Maine Fish and Wildlife Magazine, Spring 1976 by Maine State Library

MAINE FISH AND UTILDLIFE

MAINE Governor James B. Longley

FISH AND WILDLIFE

Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner

Maynard F. Marsh .J. William Peppard

STATE OF MAINE

De1mty Commissione1·

Kenneth H. Anderson Director, Planning ancl Co-ordination

Vol. 18, No. 2

Spring, 1976

11pt. of Hatcheries

Stanley P. Linscott Charles S. Allen

Chief Warden

Lyndon H. Bond

Chief, Fishery Divisio n

Fishing Season '75

Thomas J. Chaniberlain

Eider Ducks, Islands, and People

Howar d L. M endall

Business Manager

Ralph C. Will Robert W. Boettger William C. Mincher

Chief, Wildlife Division Directo1·, Information and Education

Clayton G. Grant

Chief, Engin ee ring Division

Richard B. Parks

Chief, Realty Division

Hooks

Thomas J. Chaniberlain

Cold Water Survival 11

Lorenzo J. Gaudreau

Director, Safety and Snowmobile Registration

"The Real Chore is Understanding" 12

Robert H. Johnson

Directo1·, Watercmft Registration and Safety

KID-BITS 16

Chief Biologist, Atlantic Salmon Commission

Togue Food Airlift 18

Stuart E. DeRoche

Carrying Out is Picking Up 22

Marshall T. Wi ebe

Alfred L. Meister

Advisory Council Dr. Alonzo H. Garcelon, Chairman Augusta, Maine Glenn H. Manuel Littleton

Asa 0. Holmes Belfast

Robert D. Steele Scarborough

Burleigh Richards, Jr. Buxton

Ralph L. Noel Aub11n1

Rodney W. Ross Brownville

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

Carole Dyer Thonias J. Chamb erlain

Pollution Sleuthing Herons 24 Ecologogriph 25 Letters, Notes, Comment 26 Ecologogriph Answer 27 Radio Equipped Sunapees 28

Fred W. Kircheis

Editorial Questionnaire 31

W. Thomas Shoener, Managing 'Editor

Thomas J. Chamberlain, Features Editor William W. Cross, Photo Editor Thomas L. Carbone, Photogravher

© 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, $3.60 for two years, $4.75 for three years. No stamps, please. Second class postage paid at Augusta, Maine 04330.

Maine Fish and Wildlife -

Spring 1976

THE COVERS Front: Cherished by every serious angler are the precious moments he spends at some familiar spot in pursuit of unseen quarry. Photo by Bill Cross. Inside Front: Canada geese - a familiar springtime sight in Maine. Photo by Bill Cross. Inside Back: Driftwood - better known in Maine as dri-ki on the shore of Chesuncook Lake. Photo by Bill Cross. Back: A Maine stream in May. Photo by Bill Cross.

A Bit Of Background

By Tom Chamberlain

AI TE FISH A D WILDLIFE Magazine's first is ue was published in the spring of 1959. Then called MAINE FISH A D GAME, the magazine's first two pages de cribed to readers Maine's "The One That Didn't Get Away Club", and listed qualifying anglers and their catches for the previous season. Each pring since then, we have devoted space to the club and its new members. And, since the club has been in existence nearly 40 years, we felt a bit of history might be of interest this year. "The One That Didn't Get Away Club" was formed in 1939 by the Maine Development Commission. Classes were set up for eight species, with minimum qualifying weights as follows : landlocked salmon, brown trout, and rainbows, eight pounds; brook trout and black bass (largemouth and smallmouth), five pounds; lake trout (togue) and Atlantic salmon, fifteen pounds; and white perch, three pounds. Weights were required (and still are) to be checked by a Department warden or by two disinterested per ons with warden notification later. The prizes? A certificate signed by the Governor of Maine, and a handsome blue-and-gold shoulder patch (long a favorite with collectors, reproduced in our first issue, and printed again in this issue.) Changes in club rules through the years have been minimal - the pickerel class was added in 1966, with a four-pound qualifying weight - the weight requirement for white perch was raised to four pounds in 1968 - ice fishing was a legal way to catch a club entry beginning in 1972. Since its inception, the club has been run by the

Maine Development ommission and several successor agencie , the latest of which was the Department of Co mmerce and Industry. Recent reorganization of the Department of Commerce and Industry, however, caused some uncertainty about the future of this club, as well as "The Bigge t Bucks in Maine Club" run by the same agency. Realizing the interest in both clubs and their value to the State of Maine, Th e Maine Sportsma11 - a monthly outdoor-oriented tabloid newspaper - agreed to take over the club and operate it until it can again be run by a state agency. Beginning with this coming fishing season, Th e Mai11e Sportsman will be collecting the cards and tabulating the data to determine the club winners. The new management has made two changes in the qualifying weights, dropping the rainbow trout minimum from eight pounds to six and the white perch minimum from four pounds to two. Anglers will still be able to obtain entry cards from wardens and fi hery biologist , however. And we will still hold some space in each spring i s ue for publication of the trophy list. Speaking of trophy fish, the following list will show you how far above the minimum qualifying weights you would have to go to hold a statewide record for the club pecies; it also contains listings of the largest recorded catches in several non-club categories. So here it i . The 37th annual "One That Didn't Get Away" list. If you caught a larger fish last season in Maine, where's your registration card?? You'd be a winner!! Maine Fish and Wildlife -

Spring 1976

OFFICIAL STATE OF MAINE RECORD FISH SMALLMOUTH BASS George Dyer, Augusta 8 lbs. Thompson Lake 1970 LARGEMOUTH BASS Robert Kamp, Denmark 11 lbs. 10 oz. Moose Pond 1968 WHITE PERCH Mrs. Earl Small, Waterville 4 lbs.10 oz. Messalonskee Lake 1949 CHAIN PICKEREL Eugene Laughlin, Raymond 6 lbs. 8 oz. Sebago Lake 1969 WHITEFISH Neil Sullivan, Worcester, MA 7 lbs. 8 oz. Sebago Lake 1958 CUSK Gordon Saucier, Winterville 14 lbs. 1 oz. St. Froid Lake 1972

BROOK TROUT 8 lbs. 5 oz. Dixon Griffin, Dixfield 1958 Pierce Pond BROWN TROUT 19 lbs. 7 oz Norman Stacy, Fitchburg, MA 1958 Sebago Lake LAKE TROUT (TOGUE) 31 lbs. 8 oz. Hollis Grindle, Ellsworth 1958 Beech Hill Pond BLUE BACK TROUT 4 lbs. 4 oz. Merton Wyman, Belgrade 1973 Basin Pond LANDLOCKED SALMON 22 lbs. 8 oz. Edward Blakeley, Darien, CT 1907 Sebago Lake ATLANTIC SALMON 26 lbs. 2 oz. Harry Smith, Cherryfield 1959 Narraguagus River

THE ONE THAT DIDN'T GET AWAY CLUB FOR 1975

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Where ,c aught

The Angler

The Fish

TOP FISH IN EACH CATEGORY

5/ 19 5/ 21 5/ 31 5/ 25 5/ 23 5/20 6/ 10

Eagle L ake Chamberlain L ake Basin Pond (Fayette) Mi!limagasset Lake Chamberlain Lake Eagle Lake Basin P ond (Fayette)

Labrador Special Mooselook Wobbler dried bait Mickey Finn fly streamer fly Gray Ghost Mooselook Wobbler

live bait Narrag ansett fly night walker smelt Dave Davis

Brook Trout

Robert Smith, Peabody, Mass. Harry Getchell, G orham, Me. Judston Gardner, Windsor, Me. Scott Holdsworth, Cumberland Ctr., Me. Charles D ouglass , Gorham, Me. Louis Kazanjian, Watertown. Mass. Lester Tibbets, Winthrop, Me .

10-3 10 9-2 8-6

29 ~2 28·5 29 27 28

2/ 12 5 / 27

Brown Trout

R. De a n Michaud. No. Hampton, N .H . Wilton Strout, Gorham, Me. Larry Hersey, East Holden, Me. D ouglass Reynolds, Winslow. Me. Russell Prime, Saco, Me.

7/ 6 6/ 20

Great East Lake Hancock Pond Harriman Pond, (Orland) China Lake Little Sebago Lake

(Togue}

Robert 0 . Webber. Farmington. Me. Frank H oyt, E. Wakefield , N .H. Robert G . Shufelt, Jr ., Greenville, Me. Merle Nelson, Waterville, Me. Scott Bond, Brewer. Me.

21-4 20 -12 18-12 18-2 18

38 37 38 33 33

3/ 12 7/23 2/16 5/ 8 5/ 25

ClearwateT Lake Great East Lake Moosehead Lake Monson Pond Beech Hill Pond (Otis)

H & J Lead Fish Flutter Devil lead fish sewed smelt Mooselook Wobbler

Salmon

David J ones, South Windham, Me.

8-8

4/ 19

Sebago Lake

sewed smelt

17-1 17

37 36

5/ 21 6/ 4

Narraguagus River Narraguagus River

Brown Wulff #8 Silver Rat

5/ 3 10/ 20 6/ 5 7/ 25 9/ 5 9/ 30

Wadley Pond (Lyman) Moose Pond Farrington Pond Little North Pond Lard P ond Pleasant P ond

spinner bait Jitterbug Webber Mouse plastic worm Gold Wobbler spinner

3/ 1 2/ 13 8/ 7 1/ 5 1 / 62 10 / 4

Sebago Lake Great P ond (Belgrade) North Pond (Smithfield ) Wayne P ond Great Pond (Belgrade) Turner Pond (East Livermore)

live bait minno,v Red-White Jure live bait shi ner Dardevle

Lake Trout

Atlantic Salmon

Black Bass

Pickerel

Fred S. Callahan. Auburn, Me. Abbott Ranger, So. P aris, Me.

