Maine Fish and Wildlife Magazine, Summer 1999 by Maine State Library

Maine State Library

Maine State Documents Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Magazine

Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

6-1-1999

Maine Fish and Game Magazine, Summer 1999 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, Summer 1999" (1999). Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Magazine. Book 134. http://digitalmaine.com/ifw_magazine/134

This Book is brought to you for free and open access by the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife at Maine State Documents. It has been accepted for inclusion in Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Magazine by an authorized administrator of Maine State Documents. For more information, please contact statedocs@maine.gov.

MAINE

FISH AND WILDLIFE

MAINtSTATE LIBRARY LIBRARY USE ONLY

SUMMER 1999

EDITORIAL by Lee E. Perry, Commissioner Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

Fish and wildlife recipes - Thinking about putting together your evening meal or are you thinking about fish and wildlife management? There are some similarities. When cooking, a successful cook needs to know a few basic things besides how to cook, such as what do the guests like and how many portions will be necessary. With knowledge, experience, perhaps a good recipe book, a controlled guest list and working in the regulated environment of a fully stocked kitchen, a successful outcome is reasonably assured. Cooking outside presents more challenges. The environment is often less accommodating, less controlled and less predictable. Daily, it seems, the Department is asked to cook something up - more trout here, less trout there, more deer here, less deer there .... Some times what we are asked to do is on the menu; other times, not only isn't the item on the menu, the raw ingredients are not available. As fish and wildlife managers, Mother Nature prescribes the environment within which we can work. Within geographic regions of the state - in some cases down to the individual body of water, considerations such as weather severity; vegetative communities and water quantity and quality determine what kind and how many - if any - of a particular fish or animal can live there. Based on education and experience, our fish and wildlife biologists can usually predict how the wild population will respond to a particular management proposal. Whether you hunt with a modern firearm, muzzle loader, or bow and arrow; or fish with artificial lure or fly doesn't change the biological capability of a wild population, but it does affect how many people can participate and when the harvest occurs. Deciding how angling, hunting and viewing opportunities should be apportioned among various preferences is often the most difficult part of our job. Currently the Department is preparing to review and if necessary revise our management objectives for several species. These processes will involve assessing their status; considering the opportunities we have to produce more - or less - and working with people like you through surveys, public meetings and small working groups to determine how individual preferences for wildlife viewing, hunting and fishing can be met. We don't have a fool proof, never fail recipe for satisfying individual appetites for variety and opportunities to view and partake of fish and wildlife resources, but, by working together, we can protect those resources while providing opportunities for you to enjoy them.

AINE

7/99

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

lNE WILDLIFE

VOL. 41, NO. 2

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

D 2years only $15 D Please bill me later 2 s

by Lisa Kane

all!

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

by Ken Warner

all those fishing regulations came from.

OB FASTER SERVICE CALL TOLL-FBEE 1-800-288-8387

AINE

7/99

by Ralph Nodine

it up-all about puppy school!

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

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

by Simone Esmanhotto

1uide uses llamas to carry the load!

D 2 years only $15 D Please bill me later

by Mark Thompson

id all about it here!

by Charles Reitze

least improve it-several ways.

Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

by Don Kleiner

t survey-and what we intend to do about it

Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _~ ~ - - - City/State/Zip_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

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

AINE

7/99

by Susan Hitchcock

ling the loon , Maine 's wilderness symbol.

by Skip Gates

ly taken his actions seriously.

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

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

D 2 years only $15 D Please bill me later

13 26

Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

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

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

a minnow to a one-week old another adult's back! www.gmnphotography.com inks on recyclable paper

tour ocean way â&#x20AC;¢ camdcn me Ut.J~t.f j S11111111er

1999

EDITORIAL

MAINE

FISH AND WILDLIFE 284 State St., Sta. #41 Augusta ME 04333 Fish and wildlife recipes - T evening meal or are you think ment? There are some similari1 When cooking, a successful besides how to cook, such as v portions will be necessary. Wit good recipe book, a controlled environment of a fully stocked sonably assured. Cooking outs ronment is often less accommc dictable. Daily, it seems, the Dt up - more trout here, less trout Some times what we are asked only isn't the item on the mern As fish and wildlife managE: ronment within which we can state - in some cases down to t tions such as weather severity; quantity and quality determin, a particular fish or animal can logists can usually predict ho"' Whether you hunt with a mod or fly doesn't change the biolo, can participate and when the l Deciding how angling, hun1 preferences is often the most d and if necessary revise our ma assessing their status; consider with people like you through E individual preferences for wile We don't have a fool proof, . tunities to view and partake of those resources while providin

Pla.oe Sta.mp

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MAINE

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

Pla.oe Sta.mp

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MAINE

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

MAINE

•

FISH AND WILDLIFE VOL. 41, NO. 2

SUMMER 1999

Governor Angus S. King, J r.

Department of Inland Fis heries and Wildlife Lee Perry, Commissioner Frederick B. Hurley, Jr., Deputy Commissioner Kenneth H. Elowe, Director, Bureau of Resource Management Richard Record, Director, Bureau of Administrative Services Tim Peabody, Colonel, Bureau of Warden Service Advisory Council Ellen N. Peters, New Gloucester, Chairwoman Richard A. Neal, Acton, Vice Chairman Millard A. Wardwell, Penobscot F. Dale Speed. Princeton Li la S. Ware, Skowhegan Harold Brown, Bangor Russell E. Oyer, Bowdoinham Matt Libby, Ashland Don Palmer, Rangeley Ken Bailey, Camden

Maine Fish and Wildlife Magazine V. Paul Reynolds, Editor & 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 Fisheries 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. © Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. 1999. Permission to reprint text material is granted, provided proper credit is given to the author and to MAINE FISH AND WILDLIFE. Clearance must be obtained from artists. photographers, and non-staff authors to reproduce credited work CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Send both old and new addresses to Circulation Section, M AINE 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 Hse. Sta .. Augusta. Maine 04333.

Features Living On The Edge

by Lisa Kane

Wood turtles take it slow and easy-lessons to us all!

History of Maine Fishing Laws, Part 1

by Ken Warner

The first of a two-part series dealing with where all those fishing regulations came from .

Maine Guide Gives Clients A Little Extra

by Simone Esmanhotto

Try packing your gear in "Peruvian style"-this guide uses llamas to carry the load!

Training That New Puppy

by Ralph Nodine

When to start, what to expect, and how to clean it up-all about puppy school!

Talking Turkey!

by Mark Thompson

Does Maine really have a turkey population? Read all about it here!

Cattails: A Survivalist' s Cornucopia

by Charles Reitze

This interesting plant could save your life-or at least improve it-several ways.

A Future For Maine Fish and Wildlife Magazine

by Don Kleiner

How the magazine readership reacted to a recent survey-and what we intend to do about it

Maine's Loons Need Lead- Free Tackle

by Susan Hitchcock

Lead is a proven enemy of many species-including the loon , Maine 's wilderness symbol.

Hunter Who 'Messed Up' Comes Clean

by Skip Gates

It 's not enough to feel bad-this hunter has really taken his actions seriously.

Departments RECIPE CORNER

KID- BITS

FISH AND WILDLIFE BRIEFS

QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR SUBSCR IPTION? Just call toll-free 1-800- 288-83 87 The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife receives federal funds from the U.S. Department of the Interior. Accordingly. all department programs and activities must be operated free from discrimina lion with regdrd to race, color, national origin, age, or handicap Any person who believes that he or she has been discrimindted against should write to The Office of Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of the lnte· rior. Washington. D.C. 20240. mdgazine de~ign & prepress

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The front Cover: An adult loon feeds a minnow to a one- week old chick who's hitching a ride on another adult's back! Photo courtesy Gregory M . Nelson, www.gmnphotography.com

Printed with vegetable-based \ . . ,

inks on recyclable paper S 11 111111er

1999

Wood TurtlesÂˇ

by Lisa Kane

uestion: What do the following Maine habitats have in common? Clearcuts growing into raspberries; grassy, brushy bogs; slow moving, shallow rivers; forested wetlands; gravel pits; and upland mixed soft and hardwood forests?

A nswer: All are well used and important habitat for Maine wood turtles. Amazing that one species of turtle can be found in so many different areas, but the trouble for this Maine Species of Special Concern may be that they need all of these areas at

Maine Fish and Wildlife

different times of the year in order to successfully maintain or increase their population. Brad Compton, a graduate student at the University of Maine at Orono, has radiotagged and tracked some 37 wood turtles along a slowmoving, shallow section of river in northwestern Maine for the last two field seasons. The project goals are to gather baseline data on the existing wood turtle population in this particular area of Maine, and determine the effects of dams and associated water releases on the nesting success of wood turtles. In addition, Compton was looking at the effects of short, cool summers on turtle nesting success (determining whether this population was

even reproducing, let alone selfsustaining) and studying their use of habitats. This study was funded through the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Partnerships for Wildlife program, with assistance from the University of Maine's Department of Wildlife Ecology, and McIntire-Stennis. How do you even find a wild wood turtle in thousands of acres of habitat, let alone a virtually invisible, underground wood turtle nest? Knowing that these animals generally nest in late spring on sandy gravel bars adjacent to slow-moving rivers first helped researchers from Central Maine Power and UMO Wildlife Honors Student Micah Remley locate many of the initial study animals in 1995. http://www .state.rne .us/ifw

The turtles were tagged with radio transmitters glued to their shells. It was then a matter of telemetry-tracking them on an every-other-day basis from spring through late fall (when they become dormant for winter hibernation) from 1995 through 1998.

A Maine wood turtle searches for suitable nesting territoryslowly and steadily!

