MAINE FISH AND \VILDLIFE
MAINE Governor James B. Longley
FISH AND WILDLIFE
Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner
Maynard F. Marsh J. William Peppard
Depilty Commissione1·
Kenneth H. Anderson Di:ect?r, Planning and Co-ordination
STATE OF MAINE Winter, 1975-76
Vol. 18, No. 1
Siipt. of Hatcheries
Stanley P. Linscott Charles S. Allen
Chief Warden
Lyndon H . Bond
Chief, Fishery Division
Wildlife Management Areas: Newfield
2
Philip A. Bozenhard
Moosehead Update
4
Roger P . AuClair
Ecologogriph
7
BilSiness Manag er
Ralph C. Will Robert W. Boettger William C. Mincher
Chief, Wildlife Division Director, Information and Education
Clayton G. Grant
Chief, E n gineering Division
Richard B. Parks
Chief, Realty Division
Lorenzo J . Gaudreau
Director, Safety and Snowmobile Registration
Robert H. Johnson
Director, Watercraft R egistration and Safety
Alfred L. Meister
Chief Biologist, Atlantic Salmon Commission
Advisory Council Dr. Alonzo H. Garcelon, Chairman Augusta, Maine Glenn H. Manuel Littleton
Asa 0. Holmes Belfast
Robert D. Steele Scarborough
Burleigh Richards, Jr. Bux ton
Ralph L. Noel Auburn
Rodney W. Ross Brownvi lle
Maine Fish and Wildlife is published quarterly by the Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, 284 State St., Augusta, Maine 04333, under appropriation 4550. No advertising accepted. William C. Mincher, Editor W. Thomas Shoener, Managing Editor Thomas J. Chamberlain, Features Editor William W. Cross, Photo Editor Thomas L. Carbone, Photographer
© Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, 1976. Written permission must be secured from the Department before reproducing any part of this copyrighted material. Subscription rates: $2.00 for one year, $3.50 for two years, $4.75 for three years. No stamps, please. Second · class postage paid at Augusta, Maine 04333.
Maine Fish and Wildlife -
Winter 1975-76
Black Ducks: Going, Going, ... ? 8 Decoys 11 Kid-Bits 14
Howard E. Spencer, Jr. Thomas L. Carbone and Thomas J . Chamb erlain Thomas J . Chamberlain
Annual Report Section 16 Letters, Notes, Comment 30 Ecologogriph Answer 31 Important Subscription Notice 32
THE COVERS Front: Winter is the most difficult time of year for Maine's white-tailed deer. One way that the Department's Wildlife Division can tell how the deer are farin g is by weekly checks of weather and snow conditions at stations located statewide in deer wintering areas. Wildlife Biologist Harold "Doc" Blanchard and Warden Inspector Bill Vail were checking a weather station near Greenville when Photographer Tom Carbone recorded them for this issue's front cover. Inside Front: A good bet would be that Keith Worth of Dresden knows a lot more about decoys and duck identification than most three-year-olds. His father, Brian, is a game warden whose hobby is creating lifelike decoys, often with Keith as his interested observer. See page 11 for a related story. Photo by Tom Carbone. The decoy pictured, incidentally, is a drake old squaw. Inside Back: A hen mallard and her young are the stars of this year's National Wildlife Week poster. The family group, pictured in typical wetland habitat, symbolizes what we save when we " Save Our Wetlands." Back: Winter scenic by Photographer Tom Carbone.
1
Wildlife Management Areas
I
NEWFIELD of Maine has undergone major changes in land use during the past ten years. With a rapid increase in residential and industrial development and an accompanying increase in population, there has come a resulting loss of wildlife habitat and recreational opportunity. And the desire of many people to protect their privacy through posting has caused the loss of many hundreds of acres of hunting land during this same period. In the face of problems like this, the public will consider state-owned upland areas as not only wildlife management areas but also as public recreational areas. All this means that the Newfield Wildlife Management Area is becoming an increasingly valuable piece of real estateproviding land not only for wildlife management demonstration areas but also for the manyfaceted recreation-oriented public. In addition to hunting and fishing, it offers opportunities for hiking, canoeing, snowmobiling, and bird watching. The Newfield Wildlife Management Area, in the towns of Newfield and Shapleigh, contains 3,497 acres. Acquisition of land during 1975 added 1,250 acres to the original 2,247 in a step towards the goal of achieving a 5,000 acre management area. Little history is available concerning the settlement and early industries associated with the town of Newfield. It is assumed that, as with many other towns in the area, farming and lumbering were the mainstays of the town. In October of 1947, fire burned
T
2
HE SOUTHERN
PORTION
By Philip A. Bozenhard Regional Wildlife Biologist
the entire town of Newfield along with a large portion of York County. With the loss of homes and timber to support local mills, the population diminished. Foresight and the availability of relatively inexpensive land in the most densely populated section of the state promoted the initial acquisition of the area. Today, the major economy is seasonal recreation centered around residential development and the natural and man-made lakes in the area. As a result of the fire, the management area and surrounding land are composed of young and second-growth forest land, primarily assorted hardwood species. The southwestern portion of the management area is plains area, with the major plant species being pitch pine, red pine, and scrub oak. The understory is composed primarily of sweet fern and blueberry. The majority of the remaining area is hilly with steep slopes. Red maple, aspen, gray birch, white pine, and several types of oak are the major species. While roads run parallel to boundary lines on th'ree sides of the management area, vehicle access is not available over stateowned land. Several trails enter the area from the Mann Road but are passable only with a four-
Even-age hardwoods that regenerated after 1947 fire are now of little value to browsing wildlife , having grown beyond their reach.
Maine Fish and Wildlife - Winter 1975-76
wheel drive or all-terrain vehicle. Although management of the area requires building a few roads, the Department intends to maintain a "walk in" recreational experience. development work has been conducted at Newfield; however, initial investigations in 1951 showed that although hardwood browse resulting from the fire was at a maximum, winter softwood cover was lacking. Following these investigations, the Wildlife Division planted 95,000 red pine and 25,000 white spruce, in co-operation with the Maine Forest Service. These trees as well as natural softwoods are providing winter cover for deer and other wildlife. The even-age stands of hardwood which regenerated after the fire are producing only limited browse since most of the growth is well out of the reach of wildlife. Management for upland species such as white-tailed deer, ruffed grouse, and snowshoe hare is hinged on uneven-age forest management, which provides for the
L
IMITED
Two-acre clear-cut blocks will result in uneven-age habitat needed by grouse as well as browse for deer and snowshoe hare.
continued production of the necessary food and cover required by wildlife. Unless all their life sustaining requirements are met, wildlife populations cannot flourish. The Newfield Wildlife Management Area has the potential to provide excellent upland wildlife habitat. Present investigations are being directed towards establishing a 64 acre area for the management of ruffed grouse. Through clear-cutting two-acre blocks, it will provide grouse with the interspersion of cover types necessary for nesting, brood cover, and winter feeding. The timber types on this grouse management unit are primarily aspen. gray birch, and oak. It is anticipated that this unit will serve as a demonstration area for private individuals who may have similar land and be interested in grouse management. Although this management practice is primarily aimed at grouse, deer and snowshoe hare will also benefit from the production of hardwood browse and the future interspersion of habitat types. Current investigations will determine the location and extent of deer wintering areas within the management area. After the locations of these areas are
mapped, each will be managed to attain a continuity of adequate softwood cover and hardwood browse. among the 3,497 acres of upland are approximately 120 acres of various wetland types and 8 miles of streams. Two ponds, Mud Pond and Mann Pond, provide warm-water fisheries for pickerel and bass. Spicer Pond, which is restricted to walkin access only, provides a good brook trout fishery in both the pond and outlet stream. There are special fishing regulations on Spicer Pond that are intended to protect it as a high quality trout fishery. Waterfowl use many of the wetland types, especially the ponds and beaver flowages. Hooded mergansers and wood ducks are the primary species although the area is frequently used by black ducks during the fall . Natural cavities for tree nesters such as the hooded merganser and wood duck are limited due to the elimination of large trees during the 1947 fire. Waterfowl production has been increased for these species by erecting artificial nest boxes. Mud Pond, which is approximately 10 acres in size, produced 113 hooded mergansers and 6 wood ducks from 11 nest boxes in 1975. Nest boxes are also used by other wildlife such as songbirds and squirrels.
I
NTERSPERSED
the main objectives for the Newfield Wildlife Management Area are to provide for increased wildlife utilization through forest management while maintaining the area's natural integrity. In addition, Newfield will serve as a demonstration area for various wildlife management practices which might be of interest to other landowners and will provide recreational opportunity for sportsmen and nonsportsmen alike.
I
N SUMMARY,
• 3
Nine years of year-round checks of fish caught at Moosehead have helped biologists evaluate fi shery management practices.
HE MOOSEHEAD LAKE STUDY
By Roger P. AuClair
is winding down after its 9th year (1967-1975). Vve reported on the study in 1972 when it was in its sixth year; and for this report, we will concentrate on additional information and findings since that time. The study is financed 75 per cent by federal and 25 per cent by state funds. Because the 1975 fishing year data are not analyzed completely, results will be based on data through 1974 with an overview of the 1975 fishing year. During the past nine years, we interviewed up to 3,000 anglers annually and (by aircraft) counted boats on the water or anglers on the ice three or four times each week. By these two procedures - plus measuring, weighing, and taking scales for aging from the fish seen in angler's catches - we can estimate, within a 15 per cent margin of error, the total number of fishing trips taken plus the total number of
Fishery Biologist
T
4
salmon, togue, and brook trout caught during each winter and each summer fishing season. From interviews of anglers at docks, in camps, or on the ice, we can determine also, for each species, the percentage of short fish released. During the project years, we marked all salmon, togue, and trout stocked into Moosehead Lake by removing one or two fins. Examining the catches of hundreds of anglers annually enabled us to determine separately the numbers of native and stocked fish caught by anglers. Also, since the stocked fish were marked differently each year they were stocked as 1-year-olds, we can follow these groups in the catch from the time they appear as legal-sized fish until the time they disappear or "die out."
