Maine State Library
Maine State Documents Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Magazine
Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
9-1-1997
Maine Fish and Game Magazine, Fall 1997 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, Fall 1997" (1997). Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Magazine. Book 46. http://digitalmaine.com/ifw_magazine/46
This Book is brought to you for free and open access by the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife at Maine State Documents. It has been accepted for inclusion in Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Magazine by an authorized administrator of Maine State Documents. For more information, please contact statedocs@maine.gov.
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MAINE STATE LIBRARY
FISH A D WILDLIFE
FOR LIBRARY USE ONLY
EDITORIAL by Ray B. Owen, Jr., Commissioner Editor's note: After five years as Maine's Commissioner of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Ray "Bucky" Owen retires the end of August. In place of his usual editorial in this space, Bucky agreed to an "exit interview. "What follows are excerpts from that interview with Fish and Wildlife magazine's editor V. Paul Reynolds. The Commissioner was given the questions in advance of the interview.
Q: Looking back at your five years as commissioner, what are you most proud of and what would you have done differently? A: I think the Quality Fishing Initiative, along with expanded fishing seasons, is progress that has made a difference. We're getting good vibes from this. I truly believe that in time Maine will have some of the best brook trout fishing in North America. Of course, an important link in the ongoing Quality Fishing Initiative is our hatchery system. We need to grow more fish, and to consider expanding our fish stocking policy to include selective put and take near urban centers, as well as put, grow and take. I was disappointed that we lost the vote on the hatchery bond issue by such a narrow margin. However, our AdoptA -Hatchery Program has helped greatly to physically upgrade our hatcheries thanks to the partnerships we have formed with most of the major paper companies, who have contributed labor and materials valued at more than $200,000. We've also gotten financial help from the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund, which has helped us to begin to expand our fish-rearing capability at one of our brook trout hatcheries. With our hatchery facilities upgraded, we will need a smaller bond issue, which will allow us to raise and stock an additional 400,000 fish- mostly brookies- in Maine waters. We've made some big strides, too, in conservation education. Thanks to the auctioning of 5 moose hunting permits, we're sending more than 300 youngsters to conservation camp. The Hooked on Fishing Program, the summer conservation education. program and the becoming an Outdoors Woman Program will help us preserve Maine's important outdoor heritage. I am also proud of the volunteer program that we have started. With a lot of help from Charlie Mann, we have built a solid cadre of volunteers who contributed more than $100,000 a year in volunteer assistance to JF&W last year. Of course, there is our landowner relations program, which has revolutionized our approach to land owners and land users. We have also taken seriously the idea of customer service. We've added an emphasis here, especially with regard to the Maine Warden Service. There is more internal control of how we treat the public in law enforcernent, and how we deal with complaints - a new way of doing business.
Q: If the next commissioner asked you what you think IF&W's priorities should be over the next four years, what would you say?
A: The financial condition of thedepartment will be the number one issue facing the next JF&W commissioner. I didn't pick up on it (the financial problems) fast enough ... wish J had been aware of the issues a year earlier. But we lznve made considerable progress in this area. We have worked hard to cut costs, and to develop an accounting of what the actual costs are of the different services we provide. The budget has stability for the near future, but as long as LF&W remains totally a dedicated fund agency we will have trouble. In connection with this need for budget stability and alternative revenue sources, the next commissioner will face two big tangential issues. One is that of the ever expanding responsbilities of tlze warden service. Between snowmobile enforcement and boating, the warden service is expending inordinate amounts of time that should be devoted to protecting the resource. The other big issue that will impact the department's financial well-being is the transition to a point of sale licensing system. The new commissioner will l,ave to ride herd on the implementation of this new technology, which, if done right, will greatly improve IF&W's ability to market licenses and carefully monitor the balance sheet. Then, of course, there is marketing. Selling the resource, as it was once called, was anathema to many of us. But we (continued on inside back cover)
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AINE
~ILDLIFE
FISH AND WILDLIFE
VOL. 39, NO. 3
A quarterly full-color magazine about hunting, fishing, or just plain recreating in Maine's outdoors
SPECIAL HALF-PRICE OFFER! D 1 year only $9 D Payment enclosed
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all in one place!
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OB FASTER SERVICE CALL TOLL-FREE 1-800-288-8387
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by Judy Givens
rout for the sporting camps themselves!
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by David M. Peppard
'or Maine anyway?
10
by Kendall H. Warner
Fishing " season for some biologists
AINE
12 s canids apart-and who to tell about it!
FISH AND WILDLIFE
13
A quarterly full-color magazine about hunting, fishing, or just plain recreating in Maine's outdoors
by Tom Chamberlain
lot more than just hair and feathers!
14
SPECIAL HALF-PRICE OFFER! D 1 year only $9 D Payment enclosed
by JoAnn Fulton
by David M. Peppard
iar? This 'll tell you!
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18 n services to blow their own horns
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ions one page can hold!
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by Mary G. Butler
-a historical perspective
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A quarterly full-color magazine about hunting, fishing, or just plain recreating in Maine's outdoors 19
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by Butch Carey
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n the 1997 duck stamp com-
rom Kemp of Sangerville . g prints, see page 5. inks on recyclable paper
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FISH AND WILDLIFE 284 State St., Sta. #41 Augusta ME 04333
pre pre the, COL
system. We need to grow more fish near urban centers, as well as put, I was disappointed that we lost I A -Hatchery Program has helped g formed with most of the major pap1 $200,000. We've also gotten financ expand our fish-rearing capability need a smaller bond issue, which u waters. We've made some big strides, to, we're sending more than 300 youn tion education program and the be1 outdoor heritage. I am also proud o we have built a solid cadre of volur. last year. Of course, there is our la, and land users. We have also taken seriously the Maine Warden Service. There is 111 with complaints - a new way of do,
Q: If the next commissioner , years, what would you say? A : The financial condition of th didn't pick up on it (the financial r made considerable progress in this actual costs are of the different sen remains totally a dedicated fund as In connection with this need for big tangential issues. One is that~ enforcernent and boating, the ward ing the resource. The other big issu sale licensing system. The new con which, if done right, will greatly in Then, of course, there is marketi
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FISH AND WILDLIFE 284 State St., Sta. #41 Augusta ME 04333
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MAINE FISH AND WILDLIFE 284 State St., Sta. #41 Augusta ME 04333
//i t\ I• •
•~
Governor Angus S . King, Jr.
Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Matt Scott, Acting Commissioner Frederick B. Hurley, Jr., Director, Bureau of Resource Management Richard Record, Director, Bureau of Administrative Services Parker K. Tripp, Director, Bureau of Warden Service Advisory Council Stanley D. Milton, A ndover Chairman Charles F. Beck, Presque Isle Vice Chairman Millard A. Wardwell, Penobscot F. Dale Speed, Princeton Richard A. Neal. E. Lebanon Ellen N. Peters. New Gloucester Russell E. Oyer, Bowdoinham Lila Ware. Skowhegan Harold Brown, Bangor A. David Trahan, Waldobo ro
Maine Fish and Wildlife Magazine V. Paul Reynolds, Editor Thomas L. Carbone, Photo Editor V. Paul Reynolds, Advertising All photographs in this issue were made by the Public Information & Education Division unless otherwise indicated.
MAINE
FISH AND WILDLIFE FALL 1997
VOL. 39, NO. 3
Features 2
Mrs. Fulton's Grand Slam
Three for three on Maine 's big game species-and all in one place!
The Maine Sporting Camp Association
6
CHANGE OF ADDRESS Send both old and new addresses to Circulation Section. MAINE FISH AND WILDLIFE M<1gazine. 284 State St.. 41 State Hse Sta .. Augusta ME 04333. Please allow six weeks for changes to take effect. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Circulation Section. MAINE FISH AND WILDLIFE, 284 State St., 41 State Hse . Sta .. Augusta, Maine 04333 QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR SUBSCRIPTION? Just call toll-free 1-800-288-8387 The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife receives federal funds from the U.S. Department of the Interior Accordingly. all department programs and ~ctivities must be operated free from discrimination with regard to race. color, national origin, age, or handicap. Any person who believes that he or she has been discriminated against should write to The Office of Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of the lnte· rior, Wdshington, D.C. 20240. maq,mnc design & prepress by g raphlti
bdfast me 04915
by Judy Givens
Watching out for the sporting public-by watching out for the sporting camps themselves!
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Supersports!
by David M. Peppard
Who ARE Supersports? And what are they doing for Maine anyway?
Fall Trapnettlng Tells The Tale
10
by Kendall H. Warner
One routine activity turns autumn into a special "fishing " season for some biologists
Wolves &.. Coyotes
12
A data sheet on how to tell these two Maine woods can ids apart-and who to tell about it!
13
Learning From The Master
by Tom Chamberlain
Our fly tying contributor has taught this author a lot more than just hair and feathers!
Operation Game Thief Update
14
by David M. Peppard
How 'd we do catching "woods thieves" this past year? This 'll tell you!
Outdoor Roster
18
A chance for providers of Maine outdoor recreation services to blow their own horns
Hunting Seasons Chart MAINE FISH AND WILDLIFE (ISSN 0360-00SX) is published quarterly by the Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, 284 State Street. Station 41, Augusta, Maine 04330. under Appropriation 01009A-0529 Subscription rate: $18.00 per year. No stamps. please. Preferred Periodicals postage paid at Augusta. Maine and at additional mailing offices 9 Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife , 1997. Permission to reprint text material is granted, pro· vided proper credit is given to the author and to MAINE FISH AND WIIDLIFE. Clearance must be obtained from artists, photographers. and non-staff authors to reproduce credited work.
by JoAnn Fulton
21
All the seasons-all the bag limits-a/I the restrictions one page can hold!
22
The Maine Trapping Association
by Mary G. Butler
One of the older sporting organizations in Maine-a historical perspective
Departments RECIPE CORNER
9
KID-BOS
16
FROM THE FLY TYING BENCH: Sneeka
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FISH AND WILDLIFE BRIEFS
27
by Butch Carey
The Front Cover: The winning entry in the 1997 duck stamp competition--the greater scaup, by Tom Kemp of Sangerville. For information on obtaining prints, see page 5.