Suitable nesting sites are becoming more scarce for wood turtles. Dammed rivers prevent the natural spring flooding that deposits sand and small-diameter gravel on the bars preferred by these animals for nest sites; most of it ends up in the bottom of the river, leaving rocky, bouldered sites from which it is impossible for a two-pound turtle to scrape out a nest pit. Compton, in checking formerly popular nesting gravel bars eroded to rocks, would find literally dozens of nest scrapes made by turtles-ready to nest, but unable to dig deep enough to lay eggs. So the turtles turn to other, less suitable locations, like the sides of gravel roads, in gravel pits, and on steep gravel banks adjacent to the rivers. One http://www.stale.me. us/ifw

desperate female even nested in the middle of a Bureau of Public Lands campground amongst Winnebagos, tenters, and blaring radios. Roads and active gravel pits pose obvious hazards for adult turtles, as well as for the young (when and if they hatch!). Road kills were found to be a big problem, especially for gravid (egg-bound) females attempting to cross roads to nest. Gravel river banks are magnets for A TV traffic and for canoe and kayak put-ins and take-outs; these activities further threaten adults and hatchlings. Compton did locate one such site where several turtles had nested, and installed "symbolic fencing" and signs to protect the site until the eggs could hatch. He received a lot of positive feedback and cooperation from river users interested in his research and willing to watch out for turtles. Turtle nests Compton found on roadsides and in gravel pits were protected from predators with meshed screens and left unmarked to prevent human vandalism. Several days prior to the calculated dates of hatching, the protective screens were removed so the young turtles could dig themselves out and make their way to safety. To raccoons, weasels, skunks, coyotes, and others, turtle eggs

and hatchlings are tasty treats; people are also a threat as they illegally collect the popular turtles for the pet trade. Nesting success is variable for wood turtles, and extremely dependent on high ground temperatures for hatchlings to emerge. 1998 was a banner year for wood turtles, with four intact nests that escaped flooding and predation producing 23 young. Seven other nests were rescued from gravel road-widening projects or actual flooding. These 42 additional young were hatched in the lab and released in stream tributaries near their original nest sites. Three nests produced ten hatchlings in 1996; and in 1997, eleven nests produced no young due to cold ground temperatures. Compton theorizes that roughly one-third of wood turtles hatch successfully in just one year out of three, when ground temperatures become warm enough. Researchers then know very little about what happens to the tiny turtles for the next several years, except that they are ready snacks for predators; few will survive to age 15 and become reproducing adults. Wood turtles are long-lived animals once they do reach

The author is the department's natural science educator. S11111111er 1999

adulthood, surviving and reproducing for decades. Although the record age of a captive wood turtle was 59 years of age, there are few good estimates of the upper ages of wild wood turtles because they can only be reliably aged up to 18 to 20 years. Adult wood turtles spend the summer foraging for berries, grubs, worms, slugs, mushrooms, aquatic insects, and more; and travel fairly long distances (several kilometers), to find suitable foods . The turtles that Compton located with telemetry on this particular day in the field were found 1) eating raspberries in an old clearcut 300 meters from the river; 2) in a bog having a siesta from the hot sun under tall grass and wetland shrubs at least half a kilometer from the river; and 3) in the river hanging out along the shady, shallow edges in a tangle of downed maple branches. Wood turtles remain quite active until late in the fall, when they settle in to hibernate singly and in groups at the bottom of the river, buried into the banks. Humans are a big problem for wood turtles. With Maine possibly one of the last strongholds for them in the Northeast, expert turtle hunters may locate wood turtles by the dozens to illegally sell to pet stores and private collectors. If you observe any such illegal collection, please report it to the Maine Warden Service. Owning a wood turtle for personal use is allowed (although discouraged) in this state, but they cannot be imported without a special permit from this Department. It is illegal to collect or possess wood turtles for sale, export or any commercial purpose. •

Maine Fish and Wildlife

Why Does The Turtle Cross The Road? Almost all of Maine's species of turtles are commonly seen attempting road crossings in spring and summer, and more often than not, the attempt is unsuccessful. They are looking for nest sites, or just moving between habitats. (Have you ever noticed how many streams, rivers and other wetlands are bisected by roads?) You can help turtles to get to the other side of the road safely by: • Helping the turtle across in the direction it was going. If you put it back on the side it was coming from, it will just attempt to cross again. • NOT taking it miles away to "good" habitat-it will probably spend days getting back to where it was, crossing many more roads on the way. • NOT picking up a snapping turtle if you don't know how-they can and do bite!! Use a shovel or tire iron to push it across if you can, or try to direct traffic around it until it is across. If your child absolutely has to keep a wild turtle you may find on the road (remember it's against the law to keep endangered and threatened species), compromise by keeping it for a few days, then releasing it where you found it. Wild turtles very often die of starvation or disease while kept in captivity, because they are not fed a correct diet and are not kept in sanitary or appropriate habitat conditions.

This is the guy! Note the brilliant orange leg coloration, and the sturdy sets of claws for digging and climbing. http://www.sta te. me . us/i fw

by Ken Warner

he history of Maine's fishing regulations reflects the gradual change in public attitudes toward the fishery resource: evolving from plunder to conservatism. As with ocean resources, the seemingly endless supply of fish was not inexhaustible. Early residents smoked, salted and canned fi h for food, and even used them for garden fertilizer. Before fishing law were establi hed, fish could be caught in any manner including nets, spears, gaffs, grapnels, and even explosives. Hook and line h ttp://www.state.me. us/i fw

were sometimes used but not as a sporting proposition. Even the early Fish and Game Commissioners thought of fish as a food crop to be planted and harvested like potatoes. Even so, they were the first to become alarmed by the reckless plunder of Maine's fisheries resource, leading to their recommendations for laws to combat this. The earliest law protecting Maine fishes was passed by the First Maine Legislature March 19, 1821, the year after Maine was admitted to statehood. The law prohibited the killing of pickerel and trout with spears in the night time (Sprague 1906). This law was repealed in 1840 and no further laws relating to inland fisheries were passed

until 1856, when the taking of trout with seines in Moosehead was prohibited. This law was strengthened by further acts in 1858. A similar law applying to the Rangeley Lakes was passed in 1867. The first serious concern for protection of Maine's freshwater fishery resources began with the appointment of the first Commissioners of Fisheries in 1867. Nathan W. Foster and Charles G. Atkins were approved as Commissioners. In 1867, there were about 150 acts relating to fisheries on the statute books. Foster and Atkins The author is supervisor of the department's fisheries research section in Bangor. Summer 1999

(1868) state, "their provisions 5. Investigate commercial are extremely varied, being fisheries possibilities for rough mostly of local character-A fish in inland waters. portion of these laws relate to No progress was made in the freshwater species, and so establishing any of this proposed far as relates to trout and other legislation up to 1869. In that members of the salmon famyear, after the death of Commissioner Foster, Atkins became the ily, we shall in this report sole Commissioner. At this time, recommend a general law." the total budget for the freshwaFoster and Atkins further state, "Protective legislation should aim to save our valuable species from destruction either by man or by other fishes. Trout and other members of the salmon family are regarded as our most valuable species, and it seems that some legislation is necessary to preserve them. It is notorious that they are rapidly becoming scarce." The decrease was attributed to: (1) overfishing, (2) erection of dams blocking spawning grounds, and (3) introduction of pickerel. To combat the decline in fisheries, Foster and Atkins recommended the following legislation: 1. Prohibit introduction of pickerel, pike, muskellunge, sunfish, and yellow perch into E waters where they are not already present. Bass introductions should be : made only with appro- ~ val by authority. a.. Father and daughter on "Bassin ' Day. " 2. Protect spawning runs of trout, salmon, togue, and whitefish by ter and anadromous fisheries closure in October, November was $3,000, of which $1,000 was and December. earmarked for Wardens and 3. Prohibit white perch $742 was the Commissioner's fishing in April and May. salary. In 1870, there were only 4. Prohibit use of nets, three warden employed by the except dip nets in fresh water. state.

1 D

Maine Fish and Wildlife

The wanton destruction of Maine's potentially valuable fishery resources was scornfully condemned by the early fish commissioners. Stillwell and Stanley (1874) wrote: "We have spoken with just severity of the crime of the vagabonds who hang around our river sources above our settlements, to trap and net and destroy our fishes by illegal methods, both in and out of season. If poverty pleads that it here seeks food, it is poverty the result of ignorance and its consequent intemperance. But what shall or can be argued in extenuation of a large class of our summer visitors, who destroy in mere wantonness, or for the empty boast of the number killed; sparing not even the yearling barred trout. A guide, indignantly describing the unsportsmanlike and soulless conduct of one of these parties, remarked: "'Sir, at one time we buried more than 200 pounds of trout that they had killed; they would have killed the last trout in the river if they had known where to find it, and if we would have held the canoe for them.'" No legislation can meet the requirements of this shameless abu e of the hospitality of our tate" Poaching and selling of almon and trout commercially incurred the further ire of the Commis ioner (Stillw 11 and Stanley 1874) as follows: http ://www. s tale .me . us/i fw