6 5·8 5-8 5-6 5.4 5-4 5

22\~ 23

Lure

21 ~4

22 22

21 1,2 21;4

Ralph S . And rews. Scarboro, Me . Tom Stockwell. Waterford, Me. Howard Cresswell, Center Lovell. Me. Frederick Flagg, Smithfield, Me. Carl Clifford, Lewiston, Me. Deborah Benscoter, Brunswick, Me.

9-2 8-7 8·2 ~2 8-2 7-8

21 ~?. 24 ~2

Jean Ribas. Sebago Lake, Me . John Mathias, Waterville. Me. Robert Bushey. Gl asto nbury, Ct. D avid L. Violette. Rumford . Me . Henry Breton, Bel grade Lakes, Mc. Harold Newcomb, Livermore Falls. Me .

5-15 5-1 4-8 4-8 4-7 4-6

26 26 -12 26-5 27-4

7•9%

25 24 %

24 23~,.

27 27 ~2

- -

Maine Fish and Wildlife -

Spring 1976

EIDER DUCKS, ISLANDS, AND PEOPLE

A dra ke e ider re mains on g uard while his mate selects a nest site.

By Howard L. Mendall Leader, Maine Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit

l'll o to b,\· Hil' hill'd F t· rl't' ll fur :'11: lill t• ( '11n p 1•rnT in · \\' ild li ft • l:1 •;,,, t•; l!'(• la T"11 il

to own an island on the Maine coast? If so, you have a lot of company. The increasing demands on the real estate market for recreational land and the prices such property are bringing have been amazing to most Maine residents. Objectives for owning islands include subdivision and development for vacation homes, industrialization, preservation for scenic or historic values, and establishing of picnic areas and camp grounds for the boating public. Also included are wildlife interests - the safeguarding of the breeding and resting sites of seabirds, waterfowl, and marine mammals that are as much a part of the coast as the surf itself. Many of the birds that frequent the islands nest in large numbers in colonies-sometimes several hundreds or even thousands on a single island. Colonial nesting is a trait of gulls, terns, petrels, puffins. and razor-billed auks. Among Maine waterfowl, only the eider duck is a colonial species. These birds characteristically shun the mainland for breeding, in favor of islands which usually provide much safer nest sites. The American eider is of particular interest to both nature lovers and waterfowl hunters of Maine. It is the largest duck in

OULD YOU LIKE

North America. The strikingly colored black and white drake averages around 41/2 pounds, and the brown or buffy female is about a pound lighter. Eiders are gregarious at all seasons of the year, and flocks of several thousand during fall and winter are commonly seen at many places along the Maine coast. Well adapted to rigorous weather and low temperature, eiders seldom come ashore except during the breeding season. They are able to ride out even a northeast blizzard in a cove on the lee side of a large island. They obtain nearly all of their food by diving and are skilled at underwater maneuvers. Numerous invertebrates make up their diet, with blue mussels, periwinkles, and sea urchins especially favored. the earliest of the seabirds to nest. By the last week of April, in most years, pairs go ashore, the drake following his female while she selects the nest site. Nests may be in a variety of places: unconcealed in an old gull nest, in grass or weeds, or within a patch of raspberry or bayberry bushes. Sometimes the birds select nest sites under driftwood or boards or even a fisherman's abandoned shack. On wooded islands, eiders may pick a site under a tangled

IDERS ARE AMONG

blowdown or beneath the drooping branches of a spruce. However, use of forested islands in Maine is the exception rather than the rule. Apparently, the preference is for small islands having only grass, herbs, or shrubs as cover. Since eiders are colonial, they nest with others of their kind, sometimes as many as -200 or more pairs per acre. Moreover, they usually choose islands that have large populations of gulls. This seems strange, as both the herring gull and the black-backed gull are well known to be egg eaters; and, in addition, the latter is especially fond of ducklings. Yet, we commonly find an eider nesting only three feet from an incubating gull. The fact that eiders appear attracted to gulls may have more value to the eiders than some observers believe. Gull colonies always contain non-breeding or immature birds. With no nests of their own to defend, these gulls are on the prowl for easy food. Such birds, together with crows and ravens (which are even more addicted to egg eating than are gulls), are constantly being driven away from nesting areas by the "resident" gulls. Thus, while eiders lose some eggs to the breeding gulls, they likely would lose a lot more if transient gulls and crows were not kept on the move. From two to seven eggs, averaging about four, make up the eider's clutch. The eggs are protected by the female's thick layer of down feathers. When the females leave their nests volunMaine Fish and Wildlife -

Spring 1976

tarily, they cover the eggs with down to maintain proper temperatures and to camouflage them against predators. But once incubation starts, females leave their nests only occasionally for drinking water-perhaps two or three times a 1Ceek. They do little or no feeding during the twenty-six days required for the eggs to hatch, utilizing body fat and protein stored up in the weeks prior to nesting. This apparently is the way eiders have adapted to colonial living while surrounded by their natural enemies. Meanwhile, the drakes lose interest in their mates as soon as incubation begins. Gradually, the males congregate, and eventually a large flock is formed. They leave the nesting islands and move seaward to molt near offshore ledges and shoals. Few males are seen around the bays and inner islands after mid-June. During the summer molt, they acquire a dull, gray-brown plumage, similar to that of the females. This makes them much less conspicuous at the critical portion of the molt when they are unable to fly. Eider , like other ducks, shed all their flight feathers at the same time. Thus, for a period of three or four weeks, until the new feathers have developed, the birds are dependent on their swimming and diving abilities to escape danger. Eider ducklings hatch almost simultaneously, and soon after their down has dried, they are led from the nest by their mother. Usually, this is within 24 hours of hatching; and once away from the nest, the birds do not return. The journey from the nest to the water is one of the

A female eider on her nest in a clump of weeds and shrubs.

Eiders often make little effort to conceal their nests. The usual number of eggs laid is four.

most hazardous parts of the ducklings' lives, for they must run a gauntlet of hungry gulls . Many do not make it. Once on the water, the group may join other eider families, and frequently these aggregations contain females which have lost their own nests or which are non-breeding yearlings. Such groups, or "creches" as they are called, provide additional security for the ducklings from attacks by gullls or other predators. It takes at least two months for the young eiders to reach the flying stage. locality in the United States besides Alaska that has nesting eiders, and Alaska birds belong to a different subspecies. Thus, any steps to safeguard the U.S. breeding population of American eiders must be done in this state. Moreover, Maine and Massachusetts combined make up the principal winter range of the American eider-not only of Maine-raised birds but many of those that were reared in Quebec, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. In addition, two other kinds of eiders, the northern and the king eider, come to the Maine coast in small numbers during winter from Arctic and sub-Arc-

AINE IS THE ONLY

l'lloto hr lhtâ&#x20AC;˘ u11tilor

tic regions of Labrador and Baffin I land. For the past 11 year , a major project of the Maine Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit has dealt with the eider. Basic studies on breeding biology and productivity have been conducted on two study area in Penobscot Bay. The Wildlife Unit and the Division of Law Enforcement, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have jointly carried out a statewide investigation of population trends and a classification of the nesting islands. The history of the eider in Maine presents a refreshing contrast to that of many other North American ducks, some of which are currently showing declines. Nesting eiders along our coast have apparently doubled their numbers at least four times in the past 30 years or so and have also extended their range southwestward. As judged from published accounts, a gradual decline in eider numbers took place from the mid1800's to shortly after the turn of the 20th century. A::cording to Gross (1944), the low point of breeding eiders in Maine was reached in 1907. Following a summer survey of the Maine

coast, Norton (1907) wrote that probably only one breeding site remained occupied, Old Man Island in eastern Maine. Practically all the early writers said that the chief causes of the decline were over-shooting at concentration points, especially since spring gunning on breeding islands was then legal, plus collection of large numbers of eggs as food. Abolition of spring shooting, several years of complete closing of the eider hunting season, and the lease and patrol of several important seabird breeding islands by the National Audubon Society then followed the decline. This latter move was not aimed exclusively at eider protection, for herring gulls, common terns, Arctic terns, and double-crested cormorants had also shown serious population decreases. By 1915, these colonial breeders, including the eiders, were staging a comeback. Except for the terns, this trend has continued to the present. The population increase was gradual at first, but since the late 1930's, it has been accelerated. In addition, great black-backed gulls, that formerly nested primarily in Canada, are now increasing rapidly in Maine. The striking change in the current status of the eider is clearly evident in considering the findings of Gross (1944). Up to 1943, Gross had recorded breeding eiders on 31 islands and probable nesting on 14 others. He estimated the state's population as "probably" more than 2,000 pairs. Less than 30 years later, 1970, we had found eiders nesting on more than 150 islands; and we estimated, from our spring aerial inventory, that the Maine breeding population was a mm1mum of 20,000 pairs. Also, eiders were Typical eider nesting site consisting of low growth of grass and herbs on a small rocky island.