From 1967 through 1971, we stocked salmon and togue every other year; beginning in 1972, we changed to stocking them every year. In 1967, 1969, and 1971, we stocked a total of 150,000 yearling salmon. These fish are nearly gone from the lake now. During subsequent years (through 1975), anglers caught nearly 34,500 or 23 per cent of them. Approximately 1,200 (3 per cent) were caught as 2-yearolds; the bulk of them, 23,000 (67 per cent), were caught as 3-yearolds; 9,600 (27 per cent) were caught as 4-year-olds; 600 (2 per cent) were caught as 5-year-olds; and fewer than 40 were caught as 6-year-old fish. However, if we subtract natural mortality from stocking time to the time they became legalsized, only 74,000 of these fish were available to the angler from the 150,000 stocked. So, anglers really caught more than 47 per cent of the available salmon. Actually, the figure is probably more than 50 per cent of available legal salmon stocked, because natural mortality continued after most became legal, and some hooking mortality occurred from catching and releasing short fish. A harvest of more than 50 per cent of the stock of young salmon is considered too high by most biologists. If the same conditions apply to the wild salmon harvest, this may be the reason so few large salmon are caught from Moosehead, and possibly other lakes, in recent years. Beginning in 1971, we stocked 50,000 salmon every year. In effect, this procedure may be considered as doubling the stocking rate. The result was a noticeable decrease in growth, angler harvest, and possibly survival of the
Maine Fish and Wildlife -
Winter 1975-76
groups stocked in 1972 and 1973. None of these grew large enough to be kept as 2-year-olds. The 1972 group contributed only 2,400 fish to the angler as 3-year-olds and possibly another 3,000 as 4year-olds through 1975. The 1973 group may provide even fewer legal salmon to anglers. Although Moosehead Lake seems unlimited in potential because of its large size, increasing the salmon stocking from 50,000 every two years to 50,000 every year apparently caused a substantial decrease in growth, survival, and angler catch for the first two stockings under this plan. Wild salmon were affected in a similar, but not so drastic, manner from the increased demand on their food supply. The obvious remedy is to decrease stocking, as it is difficult to increase the food supply. However, we are taking steps to provide a new source of food for young fish in Moosehead. This topic will be covered later in this article. (lake trout) situaation in Moosehead Lake is still changing, we hope for the better. From the beginning of the study, the angler harvest of togue went downhill, not only in numbers but in average size. The
T
HE TOGUE
average size of togue in the catch went from 19 inches to 17 inches from 1967 through 1971. This occurrence was due to a decrease in numbers, not a decrease in growth rate. We believe the decrease in numbers was caused by more frequent drawdowns of the lake water level in late fall and winter. As the larger (older) togue decreased in numbers, anglers caught a proportionally greater number of fish that were barely over 14 inches long and about 4 or 5 years old. These fish were immature. Togue in Moosehead lake begin to mature at ages 6, 7, and 8 years. These ages correspond to lengths of 17, 18 and 19 inches. We took two steps to remedy this situation. The first step was an agreement with the Kennebec Power Company to draw the water down earlier in the fall and to make no further drawdown after October 5 through March. Moosehead togue spawn around October 15 and hatch in late March. This measure may cause problems for campowners in some years, but adjustments will have to be made. We have had excellent conditions for togue spawning for all years beginning with the fall of 1971 through 1975.
The second step was to increase the legal length limit on togue to 18 inches to allow greater numbers of mature togue to escape the angler and thereby to increase natural reproduction. This regulation became effective for 1972, but we do not expect any increase in the catch of togue until 1978 and 1979, when the generation spawned in the fall of 1972 and hatched in 1973 will begin to appear in angler catches as 5- and 6-year-olds. Another measure we took was to stock hatchery togue. We planted 50,000 yearlings in 1968, 30,000 in 1970, and 50,000 each year beginning in 1972. The main purpose of togue stocking in Moosehead Lake is to reduce the pressure on wild togue while the population is recovering from the present low. Since the 18-inch limit regulation became effective in 1972, anglers have harvested an average of about 3,000 togue annually. It is true that this is a small harvest for such a large, deep lake; but the average togue caught is 191/ 2 inches long and weighs 40 ounces. If our management recommendations are effective, we may look ahead to a gradual increase in the togue catch and to larger fish. The hatchery togue contributed only 8 or 9 per cent to the annual catch in 1972, 1973, and 1974. However, this percentage should increase markedly as the year classes from annual stockings grow into the fishery, probably beginning in 1976. These fish should also increase the spawning population. E ARE OPTIMISTIC
about the
future of brook trout in W Moosehead Lake. The annual
E
Moosehead stud y has included underwater checks of togue spawning areas.
.e
l --=----=:;;;--Maine Fish and Wildlife -
Winter 1975-76
5
Photo by Steve linines
Fishway trapping at the Ea st Outlet da m has shown that the river below is not producing as man y yo ung sal mo n as it coul d . Biologists wei gh, measure , fin -clip , and take sca le samples from trapped fish .
catch has risen from a low of 1,800 in 1970 to more than 3,000 in 1973 and 2,800 in 1974, and our 1975 data indicate a catch substantially greater than 3,000. The increase in trout coincides with a marked decrease in yellow perch from their peak around 1970. Stocked brook trout have not contributed enough to the catch to justify a stocking program for this species in Moosehead. The average wild brook trout caught is a little over 12 inches long and weighs almost 12 ounces. We believe that the water level management program will benefit trout as well as togue, as there are many shoreline areas where trout reportedly spawned in shallow water in the past. For the past five years, we have trapped the East Outlet fishway to determine especially the number of young salmon contributed to Moosehead Lake from the three miles of good salmon nursery area between Moosehead Lake and Indian Pond. The fishway provides the only means of access to Moosehead Lake for fish moving up the river (except for short periods in the fall when the lake is very low and the gates are open). Salmon begin to pass through the fishway in June. The 6
run peaks during July, and all movement ceases in early October. During the five years of trapping, we checked 4,804 salmon moving into the lake from the river. Of these, 2,455 (51 per cent) were marked fish that had been stocked in Moosehead Lake. Most of these probably dropped down through the gates the same summer they were stocked, and most returned to the lake as 2year old fish. Some of the stocked salmon showed some lake growth on the scale pattern before they dropped down the outlet. These returned as larger fish; About 22 per cent of the hatchery group were 14 inches or more. Also, many were caught by anglers fishing from the dam and were not counted in the fishway. Of the 2,349 wild salmon checked through the fishway, only 308 were 14-inches or more. Examination of scales from wild salmon revealed that 671 probably spent some time in the lake before dropping down the outlet. These could have been reared in a stream or river other than the outlet. The remaining 1,370 fish were the result of natural reproduction in the outlet, probably, and they were moving into the lake for the first time. Most (74
per cent) spent two years in the river. The remainder passed through as either 1-year-old or 3-year-old salmon. Salmon production in the East Outlet is presently way below average levels expected from nursery areas in Maine rivers and streams. We estimate at least 5,000 young salmon should be produced in the outlet annually, but our trapping shows that fewer than 300 pass into Moosehead Lake annually. We attempted to improve this condition by stocking 10,000 fingerlings from known outlet spawning stock in the fall of 1973. These were placed directly into the river. Through 1975, fewer than 200 of these were checked through our fishway trap. We may get a few more in 1976, but it will not amount to more than 2 per cent of the 10,000 stocked. By the time these fish mature and return to the outlet, there may not be more than 10 pairs left. However, if we were fortunate enough to have 10 pairs spawning, it could result in an increase of 500 to 1,000 young salmon in the river available to pass through the fishway in 1978 and
Maine Fish and Wildlife -
Winter 1975-76
1979. We plan to stock yearling salmon in the river in 1976 on a trial basis, to determine if survival is better with larger fish. game species using the fishway durO ing the past five years included THER COLD-WATER
509 brook trout and 36 togue. The number of brook trout increased from 45 in 1971 to 215 in 1975 and coincided with the increase in the catch of trout in the lake. We applied numbered tags to some of the togue taken in the fishway and found several of these returning in subsequent years. These fish were all large - two to four pounds. There is a substantial sport fishery off the dam at the East Outlet during the summer season. A sample check of 223 anglers in 1974 revealed a catch of 57 salmon, 4 togue, and 34 trout. These anglers also released 198 short salmon. Many anglers use bait, and the hooking mortality on young
salmon is probably quite high, as many fish thrash around dangling in the air before they are landed. When hauled up onto the dam, some of these salmon bounce around on the concrete for some time before they are released. With possibly as many as 1,000 legal salmon kept and 3,500 short salmon caught and released in this area throughout the season, it is probable that the nucleus for a spawning run of salmon down the outlet is substantially reduced by angling alone. To alleviate this condition, fishing with bait will be prohibited in the river beginning in 1976, and the daily bag limit will be two fish. Perhaps the most important problem in Moosehead Lake is the scarcity of lower forms of animal life which serve as food, directly or indirectly, for fish. We have realized this for some time but have hesitated to introduce any new species of fish, especially un-
ti! we had substantial supporting evidence for such a measure. However, in 1975, we introduced approximately 30,000 to 40,000 fresh water shrimp (Mysis relicta) to Moosehead Lake. These little animals (about an inch long) inhabit some deep, coldwater lakes, mostly in Canada. Where conditions are suitable, these shrimp can become very abundant, and fish feed extensively on them. The shrimp benefit young togue especially, resulting in fast growth and large size at an earlier age. All fish benefit from an abundance of these shrimp. We plan to transfer similar numbers of fresh-water shrimp to Moosehead Lake annually for several years to increase the chances of establishing a thriving population of these small creatures as quickly as possible. This program may be a big step toward solution of one of Moosehead's serious problems. •
ecologogriphs ................................. ...... ...... ... .... .test your outdoor knowledge ACROSS
1. Young salmon before their first migration seaward. 6. A hardwood, nut-bearing tree. 11. An orange and black bird: Baltimore 13. 15. 16. 18. 19. 20. 21. 24. 25. 27. 30. 32. 34. 35. 36. 38. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 49. 51. 52. 54.
The Beehive State. Underground portion of a plant. The Pine Tree State (abbrev.) Vertical Distance (abbrev.) and behold! Thulium (chem, sym .) Sound that accompanies lightning. Either. Toward the sheltered side of a vessel. Seeds of these trees are eaten roasted. Large, non-venomous snakes. Large American deer. The wapiti. Titmouse. Compass point. Baleen whales have rows of whalebone instead of these. These trees bear bitter acorns that mature in 2 years. (3 wds.) The snowshoe rabbit: varying - - ¡ The soybean. A wildebeest. An advertisement. The Keystone State (abbrev. ). Web-foot.~d. flightless, aquatic bird. Compass point. A line for holding an animal. A young whale.
