Maine Fish and Wildlife Magazine, Spring 1994 by Maine State Library

MAINE

FISH AND WILDLIFE MAINE STATE LIBRARY LlBR .. USE ONLY

SPRING 1994

$4.50

A License To Conserve! now available at motor vehicle registration sites around the state, provide a way for passenger car owners to show support for Maine's state parks and endangered wildlife. The attractive multi-colored plate costs $20 annually (half of that is tax-deductible) in addition to your normal registration fee. Funds over and above production costs will be used for improvements at state-owned parks and historic sites, and for protection of endangered wildlife. These plates are available at all state motor vehicle branch offices and at many town offices. If they're not available in your town, you can obtain them at the nearest branch office or by mailing a copy of your registration and a check for $20 to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Specialty Plate Clerk, Station 29, Augusta MB 04333. Vanity plates in this design are also available for an additional $ 15. Show your support for the "natural treasure" we have in our state of Maine. Dress up your car, spruce up our parks, and proteGt our endangered wildlife--all with one check!

MAINE

FISH AND WILDLIFE Governor John R. McKernan, Jr.

Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Ray B. Owen, Jr., Commissioner Norman E. Trask, Deputy Commissioner Frederick B. Hurley, Jr., Director, Bureau of Resource Management Charles A. Atwater, Director, Bureau of Administratiue Seruices Herbert W. Vernon, Director, Bureau of Warden Service

Advisory Council Eugene Churchill, Orland Chairman Gary Cobb, North New Portland Vice Chairman John Crabtree, Warren Dr. Ogden Small, Caribou Carroll Cutting, East Sebago Gene Brown, Durham Thomas Jagger, Sanford Wilmot Robinson, Millinocket Joseph Robbins, Machias Stanley D. Milton, Andover

SPRING 1994

VOL. 36, NO. 1

Features The One That Didn't Get Away Club, 1993

The biggest and best of last year's angling trophies. Ch eck 'em out!

Maine's Most Beneficial Summer Residents Bats, bats, bats! They're on our side -

Can We Simplify Maine's Brook Trout Regulations?

All photographs in this issue were made by the Public Information & Education Division unless otherwise indicated.

We're Stopping This Waste!

CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Send both old and new addresses to Circulation Section, MAINE FISH AND WILDLIFE Magazine , 284 State St. , Sta. #4 l , Augusta ME 04333 . Please allow six weeks for changes to take effect. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Circulation Section, MAINE FISH AND WILDLIFE, 284 State St. , Sta #41 , Augusta Maine 04333 QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR SUBSCRIPTION? Just call toll -free 1-800-28 8-8 387 The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife receives federal funds from the U.S. Department of the Interior Accordingly, all department programs and activities must be operated free from discrimination with regard to race , color, national origin. age, or handicap. Any person who believes that he or she has been discriminated against should write to The Office of Equal Opportunity, U.S Department of the Interior , Washington, D.C. 20240.

by Charles S. Allen IV

Operation Game Thief is nearly five years old - and has done a lot of good!

Oil And Wildlife Don't Mix!

by Roger D. Applegate and Richard L. Dressler

Just what does an oil-soaked bird or animal have to look forward to? Not much!

"Summer Pool"

First issue in the new Maine Conservation Art Program

Trout Unlimited MAINE FISH AND WILDLIFE (ISSN 0360-00SX) is published quarterly by the Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, 284 State Street, Station 41, Augusta, Maine 04330, under Appropriation 01009A-0529. Subscription rate: $18.00 per year. No stamps, please. Second class postage paid at Augusta , Maine and at additional mailing offices. ~ Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, 1994. Permission to reprint text material is granted, provided proper credit is given to the author and to MAINE FISH AND WILDLIFE. Clearance must be obtained from artists, photographers, and non-staff authors to reproduce credited work.

by Forrest Bonney

An investigation into the world of fishing regulations. Why so complicated?

Maine Fish and Wildlife Magazine W. Thomas Shoener, Editor Thomas J. Chamberlain, Managing Editor Thomas L. Carbone, Photo Editor Denise M. Moore, Advertising

by Wesley Smith

but in our houses?

by Peter A. Rafle, Jr.

A look at Maine 's chapter of this national organization that saves trout habitat

GEE, MISTER!

How to acquire your own copy of the antique conservation poster featured on the cover

Rabies

by Henry Hilton

An update on this disease re-approaching Maine after years of lea vin ' us alone

Thanks, Volunteers!

by Webster Pearsall and Luann Calcagni

Maine 's water quality has been watched for two decades - by volunteers!

Departments KID- BITS

FROM THE FLY TYING BENCH: John's Best

FISH AND WILDLIFE BRIEFS

by Butch Carey

The front Cover: The Thomas Rod Company exhibit at the Maine State Museum, with one major change! See page 24 for details! Printed with vegetable-based

#â&#x20AC;˘

11. .....y

â&#x20AC;˘

inks on recyclable paper

The One That Didn't Get Away Club -1993 Outstanding freshwater fish caught in Maine last year and entered in The One That Didn 't Get Away Club, run by The Maine Sportsman, PO Box 910, Yarmouth , ME 04096-0910. Entries must be certified by a game warden or fisheries biologist of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

The Fish

Brook Trout (Qualifying Weight 4 pounds)

15 entries i n 1993

Brown Trout (Qualifyi ng Weight 6 pounds)

9 entries in 1993

Lake Trout (Qualifying Weight 15 pounds)

5 entries i n 1993

The Angler

4-13 4-11 4-10 4-8 4·8 4·8 4.7 4·6 4-6 4-4 4-3

21 112 18 1/2 22 1/2 21 20 20 20 20 20

16-12 10-1 4

Where Caught

6/12 1/12 3/20 1/21 6/8 1/ 10 4/5 1/ 11 1/1 1/9 1/6

Long Pond Wesserunsett Lake Messalonskee Lake Long Pond , Somerville Sebago Lake Crescent Lake Panther Run, Raymond Snow Pond , Belgrade Wesserunsett Lake Panther Pond Wesserunsett Lake

10-12 10-10 9 15 1/2

30 1/2 27 29 29 1/2 28

6/22 3/1 0 5/8 5/9 7/21

Square Pond, Acton Square Pond, Shapleigh Wilson Lake, Acton Worthley Pond , Pe ru Great Pond, Belgrade

18-8 18 16-12 15-2 15

37 38 34 33 331 /2

7/5 1/1 3/20 6/ 15 5/5

' David J. Sperry, Old Town Michael Remmers, Fairfield Pete Gerow, Waterville Laura Hewett, Coopers Mills Marion Sherouse, Pensacola, FL Earle G. Spauldi ng, Raymond John W. Morin, Shapleigh Tom Bigelow , Oakland David E. Cyr, Sr., Augusta Henry Porter, No. Yarmouth Tom Dyer, Vassalboro Henry Desrui sseaux, Sanford Gary Nichols, Sanford Marjorie Spofford , Kennebunk Tom Puiia , Rumford Ed Fortin, Fairhaven , MA

Lure

Dave Davis w/night crawler live shiner

shiner Gray Ghost shiner live bait live sh iner worm minnow live bait

live shiner live bait Dave Davis/live bait night crawlers Mepps

Eric Mowatt, Raymond Robert W. Sanborn , Southwest Harbor Raymond Ward , Winthrop Neal Harmon , Steep Falls Ronald Googins, Gorham

I Sebago Lake

Flatfish sucker West Musquash Lake , Talmadge shiners Little Big Wood Lake Sebago Lake _ £ f i sh wn bait Hancock Pond

Splake (Qualifyi ng Weight 4 pounds)

Lbs. Length Oz. (In.) I Date I

Dan iel R. Paquette , Augusta

10-3

281 /2

Pau l H. Stone , Windham Clifford Gendreau, St. David Lucas D. Wardwell, Penobscot Peter Windrush, Casco Raymond Fecteau , Augusta Wayne Castonguay, Van Buren Carroll Sawyer, Belgrade

8-6 7-8 7-8 7-8 7-7 7 6-12

24 1/4 25 24 24 26 1/4 27 1/4 25

1 entry in 1993

Landlocked Salmon (Qualifying Weight 6 pounds)

11 entries in 1993

Basin Pond, Mt. Vernon

5/8

I I Long Lake, Sinclair 6n Long Lake, St. Agatha 6/ 1

(Qualifying Weight 5 pounds)

5-2

7/29

8-8 8-8 8-4 7-12 7 12 7-10 7-7 7-6 7-5 7-3

24 1/4 241 /2 22 23 1/2 23 1/2 23 1/2 23 3/4 23 1/4 21 22 25

10/29 1/26 5/ 1 5/9 6/20 8/23 3/25 2/28 10/27

2 1-12

15 1/4 14 5/8

6-4 5-2 4-8 45 4-3

28 25 27 26 25 3/4

1 entry in 1993

La rgemouth Bass 12 entries in 1993

White Perch (Qualifying Weight 1 1/2 pounds)

Great Pond, Rome

worm

(Qualifying Weight 7 pounds)

Sutton #44 sewn smelt Red Ghost Marabou dead smelt smelt shiner

I Justin Jabar, Waterville

I Green Wonder Streame r

Fish River Chain T16 R6 Thompson Lake , Casco Long Lake, Madawaska Long Lake, Van Buren Long Pond , Belg rade