nesting much further southwestward than previously recorded, on several islands in Saco Bay of York County. The rapid rise in the eider population apparently has leveled off during the past five years. An aerial census in 1972 indicated about the same number of breeding pairs as in 1970. At present, by our aerial survey of 1974 and ground checks of 1975, it appears that we still have in the vicinity of 20,000 pairs. Approximately 60 per cent of the breeding birds are in the midcoast region, roughly from Isle au Haut to Pemaquid. the population E now seems more or less static, it "leveled" at a reasonably VEN THOUGH

high point. So one might ask: why the concern for Maine eiders and their nesting islands? We should not be complacent. There appear to be several reasons to be seriously concerned for the future of the birds. There is no evidence at present that the eider is being over-harvested. But interest in sea duck hunting is increasing. Since the eider is the only sea duck that breeds in Maine, we have a strong incentive both to preserve sufficient nesting habitat and, through wise regulations, to guard against too great an increase in the harvest. The eiders' habit of concentrated nesting and the fact that they share breeding space with herring gulls and black-backed gulls present problems. The loss of eider eggs and young has already been mentioned. In addition, high nesting densities may be factors in the spread of epidemic diseases and parasite infesPhoto l>r the uuthor

tations. Already, we have had three epidemics of fowl cholera, a serious bird disease, among eiders in the mid-coast regionin 1963, 1970, and 1974. The 1970 outbreak was especially widespread, and we estimated a loss of up to 20 per cent of the nesting female eiders among several of the important colonies of Penobscot and Muscongus bays and the outer islands. However, our studies indicate that Maine eiders probably can recover quite readily from most "normal" disease outbreaks. Also, the eider usually can successfully nest in the midst of a gull colony if left to itself and not disturbed by humans. If this were not so, it would be hard to explain the expanding populations of gulls and eiders that occurred simultaneously. But the influences of man and the increasing use of the marine resources may be too much for eiders to cope with successfully unless we effect more safeguards against disturbance to nesting birds and insure habitat preservation on the most important breeding islands. Coastal development is by no means confined to commerce and industry. Recreational development, whether by agencies or . by private interests, is a matter of increasing concern. The present trends in outdoor recreation often are not conducive to successful nesting by eiders and other colonial seabirds. The current boating boom has resulted in unprecedented demands for launching sites, marinas, island picnic sites and camping facilities, and other environmental alterations. And conservationists themselves often unintentionally add

Hunting eiders on an offshore ledge in late autumn can afford exciting but cold sport for Maine's coastal duck hunters.

Ph oto Uy J & I~ Divi s ion, De pt. of Inland 1,~ 1:-.h eri es nnd \\' ilcllife

to the problems of the birds. The nature enthusiasts who roam through a seabird colony to look and to photograph may cause extensive losses of eider eggs or newly-hatched ducklings by predatory gulls in a matter of minutes. Observations that we have made from blinds set up in eider colonies have demonstrated what happens. When people land on an island and start to travel over it, gulls and eiders alike leave their nests. But invariably, upon departure of the visitors, the gulls return much sooner than the eiders. Heavy destruction of exposed eider eggs results. CONTRAST to the situation affecting many other wildlife species, management of Maine's eider population is relatively simple. The primary needs are preservation of breeding habitat, and freedom to the birds from human disturbance during the nesting season, from May 1 to mid-July. For the remainder of the year, use of the islands for hunting, picnicking, or sight-seeing could be permitted. In 1969, following our aerial and ground surveys of Maine's islands, about 50 of those used by eiders for nesting were classified as being of major importance. These were given a priority rating based on colony size, growth potential, and vulnerability to ex-

Maine Fish and Wildlife -

Spring 1976

ploitation. These islands are well scattered from Washington to York counties. The priority list has been revised occasionally to meet changing conditions and is available to conservation agencies, both public and private, for their use in acquiring, or preserving through agreements, the habitat needed for successful breeding by eiders and their seabird associates. Public ownership is, of course, the best guarantee for the longterm future. But with increasing land costs and with austerity budgets of most agencies these days, purchase of islands is lagging. However, restrictive use policies and regulations such as provided by the Department of Environmental Protection, Land Use Regulation Commission, and Bureau of Public Lands are a second-choice alternative. In this regard, the conservation easement program of the Maine Coast Heritage Trust has promising possibilities. Can we justify taking coastal islands "out of circulation" for the benefit of birds? It would seem that this should be easy. Even if all 50 priority islands were acquired, less than 3 per cent of.the 1,700 vegetated islands on the Maine coast (Gross 1944) would be involved. On an area basis, the percentage would be even lower. According to Dun-

nack (1920), there are more than 400 islands that exceed 1,100 acres, and most eider islands are smaller than 10 acres. There is some uncertainty as to the number of islands along the Maine coast. Various published estimates range from 2,000 to more than 3,000, depending on one's definition of an island. The Coastal Island Registry Office of the Bureau of Public Lands lists about 3,300, but these include many unvegetated ledges - any land mass above water at high tide. Thus, the needs of eiders for islands appear very modest indeed. Some progress in meeting the needs has been made. Nearly 40 eider breeding islands are now under agency control or ownership, as follows: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife-25 ; Nature Conservance-5; U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service-3; National Audubon Society-3; and Maine Audubon Society-2. This is certainly a good start, even though only 7 of these are from the priority list. We hope a few more islands of major importance can be purchased by wildlife agencies and thus help insure that present eider populations can be maintained. â&#x20AC;˘

Literature Cited Dunnack, Henry E. 1920. The Maine book. Maine State Library, Augusta. 338 pp. Gross, Alfred 0. 1944. The present status of the American eider on the Maine coast. The Wilson Bull., 56 ( 1) : 15-26. Norton, Arthur H. 1907. Report of Arthur H. Norton on colonies of birds in Maine receiying special protection in 1907. Bird-Lore, 9 (6): 319-327. 7

Barbed Comments About

By Tom Chamberlain

on fishhooks. There are so many different types of hooks, each one seemingly designed for a specific ( very specific) purpose, that to try to explain the difference between a #14 2X G.P. F.P. T.U.B.E. and a #8 R.P. S.B. S.P. T.D.T.E would be ... well, you figure it out. This is intended instead to be an introduction to the use of fishhooks, which are probably the most important items in your tackle box. I have tried to include, very basically, how to choose the proper hook, how to fasten it to your line, how to keep it in good operating condition, and (if it should unfortunately be necessary) how to remove it when it becomes imbedded somewhere other than in a fish's jaw. The illustrations accompanying this article should give the reader at least a fair picture of the number of variables present

in hook design . But when you set out to select a hook for a specific purpose, you needn't have memorized all the types of points, eyes, shanks, etc. Just keep some basics in mind.

HIS IS NOT A TREATISE

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First, how big is the species of fish you're after? A common mistake is to start with a hook too large for the fish you are seeking -so remember, large fish can often be caught with small hooks,

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but small fish are seldom caught with large hooks. Keep it as small as practical. As a general guide, use #6 or #8 for perch, anywhere from #4 to #10 for trout, #6 to #110 for bass, and anywhere from #2 to #6 for pickerel. Now I know some fishermen will argue with that, but remember, I said this is a general guide. If you want to really find out what to use on bass, ask a successful fisherman, etc. The hardness of the fish's mouth is another thing to keep in mind. Basically, the shorter the shank, the deeper the hook will bite. So, short-shanked hooks are suitable for soft-mouthed fish such as trout and salmon, while long-shanked hooks, which penetrate more easily, are better for hard-mouthed species such as bass. What type of bait are you using? This is basically a matter

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FLATIED SHANK

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SHANK CROSS SECTIONS

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of common sense, for a larger bait usually works better on a larger hook. But after all, larger baits are generally used in seeking larger fish, so the greater hook size shouldn't interfere. In selecting a hook for dry-fly fishing, keep the weight to a minimum. A shorter shank will help here. Remember, the fly must float. Also, choose hooks with turned-up eyes, because turneddown eyes can interfere with hooking ability due to the short distance from eye to barb.

o you've chosen what you think is the right hook for the job. How do you fasten it onto your line? There are four types of knots which an angler should know: 1) those used to attach hooks or lures to line or leader; 2) those used to tie leader to line; 3) those used in the middle of line or leader; and 4) those used to form end loops. In each category, there are several knots which will serve the purpose. I have shown only one of each here, but much refer-

ence material is available on angler's knots if you're interested. here are only a few things you can do to lengthen the life of a fishhook. Let's face it - this item has a hard life. It is made of steel; hence, it will rust and wear. It is extremely sharp; hence it will not hold a point forever. And it is made of fairly light material for the stress it is given; hence, it may straighten or break. If an angler takes only a few minutes to wipe surface moisture

FISHERMEN'S KNOTS

Line through eye, five times around, back through end loop, • down through big loop, pull long line - LURE 'S ON!

Each end five times around other line, ends back throuch •center in opposite directions, pull lines - LINES JOINED!

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Make loop, hold at "A", twist loop around "A" five times, • push loop through center twist, hold loop in teeth, pull ends tight-MID-LINE LOOP!

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Make 8" loop, double back, five times around, back through •end loop, pull loop and both ends- END LOOP!

