Maine Fish and Wildlife Magazine, Fall 2001 by Maine State Library

Maine State Library

Maine State Documents Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Magazine

Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

9-1-2001

Maine Fish and Game Magazine, Fall 2001 Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalmaine.com/ifw_magazine Recommended Citation Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, "Maine Fish and Game Magazine, Fall 2001" (2001). Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Magazine. Book 4. http://digitalmaine.com/ifw_magazine/4

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Governor Angus S. King, Jr. Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Lee E. 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 Andrea Erskine Assistant to the Commissioner Advisory Council Harold Brown, Bangor, Chairman Matt Libby, Ashland, Vice Chairman Richard A. Neal, Acton Ellen N. Peters, New Gloucester Millard A. Wardwell, Penobscot F. Dale Speed, Princeton Russell E. Dyer, Bowdoinham Don Palmer, Rangeley Ken Bailey, Camden Don Kleiner, Editor (ISSN 0360-005X) MAINE Fish and Wildlife is published quarterly by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, 284 State St. , Station 41 , Augusta, Maine 04333, under appropriation 010-09A-0529. Subscription rate is $9.95 per year. Permission to reprint text material is granted, provided proper credit is given to the author and to the Department. Clearance must be obtained from artists, photographers and non-staff authors to reproduce credited work. ÂŠ Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, 2001 . CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Send both old and new addresses to P.O. Box 1457, Yarmouth , Maine 04096. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to MAINE Fish and Wildlife, P.O. Box 1457, Yarmouth, Maine 04096. QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR SUBSCRIPTION? Call 1-800-276-0883 Out of state call 207-846-9501 The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife receives federal funds from the U.S. Department of Interior. Accordingly, all department programs and activities must be operated free from discrimination with regard to race, color, national origin , age or handicap. Any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against should write to the Office of Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240 Design and Prepress by Harry Vanderweide

Features Editorial

Comm. Lee Perry

Simply simple isn ' t so simple for Fish and Wildlife.

Trapping Trends

Tom Seymour

Educating the public is becoming more important.

Programs for Kids

Sarah Cameron

Learning to respect wildlife and the habitat it needs to live.

Moose Hunt Success

Scott Olsen

A Maine hunter relates his experience with Maine 's biggest game.

North Maine Woods

Ken Allen

All the pertinent facts about Maine 's recreation jewel.

Animal Trac ks

Lisa Kane

A pull-out poster on Maine wildlife footprints.

Wilderness Leadership

Lisa Price

Teachers learn outdoor lessons to take back to school.

Reverse Stocking

Timothy Sheehan and Randal Spencer

Putting adult Atlantic salmon back into the river.

Brownfield Bog WMA

5,700 acres of wetlands in the Saco River Valley.

About the Cover: Maine wildlife photographer Bill Silliker Jr. caught this black bear on film. Fall 2001

Editorial By Lee E. Perry, Commissioner Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

Simply Simple Isn't So Simple A common theme in discussions with hunters and anglers is how complex things are. Often I hear about how complex the laws are or how difficult a process is - make the law books simpler -just let everyone buy a license and go deer hunting and so on. At the same time I receive comments from people who are dissatisfied because there isn't enough opportunity to fish or hunt and in some cases enough opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in the fall without interference from hunters, anglers or fall tourists. Whe viewed from their perspective, something needs to be done: longer seasons, special seasons, more permits, more - or fewer - restrictions to insure one individual or group has more opportunity to hunt or fish. While the law and rulebooks have grown larger, so have the opportunities to hunt and fish in Maine. Deer, once the mainstay of big game hunting in Maine, have been joined by bear, moose and turkey. Brook trout and salmon are still important :fisheries but are closely followed by bass and other warm water :fisheries. As our fish and wildlife populations have become more diverse and increased across the State so have people's interests. Sports men and women simply don't just "fish trout in the spring and hunt deer in the fall" anymore. The laws and rules governing hunting and fishing today are the result of efforts to provide more opportunity for people while, at the same time, protecting the welfare of our fish and wildlife resources. The number of Department publications could be greatly reduced if we eliminated the moose hunt or the turkey hunt or the extended archery season on deer or fall fishing or - you name it. While some individuals would support this approach, our job as stewards of Maine's fish and wildlife resources is to provide for the wise use of our natural resources by all people. This is not a simple task. While regulations are necessary, we recognize the need to provide services and communicate information in the most effective and efficient manner possible. New formats for print and electronic media; an automated online computerized licensing system; electronic processing of permits; and expanded information and education programs for people of all ages are just a few of the things we're doing to try to make a complex world simpler and more enjoyable.

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Fall 2001

Trends in Maine Trapping By Tom Seymour Dawn breaks pa le and cold on the teenage boy as he tends his muskrat traps before head ing to schoo l. This class ic image of a young trapper stead ily fades into the past, as the nu mber of trappers, young and old, dwi ndle with the passing years. A combinati on of factors is responsible for the dec lini ng nu mber of trappers taki ng to the fie ld . F irst, the United States has, since the end of World War II, changed fro m an agrarian to an industri al country where the bulk of the population li ves in cities and suburbs, rather than on fa rms. Thu s, the average citizen has lost di rect contact with the land and the ways of the woods and forests. Second, low pelt prices ten d to kee p potential newcomers from entering the fi eld (consider that one beaver pelt in 194 7 was worth considerably more than the average week 's pay. More recently, the pri ce of a beaver pelt in 1993 averaged aro und $20 and in 1999, was onl y $ 13, hardl y an economic stimulus to go out in the co ld and tend a trapline). Fi na ll y, increased concern about ani-

Old time Maine trapper Brian Poors lives and traps on the shores of Graham Lake. Once employed as a professional trapper for the state of Maine, he designs and manufactures his own line of live traps. He is shown here in front of two bear live traps for bear, and with a coyote he trapped . (Photos by Tom Seymour)

'As in any sport, the ethics and behavior of the participants determines public support for that sport. With trappers making up only a small proportion of Maines population, it has become increasingly important for trappers to educate the general public about their activities. ' - Wally Jakubas MAINE Fi sh and Wi ldlife

mal welfare issues contributes to the decli ne in trapper numbers. The animalrights movement has raised the public's awareness of an imal issues. The ani malrights message is wide ly embraced because, as mentioned earlier, the public has no firstha nd experience with the natural world. Educaton Needed Sti ll , once the average person learns how trapping fits into wildlife management programs, and that trappers help control wild life popu lations, many of the concerns about trapping disappear. But, even w hen people are comfortable with animals be ing killed, they insist that it be done humanely. That's why trappers partic ipate in programs designed to educate the public about modern , humane trapping methods. Today, the bulk of Maine trappers Fall 2001

Trapper Brian Poors digs a slanted bait hole for a fox trap .... are adults. And, oddly, the bulk of newcomers to the sport are, according to Henry Hilton, a biologist with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, retirees. Most of these are people who have had outdoor jobs such as game wardens, foresters and the like, who view the sport of trapping as a way to keep active in the outdoors. But even with a slight influx of new, older trappers, numbers of Maine trappers are down sharply from 30 years ago. Ethics C uc. al Department Biologist Wally Jakubas wrote this about the role of trappers themselves in promoting their sport and educating the public: "As in any sport, the ethics and behavior of the participants determines public support for that sport. With trappers making up only a small proportion of Maine's population, it has become increasingly important for trappers to educate the general public about their activities. In particular, trappers are encouraged to remind the public that trapping is a highly regulated activity and that trapping does not hurt wildlife populations. Trappers also need to demonstrate that they care about the welfare of the animals they trap and that they are trying to use traps that balance humaneness and trapping efficiency." Thankfully, this need for improved public relations is not missed by trappers or by trapping groups. Trappers, once

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and Wildlife

the epitome of individuality, are now tightly organized. An example of this is the preamble on the National Trappers Association, Inc., (NTA) website: (www.nationaltrappers.com). The preamble points out that burgeoning human populations often conflict with existing wi ldlife, creating situations where trapping is the on ly practical management method . Maine has its own organization, the Maine Trappers Association (MTA). This is a highly active group and every trapper, whether a rank newcomer or seasoned veteran, is encouraged to become

a member. MTA talks about trapping to the public at sportsmens shows, at the Common Ground Fair, and at their annual fall rendezvous. Perhaps the most significant example of modem trapping in action is this excerpt from an address to the NTA Annual Convention, in 1998: "For North America's more than one-half million trappers, the purpose of trapping varies from assisting wildlife biologists in furbearer studies, to population and disease control. And yet, thanks to good management practices, furbearers are more numerous in North America today than l 00 years ago. The public needs to know that there is no trapping of endangered si.,ecies and that we continue to research and encourage the use of the most effective and humane trapping techniques."

