hitting rocks or even the bottom. A suction cup mount needn’t be attached until the boat is floating safely in the water. One day this summer, my transducer and suction cup unit bounced out of the boat on a bumpy road. I didn’t know it, though, until a kind motorist motioned me to stop. He said my boat was dragging something. It was the transducer unit. Even worse, the suction cup had parted ways with the transducer. There was no use retracing my
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route, since chances of finding the lost cup were almost nil. So I kept on and launched my boat. Out on the water, the need for the fish locator became glaringly apparent. I was seeking schools of white perch on a relatively new water. Then an idea struck me. Might the thing work after all by just going at the slowest possible speed and holding the transducer in the water by hand? Well, it kind-of worked, but not very well. Clearly, this was not a viable alternative to the suction cup. So I just dropped the transducer on the bottom of the boat and chalked it up as a loss. Then a funny thing happened. I had forgotten to turn the fish locator off, and all of a sudden, it began working perfectly. This amazed me. And then the pieces fell into place. It had rained recently, and some rainwater remained inside the boat. The transducer sat in this thin layer of water, and was sending its signals through the boat hull. Then I recalled that when ice fishing, it is possible to cut a shallow hole in the ice, pour water in it and set the transducer in the water. That allows it to perform perfectly. MacGyver Fix Now, with my fish locator working again, it was time to put it through its paces.
Fish locators are invaluable when trolling for salmon or trout, as these successful anglers would attest. Tom Seymour photo
Normally, with the transducer mounted outside the boat on the stern, the thing loses contact at even moderate speeds and stops working. To see if this would happen with the new configuration, I gunned the motor, and still the readout continued as hoped for. Also, a rear-mounted transducer often kicks up something like a mini-roostertail when traveling at high speeds. With the thing inside the boat, that didn’t happen. I fished all day, and my transducer worked perfectly fine. This got me to thinking that perhaps there was no need to order a new suction cup. But for the future, it might be nice to have a more elaborate setup, rather than simply relying upon leftover rainwater. While still in the planning stage, I propose building some kind of small, rectan-
gular, retaining wall. Then, all it would require to make the unit work would be to pour a small amount of water into the contained space, and set the transducer in it. We shall see how this works, but I have high hopes. Other Fixes While certainly not advocating for MacGyver-type contraptions as a permanent fix, it’s nice to know that there is more than one way to address a problem. One of the most interesting MacGyver stunts I ever saw was one man’s homemade outboard motor. The man and his wife backed their boat in at the landing at a Central Maine pond. I immediately noticed something odd about his outboard motor. It was a lawnmower motor attached to an outboard motor shaft. Had I not seen it, I (Continued on page 46)
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Lou Prays for Cooling Rains in September I was staring eyeto-eye with a landlocked salmon. This puzzled me for a moment, because standing six feet four inches tall, my eyes are almost six feet above water level, while salmon swim underwater. But I was wading three feet deep, and quickly realized a feisty landlock had hooked himself and immediately jumped several feet into the air in front of me. Conflicting river currents had disguised the take, and I hadn’t even realized I had a fish on until my eyes found his, at a distance less than is recommended for social distancing. Fishing Seasons This fly-fishing memory is but one of a myriad of recollections I have of September fly fishing in Maine, along with big colorful brook trout in spawning colors, and cool, crisp days glowing from a palette of colorful foliage. I also recall crowded rivers, frustrating fishless days without even a chance at a decent fish, and icy mornings with numb fingers. Autumn fishing is as unpredictable as an M. Night Shyamalan film (e.g., The Sixth Sense, Unbreakable). Spring fishing presents more certainty. In June, cool water and emerging aquatic insects keep game fish actively feeding in rivers, streams, and on
the top of the water column in ponds and lakes. Anglers doesn’t always catch trout or salmon – this is fishing, after all – but more often than not they at least see active fish and have a chance at hooking a few of reasonable size. In September, fishing is inconsistent and the timing tricky. You might revel in the best fishing day of your life; sometimes a wall-worthy, bragging-size, jaw-dropping trophy brook trout (along with a few of his friends), or perhaps a blitz of a half-dozen hefty salmon in about as many casts. You can also fish for several days and experience action best
described as Deadsville – not a fish landed and not even a sign of any. My buddies and I have a joking reference to a day like this – we describe it as “a chemical spill” (as in, “It was like an overnight chemical spill killed all the fish in the river”). Rain, Please Fall fishing success is often weather-dependent, and I don’t know if it is a result of climate change or just rotten luck, but Maine Septembers over the last decade have been an extension of summer – warm and dry. This leads to low river flows and water temperatures high enough to keep salmo-
September salmon. All photos: Lou Zambello
nids inactive. I always take river water temperatures in mid-September, and in recent years often find readings in the upper 60s or even low 70s. When the water is clear and low with the sun illuminating every pebble on the bottom, fish seem to disappear – hiding, no doubt. Meager food sources don’t tempt the fish to
feed in exposed locations. Newly hatched mayfly and caddis nymphs are miniscule. Aquatic insect emergences are rare, and terrestrials start to disappear after the first frost. All the above factors can make it tough. Mature fish may not migrate from their deep-lake summer (Continued on next page)
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46 • September 2020 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————
Freshwater Fly Fishing (Continued from page 45)
haunts into shallower waters until after the season is over. Any trout or salmon reachable by anglers are spooky or inactive. Ahh, but September can be glorious as well. Sometimes, spates of water from fall rains raise the rivers, bringing up schools of fresh salmon into the quickening currents – they act like teenagers on spring break, full of energy and appetite. And they haven’t seen an artificial fly for months. I remember hooking countless crazy salmon over several days and never changing my fly until it was eventually just a bare hook with unraveled tinsel and bit of marabou. I also recall nymphing a deep riffle with a size18 pink Copper John and feeling the distinctive slow head shake of what would be a threepound male brook trout in full spawning colors. A week before, that fish would have been swimming the thermocline 20 feet deep in a large mountain lake.
Decisions Decisions The unpredictability of September salmonid fishing brings with it a conundrum of possibilities. Where are the fish going to be? What patterns will trigger a strike? My fly vest this time of year is always bulging with fly boxes. It is so bulky that it doesn’t hang down my sides but extends outward, like I am wearing an over-inflated life vest one size too small. The September angler has to carry a wide variety of fly patterns. Pre-spawn trout and salmon aggressively attack bright yellow, orange and red colors. They will often ignore the match-the-hatch patterns, and nail size-6 gaudy dry flies or bizarrely colored wets. Nonetheless, I have also seen impossibly large brook trout rising to tiny emerging midges and ignore every artificial except a size-24 yellow midge larval pattern. Often, when fresh fish are migrating through high water, meaty streamers are
True Tales (Continued from page 43)
other wardens arrived with the search warrant. Upon initiating our search, we concentrated on a small barn where the moose had likely been processed. I had never seen a barn floor so spotless as that one. In fact, the entire
Trout Fishing (Continued from page 44)
would not have believed it. Not wanting to miss the show, I tarried as the couple pushed off. The guy cranked on his ersatz “outboard,” and it putt-putt-putted to life. The thing smoked quite a lot, probably from worn www.MaineSportsman.com
the way to go. But (and there is always a but in fly-fishing) in popular pools where anglers pound the fish unrelentingly, their finned quarry soon ignores every offering except a well-placed small nymph fished with no indicator. All of this is maddening on some days, but rewarding on others when you guess right before other anglers do. Packed Pools Late-season, crowded waters can challenge angler etiquette. When Septembers are dry, migrating brook trout and salmon tend to wait before ascending streams and rivers and will hold for days in certain river outlets and pools that are well known to anglers. Here, they are severely pressured and frequently snagged. I know of several pools where the fish are visible and surrounded by anglers from sun-up to sundown. These fish must see a thousand casts a day, and they soon hunker down, not actively feeding. Still, they will be caught/ snagged over and over. Just writing this
Mist rising from the water on a cool morning.
During low-water Septembers, brook trout will stack up in small areas, waiting for rain to ascend rivers and streams.
column makes my pulse quickens as I anticipate September. I pray for rain at the right time. I hope for a few glorious fish-filled days, and am willing to endure the frustrating periods in between. And I pledge to avoid the over-fished
pools, even if it lessens my chances, so I don’t add to the melee. I find now that catching one memorable fish in a secluded pool brings more joy than catching three under combat fishing conditions.
¶
place had been scrubbed clean. Naturally, these folks were exhibiting a now-familiar smug attitudes and chuckling while asking us “What are you guys looking for?” For the second time that day I was getting that feeling that we may not find anything. However, just then I stepped out a side door. On the ground
beside the barn, I observed a dog’s dish that was half full of meat. I summoned the property owner to come look at the dish. I asked him, “What kind of meat is that in the dog’s dish?” He turned pale and replied, “I’m going to kill that dog.”
rings and a too-high ration of oil to gas. But it worked. The effort and mechanical expertise it would take to combine a broken outboard with a lawnmower and come up with a workable motor is certainly out of my realm. But there are people out there with the skills to tackle most
any problem.
¶
Persistence Pays The next time something goes awry, don’t immediately assume that there is no solution. Instead, give the MacGyver route a shot. It just might pay off. It did for me.
¶
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Bill Graduates from YouTube University My son Willie and I were fishing the East Outlet with streamers, and having no luck. Maine Guide Chris Russell took pity on us, and whispered into my ear, “Tie a dropper nymph off the back of the streamer.” We followed his advice, and Willie immediately landed the best salmon of the afternoon. The coronavirus pandemic may have changed the way I fish for the foreseeable future. Before the virus rocked the world, I had started taking baby steps towards cleaning up my fly-fishing game. A few casting videos here and a technical “how-to” article there would surely improve my declining
catch rates. Tying up some new flies to go with some impulse-buy gadgets would surely help. The YouTube channel has a video for everything. After searching up “fly-fishing Maine,” the learning marathon began. However, I soon realized all videos are not created equal. Some of the poorer
videos just show some lucky misfit catching a fish. I’m looking for where, when and how. Give me details. Heck – along with the fly or leader recipe, I want to know what size wading shoes he or she is wearing. I have little interest in watching someone reel in a fish on a nameless water using unknown equipment.
Author Bill Sheldon thriving in his element. Here he stops for a leisurely lunch on a sandbar while drifting a river. There’s nothing like a hot shore lunch and a few minutes to kick back and enjoy the river in between slinging streamers for fall run salmon. Bill Sheldon photo
YouTube University The Orvis Company has some highly
informative fly-fishing videos that really help (Continued on next page)
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48 • September 2020 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————
Katahdin Country (Continued from page 47)
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With an eye on doing some “Euro-nymphing” this fall, I also checked out a few George Daniels videos. All this new knowledge came with a price. While watching this video marathon, I kept hitting “proceed to checkout” on my phone. The big brown truck has kept busy traveling between Orvis and the Sheldon
home. Smelt Imitations Timing is, as they say, everything. Around the beginning of this month, salmon and brook trout should start to congregate near the mouth of rivers and streams. Instinct tells these salmonids it’s time to move upstream. These fish have spent the summer in the deeper holes of
ponds and lakes, feeding on smelt. Catching salmonids staging for an up-river run cries out for streamers that imitate smelt. When our annual spring fishing trip to Grand Lake Stream got axed by Covid-19 lodge closures, we flipped our reservation to the third week of September. Next year I hope to return to the previous schedule, since trolling just after ice-out has rated as a new and exciting challenge for me. The plan is to troll in front of the mouth of feeder streams. We love fishing in front of those little blue topo map lines that trickle into the big lake. Of course, no trip to Grand Lake Stream is complete without testing the legendary waters of the stream itself. If the salmon start filling the stream, my waders sit ready to go. Hot Streamers Traditional streamers like the Grey Ghost, Ballou Special, Warden’s Worry, Black Nose Dace and the incomparable Woolly Bugger all produce in the right situation. I personally think color has a lot to do with it. One memorable day on the Moose River between Moosehead Lake and Brassua Lake, salmon wolfed down white streamers. After wearing out all my White Marabou Streamers, I switched to a variety of colors with zero results. A chance glance on the path leading back to the dam uncovered a well- stepped-on White Streamer. (Continued on page 51)
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— Guest Column —
A Small Cabin by Randy Randall I know of a small cabin on a remote lake. It sits right on the shore, but it’s so weathered it blends in with the shrubs and trees. It’s been there for years. The story is the father built it back before WW II by skidding logs across the ice in the winter. It’s only a small place; barely big enough for two. There’s a kitchen with a table and a sleeping loft above. At one time there was a screenedin porch, but they tore that down when they added on. The place is still small, but they built another section about the size of a one-car garage. Not too big – just room for two bedrooms and a bath. You see, they needed more space, because they are living there. Sold Home; Got Rid of Stuff It took a couple of summers to complete the addition; then he retired and they moved to the woods. Just the two of them. Sold their home, got rid of their stuff and moved to the camp. I admire them a lot. It’s not everyone who could manage living off the grid as they do. They live in a wild, unkempt place. There are a few other camps on the lake, but people only come on weekends or in the summer. For much of the year and during the weekdays, the lake is deserted
Ever consider selling your home, your furnishings and your appliances, and living year-round in a cabin on the shore of a remote Maine lake? The author’s friends not only dreamed about it – they did it.
and my friends see no one. Relative Comforts They are resourceful and ingenious. Seven cords of firewood are stacked in the backyard. They bought a high-tech woodstove that pumps out heat without burning through tons of wood. It goes all night. They had a well drilled and put in a septic. That meant electricity, so they bought a generator and two propane tanks. The genset makes 220 volts that runs the well pump and gives them running hot and cold water and a flush toilet. He put solar panels on the roof that keep a bank of 12-volt batteries topped up. That power goes through an inverter and runs their coffee pot and TV. They receive a TV signal, but no internet. Trees and leaves are too dense, the guy
said. Their Dream This is their dream. The two of them had planned and schemed and worked toward this retirement in the woods for years. I admire them because they’re doing it. So many people think about dropping out, going off the grid and living what they think will be a simpler life, but few take the leap. My friends did. This will be their fourth at the lake. Watching Nature’s Show They installed a big sliding glass door in the front of the cabin. They look out on the lake in summer, and during fall they see a panorama of color. In the winter they look at the ice and snow. When the northeasters blow and the wind-driven snowdrifts pile up on the beach, they sit in their
warm easy chairs and watch nature’s show. They let the hours go by. They notice when the wind veers and the snow lets up, and finally someone suggests it might be time for coffee. Living this lifestyle demands a certain creativity and resilience I don’t think many people have today although rural Mainers have a reputation for being tough and self-reliant. Back in the 70s, “back to the land” kids invaded backwoods Maine. They thought they were doing something special living close to the land. Except their Maine neighbors had been living close to nature and the land for generations – nothing special about it. Frozen Pipes Activate Back-up Plan The idea of total self-sufficiency scares
people. Being entirely on your own with your life in your hands alone. Deep into their first winter, the drainpipes froze. He casually said they hadn’t dug the trench deep enough. For the rest of the winter, they shoveled a path to the outhouse. We think of them often, especially during the winter when there’s a bad weather report, but they’ve survived worse. As I said, independence, self-reliance, back to nature, sounds intriguing to many, but most have no idea of the effort and sheer willpower this endeavor requires. My friends have that. But more than anything, they have a vision, a personal philosophy of how they want to live this second act of their lives and I admire them immensely for making their dream come true. Happiness Every day as night settles in and the world turns dark, I have a thought for my friends and wish them the best, snugged down in their little cabin on the lakeshore. I hope they dug the trench deep enough this time, and the backhouse goes unused. One thing I know for sure though – they’re tough, they’re resourceful and they’re happy.