Maine Fish and Wildlife -
55. 57. 59. 61.
One of the Great Lakes. A coniferous tree. The limb of an animal. Bird banding provides this information. (abbrev.). 62. Large bluish/black non-venomous snakes. 63. Daylight Saving (abbrev.).
33. 37. 39. 40.
DOWN
50. 52. 53. 56. 58. 59.
1. The left side of a vessel. 2. Skunk's I. D. 3. U. S. and Mexico borderline: _ __ Grande. 4. Decomposed. 5. Shallow Launch (abbrev.). 7. Chopping tool. 8. Large, aquatic, S. A. rodent. 9. Under tow (abbrev.). 10. The claw of a bird of prey. 12. Large, ostrich-like bird of Australia. 14. A large, bloodsucking fly: _ _ __ fly. . 17. Relating to fungi which live on plant roots. 18. A group of deer. 22. A recently extinct American grouse. _ _ _ _ hen. 23. The artificial mayfly, used in angling: _ _ _ fly. 26. Trout found in deep, cold, clear lakes. 28. Large, coastal scavenger bird (3 wds.). 29. Marsh gas. 31. White, wispy cloud (abbrev.).
Winter 1975-76
41. 42. 48.
To aim in advance of a moving target. A type of tent. A brood, as of pheasants. Fly which mates in dancing swarms over water and land. Stabbed or cut with a knife. A most important star. Brittle substance of melted lava, sand, earth, and stones. The Cracker State. A cover. A mineral spring. Our smallest state (abbrev.). A direction. German silver (abbrev.). ANSWER ON PAGE 31
@Doug Jackson 1974
7
Black Ducks: Going, Going, ;,
••••
By Howard E. Spencer, Jr. Migratory Bird Research Leader
Photo © by Leonard Lee Rue III
our title will set the stage for this brief resume on the status of the black duck. Books could be (and have been) written on the subject. Probably no two waterfowl biologists (let alone hunters) agree fully as to just what blacky's real status quo is. During the last year or more, I've looked at a great deal of information on this wonderful critter in an effort to put together a management plan that might enhance his future chances. I've talked with many, if not most, of the "pro's" in the black duck's range, deliberated endlessly in meetings and conferences to consider Mr. Black Duck's welfare, and have spent considerable time afield looking over the situation. For whatever it's worth, I'm happy to share my findings and opinions with you. Traditionally and historically, the black duck has' been Number One in the mind and hearts of Maine and Atlantic Flyway hunters. When a real Maine hunter speaks of "ducks" he means black ducks. All else are lesser creatures - worthwhile only ERHAPS
P
8
when blacks are hard to come by. Because of this enviable prestige, blacky has long had his ups and downs. In the 1930's, there was a duck scarcity, and the season was shortened to 30 days. In the late 1940's, reduced black duck numbers resulted in formation of a "Joint Black Duck Committee," later to become the Atlantic Waterfowl Council. During the 30's, 40's, and 50's, waterfowl management took giant strides and today's census and survey techniques were developed. Duck stamp sales, indicating hunting pressure (Figure 1) varied but continue to climb to date. Seasons and bag limits (Figure 2) have had temporary and perhaps minor influence on the size of the kill (Figure 3). The National Winter Waterfowl Inventory is perhaps the oldest consistent survey presently being conducted. Its validity and value are questioned by all waterfowl biologists, but in the absence of better techniques, it is often used to illustrate population trends. Because of wide variation in wintering black duck habitat (the Maritimes to Florida), the Maine Fish and Wildlife -
Winter 1975-76
SEASONS & BAG LIMITS IN MAINE
1918-1968
accuracy and dependability of this survey are believed to vary widely. We feel it is likely more accurate in Maine - for trends, at least - than in other parts of the Flyway. The numbers of wintering Maine black ducks from 1952-1974 are illustrated in Figure 4, which shows some interesting changes over the period. Obviously, Maine wintering black duck populations are in excellent condition, whereas the Flyway picture (Figure 5) is dismal--or is it? The take in recent years (Figures 3 and 4) shows that some very large harvests of black ducks have been made (peaking in 1970-71). Age ratios of black ducks in the harvest have been more than favorable (2± young per adult) and generally exceeding those of its kissing cousin, the mallard, that everyone seems to agree is doing very well. Such high age ratios are normally interpreted as reflecting good reproductive success. Unfortunately, there is no known way of measuring black duck breeding populations or resulting annual production. Most biologists in Maine and, I believe, elsewhere in the Atlantic Flyway, feel that although production per pair may be about as ever, the total number of pairs doesn't seem to be as large as .we remember it. Perhaps most of us familiar with the evidence feel that the population is a heck of a lot lower than we wish it were, and it doesn't show any signs of improvement on a range-wide basis. We certainly don't know why or really what to do about it. Some feel that pesticides, disease, lead poisoning, over-
14
I DUCKS
12
I GEESE
4 2
0 0'
'
N'
CD
•°'
•~ °'• FIGURE 2.
shooting, increased mallard popylations, and/ or other factors may be the cause. None of these can be validly documented. We're not even sure of our population appraisal. What to do? About the only thing that hasn't been tried is a closed season. To those of us in Maine who love to
ESTIMATED RETRIEVED DUCK HARVEST
LICENSE & DUCK STAMP SALES
20
16
190
120
0
110
.s
100
1947-1974
0
165
15
90
V)
w
80
.....
<
V)
70
0 o 9
10 Cl.
~
~
~
so
::::,
40
~ 115
30
C
20
z
V)
DUCK STAMP PRICES
5
1934 -49 1950- 59 1960-71 1972 on
$ 1.00 $2.00 $3.00 $5.00
::c
zw
V)
w
0-1....---------------------.------....ii~~-90 1934
1944
1954
1964
60
1974
BLACK DUCKS
10 0
47
49
51
53
55 57
59
61
63
65
67 69
71
73
FIGURE I.
FIGURE 3 .
Maine Fish and Wildlife -
Winter 1975-76
9
75
WINTERING BLACK DUCKS IN MAINE
BLACK DUCK POPULATION TRENDS
1952 - 75
500 400 \ 0 0 0
300
.. ,A
\:?~LYW~ A
... 200
/\
><
A
MISSISSIPP.!JLY~
100
0
5
25
10
30
35
FIGURE -4 .
hunt blacks and know, or feel we know, the Maine picture, this seems pretty drastic (and we hope unnecessary!). consideration of blacky's status and future management by the Atlantic erfowl Council led to the conclusion that perhaps we do have the technology to measure black duck survival rates, provided adequate banding can be carried out. It is further hypothesized and theorized that survival rate changes from year to year would be truly indicative of black duck population changes.
fl
ECENT IN-DEPTH
The author makes final adjustments to baited trap in preparation for banding of black ducks wintering on the Maine coast.
0
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
56
58 60
62
64 66 68 70
72
74
FIGURE 5 .
That is, if survival rates increase, then the population is increasing, and vice versa. A look at the statistics and past banding efforts indicates, in turn, that the possibilities for achieving sufficient banding on the breeding grounds is unfeasible. However, if the states concerned are willing to make a serious effort and commitment to winter banding, we may be able to determine survival rates and whether they (and the population) are increasing or decreasing. This is about where we stand at the moment. The Atlantic Waterfowl Council has before it a proposal to carry out this winter banding program and couple it to a regulatory management measure aimed at increasing populations. This increase in turn would be indicated by higher survival rates as Continued on page 92
Hunting waterfowl can be a great experience - but it's even more satisfying if you use your own home-crafted.
â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘
by Tom Chamberlain Photos by Tom Carbone
as a functional move for Dresden game warden Brian Worth has turned into a real labor of love. Three or four years ago, when Brian decided he wanted to hunt over decoys, familiarity with the various species (arising from several years work as a taxidermist) prompted him to attempt making his own decoys. The first set of birds, although primarily functional, was enough to convince Brian that making decoys was something he enjoyed. Now, after many, many com(and several pleted models awards gleaned from both Maine and out-of-state decoy shows), HAT STARTED
W
Maine Fish and Wildlife -
Brian turns out fine combination pieces, which set equally well on shelves or water. He creates birds as a source of pleasure, not in.come. The 29year old warden has sold a few, and is not against the idea. "I feel somehow that I've lost a friend when one of my birds leaves with a customer, though," he said. The bulk of Brian's work is done with basswood. "White pine is pretty good for workability, too," he said, "but basswood is finer-grained and easier to work than pine." The basswood can be readily obtained by ordering from almost any lumberyard, by
Winter 1975-76
contacting companies specializing in quantities of the less common woods, or even by finding a basswood tree, (it is native to Maine) dropping it, and allowing it to season. Brian's patterns come from magazines, waterfowl identification charts, and often from life specimens he has mounted. Sporting publications are an excellent source, not only for shape and proportion but also for coloration and texture. depicted in the accompanying photographs can be used with cork for purely functional decoys - and
T
HE SAME TECHNIQUE
11
hollowing out the body for flotation is then unnecessary, Shaping is easier with cork, but the finished product is not as durable, and the finer details are difficult to obtain. The tools needed are fairly conventional. Sharp knives (X-actos
are very good for working basswood) ; a few gouges, rasps, and files; a drill with several bits; some good waterproof glue (Brian prefers Weldwood) ; and sandpaper (several grits) are all that are necessary, save for paintbrushes and paints.
Artists' brushes in several sizes - they needn't be the most expensive - and acrylic paints are the tools Brian uses for coloring the finished decoys. "Oils are slightly better in terms of blendability," Brian said, "but they are extremely slow-drying.
Patterns, scaled up to life size, are transferred to top and sides of a block of basswood. Proportions can be taken from magazine or book illustrations , actual sizes can be obtained from waterfowl identification charts.
Final carving is the last step before painting. Carefu l attention must be given to detail at this point placement must be accurate to impress judges or birds. X-actos are fine , but a stronger, longer-bladed knife is very handy as well.
'l..
Roughed out head of a wood duck, body of a bufflehead. Brian uses a band saw, but basswood or white pine can be readily cut with a coping saw. The next step is to cut the body into upper and lower segments, then screw the two halves back together for shaping.
Initial shaping of the body and head are done with rasps and files. Surform tools such as the one shown are excellent for the rough shaping. Note that fine details such as the wing tips remain fastened together for added strength. This deco y, a drake wood duck, won first place in a Massachusetts show. After the body has been roughly shaped, screws are removed and the body is hollowed out with gouges for added buoyancy. This is not necessary if the decoy is being made from cork.
