Maine Fish and Wildlife Magazine, Fall 1998 by Maine State Library

Maine State Library

Maine State Documents Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Magazine

Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

9-1-1998

Maine Fish and Game Magazine, Fall 1998 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 1998" (1998). Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Magazine. Book 47. http://digitalmaine.com/ifw_magazine/47

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HUNTING EXCLUSIVE This special Souvenir Hunting Edition is must reading for hunt___._......__ ers, naturalists or anyone fascinated by Maine's diverse and plentiful wildlife species. Profiles on moose, bear and deer, on turkey, waterfowl, and upland game-hunting tips, management strategies, harvest statistics. It's all here in this colorful, comprehensive, one-of-a kind collection of reports from Maine's wildlife biologists and game wardens.

EDITORIAL by Lee E. Perry, Commissioner Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife A dab here-a dab there-spots, then blotches, as Mother Nature touches her brush to the paint pot and then to the landscape in broadening strokes. Red, orange, and yellow replace the shades of green that marked the advent of spring and provided a backdrop for summer. For some, fall is a time of sadness, a time of transition from the bright and prosperous days of summer to the drab, dark days of winter. For others, the vibrant colors herald the beginning of the best season of the year- autumn. Autumn, the third season-but autumn is also defined as a fully mature period approaching decline. Terms that perhaps suggest financial matters more than having fun and enjoying life. But there are two sides to fish and wildlife conservation. Beyond the fun, there is the serious matter of insuring the future welfare of our fish and wildlife resources and providing for your safety while you enjoy being afield. Providing the products and services you desire requires management not only of the physical resources of the state but the fiscal as well. The Department invests over $21 million of your financial contributions in fisheries and wildlife conservation and recreation programs annually. While this amount is significant, it is relatively small when compared to the amount that hunting, angling and fish and wildlife associated recreation contribute to our overall state economy and many fish and wildlife dependent businesses. You probably know that your license dollars pay for conservation-that a portion of the federal tax paid when you bought your last shotgun shells was returned to your state for wildlife conservation-and that the extra money you paid for the attractive loon plate when you registered your motor vehicle is used for wildlife and conservation. Did you know that in 1996, over 17,000 Maine people were employed in businesses related to hunting, fishing and fish and wildlife related recreational activities? And many more if you include boats, snowmobiles, and other recreational vehicles. Did you know that these same fish and wildlife related activities generated tax revenues totaling over $48 million dollars in Maine sales taxes, and over 19 million dollars in Maine income taxes? So as you have fun in the outdoors; as you sense the sight, the sound and the smell of fall; don't forget the contribution that you and others are making to the Maine economy, as well as the Department responsible for the stewardship of your fish and wildlife resources. Thank you for your past and continuing support.

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

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~ILDLIFE 1998

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~gions 10

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

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EDITORIAL

MAINE

FISH AND WILDLIFE A dab here-a dab there-s1 touches her brush to the pai1 broadening strokes. Red, or2 green that marked the adver for summer. For some, fall iE from the bright and prospen days of winter. For others, tl of the best season of the yea1 Autumn, the third season-1 mature period approaching financial matters more than are two sides to fish and wil, there is the serious matter of and wildlife resources and p enjoy being afield. Providin! requires management not or but the fiscal as well . The Department invests ove conservation and recreation small when com pared to the ation contribute to our overc: probably know that your lio when you bought your last E that the extra money you pa is used for wildlife and cons employed in businesses rela ties? And many more if you know that these same fish ar million dollars in Maine sale

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MAINE

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

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So as you have fun in the ou forget the contribution that) ment responsible for the ste,

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Thank you for your past anc

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MAINE

FISH AND WILDLIFE SPECIAL HUNTING EDITION-FALL 1998

VOL. 40, NO. 3

Governor Angus S . King, Jr.

Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Lee Perry, Comm issioner

Maine's Wildlife Regions Region A: York

by Phil Bozenha rd

Region B: Sidney

by Gene Dumont

Warden Service

by Tom S antaguida

Region C: Downeast

by Tom S chaeffer

Region D: Rangeley

by S andy R itch ie

Region E: Moosehead

by Doug Kane

Region F: Penobscot

by Kevin S tevens

Region G: Aroostook

by Richard Hoppe

Frederick 8. Hurley, Jr .. Deputy Commissioner Richard Record, Director, Bureau of Administrative Services Tim Peabody, Colonel, Bureau of Warden Service

Advisory Council Russell E. Dyer, Bowdoinham Chairman Ellen N. Peters. New Gloucester Vice Chairman Stanley D. Milton, Andover Charles F. Beck, Presque Isle Millard A. Wardwell, Penobscot F. Dale Speed, Princeton Richard A. Neal, £. Lebanon Lila Ware, Skowhegan Harold Brown, Bangor A. David Trahan, Wa ldoboro 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 (ISSN 0360-00SX) is published quarterly by the Maine Dept. of Inland foheries and Wildlife, 284 State Street, Station 41, Augusta, Maine 04330. under Appropriation 010· 09A 0529. Subscription rate: $18. 00 per year. No stamps. please. Preferred Periodicals postage paid at Augusta. Maine and at additional mailing offices. 'l:l Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. 1998 Permission to reprint text material is granted. pro· vided proper credit is given to the author and to MAINE FISH AND WILDLIFE . Clearance must be obtained from artists. photographers, and non-staff authors to reproduce credited work. CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Send both old and new addresses to Circulation Section, MAINE FISH AND WILDLIFE Magazine. 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 Ilse. Sta . Augusta, Maine 04333. QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR SUBSCRIPTION") Just call toll-free 1-800-288-8387 The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife rec<>ives federal fund, from the U.S. Department of the Interior. Accordingly. all department programs <1nd activities must be operated free from discrirnina lion with regard to race. color. national origin. age, or disability. Any person who believes that he or she has been discriminated against should write to The Office of F.q11dl Opport11nity. U S. Department of the lnte ior. Washinqton. O.C 20240. & prcpress by graphlti bclfast mo 01915

magazine d~ ign

Features How Do We Manage Wildlife?

by Ken £/owe

Federal Aid for Wildlife

by Ken £/ow e

Wlntetailed Deer

by Gerry Lav igne

Ruffed Grouse

by George Ma tula

Black Bear

by Craig McLaughlin

Moose

by Karen Morris

Wild Turkey

by George M atula

Waterfowl

by George M atula

Ducks

by Pat Corr

Geese

by Pat Corr

The Front Cover: "Woodland Monarch " by wildlife artist Rosemary Millette. Reprinted courtesy of the artist and Wild Wings Inc., Lake City, MN 55041 .

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For more information on wildlife and hunting: Webpage .... www.state.me.us/ifw

Info Ctr ................... 207-287-8000 Region A ................. 207-657-2345 Region B ................ 207-547-5300 Region C ................ 207-255-4715 Region D ................. 207-778-3324 Region E ................. 207-695-3756 Region F ................. 207 732-4131

F • Enfield

D W(Sidney) Augusta

MAINE FISH AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT Bureau of Resource Management Administrative Regions

=Main Office • =Regional Office

'Y' =Research Facility

w =Warden Service Office

How Do

WE MANAGE WILDLIFE? by Ken Elowe, Director of Resource Management How does the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (MDIF&W) manage wildlife? What does manage mean? In general, our role is to conserve and protect wildlife, while providing opportunities for people to enjoy and interact with wildlife, including through strong traditions such as hunting. This means that we must figure out what affects the health and population of different wildlife species, and somehow, balance the impacts to ensure that we will continue to have wildlife into the future. This is no easy task, as the impacts of hunting, habitat loss or change, loss to disease and other natural causes, road mortality, and the effects of nuisance wildlife on farmers, and landowners represent an extremely varied and challenging set of viewpoints to balance. So, where do we start?

First, for any species, we have to assess, through field surveys and research, the status of the population and what factors are affecting population levels. Then, we need help to decide how we should balance the desires of hunters, who want more game, with the desires of landowners or farmers, who may be heavily impacted by high population levels of some animals, such as deer. To get help, we form working groups representing a cross-section of Maine citizens. These are made up of representatives from sportsmen'~ groups, environmental groups, farmers, forest industry, landowners, and the general public.All these people have an interest in the future of wildlife, and we discuss options for balancing varied interests with the entire group. The

working group then decides what population level should be the management goal for that species. Proposed goals for different wildlife populations are then approved by the Department's Advisory Committee. This provides the guidance for the Department's management efforts for the next 10-year period. This fall, we will begin this process to develop management goals for deer, bear, and moose with the help of a public working group. The last management goals were set in the same manner back in 1985. Changes to population levels, habitat, public interest, and demand mean that it is time to revisit the goals for major game species, as well as many other small game and nongame wildlife species over the next few years.

In Maine, 75 percent of the cost of managing our wildlife is provided by PittmanRobertson dollars, which come from a tax on firearms paid by America's sportsmen. ("When Color is King, " painting by Ron Van Gilder. Reprinted courtesy of the artist and Wild Wings Inc., Lake City, MN.)

http :// www . tate.me .us/ ifw

Fall 1998

FEDERAL AID FOR WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT by Ken Elowe, Director of Resource Management Every time you buy firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment, the manufacturers pay an excise tax that is reflected in the sales price. Did you ever wonder where this money goes? This is an 11 % tax (10% on pistols and revolvers) that was imposed as part of the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act passed by Congress in 1937. This Act (also called the Pittman-

Robertson Act, or PR for short) established a partnership between hunters, firearms, manufacturers, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and state wildlife management agencies like our Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, to ensure that wildlife management programs are funded, and that those paying for the program (hunters) will see the vast major-

HUNTING: A BOON TO THE MAINE

ECONOMY by Mario F. Teisl and Kevin ]. Boyle Hunting is much more than a traditional pastime in Maine; it is also a powerful part of Maine's economic fabric. During 1996, hunting generated more than $330 million in retail sales activity. These retail sales helped support approximately 6,400 full and part-time jobs in Maine, which paid out almost $130 million in salaries and wages. These wage and employment benefits were not concentrated in only one or two economic sectors but were shared across many sectors of the Maine economy. These income benefits are particularly important in rural or remote areas of the state, where much hunting takes place. In addition to generating income for Maine residents, hunting provides revenues in state coffers. During 1996, hunting activities contributed approximately $27 million to the state through sales and income tax revenues.

Maine Fi sh a11d Wi ldlife

ity of the funds go to programs directly benefiting wildlife in their own state. Of the total funds collected nationwide each year, each state receives a portion that is dependent on the land area of the state and the number of hunting licenses sold in the state. In Maine, we receive about 1.7 million dollars each year. How does this translate into a wildlife program? First, the money must be spent on management programs for birds and mammals. Then, the federal money must be matched with 25% state money. This means that for every $1.00 that Maine puts into management for birds and mammals, we can receive $3.00 more of federal PR money to put into those programs. The benefit is obvious, as we can have, essentially, 75% of our management program paid for by PR dollars up to the total 1.7 million each year. Here in Maine, 75% of almost our entire research and regional management biologists' salaries and operating costs are paid for by Pittman-Robertson dollars. We would have, essentially, almost no wildlife management program without these dollars, including our deer, moose, bear, furbearers, upland game programs, and habitat programs with landowners and on wildlife management areas. http://www.state . me. us/i fw

WHITE-TAILS IN THE MAINE WOODS by Gerry Lavigne

Wildlife Biologist Physical Characteristics Maine is home to one of the largest of the 30 recognized subspecies of white-tailed deer. After attaining maturity at age five, our bucks can reach record live weights of nearly 400 lbs. Most adult bucks, however will normally range from 200 to 300 lbs live weight, and will stand 36 to 40" at the shoulder. Does are considerably smaller; they normally weigh 120 to 175 lbs live weight. Newborn fawns begin life at 4 to 10 lbs, but grow to approximately 85 lbs live weight in their first 6 months cf life. White-tails have keen hearing, made possible by large ears that can rotate toward suspicious sounds. They have wide-set eyes, enabling them to focus on subtle movements, while maintaining an excellent sense of depth perception. White-tails have a very keen sense of smell enabling them to sen e danger, even when visibility is poor. Deer have long graceful legs, enabling them to http://www.state.me. us/i fw

cover ground quickly by leaping, bounding, turning and outright running at speeds up to 40 mph. Their trademark white tail, when erected, flashes a danger signal to other deer in the vicinity. White-tailed deer communicate using a variety of sounds, ranging from explosive "whooshes" when startled, to the barely audible mews and grunts a doe uses to tend to her fawns .

Deer are very expressive; they employ a large repertoire of signals using facial expressions and body language. These postures help to maintain the dominance hierarchy within all deer groups. Deer also communicate using odors, which emanate from a number of scent glands. These glands occur between the toes, on the shins, the hock, the forehead, near each eye, and inside the nose. The

White-tailed deer are a high-profile species in Maine. More than 200,000 Mainers and visitors annually hunt Maine whitetails. Each year, these hunters contribute more than $100 mi/lion tO the State economy. (Painting "Chance Encounter" by Jim Kasper. Reprinted courtesy of the artist and Wild Wings Inc., Lake City, MN)

Fall 1998

contents of each gland, when rubbed onto a tree or the ground, helps deer to know who their neighbors are, and what each deer is doing at any given time.

Each year, deer produce two coats of hair, each adapted to seasonal climate. In late spring, deer grow a coat of fine, short reddish hair. This pelage allows ample air circulation and helps the deer to stay cool in summer's heat. During September, deer molt to a highly insulative coat which consists of a dense layer of fine woolly hair under a layer of long hollow brown, gray, and

Another adaptation for survival is the deer's habit of storing fat for the winter. In autumn, deer accumulate fat under the skin, in the viscera, between the muscles, and in the hollow bones of the legs. This fat layer can comprise 10 to 25% of a deer's body weight by late fall. In winter, fat is reabsorbed to provide much-needed energy to supplement inadequate diets of woody browse.