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-...T
Printed with vegetable-based •
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inks on recyclable paper
Mars Hill Mountain Yields Grand Slam! by JoAnn Fulton ' ' ' \ ' . : over-shot him!" My heart sank as I watched the young buck vanish into the nearby spruce. It was the last week of deer season and the pressure of completing a Big Game Grand Slam was beginning to show with each squeeze of the trigger. At two hundred yards I knew that this buck should have been mine. My .270 Savage was zeroed for this distance and he had given me a broadside shot. My husband, Rodney, who had taken a nice buck on openUh-ONE. .. ing day of the season was beginning to show visible signs of exasperation. Words of encouragement were as rare as a Boone and Crockett rack. The excitement of getting a Grand Slam was fading fast. My thoughts went back to June 5th when I had hurried out to the mail box and retrieved the 1996 moose selections. I remember feeling a sense of mischief as
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Maine Fis/1 and Wildlife
I tore through the pages. I would have the inside information on who would receive moose permits in our small towns of Blaine
and Mars Hill. Successful applicants immediately become local celebrities. The names began to blur and run together as I tried to make my name materialize from a list of 1,500 applicants. For sixteen year the annual moose lottery listing had been thrown disgustingly into the trash. But not this year because my name was on it! My husband,
who is a night shift worker, was sleeping soundly just down the hall when I finally realized that I was e1igible for the 1996 moose hunt. As he recalls, it was the most frightening experience of his life to hear footsteps charging down the hallway and the door being nearly ripped out of its casing. After the initial shock we were able to share my joy together and talk about the possibilities of getting a Big Game Grand Slam. In baseball, that's clearing all the bases with one hit, but in Maine, it is filling all of your tags in one season. I guess that I have always envisioned Rod doing this, but the prospects of me getting all three in one year had ju t never crossed my mind. I have taken everal bucks and three bear in
The author is a resident of Mars Hill-and she hunts there, too! http://www.state.me. us/i fw/homepage.html
the last ten years, but to put it all together would take a certain amount of old-fashion luck. Our first concern was negotiating our vacation time to coincide with the October 7th moose season. We had both already scheduled our vacation time for November but some sympathetic employers give us the break we needed. Everything was in order all we had to do now was get in plenty of pre-season scouting hours to increase my chances of being in the right place when bear season opened in late August. All of our hunting is done within the perimeter of Mars Hill Mountain. Living at its western base, we have first-hand knowledge of its food supply. With apples, acorns and beechnuts to draw animals from every direction, we faithfully monitor the amount of yield that each of these food sources offer from year to year. Early scouting had indicated an excellent mast of beechnuts. This would mean that if I was going to get my bear I would have to get it early before the nuts started falling. Once the bear go high on the mountain, the opportunities of seeing one diminish fast. With my husband working evenings and me working days, my only hunting time would be late afternoons. It was decided that I would take a position each evening on the east side of the mountain overlooking a clover field that Rod had taken a 300pound male last fall. This field offered everything that a cautious bear looks for: a dark corner, cedar swamp entrance and plenty of rich clover. I was confident that I would get a look at a "keeper" if I remained consistent. http://www .state .me . us/i fw/homepage.h tml
On at least three different outings, I encountered a sow with two small cubs while driving to the clover field. I had already decided that no Grand Slam is worth leaving two cubs
The short drive to my stand ended with disappointment as I noticed two vehicles parked just down the road from the clover field edge. Surely someone has killed the bear that I have been
.. .and uh-TWO... without their mother, no matter how impressive she looks. I did my best to mentally measure her size so I wouldn't mistake her for a male if she should approach my clover ahead of the cubs. The first few nights were quiet and uneventful, but I had plenty of time to think about the exciting weeks that were ahead of me and my quest for a grand slam. September 4th was one of those quality days when every hunter wants to be in a treestand. The autumn air was cool and a quick glance at the erect lilac bushes showed that there was no breeze. I hurried through my supper dishes and whispered a prayer.
waiting for, I thought. Just as I was deciding which field I should use as an alternate, I spotted a bear in the corner of the clover. It was not quite so big as the sow that I had been seeing and I guessed that it was a young male in its first year alone. I quickly parked my truck just out of the bear's line of sight and inched my way back to where I could see the corner where I had spotted the bear. I wanted to get closer but the bear caught my movement and I was forced to take an off-hand shot. I'm thankful that I had whispered a prayer, because at one hundred yards, I prefer a good rest. The young bear was about Fa/11997
3
to changed directions when my .270 echoed off the mountain. It was a solid hit and the first step of my Grand Slam was in the book. I felt confident that I had accomplished the most difficult part of my adventure. I was wrong! It seemed like forever for October to come around and even longer for the first week to crawl by .. In the past, moose season started during the first week of October. This year we would have to wait. My husband had made a moose call from a coffee can and shoelace and we were trying to make it sound
knew when Monday morning arrived we could have several respectable bulls at our mercy. It was just a matter of choosing which one we wanted. Would it be the sixty inch narrow rack or the wide palmed fifty-five incher? We had to stifle a laugh when we discussed the simplicity of this hunt. As darkness began to swallow us up on the first day of our moose hunt, we found ourselves in a state of shock. We had traveled one hundred and twenty-five miles! If we had only straightened our course, we could have been in Bangor for
... and uh- THREE!! somewhat interesting. As we were goofing off and making fun of our erratic sounds we were nearly over-run by a large and very irritated bull. The excitement of seeing these bulls respond helped make the days go by much faster. We had seen so many bulls during our scouting, that we just
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Maine Fish a11d Wild life
supper. We had only one cow moose sighting to pencil in for the day. It was nothing to laugh about, but we were confident that the bulls would be out in record numbers on Tuesday. The rain and wind greeted u on Tuesday morning and we never even had the pfivilege of a cow moose sighting. We pulled
on that ugly looking coffee can until our fingers were raw. It's amazing how a laughable hunt can suddenly turn so serious. It didn't help our confident when we would see big racked bulls being hauled through Mars Hill like they were just selected from a Big Game magazine. "Where did they find that?" The fog moved in Wednesday. I knew we were in trouble when Rod said he had a hard time finding the truck to load our gear. Although we did manage to find two bulls moving through the heavy fog, they vanished before I was able to get into position. I knew that Rod was wanting me to score on a big racked bull, but I wanted to get this thing over with. I secretly made up my mind that anything with horns would not escape on Thursday. On Thursday morning, October 10th, the weather broke and we positioned ourselves at the edge of a clear-cut where we had seen the two moose the day before. As daylight began to give us a better view of the cuttings I noticed two moose sparring in a stand of spruce about two hundred yards away. Rod quickly put the glasses on them and confirmed that it was two bulls fighting. My heart was pounding as I put the crosshairs on the bull that was the most visible. "Don't shoot until I see which one has the big ......... " The words faded as the .270 rocked the mountain once again. As we approached the area of battle I hoped that Rod would not be too disappointed if it didn't reach his expectations. He looked very impressive to me and if Rod wa di appointed he didn't show it. We did high fives and acted like kids for just http ://w w w .state.me.us/if w/h om e page.ht m I
a few special moments. Rod left me alone with my moose so he could drive the short distance to our home and retrieve the trailer. The smell and silence of the cuttings mixed with the thrill of harvesting a Maine moose will last forever. How I wished that this fragrance could be bottled. As I stood near my 600 lb. bull I could see the field where I had shot my bear a month earlier. I had to smile as I caught myself looking around for deer tracks. I had to remind myself tha t I should slow down and enjoy this experience before starting on another. Sitting down, I took a deep breath and watched the morning fog slowly uncover the mountain that had been so good to us. Would it yield yet another buck so I could finish my Grand Slam? The cold morning air bit at my face as I awkwardly made a path through the red bushes that led to where the buck was standing just moments ago. It was hard to imagine that I would see a buck in the exact spot where I shot my
moose. Rod had continued to glass the escaping deer while I looked for signs of a hit. With four inches of snow I was able to quickly pick up his track and determine the fate that I was reluctant to accept. If only I had taken a little more time. I was too anxious and failed to follow through with the things that I had learned. Would I miss my Grand Slam by one inch? Maybe less? Rod's voice broke the silence and he confirmed that the buck was flagging high and doing well as he headed up the mountain. My only consolation was that it was a clean miss and not a wounded animal. I knew that my fifty-one year old body was no match for him on the mountain. He would have a better day than me. We had both learned a lot this morning ....... . or had we? Today was November the 27th and I had tons of kitchen work to do in preparing for our Thanksgiving dinner. I l\ad spent a restless night. Every
time I closed my eyes I could see flags bouncing in and out of the thickets. Our dinner would have to be put on hold for just a few hours. My Grand Slam did not include turkey. The tires made a loud crunching sound in the snow as we pulled into a position close to the cuttings. Surely every deer on the mountain has been alerted by now I thought. We had not been at the cuttings very long when Rod whispered, "deer!" My eyes immediately went to the spot where I missed the day before. "No, right there under that apple tree!" Less than half the distance stood the same buck that I had missed the day before. There would be no mistakes today. The echo of my rifle never sounded more resounding. The mountain never looked more majestic. The snow never looked whiter nor my smile wider. I had accomplished the Grand Slam! The proud look on my husband's face made every hour of effort worthwhile. My hope is that next June I will hear him running down the hall! â&#x20AC;˘
1997 State of Maine Migratory Waterfowl Hunting Print & Stamp
500 LIMITED EDITION Greater Scaup by Thomas Kemp Also limited quantities are still available for the
1996 State of Maine Migratory Waterfowl Hunting Pri nt & Stamp 500 LIMITED EDITION
Blue Win g Teal by Paul Fillion
HO W TO ORDER: Include name and address along with (unframed) I I" x 14" prin t and stamp $45 .00 (framed) 15" x 16 1/2" pri nt and stamp $ l 40.00 Shipping & handling $6 .00 + Add 6% Sales Tax
http://www .s ta te . me . us/i fw/homepage .h tm I
check or money order made out to Guylaine Fillion and mail to Guylaine Fillion, 57 Country Lane, Durham, ME 04222. Or call 207-353-5146. All pieces are shipped UPS.
,
Fall 1997
5
MAINE SPORTING CAMP ASSOCIATION by Judy Givens
Maine
sporting camps first appeared in the northern wilderness in the late 1800s, when a few enterprising woodsmen recognized the attraction Maine's hunting and fishing resources would have for city-weary folks. At the turn of the century, access was an exercise in endurance and not for the faint of heart. The visitor traveled by bone-jarring totewagon, canoe, horseback, shank's mare -whatever was available to reach the small group of unadorned cabins known as a sporting camp. That very inaccessibility would ~ find the visitor er~ - or "sport," in ~ guide' s parlance - in the ~ middle of a ii: fishing and hunting paradise. Usually located on a lake or pond with top-notch fishing, many camps consisted of a large main lodge, where home cooked meals were served in lumberjack quantities to the hungry sports-
men. A number of plain but comfortable log cabins were strategically placed to give a fine view of the water. An integral part of the sporting camp was the Maine guide, who worked to bring his sport to fish or game, and to entertain with woods lore and wild stories when nature was uncooperative. With its guides, cook, cabin girls, boat boy, and handyman, the camp was a small community whose focus was the comfort and
1940s. Most sporting camps adhere to the old traditions. Yet while each offers a taste of yesterday's simpler life, inevitably there have been changes. Most remote camps now have generators and provide shower houses or even complete plumbing. A number of camps provide fully-equipped housekeeping cabins for visitors who prefer to do their own cooking. A growing number of guests are not interested in hunting or fishing, but prefer to enjoy Maine's woods through hiking, photography, canoeing, boating, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling - or simply relaxing and doing a great deal of nothing. Probably the greatest change has been the enormous increase in access, as a result of the vast network of logging roads which enable visitors to easily arrive by car. Ironically, this growing human presence has placed great pressures on the lakes, rivers, and forests that are
Picturesque Red River Camps in Aroostook County.
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Maine Fish and W1/dlife
satisfaction of the guests. Many gue ts returned year after year, with their adult children following in their footsteps. Some camps today have been operating since the late 1800s, and many since the 1920s to
so attractive to all of those looking for a brief escape .. Ten years ago, a group of concerned porting camp owner met to discuss the need to become more involved m the regulatory processes, which affect the north h ttp://www.state.me. us/i fw/homepage . html
woods and thus, their livelihood, and also to ensure that Maine's sporting camps would uphold the integrity of their tradition. Bringing together a pool of experience would also allow camp owners to exchange ideas about operational problems .. In 1987, the Maine Sporting Camp Association was formed and now includes fiftythree camps, as well as a number of associate members who are individuals or businesses with an interest in sporting camps. As recently as 20 years ago, the independent proprietor of a
remote sporting camp would never have envisioned a need to join forces with other camp owners; involvement in governmental and legislative processes would have been unthinkable. But times have changed. Today, survival means keeping "an ear to Augusta," attending public hearings and committee workshops, and writing or calling to express views when new regulations are pending. Association members will not tolerate behavior from their guests and believe in abiding by
A typical Maine sporting camp, located shoreside with a scenic view and a well-kept dock facility for sports to come and go, or just to linger awhile at water's edge.