All things considered, acrylics are the best bet." If the decoys are intended for use, a 1" by 11/2" keel can be added to the underside, with %" or %" holes in it for pouring lead for ballast, and another hole drilled through it for the anchor line.
-
~ , . : : .~:=........;:--~,
Two halves of body, wit h a ll but fina l ca rving, a nd with ce nter hollowed out, ready for gluing back together. Head has also been shaped, and attached to the top of the body with eith er a dowel or a long screw from the inside. Eyes are glass, obtainable from any taxidermist or taxidermist supply house.
Painting begi ns with basic body and head colors, using acrylic paints. Details are added later.
AND HIS WIFE have three sons-Chris, 7; Keith, 3; and Kevin, who joined the family Dec. 8, 1975. Chris has already begun to show interest in helping Dad with the decoys, and Keith's fascination with the whole process is evident from the pictures. It is, as Brian says, an absorbing hobby : creating a likeness of nature by shaping with one's hands yet another natural material. The rewards are manya greater appreciation of the intricacies of nature, the satisfaction of the creative process itself, and the fact that the finished product has a utility value. Decoy carving will give at least one reward to anyone who tries it. a
B
RIAN
The finished products, from left to right, a pair of A merican goldeneyes, he n and drake; he n a nd drake hooded mergansers; an A merican merganser drake; and a d rake wood duck . Note difference in deta il a nd finish of two in fore ground; me rganser is show-finished, woody is functio nal.
Maine Fish and Wildlife - Winter 1975-76
13
the time to put on the extra clothing that winter weather requires, or when you are shoveling the driveway or sidewalk, do you ever dream about what it would be like to just sleep all winter? Well, some animals do just that, crawl into their homes to go into hibernation (hi-burNAY-shun). Hibernation is not simply a long sleep, however. When an animal hibernates, usually after a long period of eating to build up a layer of fat on the body, some dramatic changes take place in the way the body acts. For instance, a woodchuck with a normal breathing rate of 80
W
HEN YOU ARE TAKING
Raccoons make their homes, winter or summer, in a hollow tree or log near a source of water. They are fairly light sleepers during hibernation, resting either on their backs with their paws over their eyes or curled into a ball with their heads on the ground.
to 100 times each minute and a heartbeat of 80 each minute, will breathe only a few times each minute - and his heart will beat as slowly as four times each minute! At the same time, the woodchuck's body temperature will drop from almost 100 degrees to less than 40 degrees during this long winter sleep. All these changes are designed to help the animal get along without eating by saving energy.
M ost hibernating animals use their summer homes as their winter beds although some do change the place a bit by burrowing further underground or by plugging the entrances to prevent other hungry animals from entering. Not all animals hibernate underground, either. Raccoons find hollow tree stumps or logs, while bears usually hibernate under piles of brush or in caves. Bats hibernate as they sleep, hanging upside down in cool, dark places such as caves. Sleep comes slowly as the animal's body temperature drops, but the waking-up process in the spring happens very fast. For a short
Letters should be addressed to: KID-BITS MAINE FISH AND WILDLIFE Magazine 284 State Street Augusta, Maine 04333 14
Maine Fish and Wildlife -
Winter 1975-76
period of time, the waking animal's heartbeat and breathing may be twice as fast as normal; and body temperature also rises above normal as the remaining fat is used up.
T
he length of time animals hibernate depends on many things. Hibernation has started for some animals as early as midSeptember, and some are still in hibernation well into the spring. The winter tempera-
tures, and availability of food, are two important things which affect the length of the winter sleep. Some animals, such as bears and raccoons, do wake up from time to time throughout the winter, and sometimes venture outside their winter beds. But they are still considered hibernating animals, because they sleep for long periods of time with heartbeat and breathing much slower than normal. You may think it would be nice to avoid the snowy, blowy weather as these hibernating animals do. But think of the winter fun you'd miss! Nature knows what is best for all her animals, and you were meant to brave the cold and enjoy the winter. So have fun!
Woodchucks winter in burrows below frost level. Dens are sometimes used for years and years, and some have several rooms and up to 50 feet of connecting tunnels.
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Maine Fish and Wildlife -
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Winter 1975-76
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15
Financial Statement Ralph C. Will, Business Manager
The
The Department reflected a sound but weakened financial condition for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1975, compared to the previous fiscal year. Revenues increased approximately 8.7 per cent from the prior year, largely as a result of increased sales of resident and nonresident hunting and fishing licenses. However, the additional income was more than offset by increased costs for fuel, equipment, vehicles, clothing, and other essentials whose prices rose considerably more than the average rate of inflation. Costs overall increased 18.2 per cent from the previous year. The increasing cost pressures resulted in a deficit of $591,380 which had to be taken from the cash balance normally maintained for working capital, contingencies, and major construction or improvement projects. Such erosion of the Department's financial position results from greater relative price increases and expenditures than the increase in revenues from usual sources. The deficit emphasizes the need for some form of revenue increase, re-evaluation of existing programs, careful planning, and frugal management if the present level of Department services is to be maintained.
Income
Dollar
Nonresident hunting licenses 28.0 %
All other revenue 2.2 % Nonresident fishing licenses 12.9%
Resident fishing licenses 16.3 %
Federal aid 14.0 %
Resident hun.ting licenses 15.7 % Fines and fees 3.3 % Miscellaneous licenses and permits 2.0 % Transfers from Watercraft and Snowmobile Registration 5.4 %
16
Contributions from General Fund .2 %
The Expense Dollar
Warden Service 49.0 %
Hatchery Improvements 3.4 % Administration 8.9 %
Hatchery Division 9.4 %
Safety Programs 1.6 % Wildlife Division 12.3 % Game Farm 1.7 % Information and Education Division 2.5 % Land Acquisition 1.0 %
Summary of Operations Cash Balance July 1, 1974 Add: Revenues & Transfers Deduct: Expenditures, Transfers & Encumbrances Net Decrease in Cash Balance Unencumbered Cash Balance June 30, 1975 Less Cash Reserves: Operating Capital Reserve for Projected Deficit in 1975-76 Departmental Operations
$1,990,899
$5,684,195 $6,275,575 $ 591,380 $1,399,519 $ 450,000
$ 900,000 $1,350,000
Balance of Unreserved Cash
Fishery Division 7.5 %
$
49,519
REVENUES
1971-75
YEARS
REVENUE {x 1000)
70-71 71-72 72-73 73-74 74-75
$4,182 4,540 5,008 5,231 5,684
Information and Education Division William C. Mincher, Director One of the I & E Division's major activities during the fiscal year was the move from the State Office Building to new quarters at 284 State Street. Careful plans resulted in more effective use of the slightly less space available in the new building. Division personnel built several horizontal storage racks for publications, for example, which replaced more than a dozen seven-foot high metal racks; using hanging folders eliminates waste space which is unavoidable with shelving. The Division made the annual revisions of hunting and trapping, open water, ice fishing, and migratory bird hunting regulations publications, bringing out the first three as folders rather than booklets, with a saving in printing costs. At year end, plans were taking shape for further condensing the hunting regulations and returning to a booklet form, which is apparently pref erred by the public; the savings will be maintained by removing the regulations for guides and trappers (of which only 5,000 copies or so are required) and publishing them in a smaller press-run instead of the 270,000 press-run required for the hunting regulations. The recession had its effect on paid subscriptions to Maine Fish and Wildlife Magazine, with a drop in the renewal rate for fall, winter, and spring issues. (Subsequent to the ending of the fiscal year, however, an upturn was noted.) The computer system for handling our several mailing lists has
Division Photographer Tom Carbone (center) instructed a group of State information people on the use of light meters in one of several informational seminars.
18
been improved to the point where keeping it updated can be done with less work than previously. As one member of our clerical staff transferred out and has not been replaced, this reduction in work load is helpful to the two remaining clerical employees. The system also eliminates the previously unavoidable situation of duplicate mailings when two or more lists were combined and the separation of duplicate labels was not feasible. With the new system, a person can be on several lists but the computer will print only one mailing label when those lists are combined. This should save noticeably in postage and printing costs. The clerical system for handling magazine subscriptions, general mailing list changes, and so on also came in for improvement which not only speeded up the process but helps minimize errors. The Division produced nine Commissioner's Newsletters during the year, sixty-two news releases, and several special articles written at the request of news media. The educational program of the group known as MEEEF (Maine
Environmental Education Forum) got off to a good start during the year. MEEEF members are information and education people from several state agencies and private organizations dealing with various aspects of conservation. Packets of educational material have been selected and prepared by these members. The packets, circulated through the co-operation of the Maine State Library, are being widely used by Maine teachers. Wildlife and Fisheries are among the most popular topics. Renovation of the Department film library is continuing, with a reduced budget. Old prints are being replaced or having repair sections spliced in, in order to keep them fit for circulation; the library is maintained by the Instructional Systems Center at the University of Maine in Orono at no charge to the Department. The Department exhibit at Eastern States Exposition was renovated in the summer of 1974; changes were not expensive but serve to improve the appearance of the display which is handled by I & E with co-operation by the Hatchery Division and Warden Service. Routine activities during the year included: continued work on revision of snowmobile and hunter safety slide programs; maintenance of the hunter safety in-
structor computer file for the Safety Section; planning and taking photographs for use in the magazine and other publications; answering thousands of requests for information of one kind or another ( wildlife and related fields) ; attending various meetings relating to wildlife conservation ; maintaining and booking projection equipment for slides and films shown by other members of the Department; correspondence; and other continuing activities. The Maine deer film is still in
production as more film had to be shot during the year. At year end, several sketches and other graphics remained to be produced and filmed. Final editing, recording of narration, selection of music, and preparation of all increments for the processing laboratory must be completed before production prints can be made. The film catalog was scheduled to undergo revision in fiscal 1976 and to be brought out as a folder rather than a booklet, to accomplish a saving in printing costs.
As the species management plans for fish and wildlife being prepared by the Fishery, Wildlife, and Planning divisions - are reaching the point where popularized versions for general public consumption are needed, I & E is getting ready to condense the numerous plans for publication. Detailed versions of the various plans will be available on request, but the condensed presentations are needed for ease of understanding. This work will be taking place during the 1975-76 fiscal year.