Bucks annually produce antlers, which are made of bone. Triggered by day length and maintained by hormone production, antlers begin growing in April, and are nurtured by a velvety outer network of skin tissue and blood Natural History vessels. Velvet is Did You Know... shed when Habitat. Major growth is com• More than 3,500 deer are annually killed in collisions habitats that provide plete in late with motor vehicles in Maine? food and cover for August and white-tailed deer in September. The • Deer can leap a 7 ft. vertical wall from a standing start Maine are forest hardened, and clear an 8 ft. fence on the run? lands, wetlands, polished antlers reverting farmlands, remain until they and active farm• During an average winter, deer can lose 20% of their are shed in late lands. Forest stands December to body weight? containing little or ear1y March. In no canopy closure, white-tails, • Deer lack upper front teeth? wetlands, and antlers allow reverting and active bucks to adver• Deer are good swimmers and they commonly swim farmland yield the tise and demonbetween offshore islands? largest and best strate their forage within reach dominance; • Deer harmlessly carry a parasite which can fatally of deer. However, hence they play a attack the brain in moose? stands of mature role in reproducconifers with tree tion. A buck's height greater than • During a single severe winter we can lose 1/3 of the first true set of 30 ft. and crown deer population? antlers normally closure of greater is grown by Age than 60% provide One. Buck critical winter habitat for deer. white guard hairs. The guard fawns, however, begin growing Currently, 94% of Maine is hairs can be erected to form a the antler base at one month of considered deer habitat; this very thick insulative coat, which age. This base develops into 2- or excludes developed parts of the protects against the cold winds 3-inch velvet-covered "nubbins" tate. In practice, even a portion of winter. Fawns are born with a by early winter. White-tailed of Maine's developed land is does sometimes produce antlers, reddish-brown coat dappled currently occupied by deer. but this is rare. Does that do with white spots. This affords Wintering habitat i more limsprout antlers typically are older excellent camouflage against ited in availability, comprising (5 to 15 years old); their antlers detection by predators in the only 2 to 25% of the land base in are usually velvet-covered summer. By early autumn, various parts of the state. Protecspikes. Most antlered does fawns grow the typical winter tion of critical wintering habitat remain fertile. coat.

Maine Fish and Wildlife

http ://www .state.me. us/i fw

is a major focus of deer management activities by the Department. Food habits. Deer are highly selective herbivores, concentrating on whatever plants or plant parts are currently most nutritious. Finicky eaters, deer opt for variety over quantity, when feeding along in the woods and fields. Deer consume grasses, sedges, ferns, lichens, mushrooms, weeds, aquatics, leaves (green and fallen), fruits, hard mast (acorns, beech nuts, etc.), grains, and twigs and buds of woody plants. Contrary to popular belief, deer consume twigs and buds of dormant trees and shrubs only when more nutritious foods are unavailable. When restricted to woody browse, deer inevitably lose weight. During the course of the year, deer may browse several hundred species of plants. A few are highly preferred; many others are consumed only when the best have been depleted. Overabundant deer populations can reduce the abundance of preferred forages, while causing unpalatable plants to become more common. Extremely abundant deer can literally eat themselves out of house and home. At these times, hungry deer are underweight, prone to starvation and disease, produce fewer fawns, grow smaller antlers, and create increased conflicts with homeowners, gardeners, farmers, forest landowners, and motorists. Reproduction. The peak breeding season for deer in Maine occurs during midNovember, although some breeding may occur in October and as late as January. The onset http://www.state .me. us/ifw

of the rut in bucks and estrus in does is controlled primarily by decreasing day length. Does in estrus are receptive to breeding for roughly 24 hours, and if not successfully bred, they will come into heat every 28 days, until early winter. Bucks establish and maintain a dominance hierarchy; typically the majority of does in an area are bred by the most dominant bucks. Gestation period for deer is roughly 200 days, after which well-nourished adult does give birth to twins, triplets, and rarely, quadruplets. Fawn and yearling does typically produce one fawn, if they conceive at all. The peak fawning season in Maine is mid-June. In a typical year, each 100 Maine does will give birth to about 130 fawns. However, early fawn losses tend to be high; only 60 to 80 of these young deer typically survive their first 5 months of life. Longevity. White-tailed deer can live to 18 years, but few deer in the wild live that long. Does typically live longer than bucks, presumably because rutting behavior predisposes bucks to higher losses due to hunting, motor vehicle collisions, physical injuries, and depletion of fat reserves going into the winter. Deer populations subjected to high hunting mortality are comprised of predominantly young deer. Conversely, a greater proportion of deer annually survives to older age classes within lightly hunted herds. Movements. Summer home ranges (area that an animal lives within) for deer in Maine are generally 500-600 acres, but can vary from 150 to more than

2,000 acres. Movement by deer from summer to winter range can vary from less than a mile to more than 25 miles, depending on availability and suitability of the winter range. Deer are not generally territorial (defend their home range against intrusion of other deer). However, pregnant does will defend a small birthing area (less than 20 acres) against intrusion by all other deer, for about a month.

Historical Management in Maine Population and distribution trends. During the past 400 years, ever-changing patterns of man's use of the land, predation, climate cycles, and disturbances such as fire, wind and flood have created conditions which either favored or preeluded healthy populations of deer in Maine. When Europeans first colonized Maine, whitetails occurred only in the mid and south coastal part of the state; moose and caribou occupied the vast interior forests of the time. During the next two centuries, the climate moderated, forests were logged and/ or cleared, and major predators such as the wolf were extirpated. By the late 1800s, deer had colonized all Maine towns. During this time, deer abundance often followed cycles of extreme abundance to scarcity, depending on the amount of regrowth after logging, or after wildfire or insect defoliation opened the forest floor to sunlight. These events never occurred at the same time throughout the state. Hence deer abundance was always (and remains) patchy, depending on local conditions. rail 1998

Season history. The Maine Legislature, and later the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, has long been involved in regulating the hunting of white-tailed deer. The following were major events: 1830. First restrictions on deer hunting; season 9 /1 - 12/31; no bag limit. 1873. First bag limit, 3 deer per hunter per year. 1883. Sale of venison limited to three deer per hunter per year; exporting of venison outlawed. 1886. Hunting deer with dogs outlawed. 1893-1902. Scarcity of deer in Maine's southernmost 10 counties leads Legislature to close deer season there. 1895. Bag limit reduced to two deer per hunter per year. 1906. Nonresidents required, for the first time, to purchase licenses for deer hunting annually. 1907. First "bucks only" law; hunters in York and Cumberland Counties restricted to 1 buck. 1913. Southern Maine restricted to one deer per hunter. 1916. Taking of deer for provisioning logging camps outlawed. 1919. Mandatory deer registration begins. Residents must purchase "lifetime" licenses to hunt deer. 1925. Bag limit set at one deer of either sex, statewide. 1930. All hunters required to purchase annual hunting licenses, except landowners hunting on their own land. 1939. Basic two-zone (North and South) system established. Maintained annually until 1983. 1951. First special archery season established during October, annually, thereafter. 1967. Deer hunters required to

Marne Fish and Wild lrfe

wear fluorescent orange clothing during regular firearms seasons. 1971. Deer drives outlawed. Legislature authorizes Department to set deer season dates. 1975. Department implements first Strategic Plan for Deer. It is updated every 5 years. 1977. Legislature established that Saturday before regular firearm season would be for residents only. 1981. Muzzleloader season first established to follow after the firearm season, then annually, thereafter. 1983 - 1985. Legislature authorizes Department to create hunting districts and to restrict harvest of antlerless deer, using either-sex days. 1984. Uniform 4 week firearm season established, statewide. Continues to the present. 1986. Department implements the Any-Deer permit system, and establishes 18 Deer Management Districts. Permit system continues to the present. 1993. Legislature authorizes Department to implement controlled hunts for deer in problem areas. 1997. First expanded archery season implemented, allowing bowhunters to take an extra deer during September in designated areas. Continued in 1998. 1998. Department implements system of 30 Wildlife Management Districts, to regulate harvest of all hunted and trapped species in Maine. Harvest trends/statistics. We have been monitoring deer harvests since 1919, using mandatory registration of hunterkilled deer. Peak deer harvests occurred in the 1950s, at a time when deer were relatively abundant (275,000 deer wintered

in Maine in the late 1950s), and either-sex deer hunting regulations were in effect. At that time, annual harvests averaged 38,000 deer; a record 41,000 deer was registered during 1951, 1959 and 1968. During more recent times, overall deer harvests have been lower, ranging from 19,500 to 31,000 deer during the past 15 years. During the 1980s and 1990s, we have been limiting the harvest of does and fawns in an effort to increase the deer popu-

Hunting Tips • Scout early and obtain landowner permission, whenever possible. •

Look for deer in wet areas along streams, swamps and lakes during hot, dry weather.

•

Hunt during mid-day. Big bucks ofkn move ,it this time.

•

Look for the most nutritious foods currently Jvailablc in your hunting area. Deer will be nearby.

•

When you locate doe and fown family groups, bucks will be there too, Jnytime in November.

http: //www .s ta te . me . u s/ i fw

lation. One bright note is the buck harvest. Harvests of antlered bucks have been increasing steadily since we began rebuilding the deer herd. Buck harvests today are 50% higher than during 1978-82, the final years of either-sex hunting in Maine. During 1997 and 1998, Maine hunters broke all-time records for buck harvest (19,610 and 19,660 antlered bucks, respectively), exceeding even the buck harvests of the 1950s. Buck harvests have increased because over-all deer populations grew by 60% during the past 15 years. One further bit of good news, production of mature bucks in Maine remains some of the best anywhere in the eastern U.S. Each year, at least 1 antlered buck in 5 taken in Maine is at least 41 /z years old. By age 41 /z, most bucks attain mature weights and maximum antler size. Each year, thousands of hunters take to the deer woods in Maine. Hunters averaged 150,000 during the 1950s, then increased to a peak of 215,000 by 1982. During the early 1980s, deer hunters outnumbered their prey in Maine! Since that time, hunters' ranks have steadily diminished, reaching a modem low of

178,000 in 1997. Hunting success rate was highest during the 1950s, averaging nearly 25%, overall. More recently, hunter success has averaged 12 to 15%, but has been increasing during recent years. In 1997, 17% of Maine's deer hunters successfully bagged a white-tailed deer.

Current Management in Maine Current management goals and objectives. Since 1986, we have been striving to increase the deer population to within 50 to 60% of the maximum number of deer the habitat can support in winter. This population would allow us to reach maximum sustained harvests, while remaining productive and reasonably available for wildlife viewing. This wintering population objective approximates 270,000 to 330,000 deer, or about 10 deer per sq mi. statewide. We set about fostering deer herd growth primarily by using the Any-Deer permit system to balance overall doe mortality with fawn production in each management district. At the outset, we had a long way to go in attaining this desired population, since the wintering herd

KENNEBAGO RIVER KAMPS North of Rangeley between Kennebago Lake and Little Kennebago Lake , Fly Fish for native Salmon & Brook Trout in Kennebago's rivers & lakes , Excellent Deer and Grouse hunting • Snowmobiling on ITS 84 and 89 • 3 Housekeeping Camps • Gated Access • Reasonable Rates Write: Kennebago River Kamps, R. Hammond PO Box 677, Rangeley, 04970 (207) 864-2402

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averaged only 160,000 deer, in the early 1980s.

Current distribution. Since the early 1980s, the population has increased to 255,000 wintering deer. We have now met our population objectives in about 10 of our 30 Wildlife Management Districts (WMDs). As expected, we have been more successful in achieving deer populations in central and southern Maine, • where wintering habitat and other factors were more favorable. We have been less successful in eastern and northern Maine in achieving meaningful herd increases. Today, deer abundance ranges from 2 to 5 deer per sq. mi in the north, to 15 to 25 deer per sq. mi in central and southern areas. Some locations, in which access to recreational deer hunters has been limited or denied entirely, support deer populations of 40 to 100 deer per sq. mi. These latter areas are substantially above desired population levels, and they are the focus of most deer/ people conflicts in our state today. Management challenges. Improving deer populations in Maine's northern and eastern timberlands will depend on our success in protecting and increasing current amounts of deer wintering habitat. In Maine's heavily developed southern and coastal regions, we will need to develop innovative approaches to safely increasing deer harvests in order to bring high current deer populations down to more tolerable levels. In all of Maine, we will need to improve access to huntable land through pro-active landowner relations programs in order to keep deer populations at tolerable levels. Fall 1998

THE YORK REGION

by Phil Bozenhard, Regional Wildife Biologist Physical Characteristics Region A is the southern most region in the state, made up of ninety towns in York, Cumberland, Oxford, Androscoggin, and Sagadahoc Counties. While the region represents approximately 10% of the state's area it has almost 50% of the state's population. The region can be characterized as three main areas. The coastal strip, which is that area east of the Maine Turnpike, the central area, and the western foothills, which extend up into the lower portion of Oxford County. Over the past 50 years there has been a continual increase in both the amount of development and the amount of forested land while at the same time there has been a continual decline in the amount of agriculture. In that time the amount of agricultural land, within the region, has declined from 30% to 10%. At the same time, the human population, within the region, has increased approximately 30%. The <level-

Maine Fish and Wildlife

opment pressure has not been constant across the region, it is strongest along the coast and diminishes as one moves west. Some concerns within the region have been the increasing amounts of posted or restricted land, increasing amounts of development and the associated loss of quality habitat, and balancing deer accidents and crop damage complaints with the hunters request for more deer.

Wildlife Management Areas While the percentage of Department owned land within the region is small, the regional staff currently manages 9 wildlife management areas which total approximately 20,000 acres. The largest management area is the Brownfield Bog WMA, located in the towns of Brownfield and Fryeburg, which is comprised of a mixture of 5700 acres of wetland and upland habitats. The area offers good deer and waterfowl hunting and is accessable by several dirt roads. Weather is a major factor with regards to access into this WMA. The Saco River flows through the middle of the area and many of the access roads into the "bog area" are flooded after heavy rains. During dryer years the river also provides

access to some of the "harder to get to" parts of the area. A second area which offers good deer hunting is the Steep Falls WMA which contains 4900 acres of primarily upland habitat. This area is bordered on three side by tarred roads (Rts. 113, 11, and 114) offering easy access to the public.

