Maine Fish and Wildlife Magazine, Spring 1996 by Maine State Library

Maine State Library

Maine State Documents Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Magazine

Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

3-1-1996

Maine Fish and Game Magazine, Spring 1996 Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalmaine.com/ifw_magazine Recommended Citation Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, "Maine Fish and Game Magazine, Spring 1996" (1996). Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Magazine. Book 91. http://digitalmaine.com/ifw_magazine/91

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EDITORIAL "by Ray B. Owen, Jr., Commissioner

Fish ... Raising, Protecting, and Oh, Yes - Catching!! Ah, springtime in Maine! There is talk of early iceouts and water conditions that should produce some great spring fishing. Ice angler Robert Hodson' s 23.5-pound brown trout catch (see Page 29 ) at Square Pond in Acton is an exciting inspiration for all who fish Maine. Contrary to some reports, Maine waters still harbor some mighty fine fishing opportunities. Don't take my word for it; check out the anglers album in this month's magazine (pages 6 & 7). As you make preparations for open water angling, let me suggest that you spend a few quiet moments with the new open water fishing regulations. There are major changes in the fishing rules this year, especially dealing with trout. These are historic changes designed to protect and enhance Maine's priceless and genetically unique wild trout fishery. Perhaps you haven't noticed, but there has been a significant increase in angling pressure on Maine's brookies over the past few years. The new regulations address this added pressure, and open exciting possibilities for growing larger size class trout as well. What are these new regulations? On most of Maine's 474 wild trout fisheries, the new bag limit is two trout. There also are changes in the minimum length limits, and for some waters, special gear restrictions. Fisheries biologists have, with these new rules, placed Maine's trout waters into four categories. The state's two best classes of waters have a two-fish limit and minimum length limits of 12 and 10 inches, with only one large fish permitted. There is another good reason for allowing Maine anglers to kill fewer trout. Biologist Dave Boucher points out that with more than half of our trout ponds supplied with trout through natural production, it's important that some bigger trout stay in the lake so that they can pass along their genes. I hope you agree that Maine's true wild trout waters are a natural wonder, and well worth safeguarding for future generations. These new regs, while perhaps a little tough to get used to, are really long overdue. These new trout regulations, as well as other changes that encompass my Quality Fishing Initiative, should produce trophy-size fish within two years. Anglers are already seeing larger fish, bass as well as trout. I urge all anglers to support thse needed changes in our fishing rules and to encourage your fishing friends to do likewise. Speaking of support, my gratitude goes out to the hundreds of you who have become Supersports. The funds you have helped generate are being used wisely and effectively by Warden Dave Peppard, who is doing a terrific job in promoting good landowner relations and managing Operation Game Thief (see Dave's article on page 3). Finally, I want to assure you that despite some setbacks, we are on track with our plans for upgrading our fish hatcheries. I have put together a Hatchery Task Force comprised of fish culturists, engineers from state government and industry, and state legislators. This group will assess our entire hatchery needs and draft a definitive 10-year maintenance and design proposal. When this is completed, we will be ready to proceed Âˇ with a hatchery bond issue in the fall of 1997.

AINE

VILDLIFE

FISH AND WILDLIFE A quarterly full-color magazine about hunting, fishing, or just plain recreating in Maine's outdoors

VOL. 38, NO. 1

SPECIAL HALF-PRICE OFFER! D 1 year only $9 D Payment enclosed

D 2 years only $15 D Please bill me later folks on pages 6 & 7- check it out!

Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

J ves/

City /State/Zip

by Wdn. David M. Peppard

OB FASTER SERVICE, CALL TOLL-FB.EE 1-800-288-8387

AINE

9602

by Wdn. Sgt. Doug Tibbetts helps a warden get "broken in!"

FISH AND WILDLIFE

by Gerry Lavigne

A quarterly full-color magazine about hunting, fishing, or just plain recreating in Maine's outdoors

:? This report sheds some light.

SPECIAL HALF-PRICE OFFEBI D 1 year only $9 D Payment enclosed

by Alan E. Hutchinson

D 2 years only $15 D Please bill me later

/ates, tax checkoffs, etc.-during 1995.

ire to find them, on Maine 's coast.

Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ City /State/Zip

by Wdn . Blaine Holding

FOB FASTER SERVICE, CALL TOLL-FREE 1-800-288-8387

AINE

9602

ial Olympians at Sugarloaf USA.

0 years!

FISH AND WILDLIFE A quarterly full-color magazine about hunting, fishing, or just plain recreating in Maine's outdoors

SPECIAL HALF-PRICE OFFEBI D 1 year only $9 D Payment enclosed

D 2 years only $15 D Please bill me later

Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ .Ad.dress _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

City/State/Zip_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

by Butch Carey

t belongs to six-year old Lance 14-lnch brookle "somewhere In er of 1995. Gene Arsenault, was also the photographer! nglers on pages 6 IL 7.

FOB FASTER SERVICE, CALL TOLL-Fllll 1-800-288-8387 inks on recyclable paper

EDITORIAL

MAINE

FISH AND WILDLIFE 284 State St., Sta. #41 Augusta ME 04333

Ah, springtime in Maine! 1 great spring fishing. Ice angl1 Pond in Acton is an exciting i harbor some mighty fine fishi month's magazine (pages 6 & As you make preparations with the new open water fish dally dealing with trout. The genetically unique wild trout in angling pressure on Maine pressure, and open exciting p What are these new regula1 trout. There also are changes Fisheries biologists have, \\ state's two best classes of wat only one large fish permitted. There is another good reas, out that with more than half c tant that some bigger trout st. I hope you agree that Main for future generations. These These new trout regulations, , produce trophy-size fish with I urge all anglers to suppor friends to do likewise. Speaking of support, my gi funds you have helped gener, doing a terrific job in promoti article on page 3). Finally, I want to assure yo fish hatcheries. I have put toi government and industry, an definitive 10-year maintenanc with a hatchery bond issue in

Place Sta.mp Here

MAINE

FISH AND WILDLIFE 284 State St., Sta. #41 Augusta ME 04333

MAINE

FISH AND WILDLIFE 284 State St., Sta. #41 Augusta ME 04333

MAINE

FISH AND WILDLIFE SPRING 1996

VOL. 38, NO. 1

Features The One That Didn't Get Away Club, 1995

You might see some overlap 'twixt this list and the folks on pages 6 & 7- check it out!

The Department's Attack On Two fronts

by Wdn . David M. Peppard

Up with landowner relations! Down with game thieves!

Anglers Album

Lakes & rivers-men & women---coldwater & warm ... take a look at some 1995 trophies.

The Things Game Wardens Have To Doi

by Wdn. Sgt. Doug Tibbetts

A chase through the woods at the Canadian border helps a warden get "broken in!"

What's Deer's Bigger Worry?

by Gerry Lavigne

What do you think? Is It coyotes .. .or loss of habitat? This report sheds some light.

Endangered &.. Nongame Annual Report, 1995

by Alan E. Hutchinson

What we did with your contributions- from loon plates, tax checkoffs, etc.-durlng 1995.

Special Pullout: Watchable Coast Poster

This centerpiece shows you WP.at they are, and where to find them, on Maine 's coast.

Special Help For The Special Olympics

by Wdn . Blaine Holding

A handful of wardens lend some assistance to special Olympians at Sugarloaf USA.

New State Record Flshl

Brown trout state record shattered-after almost 40 years!

Depa1t1nents THE MARKlTPLACE

KID-BITS

FROM THE FLY TYING BENCH:

The Mansfield

FISH AND WILDLIFE BRIEFS

by Butch Carey

The front cover: Now here's a facel And It belongs to six-year old Lance Arsenault, who caught and released this 14-lnch brookle "somewhere In the Moose River region" In late summer of t 995. Gene Arsenault, Lance's father and fishing companion, was also the photographer! More pictures of pleased 1995 anglers on pages 6 &. 7.

n Printed with vegetabl&-based

" ' inks on recyclable paper

The One That Didn't Get Away Club -1995 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

The Angler

Brook Trout (Qualifying Weight 4 pounds)

5 entries in 1995

Brown Trout (Qualifying Weight 6 pounds)

25 entries In 1995

Lake Trout (Qualifying Weight 15 pounds)

11 entries in 1995

Stacie Severance , Brewer Jeff Aten, Scarborough Glenn Sparks, Saco Herb Hatch, Sullivan John Nickerson, Jr., Dover-Foxcroft

1 Lbs. Length Oz. (In.) D~ 1

Lure

Where Caught

7 5-5 5-4 4-9 4-2

24 23 20 20 1/2 20

6/23 5/18 1/1 8/27 5/10

Long Pond/Great Pond , Aurora pond in Chesterville Long Pond, Sullivan Little Benson , Monson

night crawler Hornberg muddler shiner sewed shiner night crawler

Bruce Hilton, Kennebunk Ron Woodward, Springvale Ken Marass, Springvale Conrad Emard, Sanford Gerard Raymond, Lewiston Anthony Winslow, Windham Mark & Timmy Coyne, Sanford William Laverdiere, S. Portland Clark Michaels, W. Kennebunk Russell Jordan, Portland Rory Trudeau, S. Portland Carroll Sawyer, Belgrade Patrick Bachard, E. Lebanon

12-6 12 10-12 10-8 9-2 9 8-14 8-12 8-12 8-9 8-8 8 -4 8

29 1/2 29 1/2 29 1/2 28 26 25 28 28 26 27 28 27 27

1/2 4/13 5/4 4/3 6/30 1/3 2/11 8/10 4/29 4/7 6/8 7/15 3/4

Wilson Pond, Acton Square Pond, Acton/Shapleigh Square Pond, Acton/Shapleigh Square Pond, Acton/Shapleigh Upper Range Pond, Poland Long Lake, Bridgton Square Pond, Shapleigh Middle Range Pond, Poland Kennebunk Pond, Lyman Highland Lake, FalmC'â&#x20AC;˘Jth Square Pond, Shapleigh Maranacook Lake, Winthrop Square Pond, Shapleigh

large shiner tandem fly Flash King Grey Ghost streamer shiner shiner live bait shiner spinners & night crawler Grey Ghost streamer live bait sewed smelt live bait

Manny Young , Corea Ted Reny, Westbrook Mike Verostick, Buxton Richard Castonguay, Durham Kevin Dearborn, Naples David Chabot, Lewiston Harvard Peabody, Jonesport Dale Dunnells , Limerick Donald Welch, W.Buxton Raymond Young , Westbrook Raymond Curtis, Sebago Lake

25 24-10 20-15 19 18-8 17 16-12 16-2 16 15-8 15-6

39 41 3/4 39 37 36 1/2 36 341 /2 35 34 1/2 36 37 1/2

5/23 4/11 4/17 5/27 9/16 5/1 2/15 5/21 4/21 4/26 4/27

Tunk Lake, T10SD Sebago Lake Sebago Lake Sebec Lake Sebago Lake Auburn Lake, Auburn Tunk Lake, T1 OSD Sebago Lake Sebago Lake Sebago Lake, Standish Sebago Lake, Standish

shiner Flatfish Flatfish live bait sewed chub big redfin shiner sucker Flatfish Green Flatfish Flatfish Flatfish