Engineering Division Clayton G. Grant, Chief Engineer During the year ending June 30, 1975, the Engineering Division completed design work, let contracts, and supervised construction of concrete foundations, concrete tanks, and erection of a steel building to house water filtering equipment at the Enfield Hatchery. Installation of filter equipment and relocation of pipelines is now in progress. Dam work included the completion of a timber crib dam at the outlet of Abo! Pond in Baxter Park and replacement of a similar structure at Katahdin Stream, Baxter State Park. Both structures replace deteriorated facilities. A concrete dam was installed at the Sandy Point wildlife management area at Stockton Springs. We erected storage buildings at our Greenville regional headquarters and at Frye Mountain wildlife management area and undertook renovation of the former State Police barracks at Scarborough. This building has replaced rented quarters at Gorham as the Sebago regional headquarters; Routine maintenance of Department-owned fishways and dams was carried out on a continuing basis.
Maine Fish and Wildlife -
No permanent personnel changes were made during this period. One maintenance man
Engineering Division personnel installed filter equipment at the Enfield hatchery after completion of the concrete found ation work and erection of related structures.
Winter 1975-76
was assigned, on a temporary basis, from the Department storehouse to assist in various repair projects. It is anticipated that future projects will include several water and waste treatment facilities for our various hatchery installations to keep pace with the increasing emphasis on environmental problems and to conform to proposed federal regulations. In addition, this Division will continue design, construction, and maintenance functions.
19
Fishery Division Lyndon H. Bond, Chief
Region A - Sebago Region: A 17-inch limit on landlocked salmon in Sebago Lake, imposed in 1974, was designed to reduce heavy angler-harvest of two- and three-year old salmon. It was felt that protection of the younger fish would increase the numbers of older salmon in the population and the number of larger salmon in the angler's catch. This change did result in an increase in numbers of older salmon, but a collapse in the smelt population has caused a reduction in growth. Lake trout fishing in Sebago during the 1974 open water fishing season was exceptionally good. Volunteer anglers reported on 307 fishing trips indicating a catch of 2.26 fish per successful trip, and a catch per hour of 0.449. These togue were threeyear-olds and averaged 16 inches long and 1 pound 4 ounces. Region B - Belgrade Region; Much of the 1974 open water field season was concerned with great ponds, stream alteration, and dam site investigations. Other work included surveys of six streams to determine species composition and abundance, studies of recent largemouth bass introductions to determine success, water quality monitoring, developing a management plan for largemouth bass, and supervision of the chemical reclamation of five ponds in northern and eastern Maine. Region C-Grand Lake Region: Two accomplishments stand out in importance in 1974. First, thorough observations at the new vertical slot fish way at West Grand Lake demonstrated the efficiency of the device in allowing game fish to move upstream and also indicated Grand Lake Stream's tremendous potential
20
for producing wild salmon for the West Grand Lake fishery. Second was the capture of wild brown trout on the west and middle branches of the Union River; anglers can expect good growth and survival of this species in the
salmon have apparently failed. A management plan for rainbow trout was prepared. Region E-Moosehead Region: The Moosehead Lake study, now in its ninth year, has yielded invaluable information on angler
Fishery and Hatchery Division personnel maintain a high degree of co-operation in their day-to-day operations. Here, Fishery Biologist Urban Pierce, Jr. (right) discusses with New Gloucester Hatchery Foreman Cecil McAllister the operation of this new rearing pool for brown trout at the southern Maine facility.
river system. A major work project was investigating and mapping wilderness ponds proposed for inclusion in LURC zoning as P-11 ponds. In species planning, the regional biologist and his assistant developed management plans for the chai pickerel and the smallmouth bass. Region D - Rangeley Region : Much time was spent on the Rangeley chain of lakes to aid in fisheries management and counteract proposals which could harm fish populations. Fishing has steadily improved in Rangeley and Mooselookmeguntic lakes as smelt continue t o increase, providing food for salmon a d trout. Efforts to establish landlocked alewives as additional food for
use of salmon, lake trout, and brook trout in this 75,000 acre lake. Unusually high rainfalls of 1973-74 required investigation of a number of stream and pond sedimentation problems. Also calling for investigation were the increased numbers of requests by landowners to alter brooks and streams running through their land. A thorough survey of the east and west branches of the Piscataquis River was started because of a proposed flood control project with high dams blocking both branches. Region F - Penobscot Region : This region was established July 1, 1974, to provide better service to an area formerly on the edges of three regions and also to co-
Maine Fish and Wildlife -
Winter 1975-76
ordinate regional boundaries with the Wildlife Division. Organizational work occupied considerable time and effort. Field work included check-netting waters with stocked salmon and brook trout, water quality monitoring on six lakes, fish way inspections, and one new lake survey. A creel census of anglers at Cold Stream Pond, Enfield, started in May and continued this past summer. Other work included monitoring the possible effects of the spruce budworm spraying program. Region G-Fish River Region: In addition to routine field work, a co-operative study with the Department of Environmental Protection was conducted in the Prestile Stream to evaluate its physical, chemical, and biological features. The information was presented to the Legislature for the upgrading of the stream, but reclassification was not approved. In fall 1974, much time was spent with the large landowners in
northern Maine making joint inspections of logging operations. Many environmental considerations were suggested with the intent to reduce woodland siltation and improve the aesthetics around the watercourses. Monitoring the spruce budworm spraying program in spring 1975 was done in co-operation with the University of Maine and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Research: Investigation showed that Sunapee trout are surviving well in Coffee Pond and in the South Branch ponds in Baxter State Park. Fishing success ratio at the South Branch ponds was 5.8 per cent for Sunapee anglers and 31.2 per cent for those angling for brook trout. Success with the Sunapees is expected to improve as numbers and growth increase. These fish have also been introduced into Echo Lake, Mt. Desert, and survival has been good. This is the fourth year of long
Hatchery Division Stanley P. Linscott, Supt. Two 5,000-gallons-per-minute water filters were purchased and delivered to the Enfield hatchery in 1974. They were installed in a new building constructed for that purpose. Wiring, plumbing, and heating remain to be completed. Lack of money prevented installation of the ultraviolet system at Enfield. This system, which would cost about $80,000, is badly needed as a control of bacteria in the hatchery water, which causes disease and death in many of our hatchery fish. Enclosures and wire coverings were installed this year on all 2,400 feet of pools at the New Gloucester hatchery. The move was made to prevent predation from blue herons and kingfishers. One man resigned from the Grand Lake Stream hatchery staff. He will not be replaced. Maine Fish and Wildlife -
The following fish were stocked during 1974. Numbers Pounds Brook trout 1,314,637 65,920 Brown trout 145,617 25,052 Rainbow trout 54,105 8,428 Sunapee trout 23,862 748 Lake trout (togue) 418,618 11,843 Landlocked salmon 547,247 26,038 2,504,086
138,029
GAME FARM The Department's Game Farm at Gray delivered 7,890 six-week old pheasant chicks to 60 co-operators for their matching program during 1974. The farm liberated 14,001 mature (16week old) birds in September and October of 1974 as matching birds for the above co-operators, and for stocking the wildlife management areas. No major improvements were made during the fiscal year, although one large pen was repaired with new wire and posts.
Winter 1975-76
term studies designed to develop a brook trout stock with exceptional longevity, with work at lakes in Washington and Hancock counties. The goal is to develop a stock that will survive for a year in the hatchery and then three or more years in the wild ; at present, few stocked brook trout survive more than one year after stocking. There are, so far, no conclusive indications. Research continued on the feasibility of improving salmonid fisheries through introduction of various crustacean food organisms not commonly found in Maine waters. These organisms included an isopod and a freshwater shrimp. Trout pond management investigations progressed with good results. Spring trap-netting and summer creel censuses were implemented on study waters where various stocking rates are under test to determine highest efficiency. Also under study are the effects of smelt introductions and systematic, alternate-year closure to fishing as management methods. A three-year study segment to evaluate mortality of one-year-old hatchery-reared landlocked salmon caused by hooking with four types of terminal gear while held in the hatchery was completed in fall of 1974. Mortality of both worm-hooked and fly-hooked fish was significantly greater than that of fish caught on hardware lures. Another aspect of this project was concerned with allage salmon in the wild. Mortality of salmon hooked in the mouth and/ or gills was significantly greater than fish hooked in the "jaws." Hooking mortality was significantly less in fall than in spring. Mortality of salmon caught on streamer flies was significantly greater than that of fish caught on hardware lures. No significant difference could be demonstrated between overall mortality from hooking with treble-hook gear and single-hook gear. â&#x20AC;˘ 21
Planning and Co-ordination Division Kenneth H. Anderson , Director The Planning and Co-ordination Division is charged with guiding the development of the Department's long and short range goals, objectives, and programs. Co-ordination of the Department' long range species planning effort is one important
species assessments, definition of species management goals and objectives, and species management programs. Inland fi sheries management plans are near the final stages of completion. The various Departmental planning committees, as well as a citizen-
uated on the basis of need, effectiveness, and cost; and wildlife management programs were defined for the next five year project segment. The Division provided automated data processing support to a variety of the Department's
Personnel from the Planning and Co-ordination Division attended a federally-sponsored workshop to become better acquainted with methods of assessing environmental impact of proposed development programs.
program, which includes the assessment of future conditions and problems as related to the habitat, species, and use. The long range plan will re ult in suggested Department programs to ensure that all species of wildlife and fish are perpetuated to be used and enjoyed by the people of Maine. Species management planning activities greatly increased during the last year. Plans were completed for all the major wildlife species-including individual 22
oriented Steering Committee established to assist in the Department's comprehensive planning process, met periodically. They reviewed individual plans and alternative species management goals and objectives presented for their consideration. Once this was completed, the Commissioner's Advisory Council selected a single species management goal and objective, and program proposals were developed for each species being considered. Wildlife program proposals were eval-
comprehensive planning and management efforts. This included the coding, key punching, and retrieval of a vast amount of information concerning land use conditions throughout the state, species abundance, and species use. In addition, data processing support was given to the Watercraft Registration and Safety Division, Snowmobile Registration and Safety Division, Warden Service, Wildlife Division, Fisheries Division, and the Information and Education Division. The Department's Stream Alteration Act (Title 12) was administered by this Division, which processed approximately 150 applications during the past fiscal year. In addition, the Division co-ordinated 1,119 Department responses to proposed land and water developments subject to environmental regulations administered by other state agencies. These applications included: Great Ponds (487); Wetlands (132); Mining (6); Minimum Lot Size (26); Site Location (216) ; Forest Operation permits (60); Sub-division permits (10); Development permits (50) ; Bridge permits (7) ; and Building permits (125). The co-
Maine Fish and Wildlife -
Winter 1975-76
ordinating work involves the routing of individual applications from the administering agencies to Department personnel in the field for their assessment of the potential impact of the proposal on fish and wildlife resources, and conveying the Department's response back to the administering agency for its consideration. Other activities included the development of a standard approach to the Department's processing of environmental impact appraisals and recommendations. This has greatly facilitated support of existing environmental statutes and will enable the Department to develop the data base needed for full evaluation of land use changes and their effects on Maine's fish and wildlife resources. The co-ordination function of the Planning Division has been wide and varied. In addition to work on the activities previously discussed, the Division engaged in a variety of public, legislative, environmental, and technical activities within the Department and with other state and federal agencies.