6/5 8/26 1/ 18 1/2 8/ 15

Smallmouth Bass

Mooselook Wobbler

Robert W. Boettger, Wi nthrop Joseph Plourde , Jay Harvey Wheeler, Falmouth Mike Edmonds, Sanford George L. Simmons , Jr., Wa Idobo ro Norris McElwain, E. Wakefield , NH J o hn Ma Ioney , Saco Robert Rogers , Sr., Acton Reginald Gren ier, Winthrop Raymond E. GusheP., Appleton Lisa Lanzarone , Portland

Theresa McKenney, Palerm o Gerald Cote, Waterville

. 77

I Cobbossee Lake

2121 6/29

2/18 8/23

Androscoggin Lake Moose Pond , Bridgton Bauneg Beg Lake, Sanford S1densparker Pond, Waldoboro York County Moose Pon d , Bridgton Balch Pond, Acton Annabassac ook Lake Cobbossee Lake Southeast Po nd, Baldwin

jig & pig shiner plastic crawfish crappie jig Ring Craw surface lure live bait shiner Blue Fox shiner Rapala

Big Hurd Pon d T6R15 Caribou Lake

shiner Chev Chase

Androscoggi n Lake Spednik Lak e China Lake Androscogg i n Lake Sand Pond , Denmark

live shiner live bait shiner shiner tommy cod Dardevle

2 entries In 1993

Pickerel (Qualifying Weight 4 pounds)

6 entries in 1993

Dennis Litalien, Lisbon Falls Tom Whittaker, Forest City Paul Carl, Albion Adam Lee , Livermore Falls Linn Thompson , Brunswick Gregg McGowan, Rockland

Northern Pike (Qualifying Weight 15 pounds)

Paul Carl, Albion

~ ----+--

3n 2/14 3/27 2/14 1/1 7/5 ~

ket Lake

15-8

1/20

Great Pond

shiner

15 1/4

5/24

Sebago Lake

small golden shiner

1 entry In 1993

Black Crappie (Qualifying Weight 2 pounds)

David F. Garcia, Naples

1 entry in 1993

Mame Fish and Wildlife

Sprmg 1994

July to bat proof. The young bats will be flying by then and there is less chance of any being blocked in. During the daytime you should block and repair any holes that were not identified as entrances being used by the colony. Once this is done, you can block the entrances they are using after the bats have exited at dusk. Watch the area and allow the bats enough time to be sure that ,JI have left the building. Then you have about an hour to complete the work before they start returning. When they discover that they are unable to get back in, they will begin to look for another place to roost. If you would like to keep the bats around after evicting them from your building, consider putting up some bat houses. These will provide much-needed roosting sites and keep the bats working on the local insect populations. The descriptions and directions given in this article are quite simple and will take care of many situations. However, not all bat problems are so easy to fix. In fact, some are quite complicated. If you need more information or help with your particular situation, please contact me at (207) 287-2731 or write: Board of Pesticides Control, Station 28, Augusta, ME 04333. We can also provide information on construction and proper placement of bat houses. â&#x20AC;˘

Little brown bat, Myotis myotis. 4

Maine Fish and Wildlife

--,

<!'

a,.

0..

,,,-~

>, .0 <I)

0 .c 0..

â&#x20AC;˘

-. -.

(!)

' Three common access points for bats: small spaces between floorboards and masonry, up under eaves, and through attic louvers.

Bats, likl' many other mammals, can get rabies. Very few of them do contract rabies, and unlike other mammals, rabid bats seldom get aggressive. In most cases, they simply crawl away and die. People and pets usually get exposed when they handle sick bats. If you find a bat that appears to be sick, try to contain it without h,mdling it, then dispose of it where children and pets cannot get at it. If you think that a pl'rson or pet has been L'xposed to a sick bat, contact your doctor or \'eterinarian immediately.

New Watchable Wildlife Guide Now Available! This newly-published 64-page pocket guide contains more than two dozen full-color wildlife photographs and descriptions of 62 great places in Maine to go in search of that once-in-a-lifetime photograph or that ever-remembered glimpse of wildlife in its natural setting. Most of the sites listed are on publicly-owned land, but all sites are open for careful public use and enjoyment. The book is organized by geographic regions and describes each site in detail - how to get there, the species you might expect to see, details on the availability of restrooms, parking, and other facilities, and much more, including information on access for persons with disabilities. The new publication is the result of a year-long effort by staff of MAINE FISH AND WILDLIFE Magazine, generously assisted by many volunteer naturalists and photographers throughout the state. Production 111011,eY funding was provided d cbec'k o1' through the magazine's orde1', sen ll,ayab\e ~ budget, which in turn TO fo1' $5.9 5 Wildlife) toâ&#x20AC;˘ will benefit from proor~er fisb and oLlf'Ei ceects from sales of the l'\aille TCt11\&L~ \1UIL station 4 \ book. U,A'. te street,

'}84 Sta

ME, 04:;:;:;

~ugusta,

Spring 1994

CLEANING UP THE L AWBOO K

CAN WE SIMPLIFY

1':

speaker held Maine's fishing regulation lawbook aloft in derision, and exclaimed, "Did you ever see anything so complicated? To find out the regulations on a pond, you've got to know its name, and also what town and county it's in. Then, if it has special regulations, which it probably does, you have to decipher the "S" code, the solution to which is in another part of the law book. .. unless it's a border water with New Hampshire, which might mean there are exceptions to the special regulations." The speaker was a participant in a panel discussion I attended at a fisheries conference in another state and the subject was Citizen Participation in Fisheries Management. The point of his comments, so eloquently expressed, was that Maine's fishing regulations are unnecessarily complicated and difficult to understand. He's right, of course. I could only be thankful that we weren't still publishing our fishing regulations in the fold-up "road-map" form. I spoke last year with a Michigan fisheries researcher about Maine's need to simplify our complicated fishing regulations, and he replied, "Actually, we're going the other way. We're finding that general-law regulations don't protect our trout fishery adequately." He's right, too. Maine's fishing regulation booklet has grown in size over the years as general laws have been changed (reduced, for the most part) and as special regulations have been added. These specials began with fly-fishing-only restrictions in the Moosehead and Rangeley areas soon after the turn of the century, and have proliferated to include specific laws restricting the number and size of fish kept as well as the gear used to catch them. The majority of these special regulations are on brook trout lakes. After all, brook trout are widespread over the state, are highly sought-after by anglers, and are vulnerable to being over-fished because they are relatively easy to catch. Of Maine's 1,010 brook trout lakes, 497 (49 percent) ha,e one or more special regulations. Many of

Maine Fish and Wildlife

these regulations were recommended by fishery biologists, whose increasing knowledge of individual lakes has allowed the imposition of specific laws that will best protect those waters while maximizing fishing opportunity. And so, from the biologist's perspective, Maine's fishing regulations are doing their job. As proof, we can point to tatewide summaries that indicate that both angler use and the brook trout harvest have more than doubled within the last decade.

BROOK TROUT REGULATIONS? Having said that, the question remains: Is there a more efficient way to organize Maine's brook trout fishing regulations? Can regulations be simpler and still take into account varying rates of trout growth and fishing pressure? Maine presently has a general-law limit of five brook trout per day with a minimum length limit of six inches. With 648 special regulations in effect on our brook trout lakes, however, it is obvious that the general law regulations are not terribly effective.

by Forrest Bonney ate to ask whether our regulations are adequately protecting them from overharvest. It's also logical to ask if there is a regulation which could help restore the older, larger fish to the population. A comparison of the ages of brook trout sampled today compared to those sampled fifty years ago confirms what most anglers already know: older, larger fish are not nearly as abundant as they once were. These larger brook trout, which anglers find so desirable, have never comprised more than a small percentage of the population, and are all too easy to fish out.

The author is the assistant regional fisheries biologist in Region D, headquartered in Strong. H_e has serve~ as the Fisheries Division's brook trout species author since 1989. Spring 1994

fish. Based solely on these facts, it would make sense to impose an 8-inch length limit on waters with stocked populations and a 10-inch length limit on brook trout lakes with wild populations. Such regulations, however, would result in increased harvest of larger and older brook trout, perhaps removing them from the gene pool. The challenge, then, is to afford some regulatory protection to both the younger fish, so that they will survive to spawning age, and to the older fish, which are genetically responsible for perpetuating the larger size and older age fish in the population. Because these older fish comprise a relatively small proportion of the brook trout population, it is unlikely that a bag limit, even as low as two fish, would protect them from being over-harvested. Indeed, as mentioned earlier, many of our lakes have already been fished to the point that the "lunkers" have been fished out. A possible solution would be to impose a "slot limit" that would restrict the number of larger brook trout that could be kept. For these reasons, the following proposal for a statewide general law regulation for brook trout

Mame Fish and W ildlife

lakes should be considered: Increase the length limit on brook trout in lakes to eight inches, and allow the angler to keep only one fish over 12 inches. Preventing harvest of brook trout until they reach eight inches in length would give a higher percentage of them a chance to reach maturity and spawn before they are harvested. An 8-inch limit would also allow the harvest of most short-lived hatchery trout at age I+. At the other end of the scale, the 1-fish limit for trout over twelve inches would allow an angler to keep a trophy fish, but would still enable enough of these fish to survive, spawn, and maintain the genetic integrity of the population. A reduction in the general-law bag limit on lakes from 5 to 2 brook trout may also make sense. These proposed general law changes for brook trout lakes would reduce but not eliminate the need for special regulations. Here's why: â&#x20AC;˘ Reduced bag limits prevent overharvest and help distribute the catch to more anglers in heavily fished areas and where wild trout populations are naturally low. â&#x20AC;˘ Although gear restrictions account for over 200 special-regulation entries in the fishing law booklet,

it is difficult to justify their elimination in lakes capable of supporting trout to older ages. Gear restrictions such as artificial-lures-only and fly-fishing-only have been credited with reducing hooking mortality and angling pressure. â&#x20AC;˘ Special length limits would still be needed on some lakes where growth rates are exceptionally slow or fast.