ResL,irc.h m Mame The Department participates in a national research program to determine Best Management Practices (BMPs) for trapping. The result of this research will be used to make non-regulatory recommendations, which will assist trappers in determining the best, available traps and trap modifications for limiting physical injury to animals, as well as improving trapping success rates. In 1999, Maine, along with New York, Vermont and Pennsylvania, joined

. .. and then sifts fine dirt onto his dirt set for fox . Fall 2001

together to form a regional team that tested various fox and coyote footholdtraps. The four participating Maine trappers took 23 coyotes, 44 foxes, 11 skunks and 23 raccoons for the project. Injuries to the animals are currently being examined and analyzed by a team of veterinarians. The resulting data will become part of the general body of information regarding trap types and uses. The BMP research program also addresses public education on trapping, BMPs, and various animal welfare issues. Coordination of this research and public information is done by the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, along with the various state agencies.

Ne,\ Trap Designs It is reasonable to ask, "what kind of traps are there besides traditional Newhouse-type foothold and killer-type traps?" New traps, specifically designed to reduce any physical damage to animals are constantly being designed and tested. For instance, in last year's testing, Maine trappers worked with traps having laminated jaws and traps with so-called "t-bar," or wider, offset jaws. Laminated jaws are trap jaws to which a round metal rod has been welded on the top of the jaw. This rod increases the surface area of the jaw, thereby, spreading the impact of the closing jaws over a greater area (fewer bruises and cuts). If the animal should struggle in the closed trap, the round surface of the bar lessens the likelihood that the trap will cut the animal (the animal's foot or leg would move against a round object, rather than a flat straight edge). According to the highly informative booklet Trapping and Furbearer Management: Perspectives from the Northeas t; prepared by a subcommittee of the Northeast Furbearer Resources Technical Committee ( of which the Department is a part), the overriding goal of science is to design traps that will hold target species unharmed, as well a killer-type traps that dispatch the target species quickly and humanely. Modern trap research includes computer simulation and mechanical evaluation of traps, performance testing in the field, as well as in fenced enclosures and confirMAINE Fish and Wildlife

Trapper Brian Poors uses a wide paint brush to feather the fine dirt as a finishing step on his fox set. mation tests with independent trappers. One new trap, specifically designed to take raccoons, is the EGG trap (socalled because of its egg-like shape). It has a strong li:igger inside of the egg that pins the foot of the raccoon when it reaches in for the bait. It is considered humane and excludes other animals, since few animals will try to grasp food items through a small hole. Returning to the lack of new, young blood in the trapping field, Department Biologist Henry Hilton pointed out that modern youngsters are prey to a host of "competing temptations." "Kids are more social today, with sports and other organized activities supplanting the more traditional, rural pastimes such as trapping, hunting and fishing." Hilton continued, "Society sends kids a perverse message. Most of them are led to believe that trapping is wrong, not ethical. Kids now, are idealistic. They think consumptive uses of wildlife should be prohibited." Hilton has a point. The Common Ground Fair was recently taken to task for allowing the Maine Trappers Association to set up a booth. This is only too typical of how the public reacts to anything relating to trappers and trapping. Hilton said, "The problem is with

the matter-of-fact attitude that the animal rights groups use to influence the public. The Maine DIF&W has different ideas concerning trapping, though." "Trapping is part of our management program, especially beaver trapping." Hilton pointed out. Beaver, more numerous in the Northeast than at any previous time in history, present a vivid example of how proper management, namely regulated trapping, can literally bring a target species back from what was nearly the verge of extinction. Evolving Trapper The Maine trapper of today has evolved and continues to evolve. While it is nice to romanticize about the oldtime, rugged individuals who kept to themselves, rarely appearing in public, it is time to take a clinical look at the new Maine trapper. This is a well-informed individual who constantly analyzes the best in modern trapping methods, a person who is comfortable visiting schools and other public groups in order to give a presentation on the values of trapping. This new trapper is definitely an individual , but he or she is also a member of a larger group. Together they represent the modern Maine trapper. Fall 2001

Opportunities and Success Programs for Maine Kids By Sarah Cameron Summer Intern in Information and Education Opportunities abound in Maine to enjoy the Great Outdoors. Our state is rich in natural resources ,and not to enjoy such beauty would be a shame. The Department of inland Fisheries and Wildlife has several programs in place for children to learn about the many activities they can enjoy in Maine's woods or on its waters, and to appreciate their fish and wildlife resources. Through these programs, children learn how to respect wildlife and habitat, and are shown how to be safe when using outdoor sporting equipment. Through visits to Swan Island or the Maine Wildlife Park, or attending a Youth Field Day event, kids learn to appreciate Maine's natural resources.

,f"',rA"".,.., MAINE W'ILDLIFE P A R K

The Maine Wildlife Park Located on Route 26 in Gray, the Maine Wildlife Park allows children to view many of Maine's wild animals and learn about their various habitats. Formerly a Department pheasant-rearing facility and called the "Game Farm," the

8 MAINE Fish and Wildlife

200-acre park now exhibits over 25 species of wildlife. Some of the animals are there temporarily, while others that could not survive in the wild remain there permanently. For many of us the Park may be the only opportunity to view moose, black bear deer, mountain lion, coyote, wild turkey. wood and box turtles, and many others at close range. Fun learning activities make the Park an ideal place to take kids. There are nature trails, picnic facilities, interactive wildlife and conservation displays, and exhibits including the Game Warden Museum. A pool of large trout can be fed, and there is also access to view the Dry Mills fish hatchery raceFeeding the deer is a favorite activity at The Maine ways. Guided tours are Wildlife Park in Gray. Mark Latti photo available for a small fee, Maine Warden Service, and the Audubon and wildlife and conservaSociety. The park is open daily from tion education programs are open to 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 15 through school groups midweek in May, June, September, and October. In past years, ovember 11. the school wildlife program schedule has included presentations such as "Skins and Swan Island Skulls," which is all about Maine's Swan Island gives kids an opportunifurbearers their habitats, history, and how ty to learn local hi tory as well as to identify them. "If You Care, Leave observe wildlife in native habitat. Before Them There" is another program, which European-American settlers arrived, teaches students what to do if seemingly ative Americans inhabited orphaned baby animals are found in their Merrymeeting Bay, the unique natural backyard or in the woods. Special event area that surrounds Swan Island. In also run throughout the summer, which 1607, members of the Popham Colony topped at wan I land, the fir t recorded have included full moon night hikes, vi it from European-Americans. The Hooked on Fishing, presentations by the Fall 200 l

