Northwoods Sporting Journal, Dec. 2023

Me & Joe Enter Snow Sculpture Contest December 2023

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Big Belated Buck - Mark McCollough

* Shotguns: Ford or Fer rari * The Late Season * Lifetime of Knives * Camps, Cottages & Land For Sale

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

December 2023

Page 3

The Big Belated Buck

It was a few days after the deer season ended, but I finally got the big buck that I had been dogging all November. I caught several glimpses of him

the last light of the setting sun before he grunted and trotted into the fir trees.

We finally got a few inches of sleet and fresh snow a week before Christ-

balsam thicket. I tracked a porcupine that chose a cavity under a white pine tip-up for its winter den.

The side-by-side tracks of a fisher bounded across the hardwood ridge in its pursuit of prey. Grouse were sticking to the thick cover as well, skirting blowdowns and keeping a low profile.

While tracking hares

Northwoods Sketchbook

by Mark McCollough, Hampden, ME may have expired from injuries sustained during the rut, poor body conditions after the rut, or coyote predation; or all of the above.

From his tooth wear, I would guess that he was about 4 ½ years old. The large leg bones were gone

sharp fangs of winter or a predator.

A surprising number of mature bucks sustain life-threatening injuries during the rut. Some die during the rut or immediately after. Several deer researchers have reported

While tracking hares through a cut over area I almost stumbled across the rack of the 10-point buck covered in the snow. His rib cage and other skeletal remains were nearby. It looked like he died a few weeks ago shortly after the hunting season, a scant 200 yards from the tree stand where I last saw him. during the deer season. In mid-November I had my scope on him while he was chasing two does, but he turned to face away from me at the critical moment and my only shot was at his tail end. An unethical shot at best. His beautiful 10-point antlers gleamed in

mas. It was a good day for tracking. Coyote tracks were traveling in pairs prior to their breeding season.

Snowshoe hares were keeping to thick cover. It was easy to find their vantage points to watch for predators; always on mounded areas and stumps in the

through a cutover area I almost stumbled across the rack of the 10-point buck covered in the snow. His rib cage and other skeletal remains were nearby. It looked like he died a few weeks ago shortly after the hunting season, a scant 200 yards from the tree stand where I last saw him. He

so I could not evaluate the condition of the bone marrow. Red and waxy would indicate a healthy deer at the time of death. White and watery means the deer was experiencing malnutrition. It was a sad end to such a noble creature, but such is the way of nature.

Most deer die from the

that the majority of natural (non-hunting) mortalities of mature bucks occur from rut-related activities.

Several studies of radiotagged, mature bucks document that 10-20 percent of them die during or immediately after the rut. Like the deer I found, it is difficult (Buck cont. pg 5)

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On The Cover

Me & Joe Enter Snow Sculpture Contest - Pg 16 Big Belated Buck - Pg 3 Shotguns: Ford or Ferrari - Pg 56 The Late Season - Pg 13 Lifetime Of Knives - Pg 28 Camps, Cottages and Land for Sale - Pg 68-70

Contents

Northwoods Sporting Journal

December 2023

The Sportin’ Journal The Outdoor Paper For “Maine Folks”

The Northwoods Sporting Journal is the Northeast’s most comprewww.sportingjournal.com hensive and readable monthly outdoor Main Office Phone: (207) 732-4880 publication. Published at the trailhead E-mail: info@sportingjournal.com Fax: (207)732-4970 of Maine’s sprawling North Woods, the Vol 30 Issue 12 is published monthly by Northwoods Publications, 57 Old County Rd. North, W. Enfield, ME 04493 Sporting Journal prides itself on being Periodical Postage Paid at W. Enfield, ME. and additional mailing offices. an independent voice for the region’s The Northwoods Sporting Journal (ISSN#1548-193X) Postmaster: outdoor community for more than 28 Send address changes to: years. Some of our writers are seasoned Northwoods Sporting Journal, PO Box 195, W. Enfield, ME 04493 and specialized outdoors people who Northwoods Publishing Group will share their know-how and insights; Victor Morin - Susan Morin - Diane Reynolds - V. Paul Reynolds some of our contributors are simply Publishers - Victor Morin Jr. - V. Paul Reynolds lifelong outdoor people with interest- Editor - V. Paul Reynolds Assistant Editor - Josh Reynolds ing stories to tell.

Associate Editor - Donna Veino Our aim every month is to capture Graphic Arts Manager - Gayleen Cummings the essence of Northern New England’s Subscription/Distribution Manager - Alicia Cram Manager - Annette Boobar remarkable outdoor heritage by stirring Operations Webmaster - V. Paul Reynolds memories, portraying outdoor humor, Sales Department; Victor Morin,Thomas Schmidt, Paul Hatin, and sharing experiences and outdoor Traci Grant, Michael Georgia, Mike Brown & Mike Maynard Regional Advertising Manager - Jim Thorne knowledge. We also keep our readers The Northwoods Sporting Journal invites submissions of photographs up to date with late-breaking outdoor and articles about the Maine outdoors.

Manuscripts should be sent with a self-addressed envelope to: news and hard-hitting editorials about NORTHWOODS SPORTING JOURNAL fish and wildlife issues.

P.O. BOX 195, W. ENFIELD, MAINE 04493 Anyone who loves to hunt and The Northwoods Sporting Journal accepts no responsibility for fish, or simply finds the Great Outdoors unsolicited photos or manuscripts. Photos submitted without a stamped, self-addressed envelope will not be returned. a treasured place, is more than likely to find some special connections amid All rights reserved, 2023. Written permission must be obtained from the Northwoods the pages of the Northwoods Sporting Sporting Journal to reprint any part of this publication. Any errors or omissions in ads or editorial matter will be corrected in the next issue of NWSJ. Journal.

The views and opinions expressed by our monthly columnists

3. Northwoods Sketchbook - Mark McCollough 6. Cookin’ With New England’s WildCheff - Denny Corriveau 7. On The Ridge - Joe Judd 9. On The Prowl - Justin Merrill 10. A Hiker’s Life - Carey Kish 13. Muzzleloading Afield - Al Raychard 14. Book Review - V. Paul Reynolds 15. MSA Serves Snowmobilers - Al Swett 16. The Adventures Of Me & Joe - Bob Cram 18. Outdoor Sporting Library - Jeremiah Wood 20. Aroostook Woods & Water - Mike Maynard 23. From Craig Pond - Bob Mercer 24. The Gun Cabinet - John Floyd 25. Maine Tails - Jonah Paris 26. Warden’s Words - Kale O’Leary 27. Marsh Island Chronicles - Matthew Dunlap 28. The Singing Maine Guide - Randy Spencer 29. Women In The Woods - Erin Merrill 30. Just Fishing - Bob Leeman 33. Guns & Ammo: A Guide’s Perspective - Tom Kelly 34. The Maine Woods - Matt LaRoche 36. View From The River - Laurie Chandler 37. The Bird Perch - Karen Holmes 38. Maine Outdoor Adventure - Rich Yvon 39. Old Tales From The Maine Woods - Steve Pinkham 40. On Point - Paul Fuller 41. The Back Shelf - V. Paul Reynolds 42. The Buck Hunter - Hal Blood 43. Northwoods Voyager - Gil Gilpatrick 44. South Of The Kennebec - Stu Bristol 45. Tales Of A Maine Woodsman - Joel Tripp 46. Slipstream - Scott Biron 48. Vermont Ramblings - Dennis Jensen 49. Green Mountain Report - Bradley Carleton 50. Maple Country Outdoors - Ben Wilcox 53. Against The Current - Bob Romano 54. Outdoors In Maine - V. Paul Reynolds 56. Question Of The Month - V. Paul Reynolds 57. Best Bassin’ - Bill Decoteau 58. Basics Of Survival - Joe Frazier MSA Serves Snowmobilers - Pg 15 59. The Northwoods Bowhunter - Brian Smith Al Swett 60. Kineo Currents - Suzanne AuClair 61. New Hampshire Outdoors - Peter St. James 62. Hunting With The Old Man - Mike Miner 64. Post-Script From Pocasset - Josh Reynolds 65. Lewiston - The Rest Of The Story - Randall Poulton 66. Outdoors In Vermont - Gary Moore 67. The Trail Rider - Dan Wilson

do not necessarily reflect the views of this publication.

Maine Outdoor Adventure - Pg 38 Rich Yvon

Other Great Stories & Information 8. Editorial/Letters 12. Outdoor News 68. Real Estate

Cover Photo:

By Matt Hansen

On The Prowl - Pg 9 Justin Merrill

The Gun Cabinet - Pg 24 John Floyd

December 2023

Buck

(Cont. from pg 3) to know the actual cause of death; rut-related stress, injury, or predation? Ravens, eagles, coyotes and bobcats are efficient and can consume a deer carcass in a day or two.

Bucks suffer from “testosterone poisoning” during the rut. They nearly cease feeding, and greatly increase their physical activity fighting with other bucks and pursuing does. As a result, they lose about 20-35% of their body weight. Some are weakened by fight-induced injuries. Winter arrives at the same time the rut winds down, and weakened bucks desperately try to make up their body condition deficit.

But there is little quality food at this time of the year.

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Later in the day, I tracked a group of three bucks traveling together. They went from blow down to blow down nibbling lichens from the branches. I could see where some maple saplings were browsed, but it is impossible to regain their lost weight on this meager fare.

I gathered up the old gladiator’s antlered remained and took them home; his last trip down the cornfield. After a day of boiling, trimming, and scrubbing, his white skull hangs on the wall as a reminder of a deer season of close calls. I suspect that a few of his offspring will be out there in the deer woods waiting for me next year.

Mark McCollough hunts deer in his hometown of Hampden, Maine. He can be contacted at markmccollough25@gmail.com

Page 5

Best Shot!