"Complaints have been received 1878 (Stillwell and Stanley 1878), by poachers the Commissioners as follows: said, "There is too much money from Anson and other towns in the state, of lawless individuals in "No person shall at any time in these great places of resort to catch, take, kill, or fish for any allow the sources of attraction to taking trout during the close time and on their be destroyed "COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED FROM ANSON spawning beds, by either the Anglo-Saxon and shipping AND OTHER TOWNS IN THE STATE , OF LAWLESS INDIlove of them in large VIDUALS IN TAKING TROUT DURING THE CLOSE TIME quantities to the butchery, or AND ON THEIR SPAWNING BEDS , AND SHIPPING THEM the rum and Boston and New IN LARGE QUANTITIES TO THE BOSTON AND NEW York markets. tobacco YORK MARKETS. " Acquainted as craze of the we are with the COMMISSIONERS STILLWELL AND STANLEY, 1874 poaching slouch." class of men who commit these crimes, we landlocked salmon, trout, togue, The first published Fish and indulge no surprise at their acts, for Game laws were issued around black bass, Oswego bass, or they would pawn their own parents 1884 when the total Department white perch, by means of any for pelf or whiskey. The wonder is grapnel, spear, trawl, weir, net budget per year was $7,500. seine, trap, spoon, set line, or Poaching of landlocked salmon that any Christian community stomachs can be found to consume with any device or in any other spawning beds were still widethe vile carrion. Who and what are way than by the ordinary mode spread in 1888, despite the the beings who can eat such food? of angling with a single baited season being legally closed Surely a brain sustained by such hook and line, or with artificial during spawning season. flies ... " unclean feeding, can think but Stillwell and Stanley implored treason, and the handwork cleverly the State Legislature to enact In 1878, the open season for laws to provide more severe but in theft!" salmon, trout, and togue was The first legislation designed to reduce abuse of Maine's freshwater fishery resources by restricting seasons was passed in 1872 (Stillwell and Stanley 1875). Six years after Foster and Atkins' (1986) recommendation, legislation established that: "There shall be a yearly close time of landlocked salmon, trout and togue during the months of October, November and December." The first restrictions on freshwater fishing gear were passed by the Legislature in 1874. The law provided that "No person shall catch, take or kill any landlocked salmon, togue, or trout in any waters of the State of Maine, by means of any grapnel, spear, trawl, weir, net or seine, or in any other way than by line and hook or fly." The law pertaining to fishing gear was expanded further in http://www.sta te. me. us/if w

further restricted to May 1 to September 20. A closed season on bass and white perch was also established for April, May, and June. The first bag limit law was passed by the State Legislature in 1882. This legislation provided for a SO-pound weight limit with no restrictions on numbers; it also prohibited transportation of fish unless accompanied by the person who caught them. This law "has led to increase of our stock and lessened exportation to Boston markets." In discussing the value of salmonid spawning runs being despoiled

penalties, as follows: " .. the use of dynamite for the taking of fish, should be made a capital offense, punishable by imprisonment as well as fine. Spearing, netting, jigging, should be severely punished, as offenses equally destructive to fish as dynamite. The famous landlocked salmon of Sebago Lake have been almost exterminated by the persistent practice of these coward!y methods for years past." The first length limit on freshwater fish in Maine waters was a 5-inch length limit on brook trout established in 1889.

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Editor's Note: In our next issue (Fall 1999), the second part of this series will focus on the evolution of specific fishing regulations aimed at managing and protecting the individual species of fish in Maine waters.

Su111111er 1999

GIVES CLIENTS A LI LE EXTRA M

aps, insect repellent, hiking boots and a strong back to carry the gear used to be all the ingredients for browsing through the pine, oak, spruce and maple trees of the Maine woods. Up to now. Registered Maine Guide Gary Hayward from Alna found a way to transform a good ol' favorite summer dish into a fun learning experience by spicing it up with a South American flavor. He added llamas to the hike. During the past few years, Gary had already led groups canoeing, hiking, as well as fresh and salt water fishing. Later, snow shoeing, cross-country and downhill skiing trips came as the temperature dropped. It was time for a novelty. Not that llamas are new. According to the Maine Llama Associationyes, there are growing numbers of these domestic members of the camel family living in the State. They have been around for the past 20 years or so, mostly raised for the wool or as pets. The idea of including the llama backpacking to his guide

Marne Fish and Wildlife

by Simone Esmanhotto service occurred to Gary about two years ago during a conversation with a llama-breeder friend about outdoor life. Gary bought five males - price ranging around $500 - from Sleepy Hollow Farm in Jefferson, and named them Count, Abu, Kimosabi, Little T and Thunder. The average age is five years old and they should live up to their twenties. "Llama backpacking is something different to offer people," he explained, "and definitely fun." In fact, only two Maine guides provide this sort of service for the flood of tourists who come to Maine each year, searching for the ultimate outdoor experience. With Gary Hayward, hikers can have the whole trip planned, from the trail to the munchies, including canoeing and camping. The Guide Service supplies all but personal items, fishing license and sleeping bags. Gary often takes groups on a 3.5-mile hike that begins in his backyard. ot steep at all, the trail to Little Dyer Pond for bass and pickerel fishing is filled with blueberries, raspberries and even hazelnuts.

Llamas raise their ears up as an alert sign. Very inquisitive, they point out curiosities that otherwise would go unnoticed. Hikers are asked to watch out when llamas are passing through narrow spaces so that the bags won't get stuck "Why llamas?"or "What do you do with them?"- most folks question, almost mockingly. The list of reasons seems quite convincing. Gary considered the llamas easier to handle, maintain, transport, and pack. Won't donkeys, mules or horses do it? After all, even the smaller traditional pack animals can easily bear more than llamas, which may carry up to 25 percent of their body weight (usually 50 to 90 pounds, equally split into bags hanging from both sides of the animal). Packing requires only a few seconds. Gary ties a seal around their stomach and hooks the bags up. Bag on, it's off to the wild. Although the llama looks hefty and big, a pleasure ride by adults is out of the question. Small children can ride a very welltrained llama led by an adult. http://www.sta le.me . us/i fw

Not all revolves around the tonnage it can carry. Llamas cause very little impact on the environment. "Their unique feet are very easy on the trails." They consist of two tough, fleshy pads

that require no shoes - less dangerous than any hoofed animal - and leave footprints often no t as remarkable as those from hiking boots. They allow llamas to travel on rough ground

with agility where other pack animals might find it harder. They have a very mellow, calm nature that makes them quite easily controlled by adults and children. Simply pull the llamas by the leash and they will follow you right along. The adaptation is instantaneous. Sniffing is their way of greeting and llamas come close, nose-tonose. If they have been around someone for a while quite often they will hug so that their neck touches the person's shoulder. Spitting happens only among llamas to establish and uphold social order within the species, though sometimes the threat is enough. No spitting on humans so far.

Maine Guide Gary Haywood and his llama take a time out on the trail. Even though they may cost more initially, llamas are cheap to maintain. Their diet is based on grain - half pound each per day - hay and water. Llamas also eat grass and spend the whole day ruminating. Every morning, Gary's mother, Marilyn Hayward - the Llama Gramma crosses the road from their house to the small fenced area to check on their supplies. She also brushes their hair to get the dust off, a job not often very rewarding since the llamas roll down on dirt to keep the bugs away. By late afternoon, Eli Lazarus, a neighbor who is more than Simone Esmanhotto is a newspaper reporter in Southern Brazil who lived with the Haywards as an exchange student in 1991. She often comes to Maine to check what's new with the family. http://www .state.me. us/i fw

S11111mer 1999

Llamas like a little break from the routine, too. These mellow fellows are at rest during a backpacking adventure with Guide Gary Haywood. happy to give Gary a hand, takes the llamas for a walk in the woods to keep them in shape. A small pickup, rather than a larger truck or horse trailer, will transport the animals anywhere. A sixteen-foot stock trailer can haul about eight llamas or half as many horses. Still wondering why llama backpacking? "People have the opportunity to handle animals other than glancing at them in a zoo behind fences," said Gary. "And it's a unique experience." They appear to blend right into the landscape. The name of Gary's guide service tells it all: "Just For The Fun of It." Why not? â&#x20AC;˘

Night Visitor For many visitors to Maine's wilds and yonders, the intimate moments with wildlife can be the most memorable of a whole vacation. Karl and Sue Matson arrived at their camp at Chesuncook Village to find a litter of red foxes living within eye shot of their front window. One by one, the youngsters and the mother moved on or just disappeared. But this little one hung around, and on a return trip the little fox discovered where Karl was depositing the mice that he trapped and removed from the cabin. Over a period of time, the young fox came to "expect" more mice, leading to this inquiry at the front window! The Department takes this opportunity to remind visitors that wildlife should be enjoyed, but caution and good judgment should always be used and close encounters, such as hand feeding and petting, should be avoided. -Henry Hilton, MDIF& W

Maine Fish and Wildlife

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

This six-week old pup is getting used to her surroundings, as well as the feel of a check cord.

Training That New~ppy by Ralph Nodine

Wen

should you begin training your spring puppy? Right now! In fact, if the breeder hasn't worked with the litter before you bought the pup, you are already late, so make up now for lost time. Much research has been done recently on the amazingly rapid and complex learning of tiny infants. Every good dog trainer knows that it is the same with little puppies; they soak up new experiences and knowledge like sponges. There are two major things that the pup must learn to http://www.state.me .us/ifw

become the kind of dog that you'll be proud to own. First, he must learn about people, especially about you as his boss and how to please you. After all, he has been raised in a litter of puppies by his dam, so the only creatures that he really knows how to get along with are dogs; people give different signals, sounds and body language that he must learn. If you keep the pup in the house (as I hope you will, at least most of the time) then he'll have more chance to learn to relate to people. Since you are, and always will be, the most important person in your puppy's life, it is especially important that you spend lots of time playing, training, and en-

couraging. As Bob Wehle puts it, just "hanging out" with your puppy. Some noted dog trainers carry this "bonding" time to extremes, one taking his favorite puppies on a trip in his motor home, while another takes his future champions canoe camping. What counts, though, is that the pup should have plenty of time in your company to watch you and learn to please you. In addition to learning about you as his boss, the pup must learn about the sights and sounds that form the world of

The author operates Duckpond Kennel in Jonesboro. Summer 1999

The wing-on-a-rod routine is water is warm enough for you to the sporting dog. We can begin with the high points of a pup's wade comfortably in bare feet. used by every pointing dog (One formula is that water and fancier, and this is the age to do day - his feeding times. Make air temperature together should it. It gives you a chance to praise lots of noise while preparing to feed him - banging the pans, total at least 120Â° F). Until then, the pup and staunch him as he points. Don't, like most new pup the most you can do is to cross slapping blocks of wood together, turning up a radio to the wet places in your rambles. Once owners, keep doing this on a ear-bursting level, etc. closely mowed lawn (A commercially or the pup will just The wing-on-a-rod routine is used available tape of gun learn to sight point; noises is very good.) put game scent on by every pointing dog fancier, and this The pup will become the wing and flip it is the age to do it. It gives you a chance into deep grass and accustomed to noise to praise the pup and staunch weeds so that the stress and "inoculated" against it. pup will point the him as he points. scent. A real bird in As the pup eats, try a harness or in an snapping a cap pistol, the water is warm, you can wade at first without a cap, then with a onion bag is better yet. A canvas bumper well satuout and carry the pup to just cap but in your pocket, and over ankle depth, so that one finally near the pup; this will rated with bird scent is great for stroke or so will let them touch flushing dogs as well as for make gunshyness very unlikely. bottom. With lots of p layful pointers; flushers can learn to Just wa tch carefully and back off chase it. If the water isn't too put the pup gently into joviality, on the noise if the pup's tail goes the water and let him swim cold, try this game in wadingdown even a little bit. In time ashore for a lively play session. depth water. you can use a blank pistol to announce mealtimes and the pup will react like troops hearing the bugler's "Mess Call." It's now time for you to take the pup out to learn all about the big world and how to naviga te in the wildwood. The pup will learn to stay with you - reasonably well - and to pay attention to where you are and where you are going. Walk through a closely-mown field in one direction, then as you change course toot the whistle repeatedly (and perhaps, if you have prepared the pup well, shoot off a blank or cap). When he has learned to keep an eye on you in the field, try taking him into the woods; you will need to give a toot each time you come to a fork in the trail and watch to be sure he is with you or ahead of you. The pup is now old enough to learn to enjoy water, but don't expect him to swim until the This is the age for training your pup with a wing on a f/yrod.