Overnight camping is also available. Water and wood is provided for campers, and each of the ten campsites has a fireplace and picnic table, as well as a 3-sided lean-to that sleeps up to 6. The campsites are spread out for privacy, and • ON THE KENNEBEC RIVER. they overlook Little Swan Island and the first record of colonists continually living Kennebec River. on Swan Island began in 1730. The island Reservations are was inhabited until the Great Depression required for all trips to and several of the island houses still stand. Swan Island and a The Department now owns the entire ferry service from island. The island is listed on the National Richmond is provided. Registry of Historic Places. Eagles, wood The island is open ducks, mergansers, white-tailed deer and daily from May 1st wild turkeys are frequently sighted. through Labor Day Teachers can plan field trips to the and on weekends from island, where school wildlife programs are Labor Day through the offered during spring and fall. After stuend of Septembers. dents are ferried to the island and arrive at the boathouse, programs such as "Pond Hooked on and Stream," where kids collect pond Fishing creatures and identify them, engage the Hooked ~n students' attention. Classes can picnic and Fishing is an ideal explore the island after the program. way to promote youth

SWAN·ISLAND

As the program goes forward, more teaches are becoming supporters of the Hooked on fish program. Mark Latti photo

Learning to shoot clay targets is one of the many activities children take part in as part of Youth Activities Days. Mark Latti photo MAINE Fish and Wildlife

and family togetherness through fishing, while giving children a lifelong skill. It combines fishing and conservation education, with life skills. The program is part of the Future Fisherman Foundation and has been estab lished in the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife for over 5 years. A major boost to the program is the support of Governor Angus King who proclaimed June as "Hooked on Fishing Month." The Department sponsors many Hooked on Fishing events and nearly 50 events take place throughout the state each year. Statistics prove just how successful the program is: • 65% of the children in the proFall 2001 9

gram have never fished before. â&#x20AC;˘ 70% of those who have never fished continued to fish . â&#x20AC;˘ 80% become more environmentally aware. A combined effort from students, parents, schools, local businesses, and volunteers has made this achievement possible. Each event is open to children of all ages and their parents, with added supervision offered by Inland Fisheries and Wildlife staff and volunteers. Fishing poles, worms, tackle, and other supplies are provided. As a teaching tool, educators like the program because it motivates students to learn, requires no fishing expertise, harnesses support of parents and community, and provides students with a lifetime of opportunities.

shooting, riflery, ATV operation, and black powder shooting. At each field day the children are divided into groups and rotate through different activity stations, spending time at each station with one-on-one instruction. At the .22 caliber shooting range, kids are able to practice shooting. Assorted targets With the help of volunteers, Hooked on Fishing are placed for archers to has become a major success in Maine. Mark Latti take five shots with a bow photo and arrow. At a fishpond Comrnunities make these courses availstocked with brook trout, children can able on a regular basis. Each includes throw in a line, then take their catch home. information on landowner relations and Certified instructors, Maine guides, and copies of appropriate law books. ln the other outdoor professionals staff each stahunter safety course, basic gun safety tion , giving children personalized instrucand woods survival are the main topics. tion. Before using any equipment, the chilThe snowmobile course involves dren learn necessary safety precautions and learning appropriate speed, defensive ethics. There is no fee for this program , riding, and snow country survival. but space is always limited to ensure close ATV safety includes what to inspect personalized instruction and supervision. before riding and riding tips for various Four Department-sponsored field days took terrain. The safe boating course covers place last year in Waterford, Lyman, such areas as coldwater survival , and Brewer, and Princeton. gives supply checklists for boat operation and safety. These safety courses Safety Courses come highly recommended for those All safety courses are open to kids learning a new activity such as boating, ages l O to 110. Hunter, boating, snowmoand the hunter safety course is required bile, and all terrain vehicle safety classes before one can purchase a license. can be found through recreation departments, school systems, college , fish and game clubs, and many other groups.

Help Continue the Success of these Programs

Youth Field Days Youth field days are an ideal opportunity for children ages 8 to 15 to learn a variety of ways to get out of the hou e and enjoy the outdoors. Youth field days provide children with outdoor skills that will last them a lifetime. To create this learning experience sportsmen 's groups and rod and gun clubs throughout the state join the Department to offer hands-on training in such activitie as fishing , boating, keet

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If you are interested in becoming a volunteer instructor at a Hooked on Fishing, Youth Field Day event or a safety instructor, several workshops arc held throughout the state for program certification. You can also set up a Hooked on Fishing activity in your area . Please contact: Betty Lewis, Youth Activities Coordinator, Department of Inland Fisheries and Wi ldlife, 284 State Street, 41 SHS, Augusta, ME 04333-0041 Tel: (207) 2878069 E-mai I: betty. lewis(ZL state.me.us Volunteer tour guides for school groups, gate attendants, and gardeners an~ an essential part of the staff for the Maine Wildlife Park, and new people are always welcome. Call the Park at 657-4977 to find out more about these seasonal volunteer positions. With your help, these programs will continue to flourish, and foster a new appreciation for the outdoors among Maine's children. Fall 2001

Moose Hunt 2000

A Hunter's Success Story

By Scott Olsen I applied for a moose permit because recent regulation changes allow those applicants who don't get picked an extra chance next year. On the evening of June 14th, my name was drawn for an any-moose pennit in my first choice of hunting zones. As lucky as I was, I had mixed feelings about being selected, but I knew that this could be a once in a lifetime opportunity. Craig Ke lly of South Portland, my sub-permittee, and I immediately began preparing for the trip. We made lodging arrangements and reservations at Ballard's butcher shop in Manchester. r made arrangements with a friend to swap some moose steaks for a chest freezer. Over the next few months we gathered such items as a chainsaw and fuel, winches, chains and rope, spare tires, cheesecloth game bags, pack frames, and a canoe. We would pack both warm and cold weather clothing, since the weather could be unpredictable. We spent an afternoon sighting in our rifles. The 2000 moose hunt season ran from October 9th through October 14th, but we planned to begin hunting on Thursday, October 12. Wednesday aflernoon we loaded the pickup and phoned ahead to camp to let them kPow we would be arriving late. An early season snowstorm had dumped several inches of snow in northern Maine, and we knew we could be in for a long ride. About four hours later, we were on a dirt road outside of Ashland. As we rounded a bend in the road, we saw the headlights and warning flashers of another vehicle. We stopped to offer help and found that these unlucky hunters had just blown their second tire in as many day . They had been hunting all week and had only seen one moose. Before they could get near enough to it, three other hunters were already in pursuit. They told us that a tow truck was on the way and we wished them luck. While we were paying our entrance fees at the Six Mile Checkpoint, Brenda, the checkpoint MAIN

Fish and Wildlife

Myself and Craig Kelley of South Portland, pose with their bull moose, along with guide Matt Libby. attendant, told us that she hadn't seen many moose lately. Around 11 :30 pm , w ~ arrived at Libby Camps on Millinocket Lake. Craig and I slid out of the truck and headed, towards the only building that still had lights on. The back door of the lodge swung open and Joe, a guide and handyman, greeted us. He helped us unload our gear, gave us some general directions to our cabin and headed off with our duffle. We followed him on foot and when we arrived, Joe had our luggage inside and the woodstove had taken the chill out of the cabin. He told us that breakfast would start around 6 am, so we asked for a 5 o'clock wake up, thanked him and aid goodnight. About 4:45 there was a knock at our door. l opened it and was greeted by Matt Libby, owner of Libby's Camps. Matt explained that he would be guiding our hunt. Needless to say, we were excited. We followed Matt to the main lodge

and entered through the back door directly into the kitchen. We sat at the kitchen table with Matt and a couple of other guides, who helped us plan the day's hunt. Breakfast consisted of ample portions of bacon, eggs, homefries, toasted homemade bread, and advice. Fred, a videographer on assignment for the Department, had been in camp all week to record our hunt for a moose hunting video. As we discussed our hunting option I expressed my preference for a traditional type of hunt, to actually stalk a moose in the woods and shoot it from close range. Matt said he knew of several areas with good potential. We finished breakfast, collected our gear and piled into two trucks. Before we left, Matt checked my permit and our licenses to be sure that we were in the correct zone and everything was legal. Since I had the permit, 1 rode with Matt while Craig and Fred followed. Our destination was about 30 miles Fall 200 I