My name is Cody Fish. I enjoy reading the Northwoods Sporting Journal while out on my fishing trips aboard the two 80-90 foot offshore scallop boats I work on.

Our trips are typically a week to two weeks long. As we steam out to the fishing grounds, or even home, I frequently find myself reading the whole journal cover to cover. Wonderful advice, tips, and stories to help me remember just how beautiful the state I call home is. I reside in the town of Union, Maine and am an avid deer hunter and trout fisherman. I am attaching a picture of me holding the journal as I steam the boat towards Cape Cod.

Page 6

Cookin’ With New England’s WildCheff

Northwoods Sporting Journal

French Food Traditions

by Denny Corriveau, Kennebunkport, ME

Family food traditions have always been important to me. Like many, I grew up experiencing numerous types of food that I hold dear to my heart.

Every time I cook these foods, like music, they surface fond memories.

December 2023

recipe is used. Some like using cloves, cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg, while others avoid the stronger flavor and choose not to use clove.

My version tends to focus on herbs like garlic, sage, cinnamon, nutmeg,

delicious wild game version of a Tourtiere.

I often give these game pies out to family and friends as a gesture of love during the fall and winter months so they can enjoy the tradition.

These meat pies can actually be traced back to the 1600s when Quebecois settlers would return home after attending a midnight

in the pie or use a maple leaf cutter.

Now to bring up the elephant in the room for those who have familiarity with this traditional pie. How does one serve a slice of this pie? Well, I guess I will preface this topic by stating that even though some of us have our opinions, you should enjoy it the way that you

WildCheff’s Tourtiere Ingredients Crust 2 ½ C of unbleached flour 10 T of cold unsalted butter 1 Tsp. of baking powder ½ Tsp. of sea salt 6-8 T of ice water, enough to bring dough together.

Optionally you can use a premade crust from the store.

mass on Christmas Eve and would gather for a huge late-night feast called a Réveillon. There would be desserts, wine, hearty dishes, seafood and always a tourtière.

Growing up, we always had these pies as part of our Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s meals.

There are some versions of this famed pie that are more parallel to a pate type of filling, using whatever people has on-hand pork, moose, rabbit – cooking the meat until tender and making a pie with it.

Most modern fillings are made with ground meat and have potato, whether it be mashed, or rustic diced as part of the filling.

Decorating the top of the pie can be as simple as creating slits on the top crust to allow steam to escape while it cooks. I often use cookie cutters and theme the cutter to what is

want to eat it.

Options for serving it include a dollop of whole cranberry sauce to enjoy with every bite, a drizzle of ketchup, or even a nice brown gravy.

To u r t i e r e c a n b e served alone or to accompany other items on the plate. Think of it being a great addition to a turkey dinner plate.

If you make extra filling, it can be packed into plastic containers and refrigerated and then used for a topping on toast with a drizzle of mustard or made into sandwiches with mustard to take with you during hunting season.

This filling is referred to as Gorton (pronounced Ga-Taw). A rule of thumb is that you will need 2 lbs. of filling per pie.

No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this flavorful filling and pie will bring joy to all who experience it.

Filling 1 lb. of ground pork butt 2 lb. of ground venison (bear, moose, or deer) 2 C of Maine potatoes, cut into 2” dice 1 medium onion, peeled and diced 2 1/2 C of water 1 T of WildCheff Sagemary Blend seasoning 1/2 T of WildCheff Roasted Garlic Powder 1 Tsp. of Cinnamon 1/2 Tsp. of ground nutmeg Optional > 1/2 T of maple sugar 1/2 Tsp. of ground black pepper 1 Tsp. of sea salt

These meat pies can actually be traced back to the 1600s when Quebecois settlers would return home after attending a midnight mass on Christmas Eve and would gather for a huge late-night feast called a Réveillon.

One such food is called Tourtiere. It originated in Quebec back in the 1600’s. It is a quintessential comfort food that consists of two flaky pastry crusts (top and bottom) with a meat filling in between.

The filling varies depending on which family

maple sugar and other secret ingredients.

Traditionally, most people call this recipe pork pie and use ground pork butt for the meat. I have spent 30 years perfecting versions that utilize ground pork that is heavenly mixed with game meat to make a

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Directions Add meat to a large pot, followed by all the seasonings, onion and potato.

Now add the water to the pot, and then (using your hand, swirl everything together with the water so all the ingredients are (Traditions cont. pg 19)

Northwoods Sporting Journal

December 2023

The Rut’s the Thing

The rut – is an unmistakable term that sparks excitement, joy, and anxiety among deer- hunting circles every year. For me, it’s the equivalent of Thanksgiving and Christmas Day all rolled into a glorious 2–3-week period in the fall, and as deer hunters, it’s what we live for! If

to the period of daylight, and as the season progresses and the amount of daylight decreases, hormones in both bucks and does elevate, generating and urge to breed. This usually happens in a precise period, which will ensure that fawns will be born close to the proper time

the Northeast, no matter what state you’re in, the rut presents a very brief window of opportunity, as bucks become more active during daylight hours and are less cautious than usual.

This behavior can increase the odds of harvesting a buck, or even a doe that has been moved from her bedding area by a buck. But there are also many phases of the rut that will cause predictable behavior in whitetail deer—especially

Page 7

On The Ridge

by Joe Judd Shelburne, MA this as they prepare for the coming rut, but they also tend to limit daytime movement. Bucks start rubbing their antlers on trees (a good sign they’re in the area) to build up neck muscles for the fighting that is sure to accompany a breeding season. They also begin to leave scent,

scent-mark the branch by licking and rubbing it with another scent gland located on the forehead near their eyes. Broken branches will often be left behind when a buck does this, and that’s something else to watch for. Excellent locations to find sign like this is along field and swamp edges,

It’s peak rut when bucks are most active and will often abandon their bedding habits during the day in favor of shifting into cruise control searching for does. Both bucks and does are also more distracted and less cautious during this phase of the rut...

you deer hunt, then you’ve discussed, and likely debated, the rut many times!

Having deer hunted now for decades, I’ve finally concluded that the “peak rut period” is predictable, and here’s my theory on that.

Each fall, breeding occurs around the same time. Nothing, not temperatures, rain, snow, moon phase, or anything else changes it by much. The timing of the rut is related

in the spring, increasing their chances for survival.

I’ve always believed that the peak rut activity in Northern Massachusetts occurs from November 6 through Nov 24, with a new moon usually rising a few weeks later. New moon advocates might dispute this, and that’s OK, because the rut really dictates deer behavior during a complete breeding season, and there are many factors that contribute to this! In

Bingham

with bucks. For example: Pre-rut begins in late September and continues into October. A lot happens during this period as maternal groups of deer (does with offspring) concentrate on feeding to increase their fat supplies for the winter.

Bucks are also focused on

to mark their territories.

Scrapes will also begin to show up now as exposed patches of fresh soil. Bucks will mark these areas with urine and with their scent glands, and scrapes will often be found under overhanging tree branches, so watch for that! They also

ridgetops, wood roads, or on routes to and from food sources. Targeting these core areas, and focusing between these locations and known bedding areas, can be rewarding. However, this can also be difficult during pre-rut as, again, (Rut cont. pg 21)

Page 8

Northwoods Sporting Journal

December 2023

Getting the Lead Out

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIF&W) has issued its annual fall appeal to hunters not to use traditional lead ammunition for their deer hunts.

MDIF&W argues that lead bullet fragments in dispatched game animals can be toxic and bad for humans and other critters lower on the food chain. The agency also asserts that non-lead bullets are just as effective, if not more so, in taking down big game. Additionally, MDIF&W’s press release says that the newer non-lead ammo’s cost is no big deal in the scheme of things.

There are many varying opinions about this issue, which makes it difficult for the average hunter to cut to the chase and draw solid conclusions.

For example, in California quite a while ago lead ammo was banned altogether in a well-intentioned effort to save the Condor.

Five years after the ban, the lead levels in Condors did not decline an iota. It seems

Fast Checking To the Editor: Hey guys, fact checking here. Joe Judd mentions the alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon as the

that the big birds may have been ingesting lead from land fills or other industrial sites.

In depth studies, in both North Dakota and Iowa, revealed, over a five year period, that hunters who consumed critters taken with traditional lead ammunition had no higher lead levels in their bodies than similar aged individuals who consumed no wild meat.

Some pro-hunting organizations argue that the ban-the-lead-ammo crusade is just another incremental ploy or strategy to strike out against gun ownership and hunting.

Interestingly, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) dropped a planned ban of lead ammo use at a Federal refuge in West Virginia when that state’s Fish and Wildlife Department strongly opposed the lead ban, citing lack of scientific evidence and the expense of non-lead alternatives for hunters. USFWS has now been sued by an anti-hunting organization. Safari Club

causation of high and low tides. He claimed, erroneously, that New and Full moon phases mean high tides.

Earth usually has two high and two low tides

daily due to both the gravitational tug of the moon, and to a lesser degree, the Sun. Joe Judd should be referring to high tides during Full and New moon phases as “spring tides,” and tides during quarter moon phases as “neap tides.”

Spring tides are the highest high tides, and neap tides are the time with the least variations between high and low tides.

Lee Ruark

Good Books To the Editor: Thanks to Bob Romano for his column “Two Books Worth Reading” (NWSJ, Octo 2023). Bill Geagan’s “Nature I Loved” is a must read for all Main-

International, the Sportsmen’s Alliance and the NRA have been granted intervenor status in this suit. Stay tuned!

“In truth, these extremists want lead ammunition banned because it discourages participation in hunting and shooting,” NRA-ILA wrote. “Traditional ammunition is significantly cheaper than its alternatives. Increasing the price of ammunition will only ensure that lower income hunters likely won’t be able to provide food for their families.”