Realty Agent Henry Sleeper checks property corne r of one of the new land acqu isition s purchased with the Fish and Wi ldlife Acq uisiti on Fund during the year.
Realty Division Richard B. Parks, Chief
An additional 109 acres were added to the Scarborough Wildlife Management Area during the past year through several purchases. Most of this acquisition was in the Little River section behind Old Orchard Beach and. brings our total acreage for this management area to 2,903 acres. Eight hundred and fifty acres were added to the Manuel Wildlife Management Area in Hodgdon and Cary, paid for with the Fish and Wildlife Acquisition Fund bond issue money. This increases the size of the management area to 1,449 acres. It is planned to expand this unit to approximately 5,000 acres, and we presently hold options for nearly this amount of acreage. Eleven hundred acres were added to the Newfield Wildlife Management area in the Town of Shapleigh. A total of approximately 3,497 acres is now in this management area with a goal of at least 5,000 acres. This purchase was made possible because of our bond money. A new project called the Northwest River Project in Sebago was started with the purchase of our first tract consisting
of 47 acres. This is a combination stream-flow-augmentation and wa terfow 1- nesting- area project. The stream flow is planned to be a minimum of about 10 cubic feet per second to help maintain the salmon spawning and nursery areas for Sebago Lake. A tract of 20 acres on Peaks Island in Portland was donated to the Department as the nucleus of a small wildlife management area on this Casco Bay island. It is hoped this gift will generate some additional gifts of adjoining land by local owners. Two conservation easements were signed during the fiscal year. One was for a 200-acre tract in Bowdoinham and the other for 55 acres of a 60-acre¡ island known as Oak Island in Woolwich. Both of these easements severely restrict any future use of the land beyond its present agricultural or conservation use. The southerly two-thirds of Winship Island, Georgetown, comprising some 6 acres, together with 10 acres of adjoining salt marsh, was made a gift to the state. This land is situated in Back River, so-called, and is an important waterfowl resting and feeding area. Many other duties were performed by Division personnel including negotiations for leases, making appraisals, doing titles, looking up unknown ownerships, and contacting landowners. Our $4 million bond issue is now being utilized in purchasing land and approximately 2,900 acres have been acquired so far with bond money. We feel our investment in land now will pay tremendous dividends to Maine's wildlife and its citizens in years to come. 23
Division of Safety and Snowmobile Registration Lorenzo A. Gaudreau, Director
The Division of Safety and Snowmobile Registrati on r egistered 73,737 snowmobiles, 459 snowmobile dealer s, and issued 129 du plicate r egistr ations last season. This was a r ecord year for registration, a nd all r egistrations wer e processed in Augusta by mail or over t he counter on a her e-today, gone-tomorrow basis. Both t he hunter and snowmobile safety efforts utilized volunteer instru ctor s t o give saf ety courses. P art-t ime regional coordinators assist in soliciting for sponsors and volunteer instruct or s. Last season, 204 hunter saf ety courses wer e given a nd mor e th an 4,000 students gr aduated. Volunteer instructors also gave 104 snowmobile safety training courses and graduated mor e than 2,800 st udents. Both the hunter and snowmobile safety programs have been a tremend ous help in teaching par t icipants to enjoy t heir sports in a safe, r esponsible manner. Anyone inter ested in pa rticipating in the progr ams as an instructor or sponsor , or taking a t r aining course, may contact t he appropriate co-ordinator listed below. Or, wri te the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Division of Safety and Snowmobile Registration, 284 State Street, Augusta, Maine 04333. 24
REGIONAL SNOWMOBILE SAFETY CO-ORDINATORS Name and Address Region Counties Carlton A. Hill 1 All of Cumberland and York counties, and Oxford County, Hollis south of and including FryePO West Buxton, Maine 04093 burg Tel: 727-3230
Joseph Arthur Boivin 671 Crescent Avenue Rumford, Maine 04276 Tel: 364-3471
2
Franklin County, and Oxford County north of Fryeburg
Ralph L. Watson South Main Street Monmouth, Maine 04259 Tel: (home) 933-2962 (off) 623-3521 Ext. 284
3
Kennebec, Androscoggin, Sagadahoc, Lincoln, and Knox counties
Edwin R. Wuori Star Route Ellsworth, Maine 04605 Tel: 584-3272
4
Hancock and Washington counties
Robert S. White RFD :t:-1, Box 23E Hudson, Maine 04449 Tel: 327-2200
5
All of Waldo and Penobscot counties, and Aroostook County, south of and including Island Falls
David H. Hitchings RFD ..t2 Newport, Maine 04953 Tel: 368-4739
6
Somerset and Piscataquis counties
John A. Sotomayor 5 School Street Limestone, Maine 04750
7
Aroostook County Island Falls
north
of
REGIONAL HUNTER SAFETY CO-ORDINATORS Region Counties Name and Address York County 1 Stephen C. Stanton Glen Haven Circle Saco, Maine 04072 Tel: 282-0939
Woodbury D. Thompson P. 0. Box 3573 Portland, Maine 04104 Tel: 772-0179 or 797-2463
2
Cumberland and Sagadahoc counties, Oxford County (Fryeburg and south), and Androscoggin County (all south of Auburn)
Jean A. Thompson (Mrs.) Route .tt1, Mill Road Litchfield, Maine 04350 Tel: 268-4937
3
Franklin, Kennebec, and Somerset counties, Oxford County (all north of Fryeburg), and Androscoggin County (Auburn and north)
Norman C. Martin Tenants Harbor, Maine 04860 Tel: 372-6608
4
Lincoln, Knox, and Waldo counties, and portions of Penobscot and Hancock counties (south of Route #9 to Bangor, west of Route lA to Ellsworth)
George L. Currier 209 Silk Street Brewer, Maine 04412 Tel: 989-2477
5
Piscataquis County, central Penobscot County, and remainder of Hancock County
Harland Hitchings P. 0 . Box 145 Princeton, Maine 04668 Tel: 796-2282
6
Washington County and northeastern Penobscot County to Interstate 95 along Route #188, including Lincoln
Michael G. Sawyer RFD #1 Smyrna Mills, Maine 04780 Tel: 757-8102
7
Aroostoock County from Washington County line to Westfield
Robert J . Barry 4 St. John Street Fort Kent, Maine 04743 Tel: 834-3998
8
Remainder of Aroostook County (north)
Maine Fish and Wildlife - Winter 1975-76
Watercraft Registration and Safety Division Robert H. Johnson, Director The recent changes in federal and state boat laws required a complete revamping of our licensing method and procedures starting January 1, 1974, in anticipation of doubling our registration workload as well as making it in full accordance with federal laws and regulations. Central Computer Services personnel designed and implemented a computerized licensing system that would handle the increased requirements with a minimal increase in staff size. Seven man-months of co-ordinated effort has significantly reduced the normal filing effort and speed in which we handle registration applications. We now have two video display terminals for instant recall of all or any registration information in our registry, plus the ability to adjust name and address changes, and transfer data on sale of boats, removal from state, stolen boats, directly into the system. Concurrently with the redesign of our licensing methods, we designed and produced new law books, applications to register, certificates of number, and validation stickers to implement the various legal changes in the law. In addition, the staff was trained in the handling of new license processing and procedures. We made large scale mailings to supply all town clerks, licensed marine dealers, U.S. Coast Guard stations, and harbormasters with the new type applications and law books so that the boating public would have the necessary forms to register boats. Transfer records of boats were updated as a continuing operation, and we mailed 24,000 renewal applications to boat registrants. Ten public hearings were ar-
ranged and held, covering requests to limit the horsepower of motorboats on inland waters. At the close of calendar year (December 31, 1974) the registry had some 93,000 boats listed. During the first six months of 1975, the Division had registered an additional 19,000 boats, issued 208 operator licenses, granted 32 permits for races and regattas, and forwarded all required accident reports to the U. S. Coast
A cce ss via this term ina l to fil es sto re d in a ce nt ra lized co mpu t er ha s grea t ly in creased the speed and effi cien cy of watercraft re g istratio n. Ope rator Cathy Alexander can bring an e nt ire record to the sc reen in seconds and ma ke on-th e-spot changes.
Guard. Listings of all boat registrations were mailed monthly to the tax assessors of all towns and cities in the state as required by law. The director participated in numerous meetings and conferences with the Maine Marine Trades Association and the Maine Boatbuilders and Repairers Association and gave water safety demonstrations and talks on the Maine Boat Law to the U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary flotillas, U. S. Power Squadrons, American Red Cross watercraft schools, and to numerous clubs and organizations interested in boats. Boating safety literature and films were mailed to the public, safety messages sent to 35 radio stations, and 4 safety instructors were trained to start a program of boating safety in schools and summer camps.