all hunting and fishing regulations. The Association values catch-and-release fishing, and hunting and fishing methods and quotas which produce sustainable populations. This means maintaining a good working relationship with the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and their wardens and biologists. Many camps are located on paper company land and hold leases from those companies, or use land under other ownership for their guests' recreation. The Association works toward good landowner relations. While opinions on timber harvesting vary considerably, there is agreement on the importance of large, private timber holdings to both the economy of Maine and the preservation of Maine's north woods for recreation. Members of the Maine Sporting Camp Association are proud of their industry's low impact on Maine's natural resources and work to maintain sustainable forests, uncontaminated waters, and healthy wildlife populations. They are expected to abide by a code of ethics which protects the sporting camp tradition, works to protect Maine's natural resources, and promotes a responsible attitude toward guests and everyone involved in working or finding recreation in the outdoors. The Maine Sporting Camp Association is firmly committed not just to preservation of the industry, but to all that is unique about Maine's north woods, in hopes that future generations will find renewal there, just as those early visitors did a century ago .â&#x20AC;˘
Judy Givens and her husband Rick have operated Frost Pond Camps for 25 years. http://www .s tale .me. u s/ifw/homepage.h tml
Fall 199 7
7
s
SUP by Wdn. David M. Peppard
Le
Supersport License Program has been around for several years. Up until 1996, only a resident combination license could be purchased with the Supersport option added. During those years, the Supersport option cost an additional $10.00 and that money was earmarked for the Inland Fisheries & Wildlife general operating budget. During the early years of the Supersport option, yearly sales were approximately 450 to 500 licenses a year. In I995, the Maine Legislature passed a law empowering the Inland Fisheries & Wildlife Department to create a full time position of Landowner Relations Coordinator. Also included in that law was a revised Supersport option for license or non license buyers. The new law incorporated language mandating that all the proceeds from the sale of the Supersport option be dedicated to the Inland Fisheries & Wildlife Landowner Relations Program. These proceeds were to help defray the expenses of the Landowner Relations Program. The new Supersport option became effective with the sale of the I996 licenses. The new license feature allows resident and non residents to add the Supersport option to any of the licenses sold
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Maine Fish and Wildlife
by the Inland Fisheries & Wildlife Department. Under this new program, the Supersport option or certificate to non license buyers costs an additional $15.00, which is dedicated to the Landowner Relations Program. The 1996 preliminary license sales figures show that approximately 2,460 people purchased the Supersport option or certificate. We are very pleased with that number for the first year sale; however, for the Landowner Relations to move ahead with various programs, more concerned outdoor enthusiasts must purchase the Supersport option. When talking with a person that has purchased the Supersport option, I have found that a very high percentage of the people truly understand how valuable access to private property is to their particular outdoor activity or activities. They also understand what needs to be done to both protect and enhance access to private property for outdoor recreation. Should sportsmen and sportswomen be expected to pay the whole bill? Absolutely not. Outdoor recreation in Maine has become one of the largest industries in the state. It is time for the State of Maine to provide more a sistance to programs that focus on enhancing any and all aspects of outdoor recreation.
Access to private property is a major priority now and for many years to come. Funding from sources other than Supersport license sales is a must so that the Landowner Relations Program can continue to expand its programs to better meet the needs of landowners and land users. A commonly asked question is "what is the Supersport money being used for?" Over the past two years, I have concentrated on getting information to landowners and landusers about existing laws and new laws. This has been accomplished through the publication and distribution of a Landowner - Land user brochure. A new brochure has just been ordered that explains in detail the Landowner Liability Immunity Law. Correspondence to individual landowners and landowner groups; to individual landusers and landuser groups; and general inquires for information results in a significant mailing cost. The purchase and distribution of Safety Zone signs has been done on a regular basis. These signs are supplied to landowners free upon request. The printing and distribution of the licen e holder/ deer tag wa a major purchase for the program last year. These tag http ://www.sta te. me.us/if w/h omepage.h tml
allowed us to address not only the public concern about the elimination of the game transportation tag that used to be attached to the license, but it also gave the program a chance to promote the "Ask First" motto. This endeavor has been very well received by the license agents and license buyers. Bumper stickers promoting the "Ask First" motto have been ordered and distributed on a statewide basis. The concept
behind "Ask First" is that if enough people would do that voluntarily many of the landowner problems or concerns would be solved. The cost of traveling all across the state doing speaking engagements to landowner and landuser groups is also covered by the budgets. Over the past year approximately 75 meetings have been attended where I made a presentation about the landowner relations program.
Supersports are a special type of person and I want to sincerely thank all of 2,460 of you who have helped in getting the program started. If you are not a Supersport, but do hunt and fish or just like to have access to land in Maine for outdoor recreation, please consider joining Maine's growing list of Supersports. â&#x20AC;˘
The author is coordinator of Operation Respect in Maine.
TENDERLOIN OF VENISON 1 C. cabernet sauvignon 1 can beef broth 1 chopped celery stalk 1/4 C, chopped onion 1 clove garlic 1 carrot (shaved) 4 strips bacon
In a saucepan, add cabernet and reduce it on a low simmer. In a separate saucepan , add beef broth, carrot shavings, chopped celery and chopped onion. Reduce the beef broth/vegetables on a low simmer. Strain vegetables from reduced beef broth and discard vegetables . Combine the "vegetable flavored" beef broth with the reduced cabernet to create a thick sauce . If yours is not thick enough , add a few teaspoons of flour to thicken. Set this sauce aside . Caramelize the tenderloin in a very hot pan to seal in the juices. (one minute max!). Butterfly the tenderloin and sprinkle the chopped garlic. Close the tenderloin and wrap bacon strips around it. Roast the loin in oven at 350 degrees until desired temperature is reached (rare , medium, well done). Do not overcook the loin or it will be too dry and tough. I prefer medium-rare (15Âą minutes in the oven depending on the size of the tenderloin). Pour the sauce over the cooked tenderloin. I guarantee you 'll never taste a better piece of venison!
Craig Geikie, Falmouth, Maine Want to see your favorite fish and game recipe in our Recipe Corner? Just send it, along with a little background, to: THE RECIPE CORNER, Attn: Charlie Mann, 284 State Street, 41 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333
http ://www .s ta te . me. us/ if w /home page . h tm I
,
Fall 1997
9
Fall Trapnetting Tell E by Kendall H. Warner
ach fall, usually beginning in September or October, biologists in the seven Fishery Division Regions sally forth, laden with nets and dunnage, and lots of hot coffee to Regional waters to gather biological data on success of implemented or experimental management strategies. Sampling gear used in fall netting operations are either trapnets or fyke nets (see illustration below). Trapnets are usually set perpendicular to the shore, ideally on a shallow, rocky point, with the end of the lead tied or anchored to the shore. Fish traveling the shoreline are guided by the lead into the net box (pot) by a series of tunnels and two net wings extending from the trap (at 45 angle) toward shore. Sport fish trapped in the box or "pot" are removed, data are recorded, and the fish are released alive. Fyke nets are a little different in design than trap nets, although
the principle is the same (see illustration). Fyke nets usually have no lead and are simpler in design. They are most effective for brook trout. There are four general categories of evaluations, but there are many other special studies as well. The first category is evaluation of success of stockings of coldwater game fish, principally landlocked salmon, brook trout, brown trout, and splake. Data collected include: age, class, distribution numbers trapped, growth, survival, and maturity. Fish captured may have been stocked at various sizes, ages, times of year and sometimes from different biological populations ("strains") For example, our Division is currently evaluating performance of two populations of wild brook trout as possible hatchery production fish. Stockings of equal numbers of wild brook trout from the Soudnahunk and
Small trapnet
L Fyke net
10
Maine Fish and Wild/1fe
--
JJ
Kennebago populations were made in several waters in southern, central and eastern Maine initially in 1996 and will be evaluated beginning in 1997. The second category is evaluation for changes in fishing regulations established to improve fishing quality and to provide more ')Ider and larger fish in the fishery. Examples are longer length limits, "slot" limits, and reduced bag limits. For brook trout, more restrictive regulations should allow more fish to spawn before being harvested and provide more older and larger fish in the fishery. The third category is evaluation of general population health in response to angler complaints of "poor fishing." Fall netting usually gives us a good indication of the status of fish populations and whether additional investigations or changes in management strategies are necessary. Special investigations are the fourth category. As examples, lake trout (togue) have been jaw tagged in Swan Lake for the past several falls to measure exploitation by anglers, especially in winter. Long Pond (Belgrade) is being sampled annually to evaluate effects of northern pike on native game fish populations. Brown trout are being trapped and tagged in Androscoggin Lake to evaluate the population and exploitation by anglers. Lake whitefish are also being sampled in northern Maine for genetic studies. Let's look at the statewide picture for fall netting in 1996. Beginning in southern Maine, Region A trapped Mousam Lake
http: // www.sta te. me. us / ifw/ homepage.htm I
(brown trout), Coffee Pond (brook trout), and Ell Pond (brook trout). In Central Maine, Region B trapped Big Indian, Great Moose, Androscoggin, and Gulf Island for brown trout and Swan Lake as mentioned above. Region C (Downeast) trapped Alligator, Phillips, and Tunk Lakes for landlocked salmon slot-limit evaluation, and age and growth, and Cathance, Upper Lead Mountain, Branch, and Long (MDI) for salmon age and growth. They also sampled Shattuck Lake for brook trout age and growth. In Western Maine, Region D monitored salmon age and growth by trapping Rangeley Lake and Upper Dam Pool. Three trout ponds (Kamankeag, Beaver, and Crosby) were monitored to evaluate effects of new fishing regulations. Region E (Greenville) sampled Coffeelos, Turner and Little Moxie Ponds to evaluate effects of changes in wild brook trout regulations. Moosehead Lake, First Roach Pond, and Kingsbury Pond were trapnetted to evaluate stocked salmon populations. Piper Pond was sampled to evaluate splake stockings. Enfield biologists (Region F) netted B Pond, Johnson Pond and Daicey Pond for results of changes in brook trout regulations. Tomah Lake was sampled for brook trout age and growth. Millinocket Lake and West Lake were evaluated for landlocked salmon age and growth and effects of regulation changes. In northern Maine, Region G trapped Big Eagle Lake http: // www .state.me. us / ifw/homepage .htm I
Greenville Regional Fisheries Biologist Paul Johnson and a volunteer aide check a fall trapnet for brook trout at Salmon Pond near Greenville. (Allagash). A sizable catch of brook trout was made, of which nearly 60% were legal (12 inches or more). Relative abundance of lake whitefish appears to be declining. Long Lake (Fish River) was trapped for salmon and brook trout; good mnnbers of both species were captured. Salmon growth showed a decline. Square Lake (Fish River) was also trapped to evaluate salmon and brook trout populations. Clear Lake was tra pnetted for brook trout and lake whitefish; ten whitefish tagged in 1995 were recaptured. Whitefish eggs were stripped for a test of raising them at Enfield. Big Indian Pond was also sampled for whitefish genetic studies. Madawaska Lake and Little Pillsbury Pond were sampled to evaluate brook trout populations. During October and early November 1996, trap nets were set in three lakes in Central Maine to evaluate the survival and growth of spring yearling brown trout stocked as part of a cooperative experiment with Unity College. Results in 1996 were mixed; at China Lake an excellent sample was obtained; 41 unmarked brown trout (stocked
prior to project); 5 stocked as spring yearlings in 1996 (RV clip); 34 stocked as spring yearlings in 1995 (BV clip); 40 stocked as spring yearlings in 1994 (LV clip); total 120 brown trout handled. At Togus Pond only 8 brown trout were handled: 1 unmarked and 7 from 1995. At Salmon-McGrath Ponds, only 5 brown trout were handled; 1 from 1996, 3 from 1995 and 1 from 1994. There is no clear explanation as to why we had such good results from the netting at China Lake and such poor results at the other lakes. Last winter's census information and spring and summer fisheries were satisfactory at all three lakes. We may be able to observe more fish in the winter 1997 angler survey. Dedicated Fishery Division biologists work long hours, often under harsh weather conditions, to conduct fall trapnetting operations. Data collected however, are vital in monitoring our coldwater fishery resources-and are well worth the effort. â&#x20AC;˘
The author is Fishery Management Supervisor for the department's research section in Bangor. Fall 199 7
11
WATCH FOR AND REPORT THE GRAY WOLF
PLEASE CALL Z07•94~·4466 IF YOU: • SEE a Gray Wolf,
• FIND a track, or
• HEAR a howl,
• OBSERVE any sign
PROTECTED
GRAY WOLF
3 · 4.5 in.