Maine Fish and Wildlife -

Spring 1976

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NEDDOWN ~';LL EYE

NH TAPERED EYE

FOUR SLICES IN SHANK

RNEDUP T~LLEYE

DSHANK BENT BACK

HOOK

'--

from a hook before putting it away, it will obviously prolong its resistance to rust. A dull hook, by the same token, may be shar pened with light touches of an emery cloth or sharpening stone although even the best hooks can take sharpening only a few times. When sharpening, minimwn is the word to remember. The point is delicate and needs only a few touches to hone it-don't destroy the shape of the point, and stay away from the barb. If the hook straightens or breaks, it is obviously time for a new one. And remember, the

work you are demanding from the little fellow is tough-it can't la t forever. s a parting shot, it is important to keep in mind that fishhooks are dangerous. They can easily become embedded past the barb in your finger or elsewhere in your anatomy-when they do, it is painful. And it can be difficult to remove them without proper procedure. Following is a brief description of one way to remo,·e a fishhook -quickly and painlessly. Neither this nor any other method of hook

DOONN TAPERED EYE

)

remornl should be attempted, however, if the hook i deeply embedded near the eye or other extremely delicate and sensitive parts of the body. If this is the case, cover the area with a loose bandage and get yourself to a doctor! Well, it is probably ob,·ious to some serious anglers reading this that I am not an expert on fo,hhooks. Nor do I claim to be. But they u re in lere. ting - the variations are endle. s-and this article just might help one who is beginning with the exciting pastime of angling. a

TAKE IT OUT!!

Loop about four feet of line around • hook and wrap around index finger, as shown.

With patient's hand on firm surface, • extend loop in line with shank's axis as an .. all clear" trial run.

Depress shank with thumb and fore• finger of free hand, as shown.

PULL!! Smooth, rapid tug, allowing • shank to pull out from between thumb and forefinger, will spin hook back along path of entry. Maine Fi h and Wi ldlife -

Spring 1976

NEW IDEAS ON

COLD WATER SURVIVAL OVERBOARD on a Maine lake or on the ocean is never a laughing matter, but if it happens at a time of year when the water is cold, it can be downright perilous. Prolonged exposure to the cold water can cause hypothermia-the lowering of body temperature to a point where vital organs can no longer function. If the body "core" cools to about 85 째F or

ALLING

H.E.L.P.

below, the victim loses consciousness and dies of heart failure. Although there has been considerable research done in water safety, it has been directed primarily at preventing drowning. It is only relatively recently that researchers have concentrated on improving a person's chances of surviving immersion in icy water. A team of researchers at the Univerisity of Victoria, British Columbia, has spent the past four years on a detailed study of the physiological responses of the body to long immersion under actual ocean conditions. They have come up with some surprising findings, some valuable suggestions for improving survival Maine Fish and Wildlife -

Spring 1976

chances, and a design for a flotation jacket which they say can increase life expectancy from two to three hours to nine to ten in 50 째F water. The first phase of their project consisted of producing a detailed picture of what happens to the human body in cold water. Monitoring their subjects from shipboard, the scientists received a second-by-second picture of the body's response to cold stress. Deep body temperature, temperature of blood flow to the brain, heart rate, electrocardiogram tracing, oxygen uptake, and electrical activitiy of specific muscles were recorded while the subjects were being both chilled and rewarmed. A thermography scanning technique was very useful in showing the critical areas of body heat loss. By comparing a thermogram of subject A, who was swimming vigorously with that of B, who held still for the same period of time, the researchers could see not only that heat loss was much faster for A but where in the body it was greatest, and why. Swimming forces blood to the large muscles of the upper body where it is cooled as it flows close to the skin. Returning to the heart and deep body areas, the cooled blood lowers core temperature. Using the information collected in their preliminary demonstrations, the three men began to develop and test methods of cold water survival. They were able to show, for instance, that survival time in cold water is increased by about one-third simply by holding still instead of swimming. This means that in 50 째F water, a person who might last two hours swimming could add another three-quarters of an hour

to that by not swimming. That time could spell the difference between rescue and drowning. They were also able to predict that in 50 째F water, the average person would be able to swim a little less than a mile before being incapacitated by cold. So they advise that unless water temperature is higher than that ( or the shore is closer), it is wiser not to try to swim for it. A swimmer without a flotation device obviously has to do something to stay afloat, and the researchers compared various methods with respect to heat loss. They found that the much publi-

Huddling

cized method of drownproofingfloating with head just under the surface and raising it every few seconds to inhale a lungful of air -is the quickest way to bring on hypothermia. The head loses heat very rapidly, and when repeatedly immersed, it cools 50 per cent faster than it would if the swimmer were treading water. Continued on page 27

The life of a wilderness warden's wife is filled with interesting and unique challenges, but ...

By Carole Dyer

with a phone call in May of 1961. Chief Warden Elmer Ingraham said he was pleased to inform me that my husband had been assigned a warden district, and did I know where St. Pamphile is located? I didn't but I found out two weeks later as we loaded bag, baggage, two children, and a dog into a borrowed truck and our little Fiat. Bravely we headed north, crossed the boundary, went for miles on dirt roads, and recrossed the border to our new home. The 18-foot square, two-story house sat in a cluster of dwellings used by forestry, customs, and logging personnel. And home it did become. Now, visiting there 14 years later, I notice some drastic changes, while time has stood still in other ways. The old house is gone, replaced by a modern ranch style home, complete with furnace, insulation, and a telephone. The rest of the neighborhood remains much the same, with a few of our old friends and neighbors still living there. Others have moved on to more suitable locations with T ALL BEGAN FOR ME

schools, shopping centers, theaters, and all the other niceties that are so much a part of our life style. But in talking with the present warden's wife, I find that she is perfectly content to stay there indefinitely. Coming from In St. Pamphile, New York City-bred Judy Sirois says she wouldn't trade her independent, isolated location for anything. Many duties connected with living in such a location occupy her days, but much of her spare time is spent with woodworking projects.

the edge of New York City, she finds that here is the peace and contentment that many of us take for granted . Now she has the time to finish projects started long ago. We learn that we have had many of the same problems, coming to a part of the country where French is not only helpful but absolutely necessary in many instances. We are able to share many delightful stories and experiences that just naturally seem

The author is the wife of Warden Inspector Russell Dyer of Steep Falls. Her first experience as a warden's wife was in the remote St. Pamphile district, giving her considerable insight concerning the lives of warden's wives whose husbands are stationed in these backwoods areas.

to happen to those who live between miles of woods on one side and a totally different culture on the other. When it is time to leave, I do so with the same feeling of leaving behind something very pre-

cious with memories as I had 14 years ago.

uch has changed in those years, but one thing remains constant. A game warden is a man dedicated to his job, both during and after his work day. His wife is, to a degree, required

Maine Fish and Wildlife -

Spring 1976

In St. Aurelie, Linda Wolverton enjoys weaving in her spare time - and her home is decorated with many of her creations. Although she is now living in Millinocket, she remembers fondly the time spent in the Quebec border district. The loom, incidentally, is homemade and very simple and effective.

to share his dedication, as much of his contact with the public is made from the home. Phone messages and door answering are only a small part of Mrs. Warden's unofficial responsibilities. The real chore is understanding. Understanding when the family is seated for Thanksgiving, the phone rings, and he excuses himself to go in-

Even at work, she is still very much a part of her hu band's job, once her whereabouts and identity are established. She is called upon to relay messages to her husband, asked about the length limit on salmon, the opening dates of duck season, or, more recently, certain environmental regulations. She may not be totally certain of the answers, but she can

ther explain the nature of the disease. Although to her it may seem amusing, to the party calling, it has been a very real concern. In reality, the warden's wife is a public relations buffer for her husband when he is immediately unavailable. However, not all areas offer the opportunities to work. The wives in these remote districts must rely upon their own ingenuity to pass the time. From all appearances, this does not seem to be a handicap. Beautifully done craftwork adorns their homes, testimony to the ability of these women to spend their days productively. Sewing that would do a licensed seamstress proud is sported by them and their families. And the cooking is outdone only by the hospitality shown.

"(She) ... is a public relations buffer for her husband when he is immediately unavailable." vestigate a hunting accident. Understanding when someone bangs on the door at 2 :00 a.m. to report a car-deer collision. Accepting it as part of the job when a trapper brings his pelts to be tagged and deposits them on the rug. Watching supper grow cold while the warden is checking for late duck hunters. "Schedule" is only a word in Webster's to a warden's family. Many wives have chosen to take jobs of their own, not only for financial reasons but to reduce the number of waiting hours, particularly during the hunting and smelting seasons. Maine Fish and Wildlife -

Spring 1976

steer the enquirer to someone who is qualified. Certain specifications for this portion of her day include concern for the problems of others, regardless of how unimportant they may seem. For instance, when a per on calls about a robin that is acting unnaturally on his lawn, and fears that it may be rabid, her role is to assure him that there is no danger and furThe author, Carole Dyer, took time while visiting with Linda in St. Aurelie to help with one duty common to many wives feeding the newest addition to the Wolverton family.

he only element that seems to be missing is a desire to change their way of life. Most of these women have known a busier, more public life before coming to the northern areas, and they are fully able to appreciate the tranquility of the boundary districts. Still, they, too, are very

people. Combine with this the fact that there are occasional Department functions, and there is a statewide acquaintanceship, all with different interests and yet one common bond. It is not unusual for warden's wives to give showers, "welcome to the Division" parties, or going away

are capable of self sustenance. Neither are there many who have had to drive 40 miles to have coffee with their nearest neighbor. In fact, she lives a life of which novels have been written. She has learned to be very independent, a necessity for those who have lived in a home powered by generator, with no one nearby to call upon for help should it go afoul. She has learned to substitute and improvise simply because the neighborhood store could be 15 miles distant. She appreciates the trip to Bangor to take in a movie and do some shopping. All in all, her perspective of life in general is enviable and admirable.