THE LONG AND SHORT

OF IT ...

This

analysis was conducted to establish recommendations for an effective general law on Maine's brook trout lakes, one that would reduce the current dependence on special regulations and also restore the size quality that has been lost to over-fishing. Although it is obvious that our present general-law restrictions don't adequately protect Maine's brook trout resource without considerable tinkering, agreeing to a new general law may not be as simple as I've implied. Will Maine's brook trout anglers be willing to bite the bullet and accept increased length limits and/ or reduced bag limits statewide? Because of the variability in brook trout growth rates, population abundance, and harvest rates, we will always need special regulations to provide the best fishing for Maine's anglers. With effective general-law regulations, however, we can keep the number of exceptions -which anglers find so vexing - to a minimum.

Number of Special Regulations On Maine Bro Trout Lakes 196

... 0

.......

By keeping the "big ones," are we continually selecting for slow-growing brook trout? In 1979, two Canadian fisheries researchers speculated that a minimum length limit produces "an unnatural selection process in which the fastergrowing fish are preferentially killed at an earlier age." Applied to Maine waters, this means that when a fast-growing trout reaches a length of six inches, it's a "keeper" and may be removed from the population, whereas its slower-growing cousin, still "short," is more likely to be thrown back - and to spawn. This theory was tested by researchers in Michigan who removed brook trout from two streams - one historically heavily fished and one notand planted them in lakes, where they monitored their growth rates. They found that the trout from the heavily-fished stream were slower growing than those from the lightly-fished stream, and concluded that fishing "may have altered the genetic potential for growth and catchability of these wild brook trout strains." To take this analysis one step further, it seems logical that a higher length limit, one which would protect brook trout until they are old enough to spawn, would also protect them from being "genetically compromised."

Spring 1994

W l lJl FEB W,1dlife is eve,ywllere. 8utyou are more liltely lo see tlle clues tlley leave bellind1t1fller tllan tlle t111imals tllemsellles. It's lilte detective worltl l.oolt and listen et1refully for tllese clues. Wallt down a woodland trail and roll over a rotten log; llilte around a field and clleclt out tlle low sllrubs and treetops at tlle edges,· amble along a laltesllore or wetland lo listen for birds t111d frogs, orjust aroundyour bacltyard or sclloolyard lo find tlle signs tllat wildlife is all around. Spring is a great time lo loolt for wildlife clues. Tllere are fewer leaves on tlle trees, tlle ground is bare (and ohen muddy - good for traclting), many birds are returning lo Maine lo nest, and wild animals are starting lo walte up and wander around aher a long winter ofinactivity. Many animals are well-et1mouflaged, or blend in witll tlleir llabitats, so loolt et1refully. And leave w,1dlife clues wllere you found tllem. TIiey belong tllere. Directions: Here's a bingo et1rd ofw,1dlife clues you migllt find in your bacltyard or neigllborllood. See ifyou et1n clleclt offfour in a row - across, down, or diagonally. Can you tllinlt ofsome otller animal clue squares lo create your own bingo et1rd? singing llole in ground bird

JJ,'rd's nest

animal

nlmal scat

:·.:·

·-~-·

-~·. . . .....

cllewedt.

land snail

leatller

•

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1t1bblt ell

•

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T/tults to Wisconsin Dept. ofNatural Resources, 0/tio Dept. ofNatural Resources, and lllberftl Forestry, Lands & Wildlife for ideas!

by Charles S. Allen IV Editors note: Operation Game Thief is supported solely by donations. Your tax-deductible donations are gratefully accepted at Operation Game Thief, Inc. P.O. Box 2684, Augusta, Maine 04338.

aine game wardens investigating Operation Game Thief (OGT) complaints had another busy year in 1993. This program, just over four and one-half years old, continues to be of immense value in our efforts to stop thieves from stealing Maine's fish and wildlife resources. But if the program is to succeed, we must continue to keep pressure on the poacher. Let's take a look at the results of calls made to 1-800-ALERT-US during 1993. Summary of OGT Activities for 1993 Total Calls about Poaching Total Arrests Made Number of $1000 Arrests* Callers Wishing to Remain Anonymous Number Requesting Rewards Amount Approved For Rewards

770 125

47 530 272

How do the numbers of calls compare with , previous years? 1992-773 calls 1991-618 calls 1990-615 calls

Maine Fish and Wildlife

Night Hunting Illegally Hunting Deer Exceeding Bag Limit on Deer Dead Deer Found (Poached) illuminating Illegal Fishing Illegal Possession of Deer Driving Deer Deer Tagging Violations

210

93 67

44 42

41 36

34 34

$6,350

*Arrests such as night hunting, Illegal possession of deer, moose, etc. -- where the penalty is a $1000 fine and three days in jail.

The busiest days of the week for our OGT dispatchers are those around the weekend. We received most reports of poaching on Saturdays (126), followed by Fridays (121), Mondays (117), and Sundays (113). It is interesting to look at the degree to which the various categories of Maine's fish and wildlife resources are being poached. The pie graph at right represents poaching complaints received through Operation Game Thief, by subject, for 1993. Note that illegal possession or taking of deer accounted for 78 percent of all calls! The following list represents the mostreported complaints of poaching during 1993.

From which area(s) of Maine do most of the calls to our hot-line come? It should come as no surprise that the more populated areas generate the most amount of calls. The table at right lists these calls by warden division. The author, a district game warden in Division C, is also statewide coordinator for Operation Game Thief.

Poachers pay no attention to Maine's two-quart limit on smelts!

ANALYSIS OF COMPLAINTS* JANUARY 1 -

DECEMBER 31 , 1993

Let's examine some of the different types of BEAR-I% calls received during 1993. Night hunting acF,sH-5% counted for 28 percent of all calls! This UPLAND GAME-1 % · represents a mo dest mcrease o f 9 percent from 1992 (193 calls), a 20 percent increase OTHER-8% from 1991, and a 42 percent increase from -::::::::::::::::::~~--• calls received in 1990 (see graph at top of FuRsEARERs-1 % page 14). Operation Game Thief received 5 MoosE- % night hunting complaints in 11 of the 12 WATERFOWL-I% months of 1993 (none in March) and in 34 of the last 36 months! Night hunting is clearly a huge enforcement problem for Maine's wardens-and one that is a year-round, and increasing, problem. DEER-78% I think you will agree, given the few wardens Maine has, that we cannot do the job alone. It is • BASED ON 770 CALLS RECEIVED DURING THE CALENDAR YEAR imperative that Maine's sportsmen and women work with us to combat these problems. Numbers of OGT Calls By Warden Division

Deer Violations Night Hunting Moose Violations Fishing Violations Other Violations

TOTAL CALLS

127 49

165 91 9 16 35 316

73 45 7 7 17 149

18 15 7 5

10 18 214

8 3

(Div. A-Gray; Div. B-Sidney; Div. C-Bangor; Div. D- Greenville; Div. E - Ashland)

Spring 1994

NIGHT HUNTING COMPLAINTS AS RE P O R T ED TO OPERAT ION GAME TH I EF

1990-1993

Z7o

/ J

200 190 1a 0

f i

1'7o ~

1 so

7So 140

!# ~

:::,

Illegal fishing complaints (41) 7.g were reported in all 12 months of 1993 :s>~ - the same sad report as last year. Calls of gill netting, over-limit and short fish, and fishing in closed waters were some of the common calls received. Reports of the illegal baiting of deer showed a marked increase from 1992. This was most likely a function of the new law prohibiting baiting of deer or hunting deer over bait. The public responded by reporting these acts of poaching to Operation Game Thief. Deer tagging violations (failure to do so, or someone else tagging the deer) were up noticeably from last year. There are those poachers who feel it is acceptable if someone else tags the deer becaus, "at least it gets tagged." Honest sportsmen and women know that this practice is unacceptable. The following list represents the major $1000 apprehensions made because of the willingness of concerned citizens to call OCT during 1993 (47 arrests). Illegal Possession of Deer Night Hunting Illegal Possession of Moose Hunting Deer After Killing One Exceed Bag Limit of Deer Killing Moose in Closed Season Killing Deer in Closed Season

