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Bear Bait Primer P. 23 Call In a Moose P. 34 Boat Trailer Woes P. 26

Ride-Along with a Lake Warden P. 37 A Maine Guide Returns to Scotland P. 10

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4 • September 2024 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

Editorial

“Short Takes”: 1) Outdoor Ed in Maine Schools; and 2) Don’t Underestimate Baxter Peak Bringing the Outdoors Into Maine Schools In this month’s “Maine Sportswoman” column, Christi Elliott describes outdoor education classes offered at such schools as East Grand School in Danforth, Brewer High School, and Houlton High School. Curriculum varies, but in some school districts the activities include fishing, camping, hiking, biking, canoeing, bushwhacking, rock climbing and whitewater rafting. Students learn to use a map and compass, how to start a fire, and how to handle firearms. It seems clear to us that one way to keep good Maine students in our state after they graduate, is to teach them skills that will allow them to find employment in this state, including jobs in guiding, recreation, and the timber industry. Christi ends her piece with the following sentiment: “I hope that someday, every Maine school implements an outdoor education class.” We could not agree more.

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ISSN 0199-036 — Issue No. 622 • www.mainesportsman.com PUBLISHER: Jon Lund MANAGING EDITOR: Will Lund will@mainesportsman.com OFFICE MANAGER: Carol Lund carol@mainesportsman.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Kristina Roderick kristina@mainesportsman.com ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Nancy Carpenter nancy@mainesportsman.com DISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR: Jon Mulherin distribution@mainesportsman.com Second class postage paid at Scarborough, ME 04074 and additional entry offices. All editorial inquiries should be emailed to will@mainesportsman.com Phone: 207-622-4242 Postmaster: Send address changes to: The Maine Sportsman, 183 State Street, Suite 101, Augusta, ME 04330 12-Month Subscription: $33 • 24-Month Subscription: $54

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Monthly columnist Tim Caverly’s brother Buzz was the chief ranger at Baxter State Park for many years, meaning that Tim, an expert on the Allagash Waterway, also has access to great historic information about Baxter Park. This month (page 39), Tim tells the story of then-Governor Ken Curtis being flown to the park in 1968. A hike of Katahdin was arranged, the group of five got separated coming back down the mountain, the weather turned nasty, a rescue was attempted, and eventually everyone made it back safely. Governor Curtis’ group hiked up the Hunt Trail, and planned to descend on the Chimney Pond trail, until bad weather forced them onto the Saddle Trail. We paid particular attention to the story, since we just returned from a one-day trip up Baxter Peak. Like the group more than 50 years ago, we ascended the Hunt Trail. Let us be the first to report that in the years since 1968, the Hunt Trail has not gotten any less steep. In seeking the fastest way up a mountain, trail planners tend to draw a straight line. The problem is, rockslides and mountain streams tend to follow the same straight line downhill, meaning that at least on Katahdin, trails often follow streambeds and tumbled boulders. The important lesson? Bring good boots. Bring extra socks. Bring a longsleeved shirt. Bring sunscreen and a big hat. Bring a headlamp, or two. Bring more water than you think you’ll need. Keep a very close eye on the clock, or else (like our group) you will find yourself walking back to the trucks along rocky trails through the thick woods for several miles in the dark. Here in Maine, we tend to think of Katahdin as our friendly neighbor. While it is a neighbor, it must be treated with respect, and you should prepare well for any encounter with the mountain.

Almanac by Will Lund.................................................... 14 Aroostook - “The County” by Bill Graves..................... 47 Big Game Hunting by Joe Saltalamachia.................. 53 Big Woods World by Mark Scheeren & Hal Blood...... 51 Editorial.............................................................................. 4 Freshwater Fly Fishing by Lou Zambello....................... 64 Get Out There by Staci Warren.................................... 35 Jackman Region by William Sheldon.......................... 58 Jottings by Jon Lund........................................................ 8 Katahdin Country by William Sheldon......................... 56 Letters to the Editor.......................................................... 6 Maine Sportswoman by Christi Elliott........................... 40 Maine Wildlife by Tom Seymour................................... 19 Midcoast by Tom Seymour........................................... 62 Moosehead Region by Tom Seymour......................... 60 New Hampshire by Ethan Emerson.............................. 76 Nolan’s Outdoor World by Nolan Raymond............... 37 Off-Road Traveler by William Clunie............................ 70 Outdoors & Other Mistakes by Al Diamon.................. 81 Petzal Logic by David Petzal........................................ 79 Quotable Sportsman by Will Lund................................ 18 Rangeley Region by William Clunie............................. 72 Ranger on the Allagash by Tim Caverly...................... 39 Riding Shotgun by Robert Summers............................. 80 Saltwater Fishing by Bob Humphrey............................ 30 Sebago to Auburn Region by Tom Roth..................... 66 Self-Propelled Sportsman by Jim Andrews.................. 44 Shooter’s Bench by Col. J.C. Allard............................. 50 Smilin’ Sportsman by Will Lund...................................... 80 Snapshots in Time by Bill Pierce.................................... 13 Southern Maine by Val Marquez................................. 68 Tales from the Warden Service by Ret. Lt. Doug Tibbetts. 33 Tidewater Tales by Randy Randall............................... 38 Trapping The Silent Places by David Miller.................. 69 Trading Post (Classifieds)............................................... 82 Trout Fishing by Tom Seymour....................................... 63 Vermont by Matt Breton............................................... 78 Western Maine Mountains by William Clunie.............. 74

On the Cover: This is Hank, a Brittany owned by the late Jim Hynson of Pittston. Hynson was a longtime member of the Yankee Chapter of the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA), which gathers each spring at the State of Maine Sportsman’s Show in Augusta. Hynson was also active in the Ruffed Grouse Society, Trout Unlimited, the Wildlife Society, and NRCM. The cover illustration was done by Patti Carter, of Merrymeeting Kennels.

ATVing in Maine by Steve Carpenteri......................... 20 Bear Hunting in Maine by Staci Warren...................... 23 Boating by Bob Humphrey............................................ 26 GUEST: Backing Up Boat Trailers by Randy Randall... 29 GUEST: Fly Fishing Scotland by Joseph Coleman....... 10 Hunting Dogs Pictorial.............................................. 42-43 Moose Hunting in Maine by John LaMarca................ 34

Summiting Baxter in One Day is Not an Easy “Day Hike”

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6 • September 2024 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————

Letters To The Editor

Tell the Trophy Buck to Wait

To the Editor: Regarding David E. Petzal’s recent column on the subject of buck fever (see Petzal Logic, “But I Was Aiming Right At It,” July 2024), your readers might like to know the physiological basis of buck fever. The symptoms are manifestations of the “fight or flight” phenomenon, caused by the release of adrenaline from the two adrenal glands. This is, of course, a normal phenomenon, but it’s unwelcome when you’re trying to hold steady on a trophy. It’s frustrating, because there’s absolutely no way you can stop your adrenals from pumping adrenaline into your bloodstream. (Just be glad it’s you who is doing the shooting – not the enemy sniper who almost got me, and triggered the grand-daddy of all buck fevers.) So, if you are affected by buck fever, re-engage your gun’s safety, and put your rifle down slowly. Sit still, and wait for the adrenaline to dissipate natural-

ly, which will occur in 15 or 20 minutes. Then you can take your prize without shaking, if it’s still there J. Birney Dibble, MD, Eau Claire, WI —

Clunie Provided Good Info on Canine Medical Supplies

To the Editor: Last month, while camping north of Greenville, we stopped at a pond to see if we could catch sight of a moose grabbing an evening meal. No moose, so we loaded the pups back in the Jeep and got ready to hit the road again. When our 1-year-old lab jumped in the back, we noticed blood – a lot of blood. She’d been zooming through the woods and cut her leg on what we believe to be a discarded broken bottle. We were about 10 minutes from camp, so I jumped in the back with her and applied pressure to her wound. I had read a Maine Sportsman column by William Clunie in which he stressed the importance of having proper first-aid supplies for your dogs, especially hunting breeds. We had never thought about the need before reading this, as our other two pups are chihuahuas. However, I took his suggestions about adding a few things like a staple kit, and clotting powder and gauze. Using these items, we were able to

stop the bleeding, and clean and wrap up the wounded leg until we could make the four-hour trip to our vet the following day. If not for that column, I don’t know if we would have been prepared for an injury. We are beyond grateful for his advice and ideas on what to have in stock. Katrina Nutt, Dixfield, ME —

Keep your Powder Dry

To the Editor: I see that The Sportsman is beginning to focus on self-inflating life preservers. In my opinion, what we really need is an auto-inflating PFD with a 10-second delay, so that when an angler slips and falls into a just-deep-enough tidal pool while striper fishing off a ledge and the thing is about to auto inflate but the occupant is fully conscious, he can push an “auto stop” button and prevent the auto inflation, thereby avoiding a situation in which he’s unable to move because he looks like Kung Fu Panda.

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And in case you are wondering – yes, my opinion is based on personal experience – Trundy Point in Cape Elizabeth, to be specific. I was out on a long ledge with a steep wall on one side where stripers often hung out. Bob Mittel, Portland, ME

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The Editor responds: Thanks for your letter, Bob. We heard a few weeks ago from an angler who stuffed a self-inflating PFD in a boat locker, not realizing there was water pooled in the bottom of the locker. —

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To the Editor: That was a great article about guides (see “Five Things your Moose Guide (Continued on next page)

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

Wants to Tell You,” July 2024 issue). It is important to be generous regarding tips, especially when you are relying on your guide to help you pursue wounded, dangerous game. Your guide bring so much experience and knowledge to the hunt. I remember a leopard hunt in Zimbabwe when I asked my guide how long we would be in the blind. He quietly answered, “I’ve never seen a leopard wearing a wristwatch.” I will be in Zone 8 this fall, with a bull moose tag. I never question my Maine guide – to me, they are some of the best! Much luck to all the folks out in the woods his fall. Joe Weiss, Ph.D., Clarence, NY —

A Youth Hunt Doubter

To the Editor: When I see photos of very young hunters, I am sometimes suspicious that the game was shot by an adult, and the photo was later staged. I am 76 years old. I have taken deer in Connecticut, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and Canada. I am a member of the New York

State Big Buck club, where you have to prove you shot the buck. Richard Zuger, Argyle NY The Editor responds: Because we see so much national news about dishonesty in hunting and fishing, it’s tempting to believe it’s also common here in Maine. In our experience, however, the overwhelming majority of youth harvests occur legally and ethically. The hunting photos usually depict a youth-size firearm, and the young hunters are dressed and outfitted in a way that makes it clear they know their way around the woods, fields and blinds. In almost all cases, their parents or supervisors are experienced outdoorspersons, and many are registered Maine guides. —

When Did Maine First Regulate Deer Drives?

To the Editor: While reading Warden Doug Tibbetts’ article in the August 2024 issue titled “Driving Deer,” I was left with some thoughts and questions. I do not know how old Warden Tibbetts is. Maybe he does not know (Letters continued on page 9)

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Rig a Sliding Bobber; Catch More Fish A sliding bobber allows the angler to cast the worm or live bait and sinker with only a few inches of line extended out from the end of the rod. Route 105 leads east out of Augusta and crosses Lower Togus Pond. I stood at the edge of the blacktop and made a short cast with my bobber and worm into the waters of the pond. After a few minutes, my bobber first stood on end, then disappeared from sight. A fish was on. Reeling in steadily, I brought to net a twelve-inch brown trout. Not Your Usual Red-and-White Bobber Catching trout from the edge of the blacktop was not my

usual tactic. What was also different in this adventure was that I was using a sliding bobber. A what? A sliding bobber. It was different from the small round red-andwhite bobbers used by lots of shore-bound anglers. Instead of being attached to the line at a fixed distance from the hook and sinker, the bobber slides up the monofilament until it comes to the stopper – a small bit of rubber band tied to the line. Advantages The advantage to

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the sliding bobber rig is two-fold. First, the casting is easier because it eliminates the length of line between the bobber and the sinker and hook, and allows the angler to reel in almost all of the line and cast the worm or live bait and sinker with only a few inches of line extended out of the end of the rod. Second, the sliding bobber allows the angler to fish closer to the bottom of the water body. If the angler wants the bait or worm to be down fifteen or twenty feet, he ties the stopper onto the monofilament line fifteen or twenty feet above the bobber. It is difficult to cast out a line with fifteen

Looking for a sliding bobber? You can select a store-bought one, like this Thill “slider float” made of balsa wood or foam. Photo: Thill/Pradco

feet between the bobber, and the bait and sinker. But using a sliding bobber, it’s a lot easier. There are a variety of sliding bobber rigs on the market. If you can’t find one that meets your needs, the DIY possibilities are not difficult.

As an alternative to commercial rigs, you can make your own sliding bobbers. Shown here are two of the author’s homemade models, fabricated from champagne corks and a ballpoint ink cartridge or a plastic spray tube from a WD-40 can. Jon Lund photo

How to Make a Sliding Bobber Using waterproof glue or epoxy, glue up (Continued on next page)

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��The Maine Sportsman • September 2024 • 9 (Continued from page 8)

a couple of wine bottle corks, end to end. Find a WD-40 plastic tube, or a used clean plastic ballpoint pen ink cartridge. Drill out the corks to allow a snug fit lengthwise with the WD-40 tube or clean ink cartridge. Glue the WD-40 tube or ink cartridge lengthwise inside the

corks, using the epoxy or other glue. In use, push the monofilament from the rod tip down through the WD-40 tube hole, and attach the sinker and baited hook. Tie on the stopper at the distance from the sinker that you desire. Tie it on the monofilament with an overhand knot stretched

Letters to the Editor

(Continued from page 7)

or remember that deer drives were legal in Maine until 1971. He never discloses that fact. When reading the article, it would lead one to believe that this practice was always illegal. Many families and friends from every part of the state hunted deer in this fashion. I would imagine that it was why it was still practiced in the 1980s and so difficult to change the culture.

Maine currently prohibits intentional deer drives conducted by 4 or more hunters. Credit: NJ Conservation Foundation

I hunt many states, and deer drives are still legal in most of them, like Pennsylvania. I bow hunt PA every year, and sometimes during the firearms season. I participate with my PA friends during the rifle season on occasional deer drives for the comradery, though I do not prefer this type of hunting. Paul Holton, South Berwick, ME The editor responds: With the help of the excellent folks at the reference desk at Maine’s Law Library in Augusta, we were able to track down the history of our state’s efforts to regulate the driving of deer. The first laws focused on prohibited methods, rather than on the number of participants involved. Here’s Public Law Chapter 84, approved March 14,

tight. Then cut off the rubber band’s ends, trimming off enough of the rubber band to permit it to go through the rod guides and reel without getting snagged. How it Works After you cast, the sinker will pull the monofilament line down through the plastic tube until the

rubber stopper hits the plastic tube, and the bobber gives a little bump. If you don’t see any bump, then the sinker may be on the bottom. If you don’t want your bait and sinker to be on the bottom, shorten the distance between the stopper and the bobber. Most anglers prefer to suspend their

1933, titled “An Act Prohibiting the Horning of Deer: “It shall be unlawful to drive deer by the use of horns, whistles or other noise-making devices.” The first limits on the number of hunters participating in a drive came in Chap. 165 of the Public Laws of 1953, when this language was added to the statute: “It shall be unlawful for more than 8 persons to participate in a joint hunt for deer, wherein an effort is made to drive deer.’ In 1962, that number was reduced to six, in a statute titled “An Act Relating to Driving Deer by More Than Six Persons.” In 1971, the numerical test was removed completely from the law. Driving remained prohibited, and it was defined as “the intentional act of pursuing, driving, chasing or otherwise frightening or causing deer to move in the direction of any person or persons known to be waiting for the deer so pursued, driven or chased.” The law did not specify the number of participants necessary for wardens to make their case. Perhaps due to the difficulty of prosecuting (or defending against) a charge of driving, a numerical test was re-implemented in 1999, through passage of a law titled “An Act to Allow Three Hunters to Hunt Deer Together.” The law created an exemption to the prohibition against driving: “Notwithstanding [the general restriction], 3 or fewer persons may hunt together as long as they do not use noisemaking devices.” And finally, in 2013, the language was reorganized, to specifically define activity that constituted a drive: “For purposes of this subsection, 4 or more persons working together to move deer constitutes an organized or planned effort to drive deer.” —

Enjoys Maine for the Bear

To the Editor: Just a note to tell you I enjoy your magazine.

worm or bait slightly above the bottom. If you expect to do any fishing with worms or bait in the coming season, outfit yourself with a sliding bobber. When you see the bobber stand on end and then dive under, you will be glad you did.

I hope to get to Maine for a bear hunt again. We had two successful hunts at Russell Pond, north of Seboomook Lake, T5 R16, Somerset County., and it was a great time. The trip to Maine from PA is also very scenic, taking the northern route through NY, VT and NH. Mike Sirak, Edinboro, PA —

Biggest Buck Club in 1957

To the Editor: I am looking for some historical records of the “Biggest Buck in Maine” Club. I understand that my father shot the 2nd largest buck in Maine in what I believe was hunting year 1957. I have in my possession the “patch” and the “card.” The card reads “The Biggest Buck in Maine Club.” It’s dated in early 1958, and contains two signatures: the Governor of Maine, and the Commissioner of Fish and Game, whose first name appears to be “Roland.” On the back of the card is a note in my father’s handwriting that says “459 Total.” I would appreciate any historical information you can provide. Neal Allmond, Whitewater, KS The editor responds: Thanks for your note, Neal. That sounds like a mammoth deer! Roland Cobb was the Fish & Wildlife Commissioner during that time. Regarding the rest of your request, our readers may be able to provide some historic context. Your Dad’s hunt took place about 15 years before The Maine Sportsman took over the Biggest Bucks program from Maine’s Department of Tourism in the early 1970s. The Maine State Library makes digital copies of the Maine Fish and Wildlife quarterly magazine, available free of charge, going back to 1959. Some of those issues contain Biggest Bucks lists. Visit www. issuu.com/mainestatelibrary.

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10 • September 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————

— Guest Column —

Fly Fishing in the Borders of Scotland, Part 2 by Joseph Coleman, Registered Maine Fishing Guide, Freeport I arrived in Scotland on April 20, 2024. This gave me a month to prepare before my two sports, Mike and Irl, arrived. I rented a van and set it up with all my fishing gear, and a few books, including John Buchan’s novel, John McNab. By the time my sports arrived, I had a good sense of the pools that held fish, and the peace of mind that there were no unexpected variables. Speaking of unexpected variables – The prior week, while I was walking back to my van in a pelting rain at dusk on the river Annan (considered one of the best big brown trout rivers in the UK), the narrow edge of a cow pasture 15 feet above the river gave way under my feet. I had two options – grab an electric fence, or go down. Though I broke my L.L. Bean 5 weight, lost my favorite Grant’s Camp hat, and knocked the wind out of my lungs, I was able to grab slippery roots and brambles, and muscle my way back to the top. There, I was greeted by 15 curious cows nosed up against the wire. I was shaken, but grateful that it had been me to take the tumble, and not a sport. The Clients Arrive and Settle In Mike and Irl arrived May 20th. I booked them into the Tontine Hotel, in Peebles. Built in 1808, the structure features high ceilings, and windows overlooking the River Tweed. The lounge offers large, plush chairs and sofas, wellworn and threadbare. The oak floors creak, and a bar just off the dining room has a warm glow. In Scotland, you don’t need a fishing or guide license, but you do need to purchase a permit for each stretch of the river you fish. You make the purchases at local fish shops or hotels, or on the

Mike Healy with the author; Annan River, Applegarth Estate beat; last day. www.MaineSportsman.com

The author, a Maine guide, works hard to learn all about the Scottish salmon and trout rivers, and to meet the angling expectations of his American customers.

Fishing the River Tweed The River Tweed runs east to west, and is 100 miles long. The reports were that salmon out of the North Sea were west of us in the lower river, near Kelso. I made a few calls to Fin Wilson, a local guide and friend, who in turn made a few calls to his ghillie friends. We traveled west to Melrose to fish the “beats” (stretches of river) near Kelso. Irl is a Determined Angler One day after fishing hard on a Melrose beat, Mike wanted to call it at noon to get an ice cream, check out a distillery, and visit Neidpath Castle, which was built in 1263. Irl opted to keep fishing. I’d describe Irl as a gifted doctor, and one of the best fishermen I’ve guided. He is like a bird dog who just won’t quit and needs to be put on a “Whoaaa” at times. That evening, while Mike and I were having a drink in the lounge, Irl came in with all his muddy gear, soaking wet and covered in burdocks. He showed us photos of a beautiful salmon and sea-run trout he’d caught. We celebrated with a meal of lamb chops, mint sauce, chips and local beer, as the wind and rain coming off the river pelted the window panes.

Irl Rosner and a fresh Atlantic salmon, Boleside Beat. Photo by Gary, the ghillie local guide.

website, Fishpal. The cost can range from £10 up to £300 per day (about $13 to $390). We met every morning at the hotel for coffee and a Scottish breakfast of black pudding (blood sausage), haggis (sheep entrails), rashers (bacon), beans, eggs, and fried tomatoes. After that, we picked up our packed lunches the hotel prepared, and came up with a game plan. The plot summary of John Buchan’s 1925 novel “John Macnab” is as follows: “Three high-flying men – a barrister, a cabinet minister and a banker – are suffering from boredom. They concoct a plan to cure it. They inform the owners of three Scottish estates that they will poach two stags and a salmon from each estate in a given time.”

Irl Heads Back Out The skies had cleared by 8 p.m., and Irl wanted to try for a brown trout, in order to get his “Scottish Slam” – a salmon, sea trout, and brown trout. We went to Dawyck bridge to fish the long runs. At 9 p.m., the skies opened up again. I had to use my flashlight for Irl to tie one last fly. We felt like kids doing something very important. A fish rose, Irl made a cast with his favorite purple haze fly. Boom! A nice 10-inch brown trout. Irl had his slam. (Continued on next page)

March brown jinglers, and a few other trout flies a local gentleman gave the author on the river. Photo: Joe Coleman

�� The Maine Sportsman • September 2024 • 11

Salmon flies in the Tweedledum beat fish hut. Photo Joe Coleman (Continued from page 10)

“Spate” River A river rising fast is called a “spate” river. This is a Catch-22. A flooded river shuts down the fishery, but allows “fresh” Atlantic salmon from the sea to make runs up the river. Once the river starts to recede, these “fresh fish” settle in a pool, awaiting the next spate to make another run. Atlantic salmon and sea trout are anadromous – they go from saltwater to fresh. Fresh Atlantic salmon are silvery-chrome, pull like torpedoes, jump like gazelles, and usually have sea lice, which die once they are exposed to fresh water. It’s common to catch “fresh” salmon 50 miles from the sea with sea lice. Salmon do not feed once in fresh water, but the instinct carried over from the sea to snap at prey (or a swinging fly) stays with them for a few days, then slowly fades over time. How to Fish Scottish River Salmon The few things I learned about Scottish Atlantic salmon fishing: Fish beats where there are fresh fish after a spate. Position yourself on the river, and make three casts at different angles, swing the fly, then take three steps down river. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Irl would often quote Wayne Gretzky: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. That’s salmon fishing!” Early-spring Scottish brown trout

Mike Healy playing an Atlantic salmon at Lowe Pavilion beat. Photo by Joseph Coleman

Purple Haze dry fly.

are very, very skittish. Most locals fish by walking for miles along the banks, looking for a rise, approaching stealthily, and making a perfect cast right on the trout’s nose. If the fish aren’t taking your dries, switch to emergers, woolly buggers, then nymphs. Goal: Catch a Large Brown Trout Before I start a trip, I send a few questions to my sports. One is, “What are your expectations?” Mike wrote: “To experience Scottish culture and landscape, hone my spey casting, and catch a big native Scottish brown trout.” Over breakfast on our last day, we decided to make the hour trip to Moffat, and fish the River Annan along the Applegarth beat. Mike had caught his share of beautiful fish, but not the big brown trout. Fin had given me coordinates that directed us through a working dairy farm and its old buildings – where the walls were so close you could touch them through the van’s window – down a narrow alley where cows were being milked, then to an open field, where we parked on the river’s edge. A farmer drove toward us on an ATV. Not knowing what to expect, I braced myself. The farmer passed, gave us a friendly nod, and went out to the pasture to round up his cows for milking. We walked upriver to a washed-out bridge where a flat stretch meandered

The Annan River. Photo by Irl Rosner

Sea run trout caught on a spinning rod during a spate river. Photo by Irl Rosner

for about 200 yards. I waded out with Mike through cattails and reeds. Across the river was a mud bank, with swift nest holes drilled into the mud. Swifts were snatching flies off the water, and fish were feeding. The rises were just out of reach of Mike’s casts. We switched to nymphing, with no luck. We broke and had lunch along the bank. Waking Up for Brown Trout After lunch, Mike and Irl fell asleep on the bank. We had been fishing hard for 10 days. I kept scanning the water, and near the reeds on our side, I saw a very subtle swirl. There were caddis flying upstream, so I put on a #14 elk hair caddis, and nudged Mike awake. He was still half asleep, however, and his first cast was short. The second was perfect, and when the fly arrived, a gentle swirl sipped the fly, and Mike was hooked up to a huge brown trout. I yelled to Irl, “Wake up!” After it was over, we sat quietly on the bank. A Scottish breeze rustled the reeds. A front was coming in. I’m heading back to the Borders in October, as the season winds down on the Kennebago River. Many of my Maine friends and clients want to fish in Scotland; many of my Scottish friends and clients want to fish in Maine. That’s going to be a tough call.

Mike Healy, Joseph Coleman and Irl Rosner. Photo by Janet McTeer, Tontine Hotel www.MaineSportsman.com

12 • September 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————

— Maine Sporting Camps —

Tim Pond Wilderness Camps “The Place You’ve Been Looking For and Didn’t Know How to Find!” Tim Pond Camps, located in Eustis, Maine, consists of a main lodge and 11 rustic log cabins. The cozy cabins are equipped with a bathroom and hot and cold running water, and are heated with woodstoves. Delicious home-cooked meals are served in the spacious lodge dining room, and the cookie jar is always full for snacking. Tim Pond, which has never been stocked, stretches a mile long and is well known for productive fly fishing for native brook trout. Tim Pond is actually one of

only a few ponds left in Maine that is still all-natural. Although a lot of fishermen practice catch-and-release, each angler is allowed to keep two fish. Brookies are great fighters and a lot of fun to catch, and to eat – if you get “fish-hungry,” the cook will fry up your catch for breakfast. Guests staying at Tim Pond Camps in September enjoy taking a hike up the brook to see the fish as they make their way to spawn, and they are always amazed at how far up the mountain the fish travel, and the small amount of water needed to make the voyage. Tim Pond offers many adventures and attractions in addition to the spec-

tacular fishing. If learning to fly fish is on your bucket list, or just to learn some new fly-fishing techniques, enroll in Tim Pond’s Fly-Fishing School, Guests can enjoy an energetic hike, go bird or moose watching, or just sit on the porch and read a book while listening to the loons and enjoying the beautiful scenery. Deer, moose, eagles and fox are often seen without leaving the porch. And, if hunting is your passion, Tim Pond offers upland game and deer hunting in season. Make Tim Pond Camps your next fishing or vacation destination. Call 207243-2947, or visit www.timpond.com.