Mn111c Fish n11d Wild/1/1'

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Tracking can be started at this age, and all spaniels, retrievers, the continental "versatile" breeds, and many working dogs should be encouraged to track. Take the wing off your flyrod and substitute a frankfurter sliced lengthwise.The first time have the pup restrained where he can see the frank while you drag it away. Snip off a piece and leave it at the place where you start the track. Drag the sausage slice in a straight line about eight or ten yards and every yard or so snip off a little piece; leave a big piece - the balance of the sausage at the end of the track. Later, when the pup has learned to track the sausage, you

can introduce tracking a bird. Most owners think of pheasants when they think "tracking", but the pheasant moves fast and leaves too little scent to be a good first tracking subject. Barb Jensen's method at Alders' Edge Kennel in Minnesota is to use a big white Peking duck; it has big feet, takes short steps, leaves plenty of scent, and is very durable. If you have a very shallow puddle you could let the duck get to that. The duck will learn to intimidate the pup, and you don't want either the duck or the puppy injured anyway, so be ready to step in and snatch the duck away. (I scoop him up with a smelt net.) This gets the

pup tracking, pointing, and into the water, all at once, and also gives him an intense lifelong interest in ducks. As an important part of his future, you'll want him to ride in a vehicle and in an airline type crate, so start by giving him short rides - I go to the post office one mile away in a crate and then gradually extend the time and distance. There's no time in the dog's life when he will learn as quickly and as well as during these few early months, so the time you spend playing with him now will be well repaid later in a gun dog custom-tailored to your own needs. â&#x20AC;˘

PEA POD AND PATRIDGE SALAD 1 C. spiral pasta, cooked and drained 2 C. fresh pea pods, blanched 2 C. cooked, diced partridge breast 1/2 C. sliced onion 1/2 C. sliced water chestnuts 1/2 C. mayo 1 tsp. soy sauce 1/8 tsp . ginger 1 tsp . sherry lettuce leaves 1/4 C. toasted slivered almonds Mix first group of ingredients. Serve on a bed of lettuce, garnished with almonds. Recipe from the kitchen of Gail Damon, Mt. Desert, ME

Want to see your favorite fish and game recipe in our Recipe Corner? Just send it, along with a little background, to: THE RECIPE CORNER, Attn: Charlie Mann, 284 State Street, 41 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333 http ://www .s tate.me. us/ifw

S11111111er

1999

by Warden Mark Thompson Photo by the author

fter being a lifetime resident of Waldo County in 1987 my ambition had finally been realized. I had become a game warden for the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. After graduating from Husson College I worked in the Belfast area for a number of years. I became acquainted with the warden in the area and began to work as his deputy in late 1983. After working for about three years in the deputy position, I was compelled to go through the hiring process and was hired to a full-time position in 1987. This was a few years after a joint venture was undertaken by the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Department. Wild turkeys were to be reintroduced into the state of Maine. After being reintroduced in the southern part of the state, a second site had been chosen in central Maine. It was to be in the town of Waldo, which is one of the eleven towns that are within my patrol area. This was exciting to many people, including me. There are very few chances to be in a position to observe the reintroduction of a species. In today's world, it would be more common to be concerned about extinction. ot only did this present a new enforcement issue

Maine Fish and Wildlife

since there was no legal hunting season, but sparked an interest in me as an avid bird hunter and bird watcher. From an early age my father, an avid hunter and sportsman, had instilled in me a love and respect for anything wild. I had grown up with a keen understanding that there was far more to hunting then killing game. I remember my father's fascination with all birds. As a child I recall my dad taking me to one of the places that he had lived on Frye Mountain. It seemed that we walked forever. After getting to a hardwood ridge, he sat me down and we waited as the sky began to darken. Suddenly he tapped me on the shoulder and pointed to a dead tree a short distance away. There next to a hole in the trunk sat a barred owl. I was impressed, even more impressed when a second owl appeared out of the hole along with two young owls covered with down. We sat, not saying a word to one another, until it was to dark to see the comings and goings of the adults. This was the beginning of my fascination with birds. This may explain why one fall night years ago I awoke my seven-year-old daughter and my four-year-old son at 2:00 a.m. and loaded them into the truck to go and look at the nowy owl that was perched on a power line a mile from my house. Although they thought I was crazy, they hc1d to admit it was pretty neat.

Having this rare opportunity to see the reintroduction of wild turkey from the start was going to be a treat indeed. The first few years of the introduction I saw very few birds. Sightings were common but only near the release site. I was not the only one concerned with the lack of reproduction. Biologists Brad Allen and Randy Cross went to Connecticut and transported birds to the Waldo area to assist in population numbers. Slowly the reported sightings increased. Birds were being seen in Morrill, Brooks, and Knox, and there was little doubt that this was working. I have to admit many days were spent looking for birds and keeping a notebook on how many were in each flock and where the flocks were located. Suddenly it seemed that the number of birds exploded. It was becoming very common to see twenty or thirty birds at a time in the Waldo area. On one occasion, a local federal officer was riding with me for a day. He had asked about the turkeys so we went to take a look. And did we find turkeys! One hundred and five birds were counted in one flock; believe me we were impressed. Working with biologists Eugene Dumont and Brad Allen, I as isted in the transfer of some of the Waldo flock to other parts of the region. Thes birds were baited into an area where a canon net was set. Hens were taken from the flock and transh ttp ://www .state.me . us/i fw

ÂŁerred to other locations to boost the reproduction and fill voids in expansion of the birds. This gave me a chance to actually handle turkeys for the first time. As you can probably guess this just made things worse. Now it became my mission to know where all the birds in my area were. Spring, summer, and fall, I monitored the birds as they moved from one area to the next. It became very clear that these birds were here to stay. Winter proved to be the hardest on the birds, but not for the reason that I had thought. I wondered how they would ever get enough food. As I watched the birds dig acorns out of the snow and sit in apple trees eating whole frozen apples, I realized that food would not be an issue. I began to wonder if the deer were going to have to compete for food. I had been watching a flock of bird in the Searsmont area, near a friend's home. He mentioned http://www.sta te.111 e. us/i fw

to me that he thought the flock was getting smaller. We began to watch more. closely and realized that indeed birds were missing. After a couple of snowshoe trips we had a theory. That year coastal Maine had been hit with a large snowfall. Due to the cold temperatures the snow had remained fluffy. It appeared that when the birds were on the ground to feed, they were so heavy they sank into the fluffy snow so deep they were unable to take off and get back into the trees to roost. Needless to say the predators in the area had not taken as long to figure this out as me. This meant a few more snowshoe trips to pack the snow in feeding areas so the birds could fly to roost in trees. This will be the third hunting season in the northern zone. I must admit that I had grave concerns about the first season and how it would be accepted. I have been pleasantly surprised. For the most part, the two

seasons have gone exceedingly well. Hunters have educated themselves and have shown great interest in the hunt. Hunters who have taken the time to contact landowners are finding that there is good access. Birds have spread throughout the Waldo county area and well north of the county line. Since the birds have expanded so well, there have been very limited problems with hunters interfering with one another. The expansion has been dramatic and rapid. Many birds are in the eighteen to twenty pound class. In speaking to experienced turkey hunters these are trophy sized birds. I feel very fortunate to have been able to watch the growth and expansion of the wild turkey population in Maine. It is rare to have this opportunity, the hard work of a few people have given the people of Maine a wonderful gift that will bring pleasure to many generations. â&#x20AC;˘ S11111111er 1999

Cattails: A Survi~

by Charlie Reitze

itting on the side of an old tote road this morning I munched on root stalks from sprouting new cattails. They've always reminded me of eating an extremely mild garlic. But I wasn't there to eat new root stalks (it's just that when I'm around new cattails, I can't resist the new shoots). I was there to pick last year's puffball heads. I was there getting ready for one of my spring treats: cattailpancakes. That's right. Mixed 5050 with northern Maine's own ploys and a touch of pure maple syrup-well a breakfast just doesn' t get any better!

Maine Fis/, and Wild/1/e

For survival expert Charlie Reitze, this cattail swamp is a wilderness garden. From the puffball heads to the root stalks, most of the cattail is edible.

They' re not too appetizing to mix up. First thing I do is shake the fluffy cattail heads in a plastic shopping bag to break them up. At that point, they look a bit like lumps of rabbit fur. This is when you mix them with your choice of pancake mix. Now they look like stringy tapioca. What do they taste like? Try them. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. Cattails are not only one of the most versatile plants for their food properties, they're one of the best black fly and mo qui.to repellents available in the bush.