Maine Fish and Wildlife

19 11 10 3 2 1 1

The remaining 78 non-$1000 violations prosecuted in 1993 in;cluded driving deer (8), deer registration viola/ tions (8), doe deer violations (6), illegal fishing arrests (7), license violations, both hunting and fishing (5), fishing with too many lines, and many others too numerous to mention. During 1993, Maine game wardens were able to make arrests due partly to excellent information provided by concerned citizens and partly to outstanding game warden work. The following apprehensions are examples of what can be done with good information. â&#x20AC;˘ A caller reported seeing a man and a woman illegally using long sticks to drive trout into a net. The caller reported that the poachers had already caught 13 trout. Two game wardens responded and apprehended both individuals for numerous trout over-the-limit, short fish, and illegal fishing. (Note: a few weeks later, a warden watched the same two people fishing in a small brook north of this area and apprehended them with short trout! So much for voluntary compliance .... ) â&#x20AC;˘ During the evening of Oct. 10, a caller reported hearing shots being fired behind a residence. A game warden investigated but

found nothing. On Oct. 16, a bird hunter found parts of two deer and reported it. When the warden investigated, he found the deer parts to be in the same area as the shots that were heard on the 10th. With these two pieces of information, and other physical evidence at the scene, the warden obtained and served a search warrant of the house in question. The warden confiscated parts of the two deer. Two persons were charged with illegal possession of deer killed in closed season. • After watching three individuals fishing with worms in waters restricted to artificial lures only, a caller reported the act. The game warden responded and apprehended all three for fishing without licenses, using worms, possession of short trout ,and over-the-limit. • A caller reported seeing two men jump from their vehicle and shoot some ducks in a small pond in closed season. A good description of the individuals and their vehicle enabled the game warden to charge both men with killing and possessing ducks in closed season. • Finally, a caller reported seeing two men loading a doe deer into the back of truck. A good description of the truck and names of both menwere reported to OCT. Wardens apprehended and charged both men with closed season violations.

Summary of OGT Activities 1989-1993 Total Calls to OGT 3,586 Total Arrests Made 739 Number of $1000 Arrests 306 Those Requesting Rewards 1,293 Callers Wishing to Remain Anonymous 2,427 Total Rewards Approved +/- $30,000

25, 1989, through December 31, 1993, are summarized at top right. A new public service announcement (PSA) began airing in late September and early October. Television stations around the state help immeasurably by airing these commercials often. It is likely that there is a positive correlation between the number of calls we receive and the frequency of airing of these PSAs. When this new PSA began airing, for instance, we experienced a 43.4 percent increase in calls to OGT during October! Another new PSA, this one on illegal ice fishing, aired during the winter months. We also have a good supply of OGT posters and brochures. These are available free at any of the Warden Service headquarters around the state. The purpose of the Operation Game Thief program is to expose and apprehend thieves of Maine's fish and wildlife resources. This past year showed us that Operation Game Thief is enjoying even greater levels of public support. Let's build on this support by working together • to apprehend even more poachers in 1994.

umerous other high-quality apprehensions were made this past year, but the point is that we never would have made the arrests were it not for the willingness of the public to call Operation Game Thief. Give game wardens good information and we will do everything we can to catch the poachers. Since the inception of Operation Game Thief in May of 1989, the program has continued to gain public support. Total activities from May

One of the myths about poachers is that they take only what they need. This moose was shot and left-only the ravens fed on it! Spring 1994

Oil spills often take a heavy toll on birds, especially divers such as loons, which are more vulnerable to oil than birds that forage on the wing.

Maine Fish and Wildlife

n the late 1960s and early 1970s, increasing numbers of oil spills into the marine environment led to a greater concern for losses of marine wildlife to oil pollution. As more and more oiled animals were recovered, a new, specialized area of wildlife rehabilitation emerged- oiledwildlife rehabilitation. Although there is disagreement, even among biologists, about the effectiveness of such efforts, the public has increasingly demanded that industry and government officials address these losses. The loss of wildlife to the Exxon Valdez spill in Alaska in 1988 encouraged passage of the Federal Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90), and of Maine's similar 1990 law; these direct federal and state agencies and private industry to develop plans for rehabilitating oiled wildlife. The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IFW) outlined a wildlife rehabilitation

by Roger D. Applegate and Richard L. Dressler plan as part of Maine's Marine Oil Spill Contingency Plan. The purpose of the rehabilitation plan is to establish policies, priorities, and procedures dealing with oil-damaged wildlife. Under this plan, IFW and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) contracted with International Bird Rescue and Research, Inc. (IBRRC) of Berkeley, California to provide guaranteed oiled-wildlife rehabilitation response services and training. IBRRC is under the direct supervision of IFW in Maine. The first major effort was to train state and federal staffs that would likely be involved in oil spill response in Maine. In July 1993, IBRRC conducted a training session for personnel- IFW,

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Acadia National Park, and other individuals - at the Game Farm and Visitor Center in Gray. The purpose of this training was to acquaint workshop attendees with their roles in oiled-wildlife rehabilitation in Maine and to give them hands-on experience in capturing and rehabilitating animals. Additional training sessions were held in September 1993 in Machias, Bangor, and South Portland to prepare a group of 135 private volunteers for work at a rehabilitation facility. Similar training will continue on an annual basis over the next several years. Much of the effort related to oil spill response is focused on saving oiled birds. Rehabilitating oiled birds requires considerable skill and expertise, and is more complicated and less efficient than most people realize.

Roger Applegate is a wildlife biologist in the department's Wildlife Habitat Group. His work focuses on oil spill planning. Richard Dressler is leader of the Wildlife Habitat Group. Both are headquartered in Bangor. Spring 1994

A work of art from above, but there's nothing pretty about it when you're caught in the middle of it!

Typical stages in rehabilitation include capture, stabilization, transport, veterinary diagnosis and treatment, cleaning, recuperation, and release. Because each of these stages can be laborintensive, a large number of trained biologists and volunteers is necessary. Because of the dangers inherent in capturing oiled animals, capture efforts will only be conducted by trained individuals under the direct supervision of IFW. Stabilization involves providing fluidsto, and wrapping, captured oiled birds to help keep them warm until further treatment. At the rehabilitation facility, IBRRC veterinarians examine all incoming birds to determine what, if any, treatment may be necessary before cleaning. Birds are cleaned only when their condition is adequate for them to withstand the stress of washing. Best efforts during some recent spills on the West and Gulf coasts have resulted in an average of 59 percent survival of birds,'from capture until time of

Maine Fish and Wildlife

release. What is still unknown to biologists is how many of these birds survived after release to the wild. Also difficult to estimate are total numbers of birds oiled and the percentage of oiled birds captured. Because the number of birds actually released after rehabilitation appears to be a small percentage of the total oiled, some biologists and laymen have questioned whether rehabilitation of oiled wildlife is necessary or effective. Regardless of these concerns, it is difficult to ignore wildlife floundering and dying in oil, and IFW has been mandated to oversee rehabilitation of oiled wildlife. This mandate is partially in response to the public's demand that rehabilitation be conducted during an oil spill, and the need to maximize the benefits of such efforts. We must emphasize, however, that due to the costs and complexities of rehabilitation, all affected animals may not receive treatment. It will be necessary to prioritize treatment and provide it only to

those animals most likely to survive, or to Endangered, Threatened or otherwise high management priority species. Individuals too sick to survive will need to be euthanized. An oil spill creates highly complex emergency response demands. During a spill, IFW biologists provide wildlife distribution and vulnerability information to a spill response coordinator from the Department of Environmental Protection. DEP serves as a member of the Oil Spill Response Team, which guides all efforts to stop the spill, clean up the mess, and assess the damage. This team includes the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other federal ands tate agencies. IFW is normally notified by DEP of spills that may impact wildlife, so our biologists can go to the scene and assess the threat. If deemed necessary, IBRRC and volunteers are called to mobilize a rehabilitation effort within 48 hours after the spill. IFW is currently investigating suitable locations for an oiled wildlife rehabilitation facility. This facility will need to have adequate space for the housing, washing, and treating of potentially hundreds of oiled birds or mammals. Key ingredients are lots of space, hot water, and heat. It would also help to be located as near as possible to the coast to minimize time needed to transport oiled wildlife for treatment. Large amounts of rehabilitation equipment will be acquired over the next few years. These

Some creatures survive oil spills ... and some don't. Looking at the survivor, who's to say who's better off? will include items that are difficult to obtain during an emergency, such as hypodermic needles, pet dryers, and feeding tubes. Othe, more common items which are available at local drug

stores and supermarkets, or which are perishable, will be purchased when actual rehabilitation efforts begin. Although we hope we never need to rehabilitate oiled wild-

life, we must still be preparedto do so. So we continue to train rehabilitators, search for rehabilitation facilities, and pre-position supplies - and hope that it's all for prevention rather than cure.â&#x20AC;˘

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Habitats fouled with oil can be cleaned, but there is mounting evidence that oil may remain in mussels or marine sediments.

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Spring 1994

The First of a New Print Series

''Suminer Pool'' A scene familiar to anyone who has ever fished Maine's northern trout streams is now available as a limited-edition art print by one of the state's most acclaimed artists. "Summer Pool" by John Swan is the inaugural print of the Maine Conservation Art Program, co-sponsored by the Department of Inland FisheriAs and Wildlife and the Sportsman's Alliance of Maine, which over nine years will feature paintings of various species and habitat of Maine's most popular fish and wildlife. The first three years will be a coldwater sport-fish series by Swan. Both sponsoring organizations will benefit financially from the sale of the $125 prints, which have an image size of 201/8 by 13 3/4 inches and are signed and numbered by the artist. Of the setting for "Summer Pool," Swan says it is one of his favorite trout streams, one that holds "many pleasant memories of balsam fir, bamboo fly rods, beautiful water and family." Given Swan's prominence among art collectors, the print edition of 950 is expected to sell out quickly. The Maine Conservation Art Program was conceived and published by E.P.S. Arts Ltd, of Denmark, Maine. From the artists through the printing, the program will rely entirely on talent and materials from Maine. For ordering information, contact either the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (207) 287-2871 or the Sportsman's Aliiance of Maine (207) 622-5503.