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

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

of food – lobster, hamburgers, hot dogs, potatoes, corn, eggs, onions, chips, soda, and blueberry cake. Pot Luck Dinners: They hold a pot luck dinner at the picnic area in front of the store periodically throughout the camping season. Bean-Hole Bean Dinners: They also periodically have bean-hole dinners, and provide the bean-hole beans, homemade bread or rolls, and water, lemonade or ice tea. Joe & Sue Christianson have owned Matagamon for 18 years. Joe is a Master Guide, and Sue is a Master Cook. It’s a family operation, including the assistance of their son, Allen, who is a Master Maine Guide and who works at the camps, as does his wife Brandi. Also on site is one of their daughters, Katie Gowell and her husband Sasha. Sasha has his Maine Guides License, and provides guiding services for guests at the camp. Katie is the Owner of “The Moose is Loose Ice Cream Shoppe,” and both Katie and Sasha tend Gowell’s Bait, where they sell night crawlers all year round. Call to book your stay at Matagamon, 207-446-4635.

�� The Maine Sportsman • September 2024 • 13

“Snapshots in Time”

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

Camp, Mountain Lion and Bear Stories from 1899

This edition shares three short articles that appeared in the August 25, 1899, copy of the PHILLIPS PHONOGRAPH newspaper. We hope you enjoy it.

Pleasant Island Camps The fishing is good, and no one who is “fish hungry” need go without while there. Many fish have been taken in Toothaker Cove on a fly, some of them weighing two pounds. Billy Soule (proprietor) has already sold six licenses and sent them away to sportsmen who want to kill a deer the first of September. They want the licenses with them when they come in order that there shall be no delay. Billy says the deer are so plentiful that it is hard work to get through the woods. Author’s note: Truth-in-advertising may not have come to the fore in this report. Despite Maine offering a special early season on deer at the time, whitetails were becoming exceedingly scarce, even in remote Cupsuptic. Today, U.S. Fish and Wildlife estimates that by 1900, whitetail deer populations nationally might have hit an all-time low of just 500,000 NATIONALLY! This despite far more agricultural

A sporting scene outside Billy Soule’s Pleasant Island Camps, 1898.

land than we have today. Unregulated and commercial hunting had done its worst. The recovery has been an unprecedented success, with the current population estimated at thirty-six million. These are “the good old days,” thanks to good regulation and sound management. ***** They Saw an Indian Devil (Mountain Lion) Fortunately for the hunter, the Indian devil does not frequent the Maine woods. If he did, but few would dare venture into the afflicted sections. Andrew Douglass saw one, but it was years ago when his son, Will, was but a lad. After a day’s tramp through the woods, they built a fire preparatory to eating a lunch. Then Mr. Douglass had touched a match to a dead birch tree stand-

ing near, to see the flames shoot up along the sides. As the flames ran up the tree, an animal seemed to leap out of the earth almost at their feet, and with one spring went twenty feet into another tree. There he eyed the two fiercely. While Douglass and Will were wondering what the creature could be, Will said, “I believe I have seen a picture like that in one of my books. It looks like an Indian devil.” “I believe that is what it is,” said Andrew. “I have heard tell of those fellows and I guess that is what this is, sure as you live. Pick up the axe and rifle and head back up the hill and I’ll follow. But when you reach the summit, you run like the devil.” Will followed directions to the letter, and both reached

home safely. Andrew says he hunted all through that country afterward, but never saw anything more of the creature. Author’s note: Running “like the devil” to escape an “Indian Devil” undoubtably would prove unsuccessful should the animal pursue. Also quite interestingly, it was a frequent practice in winter or if the woods were damp, for a woodsman to ignite the bark of an entire birch tree for the purpose of illuminating a campsite. And the term eating “a lunch” could mean preparing any meal regardless of the time of day. ***** Bear With Three Feet Leads Hunters Up Saddleback and Then Leaves Them When Nick Oglevie gets after game, he doesn’t like to give it up, but sometimes

he has to do so. Over on Hewey Hill by Sandy River Ponds, he and Frank Haley started a bear. They chased him until night, and then decided to leave him till morning and take a dog to help them. In the morning, they took the dog and with Dave Haines, Walter Twombly and others went after the bear. The dog didn’t come up to what they expected of him, but as the bear had been caught in a trap and had lost a part of one foot, it was comparatively an easy thing to keep his track. They followed him well up on Saddleback and they decided to give up the chase and return home, bear-less. Author’s note: Even a three-legged bear could fetch as much as $35 in 1899, or about $1385 in today’s money. Bears had become scarce, and were highly sought-after for making bearskin hats and mittens, but more so for the body fat, which when rendered resulted in a highly-prized, fine oil for lubricating 19th century machinery. ***** Readers: Be sure to get outside this month to make some GREAT outdoor history of your own.

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Almanac

14 • September 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————

Three Minutes with a Maine Guide by Lisa DeHart

Picking a Setting Pole A setting pole propels the canoe, and also functions like a rudder. I get asked all the time about the specifications of a good pole. When I do a big whitewater river like the St. John or the Bonaventure, I make sure both my poles are ash, double ended with a metal “shoe” or ferrule with a spike sticking out, so I can get purchase on the bottom of a river, even if I’ve got bald ledge underneath me.

In this month’s “3 Minutes” column, the author compares setting poles made from ash, with lighter ones made from black spruce. John Meader photo

Compiled and Edited by — Will Lund —

Wood Choice Ash is strong, slender but durable, and has never let me down in a big rapid. Black spruce is my other choice for a pole. However, I’ve broken one or two in big rapids, which leads to some heartpounding action that I now try to avoid. Black spruce in any rapid less than a Class III is great. Lighter than ash, it’s a nice switch to make during a long day on the river. The ash pole weighs about 10 pounds, so a long day moving a loaded boat with that can make muscles a bit fussy and asking for camp. Specifications Specs – my poles are 12 feet, double-ended, which is not traditional, but I’ve always preferred it. Canadian Guide and poler Kevin Silliker makes the spruce poles, and Peavey Manufacturing in East Eddington Maine makes a fine ash pole. To get the spike in the end, I screw a lag bolt into the end, and then cut the head off the bolt.

Light Pole Versus a Heavy Pole The light pole is fast and nimble; however, you have to push it to the bottom before you can use it. The ash is heavy, so all you have to do is open your hand – it sinks fast, and you’re good to go. Maine Guide Dan Flamini says setting poles are kind of like the wands in Harry Potter – when you find the one right for you, you’ll know. —

Guide Talk by John LaMarca

Archery Hunt Prep – Using Rubs to Pinpoint Buck Movement September and October are great times in the deer woods, as many bucks are starting to get squirrely with the impending rut, changing their habits and daily activities. This change in pattern is important for bowhunters to take into consideration, since the velvet buck you’ve been watching may change his location.

John LaMarca sits in his tree stand overlooking an active, fresh rub. Photos provided by the author

That’s why it’s important to look for fresh indicators of the presence of bucks; namely, rubs and scrapes. I tend to check up on rubs I know of, since unlike scrapes that can wash away in the rain, the scars of rubs remain on the trees, showing clear evidence of their use. (Continued on next page)

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�� The Maine Sportsman • September 2024 • 15 (Continued from page 14)

GPS Mapping When I see either an old or new rub in the woods, I mark it on my onX Hunt App. This gives me a good database when hunting season arrives, making a record of areas that historically have active rubs, as well as areas that have been rubbed in the past.

Compare the fresh rub on the left (yellow/orange hue; shreds of frayed bark at the edges) with an older rub on the right, which exhibits graying wood and bark.

The key is to find a rub that is active. Look for a rub on which the bark is frayed in a yellow/orange hue, and where the debris of the rubbing is still present on the tree and at the base of the tree. You may also notice that there are water droplets forming on the tree in the areas where the bark has been rubbed away. This is the telltale sign of a good, fresh rub. An old rub is indicated if the bark has “grayed out” and the debris on the tree bark is gone. In areas I hunt frequently (midcoastal Maine), rubs are most commonly found on spruce trees. Selecting a Stand Site Once you have pinned down a likely spot, make certain that you set your stand where it provides a good shooting lane to the rub, since you may be able to catch a buck as he “checks in” periodically. Take into consideration how you will enter and exit the stand, to reduce your impact on the site. The earlier in the year you

can set your stand or blind, the better, as it gives the deer a chance to get accustomed to its presence.

Here, a buck “checks in” on a fresh rub. The author’s stand is located in a tree directly behind the buck’s location.

Sophia Rackliff and her Maine record bluegill. Helping celebrate the occasion is Sophia’s brother, Sawyer. Photo by Jake Rackliff

Over time, as a result of scouting and taking note of areas that deer frequent, you will identify rubs that are hit year after year, and you’ll have a great spot to set a permanent tree stand. —

the Corner Store County Market, and the species was attested by Jim Pellerin, fisheries biologist at the Gray, Maine offices of MDIF&W. Congratulations, Sophia! —

Four-Year-Old’s Catch Breaks Maine State Bluegill Record Until recently, the Maine state record for bluegill sunfish, set several years ago, was a .955 lbs. (15.28 oz.) specimen, caught June 21, 2020 in Murdock Lake (Hatfield Pond), Berwick. But that changed on July 23, 2024, when 4-year-old Sophia Rackliff of Shapleigh hauled in a 1.09-lb., 11-inch lunker, while fishing in Little Ossipee Lake in Waterboro with her dad and her brother. The weight was certified at

Dam Failure Drains Dundee Pond in Windham by Lou Zambello

Can you picture living on a 200-acre pond, full of life – eagles, loons, frogs, turtles, trout, bass, mollusks, mayflies and dragonflies – and one morning you come back home from a trip, look out over what was the pond, and see dry land? (Continued on next page)

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16 • September 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————

Almanac (Continued from page 15)

Or imagine working for a town park & recreation department, preparing the town swimming park for the summer, and suddenly all the water is gone? This happened on May 17, at Dundee Pond in Windham.

Did you ever wonder what a 200-acre impounded pond would look like if the dam gate stuck in the open position? This was Dundee Pond in Windham, on July 15, 2024. W. Lund photo

The entire community was stunned when a gate in the Dundee Hydroelectric Dam at Dundee Pond catastrophically failed, draining the pond overnight. Residents and local officials encountered an unimaginable sight – a barren landscape, consisting of mudflats, as well as protruding stumps from logging that oc-

Scan the QR code to view Lou’s video of Dundee Pond after the dam failure.

www.bit.ly/DundeeDam curred before the pond filled more than 100 years ago. Dundee Pond is an impoundment of the Presumpscot River. Part of the Presumpscot River Paddling Trail, it is popular with swimmers, canoeists and kayakers. It also hosted a good bass population, and ice-fishers hook brook trout, salmon, pickerel, and last winter, a fivepound brown trout. The author fly-fishes the pond, and never knows what species is going to eat his fly. During the summers, late-evening Hexagenia mayfly hatches bring every bass to the surface. According to the town, the reason for the water loss is a malfunctioning deep gate at the dam, stuck in an open position. The mechanism dates back to the early 1900s, and to the author’s understanding has never been replaced, nor was it inspected in recent years. Repairs will take most of the summer to complete, but the exact timetable is uncertain. The company’s most recent estimate is that the pond will be refilled by October.

This photo was taken from the “deep-water side” of the 52-foot high, 100-year old dam. Based on the corroded condition of the iron controllers for the sluice gates, it’s no surprise that one failed. The company recently told property owners that while the pond is drained, they will be “taking the opportunity to conduct additional preventative maintenance, including completely overhauling the other gates, to minimize the likelihood of other gate-related shutdowns over the coming years.” W. Lund photo

The failure of the Dundee Dam serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining infrastructure, and (Continued on next page)

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

practicing preventative maintenance. Sappi Paper owned the dam for decades, but announced in 2022 it had completed the sale of its hydroelectric assets to Dichotomy Power, LLC, which in turn licensed its operations to Relevate Power Company. Relevate Power is supervising the repairs that are being done by a general contractor – Bancroft Contracting Corp. The recent series of operator changes make accountability difficult to ascertain. The removal of some Maine dams, including two on the lower Presumpscot River, has restored free-flowing rivers, accruing many benefits to coastal ecosystems. But the Presumpscot River has two additional dams immediately upstream from Dundee, and an additional three a short distance downstream, so little ecological benefits will be derived from the newly-formed quarter-mile stream channel surrounded by mudflats. In fact, heavy rain falling on the exposed mud creates a muddy river that significantly reduces downstream oxygen levels, to the detriment of aquatic species. When the pond eventually refills, it will be interesting to see how long it takes for the flora and fauna of the pond to recover. The author talked to several state experts, and the estimates ranged from three to ten years. Given the lack of cold-water refugia available to the trout and salmon, they will likely migrate downstream, or they won’t survive. How many of the warmwater species such as smallmouth, largemouth, sunfish, perch, and pickerel will survive and not migrate downstream, is uncertain. The bottom line is that fishing will not be what it was for years. The hex hatch may never recover. Only time will tell. —

New Headlamp Shows its Mettle by Will Lund

We like the tiny LED headlamps. They are lightweight, feature a row of lights that aim toward the front, and are good for seeing your way around a dark cabin, or getting home on a smooth, wide path. However, there are times when only a larger, brighter light will do the job. We had an opportunity to test a new “Infinity X1” ($28 for a 3-pack, from Costco) during a one-day Baxter Peak summit last month. Technically known as an “Infinity X1 700 L Dual Power LED Headlamp,” it provided excellent illumination when our trip ran late, requiring us to walk two miles back to the trucks

The new Infinity headlamp provides illumination simultaneously in all directions — ahead, to the right, to the left, and down. This unit proved itself on a recent one-day trip up Katahdin that required walking back along a rocky trail in darkness. While hiking at night, it’s critical to be able to see obstacles, as well as painted blazes. W. Lund photo

on a rocky woods trail in the pitch-black darkness. There are two primary differences between this headlamp and others we’ve used. The first is the absolute brightness of the bulbs. The packaging warns users not to stare into the light, and in this case, the advice is not just marketing hype. The second is the 220 degrees of horizontal coverage, as well as the down-directed lighting, offered by the lamp. A primary beam and two auxiliary beams face forward. Five bulbs on each side illuminate the left and right borders of the trail. And three additional bulbs are directed downward, to light the path of your hiking boots. The unit offers five light modes, including a red lamp; it’s waterproof; and the “dual power” designation derives from the fact that it operates either with three AAA batteries, or a rechargeable power pack. — Wilderness First Aid by Stacey Wheeler, RN

September: National Healthy Aging Month The Healthy Aging Organization began more than 30 years ago. Its focus is to bring heightened awareness to the mental and physical health of adults 45 and older. As we age, our bodies and minds change. However, aging does not mean we have to sit on the couch and watch life pass us by. Healthy aging is based on the premise that health, well-being, and strength can be achieved at any age. HealthyAging.net offers tips to help your body and mind feel young, such as not sticking to societal norms and act-

ing as young as you feel, instead of your given age. They encourage a positive attitude toward life, including by removing negative thoughts (and people) from your daily life. Maine weather starts to cool off in September, with less-humid days and fewer insects, making for more enjoyable outdoor activities. From beach walks to rigorous mountain hikes, hunting, fishing and foraging, Maine offers an endless range of outdoor options. In short, our state’s trails, waterways and woodlands provide access to many healthy aging activities. Fifteen percent of Mainers are registered hunters and fishermen, and according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 45- to 64-year-olds make up the largest portion of license-holders.

The author, shown here, celebrated her 50th birthday last year with a successful 4-day moose hunt, which she says involved “hiking cutdowns and hardwood ridges, and trekking to remote streams and bogs.”

I’ve enjoyed more hunting, fishing and hiking after age 45 than at any other time in my life. My gift to myself last year when I turned 50 was a four-day moose hunt, which involved hiking cutdowns and hardwood ridges, trekking to remote streams and bogs, and redeeming my reward of a 2.5-year-old, 686# bull. My advice? Find a new activity, smile, walk away from negativity, and join an outdoor club. Get out there, get moving, and don’t use aging as an excuse.

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18 • September 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————

September 2024 Sunrise/Sunset Bangor, ME DATE RISE 1 Sun 5:56 2 Mon 5:57 3 Tue 5:59 4 Wed 6:00 5 Thu 6:01 6 Fri 6:02 7 Sat 6:03 8 Sun 6:05 9 Mon 6:06 10 Tue 6:07 11 Wed 6:08 12 Thu 6:09 13 Fri 6:10 14 Sat 6:12 15 Sun 6:13

SET 7:12 7:11 7:09 7:07 7:05 7:03 7:01 6:59 6:58 6:56 6:54 6:52 6:50 6:48 6:46

DATE RISE 16 Mon 6:14 17 Tue 6:15 18 Wed 6:16 19 Thu 6:18 20 Fri 6:19 21 Sat 6:20 22 Sun 6:21 23 Mon 6:22 24 Tue 6:24 25 Wed 6:25 26 Thu 6:26 27 Fri 6:27 28 Sat 6:28 29 Sun 6:30 30 Mon 6:31

SET 6:44 6:42 6:41 6:39 6:37 6:35 6:33 6:31 6:29 6:27 6:25 6:24 6:22 6:20 6:18

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

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

HIGH AM PM

10:59 11:40 — 12:27 1:03 1:39 2:14 2:52 3:33 4:20 5:13 6:11 7:15 8:17 9:14 10:05 10:53 11:41 12:03 12:55 1:47 2:41 3:39 4:42 5:48 6:55 8:01 8:59 9:48 10:31

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11:08 11:49 12:17 12:51 1:23 1:55 2:27 3:03 3:43 4:30 5:24 6:23 7:27 8:29 9:27 10:20 11:12 — 12:28 1:16 2:05 2:57 3:54 4:57 6:03 7:11 8:16 9:13 10:02 10:45

LOW AM PM

4:49 5:30 6:07 6:40 7:12 7:43 8:15 8:51 9:30 10:15 11:06 — 12:57 2:01 2:59 3:51 4:40 5:27 6:14 7:01 7:50 8:41 9:36 10:36 11:41 12:37 1:45 2:46 3:37 4:21

4:54 5:37 6:15 6:52 7:27 8:03 8:40 9:21 10:07 10:58 11:55 12:02 1:04 2:08 3:08 4:03 4:56 5:48 6:40 7:31 8:25 9:21 10:23 11:28 — 12:50 1:59 2:59 3:50 4:34

Selected Maine Hunting Dates in August and September, 2024 Deer: Expanded archery season starts September 7 in designated areas only, and runs through December 14. Bear: Youth Bear Day is August 24. General hunting starts August 26, and runs through November 30. Hunting with bait starts August 26, and ends September 21. Bear trapping starts September 1, and ends October 31. Hunting bear with dogs starts September 9, and ends November 1. Fall Wild Turkey (Archery equipment or shotgun): Youth Fall Wild Turkey Day is September 14. General season in all WMDs except 1-5 and 9 starts September 16, and ends November 7. Bag limits range from 1 – 5; review rule book for WMD where you hunt. Birds: Season for ruffed grouse and bobwhite quail starts September 28 and runs through December 31. Woodcock are migratory; season starts September 28 and ends November 19. Geese and ducks – check “migratory gamebirds” chart on DIF&W site. Small Game: Snowshoe hare, gray squirrel, and gray squirrel (falconry) seasons begin September 28.

Quotable

Sportsman

by Will Lund

“The advent of forward-facing sonar (FFS) has hatched numbers of nouveau techniques to tempt fish marked in front of the boat, including ‘moping,’ ‘hover strolling,’ ‘mid-strolling,’ and now, ‘power mid-strolling.’” Advertisement for a new 5-inch rubber minnow manufactured by Ever Green, called Last Ace 128. Usually rigged as a jig, the lure is designed to allow anglers to entice and catch fish that have been spotted on a forward-facing sonar. Such FFS units can “see” both the fish and the lure. — “Premature inflation may occur in certain conditions, including when the device is subjected to heavy splashing, high humidity, heavy fog, and heavy rain.” Page 6, owner’s manual for an Automatic Inflatable PFD — “My male Labrador retriever peed on a game warden’s leg while he was checking licenses.” Jay Anglin, in a piece titled

“Picking Your Best Friend.” Anglin was discussing the pros and cons of purchasing a male hunting dog versus a female hunting dog. “Male Labs will urinate on anything that rises more than a few inches off the ground,” he explained, “including truck tires, the fruit trees you just planted for the better half, and flowers in planters.” — “These changes put more pressure on the people behind the counter.” Joshua Klemanski, manager of Top Gun of Maine, in Poland. Klemanski was referring to Maine’s new 72-hour waiting period in purchasing guns, and was quoted in a Bangor Daily News article titled “Gun shops have big questions about Maine’s new waiting period law,” by Billy Kobin and Julie Harris. The article revealed that Gov. Mills has asked state officials to provide guidance on certain issues, including how the legislation will affect temporary transfers, such as those for guided hunts, and whether residents will have the ability to acquire guns for personal protection.

�� The Maine Sportsman • September 2024 • 19

Maine Wildlife:

Crows

The author had a rough start with crows, but then the relationship improved.

by Tom Seymour

The common name for Corvus brachyrhynchos, American crow, says it all. American crows, or just, “crows,” are equally as iconic as bald eagles and wild turkeys. Ubiquitous and abundant, crows are not geographically bound. They are simply “American.” At one time, wingshooters looked to crows to sharpen their shooting skills just before the general season on upland game opened. My grandpa was among that crowd, and he took me along to observe. I wasn’t yet old enough to obtain a hunting license. One of those trips nearly proved my undoing. As Grandpa, with me in tow, walked across a field toward a stand of mixedgrowth woods which crows frequented, a horse followed us. We were vaguely aware of the animal, but paid it no heed until it reared up and pounded me in the back with its hooves. The horse knocked me down, and continued to come down on my back and legs, kicking, stomping and biting. Grandpa hollered for help, while attempting to fend off the crazed horse with the buttstock of his gun. A farmer heard our yells, and assisted in dragging me to safety behind a fence. But the damage was done. This was in the 1950s, and rather than being taken to a hospital, I was instead whisked home and put to bed until I healed. These many years later, I am still dealing with the physical effects of that attack. I mention this because it has to do with crow hunting. I understand that it wasn’t the crows’ fault; rather, it was the horse’s fault. Despite that, in the back of my mind, I had it out for crows. Dump Crows Years later, as a young adult, I was introduced to shooting crows around municipal dumps. Not an appealing scenario, but the game was there, and we took advantage of it. It was there that I began to appreciate crows for their intellect. Crows rank among the wariest of creatures, and are usually able to outsmart hunters with ease. Nonetheless, I managed to kill great numbers of crows, mostly by dint of perseverance.

It was common thought at that time that crows did irreparable damage to waterfowl by raiding nests, eating eggs and killing hatchlings. This was reinforced by ads and articles in sporting magazines of the day. Do your duty, was the message – use our shotshells to kill crows. Most of us blamed crows for everything, rightly or wrongly, making it easy to pursue them and shoot as many as possible. We thought we were doing a public service. But while crows do inflict damage on ducks and other waterfowl, they are not a main factor in the equation. Man is. One spring, I noticed that the water level in a slow-moving river near me was extremely low. This was troubling, since waterfowl had already constructed their nests at water’s edge, and everything was left high and dry, in full view of predators of every stripe, with no avenue of escape. Adding insult to injury, those who controlled the upstream dam later opened the floodgates, inundating what remained of waterfowl nests. I imagined that if this occurred on a grand scale, then that aspect of man’s behavior is the real culprit in the case of declining waterfowl numbers. Crows were mostly innocent. What little damage they inflicted paled by comparison. After this, I concluded that there was no longer a good reason to hunt crows. And so I determined never again to hunt, harm, pursue or molest crows in any way.