Pack frames make hauling out a large moose a relatively easy job, once the moose has been cut into manageable pieces. Craig Kelley photo from camp, but nothing said we couldn't look for moose along the way. Every so often, we would stop at a logging road or clearing that looked promising. We would get out of the trucks as quietly as possible, gear up and begin looking for moose sign. We usually saw some old tracks in the snow, but nothing fresh, until we pulled into a logging road just off of Bartlett Pond Road. There were plenty of fresh tracks and the trees were heavily browsed along this road. I strained to look into every thicket, to listen in every direction. My heart had begun pounding in my chest, the adrenalin was kicking in . I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, trying to relax and take it all in. As I opened my eyes and began to take a step, Matt motioned for me to stop, pointed, and said one word, "Moose". We stood on the side of the overgrown logging road, on a slight slope, overlooking a small opening. About 250 yards away, through some fallen spruce trees, Matt spotted a head moving slowly. It was a young male, probably about 3 years old. We walked very slowly, pausing after every step, staying close to the trees along the edge of the logging road. When we reached the end of the road, we still needed to stalk about 200 yards through a frozen stream and piles of snow covered slash. After what seemed like an eternity, we reached the

MAINE Fish and Wildlife

root-ball of a fallen spruce tree and caught our breath. About 30 yards away, lying in the snow and chewing his cud, was the young male moose, mostly hidden by brush and small spruce trees . After some shot placement discussion with Matt, I slowly climbed up the root ball and crawled on to the top of the fallen tree. inched the 30.06 up to my shoulder and found his hump in the scope. I took a deep breath, exhaled and squeezed the trigger. The bullet found its mark. We waited about fifteen minutes and began

to approach the downed moose. I took the lead, with another round chambered in the rifle, just in case. The moose lay still, Matt grabbed an antler tine and shook the giant head. There was no reaction. Successful moose hunters are now allowed to leave ribs, neck, head, hide and lower legs in the field. Since I wasn't really trophy hunting, we decided to quarter the moose and pack out the quarters. Matt got right to work, skinning out the left, rear hindquarter with Craig and I lending a hand where it was needed, while Fred captured it all on video. After each quarter was removed, we slid it into a cheesecloth bag, and one of us wou!J pack it back out to the trucks. We used the hide as protection from the dirt on the ground, and also removed the backstraps and about 60 lbs of neck meat. When the quartering was done, we removed the antlers from the head and gathered up all of our gear for the final hike out to the trucks. A week later I picked up 390 pounds of moose-meat, which Craig and I split between us. I am sure that this meat wi ll last almost to next hunting season, although my two-year-old son has developed quite an appetite for it! Now, every time I sit down to a meal of moose meat, I give thanks to the moose that gave its life for us, and I am taken back to those few days spent in the North Woods.

Early snow made tracking moose easy during my hunt.

Craig Kelley photo

Fall 2001

Maine's Recreation Jewel By Ken Allen Since the North Maine Woods was created in the early J970s, untold tens of thousands of outdoor recreational lovers have enjoyed the 3.6 million acres of forests and waterways and 3,000 miles

them over, and why not? The North Maine Woods is a model for other states; so much so that the organization was recognized last fall by a congressional committee as one of the most innovative and exemplary private conservation programs in the country. Each year 120,000 visitors come to the North Maine Woods, mostly to fish, hunt, camp, canoe and snowmobile, but ecotourists, photographers, amateur naturalists and others flock to the north woods for its seemingly endless opportunities to enjoy Maine 's natural resources.

There are no rangers or hookups at the campsites; no lifeguards and beaches. What ls 'ORTH MAI ÂˇE WOODS'? So, what exactly is the North Maine Woods, Inc.? The concept of the North Maine Woods evolved in the mid 1960s when a landowner committee organized to resolve problems that had developed between logging contractors. A recently passed law ended log drives, and that legislation created another concern. Gravel roads rapidly expanded into pristine forests, which increased recreational traffic considerably because hunters and

North Maine Woods of maintained roads that this organization oversees. Without doubt, many visitors have used this huge, multiple ownership - multiple use- multiple management area so often and for so long that they take the privilege for granted. When newcomers visit the North Maine Woods for the first time though, they are often amazed by the opportunities available to them. The inexpensive entry fees , maintained gravel roads and vast forests with hundreds of lakes and ponds and miles of flowing waters bowl

The region under North Maine Woods management is not a wilderness, but rather a giant working forest. These woodlands have an incredible network of 3,000 miles of maintained roads, including several thousand miles of temporary roads that slice through forestlands. Foresters have harvested two generations of timber here, and the cutting operations going on now will be the third . The North Maine Wbods is not a publicly owned state or national park.

The North Maine Woods contains hundreds of ponds ideal for trout fishing. MAINE Fi sh and Wildlife

anglers wanted to get to fishing and hunting opportunities. Individual landowners installed gates to control the visitors at the time. The North Maine Woods started as an association in 1971 and controlled the operation of several checkpoints on the perimeter of the area. In 1975, the association became a partnership, and in 1981 , became a non-profit corporation under Maine law. At entrance points to the North Maine Woods lands there are check-

(Ken Allen photo)

Fall 2001 13

points where folks must stop and pay a modest fee and declare the location they intend to visit. Over the last 30 years, large tracts of pri vate land have been added to North Maine Woods management, and often, these changes came with controversy because people didn 't want to pay land use fees . The N orth Maine Woods

developed a history of working with impacted groups each time to work out solutions. This model for providing outstanding recreation and opportunities may seem too good to be true, but in fact, it is as good as it sounds. Maine 's outdoors lovers reap its rewards.

2001 Fee Schedule Maine Residents Others Under 15 Age 70 & Over Per person per day Camping per night Camping per night (seniors) Annual Day Use Pass Annual Unlimited Camping Annual Seniors Uni. Camping

Free Day Use & Camping Free Day Use $4.00 $6.00 $3.00 $40.00 $140.00 $30.00

Same as Resident Free Day Use 7.00 $6.00 $3 .00 NIA NIA $30.00

Special Reduced Seasonal Rates The Summer Season is from May I to September 30. The Fall Season is from August 20 to ovember 30 Seasonal Day Use Pass $25.00 Seasonal Unlimited Camping $75.00 Seasonal Uni. Family Camping $150.00 Family camping allows 2 adults and children between 15 and season for the price of two adults.

$50.00 $100.00 NIA 21 to camp for the

Rules in the North Maine Woods are short and simple: • Logging trucks have the right of way. When visitors meet one, they are to pull over to the side of the road in the same manner they do in organized areas when a police car, fire truck or ambulance with flashing Iights and sirens approaches. • Every visitor must log in and out at one of the checkpoints on each visit. • Re careful with fires. Fires outside of provided fire rings require a written fire permit from the Maine Forest Service. Dispose of cigars and cigarettes properly. • Don ' t block side roads. • Pull way over when parking beside the roads. • Carry al I trash out.

Other Special Rates Commercial Sporting Camp visitors per trip, regardless of length of stay. Leaseholders and internal landowners of record may purchase 2 annual passes through the North Maine Woods offic. Guest Passes for leaseholders and internal landowners of record may purchase up to 6 through the MWS office. Visiting participating businesses for meals or supplies, up to four hours limit Visitors to Seboomook Campground, Raymond's Store or Pittston Farm. (Fee equals one day regardless of length of visit. Regular fees apply during fall season.)