Growing in most wetland areas of orth America, the versatility of the cattail makes it a wilderness supermarket for all easons of the year. In the early spring, if you peel the tender new shoots just before they pop through the ground, you'll find the white core is delicious raw, or boiled for about 15 minutes. Stalks (up to two feet or o) hould be prepared the same way. If you like asparagus, The a11tlzor is an outdoorsman who lives and teaches outdoor survival in Greenbush. http ://www.state.me . us/i fw

alist's Cornucopia you'll like both of these. Also, if you have time, dice the shoots and stalks up into a wok; you'll have a better Chinese meal than you can buy downtown, and for a lot less. Gather them just before they break through their sheaths. In early summer you can pick and eat the pollen heads raw, or dry them and grind them into flour. An easy way to gather a lot of this pollen is simply to shake the heads into a plastic bag. The sprouts growing from the tips of tangled rootstalk (anytime) are a picnic in the wild, raw or boiled. They resemble one side of a horn off a Texas steer. I prefer them raw or if you're just out experimenting, prepare them like a dill pickle. This is my favorite part of the plant. Sometimes, while sitting by a beaver dam taking in the solitude, I'll munch on the sprouts like you would a bag of potato chips. When cleaned to the starchy core, crushed in a pail of water and dried, the rootstalk itself makes a great starch or flour. Mix it 50/50 with wheat flour and it's even better. More than a supermarket the cattail is a drugstore. Mashed,

If you have time, and stalks up into a better Chinese meal downtown, and the ripe flowers make a good salve for cuts, scratches, or burns. And the sticky juice between the young leaves makes excellent antiseptic, anesthetic, and styptic. To make a cattail bug repellent, cut the old stalks off about two feet or so. Plant the stalks around your campsite; light the brown heads like you would a

dice the shoots wok; you'll have a than you can buy for a lot less. torch, then sit back, endure the unpleasant odor, and watch the bugs pull a Hank Snow, "and keep movin' on." It's better than Uncle Ben's. If you want to learn more about this versatile wilderness plant, I recommend "A Field Guide To Edible Wild Plants" by Roger Tory Peterson. Have a great vacation. â&#x20AC;˘

In spring, the root stalks of cattails are both edible and nutritious. According to the author, they taste a little like mild garlic. http://www.state.me. us/ifw

Summer 1999

A Future for Maine Fish and Wildlife Magazine by Don Kleiner

pending policy decisions by the Department regarding the future of the magazine. We hope to make these decisions over the next few months.

This magazine is a quarterly publication of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIF&W). It has been published since the early 1950s. The press run of the magazine is currently 15,000 copies going to 12,500 paid subscribers.

Reader Survey A survey of the readers was conducted in the Winter 99 issue of Maine Fish and Wildlife to

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As a result of budget cuts and decreasing staff numbers within the Information and Education Division of MDIF&W, the magazine has consumed over the past few years an increasingly unacceptable portion of staff attention and budget. The need for an improved information and education effort on behalf of the Department has b en recognized. For this reason, an evaluation of the effectiveness and cost of the magazine has been done. This information, some of which is published here, is the basis for

Maine Fish and Wildlife

determine their thoughts on the magazine. The response was excellent with over 900 readers replying. A great deal of useful information can be gained from the survey results. Respondents were predominately male (90%), and the average H e 4{, age of the respondent was 57. The Co"ÂĽ) 7'L majority live in small towns (76%) and are Maine residents (76%).

People who responded to the survey are interested in a variety of outdoor activities, however they are most interested in hunting and fishing. Respondents have been subscribing to the magazine for a relatively long time; 30% have been reading the magazine for 15 or more years. Sixteen per cent (16%) have been reading for 10 to 15 years and 24% have been reading for five to 10 years. Seventy per cent of those responding have subscribed for over five years. Thirty per cent first saw the magazine as a complementary copy and another 30% heard about it from a friend. Readers are interested in a variety of information that the Department can provide. Eighty seven per cent (87%) of the respondents read the KID-BITS section of the magazine. The vast majority would prefer to see no change in the magazine. Eighty eight per cent (88%) think that the magazine provides the right mix of information, pictures and graphics. Thirty two per cent (32%) want no change in the magazine and another 37% ACTIVITIES OF MOST INTEREST Hunt 24%

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

would like to see the magazine Farmington, Maine, also on a Overall, how satisfied are published more frequently. contract basis. you with the magazine? Respondents are almost evenly split between more Very 724 Subscription Management advertising (54%) and an inSubscription management Moderately 147 crease in the subscription price services are handled by Infonet, Not satisfied 8 (46%) as a way to defray the cost a Florida company, and their of the magazine. Nearly 82% are subcontractor, CDS, in Iowa. very satisfied with the current CDS provides a call center and magazine. The largest group similar readerships. Vermont has maintains the database of sub(27%) would like to see the no official Department magascribers and billing records. Department publish a newsletzine. New Hampshire has a Direct Mail of Maine currently circulation of about 6,000 and ter. Most interesting was that labels the magazine and mails it. Massachusetts has a circulation this group would use the of about 20,000. Internet more as a way to get Financial Picture information than radio The Department and television (9.8% to spent $125,000 9.6%). Forty four per annually to proThose readers who responded fit this profile: cent (44%) would duce the magazine Average age 57 continue to subscribe if during each of the the magazine were previous two fiscal 798 Male years. This expenreplaced by a new Female 86 publication, and 34% diture was offset by might stay on as approximately Large city 46 subscribers. $81,000 of income Moderate/Small city 166 in FY 97 and apSmall town Current Operation 672 proximately of Maine Fish and $65,000 in income Wildlife Magazine during FY 98. In From Maine 677 1998, the The current paid From Massachusetts 73 Department's net subscriber base is From Connecticut 30 cost per subscriber 12,500. The subscripFrom New Hampshire 23 was about $4.00. tion renewal rate is 49 From other states 88 The magazine has percent as of January 1, represented a 1999. Historically, this significant part of the Informarate has been in the 65 percent tion and Education operating Production range. The drop in renewal rate budget over the last several Articles are written by a is due in part to the Supersport years. The amount spent on the variety of Inland Fisheries and license holders that were given a magazine as a percentage of the Wildlife staff members and complimentary subscription in Information and Education submitted by members of the 1996, and are not renewing their budget has been falling in part public. The magazine is cursubscriptions now that the free due to the increase in funding rently edited by V. Paul subscription has expired. for Information and Education Reynolds, the former Director of For comparison, The Maine Information and Education, on a over the last few years. Sportsman has a circulation of contract basis. Layout is done on 20,000. The Northwoods Sporta personal computer by Tom Problems ing Journal has a circulation of Chamberlain, a former departProduction of the magazine 8,500. The Sportsman's Alliance ment employee, on contract. has traditionally been late as of Maine publishes the SAM Separations are done by Penmany glitches plague production News with a circulation of 8,500. Mor on contract. Printing is done and distribution. Coordination Other ta te fish and wildlife by Franklin Printing of between the various vendors has magazines in the region have http ://www .state .me .us/ifw

51111111,cr 1999

FIRST HEARD ABOUT MAGAZINE

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often proved difficult. Over the we are now trying to focus on past few years, the Information getting information out to the Director edited the magazine public through other avenues. and coordinated the production processes without the benefit of WE D LIKE TO SEE MORE .. . staff assistance. Last summer, all How to manage phases of the magazine Dept, general info. land for Other Fisheries Mgmt personnel fish/ wildlife 3% production and distribu 10% finances 7% 4% - - -tion were outsourced to Information on fish/ wildlife contract vendors. 11% At the end of the current arrangement for the production of the magazine, the work How to comp. canoe 5% How to snowmobile. boot, 1-iow to hunt. ftSh. trap associated with it will AN 10% 2% return to the Information and Education Division. I am conResumption of in-house produccerned with the additional work tion will take time away from that this will generate for Inforother important projects. mation and Education staff as

The Future

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Maine Fish and Wildlife

First, we need to answer if the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife should produce a magazine at all. To answer this, one must consider the value tha t the Department receives from the magazine. The magazine is an excellent way to reach its subscribers, but the number of subscribers is only a fraction of the public the Department must communicate with. The number of license holders is many times the subscriber base, and the general public an even larger audience. The subscribers are dedicated to the magazine, and many of them have subscribed for a long period of time. We have an obligation to those subscribers to provide the product that they enjoy and have paid for into the future in the belief that we would continue to provide it. The subscribers are very interested in the Department Wildlife Education 7 and are eager for more news about it. They can be considered the core of the Department's constituency. The magazine al o has value as collateral material at shows and meetings that helps to inform a wider audience about the Department. Finally, the magazine offers an outlet for the Department can rely on to get its story out accurately and dependably . It is clear that the Department cannot afford the current level of production costs in both actual dollar , and as a percentage of the Information and Education budget. We must seek a method of continuing to produce a magazine while reducing the cost and effort. After reviewing the options,

continued on inside back cover http://www. s tate . me . u s /i fw

Maine's Loons ->

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by Susan Hitchcock Take a look around you and you're bound to see common loons. Maybe not live ones, but you'll see them on business signs and logos, on license plates, on storefronts and bottles of water, on t-shirts and hats, on mailboxes, on calendars and postcards and magnets. There's som thing about a loon that enraptures us all. http://www.state.me. us/i fw

We're fortunate to have a significant common loon population in Maine. Since the early 1980s, volunteers with Maine Audubon have conducted annual loon surveys, focused primarily on the southern half of the state. In 1998, we estimated there were 2,225 adults and 102 chicks in southern Maine. In addition, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) conducts occasional

aerial loon surveys in northern Maine. The last survey in 1996 put the northern Maine loon populations at approximately 1,445 adults. An optimistic population estimate for the state is about 4,000 adults. While the population has been relatively stable for the last few years, there are several reasons to believe that Maine's loons population is at risk. Even in the healthiest population, some loons die every year. atural causes like parasites, diseases, territorial battles, and old age take some each year. Predators likely take a significant toll on both eggs and chicks. But human-related activities probably cause the majority of loon deaths, especially in breeding adults. Trauma from boat collisions and lead poisoning from ingesting lead fishing tackle unfortunately top the list. For the last ten years, dedicated volunteers and agency personnel have been finding and collecting dead loons, and sending them to Tufts University Wildlife Clinic. Dr. Mark Pokras, a veterinarian and director of the clinic, along with colleague Rose Miconi, examines the carcasses to determine the cause of death. So far, they've determined the cause of death in a total of 427 loons from all over ew England. Through their careful analysis, we now know that lead poisoning from fishing tackle is responsible for the deaths of over half of all adult loons collected from fresh water lakes in ew England. Loons that have died from lead poisoning have high lead levels in both their blood and tissues, and