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50 • September 2020 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————
New Federal Policies Will Harm Maine’s Environment In June 2019, four former chiefs of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – three Republican and one Democrat – testified together before Congress to express their deep concerns with how the current administration is reversing five decades of environmental progress. This extraordinary show of bipartisan agreement among EPA heads from the Reagan, Bush I, Bush II and Obama administrations highlighted the serious message they came to deliver – that the federal agency has all but abandoned its public health and environmental missions in favor of positions pushed by industry lobbyists. The current head of the U.S. EPA is Andrew Wheeler, a former coal lobbyist. It is not surprising, then, that the onslaught of rollbacks – over 100 individual changes that weaken environmental regulations, according to the New York Times – includes many geared toward coal and other industry interests, even when public opinion is strongly against the proposals. Real Impact on Maine Many of these changes – some proposed, but many finalized - will have a major impact on Maine’s ability to protect our clean air and water, our fisheries and wildwww.MaineSportsman.com
The author confers with DEP Commissioner Jerry Reid, and together they take stock of current federal environmental trends and the potential impact on Maine. The results are not good news for Maine’s climate, fish or game.
The Saccarappa Dam was removed in 2019 as part of a settlement to provide fish passage at hydroelectric projects on the Presumpscot River.
life habitat, and our outdoor sports economy. Which changes will have the biggest impact on the Pine Tree State? To answer that question, I spoke with Maine’s Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection, Jerry Reid, to ask him what his biggest concerns are today. Weakening State Authority First on his list: changes to the federal Clean Water Act regulations published on July 13, 2020 that will limit the state’s authority to enforce its own water quality standards under Section 401 of the law. Section 401 gave states and Indian tribes the authority to issue “water quality certifications” for proposed activities
that require a federal permit. For decades, the law has given the State of Maine an important say in permits for hydropower dams, oil and gas pipelines, wetland dredging or filling projects, powerlines, and other major projects. Under the federal law, a state could deny or condition certification if it determines a project will have a negative impact on water quality within the state’s borders. Commissioner Reid noted that Maine has used this provision successfully to require minimum flows and fish passage at numerous hydropower projects to restore historic fish runs in our rivers. In the case of the SD Warren dams on the Presumpscot River, the US Supreme Court affirmed a Maine Superior Court ruling that the State of Maine
had the authority to impose conditions on dam license renewals under the Clean Water Act. But the Trump administration rule would unravel that state authority. It is ironic that the administration is seeking to eliminate state autonomy under a law that was designed to delegate program implementation to the states. Maine and several other states have sued to block the change. More Mercury for Maine Maine’s persistent efforts to reduce mercury in our lakes, rivers, fish and wildlife have suffered a serious setback. In June 2020, the U.S. EPA suddenly declared – after decades of regulating air pollution from coal and oil-fired power plants
– that it is no longer “appropriate and necessary” to regulate hazardous air pollutants, including mercury, from those plants. EPA also changed the way they calculate economic costs and benefits of those regulations to tip the balance in favor of polluters. The result will be more mercury pollution in Maine waters. Again, Commissioner Reid said that Maine continues to challenge the change in court to try to reduce airborne mercury emissions so we can someday drop our fish consumption advisories for mercury. More Pollution from Vehicles In another assault on states’ authority to set environmental regulations, the Trump Administration moved to revoke California’s long-standing ability to set stricter auto emissions standards. Maine and many other states have adopted the California low emission standards as a cost-effective way to meet requirements for healthy clean air and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles. As a result of prohibiting California and other states from setting stricter mileage and tailpipe emissions, there are now fewer options available to limit harmful ground level ozone and carbon dioxide from mobile sources. (Continued on next page)
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Much of Maine’s economy is tied to our climate and our iconic fish, wildlife and marine resources. Without serious measures to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, climate change will continue to have negative impacts on moose, brook trout, wildlife, lobsters, ice fishing, and winter sports. Your Vote Matters How we vote really
matters to Maine’s environment and the future of our traditional outdoor activities. Another four years of backtracking on environmental protections, of dismissing science, and of catering to industry lobbyists will harm Maine and our citizens for years to come, especially when our elected officials and state agencies have less authority to make decisions to benefit Maine
people. We may not notice it right away, but when mercury levels rise in our fish, when our lakes and ponds no longer freeze in winter, and when ticks and other pests continue to invade our state, we will suffer the consequences of a federal government that serves big corporate donors before it protects our citizens and our environment.
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The State of Maine has used the Clean Water Act to continuously improve water quality and fishing opportunities on Maine rivers.
Correction: August “Sporting Environment” Photo Captions Several sharp-eyed readers contacted The Maine Sportsman to point out that we had mislabeled three photos in the August 2020 “Sporting Environment” column on ferns found in Maine. The ferns and their correct names are shown here. We apologize for the misidentification, which was the result of an editing error.
Cinnamon Fern
Katahdin Country (Continued from page 48)
Reversing course, I quickly tied the trampled streamer on and proceeded to immediately catch one more salmon. Only color that worked on that day – white. To be clear, I’ve had days that white didn’t work at all. Moral here – keep switching flies until that rod bends. As September drifts towards October, those staging salmonids will enter the river or stream. This gives anglers additional opportunities to net a silverside or a brook trout in full fall colors. Guide Advice A few years back my son Willie and I fished the East Outlet. For those new to fly fishing, the East Outlet starts at the dam on Moosehead Lake and roars all the way to Indian Pond. We were using streamers and having no luck. Fortunately, I ran into Guide Chris Russell, who took pity on us and whispered, “Tie a dropper nymph off the back of the streamer” into my ear. After we took the expert advice, Willie soon landed the best salmon of
Long Beech Fern
the afternoon. Anglers looking to capitalize on this magical time of year without the guesswork would do well to hire a Registered Maine Guide who regularly fishes the targeted water. Adding a second fly doubles one’s chances for hooking up. It can and will cause some issues. I find if I just pay attention and don’t let my casting get too sloppy, it’s fine. I’ve done the dry/nymph deal with some success. Russell was the first one to tip me off to adding a nymph to the tail end of a streamer. My YouTube degree has me fired up to experiment with various tandem nymph arrangements. Name waters certainly attract shoulder-to-shoulder anglers once the word leaks out that salmonids have invaded a river. Many overlooked rivers and smaller streams offer anglers surprisingly good fall angling. Overlooked Hot Spots A short section of river connects Elbow Lake (DeLorme Atlas map 42, B-2) and Quakish Lake. Access is the parking area along Route 11 or the boat ramp where the river spills into Quakish Lake.
Sensitive Fern
Willie Sheldon plucks a salmon from the cool waters of the East Outlet. Fresh salmon coming up from Indian Pond sometimes have a brownish tinge from living in the lake. Anglers unfamiliar with these “dirty” salmon mistakenly think they have caught a brown trout. It takes some time in the river for them to “brighten” up. Bill Sheldon photo
With a name like Salmon Stream, how can any angler resist throwing a streamer or nymph towards the opposite bank? Route 157 crosses Salmon Stream in Medway. Graduating from YouTube University has given me plenty of tricks to try. So far, it’s Chris Russell’s streamer/nymph tandem that holds the record for largest fall salmon.
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52 • September 2020 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————
Take Moose-Watching Off the Bucket List By far the most common question I get when returning from my many Pine Tree State wanderings involves Maine’s most recognizable mascot – the moose. It doesn’t seem to matter if I’ve spent a week bird hunting, drifted multiple sections of the Kennebec or Penobscot River, or just finished a multiday excursion in Baxter State Park, it’s always the same. “Did you see any moose?” wondering minds want to know. Nobody seems interested in learning
how many fish I caught or what kind of critter crossed my path. Coyote-hunting hardly raises an eyebrow. My backwoods wanderings result only in an occasional concerned look crossing the faces of the couch potatoes. It’s obvious that folks head to the north country hoping to get a glimpse of the iconic moose. The hamlet of Jackman has served as a home base for moose watching for decades. With evening temperatures dropping nicely, September serves as an excellent month to observe
Maine’s favorite animal. Because the breeding season starts in mid- to late September, these larger-thanlife ungulates tend to cover more ground during this month. Local Intel Whether scouting for the upcoming season or just looking to spot a moose, most north woods travelers simply ride the roads and keep a sharp eye peeled. Folks who do this get to see some breathtaking country, but they also burn up a lot of petroleum. Years ago, I had a friend who revealed
to us his efficient system for showing folks moose. Early one morning, we drove to a bog located along Route 16. Jumping out of the truck, we noted that most of the tracks in the sand along the road pointed in towards the bog. Se we simply walked down to the edge of the bog and waited. Just as the sun burned through the last of the tree line, two moose wandered into view. We kept our distance, and I believe the moose never knew we were there.
Social Distancing One of the key elements of observing moose in the wild involves giving them space. No sense aggravating a bull moose, one that could well be in full rut by the end of this month. Contrary to popular belief, however, it’s the cow moose with a calf that could decide that cameras flashing away represent a threat to her youngster, and proceed to get ornery. It’s hard to outrun a charging moose, so give them plenty of space. (Continued on next page)
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I’ve found the absolute best way to find moose is to simply ask a logger. These guys spend all day in the woods and see the animals on a regular basis. Logger Knowledge From talking with various woodsmen, I’ve drawn a few conclusions. They usually see the same moose in the same area. However, after a while the moose seems to move on. It’s important to get up-to-date information. Most often, I just stop at log landing sites and strike up a conversation. With the exception of an occasional fathead, most of them seem more than willing to share what they know about the local moose population. Those looking to observe moose in the wild have plenty of real estate to consider along both sides of Route 201 between The Forks and Jackman. This area is heavy with logging activity and those hard-working forestry people. Do be incredibly careful when approaching these folks,
and steer clear when they are operating big machinery. Last Chance Lines The general fishing season concludes at the end of this month. Have your lawyer check the rule book for specific regulations for individual waters before heading out. September rates as one of the better months to wet a line. I’ve invested in some bushy, articulating streamers specifically designed to catch brown trout. In fact, I think I set a new personal record for how much I spent on these new flies. A long time ago a good fishing buddy of mine cautioned me about the next great fly “phase.” “They’re designing these things to catch fishermen, not fish,”
The Jackman Region has a thriving moose population which attracts moose-watchers from near and far. Moose start to mate during the second half of September. I’m sure it took lots of patience to capture this photo of two moose negotiating a date. Richard Seeley photo
he warned me. Well, these “Chocklett’s Mini Finesse Changer” flies by Blane Chocklett grabbed me hook, line and sinker. If they catch fish like he claims, I’ll soon forget the price and order more. With smelt moving in the rivers this time of year, swinging
streamers, both large and small, rates as my preferred method of attack. Browns tend to hold tight to the bank in order to stay out of
the heavy current. It wasn’t until I started really paying attention that I understood this phenome(Continued on next page)
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54 • September 2020 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————
Early Goose Season Early goose season is my favorite time of year, not just because I like to hunt geese more than any other waterfowl, but also because it’s the start of waterfowl season and that’s what gets me excited to get back in the blind and hunt. And even if we don’t have much luck, the weather on a September morning is always warm, so that’s an advantage over hunting during the colder months. I also enjoy bear hunting, and I plan to do some of that, but a mix of both types of hunting – bear and geese – makes for a good start to the hunting season. Plan a Killer Hunt with a Little Homework In my opinion, the best way to be successful at hunting any waterfowl is not in the calls or the decoys – instead, it’s being where the birds want to be. My best hunts are always the ones where I did my homework, scouted before the hunt and we went back to the same place where the ducks had been feeding the day
before. If you are hunting ducks over water, you can pretty much hunt any bog in Maine and kill a bird or two. However, when it comes to goose hunting – especially in a field – I can’t stress how important it is to be in that same spot (or the “X”). Many times, I’ve seen geese land 100 yards away, even though everything – the hide, the calling and the decoys – were perfect, except we weren’t in the exact spot the birds were the day before. Sometimes you get away with it, but most days moving locations comes back to bite you in the butt. Scouting from the School Bus Before I had my driver’s license, I would scan the fields on the way to school while riding the bus. By the weekend, all my scouting was done, and I was ready to start hunting on Saturday morning. If you can find where the geese are going from the roost to the field, the hard work is done the rest is the easy part. We always get up a
Jackman Region (Continued from page 53)
non. Try walking along the very edge of most any stream that has significant current. At some point step out a little deeper, and take note of how much more effort it takes to wade upstream. That’s why those big ole brownies hug the edge of fast water. Of course, brook trout and salmon do the same thing. Slapping the shoreline with www.MaineSportsman.com
couple of hours before shooting time, because waterfowl feed early and sometimes go back to their loaf spot during the day. The Best “Hide” Not Necessarily the Most Expensive The best set-up I found for hunting geese early season is a layout blind, or a cheaper version constructed of burlap. In fact, I find that a burlap covering may actually work better, since most layout blinds’ color scheme is designed to match cut corn, not green grass. So taking a forest camo sheet of burlap and lying under that works just as good if not better than the layout blinds. Place some clumps of the surrounding grass on top, and you will blend in perfectly. If you do this, you’re gonna want something to lie down on. I’ve hunted both with a mat and without one, and I can tell you first-hand – it’s no fun without a mat. So a mat makes a world of difference for comfort. In addition, you can see right through one sheet of
burlap, so you don’t need to cut any holes in it. Cutting holes in fabric to allow you to see better causes your face to stick out visually to the geese, and they pick up on that stuff easily. Decoys Decoys are important, but they are not the most important part – that would be your hide. You don’t have to go out and purchase the best decoys in the world. I know a lot of hunters who just use a dozen old full-body goose decoys, and they kill birds just fine. Calling and flagging also help, but I don’t find a lot of either is necessary – just a few clucks should work for you. After the Hunt Some people argue that hunting in September is useless because they say neither bears nor goose taste good. But I’ve also heard deer isn’t good table fare, and I know that’s not true, so you have to try it cooked right at least once. Goose has to be treated like a high-quality steak –
streamers has proven productive for me while both wading and fishing from my drift boat. Bear Season Bear hunting season (using bait) starts August 31 and runs through September 26. Hunting bear with dogs starts September 14 and ends October 31. Hunting bear, either over bait or with dogs, really calls for the services of
it must not be overcooked. I like to cut it in strips the width of my finger and however long you like it. Then let the strips marinate overnight in the fridge. Allow them to return to room temperature before cooking them – otherwise they will end up tough. I recommend frying the strips in a mix of butter and olive oil in a hot pan. Cook it till it’s crisp on both sides, but do not overcook it. If it cooks too long, it will be tough and dry, and it won’t be good. Fried onions on the side go really well with it, too, and if you want to go even further you can take some cooking wine and a fruit chutney. I prefer mango, but you can use anything, since fruit goes well with waterfowl. So take your cooking wine, pour it in your hot pan after you remove your goose and onions, and deglaze the pan with a spoon full of chutney. I always use just enough cooking wine to cover the entire bottom of the pan.