Hunting Opportunities Hunting opportunities vary considerably throughout the region. The eastern coastal portion offers excellent waterfowl hunting, particularly for sea ducks while at the same time offering some of the highest deer populations in the state. Although the deer are numerous, hunters are restricted by posted property and local city and town ordinances which prohibit or limit the discharge of firearms. A large portion of this area is in the September expanded archery season and getting out and doing the required leg work to get permission to hunt will often open up prime deer hunting areas. Hunters in the central area and western foothills will find larger tracts of woods and good deer populations. The farth.er west and north the more wooded and rugged the terrain becomes and the deer population is lower. In the vast majority of the region there is good road access to areas http://www.state.me. us /ifw

to hunt. Moose and bear hunting is limited in the region due to low numbers of both species. Bear hunting with bait is limited to the most northern portion of the region and the majority of bears are shot opportunistically while hunters are deer hunting. Large deer, while making up a smaller percentage of the population than in some of the northern regions, are found throughout the region, with two deer dressed out at over 290 lbs. being registered during the last 10 years. Turkey hunting is excellent in the central area as well as the coastal strip with birds continuing to move into new habitat. Virtually all of the remaining agricultural area will have a flock of turkeys in close proximity. As with other types of hunting getting landowner permission before hunting will keep areas from being posted in the future.

Minnesota hunter Jean Berguson bagged this 17-lb turkey during the first week of the 1997 Maine wild turkey season. Hunting in the Freedom area, this avid outdoorswoman filled her tag USing a b/ackpOWder firearm. (Photo by Harry Doughty.)

LICENSE/PERMIT FEES (includes $1 agent fee) RESIDENT Hunting (16 & older) ............................................. 20.00 Small Game* Hunting (16 & older) ........................ 13.00 *All species except deer. bear. turkey. moose. raccoon and bobcat.

Combination Ilunting & Fishing (16 & older) ........ 37.00 Junior Hunting (10 to 15 years inclusive) ............... 6.00 Combination llunting & Fishing (70 & older) ........... free Combination Fishing/ Archery (16 & older) ........... 37 .00 Serviceman (resident) Combination Hunt/Fish ..... 21.00 Disabled War Veteran (resident) ............................... free Archery Hunting (16 & older) ................................ 20.00 Expanded Archery Hunting (Sept.) ........................ 41.00 Archery Hunting (70 & older) ................................... free Muzzle-loading (10 & older) .................................. 12.00 Muzzle-loading (70 & older) ..................................... free Trapping (16 & older) ............................................ 33.00 Trapping (70 & older) ............................................... free Junior Trapping (10 to 15 years inclusive) .............. 7.00 NON-RESIDENT Hit( Game Hunting (16 years & older) .................... 86.00 Combination Hunt/Fish (16 & older) .................. 124.00 Small Game Hunting (]6 & older) ......................... 56.00 3-day Small Game hunting (3 consecutive days) ... 31.00

Junior Hunting (10 to 15 years) ............................ 26.00 Archery Hunting (16 & older) ................................ 56.00 E"'panded Archery Hunting (Sept.) ........................ 81.00 Muzzle-loading (10 & older) .................................. 34.00 Trapping (any age) .............................................. 308.00 ALIEN Big Game Hunting (10 & older) ........................... 126.00 Combination Hunting & Fishing (10 & older) ...... 177.00 Small Game Hunting (16 & older) ......................... 71.00 Archery Hunting (16 & older) ................................ 71.00 Muzzle-loading (10 & older) .................................. 59.00 OTHER FEES Supersport ........................................................... 15.00 Falconry ............................................................... 24.00 Duplicate License ................................................... 2.00 Coyote Night Hunting Permit .................................. 2.00 Deer or Bear Registration ............. .......................... 1.00 State Migratory Waterfowl Stamp (16 & older) ......... 2.50 Pheasant Stamp (Cumberland & York counties) .... 16.00 Bear Permits ......................................... Resident 6.00 Non resident 16.00

(Unless otherwise noted. all licenses and permits expire on December 31 of the year issued).

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Fall 1998

RUFFED GROUSE

(''PART

GE'')

by George Matula, Wildlife Biologist There is no upland game pursuit quite like a day of good partridge hunting behind an enthusiastic bird dog. Ruffed grouse are abundant throughout Maine, but their density varies across the state. (Painting by Tom Hennessey, Hampden, ME. Reprinted courtesy of the artist).

Physical Characteristics Ruffed grouse are the most widely distributed game bird in North America. They rank among the smaller of the 10 species of grouse native to North America with weights ranging from 17 to 25 oz. The subspecies that inhabits Maine is the St. Lawrence or Canada ruffed grouse. Plumage of the ruffed grouse is subtly and beautifully marked in a way that blends remarkably with their habitat. Conspicuous markings are the broad black band of the fan-like tail feathers and the patch of dark feathers on both sides of the neck that can be expanded umbrella-like into a ruff. There are two color phases of ruffed grouse, red and gray. The gray

Maine Fish and Wildlife

phase is predominant in Maine. Ruffed grouse are monomorphic, that is birds of both sexes, and birds that have lost their juvenile plumage, all look alike. The most reliable method of determining sex of a bird is by examining its internal organs. In the field, a rough guess can be made by looking at the relative length of the tail to the body. The female grouse has a tail about as long as her back, whereas the male's tail appears longer than his back.

Natural History

fields, and orchards. Approximately 27,690 square miles of Maine is forest land and is considered grouse habitat, but the quality of the habitat varies widely according to the interspersion of age classes and forest types. Fire can create mixed-age stands of aspen that is considered premier ruffed grouse habitat. Because of the small home range of grouse, good habitat must meet all food, shelter, and drumming requirements within a small area (generally less than 30 acres).

Habitat. Ruffed grouse occur throughout Maine in cover types of hardwood dominated mixed growth, softwood dominated mixed growth, upland hardwoods, lowland hardwoods, old

Food habits. Ruffed grouse are omnivorous; they eat green leaves, fruits, and some insects. During winter, when snow cover the ground, they live almost exclusively on the dorhttp://www.state.me.us/ifw

mant flower buds or catkins of aspens, birches, and cherries. Aspen is generally regarded as the most important single yearround food for ruffed grouse in Maine. Grouse chicks feed on insects, a high protein food that helps them double their weight during their first week of life. Reproduction. With the onset of spring, male ruffed grouse become aggressively territorial and defend an area of woodland approximately 6-10 acres in size. Male grouse then proceed to "drum" - a territorial display which also serves to advertise their location to females. Females are receptive to, and mate with, displaying males for only a few days. After fertilization occurs, they leave the male and seek nesting cover. Most ruffed grouse nests are located at the base of trees in open hardwood stands, although other sites (such as the base of stumps, under slash, bushes, or brush piles) are commonly used. The clutch normally numbers 9 -14 eggs, which are laid over a period of approximately 2 weeks. The eggs are incubated about 24 days, and all the eggs hatch within a few hours of each other during late May and early June. Young ruffed grouse are precocial (able to move about shortly after hatching), therefore they are capable of moving to brood range (forest openings created by fire, logging, etc.) after only 3 or 4 days. Both eggs and brood are vulnerable to predation by foxes, weasels, skunks, raccoons, hawks, owls, and other predators, including dogs and cats. The hen will try to protect the eggs and young by feigning injury ("broken wing act") or bluffing to draw the predator away. Over a third of the nests http://www.state .me. us/i fw

may be broken up before the eggs hatched. When the young are about 12 - 14 weeks old, the families begin to break up and a general fall dispersal begins. Longevity. Few grouse in the wild live beyond 3 years, however, an occasional bird can live to be 7 years of age or older in the wild.

Movements. Grouse are generally active during the day, particularly shortly before sunset. They are not active during the night, except drumming males may drum during the night, particularly on moonlit nights. Home ranges of adult females are roughly 30 acres, but becomes smaller during egg-laying, and is smallest when females are incubating eggs. Juvenile females can have home ranges exceeding 100 acres during the winter. The males territory is roughly 10 acres, depending on the quality of the habitat and proximity to other male territories. Its territory generally consists of a drumming log, fairly thick cover, and a source of food and water. Once established in its territory, a male may never venture more than 600 - 800 feet from its drumming log the rest of its life. Both young males and females can disperse several miles before finding suitable habitat to set up their home ranges.

Historical Management in Maine Population and distribution trends. Historically, ruffed grouse were present in all parts of Maine, but to a lesser extent in the more wilderness areas.

Native Americans often used fire to clear land and possibly to attract grouse. European settlers cleared forest lands for farms, and tales of multitudes of grouse around settler's clearings are numerous. Market hunting for grouse became common in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Private farms were numerous in Maine in the late 1800s when over 6.5 million acres of Maine was farmland. By 1980, less than 1.5 million acres remained farmland. Natural succession of the abandoned farms created vast acreage of prime ruffed grouse habitat. This, plus expansion of the pulp and paper industry in Maine, improved habitat conditions for grouse. Today, farmland abandonment has slowed and Maine's forest has stabilized. Season history. The first laws to protect grouse in Maine were enacted in 1882, when laws governing market hunting began to be enacted. During the early 1900s, the season was approximately 10 weeks in length with a 15 bird daily bag limit. By 1920, the season had been reduced to 8 weeks with a 5 bird limit. Further reductions in season length occurred in the 1930s to approximately our present-day laws, providing a 6 week season with a daily limit of 4 birds. Harvest trends/statistics. The earliest records of estimated ruffed grouse harvests were compiled in the mid 1950s. Between 1955 -1971, the average annual kill was estimated to be 200,00 grouse. Beginning in the early 1970s, data from the Department's Personal Hunting Report were used to provide yearly estimates of hunting effort and harvests. These data indicate Fall 1998

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Ma111 e Fis/, and Wildlife

that harvests averaged roughly 335,000 per season through the 1970s. In 1979, regulations governing grouse seasons began to change. By 1981, the reported harvest of 658,000 grouse was almost double that of the 1970s. In the early 1980s, survey data estimated 100,000 hunters harvested over 500,000 grouse each year. Statewide harvest statistics were not collected annually from 1984 to 1993. In 1993, the Department began monitoring grouse harvest trends by asking moose hunters how many grouse they and their party sighted and harvested while hunting moose. Management goals and objectives. The 1985 -1990 Abundance Objective was to maintain fall ruffed grouse populations at or near 1.5 to 2.0 million birds, and the Harvest Objective was to maintain hunter numbers at or near 1985 levels and to extend the hunting season to December 15th by 1990. These objectives were recommended by a public working group and approved by the Commissioner and the Commissioner's Advisory Council. These objectives were reiterated in 1991 and 1996. Both objectives have been met.

by a good interspersion of active and abandoned agricultural land. Current management goals and objectives. The current goal and objectives remain unchanged from those established in 1985. The objectives have been met, and a new species assessment is being prepared. New goals and objectives will be established for ruffed grouse by 2001. Management challenges. A major challenge is to periodically collect grouse population and harvest information and measure hunting effort on grouse to determine whether we are meeting our goals and objectives. Another challenge is to ensure we always have grouse habitat and that grouse hunters have access to those habitats for hunting.

Current Management in Maine Current distribution. Ruffed grouse are abundant throughout Maine, but their densities vary across the state. The highest densities occur in the transitional zone between the "big woods" and more developed areas of the state. The quality of this area is enhanced

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by Gene Dumont, Wildlife Biologist B

Regional Characteristics Wildlife Region B contains 135 townships and extends from the central Maine coast north to Dexter; and from the Penobscot River westerly to the Androscoggin River valley. There are nearly 4000 sq.mi. in this region including approximately 3800 sq.mi of land area and 170 sq.mi. of open water lakes and ponds. In short, Wildlife Region B contains the lower river valleys of the Penobscot, Androscoggin and Kennebec Rivers. Human population and development is centered along two major corridors: (1) Route 1 and associated coastal development from the Brunswick area north to Bangor including such towns as Wiscasset, Waldoboro, Rockland and Belfast; and (2) the I-95 corridor from Brunswick to Bangor including the urban centers of Augusta/ Gardiner, Waterville/Winslow and Bangor. The remaining portions of this region are sparcely developed containing some of the Maine's best soils and an excellent mixture of reverting farmland, active farmland and upland mixed forests . Population densities vary http: //www.sta te. me. us/ ifw

across the region from greater than 170 residents per sq. mi. in Androscoggin Co. to approximately 50 residents per sq. mi. in portions of Waldo Co., eastern lower Somerset Co. and western Penboscot Co.

The Frye Mt. WMA is located in Waldo Co. and represents premier upland habitat for deer, upland gamebirds and wild turkeys. This parcel is an accumulation of over thirty old farms which are intensively managed

Madawaska Bog is one of numerous wildlife management areas managed for the benefit of sportsmen and wildlife. (Photo by E. Dumont).

Wildlife Management Areas There are twenty-two Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in this region ranging from small miscellaneous parcels to large upland areas such as the Frye Mt. WMA (Dedicated to Gene Letourneau). Maps of these areas can be obtained through the regional headquarters in Sidney.

for upland wildlife. Other WMAs in this region include several outstanding wetlands managed for migratory waterfowl such as Ruffingham Meadow WMA in Searsmont, Madawaska Bog WMA in Palmyra, and the St. Albans WMA in St. Albans. Water levels in these areas are managed for optimum waterfowl production and contain excellent stands of wild rice. Fall 1998

Regional Hunting Opportunities There are no open moose hunting districts in this region, although moose numbers have increased in recent years. Bear sightings are also increasing, yet the majority of good bear range is further north. Most bear harvested in this region are taken incidental to deer hunting.

Kennebec and Waldo Counties are among some of the best bets to harvest good quality whitetailed deer including trophy bucks. Upland bird hunting opportunities abound. With the presence of numerous farms and the diversity of early succession forestland across central Maine,

tunity and a variety of bird covers. Waterfowl hunting opportunity in this region is excellent. The boundary between the north and south zone bisects the region and serious waterfowl hunters can have an extended season by hunting both zones. Local populations of Canada geese continue to increase resulting in some landowner problems. The special September Canada goose season provides numerous opportunities for the hunter who "patterns" the local birds. Geese can be taken in both the feeding areas of local farms and resting areas of ponds with a little prehunt scouting.