The author is media relations representative for Maine Audubon Society. S11mmer1999

also have lead objects still in their digestive tract. Dr. Jenna Caldwell, from Tufts University, analyzed 133 lead objects recovered from lead poisoned loons, and found that most of the objects were lead sinkers (54%), another 19% were the lead heads from jigs, and another 14% were lead split shot. Most of the objects (95%) weighed less than an ounce and were less than an inch long and a half-inch wide. Lead poisoning has only been confirmed in adults from freshwater. No chicks or juveniles have ever been found with lead poisoning, and only one case of lead poisoning in an adult from salt water has been confirmed by Tufts. How and why do loons ingest all this lead? Loons, like other birds, have no teeth. They need to ingest grit and gravel in order to help them digest food. The grit goes to their gizzard, a muscular organ, where it is used to grind food into digestible pieces. Common Loons accidentally ingest lead sinkers and jigs lost on the bottom of lakes because they are the same size as the pebbles and gravel the loons eat for digestion. It's also likely that loons catch fish that have escaped from anglers with a sinker or jig-head still attached. However they eat the lead object, once it is ingested it starts to dissolve almost immediately as it is ground in the acidic gizzard. The dissolved lead goes directly into the bird's bloodstream. Based on his studies, Dr. Pokras believes that lead affects loons within a week, and that death from lead poisoning can come in as little as two weeks. The effects of lead poisoning include a damaged nervous system and problems with digestion. Loons with lead poisoning cannot swim straight or catch

Mnine f1s/i n11d Wildlife

fish. They have trouble breathing, and eventually will beach themselves. There is nothing that can be done to reverse the effects of lead poisoning, and it always results in a quick death. Duck hunters are aware that ducks and other waterfowl were dying in tremendous numbers prior to the ban on lead shot for waterfowl hunting in 1991. Ducks and other waterfowl are smaller than loons, and the size of spent lead shot was exactly the same size as the grit and gravel they ate for digestion. Unlike loons, ducks and other waterfowl are able to tolerate long-term exposure to lead, though eventually the effects are still fatal. Because of a loon's acidic gizzard, lead likely has a much more immediate and drastic effect on loons. Loons cannot live in captivity, as they invariably die from aspergillosis, a stress-induced fungal infection of the respiratory tract. Therefore, we have no way to clinically document how long a loon can live with elevated levels of lead. But the anecdotal evidence suggesting a short span between ingestion and death is mounting. First, the birds that die from lead poisoning are otherwise completely healthy. Their muscle mass is in excellent shape with no signs of starvation or deterioration, indicating a relatively quick death. Second, there are several anecdotal stories from fishermen who reported a loon ingesting a fish off their line with a sinker or jig-head attached, and then found a dead loon on the same lake several weeks later. Analysis of the loon carcass indicated lead poisoning as the cause of death. Although we have no way of knowing for certain the loon that died was

the same one that ingested the fish with the lead tackle, it sure is a likely scenario. Thirty-three adult loons from Maine have been confirmed by Tufts to have died from lead poisoning in the last ten years. You may not think this sounds like a significant loss from a population of 4,000 adults, but there are several reasons to think it may be. First, not all of those 4,000 adult loons nest and breed each year. Some are males who are ready to breed but cannot find territories or mates. Others are adults too young to nest. Loon don't breed until they are between five and 11 years old, with the average age at first breeding around seven years. Loons are also long-lived, and may live an average of 25 to 30 years. Each year that they do breed, they'll probably have only one chick survive, and the chances of that chick making it back to nest in another seven or so years is unknown. So each breeding adult represents a significant and important part of the population. These are the loons that are most susceptible to lead poisoning. Second, there are many other threats facing loons. Shoreline development reduces nesting habitat and artificially increases the numbers of nest predators like skunks and raccoons. Dams artificially raise and lower water levels, swamping shoreline nests or stranding them well above the water line and out of reach of the adults. Recreational boaters and jet skis can disturb breeding and feeding adults, create large wake that wash eggs out of nests, and directly kill either adults or chicks by inadvertently running them over. Trauma from boat collisions has been documented h ttp://w ww .state .me. us/ifw

by Tufts as the second largest cause of loon deaths in New England. Most (70%) of the lakes in Maine have high concentrations of heavy metals like mercury that may impact loon development and reproductive success. Given all of these other threats facing loons, the loss of breeding adults from lead poisoning again stands out as both significant and unnecessary. All of the threats combined put the Maine loon population on unstable ground for the future. Alternatives to lead sinkers are already on the market and are available from L.L. Bean, WalMart, Kittery Trad ing Post, and any n umber of other retail outlets here in Maine. The alternatives are made of steel, tin, ceramics and bismuth. Though

Tufts University, in analyzing 133 lead objects recovered from leadpoisoned loons, found that more than half were lead sinkers. Xrays plainly show the presence of such lead objects in loon gizzards. http://www.state .me. us/ifw

they are a little less moldable and slightly less dense than lead, they cost only pennies more and are also harmless to both water birds and to people. Bismuth jigheads are just coming on the market from small manufacturers like D & D Lures in Canada. Bullet Weights, an alternative manufacturer from Nebraska, is working on a new steel jighead. Bismuth can be used in most lead molds at home with only a slight decrease in mass over lead (approximately 15%). Bismuth is significantly more expensive than lead, but again, it is nontoxic to birds as well as people. Concern over the effects of lead poisoning on waterbirds has resulted in several lead tackle bans across the country. Lead tackle is not allowed in Yellowstone National Park, or on several wildlife refuges used by loons and swans. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed the creation of "lead-free" zones on other refuges used by Common Loons. Canada has a ban on lead sinkers and leadheaded jigs in their national parks and national wildlife areas. New Hampshire was the firs t to initiate state legislation, and will ban the use of lead sinkers an ounce or less, and lead-headed jigs less than an inch in length, starting in January of 2000. (Editor's note: This measure was passed.) Maine is poised to follow, with the legislature set to vote on a bill that would ban the sale of lead sinkers of a half-ounce or less starting in the year 2002. The Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee gave the bill unanimous support, and it looks promising that the full legislature will pass the bill. In anticipation of the proposed legisla-

tion, Maine Audubon, together with MDIFW, proposed a lead sinker outreach and exchange program. The program recently received $47,000 from the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund, and will fund education efforts, including public service announcements, public presentations, and informational brochures, as well as personnel to work in the field with anglers and a substantial amount of lead-free tackle inventory to be handed out to anglers. Already, the program has provided replacements for the lead sinkers used in the Department's "Hooked on Fishing" kits. If you have a group that can distribute leadfree sinkers, would like to hear a program on loons and lead poisoning, or would like to get involved with the exchange program in any way, please contact Susan Hitchcock at Maine Audubon at 781-2330, extension 216. There's a simple, easy and relatively inexpensive solution to the problem of lead poisoning in loons . Through small changes in the choice of tackle, particularly by replacing small lead sinkers and lead-headed jigs with leadfree alternatives, anglers can significantly reduce the number of lead-poisoned loons. With the lead sinker exchange program underway, anglers will have an easier transition to new products, and the cumulative effects of many small changes will no doubt result in a large and positive impact on Maine's loons. Eliminating the threat of lead poisoning to loons will help ensure that our grandchildren will see as many loons as we do today, both live ones calling on the water as well as their images all around. â&#x20AC;˘ S11111111rr

1999

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by Skip Gates October 1! The thunder and the weatherman promise colder weather soon. My bird dog, Sky, looks at me expectantly. "The birds will be predictable this afternoon! They will have to feed," he seems to signal. I talk to him. "Sky, I'm sorry. This year there will be no grouse, no woodcock, no ducks and no geese. I'm afraid the only retrieves you will be making this year will be on tennis balls." And I talk to myself: If only I could go back to last November and do things differently ... My story begins more than a year ago. My seemingly indestructible father-in-law had been operated on in Portland. We expected the best; he had had a similar tumor removed 10 years ago. Instead, we received the worst possible news: they closed him up and gave him only weeks to live. We got him home to Skowhegan, home to the hospital whose '96 Fund Raising Committee he had chaired, a scant 36 hours before he died. I have been lucky in my life. I have lost people that I loved, but never one so close. Bill was more than a father-figure to me. He was the older brother I never had. He was my teacher, my friend, my hero, and my boys' beloved "Dee Da". I still miss him every day.

Ma111e Fis/z and W1/dlifr

I hunted the fall of 97, but not with my normal intensity. I generally hunt everyday, both before and after work. Sky and I did find a few birds and I spent a couple of weekends at camp, but my heart was just not in it. My November deer season was particularly unusual: I really didn't care about the venison. The day after Thanksgiving, very clear and very cold, I set up in our back field. At 3:45 a.m., I watched a small doe, obviously in heat, walk into the corner of the field. Behind her crept our resident "Big Boy," the 10pointer I had hunted for three years. Bill had jumped him last year, but had already filled his tag. It just seemed "right" to me that he should come to me now, six weeks after Bill had died. I estimated the distance at 250 yards, and this was my first mistake. (I am generally almost obsessive about knowing exact yardages from each of my seats.) The buck flinched at the shot, and ran directly away from me. The track told the grim story: blood on the left side only, and a three-legged deer thereafter. I had misjudged the distance and broken his leg!(I later measured

the actual shot at 307 yardswithin my regular practice yardage and the .270' s range.) I followed him for over a mile, finally jumping him out of a blood bed. (By then I had, of course, unloaded my gun.) This was my second mistake. Had I let him alone, I am convinced that I would have found him there in the morning. I was beside myself that evening. I was brought up to believe that to take an animal is to enter into a sacred covenant with his spirit. He gives up his life to you and you must kill him quickly and with as little pain as possible. I had not kept up my end of the deal. An animal was suffering because of my incompetence and illpreparation. I was up a dozen times in the night. I didn't sleep a wink. My friend and neighbor Jim arrived early and we took the wounded buck's track at first light. I was certain that we would come on to him quickly, but the buck had different ideas. He backtracked himself, walked in other deers' hoof prints, went up creeks, over blowdowns and under thickets. h ttp://www .state.me. us/i fw

Above (Photo A), the buck's position, from the shooting point. Below (Photo BJ, the house, off to the left of the shooting point (see diagram at left). Photos by author.