Crow Friends Now older, I enjoy watching birds, especially crows. Once, my neighborhood was home to three crows, and then something happened and there were two. Crows are long-lived – up to 15 years – so I expect the two remaining crows will be around for many more years to come. The two crows no longer hang together, as if they had an agreement that one would claim this part of town, while the other presided over the rest of town. “My” neighborhood crow, which I have named “Blackie” (not a very original name, but it fits), likes to forage in the mowed field across from my house. It appears that Blackie may have found that heavy downpours force nightcrawlers out of their holes, and he now feasts on them. Sometimes, Blackie will forage beneath my seed feeder, but he does so cautiously, although he clearly has little to fear from the blue jays and goldfinches that frequent the feeder. When I see Blackie, I go out and throw bread scraps on the lawn. He hangs back, but when I return to the house, he quickly jumps on the scraps. I find crows witty, sneaky, charming, devious and personable. Sounds like many of us, doesn’t it? For me at least, crows brighten my day, and I cannot fathom what life would be like without them.

www.MaineSportsman.com

20 • September 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————

Kubota Rules in Auburn by Steve Carpenteri

Back in 1953, when Ivan Wallingford opened a small Case tractor business on the family farm in Auburn, he likely had no idea that 70 years later his grandson would be running the shop and that Kubota – which didn’t offer its first tractor models until 1969 – would be a major player in the local farm and construction markets in 2024. In 1968, Ivan’s son

Wallingford Equipment caters to recreational ATV/Side-by-Side riders, but also to businesses that need dependable transportation on the farm or job site. John moved the family’s tractor operations to its current site on Turner Road. A decade later, the family expanded operations to include snowmobile sales, ranging from Ski-Doo and Can-Am to Bombardier. Time and experience are the best teach-

ers. By 1978, Wallingford Equipment Company became a full-time, full-service Kubota dealership, offering a complete line of farm and construction equipment. Included in the mix are Kubota’s diesel and gasoline side-by-sides, which are designed for

farmers, contractors, greenhouse operators, hunting camp owners and other applications where rugged, dependable working-class equipment is the focus. “We gradually worked our way into a commercial line of equipment because

most of our customers in this area are business people who use their equipment every day,” said third-generation owner Mark Wallingford. “For these folks, it’s not about recreation or part-time seasonal use. Our equipment is meant to be used on a daily basis for a variety of commercial and recreational applications.” (Continued on next page)

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*© Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2024. $0 Down, 0% A.P.R. financing for up to 36 months or customer instant rebates of $300 are available on purchases of Kubota RTV-X Series equipment from participating dealers’ in-stock inventory. Promotional rate available to qualified purchasers through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A.; subject to credit approval. Example: 36 monthly payments of $27.78 per $1,000 financed. $300 rebate is not available with 0% A.P.R. or other promotional financing. Offers expire 09/30/24. Terms subject to change. This material is for descriptive purposes only. Kubota disclaims all representations and warranties, express or implied, or any liability from the use of this material. For complete warranty, disclaimer, safety, incentive offer and product information, consult your Dealer or KubotaUSA.com. Listed series installment credit program not available for Rental, National Accounts or Governmental Customers. For eligibility, customer must pay a percentage of sales price, fees, and taxes per the table above. Subject to amount financed. See Length of Repayment by Amount Financed chart above. Only Kubota and Kubota performance-matched Allied equipment are eligible. Inclusion of ineligible equipment may result in a higher blended A.P.R. Stand Alone Kubota or Allied implements and attachments/accessories are subject to stand alone programs below. Financing is available through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A.; subject to credit approval. Some exceptions apply. Offer expires 09/30/24. Customer instant rebates are available on cash or standard rate finance purchases of new Kubota models as indicated above from participating dealer’s stock. Rebate is not available with 0% A.P.R. or other promotional financing. Some exceptions apply. Offer expires 09/30/24.

www.MaineSportsman.com

Mark Wallingford is the third-generation owner of Wallingford Equipment in Auburn. All photos by Steve Carpenteri

�� The Maine Sportsman • September 2024 • 21 (Continued from page 20)

Why Kubota? “We ended up going all-out with Kubota for a number of reasons,” Wallingford said. “For starters, these machines are built to last. They come in diesel or gas models, and nearly all of our machines feature Hydrostatic Transmissions, which means no belts or pulleys to deal with. Therefore, users experience far fewer transmission issues, which really helps cut down on the cost of repairs.” Wallingford noted that Kubota’s sideby-side ATVs offer a variety of heavy-duty options, including power beds for hauling and dumping, as well

as air-conditioning in enclosed cab models. Most can even be fitted with tracks, for operation in winter conditions. “The Model 900 is a popular non-cab model for riders who are more interested in recreational uses,” Wallingford noted. “Some of these trail models, including the 850 Sidekick, can go 45 mph or more.” The rugged X1100 offers a fully-enclosed cab with all the bells and whistles. This model is popular with farm and dairy folks, hunting guides, and year-round construction workers. Sales Forecast As was the case

Butch Keene is marketing and sales director at Wallingford Equipment.

with most other ATV dealers in Maine, the “Covid Years” resulted in high sales volumes, because folks were not able or allowed to travel or to attend many

events. “Since then, our products have remained in high demand, mostly because of Kubota’s reputation for reliability,” Wall-

ingford said. “These machines were built to be used often, and year-round.” (Continued on next page)

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LEWISTON Central Maine Powersports 845 Main Street • 207-689-2345 www.centralmainepowersports.com SKOWHEGAN Whittemore & Sons 257 Waterville Road • 207-474-2591 www.whittemoreandsons.com * Customer Cash offer good on select models between June 28, 2024 through September 30, 2024. Amounts vary by model. See dealer for additional details.1See dealer for qualifications and complete details. Offer cannot be combined with customer cash. Offer good only at participating dealers. Yamaha Motor Finance Corporation, USA, dba Yamaha Financial Services, is an affiliate of Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA offering financing solutions to support Yamaha Dealers and loyal Yamaha Customers nationwide. Side-by-Side (SxS) models are recommended for use only by operators 16 years and older with a valid driver’s license. Always wear your seat belt, helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Yamaha recommends that all Side-by-Side riders take an approved training course. For Side-by-Side safety and training information, see your dealer or call the ROHVA at 1-866267-2751. Read the Owner’s Manual and the product warning labels before operation. Avoid excessive speeds and never engage in stunt riding. Always avoid paved surfaces and never ride on public roads. And be particularly careful on difficult terrain. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or other drugs; it is illegal and dangerous. Models shown with optional accessories. ©2024 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved • YamahaMotorsports.com

(Continued on next page)

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©2024 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. Offers valid in your state only from July 01 2024 to September 01 2024. 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. † Get up to a $1,500 rebate on eligible 2024 Can-Am Commander 1000R, Defender HD9, Defender HD10, and 2023-2022 Commander 700, Defender HD7 models.: Consumers who purchase an eligible model during the promotional period are eligible for a $1,500 rebate. BRP recommends that all ATV-SSV drivers take a training course. See your dealer or call the ATV Safety Institute at 1-800-887-2887. ATV and SSV can be hazardous to operate. Never carry passengers on any ATV-SSV not specifically designed by the manufacturer for such use. All adult model Can-Am ATVs are Category G ATVs (General Use Models) intended for recreational and/or utility use by an operator age 16 or older. Carefully read the vehicle’s operator’s guide. Follow all instructional and safety material and observe applicable laws and regulations. ATV and SSV are for off-road use only; never ride on paved surfaces or public roads. For your safety, the operator and passenger(s) must wear a helmet, eye protection and applicable protective clothing. Always remember that riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix. Never engage in stunt driving. Avoid excessive speed and be particularly careful on difficult terrain. Always ride responsibly and safely. See your authorized BRP dealer for details and visit www.can-am.brp.com.

www.MaineSportsman.com

22 • September 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————

ATVing in Maine (Continued from page 22)

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www.MaineSportsman.com

What About ATV Trails? “I think Maine is behind the times as far as ATV management goes,” Wallingford said. “The rules here are generally too restrictive, because they are trying to balance the wants and needs of riders against the wishes of landowners. “Maine has established weight and width limits that really have nothing to do with usage, damage to property or trash on the trails,” Wallingford continued. “The future of ATV riding in Maine rests on the shoulders of clubs that will have to follow the lead of New England’s snowmobile clubs and the ITS snowmobile trail system. They will need to shoulder the responsibility of landowner relations, trail establishment and maintenance, as well as teaching members to respect the land, the trails and the wishes of property owners.” New Machines, Rentals and Trades Finally, Wallingford noted that his shop offers an extensive line of used equipment, ATVs and snowmobiles. “We’ll often take good-quality machines in when customers

are ready to trade up,” Wallingford said. “All used machines are fully serviced and upgraded so they are ready to go for the new buyer.” Interested customers may also want to consider renting equipment for shortterm projects. What About Snowmobiles? With winter just around the corner (at least in the advance-planning minds of those in the retail sales business), it seemed appropriate to ask Wallingford about snowmobiles. “For many years, he said, “we were deep into snowmobiling. We’ve been on just about every trail in the State of Maine, and we’re very familiar with the wants and needs of today’s winter enthusiasts. We invite customers to come in and tell us what kind of local or long-distance riding they like to do, and we will help them find the best machine for their needs.” Mark Wallingford and Wallingford Equipment can be found at 2527 Turner Road in Auburn, or you can call Mark at (207) 782-4886.

�� The Maine Sportsman • September 2024 • 23

Finding and Using Bear Bait – Getting the Most Out of Your Investment by Staci Warren One of the main challenges in a DIY bear hunt is securing bear bait. When we first started hunting bear, it seemed finding bait was the biggest hurdle. It used to be you contacted all of the bakery outlets and bought whatever was available. Often, you discovered the bait was already saved for

What’s the best bear bait? How often should you refresh it? How can you prevent a bear from eating all the bait at once? The author reveals these and other secrets of successful baiting. someone else. That’s not a productive scenario to continue from year to year. Getting the Word Out Now, thanks to social media platforms

and classified ads, we have been able to find a bear bait supplier that has consistently provided us options of donuts, granola, trail mix, or cookie mix, along with frostings,

caramel, and a host of scented sprays. In addition to word-of-mouth, sellers use social media groups, swap it/sell it sites, and online ads. Scent and bait adver-

tisers also offer their products in these pages of The Maine Sportsman. Some sellers are out of my range of travel, but with so many sellers, there’s plenty for most anyone in any part of the state. Some dealers even do dropoffs along the interstate highway. (Continued on next page)

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24 • September 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————

Bear Hunting (Continued from page 23)

Availability of side items such as pie fillings, glazes and nougat, vary from year to year, but I like to think of it as variety. Having more than one option is good, in case you run out or the supplier runs out. We typically use one barrel for each bait site to start, but when natural food is scarce, plan on four or five barrels, for three bait sites.

Shoveling bait out of the supply barrels. All photos by the author

Food Choices What’s the best bait to use? I have read opinions on several platforms, and they range from dog food, molasses and donuts, to trail mix and meat scraps. The first year we baited for bear, we

used meat scraps that we got at a local butcher. We hung the scraps in netted bags high in the trees. They did not attract bear at all. In fact, by the time we hunted over bait, the meat was ripe so that when the wind blew just right, the smell of rotting meat was a gagging event. It didn’t take long to remove it. Occasionally, we will nail a frozen beaver to a tree. Bears quickly retrieve those carcases. However, we don’t always do that right away. Since I have heard beaver is like cocaine to a bear, we have used beaver to bring bear in when there is an abundance of natural food, but even then, it doesn’t always work.

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Donuts that have been fried seem to work the best for us when it comes to bringing in bear consistently. The high fat in both donuts and frosting seem to keep bear coming in, but the downfall is that bear can take a lot in one grab, versus the mixes, that due to their size, naturally restrict how much a bear can get in one grab. One year, we used a combination of donuts and a cereal/ cookie mix. What was interesting was that the bear didn’t like the pretzels, but the marten did. At least I wasn’t feeding the marten the prime bear bait. Bottom line? I suggest you go with what you like, and what is most successful for you. If you aren’t getting bear to come back repeatedly, then it’s time to change it up. When and How We bait only once a week, which means there has to be enough bait there for the week – running out can mean a bear will move onto another bait, and we don’t want that to happen! So, we want the bear to come every day, but we need to control how much they can eat during any given visit. Bait can be offered up in many ways. Any type of set-up where bait is open, it’s at risk of being eaten up more quickly by non-bear animals, and at risk of being ruined by rain. Before adding more bait, be sure to check uneaten bait to make sure it hasn’t spoiled or molded. If it has, clean out the barrel and start again. I (Continued on next page)

�� The Maine Sportsman • September 2024 • 25

A mature bruin eats bait from a suspended barrel.

Here, a sow eats frosting, while a cub sticks its head inside a barrel. (Continued from page 24)

figure if I wouldn’t eat it, they won’t eat it. Whether you use a metal or plastic barrel, use one with a cover that cannot be opened; i.e., a screw-on type or one with a locking option. Then make a hole in the front, no larger than 8x8 inches. If the hole is too large, cubs and raccoons will climb in the barrel and quickly eat all the food. Offering up more than one treat helps prolong bait. We use a separate bucket for

caramel or frosting, and another one for fryer oil enhanced with a bear attractant. The bucket for the frosting is hung so that an adult bear on its hind legs can reach in, but cubs can’t.

Having those options not only extends the barrel bait, but also gives bear some options, so they don’t become bored. I hope you have success this season!

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26 • September 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————

Trailer Travails by Bob Humphrey Traveling up Route 495 in Haverhill at 4 pm on a Friday with a 25-foot boat in tow was a little tense, but all seemed well until I hit bridge construction. Vehicle and trailer cleared the first jarring bump without incident, but on the second, the tongue popped off the ball at

The author reveals why boat trailers can be a source of frustration -- and entertainment. 55 mph. The mind works in mysterious ways, and mine was speeding instructions to my body as I pumped the brakes to slowly reduce forward momentum, timing my taps with each

bracing jolt of tongue against bumper, while also maneuvering left and right to prevent the trailer from veering off to one side. The angels were watching over me that day, because I man-

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(Continued on next page)

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aged to bring the rig, still intact, to a halt and off to a sliver of a dirt lot on the shoulder. After I stopped shaking, wiped the sweat from my brow and managed to swal-

low, I faced getting the tongue back on the ball. I was managing that when a nearby voice startled me. “What’s going on?” said the trooper. After I explained what I had done, he quickly assessed the situation, and said, “You just saved a lot of lives.

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GORHAM PORTLAND YORK White Rock Outboard Portland Yacht Services York Harbor Marine 351 Sebago Lake Road 100 W. Commercial Street 20 Harris Island Road 207-892-9606 (207) 774-1067 (207) 363-3602 www.whiterockoutboard.com www.portlandyacht.com www.yorkharbormarine.com *APR financing available on all new Honda outboard engines through American Honda Finance Corporation upon approved credit. 3.99% APR financing for 24 – 48 months, available to customers who qualify for AHFC credit tier 1. Example for new Honda outboard engines: 4.99% APR for 48 months financing at $23.57 a month for every $1,000 financed. 4.99% APR for 72 months financing at $16.10 a month for every $1,000 financed. Offer good on any new and unregistered Honda outboard engine, with a minimum amount financed of $1,000 and a minimum monthly payment of $100. Check with participating dealers for complete details. Dealers set actual sales prices. For well-qualified buyers, not all buyers may qualify. Higher rates apply for different terms and/or buyers with lower credit rating. Lower rates may also be available. Offer valid through September 30, 2024, on new and unregistered Honda outboard engines (2hp – 350hp) and only on approved credit by Honda Financial Services through participating dealers. Honda Financial Services’ standard credit criteria apply. Always wear a personal flotation device while boating and read your owner’s manual.

�� The Maine Sportsman • September 2024 • 27 (Continued from page 26)

Good luck.” Trailer a boat long enough, and you’re going to have issues. Some are frustrating, others dangerous; and some provide a great source of entertainment at the local boat ramp. Many are preventable. Below are a few tips if you want to make it to and from the lake without encountering issues or embarrassment. Chains, Lights Most trailers have safety chains. If yours doesn’t, add them, and use them. If you don’t and the tongue comes off, trailer and boat could pitch-pole. They saved my boat, and possibly my life. A trucker friend of mine told me they were taught not to cross the chains. That’s crazy. Cross the chains, under the tongue. They should be long enough to allow turning, but short enough so the tongue cannot touch the ground. If they’re too long, twist the chains together a couple times. Trailer lights are sort of a running joke,

Taking good care of your trailer will help you avoid the frustration and humiliation that can accompany trailering, launching and retrieving your boat. Bob Humphrey photo

because they almost never work. I replace mine about every other year. There are numerous reasons, not the least of which is submerging electronics in water. Yeah, the housings are supposed to be watertight, but don’t bet on it. Before you back into the water, unplug the lights. In addition, inspect them regularly, and do your best to keep them working. A little dielectric grease on the plug will help, as will

keeping a screwdriver and replacement bulbs handy. Rust, Tires Keep your trailer clean. After boating in fresh and especially salt water, rinse boat and trailer thoroughly. Salt is highly corrosive, and it’s the source of many trailer woes. The issue in freshwater is vegetation. Without a proper cleaning, you could inadvertently transport

invasive plants like milfoil from one waterbody to another. Check air pressure in the tires regularly. Over- or under-inflation leads to excessive wear that will shorten the life of your tires significantly. Always

carry a spare, a jack and a lug wrench. The former won’t do you much good without the latter. If you belong to a boat towing service, you might also consider adding the trailer-care option; spend(Continued on next page)

Plan ! DON’T WAIT UNTIL APlan d head! a e NEXT SPRING! h A — Boat Tops, Covers & Interiors — Schedule boat top, cover and seat repair work for the off season. Some items can be left with us all winter for spring pick-up! We do pontoon boats, too!

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ing a few bucks could save you hundreds. Winches, and Launch Entertainment Winches are another source of potential problems. Electric ones are nice, when they work, but can be a real challenge when they don’t. Hand winches take a little more effort but are less prone to failure, if you maintain them and use them properly. Make sure the dog latch is in the proper position when launching or hauling. I saw someone break a hand when the latch popped free, and the handle spun around rapidly. Also regularly inspect the rope, cable or strap to ensure it is in good, serviceable condition. And once the boat is on the trailer,

don’t forget to attach the safety chain from the trailer to the boat’s bow eye. A few more tips. Don’t forget to put the plug in your boat before launching. Don’t forget to raise the motor before hauling out. Care to guess what one of the most common trailer “parts” found at boat ramps or on roadsides is? License plates. Make sure yours is firmly attached. Take your time. Things can get tense when the lines back up and people are anxious to get in and out of the water. If you rush, you’re liable to make mental errors, like forgetting to lock the winch or attach the safety chain. Do a quick check before you pull forward, slowly.

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Maine Sportsman subscriber Anthony Grant of Blue Hill earned his “Saltwater Angler” patch on July 3, 2024 when he caught and released this 26-lb., 40-inch striped bass in Lamoine. He used a popper (mullet) to hook the big fish. Photo by Lillian Christy

�� The Maine Sportsman • September 2024 • 29

— Guest Column —

Thoughts on Backing Up Boat Trailers by Randy Randall If there’s one activity here at the marina that draws a crowd, it’s backing a boat trailer down the launch ramp. Nothing brings out the worst in people like backing up a trailer. Not to mention the audience looking on. Invariably, as soon as someone jackknifes a trailer or runs off the pavement, a crowd gathers. They shout advice, wave their arms, and move wheel chocks around. Sometimes, however, the gawkers are cheated, and there is no show. Nothing to see here. Move along. Kelly is Smooth Kelly is a young mom and boat shop manager. She arrives with a boat in tow, turns around in the parking lot, and backs the boat and trailer down the ramp as if she were pushing a baby carriage. She’s grown up hauling and launching boats, and backing up a trailer is second nature to her. The ramp rubberneckers don’t have much to gloat over when Kelly launches a boat. Women Rule Kelly’s skills remind me of those displayed by my father’s cousin, Caroline. Caroline grew up on a farm in Hollis, and she’d been steering the tractor and milking the cows since she was in grade school.

It’s challenging to back a trailer into the water. It’s another situation altogether, says the author, when the boat, trailer, and truck all go into the river.

A boat ramp puts a driver’s backing-up skills (or lack thereof) on full display. Photo: Trinity Guide Co.

At some point, her father decided that a young girl should not be performing field work, so he hired the neighbor’s teenage son as a farm hand. They were putting in the first cut of hay, and the boy had driven the Ford 9N with the loaded hay rack up to the wide-open front door of the barn. He had to swing around and back the hay wagon into the barn. But he couldn’t do it. He tried many times. Caroline knew her father, who was waiting up in the hay loft, was becoming impatient. About the fifth try, she gently but firmly pulled the boy off the tractor, grabbed

the wheel, and backed the hay wagon expertly into the barn. Kelly would have done the same thing. Marina Solution My dad wanted to store his Marblehead cruiser in Grandfather’s barn, but it was a tight squeeze, and difficult in reverse. Dad’s solution was to bolt a trailer ball to the front bumper of the Ford truck. Once the trailer was switched to the front of the pickup, Dad had no trouble pushing the boat into the barn, and steering it into an old horse stall. We do the same thing with the forklift. Some marinas and

boatyards drill a ¾ inch hole in the tip of one of the forks, and install a trailer ball. That’s very common and has been done for years and is likely, in most cases, not legal. We have a metal bracket that fits over the forks of our forklift, and it has a trailer ball welded to the cross piece. One nice feature of using the forklift is that it’s easy to drive up to the trailer and align the ball and the hitch. Just by bringing the forks up a little bit, the ball goes into the hitch and lifts the tongue. We’ve had a few situations in which boat trailers have broken or

the hitch has come off, and we’ve used chains and ropes and the forklift to launch the boat and pull the trailer out of the driveway. And we’ve had a few incidents, too, where the boat, trailer, and truck all go into the river. When that happens, we call a wrecker to come haul out the truck and trailer. Before we began using a forklift, Dad backed the winch truck down the launch ramp to pick up the docks. I know that’s not quite the same as backing up a trailer, but after a weekend of looking out the back window and backing down to the water 60 times to launch the docks, it’s no wonder his neck hurt. Nowadays, I think many of the new trucks have cameras and computer controls that help with backing. ***** Backing up a trailer seems to be something a person either has a feeling for, or they don’t. When someone asks me how, I tell them to grip the steering wheel at the six o’clock position (the bottom of the wheel), and push that part of the wheel in the direction you want the trailer to go. Then don’t oversteer, and go slowly.

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30 • September 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————

September Song Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer for Mainers. Tourist numbers fall off, kids go back to school, and many outdoors folks start gearing up for hunting season. But the official end of summer doesn’t come for another three weeks, and some of the best fishing still awaits. Groundfish Groundfish don’t necessarily feed any more aggressively now than they did in July or August, but they’re still there, and they don’t feed less aggressively, either. Gradually cooling water temperatures can coax more fish out of the depths and up onto the offshore ledges, making them easier to target and catch. Plus, each angler can now keep one of those cod they’ve been tossing back all summer. If you don’t have a boat, or a friend with one capable of offshore waters, jump

Don’t be too hasty putting away your tackle for the season, says the author.

Starting in September, offshore anglers can keep one cod 22 inches or greater per day. Photos provided by the author

on a charter, party or headboat. Chances are there will be more room at the rail.

Striped Bass On the tails of the tourists, migratory fish will soon be head-

ed south, but before the fall run begins, they must fatten up to fuel their journey.

Striped bass will be feeding even more aggressively than they did during the spring herring runs. There are plenty here already, and those that leave will be replaced with travelers from farther north. Coastal reefs, jetties and beach fronts still produce, but you might also find nomadic schools of larger fish over offshore structure. Bluefin While the striper run is attracting the attention of inshore anglers, bluefin tuna are also feeding feverishly and fattening up offshore. The local fish will stick around for another month or so. Meanwhile, migrants begin making their way down from as far away as Nova Scotia and Downeast Maine. The abundance of bait, and the presence of warm surface water, also draw in small(Continued on next page)

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

er recreational-size tuna that showed up in June before moving offshore for the summer. The first two weeks of September can be among the best for targeting smaller fish, including finding fish closer to shore, especially wherever you find concentrations of baitfish like mackerel and pogies. Bluefish By now we should know whether the blues made a typically unpredictable appearance. If so, odds are good they’ll stick around for at least a few more weeks. Let’s hope so, because they’re not nearly as particular as stripers about what or when they eat, and they fight as aggressively as an Atlantic salmon.

Sea-run Browns Speaking of salmonids, it’s still a tad early for seriously seeking salters, but as the fall spawning season approaches, fish will begin moving toward river mouths. During summer, salters are a hit-or-miss proposition for those seeking stripers, but as September rolls on, the hits become more frequent. Vagrants This might also be the best month for hooking into something unexpected. Prolonged warm surface water temperatures, tropical storms, and eddies spinning off the Gulf Stream can send some strange species into our waters in September. Juvenile bonito have been showing up occasionally for several years and should now

Juvenile bonito have been showing up sporadically for several years now, and larger ones should be appearing more regularly.

be of more sporting size. King mackerel are being caught more often off Cape Cod, and we’re just a short swim north from there. Peace and Quiet Maybe the best part about September fishing is alluded to in the opening passage; namely, it’s a lot less crowded. If they ha-

ven’t already, casual anglers will soon be pulling their moored or docked boats, or putting a tarp over the trailered ones. That striper honey hole you had to avoid in July still holds just as many fish, but you won’t have to wait in line to drift over it. The beach parking lot has plenty

of spaces, and you can fish the best spots on jetties or eddies. Do it now, because October is just around the corner, and then it really will be time to put away the rods and break out guns and bows … unless you’re a real serious saltwater angler.

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32 • September 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————

— THE MAINE SPORTSMAN —

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�� The Maine Sportsman • September 2024 • 33

“Not For You” It was mid-September 1987 when Warden Norman Moulton called me from Lincoln to ask if I would handle a complaint for him in Seboeis Plantation. Moulton stated that a delivery man had very recently been to a residence in that town to drop off a package. In doing so, he’d noticed evidence the occupant may have possession of a deer that had been killed out of season. Moulton went on to tell me, “This guy [the suspect, Fred Ames] is something else.” Moulton had a lengthy history with Ames. Moulton added that he did not wish to have any further involvement with Ames if he could avoid it. Among the complaints against Ames was that he’d been shooting at deer in a field. Ames did not own the field, but it was across the road from his residence. I wrote down Ames’ address, and agreed to look into the situation that afternoon. Recon Mission I rounded up Warden David Priest, Jr., from the Old Town area, and we headed out for Seboeis on a reconnoiter mission. We decided to just go to the residence, speak with Ames, and get a feel for what the situation might be. When we introduced ourselves, we got a very cool reception. Neither of us had ever met Ames, but as Priest introduced himself and extended his hand, Ames pulled his arms back and stated, “Don’t extend your hand to me.” Ames then declared in no uncertain terms that he did not wish to have a conversation with us. As we took our leave, we decided that we might as well park along side of the aforementioned field and have a look around. We were aware that Ames would be watching us, but at this point, what the heck? It wasn’t long before we discovered what appeared to be a drag mark in the grass that led toward the paved road. We walked across the road to Ames’ side, and observed some mauled-down grass and a barbed wire fence that had some deer hair snagged on one of the barbs. After these observations, it was likely we could obtain a search warrant, but leaving now would put any evidence at peril. We drove just out of sight of the

Poachers and wardens can be civil to one another, even in the midst of an arrest, discovers the author. However, there are limits. house, and I let Priest out so he could return close enough to watch the house while I went to work on a warrant. As I drove to Howland, Priest called me on his portable radio. He said that Ames had just come out of his garage, looked all around, then went back in and drove out with his Ford pickup, heading toward South Branch Lake. I turned around and headed back. Then, Priest called again and said Ames just returned. Knowing that Ames could not have gone very far, I had Priest come back to where I had left him, and I picked him up. The Evidence We proceeded to travel slowly down the South Branch Road, looking for where a vehicle may have turned off. In about a half mile, we discovered fresh tire tracks on the left side of the road. We stopped, got out, and followed the tracks a short distance on a rough skidder trail. There, we located two cardboard boxes, covered with some freshly broken fir boughs. The boxes contained frozen packages, with the exception of a fresh liver to which were attached some strands of deer hair. In the vehicle tracks, near the left tire track, was a large rock with a fresh scrape where the vehicle had bottomed out on it. I took some photographs, and then we gath-

Ames counted twelve ears of corn into a bag. The author told him that where he usually purchased corn, the farmer always gave him a couple of extra ears, in case of corn borers. Photo: ISU Extension and Outreach

ered up the evidence and headed out. A search warrant would now be much easier. The Next Day The next afternoon, with the added assistance of Wardens Steve Smith and Dave Georgia, we returned to Seboeis with a search warrant in hand. We stood in Ames’ kitchen and explained the situation. As we did so, Ames exclaimed, “I am going to have to search each of you before you start.” I explained to Ames that was not going to happen, and that he would need to take a seat at the kitchen table. We commenced the search and began to discover various incriminating items, such as blood spots, deer hair, and a meat saw that had not been rinsed off. As we worked away, Ames’ demeanor became more amicable, so I told him he could come see what we were documenting. He had washed the cellar floor, but I showed him a crack where hair and meat particles had washed down into it. I explained how that always seems to happen. Next, I took him out to his truck and asked if he wanted to see the frame on the truck where he had hit the big rock down on the skidder trail. He crawled under the truck and took a look for himself. Customer Service Denied Ames had a vegetable stand in his driveway, and a couple of customers visited while we were there. I noticed that he had some sweet corn on the stand, so as we were gathering up our stuff to leave, I inquired about purchasing a dozen ears of corn. By this time, we were getting along much better, so I thought it would be feasible to make that transaction. He agreed, and proceeded to count twelve ears into a bag. I noticed the ears were rather small, and volunteered that down to Corinna where I usually buy corn, Charlie Peavey always gives me a couple of extra ears in case of corn borers. “I usually do, too,” he quickly replied, “but not for you.”