Deer habitat in these coastal river valleys is good to excellent and diversified. It represents some of the best mix of active and reverting farmland remaining in Maine. Portions of Waldo, Knox, Lincoln, Kennebec and Androscoggin Counties contain some of the highest deer densities in Waterfowl hunters the state. Wildlife Mancan expect good fall agement District (WMD) conditions. The wet 25 averages just over 90 spring and summer bucks harvested per 100 provided better than sq. mi., while the inland normal brood survival. WMDs 16, 17, 22, and 23 Opportunities for wood harvest averages over 116 duck, mallard and black bucks per 100 sq. mi. duck are available to all WMD 17 has the highest hunters. umerous consistent average buck ponds, lakes, and rivers harvest in Maine at 150 receive light hunting bucks per 100 sq. mi. pressure for waterfowl Where limited hunter especially late in the fall access has resulted in an for goldeneyes. under harvest of deer, Merrymeeting Bay, an Deer habitat in the Sidney region is excellent Special Archery Zones unique tidal estuary, and diversified. (Photo by Bill Si/liker, Jr.) have been designated as serves as a "staging to increase hunter opporarea" for thousands of tunity, and minimize deer fall migrants. It still provides upland gamebird habitat is good landowner conflicts. While some quality gunning for the traditionand well distributed across the access to hunting grounds has alist. Late season exist opportuniregion. We recommend that some become more difficult as a result ties for coa tal hunters on blacks hunters concentrate their efforts of land posting and habitat loss and mallards. The hunter that puts in areas that were timbered to development; excellent opporin the time to locate walkable salt harvested 10-12 years ago. A trip tunities still exist across the marshes can find some excellent to the Frye Mt. WMA always central Maine area. Eastern hunting. provides a great hunting oppor-

Maine Fish and Wild life

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BLACK BEAR by Craig McLaughlin Wildlife Biologist Physical Characteristics Although most black bears are not much larger than humans, their weight can vary tremendously with the season of the year. Bears store body fat during the fall months to supply energy during their long winter denning period, and are heaviest in late fall. Adult males average 250 to 600 pounds, and measure 5 to 6 feet from the tip of their nose to the tip of their tail. Females are smaller, weighing 100-400 pounds, and measuring 4 to 5 feet in length. Males stand about 40 inches tall at the shoulder;

females seldom exceed 30 inches in height. Bears are compact, with stocky legs, small eyes, short, rounded ears, short curved claws, and a short, inconspicuous tail. The black bear has a straight facial profile and a massive skull. They have a brown muzzle, and occasionally a white throat or chest patch or "blaze". Bears walk flat-footed, and their broad feet leave 5-toed tracks that sometimes resemble human footprints. Tracks of female bears rarely exceed 4.5 inches in width; males leave tracks up to 6 inches wide.

Natural History Habitat. Black bears require forests for protection and food.

They are amazingly adaptable to human presence, and are able to survive in close proximity to housing developments and suburban areas wherever cover to escape cover exists. Food habits. Bears are opportunists, and feed on a wide range of vegetation and animal matter. They eat a variety of plant matter throughout the growing season, including early greening grasses, clover, and the buds of hardwood trees in the spring, fruits and berries in summer, and beechnuts, acorns, and hazelnuts in the fall. This diet is supplemented with insects, including ants and bees (their larvae, adults, and honey), and occasional mammals and birds.

Bears are opportunists, and feed on a wide range of vegetation and animal matter. They eat a variety of plant matter throughout the growing season, including spring grasses, clover, and the buds of hardwood trees in the spring, fruits and berries in summer, and beechnuts, acorns and hazelnuts in the fall. ("No Trespassing," painting by Persis Clayton Weirs.Reprinted courtesy of the artist and Wild Wings Inc., Lake City, MN.)

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Fall 1998

Bears are not considered efficient predators, but they are known to prey on young deer and moose in late spring, and will consume carrion. Bears are intelligent, and adapt rapidly to new food sources, including agricultural crops and food placed to attract other wildlife, such as bird feeders, and untended garbage. Therefore, they occasionally cause problems for farmers, beekeepers and orchardists, and rural residents in the State.

winter. If a female is unable to store sufficient body fat, the pregnancy is terminated. Most fetal development occurs in early winter, after the female has entered a den, and 1-4 cubs are born inside the winter den during January - February. Cubs weight about 12 ounces at birth, and depend on their mother for warmth and nutrition during the remainder of the winter. They grow to 4-10 pounds by mid-late April, when the mother leads them away from the den. The family group remains together for 16-18 months, until the female

Longevity. Bears are longlived animals, capable of surviving 30 years in the wild. Their survival increases as they mature. Nearly half of newborn cubs may die before reaching their first birthday, with starvation being a major cause of death. By the time bears in Maine reach 2 years of age their survival exceeds 90%, and nearly all deaths of adult bears are due to hunting or other manrelated causes.

Reproduction. Black bears breed from May through AuMovements. Black bears lead gust, with most solitary lives, except for breedactivity peaking in ing pairs, family June and July. Adults are solitary, groups comprised of adult and during the females and their summer months offspring, and males travel over â&#x20AC;˘ Although they appear slow and lumbering, bears occasional large areas to encan run at speeds up to 35 miles per hour? hance their chances aggregations at concentrated for encountering â&#x20AC;˘ Bear cubs have blue eyes, which turn brown during food sources. mates. Although Females use males become their first summer? areas of 6 to 9 sexually mature at 1-2 years of age, square miles in â&#x20AC;˘ Bears may remain in their dens for 5-6 months each most do not particiMaine. They are year in Maine. During this time they do not eat, sedentary and pate in breeding drink, urinate or defecate? remain within or until they have near the range of reached full adult their mother for size, at about 4-6 the duration of years in Maine. their lives. Males disperse long Females in Maine become sexudistances (often up to 100 miles) reenters estrus and disperses her ally mature at 3-5 years of age. yearlings as another breeding as subadults (1-4 years of age) Individual females have a 2-year season begins. In northern reproductive cycle, which is prior to settling into adult Maine, fluctuating beechnut related to their long period of ranges that may exceed 100 mi. crops have produced alternating parental care for cubs. Bears Bears often make trips up to 40 years of high and low cub prohave a long gestation period, but miles outside of their ranges to duction, with most cubs being feed on berries or nuts (or most fetal development is deborn on odd-numbered years. occasionally to an orchard or layed until the final 6-8 weeks. Cub production is more consisfield of oats or corn) in late Breeding occurs in the summer, tent in central Maine, where prior to the fall feeding period summer or fall. When feeding that provides the female with more stable fall food supplies on a concentrated food source, stored body fat to supply deresult in nearly half of adult bears may use areas as small as mands for fetal development females giving birth each year. several acres; when searching and her survival during the for dispersed food or mates,

Did You Know...

Maine Fish and Wtld life

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they can cover several miles in a day. Bears are active in late fall as long as food is plentiful. In years of abundant beechnut crops, they will feed until snow makes travel difficult, and normally enter dens in late November. If late fall food is scarce, bears usually enter dens by mid-October.

Historical Management in Maine

Population and Distribution Trends. Historically, bears were found throughout the State. Following European settlement, bears were extirpated from the south-coastal section of Maine, from Portland north to Penobscot Bay as forests were cleared for farming. Soils were depleted and agriculture declined since the turn of the century, and forests have re-grown and are once again able to support bears. However, bears are slow to recolonize vacant habitat, and are

Hunting Tips • Successful hunters know that the best places to locate bears are at food sources. Pre-season scouting increases your success rate. Look for tracks, droppings, broken stems or branches near seasonal food supplies. • Always ask landowner permission before setting baits or starting hounds. • Hunt near food sources that are "in season." Early in the fall, bears are found near clear cuts that produce berries; late in the fall, hunt near sources of beechnuts or.acorns. • Scent control is a must for successful hunting over bait. Wear rubber footwear, keep hunting clothing clean, and avoid wearing it in camp where foreign odors can be picked up. Do not smoke on stand. Use cover scent. • Tree stands are dangerous. Secure yourself with a safety strap. Do not climb with a firearm or bow in your hand; instead, use a haul line after safely strapping yourself in. • Practice with your weapon continuously to maintain proficiency. Bears must be hit solidly in the lungs or heart, rather small targets compared to a bear's large body size. • Hunting with hounds is physically demanding. An exercise program will put you in shape to complete a hunt safely.

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still rare visitors to south-coastal Maine. Most of the State has remained a stronghold for black bears. Historical accounts suggest that population density fluctuated over the last century, but the State has always supported an abundant bear population. Interest in bear hunting increased in the 1970s, and the Department's Bear Study was established in 1975 to monitor population trends. Additional restrictions on hunting season length have increased bear survival during the 1990s, and the population increased to 22,000-23,000 bears in 1998.

Current Management in Maine Current distribution. Bears roam over about 85% of the State, and are only absent from coastal sections of York, Cumberland, Sagadahoc, Lincoln, and Knox Counties. Current management goals and objectives. Current management goals and objectives were established in 1985, and will be revised and updated. Management goal: Maintain bear population at 1985 levels (about 21,000 bears)

Harvest objective: Increase annual harvest levels to 1,5002,500 bears, or to levels needed to stabilize the bear population. Management challenges. The primary challenges in managing Maine's bear population are 1) estimating the population size; 2) monitoring reproduction, and the factors that affect cub production, and 3) monitoring bear survival. Fall 1998

MOOSE by Karen Morris Wildlife Biologist

and rounder. Some bulls may have an additional tuft of skin extending below the bell, but it is

believed that this extension freezes off. A bull's antlers spread rarely exceeds 65 inches

Physical Description The Latin name for moose, Akes alces, means elk and in Europe and Asia moose are called elk. However, in North America, Akes species are called moose. Four subspecies of moose are recognized in North America. The eastern or Taiga moose is the subspecies found in Maine. During Maine's fall hunting season, the average adult cow weighs 600 lbs (dressed) and the average adult bull weighs 800 lbs (dressed). Large bulls weigh over 1000 lbs, dressed. The total length of a moose is about 9 feet and height measured at the shoulder is about 6 feet. The front hoof width is about 5 inches for a prime bull, just under 4 inches for a cow, and just under 3 inches for a calf. A cow has a brown face and dark body and a bull has a black face . Both cows and bulls have "bells," skin flaps found on the neck. A cow's bell looks more like a tuft of hair, whereas a bull's bell is larger

Hunters ' selection of large bulls over cows and small bulls allows Maine's moose population to increase. If this continues, populations may increase beyond the capability of the habitat and human tolerance. (Photo by Maine wildlife photographer Bill Si/liker, Jr.)

Maine Fish and Wildlife

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and a spread of 55 inches is considered good. Antlers on cows are extremely rare. Calves may have small buds by late September, yearlings may have spikes or small forks, and palms typically first develop in 2 and 3 year old bulls. Maximum antler development is obtained at age 5 and declines when bulls are in their teens.

Natural History Habitat. Bulls and cows use somewhat different habitats during the summer, which is a tradeoff between cooler temperatures for bulls and the requirements for raising calves. Bulls are typically found at higher elevations in mixed and hardwood stands, where food supply is less available, but shading provides cooler temperatures. Cows are found at lower elevations in regenerating stands and adjacent softwoods, because food is more concentrated. This concentrated food source limits the amount of time cows spend feeding, which limits calves vulnerability to predators. Moose typically winter at higher elevations where more hardwood browse is available, and they often feed in regenerating stands. Mature softwood is used as cover when snow depth exceeds 3 feet.

survive on balsam fir alone, because it has lower nutritional value. Fire, wind throw, insects, and forest practices, such as clear cutting, promote disturbance and regrowth of these important forage trees. Sodium is also important to moose. Aquatic plants, such as pondweed and water lily, have a higher sodium content than woody vegetation and are an important part of a moose's diet. As a result, moose have reduced the number of aquatic plants in much of northern Maine. Natural salt licks are rare in Maine, so moose are often seen along roads using the salt runoff as an artificial salt lick. Reproduction. The breeding season for moose begins in late September and last into early October. Cows may produce their first calf when they are two, and most produce a calf by age 3. Each May, cows give birth to 1 to 2 calves. Cows rarely have more than 2 calves and young

cows rarely have twins. A cow's nutritional condition determines the number of calves born and when a cow first breeds. Moose continue to breed into their teens, but are less productive. Calves remain with their mother for one year and are driven off shortly before the next calf is born. Bulls are able to breed as yearlings, but most do not breed until they are older and can compete with other larger bulls. Survival. Moose die from a variety of causes: legal and illegal harvest, road kills, other accidents (drowning, falls, etc.), predation, disease, starvation, and old age. Predation of adult moose is low, because predators capable of killing adult moose are rare or absent from Maine. Black bears, which are common in Maine, are potential predators of moose calves. Three parasites can cause mortality in moose in Maine:

Moose continued on page 24

Food Habits. Moose subsist on browse, the leaves and twigs of woody plants. Willow, aspen, birch, maple, pin cherry, and mountain ash are important, high quality browse utilized year round by moose. Because leaves are absent from hardwoods in the winter, balsam fir is an important winter food for moose. However, moose can not http:// www.state.me. us/ifw

Fn /11 998

WARDEN SERVICE by Major Tom Santaguida, Deputy Chief Warden

Maine Warden Service Search and Rescue Operations

The Maine Warden Service is focusing its law enforcement effort in the areas of public safety and fish and wildlife resource protection. Enforcement activities planned for this fall hunting include illegal moose poaching investigations, waterfowl enforcement and a renewed effort to apprehend persons involved with the illegal commercialization of Maine's wildlife resources. Later this fall, plans will be finalized for stepped-up snowmobile patrols during the coming winter.

Three major components of the Warden Search and Rescue effort - the Dive Team, the K-9 Team and the Search and Rescue Incident Command Team continue to train and increase Warden Service expertise in the field of search and rescue operations.

Wardens have been directed to focus their patrol activities on traditional sporting activities such as hunting, fishing and trapping, and to apprehend intentional and repeat violators who threaten the wellbeing of our fish and wildlife resources.