Putting aside the conflicting and apparently inconclusive findings, the lead ammo debate for me is a more basic practical one: traditional lead ammunition is costly enough, let alone the added cost of non-lead alternatives. And many of us serious big game hunters already have a stockpile of traditional ammo: why switch as long as the old ammo holds out?

What do you think?

VPR

ers, newbies, and tourists.

This book speaks to the Maine outdoors in excellent fashion. It is more important than Thoreau’s works. I read Geagan’s book many years ago and have a copy in my wellstocked wildlife library.

Another book I enjoyed reading many years ago was by Bud Leavitt about Maine outdoors and had some good food recipes. I never found one to buy.

Fred Hardman, Whiting Maine

Daughter and Dad Success: Morgan OBrien and her 173 lb VT whitetail.

(Photo courtesy of her Dad, Scott OBrien)

December 2023

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Call a Bobcat

Have you ever seen how a bobcat moves about when in search of something to eat? Perhaps you don’t need to leave your door yard to witness how a feline hunts. If you have a cat as a pet then you may have watched the cat stalk a mouse. How much difference do you suppose exists

forward, and pausing motionless for a brief moment waiting out the bird’s next move is feline hunting behavior.

The next time you hit the woods with an attempt to call in a bobcat using bird, rodent, or rabbit distress calls, remember to remain patient and calm

hunting – and make sure to arm yourself with all the tools of the trade that your wallet can handle. It’s a good idea to have at least a couple different decoys and a handful of calls on hand to increase your odds.

A bird or bird feather type decoy works great when incorporated with baby bird distress sounds or the woodpecker distress call. Have a rodent/rabbit type of decoy to go along

Page 9

On The Prowl

by Justin Merrill, Cherryfield, ME

for the bobcat’s slow and methodical approach will boost your chances of success. Maine outdoor writer Val Marquez understands, when he said, “Like all members of the cat family, they approach slowly while stalking the caller, so to be successful, hunters must wear camouflage

A rabbit decoy placed in the middle of a clearing inside the woods or old woods road surely will bring in a prowling bobcat once it hears that it’s injured. You help the decoy become injured by using a rabbit-in-distress call.

An ideal setup would be if you could sit inside thick

Like every other sport out there, rules or suggestions dictate how it plays out. Know that bobcat hunting rules do not exist. Go at it with your own gut feeling or intuition.

Mostly though, use your distress calls with confidence.

The author with a Maine bobcat. between a pet cat and a bobcat’s hunting prowess?

A tough and well adapted bobcat could out-hunt a house cat any day of the week. However, the two exhibit similar behaviors and showcase similar characteristics that make them part of the same family, Felidae. When you peer out your living room window at your cat crouched low to the ground stalking a bird in the grass, expect a bobcat to be doing the same on its own turf. All cats are attracted to the movements and types of sounds a prey animal makes. The chirps and fluttering feathers most likely got the best of your cat’s attention. Low to the ground slowly placing one paw in front of the other, fully alert with ears faced

for the reason that cats take their time. You will do well to sit tight for approximately an hour and a half.

If the area and your ambush feels right then stay put for at least another fifteen minutes before packing up to leave for another calling location. The longest I’ve sat before I spotted a bobcat stalking my location is approximately an hour and a half.

Like every other sport out there, rules or suggestions dictate how it plays out. Know that bobcat hunting rules do not exist.

Go at it with your own gut feeling or intuition. Mostly though, use your distress calls with confidence. Not all ‘one-two-punch’ works the same for every bobcat – the same applies to coyote

with their type of distress calls. Now, do remember the no rule approach. You may find out that any type of distress sound works with any type of decoy; however it just makes sense to match the two accordingly, especially when bobcats are attracted to visual cues. It is possible to kill a bobcat by merely placing a decoy in a promising ambush location.

Open field areas are ideal places to set up an injured bird decoy while you’re hunkered down on the edge hidden by dark shadows of trees and camouflage. Being ready

clothing and sit downwind and still without fidgeting.”

Val hunts many small game animals and knows the meaning of ‘Bobcat Hunting’; it is just that, ‘Hunting’. Being well prepared for any type of outcome will help you have an enjoyable hunt whether or not you shoot a bobcat.

Dress in warm layers, be scent free, learn about your hunting areas to understand where bobcats are likely to come from, and above all, be patient. Doing all this will at least allow you to observe wildlife even if it’s not a bobcat closing the distance on your ambush.

cover with your back facing a wide open field and the wind carrying your scent out into the field. This would allow you to only see the clearing inside the woods where your rabbit decoy is twittering. That is what you want, so a stalking bobcat won’t spot you.

Again, no rules apply.

I have a buddy that once lugged his decoy and electronic caller into the deep woods to set up on an old logging road. What he told me was that he placed his call in the clearing next to his decoy and he barely got settled in off to the side of (Bobcat cont. pg 19)

Get Hooked on the Sporting Journal! www.sportingjournal.com

Page 10

“A Hiker’s Life”

Northwoods Sporting Journal

By Carey Kish, Mt. Desert Island, ME Branch Lake in Ellsworth is nearly 3,000 acres in size, almost six miles long, and as much as 124 feet deep. Camps and homes dot the upper part of the beautiful lake that’s ringed by low mountains.

The lower lake, however, is mostly undeveloped and cloaked in thick forest.

Branch Lake drains into

side of the lake, including a 3/4-mile stretch of pristine shoreline. Four foot trails and an old gravel tote road offer hikers more than three miles of pleasant meandering. The forest is open yearround from dawn to dusk.

Dogs are allowed. The trailhead is a mile in from the highway, and the drive isn’t plowed in winter, so

Branch Lake Public Forest

December 2023

Branch Lake Conservation Initiative—a partnership between the Mary C. Fenn Trust, the City of Ellsworth, the Forest Society of Maine, the Frenchman Bay Conservancy and the Maine Dept. of Conservation—much of the lake’s watershed, including an astounding 3 1/2 miles of waterfront, was permanently preserved. The agreement also fostered new oppor-

A trail map of the Branch Lake Public Forest is posted at the trailhead gate. From there, the tote road will lead you into the woods. A half-mile in, the Marsh Trail leaves to visit some wetlands. the Union River and Blue Hill Bay, a nationally significant estuary. The lake, one of the clearest and cleanest in Maine, is the city’s sole public drinking water supply.

Branch Lake Public Forest encompasses 239 acres on the southeastern

plan accordingly if that’s when you’re visiting.

Protection for about 450 acres around what is now the Branch Lake Public Forest as well as some 750 acres on the opposite shore was achieved in 2010. Through acquisition and easements under the

Coastal

wiscassetspeedway.com

tunities for non-motorized recreation and sustainable timber harvesting.

A trail map of the Branch Lake Public Forest is posted at the trailhead gate. From there, the tote road will lead you into the woods. A half-mile in, the Marsh Trail leaves to visit some wetlands.

Not far ahead, the Pine Trail diverges into a mix of hardwoods and softwoods.

Further on the tote road, the Brookside Trail heads into wet woods to a pocket beach and canoe landing on Branch Lake.

The jewel of the trail system is the last you’ll come to, the Lake Loop Trail, which leads to the

lake over a soft path of needles beneath tall, straight stems of spruce. Several spurs off the lakeside path lead out to the granite boulders along the shore, where you can see over the Narrows as far as Flying Moose Mountain and Flag Hill in the Great Pond Mountain Wildlands in Orland and Bald Mountain in Dedham.

There’s plenty more hiking to do around the Ells-

Portland

worth area. The Frenchman Bay Conservancy’s Jordan Homestead Preserve and Indian Point Preserve both feature lovely trails along the Union River. At Woodlawn Museum, Gardens & Park, there are several miles of trails in the woods of the historic 180-acre estate. And at Birdsacre, three miles of footpaths meander through the Stanwood Wildlife Sanctuary.

Carey Kish of Mount Desert Island, ME is the author of Beer Hiking New England, AMC’s Best Day Hikes Along the Maine Coast, and the AMC Maine Mountain Guide. Catch up with him (maybe) at maineoutdoors@aol.com, on Facebook, and on Instagram @careykish

Page 12

Northwoods Sporting Journal

December 2023

Outdoor News - December 2023 Edited by V. Paul Reynolds

December. A good month in Maine to black powder hunt for that elusive November buck, chase rabbits with hounds, or- for the most intrepid outdoorsman - a time to hunker down in coastal duck blinds with hot coffee and lovable old Labs. Many outdoorsmen will get out the flytying vices, or merely sit close to the fire with family and some good outdoor catalogs. From all of us at the Northwoods Sporting Journal, a very Merry Christmas to our loyal readers and advertisers.

And may your New Year be full of health, happiness and memorable hours in New England’s Great Outdoors.

One Man Dies, Another Injured In Aroostook County UTV Crash

The Maine Warden Service is investigating a UTV crash that killed one Maine man and injured another in October.

At a little after 10:30 p.m. Oct 15, Jason Wilmot, Age 40 of Portland, was driving a 2022 Can Am Defender XT side by side UTV with Chris Foster, Age 44 of Gorham, as his passenger on a woods road in Westfield.

As they were going down the road that had a gradual downhill grade, the road slightly veered to the right with a low spot in the turn. Wilmot was unable to negotiate the turn, and hit a slight embankment which caused the UTV to start to tip, and then struck a tree, ejecting both occupants from the UTV. Wilmot was pinned

under the UTV, and passed away at the scene according to responding EMS personnel. Foster sustained injuries to his head and was transported to AR Gould Hospital in Presque Isle.

The driver and passenger were not wearing helmets and they were not buckled in. The incident remains under investigation by the Maine Warden Service, who reconstructed the accident at the scene. An initial investigation suggests alcohol may be a factor in the crash.

The Maine Warden Service was assisted at the scene by the Mars Hill Fire Department, Central Aroostook Ambulance and Presque Isle Ambulance.

sary for monitoring harvest trends and managing the white-tailed deer population. Hunters who prefer to report their deer in-person to a check station are welcome to continue doing so.