7-13

7/4

161 /4

6/24

I I

Rainbow Trout (Qualifying Weigh1 5 pounds)

Don Ouellette, N. Berwick

Rebel

Rainbow Lake, Steep Falls

1 entry in 1995

Blueback Trout (Qualifying Weight 2 pounds)

I Jean LeBlanc , Fort Kent

1 entry in 1995

Landlocked Salmon (Qualifying Weight 6 pounds)

5 entries In 1995

Smallmouth Bass (Qualifying Weight 5 pounds)

4 entries in 1995

Largemouth Bass (Qualifying Weight 7 pounds)

6 entries in 1995

White Perch (Qualifying Weight 1 1/2 pounds)

5 entries in 1995

Pickerel (Qualifying Weight 4 pounds)

10entrles in 1995

Northern Pike (Qualifying Weight 15 pounds) 4 entries in 1995

spinner & night crawler

Garner Lake, T15R9 I

live smelt smelt live smelt Daredevil sewed smelt

Roland Pelletier, Jr., Van Buren Neil Marquis, Brunswick Phillip Nesbit, Topsham Paul Paradis, Waterville Ernest Fecteau, N. Vassalboro

9-8 8 7-4 7 6-10

30 28 271/4 24 25

1/15 1/1 1/29 4/27 5/19

Long Lake Upper Narrows Pond Long Lake, T17R4 Long Pond, Belgrade Rangeley Lake

Troy Clapp, Blue Hill Timothy Hikade, Brooklin Donald Hines, Jr. , Albion Adam Breton , Albion

5-12 5-7 5-6 5-4

22 22 21 22

4/29 3/18 2/12 2/12

Toddy Pond Alamoosook Lake, Orland Lovejoy Pond , Albion Lovejoy Pond , Albion

Roddy Glover, Monmouth Lois Lindsay, Raymond Michael Tarbox, Westbrook John Swinton, State College, PA Wayne Thompson, Augusta Harvey Wheeler, Falmouth

8-10 8-9 7-11 7-6 7-4 7-4

22 26 21 1/2 221/2 22 22

3/11 6/9 1/14 9/14 3/3 4/25

Cobbossee Lake, Monmouth Panther Pond, Raymond Hancock Pond, Sebago Round Pond, Locke Mills Maranacook Lake Moose Pond, Bridgton

live bait worm shiner Mann's 8" black jelly worm large shiner Black Widow jig

Tony Cox , Ellsworth Donald Lynch , Brewer Mearl Salley, Oakland Barbara Crook, Winslow Michael Cox, Dryden

1-13 1-11 1-11 1-8 1-8

15 3/4 16 16 14 14

2/ 19 2/24 8/6 7/5 5/11

Webb Pond , Eastbrook Belfast Reservoir FahiPond Long Pond Long Pond, Belgrade

Barry Hammond, Livermore Falls William Clark, Ellsworth Renaldo Mauritson, Jr., Quincy, MA Brett Hardacker, Leeds Lee Elston, Bangor Tracy Elston, Bangor Joel Anderson, Auburn Amanda Leach Camden Marcellino Sousa, Belgrade Nicholas Parenteau, Raymond

5-10 5-2 4-5 4-5 4-5 4-4 4-3 4-3 4-2 4

27 25 5/8 28 1/2 28 26 26 24 24 251 /2

2/19 2/19 7/27 2/19 1/28 2/11 9/26 3/12 2/19 2/18

Androscoggin Lake, Wayne Great Pond, Aurora N1catous Lake, T 41 Androscoggin Lake, Wayne/Leeds Etna Pond, Etna Etna Pond, Etna Clays Pond, Fryeburg Hobbs Pond, Ho pe Maranacook Lake, Winthrop Mine Pond, Porter

shiner silver shiner Mepps shiner shiner shiner Woolly Bugger shiner golden shiner live shiner

45 44 39 3/4 40

6/ 12 7/22 9/29 7/21

Long Pond , Belgrade Great Pond , Rome North Pond , Mercer North Pond , Smithfield

Brian Samer, Cranford , NJ Lewis Hirsch, New Hope, PA Michael Langlais, Hope RI Nick Boulette , Oakland

24-12 24 15-7 15-3

I Jointed Blaze Orange Rapala shiner live shiner live shiner

shiner Rapala worm smelt

Bagley's Dredge Fire-Tiger Mooselook Wobbler Mann 's Stretch 25 crank bait crank bait

Up With Landowner Relations, Down With Game Thieves!

by David M. Peppard The Landowner Relations and Operation Game Thief programs each experienced a very busy and productive fall. Here are brief accounts of what happened with each program during the last six months of 1995.

LANDOWNER RELATIONS Being a new priority, this has required the most attention. Presentations on landowner relations and OCT have been made to more than 50 clubs and organizations all across the state; they have been well-received, and audiences have given us back some good ideas! Promoting "Ask First" has been an experience. The landowners welcome this program; landusers accept it, but with reservations. It's hard to let go of traditions-like going where you want to without asking-but access to private land is a privilege. We must start treating landowners with courtesy and appreciation if we hope to have anywhere left to go. This is the Number One gripe of landowners with whom we have spoken-that very few persons, if anyone at all, ever asks before using private land. Even landowners who post their land have said that if they were asked politely, they would in most cases allow access. It is imperative to move into this "Ask First" mode, especially if "asking" is all that stands between us and use of these private lands. The Legislative Study Commission on Trespass held several

meetings this fall and has made its recommendations to the legislature for consideration. The Commission consists of a diverse group of landowners, landusers, and public officials. We were part of this process, and had input into drafting needed changes. All such recommended changes are landowner-oriented, including: allowing landowners to sue civilly for damage to property; adding forest land to what is covered under the "damage to farmland" law; clarifying regulations ~nd policies on posting land; adding a new posting procedure that allows a landowner to use paint lines to define areas of no access without permission; allowing landowners to post to prohibit a specific activity; allowing landowners to post private roads to trespass by vehicles; and more. A more detailed report on what was enacted will appear in this publication once the legislature has finished its work on these recommendations. A considerable amount of research has been done, including a mailing to all states and Canadian provinces that have The author manages the landowner relations and Operation Game Thief programs for the department. Spring 1996

Whether it's the game thief who kills, takes the best, then leaves the rest ...

landowner relation programs in place. Several good ideas have come back from this mailingabout the landowner relations program and about a "Sport," or hunter ethics, program. A volunteer program to assist landowners, mainly those with property damage and/ or illegal dumping, is in the works. All volunteers recruited so far are from sportsmen's groups and snowmobile clubs. Game wardens were very active in helping landowners this past fall. The wardens were

directed to respond to those landowner abuse complaints which pertained to related outdoor recreational activities and illegal dumping, if such response were possible considering the warden's workload at the time. The end result of this heightened response to these complaints: about 40 people were summonsed for criminal trespass along with numerous fish and wildlife violations. And 15 others were summonsed for illegal dumping. Game Wardens do care and are willing to help.

... or the over-eager or non-caring recreationist who lets nothing, not even someone else's field, get in the way ...

Ma ine Fish nnd Wildlife

The new Supersport license is now available. Any of the IF&W licenses can be supersported; the extra $15 that the 1Âˇ cense buyer pays goes directly to the Landowner Relations and Sportsmen Ethics programs. This is a very worthwhile investment to help keep Maine as great as it is, especially when it comes to outdoor recreation. Good relations between landowners and landusers are vital. Without landowners' cooperation, land users are left with no place to recreate. When you supersport your license, you receive a supersport decal for your window, and a big thank you from your Fish and Wildlife Department. Please take the time and make the investment. The list goes on, but these are the highlights. For assistance or more information please call Dave Peppard at 287-8091 or write to: IF&W Landowner Relations, 8 Federal Street, Augusta ME 04330. OPERATION GAME THIEF (OGT) This program set an all-time high for number of calls for September through November. The list at the top of page 5 compares the number of calls for September through November back to 1989 when the program started.

1995 685 calls 1994 501 calls 1993 597 calls 1992 535 calls 1991 421 calls 1990 423 calls 1989 664 calls We attribute this increase in calls to two factors. The first is having someone promoting the program on a full-time basis. Second, it appears that the public's tolerance for, or acceptance of, the abuse of Maine's fish and wildlife resources is lessening. This is a great trend to see developing because all concerned people, resident or not, sportsperson or not, must become involved. If we don't make a difference now, all future generations are the losers. From the 685 calls OGT received, wardens have been able to make 146 cases. Of those,

.. . or the vandals and illegal dumpers who turn paradises into snakepits .. . we 're after them all!!

39 cases will result in a minimum fine of $1000 and three days in jail. There are many complaints still being investigated, and more cases will come to pass as a result. About one out of three of the callers requested a reward. Since July 1, 1995, the OGT board of directors has granted $4,050 in rewards! Here is a sampling of some of the cases that resulted from a call to OGT:

1. One person was summoned and convicted for intentionally running over a flock of wild turkeys in Windsor with a pickup truck. 2. A deer poaching operation was uncovered in Randolph, where four illegal deer were being cut up. 3. Four people were caught with 45 partridge at their camp off the Golden Road. 4. Two different calls resulted in 10 summons and confiscation of five deer in the Jefferson area. 5. Three people were summonsed for possession of an illegal moose in the Greenfield area. , The board of directors of OGT voted to start accepting calls of

landowner abuse, especially illegal dumping. We received several calls this fall on illegal dumping, one of which resulted in a summons. The informant on this call asked for a reward, and the board granted it. The most unique call the program received was from a hunter who observed a hunting violation and called OCT- from his treestand, using his cellular phone! The OGT program is primarily supported by donations. Send donations to: Operation Game Thief PO Box2684 Augusta, ME 04338 I also would encourage anyone who has information about fish and wildlife violations or landowner abuse to please call OGT at 1-800-253-7887. You can call seven days a week, 8 a.m. til midnight and remain completely anonymous if you wish. I would like to thank everyone who has supported both these programs and ask that you continue to do so. We need your help. â&#x20AC;˘

Spring 1996

Maine Fishing 1995

Anglers Stacie Severance of Brewer seems pretty pleased with this 6 lb., 15 oz. brook trout from Long Pond.

Meg Witherbee with her Pierce Pond salmon - nice going, Meg!

Bob Burke's brown trout came from the Presumpscot River.

A fall brookie trapnetted from Secret Pond.

Peter Grundy took this five-pound brook trout from the Rapid River.

' Fish and Wildlife Maine

Marshall Burpee, Jr. with a 13 lb., 8 oz. togue from Nickerson Lake. (The other fish is no slouch, either!)

Album

Dave Breton and friend with a fine Atlantic salmon trophy from the Penobscot River. Bob Swanson with a 4 lb., 8 oz. brook trout from the Rapid River.

Heather Jacobson of Orono with a fall salmon from Grand Lake Stream.