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34 • September 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————

Maine Moose Hunting: Dream Hunts for Special Youngsters by John LaMarca The legislature enacted a great law this past session, titled “An Act to Provide Additional Moose Hunting Opportunities for Maine Youth Experiencing Critical Illnesses.” The law allocates moose hunting permits each year to three qualifying hunters who are under the age of 21 and who are residents of Maine. On July 16, 2024, Governor Jannet Mills, accompanied by Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner Judith Camuso, and Moose Maine Kids executive director Ron Greco, presented this year’s recipients with their moose hunting licenses. This year’s excited participants are Aiden Palmer (10 years old) of Readfield, Kellan Tilton (12) of Detroit, and Christopher Mitchell (20) of Island Falls. In addition to receiving the licenses, the kids will be guided on their adventures free of charge, by a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, “Moose Maine Kids Dream Adventures.” Moose Maine Kids is an organization dedicated to promoting and providing opportunities to youngsters in the outwww.MaineSportsman.com

Thanks to recently-enacted legislation, each year three brave youngsters will be selected to go on a dream moose hunt.

Moose permits were presented to this year’s young hunters at a State House ceremony. Back row, left to right: Rep. Scott Landy, Gov. Janet Mills, Commissioner Judith Comuso, and Moose Maine Kids Dirrector Ron Greco. Front, left to right: Kellan Tilton, Aiden Palmer, and Christopher Mitchell

doors. Think “Make A Wish,” but for Maine kids and doing outdoor adventures. Keeping Traditions Alive During the ceremony, Director Greco said, “It’s important to keep kids engaged in hunting well into the future. It’s important to keep these traditions alive, and to continue all the fantastic conservation work that hunters do. Hunters account for about

60% of the funding for conservation work. If we have fewer hunters, we’ll have less conservation.” Outpouring of Support These three youngsters will be completely outfitted by Moose Maine Kids – from boots to bullets, they will be provided with everything they need. In addition, several registered Maine guides have volunteered to assist with

the hunts. In fact, organizers have worked with Wilson’s Recreation (North Monmouth) and One Rig Design (a machine shop in Poland) to provide a UTV to allow the kids to move around the woods, and shoot safely from the UTV. Moose hunting in Maine can be difficult, so having several well-seasoned guides all outfitted and ready to help these kids is

a key component of making these hunts a success. Ron Greco commented, “There has been an outpouring of support for this program across the state and beyond. Even from as far away as Pennsylvania, I’ve had people contact us, wanting to donate their time and resources.” This program relies on generous donations, be it gear, volunteers’ time, or monetary contributions by many local businesses and individuals. Moose Maine Kids will provide everything they can for the young hunters. They are still actively looking for donations for the families for gear, game processing and taxidermy, as well as planning other dream adventures later in 2024. All Moose Maine Kids Adventures are on a zero-cost basis for all families. Future Dream Adventures If you are interested in – or know someone who is interested in – signing up a child for the Moose Maine Kids Dream Adventures for next year (2025), be sure to follow their social media (Moose Hunting in Maine continued on page 36)

�� The Maine Sportsman • September 2024 • 35

The Art of Calling Moose For my husband John and me, calling moose is one of our favorite things to do, even when neither of us has a moose permit. It’s a great way to practice for a moose hunt if you’re one of the lucky permit holders, and I believe moose calling provides the ultimate experience when moose hunting, whether you’re a DIY hunter, or you hire a registered Maine guide. There are three ways to harvest a moose – you can 1) still-hunt; 2) drive the roads, spot one and harvest it; or 3) get out into the woods and call one in to close range for either a bow or rifle shot. Harvesting an “opportunity moose” (a moose you come across without having called it in) usually means taking a long-distance shot. I am not a long-distance shooter, even with a shooting stick. I would not feel confident taking a long shot, even if the moose were standing still. For that reason, my two moose were taken at 25 yards or less. Patience is Essential The most important thing to remember is how and when the moose rut may vary. We usually begin trying to call moose in late August or early September, but just because the season is set on certain dates, it doesn’t mean moose are always in sync. In WMD Zones 8

The author tells you how to sound like a moose when you walk and when you call. She discusses the use of cover scents, and the importance of determining wind direction.

Here, John holds a moose call in one hand while studying a wallow. All photos by the author

and 9, it’s not uncommon to get responses in September and right through October. On more than one occasion, I’ve been bear hunting, and have listened to bull grunts at dusk. However, in WMD Zone 5, where we’ve had five moose hunts in September, two of our hunts never got a grunt response to our calls until Thursday of the hunt week. Moose were very slow to respond, but it seemed to explode once it finally happened. Patience is essential. Methods For years, we just cupped our hands and called, although the moose call does help with amplification. While my husband imitates bull moose grunts far better than me, I was able to call

my husband’s opportunity moose out of the thicket using a cow moose call, so a deep voice is not always needed. I have never used an electronic calling system, so I can’t say either way if it’s worth spending the money on one. The scapula or oar is great for mimicking the sound of antlers on bushes. The wind indicator helps a great deal on days when the wind isn’t obvious, since moose have amazing noses, and if you don’t pay attention to wind, you can get busted before you ever know they were there. Moose-in-heat lure makes a great cover scent, if you need to walk into an area with the wind at a disadvantage. Use it

sparingly, and spray downwind, not on your clothing. Follow the Wallow The first thing you need to do is find signs of moose. Look for antler rubs and broken alders along roads and off-road areas. Find paths that moose use; they will often be muddy and well-traveled. The presence of a

moose wallow means there is a bull around. Moose (both bulls and cows) will urinate and roll in the mud hole, as part of the mating behavior. Find a spot with some cover. That way, if a moose decides to come too close for comfort, you’ll have a tree between you and it. I’ve never been charged at, but I guess this is the point in my column where I need to tell you that calling moose can be dangerous if you don’t have a weapon. Most of the time, however, they run away when they scent or see you. Start Quietly Enter the area as quietly as possible, including shutting vehicle doors lightly. Hike into spots, leaving the vehicle on the road if possible. Try to use the wind in your favor, and make necessary adjustments to where you want to call. On the way to our spot, we listen careful(Continued on next page)

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Get Out There (Continued from page 35)

ly for any moose. We’ll often start with some small raking or dragging the scapula across brush and saplings, to imitate a bull walking through brush. We also make deep grunts as we head into our spot. Once there, we’ll make soft cow calls – two or three at first. Now is when you just listen. Sometimes you’ll get immediate responses, and other times nothing. Wait three or four minutes … and

then call again. This is where patience comes in. We’ve been caught more than once ready to give up, and then a moose starts grunting. Some moose will try to circle you to smell; that’s when it’s great to have the moose lure. We’ve had moose come in from nowhere but never grunt until almost to us, so I can’t stress enough that patience is key. It won’t be long be-

Moose Hunting in Maine (Continued from page 34)

pages, as there will be an announcement with a link to apply. They also have several other no-cost opportunities for outdoor adventures for kids. The presentation of the licenses at

www.MaineSportsman.com

We called this bull in to within 30 feet or our position. When the moose started to come even closer, John finally announced our presence, and the bull turned and ran away.

fore you’re calling in those moose to bow range, and your heart will be pumping from

the excitement. That’s the kind of moose hunting memory you should have.

the State House was a happy event, full of laughter, hunting stories, and allaround excitement about the upcoming season. The kids and their parents are overjoyed at the opportunity to participate in this adventure. The guides are already scouting, planning camps, and acquiring the necessary gear to make this a truly unforgettable adventure. At the conclusion of the ceremony,

For all those with a permit, best wishes for an exciting hunt.

Ron Greco thanked Governor Mills, Commissioner Camuso, Moose Maine Kids Director Jared Bornstein, and Representative Scott Landry, for all their help passing the law that brought this program to fruition. “Without the hard work of these folks,” Greco said, “this would not have been possible.”

�� The Maine Sportsman • September 2024 • 37

Ride-Along with a Marine Warden Allows Author to Evaluate New Boating Safety Rules With another boating season winding down, it’s a good time to sit back and assess – How was it? The summer boasted nice weather for much of the season, with plenty of warm, calm days. Heat and humidity threatened to break records during the hot weeks of July, but anglers were able to take advantage of many cool mornings and evenings. This was the first season with boaters’ safety requirements in effect for those born after 1999. In review, it seems like it’s starting to make a difference. In my own experience on Sebago, it was a quieter season on the lake in general, with fewer “close encounters” with other boaters than in years past. On the Water with Johnny Law I had a rare opportunity to ride along with Pete Herring, a Game Warden who routinely patrols Sebago for boating safety violations. I hopped in for a ride-along during a day of patrol, in an effort to gauge the effect the new boater safety regulations have made on the water. Warden Herring stated that he’s seeing very high rates of course completion among boaters, young and old alike. “A lot have people have done it just for the experience,” he said, “and

regulation only applies to young people – and it seems like a lot of boaters were born pre-1999. With that in mind, I can see it helping in years to come, as younger boaters begin to take over the boating scene. Combined with the increase in boat traffic in the past few years, this higher level of understanding of boating laws and regulations will play a very important role in safety.

Warden Herring ensures that kayakers on the Sebago Lake sandbar are wearing life jackets.

many have done as a group, with family or with friends.” Powerboaters’ |Compliance Good Although we didn’t check anyone of an eligible age for the course requirement, the general level of understanding seemed better than I’ve seen in the past. For example, when powerboaters were asked to produce necessary equipment and gear, everyone had all required items, kids

were wearing life jackets, and registration paperwork was all in order. Kayaks and Canoes – Not So Much For self-propelled craft, however, the rate of compliance with life jacket usage rules was not as good. A number of kayakers and paddleboarders we encountered didn’t have life jackets on board. Life jackets are required to be on all craft, and they must be readily available, if

not being worn. Warden Herring has a sobering message about life jacket usage. “I told my kids this morning,” he said, “that I’ve never had to search for someone at the bottom of a lake or stream who was wearing a life jacket.” Is the New Law Effective? So is the new requirement helping? I think it’s still early to definitively tell. Although things seem to have improved, the

Hope for the Future As Herring said, “I think it’s going to help. Compliance will gradually improve. It’s going to work its way in. As we know, it’s the younger generation. Once that younger generation starts getting into boating, they’ll have the chance to influence others in safe boating.” Personally, I couldn’t agree more. My friends and I make an effort to preach the importance of safe boating to our peers. We have to share the water, and it’s in our best interest to promote boating safety. I would encourage all boaters and passengers to take a boater safety course, or at least spend some time reading, watching videos, and learning how to keep themselves and others safe on the water.

www.MaineSportsman.com

38 • September 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————

My First Guns My first gun was a New Victor single barrel 12-gauge shotgun made by the Crescent Firearms Co. in Norwich, Ct. It’s what we called a farm gun. It was a tool for shooting animals, not a work of art, and it didn’t cost two months’ pay. I still own that gun, and I dare to shoot low base shells in it. The Gift I don’t recall exactly, but I must have been 11 or 12 years old when Dad began looking for a gun for me. We stopped at Jim Carll’s general store in North Waterboro to see what he had. The little .410 was nice, but the price was beyond our meager budget. We moved on. I’m not sure how Dad’s buddy Walt knew we needed a gun. Walt lived in Connecticut. He and Dad had been shipmates on LST 1017 (a tank landing ship). They became friends for life. However it happened, one day the postman dropped off a cardboard box sent by Walt, and inside was the New Victor, broken down so it took up less space. Even by the time I got it, it was an old gun. Those single barrel shotguns were sold everywhere, often made by the same factory but branded with different names. Sears Roebuck had their brand. Montgomery Ward had theirs. Small local hardware stores could afford to stock and sell these “farm guns.” Mine had seen some use. It was full choke, and had a rubber butt plate. I shot a lot of partridges with that gun. My oldest son Ben took it for a while, and whittled out a new stock for it. He did a nice professional job, but I was saddened to see the gun changed. Sometime in its history the pistol grip had cracked, and someone – Dad or Walt – had mended it by wrapping the grip with heavy cod twine laid in wet varnish. Ben declared that was unsafe, and made a new stock. As I said, he did a good job. My middle son Matt is a lefty, so after Ben repaired the gun, Matt took it to use, because the break action worked the same for left- or right-hand shooters. Eventually, he bought himself a modern single-shot H&R, and gave back my New Victor. But the thing is, you see, that gun www.MaineSportsman.com

The author received his first shotgun as a gift, but he was even more proud that he earned the money to buy a 22 LR/20-ga. overand-under “combination” gun on his own.

The Savage Model 24 was a 22 LR/20-ga “combination” shotgun and rifle, and the author was very proud of it. Best of all, he paid for it himself from a summer selling French fries and pizza at Old Orchard Beach. Photo credit: TurnbullRestoration. com

was a gift from Walt to my Dad and then to me. I had not exactly earned the gun. That came later. Earning the Next Gun We lived in Old Orchard Beach, and a new gun shop opened on the Old Orchard Road, near the golf course. This was in the late 1950s and early 60s. I was just starting high school, and was determined to buy my own gun. By now, my best friend Bill and I both had jobs working at Old Orchard Beach bringing in 25 or 50 cents an hour. After a summer of cutting French fries and baking pizza, we had saved enough to buy some firearms. Bill bought a used double-barrel 12-gauge from our gunsmith friend. Bill thought if he had to, he could shoot any animal in the state of Maine with that gun. I, on the other hand, had to place an order for a brand-new Savage 24, since

the barrel combination I wanted was not in stock. Usually, the little over/under came in .22LR and .410, but I wanted a 20-gauge barrel on the bottom. I special-ordered it. So, I laid down my hard-earned dollars, and waited. A few weeks went by, and we dropped into the gun shop and found that my new Savage had arrived. I was surprised at how heavy the gun was. It was also short and compact. Just what I wanted. I loved it. Not just because it was a great gun, but because it was mine alone, and one of the first major purchases I had made in my young life. I wish I could remember the gunsmith’s name, because he deserves a lot of credit for understanding and putting up with two high school boys stretching their lean finances to buy a couple of guns. Treasured Firearms I still have that gun. Nowadays, it’s considered an antique. Well really, I own it, but I don’t. Matt took it. He asked to borrow it, and hasn’t given it back. I guess maybe nowadays it’s better to say it’s his. But it’s still in the family. The 20 gauge is full bore, and will throw a slug accurately at short range. I put a sling on the gun because, as I said, it’s heavy, and I carried it for miles. Every family of hunters can tell stories about buying or trading guns, and passing treasured firearms on to a new generation of shooters. Many of those old guns come with years of history, just like my New Victor. The Savage will always be a special gun for me, because of how I earned the money to buy it. I don’t hunt now as much as I used to, but I still enjoy walking the tote roads in the fall and scaring up a partridge or two. And when I head out, I take the old New Victor, and cradle it in the crook of my arm. Carrying that gun brings back memories of being a kid and hunting with my dad and my grandfather and their friends. That gun and I are both old, but in my imagination we’re both young. There are many autumns ahead of us, and our stories are not over.

�� The Maine Sportsman • September 2024 • 39

1970 – A Significant Year In 1966, Kenneth Curtis was elected Governor, carrying 53% of the vote. He served two terms, which had a lasting, positive effect on Maine’s north woods. That same year, with 68% approval, Mainers passed an historic referendum to preserve the Allagash. The measure authorized a $1.5 million bond to protect the wilderness character of the river.

Governor Curtis in foreground with associates at Big Allagash Falls in T16R11.

In 1970, Governor Curtis supported an initiative launched by U.S. Senator Ed Muskie, petitioning Washington for a federal designation for the Allagash Waterway. He wrote: “As Governor of the State of Maine, I do hereby request that … the Allagash … be designated a “Wild River” under this Act … for permanent administration [by the State] as a Wild River Area.”

Senator Ed Muskie and Warden Leonard Pelletier, poling a canoe below Churchill Dam in T10R12.

The petition was a success. “The Allagash Wilderness Waterway as described herein, is approved for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System as a wild river, to be administered by the State of Maine.” – July 17, 1970, Federal Register Yet despite legal protections for a “wild” Allagash, the waterway was

named twice by American Rivers as “most endangered,” while the river remained under the authority of Maine’s Department of Conservation. I discuss these conditions in great detail, in my audio-visual presentation titled The Allagash – A Hard Road to Wilderness. In 2003, Fiddlehead Productions interviewed Governor Curtis. During the filming, the Governor stated, “Maine and the federal government intended for the Allagash to be a wilderness. It needs to be determined if the [administration] is complying with state and federal law; and with the original intent of Maine voters.” Combining the Governor’s comments with the area’s 56-year history, in my opinion as a former superintendent of the waterway, there should be an independent audit to determine the extent of our river becoming A River of Broken Promises, as described in a legal brief by Allagash Partners. Type “River of Broken Promises” in quotes, into your search engine to locate the document on the website of the Natural Resources Council of Maine. ***** Governor Curtis – A Good Man Outside On Thursday September 5th, 1968, Game Warden Pilot Andy Stinson landed a department float plane on Baxter Park’s Kidney Pond. After scrutinizing the pond’s surface, Pilot Stinson safely delivered Governor Kenneth Curtis to the Kidney Pond Camps. The Governor had arrived to pay tribute to Governor Percival P. Baxter. The following day, the party planned to summit Mt. Katahdin’s 5,267-foot-high Baxter Peak. Early on Sept. 6th at Katahdin Stream Campground, BSP Ranger Supervisor Buzz Caverly, my brother, led the way up the Hunt Trail. After reaching the peak, the group planned to cross the Knife Edge Trail, and descend to Chimney Pond Campground for the night. But when the weather turned foggy, the party changed their plans, and trekked north along the Tableland toward the easier Saddle Trail. Along with Buzz Caverly, the Governor’s party included neighbor

Ken Premo, York County Sherriff Richard Dutremble, and a state police bodyguard. Premo and Dutremble fell behind. Crossing the plateau in poor visibility, the pair became confused, and missed the blue blazes that marked the path to Chimney Pond. Hurrying to reach camp and safety before dark, the two pushed onward, tramping north along the Northwest Basin. Buzz, the Governor and the bodyguard arrived at the Chimney Pond Ranger Station, where they realized the last two members of the party hadn’t caught up. Through experience, the ranger knew it was better to search immediately, rather than leaving the men on a mountain where weather could turn dangerous in an instant. Though his feet were tired and sore from hiking over rock-strewn trails, Governor Curtis offered to accompany Buzz. But the Ranger declined, suggesting he was capable of going it alone. The bodyguard agreed with Buzz, and objected to Curtis’s offer. The Trooper explained that the Governor belongs to the people of Maine, and he cannot be placed in danger. Governor Curtis insisted, stating “That man is not going alone.” Then, Curtis invited the bodyguard to join the hike.1 So, with flashlights in hand, the Governor and his State Police bodyguard followed Buzz as they ascended the Tableland. Upon reaching the plateau, the three encountered fifty-mile-an-hour winds, driving rain, sleet, and a thick fog. During the hike, Buzz fell, but he was not injured.2 After searching for a length of time and not finding anyone, the exhausted search party returned to Chimney Pond. The next morning, the Governor learned that around midnight, the lost men had stumbled into the distant Russell Pond Campground, northeast of Katahdin. Two days later, on September 7th, 1968, Governor Curtis, back in his office, dictated a letter to Buzz. In the communiqué, Curtis expressed his apprecia(Ranger on the Allagash continued on page 41) www.MaineSportsman.com

40 • September 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————

Back to School – Outdoors In 1997, Todd Willard started an outdoor education program at East Grand School, located in Danforth. The school secured a $70,000 grant from settlement funds from tobacco litigation. The funds were to be used to provide high school kids with alternative ways to recreate outdoors. The school purchased outdoor equipment, erected a storage building, and subcontracted with Dave Conley, a registered Maine guide. Working together, Willard and Conley began teaching the outdoor class, and leading outings. When the grant money dried up, the surrounding community (population of fewer than 1,500) recognized the value of the program, and insisted that necessary funds be included in the annual school budget. Other schools have similar programs. Mark Savage, outdoor education teacher at Brewer High School, was the first to implement an outdoor education program

As students return to school, some are learning more than calculus and history. At a small high school in Northern Washington County, students enrolled in the school’s outdoor program learn skills such as butchering a moose, canoeing the Allagash, and cooking over an open fire. Can this type of program expanded beyond East Grand, Brewer and Houlton, bringing opportunities to students in other Maine schools?

East Grand Outdoor Education instructor and Maine guide Tammi Matula (in stern) canoe poling with a student. Photos courtesy of Dave Conley

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their program after Brewer’s. Willard now works as the outdoor education instructor at Houlton High School. Programs Going Strong For the past decade, physical education instructor and registered Maine guide Tammi Tamula has served as the East Grand outdoor educa-

tion program leader, and the program still contracts with Conley. East Grand is a small high school, with a total average enrollment of between 35 and 40 students. About one-third of the high school’s students are enrolled in the program, and Conley thinks it would be higher, if it wasn’t of-

fered at the same time as the vocation program. “What sets our program apart,” Conley told me in a recent interview, “is that it’s not an elective, after-school program. It’s during school, and students receive credit for it.” The classroom portion of the program is scheduled for 90 minutes, every other day. Then, of course, there are day trips, as well as overnight trips. Students go skiing, fishing, camping, hiking, biking, canoeing, bushwhacking, rock climbing and whitewater rafting. They learn to use a map and compass, how to start a fire, and how to handle firearms. In the fall of 2022, a game warden gave a poached moose to the school. A local meat cutter taught the students how to butcher it, and all the students got to take moose meat home. It may sound like just an excuse to get out of class, but the program has strict rules, too. Students sign a “no cell phone” policy, and older students take on leadership roles by creating lesson plans for the class, and by mentoring other students. Once each year, students put their skills to the test by participating in an adventure race that consists of 8 miles of canoeing, 10 miles of mountain bik(Continued on next page)

�� The Maine Sportsman • September 2024 • 41

Students Kai, Emma, Evan and Paige on a cross country ski outing.

Alan Emery, a student, volunteered to help pack out a moose at a remote moose hunting camp in the North Maine Woods. (Continued from page 40)

ing, a 1-mile bushwack map and compass run, and an obstacle course. “The program builds self-confidence by getting students out of their comfort zone and testing their problem-solving skills,” Conley said. Can Other Schools Adopt Outdoor Programs? In today’s world where kids are increasingly tied to social media and video games, educators and parents are realizing the importance of getting students out-

side. While schools like Brewer, Houlton, and East Grand are ahead of the curve, new funding, such as grants from the Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative, are helping to reach more kids. In such a remote, rural corner of Maine, where job opportunities are limited, East Grand’s outdoor program highlights the area’s non-traditional careers, such as guiding. To help learn the ins and outs of running a guide business, students help lead multiday canoe trips down

Ranger on the Allagash (Continued from page 39)

tion for my brother’s valuable knowledge and assistance. In a hand-scribed note at the bottom of the letter, Curtis wrote, “The next night someone is lost and you need a hand, give me a call.”3

Students on a five-day Allagash canoe trip, which was funded by a Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative grant.

the Allagash River. One student, Alan Emery, worked as a camp handyman at a moose camp last year. He was paid through the Maine Department of Education’s Extended Learning Opportunity Program. When he

was off the clock, he helped pack a moose out. “Students are graded on participation, attitude, being a team player, showing respect, and being on time – all important, transferable skills for

I applaud Governor Curtis’ efforts to explore, learn and protect Maine’s natural resources, and for supporting devoted State employees who safeguard our environment and all who visit. Tim Caverly has authored 13 books about Maine. Footnotes: 1. Caverly, Tim. Personal Conversa-

the real world,” Conley explained. We couldn’t agree more, and we hope that someday, every Maine school implements an outdoor education class.

tion with brother Irvin (Buzz) Caverly Jr. November 14, 2020 2. Austin, Phyllis. Wilderness Partners. Buzz Caverly and Baxter Park, Maine. Tilbury House Publishers, December 2008. Pages 163-164 3. Caverly, Tim. Collection of Papers. Governor Curtis’s letter to Buzz Caverly, September 7, 1968.

www.MaineSportsman.com

42 • September 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————

— The Maine

2024 Hunting

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Photos by Lindsay Becker, Pa

Fort Ridge Notorious D.O.G. (“Wally”), a Treeing Walker Coonhound owned by Jillian Hodgin.

Fort Ridge Rumor Has It (“Rue”), an English Coonhound owned by Jillian Hodgin.

Duke, a Deutsch Kurzhaar owned by Clayton Loubier.

Four-year-old Shorthair Merrymeetings Et Cetera Et Cetera (“Etta”) gets birdy. www.MaineSportsman.com

Raven, a German Shorthaired Pointer (full name Merrymeetings Ravenwoods), shown here at 12 years old, wearing a neoprene vest while duck hunting along the Royal River in Yarmouth.

�� The Maine Sportsman • September 2024 • 43

Sportsman —

Dogs Pictorial

m Jillian Hodgin:

on, I’m proud to be involved in working toward a ur community continues to grow and change with ortunities, and inspire handlers in all aspects to be es and their sport.”

atti Carter, and Jillian Hodgin

Bawlistic Kate Katabawl (“Kate”), a Bluetick Coonhound owned by Jillian Hodgin.