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a Registered Maine Guide who specializes in bear hunting. Many top-quality guides advertise throughout the pages of The Maine Sportsman. Guides spend countless hours baiting sites. It’s a time consuming, expensive proposition to train and maintain a pack of bear hounds. The average sportsman doesn’t have the time or resources to make this a successful do-ityourself affair.
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September – Moosehead’s Second Spring The author says he rarely gambles, but he’ll wager all the money in his wallet that there’s a 40-pound togue – a new state record – swimming in the waters of Moosehead Lake today. September sees a surge in feeding activity among Moosehead Lake’s trout and salmon. Cool nights and early mornings lower water temperatures to the point that fish no longer hang deep, available only to those using downriggers. Now, lead-core lines and even outfits rigged with fast-sinking fly lines come to the front again. The same tackle and methods that worked so well last spring come into play now. However, fish remain spread out around the lake, as opposed to being congregated as they are during spawning season. Brook trout, which spawn in fall, mark the single exception. Some other qualifications place September high on the list of desirable times to hit the big lake. Springtime fishing often sees cold, wet conditions. Nothing, it seems to me, is colder and more bone-chilling than being out on the lake, trolling, while having to be dressed in winter clothing and wearing gloves to keep the digits flexible enough to hold a rod. Now that’s cold. September, though, sees none of that. “Goldilocks” temperatures predominate – not too hot, and not too cold. For me, that’s
a big deal. Many of us like to pretend that we have Spartan qualities and temperature extremes don’t bother us. But given the choice, few if any would purposely opt for being out in cold, wet conditions as opposed to comfortable, dry situations. Healthy Salmonids Fish in Moosehead Lake are in good condition now, meaning they are healthy and plump. This ranks as a very big deal. Moosehead Lake, as does any lake, sees up-anddown cycles of fish condition. This is all predicated upon the ratio of predator-to-prey – the prey in this case being smelt. The balance appears to be hanging quite near where it should be, and that’s a good thing. One species, togue, also forage on something other than smelt. I mentioned this in a column last winter, but it bears repeating. Togue feed on crayfish, and Moosehead Lake teems with crayfish. Any time a salmonid
can vary its diet, that takes pressure off of the main forage species. This crayfish-eating isn’t solely restricted to togue, either. Most game fish will feed upon crayfish when given the opportunity. I suspect that brook trout, too, will eat crayfish. It’s a natural, after all. Brook trout love to poke around on rocky bottoms – places where baitfish seek cover. Trout also dine on such bottom dwellers as insect larvae. Crayfish live in just such places, and it only seems natural that brookies would feed upon crayfish. We sometimes tend to think inside the box, regarding trout feeding habits. But consider this – I once caught the fattest, 11inch brook trout I ever saw. This was from a freestone stream, and most fish there survived exclusively upon insect fare. But upon cleaning my trout, the most surprising thing
This fat, 4-pound Moosehead Lake salmon was in prime condition, showing the positive effects of a healthy diet of smelt. Eric Holbrook photo
happened. A very live green frog that was in the process of heading toward the trout’s digestive tract, fell out and immediately crawled away. Lucky frog, I’d say. If a trout will eat a frog, it will certainly relish a meal of crayfish. Terminal Gear Terminal gear for September mirrors that used in May. Wobbling lures, smelt and even streamer flies, all work fine now. As per lures, it’s better to use smaller wobblers rather than large or even medium-sized ones. That’s because smaller smelt predominate now – smelt born the
previous spring. Sure, plenty of adult smelt remain, but mini-versions outnumber them. Toward month’s end, water temperatures will have cooled to the point that a sinking fly line and streamer flies will take fish. Cloudy, misty days as well as early mornings and evenings make the best time for trolling with streamers. Again, smaller, single-hook streamers should out-perform the larger, tandem streamers. None of this should be construed to say that larger offerings (Continued on next page)
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56 • September 2020 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————
Moosehead Report (Continued from page 55) won’t work. They certainly will, but you’ll get more hits on smaller lures and flies. Even frozen or preserved smelts will perform better than larger ones now. Whatever you use, if you want the most action possible, use smaller lures, flies and baits. Golden shiners will work fine too, they being of a size
to attract salmonids. Lunker Time I’ve taken some of my biggest trout and salmon in September, and I’m not sure why. But not knowing the reason for something doesn’t diminish the truth of the matter. Knowing that some old monsters go on the prowl in September,
we might be tempted to use the largest offering possible, going by the old axiom that suggests using big lures for big fish. Still, trophy salmon and togue willingly take diminutive offerings now. Here’s an example. The 44-inch, 39.2-pound togue that Erik Poland caught last July in Lower Richardson Lake, testifies to the fact that
big fish will take small lures. Poland caught his state-record togue on a DB Smelt – a 2-inch wobbling lure that is thinner than a pencil. DB Smelts rank high on the list of effective salmonid killers. I recommend them and use them, but offer one caveat. The hooks are tiny, and it is possible to lose a big fish because the hooks cannot penetrate the
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toothy jaw. This clearly wasn’t the case with Erik Poland’s fish, though. Finally, just remember this. Moosehead Lake, the largest in the state, holds some mighty big togue, and I would wager all the money in my wallet that Moosehead Lake holds a 40-pound togue. And I rarely, if ever, bet.
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������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • September 2020 • 57
Hot Fishing and Cooler Weather Awaits Downeast Anglers Meddybemps Lake is crowded with smallmouth bass. While the fish average only 10 inches in length, a few trophies up to four pounds are also caught. Anglers at times catch bass on nearly every cast, and may finish the day landing 80 or more smallies. Downeast anglers are becoming increasingly dedicated to the sport of smallmouth bass fishing – a direct result of the more than two dozen warmwater fisheries in Washington and Hancock County that provide fast tackle-busting bronzeback excitement throughout the fall. These lakes and ponds can be located on DeLorme’s Atlas, Maps 23, 26, and 36. An exceptional bass water is Alamoosook Lake in Orland, Map 23, E-3. This medium-sized water contains 1,133 acres of fertile smallie habitat, with a maximum depth of 28 feet. Bass fishers often use live bait, bass plugs or plastic worms to entice smallmouths in the 2to 3- pound category. Fishing near the small islands, especially French Island, produces most of the trophy-bass action during September. Other quality bass hangouts on this water, according to avid bass angler Mike Cummings of Bucksport, are located in the vicinity of Randall’s Bridge. This area of water, known as the Dead River, contains some fine bass fishing.
Another piece of water where smallies thrive is near the Alamoosook Lake outlet, especially in the coves just before the dam. Alamoosook Lake also provides fast perch and pickerel action during the summer. Easy access can be found by following Route 1 to East Orland. Follow the signs toward the Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery. Wight Pond Anglers looking for less crowded conditions should try Wight Pond, Map 15, A-3. This small, 135-acre pond contains prime white perch habitat. Fast action for worm-eating humpbacks is found near the north end of this water. Another area toward the center of the pond can also produce excellent results. Perch are usually found in six to 30 feet of water. Simple spinning gear works great. Casting a bobber with worms makes a deadly combination for catching these fish. The dawn and dusk hours are the best times to entice these schooling fish to inhale your offering. Wight Pond is also known for its
largemouth bass and pickerel population. Chemo Pond, Swett’s Pond Another water that features blistering bronzeback action is Chemo Pond in Eddington, Map 23, B-5. This medium-sized pond contains quite a few smallies for summer anglers to battle. Even though other warm-water fish thrive in this water, smallmouths are the number one species sought after by July anglers. Bronzebacks in the 2- to 3-pound range are often landed by fall fishers; however, many smaller bass are taken from this water. The boat-launching facility at Chemo Pond is located off Route 9 between East Eddington and Clifton. One last bass pond that offers solitude and great bass fishing is Swett’s Pond in South Orrington, Map 23, C-2. Even though this is a relatively small body of water, it contains excellent smallmouth-bass habitat and a respectable number of fish for anglers to catch. This pond provides a great number of bass in the 1-to 2- pound category.
Meddybemps Lake, located in eastern Washington County not far from the Canadian border, offers fast smallmouth action and a convenient public landing. Photo: LakesOfMaine.org
Washington County Bass Two Washington County lakes that have notable bass populations are Rocky Lake and Meddybemps Lake. Rocky Lake, a 1,555-acre water, abounds with 11- to 13-inch smallmouth bass, and 12- to 14inch largemouths. This lake is located
west of Route 191 in T18ED, Map 26, A-3. According to DIF&W biologist Greg Burr, bass of over three pounds are often caught here during the summer. A boat landing is located at the south end of the lake. Public lands nearly surround the lake. Rocky Lake is fittingly named, as there (Continued on page 62)
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58 • September 2020 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————
Trout, White Perch Highlight Midcoast Fishing in September I fished with Steve Roberts on Seven Tree Pond. and we both were catching big 11- to 12-inch white perch, hand-over-fist. A few bass were mixed in, breaking my concentration. But there are worse things in life than catching a few bass while hauling in perch. What a difference a few degrees can make. By mid-September, trolling for salmonids becomes easier, because fish feed closer to the surface than they did a few short months ago. While a 9-foot trolling rod set in a downrigger still stands as a necessary item, a rod rigged with a sinking fly line replaces the lead-core outfit. Setting the downrigger rod at 30 feet and then letting out a fast-sinking fly line on the other side, puts us in the driver’s seat. Also, some places that have not produced since spring now come back to life. One spot I know has only 20 feet of water and a rocky bottom. Early mornings and evenings see brown and rainbow trout feeding among the rocks. Essentially, then, trout and salmon trolling now means revisiting the same places that produced last May. Conqueror Wind The only downside to trolling in September is that those azure skies and puffy clouds often pair with 10- to 15-mph winds. And wind stands as the enemy of all who www.MaineSportsman.com
troll. Strong winds of 15 mph or more make it difficult to handle a boat. Sometimes I’ll pull in my second rod, and fish solely with my downrigger rod. Even if wind blows the boat faster than hoped for when going with the wind, the downrigger ball sees to it that the bait or lure stays down where I want it. The wind played a part in a trip to Megunticook Lake with The Maine Sportsman contributor David Putnam. David hadn’t trolled for trout before, and so he invited me to go with him and show him the ropes. David’s boat was set up with an outboard motor for going fast, and a bow-mounted electric motor for trolling. We found it difficult to maintain a heading into the wind. Every gust would blow us off course. We had several bites, but because of the wind it was not possible to fully explore every spot on my itinerary. And then a fish struck my preserved smelt. It was a 15-inch brown trout – not a huge fish, but plenty game and a beauty to behold. I remember wishing that David had caught it
instead of me. But at least he learned the ropes and was now equipped to go on his own with a reasonable expectation of success. Find Megunticook Lake on the DeLorme Atlas, Map 14, C-3, D-3. Warmwater Bonanza It’s not just coldwater species that highlight September fishing. Warmwater fish put on the feedbag now, too. September may prove the best month of all for white perch – the quintessential source of fish fries and chowders. Huge schools of perch prowl shallow areas of Midcoast lakes and ponds now, and they are ravenous. Some of my fondest memories go back to my grandpa taking me white-perch fishing in September. We had a 12-foot aluminum boat and tiny motor, sufficient to get us out to where Grandpa knew perch were holding. We used earthworms on spinner-and-bead rigs – standard fare in those days. I recall we often both had fish on at the same time. That kind of action still occurs today, and it can be mind-blowing. And so it was last
Tom’s September brown trout from Megunticook Lake.