• • • • • • •
Long Legs 26 - 32 Inches High 4.5 to 6 Feet Long More Than 80 Pounds Tail Never Curled Broad Snout Color Varies from White to Black
COYOTE • • • • • •
16 to 20 Inches High Less Than 4 Feet Long Less Than 80 Pounds Tail Never Curled Narrow Snout Light Colored
Wildlife specialists are surveying the protected gray wolf populations and distributions. The gray wolf is an endangered species. Call, or report, any wolf discoveries you make today. 12
Maine Fish and Wildlife
l 1 /4 in.
.... '.
http://www.state.me.us/ifw/ homepage.html
Learning From The Master by Tom Chamberlain
Ti.e
dull glint of steel in the hooks and vises contrasts sharply with the splashes and blazes of brightness in the threads, feathers, and tinselsand the row of baseball caps hanging near the ceiling. The aroma of wood smoke lingers from last winter, mixing with the newer, more pungent smell of the mothballs that keep the fly tying materials safe and whole. And in the middle of it all sits the master, the one who takes the tiniest clumps of hair, thread, and feathers and fashions so many different fish foolers-some awesomely beautiful, others more strict, utilitarian copies of nature. He is the fly tyer-an artist for the anglers. I have learned so much from Butch Carey since he began tying flies for Maine Fish and Wildlife Magazine some seven years ago. I've taken the photographs for most of the articles since Butch (real name Earl) did his first one for the Winter 1990-91 issue, and I've learned lessons from Butch in many areas of life. From Butch, I learned what cooperation really is. There have been some times when, for one reason or another, we had to shoot a fly, or several flies, over again. Another morning of Butch's time had to be taken. But Butch always understood, and was always eager to help in any way he could. From Butch, I learned what living a life to the fullest really means. Retiring in 1982 after 32 years with Central Maine Power Co. (17 as a lineman
The author retired in 1996 after 23 years on the staff of Maine Fish and Wildlife, most recently as managing editor. http://www .sta te . me .us /if w/home page. h tm I
and 15 in station work), Butch began teaching fly tying in adult education, tutoring students in English, and taking guitar lessons, all without sacrificing avid interests in hunting and fishing and the tying of flies for commercial markets. I don't think I could keep it up, especially not with Butch's perpetual bright smile and twinkling eyes! His energy is truly amazing! From Butch, I learned how to stay young in mind and strong in heart, even as the body changes, falters, and sometime stumbles. Bouts with ill health in recent years have slowed Butch down a bit-but they haven't stopped him from enjoying all that life has to offer. In Butch, I've encountered real generosity-I have a framed set of "flies by Butch" which I am proud to have hanging on my wall. Just when I felt I should be thanking him for all his help these past years, he found a way to thank me instead! And others have felt the same burst of giving-just ask Butch's fishing companions about his ways. In camp, in his shop, and everywhere else-Butch is a true gentlemen! I wrote, back when Butch first started with us, that " ... we stand to learn a lot from Butch. I, for one, am looking forward to it! "* But I think I meant learning about flies, not the profound life lessons I gleaned from him. Butch has been my master and teacher in more ways than one, and I look forward to working with him for years to come, him at the vise and me behind the camera. Hey, Butch! I haven't even had my fly tying lessons yet!! â&#x20AC;˘ *(Maine Fish and Wildlife, Winter 1990-91, page 22)
Fa/11997
13
Doesn 't matter whether they're rippin ' you off . ..
T-e
Operation Game Thief Program ended 1996 with several positive trends. First of all, 150 fewer calls compared to 1995 resulted in approximately the same number of cases made by game wardens. In 1995, 787 calls resulted in 177 summons being issued by wardens while in 1996, 624 calls resulted in the issuance of 176 summons. This indicates a significant upturn in the quality of information and reliability of the tips being called in to Operation Game Thief. Another positive trend was fewer people requested a reward if wardens made a case as a result of their information. Again, we see more people just want to help. The third improving trend was an increase in the number of fishing and trapping cases resulting from information called in to Operation Game Thief. Traditionally, most of the information being called in has been hunting oriented. However, this year there was a significant
14
Maine Fish and Wild/1/e
... or rippin ' you up, those slob outdoorspeople are the ones we 're tryin ' to stop!! increase in the number of calls about fishing and trapping violations. More needs to be done in these areas to encourage more people to report these types of violations. Division A in Gray and Division B in Sidney again led the state in the number of calls and subsequent number of cases.
There continues to be a poor response from the Greenville and Aroostook County areas. Effort will be made over the next year to better publicize the program, which should lead to more people becoming involved. Here are some example of the types of cases game wardens handled thi pa t year: http://www.sta te.m e. us/ifw/homepage.h tml
Annual Update
Operation Game Thief
byWdn,DavidM.Peppard
I . Operation Game Thief received a call in October about illegal trapping activity. Wardens spent approximately 65 hours working on this case before making an apprehension. The violator was issued 15 summonses for various violations . 2 . Operation Game Thief received a call in November that a deer hunter had shot more than one deer. Game Wardens responded to the area and ended up apprehending a hunter for shooting three deer and a moose, all of which were shot in approximately one hour. 3. Operation Game Thief received a call that an individual had some illegal deer and moose meat in his freezer. The wardens
in the area worked on the case and ended up searching the man's freezer. A small quantity of illegal moose meat was found along with 29 brook trout over the legal possession limit of 5 and to top it off, 45 brook trout were found that were less than six inches in length. 4 . After receiving information about illegal deer hunting in November of 1995, game wardens put together a major investigation that lasted 15 months. In January, 1997, 15 individuals were charged with approximately 35 violations and either part or all of 24 illegal deer were confiscated. From these examples it is clear that the fish and wildlife resources of this state are being exploited and abused.
Help Us Stop Maine's Fish a Wildlife Law Violators
Game Wardens can only do so much and they need all the help they can get. Operation Game Thief is a valuable asset to them but the public has to become more involved. Don't sit back and tolerate abuses to our natural resources. We all must become involved and help protect the fish and wildlife so that the future generations may enjoy the same or better opportunities that we have enjoyed. The toll free number to report poaching and landowner abuse violations is 1-800-253-7887. United States Cellular and Maine Wireless customers can call by dialing #GW on their cellular phones. Calls can be made to the Operation Game Thief program seven days a week from 8 a.m. to midnight.
0
peration Game Thief is a private non profit organization and raises all the money to run the program. Anyone wishing to make a donation may send it to:
Operation Game Thief PO Box 2684 Augusta, ME 04338
The author is coordinator of Maine's Operation Game Thief. http ://www.state.me. us / ifw/ homepage .h tm I
Fall 1997
15
Know Your Ducks Many different kinds of ducks live on Maine's ponds, lakes, streams, rivers, estuaries, and oceans. Learning to identify ducks is a rewarding hobby for birdwatchers, and an essential skill for hunters. During the fall, there are hunting seasons for those waterfowl known as game species, meaning there are enough birds for hunters to take some. Not all duck species can be taken legal~, so accurate duck identification is an important part of hunting responsib~. Ducks differ in countless ways, and may be found in a variety of habitats. Here are a few things to look for:
SIZE, SHAPE, SILHOUETTE large v,. ,mall and Fat v,. thin body 1haper, various head 1hape1 and 1ize1, and the length, ol r1ing1 and tail$.
COLORATION The closer you get, the better you can see a duck's colors. Changing light conditions can make colors appear different as well; check also on the 1ize of the bird, the habitat it's in, and its Nimming behavior; use all these factors together for a sure identification.
VOICE OR WING NOISE Ducks don't just quack; some whistle, some squeal, some even grunt! Also, the noises from waterfowl rling, as they ffv by are distinctly different; from whistles to swishes to heavy thumping beats. So learn to "bird by ear!"
.-:_.
+ .,,-
..,,...........
. , _..,,-.11,,.
.......... .,,
_.._
FLOCKORFUGJrrPATI'ERNS _
Some ducks ffv in loo,, group,-, some in tight bunehe,, and others in long draight line, or in V-lormation,.
HABITATS Different kinds of ducks need different kinds of habitat,, or homes. With some exceptions, Diving dueb live on deep ponds and lakes, feeding principally on fish by diving under water to get them. Dabbling duck$ often live on shallow ponds and rivers, or in swamps and marshes, feeding mostly on aquatic plants, seeds and invertebrates by "dabbling"-tipping over head first with tails in the air. Sea dueb are found in salt water, offshore or in open ocean. They feed on mussels, sea urchins, starfish, and other invertebrates by diving. Agood way to tell a dabbler from a dwer is to watch how it takes off from water. Diving ducks run across the surface of the water to gain speed before lifting off. Dabbling ducks simp~ spring up into the air to take off.
GOTYOURDUCKSIN AROW? Most ducks molt their body feathers twice a year. Wing (fll9 ht) feathers are shed once a year; ducks may not be able to fly during this time. Near~ all males (4r1ku) lose their bright breeding plumage, after mating season in the spring. Some ducks nest on the ground, others in holes in trees, some in nest boxes specially built for them. Duck hunters must purchase state and federal duck stamps affixed to your hunting license. Money from the sale of duck stamps goes toward waterfowl management, including the purchase of wetlands-key habitats for ducks. The US fish and Wildlife Service recommends duck hunting season dates and lengths annual~, and Maine Dept. of Fish and Wildlife then sets season dates, based on nesting success of ducks each summer. That's why the seasons aren't set until mid-September. learn to identify Maine's ducks-then you can enjoy them all year!
Now let's see if you can identify some common Maine ducks. Write each name in the space provided. Is it a diving, dabbling, or sea duck?
I ----"3A3N30108 ·a '.!:130!3 ":) :>i::ma OOOM
·a :acl'v'll'v'v-1 ""I
Can you unscramble the jumbled words to iill in these blanks and match the pictures with the sentences describing them?
1. To manv ducks, _ _ _ _ _ _ __ are important habit;ts that pro\lide food, ) shelter and nesting sites.
2 . The sale of - - - - - - - - raise thousands of dollars to purchdse important duck habitats.
3. Wood ducks and hooded mergansers use _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ installed bv biologists and landowners, to nest.
4 . _ _ _ _ _ _ _ are responsible for eating a lot of duck eggs. S. Wood ducks Im , and can be found dabbling in the fall under oak trees on the edges of ponds and lakes.
REPEGINRE LFCAONS
STNE XEBOS
6. Common eiders use - - - - - - - - for nesting. 7. When _ _ _ _ _ _ _ build dams, thev create excellent duck habitat! 8. _____________ mav nest on cliffs along the coast and prev upon ducks.
~/.,.....,~ . ., ~
STNEIGN I LAISND ~,,, ,__ , .-
-~
ARCNOS
TLAWNDES
f
•1
CUKDPSTASM
SNO'.)l\f:I 3Nlcl83cl3d '8 :sci3A'v'38 'L :saN'v'lSI 8Nl183N ·g '.SNclO'.)\f ·s '. SNOQ'.)'.)\ftl ' t, '. S3X08 1S3N T :sdv-J\118 >iOna ·i '. SON'v'l13M · ~
Maine Fish and Wildlife
OUTDOOR ROSTER DEER • BEAR • MOOSE HU\'TS • GROUSE • FISH ING SNOWMOB ILING • CROSS COUNTR Y SKIING
Nugent's Chamberlain Lake Camps
BEAR MOUNTAIN LODGE RR 1 - BOX 1969 SMYRNA MILLS, MAINE 04780 CARROLL & DEANNA GEROW
.t,~~
(207) 528·2 124
-
HOUSEKEEPING CABfNS AND BOARD & LODGING 12 M iles North of Patten on R 11
Nahmakanta Lake Camps "True Maine Wilderness " GREAT PoND LODGE
Hiking Wildlife Birdwatching Fishing Hunting Dog Sled Trips
DEER, BEAR AND MOOSE HUNTS ED MUSSON GREAT POND. MAINE 04408 (207) 584-3541
Four Season R em ote Cabins
Don and Angel Hibbs GUIDE: WAYNE MASON
GUIDE: ROBERT GRANT
(207) 667-4403
(207) 667 -251 I
--,\:'_~-~- - -~ ~~ .