Maja, a two-year-old Deutsch Drahthaar owned by Charles Ellithorpe, of Woolwich. Maja is one of three Drahts owned by Dr. Ellithorpe.

Merrymeetings Shorthairs (left to right): Justa Wren, North Country Prairie Dog, and Et Cetera Et Cetera

Shiloh, a Llewellin setter owned by Russell Estes.

GWP (German Wirehair Pointer) Reka (full name: Dark Star’s Whiterock Eureka). She’s 8.5 years old, and lives in Chapman and Winthrop, Maine, with her new little “sister” Bazinga, and owner/ handler Remillie Norsworthy. www.MaineSportsman.com

44 • September 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————

An Old Marlin Making New Memories The idea for this month’s piece ran around in my head for a couple months before making it to the page. Every September’s column rings an emotional bell for me – this one, doubly so. The September issue marks the anniversary of “The Shooter’s Bench” and the moment when I joined The Maine Sportsman team. This one is number 19, meaning that we’re getting awfully close to two decades of wonderful association with sporting stories and personalities from Maine and away. This 19th year of “The Shooter’s Bench” also marks the new acquisition of an old firearm, with a story woven into the fabric of this column. As with so many 21st century situations, this

The recent gift of an old Marlin 336 in .35 Remington opens up opportunities for some fine Maine hunting experiences.

The Marlin 336 in .35 Remington is, in the words of the author, “a rifle for hunters.” Cartridges of the World declares that the 336 has more knockdown power than the standard-bearer Winchester Model 94 “under any conditions and at any range.” J.C. Allard photo

one starts with an email. Specifically, an unanticipated email that hit the inbox one afternoon earlier this spring. The message came from Jim Holloway, a

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familiar source in the hills of East Tennessee and a reader from the very beginning, who has become a fast friend and something of a mentor when it comes to firearms and ballistics questions. His message said, in essence, to be on the lookout for a package. The ensuing email exchange revealed that he intended to send a rifle and associated accoutrements my way. It seems that over the years, the .35

Remington cartridge has received favorable mention here – enough so that my friend from the Volunteer State determined that I ought to own one. Wanting to downsize his own collection, Jim decided to send on to me a .35 Remington that he inherited at the passing of another friend. Last Survivor According to the often-quoted Cartridges of the World, the .35 Remington was “introduced with the

Remington Model 8 semi-automatic rifle in 1906,” and that “the .35 Remington was later also chambered in the Remington Models 14 and 141 pump actions, the Model 81 semi-auto, Model 30 bolt action, and, for a short time, in the Winchester Model 70 bolt action. At one time, the Marlin 336 lever-, Mossberg 479 lever-, and Savage 170 pump-action rifles were offered in .35 Remington. Currently, only the Marlin 336C rifle is still available.” Several boxes of .35 Remington ammunition and reloading dies arrived at my doorstep first, courtesy of FedEx. The Marlin 336 rifle, serial number AA24,5XX, came a few days later, delivered to Art St. Laurent at my local gun shop. This kept everything legal and above board, and only took a couple of phone calls and a reasonable paperwork fee to accomplish. A veteran for sure, the rifle that arrived is a Model 336RC carbine with a 20-inch Micro Groove barrel, made circa 1964. Marlin introduced the RC in 1948 to compete with the ubiquitous Winchester Model 94 lever action. When chambered in .35 Remington, the 336RC is more powerful than any offering of the (Continued on next page)

www.MaineSportsman.com

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

Winchester 94. This example includes an owner-added Weaver 2.5 fixed power scope. Arguably, a 336 in .35 Remington is the best all-around game rifle for the northern tier of the United States, and Canada, too. Certainly, it is a great choice for Mainers hunting deer, black bear or moose. Cartridges of the World continues to sing the praises of the .35 Rem., despite the fact that it was first manufactured 118 years ago. The book’s authors state, “It has proven itself over the years as a reliable short-range woods cartridge. It has far better knockdown power than the .30-30 under any conditions and at any range.” That is a significant endorsement against the most popular cartridge ever.

Arriving here in good shape, the Marlin’s metal looks almost new, and the operating parts function smoothly. Its walnut stock has seen a lot of handling, but it bears no signs of abuse. However, a botched job of installing sling swivel studs unfortunately split the forearm, and set the rear stud slightly off-center. The front sight hood, characteristic of all Marlin 336s, is missing, probably removed and then lost in accommodating the scope mounting. Perhaps this next chapter may see the scope sent to other duties and replaced with a receiver sight, a new front sight hood installed, and the cracked forearm restored, with a sling and proper swivel studs. It is, after all, a rifle for hunters. (Continued on next page)

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Shooter’s Bench

(Continued from page 45)

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New Life Altered or not, restored a little or a lot, there is life still in this old rifle. Whole chapters in the story of this gun lay undiscovered. From Newfields to Newfoundland, this old Marlin may yet take game. The

.35 Remington itself remains a practical choice for most North American game. Number AA24,5XX was, and remains, meant for use. As the latest link in its chain of ownership, I’d like to enjoy it and then pass it on to some

like-minded soul who I hope will carry it forward yet again. Jim Holloway’s gift was so much more than just a rifle and some cartridges. It represents everything that is best about the sporting life. That sort of generosity transcends material value.

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Evan Shurtleff, age 14 of Eddington, had a very successful Youth Spring Turkey Day in Dixmont on April 27, 2024. Hunting with his grandfather, Master Maine Guide Geno Rossignol, Ethan dropped two tom turkeys — one weighing 18-1/4 pounds, the other weighing 17-1/2. “My grandson will treasure his Maine Youth Turkey Club patches for years to come,” said Rossignol. “I’ve been taking him hunting since he was 7 years old.” Any youth hunter who legally bags a turkey can apply for a Maine Sportsman patch; the bird does not need to exceed a certain weight. Go to www. MaineSportsman.com/patch-clubs.

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�� The Maine Sportsman • September 2024 • 47

Aroostook’s September Sportsman’s Smorgasbord Sixty years ago, the Septembers of my adolescence were sadly devoid of any significant cast-and-blast options. Brook fishing ended with August, no geese or turkey could be found in “The County,” and certainly no moose season existed. Regional sportsmen used the month as a “changeover” period, stowing away angling, camping, and boating gear, then locating and preparing hunting paraphernalia in preparation for October. Currently, no fewer than eight hunting seasons are open, as well as a handful of fishing options. It’s a true boon for outdoorsmen all these six decades later; unfortunately, there are still only thirty days this month, creating a real dilemma for those of

gunners are taking advantage of Aroostook’s plethora of pastures and grain plots to field-hunt bruins. The increased cost of fuel and the price of bait, not to mention the extensive time input to create and tend a bait site for two months, is leading to the shift. Some hunters rely on spot-and-stalk tactics, while others scout and then stake out the field being visited, from the wood’s edge or inside a portable pop-up ground blind. If you have never viewed a big black bear meander into an oat or wheat field, plunk down on its rear end, strip grain from the stalks, and lap up paw-full after paw-full of the tasty tidbits, it’s a sight to behold. Some planted locations attract multiple

This month, the County offers many hunting options, including bear, turkey and moose.

Danielle Brewer of Easton has become a bit of a fanatic about turkey hunting since it became an Aroostook option a few years ago. A fall season starts this month in Zone 6. All photos provided by the author

us trying to enjoy and fit in all these rod-andgun options.

Browsing Bruin Bear baiting began in late July, and

hunting got underway in late August, but a growing number of

(Continued on next page)

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48 • September 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————

The County (Continued from page 47)

bruins, and they visit often, and stuff down a lot of grain. Pre-season scouting always helps locate active feeding fields for hunters who plan to sit and do overwatch, but “drive, spot and shoot” is a very productive method at dawn and dusk. In the Houlton area, try driving the Foxcroft Road and its many connecting secondary roads and farm field two-tracks, as well as McSheffery

and Back Ridge Road along B Stream (now Captain Ambrose Bear stream). Delorme’s Gazetteer Map 59, E-4 offers a precise overview. Near Limestone, the Van Buren Road offers access to many field roads (DeLorme, Map 65, A-4) Route 161 between Caribou and New Sweden (Map 65, B-1) and check out the agri-fields along Route 164 around Washburn (Map 64, C-5). Aroos-

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took is polka-dotted with cropland edged with forest, or at least moderate-sized wood lots, where an abundance of bear abide. Most bear hunters who prefer spot-and-stalk shouldn’t have to drive more than 15 minutes to locate active feeding locations. Gobblers and Ganders Both big bird seasons open this month – native geese from the 1st to the 25th, and turkey season from the 16th all the way through the first week of November. Between tending

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busy schedule. Now, I have to be alert for a chance to tag turkey, too. I’m sure everyone is familiar with the old “Fool me once” adage. I ignored it, and fate got me good last fall. I was on my way to replenish bait barrels when I spotted a flock of seven turkeys in a field near a hedge row, perfect for a sneak-and-shoot. Unfortunately, a sidearm was my only firearm. Fool me twice came about a week later, when I was scouting geese for a next-morning hunt. I had tended bear baits, and was perusing a freshly cut grain field near Christina Reservoir in Easton, hoping to find a morning feeding flock of honkers. Instead, I found several toms and hens – but I still had no shotgun! Since then, I don’t go on any outdoor venture in September without a big-bore scattergun, turkey choke, and a box of bismuth! Learn from my mistakes. Geese aren’t as plentiful this month, but they will be next month, when numerous huge, migrating flocks start arriving. Local birds make up for their smaller (Continued on next page)

�� The Maine Sportsman • September 2024 • 49

With all the hunting options available this month, many folks forget all about late-season fishing. Beaver Pierce finds crisp, foggy fall mornings very satisfying and productive. (Continued from page 48)

numbers by decoying more readily, due to the predominance of juveniles – the less cautious members in each flight. A key to September success is locating roost water where geese spend the night, then tracking their morning and evening flight to nearby feed fields. The more lakes, ponds, swales, and marshes in an area, the greater the number of geese to be coaxed to a field of decoys. Christina and Josephina Reservoirs are decades-old manmade water sources for industrial plants in Easton. They are

annual liquid magnets for hordes of ducks and geese. Bishop, Tuttle and Road Ponds, as well as Fisher, Delano, Hersom, Dilling, and a dozen other lakes and farm ponds, form a five-mile circle of waterfowl wetland around the larger duo. Neophyte or visiting goose gunners will want to scout the surrounding jigsaw puzzle of grain fields and interconnecting farm roads for set-up sites for honker outings this month. Study DeLorme, Map 65, grids D-3 & B-3 for optimal locations to explore, and don’t forget to have your turkey gear along!

Collin McCrum Of Mars Hill enjoys turkey hunting, and he appreciates the option of a fall hunt in Zone 6, where he lives.

Florets for Moose I live pretty much in the center of Zone 6, have been a permittee or sub-permittee six times, tagged six bulls, and never hunted past Wednesday. My last moose weighed 967 lbs. dressed. All of my hunts have been during that year’s first season in the last week of September. Success this month will be based on a bull moose’s single-mindedness on two goals: breeding, and broccoli. When the thousands of broccoli fields are in full bloom, the tasty green florets draw moose like a kid to a candy store. It’s pretty simple to scout fields for tracks, trails,

Driving the myriad secondary and farm field roads spiderwebbing Aroostook County leads to a good chance of spotting a big bruin in a pasture or grain field. All photos by the author

droppings and mauled feeding spots, or sight the animals in action. Obtain landowner permission – most farmers are glad to be rid of the crop-damaging animals – then play a dawn-and-dusk waiting game. The other option is to be mobile and drive steadily among field locations heavy with sign, hoping for spot-and-shoot action. Of all the weeklong hunts, it’s been my experience that amorous bulls are most receptive to lonely cow calls during the September season. Once again scouting is key – have several active locations pinpointed where you plan to set up and

The sounds and sights of autumn fill September days. There’s nothing like the fall spawning colors of a hefty brookie.

call; after an hour with no action, move on and repeat. Visitor or resident, broccoli fields, and the second-growth pastures attractive to moose, are very plentiful throughout The County. It’s hard to drive rural and urban edge areas for 10 minutes without spotting one of the big animals. If sportsmen add in duck, grouse, and woodcock seasons, which also open late this month, and then try to fit in a few fall fishing outings, the choices and cast-andblast combinations become mind-boggling. What a great problem to have, don’t you think?

The Cushman clan of Mars Hill takes full advantage of the roost ponds and grain fields near their home. Here, Connor, Garrett, Carson and Ethan enjoy great goose gunning on this September outing. www.MaineSportsman.com

50 • September 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————

The Gentrification of a Gun Closet Out through the open closet door, all the guns could see the hunter polishing the walnut stock of the fancy converted Mauser rifle, in preparation for storage. “Well, it’s official – he’s gone completely off the scale on the Elmer Fudd spectrum,” said the Remington pump-action shotgun. The remark came from the 1990s-era Model 870 Express 12-gauge at the front right side of the gun closet. “I had high hopes when he bought that tactical conversion kit for me – short barrel, illuminated sight, blackout pistol-grip stock, extended magazine. ‘Home defense,’ he said. And then he never installed it! It’s still in the damn box! And I’m still sitting here like an old-fashioned duck gun!” “Look at him handle that stock,” replied the 100-year-old Model 94 Winchester. “I remember when he used to touch me like that. ’Course, that was fifty years ago. First deer or no first deer – he almost never hunts with me anymore. I guess I’m not fancy enough for him now!” “Apparently, none of us are!” added the 1951 Savage/Fox Model B 20-gauge sideby-side. “That’s no military-surplus bargain-basement-find he’s got there. Re-barreled for .30-’06, hand-checkered grip www.MaineSportsman.com

If our gun collections could talk, they might reveal a lot about us.

As we hunters change over the years, so do our gun collections. Jim Andrews photo

and fore-end, with an engraved floor-plate. That’s a custom job, my friends – and not exactly off-the-shelf hardware-store fare like me.” “My stock has inlays,” piped up the tiny 1920 .22 Stevens Crack-Shot with the falling-block single shot action. “They were mother-of-pearl button pieces that his great-grandfather installed with a jack knife. That new guy looks like he’s got ebony, though.” Political Statement “You are all completely missing the point!” moaned the Model 870. “For the price of that euro-mongrel, he could have gotten a new AR-15 style black rifle, or maybe a tactical scout rifle in bolt action. But no – he had to go buy an expensive antique piece of hand-carved furniture with a shortened barrel and a German action from the First World War.” “Hey – who are you calling antique?!!” chorused all the antique guns in the closet.

“I’ll never be able to hold my muzzle up for a screw-in choke tube again!” whined the pump-action. “What will all the tactical magnum shotguns think?” “Please resist overreacting,” purred the 2010 Sako moose rifle from the rear of the closet. “He appreciates my no-nonsense synthetic stock and stainless-steel barrel as much as the next hunter. This is not someone who is anti-modern. And your childish American prejudice against superior European firearm manufacturing is tiresome.” The classic Marlin 336 lever-action chuckled out loud at this. “You are history, my Finnish friend. He always hated your cool efficiency and lack of soul. True, he bought you for that moose hunt years ago, but you’ve never even been to deer camp. Probably trade you in for a chain saw, now that he’s got that fine work of art in his hands. Same caliber too. Coincidence?

Maybe.” “Please let me assure you – all hunters require MOA accuracy in the modern world,” replied the Sako bolt-action, “something you rattletrap American lever guns have never been able to attain. And very few of those German-old timers are capable of it. I am confident in my position among you.” The German “Quiet! Here he comes!” the Stevens Boys Rifle bubbled, as the man reached inside the closet with the Mauser. He held it carefully with a silicone cloth, shielding the flawless carbine-length blued barrel from his fingers. He gave the rifle one more swipe with the cloth as he placed it in the front left side of the closet. “Welcome,” offered the 1965 Model 742 carbine semi-auto. “I’m a Remington – and these others are all Americans, apart from that shiny-barreled Finnish bolt-action in the back. Where

do you come from?” “Gewehr 98 is stamped on my action, and I’m told that makes me a Mauser from Germany, but I don’t remember any of that,” reported the newcomer. “It was a gunsmith here in Maine who brought me up. He started with a rusty old military castoff, and began tinkering with it.” “Looks like he tinkered away all the ugly parts,” remarked the Model 742. “We’ve been having a debate about whether you’ll ever see much time outside of this closet.” “Just came back from the range. It sounds like I’m going moose hunting next month. He sure favors those 180-grain soft points, doesn’t he?” A heavy sigh came from the back of the closet, where the Sako leaned against the wall. “Yes, I’ve cycled more than a few boxes of those 180s over the years,” replied the 742. “I’m generally the deer rifle of choice around here. Sometimes he’ll take a lever-gun to camp, for old times’ sake.” “He mentioned deer camp, too,” the Mauser noted. “Said something about life being too short to hunt with ugly rifles. “I don’t think I’ll be here in the closet all the time.”

�� The Maine Sportsman • September 2024 • 51

“Winning at Winning?” – A Big Woods Mindset by Mark Scheeren & Hal Blood September is upon us again. The sights and sounds of the deer hunt pre-season are in the air. Equipment gets pulled out of the closet, guns and bows are getting sighted in and updated, scouting trips are made, and in some states, the first bow hunts take place. But with all that goes into preparing for a bountiful season, the most important tool for the hunt sometimes gets overlooked or neglected – your active mindset for success. The famous selfhelp expert, Gary John Bishop, said, “You’re always winning! Always; that’s never a question. The deeper question is, are you winning at winning, or are you winning at losing?” When I heard him say that, I was struck with the immense power of those words. In short, what you focus on, matters. What is Winning? So exactly what does that mean, to “win at winning,” especially when it comes to deer hunting? Let’s use an example to help us understand. Let’s say you are still-hunting, and you’ve been stalking along, highly focused and excited for the hunt, for six long hours with nary a deer in sight. It’s now mid-afternoon, and something happens –

You’ve been hunting for hours without seeing a deer. Do you get discouraged, quit early, and go tromping back to camp? The authors reveal how to let logic overrule emotions, and how to adopt and develop a positive approach, thereby increasing your odds of success.

The author with a monster buck. Getting into the proper mindset, he says, is among the most important first steps toward achieving success in the big woods.

we get that nagging, creeping doubt that in those last two hours of daylight that are left in the day, we won’t see a buck. This can even descend into convincing ourselves there are no bucks within a mile or more of our location. If you’ve hunted for any length of time, you’ve probably had

this fall from enthusiasm and hope, which then transitions into quiet doubt or even abject despair. That emotional dissention is an absolute cancer to success, and more important – it’s not based on any form of reality. Let me explain.

in the above scenario, we are allowing ourselves to “win at los-

ing.” Our emotions – not our logic – are in charge, telling us that success is slipping away with each passing moment. But here’s the crazy part – the objective reality is just the opposite. Here’s why: With each careful step forward, the odds are actually INCREASING for your encounter with a buck. Did you know that? This is simply a function of the law of probabilities that works in your favor – the longer you hunt, the greater the chances of success. This is actually unavoidable. Yet, emotions tend to rally against that logical reality and sabotage our focus, the longer you hunt. So, when the buck does show up, we aren’t ready anymore, (Continued on next page)

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52 • September 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————

Big Woods World (Continued from page 51)

and we blow it. Our head is no longer in the game. Mindset matters, folks! Focus on the reality of the probabilities that are cast in your favor – that is a mindset focused on success. Once you embrace that mindset, you will increase your success rate exponentially. This is just one small example of how mindset transforms a hunt. There are literally endless scenarios where you can convert thoughts of negativity into a positive attitude. Once you do this, you change from

a hunter who wins at losing, to a hunter who embraces positive odds and then wins at winning! Hal Blood’s Thoughts Mark is exactly right when he says that your odds of success increase over time. I have been teaching that to people for as long as I can remember. That is the third “P” – Persistence – in the chapter “The 3 P’s” in my first book. I call it the law of averages. The longer you work at anything, the closer you get to success. It’s true for

everything in life, and more important for us deer hunters, time brings us closer to getting a shot at that buck. I believe that more than half of all deer hunters don’t stay in the woods more than half the day. I’m sure the reason is that they get discouraged if they are not seeing deer or deer sign. Most likely, they leave the woods before traveling far enough to find the sign or see a deer. I’ve always been an “odds” guy. I make my decisions while hunting by playing the odds. Once something you do works, you start

to develop the odds. The more frequently decisions are the correct ones, the more the odds go up. So, let’s bring this back to getting discouraged – If you don’t push through that discouragement and persist, you’ll never allow yourself to develop any odds to go by. I’ll give you a good example that any hunter can relate to. If you sit in your stand for a few hours, your odds are low at seeing a deer. If you sit in that stand for a day, your odds of seeing a deer go up considerably. If you sit in that stand for a week, you probably will shoot a

deer. Obviously, you will get discouraged after a few days, and some hunters will move their stand or go to another one. I call that “musical stands.” If you stay in your stand, your odds are increasing of seeing a deer, but if you change stands, your odds are actually decreasing. I saw this all the time when guiding bear hunters. The hunters who would stick with their stand were far more successful than the ones who moved to another stand. Stick with it, and time will be on your side.

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�� The Maine Sportsman • September 2024 • 53

Prepping for a Late Archery Opener September is often a warm month, but that doesn’t prevent archers in other states – and expanded archery hunters here in Maine – from getting into the field and hunting whitetails. Unfortunately, our state’s regular archery season doesn’t open until October 5th this year. That’s three weeks after fall turkey opens, and a full week after small game opens. Experienced bowhunters know it’s difficult enough to harvest a whitetail with a stick and string, but sharing the woods with other hunters, and thereby losing the advantage of surprise, makes a successful harvest even more challenging. While bowhunters

The late opener for archery season on deer this year gives rise to several challenges. The author explains that a change in tactics may counteract those challenges, and help you secure your deer in October. harvest a small percent of the total deer taken in Maine, we’re still an important part of the state’s management plan. Not only do bowhunters kill a couple thousand deer each year, the revenue raised through archery license sales is significant. I believe

there’s a missed opportunity to increase both the number of deer taken with archery equipment (this includes crossbows) and the revenue raised by this group of hunters. MDIF&W has expressed a desire to reduce the deer herd, by increasing the

number of antlerless tags in many WMDs again this season. It’s my contention, bowhunters would harvest more whitetails if the regular archery season started at the same time the expanded season began. There’s no reason for regular archery to start this

late in WMDs with large numbers of antlerless tags. Some of our WMDs had leftover tags last year. Why not offer more opportunity in these districts? Warmer temps, extra Saturdays, and more hours afield, should result in an increased archery harvest, as well as more people hunting. Different Approach This year’s late start means deer will have already been ex(Continued on next page)

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Big Game (Continued from page 53)

To find bucks during the archery season on deer, the author plans to focus on areas with rub lines and scrapes that are located at least 200 yards from nighttime food sources.

posed to small game hunters, turkey hunters, and waterfowl hunters. When deer feel uncomfortable, they become more alert and harder to get close to. In fact, the late start could result in fewer deer killed in the regular archery season. Therefore, hunters should change tactics when hunting in districts with heavy pressure. In WMD 23, my first week of archery

hunting will focus less on food sources this year. Instead, when searching for a big buck, I’ll focus more on rub lines and early scrapes, found at least 200 yards from evening food sources. Mornings will be spent closer to known buck bedding areas, in an effort to catch bucks coming back from a night of feeding. Mid-October is a notoriously difficult time to hunt bucks (Continued on next page)

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

with bow and arrow. The “October lull” is a time often discussed by bowhunters when they aren’t seeing deer moving during daylight hours. I’ve often believed this lull in daytime activity stems from deer adjusting their travel habits because of an increase in human activity. Another huge change occurring in October is leaf-off. As leaves fall from deciduous trees, deer lose their cover, and this makes them uncomfortable. Areas through which deer once walked confidently, can become “no-go” zones for them during daylight hours. Therefore, it’s often productive to hunt areas that are more conducive to deer movement during firearms season. These include dark softwood thickets, low areas,

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swamps, and areas of higher stem density (think brush-choked draws, and cuts that are six to eight years old). The final area of focus for October archery should be older, mature does. It’s the older does that often come into estrous early. Though I’ve not read any studies confirming this, it’s my theory that older does don’t run from bucks when in estrous, the way a young doe does. Older does have been bred before. In the case of a five- to ten-year-old doe, they’re very experienced with breeding and its result. I believe

this is a major reason there’s less chasing during this first phase of the rut. I also believe experienced, adult bucks will seek out doe groups with more mature does in it. Find these groups early, and learn their patterns. Most archery seasons, I spend the first few days trying to catch a mature buck on a summer feeding pattern. This season, I’ll likely focus on replenishing my venison supply with the first doe that comes into range. If I’m fortunate enough to draw an antlerless tag and a bonus tag, I may even

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try to harvest two does quickly. It’d be nice to have two antlerless tags in my pocket on Opening Day, but regular archery hunters haven’t had that opportunity lately, as bonus tags don’t become available until later in October. Perhaps the late start will change this? Regardless of the later start, archers can still find success by making a few adjustments to their game. Use September

for scouting and observation, not only of deer, but of hunters pursuing small game, turkey and waterfowl. For bowhunters fortunate enough to have their own piece of private land, consider not hunting for small game or turkeys on the land until after archery season starts. October 5th can’t get here soon enough!