September when fishing Seven Tree Pond in Union with Steve Roberts. We arrived with two hours of daylight remaining – more than enough time to fill our coolers. We didn’t need to wait long, either. The first spot we tried, only 50 yards from the boat landing, was full of hungry perch, and we fished for them until the school of fish moved on. Such feast-andfamine action is typical of white-perch fishing. As long as you can stay with the school, they will bite. Sometimes, though, things happen to disconnect you from the action. The time it takes to motor over to where a jig or bait is hung up on bottom and try to free it is more than enough for the school to move on. It’s not easy to relocate a school, either. Sometimes it’s best just to move on in search of another school. Dusk Delight On that trip with Steve Roberts, Steve
used live minnows and circle hooks. I had only just learned how to hook a fish with circle hooks. The thing to remember is not to strike (set the hook), but rather, just begin reeling when you feel a solid take. This lesson would be well-learned before the evening was over. I began with panfish jigs. Using jigs circumvents the need to constantly re-bait the hook – a big plus in my book. But Steve was taking larger perch on his bait than I was taking on my artificials. So it was time to switch. My bait had hardly begun to sink when an 11-inch perch nailed it. Remembering Steve’s advice, I managed to forebear striking and simply began to reel. This resulted in a solid hookup – the first of many. This school contained larger individuals than the first one, and we both caught 11- to 12-inch white (Continued on page 62)
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Jazzy New Tackle from the 2020 ICAST Show Each summer, the American Sportfishing Association holds its International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades Show, known as ICAST, to showcase the latest in fishing tackle and accessories from manufacturers around the world. The shows are normally held in a large U.S. city, and I have attended many of them in the past when I was with Salt Water Sportsman magazine. About all I can say is that the ICAST Show is the biggest candy store in the world for anyone hooked on fishing. There are acres of booths loaded with the newest rods, reels, line, lures, and gizmos to hit the market, and it literally takes two full days to see it all. This year, because
The ICAST Show is the biggest candy store in the world for anyone hooked on fishing. of Covid-19, the show was presented in a “virtual” format rather than in a brick-andmortar convention hall. Nevertheless, there were loads of new saltwater products, and I’ve included a sampling below. And, the last one listed is my all-time favorite! Penn Battle III Reels
bon fiber drag system, and a full metal body to give it the strength and drag to handle serious saltwater abuse. Said to be stronger, smoother and more durable than ever before, the Battle III series has a model for every angler at an excellent value with sizes ranging from 1000 to 10000, along with some select sizes available in high speed ratios. www.pennfishing. com Sea Striker Topwater Poppers
The new Penn Battle III is equipped with the company’s proprietary CNC gear technology, HT-100 car-
The Sea Striker topwater poppers feature premium saltwater hooks with through-wire construction for maximum strength. An internal rattle makes for an irresistible fish-attracting sound, while the life-like eyes help create a realistic look. The wide mouth design helps create more popping action and splashing on the surface. Ideal for stripers and blues, it’s available in two sizes: 4 1/4” (3/4 oz.) and 6” (1 ¾ oz.), with five colors to choose from. www. seastriker.com Seaguar Inshore Leader Material From fishing skin-
ny water to working the jetties to casting from shore, Seaguar’s new leader material is built to handle the toughest inshore challenges. Made from 100% custom Seaguar resins, Inshore offers incredible abrasion resistance with maximum impact and knot strength. It sinks faster and is significantly less visible underwater than mono, and offers the famous Seaguar performance in an economical fluorocarbon that’s perfect for inshore fishing sit(Continued on next page)
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Gimme Six Extended Protection promotion applies to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 07/01/20 and 09/30/20 in accordance with the promo-tion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings applies to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 07/01/20 and 09/30/20. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Instant Savings must be applied against the agreed-upon selling price of the outboard motor and reflected in the bill of sale. There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on creditworthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 07/01/20 and 09/30/20. “Gimme Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2020 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.
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60 • September 2020 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————
Saltwater Fishing (Continued from page 59)
uation. www.seaguar. com Garmin quatix® 6X Solar
Garmin’s new quatix 6X Solar marine GPS smartwatch features solar charging. Its unique power-replenishing feature uses the sun’s energy to extend bat-
tery life up to 24 days. Designed for life on the water, the quatix 6X Solar is preloaded with specialized boating, fishing and cruising capabilities, including nautical charting, and features comprehensive connectivity and built-in activity profiles for a variety of water and land sports. www.buy. garmin.com Rapala X-RAP Magnum Xplode Designed to trig-
ger and withstand the most vicious strikes from the biggest gamefish, Rapala’s new X-Rap Magnum Xplode is said to be the popper that extreme anglers have been waiting for. The lure features a custom, low-position linetie that pulls the lure downward when retrieved, causing the deep-cupped face to
create a monumental surface explosion with every rod sweep. It’s available in six colors and two sizes, 5 ¼” and 6 ¾”, and is armed with VMC 6X Tropic Spark Point Hooks. www.rapala.com Humminbird CoastMaster Charts
Humminbird CoastMaster charts deliver the information needed to fish and
navigate with confidence, offering complete coverage for all U.S. coastal waters on a single card. Anglers can identify fish-holding areas by utilizing detailed depth contours, points of interest, navigational aids, and predictive tides and currents. And as part of the One-Boat Network™, anglers can pair a Humminbird chartplotter and Minn Kota trolling motor with i-Pilot Link to automatically follow a depth contour. www. (Continued on next page)
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������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • September 2020 • 61 (Continued from page 60)
humminbird.com Bubba Extendable Net
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62 • September 2020 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————
Saltwater Fishing (Continued from page 61)
non-slip grip, die-cast aluminum yoke, and PVC-coated nylon netting. www.bubba.com
RC Fishing Surfer Extend your reach
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Downeast Region (Continued from page 57)
are a multitude of rocks and boulders hidden just below the murky brownish water. Canoes or other small carry-in boats are often used in the lake because all the rocks could damage larger, powered watercraft. Rocky Lake also provides good fishing for pickerel, as well as 9- to 11-inch white perch. Another favorite bass water in July
Midcoast Report (Continued from page 58)
perch, hand-over-fist. Fishing with circle hooks became second nature, and I silently chided myself for avoiding them for all these years. Mixed in with the schools of white perch were smallmouth and large-
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¶
is Meddybemps Lake (Map 36, D-4), which is often considered one of the best smallmouth bass lakes in Eastern Maine. Some of the best fishing spots on this water are found around the many small islands. Numerous coves, rocky shoreline and gravel beds create ideal bass-spawning habitat. Even though bass are abundant, there average size is limited due to overpopulation. Smallmouths average around 10 inches; however, a few trophies up to
four pounds are caught. Anglers at times catch bass on nearly every cast, and may finish the day landing 80 or more smallies. Crank bait and plastic worms seem to catch the majority of bass. This water also contains a lot of 10- to 12-inch white perch. Pickerel are also present in the lake. The public boat launch is off Route 214 in Meddybemps.
mouth bass. Every once in a while, a bass would nail our bait. This pleased Steve, but I found the bass a nuisance, since I was single-mindedly concentrating upon white perch. On the other hand, there are worse things to complain about than catching bass while perch fishing. We arrived back at the landing by dark, after hav-
ing one of the most action-packed fishing adventures I had seen for many years. See Seven Tree Pond on Map 14, D-1. So please partake of what nature offers – if you can get out on the water this September, I urge you to do so. You won’t find better fishing.
¶
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— Maine Women Anglers Find Success —
More and more women each year take up fishing in Maine, and as you can see below, they have shared images of their successes with The Maine Sportsman. Sportsman.
Martina Drugovich of Southwest Harbor pulled this state record 16-inch, 2.12-pound yellow perch out of Long Pond on Mt. Desert Island while ice fishing on February 11, 2020 using live bait. It was her first day fishing with a Maine license. www.MaineSportsman.com
Five year old Joelle Parker caught this pickerel in Mt. Vernon on May 30, 2020. Photo submitted by her proud mother, Virginia.
Lacey Audibert of Millinocket, Maine learned to fly fish along the banks of the West Branch of the Penobscot River. Early this spring, she took her skills to Wyoming, where she caught and released this handsome 22-inch, 4 1/2-pound rainbow trout while fishing the Platte River.
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Expanded Archery Opener... Done in 15 Minutes! The author turned the other cheek when some bowhunters could not follow directions on where they should, and should not, be hunting. Would the gods smile on the author for being a good Samaritan? Arriving at my hunting blind about an hour before legal, I settled in for what I anticipated would be a fairly uneventful morning. Though I had scouted out and picked a spot that I felt would be productive, upon arriving at the parking lot in the wee hours of the morning, I was surprised to see that several other vehicles were also parked and several other archers were also preparing to hunt the property. After talking with the other hunters, a game plan was formulated so we wouldn’t interfere with each other’s hunt. Barely had I sat down when I noticed two headlamp beams headed in my direction. Apparently, these two hunters hadn’t listened to the plan. Well, it’s easy to get worked up about things, and much harder to let things go, but I opted to have a great morning regardless, and just let things go. Both hunters walked by my blind casually chatting – neither had any clue I was sitting there. I sat staring at my phone, impatiently counting down the minutes till legal, trying to remain optimistic. Little did I know at
that time that the two hunters who had just passed by had bumped a doe in my direction. The doe slowly walked by my stand, only 15 minutes into legal shooting. Taking careful aim, I fired, and had my first deer down of the expanded archery season. Friends of mine were also hunting the property and assisted me in hauling the deer back to the truck. Through these friends, I later found out I was the only hunter on the property to shoot a deer on the first day. It just goes to show that even when the odds don’t seem to be in your favor, sometimes they actually are, and sweating the small stuff never does any good. When hunting this season, stay positive, be considerate, be kind, help others whenever you can, be ethical, and if necessary, even turn the other cheek. No Crossbows for Most Hunters in Expanded Archery Governor Janet Mills expanded hunting opportunities by signing into law PL 2019, Ch. 98, “An Act to Allow the Use of a Crossbow for a Lim-
ited Duration during the Archery Season on Deer and the Fall Season on Wild Turkey.” The purpose of the law is to provide additional opportunities for hunters to pursue deer. Currently, the archery season on deer is four weeks long, and the average whitetail take during a season is 500 deer taken by approximately 10,000 hunters. This is obviously an abysmal success rate. DIF&W feels that the use of crossbows during the October archery season will not markedly increase harvest rates on bucks or result in negative consequences for the deer population. Additionally, research studies conducted in states that have implemented similar laws, have shown that allowing more crossbow hunting would increase hunter recruitment numbers, adding more new hunters to the sport. In short, more crossbow hunting is good for our wildlife, our hunters and our state. The new crossbow law officially began on January 1, 2020. It’s effective for the next three years, and will then be re-evaluated. The law expands
Only 15 minutes after the start of legal shooting, the doe slowly walked by my stand, having been inadvertently pushed toward me by other hunters who were unfamiliar with the area and were wandering around.
crossbow hunting to the regular October archery season on deer and the fall wild turkey hunting season. The law specifies, however, that “a person using a crossbow during the open archery season may not harvest an antlerless deer unless that person possesses an antlerless deer permit.” Also, under Maine law, a crossbow is not considered a firearm. A person may hunt any wild bird or animal with a crossbow during any open season on that bird or animal while still following all the other laws pertinent to that species, except that a licensed crossbow hunter 64 years of age or younger may not hunt wild turkey during the fall turkey season or hunt deer during the expanded archery, special October archery or muzzleloader seasons. On the other hand, hunters 65 years or older, or who have a
special handicap permit to use a crossbow, may use a crossbow for any species in season (including expanded archery season) with the appropriate permits. Unfortunately, even though this law certainly is progressive and a step in the right direction for the sportsmen in this state, it still comes up short, first in its limited duration or “test” implementation, and second in not allowing non-handicapped sportsmen under the age of 65 to hunt with crossbows in the September expanded archery season. Trackable Nock Those sportsmen who can’t seem to get enough of technology will love the ”Breadcrumb Bluetooth Trackable Nock.” This nock enables hunters to track their arrow or crossbow bolt using their smart phone. Using the Breadcrumb Tracking App, (Continued on page 67) www.MaineSportsman.com
64 • September 2020 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————
Closing of North American Fur Auctions is a Loss to Trapping’s Heritage North American Fur Auctions was formerly known as English Hudson Bay Fur Company. In the mid1800s, the company owned all of “Rupert’s Land” – the entire three million square mile drainage area of Hudson Bay. This past year has been a tough stretch for trappers. The effects of the worldwide coronavirus pandemic have caused the international sales of furs to be conducted online for the first time ever. The inability of the buyers to see and inspect the furs prior to buying has greatly impacted the whole process. Many buyers worldwide are hesitant to buy fur this way, because they like to study fur closely before buying. How “prime” the fur is, and the consistency of its color, are particularly important factors when buying large quantities of fur to produce quality products.
Trappers within the last year have lost the North American Fur Auctions (NAFA). NAFA was the old English Hudson Bay Fur Company under a different name. The company experienced financial problems in the last several years, and finally had to close its doors. The fur trade and trappers are hoping to see the reopening of NAFA sometime in the future. Fur Harvesters of America (the other large fur auction house in North America) picked up the last of NAFA’s furs and auctioned them off during their 2020 sales. So there’s now only one major fur auction company in North Ameri-
ca. The two companies had supported the North American wild fur trade and promoted the use of wild furs worldwide. Both have spent much time educating foreign furriers of the processes involved in the preparation and presentation of wild fur products. NAFA and its predecessors have been around since the earliest days of fur trading in North American. A summary of its rich history is warranted. The Early Days of Hudson Bay In the 17th century, the French had a monopoly on the Canadian fur trade with their colony of New France. Two French trappers learned from
The protected Canada Lynx are not harmed by most modern leghold traps, according to the author. Under the supervision of a Warden and a biologist, captured lynx are tagged and then released.