$15 .00

$21.00

$25.00

$40.00

$1.00

$4.00

$7 .00

Passage through checkpoints before or after the hours listed in Checkpoints and Hour of Operation require payment of an additional $10.00 per vehicle . Late passage is not allowed at Canadian border checkpoints. The hours listed are the only times passage is permitted through Canadian-US border checkpoints.

14 MAlNE Fi sh and Wildlife

Among the North Maine Wood 's many attractions are thousands of miles of rivers and streams, where poling a canoe is still practiced by those who want to fish and camp in remote locations. Ken Allen photo Fall 200 I

The ability to interpret animal tracks and traces takes practice . Here are some tips to help you hone your powers of observation and instincts as a nature detective. Tracks can tell a story about where the animal travelled from and where its now going. It gives us clues about where the animal makes its home. Hints to identifying a track: Does the track show claws? How many digits? What is the overall shape of the track? Measure the stride: distance from heel of one foot to heel of the other foot. •

v v v v

•I

•

• • • • • •

# of inches

. . . - Direction of travel

v Measure the straddle: the width of the

· Canines, felines and members of the deer family generally walk or trot. The trail looks like an almost perfectly straight line of prints, because the animal places its hind foot into the print just made by the front foot. The tracks should look like this :

•••••••••• · Members of the weasel family generally bound, a gait in which they place both forefeet together on the ground, then swing their hind feet into nearly the same prints. The trail made by a weasel would look like this :

- ..

a • ••

track pattern between left and right heels.

• ·1•••••••

· The gallop is typical of most rabbits, hares, squirrels and mice. These animals touch down with their What is the direction of the track? front feet and then follow through with their hind Type of substrate (soil, mud, sand, snow) in legs landing in front of the forefeet. The action looks like that of "leapfrog" and the trail would look like which the track was made. Identify the habitat in which the track was this. # of inches

v v v

. . . - Direct ion of travel

observed

v If you photograph the track, put an object of a known Size or length next to the track (a pocket knife, pen, quarter, pack of gum) to give size reference to the track in the photograph. Then , if you can identify the gait by the appearance of the trail, ie. , trotting , bounding, galloping, etc., you are already on your way to identifying the maker.

, • •

•• e•

~ Direct ion of travel

· Wide-bodied, heavy animals such as bear , raccoon, skunk, muskrat, beaver , opossum and porcupine tend to lumber or waddle by placing each foot in its own distinctive spot. Their tracks would look like this: • ~ • ~ • ~ • •

•

Make a Plaster Cast Track casts of many animals are now available from commercial supply houses that deal in scientific and natural history equipment models, but many people prefer to make their own. The standard procedure is outlined below and should be varied according to air temperature and the amount of time you have. Find a sharp, clean-cut footprint of an animal in mud , sand or snow and stand a cardboard collar around it. Mix plaster of Paris and water until just thin enough to pour and fill the track to the top of the cardboard collar. Sink a couple of small twigs lengthwise into the plaster to hold it all together. If the temperature is below freezing ,

••e e i•• • •••

•

mist the track with a water spray bottle so it freezes and hardens before you f ill it with the plaster. Allow the plaster to stand about 15 minutes to harden , then pick the plaster up , collar and all , and wrap it carefully in newspaper to prevent damage while it is still slightly soft. When it is thoroughly dry and hard , brush off any sand or mud that may be clinging to the track and you will have a raised cast of the foot print. To make the reverse , grease the first cast, fit a cardboard collar around it , and fill with more plaster of Paris. The second cast will show the sunken impression of the animal's foot just as it originally appeared in the mud, sand or snow.

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7. Black Bear

14. Mink

12. Fisher

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nal Tracks II tracks is to the right

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18. Raccoon

25. Moose

19. Skunk

26. Wild Turkey

20. Porcupine

27. Pheasant

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28. Ruffed Grouse House 1975 - Revised May 2001 and August 2001

Play Animal Signs Bingo!

Cut out each square below. Glue 4 squares across and 4 squares down - just like they are here, but in any order you like. Title your card "Animal Signs Bingo." Using your Bingo card , explore your school yard or backyard for animal signs. If you get four across , 4 down or all 4 corners - You've got Bingo! Anthill

Half eaten fruit

Nibbled branch

Bumps on a leaf

Web

Hole in a tree

Bird nest

Mound of dirt

Hole in the ground

Nibbled plant

Scat

Pieces of eggshell

•

••• ••• Ill

••

Holes in a leaf

Feather Free Square

Whose Scat Is That?

All animals must eat to survive. After digesting their food , they rid their b o d i e s. ~ of waste by leaving behind droppings, called scat. Scat is a sign that gives us clues about local animals. Herbivores (plant eaters), such as deer and rabbits, leave piles of small, round droppings. Carnivores (meat eaters) leave scat piles that are larger, in clumps or cords, and may contain hair and fur . Coyote and bear scat often contain plant material and berries. Raptors like hawks and owls , regurgitate pellets of fur and bone. Don't be afraid to take a closer look to find out whose scat is that?

Intertwined: Teachers and Conservation Education

American Wilderness Leadership School Photos and Text By Lisa Price Outside, through the screen on our window one of those perfect summer rains falls, the kind that you barely hear, but instead see as the occasional soft drop gets through and bounces the leaves on their branches. My roommate, a teacher from Miami, has not yet made the transition from the classroom to her first night a thousand miles north. She is still worrying and talking about that one student, the one that every teacher has, the one filled with potential that she just couldn ' t reach . This week, she and all the other teachers here will kayak, send postcards, buy souvenirs, visit the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray, hike, and do most of the typical tourist things. It's all right, l think as the week progresses - let them have a little fun - for as the days go by I come to realize a lot rides on their shoul-

ders. The values they teach will be the basis of the decisions their students make as grownups. That's what's on their shoulders. The future . For some of these people, including my roommate, it's only been a day since they collected the last textbooks and waved goodbye to their students. It's a myth that teachers have their summers off. Perhaps some do, but, truth is, good teachers never do. Classroom teachers and outdoor educators face big challenges whenever they look out over a sea of faces: What do they already know? How can I make them see that what they learn in class applies in the real world? More importantly, how can I make them care? The solution: Help teachers learn ways to apply indoor lessons in the outdoors. To accomplish that, take the teachers to an outdoors setting, gather great instructors, and fi II the week with ideas to implement conservation education in

Part of the ropes course is making sure that every person gets over the wall.

Ernest Fielder of Safari Club International supervises the black powder and .22 caliber riflery. MAINE Fish and Wildlife

their classrooms. Oh, and did I mention, make it tons of fun? The American Wilderness Leadership School (AWLS) is a nationwide, week-Jong program for teachers/educators. It includes hands-on experience in the fields of wildlife ecology, and conservation, as well as firearms safety, archery, wilderness survival, fly fishing and tying, interpretive techniques and outdoor ethics. The school was founded by Safari Club International