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56 • September 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————

Penobscot River Paddling Trail Turning Heads! My 13’ Mansfield canoe looks lonely hanging on the wall. In all the excitement of building kayaks the last couple of years, the mahogany ribs that line the inside have gathered dust. They don’t make the Mansfield anymore. Bill Sheldon buying something is usually the kiss of death for a product. If I think a product makes sense, is practical, durable and affordable, it usually gets discontinued shortly after I purchase it. So, production

Want detailed information about paddling the various sections of the Penobscot River? Want riverside campsites? Want 11 detailed downloadable maps of the river’s 100 mainstem miles? Then check out the Penobscot River Paddling Trail – the result of a group of volunteers working to take the stress out of planning a canoe trip, whether it’s a one-day, or multi-day, excursion. ceased on my pretty little wood-ribbed fiberglass sheathed canoe, two years after I purchased it in 1989. It was, and still is, everything I wanted in a canoe. Its ash gunnels and woven seats ac-

cent the mallard-green fiberglass. The mahogany inlaid ribs make her a looker. She’s wide and stable, and I fished out of her for years. Of course, all that width made for slow pad-

dling. But, with the journey taking precedence over the destination, a few extra hours on the water never bothered me. Canoe Tripping I’ve taken to watching a few YouTube vid-

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eos on canoe tripping. One tactic that caught my eye involves a certain paddling technique. It seems that in flat water, utilizing a kayak paddle is commonplace. In fast current, these expert trippers switch back to a traditional paddle. The practice appealed to me. I figured if they could do it that way, then so can I. Another observation included a closedin deck with a cover to keep water out. That’s for heavy whitewater, which I will avoid. (Continued on next page)

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Delivering a picnic table, Maine-style Volunteers from the Penobscot River Paddling Trail deliver a 12-foot long picnic table to one of the campsites they maintain along the 100-mile section of the Penobscot River that stretches from Medway and Bucksport. Penobscot River Paddling Trail photo (Continued from page 56)

Penobscot River Paddling Trail Let the planning begin. I came across information on the Penobscot River Paddling Trail while researching trip ideas. The Penobscot River is the ancestral home of the Penobscot Nation. The Penobscot Nation originates from the Wabanaki words “waters of descending ledge.” It’s no secret that the indigenous Native Americans got a raw deal when white men came across the pond. With 100 miles of river between Medway and Bucksport, the Penobscot has plenty of water to suit most any water rat. It’s a combination of flat water, whitewater, and swift currents. Sorting out day trips versus multi-day excursions along this iconic river can turn the best of brains into jelly. Fortunately, the Penobscot River Paddling Trail has a website (PenobscotRiverPaddlingTrail.org) that details the entire 100 miles.

This volunteer group has the stated mission to “establish and maintain a paddling, camping and educational trail down the main stem of the Penobscot River.” They have installed, and maintained, campsites along the course of the river. These campsites are identified on 11 downloadable maps. They also have a campsite and access point page that provides valuable information about each location. For example, it mentions that the Mattaseunk Dam access point located off of Route 157 has a long set of stairs. Good to know. I’ve never counted them, but I tell everyone who will listen that they number 100 steps. Fortunately, it’s below the dam and used as a put-in, so the drag is downhill. We just point my raft towards the river and hang on – no heavy lifting required. Near the bottom of that giant staircase, beware of sharp, rusty metal rebar that could easily

catch an ankle or the bottom of an inflatable kayak. River trail campsites are clearly marked with yellow and black PRPT signage. The group is looking to add more campsites, while they work to maintain current sites. Some are located on private land. These campsites located along the river make multi-day excursions a real-time adventure. The website lists the mileage between access points and campsites, to help make trip planning easier. Downloadable Maps The downloadable maps rate as priceless, literally and figuratively. Each map clearly marks all the geographic features of the river, and offers a mile-by-mile description of everything adventurous paddlers need to know. It’s good to know Five Island Rapids is around the corner, and the Tannery Row Campsite comes up next at River Mile 15.3. Details like this take the guesswork

and stress out of heading downriver. Day-trippers can select most any section of the river, print out the detailed map, and spend a day paddling. My fishing trips on the Penobscot involve floating from access point to access point. To liven things up, we usually do three or four days, floating a different section each day. Fishermen will benefit from these detailed maps. For those who want to explore the river without doing

the planning, a Registered Maine Guide who specializes in the Penobscot River rates as an excellent option. Guides advertise in The Maine Sportsman, and the PRPT can put paddlers in contact with quality river guides. Many thanks to the volunteers at PRPT. They always welcome new volunteers. Their website has a “Donate” button, for those looking to help support this worthwhile endeavor.

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58 • September 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————

Remote Ponds Shine This Month “SNAP!’ went the tip of my fly rod. “Ouch – I can’t believe I just did that,” I said, in a tone that mixed embarrassment with anger. No, I didn’t break it fighting the fish of a lifetime. Or even backpacking into some remote trout pond. I’m ashamed to say I was just changing leaders at the back of my truck. No war story here. One quick pull of my leader, and my pole was three inches shorter. Now, it wasn’t an expensive rod. Fly fishing experts would scoff and tell me I got what I paid for. However, it had developed into one of my favorites. This seven-piece travel rod, all nine feet of it when assembled, went everywhere with me. Didn’t always use

Whether you pack in a float tube or pack raft, or borrow a canoe stashed along the shore, September is a productive month for trout fishing in remote ponds. And bear season is also underway. It’s a great time to be in the woods in Maine. it, but it was there when needed. On this day two friends, ardent spin cast fishermen, made the trip riverside to spend a day wade-fishing for salmon. This fly fishing-only section of the river had me rigging up three fly rods. Perhaps my travel rod knew something I didn’t.

As I search for that personal best wild brook trout, hike-in trout ponds deserve a long hard look. Native brookies thrive in the depths of Cold Stream Pond and Big Berry Pond. So far, the nicest brook trout that came to my hand was caught south of Cold Stream Pond, in Cold Stream.

Prime Time The Jackman Region boasts some excellent fall fishing, and this month rates as prime time. Gone are the dreaded dog days of summer. Golden leaves drop the green flag on this yearly phenomenon.

Stocked Brookies An assortment of waters offers stocked brook trout fishing. These walk-to gems include Daymond Pond, Sugar Berth Pond, and Rancourt Pond. Trophy-bound anglers target hold-over stockers that have spent a

season bulking up. Fishing these waters requires a boat of some type. Hikein fishermen often use lightweight float tubes. Pack rafts offer another inflatable option. These minimalist craft do just enough to get anglers off the shoreline and into feeding brookies. On one excursion into Big Berry Pond, we counted on a borrowed key to unlock one of the many beater canoes stashed in the woods. In recent years, efforts in the direction of cleaning up abandoned beaters has this land-bound-flotilla shrinking.

Ponds that sit along the road or at the end of a navigable trail offer a less physically demanding excursion. They get a little more pressure, but the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (DIF&W) does a solid job of stocking healthy square-tails in these popular waters. Both Crocker Pond and McKenney Pond benefit from these stockings. It’s all the feel of remote fishing without carting a boat through the woods. At Crocker, I just pull up to the gravel ramp, and slide my canoe in. Easy access allows anglers to bring along a few creature comforts. Anglers with larger boats and plenty of horsepower can slip their watercraft in at ramps located on Attean Pond and Big (Continued on next page)

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�� The Maine Sportsman • September 2024 • 59 (Continued from page 58)

Wood Pond. With lots of acreage, boaters can troll or work jigs to bring some landlocked salmon to hand. Please remember to check the regulations for individual waters. From April 16 through September 30, it’s artificial lures or flies only on rivers, streams and brooks. Bag limits vary by water, so be sure to check. Bear Time! By now, the August 24 Youth Bear Hunting Day is solidly in the books. Congratulations to those next-generation sportsmen who took advantage of this special one-day season. Two days later, August 26, the general hunting season opened. It runs all the way until November 30. This three-month season overlaps with the deer hunting season, creating a unique opportunity to do double duty. Hunting over bait also kicked off on August 26. It ends just three weeks later, on September 21. Hunting bears over bait

Brook trout – some native, some stocked – make their homes in the many waters surrounding the hamlet of Jackman. Special late-season rules apply. The region boasts countless ponds and streams, offering both drive-to and hike-in access. Shutterstock photo

offers multiple challenges. The heavy lifting involves setting up and maintaining these bear ambush points. The average lone sportsman rarely has time to have begun baiting sites way back on July 27. Consistent baiting plays a key role in developing an active bait site. However, hunting over bait produces the highest success rate. Therefore, it makes the most sense to hire a Registered Maine

Guide who specializes in bear hunting over bait. These folks advertise here in the pages of The Maine Sportsman. A third alternative, hunting bear with dogs, has a special season that starts September 9 and ends November 1. This action-packed method most definitely requires a guide, or at least a pack of sharpnosed bear hounds. The sound of the chase sends one’s adrenalin

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60 • September 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————

Deep-Trolling with Streamer Flies Takes Moosehead Salmonids Throughout my writing career, I have preached that streamer flies, especially tandem flies, are effective only just after ice-out, when fish hang close to the surface. Also, moderate-to-fast trolling speeds are needed in order to make the wings compress, giving the illusion of a speeding smelt. Well, how wrong I was. This is a reminder that old dogs can learn new tricks. During a recent summertime fishing trip on Moosehead Lake with friend and area guide Eric Holbrook, I noticed a tandem streamer on one of his boat rods. I paid little attention to this as we floated over a calm surface, watching for our downrigger rods to bounce up, signaling a strike. It wasn’t long before the port rod sprung to action. I began reeling, and soon Eric slid the net under a very respectable Moosehead togue. The

Who says an old dog can’t learn new tricks?

Jim McNoulon, age 92, reels in a togue. Photos by Eric Holbrook

fish had a Governor Aiken tandem streamer lodged solidly in its lower jaw. Eric had set out the rod with the seemingly out-of-place streamer, and I hadn’t noticed. Yet, this is what I caught that lake trout on. Eric later explained that streamers work well when trolled with a downrigger, and that the two “Streamers-de-Jour” this year are Governor Aiken and Bumble-

bee. Who would have thought? Certainly not me. But thinking this through, it makes sense. The downrigger ball takes the fly down to where fish hold, and any slight bouncing of the boat imparts action to ball and thence to the fly. And since moderate-to-fast trolling speeds are made possible with a downrigger, streamer flies have now become effective, all-season-long offerings for togue, trout and salmon.

campfire was that fishing in Moosehead Lake is the best in anyone’s memory. Bob Lawrence, guide and landowner on Moosehead Lake, said in all the years he has guided on the lake, fishing has never been this good. Bob remarked that at one time in the past, he was the only guide on the lake, since fishing was so slow. No more. The number and quality of salmonids has reached its pinnacle on the big lake. Eric Holbrook agreed that fishing has never been better, as did Moosehead regular Fred Cooper. All of

Moosehead Region

Seniors, Too Various groups have made the news, as they become seriously involved in fishing. One group that hasn’t gotten much press continues to log their days on the water nonetheless. Senior citizens, older people, have probably forgotten more about fishing than all the younger folks combined. Eric Holbrook recently guided 92-year-

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(Continued on next page)

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these veteran anglers have had long-time experience on the lake, and they all testify as to the high-quality of fishing there. I, too, have fished Moosehead for many years, and the change is obvious to me, as well. Among the tipoffs are the huge schools of smelt showing up on the radar screen. This, coupled with football-shaped fish that regurgitate smelt when netted, shows that as of the moment, fishing could not be better. At least part of this success must be attributed to the long-term efforts of the Moosehead Lake Coalition, a private group that has worked to stock the lake with smelt “larvae,” or immature smelt. The huge numbers released over the years have made a significant contribution to today’s high-quality fishing.

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

old Jim McNoulon, and Jim had no trouble standing in the stern and reeling in one of Moosehead Lake’s fat togue. Eric says Jim, who graduated from Greenville High School in 1950, is a treasure trove of local information. It takes a fair amount of stamina to stand on a sometimes-rocking deck for a half-day or longer, reeling in heavy fish. Add to that the time and energy it takes to reel in a football-fieldlength of lead-core line with a fish fighting at the end, and it’s clear that trolling on the big lake can prove quite an exertion. But this

nonagenarian was up to the task. Many anglers remain active well into their senior years, including yours truly. Being out on one of Maine’s spectacularly scenic lakes, and catching trout, togue and salmon, is a pleasure not readily dispensed with. We look forward to our days on the water all year round. Sometimes, it is what keeps us going. Certain amenities help, too. Case in point – the fighting chair Fred Cooper installed in the stern of his pontoon/fishing boat. I found it a lot easier reeling in those Moosehead lakers while sitting in that

comfortable seat. The next time you see an older person out on the water, know that they may just represent a wealth of knowledge. They may even outfish you. Salmon Time Finally, September stands as a prime month for trophy salmon. Some of my largest fish, both landed and lost, struck in September. Unfortunately, windy, rough days seem to be the most productive. Big waves bring those trophies to the surface. Come up this September, and see for yourself.

Long-time angler Jim McNoulon holds his prize.

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62 • September 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————

Winter Storms Pose Threat to Shoreline Infrastructure With summer ending, cooler days on the horizon and fewer visitors to Maine’s coast, September shines as a month for mackerel fishing. However, because of severe storms pounding Maine’s coast last winter, some favorite fishing areas have suffered severe damage. One such place, the Fisherman’s Pier at Fort Point State Park in Stockton Springs, always offered a quiet, little-frequented place to fish for mackerel, stripers and harbor pollock. For years, this was my go-to place for a quiet time afield, sitting on the dock at pier’s end and monitoring two rods – one with a bit of shrimp wafting about in the current, the other set up with a mackerel jig for casting. During a 4th-of-July jaunt with a friend, we decided to visit the pier. Much to my horror, the pier was closed to the public, and it was easy to see why. Wind, waves and high surf had caused the pier to shift on its stone pilings. It was as if someone had picked it up and put it back down, but in a careless manner. Add to that, a number of boards on the pier were torn away, making it doubly unsafe for foot travel. This brings at least a temporary end to the public’s use of this long-standing platform for shore-based anglers. I recall when the Army Corps of Engineers built the fishing pier back in the late 1960s or early 1970s. I was among the first to visit it, and I can still smell the fresh tar that seeped from the treated wood. Whether or not the pier gets rebuilt remains a question. Let us hope.

for crushing small shellfish. A small hook and tiny bait are required for success. However, people have discovered the cunner bonanza, and have drastically reduced the breakwater’s cunner population. Only a few small cunners remain. It pains me to see any fish population demolished because of overfishing. Mackerel,, however, continue to ply the waters off the breakwater, and they always cooperate in September. Diamond jigs and even the ubiquitous Swedish Pimple take plenty of mackerel now. The ticket to success here is to use a thin line, casting your jig as far out as possible. After the jig hits the water, allow it to sink almost to bottom before reeling it in. Watch the line for any trace of movement as the jig sinks – a sure sign that a mackerel has intercepted it on the way down. Bring a cooler for your

Rockland Breakwater Fierce storms may tear up wooden infrastructure, but they will have to go some to impart any serious damage to the Rockland Breakwater. This milelong, 19th- century relic is composed entirely of huge granite blocks, impervious, at least thus far, to storm damage. The breakwater always produces for me in September. In years past, I would take cunners, a relative of the tropical wrasses, that live in the cracks and caverns between the boulders. These toothy fish have prominent front teeth, perfect

Fall-caught brook trout and rainbow trout from Megunticook River. Tom Seymour photo

www.MaineSportsman.com

Fisherman’s Pier in Stockton Springs was damaged by wind, waves and high surf, rendering it unusable. While shorebased anglers wait for a decision on rebuilding, the author wants readers to know there are additional saltwater and freshwater fishing opportunities in the Midcoast region.

fish, enjoy the scenery, and have fun on a beautiful September day on the coast of Maine. Fall Stocking Each fall, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (DIF&W) stocks several Midcoast rivers with brook, brown and – in one instance – rainbow trout. Last year’s stocking didn’t begin until October, but sometimes – if there’s enough rain and cool weather – the department begins releasing trout in September. The St. George River, a long watershed flowing through several different towns (see the DeLorme Atlas, Map 14), gets heavily stocked with both fall yearling and sometimes retired broodstock trout. This river sees the most fishing pressure, and is a favorite of fly fishers. If you don’t mind crowded conditions, by all means try this place. The next-most-popular spot, the Medomak River in Waldoboro, has a dedicated following, but even so, offers a few areas away from the crowds. DIF&W stocks both brown and brook trout in the Medomak. Given the cool water of early fall, these fish fight extremely well. I have excellent success using Trout Magnets on rivers in the fall. However, an upcoming (September 1, 2026) ban on the use of all lead jigheads (the sale of such tackle has already been prohibited) has put a crimp in the style of Magnet fans. Fortunately, the company offers non-lead jigheads. These are lighter and don’t sink as well as the traditional variety, but a b.b.-size non-lead split shot 8 inches or so above the lure makes for an acceptable substitute. Do give the Medomak a try. Hit all bridge crossings, and don’t shy away from the roadside park in Waldoboro at the river’s end. My favorite spot, as readers may guess, is also the smallest. Megunticook River in Camden gives us a chance to take both brookies and rainbows – a rare treat in Midcoast Maine. So get out and enjoy the season!

�� The Maine Sportsman • September 2024 • 63

September – the “Second Season” Just as fly fishermen match the hatch, anglers trolling for lake trout can “match the spawn” when selecting which size wobbling spoon to use. And the same technique is effective for salmon, including some of the largest you’ll encounter all year. It all depends upon the weather. A hot, dry September, with low water in ponds and rivers, spells bad news for hopeful anglers. A cool, wet September, however, brings fresh, colder water, along with lots of dissolved oxygen. Which will we experience in 2024? We’ll just have to cross our fingers, and wait and see. Here’s the good news. Trout respond quickly to environmental changes – far faster than most of us might imagine. Several days of heavy rain, coupled with a few cool nights, cause trout metabolisms to quicken,

and fish become active once again. In fact, surface trolling is not out of the question now. I have taken brown trout on Labor Day weekend by trolling an orange-and-gold wobbling spoon using a fly rod and sinking line. I recall one time clearly, because lakeside camps were all full, and the smoke from

myriad campfires and grills wafted across the water. “Have your hot dogs and hamburgers,” I thought. “I’m having broiled trout tonight.” Brown trout are among the first to respond to cool water. Mornings and afternoons are the best times now, but that stands true for most times of the year.

The author displays a brown trout from a fallstocked river.

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64 • September 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————

September Fly Fishing Unpredictable but Rewarding September fly fishing is often – to borrow a line from an old Jim Croce song – like a jigsaw puzzle with a couple of pieces gone. With so many unknowns, it is difficult to figure out the most productive fishing approach. Maine fall

This time of year, says the author, it takes patience and experimentation to figure out what the trout and salmon in the rivers want. Once you know what works, the action can be fast and furious. fishing is unpredictable, and getting more so.

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Take two years ago. My wife Lindsey and I like to fish rivers, so we camp at Lily Bay Campground in mid-September to fish the Roach River and the East Outlet of the Kennebec River. We started our first day fishing the Roach. This river empties the Roach Ponds, and flows into Moosehead Lake. As days shorten and waters cool, landlocks and brook trout emerge from the depths of the lake and run up the river, looking for spawning

gravel. Moosehead is a good cold-water fishery, and fish of three pounds or better are not uncommon. The water was warmish the day we fished it, and the trout and salmon were as uninterested as a toddler being fed squash baby food. Standard dry flies, streamers and nymphs were all ignored. I saved a frustrating day when I tied on a Black Monster bug with rubber legs. It looked like a creature you might see in an Indiana Jones

This rubber-legged stonefly nymph proved effective on Roach River salmon. Photos by Lou Zambello

film emerging from a cave. As I drifted it deep along the bottom, the salmon attacked it with vigor, and several came to hand before darkness descended. Salmon migrating into the Roach spend most of their time in Moosehead Lake feeding on smelt, so why they would attack a nymph that looked (Continued on next page)

�� The Maine Sportsman • September 2024 • 65 (Continued from page 64)

like a hellgrammite is a mystery. West Outlet The next day, we explored the West Outlet of Moosehead Lake, one of two starting points for the Kennebec River. Based on our success the day before, we plied the waters with the same rubber-legged nymphs – unsuccessfully. Other nymphs or streamers worked no better, fooling only a few aggressive smallmouth bass. Toward evening, we tried the large pool we call Sandy Beach. A wadable sandbar extends out toward the middle of the river from the tailout of the pool. Several good salmon started rising a short cast upstream from the bar. They ignored standard cad-

dis offerings. My wife knotted on a size-10 Parmachenee Wulff dry fly. This pattern does not imitate any specific insect, but is an attractor – fish hit it because it angers or intrigues them. This Wulff-style pattern is heavily dressed with a mixed red and white hackle, a bright yellow body, and a white tail. On Lindsey’s second drift, a salmon came up like it hadn’t eaten in a week. The fight was classic, with strong runs and crazy jumps, before I managed to slip the net under the fish on the third try. We had cast that exact pattern over the salmon in the Roach the day before, to no results. September fishing can be maddening that way. Multiple Rods What I have learned is to be ready to

Trout Fishing (Continued from page 63)

Also remember that the direction your boat is traveling can mean a world of difference for your success rate. If you get hits from a clockwise trolling pattern, don’t change it. That is, unless fish stop biting. At that point, a change in direction can stimulate them to start feeding again. This goes for all salmonids, so do give it a try if fish suddenly stop cooperating. Here’s another togue tip. Togue and salmon depend on smelt as a primary food source. But remember, smelt are not static. By that I mean, smelt size changes, from hatching through full maturity. By noting the size of the current year’s crop of smelt, you can capitalize upon it by matching your lure to that size. Mooselook Wobblers come in various sizes, from the longer, standard size, down to medium, midget, and peewee. By having samples of each size in your tackle box, you stand ready to “match the hatch,” as it were. So tie on a midget size, which should approximate the size of smelt born last spring. I like the all-silver model, but other color patterns are worth a go, too.

try a variety of fishing techniques. Changing rigs takes time better spent keeping a fly in the water, so I typically carry three rods:  A three-weight ten-foot nymphing rod, rigged with both a weighted larger nymph and an unweighted, smaller offering.  A six-weight streamer rod rigged with floating line and a large soft-hackle marabou streamer. I also carry in my vest a spare reel with fullsink or sink-tip line in case I am fishing deeper water.  A five-weight rigged for dry-fly fishing with a 5x tippet. Unpredictable Fishing The mood of the fish changes from day to day, and often hour to hour, or pool to pool. I rarely begin with

The author’s wife Lindsey caught this salmon at Beach Pool. Photo by Lou Zambello

a dry fly unless I see some sort of surface activity – be it rise or insect. I often cast a streamer first, hoping to trigger some response to confirm mi-

If this doesn’t work, then go either one size up or one size down. Better yet, if you catch a togue, check it for smelt, and match your lure to that size. That way, you are giving the fish what they are already tuned in to. Try it. It works wonderfully. Stockies, Too When water and weather conditions are favorable, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (DIF&W) stocks rivers and ponds in September for late-season anglers. While fish stocked in ponds may remain for the ice-fishing season, those released in rivers are mostly intended to provide immediate sport. Brook trout make up the bulk of trout stocked now, but in Midcoast and southern areas, DIF&W also releases brown trout. And even though these are hatchery-raised fish, they still display their brilliant fall spawning colors. Also, these trout quickly acclimate to their new surroundings. When hooked, they fight as well as streambred fish. Add to that, they taste great too, thanks to the high-quality fish food used in our state-run hatchery system. I have come to relish fishing for stocked trout in streams and rivers in

grating trout or salmon are present. If you hook a nice trout or two, and then the action dies down, (Freshwater Fly Fishing continued on page 67)

September. The fish always cooperate, the air has a bit of a fallish feel about it, and biting insects are mostly longgone. I usually employ a two-piece ultralight St. Croix spinning rod, and catching a 10- to 12-inch trout satisfies my need to feel a trout pounding and pulling on the other end of the line. Big Salmon Salmon bite well in September. In my experience, September brings the best chance of any month of the year to take large salmon, even trophy-size salmon. Earlier, I described how to catch lake trout by matching the size of your wobbling lure to the current smelt size. This technique pays off for salmon, too. I realize that the small hooks on these tiny offerings can pose a hooking problem, but since fish aren’t hook-shy in September, they usually take the whole lure in their mouths, ensuring positive hook-ups. Also, fishing during a heavy chop, while dangerous with a small boat, greatly improves your chances of hooking a trophy salmon. The reason behind this eludes me, but nevertheless, it is so. Give it a try.

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66 • September 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————

September Ushers in Cooler Days and Waters Oh, sweet September – that quickly-passing month that signals the end of summer and the start of fall! So many things to do to get ready for hunting, but don’t forget the fishing, as cooler waters spell hotter action. On Sebago Lake (Delorme Atlas, Map 5, C-1), lake trout and salmon come closer to the surface as the lake “turns over” and the surface cools. This spring, and well into the summer, we experienced a banner salm-

September brings cooler waters, but when the lakes “turn over,” the fishing action heats up. Follow the author’s recommendations to catch more (and larger) salmon and togue this month. on season on Sebago Lake. I predict the early fall fishing will be equally exceptional. Lures that produced best were the DB Smelt in the pearl color, Carlson’s Northeast Troller spoons in the pink crushed ice pattern, and Mooselook Wobblers in the pearl color. I had great success using the sinking fly line, all of it

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let out, with a 30-foot leader, as well as running between 3 to 8 colors of lead-core line. Trolling speeds seemed to work best at the higher rates, so I ran from 2.6 to 3 MPH. With information derived from communications on social media, and with tips I learned from talking to other guides and to experienced anglers, I discovered that most of us were finding the faster speeds – sometimes slightly more than 3 MPH – worked well.

Last year, while targeting salmon in September, I experienced some great lake trout angling, catching numerous fish in the 5- to 8-pound class on sinking fly line. Lakers come up, too, as the water turns, so picking them up along with salmon is not unusual. I relied on copper/nickel spoons from Northeast Troller for lakers in September. On some days, I would drag large shiners on a sliding bait harness rig, with excellent results.