the Cree Indians that the best fur country lay north and west of the Great Lakes. They sought French backing for a plan to set up a trading post on Hudson Bay, to reduce the cost of moving furs overland. There was a concern that exploration of the Hudson Bay area could shift the focus of the fur trade away from the St. Lawrence River, so Marquis d’Argenson the governor (in office 1658 - 61) of Quebec, refused to grant permission to construct the new trading post. Despite this refusal, in 1659 the two French trappers went to explore the region, later returning with premium furs. They were arrested, and the
government confiscated their furs. Subsequently, they approached some businessmen in British Boston in 1668. Soon thereafter, the first fort on Hudson Bay was established at the mouth of the Rupert River, later to be known as Rupert House. After incorporation by an English royal charter in 1670, the company functioned as the de facto government in parts of North America for nearly 200 years, until the Hudson Bay Company sold the land it owned (the entire drainage area of Hudson Bay was known as Rupert’s Land) to Canada in 1869. During its peak, (Continued on page 67)
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Forty Years of Moose Hunting Our “Self-Propelled” columnist, an experienced moose-hunting guide himself, adds his voice to the growing praise over Roger Lambert’s new book, “The Great Maine Moose Hunt.” This fall marks the 40th anniversary of the modern moose hunt in Maine. The first 1980 experimental moose season was so controversial that a statewide referendum to stop future hunts was held and ultimately failed at the polls. The annual hunt went forward, and what followed was a completely new era of big-game hunting. It had been 45 years since moose could be legally hunted in Maine. There was no collective memory of those bygone hunts. No hunting traditions existed to be handed down to modern hunters. Moose hunting was a blank slate – it was almost as if the state suddenly had opened a season on elephants or antelope. The modern hunt that has developed over the last 40 years is as much an invention of Maine as Bean boots or whoopie pies. It’s a great story. And until now, there hasn’t been a book-length exploration of it. The Great Maine Moose Hunt The best hunting books are more than catalogues. They don’t just describe a type of hunting; rather, they invite you to become a part of it, and adopt the character of the
hunt they describe. This new book compiled by Roger Lambert and James Cote meets that standard. More than a dozen guides, hunters, outfitters and enthusiasts offer their recollections of memorable experiences over the lifetime of the modern moose hunt. These experts could have collectively or individually written an incredible how-to book on Maine moose hunting. No such book exists at this point. Or they could have pooled their incredible photos and created a coffee-table art piece that documented this unique Maine hunting experience. But this is not that kind of book. Instead, reading The Great Maine Moose Hunt is a lot like running into author Roger Lambert at the State of Maine Sportsman’s Show in Augusta, and talking moose hunting for an hour or two. If you know the irrepressible Mr. Lambert – from past appearances as emcee at moose-permit drawings, or maybe just as a master guide and fellow moose hunter – you know how entertaining this can be. DIY Moose Hunting The modern moose hunt was necessarily from the start a do-ityourself proposition in
Maine. By design, the vast majority of successful permit holders were Maine residents. The lottery system guaranteed this. In the early years, there were no guides in the state who specialized in moose hunting. It was a new game for everybody, and newbie DIY moose hunters tended to be experienced deer hunters who simply gathered some equipment and headed north. The book captures the spirit of these early hunts perfectly. Lambert himself describes his 1980 moose hunt with his dad. With a borrowed 2-wheel drive pickup, some rope, a 12-foot aluminum boat and a couple of deer rifles, the father/son team successfully harvested a big bull. Moose Lottery The book is full of frustrated references to the moose lottery system. It must be a law that two or more Maine moose hunters cannot gather together without bemoaning how many unsuccessful moose-permit drawings they have sat through. But the stories also highlight hidden ways in which the lottery has made the Maine hunt unique. If we could buy a
Roger Lambert, author of “The Great Maine Moose Hunt,” has taken a leading role in many activities relating to Maine’s moose lottery and moose season. Here, he serves as organizer and master of ceremonies at a Maine moose-calling contest. Photo credit: Dee Menear, for The Irregular
tag over the counter each year, it would be a completely different hunt. Not only does the lottery guarantee an exact ratio of Maine to non-resident hunters, but it also makes access to the most desirable hunting zones – and to the permits themselves – a completely democratic process. In the early days of the hunt, it didn’t matter how much money a hunter had – a permit couldn’t be bought. It was a rare, priceless gift that could only be won by chance. Nearly every story in the book talks about the hunter’s excitement upon first realizing he was a lucky permittee. The lottery also helped make the moose hunt a family affair. Mainers have always recruited their family members to apply, and to designate other family as sub-permittees, in or-
der to maximize their chances. By the time one lucky hunter gets his tag, there might be two-dozen extended family members age 3 to 93, ready to go to moose camp. None of that would happen with over-the-counter tags. Lambert and Cote’s collection of stories and photos resembles a multi-family scrap book. The tales of family bonding on these hunts are heartwarming and – in one sad case of a death during a hunt – heartbreaking. Changes and Constants Outfitters, guides, camp cooks and camp jacks all get their due coverage in the book. The writers acknowledge how the hunt has changed from the early days of a moose in every roadside clear-cut. Remote hunts from outfitter tents, water (Continued on page 67) www.MaineSportsman.com
66 • September 2020 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————
Scouting While Armed Opens Hunting Opportunities September marks a special block of time for Maine hunters. The month’s 30 days provide time to get ready for the serious hunting days ahead. This month also sees opening days for the fall turkey hunt, as well as gray squirrel, snowshoe hare, Canada goose, pheasant and ruffed grouse seasons. In addition, Youth Bear Day is August 29, and hunting over bait starts August 31st. This year offers numerous shooting opportunities beyond sighting-in, working out a preferred cartridge load, and scouting terrain for hunting yet to come. For 2020, September includes several kinds of actual hunting along with scouting for deer sign or upland bird habitat. The weeks leading up to opening day are
Even though the deer firearms season is not yet here, many game animals can be hunted in September, including squirrels, rabbits and coyotes – and even bear. Bird season is upon us, as is the fall turkey hunt. So when you are scouting in the woods, go prepared.
Taking a firearm along when scouting future hunting sites creates opportunities for new hunting experiences. Col. Allard photo
critical for ensuring that all the necessary equipment is ready and in good working
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order. This period of time is also prime for practicing on the range, the trap and
skeet field, or a sporting clays course. In addition to the more mechanical
tasks, spending time on the intended hunting grounds in advance of opening day multiplies the chances of future success. Encountering other interesting and legal game in the process magnifies the whole experience. Scouting in military parlance means moving through a designated piece of terrain, learning as much as possible about that place and the intended target, without being seen. Same is true for scouting before a hunt. Military scouts travel fully armed to deal with the unexpected. Maine hunters ought to scout under arms, not so much for the unexpected, but to enhance the overall experience. Travel Light The goal of scouting is to cover the territory and analyze its hunting potential for later. The emphasis is on the carrying and less so on the shooting. Something nimble and light makes for a more pleasant day. Choose something appropriate for the legal game in the area. In an acorn-covered stand of oaks, a scope-mounted .22 may become easier to explain to a landowner or game warden than why you are carrying your favorite deer rifle when the season opener is still six weeks away. Likewise, carrying a shotgun with lead shot shells in a boat while (Continued on next page)
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scouting waterfowl sites may not be a wise choice. However, taking a carbine powerful enough to deal with a bruin may turn a routine map and compass exercise into the hunt of a lifetime. A Magnum pistol carries easily but can get the job done if needed. It also leaves the hands mostly free to work a map and compass or GPS unit. Lightweight rifles in small calibers, such as .223 Remington, .22-250, or .243 Winchester, make excellent scouting companions. They fit the bill during chance encounters with Maine’s
ever-expanding coyote population. These rifles also work well on other varmints such as woodchucks and porcupines. Sometimes a scouting expedition includes carrying a portable deer stand or material to put together a ground blind. These times call for something extremely light, such as a handgun, the “Trapper” model of the Winchester Model ’94, or perhaps the odd-looking Ruger Scout Rifle. Personal Choices Personal choice likely determines what firearms someone selects for scouting. Calibers, actions, barrel lengths and sights shape the choices but,
Central Maine (Continued from page 63)
hunters can accurately locate arrows or bolts from distances of 50-plus yards
Trapping (Continued from page 64)
the company controlled the fur trade throughout much of North America. By the mid-19thcentury, the company evolved into a mercantile business, selling a wide variety of products, from furs to homewares using “sales shops” (as opposed to trading posts) across Canada. These shops were the first step toward the large department stores the company owns today. With NAFA’s closing, today’s trappers have lost a huge part of their heritage. They have also lost a company that has supported the North American wild fur trade for more than 350 years. Response Management Trapping Survey Last year, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IF&W) hired a professional compa-
Self-Propelled (Continued from page 65)
hunts by canoe, and stalking roadless areas, are all covered here. Along with
ultimately, personal preference decides. That remains true here at The Shooter’s Bench, as much as it does anywhere else. Going prepared to run across a bear during a scout for potential deer hunting sites, I would carry a Remington Model 600 chambered for the potent .350 Remington Magnum cartridge. With an 18½-inch barrel, it is a near perfect close-range bear rifle. Another option is the Ruger Model 77 RSI in .308 Winchester. It hasn’t the knock-down power of the Remington, but it has enough. Where weight is an overriding consideration, the choice
defaults to a Ruger Blackhawk single-action pistol in either .41 or .44 Remington Magnum. Looking for deer sign among the oaks means taking along the Winchester Model 290 .22 Rimfire, or a holstered .22 rimfire pistol. An outside choice falls to the Savage Model 24 with .22 rimfire barrel on top and a 20-gauge shotgun below. Upland bird hunting trips become synonymous with scouting for deer haunts, but the birds remain the focus of the day. The choice of firearms stays with the birds. In that case, it is simply the shotgun du jour. Once the dogs are out,
it’s all about the birds. Getting Out When stepping off in the scout mode, remember to always carry a valid hunting license and any applicable permit, such as pheasant or black bear. No one wants to be confused with a poacher after an alert citizen reports seeing someone carrying a gun. Best to have valid documents at hand. Careful scouting offers something of a double-the-pleasure situation. It boosts the chances for success down the road, and it allows for some great fun in the here and now.
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away. Once in range, simply follow the signal strength indicator on the App to lead directly to the arrow or bolt. Hunters may also use their phone to activate the
nock’s sound beacon in order to reveal an arrow’s or bolt’s hidden location. MSRP: Three nocks for $119.99.
ny, Response Management, to survey Maine residents about trapping. The results of this detailed survey, in which information was gathered by written questionnaires, telephone calls, public meetings and online methods, will be made public soon. The parties involved in designing and developing the process received an advance summary review of the results, presented by IF&W and Response Management via a “Microsoft Teams” virtual meeting (Teams is a videoconference program similar to Zoom). The great news from the survey is that 75% of Mainers support regulated trapping. I am sure that the anti-trapping organizations (including WildWatch Maine, and the Humane Society of the United States – HSUS) whose members attended this briefing are not happy about the results.
Trapper Ethics and Image As trappers, our public image must always be civil and professional. Trust me, it is hard at times, especially when being confronted and even threatened with bodily harm by those driven by emotion, not science. It seems trappers are criticized more than any other category of sportsmen. Sometimes our equipment is damaged or taken. On occasion, furbearers are found shot or are removed from traps. In fact, a protected Canada Lynx was the animal involved in one of the shootings a few years ago. As most of you know, trappers must follow specific protocols if they find that a lynx has triggered a trap. A biologist and a Warden are called to the scene. The animal is tagged, and then it’s released back into the wild. It’s rare that a lynx is harmed when taken in a modern leghold trap.
a steady diet of the life-changing experience of moose camp itself – whether it’s a fancy hunting lodge or a tiny tent. You can buy The Great Maine Moose Hunt on-line at www.greatmainemoosehunt.com. You won’t be
disappointed. In many ways the book is like the hunt itself – an unexpected lucky opportunity, a big experience, and over too quickly.
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68 • September 2020 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————
September Brings Fish Back on the Bite Perhaps the only time I look forward to more than ice out on Sebago Lake (DeLorme Atlas, Map 5, C-1) is when the summer slips away and cool September rolls in. I don’t hate our summer guests – they help the local economy and genuinely love this region, but it is also nice to have the lake “all to the locals.” With their departure and the closing of the camps come cool days and even cooler nights. Salmon come back on the bite, and
even the lake trout angling picks up. Yes, this is the second-best time of the year to be on the water. Although Sebago salmon have been slow on the bite the past few years, cool end-ofsummer waters seem to energize them. A few years ago, fisheries biologists installed a weir in the Crooked River to monitor the numbers and size of spawning salmon as they run upstream during the fall spawn. Salmon became active and were captured in
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Hybrid Archery Practice for Southern Maine’s Nervous Deer Maine’s expanded archery season begins in September, and bowhunters have been – or should have been – enthusiastically practicing over the summer, pounding arrow after arrow into the foam on their 3-D deer targets. But are they really prepared to make a clean killing shot on a live deer? Generally bowhunters practice in their backyards on either a target butt or 3-D target. This strengthens muscles needed during shot execution and develops muscle memory, both of which are necessary to develop good shot execution and accuracy. This also allows archers to adjust their bow sights and otherwise tune their equipment. Once archers and their gear are tuned, then I recommend participating in more realistic practice. If you want to go to the next level with your bowhunting and up with high success rates, then you should consider a hybrid practice routine. Here’s one to consider. One at a Time You should practice shooting only one arrow, and thinking about that shot while retrieving the arrow – what you did do right or wrong. Archers will not get to shoot multiple arrows at live deer – only the first shot counts. So while you can still practice shooting multiple arrows, mix
it with hybrid realistic shooting, too. Lawnmower Round I enjoy shooting while doing yard work. I call it a “lawn mower round.” Every few trips around my yard, I stop and take one shot. Also, taking a shot at dawn before work and one at dusk helps prepare for real world bowhunting sceneries. Shooting from a treestand is extremely important, as well as sighting in with and practicing with broadheads. While archers have been improving shooting skills over the summer, deer have continued developing survival skills that have evolved over thousands of years. White-tailed deer not only have developed behavioral skills to survive, but they are also physically wired to survive. They can and do “jump the string” on even the fastest modern compound bows. How It Works Jumping the string is a bowhunting term for a deer that moves quickly to avoid an oncoming arrow. And yes, they can easily duck under an arrow even when sent from the fastest modern compound bow. Whitetails drop down to load their leg muscles before they spring up and dash from danger. This is an example of how the process works. You are setting in a treestand and a totally relaxed deer is feeding towards you.
The deer finally steps into a clearing, offering a broadside shot. With shaking legs and pounding heart you draw, place the 20-yard pin in the center of the chest and release a perfect executed shot – much like the hundreds of shots you’ve taken at your 3-D target in the back yard over the summer. The deer seemed to explode at the shot, and you watch it bound off through the hardwoods its whitetail waving goodbye. You then retrieve the arrow that’s sticking from the ground and see no blood on it. You follow the deer’s path – no blood, no deer. You then study the area and line up the arrow’s path and torn up leaves where the deer was standing and see that your shot was spot on. You missed – or did you? Here’s what happened. Not Like 3-D You released your arrow, and deer heard the noise from your bow. Its brain registered the noise, and the brain sent a message to the deer’s leg muscles. The muscles activated, lowering and loading deer’s legs. Then the deer exploded off. You think, “It looked like the deer turned inside out. Hey, this isn’t like shooting at my 3-D target!” Do the Math Studies using slow-motion, timelapsed cameras show that at 20 yards,
Studies show a deer can “jump the string,” reacting to the sound of the bow before the arrow reaches the deer. The solution? Shoot at the lower chest. If the deer stands still and doesn’t react, the results are heart or lower lung hits. If it lowers its chest to jump, your arrow hits mid-lung or spine -all deadly shots. Photo by Doris Marquez
sounds from your bow reach a deer in about .050 seconds. Once the bow sound reaches a deer, it takes about .10 of a second for the animal to react and jump off. Sound travels around 1,100 feet per second, and an arrow traveling around 300 fps can’t outrun a deer’s reactions. Now consider that most compound bows shoot arrows slower than 300 fps – in fact, on average my five compounds set at 60 pounds produce around 280 fps with hunting weight arrows. Bowhunters are generally not trained sonic engineers; however, for the few of you who are, please don’t grab your calculators – these are ball-park figures. However, the information was taken from actual studies. The bottom line is – whitetails can easily jump the string, and if you bowhunt long enough, it will happen to you.