Maine Fish and Wildlife

Maine Trout Unlimited

Co1nmitted To Conservation Continuing our series on organizations you may wish to join

by Peter A. Rafle, Jr.

over 35 years, Trout

Unlimited has been America's leading trout and salmon conservation organization, dedicated to conserving, protecting, and restoring coldwater fisheries and their watersheds. Whether they are planning and building stream improvement projects, working with government to secure fish-friendly legislation, or teaching young people the importance of protecting wild fish and their habitat, TU members are actively engaged in the fight to preserve our precious trout and salmon resources.

The author is director of communications for Trout Unlimited and editor of Trout, the organization's quarterly magazine. Spring 1994

Trout Unlimited was born in 1959 when a small group of concerned Michigan anglers banded together to ensure the health of trout, their habitat, and the sport of angling. Word of TU successes in Michigan spread quickly, and conservation-minded anglers in other states, from Maine to California, joined together under the Trout Unlimited banner to effect similar change in their trout fisheries. Three and a half decades later, Trout Unlimited is over 70,000 members strong, with more than 430 chapters nationwide. In Maine, TU's six active chapters are tackling some of America's toughest fisheries conservation issues. Throughout the state, hydroelectric darns have provided allbut-insurrnountable obstacles to migrating Atlantic salmon, while interfering with the flows of water that trout and other fish need to survive. Among the waters whose salmon have been all but wiped out by hydroelectric darns are the Penobscot, Kennebec, Androscoggin, and Saco rivers. Some Maine rivers have more

than a dozen darns between the ocean and salmon spawning areas. TU has been active in pressing darn operators and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which licenses hydro darns, to take the future of these valuable fisheries into account when they relicense these darns. Across America, native trout and salmon species have been displaced or lost altogether by exotic species introduced from elsewhere. The brook trout has been among the hardest hit throughout its original range, which once stretched from Canada to Georgia. Maine's backwoods streams and lakes, where no stocking has ever taken place, may hold some of the last pure strains of native brook trout anywhere. But even these survivors are threatened by loss of the clean, cold water they need to live and reproduce. Maine's Trout Unlimited chapters are working closely with the International Paper Company on a pilot survey of brook trout populations on IP lands. The data this survey collects will

form a vital scientific foundation for future TU conservation projects. Native brook trout are also in trouble on the St. John River, which forms the border with New Brunswick. The Canadian government has proposed building a fishway to carry Atlantic salmon past 75-foot Grand Falls. Above the falls, brookies and lake trout have thrived for thousands of years, but the introduction of salmon - along with white perch, srnallrnouth bass, pickerel, and other species would surely spell the end of them. The project's backers claim the salmon would bring tourist dollars to the region, but there is no guarantee that the salmon would establish themselves, and the loss of native species would be irreparable. Trout Unlimited's Maine Council has spearheaded an effort to show the Canadian and U.S. governments and the project's backers that their money would be better spent restoring decimated Atlantic salmon stocks elsewhere in the state. Maine Trout Unlimited has also been working closely with the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to improve coordination between conservation groups and state fisheries authorities. "There is so much work to be done to protect our natural resources that we can't afford not to work together," explained TU Maine Council Paul McGurren. "If we all coop-

The prized catch- here 's what this organization is about!

Mni11e Fish and Wildlife

erate to solve these problems, we can really make a difference." On the national front, TU has been instrumental in enacting important legislation to protect fish and aquatic habitat. Recent legislative victories include the U.S. International Driftnet Fishery Conservation Act, which provides enforcement for the ban on high-seas driftnets; legislation to improve fish migration around hydropower dams; and laws that will strengthen wetlands protection and lay the foundation for removal of two controversial dams in Washington state. In 1993, in response to a TU lawsuit, the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) agreed to conduct the first-ever environmental impact review of its state hatchery program. The findings of the DFG study will help to reform one of the nation's largest fish hatchery programs and should help fisheries biologists seeking similar reform in other states. In addition, TU is helping to develop responsible habitat management plans for the future through partnerships with state and federal agencies including the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management.

T out

Unlimited's conservation agenda is set by its National Resource Board, made up of representatives of TU's volunteer leadership. Today, protecting trout and salmon requires up-to-the-minute scientific research and active legislative advocacy to back up hands-on habitat restoration. To provide that expertise, and a presence in the nation's capital, Trout Unlimited has built a dedicated

national staff of legal and scientific professionals. The national staff, based in Washington, D.C., works at the federal level to influence national environmental policy and carries out TU's national conservation agenda. Trout Unlimited's strength has always rested in its thousands of dedicated volunteers, most of them anglers, committed to conserving trout and salmon for the next generation of anglers. TU's most visible impact has been on the hundreds of streams and rivers nationwide where members have spent countless hours restoring trout and salmon habitat. Stream restoration is more than rolling rocks and picking up trash; a typical project often spans years of research, planning, and ongoing stream work. Local chapters also survey and research stream ecosystems and fish populations,

urge local and state legislators to make environmentally-responsible decisions, and organize environmental education and catchand-release fishing programs for people of all ages. Of course all of these activities cost money, and TU's Conservation Banquets help raise much-needed funds while providing some entertainment for anglers and their families. Trout Unlimited needs your help to ensure the future of trout and salmon fishing in Maine. To find out how to join TU, contact one of the people listed below, or attend a chapter meeting near you. There are still many battles to be won, but with the perseverance, commitment and dedication of Trout Unlimited volunteers, we can ensure that our children and their children can look forward to the same unforgettable outdoor experiences we have enjoyed. â&#x20AC;˘

Maine Trout Unlimited State Council Chairman Paul McGurren (236-6652) Vice Chairman Steve Brooke (724-3576) Ducktrap Chapter Meets 3rd Sunday of month (Sep. - April), Camden Health Center, Camden Chapter President Peter Nesin (338-1141) Kennebec Valley Chapter Meets 2nd Monday of month, The Ground Round Restaurant, Augusta Banquet in April Chapter President Bob Joly (362-2152) Merrymeeting Bay Chapter Meets 2nd Tuesday of month, New Meadows Inn, West Bath Banquet in April Chapter President George Paton (882-6631) Piscataquis River Chapter Meets 1st Wednesday of month, Piscataquis Snowmobile Club, Dover-Foxcroft Chapter President Brian Campbell (564-8635) Sebago Chapter Chapter President Lon Blauvelt (781-5235) Sunkhaze Stream Chapter Meets 3ird Tuesday of month, Greenhouse Restaurant, Bangor Banquet in April Chapter President Paul Thibault (989-2068)

Spring 1994

Poster Reprints Available We don't really know much about it. The original silk-screened posters, measuring about 22 by 28 inches, were completed by LaHaye Sign in Augusta, we believe in the mid-1940s, from screens designed by noted artist, designer, taxidermist, display builder, and jack-of-all-trades Klir Beck. It is believed that there may have been more than just this one poster in what might have been a series designed to promote conservation efforts. We hope that if you, the readers, have any information or background about this or other such posters, you'll let us know. What we do know is that the poster's message is just as relevant today as it was 50 years ago - probably even more. The message needs to be repeated again and again, while there are still some fish to throw back. When we decided to reprint this poster, we turned to the people at the Maine State Museum and Maine State Archives. As we predicted, they were extremely helpful. Museum Curator of Decorative Arts Brian Sipe offered to help with a still-life of artifacts with which to "pose" the poster for our front cover. When we suggested using the existing Made In Maine display of the Thomas Rod Company, the museum agreed at once. Art Director Don Bassett, Master Carpenter Lynn Truman, and Conservation Technician Linda Carrell, all museum staff, actually "entered" the display area and re-arranged items to make room for the poster, while Roy Wells of the Maine State Archives composed the pictures from outside the display. And everyone cooperated with suggestions, running errands, fetching needed equipment, etc. Roy also made the copy photographs from which the poster reproductions are being printed. Needless to say, this was a cooperative project from the start, involving staff from three different agencies, and is a perfect example of how government agencies should work together! We're offering a 14" by 18" (about half-size) reprint of this handsome and topical poster for a $5 bill, shipping and handling included. If others in the series come to light, our plans are to offer reprints of them as well.

To order, send check or money order to: GEE, MISTER!, Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, 284 State Street, Station #41, Augusta ME 04333. Please allow four weeks for delivery. 24

Maine Fish and Wildlife

JOHN'S BEST by Butch Carey rom the Fly Tying Bench

THE PATTERN HOOK: #94720 - 8x #4 THREAD: Black monocord RIBBING: Embossed silver tinsel BODY: Burnt orange floss WING: White bucktail, peacock herl, fluorescent pink saddle hackle CHEEK: Golden pheasant tippet neck feather EYE: Jungle cock

[TI On front of hook tie on burnt orange floss ; and wrap to the back, then back to the front (do not overlap wraps of floss).