To submit your harvest report, please have the following information readily available: Your Conservation ID# (Find you Conservation ID# on the upper lefthand corner of your license or look it up here)

Your Tag Number (If this is a landowner tag, enter “Landowner” into the form.)

Vermont’s Online Deer Harvest Reporting

All successful hunters during Vermont’s deer hunting seasons must, by law, report their deer within 48 hours to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department.

Hunters may use our online reporting system to report deer harvested during the archery and muzzleloader seasons.

Deer harvested during the youth, novice and 16-day regular November season must report their deer in-person at a Big Game Reporting Station or to a State Game Warden.

Reporting Online Online reporting systems, which have been used successfully by other states, offer hunters a quick, easy and convenient way to report their harvest while providing wildlife biologists with the data neces-

A photograph of the deer (optional) to include: Photo should include a headshot with the tag attached or the hunter’s face if tag is not readable. Click image for more details The head area of the deer to confirm the presence or absence of antlers and number of antler points. Photo should also include the filled-out tag

attached to the deer.

OR Your face in the photo to connect the harvested deer to you if the tag is not readable.

Location of kill: Town and Wildlife Management Unit | WMU map Date and time of kill Sex the deer Deer’s weight (estimated weight is acceptable Number of legal antler points on each antler Thank you for your support. Your harvest data are important to us and to the future of Vermont’s white-tailed deer management.

regardless of its size or age.

The tooth is used to accurately age the deer and provides information critical for managing Vermont’s deer herd. We will publish the age information on our website in the spring.

When You Report Your Deer Remove one of the middle incisor teeth, including the whole root.

Tooth envelopes and tooth removal instructions are available at reporting stations. Place tooth in the tooth envelope, write your Conservation ID, Name, and Date of Kill on the Vermont : envelope and it give to the Unallocated reporting agent.

Antlerless Permits Removing a tooth If you didn’t win does not affect a taxidera permit you’re eligible mist’s ability to mount your to get a permit in Vermont deer.

WMUs with unallocated antlerless deer muzzleNew Hampshire loader permits for use in Moose Harvest the antlerless-only October New Hampshire’s 26-29 season and the regu2023 moose hunting sealar December 2-10 season. son ran from Saturday, OcCost is $10.00.

These permits can be tober 21 through Sunday, purchased on the depart- October 29 with a total of ment’s website or at any 24 moose being taken—23 local license agent on a first bulls and 1 cow. “This year was on par with previcome, first served basis.

If you won a permit ous years as far as hunter in the lottery you may not success rates,” according purchase a second permit to Henry Jones, the New unless you take a deer Hampshire Fish and Game with your first permit and Department’s Moose Projthen only if you have not ect Leader.

Hunters achieved a reached your four-deer an69% success rate during the nual limit.

There are unallocated nine-day season. Thirtyantlerless permits in the five moose hunting perfollowing WMUs: A, B, mits were issued this year, F1, K, and N.(view map which included 33 lottery of WMUs). Hurry, they go permits, 1 permit auctioned by the Wildlife Heritage quick!

The department is Foundation of New Hampasking all successful 16- shire, and 1 Dream Hunt day regular November permit for youth with terseason hunters to provide minal illnesses sponsored (News cont. pg 58) a tooth from their buck,

December 2023

Northwoods Sporting Journal

The Late Season

When Maine established its first muzzleloader deer season, sometime back in the early 1980s, I wasn’t overly enthused with the scheduling. At the time, interest in hunting deer with a muzzleloader was growing in popularity

nationally, largely due to the modern inline, which is credited with elevating muzzleloader hunting to unprecedented heights. It was no different here in Maine. Increasing numbers of hunters were hitting the deer woods with muzzleloaders and had been begging for a season of their own for several years. The problem was where to put it. Bowhunters didn’t want muzzleloaders in their season, and while there wasn’t any issues during the November gun season, it still didn’t address the growing desire for a specific season for muzzleloaders only. In the end the season was stuck in early December. It’s been there ever since and there

are no indications it will change anytime soon, if ever. I hope it doesn’t.

There are several reasons why I now look forward to the December muzzleloader season with the same anticipation and enthusiasm I have for the archery and rifle seasons.

Ye s , t h e weather can be pleasant and the fall colors stunning in Octob e r, a n d November has the chasing and rut periods.

And yes the daytime temperatures and wind in December can chill to the bone and the overall weather conditions don’t always cooperate and you might have to be selective of the days you hit the woods. And, yes deer can be edgy after two months of hunting pressure but there are still reasons I like the muzzleloader season and why more hunters should take advantage of it.

For one, there are fewer hunters out there.

Approximately 12,000 to 15,000 Maine and visiting hunters hunt the muzzleloader season each year compared to roughly 200,000 who hunt in November. Depending upon the point of view, that’s a good or bad thing. Some feel more hunters helps keep deer moving, but I

have always preferred the opposite: hunting where there are fewer interferences, disturbances, interruptions or influences caused by other hunters. Give me a patch of woodlands all to myself and I’m a happy hunter. In my neck of the woods that can be difficult in November. The opposite is often true during the

Page 13

Muzzleloading Afield

by Al Raychard, Lyman, ME

and when snow covers the landscape deer can stick out like a sore thumb when they are standing still, but especially when they move. I’ve killed several in December that I simply wouldn’t have seen during

and I need those extra two weeks. I suspect, I am not the only one. So, whether you enjoy the muzzleloader season or prefer hunting in October or November, the extra opportunity is there if needed. Take advantage of

The fall foliage has dropped offering greater visibility and when snow covers the landscape deer can stick out like a sore thumb when they are standing still, but especially when they move. muzzleloader season.

Another thing is, we often have snow on the ground. Snow comes late some years, but more years than not we have snow at some point during our two week muzzleloader season.

I don’t consider myself an expert tracker. No where near it. I’m no Hal Blood, no Larry Benoit, never will be, but I do enjoy seeing deer tracks in fresh snow.

I like seeing where they go, where they came from, finding bedding areas and major travel corridors. I have been hunting the same patch of woods for over 30 years. I think I know it well, but I am always surprised when a set of tracks or other fresh sign remind me how little I actually know. Fresh deer tracks in snow excite me and put a shot of enthusiasm into my veins.

Like everyone else I’m also getting older. Although I had cataract surgery a few years ago and, according to my optometrist, have the long range eyesight of a 20 year old, deer just seem to stick out more in December. The fall foliage has dropped offering greater visibility

the earlier hunting seasons due to dense foliage cover.

But one of the biggest reasons I like and am thankful for the muzzleloader season is that it simply gives me more time to hunt. I don’t always need it. Most years when success comes my way I tag out in October, if not then in November. But there are years when things don’t work out as planned or anticipated

it, but here’s to hoping you don’t have to.

Al Raychard and his wide Diane live on 43+/acres in Lyman, Maine that offers good deer and turkey hunting opportunities which they both enjoy. If the property had a trout stream it would be true paradise. Al can be reached at alraychard@ sacoriver.net

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 14

By V. Paul Reynolds

Born and brought up in Brooklyn, Tommy Carbone retired from his career as an electrical engineer and settled down at Beaver Cove near Greenville, Maine. An avid reader and history buff by nature, he began a few years ago learning about the people and times of Maine’s famous era of lumberjacks and river drivers.

By reading the writings of 19th century Maine outdoor writer and historian, Fannie Hardy Eckstorm, Carbone became fascinated with a well-known Maine man from that period: David Stone Libby. Libby was reputed to be a great hunter, observer of wildlife, a river driver, lumberman and skilled boatman. He also became a nationally known outdoor writer of his time,

Book Review

I Am Penobscot

writing for Maine publications, as well as for Field & Stream. Interestingly, he always wrote under the simple pen name, Penob-

scot.

Libby’s life, eventually, took him far from his Maine river driving and logging vocations. He lumbered in Canada, the Adirondacks, and mined in Nevada. He almost froze to

The elusive Northwoods Sporting Journal’s moose Marty.

He has wandered into the northwoods.

Find Marty somewhere in the Northwoods Sporting Journal (Hint: he will be located in one of our ads) Send us the page number he’s on and you could be a WINNER! Win a FREE Northwoods Sporting Journal Marty Hat. We will draw one winner from all correct entries submitted each month. We will announce the winner in the next issue.

PLEASE MAIL THIS FORM TO: Northwoods Sporting Journal P.O. Box 195, West Enfield, ME 04493

Marty

Shown actual size

Paula Higgins

Name

(Marty was found on pg 46)

Address State

Phone I found Marty on page

death in the Maine woods.

He was shelled during the Civil War and was threatened by armed men out West.

Inspired by Libby’s pioneering life and the essence of the man himself, Carbone researched Libby and that period

built upon authenticity and actual happenings in the life of David Stone Libby.

Historical fiction novels always hold my attention and tend to get stacked up by my nightstand. One of my heroes, Teddy Roosevelt, is the protagonist in another wonderful, recently released historical fiction novel, “The Old Lion,” by

to the troops?”

Without hesitating, David said,”Yes, Sir, we can.”

The Major raised his eyebrows.

When you finish the last page of Carbone’s novel, you will come away with a real understanding and appreciation for the life and difficult, danger-

and parlayed his background work into a fascinating historical fiction novel about the man called Penobscot. Carbone’s novel is called, “I am Penobscot.” Published by Burnt Jacket Publishing, the book is available through Amazon.

As luck would have it, Libby’s contemporary, Fannie Eckstorm, wrote a lot about Libby and published many outtakes from his prolific journals. It is through Eckstorm’s chronicles that Carbone was able to fashion a novel that is

Jeff Shaara.

Carbone, like other good historical fiction writers, manages to breath life into his characters while simultaneously remaining true to the times and people of the era he writes about.