Where to Aim Aiming at the heart of a relaxed whitetail, which is slightly above and behind the elbow of the front leg, is a good spot and will increase your success rate on jumpy deer. At 20 yards, studies show that if a deer reacts to bow noise, it will drop its vital chest area about 5 to 6 inches with a bow shooting arrows at 300 fps. If the deer stands still, your arrow will strike the heart and lower lungs. If it lowers to jump the string, your arrow will hit center of the chest and lungs. And if the deer is extremely alert or looking at you, the arrow may hit a high lung or spine shot. You need to practice shooting at the lower chest area behind the leg to become successful as a bowhunter. Fanatical with Details My bowhunting friend Gary Roam re(Continued on page 71) www.MaineSportsman.com
70 • September 2020 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————
Outfitting Your Vehicle for Maine’s Hunting Season I can’t believe we are already talking about the month of September. Do you know what that means? Maine’s October bird season is just around the corner – undeniably my favorite time of the year .... well, let’s just say it’s a toss-up between bird season and fishing season, with bird season taking a slight edge. If anyone looked at a map of the areas I hunt for birds in October, and later in November and December for deer and birds, they would see
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large tracts of land laced with a network of gravel logging roads occasionally connected by paved roads. Many of the gravel roads have spur roads/ trails that may have gone out of use over the years and now look like grass-covered paths. The old trails often lead to good cover, but getting to them can be tricky. I like these grownover side trails because they usually are located in areas that were logged enough to produce a new-growth cover – perfect habitat for game birds and
deer. I park the truck and walk these grassy side trails, following the skidder trails that branch off from them to find excellent game habitat. Off-road travelers must always remember to respect the landowners by never taking a vehicle around a locked gate and by making it a habit to stay off roads not covered with gravel or pavement. Those old grassy trails were probably made by logging equipment years ago and were not meant for, or are not stable enough for,
vehicular traffic. Hunting Vehicle Preparation Let’s face it – not all hunters in Maine can afford a newer model vehicle, so we squeak by with whatever vehicle works. There are many problems associated with older vehicles, but one of the typical problems that I notice are dull headlamp lenses. Best hunting comes at early morning and late afternoon. Heading in to hunt early morning or driving home after a late afternoon hunt finds hunters traveling in
the dark ... a time when the clearest vision available becomes necessary. Polishing the headlamp lens coverings really improves the effectiveness of a vehicle’s headlights. Follow easy methods for this process as detailed on YouTube.com videos, and you’ll note a vast improvement. Nose Art Dirty windows take the next space on the list of issues associated with owning an older vehicle for hunting. My dog’s “nose art” on my truck’s win(Continued on next page)
������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • September 2020 • 71 (Continued from page 70)
dows could rival some of Picasso’s work, so I continuously clean the windows before and throughout the hunting season. I like the glass paste cleaner ... it doesn’t stink as bad as most spray window cleaners, and won’t spill if the cap gets accidentally removed. I like to keep a roll of paper towels and a can of this paste cleaner in my truck to use whenever necessary. I want clean windows to give me a better chance of seeing game birds while driving from one hunting area to the next. I have often spotted a grouse while driving, pulled over and let the dog out, had the dog follow the bird into the woods and get on point, and then walk up to my pointing dog to flush the bird. I won’t say how many times I hit the birds as
they rocket their way to the next universe, but it sure is fun and a quick way to get your dog on birds. Auto Maintenance I read a book about the Native Americans out West that told of how they could get more mileage out of a horse than the white man ever could. They would ride the horse until it dropped, put a bullet in the brain pan, and then butcher it and feed the tribe for days. They didn’t have the luxury of leisurely travel, as this was the period during which they were constantly being pursued by the US Calvary. I am kind of ashamed to admit that I do the same with my vehicles – I ride them until they drop, put a bullet in the engine compartment, and then move on to the next vehicle. Well, I actually don’t shoot them, but I also don’t
Sebago to Auburn (Continued from page 68)
is Thompson Lake in Poland (Map 5, A-2). Thompson has been the go-to place for salmon this spring and for the past few years, so expect the salmon bite to be almost as good. Thompson is home to a naturally reproducing laker population, as well. Trolling by Agassiz Village and through Potash Cove are good best this time of year. Use the same offerings that I mentioned for Sebago. Thompson Lake also quiets down this month. There is a launch with ample parking across the street by the Heath on the south side of the lake. The launch to the north has fewer parking spots. Lake Auburn (Map 11, E-4) is another top-producer come September.
Southern Maine (Continued from page 69)
tired as archery manager at Kittery Trading Post. He is a detail freak, and he has set up and tuned thousands of bows. Gary’s bowhunting gear is always in tune, and watching him set up his
maintain them like they deserve. I do my best to take care of the basic maintenance process, but often forget or ignore some finer details. The batteries, usually among the poorly-maintained items on my vehicles, often die at the least convenient times. I used to always make sure to park my standard shift trucks facing down a long hill so I could roll it to get it started if I had a battery failure. Portable Battery Charger Nowadays I make sure to carry a portable jump starter. The unit I own, from Tacklife (tacklifetools.com), only costs about $70 and will jump start a 12-volt auto forty times and also charges cell phones, iPads, laptops and other devices. The handy unit only weighs a few pounds and is about the size of a small
For a successful grouse hunting trip, you need a reliable vehicle that will get you into -- and out of -- the back country. William Clunie photo
shaving kit. Just make sure to charge it up at home before you pack it in your truck (I’m mentioning this for a friend). Cell Phone Apps Another awesome tool for “low maintenance” hunters like me, the OnX Hunt GPS app (onxmaps. com), comes as a convenient cell phone app that provides GPS mapping – even in remote areas with no cell coverage. When the vehicle really fails, this unit will certainly
come in handy. I have just started working with this life-saving software and find it so user-friendly that even my non-techie mind can handle it. I will be reporting further use on this innovative tool in the near future, after I get used to it. Between bird hunting and deer hunting, I should give the app a complete workout and let the readers know the results. Stay tuned.
¶
With no boat traffic to speak of because of a no-water-contact rule, the fish see little activity during the summer months, except for a few die-hard togue anglers and kayakers. On top of that, much of the lake to the south of the buoys is closed to boating or angling. Troll along the buoys and look for the thermocline. You may hit the schools of white perch that roam the lake. They are bait-stealers but make for some good eating if you catch a bunch. Mooselook Wobblers in the new hot pink colors work well, as do similarly-colored DB smelt. There is only one launch at Lake Auburn, located on Route 4, and it has ample parking, a nice dock and a porta-potty. Lake Auburn is also home to some whopper lake trout, so be ready
for those. For fast-paced salmon action, albeit with smaller fish, Pleasant Lake in Casco (Map 5, A-1) is a good spot to visit. Heavily stocked with salmon, this long, narrow lake sees little fishing pressure, likely due to the small, racy salmon. But, like my dad always said, where there are small fish, there are big fish. Pleasant Lake has a good smelt run, which are protected, so I am guessing that in the coming years, this will be the place to watch. Or fish! September ushers out summer and welcomes fall. Cool nights lower water temperatures and fish respond. This is one of the best months to be on the region’s waters with little competition and hungry salmon awaiting. Enjoy!
gear before entering the woods is a lesson in attention to details. We often practice together, and yes, Gary is a better shot then I am – his detailed shot process is consistent. All my bowhunting friends practice yearround, they all have killed many deer Maine – we are all detail freaks. Details that bowhunters need to
address include shooting from a treestand, shooting while seated, and shooting between trees, limbs and brush (“threading the needle” shots). Don’t wait until a deer is standing at 20 yards to work this stuff out. So are you ready to bowhunt southern Maine’s spooky whitetails?
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72 • September 2020 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————
Rangeley Waters Connect Anglers to Earth’s Soul Ask any anglers around this area when the best time for fishing in the Rangeley Region might be, and most will reply, “September.” This month just seems to turn the fishing light on ... especially right after the first few cooling rain showers. Brook trout and landlocked salmon that have been hugging the cool, oxygen-rich water at the bottom of lakes and ponds are driven to their spawning streams by tracking the influx of colder waters from incoming tributaries. They target the cool flow and move toward it, running up into the rivers and streams to spawn.
The author agrees with American essayist Barry Lopez, who said: “To put your hands in a river is to feel the chords that bind the earth together.” Bring a Fly Rod Anglers who position themselves to intercept these fish will be in for a fishing bonanza if they time it just right. I remember one mid-September, bear hunting in a camp located near excellent brook trout and landlocked salmon water. The weather had been hot all month, and the weather forecaster didn’t report any relief in sight, so I didn’t bring a fly rod. The weather report was wrong – we received cooling showers midweek, and the fishing really turned on.
The lesson? Don’t get stuck anywhere in September without a fly rod. I have an old L.L. Bean fishing backpack that I load up with all of my fishing gear; fly rod in a tube, loaded vest, rain poncho, net and bug dope. I keep the bag ready for deployment at all times, and take it with me whenever I will be near water. Salmonid in Autumn The Rangeley Region has plenty of fall fishing opportunities; some even last into October and beyond.
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Check the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (DIFW) website for fishing laws to determine what waters are open and what rules are in effect. Most waters in the region, if open, have a “catch and release” rule during the fall season. I have been doing some fall fishing over the past several years and can report that it’s an excellent time to catch the biggest fish of the season. These hungry and active trout and salmon have been feeding heavily over the summer and get real fat by the time fall comes around. When aquatic bug activity slows down during the cooler fall weather, using baitfish-imitating flies can be a real winner. As a matter of fact, swinging streamers in the fall has become one of
my favorite activities when September rain gives the water a sudden chill. Live Water I hardly ever fish streamers on ponds or lakes, but in moving water I’ll be swinging with the best of them. Most anglers toss the fly across the current at a forty-five degree angle and let the current swing the fly across the river. Then they hold the fly in place downstream for a count of around ten seconds, before stripping it in. Most of the rivers, brooks or streams where I swing streamers get fairly shallow by September, so I can usually get away with using a floating line. If needed for a surprise hatch of some sort, I can easily use the same line for dry fly fishing with one exception – I have to have to change the leader to accommodate a smaller fly. (Continued on next page)
������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • September 2020 • 73 (Continued from page 72)
Rigging for Swinging Most flies that imitate baitfish weigh more than a dry fly and have ten times more feathers and tying material attached to the hook. Anglers can get away with simply switching their lighter, tapered leader for dry flies to a single, four- or five-foot piece of ten- to twentypound-test fluorocarbon leader for casting the heavier streamers. Swinging heavy streamers doesn’t involve any kind of “delicate” presentation – there isn’t any worry about turning over the fly before it hits the water. When casting streamers, you just fling the line at the other side of the bank, and the streamer will follow. Once the cur-
rent takes control, the shorter, heavier leader will easily straighten out and provide adequate support to the fly as it scurries across the current. I like to use some type of loop knot to attach the streamer to the leader – often a simple Duncan Loop. Anglers can find directions for tying the Duncan Loop and several others on YouTube.com. Most knot experts recommend using saliva to provide lubrication when tightening monofilament knots, but with fluorocarbon they suggest not using saliva – simply dip the knot in the water before tightening it down. Double-Tube Case This year I’m going to make it even easier for me when I’m fishing moving water in
the fall. I purchased a fly rod tube case that allows me to carry two fully-rigged fly rods at once. The double-tube rod case works perfectly. The process is simple – after I rig up one fly rod, I put the fly in the hook holder on the butt-section of the rod, and then break the rod down in half. I then reel up the extra line until I have both halves of the rod even and am able to slide the broken-down rod into the rod case. I do the same with the other rod in the second tube, and can then easily carry the two completely rigged rods through the brush to the fishing location without getting them all tangled in the undergrowth. One lighter-weight rod is loaded with floating line for dry fly fishing,
Effective streamer swinging starts with good positioning on the stream. William Clunie photo
while the other tube carries the heavier rod all rigged for streamer fishing. This system avoids losing the time re-rigging a single rod if a switch of technique becomes necessary. However an angler decides to fish this September, remember that fishing is all about relaxing and taking in
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74 • September 2020 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————
Preseason Bird Dog Training in Western Maine I could tell by the way Ginger, my Hungarian Pointer, started slowly slinking along that she scented a game bird. The area always held grouse, and nobody ever seemed to stop and hunt this gated logging road. The gravel trail allowed me to walk with ease while my dog worked the birds in the thick brush lining the road. Ginger quickly locked up and pointed, so I started slowly moving toward her with the reassuring command, “Easy ... easy.” The young dog, only 11 months old at the time, had been through this same situation numerous times in the past with pigeons and stocked quail, but this was a real live wild ruffed grouse she was about to encounter.
Opening day is not a good time to start training your bird dog, so get your dogs out on wild birds before the season starts.
Ginger, the author’s Hungarian pointer, has been retrieving in the water all summer. William Clunie photo
look at it. She came unglued, running and jumping all over the area. I let her run for a bit without scolding her for not holding tight. Sometimes you just have to let them be a puppy. She would eventually learn to hold tight. I didn’t want to discourage her enthusiasm at this young age.
Puppy Power As I approached Ginger, three grouse burst out of the brush, and one momentarily landed on a low-hanging branch just long enough for the excited pup to get a good
Back to School This was early September 2019, and I continued to put Ginger on wild birds right up to the October opener. Two or three times during that September I also took her to Northern Exposure Kennels (northernexposurekennel.com) for some brushing up on details with NAVDHA (North American Ver-
satile Dog Hunting Association) dog trainer Peter Wade of Farmington. Hunting and Fishing I love my fly fishing in September, but still manage to squeeze in plenty of field work with Ginger. Besides getting her physically tuned for the hunting season, working
with birds gets her mind in the game. We don’t just go out there and run around. Ginger did a great job last hunting season, but only because I did the preseason training with her in September. I work with her on regular commands all year long, but step it up a notch in September with extra field work on wild birds. Preseason Workouts The cooler mornings in September allow me to push her physically, simulating actual hunting situations. In my experience, training on wild birds is the best – in addition to working with her in the yard on all of the various obedience commands. This year, I’ll throw in a little retrieving in water, which will help with staying cool. All summer my wife and I have been working with her on getting used to the water – taking her kayaking and throwing things in the water for her (Continued on next page)
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������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • September 2020 • 75 (Continued from page 74)
we go to the lake.
to fetch. I have been amazed at how much better she is with retrieving in water this year – the extra work has paid off.