"She has learned to be very independent ... to substitute ... to improvise." much involved with their husbands' work, such as maintaining a tagging station. In many instances, their communication with the public may be made more difficult because of a language barrier. Some day, this, too, will be a memorable experience to be relived in the telling. More memories are made because of a special relationship in the Warden Service-a force of more than 140 men. Due to transfers or promotions, the mobility rate is fairly high. Consequently, many wives have lived in the same areas, sometimes the same houses, and have known the same

parties, and have guests come from a 50-mile or more radius. Socially speaking, a wife may plan on seeing her husband on the way to and the way from most gatherings. Unlike many occupations, his job has to do with other people's sport. Therefore, he is likely to be the center of male attention while the status of the deer population or the togue-versus-salmon situations are discussed. Yet, she may find that her position is interesting to others. There are not a great many women who have taken care of wild orphans to the point where they

ne severe problem that a warden's wife has to deal with almost daily is the constant knowledge that her husband is involved in a dangerous job. The risk in blowing beaver dams, which means handling dynamite; the fact that everyone he encounters during hunting season is armed; long working hours that cause drowsiness while driving

In Daaquam , Connie Page enjoys bak ing her own bread as much as living on the Maine-Quebec border. After raising a family of five in the Belgrade area, she looks on Daaquam as a wonderful change of pace .

Also in Daaquam, Cheryl Rommel likes to spend her time with creative stitchery and other handcrafts. She (like Judy Sirois) was also brought up in urban surroundings, and loves the Maine woods. 14

Maine Fish and Wildlife -

Spring 1976

Busy Hands ...

. . . run the hair clippers

In Seboomook, Barbara Priest lives nearly 40 mil es from the di strict supervisor's wifeo ne of her c losest friends . A generator provides the electricity for her appliances, including the sewing machine she uses when making her own clothes. Without a telephone , and 40 mi les from friend s, she is t rul y a wilderness warden 's wife .

... flesh out a bear pelt

long distances; these thoughts are always in the back of her mind. Yet, she still must remember that even if he doesn't come home when she expects him, it doesn't necessarily mean that he has met harm. More likely, he was on his way home when he saw some dogs put a deer across the road, and has been tramping

same. She has married a man who is contented with his work, and isn't that a lot easier to live with than with someone who is totally unhappy at his job? Even in this age of growing disrespect for law enforcement in general, she shares his pride in knowing that his work is valuable and will continue to be more so, with

"For her own sanity's sake ... she must believe that all is well unless she hears otherwise." through the woods. For her own sanity's sake, coupled with a few years experience, she must believe that all is well unless she hears otherwise. When asked how she manages to put up with this situation, invariably her answer will be the

... make out a license Maine Fish and Wildlife -

Spring 1976

growing population and dwindling wildland. Protection of our resources and wildlife in years to come will be increasingly important. Therefore, the need fordedicated men, with the help of their wives, will also grow. It is certainly a challenge worth meeting. 15

A seed falls to the ground. Given warmth, moisture, and a bit of a miracle, it can give birth to a tree. Every seed on every tree carries within it the m1n1ature of another tree-to-be. Formed on the branches during the summer, spread by animals or autumn winds, the seeds lie dormant during the winter. When the soil grows warm, when spring rains create abundant moisture, subtle

changes take place within those seeds that have fa lie cal substances are activated t hat cause the cells oft dividing. And a process of growth begins that can centuries. This marvelous process gives the world

The seeds of pine trees are hidden inside the cone . two seeds bei na formed on each scale. The cone of the pinyon pine (shown here actual size) 1s smaller than most; the seed. on the other hand , 1s cons iderably larger. When the cone opens. the seeds fall to the around.

The embryo tree inside the seedcomplete w ith tiny leaves, stem. and a point that will become a root- is embedded in a food supply ca lled "endosperm ."

The crowing embryo splits the shell of the seed. Respond ing to aravitywh ichever way the seed lies - the root prob es i ts way toward the around.

4 times actual size.

As soon as the tiny root tip penetrates the soil, the tree is not only fixed in the around, but is capable of absorbinc water and mineral nutriments.

Maine Fish and Wildlife -

Spring 1976

Hidden at the base of the leaves is the "t erminal bud ." Within th is cluster of actively dividing cells. all upward growth takes place.

favorably. Chemiembryo to begin rpetuate itself for forests .

The leaves emerge from the shell and create a supply of chlorophyll. Now the tree can manufacture its own food from water in the soil and carbon dioxide in the air.

COl"Vl'tl(a,n 1966 ST. R(GtS PA,Otfl COMl"AN'f, 1~0 [A ST -

Maine Fish and Wildlife -

Spring 1976

•1NO SU tCCT, " · Y., N .... . 10017. ALL llt lO HlS

•1ncav1:o.

Togue Food Airlift ('('Dwarfed" whitefish may supple,nent smelts.

Second Musquacook

lake

1962, Owen Fenderson, a fishery biologist of the Maine Fish and Wildlife Department, discovered that "dwarfed" forms of whitefish exist in 22 lakes in northwestern Maine, and that these forms are distinct from the "normal" whitefish which are common in many Maine lakes. Unlike normal whitefish which reach lengths of 20 inches and more, dwarfs seldom exceed 10 inches but most often range between 6 and 8 inches in length. Dwarfed whitefish spawn in lake tributaries, or sometimes along the lake shore, broadcasting their eggs over a gravel-rubble bottom. Spawning activity commonly occurs from mid-October to midNovember, but the old timers in the Musquacook ACK IN

By Stuart DeRoche Fishery Biologist 18

lakes region say that the best time to hit the peak is on Halloween night! During the ummer of 1975, I had an opportunity to work with Regional Fishery Biologist Peter Bourque on some lakes in northwestern Maine with dwarfed whitefish populations. It soon became apparent that these whitefish provide a significant source of food for lake trout. This being the case, it seemed logical that if some of these fish could be transplanted and established in another lake, they would serve as forage fish there, too. We had in mind Great East Lake in western York County, where food for lake trout i ' carce. We made plans to transfer dwarfed whitefish from Second Musquacook Lake in western Aroostook County to Great East Lake, and from October 27 to the 31st, peak spawning conditions prevailed at Second Musquacook and we began transplant operations. The distance and flight time allowed us to move only about 400 fish per trip. Three flights during the week resulted in transplanting 1,200 adult dwarfed whitefish to Great East Lake. Warden Pilot Jack McPhee reported that very little if any in-flight mortalities of fish occurred; however, this is not to say that po t-flight deaths are not anticipated. On the contrary, the impact from the stresses placed on these fish from trapping, handling, and the 3-hour flight itself would certainly cause some mortality. We hope that enough fish survived this ordeal Âˇo that they were able to spawn in Great East Lake after the transplant was made. In anticipation that mortalities of transplanted fish did occur, plans to transplant more dwarfed whitefish are made for 1976 and 1977.

from transplants made by Fenderson in some northern Maine waters that established dwarfed populations of whitefish do not maintain their dwarfed identity in all cases. Fenderson found that in some cases, some progeny of established dwarfs grow to proportions resembling individuals in a "normal" whitefish population. Therefore, there is no assurance that an established population of dwarfed whitefish in Great East Lake will necessarily breed true and take on the identity of their parents. It would probably be most valuable to the lake trout population in Great East Lake if the transplanted whitefish did maintain their dwarfed identity because there would be more consumable-size fish available to serve as lake trout food; however, if HERE ARE INDICATIONS

they do not maintain the dwarfed characteristic but grow to "normal" whitefish size, a two-fold advantage will be gained. First, the forage needs of the lake trout will be satisfied in that the young whitefish will be adequate for food; and, second, a sports fishery will be pos ible from the adult whitefish which should reach sizes of up to two or three pounds. Therefore, in the case of Great East Lake, there is nothing to lose if the transplanted whitefish do survive and maintain themselves in suitable numbers, regardless of the sizes they may attain. Great East Lake has an excellent self-sustaining population of lake trout, a remnant population of landlocked salmon, and a brown trout fishery which is maintained by an annual stocking program. Over the pa t 10 years, attempts to re-establish smelts in Great East Lake have failed; perhaps this failure is due to the fact that smelt eggs were stocked rather than adult, spawning smelts. Plans have been made to try to re-establish smelts by the transfer of spawning adults; however, this will depend upon the availability of sufficient numbers of smelts within a relatively short distance from Great East Lake to insure against high mortalities occurring during transportation. There is no indication that smelts and dwarfed whitefish cannot co-exist within the same lake environment; therefore, establishment of both species in Great East Lake would be most desirable because it would eliminate the necessity of lake trout to subsist on only one species of fish. It is anticipated that if transplants of smelts and/ or whitefish are succe sful, lake trout growth in Great East Lake will increase significantly, thus providing a more desirable fish for anglers to catch. Larger adult lake trout will also benefit the lake by producing inâ&#x20AC;˘ creased numbers of naturally-reared fish.

About 1,200 whitefish were netted and transplanted in 1975. Repeat operations are planned for 1976 and 1977.

Maine Fish and Wildlife -

Spring 1976

CONSERVATION CAREERS:

The Fisheries Scienfisl By Kendall Warner Senior Fisheries Research Biologist

of increasing human populations and increased leisure time, there is need both for more opportunities for healthful outdoor recreation and for more food production. Recreational and commercial fishing, with proper management, can supply both. The oceans produce much food but are far from being properly managed and harvested. Man-made reservoirs and farm ponds have added many millions of acres to our supply of fresh water for recreational purposes. Yet another source of fish and fishing are the thousands of natural lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams, which range tremendously in size, habitat diversity, and types of recreational opportunities. Including our territorial seas, fishing waters in t he United States total more than 100 million acres. Many fishery scientists will be needed if we are to manage these waters properly to meet the growing public demand for recreation and food.