.
\
Millinocket, Maine 04462 207-746-7356 Box 6201F HC R76 G r ee nville. ME. 04441 (207) 695.2821 (Rad;o Cotact)
,~ ~ -- ' . ' f /' l ~ t."~
'~
P.O. Box 544
~
36K M inutema n Drive M ;11;n ocke1, ME. 04462 (207) 723-6622 (Dec. I • Ap rH 30)
DEAN'S DEN Your Hosts Olive & Dean Paisley Registered Main& Guid& Bear - De&r - Moos& - Coyot& Phooo: 207-444-5379 Eagle Lake
ALLAGASH W IL DERNESS OUTFITTERS • Co mfortab le housekeeping cabins on remote tro ut la ke , Wooded cam psites • Showers • Boats, motors, canoes • Hiking, touring in Baxter State Park. Mt. Katahdin • F ishing, fall hunting • Canoe-t r ip outfitting, transporta ti,rn fo r Penobscot, All agash Rivers , Per fect family vacation!
" i'J"OOStooJc C
~"""
~
oltq!i.
.Flreanm - Bow - Black Powdu
Camp Rental
Fishing
Top O'Maine Cottage Rentals
0 Ice Fishing Snowmobiling On ITS 83
RR #1, Box 2143A St. David, ME 04773 1-(207) 728-4740
Daily, Weekly Rentals Fully Equipped Kitchen TV, Linens, Towels, HWBB Heat
On the shores of Long Lake, St. Agatha
http://www.maineguide.comlkatahdin!Jrostpond
To arrange for your advertisement to appear in this listing, contact:
V. Paul Reynolds, Editor Maine Fish and Wildlife Magazine 284 State Street 41 State House Station Augusta ME 04333-0041 Telephone: (207) 287-5248
Phil and Linda Bechard - Proprietors
18
Maine Fish and Wildlife
http:// www.state . me. u s / i fw / h om epage. h tm I
SNEEKA originated by Fern Bosse, Poland ME (tandem fly shown; can also be single) rom the Fly Tying Bench
by Butch Carey THE PATTERN
HOOK: 94840 #4 THREAD: Black monocord BODY: Silver tinsel RIBBING: Flat silver Mylar WINGS: Grizzly saddle hackles over
bright blue saddle hackles over sparse cerice bucktail THROAT: Sparse white bucktail over five strands peacock herl HEAD: Black thread, white pupil with black dot
On prepared tandem hook: cast on thread on front hook 1/8" behind eye; tie in sparse cerice bucktail on top of hooks, extending 1/4" beyond bend of rear hook.
Tie in five strands of peacock herl below hook, same length as wing. Add sparse white bucktail under peacock, also same length as wing.
Tie in two grizzly saddle hackles over two bright blue saddle hackles on top of and the same length as the bucktail. Finish head with black thread. Apply three coats of cement to head to prepare it for painted eyes.
http: // www .s ta te. me. u s/i fw /homepage. h tm I
Fa/11997
19
Insert a small flathead nail or tack into a pencil eraser (easier to ~ handle that way!); dip it into white lacquer and " stamp" a white dot on each side of the head for the irises of the eyes. Let dry thoroughly.
4
Using the same procedure, but with a smaller flathead nail or tack this time, add smaller black dots in centers of eyes for pupils. Let dry thoroughly.
A coat or two of cement over the head, eyes, and all, and your Sneeka is ready to sneak!
20
Maine Fish and Wildlife
http: // www .s tale .me . us / i fw / homepage.h tml
1997(NotMAINE HUNTING SEASONS a legal presentation. See hunting law booklet for full details.) FIRST DAY LAST DAY DEER
DAILY
BASIC LIMITS POSSESSION
ONE DEER PER YEAR + regardless of season or method. Only deer with antlers at least three inches long may be taken from Nov. 1 - Dec. 13, except that any deer may be taken in desig nated deer management districts by hunters with any-deer permits .
Firearms season ... ... ... ... .. .. ...... .. .... .. ...... ........... .. .... .. ...
Nov. 3
Maine-resident-only day ...... .......... ... ............ ... .. ........ .. .
Nov. 1
Archery ..... .................. ........................ ... ...... .... ...... .. . .
Oct. 2
Oct. 31
*Expanded Archery Season-Limited Area .. ................. .... .
Sept. 6
Sept. 30
Muzzleloader ...... .... ... ... ... .. .. .. ... .... ... .. ...... ........ .. .. .. ...... ..... .. .. ........ ... ... Muzzleloader in DMDs 7, 8, 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14, 15, and 18
Dec. 1 Dec. 1
Dec. 6 Dec. 13
BEAR* General hunting seasons ... ..... ... .. .. ... .. ....... .. .. ..... ... .
Aug. 25
Nov. 29
Hunting with dogs ...... .... ... .. ... ................... ........ ... .
Sept. 8
Oct. 31
** Hunting with bait ...... ......... ... .. ... ...... ... .. .. .... .. ..... .
Aug. 25
Sept. 20
MOOSE (by permit only) ... ............. ................. .. .. ... .. ..... ... ... .. .
Oct. 6
Oct.11
RUFFED GROUSE & BOBWHITE QUAIL
Oct.1 Oct.1
Nov. 30 Dec. 10
PHEASANT (Wildlife Management Units 1 & 2) ...... ..... ............ .
Oct.1
Nov. 30
(Wildlife Management Units 3 - 8) .. .. ......... ... ... .. ... .... .
Oct.1
Dec. 10
York & Cumberland Counties .......................... .. .. ..... .
Oct. 1
Dec. 31
WILD TURKEY (by permit only) ....... ... .... .... ... .... ...... ....... .... .. .
May 1
May 31
•wooDcocK ..................... ..... ..............................................
Oct. 6
Nov. 15
3
6
•COMMON SNIPE .... ... ....... .... .... ... ............ ........ .. ...... ........... .
Sept. 2
Dec. 16
8
16
(Wildlife Management Units 1 & 2) ... .... . (Wildlife Management Units 3 - 8) .. ........ .
Permit application period: mid-June to Aug. 15, annually.
ONE BEAR PER YEAR
Permit application period: mid-Jan . to Apr. 30. 4
8
2
4
Permit application period: mid-Dec. to Feb.3 .
Seasons set early in September. Regulations available mid-September from license agents , game wardens and Fish and Wildlife Dept. offices.
DUCKS, GEESE, SEA DUCKS (seater, eider, old squaw) .. ...... . •SORA & VIRGINIA RAILS (and GALLINULES) ........ ....... .
Nov.29
'
CROW ..... ... ... ..... ....... .. ............ ........ ....... ... ...... ........... .... .... .
Sept. 2
Nov. 9
Mar 14
Apr. 30
July 16
Sept. 29
.
25 (15)
25 (30)
-
-
Nov. 30
4
8
GRAY SQUIRREL ......... .... .. ... .. ......... .......... ... ..... .. ... .. ......... ..
Oct. 1
4RABBIT(cottontail) and HARE (snowshoe) ........ .... .. ..... ...... ..... .
Oct.1
Mar. 31
4
8
BOBCAT ................. ..... ...... ..... ....... ... ...... ....... ... ........ .. ... ... ... .
Dec. 1
Jan . 31
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FOX ...... ... ..... ........ .... ........ ....... ........ ........ ... ......... ..... .... ... ... ..
Oct. 20
Feb . 28
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RACCOON ........ ....... ...... ............. ...... .. ....... .. ........ ........... ... ... .
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SKUNK, OPOSSUM ........ ................ ..... .... ..... .... ......... ... ..... .. .
Oct. 20
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COYOTE, WOODCHUCK, PORCUPINE, RED SQUIRREL
NO CLOSED SEASON FOR HUNTING
ANY SPECIES NOT LISTED ABOVE .................................. .
NO OPEN SEASON FOR HUNTING
• Seasons are subject to change, the regulations will be available mid-September. • Bear permit required (resident, $6; nonresident, $16) in addition to hunting license between Aug . 25 and Oct. 31. See law booklet for other recent changes . •• Applies to so-called "set-bait" hunting from stand, blind, etc. overlooking bait or food ; does not apply to hunting over standing crops, food left from normal agricultural operations, or from natural occurrence, which may be done at any time during the bear hunting season. & Oct. 1 - Feb. 28 on Vinalhaven Island, Knox County. + Archers who bag a deer during the expanded September archery hunt are still eligible to purchase other big game licenses and to harvest one additional deer during those traditional archery or firearm seasons. SUNDAY HUNTING: Illegal in Maine .
LEGAL HUNTING HOURS:
Animals : 1/2 hour before sunrise to HUNTER ORANGE : Two items of H.O. clothing must be worn while hunting with a firearm during any firearms season on deer. See law book for details.
1/2 hour after sunset except during any firearms season on deer, when hunting closes at sunset for all species except raccoon . Birds: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset. See law booklet for details on night hunting for coyotes.
LICENSES: Hunting license is required . Archery license allows hunting with bow and arrow only during any open season on that species; it is required to hunt any species of animal or bird with bow and arrow during special archery season on deer. Special license-stamp required to hunt during muzzleloader season on deer. *NEW: Special license required for the extended archery season on deer. STAMPS: State and federal duck stamps required for waterfowl hunters age 16 and over. Pheasant stamp required in York and Cumberland counties.