We began to wonder whether we would catch him when we came to his second blood-stained bed. Perhaps by pushing him, we could wear him down through blood loss, and ultimately end his suffering. The wounded animal crossed U. S. Route 2 and took us into unfamiliar territory. Jim left me about 8:30 to coach a Little League Basketball game and I began to close. I could hear him every 10 minutes or so, and I glimpsed him twice. He was laying down more and more often. I picked up the pace. He began to follow an old logging road that wound downhill, in the general direction of a blacktopped road. Had I been less focused, I would probably have been able to hear traffic at this point, but for me at that moment there where only two of us on the planet, the buck and I. http://www.sta te.rne. us/ifw

We had traveled about 12 miles at this point. I had jogged most of that and after a sleepless night, was physically and emotionally exhausted. The intensity of my focus was my third and worst mistake. After about a mile, I came over a rise in the road and spotted him bedded about 75 yards downhill. There was a bank of dirt directly behind him: the perfect shot. I killed him where he lay. As I approached my "trophy," the world suddenly turned upside down. Next to the deer, not 10 yards away, was an old shed. (Trees had blocked my view from above) . Beyond the shed was a house, which of course was on the tarred road! Moments later, there was an irate woman in my face screaming at me. I tried to explain my focus, and the chase, but she was unsympathetic. When the game warden arrived, he was sympathetic, but unwavering on the law. I relocated my shooting position (substantiated by my spent casing), and he pointed out a house (not the one near the buck), just visible through the trees. The house ended up being just within 100 yards, and the warden wrote out my summons (the house was 90 degrees to my left). The warden could have confiscated the deer and my rifle, but he did not. In fact, he recommended the minimum fine and allowed me to keep my fishing license. However, by state law, I am not allowed to hunt, even on my own land, for one year. I was also required to attend an eighthour course on "Hunter Ethics"offered by the Fish and Wildlife Department. I arrived in Sidney at 8:00 a.m. May 2, expecting an unpleasant, punitive day.

To my surprise, the class was fun and informative. It is a shame that this course is only offered to game law offenders. I wish it could be incorporated into the mandatory hunter-safety class. The state wildlife managers, biologists and game wardens did an excellent job of convincing me of the importance of following the fish and game laws and of their vigilance in enforcing them. One of the biologists, Keel Kemper, even helped me design a wildlife management plan for our farm! My lawyer initially suggested the I fight the charge. I declined on two fronts. First, even if I had seen that house to my left, I probably would have still fired. At that point, ending that deer's suffering - suffering that I had caused- was paramount to me. Plus, I could clearly see the bank behind the buck. It was an absolutely safe shot. More troubling to me, however, is the fact that I had no idea of where I was. I cannot forgive myself for that. I still have bad dreams even to this day about how things could have turned out much worse. The 10-point rack of my bad dream buck hangs in the garage with my others. It is by far my biggest and "best" rack, but I take no pride in it. I keep it out of respect for the deer and as a daily reminder of how badly I messed up. Most of the venison is gone, given to family and friends. I have been unable to eat a bite. Perhaps my story will give other hunters some food for thought. I urge all hunters to hunt more carefully, more thoughtfully. Don't take shots you are not absolutely sure of and always know exactly where you are, all of the time. The hunting license that you save may be your own. â&#x20AC;˘ Summer 1999

LEAVE NO TRACE It's the outdoor time of year, and people all over Maine are out camping, boating, fishing, hiking , and recreating. What we need to remember is to 'leave no trace' of our being in the outdoor environment. Water pollution, litter, and disturbances to wildlife . vegetation, and other visitors must be reduced to protect our wild and scenic areas. The following tips will help you to leave any area you visit and use as attractive as when you found it. ~

The Principles of Leave No T race:

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Plan Ahead and Prepare Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces Dispose of Waste Properly Leave What You Find Minimize Campfire Impacts Respect Wildlife Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Plan Ahead and Prepare Know the area you plan to visit and what to expect by consulting guidebooks, local land managers, owners or outing clubs. Obtain permits and/or landowner permission and know emergency phone numbers. Tell someone back home when and where you are going t-fi; . and when you're expected to return . 1 1 Keep your group size to 10 or less to re01v 17 r,{l-- f.â&#x20AC;˘ , '#~1 (, duce impacts to trails, islands, campsites and ' area wildlife. Noise, visibility and the imposing feeling large groups may convey are all impacts than can be reduced. Select appropriate equipment for the area you will be visiting. Tents , stoves , hiking gear, and boating equipment can all be chosen for specific situations.

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Camp and Travel on Durable Surfaces Stay on existing trails, avoid trampling vegetation , do not take shortcuts , use established campsites, arrive at your destination with enough time and energy to set up a good camp. Choose a big enough site for your group. Leave your campsite as clean as you found it, or even cleaner !

Ma111 e Fish a11d Wildlife

http://www.s ta te.m e . us /i fw

Dispose of Waste Properly Reduce litter at the source by repackaging tr ip food into reusable plastic containers or bags, remove excess packaging and eliminate glass. Dispose of trash and garbage properly - this means pack it in, pack it out. Leftover food attracts wildlife, Try to cook exact amounts you will eat. even burning food packaging and leftovers leaves food odors that attracts wildlife. By keeping wildlife clear of your camp, it lessens the chance of them becoming nuisances around established campsites. Dispose of human waste responsibly to help prevent pollution of water sources, the spread of Giardia, and aesthetic impacts to other visitors. The most widely accepted means of backcountry waste disposal is by digging a "cathole" 200 feet from water , trails, camp, and gullies. Keep fishing and hunting waste away from trails and water to reduce aesthetic impacts and encounters between people and scavenging wildlife. Be careful with food and odors in bear country. Although problems with raccoons, skunks, squirrels, chipmunks, mice, etc. are more common, safeguard your food and equipment by hanging food according to the diagram. Keep your camp organized and clean, place kitchens 100 feet downwind of tents , trails, camps, etc., avoid foods with strong odors, and do not take food into your tent.

Leave What You Find

Minimize any site alterations and leave it in as good a condition as you found it-or even better. Avoid damaging trees and plants, including picking flowers , breaking off tree limbs for boughs or kindling, girdling trees with clothesline, etc. Leave natural and cultural artifacts for others to discover and enjoy.

Respect Wildlife Avoid disturbing wildlife by traveling quietly and giving wildlife the space they need to feel secure. Remember, you may only be the first of many to view that moose, loon or ospreyand always respect private lands.

Minimize Campfire Impacts Know and follow fire restrictions and always carry a camp stove. For example, fires are prohibited on most coastal islands. If you must make a fire, use an existing fire ring, and make it small and safe. Only use dead and downed wood. Always attend your fire and keep proper tools, like trowels and water, at hand. Burn your fire down to ash, make sure it is dead out, and scatter cold ashes away from the camp site. Thanks to Leave No Trace, Inc. for permission to use their materials. For more information, call 1-800-332-4100; or check out th eir Web site at: www. LNTorg.

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

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FISH AND WILDLIFE BRIEFS Big Day Hunting, fishing, and trapping have significant economic influence throughout Maine, particularly in inland and rural sections of the state. On Tuesday, May 4, organizations representing these interests gathered at the State House to commemorate Fur, Fin and Feather Day. "This is a day to mark the economic contributions that hunting, fishing and trapping have made throughout the state of Maine," said Don Kleiner, Director of Public Information and Education for the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. "Their presence is felt statewide, creating an economic stimulus that touches the entire state." Fur, Fin and Feather Day brought together many different organizations and people who make their livelihoods in the outdoors of Maine. Displays and information were present at the Hall of Flags, and Maine guides, trappers, hunters, anglers and others were on hand to discuss their professions. Organizations in attendance included the Maine Professional Guides Association, the Maine Trappers Association, Sportsman's Alliance of Maine, Maine Bowhunters Association, Sportsman's Forest Landowners Alliance, Department of Conservation, Department of Marine Resources, Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund, ature Conservancy, Kittery Trading Post, Sportsman against Hunger, and Ursus Productions. A University of Maine report by two professors found that fishing and hunting had a $750 million dollar impact on the Maine economy. Their findings were released earlier this year in a report entitled "The Economic Impacts of HLU1ting, Inland Fishing and WildlifeAssociated Recreation In Maine."

Wildlife Biologist of the Year Brad Allen of Bucksport, a Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (DIFW) wildlife biologist in Bangor, was recently named Wildlife Biologist of the Year by the Sunkhaze Stream Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Allen was cited for his numerous accomplishments concerning various bird populations that reside in the state. This past year, Allen wa involved in a project that resulted in approximately 300 seabird nesting islands being de ig-

Mni 11 e Fis /, n11d W, ld life

nated as Significant Wildlife Habitat, which will give the birds additional protection from habitat loss. Allen worked closely with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, land trusts and other non-governmental agencies to complete the project and secure the designation. Allen began his career with DIFW in 1979 as a fish and game technician for

Brad Allen the Migratory Bird Research Project. In that position, he trapped and banded waterfowl and participated in brood coLU1ts. Since then, he has been involved with numerous bird species, and his contribution to migratory birds is substantial. In 1984, Allen was named Assistant Migratory Bird Project Leader and assumed the responsibilities concerning turkeys, woodcock, and ruffed grouse. He worked hard to procure funding and help coordinate the capture and transfer of turkeys, and played a major role in organizing and conducting the 23rd ortheast Wild Turkey Work hop. He authored the species assessments for ruffed grouse and American woodcock. He has also been involved in wading bird colony monitoring. Allen was recently promoted to head of the Bird Group in the Department' Âˇ research facility .