Pure history can be dry and pedantic, but not so when the characters think and talk, as in the historical fiction novel.

“Private, I’m told you and Private Nileson were river drivers back in Maine.”

“That is correct, sir.”

“With that boat,”the Major pointed to a lowsided, flat bottom river boat, “could you and Nileson get ammunition across

ous times of the legendary Maine men who spent their winters cutting logs with hand saws and getting those logs down river.

David Stone Libby, “Penobscot,” was one of many such Maine men.

Carbone, like other good historical fiction writers, manages to breath life into his characters while simultaneously remaining true to the times and people of the era he writes about.

HELP US FIND

City

December 2023

Zip

Entries must be postmarked by 12/11/23 to be eligible for this issue.

The author is editor of the Northwoods Sporting Journal. He is also a Maine Guide and host of a weekly radio program “Maine Outdoors” heard Sundays at 7 p.m. on The Voice of Maine News-Talk Network. He has authored three books. Online purchase information is available at www.sportingjournal.com

Northwoods Sporting Journal

December 2023

By Al Swett

The Maine Snowmobile Association (MSA) has a mission to protect and serve its members. We are a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to make snowmobiling in Maine safe, successful, and a worldwide destination.

The MSA is the state voice for Maine Snowmobiling.

Page 15

MSA Serves Snowmobilers

maintaining and preserving the trails.

We have a full-time office person to assist with day-to-day issues, funnel information to where it needs to go, and field calls from the general public to give them information and guidance. We have members on state advisory trail

friendly competition, another fundraiser that we do is an annual Golf Scramble. Along with the open teams, snowmobile clubs can compete for the coveted Club Cup. We also have a Photo of the Year award (which is included as part of our annual banquet).

These photos are collected and we choose the best of the best to become part of

people from all over, not just Maine. Take the opportunity for your club to rent a spot and promote your area, tell them why your area has the best snowmobiling has to offer!

Meet new businesses and suppliers. Create new connections.

Let’s not forget our scholarship! Every year our scholarship committee gets

through these applications.

Promote the scholarship program within your club.

I am sure the parents of the students would appreciate a little help. Remember that there is a two year minimum membership to the MSA requirement to qualify.

Our membership is over 280 clubs strong which covers over 14,000

Landowners are thankful that we protect and take pride in the trails with dedicated maintenance, safety check, looking out for litter, and deterring off trail riding and loud sleds. We are directly involved in maintaining and preserving the trails.

Six people started the MSA in 1968. 54 years later this non-profit continues to grow. We offer clubs the sense of security while working with the state legislators and other state departments to benefit the best interest of the clubs.

We offer safety training and signage, and work closely with the State of Maine for groomer operator certification. The MSA is involved directly with the clubs to participate in signage and trail guidance so that we have consistency throughout the state.

Landowners are thankful that we protect and take pride in the trails with dedicated maintenance, safety check, looking out for litter, and deterring off trail riding and loud sleds.

We are directly involved in

committees from Kittery to Fort Kent. They meet throughout the year to discuss trail and landowner situations.

Our largest fundraiser is the Super Raffle.

The MSA prints the raffle tickets, posters, banners, does the advertising for the event, and secures the prizes (thru purchases and donations).While the MSA picks up the cost of the event, any club that chooses to sell the raffle tickets keep half of the money raised. These funds can then be used however the club chooses. Only the amount due to MSA needs to be sent in, the rest is immediately available for club use. These raffle tickets have been proven to be an easy sell!

If you like a little

our popular wall calendar. The photo of the year also becomes part of the ITS Trails Map, and Super Raffle Posters/Banners.

Wouldn’t it be fun to have bragging rights?

While our old website is not going away, we have created a new, and more interactive website. When clubs are updating their trail conditions, why not send them to us as well.

The MSA office gets calls all the time asking what the trail conditions are in all parts of the state. The more information you send us, the more we can send these enthusiasts your way!! If you have a special event going on, perhaps a fundraising event, let us post it on the calendar within the website.

We also have the Maine Snowmobile Show in October. The event is attended by thousands of

together to honor our youth by making it just a little easier to further their education. Some of these applicants have amazing stories and our future seems so bright when we are going

miles of trails. While we do collect dues of $15.00 per member, much of that goes back to you by way of promoting tourism, the sport of snowmobiling, and (MSA cont. pg 21)

PLEASE SLOW DOWN SPEED IS DANGEROUS RIDE RIGHT RIDE SAFE RIDE SOBER

Be Aware of Shared Trails Watch Out for Groomers, Return Like you Left,

Alive!

Page 16

Northwoods Sporting Journal

The Adventures of Me and Joe

December 2023

The Snow Sculpture

by Bob Cram, (Alias T.J. Coongate) Medway, ME

It was December, settling into that long, sunless stretch where it seems like you go to school in the dark and come back home in the dark. Short days and endless cold would sour the mood of even the most dedicated holiday celebrant, but the worst happened just two weeks short of Christmas.

Our high school principal, Mr. Tremble, slipped while shoveling his mother’s walk and broke a leg This wasn’t the worst thing. Mr. Tremble was as inoffensive as the average meadow mouse and most of the students felt sorry for him. No, the worst came when the school board cast about to find a temporary replacement for the office of principal. The pickings were scarce in the north woods of Maine, but even so, you would have thought they could have come up with someone a little better than Silas Palsy.

It wasn’t that Mr. Palsy was an evil man, heavens no. In fact, he would be the first to tell you that he was a very good man. Silas Palsy was a deacon in the Mooseleuk First Consecrated Church of the Holier Than Thou. Somewhere in

his checkered past Deacon Palsy had acquired the necessary credentials to fill in as a high school principal, at least on a temporary basis. For me and Joe, and our friends Gasper Gooch and Condon Fishbane, it didn’t look like we’d survive the experience.

Remember, this was in the early 1960s, before the various justices of the U.S. Supreme Court decided to stick their collective noses into every facet of American life. The idea of the separation of church and state was just dry words in a document none of us had ever read.

Come to think of it, Deacon Palsy was perhaps the best argument for the separation of church and state that ever came down the pike.

It began innocently enough. Each class would now start with a prayer.

Most of us viewed this as appropriate. Beseeching the Almighty for help in any given class, as well as offering suggestions on its short duration, seemed like a good idea to most of us.

The trouble was, Deacon Palsy began showing up in more and more classes to lead the prayers himself. And Deacon Palsy

The pickings were scarce in the north woods of Maine, but even so, you would have thought they could have come up with someone a little better than Silas Palsy.

had both an affinity for the sound of his own voice and a belief that more is better.

The opening prayers began to take up a substantial amount of class time.

That wasn’t the worst of it. The worst was the change he made in the form of detention. Now, you must realize that for students with the socializing tendencies that me and Joe and our little group of accomplices were guilty of, detention was a common fact of life. It got to be almost a badge of honor to spend a few hours after school several times a week, visiting with the principal, so to speak. I

If you just can’t get enough of reading our Me & Joe Adventures, check out the All Outdoor section of our new Northwoods Sporting Journal website:www.sportingjournal.com You’ll find an ample supply of Me & Joe stories to keep you checking for a long time.

think even Mr. Tremble looked forward to our little get-togethers. Deacon Palsy changed all that.

Detention actually became a form of penance, a punishment, if you can imagine it. Detainees were required to write large passage form the Bible on the blackboard, or read aloud from some of its dryer books, such as Leviticus or Numbers.

But probably the worst change instituted by the Deacon Palsy was his desecration of the snow sculpture contest. After the first deep snows fell, which in Mooseleuk could be as early as mid-November,

the school hosted a snow sculpture contest where groups of students competed to come up with the most imaginative creations their little warped brains could invent. In past years, winners had included such wide-ranging submissions as a lobster trap, replete with albino lobsters, an immensely obese Santa, and a replica of a monster buck deer. After the changes in the school curriculum instituted by Deacon Palsy, most of the students looked forward to the creative outlet the contest offered.

The first hint that all would not go as in previous (Me & Joe cont. pg 17)

December 2023

Me & Joe

(Cont. from pg 16) years was the ominous call for a student assembly on a Tuesday afternoon. After leading the assembly in a long, involved convocation to the Almighty, Deacon Palsy laid out the ground rules for the snow sculpture contest.

“From now on, snow sculptures will only deal with religious themes,” Palsy said with a syrupy grin. “No more of these Santas and depictions of game animals. Only biblical scents or events will be appropriate for snow sculptures as long as I am acting principal.” As a joint groan emitted from the assembled students Palsy’s face darkened. “Anyone who doesn’t agree with these restrictions is welcome to stay after school and discuss it with me.”

Immediate silence reigned.

That afternoon the four of us cronies sat in the snow in front of the school, trying to come up with an idea for a snow sculpture. Along the field that bordered the road other students were engaged in a desultory attempt at creating something that would fit in with Deacon Palsy’s requirements.

“Ain’t no way we can (gasp) do it,” Gasper said stubbornly. “We ain’t preachers. We shouldn’t have to (gasp) stick to only religious ideas. It’ll…it’ll stifle our creativity, that’s what it’ll (gasp) do!”

Condon nodded morosely. “I…uh…heard the school board is a little upset with…uh…Deacon Palsy’s methods. Maybe they’ll…uh…do somethin’ about it.”

“I doubt it,” I shook my head. “I don’t think

Northwoods Sporting Journal

we can expect much help from that direction. After all, they’re the ones who hired Deacon Palsy in the first place.”

I watched as Joe drew figures in the snow with a stick, creating surprisingly lifelike characters, then destroying them with a sweep of his hand. It always surprised me that Joe, who didn’t care a lick for art or other esthetic pastimes, had such a knack for creating sculptures with the gift of realism. It had been Joe who did most of the work on the big buck sculpture that won the contest last year.