N THIS AGE

Fisheries science is dynamic, constantly growing and changing to meet the increasing needs and demands of the future. In 1966, there were at least 3,100 fisheries personnel trained in diverse fields in the United States and Canada. In 1976, it is expected that total employment may be 5,000-6,000. There are many kinds of work that a fisheries scientist may do; the major ones are discussed in the following paragraphs. Fisheries management involves the actual field operations necessary to improve fishing through investigation of fishery problems and manipulation of fish populations and habitat. Management tasks include evaluation of fish populations, angler use, angler catch and success, aquatic habitat inventory, chemical reclamation to improve fishing, public information, and working with other natural resource agencies on conservation problems of mutual concern. Fisheries research is the search for facts upon which management techniques can be based to improve fishing. Investigations include population dy-

Maine Fish and Wildlife -

Spring 1976

namics, ecology, behavior, life history, and a wide variety of other factors that affect fish production. The fisheries administrator plans and co-ordinates field operations and research studies, identifies priorities for programs, co-ordinates implementation of sound fishery regulations, and provides information to and maintains close liaison with the fishing public. An adequate fisheries education is vital in the training of a qualified fisheries worker. Fisheries science is taught in more than 100 colleges and universities in the U. S. and Canada. Experienced teachers with practical training are presently in demand. Cooperative Fishery Units, funded through Public Law 86-686, exist at a number of universities to facilitate co-operation between the federal government, states, and educational institutions for fisheries research and education. Employment is also available in numerous specialized facets of fisheries science including public education, private consulting, fisheries planning, limnology, oceanography, statistics, nutrition, ecology, fish culture, fish diseases, and many others.

in fishery science belongs to the trained man with a formal a.cademic background in the field. High school courses should include biology, mathematics, chemistry, physics, English, languages, and social studies. These studies should be continued in college along with computer programming and statistical analysis. A bachelor's degree in biology or zoology, offered by many colleges and universities, is a basic requirement for many jobs in fishery science, and a master's degree is an increasingly frequent requirement. HE FUTURE

Maine Fish and Wildlife -

Spring 1976

Specialization in a particular branch of fisheries science increases chances for employment and is enhanced by graduate study resulting in attainment of a master's or doctor's degree. Temporary or summer work for a state or federal agency, as part of fishery survey or laboratory staff, is valuable experience and helps the student decide whether or not he really wants to become a fishery scientist. Because fish are primarily a public resource, fisheries management is entrusted mainly to state and federal governments although opportunities are increasing in private enterprise. To be a fishery scientist, you should like the outdoors and be able to perform field duties with skill, strength, and intelligence. You must be willing to spend extended periods of time away from home, and often do strenuous work for long hours under adverse and uncomfortable conditions. If you like to fish, you might occasionally have the chance, but you would be likely to spend more time fishing if you were an insurance salesman. A fisheries scientist should be able to express himself well in writing, through reports to his superiors, papers for scientific journals, and articles for lay reader . An ability to speak effectively to a wide variety of audiences is essential. A career as a fisheries scientist is a challenge to anyone genuinely interested in our natural resources, and it is a career that will become increasingly significant. For more detailed information, contact local offices of appropriate state or federal agencies, or write to American Fisheries Society, Fourth Floor Suite, 1319 - 18th Street, N. W., Washington, D. C. 20036, for their booklet entitled, "Fisheries as a Profession," from which much of the material in this article was taken . â&#x20AC;˘

CARRYING OUT IS PICKING UP By Marshall T. Wiebe, Coordinator Keep Maine Scenic Program Maine Department of onservation

OUTBOARD BOAT carrying three bearded fish-

ermen slowly made its way up the Chamberlain Lake thoroughfare one day last spring. Landing at the Allagash Wilderness Waterway ranger station, two men jumped ashore. The third handed them two large pla, tic bags filled with t rash. I watched as the two men headed across the parking lot in the direction of some trash barrels wh re they deposited the refuse. As they passed nearby, I heard one say, "After we gas up, we've got t get back up to that cove; they'll be hitting up there again tonight". These three fishermen, after several days in camp, were voluntarily carrying out the trash they had carried in. "It work ," I thought to myself. "Education really can work." The scene I witnessed that day in the Allagash Waterway was not the exception. Tom Di ckens, Supervisor of Operations and Maintenance for the Maine Bureau of Park and Recreation, says that the Carry In-Carry Out program is really catching 22

on. "Co-operation is excellent," he said. "We removed trash barrels from the campsite . Campers have been asked to carry their unburnable trash out with them and they are doing it".Âˇ Allagash Wilderness Waterway Supervisor Myrle Scott tells of a remark by a couple who had canoed and camped all over the United States and Canada: "They said our campsites look d as though they had been cleaned by a maid." This happy situation contrasts sharply to five years ago when Allagash administrators concluded in despair that "the average camper will not pack his trash out more than 100 feet." Control of litter and solid waste in the vast area surrounding the Allagash i the concern of the North Maine Woods Coordinating Committee. This group of landowner plays ho t each year to thousands of recreati cni. tc who want to hike, "'""1.n, hunt, fish, and ju, t plain relax on the 21 :! million acres of commercial forest they manage. Al Leighton, who chairs the Committee, say that the solid wa te problem is far from solved but that the Carry In-Carry ut program has "given u a big lift in the handling of litter problems." Maine Fish and Wildlife- Spring 1976

Old accumulations of trash are a major roadblock to gaining the public's acceptance of the Carry InCarry Out idea. We recently pinpointed nearly 100 woods locations, mostly near lake. and ponds, where piles of trash have gotten started ove r the years. As long as these ugly accumulations exist, people will find it easy to add to them. Unfortunately, organizing a clean-up of remote woods li tter has proven to be a very difficult job. The problems have not stopped one group, however, from pitching in. Gene Hensler, Director of the Boy Scout High Adventure Program at the Seboomook ba e camp, has organized a full scale attack on backwoods trash. Although the scouts have always had a policy of carrying out more tra h than they carried in, this year Hensler's crews eliminated tons of refuse which had been desecrating the West Branch of the Penobscot River-Chesuncook Lake area. Hensler reports that one crew made an exceptional effort by carrying 30 bags of trash from the Red Brook campsite. "I really think some progres is being made," he says. "Perhaps more groups s uch a snowmobile clubs, fish and game clubs, and other organizations who use the Maine woods could take an active role in the litter clean-up campaign." Another Maine organization is attacking the problem from a slightly different angle. When Albert Lepage, vice president of the Lepage Baking Company, heard of the problem from Keep Maine Scenic Committee member Peter Corcoran, he offered to help. As a result, the Carry In-Carry Out message and symbol was placed on the company's

familiar Down East bread wrappers. In addition, Lepage had large r eproductions of the symbol made for his fleet of delivery trucks. This effort will acquaint ten. of thou sa nds of people throughout the northeastern states with the Carry In-Carry Out program. about backcountry litter has been positive. During last summer, Forest nger Thomas Lemont observed a camper throw a bag of garbage into t he wood' in the vicinity of pencer Stream in Eustis. After apprehending the per<,on involved, Lemont recognized him as being a member of a group he had warned some weeks earlier about littering. The individual appeared before Di trict Court Judge Ronald Kellam who apparently believes in the Carry In-Carry Out program. The judge levied a 100 dollar fine, the maximum allowed under Maine's litter law. Overall, the woods litter situation has improved since we first reported on the problem in Maine Fish and Wildlife, but much more remai ns t o be done. In an effort to praad the word, te Ke ep Ma·ne Scenic Committee has produced a phistic . ticke ' for use on boats, vehicles, and other equi,)ment used by r ecreationists. The stickers !Jear the arry In-Carry Out symbol and the " Code of the Maine Woods -Always carry o!lt cans, bottles, and other litter you cannot legall y burn in your campfire." \Vhy not get a free copy by writing Keep l\Iaine Scenic, State Office Building. Augusta, l\IE 04333, and display it on your gear? • OT ALL THE NEWS

··· ~.a.· ,,

.,.,.._

THE CODE OF THE MAINE WOODS Always Carry Out Cans, Bottles and Other Litter You Cannot Legally Burn In Your Cam pf ire.

Keep Maine Scenic: --

STATE OFFICE BUILDING , AUGUSTA , MAINE 04333

Pollution Sleuthing Herons those slender, longlegged wading birds so common in marshes and estuaries, may be one of the future barometers of environmental change. Recent research by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service indicates that fish-eating birds such as herons accumulate a variety of environmental pollutants and that they may be particularly sensitive to habitat alteration. By studying the distribution of wading bird colonies, population trends, reproductive success, and eggshell thickness in relation to environmental characteristics, scientists hope that these birds can serve as "biological indicators" to measure the impact of pollution and other habitat changes. The birds could become another environmental early warning system and help to predict potential calamities such as those that occurred in Lake Erie and Mobile Bay where high pollutant levels wiped out entire wildlife communities. Heron, ibises, and other wading birds are particularly good research candidates because of their wide geographic distribution and position atop several food chains. They have a tend-

ERONS,

ency to nest in large colonies, often numbering in the thousands and are relatively easy to observe. Scientists view them as offering an unusual opportunity to measure the effect of heavy metals, pesticides, and industrial pollutants that are washed into rivers and flushed downstream to estuaries. urbanized areas, especially in New England and the Great Lakes states, heavy metal waste products such as mercury, lead, and cadmium often escape into rivers. Toxic chemicals used in industry, such as polychlorinated biphenyls, called PCB's, and phthalates also escape into waterways. DDT, dieldrin, chlordane, and other pesticides that have been commonly used for agricultural purposes enter aquatic systems through drainage. These chemicals play havoc with estuarine food webs. For example, PCB's and DDT accumulate in certain types of algae and bacteria which become the food of daphnia and other tiny organisms. Aquatic animals also take in these chemicals directly from the water through gills or body surface. When birds eat fish and other aquatic animals, they, too, acquire the chemicals, and if the pollutant level becomes high enough it may cause eggshell thinning or stop embryo development. Shells are sometimes so thin they break during nesting. Dredge-and-fill operations, dikes, and other activities associated with coastal development also affect the birds, and the current studies should reveal new information for measuring these effects. Although studies of pollutant effects on birds have been conducted for quite some time, it was only in 1972 that Fish and Wildlife Service scientists began large-scale collection of information concerning wading birds.