Wildlife Division Robert W. Boettger, Chief As in the past, the Wildlife Division operated primarily on funding provided by the PittmanRobertson Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act. Under this program, three-quarters of the total cost of approved research and management projects are re-
Maine Fish and Wildlife - Winter 1975-76
imbursed by federal funds raised from an 11 per cent excise tax on sporting arms, bows and arrows, and ammunition. Three major research projects are funded in this manner: Big Game, including whitetailed deer, black bear, and moose ; Migratory 25
Game Birds, including ducks, Canada geese, and woodcock; and Small Game and Furbearers, presently including most other wildlife species. Within these projects are various jobs ranging from the determination of the sex and age composition of the Maine deer herd to waterfowl population studies and the appraisal of the adequacy of present management programs for all wildlife. This latter job, entitled "Development of Long Range Species Plans and Management Programs," is included under all projects and is one of the most important jobs being undertaken by the Division and Department at this time. Over the years, considerable time has been spent collecting facts about Maine wildlife and their habits. This information is available in various places, but, with few exceptions, little time has been spent putting it together into a working plan. This year, we have actively undertaken this task because we believe that until we can answer such basic and seemingly simple questions as how many acres of living space are available for various wildlife species throughout the state and what will be available in future years, we cannot make rational attempts at solving our wildlife problems. These plans have been completed, and programs based on them were implemented on October 1, 1975. Not all the information necessary to manage wildlife is available, of course, and inventories are necessary to determine the location and value of certain areas. Wetlands are valuable to many forms of wildlife, and they also provide the benefits of flood control and water supplies for human populations. An inventory to determine the type, size, and location of all wetlands in Maine was initiated in 1961. All areas have been located and mapped, and those areas lacking sufficient data
26
are being more thoroughly examined. This survey can provide us with the necessary facts to determine such things as potential waterfowl production, beaver population densities, and allowable fur harvests in various areas of the State. In addition, this inventory provided and is continuing to provide data to towns upon which they can base decisions for shoreland zoning. In the wildlands, this information is serving as a basis for zoning of critical wetland habitats by the Land Use Regulation Commission. Another critical and important habitat, especially in northern portions of Maine, is winter shelter areas for deer - often called deer yards. Simply described as areas where deer concentrate to spend the winter, these areas of dense softwood stands - commonly located along brooks or streams and protected slopes - are essential for deer survival during severe winter conditions. Without these places, deer cannot survive; and without
an inventory of such areas, we can do little to afford protection from development, over-cutting, or other activities that would reduce the value of these areas to deer. Initiated in 1971, the deer wintering area inventory is continuing. Information gathered has been used to place deer wintering areas in P-4, or interim protection sub-districts, under the Land Use Regulation zoning standards. This districting, in effect, says that before any timber harvest or development occurs in a P-4 district, the owner shall submit a plan for consideration by the Land Use Regulation Commission. The Commission in turn solicits recommendations from our wildlife biologists. Our basic goal is to provide a succession of various age-classes of trees within these areas by allowing continuous, small, planned cuts within the boundaries. Such cutting will insure that natural mortality of trees will not eventually destroy the value of the area for deer and that sufficient winter
Maine Fish and Wildlife -
Winter 1975-76
cover is present on a continual basi . Interim zoning of all known wintering areas under LURC jurisdiction has been completed. Updates and management plans on a watershed basis are currently underway. These plans will provide a basis for permanent zoning and future management decision. Management is the second major category of work carried out by this Division. Through principles and techniques derived
through research, regional wildlife biologists in seven administrative regions throughout the state implement management practices on state-owned and leased lands. They also provide technical assistance to large private landowners for the benefit of wildlife populations. As mentioned under the discussion of the LURC zoning procedures, our field biologists have been placed in a position to review practices affecting wildlife habitat - spe-
cifically deer wintering habitat. A forest wildlife habitat management leader co-ordinates these regional activities with LURC and various forest landowners. This year has been one of change, with considerable emphasis on establishing a direction for future wildlife resource management and protection. In addition, our efforts will provide a basis by which we as well as others interested in Maine's wildlife can assess how successful we will be.
'
Atlantic Sea Run Salmon Commission Alfred L. Meister, Chief Biologist Winter studies within the Atlantic salmon spawning survey project provided information on present and potential use of spawning areas on Maine's salmon rivers. Timing of spawning activity, location and size of redds, egg survival throughout the winter months, fr y emergence in the spring, and other data will be collected during a threeyear period. Though most of the work is on river s in Washington Co unty, results will be of statewide value. Stocking of hatchery-reared smolts from federal salmon hatcheries in East Orland and
Ellsworth was completed during mid-May; 158,000 smolts were distributed in seven Maine rivers. More than 100,000 salmon were tagged or fin-clipped for future identification as part of our continuing evaluation of hatchery stocks. An additional 300,000 oneyear salmon and 1,000,000 fry are being reared for release in Maine rivers during 1976 and 1977. Nearly 33,000 salmon smolts were stocked from the smolt release pond in Brewer. Salmon are allowed to smoltify under natural environmental conditions and voluntarily migrate from the
pond to the Penobscot River. This facility is designed to increase smolt survival since salmon are allowed to go to sea when they are biologically ready. Survival of these salmon will be compared with the conventional trucking method as adult salmon return to the Penobscot in 1976 and 1977. The summer of 1975 brought increased numbers of salmon to several Maine rivers. Known rod catches include the following Dennys, 40; Machias-East Machias, 90; Narraguagus, 115; Penobscot, 70. Anglers also took salmon in the Pleasant, Union, Kennebec, and Sheepscot rivers.
Rearing pools at the new federal salmon hatchery at Green La ke, now in t he final phases of construction, will greatly augment the numbers of Atlantic salmon available for stocking in Maine waters.
Big Game Research Assistant Roy Hugie and other Wildlife Division personnel conducted a dead deer search at Swan Island, a De partment wildlife management area in the Kennebec River.
Maine Fish and Wildlife -
Winter 1975-76
27
Fishway traps operated by the Salmon Commission on the Penobscot River produced 37 salmon. A total of 319 salmon from the Union and Penobscot rivers were held at Craig Brook national fish hatchery for brood stock purposes. On the Penobscot, the rest of the trap catch was released to spawn naturally in the Penobscot and tributaries. Construction of the new federal Atlantic salmon hatchery near Green Lake (Ellsworth) is continuing on schedule. When completed, during the next few years, the hatchery will provide a five-fold increase in the numbers of hatchery-reared salmon available for the Maine Atlantic salmon restoration program.
Construction of the Union River fish trapping facility was completed in September, 1974. The Union River project provides an additional opportunity for anglers to fish for Atlantic salmon as well as providing an additional 300,000 eggs for the expanding hatchery program. Additional studies include research in smolt migration, salmon nutrition, genetic characteristics, and pesticides. Many of these co-operative studies are conducted at the University of Maine, and others are under the auspices of the federal laboratories operated by the U . S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This coordinated approach to salmon research will ultimately benefit the Maine salmon angler.
PENOBSCOT RIVER SALMON RUN 1000 NUMBERS OF ADULT ATLANTIC SALMON TRAPPED ANNUALLY AT BANGOR-BREWER FISHWAY
BOO
600
400
200
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
Warden Service Charles S. Allen, Chief Warden
Warden Service underwent several significant changes during this past fiscal year. On July 1, 1974, we initiated the regional headquarters setup. Basically this means that eventually a warden supervisor, a fisheries biologist, and a wildlife biologist will share one office and be responsible for the same region. Warden district and division lines were changed to town lines, so that only one warden is responsible for a particular town. Eventually, through retirements, warden divisions will be reduced from fourteen to seven. Each warden division will consist of one supervisor, two to four inspectors, and twelve to eighteen district wardens. This should provide closer supervision and better coverage to the public in general. To date four divisions are complete, those being in the Rangeley, Greenville, Sebago, and Lincoln areas.
28
More than the usual number of changes in personnel occurred within Warden Service this past year. Warden Supervisor Alanson B. Noble was promoted to deputy chief warden and assumed his new duties in November 1974. Warden Inspector Gray Morrison was promoted to supervisor and assigned to the Greenville area. Wardens Larry Cummings, David Sewall, and William Vail were promoted to warden inspectors. Warden Donald Gray was promoted to inspector and placed in charge of the Rescue Team. In December, wardens Gary Ballanger, Daniel Watson, and William Allen were selected to fill vacancies on the Rescue Team and were promoted to specialist. Wardens Donald Cote, Elmer Knowlton, Charles Tuttle, and Donald Walker retired with a total of 88 years service. Men of their ability will certainly be Warden Supervisor missed.
George Nash died after a brief illness in March 1975. George was an active and well respected officer. Nine new wardens were hired from the eligible list and assigned to various districts throughout the state. One warden left the service for personal reasons. The tenth annual Warden School was held in 1975 at the University of Maine in Orono for ten inland wardens, three sea and shore wardens, one Baxter Park ranger, and one military policeman from Loring Air Force Base. An award was presented to Norman Moulton for highest achievement. In August 197 4, all warden personnel completed a three-day pursuit driving course conducted by the State Police at Waterville and the Norridgewock Airport. This past spring, the same threeday course was held for the new men that had been hired since
Maine Fish and Wildlife -
Winter 1975-76
7
last summer. Also this spring, several warden inspectors attended a one-week supervisory officers' school at Millinocket. A survival swimming course was held for several wardens who had not previously attended. In June, the new wardens took a four-day canoe trip on the St. John River. A water safety instructors' course was held at Westbrook in March with Wardens Beleckis, Goodwin, and Pratt attending along with Forestry personnel. For the first time in several years, a one-day workshop for all department employees was held at the University of Maine in Orono, during which awards for meritorious service were presented to wardens Norman Moulton and Carter Smith, and Pilots Jack McPhee and Gary Dumond. At the 1974 Northeast Fish and Wildlife Conference, Warden John Robertson, along with a warden from each participating state, was honored as the outstanding warden of that state for the year. To comply with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, members of Warden Service started on a 28-day work period Jan. 1, 1975. The Department policy for 1975 has been to limit a warden to 240 hours for each 28-day period. The U. S. Supreme Court will consider whether the F. L. S. A. is discriminatory in regard to law enforcement officers.
In the annual shooting program, Warden Carroll Goodwin won the Commissioner's Trophy; and Division L, headed by Supervisor Leonard Ritchie, won the Advisory Council A ward. The tri-state shoot among wardens from Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont was held in Maine with the trophy going to the Vermont wardens. The Search and Rescue Unit completed another highly successful year and participated in 13 underwater searches, two of which were unfounded. The 11 drownings involved 15 victims, 11 of whom were recovered by wardens of the Unit. There was one request for the Unit at Mt. Katahdin. The search unit spent a total of 698 man-hours and drove 6,271 miles on searches. Our Warden Flying Service had another successful and very active year. Our three pilots and chief pilot logged a total of 3,838 hours of flying time. This compares to 2,718 hours logged 10 years ago by four pilots and the chief pilot. With one pilot fewer, two days off each week instead of one, and increased requests from other agencies, our own enforcement needs, I feel, must still
take preference. The success of the Flying Service can certainly be credited directly to the dedication, skill, and attitude of our pilots and aircraft mechanic. The capital improvement program for the past year was somewhat curtailed due to budgetary problems. However, necessary repairs were made to several warden camps and houses. In addition, 56 vehicles had to be purchased as replacements. Seven snowmobile trailers, 15 outboard motors, 7 boats, 7 boat trailers, and 4 canoes were purchased to replace worn out equipment. In spite of the fact that wardens worked 49,545 hours less than last year, our violations prosecutions showed an increase of 414. All types of violations were up except boating and litter violations which, combined, decreased by 166. Hunting Trapping Fishing Dog law Snowmobile Boating Litter laws Environmental Other
1287 67 1342 286 848 616 210 45 35
All repairs to Warden Serv ice sidearms are now being made by Wa'rden John Robertson , who attended training sessions to familiarize himself with the operation and repair of the firearms.