C. Thomas Jagger with a 3 lb., 8 oz. brook trout taken in May on a Black Ghost Marabou. Spring 1996

A Learning Experience

''The Things Game Do!'' Wardens Have by Doug Tibbetts

n the fall of 1971, the deer ; ,,..-~season had come to an abrupt ./ ~ - ~halt. Due to several severe f ~ winters in a row, the deer herd ,;_.'I was struggling to recover; the )) / //. · ' commissioner had ended the season a week early as one ~ ·~ , way to help the herd re, . "':il!ii~ ~ cover. .· t'' My patrol area, just _ Z· .,_ north of Houlton, ~ ~.AIS!~..,,_......-c~~ ~ was bounded by the province of New Brunswick to the east, and included the town of Bridgewater. The deer season over, my thoughts were turning towards winter. The ground was frozen, ice was making all the time, and snow would soon be covering northern Maine with a thick blanket of white. This was my second year in with them. They weren't big on Aroostook County and I had killing things, and we had a kind made a casual acquaintance with of mutual respect for each other. I admired them for their indewhat was referred to, in those days, as a "hippie" family that pendence; the only conflicts we had settled on the very end of did have usually involved their the Snow Settlement Road in dogs roaming at large. Bridgewater. Like most roads in Well, one day this family logged a complaint with me that area, if they leave off from regarding trapping at a beaver Route 1 in an easterly direction, flowage on their land. After they end at the New Brunswick being pointed in the right direcborder. tion, I located the flowage, only In those days, there were many such people moving ''back about 200 yards on the Maine to the land," and game wardens side of the "cut" in the woods seemed to get along quite well through which ran the line

k<7_!"-,;,y;f ___:~.:-

Maine Fish and Wildlife

;§;

separating Maine and New Brunswick. I shuffled my feet along very gingerly on this ice. It was quite thin-and it settled towards the middle. I soon discovered that this was due to a hole dug in the dam, causing the water level to drop. Under the water in front of the dam, I found a #14 leghold trap secured with a length of wire. This method of beaver trapping was, in itself, illegal, let alone the fact that the trapping season would not open until January 1! And a hole like this in

their dam would cause the beaver great concern, since they must maintain the water level to ensure that their feed bed of poplar would remain under the ice and accessible throughout the long winter. The beaver would certainly swim down to investigate the cause of this water loss,

attempt to repair the dam, and get caught in the process. Searching near the beaver house about 75 feet upstream from the dam, I discovered a #330 Conibear trap set down in the water right next to the house. This trap was also set illegallytoo close to the house and, like the other trap, carrying no name to identify the owner. These two traps work differently, but the principle is the same-the beaver is held underwater until drowned. I had really never understood much about beaver, or the trapping and management of them until I started my career as a warden about a year and a half earlier. The previous winter I had spent considerable time following veteran beaver trapper Blaine Lambert around. Blaine had a real trout pond in his

living room in Houlton (could be another story here), and was a very interesting person. During these long winter days with him, I learned what amazing creatures beaver were, and lots more, as Blaine went on about beaver, and life in general, after 40 years on the trail. I thought how pleased Blaine would be if I caught this beaver poacher. It was late in the day; as the frail November sun set, I hurried through the woods to my vehicle, excitedly planning how to make the best of this excellent opportunity which had dropped into my lap! The next morning d3wned crisp and cold. It was still dark when I had left home but daylight was replacing the shadowy gray as I arrived back on the flowage and decided where to settle in for the wait-as close to the traps as possible with good visibility, but with good cover for concealment-and in a position where the poacher wouldn't stumble onto me before he ever got onto the flowage. I picked out a spot in some small firs on the west side of the flowage where I could see the traps, the dam, and the house. I concealed my pack, opened up my sleeping bag, and crawled in. The author is a warden sergeant in Division C, headquartered in Bangor.

As I lay there I began to think of all the different scenarios in which this situation could play out. What if this, what if that, and what if I should do something to botch the whole thing up? Waiting in the cold dawn, I recalled the first day I came to work. My supervisor, Virgil Grant, came to pick me up in Littleton. He said, "get a uniform on so I can see what you're going to look like in it." We did, and then he took me for a ride up Route 1 as far as Mars Hill. On the way back he pulled into Codrey's Texaco in Monticello, gave me a dollar and asked me to run in and get him a pack of Camels. I went into the garage, feeling very conspicuous in my new attire. As I entered, I noticed several men talking and looking at me. They fell silent and just stared at me until after I had purchased the cigarettes and exited. One man in particular raised his eyebrows very disdainfully as he chewed on a toothpick and glared at me. When I got back into the car, Virgil asked me if I felt like those guys were looking me over. I said that it sure appeared that way. Virgil replied, "I think they're wondering if you're man enough to catch up with themand if you do, are you man enough to hang on?" Then he chuckled and lit a cigarette. I knew he was toying with me, having fun with his new recruit. But there was no doubt about the real message here; I understood it perfectly. Virgil was a master at getting his points across indirectly. I found Virgil to be the most patient man I ever met-and 25 years on the job have only reaffirmed that opinion. Spring 1996

I spent an uneventful day there, leaving just as darkness settled in. The next day I was about an hour late getting into position. I was hurrying as fast as possible, trying to quell the sick feeling of wondering if my poacher had come and gone before I got there. I checked the traps and found them sprung, just the way I had the first afternoon I was there. Relieved, I took up my position in the small firs. The morning passed slowly, and I began to wonder how many days this might take, even though I had resigned myself to see it out. It was much warmer that the day before-actually quite pleasant. I watched small game scamper around, drank coffee, and munched my lunch. I was much more relaxed this morning, not really worried if someone came. If no one did, I'd be back tomorrow. Shortly after 11 a.m., something caught my eye. I peered up over some branches and saw a tall man standing on the dam, looking out over the flowage. He knelt down next to the hole in the dam and took out the trap. With the trap in one hand and pole ax in the other, he stood and walked out to the beaver house, pulled out the other trap. With both traps in hand, he started back towards where I had first spotted him. His movements were precise-he wasted no efforts. It was obvious that he was not going to reset the traps and was in the process of leaving. I must make my move! My mind raced-what was the best approach? If he was heading to Canada, I didn't want him to start running before I could close some of the distance between us.

Maine Fis/, and Wildlife

He looked to be in good physical condition; with his lead on me, I didn't think I could catch him before he got back into Canada. I decided to step onto the edge of the ice and speak to him very calmly, since I knew I could not get across the slippery ice quickly and he would surely see me. I walked to a point where I felt I could go no further without him seeing me. In a non-threatening voice, I asked, "How ya doing today?" I figured he would either talk or run, but he did neither. Instead he stopped, turned towards me, and just looked at me without a word. I started working my way towards him. The ice was extremely slippery, and I was trying to act very nonchalant in the process. I got to within 10 or 12 feet of him; he still had not uttered a word and had a strange look on his face. He was holding the ax in his right hand, giving me a very uneasy feeling about it. I stopped and asked him to put the ax down on the ice. He did, and I moved closer while asking for identification. I was surprised he had not attempted to flee, and I began to think that this wasn't going to be as difficult as I had suspected. I asked to have a look at his trapping license and was presented with a New Brunswick one. As he handed it to me it was apparent he knew that it wasn't going to cut it. I explained what his various violations were. He remained very calm until I told him he was under arrest and would have to go to the

Aroostook County Jail in Houlton with me. I picked up his ax and attempted to convince him it wasn't that much of a deal-we could make it in time for lunch and he could get bailed out in no time. He was upset at the thought of going to jail; he told me some of his personal problems and I was getting a bit compassionate. And just when I thought that the critical point had passed, he let out a yell that "he wasn't going to jail" and bolteJ away from me. As I attempted to grab him, I slipped and banged my right knee solidly on the ice. By the time I got up, he was going down over the dam, headed full speed for Canada. All the stories I had heard about wardens chasing Canadians through the North Maine Woods-and here it was, in reality! I was also some mad at myself for not handcuffing him when I had the chance. As I chased him, I knew I was in a race; he was tall, lean, and really moving. The border lay just ahead through the woods, and he reminded me of a horse heading for the barn at feeding time. Running through the

woods is a difficult proposition at best, and I knew this marathon would ultimately be decided by which participant managed to fall down the least. As I started through a patch of alders near the outlet of the dam, I saw the Canadian trip and go crashing to the ground. I thought it was my chance to close the gap-but just then, I fell to the ground as well, cleaning out a clump of alders on the way down. We both scrambled to our feet and continued on. I determined that I was gaining somewhat when, after about 50 yards, down he went again. I was closing fast and in position to tackle him before he got completely up, but I tripped and went down before I made my leap. I tried to grab one of his legs but was about a foot short of getting hold of him when he got to his feet and pulled away. He gained back a little ground as I was getting up, and I knew it wasn't far to the border cut. I thought about my first day on the job, the men in the gas station, and Virgil's subtle analogy of their thoughts. I must dig down a little deeper. Only 40 yards shy of the boundary, he went down for the third time. He staggered to his feet just as I pounced on his back-down we went in a heap! We were both so out of breath that we only struggled briefly and lay there gasping for air, my arms wrapped around him. This scenario occurred several times. I would try to get my handcuffs out, but each time I let go of him with one hand, the struggle would be renewed. I finally got him around the neck-I think it

was lack of oxygen that had enough of an effect to finally allow me to get the handcuffs on him.

We both got to our feet finally and he became very apologetic, saying, "I don't know why a man is such a fool!" After we had somewhat regained our composure and were ready to move out, he pointed out that his right boot was untied and asked if I would tie it for him. By now, I was learning something from this whole experience, and I told him to walk with it the way it was. I was very relieved to finally have him under control, but found myself fighting off thoughts of feeling sorry for him. We made our way up through the woods to my truck and as we arrived, encountered my hippie acquaintance gathering firewood. He beat a hasty retreat, apparently not wishing

to be known by the violator for fear of possible retaliation. Headed for Houlton, my captive was very subdued, and was relating to me all of his problems. By the time we reached Monticello, I felt so bad for him that I agreed to stop at the residence of a former employer of his, a potato farmer. He wanted to ask him to post bail. We pulled off Route 1 onto the Hare Road, just across from Min's Lunch Stop, and proceeded to the Lawrence Good residence. Mr. Good came out to my truck and was reluctantly convinced by my prisoner to come down to jail and post his bail-$165 U.S. Leaving the jail, I started looking myself over and realized what condition I was in. The crotch and one knee of my pants were ripped out- my name tag and two buttons were torn from my jacket-the back of my right hand had half the hide skinned off it. Thinking back over this incident, I realize how fortunate I was to have recovered after some early mistakes. I had let my guard down, and was lucky that this man with the Jekyll and Hyde personality didn't get the last laugh. I came away with a flash of understanding-complacency could be very costly. After getting released from jail on bond, my captive failed to appear in court, and Mr. Good's $165 was forfeited to the state. But the next spring, the violator suddenly appeared at district court in Houlton and paid the assessed fines for his violations. The strange thing about this whole incident was that I liked the guy and felt sorry for him. I hope he had a good life-and that somewhere along the line, he saw fit to reimburse Mr. Good! â&#x20AC;˘ Spring 1996

Coyote As Predator? loss Of Habitat?