The Warden Service conducted two very large-scale searches during the past year. The first of these was the search for Robert Smith in Garfield Plantation, Aroostook County during November 1997. The second search of very large scale

In 1997-98, the Warden Service conducted 356 searches for persons lost in the woods or on the inland waters of Maine. The cost of these searches is currently at $326,897.72.

was for Fred Tantimonico in Waite, Washington County during July 1998. Both of these large-scale efforts utilized vehicles, aircraft and equipment and personnel from a variety of organizations, both public and private. For the Smith search in Garfield, costs have been tallied at $166,279.57 and the Tantimonico search in Waite has been estimated to be more than $100,000.

Hunter Education This past year proved to be a very busy and successful one for the Hunter Education Program in Maine. One of the most significant changes was the retirement of Gareth Anderson, the Hunter Education Administrator for 25 years. Gary guided the efforts in firearms, bow, and trapper education from infancy in this state to the present status for compliance with mandatory education in these areas. His replacement is Mike Sawyer, a 15year Inland Fisheries & Wildlife veteran who served as a regional coordinator in Aroostook County.

1997 Hunting Season Thirteen hunting related incidents were reported to the Safety Office including one fatal in Unity.

Warden Micah Thurston checks the license of a fall bird hunter. (Photo by Paul Fourn ier)

Maine Fish and Wildlife

The continued dedication of the volunteer hunter education instructors, Safety Division Staff, and the Maine Warden Service allows us to enjoy one of the best records for hunting incidents in the nation. http://www.state.me. us/ifw

Outdoor Ethics A new program, Outdoor Ethics in Maine, was started this year by the Maine Warden Service.Maine's program is the only true outdoor ethics program in New England and one of only a very small number in the country. Maine's program features a two- hour mini -course and an eight- hour course. The two-hour course is being included in all Departmental courses on hunter education, trapper education, and recreational vehicle education. The eight-hour course is being used to meet the requirements of a law passed by the legislature in 1997. This new law requires that all persons receiving a mandatory revocation of their hunting, fishing, trapping or guiding license take the eight-hour course and successfully complete it before getting their revoked license reinstated. Persons taking the course have to pay a $100.00 fee when they pre-register.

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To date, 15 people have taken the course and successfully completed all the requirements. Outdoor ethics is a new frontier for us to explore and develop.

proved of which $3,740.00 were claimed.

This program received 661 calls to the toll free number during 1997. The calls covered a wide variety of illegal activities with the largest majority of them pertaining to hunting violations, mostly deer related. There also

Court ordered restitution from these cases amounted to $12,035.00 for the year. Anyone aware of a fishing, trapping, hunting, or wildlife related violation should use the Operation Game Thief program to help game wardens apprehend those who abuse the fish and wildlife resources of Maine. Please become involved and call 1-800253-7887 or, if using your cell phone, dial #GW or *GW.

Landowner Relations The full-time Landowner Relations Program is entering its fourth year. Supersport license sales, which are the primary source of funding for the program, are increasing, but are still below the level that is needed to adequately fund the program.

Warden Diver Jeff Lewis explains the value of an underwater "scooter" used in locating drowning victims. (Photo by v. Paul Reynolds).

Operation Game Thief Operation Game Thief is a private non-profit organization committed to helping game wardens protect the fish and wildlife resources of Maine. Funding for the entire program http ://www.state.me. us/ifw

is raised by the very dedicated board of directors.

has been an increase in the number of fishing violations made by game wardens from information called into Operation Game Thief. Rewards ranging in amounts of $50.00 to $1,000.00 were paid. A total of $4,310.00 in rewards were ap-

Landowner Liability still is a major concern to private landowners even though Maine has a very strong law that offers protection to landowners.

The main objective of the program is to offer landowners an alternative to No Trespassing signs and thereby open more land to the outdoor recreating public. Convincing landusers to voluntarily adopt the practice of "Ask First" is crucial. Fall 1998

Moose continued brain worm, winter tick, and lung worm. Moose infected with brain worm almost always die, but winter tick and lung worm infestations rarely kill moose.

Longevity. The average life expectancy is 8 years for a cow and 7 years for a bull. Moose may live into their late teens, but rarely live past 20.

Historical Management in Maine Distribution and Population trends. According to writings of early explorers, moose were plentiful in New England during the 1600s. By the early 1900s, moose populations in Maine had declined to an estimated 2,000. This decline was mostly attributed to unrestricted hunting. Clearing forestland for farming and increased incidence of brainworm attributed to increasing deer populations also contributed to their decline. Deer are host or carriers of brainworm without suffering any ill effects. During the 1900s, laws protecting moose from excessive hunting, and improving habitat conditions, allowed the moose population to increase. By 1985,

Maine Fish and Wildlife

the moose population in Maine was estimated at 21,150.

Harvest Trends/Statistics Season Changes. Prior to 1830, there were no laws restricting the harvest of moose. Moose could be hunted statewide, all year, without a bag limit. In 1830, the first law established an open season of 2 months. Over the next 14 years, from 1830-1874, the season length ranged from 2 to 8 months. Moose hunting was not allowed from 1875-1879. In 1880, the moose season was reopened on the number of moose hunters. A bag limit was first established in 1889, which limited each hunter to one bull. From 1889-1915, the season length varied from 1 to 3 months. In 1915, the moose season was closed statewide. The season was reopened in 1919 for a short 11 day season with a 1 bull bag limit. The season continued to be closed and reopened periodically from 1920-1936. When the season was open, only one bull moose per hunter could be harvested during a 6-day season. In 1935, the season was reduced to 3 days. Then in 1936, the moose season was closed and remained

closed until 1980. During this 54 year season closure, several bills were introduced to reestablish a moose season. In 1979, a moose hunting bill passed both houses

http: // www.state.me. u s/ i fw

and was signed into law. This law allowed the MDIFW to issue up to 700 permits to Maine resident hunters. A 6-day season was set during the last week of September 1980 and was restricted to an area north of the Canadian Pacific Rail Road. A bag limit of one moose of any sex or age was allowed. In 1982, 1,000 permits were issued, with a provision that 10% of the permits could be issued to nonresidents. Since 1982, the number of permits issued and the area open to hunting has increased. This year 2,000 permits were issued.

Moose hunter's selection of large bulls over cows and small bulls allows Maine's moose population to continue to increase. If this trend continues, the moose population may increase above the capability of the habitat and human tolerance. Permits for anterless moose may only need to be issued to reduce Maine's

moose population. However, under current policy and attitudes, reductions in the moose population will be difficult with anterless moose only permits. Currently, there is a cap on the number of permits issued, and the Department cannot increase the number of permits without legislative approval.

Current Management in Maine Current Distribution. Moose are found statewide, but most occur in northern Maine. The estimated winter population of moose in Maine is 29,000, which may be an underestimate. Current Management Goals and Objectives. During the 1985 planning process, goals to maintain moose numbers at 1985 levels (21,150), increase harvest, and maintain viewing opportunity were established. Population, consumptive, and nonconsumptive objectives were developed to meet these goals. The Population Objective is to maintain moose populations at 1985 levels in all WMU's through 1996. A public working group will be reviewing and revising the goals in the next year. Management Challenges. One of the objectives established during the last planning period was to maintain the moose population at 21,150 animals. http: // www.state.rne.us / ifw

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Fall 1998

River to the east and the Penobscot River to the west.

by Tom Schaeffer, Regional

Wildllife Biologist Physical Characteristics Region C, commonly referred to as the "Downeast Region," is the eastern most of the Department's three coastal regions. The region encompasses much of Washington and Hancock Counties (along with a few townships in Penobscot County) between the St. Croix

Both land form and use transitions as one moves away from the coast to the region's interior. The coastal belt along U.S. Route 1 is characterized by a mix of softwood and hardwood stands in western Hancock County changing to predominantly spruce-fir growth to the east. Most of the human settlement occurs along this belt and along the Penobscot River. It is primarily rural and becomes sparse to the east. There are scattered population centers in Bucksport, Ellsworth, Machias and Calais.Old homesteads and some remaining agriculture

with their associated fields and reverting covers provide habitat diversity. Between Route 1 and Route 9, land character and use changes to a mix of interior woodlands (most under corporate ownership) and extensive commercial blueberry barrens in eastern Hancock to central Washington County. Woodlands range from mixed stands in the west to predominantly softwoods to the east. Intensive timber harvesting over the past 20 years has created a diversity of young age-classed forest stands. An extensive system of gravel roads on the industrial forest lands provides excellent public access. The

This fall, Maine 's October moose hunters will be issued 2,000 permits. Traditionally, more than 90 percent of the hunters tag a moose before week's end. Increasingly, hunters will find their chances for both a quality hunting experience and a large bull increased by getting off the "beaten path."

Mnine Fis/, nnd W,ldlife

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habitat values and diversity of blueberry agriculture is often limited by the expansive nature of the barrens and a monoculture style of management. Human settlement is sparse and rural occurring on the eastern and western extremes of this area. North of Route 9 are the interior woodlands under corporate ownership. Forest stands are primarily softwood and generally are of younger age classes. Human settlements are sparse and again limited to the eastern and western extremes. This area also has an extensive system of gravel roads, and access is not limiting.

Wildlife Management Areas Region C manages 15 Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) totaling almost 8000 acres of land, which are open to the public for primitive forms of recreation including hunting and trapping. While none of the WMAs are large enough to accommodate a large number of users at the same time, there are hunting opportunities on these areas with comparatively low use levels. These WMAs can be classified into 3 categories of habitat types; each provides certain opportunities for hunting. Some areas consist primarily of a managed flowage with little or no upland buffer that is State owned. These areas are well suited for waterfowl hunting and hunting deer from a boat or canoe. Hunting privatelyowned uplands adjacent to the flowage may be permitted, but http://www.state.me. us/i fw

one should always seek permission from the landowners. These state-managed flowages include Orange River WMA in Whiting, Great Works WMA in Edmunds Twp., and Pennamaquan WMA in Pembroke. Wildlife Management Areas in the second category contain managed flowages or coastal wetlands with adequate acreages of uplands to accommodate both waterfowl and upland hunting. A variety of wildlife habitat enhancement programs are conducted on uplands in these areas to benefit ruffed grouse, woodcock and deer. Waterfowl and upland hunting opportunities are available at Lyle Frost WMA in Eastbrook; Narraguagus WMA in Cherryfield; Horan Head and Morang Point WMAs in Lubec; Commissary Point and Talbot Cove WMAs in Trescott; and Wilbur Neck WMA in Pembroke. Boat access on the WMAs is limited to hand carry. At some locations, access for' trailered boats may be available at facilities outside of the Management Area. The third category of WMAs includes those areas which are primarily uplands with limited or no wetland-based hunting opportunities. These areas include Egypt Bay WMA in Hancock, Jonesboro WMA in Jonesboro, and Tide Mill Farm in Edmunds (private land with acquired public access rights). Further information on these areas can be obtained from the website of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife or by calling the regional office in Machias.

Hunting Opportunities Region C is comprised of three broad habitat types, coastal islands and estuaries, coastal plain, and interior forests. Each of these habitat types offers very different hunting opportunities. Coastal islands and estuaries stretch from the mouth of the Penobscot River in Bucksport eastward along the seacoast to Lubec, then north through Cobscook Bay and the St. Croix River to Calais. Many miles of shoreline, islands, and offshore ledges provide exceptional waterfowl hunting. Early season hunting focuses on teal and black ducks. During second season, hunters shift their attention to goldeneye, bufflehead, black ducks, and sea ducks. For those with the equipment and fortitude to face the wintry coastal environment, sea duck hunting continues into January. The coastal islands form a separate WMD (WMD30). Many of the coastal islands have resident deer populations (check your lawbook, as some are closed to the taking of deer). Liberal allocations of antlerless deer permits and the expanded archery season provide many unique deer hunting opportunities in this v\TMD. The coastal plain is abundant with freshwater brooks, ponds and flowages. Waterfowl hunters will find wood ducks, teal, black ducks, and mallards feeding and loafing in these flowages. Near the coastline, some of these flowages serve as 'drinking brooks' for ducks seeking fresh water. The upFn/1 1998

lands, reverting farms, abandoned orchards, blueberry fields, and alder thickets that flank Route One provide habitat diversity and offer the best opportunities for hunting deer, bear, woodcock and other upland game. The downeast area is unique in its abundance of soft mast; naturally occurring fruits and berries from native plants, shrubs, and trees. Upland bird, bear, and deer hunters are wise to locate these wildlife foods in seeking their prey. An infrequently used but effective form of deer hunting is float-hunting. Drifting in a

canoe along a slow moving river or stream, or stalking deer by quietly paddling on an open flowage is an under-utilized opportunity downeast with the area's vast number of wetlands. The interior fores t is a broad expanse of industrial managed woodlands and commercial blueberry lands traversed by an elaborate network of gravel roads that provide unequaled access opportunities. Bear and moose are the primary big game species hunted in this area (presently, moose hunting is restricted to that area north of Route 9). Baiting and hunting behind dogs is the popular mode

of bear hunting in this area, although areas of natural foods (both hard and soft mast) provide opportunities for the hunter who prefers to stalk his quarry. Moose populations are increasing in response to the vast quantity of food available in young, regenerating stands. Deer numbers are lower here than in other parts of the region, but there are areas where deer are beginning to repopulate, and a hunter who is willing to scout, and who enjoys hunting in solitude may do well to consider this area. Woodcock, ruffed grouse, and snowshoe hare can be found in areas of regenerating clearcuts.