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Pleasant Lake Pleasant Lake (Map 5, A-1) in Casco is another top salmon spot this month. Heavily stocked with salmon, this lake is loaded with landlocks, although they tend to run small. Rumor has it that the stocking truck dumps excess fish in there, in addition to the numbers reported. I haven’t been able to prove that, but you will see more fish on your fish-finder screen than on other nearby lakes. Pleasant Lake is relatively shallow for a salmon lake, so the fish lie on the bottom in the summer, but they should be closer to the surface as this month progresses. Reproduction is limited, and heavy stocking is what gives Pleasant Lake her abundant salmon. Anglers can keep one salmon from Pleasant Lake, and it must be 16 inches or longer. Try trolling lures, like those mentioned for Sebago Lake, down the middle of the lake, and then work toward the shoreline. Thompson Lake A few years back, when the Thompson Lake dam was being worked on, the screen keeping in fish was removed. Word has it that many salmon got out, and ended up in nearby Tripp Pond (Map 5, A-2). Anglers (Continued on next page)

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

on Thompson reported slower salmon fishing, but salmon are still stocked, and some natural reproduction does occur. The lake has a maximum depth of 121 feet, providing ample cool, oxygenated water for salmonid success in the summer months. As the surface water cools, salmon come back on the bite. Additionally, the lake trout revive in the cooler waters, and come up from the bottom. Interestingly, Thompson Lake is home to a self-sustaining population of lake trout, stocked in the late 1930s to mid1950s. Compare this to Sebago Lake togue, which were stocked between 1972 and 1982, with 300,000 lakers put into the big lake. Like the Sebago Lake trout, Thompson’s lakers are self-sustaining. I’ve always had my best luck on Thompson Lake using Gulp minnows trolled on sinking fly line. Several years ago, I was trolling Thompson Lake with my old fishing buddy, and I tried an experiment. I had him use smelt as bait, and

I used Gulp minnows. We both used the same line and leader combination – Cortland salmon trolling fly line, with a 30-foot leader and a bait harness. I don’t recall how many salmon and lakers we caught that day, but I do recall that the Gulp did as well as, if not better than, the smelt. My old college statistics professor would argue that this wasn’t a true “scientific experiment” with no repetition, but it was sufficient to convince me that Gulp minnows work well enough to use when I don’t have live or frozen smelt. I have a few pickled smelt by the end of the summer, but I always keep a large tub of Gulp minnows in my boat. When fishing Thompson Lake, you can bet the Gulp will come out. Any spoon with good action and attraction will work on Thompson Lake for September salmon and lake trout. My favorites are the Mooselook Wobbler in orange, and a DB Smelt in silver/red or silver/blue. Salmon and lake trout are on my agenda this month, but

Freshwater Fly Fishing (Continued from page 65) Scan the QR code to view a short video of the author releasing his largest brook trout of the year — the circumstances of which he describes below. Lou Zambello video

don’t assume that pool or run is done. This time of year, fish move in schools. Switch techniques to tempt the salmo-

The author hoists up a large Sebago Lake togue caught while trolling a fly line in September, while Rylee the GSP (German shorthaired pointer) readies a congratulatory kiss. Tom Roth photo

thoughts of pointing dogs locked up behind grouse and pheasants become reality on Opening Day, Sep-

tember 28. Fall wild turkey hunting starts September 16, and expanded archery season for deer begins on Sep-

nids that haven’t budged yet. Last year, a group of anglers landed two massive brook trout in a small run. They were relaxing, while celebrating their catch with a flask of whiskey. They invited me to take a few casts, and I caught my biggest trout of the year. Always assume there is another big fish that hasn’t yet revealed itself. Greenville Area I recommend visiting the Moosehead Lake area in September. In addition to the waters already mentioned, the West Outlet, the Moose River, and a myriad of ponds offer multiple options. The lakeside town of Greenville offers

tember 7. September can truly be a cast-and-blast month!

places to stay and eat. As mentioned, the Lily Bay Campground is top-notch as well. The East Outlet of the Kennebec is open past September. Check the rule book for specific regulations (Note: the special rule is 194 words long, and involves red markers and yellow markers, and at times applies a reverse slot limit on brook trout). With the recent warmer autumns, anglers do quite well, sometimes until Thanksgiving.

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68 • September 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————

Can You Successfully Hunt Bear in Southern Maine? According to experts at the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, black bears are regulars in Southern Maine. Each year, hunters in York, Cumberland and southern Oxford counties register a few dozen bear. I spoke recently with Scott Lindsay, MDIF&W biologist, and asked him where hunters could go to increase their odds of success. He mentioned private properties, if hunters obtain owner permission. He also pointed to hunting opportunities offered by state Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), including the 5,700-acre Vern Walker WMA, located in Shapleigh, the 4,000-acre Steep Falls WMA in Standish, the 5,900 acre Sanborn WMA in Brownfield, and the 1,000-acre Morgan Meadow WMA, in Raymond. Bear Baiting Options Scott explained that to bait for bear on these WMAs, hunters must first obtain a bear bait permit. These permits are valid for three years. Each permit allows baiting in a different section of the WMA, to ensure there are no conflicts, and to provide permit holders with a quality hunting experience. I asked Scott about the “Leavitt Plantation” in Parsonsfield, a place I’ve had luck baiting in the past. He explained that due to increased bear bait activity, the landowner has asked for assistance in reducing the bear population, and that game wardens and his office are now issuing bait permits on this large parcel of land. The bottom line, however, is that it’s difficult to get a bait permit on public lands here in Southern Maine. This leaves private lands, where you need permission from landowners to place bait on their properties – not that easy to get. There are a few folks who hunt bear with dogs in the area. Some are registered guides, and if you can hire one, they will provide a good bear hunt – they know where the bears are. Hunting bear with dogs sometimes gets a bad rap. This method is an ethical way to hunt, since it provides hunters the option whether to shoot a treed bear or let the bear escape. This helps hunters avoid killing small bear, or sows www.MaineSportsman.com

Southern Maine is on the fringe of bear range. Experiencing a successful bear hunt there will be a challenge, says the author, but knowing the best locations and techniques will improve your chances.

The author has baited bear in Southern Maine, but not killed one in the region. Getting bear to remain at bait sites and having them come in during daylight have posed challenges. To kill bear in the southern part of the state, he says, requires a major commitment of time and effort.

with cubs. Fair Chase Options Hunters who don’t land a bear bait permit or know landowners that will let them bait, have other bear hunting opportunities here; namely, they can try so-called “fair chase” methods – similar to hunting whitetail deer. For bear, this involves sitting over natural forage, like acorns and beechnuts. Bear can also be called in for a shot using predator calls. However, both methods have extremely low success rates, whether you’re in Southern Maine, or almost any place in the state. If you decide to try this, look for large thick, wet swamps and marshlands with hardwood ridges covered with oaks and beech trees. If these trees are dropping acorns or beech nuts, then set up an ambush site between the food source and

swamp. Look for signs of feeding bear. Bear are messy eaters – they dig for insects in stumps and logs. When they feed on berries, they trample bushes, and they paw leaves looking for acorns. Bear sometimes make cribs with broken sticks and limbs in trees, so hunters should keep an eye our for these. Bear scat will tell hunters what bear are feeding on. If there are seeds in it, then they are feeding on berries like choke cherries and blackberries. If the scat looks like pecan pie, then they are eating acorns. If it’s black, then they are eating greens. Close Encounters I once walked up on a bear feeding on acorns while I was bowhunting. The bear spooked and ran away. A few hundred yards later, I saw the bear feeding again. This time, it took off into a swamp. If I’d been carrying my rifle, I could have easily killed it. While bear hunting with Ken Allen, past editor of The Maine Sportsman, I called in a bear with a predator call. Again, I was bowhunting, and could have killed the bear with a firearm. We were hunting in Central Maine in an area with a lot of bear. Bear numbers are lower here in southern Maine, so calling isn’t as productive, but calling near cover and food can lure a bear in for a shot. Is it worth the time and money to hunt for black bear here in the southern tip of Maine? Southern Maine is considered to be on the fringe of the black bears’ range in Maine; regardless, bear sightings are increasing throughout the region, from coastal towns north to the more remote sections of southern Oxford County. Limerick and other towns have had issues with bears over the summer months, so we do have bears. Because of the scarcity of bear outfitters operating here and the difficulty of getting a bear bait permit, non-resident bear hunters traveling to Maine should keep trucking farther north on I-95, and book a bear hunt with a Registered Maine Guide who specializes in bear hunting (check the advertisings in The Sportsman). (Southern Maine continued on page 71)

�� The Maine Sportsman • September 2024 • 69

Trying to Rebuild the MTA Trapper’s Line Cabin In the 1980s, the Maine Trappers Association (MTA) constructed a trapper’s line cabin at the Maine Forest and Logging Museum at Leonard’s Mills, Bradley Maine. The cabin was constructed to represent a typical type used during the early days of trapping. These line cabins were designed for an overnight stay while a trapper was checking the trap line. They were simple and easy to make. They were meant to offer temporary shelter, and to provide a place to cache food supplies, fur stretchers, traps and tools needed to maintain equipment. Line Cabin Events Leonard’s Mills holds a yearly Living History Days on the first weekend in October. The MTA has always staffed the line cabin for this event, providing demonstrations of various activities that trappers performed while on the trap line. Members also manned it for other special events. The trappers and line cabin are one of the areas that attract large audiences. The children were especially excited, and wanted to know all about the furbearers and equipment used by trappers. Furbearers are species that few people know much about. The trappers educate the public about the species and habitats in Maine. Leonard’s Mills is open year-round for self-guided tours, picnics, and hiking on nature trails. The line cabin has been destroyed twice by trees falling during storms. The first time was in 2018, and most recently in early 2024. The first time it was damaged, members of the other MTA chapters assisted the Union River Chapter to rebuild the cabin. The Union River Chapter of the MTA has been the main force in manning the cabin for events, and maintaining the site. Trappers Controversy In the last few years, several newer members of the board of the Leonard Mills facility have expressed opposition to the MTS staffing the line cabin during events. They don’t like trapping, and have made that clear. During “Heavy Metal Days,” an event that focuses on blacksmithing and the restoration of

If a tree lands on the roof of your replica trappers line cabin on museum property, you can rebuild in the same footprint, right? Well, maybe, and maybe not.

Here’s the trapper’s line cabin standing, with its back door decorated by birch bark. MTA photos

the Lombard Log Hauler, trappers were asked to pull out of the event because several board members were upset the MTA was a participant. However, the MTA folks stayed, and participated in that event. As in many cases, people without a sense of trapping’s tradition get involved in local events and facilities. Some get on different boards and run for offices, which is normally a good thing, but sometimes they bring along their own likes and dislikes from their previous lo-

Here’s the same cabin, smashed by a tree. The local MTA chapter hopes to rebuild.

cations or lives. In some cases here in the Northeast, they don’t like or care for some things that are traditional activities or are of historical and current significance, such as boat building and commercial fishing. They object because of the noise of boat-building hammers or the smell of bait used in fishing, and their opposition has a real and often negative impact on those industries. Trapping also falls into this category of activities. Opponents think of it as a cruel and useless practice. They do not understand that if done correctly with modern equipment, it is humane and of great value to wildlife management. They only find it useful if it impacts them directly, such as getting rid of skunks that are digging up their garden, or raccoons in their trash, or foxes in the chicken coop, or maybe a nearby outbreak of rabies. Going to the Vote As noted above, the line cabin was destroyed a second time earlier this year. Efforts to rebuild have had obstacles thrown into the process at every turn. The first time the cabin was destroyed, the MTA was told by Leonard’s Mills that they were happy that it was going to be reconstructed. They even asked if they could assist or help in any way. The most recent time, however, it is a different ballgame. Paul Favolise (president of the Union River chapter) has for many years been the driving force in maintaining the site, and has been responsible for setting up and manning the trapper’s line cabin for all events. While making plans to rebuild this time, he was informed by a certain board member that they were having a special meeting, to be followed by a Zoom meeting in which he was to participate. At this meeting he was told there were concerns about setbacks, and that they may be held responsible. The member said they had contacted several state and federal agencies. Paul then spoke to representatives of the agencies that had been identified. Folks at the Department of Marine Resources didn’t have a clue as to what could be a problem. The Land Resources (Trapping continued on page 71) www.MaineSportsman.com

70 • September 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————

Remote Gourmet Cooking for Off Road Travelers I have always heard Maine guides say that if they served great meals to their sports, the clients would always come away from any hunting or fishing trip completely satisfied, even if they hadn’t scored big on fish or game. Looking back, I can name a few guided fishing trips where the food they served our party was so good that I can’t even remember if the fishing was great, mediocre, or terrible. On the other side of this gastronomic

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The author is upgrading his cooking equipment, including acquiring cookware from a Maine company. He plans to put together delicious meals while upland bird hunting this fall. issue, I often take the easy-to-fix freeze-dried meals along on my own hunting and fishing adventures. I prefer to spend more time hunting or fishing than creating gourmet meals in remote locations. My go-to equipment for cooking these instant meals is lightweight, quick to use, and easy to pack. It’s a simple procedure of boiling water over a

small gas stove (extremely light titanium) and stirring the hot liquid into the freeze-dried package of food. Taste varies by brand and meal, and while some of these quick meals can be simply okay, others are downright delicious. Soggy Cooler Contents Most folks can relate to this camping

scenario. They head out into the woods to spend some time offgrid for a while. When it comes time to prepare a meal, they discover that their awesome steaks and veggies are floating in the bottom of the cooler in a slightly-chilled solution resembling old bath water. Even though I enjoy a great meal at home, when I’m in

the woods I prefer to keep it quick and easy. With that said, I’m upping my food quality this year. I am hoping to enjoy some time camping and chasing upland birds this fall with my two Vizslas, Ginger and Andro. On these trips, I am planning to serve gourmet meals for the first couple of evenings, saving the freeze-dried stuff for the last few days of the adventures. Colder Cooler I’m going to get one of those super-insulated coolers – I’ve noticed (Continued on next page)

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

hundreds of ads for all the big brands; including Yeti, RTIC, Coleman and Igloo, and don’t know which one I’ll end up purchasing. I’ve even seen some highly-touted coolers from companies that usually produce tools (such as DeWalt, Milwaukee and Makita). I’m now looking at an ice chest that runs on a lithium battery and plugs into D/C or A/C to recharge. Just think -- no messing with ice, and no sloppy steaks or slushy sausage. It’s a toss-up between the expensive high-tech plug in, or the over-insulated standard cooler. I just might opt for the heavily insulated cooler, and use freezer packs to avoid puddles. I have a hunting buddy who is very happy with his Milwaukee cooler. He says it keeps things quite chilly nearly a week … that’s impressive. There are a few tricks to help keep your food from ending up in a puddle at the bottom of the cooler before the week of camping is over. First,

When the author gazes at this photo, he says that he can almost taste the delicious flavor of cast iron cooking. Photo: trippsend.com

I like to start with a well-chilled cooler. Yes, when I know I’m going to be out in the woods for a while, the night before I leave, I pack the cooler with frozen jugs of water. In the morning, I exchange the jugs in the cooler with those blue freezer packs. I like to use frozen water jugs or those blue freezer packs rather than bags of ice cubes, because the melted cubes cause such a mess. I also use a rack to keep food items off the bot-

Southern Maine (Continued from page 68)

Local hunters, however, do have options. They have landowner connections, and they have time to get per-

Trapping (Continued from page 69)

Division of the Department of Environmental Protection said there shouldn’t be any problem, as long as the cabin was built to the same footprint, but that ultimately it was up to the town. The Bradley town code enforcement officer said that because of possible impacts to other environmentally sensitive areas, reconstruction at the existing site using the same footprint would

tom of the cooler, so they stay dry. Make sure to use extra protection on items that are wrapped at the store; for example, I put all perishables in plastic Ziplock bags or hard-sided, sealable containers. Get Cookin’ Once at camp, place the cooler in a shaded area and get cooking. I like to place a grate right over the fire. With huge mitts that go up to my elbows, I’m ready to use any size pan over the open coals. For areas

The author says, “I must have one of those openfire-cooked sausages.” Photo: trippsend.com

that don’t allow an open fire, I use a Coleman two-burner propane stove. Cooking out of the truck allows me to take heavy cast iron pans that work so well over an open fire. Clean-up is easy with cast iron … some hot water and a non-metallic scrubbing brush is all it takes. Most camping companies sell various rigs for suspending pots over an open fire. This allows the cook to work with several pans over an open fire at once. I was looking online for

quality cast iron cooking gear and found Tripp’s End Blacksmith Shop (trippsend. com), forged right here in Maine. You can find their advertisement on the pages of this magazine. The gourmet meals will keep me well fed for the first few days, and they won’t take up too much space in the cooler. Once that’s gone, it’s back to those good-tasting rehydrated meals for the remainer of the adventure.

mission to bait. Locals know where the bear are, and where to park and access these areas. They can scavenge for bait, and dumpster-dive. They can pester MDIFW for bear bait permits year-

round, until one becomes available. So, with a strong commitment and hard work, hunters can have successful bear hunts in Southern Maine.

be the most responsible approach. He told Paul the MTA was authorized to reconstruct the cabin at its location using the same dimensions, and that no permit was required.

explained, stating that MTA will be able to replace the cabin, but it is just a question of where. On June 15th, the board settled on a new location, which a board member and Paul staked off and flagged. Paul was told this now goes before the board for a vote. If the plan is approved, we understand that each MTA member participating in the rebuild will be required to sign a liability release.

Mixed Signals Four hours after this email, the code enforcement officer sent Paul a second email, stating that the DEP had been contacted regarding a permit-by-rule application, which was now required. Things are now more complicated, he

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72 • September 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————

Bird Dog Training Begins at Home The author knows that in order to train his two bird dogs, he must assume the role of “alpha dog.” What he now understands is that this dominance must be asserted at all times – including in the house, and in the truck – not just while hunting birds. With Maine’s bird season just around the corner, I’m directing this column to those hunters who want to get their bird dogs into the hunting mode. I have two Vizslas – Ginger is five, and Andro is just over a year old. They are at the stage in training where they need to

sharpen up their finish work. In dog training talk, that means the dogs must complete some of the final stages of training. My dogs are both trained to do basic obedience commands. They’ve both hunted in the field over wild birds, and they have both trained over

planted birds. In short, both dogs can find and point a bird. They just need to work on some of the finer details of bird dog skills before the season begins next month. I have a similar problem with both dogs, and I think I created it all by myself. When I pulled the

Working with your dog during the hot summer months is more pleasant if there’s a cool pond nearby. Nancy Carpenter photo

truck over at a hunting location and let the dogs out, they would

immediately start running around at full tilt (Continued on next page)

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�� The Maine Sportsman • September 2024 • 73 (Continued from page 72)

– and well out of range. This out-of-control behavior was created when I incorrectly allowed them to challenge me by jumping out of the door of the truck as soon as it was opened. I was doing the same thing at home – when I let them out of the house, they would charge through the door as soon as it was opened, sometimes knocking me aside. Challenging My Dominance Dogs are pack animals and will always challenge the leader of the pack, or the “alpha” dog. In this household, I am the alpha dog, and I didn’t catch onto this challenge of running out the door first, or running ahead of me down the stairs, or jumping out of the truck, until it became obvious that they were pushing their boundaries. Now, at home and in the field, I must constantly remind them that I’m the boss. I make them wait for me to give them the okay before they go up or down the stairs, or out the doors of our home or the truck. This at-home training might seem a little unnecessary, until we

look at how it comes into play in the hunting woods. The relationship between hunter and dog is huge when it comes to creating a dog that wants to please its owner. I called Blaine Carter from Merrymeeting Kennels (207-725-8229) and asked a few questions about my dogs and their excessive ranging problems. He told me how important it is to maintain my “alpha” status with the dogs, and then mentioned how critical that is in the hunting field. The highly experienced dog trainer said, “If you let them run wild at home, they will just carry that over into the field. As the pack leader, you need to step through the door first, and show them you lead the pack. They need to respect you, and then they will learn to please you.” In the Field Mr. Carter’s whole family runs the dog training business. Blaine Carter gave me several other tips to help curb my dog’s desire to range too far. He said, “Plant a bird (pen raised pigeons or quail) near you when your dog runs way off, then call your dog back to you and whoa the dog when it scents the

bird. Work on making him hold the bird for longer and longer time periods before flushing the bird. When the bird flushes, if the dog runs off again, plant another bird close by, call the dog back, and repeat the same lesson.

Eventually, the dog will understand the importance of hunting close to you to find birds. This may take all summer, and usually doesn’t just happen from a few training sessions.”

be the last chance to get your bird dogs tuned up for next month’s bird season. I, for one, will not be spending a perfectly wonderful bird hunting season trying to get my dogs to cor-

Last Minute Tune-up So, this month will

(Rangeley Region continued on page 75)

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74 • September 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————

Getting Yourself and your Hunting Dogs Fit and Ready for the Woods It’s easy for many of us to get lulled into thinking we’re conditioned enough to go cruising through the heavily wooded hills of Maine during the rapidly-approaching hunting seasons. After all, we think to ourselves, we work hard in the yard, we push the mower around every week, and we cut brush and pile it up. However, it’s a false sense of well-being – one that can keep us from really getting into shape. So the time to start doing something about it, is now. Here’s how I improve my own physical fitness each year, and how I get the dogs into shape, as well.

It’s time to get in shape for hunting season! The author sets forth his tips and tricks to help make sure you – and your dogs – are ready to hit the woods this fall. A simple walk around town gets your blood pumping. I like to include some hills, to increase the blood flow and lung work. Next, take the walk from the pavement to the forest floor. There’s a huge difference between walking on pavement, and walking through the woods. In the forest, you have to duck under branches and jump over logs, all with an uneven surface beneath your feet. Hunt Simulation The next step is to get out into the woods, as if you are hunting. I do this with my bird dogs, simulating our normal hunting rou-

Step #1 The first step to getting into hunting shape is exactly that … start taking some steps.

tine, except for the shooting part. We hit birdy locations, and I let the dogs hunt and point and flush wild birds. I don’t do this until the hatchlings have grown enough to fly off on their own (usually after August). This gives me time to work on getting the dogs to hold their point stronger. It also gets them in good shape for the upcoming hunting season. I want them raring to go, come October. I’ve seen folks who haven’t prepared their dogs for the new season – the poor dogs burn out by lunchtime, and their limbs hurt so much the next few

days that they can’t focus on hunting. A healthy dog is more alert to the demands of hunting, and doesn’t need time off the next few days after a hunt to recuperate. The same goes for the hunter. If I am out of shape and spend the whole day hunting when the season opens, you better believe that the following few days will be spent lazing around camp, nursing sore leg muscles. It’s not going to happen this season, because I’m conditioning myself and the dogs to the woods during the late summer.

(Continued on next page)

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Perfect Conditioning Schedule Here’s how a perfect day of conditioning goes; it’s easy, and fits anybody’s schedule. This schedule will work for those who are partly or fully retired, as well as for those who have a working career and are also tasked with a full family life of things to do. Set your clock for an early morning walk with your dogs (or by yourself, if you don’t have dogs). A walk before breakfast gets your metabolism cranking, and keeps it burning calories all day long. Have a healthy breakfast, and spend your midday at work or taking care of business during the hottest part of the day. When evening tem-

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�� The Maine Sportsman • September 2024 • 75

Kayaking during the off-season is a great way to maintain health, while staying cool. William Clunie photo (Continued from page 74)

peratures cool down a little, go to a nearby lake or pond, and do some swimming. It will refresh you, it’s great exercise, and it will prepare you for a good night’s sleep. Water exercise is

also great for the dogs. The low-impact conditioning of swimming gets the dogs in shape, and cools them off. I also like to keep my dogs chasing a bumper and retrieving. It’s fun for them, and it keeps their minds

Rangeley Region (Continued from page 73)

rect poor behavior. I vow to make these changes through routine training before the season opens. I’m probably like most other folks

focused on performing tasks for me. A word of warning here … even though the water keeps you and your dogs cool, don’t forget to drink a lot of fluid to maintain proper hydration. It’s easy to forget when you’re hav-

ing so much fun swimming with the dogs, but always keep a bowl of fresh water available for the dogs before and after the exercise at the lake. I like to take my dogs out on the lake in my kayak, then slip

… I have lots of other things I should be doing besides working with my bird dogs. This year I think I have most of those “other” things finished, and can take the time to really focus on this dog training finish work. If I could get the dogs to range clos-

them into the water to get them swimming. I paddle slightly ahead of them in the water, to give them a good workout. Paddling to keep ahead of the dogs also gives me a good workout – and it’s a lot of fun!

er, hold their point longer, and work for me rather than hunting on their own, I would be a happy man. This is my goal, and it is going to happen. I will report back on my success.

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76 • September 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————

Bear Hunting Changes in NH The past couple of years have seen some major changes to the NH bear hunting regulations. If you plan to bear hunt in NH this year, here are a few things you need to know. Two Tags The biggest news is that, starting this year, a hunter may harvest two bears! The fine print is that the second tag must be used in the White Mountains district (WMUs C1, D2 E, F). Unlike the second/additional archery deer tags in NH, the additional bear tag may be purchased at any time. This means that if you bought a bear tag and filled it while hunting out of

As bear season starts in New Hampshire, hunters should be aware of recent changes to laws and regulations relating to bag limits, hunting with hounds, baiting, and registering your bear. your camp in Pittsburg early in the season, you could then later decide to buy a second tag to have in your pocket while you deer hunt in the big beech ridges in the White Mountains. To that point,

it is important to note that the season in the White Mountain zones continues through the entire month of November, as opposed to ending at the beginning of rifle deer season, like it does in the North zones. According to the State, the density of bears in the White Mountains is 1.24 bears per square mile. That is significantly greater than their objective of .8 bears per square mile in that area. Thus, they are trying to reduce the black bear population by expanding hunting opportunities. I’ve heard mixed reactions from my acquaintances. My friends who deer hunt (Continued on next page)

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Baiting Most of the baiting changes evolved a few years back, but here are a couple of reminders: • Permission slips for baits must be submitted to the state by the first Monday in August. • All bait sites must be clearly labeled with the hunter’s name and contact info. • The use of chocolate as bait has been outlawed.

(Continued from page 76)

in the White Mountains are enthused by the increased limit. Deer hunters tend to want lower bear numbers. My houndsmen friends and acquaintances are opposed to the increased bag limit, at least in WMU C1, which they feel does not have the same high bear density as in the southern section of the White Mountains. Anecdotally, I lived for a few years on the border of C1 and E, and I can tell you this – there’s no shortage of bears in the area! Hounds There has been an ongoing battle in the hound world about non-resident houndsmen, and the concept of reciprocity. New Hampshire has clarified some prior vague statutory language that had led to confusion. As it stands now, an out-of-state bear houndsman can do in New Hampshire only what their state allows New Hampshire houndsmen to do in their state. So, for example, South Carolina allows non-resident houndsmen to run their dogs during the kill season, but not during the training season. So, SC houndsmen are allowed to hunt here in September, but not train here in August. A houndsman from Wisconsin can bring his dogs to train here in the summer, but he can’t hunt with them in the fall. A houndsman from Virginia can both train and hunt his dogs in New Hampshire, because NH residents are welcome to do the same down there. Conversely, Arkansas houndsmen are not welcome to run their dogs at all in NH, because we are not welcome to run ours at all there. This doesn’t mean, though, that Arkansas residents can’t bear hunt in NH. It doesn’t even mean

New Hampshire has increased the season bag limit to two bears in the White Mountains (green) region. Source: NHFG

that they can’t bear hunt over hounds in NH. They just can’t run their Arkansas hounds in NH. They are welcome to find a NH houndsmen with NH hounds, and hunt with them. Although this change puts to bed a bunch of previous confusion, it still leaves the door open for other questions and controversies … How do you know what state the hounds come from? Could a resident pose as the handler for non-resident hounds? If a non-resident is using a resident’s hounds to hunt, does that resident need to be present? How do you define “being present” in hound hunting?