N EXTREMELY

Maine Fish and Wildlife -

Spring 1976

Researchers began and are continuing to identify the location of major heronries along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Information is being collected on species composition, reproductive success, population density, and pollutant levels in eggs and young. Since certain species of waders use specific types of habitat, this information is also being assembled. All of these data will be subjected to computer analysis and compared with data on water quality, chemical contamination, h uman disturbance, and habitat structure. Initial research indicates that pollutants do not affect all birds in the same way. Some species seem to tolerate pollutant levels t hat would be lethal to others. Similarly, high levels of pollutants accumulate in the tissues of certain birds while other species

in the same environment have low levels. Thus, it is necessary to study various species to understand the significance of environmental pollutants. To complete these studies, a considerable amount of additional work is required. As scientists and field researchers continue to collect the data needed, new and innovative wildlife research projects are being implemented by personnel at the Service's Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Laurel, Maryland. Some of the projects include: -The establishment and study of a breeding colony of herons in captivity. -The monitoring with time lapse photography of heron nesting behavior. -The development of a miniature radio transmitter that can be fitted into an empty black-

crowned nigh t heron egg. The device would be equipped with thermal and gravity sensors that would record the incubation patterns of the bir ds and how often the eggs are being turned by the parents.

CONSIDERED cradles of aquatic life, estuaries are prime breeding grounds and nurseries for countless species of fish, shrimp, crabs, oysters, clams, birds, reptiles, and mammals. Each species occupies and depends upon a specific ecological niche. Each exists in a complex web of interdependent food chains, and a decline in the population of any one species may have devastating effects on dozens of others. Biologists are hopeful that their research on herons and wading birds can be used to prevent such disasters. ONG

ecologogriphs ... ..................................................test your outdoor knowledge ACROSS

1. Ten-footed crustacean. 5. Country offering the most varied scenery. 9. 10. 11 . 13. 14. 16.

Found on your head . A picnic drink. Grampus (pl.) Land measure. Bordering a coastline. Initial of common names of : Procyon

lotor ;:F elis conco lor. 17. Consume. 19. Weight (abbrev.). 20. The Beehive State (abbrev.). 22. Scaleless, sculpin-like fish. 25. 27. 28. 29.

Recedes, as the tide. A female hog. A digit of the foot. National Rifle Association (abbrev.) .

30. A seine. 32. Natural Resource Officer (abbrev.). 34. 38. 40. 43. 45. 47.

Recreational Vehicles. A jackdaw. One of the Great Lakes. Alternating Current (abbrev.). A ravine or coulee. The Cotton State (abbrev.).

48. An artificial , surface lure. 50. The polecat of Europe. 52. Wading bird with spatulate bill. 54. Ursus, E chidna, and R eg11lus (abbrev.).

56. Everyone. 57. Rocks containing metal. 58. Arid. 59. To the sheltered side of a vessel. 60. Safest hunting colors : blaze orange and blaze _ __ 61 . A strong wind.

DOWN 1. Maps. 2. Nocturnal, masked mamma l. 3. We pollute it ; then breathe it. 4. To develop new strains, as dogs. 5. 6. 7. 8. 10. 11 .

A bushy plant of Japan. Ocean. A historical period. The Jayhawk State (abbrev.). The moving parts of a rifle . Weasel-like animal with webbed feet.

36. Grassy surface soi l. 37. Aqueous juices of plants ( pl. ) . 39. Plump, vivacious, brown bird, smaller than a sparrow. 41 . Caudal fins. 42. Vertical elevation ( abbrev.). 44. 46. 49. 50.

A hard , transparent res in of tropical trees. Lattice-work supporting vines or trees. Important fishing item. Ran .

51 . Feather barb used in making flies. 53. Wrath ; anger. 55. A hardy cereal grass.

ANSWER ON PAGE 27

12. A camping organization. 15. Compass point. 18. Rear of a vessel. 21 . Initials of common names of: M egalops

atlanticus; A losa. 23. 24 . 26. 31 . 33.

Impressed with reverential fear. A Himalayan antelope. Voracious , pike-like tropical fish. The young of a frog. Upon.

35. Average number of offspring of the Swift Fox (Rom . Num.) .

@Doug Jac ks on 1974

DEER SEASON DATES The 1976 deer hunting dates were scheduled to be announced on May 20 - too late to be included in this issue. Anyone who is unaware of this year's season dates can obtain them from the Fish and Wildlife Department's Augusta office or from field personnel. Season dates are set annually by the Fish and Wildlife Commissioner after the Commissioner and the Dep1a rtment's Advisory

Council hear reports from field personnel on the status of the deer herd in their regions. These reports include evaluations of how the herd fared through the critical winter period.

TWO TIMELY CAUTIONS ABOUT WILDLIFE We ask each year at this time that people refrain from picking up wildlife youngsters that may appear to have been deserted or orphaned. In this instance, good

intentions come to naught, for not only is it unlawful to take birds and animals home like this, it is usually bad for them. They usually don't eat right, for one thing; they lose their fear of man ; and they don't develop the knack they need to find natural food when they are released. So, please, leave them alone! We are also asking that people refrain from feeding Canada geese and other waterfowl. They are perfectly capable of finding their own food, and they should. If they become tame because of feeding they have lost one of their valuable instincts that can help prolong their lives.

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. 1976 LICENSE FEES

NEW RATE SCHEDULE 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. Beginning July 1, 1976, the new rates will be : IN U.S. ZIP CODE AREA OUTSIDE U.S. ZIP CODE AREA $3. 75 1 year $2.50 1 year 2 years 4.00 2 years 6.50 3 years 5.50 3 years 9.25 Single copy .75 Single copy 1.00 The increase to U.S. subscribers is not large, however, and we are announcing it early so our readers and prospective subscribers will have the opportunity to take advantage of the current rates for a while. We will accept orders at the present rates until the new ones become effective July 1. You may extend your own subscription or a gift subscription for up to three years, or you may buy a new subscription or a gift, at the rates now in effect. We cannot accept orders which extend current subscriptions for more than one 3-year term. Second class mail rates for the magazine to U. S. subscribers are low but took a jump just after Christmas. Costs for expiration notices and other first class mail increased much more, however, and mailing outside the United States is much more expensive than formerly. 26

Nonresident Citizen Big Game $ 60.50 Hunting - 10 yrs. and over Alien Big Game Hunting (new license 100.00 in 1976) Nonresident Small Game Hunting 30.50 16 yrs. and over Nonresident Junior Small Game 15.50 Hunting - 10-15 yrs. inc. Nonresident Archery Deer Hunting60.50 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 Fishing12-15 yrs. inc. 4.00 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 Resident F!shing-16 yrs. and over 7.50 Resident Junior Hunting-10-15 yrs. inc. 1.50 Resident Hunting- 16 yrs. and over 7.50 Resident Combination 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 - Spring 1976

1975 DEER SEASON REPORT The official deer kill figure for Maine's 1975 hunting season is 34,675 - just eight deer more than were registered in 197 4 and nearly 2,000 more than the average for the previous 15 years. By counties, the 1975 tally of deer registrations was as follows: Androscoggin ( 684), Aroostook (2,789), Cumberland (1,602), Franklin (1,476), Hancock (2,208), Kennebec (1,842), Knox (906), Lincoln (1,471), Oxford (2,615), Penobscot (4,435), Piscataquis (2,336), Sagadahoc (639), Somerset (3,358), Waldo (2,587), Washington (2,560), York (3,126), unknown ( 41) . No unusual increases or decreases in deer registrations were recorded in any counties. Generally, the southern and western counties experienced slight declines, central Maine counties showed modest increases, and east-coastal and northern sections had deer kill figures that were quite close to those of the previous year. For the second year in a row, Kennebec and Lincoln counties had record high deer kills. Waldo County had the highest deer kill per square mile - 4.22 - with York County running a very close second. Incomplete license sale figures available at press time indicate that the number of Maine residents who were licensed to hunt deer probably increased several thousand over the 1974 record figure of 177,000. Indications are that nonresident big game license sales were nearly the same in 1975 as in 1974, or about 33,500. Cold Water Survival continued from page 11

in the research was to develop postures that could give protection to the parts of the body that have high rates of heat loss. Thermograms showed that these are the head, the sides of the chest, and the groin. A position called HELP (Heat Escape Lessening Posture) for a single individual and the Huddle for small groups were tested. In the former, the inner sides of the arms are held tight against the chest, and thighs are raised to protect the groin region. Huddlers cling to each other with sides of chests close together. Survival time in 50 Â°F water in either of these positions proved to be nearly four hours, or apHE NEXT STEP