OPERATION GAME THIEF: Call 1-800-ALERT US (253-7887) to report game law violations . Rewards paid. Caller identification protected. Poachers are thieves - help us stop them. Published under Appropriation 010 09A 6010 by the Division of Public Information and Education. Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
Historical Perspective
The Maine Trappers Association I
n the late 1940s, Maine trappers were dissatisfied with the trapping season. The legislature set the season at that time. Clyde Wells of Saco and HE. Ford of Berwick thought that unifying the trappers in Maine was a necessity. On September 1, 1947, the Maine Trappers Association (MTA) was formed. Luther DeVoe was elected president, Elwyn Smith was elected vice president, and Cliff Francis was elected secretary/ treasurer. Membership dues were set at $1 per year. It seems, however, that this particular meeting took place without the knowledge of either Ford or Wells. Shortly after MT A was formed, a serious conflict arose. The major issue which divided the trappers of Maine in the 1947-1952 period was spring trapping of muskrat. Some trappers firmly believed that trapping muskrat during the spring of the year should be allowed, but the officers of the MTA and most of its members were united against a spring season Sixteen trappers, unhappy with the MTA, met on May 15,
22
Maine Fish and Wildlife
1948. The outcome of this meeting was another organization, Trappers Inc. of Maine. Ira Closson was elected its first president, Clayton Drew was elected vice president, and Cliff Francis was elected secretary/ treasurer (it's interesting to note
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that Francis held the same office in both organizations!). Due to lack of funds and lack of active members, Trapp rs Inc. of Maine was in existence for only three years. One of the earliest known MTA document is a financial ledger started by Herb Collins in October 1949. On January] ,
by Mary G. Butler 1950, MTA's total assets were listed at $56.94; there were 73 members. The meeting minutes date back to September 10, 1967. Irene Alieff was then secretary; it's notable that she held the office of secretary/ treasurer from 1956 to 1973-seventeen years' She was credited by many with keeping the association going during times of low interest and low fur prices. At the third annual convention, held at East Millinocket on October 16, 1949, it was decided to publish a newsletter to further interest in the MTA. A collection was started to help defray the cost of the magazine and $26 was collected. Officers elected at this meeting were Walter Arnold, president; Daniel Snow, vice-president; and Herbert Collins, secretary/ treasurer. The first "Maine Trapper" was published in December of 1949editor, Walter Arnold. The issue consisted of 11 pages. In his first editorial, Arnold stated that "A trapper's organization must be democratic and the majority must rule. The minority must be good losers ... accept defeat like the true sportsmen they are and go along to make the majority ruling a success." At the spring meeting on March 26, 1950 in Dixfield, the group streamlined the MTA constitution and by-laws. The state was divided into district , and directors were chosen to hold MT A meetings in their
The author is editor of The Maine Trapper, MTA 's newsletter. http: // www . tate . me . us / i fw / hornepage . hlm I
sections of the state. Those directors discussed trapping issues and seasons with trappers in their local areas and corresponded mostly by mail with the MIA officers to conduct most of the official business of the association. In January 1951, total assets were listed at $110.24; by the end of '51, there were 365 members in the MT A. The March 1951 newsletter talks of beaver blankets selling for as g low as $27 at the start of~ the season; by the end ! of the season, they were ! easily bringing $40. ÂŁ November muskrat Trapper sold from $1.75 to $1.90 on the average. September 16 was the date of the 1951 fall convention. It was held in Surry at Camp Nokomis. MTA President Harvey Alieff was on his way there from Ashland when he had the misfortune of having his car run into by another car near Enfield. As soon as those at the meeting heard of the accident, a car was sent out on the 170-mile round trip to pick up Harvey and his wife, Florence. Harvey was noted to be one of the MTA's best workers. While he was waiting at the scene of the accident for the police, he met a person who seemed to be a good prospect for a member. Later, when he arrived at the meeting, he turned in that person's application for membership! The Ashland branch of the MI A was the first to sponsor a boy to Camp Jordan Junior http ://www. s tale .me . us/ i fw /homepage.h tm I
a bill at the special legislature. The Fish & Wildlife Department appeared before the committee and stressed the point that they would prefer that action on this bill be put off until the regular session. According to them, passage of the bill meant a loss (based on 1973 catch of 7,754 skins) of $7,754. Senators Wight and Butler argued that the beaver which sold for an average of $45 in 1943 was now bringing in only $13 or $14. The two senators got a unanimous "ought to pass" report; there was no opposition in the Senate, and it passed the House. GoverRay Porter prepares a conibear trap. nor Cross signed the bill and the $1 tagging fee became law in January 1955. Conservation Camp in ( ote: the tagging fee is now 25 Ellsworth. The camp program cents per beaver.) was designed to help bpys learn how to enjoy themselves more In early 1957, Jasper Haynes and be safer in the woods. The wrote to First Lady Mamie Eisenhower and offered her a fur MTA, through its chapters, still coat. He explained that if she sponsors students (boys and would own and wear a beaver girls) to the Maine Conservation fur coat, it would prompt others School's week-long program at to do likewise. This would help Bryant Pond each year. the Maine fur industry. The First At the fall convention in '52, Lady wrote to him explaining which was held in Lincoln, the why she didn' t want the coat as secretary reported that there a gift, but stated: "I would like to were 500 members and a cash have the coat-but on the condition reserve of $257. 89. A year later, that I may pay the actual cost of its at the '53 fall convention in production ." Dixfield, President Harvey Alieff Haynes then asked Maine was urged to hold office again, trappers to donate pelts with but felt he had held it long which to manufacture the coat. enough. Soon after, Harvey The coat was made at the Maine ended up in the hospital-where Fur Company on State Street in he signed up another member for the Association! Bangor, and was presented to In 1954, the MTA voted to cut Mrs. Eisenhower in late 1957. the beaver tagging fee from $2 to According to Walter Arnold, Mr. $1. Senator Wight presented such Haynes worked almost singleFa ll 1997
23
there no longer appeared to be handedly and donated much of enough animals so that trappers his time and money to make the could take all they would like or coat a reality. It was made of used to catch a few years back. choice Maine beaver pelts. Tagging the pelts of six species The December 1958 "Maine would be required so that IFW Trapper" mainly contained pleas from the officers to the members could better determine whether of the Association to pay their dues and round up some new members. Interest seemed to be declining because of low fur prices. The newsletter was not published in '59 or '60. Lack of funds and interest were the main reasons. The total money taken in for membership dues in 1959 was $46; in 1960, Mrs. Alieff received no dues during the entire year! In 1971, membership had fallen to 100 mem- ., bers and dues had been j ¡ E raised to $2. The trea(=. sury never had more ~ 0 than a few hundred dollars in it. Discussions at this time were cenThe value of a beaver pelt varies with tered around season dates and lengths-and the size and quality of the fur. Ray spring muskrat trapPorter checks this finished pelt for size. pmg. MTA set up a booth at the or not the annual surplus was Bangor Sportsman's Show for exceeded in the trappers catch. the first time in 1974, and has had a booth there each year Presently, all forbearer species except raccoon, muskrat, skunk, since. The display booth had weasel, and red squirrel must be various animal sets, furs, literatagged. ture, and fur coats; trappers did The "Chapter" concept was demonstrations on skinning. created by Wally Barron in the In a 1976 letter to all licensed mid-70s. MTA chapters were trappers from the Fish and created to hold meetings on a Wildlife Department (IFW), regular basis in different areas of Commissioner Maynard Marsh stated that with the raw fur the state. A chapter director market experiencing a rapid rise attends quarterly meetings of the in prices, and because of an executive committee lo report on increased number of trappers, his area. ()
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Maine Fish and Wild l, fe
The chapters have set up countless educational booths over the years at sportsmen's shows, state and county fairs, spring and summer fests, and small town home days. Chapters also continue to donate books and magazine subscriptions to school libraries around the state. There have been 20 chapters in Maine over the years; currently there are 10 active chapters. Membership rose to 497 in March of 1979. The first twoday Rendezvous and Fall Meeting (since 1948) was held in Hudson in September '79. Acquaintances were renewed and past traplines were relived. Approximately 1,000 people visited the site on that day. The first annual Trapper of the Year award was given at the business meeting with more than 200 people in attendance; Norman Cray of Fryeburg was the recipient. During the two days, 116 new MTA memberships plus 170 renewals were issued. By early 1980, there were 1,032 members. The first Maine Trappers $500 scholarship award was presented in April 1980 at the University of Maine to a fourth year wildlife management student. In 1983, the scholarship was renamed the Emil 0. Raatikainen Award in memory of Mr. Raatikainen, a dedicated volunteer in the MTA. This scholarship is still given each year to a UMO student. At the 1980 spring meeting, a motion was made that the MTA elect a representative or lobbyist to support the MTA in Augusta. The motion was seconded and pa ed to set aside $1500 for the purpose of lobbying. A legislative fund was established in 1981
http://www.sta te. me. us/ i fw/h om epage.h tml
and a goal of $20,000 was set. The fund reached that goal in July 1991. Also established was a lifetime membership in the MTA and the Conservation Fund which would be used to fund scholarships. In the early years, the MTA offered a trapper education course, on an invitation basis by the teachers, to schools in Maine. This course described why it is necessary to trap furbearers, not how to trap. By offering these courses, MTA instructors became increasingly aware of the need for acceptance by both teachers and students of trapping as a tool in wildlife management. LD 747, An Act to Require Completion of an Education Program in Order to be Eligible to Purchase an Initial Trapping License, was signed into law in May 1985. The bill, sponsored by the MTA, required first-time buyers of an adult trapping license to complete a state approved trapper education and safety course. The Commissioner of IFW then established a committee made up of trappers (Dan McAllister and Norman Gray), fur buyers, several Maine game wardens and biologists, and Gary Anderson of the IFW Safety Division. In spring 1987, the IFW accepted the committee's recommendation on course length, content, and materials and began implementation. The program was designed to teach trapper responsibility. Topics included identification of furbearers, obtaining landowner permission, furbearer management, safety, sets and equipment, trapping ethics, and methods of humane trapping. http://www .s ta te. me. us / ifw /horn e page.html
Instructors were certified by IFW before they could teach the course. Gray and McAllister trained a large number of state instructors. Volunteers continue to put on trapping classes at the Penobscot Conservation Club Hunter Safety Day. Instructions on the basics of trapping and some of the rules and regulations are taught to those taking the day-long seminars. They also traveled around the state to schools and Boy Scout Jamborees to teach students about trapping and Maine furbearers. A trapper's line cabin was constructed by the MTA in 1986 at the Living History Settlement in Bradley. The cabin is typical of those built during the early days of trapping. A few weekends each year, MTA members dress in period clothing and show the many visitors how the line cabin was used. The membership list reached 1,600, the highest in the history of the association, in the mid-80s. n the summer of '86, the MTA began discussing the possibility of hiring an executive director. The executive officers felt that the association had grown to a point where too much time was necessary to run the organization. A volunteer with another full-time job was not adequate. Along with coordinating the day-to-day activities of the MTA, the executive director would also serve as legislative lobbyist. At the fall meeting on Sept. 14 in Dixmont, motion was made and passed to adopt the proposal and hire Joe Baldwin for the position. In 1988, the legislative liaison position was created as a separate, salaried position. Joe Bald win was chosen to fill this position and held it until 1996.
Several MT A members were chosen to sit on the SportsmenForest Landowner Alliance, established in 1993. This group is made up of 10 landowners and representatives of 10 landuser groups. It was organized to promote better understanding between forest landowners and sportsmen, identify their common interests, and minimize conflicts between the two groups. Trapping is still a part of modern-day outdoor activities and critical to the success of wildlife management. Trapping is now practiced in a complex arena of laws. These laws assure healthy populations of furbearers within the carrying capacity of their habitat. Fur is a renewable resource; a crop of the land. As in the past, furbearers are fully utilized; in addition to their, species like raccoon, muskrat, and beaver provide delicious food, jewelry, and the base for perfume. In 1997, the MTA celebrates its 50th year. Membership now stands at 1,125. A dedicated group of volunteers continue to serve as executive officers, chapter officers, and on a board of directors to keep the business of the association running smoothly. The Fall Rendezvous this year was held in Lexington Township on September 5, 6 & 7. To obtain more information on trapping or the Maine Trappers Association, write to MT A, RR 1, Box 539, Hudson ME 04449. â&#x20AC;˘
Editors Note: On the following page is a picture retrospective of Walter Arnold, first editor of the Maine Trapper and a dedicated MTA volunteer. Fall 1997
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Walter Arnold-An Album Walter Arnold was a trapper's trapper. Like so many others of his generation, something worth doing was worth doing right-and right, when it comes to trapping , meant being " out there" where your trap lines were. " Out there " to check them often, to harvest the pelts in good season and to prevent needless suffering of an animal left too long in a trap. "Out there" to learn the habits of the animals for which he trapped. "Out there " just because it was often better than " in here" where everyone else was. Walter was a staunch and vocal supporter of the Maine Trapping Association , and the first editor of the organizations' newsletter, The Maine Trapper. But maybe, just maybe, it was the wilderness trapline he liked the best! There's just something about being alone in the Maine woods .. .
I 26
Maine Fish and Wi ldlife
The old master with h. ed on ,s muskrats tr~p P. h 1960s. wilderness J,ne ,n t e
h ttp :// www. late.me . u s / i fw / homepag e . html
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FISH AND WILDLIFE BRIEFS Operation Game Thief Offering $5,000 Reward A cash reward of $5,000 is being offered for information leading to the apprehension of those responsible for the destruction of nesting sites of endangered shore birdsthis summer at Higgins Beach in Scarborough. According to Came Warden Dave Peppard, coordinator of Operation Game Thief, which is a toll-free hotline for reporting fish and wildlife violations, at least three nesting sites for Least Terns a small endangered shorebird - were destroyed by an individual or individuals who ignored prominently posted signs, walked into the roped off area and crushed Least Tern eggs in nesting sites. The Least Tern is a small shorebird that nests in sandy areas of southern coastal Maine; it is protected under the state and federal endangered species acts. There are an estimated 100 nesting pairs of these rare shorebirds in Maine. Although the Scarborough Police Department and the Maine Warden Service are working cooperatively in the invesigation of this case, no summons have been issued to date. The $5,000 reward, according to Peppard, will be paid for any information that results in an issuance of a summons for disturbing a federally protected nesting area . The reward is the largest ever offered by Operation CameThief and is made possible by a generous contribution from Maine Audubon . According to its executive director Tom Urquhart, "Maine Audubon is deeply concerned about this wanton destruction. This reward is possible becau e of the outrage felt by several members of Maine Audubon who put up the money." Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Operation GameThief number, which is 1-800-ALERT US or 1800-253-7887.The Higgins Beach nesting site were believed to have been destroyed at night on two different occaion in mid-July.