Maine Fish and Wildlife -
Winter 1975-76
29
C THE LABEL HELPS If you are renewing your subscription, notifying us of an address change, or have any other reason to write about your subscription to MAINE FISH AND WILDLIFE, please include a label from your magazine, or at least a copy of all the information on the label. It will greatly help speed the processing. Of course, if you are moving we must also have your new mailing address, including zip code. We must have this information at least four weeks in advance of the next publication date. The magazine is not forwarded automatically.
HUNTING SAFETY REPORT Hunting accidents in Maine continued to decline in 1975, according to Gary Anderson, the Department's hunter safety director. There were 33 shooting accidents in 1975, two fewer than the previous year. Three of the accidents both years were fatal. Accident figures have not been this low since the early 1940's when there were only half as many hunters as there are today. Anderson attributes the improving record to several law changes - especially the one requiring that hunter orange clothing be worn during the deer sea30
son-as well as the hunter safety training program which now totals 41,000 graduates. Although 33 accidents in an entire year by over 200,000 participants is not a bad record for an active sport, Anderson thinks that if more hunters had training and the proper attitude, the number of shooting accidents could be cut further. For one thing, he notes that a violation of the hunting laws is involved in 80 to 85 per cent of all accidents.
ual waters, but legal length limits have changed in several major instances. The length limit on brown trout and rainbow trout is now 12 inches, except that there is no length limit on them in brooks and streams. In Cumberland and York counties, there is now a six-inch limit on brook trout in all brnoks and streams and an eight-inch limit on lakes and ponds. The regulation changes on individual bodies of water - too numerous to mention here - are listed in the 1976 open-water fishing law folder. DEER SEASON REPORT Final figures for the 1975 deer kill were not available at press time. The preliminary figure, however, is 34,669, just two deer more than the final figure for th P. previous year. We'll try to have the county breakdown, license sale figures , and other highlights of the 1975 season in the spring issue.
FISHING LAW CHANGES April 1 and the start of the open-water fishing season are not far away, and anglers should be aware of some new, major exceptions to the general laws as well as numerous lesser changes involving individual bodies of water. The general law season on brooks and streams is April 1 to August 15, but new regulations covering all brooks and streams in York and Cumberland counties extend the closing date to September 15. Brooks, streams, and rivers in Aroostook County open May 1 and close September 15. The special season on bass was repealed last year by the 107th Legislature. Bass now come under the general law; that is, fishing for them begins on April 1 with no special restrictions on legal methods or reduced bag limits. Daily bag limits have remained the same except in some individ-
1976 LICENSE FEES Nonresident Citizen Big Game $ 60.50 Hunting - 10 yrs. and over Alien Big Game Hunting (new license in 1976) 100.00 Nonresident Small Game Hunting30.50 16 yrs. and over Nonresident Junior Small Game 15.50 Hunting - 10-15 yrs. inc. Nonresident Archery Deer Hunting 60.60 12 yrs. and over 250.00 Nonresident Trapping 125.00 Nonresident Guide - 18 yrs. and over 150.00 Alien Guide (new License in 1976) Nonresident Junior Fishing4.00 12-15 yrs. inc. Nonresident Season Fishing 16 yrs. and over 25.50 Nonresident 15-day Fishing 15.50 Nonresident 7-day Fishing 12.50 Resident or nonresident 3-day Fishing 7.50 7.50 Resident Fishing - 16 yrs. and over Resident Junior Hunting- 10-15 yrs. inc. 1.50 Resident Hunting - 16 yrs. and over 7 .50 Resident Combinaticn Hunting and free Fishing - Over age 70 Resident Combination Hunting and 12.50 Fishing - 16 yrs. and over 3.50 Resident Serviceman Combination Resident Archery Hunting - 10 yrs. 7.50 and over 13.00 Resident Trapping (Statewide) Resident Trapping (Organized Townships) (This license will no longer be issued) (none) Resident Guide -18 yrs. and over 32.00 Resident Deer Transportation License 40.50
Maine Fish and Wildlife -
Winter 1975-76
NON-GAME FUNDING PLAN Who pays for the conservation of non-game fish and wildlife? Who should pay? A recent study on the funding of programs for non-game fish and wildlife, conducted by the Wildlife Management Institute, concentrates on these questions and makes a number of recommendations including the establishment of a new federal aid program specifically for the benefit of non-game species. Most money for fish and wildlife management now comes from state hunting and fishing license fees and federal taxes on fishing and hunting equipment. While all people who enjoy the outdoors benefit to some degree from the programs funded by these monies, only those who hunt or fish support them financially. Both state and federal efforts to obtain voluntary public contributions for these programs have had disappointing results. The Wildlife Management Institute's -study indicates that state fish and game agencies need an additional $40 million annually over their present combined budgets just to launch comprehensive programs that would give full consideration to all forms of animal life. More money would be required to continue the programs in the following years. To meet this need, the study recommends that a non-game fish and wildlife federal matching grant-in-aid program be authorized by Congress, with funds to be obtained from excise taxes on outdoor recreation equipment such as tents, camp stoves and lanterns, camping and travel trailers, sleeping bags, air mattresses, birdhouses and feeders, bird seed, binoculars, and certain cameras and film. Other possible revenue sources include: strip mine royalties, zoo admissions, non-returnable bottles, public land building permits,
Maine Fish and Wildlife -
â&#x20AC;˘
WARNING Dogs Are Killing Deer In This Area Minimum fine to Owner o, Keeper of A Dog found Wounding o, Xi/ling Deer
$200
recreational stamps issued to nonhunters/ non-fishermen, surcharge on public land timber sales; even, perhaps, a $1 checkoff on federal/ state income taxes. Legislation following the recommendations of the Wildlife Management Institute study has already been drafted by the Senate Subcommittee on the Environment. The draft is now under review and may be introduced shortly. Details of the study are available in the publication, "Current Investments, Projected Needs, and Potential New Sources of Income for Non-game Fish and Wildlife Programs in the United States" (Wildlife Management Institute, 1975) . The study was conducted by the Institute under contract to t h e U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Council of Environmental Quality.
Winter 1975-76
Warden Lloyd Perkins hopes that a word to the wise in a store window will be sufficient for dog owners in his Augusta-area district. Deer-chasing dogs have been a problem in some parts of the state this winter.
ANSWER TO PUZZLE ON PAGE 7
31
Black Ducks - con tinued f r om pag e 10
measured by band recoveries. As presently proposed, this regulation would close the black duck season in all but Canada, New England States, New Jersey, and Long Island in New York. A few special areas where more than one state is involved could be subject to special regulation (example: Lake Champlain between New York and Vermont). States where the season was closed might be allowed one extra bird in the general duck daily bag limit. States where the black duck season remained open (such as Maine) might have the black duck season considerably shortened. So much for the thinking. Presently it's all in the offing, and much will depend on the success of the winter banding program throughout the Flyway. The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service will, as always, have the responsibility and final say about what eventually happens. with duck hunters and bird watchers, I get asked now and then what can be done for black ducks beside making regulatory measures. After 25 years in Maine as a duckologist, I know just one management measure that is feasible and very likely to have a significant effect. Simply stated, it consists of managing beaver populations to produce the greatest number of beaver
A
SIDE FROM ARGUING
ponds that the habitat will support. This is not expensive, and the Fish and Wildlife Department has the knowledge and technology of how to do it. The reason this measure is successful is that it creates many individual breeding areas of the very highest quality as far as black ducks are concerned. An objective of the Wildlife Division's long range management plan for beaver is to increase the number of beaver, and, consequently, the number of beaver ponds, to the optimum that the available habitat will support. It is planned to accomplish this mainly through regulation of beaver seasons and closures. This, plus continued management of individual high quality flowages that would otherwise create nuisance conditions, should help the black duck. The ultimate would be to maintain even more beaver ponds through intensive management of high quality flowages providing that a breeding stock of blacks would be available to utilize this habitat. However, at present, Department priorities based on needs of all wildlife species and budget constraints do not allow for any appreciable increase in the individual management of nuisance beaver flowages. I am sure the above will provide some food for thought and argument amongst those concerned with the black duck. Howsoever, that's the way it is, as best I know it. â&#x20AC;˘
INFLATION AND POSTAGE We announce with regret that the rates for Maine Fish and Wildlife are due for an increase soon. Inflation has been having its effect on our costs, and the recent large jump in postage rates finally brought things to the point where we must make a change. The new rates will be: Single copy One year ( 4 issues)
$ .75
2.50
Two years (8 issues) Three years (12 issues)
4.00 5.50
(These rates are for mailing to United States zip code addresses. For addresses other than these, subscriptions are $1.00 more for each term, and the single copy price is 90¢.) The increase is not large, however, and we want to announce it early so our readers and prospective subscribers will have the opportunity to use the current rates for a while. We will accept orders at the present rates until the new ones become effective July 1, 1976. You may extend your own subscription or a gift subscription for up to three years, or you may buy a new personal subscription or a gift, at the rates now in effect. As you may know, the magazine is mailed at second class rates, which are lower than letter mail but which took a sizeable jump just after Christmas, along with the increase in costs for mailing letters and post cards. Expiration notices and other correspondence (first class mail) will cost an appreciable amount more now. Some of our readers tell us they think Maine Fish and Wildlife is a bargain. Compared with a magazine that is half advertising, we present the equivalent of 64 pages of editorial/advertising mix. We intend that the magazine continue to present material no other Maine publication does, with the idea of furnishing interesting, entertaining, and educational articles. We will be making a reader survey in an early issue, in another effort to find out what you feel we are doing right, what we are doing not so right, and what we might do to make Maine Fish and Wildlife more valuable to our readers. 32
Maine Fish and Wildlife -
Winter 1975-76
RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED Postmaster: If undeliverable, please return entire magazine with form 3579
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife
284 State St.
Augusta, Maine 04333