Cast on back of hook with black thread, then tie on embossed silver tinsel (ribbing) and bring thread up to the front.

l'il ~

Wrap ribbing to the front in about 1O evenly spaced turns.

Spring 1994

!Al Tie white bucktail on top of hook, just ~ behind the eye.

Tie in matched pink saddle hackles, two

~ on each side, on top of peacock her/.

Tie on jungle cock, one on each side. Finish head off with black monocord, apply two coats of cement, and your fly is finished!

Maine Fish and Wildlife

fcl Tie peacock her/ in on top of bucktail, ~ same length as bucktail.

Tie on golden pheasant tippets, one on each side, one at a time.

Rabies Update

Some Good News, Some Bad News by Henry Hilton

Fus,

the good newsc the,e is still no confirmed case of rabies in raccoons in Maine. The bad news: raccoon rabies may be there, but we just don't know about it yet! But that isn't so-o-o bad, because it means people are not being exposed to bites from raccoons. And that means most people are not handling raccoons, and those who are handling them are being very careful. It may also mean that the total number of raccoons has declined, due in part to a run of severe distemper. A sever rabies epidemic among Maine raccoons could reduce their numbers even further. But in the long term, this will not be bad since raccoons can become overpopulated, and disease is nature's way of culling. These populations are pretty resilient and will recover under improved conditions. Rabies among raccoons (or among most other types of wildlife) need not cause a panic. People need only to be cautious, use common sense, and remain alert to the hazards of rabies. In particular: 1) Don't handle, or allow children to feed, touch, or otherwise handle, raccoons, especially those that seem easy to approach! This includes baby raccoons

The author is a wildlife biologist and coodinator of the department's animal damage control program.

that are commonly found during the early summer months. (Remember the motto: If you care, leave it there!) 2) Avoid attracting raccoons with trash or other food sources that may be left out. 3) Get your dogs and cats vaccinated against rabies! As warm weather approaches, even healthy raccoons begin to emerge from their winter doze, looking a bit disheveled, just like we all do first thing in the morning! They become increasingly active, looking for food and raising young. Spring raccoons look particularly rough as they shed their thick winter fur . So don't be alarmed because a raccoon simply hasn't CO",nbed its hair yet. But if you see sickly animals near your home, avoid contact with them. Immediately remove from the premises any bird food, pet food, or waste material containing food. Everyone should be alert for multiple signs of distress, weakness, or illness in raccoons. These signs may include poor coordination, mucous discharge from the nose, eyes, or mouth, diminished sense of fear, or unusual aggressive behavior. Animals that can't walk or are showing more than two of these symptoms may be seriously ill, and should be humanely dispatched. Most seriously ill raccoons, especially those with distemper or rabies, will die. Most sick raccoons will go off and die alone. Unfortunately, it is not possible to offer humane alternatives to every sick raccoon. Wildlife rehabilitators are strongly discouraged from handling sick raccoons. And it is hazardous for untrained people to handle sick raccoons. If possible, leave sick

raccoons alone, and avoid contact by domestic animals. If the animal presents a hazard and should be removed or destroyed, leave it to qualified people to do so: game wardens or wildlife biologists, police officers, town animal control officers, or private animal damage control cooperators. Remember that if the animal may be rabid and has bitten or otherwise exposed a person to the disease, it should be captured, sacrificed and tested at a health lab. In such cases a qualified person should be contacted to carry out this procedure. In these cases, the public can call a Department headquarters at one of the following numbers to obtain the name of a qualified Animal Damage Control Cooperator (sometimes referred to as ADC Agent) to help.

DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS Bangor .................. Greenville ............. Ashland ................ Sidney .................. Gray ......................

1-800-624-2498 1-800-624-2538 1-800-624-2512 1-800-292-7436 1-800-295-2435

If a real emergency exists, such as a dangerous and aggressive animal in a public place (such as a schoolyard), or a human exposure to rabies in which the suspect animal should be caught and tested by the Public Health Lab, the Warden Service should be contacted. This can be done during business hours by calling the nearest regional headquarters (above); or at other times by calling the State Police Emergency number in your phone book. In the meantime, relax and enjoy Maine's outdoors! Be alert! Be cautious! Be smart!

â&#x20AC;˘

Spring 1994

Water Quality Monitoring

Thanks, Volunteers

â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘

by Webster Pearsall and Luann Calcagni

In a

1974, Volunteer Monitoring Program (VMP) was authorized by the Maine legislature to provide Maine citizens with continuously updated information regarding the quality of our lakes and ponds. Meeting the program's primary goals-data collection, analysis, education, and citizen/DEP interaction has required a joint effort between citizen volunteers and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Despite the program's rocky start, the VMP is now recognized by the DEP, 20 years later, as one of its most successful programs - one that will hopefully be not only maintained, but also expanded, in the future. The VMP originated with a two-year pilot project on 62 lakes, launched by the University of Maine's Environmental Studies Center in 1974. But this

Webster Pearsall is an aquatic biologist for the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. He has been the coordinator of the Volunteer Monitoring Program from 1988 to the present, and is currently co-managing the program with the Congress of Lake Associations. Luann Calcagni is a conservation aide for the Department of Environmental Protection.

Maine Fish and Wildlife

effort ran into problems and in 1976, DEP took over the project and integrated it with the responsibilities of its Division of Lakes and Biological Studies (which later became Division of Environmental Evaluation and Lake Studies-DEELS). Since the VMP' s inception, the program has relied on citizens to collect water transparency data, accomplished by using a Secchi disk. The Secchi (right) is a weighted round disk (8 inches in diameter) that is painted black and white for contrast. The disk is slowly lowered into the water until the monitor loses sight of it. At that point, the volunteer reads the depth from a calibrated chain attached to the disk and records it. Data collections are performed bi-weekly over a minimum of five months during the open water seasons; many monitors collect data for six months. Transparency data give an indirect measure of water quality and are used in long-term trend analyses. By observing transparencies over a long period of time (years), a general trend develops. In addition, the DEP samples lakes for baseline data on a rotating basis. This sampling, often with the help of volunteer monitors, includes parameters such as dissolved oxygen and tempera-

A Secchi disk, used for water transparency readings.

For 20 Years Of Help! ture profiles, color, alkalinity, pH, chlorophyll, and total phosphorus. Data collected by monitors, along with baseline data, are of great value to the DEP. Each year, a report of vyater quality for each lake in the program is updated and sent to the monitors. In addition, the data sent in by the volunteers are used in the bi-yearly report to Congress regarding the status of Maine's waters. Moreover, the data are used to answer questions from the public; many towns, organizations, and other state agencies utilize it as well.

n 1992, the program faced a significant obstacle. Near the end of that year, the legislature decided not to fund the Lake Restoration and Protection Fund (LRPF) for 1993 and beyond. The LRPF was the source of monies used to run the program and pay for the program's coordinator. Sensing the true value of the program, the DEP solicited the monitors for volunteers who would help create a revised program utilizing volunteers in a more active way. For two days during January 1993, DEP staff, eight monitors and a representative of the Congress of Lake Associations (COLA) analyzed the current program and created a three-year strategic plan. Under this plan, volunteers will become more involved in the program, including those aspects involv-

Allagash Wilderness Waterway rangers receive training on how to collect water transparency readings. ing data entry and regional coordination. The plan for the future also includes increased sampling by monitors to include more detailed data collection, education for both monitors and the public, and expansion of the program - both in number and breadth of sampling (possibly into macrophyte, aquatic plants or as watershed surveys). WTS---what does this mean? DON'T KNOW ... Any expansion of the program, however, will not take place until there are adequate funding mechanisms to support it. In addition, DEP has entered into a long-

term agreement with COLA to co-manage the program. COLA will be responsible for the day-today management, while the DEP will manage the data and provide technical expertise. Although the volunteer monitoring program has run into some rough weather recently, its outlook appears quite bright, due to the care and dedication of the 275 volunteer monitors and the help of COLA and DEP. So the next time you are on a lake and see someone taking transparency readings, or hear about their work at a lake association meeting, please take a minute to thank them for their efforts. â&#x20AC;˘ Spring 1994

FISH AND WILDLIFE BRIEFS WATCH OUT FOR WILDLIFE A plastic sign encouraging people to avoid disturbing wildlife is now available from the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Designed to be posted near any waterway or wetland, the 12-inch by 18-inch sign cautions boaters, anglers and others using Maine's lakes, streams and marshes to steer clear of wildlife, particularly during critical nesting and brood-rearing periods. The sign has blue lettering and black graphics on a white background.

To order, send check or money order (payable to Maine Fish and Wildlife Dept.) to: Public Information and Education Division, Station 41, Augusta, ME 04333. Price: $2.00 apiece, or 3 for $5.00.