What's Deer's Bigger Worry? A study of coyotes in Maine Studies of coyote scat indicate and their impact on our deer that deer may comprise 50 to 80 population has just been compercent of coyote diets in winter; pleted. The report, prepared by additionally, a statewide study of winter deer losses found that Wildlife Biologist Gerry Lavigne, was requested by the Maine most deer killed by coyotes were in good physical condition; only Legislature last spring. The legislative mandate required, not only an - - - - - - - - - - - - ~ ~ -... impact study, but proposed recommendations to "encourage the harvest of coyotes." The introduction 1 to the study notes that, since no study funds were appropriated by the legislature, the report is "a synthesis of existing information" rather than new research. According to Lavigne, Maine's coyote 15 percent of the population is roughly 10,000 to 16,000. Lavigne writes: 873 deer killed that year "White-tailed deer comprise a were malnourished. But significant proportion of coyote Lavigne underscores the linkage diets in Maine, particularly between increased coyote predaduring winter and the spring tion of deer and declining winter denning period." Lavigne adds habitat, especially in eastern, northern and western Maine. As that coyotes account for nearly 30 for central and southern Maine, percent of Maine's annual deer Lavgine says that these areas are losses. The report observes: supporting sizeable deer populaalthough coyote predation on tions "while sustaining respectdeer is great enough to contribable deer harvests and absorbing ute to deer population declines in ongoing predation by coyotes." some parts of the state, inadThe report attributes this partly equate wintering habitat is the to less severe winters and better primary factor limiting deer wintering habitat in southern populations in northern, eastern and western Maine. and central Maine.

Mai11e Fish and Wildlife

Despite the growing popular sentiment among hunters and sportsmen organizations for widescale suppression of coyote populations, Lavigne argues that to make an impact, it would be necessary to remove 7,000 to 11,000 coyotes annually-not a feasible option. Currently, Maine has one of the most liberal coyote hunting and trapping programs in the Northeast, yet these activities account for less than 2,000 coyotes annually! Among Lavigne' s recommendations to the state legislature: 1. More concentrated efforts by IF&W's Animal Damage Control program in localized areas with severe coyote impacts. Existing coyote control efforts amount to about $5,000 to $15,000 annually. 2. Recognizing that the real obstacle to attaining higher deer populations in more than half of the state is declining quality and quantity of of wintering habitat for deer. (Currently, the wildlife division is working with several large industrial landowners to plan, on a landscape or watershed basis, for maintaining and enhancing deer wintering cover.). 3. Coyote bounties are not a viable option for achieving higher deer populations. Unless a bounty system can remove more than 70 percent of the coyote population annually, and prevent re-colonization from surrounding states and provinces, real suppression of coyote populations can never be achieved. Bounties are not directed and do not remove the animals that may be causing the â&#x20AC;˘ greatest impact.

Annual Report, 1995

Maine's Rare& Endang Wildlif by Alan E. Hutchinson

aine would be a much different place if we lost the grand array of creatures sharing our lands and waters, a large part of what makes Maine so special. One piece of our department's broad responsibility to manage all species of wildlife in Maine is to insure that no more species are lost. Determining which species really are rare or endangered and in jeopardy of being lost is seldom an easy task. There are thousands of species of wildlife in Mainebirds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, moths, dragonflies, etc. The vast majority of these are common, abundant, and populations are stable. But a few populations are small, vulnerable, and in trouble, and need special attention if they are to remain part of Maine's natural world. Such species are often unique, perhaps tied to a unique habitat. The Katahdin Arctic

Butterfly is found in just one place in the entire worldand the piping plover is adapted to nesting only on the ever-shifting, stormwashed sand beachesbecoming a rare commodity themselves. The challenge is to find these unique and special species and places, and to find solutions for keeping them here. MDIFW must maintain a current, accurate list of rare and endangered species in Maine. A recent review of more than 2,500 Maine animal species revealed that only 38 of them (about 1.5 percent) warrant endangered or threatened status in Maine. This relatively small number is an encouraging sign! Conservation of fish and wildlife in Maine is paid for by those who care. A special "thank you" to those who support ongoing conservation projects across Maine for these rare species. Their The author is head of the department's Endangered & Threatened Species Group.

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Least tern. generous donations through purchase of "Loon" license plates and contributions to the income tax checkoff make it all possible. Thanks also to the hundreds of individual volunteers and cooperating organizations, particularly the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. What follows is a summary of the major accomplishments of 1995 in Maine's conservation programs for endangered species.

BALD EAGLES Status in Maine: Endangered. Population estimate: 192 nesting pairs in 1995. Location: Lakes, rivers and coastal waters throughout Maine. Threats: Habitat loss, disturbance, and chemical pollution. Conservation actions: Statewide nesting surveys identified record levels of eagle nesting and production in Maine: a total of 192 nesting pairs fledged 176 eaglets in 1995. This marks Spring 1996

the second consecutive year of an accelerated recovery in the state as population increases averaged 13% annually. Such growth is more than twice the rate of recovery achieved in Maine for 3 decades prior to 1994. This improvement was recognized with reclassification of the bald eagle as a Threatened Species in August following nearly 18 years on the Endangered Species list. A total of 319 nest sites remain protected as Essential Habitats under Maine's Endangered Species Act. Managers will now seek other safeguards for conserving eagle habitats to enable future de-listing of the species and de-regulation of nests. Bald eagle recovery provides one of the premier success stories in restoration of rare species.

PEREGRINE FALCONS Status in Maine: Endangered. Population estimate: 7 nesting pairs in 1995. Location: Mountainous cliffs and coastal headlands. Threats: Disturbance and chemical pollution. Conservation actions: Slight improvements in Maine's re-established population of peregrines were recorded this year. Seven nesting pairs fledged 12 young. These are the highest levels achieved since nesting peregrines first reappeared in 1987 after a 25-year absence from the state. Sightings of peregrines at 5 other locations is a strong indicator of further recovery potential. Maine continued its release efforts through the successful release of 6 captive hatched chicks

Maine Fish a11d Wildlife

which were reintroduced at a remote cliff site in central Maine. On-going releases of peregrines produced in captive-breeding projects, and protection of their cliff nesting sites, will continue until the security of this species is assured. A total of 125 young peregrines have been successfully reintroduced in Maine since 1984. This effort compliments widespread restoration efforts undertaken across the U.S. and 35 other nations in the face of widespread declines for the species.

GOLDEN EAGLES Status in Maine: Endangered. Population estimate: One nesting pair in 1995. Location: Mountainous areas. Threats: Habitat loss, disturbance and chemical pollution. Conservation actions: One pair of golden eagles actively nested at a traditional Maine eyrie (the only such record in the northeastern U.S.), but no eaglets resulted from this attempt. These statistics are unchanged since 1984. Occasional sightings of other golden eagles were reported during the breeding season, and there is some evidence of numbers of golden eagles in eastern Canada. Proposals to develop wind power generating stations on Maine's remote western mountains, the heart of this species range, are being watched closely in hopes of insuring golden eagles are not significantly impacted.

GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS Status in Maine: Endangered. Population estimate:

about 35 nesting pairs in 1995. Location: 4 grasslands in southern Maine. Threats: Habitat loss and degradation, herbicides. Conservation actions: The few sand plain grasslands in southern Maine suitable as nesting areas for this species were again monitored in 1995. The overall population has remained essentially unchanged for several years, although varying numbers are tallieci at the 4 breeding locations. Each grassland requires continuing attention to maintain suitable habitat for the species. The Kennebunk Plains, a state Wildlife Management Area jointly managed with The Nature Conservancy, supports the largest numbers of grasshopper sparrows and is among the most important breeding sites for this species in the Northeast. Controlled burns were conducted after the breeding season to improve portions of the Kennebunk Plains for Grasshopper Sparrows and other rare grassland birds.

PIPING PLOVERS Status in Maine: Endangered Population estimate: 40 nesting pairs and 95 young in 1995 Location: Sand beaches in southern Maine Threats: Degradation and loss of habitat, human disturbance, and predation. Conservation actions: A record high number of nesting pairs and young. Maine Audubon, INC, Maine Parks and Lands, MDIFW, and others combined forces again in a monitoring and protection program on the

Lesser Scaup During winter, sheltered harbors are good places to see scaup. Look for the brown female with white around her bill, and the grayish male with a very dark head and chest.

Bufflehead In the winter months, buffleheads catch fish in shallow water. The grayish-brown female has a white patch under her eye, while the male has one extending to the top of his head.

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Black-bellied Plover

Peregrine Falcon

Scan the shore for plovers probing the mud for tasty sandworms. You can recognize these birds by their black faces and bellies.

You 'll recognize this falcon by the sharp bend in its wings. Peregrines hunt in the air, diving at high speeds from great heights to capture unsuspecting birds in flight.

Black Guillemot

Bald Eagle Watch for these birds of prey flying to and from the islands of ocean bays. Eagle nests are huge platforms of sticks and branches. Each year, eagles add to their homes-so a big nest is most likely an old one.

Watch for black guillemots searching for a meal with their heads underwater. When a fish is near, these birds dive in pursuit, resurfacinr, about a minute later.

White-tailed Deer You 'll most likely see deer in coastal fields at dawn and dusk. Look for the white " flag " of their tails and listen for the loud "blow" they give before bounding away.

Roseate Tern Double-crested Cormorant The wing feathers of this dark bird aren 't completely waterproof. After diving underwater for a fishy meal, cormorants hold their wings outstretched to dry.

Federally endangered, roseate terns nest on only a few of the state 's offshore islands. Look for their black beaks and long, graceful tails.

0/dsquaw you hear a yodel-like whistle, it's probably an oldsquaw. These sea ducks arrive here in the winter after spending the summer farther north. Look for the males ' long pointed tail feathers. If

Osprey Also called "fish hawks," ospreys catch fish by dropping feet-first into the water. Sharp talons and spiny toe pads help ospreys grip their slippery meals.

Semi-pa/mated Plover

Harlequin Duck Look for these ducks during the winter. Out in the rough surf, they dive underwater to tear snails and barnacles off rocks.

You might see these plovers running along the surf line or standing with their heads tucked under their wings for warmth. Look for the distinctive black rings on these birds' necks. Spring 1996

Maine's Coast-A Natural Treasure Sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, cool woodlands and pounding surf-Maine's coast provides a variety of habitats (places to live) for many animals, including humans. Like people, wildlife need safe areas to eat, drink, sleep and raise their young. A habitat can be a wetland, tall tree, island or tide pool-it all depends on each animal's specific needs. See how many habitats you can find while exploring Maine's coast.

Upland forests provide cover, nesting spots and perches for many birds. Scan the treetops for great blue herons, eagles and ospreys.

The shrub zone is a dense thicket of low-growing bushes where birds lay eggs and hide their chicks.