This Season Words cannot explain the great love and pride I have for Ginger and the extreme excitement I feel right now as the opening day of bird season approaches. I’ve trained and hunted with bird dogs my entire life, and the thrill remains as strong as ever. I strongly suggest that folks get their bird dogs out on wild birds before the season starts. The opening day is not a good time to start training. If hunters don’t have time for pre-season training for their dog, find a qualified trainer to help get your dog tuned up. In this region, dogs can be trained with the Sebasticook Chapter of NAVDHA (se-
Two Targets This past summer, Ginger even learned how to mark a second target in the water and then fetch it. My wife threw out one of her sandals for her to fetch, and when she was coming back in, my wife threw the other one out past the swimming dog. With one sandal in her mouth, Ginger watched where the other one landed in the waves. After dropping the first sandal at my wife’s feet, she immediately dove back in the lake to retrieve the second sandal. We now do this little training maneuver whenever
The author can hardly wait to get back into the woods with his bird dog this fall. William Clunie photo
basticook.com). I recommend joining this group of experienced dog trainers. They offer plenty of training at clinics at their Smithfield location from April through Oc-
tober. The preseason field work with the dogs on pigeons, quail and chukar with NAVDHA trainers allows hunters to closely work with their dog in situa-
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76 • September 2020 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————
It’s Important to Keep Shooting Comfortable Admittedly, I don’t do enough shooting. Does anyone, though? Few people find themselves with ammo left over saying, “Okay, I’ve had enough – this isn’t fun anymore!” But there are times when shooting isn’t as enjoyable as it could be. I’ve tried sighting guns in while experiencing sub-zero temps in January, where I’ve needed to don snowshoes to go check my target. It’s tough to get a solid rest when your whole body is shivering and chattering. Mid-summer offers extended daylight hours to find time to shoot, but you are often competing for a spot at the range or too busy swatting blackflies to hold steady. Also, gravel pits in July tend to radiate the heat so well that I’ve never not been dripping with sweat from under my earmuffs and glasses by the end of it. This all is a recipe for rushed shooting. And rushed shooting is bad shooting – at least if you are trying to sight guns in or finetune your grouping or long-range accuracy. Don’t Rush the Experience The most important thing – especially for new or less-devoted shooters – is to be comfortable. I spent several summers working as a counselor and shooting-sports instructor at a 4-H summer camp. If it was rainy, www.MaineSportsman.com
The author calls a shooting bench “the best $100 I ever spent.” It replaced his and his wife’s previous practice of sighting in while leaning on their truck’s tailgate, or from the prone position, or finding a log or rock to use as a rest.
Prior to their purchase of a portable shooting table, the lack of a stable, consistent rest made shooting less enjoyable for the writer’s wife. Photo: Ethan Emerson
buggy, hot, humid, or all the above, it made for a less-enjoyable experience. And a more dangerous one, as being rushed, distracted or frustrated causes carelessness – especially with unfamiliar handlers. I think it is easy for experienced shooters to adapt to lessthan-ideal conditions and not consider how much tougher and unenjoyable those conditions are making it for their less-experienced
shooting partners or students. Message Hits Home This piece of wisdom wasn’t really hammered home to me until I saw it reflected in my own wife. For years when we were dating, I had her shooting in hot buggy sandpits. And we always seemed to be on a time schedule. Once we were married and she didn’t have to try to impress me anymore, she never
wanted to shoot when I suggested it. In the past couple of years, I’ve realized why she was put off from it and have been trying extra hard to choose only the best weather days to ask her to go shooting. I also made a few transitions that have helped make her more comfortable. I traded her hard plastic-gripped Sig P290 9mm for a Sig P238 in .380 with a rubber Hogue grip. This seems to have made
all the difference to her. It doesn’t hammer her hand nearly as bad and is much more comfortable to hold. I also have stopped having her shoot my pump .30-06, and instead have set her up with a Winchester Model 70 Classic Compact in 7mm-08. A couple years ago, I also built an AR-15, which I’d previously had no interest in ever owning. My wife, though, tried my friend’s AR and really enjoyed it, since it was comfortable to hold and had very little recoil. Now, the one I built is her favorite gun to shoot. Bench Beats Log or Rock The most important purchase I made, though, was for a portable shooting bench from Cabela’s. Best $100 I’ve ever spent. I’ve never been one for established shooting ranges. I like to do my own thing in tucked away sandpits in the logging country. So most of my shooting is offhand (which has proved to be integrally practical for hunting), but to sight in, I’d have to shoot off the tailgate or from the prone position or find a log or rock to use as a rest. It was also hard to keep my wife engaged before I bought the table. She wasn’t comfortable shooting offhand. She is tiny, and long guns are heavy (Continued on next page)
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for her to hold up. And people new to shooting need to see some success in hitting their targets. Success comes easier off a rest. Now, when I want to shoot, I throw my folding shooting bench in the truck. The chair is attached to the nice wide table, and the whole thing swivels on the tripod legs, so you can swing to multiple spaced targets, if desired. It came with a forked gun rest that you can adjust the height on, but I typi-
cally just remove it and use a backpack and/ or jackets for a larger full-gun and arm support. Now if the weather is good, the bugs aren’t out, and the table is set up, my wife is eager to plink away with my heavy custom bull barrel 10/22, or the Model 70 7mm-08, or even my 7600 35 Whelen (as long as I give her a shoulder cushion). And man, is she ever a good shot! She lets me know, too.
¶
The addition of a portable shooting bench to the writer’s arsenal made all the difference in the world for comfortable shooting in remote sandpits. Photo: Maylynda Emerson
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78 • September 2020 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————
The Perilous Past of Esquire There once was a time when the standards for manly sophistication in America were set by a magazine called Esquire. As far as I can tell, it was a horrible time. But if we ignore the past, how will we know if today’s arbiters of masculine taste are an improvement? Best to face the truth about whether the boys have made any progress in six-plus decades. Guide to Summertime Living I recently came into possession of a pamphlet titled “Esquire’s Guide to Summertime Living” published in 1957. The cover features a cartoon of a mustached chap carrying a bottle labeled “Cocktail,” a plant pot full of daisies, a tennis racquet, and a rod and reel. He’s wearing an apron labeled “CHEF” and sporting a slouchy-looking hat that appears to be festooned with marijuana leaves. He’s staring directly at the sun while surrounded by psychedelic butterflies. The
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introduction mentions his “satisfied smile.” Uh-huh. Among Esquire’s more benign suggestions is a vacation on a schooner sailing from Camden, Maine. Passengers could enhance their weeklong seagoing experience by “taking a trick at the wheel, catting the anchor, coiling halyards, trimming sheets or hoisting the yawlboat.” (Nothing says vacation like a well-hoisted yawlboat.) Seven days afloat, meals included, only cost $87, plus two bucks tax. No tipping. At that price, you’d be willing to cat an anchor or two. You can still purchase similar packages today, except they’ll set you back a zillion dollars for the honor of serving as an unpaid deckhand. Bad Calypso What does Esquire say the stylish fellow wore while cruising the seas? Calypso clothes, of course. Madras shorts with knee-high stockings. Fish-net shirts. Terrycloth pullovers. And, as this uncomfortable
“Esquire’s Guide to Summertime Living,” published in 1957.
attempt (by a white guy?) to write Calypso lyrics explains, the latest in beachwear: Girls go crazy when they see Man with swimsuit down to knee; So the fish they cannot bite, He wears trunks like wrestler’s tights. That’s wrong on so many levels, I can’t begin to unpack them all. No Concern for Chemicals Of course, you could always stay at home and invite friends over for a barbeque. No concerns in ’57 about social distancing. Also, no concerns about the char-
coal briquettes of that less-regulated era being made of coagulated toxic waste. But that’s only the beginning of this chemical romance. As anyone who’s ever partied outdoors knows, black flies and mosquitos can suck all the life – and blood – out of your affair. Esquire has the answer: “Before your barbeque, banish all bugs and insects with a generous dose of DDT. Spray barbeque area an hour before meal time.” Also eliminates songbirds and, more slowly, your guests. Don’t fire up the grill, Esquire reminds you, without a pair of “asbestos gloves” on hand. In case the DDT doesn’t prove a sufficient health risk. Polyethylene Creole, Anyone? If you don’t feel like making an elaborate outdoor meal laced with life-threatening molecules, relax. The booklet says you can prepare a quick, easy (and equally life-threatening) dinner of anything from
roast beef to shrimp creole because these “delectable dishes now come packaged in aluminum foil pouches lined with polyethylene” ready for boiling. Apparently, there was a slight chance you still hadn’t caught cancer. Looking for more exotic fare? The pamphlet contains recipes for “inlagd gurkas” (a snobby Swedish term for sliced cucumbers), “bruna böner” (in spite of the ribald name, it’s just baked beans) and “sillsalad” (potato salad with pickled herring, perfect for impressing your guests who happen to be penguins). Happy Hour There are drink suggestions, including the “Hound Dog Swizzle” (contains no actual dog), the “Rickey Russe” (contains vodka, grape juice and Seven-Up) and the “Scotch Smash” (contains all the evidence you’ll ever need that Scotch shouldn’t be mixed with anything except club soda). (Continued on page 81)
������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • September 2020 • 79
Smilin’
Sportsman Youth Edition
Teacher: “Johnnie – I hope I didn’t just see you looking at Sally’s test for the answers!” Little Johnnie: “I hope you didn’t see me, either.” ••••••••••••••••••• A little piggy walked into Dunkin’ Donuts and chugged 20 iced coffees, one after another. Then he got up to leave. “Don’t you need to use the rest room before you go?” asked the manager. The little piggy replied, “No thanks, Pal – I’m just going to go wee wee wee all the way home!” ••••••••••••••••••• Teacher: Little Johnnie, did you skip school yesterday and go to the beach?
Adults Only
Wife: Does this dress make me look fat? Husband: Does this shirt make me look dumb? ••••••••••••••••••• Q: What’s the difference between men and pigs? A: Pigs don’t drink too much and then act like men. ••••••••••••••••••• Joe: I heard you bought your wife a necklace with a huge diamond. Fred: That’s right. Joe: But I thought she wanted a 4-wheel drive SUV?
Send your best hunting & fishing stories, and your favorite jokes, to the editor at will@mainesportsman.com!
Johnnie: No way, teacher, and I’ve got the movie ticket stubs to prove it! ••••••••••••••••••• A mother woke up her son on Sunday morning. “Time to go to the church in Greenville!” she said. “I’m not going,” replied the son. “In fact, I’m never going back.” “Why not?” “Two reasons – because I don’t like them, and they don’t like me!” “And I will give you two reasons why you are going to church,” declared his mother. “First, you’re 54 years old. And second, you’re the minister!”
Fred: Yeah, but where am I going to find a fake Jeep? ••••••••••••••••••• Woman on Phone: “Hello, Police? I want to report a nuisance caller.” Police: “Oh, no – not you again!” ••••••••••••••••••• Ebb: “Sometimes I feel like I don’t get a lot of respect.” Flo: Why do you say that?” Ebb: “Well, I went into the polling place this morning to vote. The clerk looked closely at me, and then handed me an absentee ballot!”
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80 • September 2020 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————
— TRADING POST — • Subscribers may place one free 20-word line classified ad per month (2-month limit) • Items for sale must include a price • Real estate ads must include an address or location
• The regular rates are $15 for up to 20 words and 50¢ for each additional word • Check, money order, MasterCard or VISA (Credit or Debit) are accepted
• You may submit your ads by: Phone: 207-357-2702 E-mail: ads@mainesportsman.com Mail: 183 State Street, Suite 101 Augusta ME 04330
SUBMIT AD AND PAYMENT BY THE 30TH OF EACH MONTH AND YOUR AD WILL APPEAR IN THE NEXT ISSUE. CAMPS FOR RENT DEAD RIVER CAFE Year round home for rent on the North branch of the Dead River. Sleeps up to 9. Four bedrooms, 1/1/2 baths, 2 car garage. 3 1/2 miles north of Pines Market in Eustis. $250/day up to 6 people- 2 day min. $50/pp extra up to 9.
Avon – Mountain views and 6000’ on Mt. Blue stream. Views of Saddleback, Mt. Abraham and Mt. Blue are great. Good access and public road frontage. 445 acres for $249,000.
$1,200/wk up to 6 people, $200/pp extra up to 9. Contact Jamie: 207-577-6516
two people. 207-2773183 ————————— CAMPS FOR SALE
PARKMAN, ME BUCKS CROSSING WMD 17 RENTAL CABINS Turkey, deer, moose, upland game. All amenities included. Great rates- nightly, weekly, monthly. $75/night for
FOUR SEASON CAMP IN LEE, MAINE Sleeps up to 9. Well & septic. Access to Silver Lake. Access to ATV & Snowmobile trails. FURNISHED. $75,000. 207-217-0793
Milo - Recreational opportunities abound on this well-wooded 20 acre lot. Immediate access to ITS 82 and locally maintained ATV trail. Good views. $24,900
Rangeley – Approx 3,000’ on Round Pond, improved internal access roads and spectacular views make this 325 acre kingdom lot one of a kind. $799,900
Palmyra – Palmyra 18 hole Golf Course and RV Campground are situated on 433 acres. This is a turn-key business with buildings and infrastructure pristine. $1,500,000
Hancock County - Over 800 acres with 5,400 sq. ft log cabin completely surrounding Fox Pond. Miles of maintained trails. Adjacent to 20,000 acres of conservation lands. www.foxpondestate. com. $4,300,000
83+/- ACRES Wilton – Diverse lot with mountain views, wildlife and stone walls. Year round stream with waterfall. Rolling topo. Good access. Small cabin, as-is. Many locations for house. $119,000 New Sharon - 678 +/- acres with abundant wildlife including deer and upland game birds. Diverse land with Bragdon Brook and Salt Marsh Creek running through the lot. Over 900’ of frontage on Weeks Mills Road. $299,000 or only $441 per acre.
Woolwich - 148 +/- acres. Remarkable lot with small camp. Hunt, hike, bike, sightsee, harvest some of the large oak and pine. Great westerly distant views from Bigelow Knoll. $150,000.
King & Bartlett TWP - 770 +/acres surrounding the majority of the 538 acre 159’ deep King and Bartlett lake that supports wild brook trout, salmon and togue. Remote unique parcel.