A shadow fell over us and we looked up with some apprehension at Deacon Palsy’s smiling face.

“What’s the trouble, boys? Having a hard time coming up with an idea?

Maybe I can give you some suggestions.”

Before the rest of us could reply, Joe dropped

his stick and nodded.

“Yeah, Deacon, give us a few ideas.”

Palsy beamed. “Well, some of the freshman girls are creating a nativity scene. That’s a staple, of course. Then a few of the juniors are building a replica of the ten commandment tablets. There’s all sorts of subject out there, Moses parting the Red Sea, Noah’s ark, the parables…”

“Parables?” Joe looked more interested.

“Like…what, for instance?”

“Oh, there were many parables, such as the Parable of the Sower, the Parable of the Foolish Man, and so on.”

Joe frowned thoughtfully. “Thanks, Deacon, maybe you’ve pointed us in the right direction.”

Palsy nodded, wished us good luck, and wandered on to where another group of students stood staring at GUIDES AVAILABLE

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Page 17

the mound of snow.

“I don’t like that look.” I eyed Joe narrowly as a crafty smile turned up the corners of his mouth.

“Got me an idea,” Joe agreed. “It’ll prob’ly get us into trouble, but I’m getting’ awful tired of all this do-goodin’. An’, after all, what we got better to do in the winter than spend some time in a little creative detention?”

“Well,” Gasper sighed in resignation as we started down the road toward home. “I already got ‘bout the whole (gasp) book o’ Genesis written on the board in Palsy’s room. I ‘spect it’s (gasp) about time I started on Exodus.”

We put off starting the snow sculpture until Friday, since the judging would take place on Saturday morning. We spent most of Friday evening,

after everyone had left and gone home, building what had to be the largest and most complicated piece of artwork in the history of Mooseleuk high school.

Near midnight, we stood back, sweating in the cold air, and eyed the result.

“I don’t think anyone’s ever done better,” Joe commented. I had to agree, although he had done most of the planning and actual sculpting. The rest of us had done most of the grunt work, shoveling and piling snow.

“Worth every…uh… minute of detention,” Condon agreed, “Just to see… uh…Palsy’s face.”

We covered the creation with old tarps and set off for home.

It was hard to sleep that night in anticipation of the judging to take place (Me & Joe cont. pg 22)

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Outdoor Sporting Library

by Jeremiah Wood, Ashland, ME

They were a husband and wife and three boys, fresh off a boat from the Pacific Northwest and into the wilderness of southeast Alaska, April 1946. For their oldest son, Wayne

it. He discovered Alaska while working at a cannery on the southern tip of Admiralty Island, a land full of salmon, deer and grizzly bears. He decided this would be the place to

The Cheechakoes

old time fishermen to take pity on them and show them how to rig gear, play the tides, and find where to fish.

When dialed in, the boys found that commercial fishing could be very lucrative. First it was halibut, then salmon, and before long they were making

Southeast Alaska in the 1950’s was an incredible place in a unique time, filled with a cast of the most rugged, independent, hard working, colorful, industrious, friendly and downright remarkable human beings.

Short, it was an exciting, adventurous time. Just twenty years old, Wayne had already traveled widely and seen fierce combat in a world war. Like his dad, ‘Pap’, he was a worker and a risk taker. Alaska was the perfect place for such men.

Pap had moved around a lot over the years, homesteading here and there, never quite being able to make a living of

move the family and give it another go.

After they’d built a cabin along a brook in the woods across the cove from the cannery, Pap went back to work there, while Wayne and his two younger brothers, Dutch and Duke, decided to try their hand at commercial fishing.

They started with halibut, and numbed around long enough for a few of the

December 2023

far more money than their father was at the cannery job. Wayne bought a boat with fishing earnings, Pap quit and bought himself a boat, and soon enough the family was skippering three fishing boats throughout the summer. It was a good time to be in the fishing industry, a time when countless fortunes were made on the boats – and for some – lost in the

Aroostook County

towns. and villages they called Southeast Alaska in home. With the boats gone the 1950’s was an incred- and cannery deserted, fall time found the Shorts alone in a quiet world of woods and water.

When the fishing season was over the family focused on hunting to gather meat for winter and preserving food from the garden. As winter came around they turned to trapping, where their trap lines up and down the coast proible place in a unique time, duced impressive numbers filled with a cast of the of mink and otter. The armost rugged, independent, rival of spring meant a brief hard working, colorful, season of bounty hunting industrious, friendly and for seals, and then back to downright remarkable hu- the fishing boats to prepare man beings. Their boats for the upcoming season. filled the harbors when A seasonal life off the the season opened and the land isn’t for everyone, fish were biting, and when but some folks like Wayne all was over most headed Short were built for it. back to the various towns (Chechakoes cont. pg 35)

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

December 2023

Traditions

(Cont. from pg 6) evenly mixed into a meat slurry.

Place pot on stove over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Stir and reduce heat until you have a steady simmer.

Cook mixture until most of the moisture is evaporated. Remove from burner and let mixture cool.

There should be no water once it cools.

I often let it cool on stovetop and place it in a large bowl or container to cool in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight, so the filling stiffens.

To Make the Crust Combine the flour, salt, and baking powder in a bowl. Add the butter, mixing it thoroughly.

The crust dough should not have any large pieces of butter remaining; the mixture should look like breadcrumbs.

Drizzle in the water, tossing as you go, until you’ve added enough water so that you can squeeze the dough together and it’s cohesive. It should hold together nicely; if it doesn’t, add a bit more water.

Divide the dough into two pieces, making one slightly larger than the other. The larger piece will be the bottom crust; the smaller piece, the top crust. Shape each piece into a flattened ball, or wheel; they should look like big hockey pucks. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Note: You can make the dough ahead and refrigerate it overnight, if desired. Next day, let it warm at room temperature for about 30 to 45 minutes before rolling it out.

To Make the Tour-

tiere

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Roll the two pieces of dough out to use as top and bottom crust.

Place the bottom crust into an 8 or 9-inch pie pan.

Press the dough so it is tight against the bottom and side of the pie pan. Poke the bottom dough with a fork to allow venting.

With a spoon, scoop and pat down the cooled filling so it fills the pie.

Place top crust on the pie and hand caress the top so any air is removed, and crust is tight to filling.

Crimp the diameter so the crust is sealed. Make slits on top for venting with knife of decorative cookie cutter.

Place into oven and cook until crust is nicely browned, usually 35-40 minutes.

Serve with whole cranberry sauce, or a ladle of brown gravy.

WildCheff - Denny Corriveau is award-winning National Game Chef, Metis (Mi’kmaq) Native Chef, and the Founder of the Free-Range Culinary Institute.You can learn more @ www.wildcheff. com or visit him on Instagram @ thewildcheff or Facebook at @WildCheff

Bobcat (Cont. from pg 9) the logging road when he caught a bobcat cautiously approaching. It’s a shame my friend missed the cat at twenty yards. The point being that anything’s possible when hunting bobcats.

Who can really predict the outcome of a hunt? If you know of anyone, let me know A.S.A.P., I‘d like to meet this individual and

have a sit down interview.

Wherever you live, if there’s a bobcat hunting season then during that time beat the winter blues by testing your predator calling skills on bobcats.

It’s a true challenge and one would think it’s ten times easier to call in a coyote. I’ve been told that the fox is the easiest of the three to call in. I would beg to differ, since each predator will have a personality different from their brothers and sisters, meaning they could very well give you a run for your money.

Everything we hunt indeed possesses its own unique challenges. Our job as hunters is to practice (practice: to better your shooting skills), prepare (prepare: to have all the necessary gear and tools), plan (plan: to establish your every move), execute (execute: to know your area of undetected approach and set up), attack (attack: to use a distress call and decoy), and kill (kill: to make the shot count). How else will we be successful at calling in a bobcat for the kill? I would like to learn from your experiences with calling bobcats and how you face the challenge.

Contact directly to share your insight.

Justin has his Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife Biology and has thousands of acres to hunt on every year.

It’s not uncommon to find Justin lurking around his neck of the woods scouting or hunting day to day.

Anyone who knows him best understands this is a lifestyle, not a job. Justin is currently working on a book on the topic of predator hunting. He may be contacted by emailing him at: wildmaineoutdoors@ gmail.com

Page 19

Merry Christmas! & Happy Holidays!

from the Staff at the Northwoods Sporting Journal!

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Northwoods Sporting Journal Aroostook Woods again. Nope, not a mirage. & Water He was magnificent! …and

Page 20

Old Half Face

by Mike Maynard, Perham, ME With apologies to Edgar Winter for bogarting the title of his 1972 album, “They only come out at night”; I’m calling this one, “They only come out on Sunday”. My deer season was unceremoniously cancelled before it ever began; a chest full of broken ribs,

Now, I’ve lobbied for keeping my Howa Hogue 1500 in .308 w/ bipod, next to the window. The sight-line down to the trees is perfect and the windowsill makes a great rest. I took the screen out of the window just in case…, but I was emphatically over-

December 2023

then he moved, just a step.

He turned his head and stared up the field at the very window from which I was staring back at him.

He knew I was there; he had been patiently waiting for this moment. Oh, he was a sadistic SOB, this one. He scoffed at me! He really did, I could see his breathe as he huffed out

I could feel his utter disdain for me from 175 yards away; it was palpable. We locked eyes for a few more moments, and then he turned his back on me and arrogantly walked back into the woods. a splattered spleen, and a lacerated liver will do that to you (I promise to tell, it’s a fun story, but not this month). So, Sunday morning, November 5th, the rut is gaining momentum by the minute and the clocks have all been changed (ugh). I’m standing at my kitchen window, gazing intently down at the back field and the rub-studded tree line, 175 yards distant.

ruled by she-who-mustnot-be-messed-with.