Rocky ledges exposed at low tide make ideal resting spots for many animals.

How Close is Too Close? Wild animals are sensitive to peopl~, so please observe them from a distance. If they act nervous-like birds flying away or seals leaving their ledges-you're too close. Try using binoculars for a better look.

Herring gull

Bald eagle

Islands provide nesting areas for gulls, terns and other birds. Every year, seabirds return to nest on more than 400 islands off Maine's coast. Ocean waters provide abundant food for whales, porpoises, dolphins, seals and many different fish-eating birds.

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terships for Wildlife

Black Duck A "dabbling duck, " this bird stretches head-first underwater for plants, worms and snails to eat. Look for its dark body and pale brown head.

Common Eider Great Blue Heron Look for this bird stalking prey along the water's edge. Standing very still, the heron waits for a crab or fish, then snatches it with a quick stab of its beak.

These sea ducks often gather in "rafts " (large groups). Watch for black-and-white males and brown females floating on the water with their young.

If You're Lookin' For Wildlife, Look For These! Great Black-backed Gull

Snowy Egret

You may think all gulls are the samebut they're not! The great black-backed is the largest gull in the world. Look for its dark black back and wings.

Wading through the marsh 's shallow waters, a snowy egret stirs up small fish with its bright yellow feet. This bird's lacy white plumes grow longer in the breeding season to help attract a mate.

The poster on the other side of this sheet has been reproduced fromfull-color 2' by 4' fiberglass signs, which have been erected at the following 15 sites: CAPE NEDD/CK, York MARGINAL WAY, Ogunquit BACK COVE, Portland Popham Beach State Park, Phippsburg Reid State Park, Georgetown MOOSE POINT STATE PARK, Searsport LAMOINE STATE PARK, Lamoine HOLBROOK ISLAND SANCTUARY, Brooksville SHACKFORD HEAD STATE PARK, Eastport

Harborview Park & BAR ISLAND, Bar Harbor

Thompson Island, Acadia National Park. Cobscook Bay State Park, Edmunds SOUTH LUBEC FLATS WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA, South Lubec Morse Mountain, Phippsburg CARRYING PLACE COVE, Lubec

The signs were designed and produced by ECOS Communications, a Boulder, Colorado company specializing in environmental eduction and natural history interpretation.

Maine Fish and Wildlife

Harbor Seal Seals "haul out" on land to sleep and give birth. Watch for their sleek gray heads bobbing in the surf as they hunt for fresh fish.

Sanderling You 'll see these small brownishgray birds on the beach almost any day. Watch for them running along the surf line where they snatch up tiny animals left behind by retreating waves.

Moose These majestic mammals are often seen near fresh water where they eat aquatic plants- but you might spot them anywhere along the coast! Bulls (males) shed their large antlers each winter.

Green Heron Scan tht! mudflat edges for green herons-dark green birds with bright orange legs. These small herons often search for fish in pools left by receding tides.

nesting beaches of southern Maine. Fencing nests, erecting signs, public education and volunteer nest "guardians" are management activities enabling Maine to consistently have the highest nesting productivity of any state on the East coast.

LEAST TERNS Status in Maine: Endangered Population estimate: 100 nests and 16 young in 1995 Location: Sand beaches in southern Maine Threats: Degradation and loss of habitat, human disturbance, and predation. Conservation actions: Productivity has decreased dramatically from the 124 nesting pairs and 114 young recorded in 1992. Storm tides and fox predation greatly diminished the nesting success. Maine Audubon, TNC, Maine Parks and Lands, MDIFW, and others combined forces again this year in a monitoring and protection program on the nesting beaches of southern Maine. Fencing nests, erecting signs, predator control, public education and volunteer nest "guardians" are management activities benefitting the species.

ROSEATE TERN Status in Maine: Endangered Population estimate: 153 pairs estimated in 1995. Location: Six coastal islands. Conservation actions: Roseate tern numbers were up slightly from 142 pairs found in 1994. A coalition of groups including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Maine Audubon, National

Audubon, College of the Atlantic, and MDIFW is cooperatively inventorying, monitoring, and protecting roseate terns in Maine.

BLANDING'S AND SPOTTED TURTLES Status in Maine: Both Threatened Population estimate: Blanding' s turtles are known to exist in 68 wetlands, spotted turtles are known to exist in 110 wetlands. Both may be found in the same wetland. Location: Small freshwater wetlands in York County Threats: Wetland loss and degradation, habitat fragmentation by roads and development, and nest predation. Conservation actions: A four year survey of more than 2500 wetlands in York, Cumberland, and Oxford Counties was completed. Several key areas for conservation were identified, including the Mt. Agamenticus area. Several hundred acres of important habitat were purchased.

BLACK TERNS Status in Maine: Federally listed Category 2 Population estimate: about 70 pairs in 1995. Location: Freshwater marshes in central and eastern Maine. Threats: Unknown. Conservation actions: MDIFW continued a fourth year of monitoring black tern colonies in Maine. With a statewide estimate of 50 to 70 pairs nesting at just 7 locations, this is likely the rarest species of tern in the state. Teacher Don MacDougal and students from Newport High School have taken a special

interest in this rare species and have assisted the Department in population and productivity censuses. The Black Tern was named a candidate for the Federal Endangered Species List in 1992. Data provided and summarized by the high school students are being used on the state and federal levels to assess the status of this rare species.

* * * * * In addition to the specific recovery programs just discussed, a wide range of other conservation actions, involving research studies, management programs, surveys, inventories, and public education and service were undertaken, including: â&#x20AC;˘ A status investigation of the Tomah Mayfly. This species is a candidate for the Federal Endangered Species list and is one of the rarest mayflies in the world. This species was thought to be extinct until it was recently "rediscovered" in Maine. â&#x20AC;˘ An investigation of endangered freshwater mussels. Eleven species of freshwater mussels are currently known to occur in Maine. Two are being considered for the Federal Endangered Species list and three others merit listing at the state level. Field surveys continued in 1995. Approximately 950 sites have now been surveyed from York to Washington and Aroostook Counties. â&#x20AC;˘ Assessing the status of rare dragonflies. The extrastriped snaketail dragonfly and the midget snaketail Spri11g 1996

dragonfly are candidates for the Federal Endangered Species List. Graduate students Billie Bradeen and Dan Boland are completing a 2-year study of these species. A third rare dragonfly (the banded bog skimmer) was discovered in 1995 by MDIFW biologist Mark McCollough, a nationally significant discov-

ery. • Monitoring of the Harlequin duck. With a population estimated at less than 1000 individuals, the Harlequin has been listed by Canada as an Endangered Species in that country, and it is being considered for inclusion on the U.S. Endangered Species list. Half the total population winters on Maine's coast and is monitored each year. • Vernal pools. Many of Maine's amphibians depend on vernal pools as breeding habitat. Some, like spotted salamanders,blue spotted salamanders and wood frogs use these habitats almost exclusively. In southern Maine, Blanding' s and spotted turtles use vernal pools extensively. We are learning why some vernal pools have greater wildlife value than others, and in 1995, Maine Wetland laws were changed to protect the most valuable vernal pools. • Endangered Species Listing. The departrnen t has the responsibility for maintaining a current and accurate list of Endangered and Threatened wildlife species in Maine. Recommended changes to the existing list

Maine Fish and Wildlife

were developed by staff members, reviewed by other scientists and knowledgeable people, and presented at a public hearings for finalization in early 1995. • Maine's Natural Heritage Program. As a partner in the Maine Natural Heritage Program, MDIFW maintains information on Maine's rare and Endangered species in the Biological Conservation Database, part of a national network. MDIFW's database contains more than 1,500 records for about 70 rare or Endangered species of wildlife in Maine and is shared with land owners and land managers. • Habitat Protection. Habitat protection is the most critical need facing most rare and Endangered species in Maine. The Department uses a variety of methods to protect critical habitat, including land acquisition, voluntary management agreements with landowners, conservation easements, environmental permit review, and designation as Essential Habitat under Maine's Endangered Species Act. Habitat acquisition is the best tool for long-term protection of the most significant sites. The Department also reviewed hundreds of environmental permit applications in 1995. All applications were screened to ensure protection of sensitive wildlife areas.

An important habitat protection tool regularly used by the department is the voluntary, cooperative management of important sites for rare or Endangered wildlife on lands owned by state or federal agencies, businesses, or individuals. In 1995, cooperative management arrangements were in place on dozens of areas, including sites under the jurisdiction of the Maine Bureau of Pari<s and Lands, Baxter State Park, Acadia National Park, and most of the major timber lands landowners. As towns across Maine complete comprehensive plans, they require information on important wildlife habitats. Site specific information on 70 rare and endangered species was compiled, mapped and provided to about 30 towns in 1995. Whether or not you helped us fund these projects last year, please consider it for this year. It's an investment in Maine's future. •

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THE MARKETPLACE 1940s Posters The original silk-screened versions of these posters measure about 22 by 28 inches. Screened sometime in the mid-1940s, they were designed to promote conservation efforts. (Editor's note: The series stands at these four, that we know about-if you know of more, let us ~ know!) These handsome 14" by 18" (about half-size) full-color reprints of the originals convey their messages loud and clear-just like their larger ancestors did! The reprints are on sturdy coated poster stock, and are shipped flat and reinforced to avoid damage.

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To order, send check or money order to: POSTERS! i a Inland Fisheries and Wildlife D:> 284 State Street, Station #41 Augusta ME 04333 Be sure to specify which poster( s) you want and/or the quantity of each. Please allow four weeks for clelivery.

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Watchable Wildlife Guide Available! This new-in-1994 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 ever-remembered glimpse of wildlife in its natural setting. Most of the sites are on publiclyowned land, but all are open for careful public use. The book is organized by To order, send check or money order geographic regions and describes for $4.95 + $ I postage (payable to each site in detail - how to get Maine fish and Wildlife) to: there, the species you might WATCHABLE WILDLIFE expect to see, details on the 284 State St., Station 41 availability of restrooms, parking, Augusta, ME 04333 and other facilities, and much (Maine residents add 6% sales tax on $4.95) more, including information on access for persons with disabilities.

Spring 1996

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A vemal pool i n important home to many different frogs, salamanders, nsects, ven turtles. 'Vemal' is the Latin word for spring, and many uch pool are formed in woodland low spots by melting snow and spring rains; most dry up completely by summer. Why are v mal pools valuable? Well, many sp cies of wildlif d pend entirely on this type of habitat f~r one or more stage of their life cycle. Without the pools, sp cies like these would not urvive. You could have a vemal pool in your areal As the weather warms up, listen for the strange 'quacking' sound wood frogs make. Follow these sound to the vemal xb pool, and sit quietly. You may ee ome or all of the specie hown here! Fairy Shrimp: Spending their entire lives in vernal pools, these "microcrustaceans" are an important food source for many animals. As the pools dry, adults die and leave drought-resistant eggs behind; ready to hatch when the pool fills the next spring. Many thanks to Rick Swan, 16, of Alna for the wonderful illustratlonsl

Mai11e Fis/, a11d Wildlife

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Blue-spotted salamander: Adults breed In April; Âˇ larg , clear ielly-encased eggs fall to the pool bottom singly, or In small dusters. If an adult loses a tall, It can grow another!