Jury Convicts Potato Gun Poachers Following a jury trail yesterday in Penobscot County Superior Court, two Charleston men, who were apprehended last fall while night hunting with a "potato gun," were found guilty. http://www."ta te. me. us/ifw/homepage.html
Michael Ewer, 21, of Charleston and Dennis Ewer, 19, of Charleston were sentenced to 3 days in jail and fined $1,000 each. Allen, 24, of Charleston, who was also summonsed in the same night hunting incident, still awaits trial. According to District Warden Kevin Adam, he and fellow warden Durwood Humphrey caught the three men using their truck to illuminate fields in early October of last year. During questioning, the wardens found in the truck an odd looking apparatus that turned out to be a so-called "potato gun." The gun was fabricated from a four foot length of inch and a half PVC pipe with an extender and "chamber" at one end. The "barrel" end of the pipe contained a broadhead hunting arrow, which was wedged into an apple that had been forced into the end of the pipe and up against the chamber. Warden Adam said that a small charge of propane was used as an accelerant, and that the gun was fired by an igniter from an outdoor gas grill that was built into the plastic gun. The night of the apprehension, District Warden Mike Morrison fired the gun to clear the projectile. He reported that tlie "potato gun" worked and drove the broadhead arrow about 10 inches into the ground. A"potato gun," much like a crossbow, is considered an illegal instrument when used to hunt with in Maine. According to Penobscot County Assistant District Attorney Jim Diehl, who prosecuted the case, the two defendants requested a jury trial, which is unusual in night hunting cases. The two men will
also face mandatory revocation of their hunting and fishing privileges.
East Sullivan Man Summonsed For Shooting Eagle A 19-year-old East Sullivan man received a summons from Maine game wardens this summer after shooting an immature Bald Eagle in Flanders Bay. Alvah L. Carter, who brought the wounded eagle to the Schoodic Animal Clinic, at first told wardens that he had been squirrel hunting when he accidentally shot the young eagle. Under questioning, Carter later conceded that he shot the bird on purpose thinking that it was a Turkey Vulture. Turkey Vultures, as well as Bald Eagles, are both protected species in Maine. The incident was reported to the Maine Warden Service by the animal clinic. District Wardens Cheryl Barden and Ralph Hosford issued a summons to Carter for shooting a protected species and for hunting without a license. The injured eagle, which is being treated at the Sullivan clinic, was expected to survive.
Maine Celebrated National Fishing Week In mid-June, Maine and the rest of the country observed ational Fishing Week. Nationwide, there are 35 million anglers, which represent about 18 percent of our population. Each year in Maine, more than 290,000 residents and nonresidents buy fishing licenses and head out to their favorite lake, pond, or stream. In fact, an economic analysis done by the University of Maine a few years ago indicates that fishing in this state is a $400 million industry. That same week also marked the 10th anniversary of a national program called "Hooked On Fishing, ot On Drugs." This program helps young Americans focus on fun, wholesome
Night hunters were apprehended in Charleston last fall with this handfashioned "spud gun " made from PVC piping and fueled with propane. Two individuals were convicted and fined $ 1,000 each and sentenced to three days in jail.
Fall 1997
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activities that provide alternatives to today's social pressures. The Maine Department of Fish and Wildlife has adopted this national program, which is being administered by volunteers. As part of the "Hooked On Fishing" program, fishing tackle loaner sites for yow1gsters are springing up around the state. A tackle loaner site is simply a place where a youngster may sign out a fishing rod and a tackle box much like a library book. The fishing rod must be returned, but youngsters may keep the tackle boxes. There are now 12 tackle loaner sites in Maine, including the five regional headquarters of the Fish and Wildlife Department. Maine towns providing tackle loaner programs include Peru, Canton, Dixfield, Hanover, Andover, Mexico, Rumford and Windham. For towns wishing to start a community tackle loaner program, discounted fishing rods
are available through national manufacturers. Community organizations interested in starting a fishing tackle loaner program should contact Volunteer Coordinator Charlie Mann at 287-8069.
number of boats on the water from each side carrying two angling legislators and a captain supplied by the Bass Federation. The bass tournament was a catch, measure, and release contest. Top prize to the team that out-performed the other was a donation to that team's charity of choice. Monetary donations for the top prize were provided by Kittery Trading Post, Serenity Power Sports, the Monmouth Fish and Game Club, Augusta Fuel and Plumbing, and a number of other donors. Following a day of fishing, Governor Angus King presented the Governor's Cup T··ophy to the House team, which prevailed over the Senate team. The cup will be displayed on the third floor of the State House near the victors and will remain there until the House and Senate members once again compete for top honors in 1998.
Maine Legislators Square Off With Fishing Rods Billed as the First Governor's Cup Bass Tournament, the fun began Saturday morning June 14 at Cobbosseecontee Lake when a group of state senators and representatives grabbed their fishing rods and headed for the bass beds. Spearheaded by the Maine State Bass Federation, this one-of-a-kind fishing derby specifically pitted House members against Senate members in a good-natured battle to see which chamber could best the other when it comes to angling prowess. According to Frank Srnimmo, who headed up this project, there were a
IF&W Gets New Recreational Safety Officer A Smyrna Mills native has been named Recreational Safety Officer for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) . Michael Sawyer has taken over the post held for many years by Gary Anderson, who retired in March. Sawyer, who will report to Warden Lt. & Safety Officer Jim Ross, will be re ponsible for statewide safety training programs in firearms, bow, trapping, ATV, boating and snowmobiling. Statewide, there are 10 recreational safety coordinators and more than 1,000 volunteer safety instructors. A self-employed beef farmer, Sawyer has been actively involved in the department's safety training since 1972 and brings to the post considerable expe-
Governor Angus King presents the first Governor's Cup to State Representative Bonnie Greene (left), a member of the House bass angling team that prevailed over the Senate team. Sen. Marge Kilkel/y (right) a member of the defeated Senate team takes it all in. (Matt Scott photo)
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Mike Sawyer rience in public service. Since 1989, Sawyer has been program coordinator for the Southern Aroostook Soil and Water Conservation District. He has also been employed in a number of managerial positions in the retail grocery business. Sawyer has served as a recreational safety coordinator, supervising volunteer safety instructors, since 1975. Sawyer and his wife Cheryl reside in Smyrna Mills. They have three children.
Trout Poachers Keeping Wardens Busy During the past few weeks, Maine game wardens have issued dozens of summons to anglers who just don't know when to stop when it comes to catching and keeping Maine's most prized game fish, the eastern brook trout. In early July, District Wardens Reggie Hammond and Blaine Holding checked an angler in the Eustis area with 37 illegal brook trout. If convicted, that fisherman will pay fines in excess of $1,400 and face mandatory revocation of his fishing privileges. Hammond also issued summons to two Canadians with no fishing licenses who were in possession of more than 30 trout.
The same week, District Warden Joel Wilkinson issued a summons to a man from Auburn, Mass. who was found with 12 trout over his limit in the Four Ponds area. Later that day, Wilkinson summonsed a Jay, Maine angler on the Swift River who had 22 trout over his limit-ALL were short fish! If convicted, he also will pay fines in excess of $1,100 and face mandatory license revocation. During this same period, District Warden Kevin Anderson seized 36 illegal brook trout that were taken as evidence in a case against an angler who was fishing near Spring Brook in Manchester. That angler will face charges in court for possessing 31 trout over his limit and possessing 10 short fish. Maine's Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Ray "Bucky" Owen, whose Quality Fishing Initiative is aimed at enhancing Maine's trophy trout waters by restricting bag limits, has exercised his license revocation authority in some trout poaching cases and taken away hunting as well as fishing privileges. Owen reminds illegal anglers that not only is trout poaching expensive ($20 per fish), but costly for those who value their privilege to hunt and fish in Maine.
Maine Game Wardens Hit The Water With "Flotation Citations" The busy July 4th holiday weekend marked the beginning of a new partnership between Maine McDonald's restaurants and the Maine Warden Service to promote safe boating on Maine's inland waterways. Children 12 and under seen wearing a life jacket while boating were rewarded with a "Flotation Citation" good for a free dessert at participating McDonald's restaurants. The campaign is scheduled to run until December. "As recreational boating season begins, we wanted to bring attention to the issue of safe boating but we wanted to do it in a fun way," said George Lydick,
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President of the Maine McDonald's Cooperative and owner of McDonald's restaurants in Portland, Yarmouth, and Falmouth. "McDonald's is pleased to partner with the Maine Warden Service on this campaign. We hope the 'Flotation Citations' serve as an effective tool in spreading the safe boating message to kids and their parents." Maine law requires that children 10 years or younger wear a life jacket while on the waters of Maine in any watercraft. Anyone jet skiing or being towed behind a boat on skis or knee-boards also must wear life jackets or belts. Maine Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Ray "Bucky" Owen said that the Flotation Citation is "a great way to get our safe boating message to youngsters and their parents." Owen added, "All of the McDonald's restaurants in Maine are to be commended for their commwuty spirit and their willingness to help us get this important message across." Maine's 91 District Game Wardens have been provided with more than 6,000 McDonald's certificates. Throughout the summer, game wardens will be conducting boat safety checks and dispensing the "floatation citations" to youngsters wearing their life jackets.
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Maine Gets 14 New Game Wardens During ceremonies in Greenville in June, sixteen men and women graduated from the Maine Warden Service Academy and the longest training regimen in Maine history. These newly appointed conservation law enforcement officers have been assigned to fill vacant warden districts throughout the state and will be on the job shortly after 9 weeks of field training. Prior to taking this 10-week advanced training, all game warden candidates were required to complete the 12-week Maine Basic Police Course conducted by
INN
Q&er Fall 1997
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the Maine Criminal Justice Academy in Waterville. During the intensive warden course, which was conducted this year at The Forks in western Maine, trainees studied a variety of subjects, including search and rescue techniques, map and compass, criminal law, fish and wildlife management, trapping methods, boating equipment operation and safety, allterrain vehicles, operating under the influence and investigation of accidents, as well as media and public relations. The academy's final week was devoted to practical field exercises, with simulated incidents that wardens might encounter in the course of their daily enforcement activities. During the graduation ceremonies, former Maine District Game Warden Chuck Allen delivered the graduation remarks. Allen issued a number of challenges to the new game wardens including the importance of first impressions and public relations. He told the new graduates that when checking a sportsman in the field, that a first impression is made within the first seven seconds to establish good lines of public relations and communication.
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M aine Fi sh n11d Wildlife
In addition to the 14 new graduating game wardens, two tribal rangers, Edward Paul and Ralph Dana, also completed the warden service training. The new game wardens will bring to 91, the number of Maine District Wardens in the field. The graduates and their new districts are: Tim Spahr, Kennebunk; Brock Clukey, Saco; Cheryl Barden, Franklin; Alan Dudley, Eagle Lake; Amy Nickerson, Berwick; Donald Thrusher, Gray; Mark Merrifield, New Sweden; Ronald Dunham, Unity; Steven Couture, Winslow; Kevin Anderson, Augusta; Daniel Scott, Carmel; Benjamin Drew, Rumford; David Chabot, St. Pamphile; and Paul Farrington, Topsfield
Volunteers Needed For Maine "Spring Peepers" Study How many chirping frogs does it take to make a spring concert? We're not sure, but scientists suspect that there has been a decline nationwide of these breeding amphibians, whose natural song bring life to spring in Maine and sound the seasonal rebirth. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIF&W) in conjunction with the Maine Audubon Society and through financial support from the Outdoor Heritage Fund, is conducting a statewide survey of singing amphibian populations with the help of volunteers. Data gathered by this survey this year and next will become part of a national study dealing with the decline of these singing amphibians, which include wood frogs, spring peepers, leopard frogs, grey tree frogs, American toads, pickerel frog , green frogs, mink frogs and bullfrogs. The Maine study comprises 47 randomly selected amphibian monitoring road routes around the state. So far, Maine coordinators of this project have been pleased by the fact that approximately half of the sights have volunteers who will assist with the study. Volunteers will monitor 10-15 mile routes three times each year on warm, humid or rainy evenings in early spring, late spring and mid-summer. These volunteers stop at 10-12 designated listening ar as along their routes and record the presence or absence of the 9 singing amphibian documented in Maine. According to MDIF&W bi logist Mark McCollough, at least four or five years of data will need to be collected from these routes before population and distribution patterns can be determined.