Fall 2001

Conservation Camp field instructor tells us that when kids are going through the course, the instructors have them line up in various ways, alphabetically by first name or by shoe size, for example, to help them get to know each other. "Teaching teachers is more effective and valuable than teaching students one-on-one," Ernest Fielder of SFI explains in a talk after dinner that night. "Teachers can go back and reach so many more people." The instructors lined up for the AWLS, Dr. Gary San Julian from Penn State University, and Dr. Dean Bennett from the University of Maine, Farmington, proves that point. During their careers as educators, they have reached their own students. Now, they will further educate us, so that we can build and pass Dave Harlan, a teacher from Lititz, PA, checks his on their knowledge. Gary feet after the Caribou to Speckled Mountain hike. focuses on wildlife manMountain National Forest, lead us on a agement, while Dean instructs on wilderhike in the Caribou/Speckled Mountain ness values. Wilderness area. either one relies solely on classroom The week winds up with a bang, stuff. They start there, as briefly as possiliterally. Ernest Fielder and his wife ble, then take us outside to apply what Shirley return to teach shooting of .22we've learned. Jt's caliber and black powder rifles. For called experiential of many, like Linda Helman learning. It's more Greensburg, PA, it's a first time even than teaching, it's touching a firearm , and she is proud of teaching to think, the results on her paper target. For othunderstanding by ers, like first-grade teacher/avid hunter doing. On a small Judy Klunder of Soldotna, AK, it's a scale, in a field of the chance to branch out and try something Conservation School new (black powder). My roommate, campus, Gary teaches Amy Leonard of Miami , FL, takes to us how map and comarchery, thanks to the instruction by pass skills are used for Stan Colby, Sagadahoc County wildlife mapping. To Representative for the Maine teach wilderness valBowhunters' Association . ues, Dean and hi s wife But i the hatchet throw - part of Sheila, along with the wilderness survival skills taught by Joanne Voltaire of York, Maine, doesn't let rain dampen Dave Neely and Matt Maine guide Ron St. Saviourthat Schomburg of the White her enthusiam for Kayaking . (SFI) and operated near Jackson, Wyoming. Out there, six teacher/educator workshops run a year, and about 3,000 have participated. Last year, SFI decided the AWLS needed an eastern site as well. Out of strong competition, SFI selected the Maine Conservation School at Bryant Pond as that site, based primarily on the excellence of its existing outdoor education programs for children and adults. We are the first AWLS group at the new site. None of us really know what to expect. Joanne orris (Sunbury, PA) is the slimmest and lightest of the group. As we reach that conclusion, her eyes slide a little nervously from one speaker to another, listening to us describe how we can lift her up high and pass her through a tiny opening in a maze of ropes called the spider web, strung up between two stout trees. To get through the web, each of us must pass through one of its openings, and each opening can only be used once. We are going through what's called a Low Ropes Course, designed to help groups get to know each other. It's working. Norm Kelley from Newburg, PA, likes to plan, analyze. Bert Myers (York, PA), Todd McMillen (Greensburg, PA) and John Waltz (Jefferson Hills, PA) don't mind getting down on all fours and letting people stand on their backs. Kathy Hockman (South Paris, ME) is enjoying the challenge. The course also illustrates the construction of the week's lessons. First, we learn, and then we're taught how to apply it when teaching. For instance, a

20 MAINE Fi h and Wildlife

Fall 2001

Alice Stitt of Marietta, PA, negotiates blindfolded through the woods during a sensory awareness exercise.

Stan Colby of the Maine Bowhunters Association instructs Joanne Voltaire of York, ME, while Amy Leonard of Mia,ni, FL, looks on.

brings the week to its proper close. Dave Harlan of Lititz, PA throws with confidence, while Alice Stitt of Marietta, PA, throws with finesse. Amy Faulkingham of Alna, ME, throws with a curious mix of brassiness, bravado, concentration and sheer fun. It comes to me that each of us has taken this new skill hatchet throwing - and adapted its techniques to our own particular style. lfwe someday show the skill to someone else, we will again use the basics, and add our own touches. Maybe that's a short definition of what being a teacher means - showing others using our own styles, and allowing others to learn using their own styles. After a week in the outdoor classroom, we are all better equipped to do just that. For more infornrntion on the American Wilderness Leadership School, contact the Maine Conservation School, PO Box 188, Bryant Pond ME 04219. Phone 207-6652068. The program is accredited for up to three hours of graduate credit through Colorado State University.

MAINE Fi sh and Wildlife

AWLS week started with the ropes course, for team building. Here participants pass Amy Leonard of Miami, FL, through a gap in "The Web." Fall 2001

Putting Adult Atlantic Salmon Back into the River By Timothy Sheehan NOAA-Fisheries and Randal Spencer Atlantic Salmon Commission A hundred years ago, it was common to see bald eagles soaring above the banks of the St. Croix River and swooping down to capture ten-pound sa lm on. Unfortunately, with the declines in both bald eagle and Atlantic salmon populations in Maine, few people alive today

MAINE Fish and Wildlife

have witnessed that majestic scene. But if current restoration efforts are successful, we may once again see eagles hunting salmon in Maine Rivers. The birds are already back. The state's bald eagle population is on the rebound and these magnificent an im als can now be seen along the Stone Coast, perched high in a pine tree, searching for their next meal. TheAtlantc salmon have not yet begun to rebound , but a group of federal and state scientists, in cooperation with the commercial aquacu lture industry, is trying a new tactic in the effort to restore the state 's Atlantic salmon populations.

Salmon restoration efforts in Maine began more than I 00 years ago. In 1871, 1,500 parr were stocked into the Sheepscot River under the leadership of Charles Grandison Atkins, Maine's first Commissioner of Fisheries. The early stocking efforts were often performed via horse drawn wagons carrying milk jugs full of fish. Commissioner Atkins realized the value of stock supplementation in fisheries restoration and conservation and pursued the building of a fish hatchery for this purpose. Thanks to Atkins's hatchery vision, salmon runs rebounded. However, during the past two decades, the runs have declined at an alarming rate Fal l 2001

Today's restoration efforts still rely on stocking hatchery-reared fish . In recent years, a river-specific approach has been adopted , with broodstock and their progeny being kept segregated by river of origin. This river-specific stocking conserves any genetic uniqueness remaining in the stocks in each river. The policy is based on the assumption that natural selection encourages the persistence of specific genes that enable the animals to thrive in each river's unique environment. Although most recent stocking has involved young fish , biologists began stocking adult fish in the fall of 2000. This initiative grew out of the Atlantic Salmon Conservation Plan for Seven Maine Rivers, developed by a Task Force appointed by Governor Angus King. The Task Force recommended that the commercial aquaculture industry become involved in restoration efforts, using their facilities and expertise to rear river-specific Atlantic salmon to sexual maturity. The purpose of this joint venture was twofold. First, these animals would serve as a backup gene bank in case of a cataclysmic failure at Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery (CBNFH), the only federal hatchery in Maine rearing Atlantic salmon broodstock. Second, the mature adults raised by the industry would be available for stocking in their natal rivers where they would pre-

Derek Lanouette of the Atlantic salmon Commission releasing an adult atlantic salmon into the Machias River. sumably spawn. Three companies joined the adult stocking project: Atlantic Salmon of Maine (ASoM), Connors Brothers Aquaculture (CBA), and Maine Aquafoods (MEAqua). In February 1997, 60,000 eggs from Machias, East Machias, and Dennys broodstock were transferred from CBNFH to two ASoM freshwater rearing stations. Jn 1998, approximately 70,000 eggs from the Sheepscot, Narraguagus, Machias, and Dennys broodstock were transferred. ASoM reared the 1997 eggs for approximately a year and a half: In April 1998,