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, Yellow-spotted salamander: Adults migrate to vernal pools on dark, foggy, or rainy April nights. After spending about a week in the water, 100-15 eggs are laid and attached to plants in large, clear Jello-like masses.

Wood frog: The first amphibians to appear In the spring. Usually seen floating and heard 'quacking' on pool surfaces. Masses of 1700 black and white eggs, encased In clear ielly, are deposited In April, and hatch In about 20 days.

Blanding's turtle: Known as a "helmet-shaped hermit," this uncommon and shy turtle is listed as a threatened species in Maine. These turtles use vernal pools as important feeding sites in spring and early summer.

Spotted turtle: No two have the same arrangement of yellow spots! This creature is also a threatened species in Maine; collecting them is strictly forbidden! Spotteds may travel up to a half-mile to reach a vernal pool, where they feed on young salamanders, frogs, and fairy shrimp. Spring 1996

Game Wardens Lend A Hand

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J-JaJp S pasJ~1J OJy JIJpJ ss by Wdn. Blaine Holding Photos by Wdn. Sgt. Michael Pratt he Maine Special Olympics Winter Games were held for the thirteenth year at Sugarloaf USA and the Sugarloaf Touring Center January 28, 29 and 30, 1996. These annual games started in 1969 as a way for athletes with physical or mental challenges to compete in a friendly atmosphere to achieve personal goals-and maybe bring home a gold, silver, or bronze medal as well! The success of these special Olympics events, and all the support activities, depends in part on volunteers. In Maine, these people come from all across the state, representing businesses, schools, and agencies or simply giving of their personal time. Some Maine game wardens offered their services as working volunteers representing the Warden Service after receiving the nod from Warden Service Major Dan Tourtelotte. We limited our involvement to 10 wardens in this first year, but Dan said he would support more participation in the future. We received the OK only one week

before the games started, but it was an easy job to come up with 10 participants, as many were interested in this project. There were more than 400 athletes registered this year. Add in the support groups, and it comes to nearly 800 people watching or entering competition in snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, alpine skiing, sit skiing, and ice skating. Many fun-filled activities- snowmobile rides, dogsled rides, sleigh rides, snowgroomer rides, bonfires at the skating rinks, singalongs, figure skating performances, torchlight parades, fireworksround out the schedule. One of the favorite events is the Banquet of Champions and Olympic dance! Steve Pierce, who coordinates the events and acts as liaison for the special Olympics directors, athletes, and coaches, welcomed the news that wardens, equipped and prepared to do anything from making sandwiches to doing dishes to being a support group, would be standing tall at 8:00 a.m. Monday

The author, a district warden, and the photographer, a warden sergeant, work out of Division B headquarters in Sidney.

Maine Fish and Wildlife

when the events started. And there we were in the parking lot, armed with warm clothes, snowmobiles, skis, snowshoes-and uncertainty about what we would be assigned for tasks. We proceeded to the Sugarloaf base lodge, where athletes, coaches, and volunteers-hundreds of peoplewere working out the logistics of getting everyone to the areas of their events. One of the Special Olympics Directors told us not to let the organized chaos bother us. He said that by nine o'clock, when the training and time trials started, it would go smoothly-and he was right. Within a short time, we were rolling up our sleeves (or should I say, putting on warm winter clothes?) and getting assignments; we were doing anything we could to help make our assigned events happen. During a Monday full of competitions and activities, we helped with one-on-one coaching for alpine skiing, coaching snowshoe and sit-ski racing, and assisting Sugarloaf USA employees in giving snowgrooming machine rides up the mountain to Olympians.

The Gallery! Left to right, front-Wdn. Dan Murray, Wdn. Blaine Holding, Dep. Wdn. Tim Spahr, Sgt. Mike Pratt, Sgt. Brian Gray, Wdn. Jim Martin, Wdn. Chuck Richard. Left to right, back; Wdn. Mike Joy, Wdn. Jeff Lewis, Lt. Jim Ross, Wdn. Norm Lewis, Wdn. Dan Menard, Canadian Wdn. Serge Vrouillet.

et' s follow through a day's activities with volunteers on these events. First, there's alpine skiing. There were five game wardens who volunteered over the twoday period to be up with an athlete, acting as his or her personal trainer. These one-onone coaches put on skis or, in one case, a snowboard, and hit the slopes with their athletes. The athletes are assigned to levels of difficulty according to their personal abilities. The oneon-one coach goes to the area of competition and goes along with his athlete through the training runs, time trials, and the finals. As you can imagine, friendships are formed rapidly between coach and Olympian athlete-the loudest cheers come from the coaches. Both athlete and coach come away winners, no matter the color of the medal or the time on the stopwatch at the finish line. Two wardens each day went to he snowshoeing competition. We coached and cheered

athletes and helped them in and out of snowshoe bindings. The athletes had fun and the warden coaches always came back from this event with smiles. Then there was sit ski-an event in which athletes are nonambulatory and cannot ski on traditional alpine skis. The athlete instead uses a sit sl9, which consists of a seat with leg supports upon which the athlete sits, safely strapped in. The seat sits on top of two skis in parallel, with two additional outrigger skis for balance and stability. The athlete goes through a slalom course from start to finish

Wdn. Lt. Jim Ross a/pining and coaching a contestant.

with a gate at either end. The athlete is guided from behind by a skier attached with straps to the back of the sit ski and skiing behind as the athlete goes through the slalom gates. Body weight is shifted by the athlete to maneuver the sit ski. This event takes place on the slope directly in front of the base lodge. Athletes are brought to the race course one at a time; in past years, this has been quite time-consuming for the athletes, getting them up the mountain by conventional chair-lift service, then back down to where the sit ski race course is set up. Game wardens love a challenge, and sit ski was no exception; several wardens with snowmobiles solved the time delay and transportation problems. Olympian athletes,

The sit-ski rig (left): one sits, one stands, both do the slope - and enjoy the view together. Below, Wdn. Norm Lewis helps a contestant get ready to "sit the hill."

coaches, and parents were picked up curbside at the base lodge doors by snowmobile and taken up to the course. Athletes were strapped into the sit skis and towed up the slope to the start gate by snowmobile. Each time on the course, an athlete made three runs-a training run and two time runs. Wardens with snowmobiles shuttled athletes and coaches from the finish line back to the start gate. As soon as one competitor was done, the next athlete, with coaches and parents, was taken up to the course. We were complimented many times on helping make this event go smoothly and doing so professionally and responsibly.

Monday noon were opening ceremonies, including the parade of Olympian athletes and lighting of the 1996 Maine Special Olympic Winter Games Torch. During the parade, wardens were seen in the company of some local wildlife, namely Amos the Moose and Blueberry the Bear. That evening, we all assisted with the Banquet of Champions, where nearly 800 Olympian athletes, coaches, and volunteers were served. It takes many, many volunteers to prepare and serve meals to this many people. We wardens acted as hosts to seat people, and served meals and cleared tables. This wellorganized volunteer effort was able to seat and serve all these people in only about one hour! A torchlight parade and fireworks followed the banquet. As the athletes attended these activities, we assisted in clearing away tables and chairs to prepare for the Olympian dance,

Wdn. Lt. Jim Ross congratulates a winner during the award ceremonies. The wardens think all these contestants are winners!

with a live band making music for the Olympians. During this dance, we armed ourselves with ice cream scoops and served gallons of ice cream-about 9:30 that night, we laid down our scoops and called it a day. Tuesday featured finals for the competitions- once again, athletes, coaches, and volunteers hit the slopes and trails. Medals were awarded and closing ceremonies were held at noon in front of the base lodge. We received recogni tion for Maine Warden Service support of the 1996 Maine Special Olympic Winter Games. We concluded by forming a friendship circle with athletes, volunteers, and coaches in front of the base lodge. Wardens assisting with this year's Maine Special Olympic Winter Games wish to thank the directors and organizers of the Maine Special Olympics, and the Maine Warden Service, for allowing us to work with such enthusiastic special Olympian athletes. We look forward to assi ting again next year!

â&#x20AC;˘

THE MANSFIELD by Butch Carey rom the Fly Tying Bench

[!)

THE PATTERN HOOK: Mustad #9575, sizes 6, 8, 10 THREAD: Black TAIL: Golden pheasant tippet feather RIB: Oval silver tinsel BODY: Black floss WINGS: White calftail with orange calftail on top CHEEK: Jungle cock HEAD: Black

Cast on thread above barb of hook and tie in golden pheasant tippet feathers for tail.

Wind black floss down to tail and back to head in even turns. Tie down. Bring ribbing up front in evenly spaced turns. Tie, trim.

l'il Tie in ribbing, move thread up front, l!:J tie in black floss.

l..:.J

Tie in a small bunch of white calftail extending to end of tail.

Spring 1996

Add a small bunch of orange calftail, the same length as the white, over the top. Tie in the jungle cock feathers, one on each side, for eyes.

1,,,;;..,;;;;;:;.;;===.=::;.:..::..:.._ _ _ _ _ _;;,__.....1

Finish head with black thread. Cement, then sit back and admire your finished Mansfield!

PARTS OF AN ATLANTIC SALMON FLY Atlantic salmon flies are much more complex than the flies we normally feature in this magazine. We've got one coming up, though , and we thought you 'd like a preview of how many parts there are to this type of fly. This particular pattern is the Orange Parsons .

C 28

Maine Fish and Wildlife

A. Tail 8. Tip (or Tag) C. Butt D. Body hackle (or Palmer) E. Body F. Ribbing G. Hackle (or Throat, or Beard) H. Wing I. Topping J. Cheek K. Head

A Nevv State Record! "It's a monster!" says Sanford's Bob Hodsdon about his new state record brown trout. The 23 lb., 8 oz. trophy, with a waistline larger than ~ most kids' and a body to hide a yardstick, took I the angler two hours to haul out onto the ice! ~ This catch beats the old state record for a t"' brown trout, set in 1958 by a Sebago Lake fish, by more than four pounds. Hodsdon said it was all he could do to land this unbelievable fish, even with help from fellow angler Mike Clark, also of Sanford. They didn't think it was even going to come up through the 10-inch hole, according to Clark. Hodsdon says he plans to have the fish, which Robert Hodsdon with his new Maine state is thought to be 15 years old, mounted for disrecord brown trout taken through the ice play - as soon as he stops shaking! from Square Pond in Acton. 'O a,

V, V,

'O C:

Bet A Buck Or Two On Wildlife! Just scratch and match . your way up to a cool $3,000, or to thousands of other cash prizes, in the Maine State Lottery's new Outdoor Heritage Game. Proceeds of this special game go directly to the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund. When you scratch this bird's back, you're investing in endangered species, management of public lands, and wildlife conservation programs. So play today! Spring 1996

FISH AND WILDLIFE BRIEFS Maine Fish and Wildlife Magazine Back on Public Television Maine Fish and Wildlife Magazine" , a series of half hour programs produced by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, is again on the schedule of the stations of Maine Public Television. According to Harry Weist, MPT program director, the shows started their run on Saturday, January 6. The programs are slated to air every Saturday at 4:00 p.m. through spring. The programs focus on a variety of DIF&W projects and activities. Some of the topics include fishing in Maine, backyard wildlife enhancement, hunter safety, a look at state hatcheries, and deer populations in Maine. Some programs, like a look at Maine's coastline are done in narrative, while others are interviews conducted by Education Coordina tor Lisa Kane. V . Paul Reynolds, DIF&W Director of Information and Education, says the department is grateful to Maine Public Television for airing the programs. "Management of the state's wildlife is sometimes a complex task. The programs allow us to tell our story while providing an entertaining experience for the viewer." Ten programs are complete and the department is currently working on new video projects, such as a detailed look at the Moosehead Lake fishery.