Registration Starting in 2023, a successful bear hunter is able to register his bear at a check-station, like he would do for a deer or turkey. The difference, though, is that there are fewer check stations for bear than there are deer or turkey … only about a dozen statewide. You cannot register a bear online like you can now do with deer and turkey. A successful hunter can also do as was required prior to 2023, and contact Fish and Game directly to report their harvest. The hunter will then schedule a time and place to meet a conservation officer to have their bear sealed and a tooth extracted for biological data. Having the check station option should help to alleviate the already full schedules of conservation officers and biologists – and also be more convenient and time conducive to the hunter. There are many horror stories of hunters who killed a bear in warm weather, and ended up having spoiled meat because they had to wait around for a CO to get a seal put on it (sometimes the next day) before they started butchering. Please consult the NH Hunting Digest for official laws and regulations related to bear hunting.

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78 • September 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————

Hunting Vermont’s Public Lands The author lays his cards on the table, revealing coordinates from the Vermont/New Hampshire DeLorme Atlas & Gazetteer to direct readers to productive hunting on the state’s myriad public lands. My preference is to play my deer hunting cards close to my chest. In a more innocent time, I told a buddy where I was hunting, and shared a few trail cam pictures. Before I knew it, one of the heavyweight bucks I had been seeing was shot by one of his friends whom he had told. After that, I told no one, and if pressed, often just made up a place. Same with fishing spots. I’ve caught a lot of fish on “Solon Pond,” and chased a lot of bucks around “Solon Mountain.” More recently, however, I’ve begun to share a bit more info, with the idea that there really aren’t any secret spots. In true Maine Sportsman fashion, in this column I will name a few spots for you to check out, and give you some VT/ NH DeLorme Atlas & Gazetteer guidance, in case you decide to head to VT for a little hunting. September is public lands month, which the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers group celebrates across the region with clean-ups and other activities. Therefore, I thought I’d share some www.MaineSportsman.com

info about VT public lands, in the form of our Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). The state also has a lot of National Forest land, and a couple of National Wildlife Refuges, as well as State Forests and Town Forests. Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department manages more than 100 Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) throughout the state, totaling over 133,000 acres. These public lands are great resources for all hunters, and good places to start for folks looking to hunt here. WMAs, From 1920 Through 2023 In 1920, the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department purchased 1,000 acres of land in Milton, creating the Sandbar Waterfowl Refuge, an area that eventually became the state’s first WMA. The newest WMA was added in 2023, and it’s so new that it doesn’t have a name. This purchase of several hundred acres in the south-central part of the state has connected portions of Okemo State Forest, and strengthens the habitat connectivity of

the region, which is a boon for wildlife. These WMAs are supported by several funding sources, primarily through sporting license sales, the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Fund, and the Vermont Habitat Stamp. While a lot of people grumble about the government “owning” land, I have really come to think of it is a long-term benefit for hunting, fishing, and trapping, beyond the scopes of our lifetimes. People who are anti-government land would have battled Teddy Roosevelt about the 150 million acres of national forests he conserved by 1909 – chunks of ground that are now the foundation of where we get to hunt and fish in this country, especially in the West. Yes, it takes some work on our part to speak up for our pursuits on these lands. Yes, we must be involved in management processes and watchdog issues that arise so that they turn out the way they should. But ultimately, those government “owned” lands are publicly owned lands that are managed by the gov-

While exploring a VT Wildlife Management Area (WMA), the author’s father watches a moose on the ridgeline. Matt Breton photo

ernment for the good of the people (and all the critters we love). Spot Burning On pages 27 and 28 of my 2015 edition of the VT/NH Gazetteer, there is a list of VT WMAs and their acreages, which makes it a breeze to find a spot to go. The Vermont Fish and Wildlife website is helpful as well, with great detail about each WMA. I live in the northeastern corner of the state, where I am within driving distance of the three biggest WMAs, all over 10,000 acres, and I’ve chased critters on all of them: the Sladyk (VT/NH DeLorme Map 34, A-2), West Mountain (Map 35, C-4), and Steam Mill Brook (Map 41, B-5). Around the rest of the state, there are some other excellent WMAs. Don’t overlook some of the smaller areas, especially if they are adjacent to VT State Forests or the Green Mountain Na-

tional Forest. Places like Otter Creek WMA (Map 63, C-5) fit the bill for that, or perhaps South Stream WMA (Map 78, B-3). There are even WMAs not far from some of our bigger urban areas. If you’re visiting folks in Burlington and need to get away, for example, something like Lewis Creek WMA (Map 47, B-4) might fit the bill. As always, respect your fellow hunters out there on public lands. Give each other plenty of space. If a parking area is full, consider scooting off to another WMA. Don’t set up treestands or blinds thinking that it protects “your” spot – every spot is everyone’s spot. Be good stewards: clean up trash, and respect neighboring landowners. If you’re coming from out of state, don’t forget to add a Habitat Stamp to your license, since these funds will help VT F&W add more land to the public rolls!

�� The Maine Sportsman • September 2024 • 79

Thoughts on Fitness This is about being in shape and out of shape. It’s not a guide to fitness, but rather some observations on the subject. When I was a boy, in the early 1950s, I went to summer camp in Maine. The fellow who owned the camp believed in extended trips on land and water, so I got to hike and paddle the length of the Dead River, climb Katahdin and Tumbledown, and canoe the Allagash chain, starting on the south shore of Chamberlain Lake and ending just short of Allagash Village. We didn’t know if we were in shape. We just did whatever we had to. I can remember only one instance of a camper declaring that he could not go on. This was on the hiking segment of the trip we called the Dead River Dash. The councilor in charge pointed out to the laggard that we were not going to carry him, and that a black bear would probably eat him before nightfall after we left him there. Then we stood up and rucked up. He lasted maybe a minute, and then came stampeding after us, filled with new-found energy. Alaska Sheep Hunting But we don’t stay young. When you’re a kid, you recuperate. When you age, you wear out and stay worn out. A friend of mine, a former Marine officer who was in his mid-60s and in good shape, told me that he had a chance to hunt sheep in Alaska with two other men who were in their 40s. Should he go? “Don’t,” I said. “They’ll walk you to death.” He went, and they walked him to death. He spent the whole time a halfmile behind, frantically trying to stay in sight of the others. They couldn’t slow down for him, because sheep hunters have to cover ground. Instead of the adventure it was supposed to be, the hunt was a nightmare for him. One hunter who did keep up was a gunsmith named David Gentry, who lived in Belgrade, Montana, and, in his mid-40s, booked an Alaskan sheep hunt. Dave was a bit heavy, but he was also smart and determined. He lived ten miles from the range where he prac-

The days you’re chasing an elk – or being chased by an elephant – are not the best times to start thinking about how you should be in better shape.

The author eschews running because he thinks it will wear out your knees and ankles. To get in shape for hunting, he says climbing is the best exercise. Indoor options include StairMasters, incline treadmills and stationary bikes.

ticed his shooting, and a couple of times a week, he had his son drive him there, and then leave him alone. When Dave was done with the rifles, he picked up all his stuff, which not only weighed a ton, but was awkward to carry, and walked home. Those hikes were brutal, but they turned him into a man of steel. He not only got his sheep, but the outfitter said he was the best-conditioned hunter he’d ever guided. Build Your Core Running is a waste of time. Do it enough and it can destroy your knees and ankles, and if you run on the roads, a car will nail you. In six decades, I’ve run twice while hunting. The first was 25 yards up a hill to get a shot at an elk. The second was 100 yards to get away from an elephant who wanted to dance on me. Climbing is the most useful exercise you can do, and the StairMaster and the incline treadmill are your very best friends. Riding a stationary bike is almost as good. I started going to a gym as a regular thing in 1975, and I’m still at it. I go twice a week, which is all my aging body can stand. I detest working out, but

I know for certain what will happen if I stop. Joining a gym motivates you because if you’ve paid the money, you’re likely to go, and if you go, you’re likely to work out, because there’s nothing else to do. In addition to climbing, pay attention to building what is now called a strong core; i.e., a rock-like gut, and a lower back of steel and whalebone. If you’d like to be put out of action, but good, have your lower back go out. A year or two ago, on our annual deer hunt, one of my fellow geezers fell out of a tree stand and mangled his lower back. For the rest of the week, the slightest movement was agony. It took him several minutes to sit down at the dinner table without screaming. Better to do lots of crunches and sit-ups. Incessant Hard Exercise Your weight, oddly enough, doesn’t seem to be that important. I met an Alaska guide once who appeared to weigh more than 300 pounds, a lot of which appeared to be fat, but his hunters said he could walk your ass off. This was because he was always walking people’s asses off. In South Carolina, I met a retired Navy SEAL Master Chief who stood 6 feet tall and weighed 250 pounds (I asked) without an ounce of fat on him. If he could serve on a SEAL team, he was in pretty fair shape, even carrying all that weight. What the two men had in common was incessant hard exercise. What does make a difference is the poundage that you lace on your feet. Heavy boots are anchors. What you strap on your back counts a lot, as well. The Army has determined that 55 pounds is the most weight soldiers can carry on a march and arrive at a battle in any condition to fight. Exercise is not everyone’s idea of a good time, but it beats gasping for air, seeing stars, and wondering if this is what it feels like to die. The outdoors is the best thing we have, but if you let yourself deteriorate, you’ll have to appreciate it from a distance.

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80 • September 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————

Smilin’ Sportsman

Prosecutor: “Mrs. Jones, you’re on trial for attempted assault, and you’ve sworn to tell the jury the truth. Now I ask you: Why did you fire several shots at your husband with a slingshot?” Mrs. Jones: “I didn’t want to wake the children.” — I was catching lots of fish with a buddy using forward-facing sonar, and he said, “Let’s make this interesting.” So we turned off the forward-facing sonar.

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My supervisor returned from sensitivity training, and from his first words, I could tell he was a changed person: “Don’t think of me as your boss,” he said. “Think of me as your friend who can fire you.” — Dentist: “This might hurt a little.” Patient: “Go ahead, Doc – I can take it.” Dentist: “I have been spending a great deal of time with your wife.” — I lost my job at the bank today. An elderly woman customer came in and

asked me to help check her balance … … so I gave her a shove. — Q: What do you do if you see a fireman? A: Put it out, man! — Q: Why are blonde jokes so short? A: So men can remember them. — Protest leader: “WHAT DO WE WANT?” Crowd: “LOW-FLYING AIRPLANE NOISE!” Protest leader: “WHEN DO WE WANT IT?” Crowd: “NNNEEEEEEOOOOOOWWW!”

�� The Maine Sportsman • September 2024 • 81

Hot! Wet! Horrible!

Our columnist experiences a little climate hysteria Climate change is going to have a profound impact on Maine in many ways, but I’d like to focus on just the most important one: WE’RE ALL GONNA DIE! To be honest, this doesn’t actually have anything to do with those terrifying environmental alterations that will be hitting us in the next couple of decades. It’s just a fact that we all have expiration dates that’ll arrive sooner or later, regardless of the weather. Replace Pine Tree with Palm Tree? Assuming those tabloid stories about scientists inventing an immortality pill are products of the same fanciful Russian chatbot as reports the Red Sox will be World Series contenders this season, every current reader of this magazine will have expired by the time rising sea levels create oceanfront property in Lewiston, rising temperatures require us to replace the pine tree on the state flag with a palm tree, or rising precipitation forces dairy farmers to sell off their cows and bring in some alligators. Nevertheless, it’s important we take these coming shifts in our natural world seriously. I certainly hope somebody is going to do that. It won’t, however, be me. My job description doesn’t include a single mention of the word “serious.” If you’re depending on this column to save the world, I refer you to all those capital letters in the second paragraph. Only in Florida OK, let’s calm down and consider the situation in a measured, rational manner that doesn’t involve any

Pushing the sun back a few million miles. Sucking CO2 out of the air to make cryptocurrency. Always staying inside and pretending none of this is happening. Moving to Mars. That last one is particularly attractive, because NASA probes indicate property values on Mars are ridiculously low, and Martians will accept payment in federation credits, a form of money some sci-fi writer made up. Let future generations worry about a redesign of our state flag, says the author.

cowardly blubbering about the disgusting tropical diseases that will be spreading to Maine, or the increasing number of mind-numbing panel discussions on public TV about how we can save the planet. Life is going to go on, regardless of how much we complain about the heat, the wet, the cold or the human-devouring bacteria. It just might not be our kind of life. Mutants, maybe. Zombies, possibly. Floridians, almost certainly. Unfamiliar Trees But that’s just people. The real change is going to hit our forests, where white pine, spruce, cedar, ash, beech and other softwoods will be declining as the weather slowly shifts. They will be replaced, according to knowledgeable tree scientists (treeologists?), by poplar, maple, oak and such bizarrely named species as the loblolly pine (which I assume throws lollipops at passersby), the chinkapin oak (it probably throws clothespins), the persimmon tree (persimmons appear to be sort of tentative simmons, so maybe I’ll just stick to loblollies), the woodlebutt nut

bush (best to keep well clear just in case it’s hostile), the tulip poplar (also not known as the Dutch elm), and the single-malt Scotch pine (the sap of which tastes just like you know what). Really? Well, mostly really. Outside of the parentheses, I only made up a couple of those. Hampster Power So, it’s plain things won’t be the same. Which is good, because too much of the same is boring. And boring just adds to climate change. Scientific fact. Of course, many activists are taking all sorts of steps to mitigate the effects of global warming. They want us to drive electric cars, cook with electricity, heat our houses with electric heat pumps, and get milk from electric cows, all of which will be powered by thousands of hamsters on exercise wheels. How’s that likely to work out? WE’RE ALL GONNA DIE! Practical Solutions Sorry, sorry, sorry. Just a little panic attack. I’m sure there are a great many practical solutions just waiting to be tried. Such as:

Can’t Fool Mother Nature Assuming, however, that many Mainers won’t be amenable to any of these suggestions due to our tendency to be notoriously stubborn and excessively suspicious of anybody trying to convert our gas stoves to wind power or our dollars to federation credits, we may need to face some hard truths. The chief truth being that no matter how blockheaded we may be, Mother Nature doesn’t care. She is going to wash away our beaches, our fishing piers and our ill-sited McMansions, whether we like it or not. She’s going to shut down our lumber mills, chase all the game animals out of our hunting grounds, and leave nothing for fly fishermen to catch but actual flies. She’s not going to listen to politicians, scientists or public TV commentators. If we don’t pay attention to what she’s telling us: WE’RE ALL GONNA DIE! Loblolly, anyone? Al Diamon writes the monthly column Politics & Other Mistakes for The Bollard magazine.

www.MaineSportsman.com

82 • September 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————

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

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

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

DOGS DRAHTHAAR PUPS German registered and tested since 1984. Spectacular duck dogs, stylish upland pointers, wounded big game trackers. $1800 to $2200. www. deutschdrahthaar.us

CAMPS FOR RENT CAMP RENTAL IN SOLON, ME Deer and Bow hunts. Small game hunting. Fishing. Camp sleeps 6. Full amenities, wifi. $1000.00, plus tax, for 7 days- Sunday to

SCREEN PRINTING & EMBROIDERY T-Shirts $6.00 Heavyweight 100% Cotton Pre-shrunk

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

Saturday. 207-3991317. Buckspointsportinglodge.com. —

August-October. Meals and lodging provided. Call 207-474-2644 —

FIREARMS

MISC.

RUGER SCOUT RIFLE .308, bolt-action with extra mags, synthetic stock, blued. $800. Call/ Text 207-364-6487 —

DAISY POWERLINE 880 PUMP BB GUN 177 cal. by Daisy Rogers. Excellent condition, $45.00. Call: 603582-2277

HELP WANTED GUIDES & KITCHEN STAFF Looking for guides and kitchen staff for sporting camps in Zone 4 North Maine Woods. Help needed

CUSTOM WOOD-BURNED SIGNS AND ARTWORK Portraits of camps, pets, wildlife, etc. Check out our Facebook page: Emerson’s Remote ReCreations @ remotenh

Field Trial & Hunt Test Bloodlines

Hats $7.00

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

True Gun Dog Labs Owls Head, Maine

BERG ACTIVEWEAR

Puppies, Started & Finished Dogs

852 DEXTER ROAD • CORINNA, MAINE

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

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

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

Handcrafted in Maine

Bangor (207) 738-5315 edwardl@edssheds-cabins.com

www.EdsSheds-Cabins.com www.MaineSportsman.com

David Eaton

(207) 542-1485

www.MillPondRetrievers.com

TRUCK/AUTO ACCESSORIES FIVE NEW WHEELS AND TIRES 225/75 by R17 Summer, Jeep five hole pattern. $1200. Phone 207-4615704 —

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

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

RANGELEY WEST SUBDIVISION – VIEWS, VIEWS, VIEWS! Enjoy elevated panoramic views of Rangeley Lake and the mountains beyond from this 2.57 acre building parcel. Lot has been surveyed, soils tested, plus UG power. Handy location striking distance to Mooselookmeguntic/Rangeley Lake public boat ramps, vibrant Oquossoc Village, plus direct access to snowmobile trails from your door. Don’t miss out on this one, inquire today! MLS #1579836 – $169,000 RANGELEY PLT – Fully year-round two bedroom cottage. Recent updates include new heat pump, gas fireplace, flooring, interior/exterior paint, appliances. Furniture is included in sale. Ideally located for 4-season recreation – snowmobile trail access from your door, minutes to Saddleback ski area, Rangeley/Oquossoc public boat ramps, and restaurants, shops. This new to market gem is sure to please. Don’t miss out on this one, inquire today! MLS #1592423 – $285,000 RANGELEY – GRASSHOPPER HILL ESTATES Bring your building plans, great subdivision with large lots! This elevated 5 acre parcel has western exposure and potential mountain/sunset views. Rough driveway started, surveyed, soils tested. Quiet location off the beaten path and yet just a stones throw from Oquossoc Village restaurants, marinas, general store. Plus quick drive to Rangeley and Saddleback ski area. Don’t miss out on this one, inquire today! MLS #1599406 – $149,000

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

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

56 Liberty Drive Hermon, ME

(207) 848-2866

www.overheaddoorofbangor.com

�� The Maine Sportsman • September 2024 • 83

Visit us online at www.MaineSportsman.com CARIBOU – Cabin on 74 acres in WMD 6. Well, septic and dieselgenerated electricity. Flow controlled pond. Food plots and trail system. MLS #1578966. $329,000

“The County to The Coast”

Shane Patrick | 907-317-0888 | www.whitetailproperties.com

HARTLAND – Lakefront at its absolute finest with 200’ of pristine waterfrontage on Great Moose Lake. Convenient heat pump, a newer standing seam roof, and a recent concrete basement underneath the camp. For over two centuries now, Great Moose Lake or “Moose Pond’’ has been a popular destination for sportsmen and recreational tourists. Another 1.69-acre parcel across the street can be purchased. MLS# 1590839 – $369,900

(207) 532-4500 www.FirstChoiceRealEstate.com

BYRON – Three furnished cabins fully equipped for efficient yearround, off-grid living with a well and two septic systems. Property is powered by gas, solar panels, and a generator shed. Main camp boasts 3 bedrooms and 1 bath. Other two cabins each have1 bedroom and 1 bath. Garage, shed and outbuildings also on the property. ATV trails and other outdoor recreation close by. Smaller cabins currently being rented at $125 per night. MLS #1574474 & #1574475 – $399,000

— PLEASURE ISLAND — B Pond Upton, ME

ACTON – Business Opportunity! 41+/- acre parcel with several manmade ponds, gorgeous rock walls, and lots of wildlife throughout the property. Remodel the post and beam gambrel home into a clubhouse or leave as is and live and operate a business. Sellers willing to purchase and negotiate additional materials and equipment for the right offer. Verify permitted uses with the town of Acton zoning ordinance. MLS #1592882 & #1592890 – $2,200,000

Oxford County

Coordinates: 44. 44. 47 41 N, 70. 57. 47 .70 W

Lindsey Brann Associate Broker, REALTOR® cell 207-441-9317 | office 207-213-6650 lindsey@integrityhomesregroup.com www.integrityhomesrealestategroup.com Specializing in building lifelong relationships with buyers and sellers, representing their best interests in Maine real estate!

WELLINGTON – This beautiful log-sided four-season cabin on 6.21 well-wooded, surveyed acres has something for every outdoors enthusiast. The cabin rests on a poured concrete, full foundation with walk-in and drive-in access. Photovoltaic system in place with ample battery storage to run everything you need in the cabin. Dug well and a system to catch rainwater that allows users to shower and wash dishes. Open-concept, one-room cabin with kitchen area, dining area, living area, and bedroom. There is also a showering system in place. You can snowmobile and ATV directly from the property. This area is also renowned for a vast array of hunting opportunities with thousands of acres of woodland that is open to the public. Kingsbury Pond, Whetstone Pond, Piper Pond, Smith Pond, Kingsbury Stream, the Piscataquis River and the Kennebec River are all only minutes away. MLS #1593298 – $150,000

Elevation: 1661 ft. A once in a lifetime opportunity to own a piece of Western Maine History! Historic 1.5 acre Pleasure Island is located at B-Pond, a 471 acre, 110 feet deep, cold water, spring fed pond, boasting wild native brook trout, and landlocked salmon. With historic catches of Brook Trout in the 5 pound class and salmon 4 to 7 pounds, this location is a sportsman’s paradise. Once owned by the historic Oxford Fishing and Hunting Club, in addition to Lakewood Camps at Middle Dam, it has been under private/ protected ownership for the past 80 years. This is a very unique property, a private Island with no other camps on the pond. Deeded rights around the entire pond to the high water mark. Adjacent to Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge, the historic Rapid River, and many high elevation trout ponds. In addition to hundreds of river and stream fishing opportunities. Not a fisherman? The outdoor opportunities with this location are unlimited, on the water or adjacent lands. A very private family compound, seasonal rental, investment property, or your imagination can be your guide, the possibilities are endless. No deed restrictions, new owners can update with the amenities that are important to them. The current cabin is a two story wood frame structure used primarily as a fishing camp. Four bedrooms, kitchen and dining area, large family room with fireplace. One bathroom with shower, front porch to relax and enjoy the peace, tranquility, birds and wildlife, and of course the magical sunrise over C-Bluff. Contact us for more details about this magical opportunity. Email rickmills2140@gmail.com or call 207-418-7907. Asking price $759,000.

CONCORD TWP – This charming tiny house sits on a flatbed trailer. The home has power, stream drawn or carry-in water, and an outhouse. Picturesque Little Houston Brook runs through the property with a series of small falls and riffles. This cabin is on 5.3 surveyed acres and could serve as your primary home or your cabin in the woods. This property could be an ideal outpost for guiding and hunting. Close to the Kennebec River and numerous ponds. This property is also only minutes from thousands of acres of land that is open to the public. ATV and snowmobile access is nearby. Call today for a private showing. MLS #1585504 – $150,000 SOLON – Here is a unique opportunity to purchase this 2 bedroom 1 bathroom mobile home which makes a great place to stay and relax. The home sits on 8.7acres of land that has not been cut in many years, offers a very private setting with plenty of parking and room to roam. This location is perfect for anyone that loves the outdoors with many lakes and streams in the area as well as the ATV and snowmobile trails. Enjoy this home as it is or stay in it while you build your new home or camp. There are three additional buildings on the property for all of your storage needs. MLS #1590928 – $109,900 ANSON – Lovely mobile home with 2 bedrooms and two full baths, situated on a beautiful 10 acre lot. Large open back lawn for summer time fun. A cozy addition with a propane stove for those chilly winter nights. Open the sliders to a sunroom that overlooks the gardens. A small pond and potting shed sit out back, enjoy direct access to the ATV/snowmobile trails! MLS #1595647 – $139,900 SOLON – 11.2 surveyed acres on a well-maintained private road in the Solon countryside. This land has a nice open area and slopes gently to the west. With 385 feet of road frontage, there is plenty of space to ensure your privacy. Rowell Mountain Road has enjoyed snowmobile access in years past. ATV access is nearby as well. Only a few minutes to Ironbound Pond and Baker Pond. This area is also home to a robust whitetail deer population. There are also large quantities of lands open to the public nearby. MLS #1597237 – $42,500 CONCORD TWP – 54.5 +/- acres of prime woodland in the Concord countryside. Access is seasonal on a private road which is a Right of Way for landowners only. There is a small camp on the property with a dug well. Multiple year classes of timber on this lot. This is a great area for hunting, trapping, camping, you name it. Call today for more information. MLS #1595963 – $125,000 PALMYRA – 5.29 surveyed acres in a great off-grid location in Palmyra. Only minutes to I-95 and downtown Newport, this property is the ideal place to build your cabin in the woods or place your camper. This area abounds with wildlife. Nice driveway already in place with ample spots to build. There is a large area already cleared and ready for your camp. MLS #1595258 – $39,000 SKOWHEGAN – 1.5 acre parcel with long frontage on the Kennebec River. This lot is not buildable as the entire parcel is in the Resource Protection Zone. Enjoy miles of great recreation water from the Shawmut Dam to the Weston Dam in Skowhegan. This is the perfect launching point for boating, waterskiing, fishing, paddling, or just relaxing on the water. MLS #1588068 – $13,000 9/24

T3 ND – With direct access to the county road and only a few feet from the public boat launch on Nicatous Lake this is a rare find for a deep wilderness lakefront lot with year around access. Come take a look today. $125,000

Burlington – Large waterfront property on Madagascal Pond has driveway already installed and recently surveyed. Nice frontage with views across the water. Warm water fishing – perfect spot for your camp/camper. $119,900

T5 R7 Wels – Wonderful cold water lake with views across the entire water and of Mt. Katahdin. Nice frontage on Lower Shin Pond and year round access (privately plowed). $179,000

Lincoln – This large lakeside home has an oversized garage, lawn to the lake and a paved driveway right on Mattanawcook Lake. Many mechanical updates completed, leaving cosmetics up to you to make your own. Come take a look today. $198,000 T5 R7 Wels – Gorgeous frontage. Well-built 2 bedrooms with 3 full baths, a laundry, enclosed screen porch and open covered porch on Lower Shin Pond. Generated power and propane. $479,000 Lee – Year round road with electric available on Thomas Hill Road. Well wooded. Near ATV and snowsled trails, with dozens of lakes all within an hour’s drive and being a wonderful place for your getaway cabin, home or the RV. $20,900 T3R1 – Remote. Private. Wooded and beautiful. With deeded access to Bill Green Pond, this would be a wonderful place to build your seasonal cabin right off Engstrom Road. POSSIBLE OWNER FINANCING. The driveway is shared with lot 17 and is partially installed. $24,900

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

E S T A T E

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

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

Visit www.cwalakestreet.com for more listings! www.MaineSportsman.com

84 • September 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————