Anyway, there I was, steaming mug of Demon Roast in one hand, bino’s (they live on that same windowsill) in the other, and waiting for the darkness to ebb just enough to see the edge. And as the frost-tinted darkness slowly melted away, there He was. I shook my head to clear the cobwebs. I looked

Aroostook County

his disgust. I could feel his utter disdain for me from 175 yards away; it was palpable. We locked eyes for a few more moments, and then he turned his back on me and arrogantly walked back into the woods.

What day was it? Sunday! Of course, it was.

He wasn’t a ‘booner, but the rack was big enough for me to speculate that a score of 150-160 was a given. He sported a big, gnarly rack, heavy on mass. It appeared to be pretty typical

-no dangly bits. The body!

He was one of those short wheelbase models, not the lanky, long and drawn-out chassis you sometimes see on big deer. No, this deer was a 1968 Chevy C-10 short bed with monstrous big, Dick Cepek tires, and the optional 396 SS under the hood. He probably had vintage glasspacks under

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his tail, too. He was built to run the Baja 500, but he was headed for the Allagash instead. Brute strength and power emanated from his frame; an exercise in malevolent elegance.

As it was, owing to my self-induced condition, my rifle remained upstairs in the cabinet, sorely out of reach. Even had I been in the pink of health, there was no way I was going to have the time to drop my coffee mug on the floor, grab my rifle, run outside in my underwear and slippers, load and fire. Only deer intent on suicide wait around for such nonsense.

This wasn’t one of those deer. He wasn’t here to die, but to laugh at me.

Almost every year we get at least one bruiser of a buck that wanders through the area. Sometimes one of us will get a picture of him on a game camera. Most of the time, the three of us on the road who watch for (Half Face cont. pg 21)

December 2023

Rut (Cont. from pg 7) many bucks limit daytime activity.

It’s peak rut when bucks are most active and will often abandon their bedding habits during the day in favor of shifting into cruise control searching for does. Both bucks and does are also more distracted and less cautious during this phase of the rut, which means deer of either sex are usually moving during daylight hours. Bucks will also start cruising from one food source, or bedding area, to another covering many miles while checking scrapes. This is when smart hunters are paying close attention and watching for does, because during peakrut, “where there’s does, there’s usually bucks! So, look for fresh sign near areas you know they’re frequenting. And if you see a doe being chased, stay close to these spots and hunt near them! Bucks will often be hot on a does trail and, at any given moment, that doe may decide to circle back. Also, use your

MSA (Cont. from pg 15) keeping the trails safe and up to date, keeping you informed, and working with the state agencies and legislators. Please let us know how we can help you. We are volunteers too, many of us in clubs that may face the same challenges and concerns. With all of us working together, we truly can make and keep Maine the snowmobile destination of choice.

Al Swett is President of the Maine Snowmobilers Association.

Northwoods Sporting Journal scouting time to search for squeeze points and funnels as deer are covering a lot of ground now. Finding spots that will funnel deer into small areas, crossing from one location to another, can quickly lead to filling a tag!

Magical things can happen at any given moment during the peak-rut that simply aren’t possible during the rest of the year.

You never know when a loved-crazed buck will filter through. So, my best advice now is to get comfortable, sit tight, and stay in the woods!

Joe Judd is a lifelong hunter and sportsman, He is an outdoor writer, seminar speaker. Member of the New England Outdoor Writers Association, and a 2019 inductee into the N.E. Turkey Hunting Hall of Fame. Joe is also on the Quaker Boy Game Calls and Bass Pro/Cabela’s Pro-Staff.

Half Face (Cont. from pg 20) such things will gather at the end of a driveway and discuss where we saw this year’s apparition. Three years ago, memorably, we had two giants cruising the neighborhood. Doug’s wife was doing dishes, and looked up to see the biggest deer of her life standing under her bird feeders.

Where was Doug, you ask?

Probably standing at the end of my driveway, leaning on his hood, with me, contemplating the whereabouts of that very deer. We see some big deer around here, my neighbors and I, …we just don’t seem to be able to shoot any of them.

One night, about six years ago, I got a picture of half a deer. He was peeking out from around a big fir tree, looking directly at the camera. The camera caught one side of the biggest rack I’ve ever seen on a Maine

Page 21

deer. I know I just said ‘don’t name your deer’, but my neighbors started calling him ‘Half-Face’.

To this day when we’re standing around talking about the deer we aren’t going to shoot, someone always mentions HalfFace, “Boys, I wish one of us had shot ol’ Half-Face!”

Yup, me, too.

I’ve got a camera trained on the area where I saw today’s deer, and another one down the trail in the direction I think he came from. As soon as I can walk again without sobbing like a little girl (no

offense to girls, most of the ones I know are tougher than me), I’m going to go retrieve those cameras and hopefully, we’ll have a few shots of him. And, to add insult to injury, without a doe permit (what else is new) the does have been running all over the field. I should heal in time for ice fishing. The way my luck is running though, I think I’m going to wear a life-jacket.

Mike Maynard can be found, typing slowly, in Perham, Maine. He can be reached at perhamtrout@ gmail.com

Aroostook County

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Page 22

Me & Joe

(Cont. from pg 17) at 9 o’clock the following morning.

We were all at the school grounds well ahead of time. Deacon Palsy was at the opposite end of the line of snow sculptures, surrounded by the members of the school board.

Slowly they worked their way down the line.

“Didn’t know the school board was gonna (gasp) be here,” Gasper whispered.

“Don’t matter,” Joe said complacently. “What they gonna do, excommunicate us?”

Finally, the group reached the sculpture next to ours. It was the sole creation of Trudge Weakly, one of the dimmer lights in the high school firmament.

“Now, let’s see,” Palsy stared uncertainly at what appeared to be the statue of a man swaddled in robes. “This is maybe… a saint of some sort?” He asked hesitantly. “But what is that big clump on his arm?”

“Uh…it’s a sore, Deacon.” Trudge nodded his

head excitedly. “A great big sore. My sculpture is the Parable of the Sore.”

Palsy flushed red, as some of the school board members cleared their throats and hid smiles.

It is the Parable of the Sower, not Sore,” Palsy fumed. “A sower is one who plants seeds!” Trudge looked perplexed and Palsy turned away in disgust. “ We l l , b o y s , ” h e boomed as he and the school board approached our shrouded creation.

“What have you got for us?

Mind you, it’ll have to be good to beat that crucifixion scene the sophomores came up with. There’s some real suffering going on over there!”

“Well,” Joe looked kind of sad and scuffed his boot toe in the snow. “We done the best we could, but it prob’ly ain’t good enough. Thing is, Deacon, it was you give us the idea for our sculpture.”

“Is that so?” Deacon Palsy brightened visibly.

“Well, take the tarps off, boys, and let’s see what you’ve got.”

We gathered on either side of the sculpture, grasped the ends of the

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tarps, and swept them away with one massive tug. The intricate details of the depiction glistened in the bright morning sun. Behind us, we could hear a collective gasp from the onlookers.

At one side of the sculpture a massive bull moose lay in a bed of snow, his antlers spread wide. At the other side a monster 12-point buck sprawled on a layer of snow-carved leaves. In the middle, a boy clad in wool coat and pants and sporting a gunning cap cradled a rifle in his arms and sat proudly on an extremely fat but obviously defunct black bear.

All facets of the sculpture were carved in exquisite detail of which only Joe was capable.

Deacon Palsy sputtered and gasped, his face blossoming a deep scarlet.

“What! What! What is the meaning of this atrocity!

Did I not demand that your presentation be of a religious nature?”

“But it is of a religious nature Deacon,” Joe was unperturbed. “It’s right outa the Bible. A parable, jist like you said.”

Palsy choked in disbelief. “And just what parable, pray tell, is this sacrilege a depiction of?”

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“Why, Deacon, ain’t it obvious?” Joe smiled broadly and spread his arms. “It’s the Parable of the Prodigal Son. This here,” he slid his eyes slyly toward the sculpture, “is the before picture. You know… before he saw the light.”

Deacon Palsy’s jaw dropped. His eyes bulged and I could swear a thin vapor of steam escaped both ears. Suddenly, from behind him, a giggle sounded.

It was followed immediately by another, and then came a solid guffaw and the entire 5-member school board erupted in a roar of uncontrolled laughter.

For a second Palsy stared at them in dismay, then he swung toward us with a look of frightening wrath.

“You!” he stabbed a trembling finger at us, his whole body shaking as though afflicted with well, palsy. “You little devils!

You think you’re so smart!

By the time I get through with you, you’ll be doing detention in August! You’ll have copied the whole Old Testament! You’ll…”

“I don’t think so,” came a quiet voice. We all turned to see Principal Tremble standing by the side of the road, supporting himself on a pair of crutches. “This has gone on long enough. I think it’s about time I took my job back.”

“But you can’t!” Deacon Palsy cried. “This is, you’re still not well, and I’ve got to deal with this situation…”

“I’m fully capable of dealing with this situation,” Mr. Tremble continued solemnly. “A situation, I might add, that you alone created.” As Palsy sputtered, Mr. Tremble turned to the

December 2023

members of the school board.

“What about it, gentlemen? Do I get my job back?”

The five men glanced at each other with undisguised relief. “Yes,” one of them said emphatically, “you’re reinstated as of now!”

Deacon Palsy seemed to deflate all at once. He muttered and whined in protest as the school board members led him away. We could hear them trying to smooth his ruffled feathers.

Principal Tremble hobbled up and stared at our sculpture as the rest of the students gathered around him.

“Boys, I have to say that this is one of the finest snow sculptures I’ve ever laid eyes on.” We beamed proudly back at him.”

“Of course, I’d have preferred to see one with a few more live animals in it.”

“Oh, don’t worry Mr. Tremble,” Joe piped up.

“We kin add a few now that the Deacon has gone back to the church. By the way, does this mean we don’t got to serve detention?”