Young Boaters To encourage smart boating from aÂˇ young age and make this summer a safer one for children, Maine

McDonald's restaurants and the Maine Warden Service formed a partnership to promote safe boating on Maine's inland waterways. Children 12 and under seen wearing a life jacket while boating will be awarded with a Flotation Citation good for a free dessert at participating McDonald's restaurants. Now in its third year, the safe boating campaign will continue through October. "We hope the Flotation Citations serve as a fun reward for doing the right thi,1g," said Karl Keppler, President of the Maine McDonald's Cooperative and owner of McDonald's restaurants in Scarborough and Portland. "By partnering with the Maine Warden Service on this program, we hope to help educate Maine children about the importance of wearing a life jacket. It's one of the simplest steps to take toward safe boating." Maine law requires that people boating must have a Coast Guard approved wearable life jacket for every person on board. Children 10 years or younger must wear a life jacket while on the waters of Maine in any watercraft. Anyone jet skiing or being towed behind a boat on skis or kneeboards must also wear life jackets or belts.

Turkey Hunt A record number of turkeys had been tagged in the first two weeks of the spring turkey hunting season which began May 3. The first two weeks of the sea on were the most successful ever for hunting turkeys in Maine. At the halfway point in the season, 705 turkeys had a !ready been tagged, compared to the 594 tagged during all of last season. "We expected an increase due to the fact that the area you could hunt nearly doubled and the number of permits were increased ," said Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Regional Wildlife Biologist Phil Bozenhard, "but it is nice to see that many hunters are having a successful hunt." The Department issued 3,000 permits this year; 2,250 permits were issued last year. Bozenhard also stated that more and more hunters are getting involved with the turkey hunt. "Interest is definitely on the increase. You can see that in the numb r of applicants for permits. Last year, 6,300 http://www.state.rne.us/i fw

Fisheries Biologist of the Year

people applied for permits-this year, more than 9,000 applied," said Bozenhard, "When you expand the range and people start seeing birds in their yards, it sparks interest in hunting." Wild turkeys, once extirpated in Maine due to the clearing of land and excessive shooting in the 1800s, are now a familiar sight in southwestern, central, and coastal Maine-and their range is expanding. Turkeys were reintroduced successfully into Maine in the late 1970s when the state received 41 turkeys from Vermont and released them in York and Eliot. The first modern turkey hunt was in 1986. Presently, there are an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 turkeys in Maine.

Fred Kircheis of Carmel, a Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (DIFW) research fisheries biologist in Bangor, was recently named Biologist of the Year by the Sunkhaze Stream Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Kircheis' research the past 30 years has been influential in shaping departmental and state policy on inland and coastal fisheries. "Many of Fred's findings have been utilized to help develop policy, rules, and statutes," said Peter Bourgue, Director of Fisheries at DIFW. "This is well-deserved recognition for him." One of Kircheis' more noted research projects is on Arctic char; there are two strains in Maine, the Sunapee

trout and blueback trout. Kircheis' efforts have provided substantially more spawning ground for these species in the state, and helped by his research, these char have been reintroduced into several waterways in the state. Kircheis has spoken at conferences around the world on work that has been done in Maine on Arctic char, and is recognized nationally as an expert on the species. Kircheis's research has also impacted Maine trout hatcheries. He found that making more food available to brown trout earlier in their lives prompted them to faster growth rates, allowing release as spring yearlings rather than fall yearlings. This cut down on the total pounds of live

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Su111111er 1999

salmon strains were negative for the virus. SSSV was originally identified in 1998 by Cornell University scientists in Maine's Pleasant River salmon stocks, which were being held in captivity in a federal hatchery in Massachusetts and a private hatchery in Maine. Little is known about the origin of the virus or how it is transmitted; scientists have determined, however, that it only affects Atlantic salmon and does not pose human health risks. The only observed symptoms of the

disease, including very low mortality, were seen in the Pleasant River stocks in the North Attleboro, MA hatchery. While most of those fish were destroyed in January, a small number are being held in isolation at the federal fish health laboratory in Leetown, West Virginia for additional research pertaining to the disease. No clinical symptoms of the disease or disease-related mortalities have occurred in any salmon held for broodstock in Maine and as a result of fry testing negative for the disease, the

Fred Kircheis brown trout that had to be kept in hatcheries through the summer months, and the amount of food that had to be purchased, and also freed valuable hatchery space for younger fish. "Fred's research has had a very positive effect on many anglers who fish in Maine," said Bourque.

Salm on Virus Recent routine fish health testing of Atlantic salmon broodstock held in captivity at Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery confirmed the apparent pre ence of Salmon Swimbladder Sarcoma Virus (SSSV) in a small number of fish. Of 510 almon tested, seven individual fish from three of five strains of river-specific salmon stocks examined tested positive for the virus. The three strains that tested positive originated from the East Machias, Machias, and Narraguagus rivers; testing of Dennys and Sheepscot

Commissioner Lee Perry (center) receives a $500 donation to the Hooked On Fishing, Not On Drugs program from Richard Melanson (right), treasurer of Safari International. Looking on is Charlie Mann, former volunteer coordinator for MDIF& W.

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Maine Atlantic Salmon Authority recently issued permits for the stocking of about three million Atlantic salmon fry currently being held in hatchery facilities throughout Maine. This decision was also based upon the scientific advice and recommendations from the newly formed Maine Fish Health Advisory Committee, composed of nine state, federal, and private fish health professionals. Small numbers of salmon fry from all strains currently on hand at Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery will be retained for future testing to try to determine how the disease is transmitted. Additional testing of wild-orgin and hatchery-origin Atlantic salmon stocks will also be conducted later this year to determine how widespread the disease may be in Maine and elsewhere in New England .

Along the Trail Recent hirings and transfers in the Department are as follows: Jennifer Pillsbury-Transferred from DOT, Clerk Typist II, Safety Dina L Page- New Hire, Conservation Aide, Bangor, Atlantic Salmon Authority

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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Seen enough monster Maine bucks yet? If not, subscribe to the Maine Big Game Magazine and see more trophy deer, bear and moose-and read the exciting stories from the hunters who harvested them! MAINE BIG GAME MAGAZINE has dozens of first hand hunting tales each issue with exciting color photos. One year subscription: $14.50 (four issues) Two year subscription: $28.00 (eight issues) Send check/money order to: Maine Big Game Publications 36 Ames Road- Dept. FW Dover-Foxcroft , ME 04426 (207-564-7614)

S11111111er 1999

Paul M Christman-New Hire, Conservation Aide, Bangor, Atlantic Salmon Authority Micah Thurston-Game Warden, transferred from Dist. 88, Div E to Dist. 28, Div B Eric Blanchard - Game Warden Cadet to Dist. 1, Div A Edward Christie - Game Warden Cadet to Dist. 95 , Div E Jared Herrick - Game Warden Cadet to Dist. 76, Div. D Robert Decker - Game Warden Cadet to Dist. 90, Div E Chris Dyer - Game Warden Cadet to Dist. 80, Div D

Patrick Egan - Game Warden Cadet to Dist 7, Div A Shannon Fish - Game Warden Cadet to Dist 5, Div A Jason Luce - Game Warden Cadet to Dist 6, Div A Scott Martin - Game Warden Cadet to Dist 85 , Div E Stacey Roberts - Game Warden Cadet to Dist 12, Div A Jeff Spencer - Game Warden Cadet to Dist 98, Div E Shon Theriault - Game Warden Cadet to Dist 16, Div A

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Group rates: $1.50/person. No reservations required! Plenty of free parking. For more information, call 207-657-4977 or 207-287-8000

September 10, 11, 12 Winona Moose Pond Bridgton, Maine

This workshop is aimed primarily at women 18 yrs & older interested in learning or honing their outdoor skills in firearms/range safety, fly fishing, canoeing, kayaking, plant & tree identification, map & compass, white-tail deer hunting, duck hunting, turkey hunting and much more!

NEW COURSES, TOO!

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Workshop Fee: $180 includes instruction in all sessions, program materials, use of equipment, all meals and lodging. ail - " Some funds are available for partial financial assistance.

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Limited to 100 participants!

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Call 207-287-8000 for a full brochure ~ application form. Registrations close on August 25, 1999. Sponsored by the Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife and Maine Warden Service Assoc .

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Mnin e Fish nnd Wildlife

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

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

n of the magazine. We are '.)ing to maintain the gazine' s quality and value to :h the subscribers and the partrnent. There may be changes in :sonnel and appearance as we •ve forward with this project. s also clear that over time the )Scription price of the magae will have to rise to help rer some of the cost while ·king to provide more timely ormation to the readers. A. request for proposals has ~n put forward to try and find uitable contractor to assist us this project. We hope to have arrangement determined in te to produce the fall issue of ~ magazine. •

Paul M Christman-New Hire, Cons vation Aide , Bangor, Atlantic Salmon AL thority Micah Thurston-Game Warden , trar /erred from Dist. 88 , Div E to Dist. 28, Di Eric Blanchard - Game Warden CadE Dist. 1, Div A Edward Christie - Game Warden Cac to Dist. 95, Div E Jared Herrick - Game Warden Cadet Dist. 76, Div. D Robert Decker - Game Warden Cade Dist. 90, Div E Chris Dyer - Game Warden Cadet to Dist . 80, Div D

AINE

7/99

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

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

D 2years only $15 D Please bill me later

City/State/Zip_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Signed limited-edition prints by Tom Hennessey Terry Redlin Persis Clayton Weirs

FOB FASTER SERVICE, CALL TOLL Â·F REE 1-800-288-8387

AINE

7/99

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

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

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D 2 years only $15 D Please bill me later

City/State/Zip._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

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

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This workshop is aimed pr outdoor skills in firearms/r. map & compass, white

AINE

7/99

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

Workshoi: program r Some fun

SPECIAL RALF-PRICE OFFER! D 1 yearonly$9 D Payment enclosed

D 2years only$15 D Please bill me later

Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

Call 207-287-

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

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