Maine Fish and Wildlife -

Spring 1976

There was apparently more interest among Maine residents in bow and arrow hunting in 1975 as indicated by a 25 per cent increase in the number of archery licenses sold, bringing the preliminary total to more than 2,500. Nonresident archers dropped off in numbers from 70 to 43. Fifty deer were taken statewide by bow and arrow - a decrease of 15 from the record set in 197 4. Of the 34,675 deer taken by hunters in 1975, Maine residents accounted for 26,744, or a little over 77 per cent. Nonresident hunters registered over half of all the deer that were shot in the "big woods" areas of northwestern and western Maine (Wildlife Management Units 2 and 3), but they had considerably less influence on the deer kill in other sections, especially southern counties such as Androscoggin where outof-state hunters tagged only 3.5 per cent of all registered deer.

proximately twice that of a swimmer. The Canadian scientists also designed a flotation jacket that dramatically increases cold water survival time. This insulated jacket can be worn on land or water as an ordinary windbreaker but with a few quick adjustments is transformed into a floating wetsuit that increases survival time another five to six hours. A flap tucked in the back can be brought up between the legs to cover the groin, and a bright orange reflecting hood is hidden in the collar. Inside pockets can hold a miniature inflatable raft and a waterproof flare gun. Another aspect of cold water survival that is overlooked, according to the scientists, is the rewarming technique. The key to

ANSWER

TO PUZZLE

ON PAGE 25

rewarming a severely hypothermic victim is to provide an external heat source, not just cover the person. Hot drinks (but not alcohol, which dilates blood vessels), hot water bottles, and electric blankets are useful as emergency first aid. Whirlpool baths have also been used in hospital treatment, and the scientists have collaborated with the U. S. Coast Guard in testing a hot air inhalation technique which appears most promising. is a prime factor in many drowning deaths each year, but through research and the development of new survival techniques and equipment, some of these tragedies will undoubtedly be averted in the future. a

OLD WATER

By "bugging" them, fishery researchers are learning more about Maine's unique Sunapee trout.

By Fred W. Kircheis Fishery Research Biologist

to feed a radio transmitter to a fish ... and why? The Fisheries Division of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, that's who. The "why" is a little more complex. The story began in 1968 when the Department initiated a study of the life history and ecology of the Sunapee trout, Salvelinu.s alpinus L., a species that is presently native only to Floods Pond in Otis, Hancock County. Other native waters in New Hampshire and Vermont have long since

HO WOULD WANT

ceased to support pure strains of Sunapee trout due to hybridization with lake trout. To perpetuate Sunapee trout in the State of Maine, we would first have to know and understand the life history requirements of the fish. Very little was known about its reproduction, longevity, food habits, or growth. During the subsequent years, several studies were undertaken; among these was tagging during the spawning season. One surprising finding of this tagging was that fish caught on the Maine Fish and Wildlife -

Spring 1976

spawning site before spawning, and released up to 11/:! miles away, would Yery quickly return to the same spot from which they were taken. It became apparent that there was only one place in Floods Pond where the Sunapee trout would spawn. It also became apparent that if the fish were removed from that spot before they could spawn they were very anxious to return. How these fish, averaging 12" in length, could find their way across 1 '/:! miles of water (more than 140 feet deep in many places), and how long it took them, became the "Why" which brought on the ultra-sonic track-

ing experiment in the fall of 1975. tracking involves the use of a small transmitter which is placed inside a fish and the fish released back into the water. The fish's location can then be determined by a person tending a special receiver, as long as the battery in the transmitter holds out, and as long as the fish does not get too far from the receiving unit. This technique had been used on many other kinds of fish all over the world but never on Sunapee trout. The Migratory Fish Research Unit at the University of Maine

LTRA-SONIC

Small, ultra-sonic transmitter is pushed into trout's stomach with glass rod.

Dr. George LaBarr lowers directional hydrophone and tunes the ultra-sonic receiver aboard the tracking boat.

in Orono had the special equipment necessary for such a project. With the assistance and direction of Drs. James McCleave and George LaBarr, the author began preparations for an ultra-sonic tracking study of Sunapee trout in Floods Pond in October 1975. The study involved, first, trapping adult Sunapee trout on the spawning grounds at Kimball Point. The fish were then transported to the other end of the pond (1% miles away) where Maine Fish and Wildlife -

Spring 1976

they were weighed, measured, jaw tagged (for future identification), and equipped with an ultra-sonic transmitter. These little transmitters are about 114 inches Jong, 14 inch in diameter, and weigh about .1 ounce in the water. Each transmitter is fitted with a battery similar to tho e used in hearing aids and electric wrist watches. These batteries allow the radio to transmit an ultrasonic pulse, heard only by a special receiver, for about 7 to 10 days. We placed the transmitter in the fish by inserting it into the stomach with a glass rod. After allowing it to get accustomed to the transmitter for about one hour, we released the fish and began tracking. The receiver was installed in a specially equipped Boston Whaler which was crewed by two persons at all times. A directional hydrophone, which could pick up the ignal from the fish effectively for about 300 yards, was affixed to

the side of the boat. One of the crew members operated the hydrophone and the boat motor so that he could po ition the boat over the fi h whenever it was desirable to plot the location of the fish. At fifteen-minute intervals, the boat was brought into position over the fish and the position of the boat wa located on a map by using a sextant and everal marked reference points around the shore of the pond. At each position, the time, water depth, and weather conditions were recorded. We continued these procedures until each fish either returned to the spawning site or until it became apparent that it would not do so within a reasonable time. Tracking ranged from 2 hours, 45 minutes up to 13 hours, 15 minutes, and averaged 6 hours, 50 minutes. male and female fish both at night and during the day. A total of 12 different

E TRACKED

Sunapee trout were trap netted on spawning grounds at Floods Pond. Radios were removed from several fish that were recaptured. and the fish released unharmed. Manning nets were the author, right, and Federal Aid Administrator George Hanson , U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

fish were tracked, some of them t\\'ice, and ome very intere ting results were obtained. The majority of the fish moved directly back to the pa,vning site, but not necessarily along the most direct route. They apparently followed the bottom contours around the pond until they got to where they wanted to be. This involved trav: eling much more than the traight line l I:! mile from the relea e point back to the spawning ite. Some of the fish lingered in the area where they were released, until just before dark, and then moved rapidly toward the spawning site. Other fish went directly back to the area where they were captured; and still others wandered in a seemingly random fashion around most of the pond. We followed one fish back to the spawning site, where it stayed over night. After dawn the next day, the fish moved from the spawning area, which is about 2 or 3 feet deep, out to the middle of the lake about Yi. of a mile away, where it spent the daylight hours in about 135 feet of water. We have not yet analyzed all of the data collected, but some preliminary findings show that the whole group of fish traveled at an average speed of about t/2 mile per hour with a maximum maintained speed of about :Yi. miles per hour. The average distance traveled was 314 miles. There was no apparent difference in speed between male fish and female fish, and no difference was shown between fi h released during day or night. One observer said that "the Sunapee trout must know this whole (650 acre) lake like the back of their fin," because they always seemed to know exactly where they were and where they wanted to go. Most of the fish eventually returned to the spawning site, and we recaptured several in the trap nets, removed the radios, and released the fish, none the worse for wear.

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Maine Fi h and Wildlife -

Spring 1976

THERE ARE A FEW things that we 'd like to know about you and any others who might read your copy of Maine Fish and Wildlife. The information you provide will help us evaluate what we 've done so far and indicate where we should go in the future. If you want to have a say in the planning of your magazine, just take a few minutes to fill in the blanks, cut out this page , tape or staple it, and mail. Use a separate sheet if you need more space or have any additional comments.

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EDITORIAL QUESTIONNAIRE 1. Counting you rself, ho w many pe rson s read your copy of Maine Fish and Wildlife? . How many are in each of the followi ng categories : Males under 18 Females under 18 . Males 19-39 _ _ _ Females 19-39 . Males 40-65 . Fe. Males over 65 - - - Âˇ Females males 40-65 over 65

8. If you were the edito r of Maine Fish and Wildlife, what would you change?

2. Is you r copy of Maine Fish and Wildlife used by anyone for any school purpose? . If so , by how many people and the ir grade level ( s) . 3. Of those who read your copy, how many usu al ly rea d the KID-BITS page s? . Any suggestions for fut ure KID-BITS article subj ects?

9. Agai n, if you were th e editor, wh at wou ld yo u try hardest to keep as it is now ? - -- - - -- - -- - -

10. What do you th ink is the greatest single problem facing wild life in Maine? - - - - - - -- - -- - - --

6. Are there any aspec ts of the work of the Departm ent of Inland Fi sh eries and Wildlife that yo u wo uld li ke to kn ow more about? (specify )

11 . Wh at do you th ink is the greatest single problem for fish?

I I

If so, approximately 12. Do you feed wild birds? how much money did you spend on them last year?

7. If Maine Fish and Wildlife were to broaden its subject matter into other areas , what wou ld you like to see included?

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4. Does anyone work the Ecologogriph cro sswo rd puzzle in your copy? _ __ 5. If Maine Fish and Wildlife were to sponsor a nature photography contest would you enter it? _ __

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13. Would you favor a limited open season for moose hunting in Maine? 14. What is your age? . Male or female? _ __ What are your favor ite outdoor activ ities? (favorite one first)

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_________________ tt Maine Fish and Wildlife -

Spring 1976

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Maine Fish and Wildlife -

Spring 1976

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