Maine Fish and Wildlife

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Maine Fish and Wildlife

http://www .s tate . me . us/ifw

by Sandy Ritchie, Regional Wildlife Biologist Wildlife Management Areas

Physical Characteristics Framed by the New Hampshire border to the west and the Kennebec River to the east, the Rangeley Region (See map, Region D) is a mountainous transition zone between central coastal Maine and the northern "big woods." It is a region noted for its extraordinary vistas as well as its contribution to Maine's reputation for unparalleled fish and wildlife resources in New England. The Rangeley Region is a diverse region that embraces 4,232 square miles and contains more than 106,000 acres of lakes and ponds, 4,800 miles of rivers and streams, and nearly 150 miles of the rugged Appalachian Trail. Industrial timberlands comprised of spruce and fir and northern hardwoods dominate the northern twothirds of the region, while the southern portion is characterized by a blend of wooded tracts, agricultural land, and small townships where most of the region's population resides. http ://www.state .me. us/ifw

Within an hour's drive of Farmington, hunters can access any one of six properties, comprising more than 3000 acres, managed by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife as waterfowl production areas. If a quiet canoe trip and the excitement of jump shooting appeal to you, consider the Chesterville WMA located in Franklin County. Chesterville is a long narrow marsh that follows the winding course of Little Norridgewock Stream. Narrow tracts of forested upland parallel to the marsh complete the 1340 acre area. Gunning is best early in the season when woodies, black ducks, and hooded mergansers are plentiful, or maximize your hunting experience by visiting Chesterville in November and bag a deer and a limit of ducks in one outing. If you crave a more remote hunting experience, check out a relatively new acquisition, Black Brook Flowage WMA in Pierce Pond Township. Three main tributaries feed the flowage creating irregular shorelines, islands, coves, and backwaters. This wetland is unique in this part of the state because it is not affected by water level manipu-

lations for hydropower storage as are nearby Flagstaff Lake and Dead River Flowage. Consequently, it is highly attractive to waterfowl; in fact, anecdotal evidence suggests the use of this area by waterfowl rivals more traditionally renowned wetlands.

Hunting Opportunities Across the Region Maine provides some of the finest trophy quality deer hunting around, and the Rangeley Region is no exception. In spite of its moderate-to-severe winters, poorer quality habitat, and lower deer numbers when compared with central and southern Maine, the Rangeley Region can hold its own in providing trophy quality animals. In fact, the state record buck (355 pounds) and doe (255 pounds and antlered!) taken during the firearms season were bagged in this region. Deer are more abundant in the southern portion of the region where winters are milder and forests are interspersed with agricultural lands and small towns. Hunters seeking a more remote hunting experience generally opt for the Rangeley and Stratten/ Eustis areas. Both offer plenty of big woods hunting and the opportunity to track deer on early November snow Fall 1998

which can last throughout the season!

If bear hunting is your forte, give the Bethel/Newry/ Andover area a shot. This southwest corner of the region consistently produces the highest harvest levels in the area. The Rangeley Region certainly has no shortage of bears, and bear hunting has increased over the last several years. The mountainous terrain, however, can make for a challenging hunt. When it comes to moose hunting, the Rangeley Region is second to none, consistently recording some of the highest success rates (98-100%!) among moose hunters. The region's

industrial forests are easily accessed by an extensive network of haul roads; but the more adventuresome hunter will occasionally pursue his or her quarry by canoe along many of the region's rivers and wetlands. Come prepared; your work begins after the animal is down! In addition to big game hunting, the region offers plenty of opportunity for the waterfowl and upland bird enthusiast as well. Whether it be goose hunting on Flagstaff Lake, gunning the many coves and backwaters of the Androscoggin and Kennebec Rivers, poking the nose of your canoe into a small fresh marsh, or working a dog in search of a "biddy,"the

Rangeley Region is noteworthy because of the wide variety of hunting experiences it offers. Accessible from Errol, New Hampshire from the west, Bethel and Farmington to the south, and Greenville from the north and east, the Rangeley Region offers a wide variety of businesses catering to hunters. Accommodations vary from motels and inns, to sporting camps, to campgrounds and i11dividual remote campsites. For those unfamiliar with the territory, it might be worthwhile hiring a guide Guide services are available throughout the region. Whatever your hunting pleasure, the Rangeley Region will fill the bill.

For the hunter looking for a quality outdoor experience amid breathtaking scenery, Maine 's mountain-studded Rangeley Region offers it all.(Photo by u. Paul Reynolds.) 30

Maine Fish and Wildlife

h ttp: // www.state . me. us / i fw

WILD TURKEY by George Matula

Wildlife Biologist Physical Characteristics The Wild Turkey is North America's largest upland game bird. Average adult hens weigh between 8 -12 lb. and adult toms between 10 - 20 lb., but a large tom can weigh in excess of 25 lb. Toms sport "beards,"which are bristle-like feathers that protrude from the chest and can grow to a length of more than 12 inches on older toms. Beards may be present on about 10% of the hens; however, they are thinner and shorter than those of adult males. Heads of gobblers (adult toms) are generally bare and blue with a hint of pink and red, but colors can change with the mood of the tom. During mating season, the gobbler's crown swells and turns white and its wattles become large and bright red. Heads of hens are somewhat feathered with smaller, darker feathers extending up from the back of the neck. Legs of toms are longer than the hens and are equipped with spurs. Footprints of toms can exceed 6 in., whereas hen's footprints rarely exceed 4+ in. The breast feathers of hens are buff- or brown-tipped; the tom's are tipped with a sharp band of black. Wild Turkey's plumage is more iridescent than domestic turkeys, and their tail feathers are tipped with brown rather than the white found on tame birds. Wild Turkeys have keen eyesight, acute hearing, and are agile fliers, although they often walk or run from danger. http ://www .state .me. us/ifw

Natural History Habitat. Eastern Wild Turkeys generally require large tracts of mature hardwoods (especially nut producing species such as oak and beech) interspersed with stands of mature pine. They also require grassy openings and hay and pasture lands for raising their young.

from 26 to 28 days before hatching. After 5-6 weeks of age, young turkeys begin roosting in trees, thus greatly reducing their vulnerability to predators.

Longevity. Mortality is greatest and most variable in the early stages of life. Once Wild Turkeys reach adulthood, they may live as long as 10 years.

Food habits. Turkeys feed on a wide variety of animal and plant materials such as insects, greens, fruits, berries, seeds, grains, and nuts. During winter, turkeys feed on bayberry fruits, sensitive fern spore heads, burdock seeds and other vegetation around springfed brooks and on bare edges of fields. In Maine, turkeys also depend on dairy farms for food to survive winter. Dairy farms provide silage corn and manure containing undigested corn that is either spread on fields or stockpiled for future spreading.

Movements. Hens and their poults join other poults and hens to form flocks of 6 - 25 birds (occasionally up to 50 birds) during late summer, fall, and winter. Adult toms generally remain loners, but small groups of 2 to 5 toms of mixed ages are commonly seen throughout the year except breeding season. Feeding turkeys can cover several miles in a day.

Reproduction. Wild Turkeys in Maine breed during April and May. Dominant toms do most of the breeding. Through elaborate strutting and gobbling, they try to attract and mate with as many hens as they can, which may be as many as 12 or more. After breeding, hens confine themselves to nesting. They construct nests in shallow depressions on the ground at the base of a tree or stump, under a tangle of brush, or in dense herbaceous cover. One egg is laid each day for up to ten to twelve days. Eggs are incubated by the hen

Population and distribution trends. Historically, wild turkeys existed in significant numbers in York and Cumberland Counties, and perhaps in lower numbers eastward to Hancock County. From the time of settlement until 1880, agricultural practices intensified until farmland comprised about 90% of York and Cumberland counties. The reduction in forest land and unrestricted hunting are believed to be the two most important factors leading to the extirpation of native wild

Historical Management in Maine

Fall 1998

Wild turkeys in Maine breed during April and May. Dominant toms do most of the breeding. Males try to attract and mate with as many as 12 or more hens. (Detail from " Backwoods Passage," painting by Rosemary Millette. Reprinted courtesy of the artist and Wild Wings Inc., Lake City MN.)

Maine Fish and Wildlife

http://www.stale.me. us/ifw

turkeys in Maine in the early 1800s. Attempts to reintroduce turkeys to Maine began in 1942 when the Department of Inland Fisheries and Game released 24 birds on Swan Island, in Sagadahoc County. In the 1960s, fish and game clubs in Bangor and Windham made similar attempts to reestablish turkey in their areas using imported birds raised from part wild and part game-farm stocks. None of these attempts succeeded in establishing populations of wild birds. In 1977 and 1978, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife obtained 41 wild turkeys from Vermont and released them in the towns of York and Eliot. In Spring 1982, 33 turkeys were trapped from the growing York County population and released in Waldo County. In the winter of 1984, 19 birds were captured in York County and released in Hancock County, but poaching was believed to be the demise of these birds. During the winters of 1987 and 1988, 70 Wild Turkeys were obtained from Connecticut to augment Maine's growing turkey population. Snow depth is believed to be the major factor limiting the distribution of turkeys in Maine.

1996: Major expansion of hunting zone and establishment of North and South Zones.

Current Management in Maine Current distribution. Instate trapping and transfer, and natural dispersal, have expanded the range of wild turkeys well inland and eastward. Turkeys can now be found in York, Cumberland, Oxford, Androscoggin, Lincoln, Knox, Kennebec, Waldo, Hancock,

Somerset, and Penobscot counties. Management goal: Increase Wild Turkey populations in areas of suitable habitat and increase hunting opportunity. Management challenges. The two biggest challenges facing Wild Turkey managers in Maine are: 1) accurately assessing the size of the Wild Turkey population, and 2) identifying the factors that limit the size of that population.

Season history 1985: Commissioner given authority to establish a spring wild turkey hunting season. 1986: First spring hunting season in Maine from 8 May to 24 May in York County. 1992: Hunting zone expanded

to include a large portion of Cumberland County http :// www .state.me.us / ifw

Fall 1998

WATERFOWL by George Matula

Wildlife Biologist Introduction Ducks, geese, and swans belong to the family Anatidae, commonly know as waterfowl. There are about 150 species of waterfowl worldwide. In Maine, 33 species are found: 15 species are residents during the breeding season, 18 species winter in Maine, and all 33 species migrate through Maine. Eleven dabbling ducks, 13 diving ducks, 6 sea ducks, and 4 geese comprise the 33 species of waterfowl found in Maine.

during the post-breeding period for male ducks, and during the brood rearing period for geese and female ducks.

once a year. During the annual molt, waterfowl have a complete and simultaneous molt of their wing feathers, which leaves them flightless for 2 to 4 weeks.

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Migration. As a whole, waterfow 1 make tremendously long migratory flights, traversing thousands of miles from their breeding grounds to their wintering grounds. This migratory nature is affected by the seasonal availability of food resources and favorable climate conditions. During migration, waterfowl often fly continuously and land only when they are exhausted or weather conditions make flying difficult. Most fly at 40-60 miles per hour and fly from a few feet above the water to over 20,000 feet above sea level.

Molt. Once birds reach adulthood, they have at least one annual and complete replacement of their plumOf the 150 species of waterfowl worldwide, Maine has age (feathers). This 33 species: 15 are residents during the breeding process is referred season, 18 species winter in Maine and a/133 species to as the molt. In migrate through Maine. ("Sundo wn at Delta Marsh, .. painting by David addition to this Maas. Reprinted courtesy of the artist and Wild Wings Inc., Lake City, MN). annual molt, males Survival. of many species of Hunting, predaducks molt into a more colorful tion, starvation, disease, and Ducks often desert their breedplumage prior to the breeding accidents (e.g. striking power ing grounds, prior to the molt, in season, and females molt into a lines, drowning in fishnets, oil search of food-rich waters and duller plumage prior to nesting spills, etc.) are common sources areas that provide protection to be better camouflaged. Geese of mortality for waterfowl. from predators while they are have only one plumage and molt Unhatched eggs, ducklings flightless . The molt occurs

Maine Fish and Wildlife

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before they reach flight stage, nesting hens, and flightless birds during the molt are the most vulnerable to predators. Common predators are small mammals (raccoons, skunks, fox, etc.), birds (gulls, owls, eagles, etc.) and snakes. Disease is probably the most important source of non-hunting mortality and can reach epidemic levels. Longevity. Generally, sea ducks and diving ducks live longer than dabblers and geese are the longest lived of all waterfowl. Maximum life-span recorded from band returns were 23 years for a Canada goose, 8-23 years for dabbling ducks, 12-21 years for diving ducks, and 11-18 years for sea ducks.

Historical Management in Maine Distribution and Population trends. Records of waterfowl numbers during settlement by Europeans are not available, but, jn general, it is believed that waterfowl were more numerous then. In the 1950s, development of surveys, inventories, and banding programs provided indices to the population status of waterfowl. From 1950-1985, productions surveys in Maine have shown variable trends in Maine's common breeding waterfowl. Ring-necked ducks, hooded and common mergansers, mallards, and blue-winged and green-winged teal have increased. However, black ducks, wood ducks, and goldeneyes have been declining. Harvest Trends/Statistics and Season Changes. Waterfowl harvests in the Uruted States have been declining since 1978. This http://www.state .me. us/ifw

decline is a result of a combination of factors: hunter numbers have been declining, waterfowl populations were lower during the 1980s, and hunting regulations were more restrictive. In Maine, during the last 20 years, waterfowl hunter numbers have been declining steadily. Since the five year period, 1976-80, a 43% decline in the average number of duck stamps sold has been observed.

Current Management in Maine Current Distribution. Brood count surveys have provided trends in waterfowl breeding populations since the mid 1950s. Based on recent brood counts, black duck and ring-necked duck numbers appear to be declining. As a result, hunting seasons and bag limjts for these 2 species have been reduced. Mallards and wood ducks appear to be increasing. The status of sea ducks is available from surveys of breeding populations and aerial counts of

wintering birds. Preliminary information shows eiders populations are stable, scoter populations are increasing, and other sea ducks are increasing.

Management Goals and Objectives. During the 1985, 1991, and 1996 planning periods, a goal to increase breeding waterfowl populations to maximize fall populations was established. The first Abundance Objective is to increase the number of waterfowl broods by 15% and the proportion of black duck broods from 19 to 30%, wood duck from 13 to 20%, and maintain ringnecked duck at 25% of the broods produced by 2001. The second Abundance Objective is to reduce the non-legal mortality of waterfowl populations by 25% by 2001. Management Challenges. The biggest challenge facing our wildlife biologist is maintaining a reduction in harvest rate of Maine black ducks, while providing additional opporturuty to hunt other species.

Hunting Tips •

Set decoys close to your blind with one decoy at least 40 yards out.

•

Be ready to dispatch cripples as soon as they hit the water and before they swim out of range.