Final Deer, Bear Figures for '93 Maine's 1993 deer and bear hunting seasons ended with harvest levels close to pre-season expectations for both species. The final figure of deer registrations was 27,402, with 692 deer taken during the archery season, 26,608 during the regular firearms season, and 112 during the muzzleloading season. Hunters also took 2,055 bear last fall, an increase of 13 bruins over 1992. Deer registrations decrea ed by 5 percent from the 1992 kill of 28,820. The deer kill during the special archery season declined by 12 deer (2 percent), while the muzzleloading-season kill

M aine Fish and Wildlife

increased by 7 deer (6 percent) over the 1992 season. The 1993 season was the eighth year of Maine's any-deer permit system, which controls deer population growth by regulating the firearm harvest of antlerless deer. Under the any-deer permit system, wildlife managers set a statewide quota for 1993 of 6,825 adult does in order to achieve deer management objectives in the state's 18 deer management districts. To achieve this goal, a total of 44,905 any-deer permits were allocated to hunters in 17 of the 18 districts. Wildlife Biologist Gerald Lavigne said the statewide adult doe harvest was 6,886 - within 61 does, or 1 percent, of the desired figure. Antlered bucks (with a minimum antler length of 3 inches) are legal quarry for all licensed hunters. Lavigne reports the 16,737 bucks taken in 1993 rank as the ninth highest buck kill since recordkeeping began, 40 years ago. Twentyone percent (3,500) of the antlered deer taken were mature bucks, 4-1 / 2 to 15-1/ 2 years old. Of the estimated 210,000 hunters pursuing deer in Maine during 1993, 178,000 were residents who tagged 22,501 deer for a success rate of 12.7 percent. The 32,000 nonresident deer hunters registered 4,901 deer for a 15.2 success rate. Lavigne estimates Maine's deer population following the 1993 hunting season at roughly 235,000 animals, nearly the same as in 1992. He says deer numbers are stable or decreasing slowly in northern and eastern Maine, while remaining stable or increasing slowly elsewhere. Maine's 1993 black bear season incorporated opportunities for hunting over bait, use of hounds, and trapping. Bear Biologist Craig McLaughlin said that shortened seasons since 1990 have met the department's objective of reducing the harvest below 2,300 bears to permit the bear population to expand. In northern Maine, late-fall foods (chiefly beechnuts) were scarce, and bears denned early. Consequently, the late-season harvest was low in northern sections. In central Maine, bears apparently responded to abundant acorn and apple crops and continued to be taken

by hunters during the firearms season on deer. Most bears (1,452) were taken during the early general season. An additional 376 bears were registered during the 7week hound season. Maine residents killed 790 bears, or 38 percent of the total. Nonresident hunters traveling from 34 states, Quebec, Mexico and Austria registered the remaining 1,265 bears. McLaughlin estimates that Maine's spring 1994 bear population will be approximately 20,000 to 21,000 animals, or nearly at the objective level of 21,000 bears. The 1994 bear hunting framework will remain similar to recent seasons' structure with one exception: this year, hunters will be able to take bears by stillhunting or stalking throughout the early general season, from August 29 through October 28. McLaughlin predicts the current bear season framework will restrict the 1994 harvest below 2,300 bears and provide for continued growth of the bear population.

Eight New Members Join Maine Warden Service Maine's Warden Service will at least temporarily attain a level of strength not matched since the late 1970s with the addition of eight new game wardens. Upon completion of required training this spring, they will be assigned to warden districts left vacant by retirements, transfers and promotions, swelling the warden field force to 97, including warden pilots and investigators. The last time a similar number were in service was in 1977, but the high number will be temporary, as a large number of warden retirements are anticipated in late 1994 and in 1995, as senior wardens attain retirement eligibility. The new game wardens: Michelle A. Belanger, 23, a graduate of Unity College, where she studied conservation law and parks management. From 1988 until early this year, she was employed by the New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development/ Parks. Scott W. Colter, 24, of Mount Vernon . He is a graduate of Maranacook Community High School, and previously served in the U.S. Army .

JatnesJ.Fahey,24,ofBangor.A native of Bangor and graduate of Bangor High School, he has a B.S. degree in recreation and parks management. He has previously worked as a conservation aide for the Atlantic Sea Run Salmon Commission, and as a dispatcher for Warden Division C in Bangor. He was an assistant game warden from September 1992 to February 1994. Douglas R. Kulis, 23, of Durham. A native of Bangor, he is a graduate of Mohawk Trail High School, Buckland, Mass. He has a B.S. degree in business administration from the University of Maine at Orono. He previously was employed as park ranger for the Maine Department of Conservation. Galen D. Hall, 29, of Saco. He is a native of Dover-Foxcroft, and a graduate of Nokomis High School. He previously served in the U.S. Army, 82nd Airborne. Ralph W. Hosford, of Thomaston. He is a native of Limestone, and graduate of Georges Valley High School. He holds a B.S. degree in wildlife management, and A.S. degree in legal technology, both from the University of Maine. Natalie J. Wade, 28, of Manchester. She is a graduate of Tilton High School, Tilton, N.H., and graduate of Framingham State College, majoring in wildlife biology. Lowell S. Osgood, 24, of Springfield. He is a native of Presque Isle, and graduate of Lee Academy. He holds a B.S. degree in fores t management from the University of Maine.

Maine Wins "Partnerships For Wildlife" Grant At-risk coastal wildlife species in Maine will receive added protection and support, thanks to an award from a unique grant program funded by government and private groups. Maine's was one of the first of 58 awards to states made w1der the Partnerships for Wildlife Act. The Maine project, to be administered by the Departmen t of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IF&W), will provide $47,500 from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This is to be matched by a

KID-BITS ANSWERS 1. B; fish (bass) 2. D; mammal (river otter) 3. A; bird (great horned owl) 4. E; reptile (milk snake) 5. C; amphibian (wood frog)

$47,500 contribution from outdoor outfi tter L. L. Bean of Freeport, and $47,500 in state funds - much of which will come in the form of in-kind services from IF&W department personnel. Commissioner Ray B. Owen, Jr., said he is "extremely p leased that Maine was chosen" as a recipient for the grant. The Maine project, to begin this spring, will identify important habita ts and initiate protection strategies for a variety of coastal seabirds, including Atlantic puffins, razorbills, arctic terns, Leach's storm petrels, least terns, harlequin ducks, common terns, and red-necked phalaropes. Another component of ilie project will be aimed at increasing public opportunities for enjoying and understanding these species by identifying outstanding viewing and photographic sites along the coast. Informational signs will be erected at the sites, and a video will be produced for use in public education about Maine's coastal seabirds. The federal Partnerships for Wildlife Act, authored by Senator George Mitchell, received joint support from the entire Maine delegation, which includes Senator William Cohen and Represen tatives Olympia Snowe and Tom Andrews, all of whom publicly praiseti L. L. Bean and its president, Leon Gorman, as the firs t private business to participate as a partner in the program. Programs in other states selected for partnership projects range from developing self-guided exhibits and nature trails in California; studying mammals such as lynx, fisher and wolverine in Yellowstone National Park; studying and monitoring desert tortoise populations in the Sonoran Desert; wildlife demons tration projects in Washington state; to conducting an inventory of freshwa ter mussels in sou thern New Hampshire.

Salmon Commission Accepts Grilse-Only Rule Atlantic salmon anglers in Maine will be allowed to keep only one grilse per year under a new rule approved by the Atlantic Sea-Run Salmon Commission. The regulation amends the statewide Atlantic salmon season limit of one fish to restrict the sport fishing harvest to salmon less than 25 inches in total lengili -young salmon known as "grilse." Under ilie new regulation, salmon greater than 25 inches long must be released immediately, alive and without further injury.

Edward Baum, progratn coordinator for the Atlantic Sea Run Salmon Commission, says ilie restriction further protects Atlantic salmon and is aimed at improving survival of adult fish to permit them to spawn naturally in Maine rivers where attempts to restore salmon are being conducted. Recovery of Atlantic salmon is beset by such low returns ilie fish is being considered for further protection under ilie Endangered Species Act. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service are acting jointly to study ilie proposal, and are accepting comments until April 20, with a decision due by October 1 this year. The new grilse-only regulation for Maine does not change existing regulations for the St. John, Aroostook and St. Croix rivers, which were already restricted to one salmon less ilian 25 inches. The Pleasant River remains closed to the killing of Atlantic salmon. In all rivers, it remains legal to catch and release salmon alive and unl1armed.

Wolves for Maine? New interest in introducing wild wolves to Maine has prompted ilie department to reiterate its long-held position iliat major social, biological, and financial considerations must first be addressed. Noting that his department's primary responsibility is the conservation of species which occur naturally in Maine, Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Ray Owen emphasized iliat wolf reintroduction should not be considered wiiliout widespread public support, and iliere continues to be strong opposition to it atnong Maine people. The department's position on wolf reintroduction was first developed in 1978, and restated in 1992, in response to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposals to study the potential for establishing eastern timber wolves in Maine. Several individuals and private groups are currently advocating wolves for Maine as well. Commissioner Owen also noted iliat anoilier large predator, the eastern coyote, has become well established iliroughout the state since ilie 1970s. "The similarities between the eastern coyote and ilie wolf include not only their large size, behavior, and habitat requirements, but also food preferences, which include deer, hare and beaver." Owen said a project of this magnitude would require a major commitment

Spring 1994

of funds and staff at a time when his department's funding is barely adequate to carry out its existing wildlife conservation initiatives. He points out also that through its strategic planning process the Fish and Wildlife Department has adopted specific objectives and management programs for Maine's major wildlife species. This includes a variety of recovery efforts for threatened and endangered species as well as ongoing data gathering on species whose current population status is undetermined. In addition, the commissioner notes, department goals include maintaining present moose population levels and increasing the number of deer, particularly in eastern and northern Maine where deer populations are presently low. Owen reiterated the department's previous concerns that "any serious consideration to the introduction of timber wolves would have repercussions on these management initiatives, financially, biologically and through the social-political process. "The introduction of wolves to Maine would divert the department's limited resources from ongoing wildlife management initiatives and impact the accomplishment of these objectives. Only with a strong public mandate would the department entertain a project such as this."