Listening stations have been established from Fort Kent to York and the survey is in full swing. Volunteers are still needed for routes in Bridgewater, Caucomgomac Lake, Chamberlain Lake, Clayton Lake, Corea, Deblois, East Exeter, Guilford, Hammond Township, Jackman, Musquacook Lake, Nicatous Lake, Oakfield, Patten, Sangerville, Springfield, T4R5 NBKP and Willimantic. Training materials and tape recordings will be provided for volunteers by MDIF&W and Maine Audubon. Anyone wishing to volunteer, or obtain :idditional information, should contact Aram Calhoun, project coordinator at 581-3010.
Hunter and Guide Fined $4,750 in Wolf Shooting A civil case brought by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service against a Maine guide and a Pennsylvania hunter who violated the U.S. Endangered Species Act by shooting a gray wolf in northern Maine in 1993 has come to a close.The pair, Joseph J. Cabral, Jr. of Ripley, ME and Allen J. Groft of Hanover, PA, paid federal fines amounting to $4,750. In August of 1993, Groft was a bear hunter being guided by Cabral. After having seen a 70-pound female wolf near his bear bait, Groft returned to the site the next day and shot the animal with a large caliber rifle. Groft later told authorities that his guide assured him that there were no wolves in Maine and that he could shoot the animal if it returned to the bait site. When Groft sought to tag the animal at the Warden Service headquarters in Greenville, he was advised that the carcass would be seized and sent to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's forensics laboratory in Ashland, Oregon for testing. In August of 1994, federal charges were brought against the two men after the laboratory tests earlier identified the animal positively as a Gray Wolf. There had been some earlier speculation that the canid was a captive wolf or dome ticated wolf hybrid that had been released. The identification of the two-year old female was made through skull measurements and D A analysis. According to Dick Stott, Special Agent for the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service who was involved in the investigation of this case, this was the first identification of a wild wolf in Maine in http://www.state.me. us/i fw/hom epage.h tml
many years. Although coyotes are legal game in Maine, the Gray Wolf is federally protected by the Endangered Species Act and it is a violation of both state and federal law to kill or harm an endangered species. Both Groft and Cabral could have received fines up to $25,000. Earlier this year, an 84 pound candid that was trapped last fa ll in Aurora was de termined to be a "probable wolf" by state wildlife biologists. According to Special Agent Stott, charges will not be brought aga inst the Aurora trapper because laboratory tests could not posi-
Funding for these two boat access facilities will be provided by public and private sources. The land for the Presque Isle site was conveyed as a gift to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife by Robert T. Schmidt, President of Bangor and Aroostook Railroad, Rosemary Heard, Vice President of the Bangor lnvestment Company and Donald and Roberta Keirstead of Presque Isle. The value of the donated land represents the 25 percent matching money needed to generate an additional 75 percent funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
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~(NE BIG GAME MAGAZINE
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This 70 pound female wolf, which was shot by a hunter about 50 miles north of Greenville in August of 1993, was examined by the U.S. Fish and Wildfife Service laborattJry and determined to be a gray wolf. The hunter and his guide paid large fines for violating the U.S. Endangered Species Act. The wolf is a protected species in Maine. (Dan Tourtelotte photo) tively identify the Aurora canid as a purebred gray wolf.
N ew Boat Sites Dedicated In Two Aroostook County Towns Aroostook County's famous sport fishery-the Aroostook River-was the setting earlier this month for two very special ceremonies. In Presque Isle and Fort Fairfield, Commissioner of Fish and Wildlife Bucky Owen, along with guests and officials from each community, dedicated two new boat access sites. In Presque Isle, construction will soon begin on a $63,670 Aroostook River access site. The site will be constructed by Maynard Brothers General Contractors Corporation and is expected to be completed in the fall of this year. In Fort Fa irfield, construction on the Aroostook River boat access site will began in July and is also slated to be completed in the fall of this year. The $57,800 project will be built by McGillan, Inc.
In Fort Fairfield, municipal land has been conveyed to MDIF&W in the form of an easement in perpetuity. The cost of the site construction will be borne by the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service (75 percent) and by a special dedicated state account for boating recreation facilities (25 percent). As Commissioner Owen emphasized during his remarks at both ceremonies, projects of this type require a Jot of planning and preparatory work. In the case of the Presque Isle facility, Charlie Beck and other members of the Presque Isle Fish and Game Club, as well as Regional Fisheries Biologist David Basley and Engineer Jan Murchison, Dr Arthur Spiess, and David Putnam all played a part. During the ceremony in Fort Fairfield, Commissioner Owen in his remarks acknowledged the work and cooperation received by MDIF&W from fisheries technician Derrick Cote, Town Manager Scott Seabury, Community Development
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Governor Angus King helped make a special day for Fish and Wildlife Employees even more special by presenting the awards. Left to right are Commissioner Bucky Owen, Donna Hall, the governor, Sue Connors and Vesta Billing.
Director Tony Levesque and Flood Mitigation Coordinator David Wright. The administra tive aspects of both of the projects on the Aroostook River were handled by Bob Williams, who is the Federal Aid Coordinator for MDIF&W and manages the boat access program.
Governor King Recognizes IF&W Employees An employee recognition picnic was held at Lake St. George State Park, June 19th and 20th. The picnic was hosted by Commissioner Owen and his wife Sue, in recognition of all the employees' achievements over the past four years. The Governor assisted the Commissioner by handing out the first ever "Employee of the Year" awards. A policy written by the Employee Recognition Committee set for th the awarding of five Employee of the Year plaques. Eigh teen nominations were received by Deputy Commissioner Matt Scott. The
Those nominated but not chosen were sent a letter of appreciation for their service to IF&W. Vesta Billing, head of licensing and registration for MDIF&W received the Ken Anderson Award . Wa lter Brown recieved a retirement gift and Alan Hutchinson, who left state service to take a position with "The Forest Society of Ma ine," received a duck stamp.
Selection Committee had problems narrowing the recipients to five and decided that eleven awards were appropriate. Those recognized were Andrea Erskine, Donna Hall, Bob Williams, Fred Kircheis, Tom Cotnoir, Diane Letteney, Walter Brown, Alan Hutchinson, Sue Connors, June Bourque, and Wdn . David Peppard.
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Maine ·s No,thwoods Spo,ting Journal won ·t tell ,rnyone s f,1\011te f1sh1ng hole but ,t ,.._ill C.Jpture the essence of Maine 's t, ad1t1onalism by sturing ,nemo11es, po1t1ay1ng Maine humo, , 1ia11ng ou, expenences, knowled1,>e and enjoyment of the outdoor world 111 Marne
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¡eering as a member of the board '.:onservation projects.
ishing, canoeing and skiing.
Governor Angus King helped make a special day for Fish and Wildlife Employees even more special by presenting the awards. Left to right are Commissioner Bucky Owen, Donna Hall, the governor, Sue Connors and Vesta Billing.
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Governor King Recognizes IF&W Employees An employee recognition picnic w, held at Lake St. George State Park, Jur 19th and 20th. The picnic was hosted 1 Commissioner Owen and his wife Su€ in recognition of all the employees' achievements over the past four years The Governor assisted the Commit sioner by handing out the first ever "Employee of the Year" awards. A policy written by the Employee Recog nition Committee set forth the awardi of five Employee of the Year plaques. Eighteen nominations were received I: Deputy Commissioner Matt Scott. Thi
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(continued from inside front cover) have come 180 degrees. If we are to survive, we must market more aggressively. I'm afraid that too many Mainers fail to see the connection: they want more fish, bigger fish, but they don't want anyone else to fish. In truth, we need successful marketing of licenses - resident and nonresident alike - if we are going to be able to afford quality fishing. We need to work with the private sector in marketing, as well as managing the resource. We can't jeopardize the resource, but we can get more people involved in outdoor recreation.
Q: Critics have faulted you for not dealing with politicians as well as you might have. Are they right? What are the lessons, if any? A: I could have done better. I underestimated the volatility of the St. John River issue in the County (stocking of Atlantic Salmon). That was a difficult time. I tried to make a decision based on science. In retrospect, I can see that I created lingering political baggage. Looking ahead, I suspect that the biological component of an IF&W commissioner's decision making will become diminished as social, economic and political considerations tend to play a greater and greater role.
Q: What is your favorite kind of fishing? Hunting? Why? A: I love to river fish! I like flyfishing, running water and canoes and river fishing puts it all together. I used to hunt birds a lot over dogs, but frankly I can't hear the bell as well as I used to. I like deer hunting a lot, too. I like the solitude and just being off in the woods by myself. Q: What is the most frustrating aspect of the Commissioner's job? A: 1 think establishing good working relations with the legislative committee (Fish and Wildlife). Q: Does the commissioner have more or less authority/ autonomy than you thought? A: Less than I thought. 1 wasn't fully aware of the complexities of the rulemaking process and the issues of micromanaging (by other entities). Q: Wardens have taken some public relations hits. Is there a message for the sporting public? A: Well, the warden service has worked hard to make sure that complaints from the public and internal affairs matters are handled in a very consistent and positive way. And I think the hits from the public have emphasized the need to do that. In some instances in dealing with the public, they (the warden service) could have done better. However, checks and balances have been put in place, and they now have one whale of a program in terms of public relations and internal affairs. Q: Have you had any discussion with the governor about the next commissioner? A: I have talked to the governor's staff about potential candidates, but as of today I understand that they are still actively searching for possible candidates. Q: If you could be guaranteed that Maine's sporting public adopted an ethic or a point of view, what would it be?
A: Respect for the resource. Respect for laws that protect the resource, such as respect for slot limits and good catch and release practices. Respect for landowners.
Q: What's next for Bucky Owen? A: Teaching partti111e at the University of Maine in the wildlife policy area. Volunteering as a member of the board for a number of conservation organizations and organizing volunteer work groups for conservation projects. Q: Aren't you going to have any fun? A: 0/1 yeah. Sue and I will be taking some trips. And I plan to do a lot of hunting, fishing, canoeing and skiing.
Maine Fish and Wildlife Department â&#x20AC;˘ 284 State Street, Station 41 â&#x20AC;˘ Augusta, Maine 04330
Give A Sporting Chance ... AND preserve landowner relations! A Maine Supersport license is the perfect gift for those special people in your life who enjoy hunting and fishing. And this Supersport license is available to anglers as well as hunters. Most outdoor recreation in Maine depends on access to privately owned land. This key to our outdoor heritage must be preserved by maintaining relationships between those who own the land and those who use it. Your Supersport contribution will help support landowner relations programs to ensure a future of sporting recreation.
Supersports receive a colorful decal-and a one-year subscription to MAINE FISH AND WILDLIFE Magazine. The first 5,000 Supersport buyers will also receive a copy of the Department watchable wildlife guide. Ask about Supersport when you buy your license. Maine residents can buy one wherever licenses are sold, including many sporting outlets across the state. Nonresident hunters and anglers may obtain a Supersport license at these outlets as well, or through the mail from:
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife 284 State Street, 41 State House Station Augusta ME 04333 You can even buy a Supersport add-on for someone else's license-a perfect gift for someone who's already purchased a sporting license . Ask for details.
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