•

Know your equipment -pattern your shotgun with hunting loads. -practice shooting clay-pigeons prior to the season.

•

Carry safety and first-aid equipment on all hunting trips.

•

Remain still when birds are approaching your set. Move only at the last moment before shooting.

Fall 1998

DABBLING DUCKS by Pat Corr

Wildlife Biologist Description Dabbling ducks common in Maine are the American black duck,the mallard, green-winged teal, blue-winged teal, and wood duck. Northern shoveler, northern pintail, gadwall, European widgeon, American widgeon and fulvous whistling ducks also occur in Maine, but are less common. Dabblers feed by dabbling at the water surface or by "upending" submerging their head and pitching their tail up. They will also feed on land in open areas. Several dabblers have bills adapted for straining tiny items out of muddy water.

Females are mostly brown with spots or stripes, which helps them blend in when nesting. Males are generally more brightly colored, but some have similar plumage as the female (e.g. black duck). The male wood duck in its breeding plumage has earned the title of the most beautiful duck in North America. The crest of the head is iridescent green in front to purplish in the rear, burgundy feathers are found behind each eye, and the sides of the head are purple, blue-green, and bronze.

Natural History Habitat and Food Habits. Black ducks, mallards, and pintails utilize a range of habitats (brackish, salt, and freshwater marshes, lakes, rivers, and beaver ponds), which leads to a diverse diet ranging from seeds of aquatic plants, to cultivated crops, to mollusk. Mollusk are less important part of mallards and pintails diet. Wood ducks inhabit streams, rivers, flood plains, lakes, swamps, and beaver ponds. Acorns, when

In Maine, 75 percent of the cost of managing our wildlife is provided by Pittman-Robertson dollars, which come from a tax on firearms paid by America's sportsmen. ("Ready or Not," watercolor by Tom Hennessey, Hampden, ME. Reprinted courtesy of the artist.)

Maine Fish and Wi ldlife

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available, are the favored food of wood ducks. Green-winged and blue-winged teal have similar food habits and often feed together on mud flats and shallow marshes. Green-winged teal are primarily vegetarians, whereas, blue-winged teal will eat some animal life. Reproduction. Dabbling ducks first breed as one-year olds and begin nesting in March and April. The blue-winged teal is the last to reach its breeding grounds and thus nests the latest of all dabblers. Dabbling ducks form short pair bonds that weaken during the onset of incubation. Some pair

bonds only last a few days after incubation begins whereas others maintain the bond up to 3 weeks into incubation. Dabbling ducks lay a clutch of 5-15 eggs with the average nest having 10 eggs. Incubation and nest success is variable among species. Hens incubate eggs for 22-30 days. Nest success ranges from 32-75%. Gad walls have the highest nesting success and green-winged teal have the lowest. Green-winged teal nesting success may be an underestimate, because nests and broods are difficult to observe. Most wood ducks establish pair bonds in late fall and winter and migrate to their breeding areas in

pairs. Drake woodies remain with their mates longer than most ducks, allowing them opportunity to renest if their initial nest is lost. Wood ducks incubate their eggs for 28-37 days longer than other dabblers. Like common and hooded mergansers and common goldeneyes, wood ducks nest in tree cavities. A wood duck's average clutch size is 8-10 eggs. However, more eggs may be in a nest due to "dump nesting". Dump nesting refers to the activity of another duck laying her eggs in an established nest and leaving. The hen who established the nest may incubate the eggs or abandon the nest.

DIVING DUCKS Description. Diving ducks common in Maine are ring-necked ducks, common goldeneyes, buffleheads, hooded mergansers, and common mergansers. Greater scaups, lesser scaups, Barrow's goldeneyes, red-breasted mergansers, canvasbacks, redheads, and ruddy ducks are less common in Maine. Diving ducks feed by diving from the surface and swimming underwater. They propel themselves through water with powerful strokes of their feet. Some also hold their wings partly open when submerged. Females tend to be evenly colored with shades of brown and, unlike female dabbling ducks, they do not have spots and stripes. Males are strikingly patterned in black and white. Mergansers are the only ducks that specialize in eating fish; their bills are serrated to help grasp slippery fish.

Natural History Habitats and Food Habits. The diet of diving ducks consists of h ttp: // www.state.me . us / i fw

aquatic vegetation (pondweeds, wild celery, delta duck potato, bulrus seeds, widgeon grass, eelgrass, etc.) and animal life (aquatic insects, fish, and mollusk). Ring-necks and redheads typically feed in shallower water, sometimes so shallo_w they do not need to dive. Merganser's diet consist primarily of fish and crustaceans, and the hooded merganser has the most diverse diet among the mergansers . Greater scaup feed on both plant and animal life, but clams constitute a major portion of their diet. Lesser scaup, with the exception of sea ducks, feed in deeper water than any other diver, typically 10-25 feet deep. Lesser scaup feed primarily on animal life. Reproduction. Diving ducks typically first breed at 1 year of age, however scaup do not breed until 2 years of age. Diving ducks begin pairing in late winter, and pair bonds are generally established by early spring. Diving

ducks have a strong homing ability with a large percentage of them returning to the same breeding areas each year. Hens begin nesting as early as April and as late a June with lesser scaup nesting late. The average nest has 9 eggs and hens incubate their eggs for 21-29 days. The hatching rate of eggs is variable among diving ducks ranging from 25-70%. Both scaup species have the lowest nesting success rate. Nest failure is caused by predation, flooding, and desertion. Predation is the greatest factor attributed to nest failure. Diving ducks may renest if they lose their nest early in the breeding season; but mergansers do not renest after loosing their initial nest, because males leave the breeding areas early. Mergansers breed later (2 years), have longer incubation period (22-37 days), and nest earlier (Feb. to April) than other divers. Like other diving ducks, they have strong homing instincts and produce similar clutch sizes. Fa ll 1998

GEESE by Pat Corr

Wildlife Biologist Description The snow goose, whitefronted goose, Canada goose, and Atlantic brant occur in Maine. The white-fronted goose, snow goose and Atlantic brant are only observed in Maine as they migrate through. The Canada goose is the only goose that breeds, winters, and migrates through Maine. Unlike ducks, a gooses plumage does not differ between males and females and subadult and adult geese. Canada geese have a black bill, black legs, black feet, and black neck. Their head is also black with a white cheek patch, and their wings and back are brown.

Natural History Food Habits. The Canada goose, more than any other species of waterfowl, has benefited from the production of crops. Geese browse on grasses and the leaves of clovers and consume cultivated grains. Large and open grain fields with an undisturbed body of water nearby to provide security, are essential. Reproduction. Most Canada geese return to the same breeding area year after year and nest the earliest of any waterfowl. Birds begin nesting as early as March to as late as May, depending on the latitude of breeding areas.Canada geese form lifelong pair bonds with their mate,

Maine Fish and Wildlife

but if their mate dies, the survivor will seek a new mate. Some Canada geese breed as early as two years of age, but most breed for the first time at three years of age. The average clutch size is five eggs, but can range from 112 eggs per nest. About 70% of nesting pairs successfully hatch their eggs. Survival. There is a wide range in mortality rates for geese due to the degree of shooting pressure. Immature birds have a higher mortality rate (39-65%) than adults (23-46%), and males have a higher annual mortality rate than females.

program of Canada geese from New Hampshire, New York, and Connecticut to establish a breeding population of geese in Maine. Season Changes. In 1995, the regular goose season was closed due to low production on the breeding areas coupled with O"erharvest. In 1996, a special early season was established to allow some harvest of resident Canada goose populations. This early season allows hunting between September 1 and September 25 in northeastern states. The regular October goose season has been restored for the 1998 season.

Historical Management in Maine

Management in Maine

Distribution and population trends. Prior to 1960, a breeding populations of geese was not present in Maine. The Department began a trap and transfer

Current Distribution. Based on observations from brood counts, Canada goose populations have increased in all regions.

This year, Maine restored its regular goose season. ( " Canada Salute, " painting by David Maas. Reprinted courtesy of the artist and Wild Wings Inc. , Lake City, MN.) h tlp :// www.s ta le . m c . us / i fw

bear, moose, ruffed grouse, snowshoe hare and coyote.

Animal Profiles

by Doug Kane, Regional

Wildlife Biologist Physical Characteristics Region E, or more commonly known as The Moosehead Lake Region, is located primarily in Piscataquis and Somerset Counties. It is the most lightly populated of all of our fish and wildlife administrative regions as it contains only 15 organized towns but 112 unorganized townships. A south to north progression within the region includes a marked transition from the rural farmland of central Maine to the spruce and fir "Big Woods" country of northern Maine. Snowfall comes early in this part of the state and it can accumulate to 4 feet or more by late winter northwest of Mooschead Lake. Excellent hunting opportunities exist in the region for deer, http://www.state.me. us/i fw

White- tailed deer: Hunting opportunities for deer in the southern part of our region are consistent with those common to central Maine. Access is a key issue since most of the area is privately owned by small landowners. And, unfortunately, a little more of the area appears to get posted each year. Therefore,

as with any area you plan to hunt, it is always a good idea to secure landowner permission before entering the woods. Although obtaining access to hunt in this area may be difficult at times, the success you enjoy while hunting deer may be well worth your effort. Our southern towns contain an excellent mix of white-tail habitat (i.e. active farms, reverting farms, managed woodlots) combined with good numbers of deer. In addition, each year this area produces a number of bucks that make the "Biggest Bucks of Maine Club" and the "Maine Antler and Skull Trophy Club" (MASTC). Hunting deer in the rest of our region is more characteristic of the big woods experience. Most of the land is owned or managed by commercial forestland companies and it contains thousands of miles of gravel surfaced land management roads. Although a lot of these roads can be traversed with most 2-wheel drive vehicles, a 4X4 will allow you to access older second-

Invariably, the season 's first snow shows up early in the Moosehead Region. And the deer hunters love it! (Photo by V. Paul Reynolds).

Fall 1998

ary roads and will increase your , chances of making it back to the "blacktop" if it snows. A couple of areas north of Moosehead Lake are gated specifically to restrict vehicular access. These areas are ideal for the hunter who doesn't mind walking to access remote hunting opportunities. Although this part of our region is not known for high deer densities (i.e. 4-6 deer per square mile vs. greater than 20 farther south), it consistently produces some of the largest bodied deer taken in the eastern U.S. (200-300 lbs dressed weight). In addition, we frequently have good tracking snow during at least part of our firearms season each year. The combination of the availability of older, large bucks, tracking snow, and the remote nature of much of our region, provides a truly unique hunting opportunity for white-tails. Black Bear: During the past

20-25 years large acreages of mature spruce and fir forests in this region have been harvested for pulp, sawtimber and other forest products, resulting in an abundance of young regenerating stands. With this rebirth has come a dramatic increase in the availability of important spring and summer bear foods and an increase in bear numbers. Today, we have good numbers of bear throughout most of our region. Bear hunting guides and outfitters are common and the use of bait for bear is the most common hunting technique. If anyone wishes to place a bait for bear or to hunt bear with hounds, without the aid of a guide, they should first contact the landowner. Most of the landowners or managers of the industrial

Maine Fish and Wildlife

forestland within this region have specific land use policies regarding the use of bait or hounds to hunt bear. If a hunter chooses to hunt bear over natural foods, there is ample opportunity in some of the clearcuts that have late summer berries or on some of the hardwood ridges that have beech. At this point in the season, it appears that this falls beechnut crop is going to be excellent. Moose: Similar to bear, moose have benefited greatly from the extensive logging that has taken place in the region over the last three decades. Today, we have high densities of moose throughout the region except for in a few of the more developed towns in our southeastern corner. For those hunters fortunate enough to be picked in our annual lottery, the Moosehead Lake Region provides a premier moose hunting opportunity. Each year, trophy bulls are

harvested in this area with antlers spanning greater than 60 inches and weighing between 900 and 1100 pounds dressed weight. Small Game: Although deer, bear and moose often get the most publicity, small game hunting opportunities in our region should not be overlooked. Hundreds of miles of secondary logging roads and winter-useonly logging roads (not graveled) provide excellent hunting opportunities for pursuing grouse on a frosty October morning. In addition, many of these same roads access vast acreages of regenerating spruce and fir stands that frequently house good numbers of snowshoe hare. And, lastly, don't forget predator calling and hunting opportunities in our region. Whether you hunt with a 35 mm camera or a flat shooting varmint rifle, current forest conditions support significant numbers of coyotes just about anywhere in the region.

The heart of moose country. This outdoorswoman bagged a trophy bull in Region E last October with a blackpowder firearm. http://www.sta te.m e. us/i fw

country south of Route 6, and the rolling farm country of western Penobscot County. The human population is decidedly rural in character, with few population centers, light development pressure, and little posted land.

by Kevin Stevens

Wildlife Biologist Physical Characteristics The Penobscot River Region (F) encompasses some of the most diverse landscapes in Maine. Located in the east central portion of the state, this region includes mile-high Mount Katahdin and Baxter State Park, the vast southern Aroostook softwood flats, the hilly lake

The Penobscot River watershed is the backbone of the region. Major rivers feeding into the Penobscot include the Mattawamkeag, the Piscataquis, the Pleasant, the Passadumkeag, and the east and west branches of the upper Penobscot. Early development of farms and lumber operations centered along these river corridors, due to their importance for travel and water power. Many of the early farms

and developments are now abandoned and provide prime upland wildlife habitat.

Wildlife Management Areas The Bud Leavitt Wildlife Management Area (WMA), also known as Bull Hill, is located just 25 miles from Bangor, in the region's western farm country. This 6,500-acre area is located along U.S. Route 15 in the towns of Charleston, Garland, Dover, and Atkinson. Bull Hill is a predominantly upland WMA that has undergone intensive forest and wildlife management since 1981. Hunting opportunities are excellent for deer, bear, woodcock, grouse and hare, due

The Penobscot River watershed - the Mattawamkeag, Piscataquis, Pleasant, and Passadumkeag rivers, and the east and west branches of the upper Penobscot. (Photo by Jackie Bragg). http ://www .state.me . us/i fw

Fa/11998

to active apple tree and old field maintenance, alder management and log road seeding programs conducted by inmates of the nearby Charleston Correctional Facility. State of the art forest management techniques have also created a prime mix of variable aged forest stands throughout the WMA. Those interested in waterfowl hunting on the Department's WMAs might want to look further north in the region. The Francis Dunn WMA, known locally as Sawtelle Deadwater (pronounced "saw-tle"), is located above Shin Pond in T6R7 WELS, on the Scraggley Lake road. The deadwater was originally flowed by a sawmill dam built in 1950, and rebuilt by the Department in 1984 for wildlife management purposes. This 280acre wetland offers opportunities for pass shooting and hunting over decoys for wood ducks, goldeneyes, black ducks, ringnecks, hooded mergansers, and Canada geese.