GREENFIELD, MAINE MODERN 2-STORY CAMP Fully furnished (sleeps 6) well maintained, on 4 acres on Pickerel Pond Road. Drilled well with new pump, has septic system. Modern kitchen & bath w/ shower. 2 gas water heaters, 2 fridges, 16 gas lights & 2 generators (house wired) and 3 outbuildings. Great hunting! Asking $64,900, call
207-363-3862 Ask for Frank. HUNTING/ TRAPPING CABIN In the North Maine Woods T13R10. Great Moose hunting Zone 2, also bird, bear, deer. Furnished, sleeps 6, shower, propane fixtures, finished in Cedar, P&C lease, $39,900. 207-944-0873 WESTERN MAINE COTTAGE On 32 acres of wood(Continued on next page)
Great Hunting Camp or Vacation Getaway! Winterized cabin on 10 acres in rural Waldo, ME, home of Tom Seymour, The Maine Sportsman columnist. Cabin has kitchenette/living room, shower, office, bedroom, upstairs loft. Well off dirt road with no road noise. Trout pond. Near trout/salmon/bass lakes. Excellent deer hunting. Short drive to Belfast and amenities. $80,000 firm. Contact Judy Brossmer, Better Homes and Gardens, 207-338-3500.
SCREEN PRINTING & EMBROIDERY T-Shirts $6.00 Heavyweight 100% Cotton Pre-shrunk
Beauty runs deep. So does our land sales experience.
John Colannino – Broker & Forester American Forest Management, Inc. 40 Champion Lane | Milford, Maine | 04461 O: 207.817.9079 | C: 207.266.7355 John.Colannino@afmforest.com
FREE set-up on orders of 72 pieces or more! Prices on 36 pieces ($20 set-up) Price includes garment and 1 color 1 location screen print Rush Service Available ~ Call for free catalog
Hats $7.00
T-Shirts-Jackets-Sweatshirts-Sweatpants Hats-Aprons-Totes and more
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For more information on available properties please visit:
www.AmericanForestManagement.com www.MaineSportsman.com
or 207-573-2931
1-800-242-2374 • 207-278-7740 WWW.BERGACTIVEWEAR.COM
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land and field with 1/2 mile frontage on the Magalloway River, known for itís excellent native trout and salmon fishing. Cottage has 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, two outbuildings and hobby greenhouse. $489,000. 207.486.3306 or amiles004@yahoo.com JUST IN TIME FOR HUNTING! Remote cabin for sale, directly on headwaters of Aroostook River. Sleeps 4-6. Lease. $49,900. Contact: cb-
johnston72@hotmail. com 207 227-2305 WINTERIZED CABIN ON 10 ACRES IN RURAL WALDO, ME Home of Tom Seymour, The Maine Sportsman columnist. Cabin has kitchenette/living room, shower, office, bedroom, up-stairs loft. Well off dirt road with no road noise. Trout pond. Near trout/salmon/bass lakes. Excellent deer hunting. Short drive to Belfast and amenities. $80,000 firm. Contact
Judy Brossmer, Better Homes and Gardens, 207-338-3500. ————————— LAND FOR SALE 14+ ACRES FOR SALE IN WHITEFIELD, ME Across from Salmon Preserve, $73,500. phone or text 207-5494500 ————————— COMMERCIAL PROPERTY DEVELOPER’S DREAM: 6.6 ACRES 370ft. road frontage on Whittier Rd. in Farm-
ington, Maine, just off Routes 2 & 4. Electricity on site, 4 water hookups and 4 sewer hookups, Tax Incentives possible. 207474-0778 ————————— DOGS GUN DOG TRAINING At Spruce Meadow Kennel in Rangeley, Maine. Experienced with pointing and flushing upland bird hunting dogs. Contact Jeff Hawksley 207 864 3610 or 207 670 8010
STARTED BRITTANYS Worked on Woodcock. Prices from $1,800 to $3,000.00 Orvis Endorsed Breeder. Quail Hollow Kennel 856935-3459. ————————— FOR SALE 2 SLED SNOWMOBILE/ UTILITY TRAILER Good Condition. Asking $500. Located at 35 Elliott Ave., Lewiston, ME. Call: 207782-8615 ————————— (Continued on next page)
Outdoors & Other Mistakes (Continued from page 78)
For dessert, I turned to a 1948 pamphlet from the R.T. French Co. called “Dining Delights,” which suggests “pastry surprises.” Appropriate name for pie crust squares that contain pineapple, dates, sugar, cinnamon, stuffed olives and anchovies. As Captain America noted in the movie “The Winter Soldier,” when asked to compare the present day with the 1940s, “Food’s a lot better.” Hair of the Dog After all this entertaining, there’s likely to be an unpleasant aftermath. If the next morning finds you suffering from a terrible hangover, turn to the Esquire Party Book, a volume published nearly every year starting in 1935. It contains a surefire cure called, appropriately enough, “Drunk’s Soup.” Sadly, this concoction contains no drunks, but does feature sauerkraut juice, cabbage, two frankfurters, shallots, butter, flour, salt and paprika. Takes about an hour and a half to prepare. As the instructions note, “If your hangover hasn’t vanished during the cooking, it will during the eating.” If the DDT doesn’t fix it first. The book also includes recipes for curried walnuts, chicken pickle aspic and French-fried parsley. Is there any of that pastry surprise left over? Never mind, I’m skipping lunch. Also, I’ll be skipping parties hosted by anybody who still reads Esquire. Al Diamon writes the weekly column Politics & Other Mistakes for the Daily Bulldog and the Portland Phoenix. He can be emailed at aldiamon@herniahill.net.
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Beautiful & Unique Estate in Embden, ME
#3408 – Embden: An absolutely beautiful and very unique estate. Gated drive and surveillance throughout property. 75’x1800’ airfield with no obstacles for 200’ on either end. Other features include 50’x30’ hangar, large 24’x30’ insulated and heated garage, 24’x40’ 2 bedroom guest camp, and last but certainly not least, a custom built red oak post and beam home that is breathtaking from top to bottom. 346 acres, brook and private pond. No amount of photos can tell the story; you must see it first-hand. Call today for an exclusive showing! $750,000
Hearth & Home Realty 274 Main Street, Madison, ME 207-696-4247
www.HearthAndHomeRealty.com www.MaineSportsman.com
82 • September 2020 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————— (Continued from page 81)
WANTED DEER/MOOSE ANTLERS Buying any size deer
& moose shed antlers/racks or antlered skulls. All grades bought by the pound. 802-875-3206
SKI DOO, ELAN OR TUNDRA Any Condition. Have Cash. Will Travel. Call Or Text 207-522-6940
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Discover the versatility and convenience of Northeastern’s Camp and Cabin kits. Perfect for vacation homes or retirement retreats, these log cabin kits are easy to build and very affordable. They feature simple, open designs and come complete with pre-cut Eastern White Pine Logs, insulated doors, windows, rafters, roof sheathing and subflooring, plus step-by-step instructions.
Just imagine relaxing in your very own Northeastern log retreat!
10 Ames Road, Kenduskeag, ME
1-800-624-2797 • (207) 884-7000
www.northeasternlog.com
Burlington - Year-round road and electricity, nearly finished cabin, would be a great places for snowsledders or ATV enthusiasts. Knotty pine interior, plenty of room for a big crowd to stay and enjoy on Moores Road. $59,000
Grand Lake Stream - Exceptional frontage on West Grand Lake, one of Maine’s premier cold water fisheries. Manicured and gorgeous rustic house, well built with cathedral ceiling. AND has it’s own private boat launch. $419,000
Lee - Well-built cabin offering water and septic. Back property line is a small brook, ATV or snowmobile from driveway and heats easily in winter. Knotty pine interior, cathedral ceiling and full bath on Sarah Lane. This cabin is well worth a look. $69,000
Grand Falls - End of road privacy with power and great fishing pond on Saponac Pond. Cabin needs some luvin’ but its cute, and taxes are cheap. Wonderful location that could be yours, on prime outdoor recreational area in Maine. $79,000
Prentiss TWP - Well built, nice cabin has acreage to electricity, year round access and Maine’s Great outdoors. Pine floors and walls, cathedral ceiling and full bath on Averill Road. Can be full time residence or vacation get away. $129,000
Lee - Privately plowed, seaonal road. Electricity and nice frontage on a beautiful, clean Silver Lake. Two lots being sold, could potentially sell one lot and keep the other. The well is on lot 14 while the buildings and septic are on lot 15. $139,000
Winn - 2.8+/- acre riverfront lot, electricity available, year round access, outdoor recreation in every direction, minutes to Lincoln’s amenities, 265’+/- on the mighty Penobscot River. $23,500 Lincoln - Wonderful private 1.16 acre lot, driveway installed, ability to boat to Caribou and Long Ponds, access to snowmobile and ATV trails, owner financing, frontage on Egg Pond. $54,900 T3R1 - Private 1.9 acre lot, driveway, seasonal road, ATV and snowmobile trail access, other lakes close by, convenient to Lincoln’s amenities, owner financing, 228’ frontage on Bill Green Pond. $21,500 Mattamiscontis - Nice 2.4 acre lots with fantastic frontage along the majestic Penobscot River. Located on a year round road not far from I-95 or downtown Lincoln in a quiet area. Enjoy fishing, hunting and paddling. Owner financing available. $21,900
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R E A L
E S T A T E
5 LAKE STREET, P.O. BOX 66, LINCOLN 207-794-2460 www.cwalakestreet.com E-mail: cwa@cwalakestreet.com
1-800-675-2460 Call any of our brokers to work for you! “Tate” Aylward ............. 794-2460 Peter Phinney............... 794-5466 Kirk Ritchie................... 290-1554
FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION ON OUR PROPERTIES VISIT OUR WEB SITE AT CWALAKESTREET.COM
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The Maine Sportsman on Facebook! Caryn Dreyfuss, Broker • (207) 233-8275 caryndreyfuss@morton-furbish.com www.realestateinrangeley.com
RANGELEY – ‘GREY GHOST’ at QUIMBY POND CAMPS! Fully year-round cottage offering 3BR, 1.5BA, cozy open kitchen/living area with wood stove, spacious 2nd floor BR that sleeps a crew. Just steps to shared 419’ waterfront w/dock and legendary fishing on tranquil no-motors Quimby Pond, plus easy snowmobile trail access from your door. Ready for your immediate enjoyment come see what makes the Quimby area so special, inquire today! MLS #1448121 – $219,000 PARKERTOWN TWP – Aziscohos Lake remote hunting/fishing camp on owned land with 200’ frontage and small beach. The off grid A-Frame has gas appliances/lights, large wood stove for heat. ‘Bath House’ out building with privy, shower stall, storage. ‘Boat House’ shed for small water sport accessories. Beautiful setting with unspoiled lake/ Mt views - listen to the loons sing, gaze at the stars, enjoy the peace and quiet in this private location. MLS #1461350 – $174,500 PARKERTOWN TWP – Aziscohos Lake - beautiful, remote, pristine! Westerly facing waterfront land parcel boasting 290’ gradual entry frontage on 2.25 wooded acres. Super quiet/private area to build your off-grid North Woods camp. If you are looking to get away from it all, this would be the spot - located 13 miles from Route 16, don’t miss out on this one! MLS #1356998 – $147,500
MONSON – If you love nature and everything about getting away to the peace and quiet, then step into tranquility with this private, peaceful oasis of heaven on Earth! 5.17 acres, filled with wildlife right in your backyard! Live the rustic life in this beautifully, well built cabin as it stands, or give it your personal touches to make it your own! With an open concept kitchen and living room, the kitchen is equipped with a gas stove, the living room area has a small wood stove, gas lighting throughout the bottom floor, and enough bedding space for yourself and some friends and family downstairs or you can expand to the upstairs loft! Bask in the sun in the outdoor shower just a few steps outside your door - just follow the cute slate pathway. Enjoy the taste of nature with a town maintained fresh water spring just a short walk away. The cabin is wired throughout should you decide to add on with solar power or if you are more traditional, power lines are not far away. Just 15 minutes from Greenville and minutes from the store in Monson! MLS #1462915 – $45,900 MOSCOW – Own a get away in the heart of Maine recreation, just down the road from the Wyman Lake boat launch, minutes to whitewater rafting, ATV/snowmobile trails, and hiking. This would be a great camp or home. Sit in your living room by the woodstove with views of Wyman Lake, comfortable living space and garage below for your toys. MLS #1445703 – $89,900 CLINTON – White cedar log home set on 39+/- acres in the heart of central Maine and close to I-95. Open design with a loft, stone hearth and privacy, privacy, privacy. The home has a full bath, private septic and drilled well. The home is wired for electricity for a generator to supply the house. This home offers off-grid living, privacy, that is surrounded by abundant wildlife. Drive right to it, with a 4-wheel-drive or SUV vehicle. Power could be possible, poles stop a ways back. MLS #1415865 – $129,999 CORNVILLE – 174 acres of mostly wooded land with frontage on the East Ridge Road. Drilled well and septic already in place. Power is available at the gravel pad. Land is in tree growth for tax purposes, except for 2 acres. MLS #1460440 – $180,200 SOLON – Have you been looking for that perfect spot to put your off grid home or camp? This could be it. 10 acres in the peaceful Maine country side with direct access to ITS and ATV trails. Just minutes away from Ironbound Pond, Baker Pond and Rowell Pond. Property has a small unnamed stream that runs through it as well as a little pond. Only a short drive to in town Solon and Skowhegan. Property has a two small buildings on it that could be used as a hunting retreat or storage for your recreational toys. Come take a look! MLS #1446166 – $28,000 SOLON – Nice parcel of approximately 118 acres on U.S. Route 201. Great place for a house or camp. Enjoy the area with the Kennebec River close at hand. Hunt, fish, snowmobile from this location. Entrance drive already existing. Currently in tree growth for tax purposes. (Hb355) MLS #1097927 – $99,900 CORNVILLE – Own a piece of Maine wilderness! 131 acres with road frontage off Beckwith Road (Route 150). Power is available at the road so you can build a camp or home. Close commute to trails and quick jaunt to Skowhegan! Currently in tree growth for tax purposes. (23025Hb393) MLS #1332525 – $104,900 BRIGHTON PLT – Approximately 78 acres of land with about 1300 feet of frontage on Solon Road and 2500 feet frontage on Moody Corner Road. Plenty of room for hunting or build a home or camp. Currently in tree growth for tax purposes. (Hb320) MLS #1435924 – $65,000 09/20
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