Fenderson Honored Owen Fenderson of Orono has received the freshwater fisheries "Biologist of the Year A ward" from the Sunkhaze Chapter of Trout Unlimited in recognition of his outstanding contributions to management of Maine's fisheries resources. The award was presented at the Chapter's Annual "Biologist Recognition Night" on February 17. Fenderson graduated from the University of Maine with a degree in Wildlife Management in 1955. After serving a two-year hitch in the U.S. Navy, he joined the Department in Fall, 1957. Owen's first assignment was as Assistant Regional Biologist in Aroostook County, working with Regional Biologist Ken Warner. While serving in this capacity, Owen operated a research project involving a dwarf form of lake whitefish, which resulted in a scientific publica tion.

Maine Fish and Wildlife

In 1965, Owen was asked to direct a series of Department studies on landlocked salmon behavior at the University of Maine in Orono. His research, in conjunction with several graduate students, resulted in significant findings that were directly applied to improve salmon management in Maine waters. In 1972, Owen was promoted to the position of Fisheries Resource Planner, a position tha t he still holds. In this capacity, he has coordinated the Statewide long-range planning process for fisheries, resulting in formulation of the Strategic and Operational Fisheries Plans and their subsequent updates. These plans have been and are the organizational basis of Maine's fisheries management program . Owen and his wife Gwen reside in Orono. They have three children, Susan, Michael, and Miles and several grandchildren.

Dugas Honored Game Warden Investigator Phil Dugas of Embden was given special recognition recently by the Somerset County Sheriff's Department. Warden Dugas was presented with the Somerset County Sheriff's Award for 1995. The award was presented to Warden Dugas during a ceremony by Sheriff Barry A. DeLong. In an accompanying letter to Col. Parker Tripp, Chief of the Maine Warden Service, Delong wrote that Warden Dugas had made special efforts to make working conditions amiable between the two branches of law enforcement. The letter reads in part: "Dugas has shared routine information with our depu ties which has helped in the continuation of investigations." The Gorham native was also singled out for "his friendliness and his professionalisn1." Warden Dugas holds the Meritorious Service Award. He is a 13-year veteran of the Maine Warden Service.

McIntosh Promoted New Gloucester District Warden Dennis McIntosh - a 21-year veteran of the Maine Warden Service - has been promoted to warden sergeant. Mclntos~ succeeds Warden Sergeant Carroll Goodwin, who retires in February.

McIntosh, a native of Lisbon and an Air Force veteran, began his warden career in the Allagash area. He later patrolled the Dover-Foxcroft area and covered the Embden area for 13 years. A member of the Warden Dive Team, McIntosh is a gradua te of Unity College and holds a B.S. degree in Natural Resource Management. His is a three-time recipient of the Exemplary Service Award and a Division Award. In announcing McIntosh' s promotion, Deputy Chief Warden Maj. Dan Tourtelotte, said tha t "Given the unusually high number of younger wardens in the service, Dennis will provide the experience and knowledge we need to lead our less experienced wardens. We're very pleased to have him in a leadership role in Division A." Sgt. McIntosh will head up Section 2 in Division A with headquarters in Gray. Married with 4 children, he and his wife Carmen will continue to reside in New Gloucester.

Frost Transferred Frank 0 . Frost has assumed the duties of Assistant Regional Fisheries Biologist at the Fish River Lakes Region in Ashland . Initially hired in April, Frost spent the summer as a fisheries biologist in the Sebago Lake Region prior to transferring to Aroostook County. A native of Caribou, Frank is a 1991 graduate of the University of Maine having earned a BS degree in Wildlife Management. He has attended the University of Idaho and will receive his MS degree in Fishery Resources in 1996. Frank and his wife, Stacey, live in Caribou a nd are recent parents of a new son, Matthew.

Deer Feeding Update This article was published recently in a newsletter for veterinary medicine: "Winter-long supplemental feeding by (Michigan) hunting clubs is considered to be an important factor in creating artificial concentrations of deer and favoring high levels of exposure to TB bacteria that are coughed up or exhaled by infected animals. The clubs will be asked to voluntarily stop feeding deer. .." Related to this controversial issue in Maine, deer biologist Gerry Lavigne reports two instances of otherwise

hea lthy deer succumbing to "rumen overload " as a direc t result of sup plemental feed ing. According to Gerry, recent autopsies on two large bucks one from Jackm an and one from Sebec revea led dea th by rumen overload. As Gerry explains it, the bucks exp ress their dominance at a supplemental feeding sight by hogging the feed. Once ingested, the commercial feed crea tes hea t at a fas ter rate than the animal can absorb it. As a result, the deer perish from a burned stomach lining. The Department's position of not encouraging the p ublic feeding of deer has received consid erable criticism from the Sportsm an's Alliance of Maine, as well as some outdoor writers. These new developments m erit some consideration by them and others who engage in supplemental feeding.

Wildlife Lottery Launched Maine's new instant wildlife lottery made its debut recently w hen a small entourage of state natural resource officia ls and representatives of conserva tion organiza tions showed up at the Maine Lottery Commission in Hallowell to buy the first $1 tickets. Proceeds fro m the sale of the tickets, w hich are part of the new Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund, w ill all go toward wild life conserva tion. On ha nd to purchase the colorful loon tickets were Fish and Wild life Commissioner Ray "Bucky" Owen, Conservation Commissioner Ron Lovaglio, Executive Director of the Sportsman's Alliance of Maine George Smith, Thomas Urquhart, executive di rector of the Ma ine Audubon Society and Molly Docherty, a member of the board of the Outdoor Heritage Fund. Starting this week, nearly 1,700 lottery sales agents throughout Maine

Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Ray "Bucky" Owen (left) and Conservation Commissioner of Ron Lovaglio (right) were on hand recently at the Maine Lottery Commission in Hallowell for the debut sale of the Outdoor Heritage Fund tickets. Proceeds from the sale of the new wildlife lottery tickets will go to wildlife conservation in Maine. w ill be selling the new instant lottery tickets. To w in, lottery ticket participants must simply scratch and match three "like" amounts, or match two "like" amounts and a loon. Top prize is $3,000 wi th thousands of o ther cash prizes. Accord ing to Ka ren St. Clair, a media advertising representative for the Maine State Lottery Commission, a statewide media promotional campaign for the new lottery games begins this week and w ill run th roughout January.

YOUR AD COULD BE HERE! To place a display advertisement in MAINE FISH AND WILDLIFE Magazine, or to request a new schedule of our reduced rates, please contact:

Denise Brann Maine Fish & Wildlife 284 State Street, 41 State House Station Augusta ME 04333 phone: 207•287•5244 fax: 207•287•6395 e-mail: mag.mfw@state.me. us

Created last year by the Maine State Legislature as a way to generate supplemental funding for Maine's natural resource agencies, the law establishing the Outdoor Heritage Fund - which is expected to raise between $2 to $4 million annually - stipulates that the monies will be invested in wildlife conservation and habitat protection, management of parks and public lands and endangered species protection and conservation law enforcement. The Outdoor Heritage Fund will be managed by a board comprised of 7 members. State resource agencies, such as the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife or the Maine Department of Conservation, will submit funding requests to the board. The law requires that the funding be apportioned as follows: 35 percent for fisheries and wildlife and habitat conservation projects; 35 percent for the acquisition and management of public land and outdoor recreation sites and facilities; 15 percent for endangered and threatened pecies protection and 15 percent for natural resource law enforcement.

Spring 1996

Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Ray "Bucky" Owen said he is pleased with the new wildlife lottery and its potential to help fund critical conservation programs in Maine. "This should be seen by Maine citizens as a special kind of lottery," said Owen, "because win or lose in the scratch and match, every player who cares about conserving wildlife and safeguarding Maine's precious outdoor heritage ultimately comes out a winner knowing that these lottery dollars are earmarked for wildlife conservation projects."

New Supersport License The Department has also resuscitated the Supersport license. ow both anglers and hunters may become Supersports. The cost is an extra $15 when you buy your license. Supersports get a colorful decal for their vehicle, a year's subscription to Fish and Wildlife Magazine and the satisfaction of contributing to a special fund used exclusively to improve relations between landowners and land users. Warden Dave Peppard, who heads up this program, is determined to stem the tide of land postings with an eye toward preserving our threatened outdoor heritage.

New Boating Laws With the beginning of the boating season in Maine, there are indications that some boaters remain confused about recent changes in the state boating law. There are two recent changes that affect boaters on Maine waters this year. Children 10 years of age or younger must wear a life jacket at all times in any watercraft. This change became effective last year. Contrary to some public misconceptions, there is no law that requires adult boaters to wear life jackets. Although the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife encourages the wearing of Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) while afloat, especially early in the season when waters are perilously cold, the choice to wear or not to wear a life jacket rests with the adult boater. The wearing of life jackets is mandatory for children only, if they are 10 years or younger. As for boat cushions, they are, beginning this year, no longer legal PFDs (suitable substitutes for wearable life jackets) pn Maine inland waters. Coastal

Mai11e Fish a11d Wildlife

At a winter meeting of the Fish and Wildlife Advisory Council in Bangor, Commissioner Owen and Deputy Commissioner Scott encouraged council members to start the year off right with a purchase of the new Maine Supersport license. All are now 1996 Supersports. recreational boaters should be aware, also, that the U.S. Coast Guard will not accept boat cushions as legal PFDs. Boaters on tidal and coastal waters are required to have wearable life jackets aboard for all passengers. A detailed explanation of the boating law and other seasonal information is available from the Fish and Wildlife Infoline (287-8003).

Free Fishing Days Discontinued In the past, Maine residents were permitted two free fishing days each year when no licenses were required. These free fishing days were held on Presidents Day in February and Father's Day in June. Anglers should be aware, however, that there are no free fishing days during 1996. Despite opposition testimony from IF&W, the Maine Legislature voted last year to eliminate the free fishing days altogether.