M oose. Moose are abundant throughout the region. For those lucky hunters holding a permit for the southeast zone, the East Branch country on the eastern side of Baxter Park, and the industrial forestlands of southern Aroostook, are easily accessible, and have healthy moose numbers. Many large bulls are taken from these areas every year. Bear. Black bear are common in the Penobscot River region, the best habitat being the abandoned farmlands of eastern Penobscot, northern Washington, and southern Aroostook counties, where wild apple trees, blueberries and raspberries are abundant. While many bear are taken during the deer season, the most popular and effective way to hunt for bear is with the assistance of a guide on a baited stand. You should remember that a bear permit is required for hunting before the deer season, and many landowners charge a fee for pennission to place a bait.

Up land Game. The same abandoned farmland area described for bear provides prime habitat conditions for grouse (partridge), woodcock, and rabbits (hare). A good bird or rabbit dog will improve your chances for success, but many hunters prefer the challenge of a one-on-one encounter. Another good area for upland game hunting is the farming area of western Penobscot County, where active farms are intersyersed with woodlots and abandoned fields. You'll find the grouse to be very wary here due to greater hunter numbers. Waterfow l. The main stem, tributaries, bogans and beaver ponds of the Penobscot River valley from Medway to Old Town are renowned for waterfowl hunting. You can jump shoot from a canoe or hunt from a blind for black ducks, woodies, hooded mergansers and goldeneyes. Access is easy with many public boat launch sites spaced every few miles along the river.

Deer. The region's greatest deer numbers occur in the farming areas of western Penobscot County. Here you'll have the greatest chance of taking a deer, but you'll also be competing with more hunters. For hunters interested in a big buck in the "Big Woods/' the area northwest of Patten, and the southern Aroostook timberlands areas are recommended. There are numerous hunting lodges and guides available in both areas.

Maine 's traditional deer camps are plentiful in the Penobscot Region. 42

Mni11e Fish n11d Wildlife

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by Richard Hoppe

Regional Wildlife Biologist Physical Characteristics Region G, a northern coniferous forest, offers two very unique geographical areas in Aroostook County to hunt, the first being the area west of Route 11, known as the "Big Woods," consisting of industrial timberlands and the second being the area east of Route 11 consisting of agricultural lands. These two major land use patterns have created a very diverse region with some of the most remote areas in Maine adjacent to some of the most highly developed agricultural areas. The far eastern third of Region G where the majority of the people live, is mostly tilled fields with varying size woodlots. The western two thirds of northern Maine is a large parcel of relatively undeveloped land managed for forest products. Gravel roads cross this area providing access for timber management and recreation. Hunting any of the game species within the "Big Woods," the hunter can choose from numerous full service http ://www.stale .me. us / ifw

lodges and primitive campsites or stay around quaint towns east of Route 11 at rental camps or Bed and Breakfasts. All amenities including gas, food, and water, should be purchased prior to entering the "Big Woods," where a nominal fee is charged to those that enter, but once in, the sports person has over 3.5 million acres of nonposted land to use with minimal regulations.

Hunting Opportunities White-tailed deer. Even though this Region ,may have the fewest number of deer, the potential of taking a trophy buck keeps the hunter corning back. The large region enables the hunter to stalk deer in areas where coming across other hunters is rare. The deer hunter can choose between two distinct types of hunting opportunities in pursuing the elusive whitetailed deer. First, the "Big Woods," which is divided into numerous gravel logging roads, and second, the agricultural areas where the hunter can hunt throughout fields and wood lots off asphalt roads. Black Bear. Region G has excellent black bear habitat enabling the region to harvest the majority of the state wide harvest. Most hunters use a full

service guide and hunt in the "big woods" due to assigned bait sites although some of the largest regional bears are observed in the agricultural areas. Moose. Those fortunate hunters who draw a moose permit from the state lottery and select Wildlife Management Districts (1-6) will experience one of the most successful big game hunts in North America with over 92% of the hunters bringing home a trophy. The region consists of over 4 million acres of land open to moose hunting where most hunters search for their prey by driving log or farm roads. Hunters can either have a registered Maine guide to assist in the arduous task of loading and registering the animal or go on their own, but no matter what they decide, all equipment needed for this hunt goes with the hunter who anticipates any situation that may arise. Upland game. Agricultural areas reverting back to early successional habitats offer Aroostook County hunters favorable habitat for woodcock, ruffed grouse, and snowshoe hare. Areas in the "Big Woods" allow the hunter to choose the habitat type (alders, poplar, or mixed wood), with easy access along logging roads. Many of the full service camps and lodges in Fall 1998

Aroostook County cater to the upland hunters with dogs and kennels enabling the hunter to take day trips from the camp.

Waterfowl. Aroostook county offers the waterfowl hunter multiple opportunities to hunt geese and ducks primarily throughout the agricultural areas. Miles of waterways abound offering the waterfowl hunter the opportunity to take their watercraft and dog to different wetlands everyday. Once the waterfowl hunter bags his limit in the morning hours, he can spend the afternoon hunting upland birds, which makes for an exciting full-day hunt.

Wildlife Management Areas Region G has two major Wildlife Management Areas, each having their own unique land use and subsequent hunting

opportunities. The largest, Lt. Gordon Manual Wildlife Management Area, occurs in the farm belt in Southern Aroostook County. A mix of cultivated fields, abandoned farmland, wetlands, and woods, covers approximately 6500 acres. Access is available off the Town Line Road in Linneus, the Horseback Road in Hodgdon, and the Wikox Settlement Road in Cary Plantation. The central feature is the Hodgdon Mill Pond, a 200 acre shallow marsh managed primarily for waterfowl. Waterfowl hunting is allowed during the regular waterfowl firearm season as described in the Migratory Game Bird Hunting Schedule. In the adjoining uplands, other opportunities include bear, deer, moose, snowshoe hare, ruffed grouse, and woodcock. Most habitat management projects have been directed at improving grouse and woodcock habitats. A mix of old fields, abandoned apple orchards, and

reverting poplar and alder stands create excellent upland bird habitat. Dickwood Lake Wildlife Management Area is located in the Town of Eagle Lake and borders the "Big Woods", a large tract of undeveloped privately owned industrial forest land. Access to this 4300 acre parcel is off of Route 11, through the Gilmore Brook Road where four wheel drive vehicles are recommended due to rough terrain. This parcel is citaracterized by large picturesque hardwood ridges surrounding Dickwood Lake. Large tracts of forested land dominate the area creating a setting for solitude and a remote hunting opportunity for those hunters who like to get outdoors and walk. Due to the higher elevation, severe winters, and minimal winter cover, deer populations exist in small pockets. Bird hunting can be favorable depending on the season and location.

Although southern and central Maine may boast more deer per square mile than Aroostook County, many a veteran deer hunter will head for "The County" with his sights on a trophy buck like this big Aroostook bruiser. 44

Ma ine Fish and W,ldlife

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MAINE

.............. Sept. 8 - Sept. 30 .................. Oct. 2 - Oct. 31

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

.............................. Oct. 31 ................ Nov. 2 - Nov. 28 ................ Nov. 30 - Dec. 5 ................ Dec. 7 - Dec. 13 .............. Aug. 31 - Nov. .............. Sept. 14 - Oct. ............. Aug. 31 - Sept. ............ ... .... Oct 5 - Oct. ................. May 1 - May ................. Oct. 1 - Mar. ................. Oct. 1 - Feb. ................. Oct. 1 - Nov. ................. Jan. 1 - Dec.

28 30 26 10 31 31 28 30 31

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MAINE

NMU ....... Oct. 1 - Nov. 30 tact ....... Oct. 1 - Dec. 10 or a ese

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

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NO OPEN SEASON \pr. 30 & July 16 - Sept. 29 ................. Oct. 1 - Dec. 31 ............... Oct. 19 - Dec. 31 ............... Oct. 19 - Feb. 28 ................. Dec. 1 - Jan. 31 ......... NO OPEN SEASON ................. Jan. 1 - Dec. 31 gratory Game Bird schedule ·oodcock, snipe, gallinule,

MAINE

1son on any species of

FISH AND WILDLIFE 284 State St., Sta. #41 Augusta ME 04333 ot apply to hunting over standing done at any time during the bear

Aroostook County cater to the upland hunters with dogs and kennels enabling the hunter to take day trips from the camp. Waterfowl. Aroostook coun1 offers the waterfowl hunter multiple opportunities to hunt geese and ducks primarily throughout the agricultural areas. Miles of waterways abound offering the waterfowl hunter the opportunity to take their watercraft and dog to different wetlands everyday. Once the waterfowl hunter bag his limit in the morning hours, he can spend the afternoon hunting upland birds, which makes for an exciting full-day hunt.

Wildlife Management Areas Region G has two major Wildlife Management Areas, each having their own unique land use and subsequent hunti:

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

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

(All dates are inclusive except that hunting is prohibited on Sunday) DEER Expanded Archery (Limited Areas/Special License) ...... ... .. .............. ... .. .. ... ..... .... ....... Sept. 8 - Sept. 30 Special Archery (Statewide) ............................................................................................ Oct. 2 - Oct. 31 Regular Firearms Maine residents only ............................................................................................................... Oct. 31 All Hunters ................................................................................................................. Nov. 2 - Nov. 28 Muzzleloader (all WMDs*) ............................................................................................. Nov. 30 - Dec. 5 (WMDs 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,30) ............................................... Dec. 7 - Dec. 13 BEAR" General hunting seasons .... ............ .... .. ......... ... ...... .................... ... .. ............... .......... .. Aug. 31 - Nov. 28 Hunting with dogs .............. ..................................... ...... ..... .. ....................... ...... ...... ..... Sept. 14 - Oct. 30 MHunting with bait ..................................................................................................... Aug. 31 - Sept. 26 MOOSE (permit hunt) ... ............ .. ...... .... .................. .... ........ .. .... ...... ..... .. ...................... ... .. .. Oct 5 - Oct. 1O TURKEY (permit hunt) ...................................................................................................... May 1 - May 31 RABBIT (Cottontail & Snowshoe Hare) .......................... .......... .. .............. ........ .... ... ......... Oct. 1 - Mar. 31 Season on路 Island of Vinalhaven ..................................................................................... Oct. 1 - Feb. 28 GRAY SQUIRREL ... ................................................. .. .... ....... ..... ................... .. .. ..... ... ..... .. Oct. 1 - Nov. 30 WOODCHUCK, RED SQUIRREL & PORCUPINE .......................................................... Jan. 1 - Dec. 31 RUFFED GROUSE, BOBWHITE QUAIL, PHEASANT* These seasons still set W.M .U's 1 & 2 .................................................................. by law using o/dWMU ....... Oct. 1 - Nov. 30 W.M.U.'s 3,4,5,6,7,8 ...... .............. .............. ....-. .................. boundaries. Contact ....... Oct. 1 - Dec. 10 *In York and Cumberland Counties, the the department for a season extends until Dec. 31 and a permit map showing these is required to hunVpossess pheasant. boundaries. SPRUCE GROUSE ............................ ...................... ...... .'............................ .......... .... NO OPEN SEASON CROW (split season) ........... ................ ..... ... .... ....... .. .... .. ................ Mar. 14 - Apr. 30 & July 16 - Sept. 29 RACCOON ................ 路路..... .. ......... ....................... .......... ..................... .... .... .......... ...... ...... .. Oct. 1 - Dec. 31 SKUNK, OPOSSUM ....................................................................................................... Oct. 19 - Dec. 31 FOX ..... ...... ... ... .... .... ..... ........ .. ............... .... ...... ... ...... .. .................... ........... .... ........ ..... ..... Oct. 19 - Feb. 28 BOBCAT ........................................................................................................................... Dec. 1 - Jan. 31 LYNX ..... ........... ......................... .. ..... ................ ........... .... ....... ..... .... ..... .. ...... .. ........ ... NO OPEN SEASON COYOTE ......... ... ...................... .... ........ ................................ ...... .. ........... ....... .... .......... ..... Jan. 1 - Dec. 31 WOODCOCK, WATERFOWL, SNIPE, GALLINULES, RAILS路 (season dates are set according to federal framework and are listed in the Migratory Game Bird schedule published in September. Migratory Waterfowl Stamp is not required to hunt woodcock, snipe, gallinule, rails, or crow). NOTE: Except for migratory game birds, there is no general hunting season on any species of bird or animal which is not listed in the above chart. "Bear permit required in addition to a hunting license between Aug. 31 and Oct. 30. J\J\Applies to so-called "set bait". hunting from stand , blind, etc. overlooking bait or f?od; 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.

A HUNTING a FISHING

TRADITION SINCE 1938

With 60 years of experience, and three levels of the most extensive selection of outdoor equipment and clothing, we're su re to have what you need to make your hunting or fishing experience enjoyable and successful. We have the largest selection of top quality firearms, ammunition, reloading equipment, components, scopes and accessories on the east coast' Our archery department features a full line of compound and recurve bows as well as crossbows, arrows, targets, tree stands and accessories for both hunters and target shooters. Our fishing department caters to saltwater and freshwater fishermen, including an extensive selection specifically for the fly fi herman. In addition to our diverse selection of rods, reels and lures, we stock downriggers, electric motor , electronic fish finders, canoes and all the accessories.

Open Daily 9-9, Sundays 10-6 Rte 1 Kittery, ME • 207-439-2700 • 1-888-KTP-MAJNE (587-6246) • www.kitterytradingpost.com