Several Biologists Honored A department biologist recently was selected to receive a national award for his work, and two others were honored by a local group for theirs. Wildlife Biologist G. Keel Kemper received a 1994 National Wetlands Award in recognition of his field work in controlling beaver flowage problems. The award is co-sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Environmental Law Institute of Washington, D.C. Meanwhile, the Sunkhaze Stream Chapter of Trout Unlimited was honoring Fisheries Biologist David J. Basley and Wildlife Biologist Randal A. Cross with their 1994 "Biologist of the Year" awards. Kemper, an assistant regional wildlife biologist who works out of the department's Sidney office, was selected from a field of over 70 nominations natiopwide. He will receive the award in Washington on May 18, but will do so, he says, on behalf of everyone in the

Maine Fish and Wildlife

department who is engaged in beaver flowage control activities. The National Wetlands Awards Program is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated innovation or excellence in wetland protection. Kemper was nominated for the award by Ronald Joseph, a fish and wildlife biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service "because of his hard work in resolving conflicts between beaver flowages and human interests. Typically, beaver dams impound water, which permit the animals to travel into forested areas where wood is harvested for food, dams and lodges. But with an increasing number of roads bisecting wetlands in Maine, coupled with high beaver populations, an increasing number of beaver dams are built in culverts. This causes rising water levels that often flood public roads. "To combat 'nuisance' beaver, dams have frequently been destroyed to lower water levels. Beaver frequently repair dams within 24 hours, thus recreating the problem, and the need to destroy dams again. "This costly tug-of-war between man and beaver drains not only highwaydepartment budgets, but damages hundreds of acres of valuable wetland habitat as well. The loss of wetlands negatively impacts wood ducks, black ducks and many other wetland-dependent species." In his nomination statement, Joseph reports that Kemper "is spearheading an innovative program of installing portable exclosures to prevent the mammals from plugging culverts. Installed in front of culverts, the exclosure resembles a semi-circular reinforced fence. Beaver build their dams against the fence rather than in the culvert. To prevent water levels from rising, and flooding roads, Kemper installs PVC drainpipes

through the dam to stabilize water levels, thereby making it unnecessary to drain the wetlands. He is actively maintaining several dozen exclosures in central Maine, resulting in the protection of hundreds of acres of high-quality wetlands for wildlife." A graduate of the University of Georgia, Kemper, 34, has been employed by the department for five years. Basley, 41, has been a department fisheries biologist since 1979 and has been the regional fisheries biologist for the Ashland Region since 1983. The University of Maine graduate was honored by the Trout Unlimited chapter for his work toward "preserving and enhancing the native and wild brook trout fishery in northern Maine, where continuing pressures exist from other groups to stock non-native competitive species in his area. He is continually trying to change attitudes of fishermen in an area where large bag limits and small trout caught on worms have been a way of life for many years. In spite of these, he has succeeded in establishing some of the most restrictive harvest regulations on wild brook trout in the Northeast. His effective use of the media, and attendance at lake association and sportsmen's club meetings to inform his angling public, has positively influenced the acceptance of his fishery management proposals." Cross, 36, has a degree in wildlife biology from the University of Maine. After several years of part-time work for the department, he became a full-time employee in 1986. He currently is assigned to the Mammal Group at the Bangor facility where, in addition to working with a variety of wildlife species, he is responsible for aging teeth from moose, deer, bear, marten, and fisher for biologists working on various research and management projects.

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He was honored by the Trout Unlimited group for his "unfailing dedication in his job as field biologist, working primarily on black bear research, often in hostile field conditions. He has the added responsibilities of two other vacant technician positions at the Bangor Wildlife Resource Assessment Section, and still gets the work done. His performance can be summed up by a quote from one of his peers: 'I would want no other individual in the division out with me in the field when the going gets tough.' I think that says it all."

Forest Survey Report "Profound changes have occurred in Maine's forests during the past decade." That statement by Maine Forest Service Director Susan Bell summarizes a report containing the first statewide Maine wood supply information available since 1980. The report was released recently by the Maine Forest Service. Because many species of Maine wildlife are dependent on forest habitat, information in the report is of interest beyond the forest industry. According to the report: Maine's forests contain abundant supplies of young trees; there has been a dramatic shift by Maine's forest industry from traditional spruce and fir, where volumes have declined significantly, to underutilized hardwood species; paper makers are beginning to substitute some recycled material for pulpwood from the forest; there have been continued advances in technology allowing the use of lower quality and smaller trees; and there is the likelihood of increased demand for wood from the state's forests. The forest inventory was commissioned by the Maine Forest Service in 1990. The United States Forest Service last inventoried Maine's forests in 1980 and is due to resurvey the state's 17.6 million acres of forest land in 1996. Maine's inventory of spruce and fir growing stock- trees five inches in diameter and large - is down significantly from 1980, according to the report, which also notes that the inventory shows some positive trends for the spruce and fir resource since current volumes are higher than had been predicted. The improvement is attributed primarily to the increased use of hardwoods for making paper. The harvest of spruce and fir pulpwood, traditionally preferred for paper making in Maine, declined froi:n _l.65 million cords in 1985 to 1.15 rrull10n

cords in 1991. During this period, the use of hardwoods by Maine's paper industry increased by 350,000 cords. In addition to substituting hardwood for spruce and fir, the report says recycled paper is expected to be an increasingly important source of fiber for Maine's paper manufacturers. The report says that although the quality of Maine's softwood is stable, supplies of trees large enough to be made into lumber are declining. As a result, sawmills that expanded rapidly in the 1970s and 1980s in response to demand for building materials and the large supply of mature and bud worm-killed spruce and fir trees will face increasing competition for trees eight inches and larger for at least the next 20 years. Some of the shortage in spruce and fir saw timber, the report notes, will be offset by increases in technology, increased use of smaller trees and substitution of underutilized species. The report indicates that the volume of white pine growing stock has remained stable since 1980. This important species is used to make doors, windows, interior finish and furniture. White pine quality, and the quality of most other softwood species, has increased since 1980. Although the report indicates that the overall volume of hardwoods is stable, the quality of the state's hardwood resource continues a 30-year decline. Of particular concern, is the reduction in quality of sugar maple, yellow birch and beech. Although these species are affected by numerous insects, there were no major outbreaks that could account for the reduction in quality. The report concludes that a lack of markets for lower-quality trees precludes opportunities to manage for hardwood quality in much of the state. The report says that although effective forest-fire-control programs have reduced the number of acres lost to fire each year, one serious fire season could disrupt wood supplies for years. The report says losses to insects and disease, in terms of decreased volume and reduced quality, are now more significant than losses to wildfire. Maine's forest resources provide employment for 50,300 people and generate payrolls of more than $888 million. Shipments of products attributable to wood including paper, lumber and furniture were $4.6 billion in 1987. Copies of the report may be obtained from the Maine Forest Service, Depart-

ment of Conservation, Station 22, Augusta, ME 04333. (Phone 287-2791 or 1-800-367-0223.)

Annual Winter Waterfowl Survey Completed Not surprisingly, wildlife biologists conducting their annual winter waterfowl count along the Maine coast encountered Arctic-like conditions. Maine biologists Pat Corr, Brad Allen and Lindsay Tudor, flying with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service pilot/ biologist Jim Goldsberry, conducted the mid-winter waterfowl count over several days late in January. The team counted a total of 79,228 ducks and 425 geese, for a grand total of 79,653 of all species of waterfowl. This compares with 106,000 (a record) in 1993, 62,000 in 1992, and 82,000 in 1991. The surveys are conducted at the same time every winter in each state in the Atlantic Flyway. Results of the Maine inventory are added to those from other states to obtain total wintering populations on the East Coast. Biologist Brad Allen reports that, "unlike the previous three years, coastal conditions during this year's survey were 'Arctic-like,' with numerous coves and bays completely ice-bound. Despite the unusually cold January, a number of ducks and geese were observed, evidently choosing to winter in Maine rather than flying further south." Allen notes that, as usual, the most frequently observed duck was the common eider; approximately 47,800 eiders (mostly in Casco and Muscongus bays) were counted. The biologists also recorded an estimated 9,800 black ducks. During the past three mild winters, the total black duck count averaged nearly 15,000 birds. Undoubtedly, the extreme cold conditions during January forced black ducks to milder southern climates, according to Allen. "This pattern may have been true for Canada geese as well, because the goose count was low. We will not know the overall status of winter waterfowl populations until Maine's information is pooled with the other states' numbers in the next few weeks," Allen concluded. The waterfowl counted this year (and in 1993) include: black ducks, 4796 (17700); eider, 47824 (62000); scoter, 5009 (9000); mallards, 383 (611); goldeneye, 4956 (2091); bufflehead, 2038 (5009); old squaw, 2768 (1449); merganser, 5305 (5931); and Canada geese, 452 (1077).

Spring 1994