"Caught-on-Tape' Turkey Killer Sentenced The unique case of a wild turkey poacher caught on videotape wrapped up late this fall with a judge handing down a sentence. In Augusta District Court October 18, Keith Childs of China was fined $1000, $500 each on two counts of illegal hunting of wild turkey. Child!: also faces a mandatory loss of hunting license for several years.

Childs was charged following the release of a videotape showing his late model Chevrolet truck barreling into a flock of turkeys crossing the Maxcy's MIils Road in Windsor at about midday on October 15. A Windsor resident was videotaping the flock as it crossed the road. The tape clearly showed the truck accelerating and weaving into the flock. Two turkeys were killed in the collision, another injured. With the help of the media, television newscasts airing the tape and newspapers printing pictures of the truck, Childs was identified . Additional investigation by the Maine Warden Service solidified the case against Childs. The Department revoked Childs' hunting license for a period of one year effective February 1996.

Construction On New Black Bear Exhibit Begins Soon For over 2 years, the Friends of the Game Farm in Gray have been raising dollars for a new black bear exhibit at the Game Farm, otherwise known as the Fish and Wildlife Visitors Center. Operated by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife since the 1930s, the facility was used to raise pheasants and gradually evolved into the wildlife park it is today. Many of the wildlife enclosures reflected the old style of maintaining wildlife in captivitycement floors, chain link and bare surroundings. The new black bear exhibit,

MAINE

FISH AND WILDLIFE

284 State St., Sta. #41 AugusÂˇt a ME 04333

Place Sta.mp

Here

When you buy your 1996 licenses, m'll also notice two additional 1anges: 1) a new type of license and no deer/bear tags. Our licensing vision is converting to what is Jled scannable licenses in order to 1prove our efficiencies and better rve our license buyers; hence, no ,om for deer /bear tags. What'll you )? Fashion your own and attach em to your animal as you' ve always me. This is important, too. If you hunt igratory game birds, such as wood1ck, ducks, geese, etc., or if you have 1y thoughts of doing so in 1996, you ust irldicate this when you buy your 196 hunting license. This is a federal quirement under what is called the arvest Information Program. The .S. Fish and Wildlife Service is atmpting to obtairl more survey inforation about the annual migratory 1me bird harvest.

LHE EDITOR

MAINE

FISH AND WILDLIFE 284 State St., Sta. #41 Augusta ME 04333

Place Sta.mp

Here

MAINE

FISH AND WILDLIFE 284 State St., Sta. #41 Augusta ME 04333

1rough it. Are they supposed to be 1planting the forest where they have Jt? I'd really like to know what IF&W ,els about its effect on wildlife. Keep up the good articles in your 1agazine. So far you have done a great b and at a reasonable price! Mary Moulton Jay â&#x20AC;˘Thanks, Mary. Your question about ,e impact of clearcuts on wildlife is nely. Maine voters will in the fall cast 1eir ballots on a c/earcutting referen'.Jm; meanwhile, an indepth article on 1is issue in the summer edition of Fish '7d Wildlife magazine will address your 1Jestion and examine other aspects of 'earcutting. ear Editor, We were so surprised and pleased to ~e Dad's story "The Old Boy" by Bruce . Buckner in your fall issue. Unfortu:1.tely, Dad didn't live to see it. He died Jddenly Aug . 14, 1995. But the timing as right. It is a good memorial. Dad also wrote verse , and I thought )U might enjoy this one (Editor's Note: le've printed Bruce Buckner's poem in box at the left - we hope you all ,joy it!) Mrs. Bruce A. Buckner West Chester, Ohio

Fish and Wildlife Commissioner R, "Bucky" Owen said he is pleased with the new wildlife lottery and its potent: to help fund critical conservation programs in Maine. "This should be seen Maine citizens as a special kind of lottery," said Owen, "because win or los1 in the scratch and match, every player who cares about conserving wildlife a safeguarding Maine's precious outdoc heritage ultimately comes out a winm knowing that these lottery dollars are earmarked for wildlife conservation projects."

AINE

96.02

FISH AND WILDLIFE A quarterly full-color magazine about hunting, fishing, or just plain recreating in Maine's outdoors

SPECIAL HALF-PB.ICE OFFER! D 1 year only $9 D Payment enclosed

D 2 years only $15 D Please bill me later

New Supersport License

City/State/Zip_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

The Department has also resuscitat the Supersport license. Now both anglers and hunters may become Supersports. The cost is an extra $15 when you buy your license. Superspo get a colorful decal for their vehicle, a year's subscription to Fish and WildliJ Magazine and the satisfaction of contributing to a special fund used exclusively to improve relations between landowners and land users. Warden Dave Peppard, who heads up this pro gram, is determined to stern the tide o land postings with an eye toward preÂˇ serving our threatened outdoor heritage.

FOB FASTER SERVICE, CALL TOLL-FBEE 1-800-288-8387

AINE

96.02

FISH AND WILDLIFE A quarterly full-color magazine about hunting, fishing, or just plain recreating in Maine's outdoors

SPECIAL HALF-PB.ICE OFFER! D 1 year only $9 D Payment enclosed

D 2years only$15 D Please bill me later

New Boating Laws With the beginning of the boating season in Maine, there are indications that some boaters remain confused about recent changes in the state boat: law. There are two recent changes that affect boaters on Maine waters this ye Children 10 years of age or younger must wear a life jacket at all times in any watercraft. This change became effective last year. Contrary to some public rnisconceJ tions, there is no law that requires ad1 boaters to wear life jackets. Although the Maine Department of Inland Fish1 ies and Wildlife encourages the weari of Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) while afloat, especially early in these; son when waters are perilously cold, I choice to wear or not to wear a life jacket rests with the adult boater. The wearing of life jackets is man datory for children only, if they are J years or younger. As for boat cushions, they are, beg ning this year, no longer legal PFDs (suitable substitutes for wearable life jackets) on Maine inland waters. Coao I

Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

City/State/Zip_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

FOB FASTER SERVICE, CALL TOLL-FBEE 1-800-288-8387

AINE

96.02

FISH AND WILDLIFE A quarterly full-color magazine about hunting, fishing, or just plain recreating in Maine's outdoors

SPECIAL HALF-PB.ICE OFFER! D 1 year only $9 D Payment enclosed

D 2 years only $15 D Please bill me later

City/State/Zip_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

FOB FASTER SERVICE, CALL TOLL-FBEE 1-800-288-8387 Maine Fish and Wildlife

on which construction began by October 1st, is approximately 10,000 square feet in area, will have natural grassy areas, boulders, and logs for exercise and roaming free, a swimming area where the bears can completely submerge on those hot summer days, and snug dens for overwintering the bruins. The Friends of the Game Farm have raised more than $20,000 toward the overall construction costs of the bear exhibit, which is approximately $80,000. FOX 51 television assisted in the effort with public service announcements. The IFW Game Farm's dedicated account will fund the balance of the exhibit construction costs. The Game Farm is open daily until November 15, when it will close for the season.

1996 Hunting Seasons Turkey With Maine's wild turkey population expanding and spreading eastward in Maine, the 1996 spring turkey hunt will see some major changes. This spring there will be 1,250 turkey hunting permits issued (as compared with 750 last year). Equally exciting, there will be two hunting zones for gobblers, a South Zone and a North Zone. The North Zone will extend all the way to the Penobscot River. The hunt will be May 1-May 31. After the first two weeks of the hunt,

Dream Trophy On the pond before the sun The water's silver, still. Far shore firs are are one by one Emerging from the hill A special rock is just ahead My first cast's right beside it. The bug lies quiet, The ripples spread A swirl! A solid hit! My reel begins to spin, To ringTo ring? That's not the norm. My blanket wants to twist and cling, And I turn off the alarm. Bruce A. Buckner

those with permits will be allowed to hunt turkeys in either zone.

Moose In 1996, 1,500 moose hunting permits will be issued. This season's moosehunting dates will be Oct. 7- Oct. 12.

Deer The regular firearms season for deer this year will be Nov. 4-30. The archery season will be Oct. 3 - Nov. 1.

License Changes You should be aware of some major changes taking place with the 1996 hunting and fishing licenses. Starting December 1, 1995 Maine residents will be able to buy hunting and fishing licenses at most stores that sell hunting and fishing supplies. Sportsmen will still be able to get licenses at their local town office, but if they want to buy a license on a Sunday, for example, they'll be accommodated at most sporting good stores, including the big department stores.

When you buy your 1996 licenses, you'll also notice two additional changes: 1) a new type of license and 2) no deer /bear tags. Our licensing division is converting to what is called scannable licenses in order to improve our efficiencies and better serve our license buyers; hence, no room for deer /bear tags. What'll you do? Fashion your own and attach them to your animal as you've always done. This is important, too. If you hunt migratory game birds, such as woodcock, ducks, geese, etc., or if you have any thoughts of doing so in 1996, you must indicate this when you buy your 1996 hunting license. This is a federal requirement under what is called the Harvest Information Program. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is attempting to obtain more survey information about the annual migratory game bird harvest.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor, I would like to thank you for the time you took in sending us all of the valuable information and brochures and maps. My fiance and I have already started to write to some qf the places we would like to go to . It has made it easy to choose Maine as the place that we would like to go for our honeymoon. We are both nature lovers and enjoy fishing and hiking. When writing we will make sure that we mention your fish and wildlife department since you are the organization that has truly helped us to decide to visit your beautiful state. Come and visit Pennsylvania. Our fishing and beautiful parks will make you take a second look a our state as we will be doing to yours. Mark Lingenhol Pittsburgh PA To The Editor, I've enjoyed your magazine almost from the time you first published it. I find it excellent reading and certainly informative. I have a question concerning clearcutting. Can it possibly be advantageous to our wildlife? There will be (in clearcuts) miles and miles of brush so thick that even a rabbit couldn't go

through it. Are they supposed to be replanting the forest where they have cut? I'd really like to know what IF&W feels about its effect on wildlife. Keep up the good articles in your magazine. So far you have done a great job and at a reasonable price! Mary Moulton Jay â&#x20AC;˘Thanks, Mary. Your question about the impact of clearcuts on wildlife is timely. Maine voters will in the fall cast their ballots on a c/earcutting referendum; meanwhile, an indepth article on this issue in the summer edition of Fish and Wildlife magazine will address your question and examine other aspects of clearcutting. Dear Editor, We were so surprised and pleased to see Dad's story "The Old Boy" by Bruce A. Buckner in your fall issue. Unfortunately, Dad didn't live to see it. He died suddenly Aug. 14, 1995. But the timing was right. It is a good memorial. Dad also wrote verse, and I thought you might enjoy this one (Editor's Note: We've printed Bruce Buckner's poem in a box at the left - we hope you all enjoy it!) Mrs. Bruce A. Buckner West Chester, Ohio

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

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284 State Street

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Augusta ME 04333

Warning! by Claudia Comstock. Detail from an original 20" x 30" watercolor. A limited edition of 550 signed and numbered 17" x 23" prints of this award-wi17ning painting has been issued. Contact the artist at: RavensQui/1 Studio, P. 0. Box 2, Rangeley ME 04970, or telephone (207) 864-5002, for more information or to order.