Sampling and sorting selected adult salmon for stocking at Atlantic Salmon of Maine's Cross Island Facility in Machias Bay. MAINE Fi sh and Wildlife

most of the fish were stocked as juveniles into their river of origin. A subset of the salmon remained in the rearing facility until May 1998, when 1,000 fish from each stock were transferred to the ASoM marine netpen facility at Cross Island in Machias Bay. Another 1,000 from each stock were transferred to the CBA facility located at Deep Cove, Cobscook Bay. This process was repeated in 1999 with the 1998 eggs. The netpens utilized in 1999 were located at Starboard Island (ASoM), Broad Cove (CBA), and Prince Island (MEAqua). The stocks were reared in one common netpen at each site to encourage good growth and to save on space. To distinguish one stock from another, the fish were tagged with Visual Implant Elastomer (VLE) tags (Northwest Marine Technology, Inc.), which consist of a fluorescent elastomer material injected as a Iiquid that cures into a pliable biocompatible solid beneath transparent or translucent tissue. Each stock received a unique color (Machias-red; East Machias-yellow; Dennys-orange) and each fish received two injections: along the lower right jaw and behind the right eye. During the time when these remaining fish were maturing, the salmon restoration community was Fall 2001

deciding on the best use for these fish. In Maine, salmon stocking questions are addressed by the Maine Technical Advisory Committee for Atlantic Salmon (TAC), which consists of representatives from federal, state, and academic agencies, and from the Penobscot Indian Nation . Under the TAC plan, the Dennys River would receive enough adults to fully seed the available habitat within the river, while the Machias would receive enough adults to seed 50 percent of its available habitat. Any remaining fish would go to the St. Croix River, if stocking logistics permitted. The Atlantic Salmon Commission (ASC) has estimated that the optimal spawning rate is 240 eggs per square meter of juvenile rearing habitat. To determine the number of females needed to fully seed a river, one needs to know how many eggs average females produces and how much rearing habitat is available. A study conducted in the 1970s determined that the average female Atlantic salmon returning from the ocean produces approximately 7,200 eggs and weights 9.4 pounds. The netpen adults averaged 17 pounds. Tim Linley (a former professor at Washington County Technical College) counted eggs from 134 sets of ovaries and determined that the netpen-reared females average 13 ,955 eggs per female, nearly twice the fecundity of wild females. Calculations revealed that fully seeding the Dennys River would require a total of96 fish (49 males and 47 females) while the seeding half of the Machias River habitat would require 160 fish (85 males and 75 females) . The St Croix would receive 750 fish (338 males and 412 females). To disperse individuals throughout the drainage, six stocking locations were selected in the Dennys, nine in the Machias, and seven in the St Croix River. During the week of August 20, 2000, a team of state and federal biologists traveled to the Cross Island site to examine the fish to be used for stocking. Jfa fish was likely to spawn that year, the biologists recorded its river of origin (from the VIE tag), length , and weight. They then took a genetic sample and implanted a Passive Induced Transponder (PIT) tag that was approximately the size of a grain of rice. PIT tags are injected into the body cavity; when scanned with a special reader, the tag transmits a unique code. ln the field, the PIT tags allow scientists to match an individual fish with the data collected from that fish at the time of tagging. Disease samples were also taken to ensure that only healthy fish would be stocked. The fish chosen for stocking were transported to a

24 MAINE Fi sh and Wildlife

Determining river of origin and sex based on data obtained from the sampling sorting and assigned a specific PIT tag code. The Pit tag reader is connected to a laptop computer containing all the sex and origin data.

Inserting a PIT tag with a hypodermic needle into the dorsal muscle of an adult salmon. Fall 200 I

freshwater facility to allow two weeks of acclimation and to encourage sexual development to be in synch with wild spawners returning to the rivers. The move to the freshwater facility took place during the week of September 24, when ASoM transported the selected fish from their Cross Island facility to the University of Maine's Center for Cooperative Aquaculture Research in Franklin, Maine. On October 16, the first shipment of fish left the Franklin facility for stocking. A total of ten male fish and nine females of Dennys origin were transported in a US Fish and Wildlife tank truck to the Dennys River Sportsman's clubhouse on the mainstem of the Dennys River. There the fish were off-loaded with the help of a group

Transporting fish from a truck to the river. From left Mark Minton of NMFSm Narska Obedzinski of NMFS and Derek Lanouette of ASC. of local volunteers, plus staffers from the Atlantic Salmon Commission, National Marine Fisheries Service, and US Fish and Wildlife Service. Over the next five days, 21 truckloads of adult Atlantic salmon were delivered to 22 selected sites on the Dennys, Machias, and St. Croix Rivers. In total, more than 1,000 adult, river-specific, marine-reared, mature Atlantic salmon were stocked into these three drainages. This effort culminated three years of cooperation between private aquaculture companies and state and federal agencies Although the mature fish have now been in the water nearly a year, the stocking project continues, having moved into the very important evaluation phase. Biologists have been monitoring movement patterns, spawning characteristics, and habitat selection of these adults, their post-spawning disposition, and the emergence rates of their progeny, as well as the contribution of the progeny the future population and spawning stock. Some of these investigations will continue over the next five years. ln addition, adults from the 1998 eggs are now maturing in netpens and will be available for stocking in 2001. After the fall 2000 stocking, a minimum of 25 l redds (salmon nests) were counted on the Machias, Dennys, and St Croix Rivers. A total of 5 adult Atlantic salmon were observed taken as prey by bald eagles. On the St Croix River many fishermen have been surprised by some of the trophies they have accidentally landed while angling for landlocked salmon. Plans are underway to stock more adult fish this fall. If the adult stocking succeeds in helping to rebuild the population, we can look forward to the day when it is once again common to see eagles and anglers taking adult salmon out of Maine Rivers.

Ernest Atkinson of ASC stocking adult salmon out of stocking "sock" with help of Greg Mackey of ASC. MAINE Fish and Wildlife

Fall 2001 25

Brownfield Bog Wildlife Management Area

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1:48,950

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26 MAINE Fi sh and Wild li fe

1.2

1.8

2.4 Miles

August 23, 2001

Fall 200 I

About Brownfield Bog Wildlife Management Area Brownfield WMA in Brownfield, Fryeburg , and Denmark contains approximately 5,700 acres of predominantly floodplain wetlands in the Saco River valley. Prior to its purchase by the State, most of the area was used for agricultural purposes: haying, food crops and pasture, and some logging. Today, the area is actively managed for waterfowl and upland game. Land was first purchased for the area in 1957 with Federal Aid monies . Since then two additional tracts have been added with State bond monies. Habitat The central and largest portion of the area is bisected by the Saco River and dominated by extensive floodplains ranging from seasonally flooded woodland to open water wet-

doned field to mature hardwood/softwood forest. Because the 1947 forest fire removed most of the original forest, stands of sapling and pole-sized maple, birch and aspen now dominate the uplands. Dominant Species The area supports a variety of both common and rare game and non-game species. Among the more common upland game species are deer, grouse , snowshoe hare and woodcock. Moose and bear occur less frequently. Common furbearers include: fisher, bobcat, coyote, red fox, raccoon, beaver, otter, muskrat, and mink. Waterfowl including black ducks, ring-necked ducks, mallards, blue-winged teal , wood ducks, hooded mergansers, goldeneyes, and Canada geese use the area's many wetlands during migration and breeding season. The area also supports a variety of common and some rare, threatened, or endangered non-game species. Of particular note are the rare butterflies and moths attracted to

oak barrens. Among those recorded on the site are: barrens itame, inland barrens buckmoth, huckleberry sphinx, similar underwing, Acadian swordgrass moth, Thaxter's pinion, twilight moth, and pine barrens Zanclognatha. Management Management on the area is directed primarily toward maintaining optimum water levels in wetlands, increasing habitat diversity and interspersion in upland areas, and maintaining public use facilities. Early management efforts consisted of developing water control structures, which now regulate summertime water levels on a number of on-site flowages. More recent efforts to increase the attractiveness of the area to nesting and migrating waterfowl have included erecting artificial nesting structures and creating pastureland for geese. Periodic timber harvesting is done according to a compartmentalized cutting plan. Objectives in deer

~ 2t

OF MAINE

Real Estate for the Real WorldCentury 21 First Choice Realty Gorham, Windham & Standish, ME Century 21 Northeast Associates

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Each MAINE Fish and Wildlife

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www.Centu ry2 l.MaineBrokers.com or www.MaineBrokers.Tripod.com Office Is Independently Owned & Operated.

Fall 2001

wintering areas include maintaining existing hemlock cover, releasing softwood understory, and production of hardwood browse. Elsewhere , oak snags and den trees are saved. A portion of the site has been set up as a grouse management area, divided up into blocks of approximately two acres and put on a 40-year rotation. Smaller areas have received more specific applications. Six acres of abandoned field are maintained annually by mowing. Apple trees on the site have been released by Department personnel and members of the Fryeburg Fish and Game Club. A portion of the area west of Routes 5 and 113 was developed by the Maine Bird Dog Club for a field trial area. In 1970 a 500-foot pothole was dug with a dragline to provide a loafing area adjacent to the goose pasture on Clements Hill. It is also used as a boat channel by sportsmen on the area. Additional efforts to improve public use facilities include constructing access roads and boat launching sites and a public campground at Walker 's Falls. Activities Hunting, birding, canoeing, trapping, fishing, and snowmobiling are the major recreational uses. Waterfowlers can choose from a variety of methods. An access road and boat launch site on the east side of Great Bog provides boat or canoe access. Jump shooting is available on the Saco River and Old River course, as well as in the numerous ditches and potholes scattered over the area. Less accessible areas like Quint Bog , Bean Bog , Little Goose, and Big Goose receive less hunting pressure. Fishing is available in the Saco, Shepards and Little Saco Rivers, and Clay Brook. Shepards and Little Saco Rivers support a wild brook trout fishery, while Clay Brook is stocked with brook trout. The Saco contains small numbers of brook and brown trout, landlocked salmon, and better numbers of smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and chain pickerel. Clays Pond was chemically reclaimed in 1978 and stocked with smelt and brown trout, and brook trout have been stocked in the impoundment created downstream. No motor boats are allowed and the use of live bait is prohibited on these waters. The principal fishery in Lovewell Pond, which abuts the area, is for bass, pickerel and perch . Public access is located at the boat launching site on the southwest shore. The Appalachian Mountain Club maintains a campground at Walker 's Falls. Camping is limited to overnight use by canoeists using the Saco River and day use by swimmers and fishermen . Also, the Fryeburg Fish and Game Association developed a shooting range off the Lovewell Pond Access Road , which is open to public use. Directions Brownfield WMA can be accessed directly from Routes 5/113 in Denmark and Brownfield . It can also be reached by the Island Road from Route 302 in Fryeburg . Brownfield Wildlife Management Area is owned and maintained by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

MAINE Fish and Wildlife

A pastoral scene from the Brownfield Bog Wildlife Management Area Mark Latti photo Fall 200 1

Want to knov. more?

Signed li mited-ed ition prints by Tom Hen nessey, Arthur Taylor, Terry Red lin, Persis Clayton Weirs, · Roger Blum, Susan Jordan

Visit us onlinc for all the latest in Department new-; W\\

\v.mcfi hw ildlifc.com

:Wild WID~ Authorized dealer for Wild Wmgs Hadley Bouse Applejack

Open daily, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m . April 15 to November 11

National Wildlife Federation River City Gallery 118 Main Street

Pb&Fa~(l07)947-1227 Custom Picture Framinst A,·ailable

Bangor, ME 04401

HUNT BIRDS YEAR ROUND!

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A 200-acre park with 25 different species of wildlife on exhibit.

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cbartes Farm Tra;1

Moose, black bear, whitetailed deer, wild turkey, fisher, lynx, mountain lion , bald eagle, trophy trout and more!

Huntina n GIF:i:~i:~~~ES

Malcolm Charles, Registered Maine Guide

, Over 200 Acres of Upland Bird Cover

HUNT OR TRAIN YOUR DOGS OVER LIVE BIRDS Full or 1/2 Day Hunts • Up to 4 Hunters Per Group Gu ided Hunts with Maine Guide & Dog Available

For more information , call 207-657-4977 or 207-287-8000.

FOR MORE INFO CALL 207-397-HUNT(4868) e-mail: pointers@tdstelme.net

• GUIDED FLY FISHING • FAMILY VACATIONS • • • •

website : www.mint.net/pointersrun

INSTRUCTION

MOOSE, LOON, WILDFLOWER FIELD TRIPS SCENIC PLANE RIDES HUNTING, FISHING ICE FISHING, CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING

Located in Allagash Wilderness Region north of Baxter State Park. Fullservice lodge , seven log cabins on Haymock, Spider, and Cliff Lake (T8R11 , T9R11 , T9R12) . American Plan or Housekeeping . Indoor plumbing available .

CAMP ASSOCIAnDN

MAINE Fish and Wildlife

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ROME,ME

PHEASANTS • QUAIL • CHUKAR PARTRIDGE

Group rates : $1 .50 per person No reservations needed

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(MAILING ADDRESS ONLY) P.O.

Box 696FG ,

207-528-2855

OPEN YEAR ROUND

PATTEN , ME

04765

(LET IT RING!)

Fa ll 200 1

et Ridge Lodge & Outfitters on Sebec Lake BIG BUCKS • BIG BULLS • BIG BEAR The Fishing Is Great! Master Guide Ben Pinkham 158 Sunset Drive-MFW Sebec, Maine 04481

207-564-3559

Maine Fish & Wildlife

Outdoor Roster -~~~~~ DEAN'S DEN

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; North of Rangeley between Kennebago Lake \ and Little Kennebago Lake

Your Hosts Olive & Dean Paisley Registered Maine Guide Bear - Deer - Moose - Coyote Phone 207-444-5379 Eagle Lake

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Camp Rental

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Firearms - Bow - Black Powder

KENNEBAGO RIVER KAMPS

Fishing

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• 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 I Write : Kennebago River Kamps , R. Hammond PO Box 677, Rangeley 04970 207-864-2402

To arrange for your advertising to appear in this listing, contact:

on FISH RIVER LAKE Northern Maine's Last Frontier Portage, Maine 04768

30 MAINE Fish and Wildlife

George Pulkkinen Maine Fish & Wildlife Magazine · PO Box 1457, Yarmouth, ME 04096 Telephone: 1-800-276-0883

Phone 207-435-6156 Fall 2001

HOMEOF1HE

A1LAN1IC SALMON The Main Southwest Miramichi River

HOWARD, N.B. CANADA

• 5 Salmon Pools Since 1946 we have provided superb, personalized service to anglers as they enjoy exclusive use of our well equipped lodge, cottages , and five productive, private pools.The wading is easy. If you prefer fishing from a boat, Jon boats are available for the Spring and Old Town Canoes are available for the Summer and Fall.

• Accommodations Our main lodge and two and three bedroom cottages are finished in pine and cedar. All facilities provide a magnificent view of our salmon pools. Meals are customized to your taste . Home-made breads, rolls, pies and donuts are our specialty. Individual instructional casting sessons available at no extra cost. Satellite TV, Fax and e-mail connections are available.

• Rates Package includes lodging, meals, housekeeping , use of five private pools, guide services and day canoe trips. The charge is $175 US/day/angler during April and May; $125 US/day/angler during June, July, and August ; and $225 US/day/angler in September and October.

• Guides '

Our guides ~re experienced, skilled and congenial.

• Travel Arrangements We are located 70 miles northeast of Fredericton , 35 miles southwest of Miramichi City. Highway travel time from Bangor, Maine is 4-1 /2 hours. There are airports in Fredericton , Miramichi City, and Moncton .

• Reservations can be made by calling or writing: Martyn Vickers 122 Winthrop Street Augusta, ME 04330 207-623-4879 vickers@gwi.net

Visit our website at www.miramichisalmon.com MAINE Fi sh and Wi ldlife

Fall 2001 31

HUNTING FISHING TRADITION SINCE 1938

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

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