Mr. Tremble smiled as everyone laughed. “I don’t think anyone should get detention for such a beautiful creation.” He turned to move down the line of sculptures.

“But it will be a long winter,” he said over his shoulder. The four of us glanced at each other uncertainly. “I’m sure it won’t be long before you all give me reason to invite you for another little visit.” Once again the rest of the students broke into laughter.

“In fact,” Mr. Tremble continued quietly as we stared after him, “I look forward to it.”

December 2023

Northwoods Sporting Journal

There May be Hope

Oops, hold the press- driving events. I saw a es! I had this month’s piece seven year old boy drive a all written and then I went team of two horses, pulling to Fryeburg Fair. I came a big farm wagon. He had away inspired with hope to put them through a figure for our country and the eight, stop and back them up, trot them and walk foundation for this piece.

If one gets away from them, all with no outside the glitz and glamour of help. (There was an adult the mid-way there is a whole different world at our fairs.

There is a world of crafts, 4-H exhibits, and farm animals of all kinds, shapes and sizes. One gets to see things and experience things that one does not often enEmma (14) and Amelia (12) counter.

I s a w Clement of the Roundtuit farm in Bucksport with the Charolais a big team cattle they showed at of Belgian Fryeburg Fair. horses win the elimination pull by pulling 10,800 sitting next to him in case pounds nine feet. I saw five of trouble, of which there eight-team hitches of hors- was none) I interviewed the two es (think the Budweiser Clydesdales) in a show ring girls from Bucksport afall at the same time, being ter showing the families’ put through their paces. Charolias (Shar-lay) Cattle.

Those things were great When I asked Emma (14) but the hope comes from why she went to fairs and kept animal, her reply was the kids.

There were virtually she was raised doing it hundreds of kids show- and just enjoyed it. She ing and working animals, felt she learned personal displaying the things they lessons that she could not grew and made. There were get in school, like personal kids under sixteen, some responsibility. Doing barn under ten, pulling the oxen chores twice a day builds they raised and trained. I that responsibility. The anisaw the Grandchildren of mals have to been mucked a local Bucksport farmer out, watered and walked. showing cattle. There were The life lessons are “Old 4-H exhibits of all types. School” if you don’t pay The highlight was in the attention and do something

wrong, someone can get hurt. Amelia (12) liked the work for the prize money that comes from working with the animals. She mentioned the same work ethic lessons as her sister. She also liked getting to know each animal by their different personalities. She liked the Common Ground Fair because they went there to educate people about farming and the animals, not to show them.

Page 23

From Craig Pond

by Bob Mercer, Bucksport, ME

backbone of America is on the farms the length and breadth of this great land, from Aroostook County Maine, to Napa Valley California, to the Orange Groves of Florida, to the Iowa corn fields and everywhere in between. The folks of Washington and New York, etc. think they

acknowledge them for the importance of the work they do and the way their children are being raised.

These farm- raised kids are the future and the foundation that will hold up America well into the future. When we ask God to bless America, we can acknowledge He blesses

These farm- raised kids are the future and the foundation that will hold up America well into the future. When we ask God to bless America, we can acknowledge He blesses her, not with politicians and arrogant media types, but with farm families living on and close to His earth.

I am not a farmer nor do I pretend to be, but I do recognize that these folks that do barn chores twice a day and raise the crops are the bed rock of our country. They are raising children with the same ideals and work ethic their parents and grandparents taught them. There was no question as to what gender these kids were. They were very comfortable in their work boots, plaid or denim shirts, baseball or western hats and belts with big buckles, regardless if they were boys or girls.

Both genders worked and showed the animals, mucked the stalls, lugged the hay, watered and exercised the animals on an equal basis.

When you multiply this example by the thousands for State and County Fairs around the country and the hundreds of thousands of young people working them, one can feel a little less stressed by the stupidity in State Capitols and in Washington. The

are so important, they look down on most of this farm land as “fly over country,” they will never understand how dependent they are upon these farm families.

The sad part is not that they don’t know this fact, but they don’t want to know and furthermore don’t care.

I would suggest that next fair season that more of us go to the fairs and observe these kids and what they are doing, as well as their parents and grandparents. Be sure to

her, not with politicians and arrogant media types, but with farm families living on and close to His earth.

We owe these farm families a great debt and expression of gratitude.

I write this from my camp on the shore of Craig Pond, where my wife Jean and I raised three wonderful children who blessed us with ten grandchildren.

I you wish you may contact me by email at Craigponder@myfairpoint.net

Greenville

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 24

The Long Haul

The Gun Cabinet

by John Floyd, Webster Plantation, ME I dropped the truck into gear and looked at the time on the dashboard. It read 10:06 p.m. We had about an hour’s ride back to camp from deep within the North Maine Woods. 656 feet of rope was heaped in a jumbled pile along with the rest of the retrieval equipment in the bed of the truck – winch, ramps,

our October bull moose hunt and Wayne needed a hand with a full client roster. I was happy to help and work with an old friend.

Gary was the subpermittee and had been moose hunting before, taking a nice bull years ago.

His son Jake had been on a moose hunt before but never had a chance to con-

Some quick back and forth ensued. Can we get him out of that valley? We don’t want to take a chance and lose him down there. Can you make a clean shot through the cover? snatch blocks, chainsaw; I’d sort it out later or more likely tomorrow back at the lodge. What was most important was nestled in the center; a big bull moose I first laid eyes on exactly four hours earlier.

The hunt I met my clients Jake and Gary Holmes before the arrival supper on Sunday at Fish River Lodge in Eagle Lake, Maine. Bennett’s Guide Service was the host and operator for

December 2023

nect – he was my permit holder and both Gary and I were determined to see Jake get his shot.

We rolled out of camp Monday morning heading to a few locations I had success in the past and had recently scouted during the September bull hunt.

Jake, Gary and I quickly developed a comfortable rapport.

We covered a lot of ground, set up on lots of good sign but the bulls were not responsive. Tues-

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day morning we headed to a new location with much of the same. For the afternoon hunt, I decided to head to a big valley with a brook running through the bottom that is a very moosey spot – it may not be in the dictionary but I can assure you it is a word in guide vernacular.

I set up at the northwest corner of the valley where the wind was in our favor. I could feel a front slowly moving in, the wind blowing steady from the southeast and the far ridgeline darkening. I called my guts out to no avail. But I knew there was a bull hanging up down on the floor of the valley around that brook, I saw the fresh raking of sapling trees all the way in. I decided to move to the other side of the nearly mile-wide and two mile long ravine and try again.

We traveled roughly 625 yards when Gary told me to back up; he thought he spotted something down ridge. The road followed the drop off tight to the edge affording a decent view between patches of heavy cover. “It’s a cow” he said. Jake had a different angle and said he thought it as a bull. He said “I need you to put horns on it.”

I grabbed my binoculars, bailed out of the truck and skirted around to the

valley side and scanned the floor. “It’s both. Bull to the right, a cow to the left 25 yards ahead of him headed east.”

I made sure Jake was in position and had the

The retrieval It was a long slog uphill. Jake rigged a 3:1 mechanical advantage as I worked the capstan winch to help ease the moose up the nearly 130 feet eleva-

Jake and his hard-earned, long haul bull. moose in his sights as I continued to glass the bull.

Some quick back and forth ensued. Can we get him out of that valley? We don’t want to take a chance and lose him down there. Can you make a clean shot through the cover? Jake was confident in making the shot at over 200 yards so I simply said “He’s a great bull. If you can take him clean, it’ll be a long haul and a tough retrieve but we will do whatever it takes to get him out.”

His Remington Wo o d s m a s t e r . 3 0 - 0 6 boomed across the valley and I watched the moose go down.

tion change to the truck.

Every stump and blow down for over 200 yards challenged us. Then it started raining as dusk fell. We kept at it - cutting blow downs by headlamp light and slipping on everything that can get wet. Gary worked the radio, withstanding the cold rain and acted as my go between to Jake. Four hours of backbreaking, bone-wearying work later, Jake and his bull crested the hill and were at the truck.

I’ve never had a tougher retrieval, but it was worth every hardearned inch and every drop of sweat left on that valley floor and hillside.

John is a Registered Maine Guide, an NRA Certified Instructor and is the owner of Tucker Ridge Outdoors in Webster Plantation, Maine. He can be reached at john@tuckerridge.me or on Facebook @tuckerridgeoutdoors

December 2023

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Enjoying the Outdoors From Indoors

As we enter the final month of the year, the frenzy of fall tapers off in Maine. Mornings start late and evenings come quickly.

By December, another deer

the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors from indoors - a great paradox, I know.

Reading and fly tying are among my favorite indoor activities, and both are remarkably similar.

collection that I have been curating for over a decade, is filled with such writers.

Many of my books are old - bought yellowed, tattered, dog-eared, and well-loved. Used books are more valuable to me; they hold the embedded narrative of everyone who has previously enjoyed

Page 25

Maine Tails

By Jonah Paris, Scarborough, ME

dougall and Edmund Ware Smith are woven together with rich local color and unmistakable New England wit. Contemporary authors, some of whom write for this very publication, offer their own tips, tales, and adventures.

Some of these books pair well with a cocktail in hand, a snoring dog nearby, and sleet falling outside; others read best with a cup of coffee, a blueberry muffin, and beams of sunlight shooting through a frosty window.

Reading Someone who is Someone who is actively reading Fly Tying actively readvisualizes the words and creates the I am a slow, cautious ing visualizstory in their head.

Words blossom fly tier.

I have never sat es the words down and mindlessly tied from mere letters on paper and play and creates a fly. I take a similar apthe story in out like a movie. their head. them. The classics of ErOur day might begin proach to fly tying as I Words blos- nest Hemingway live on in the goose blind as we do reading by visualizs o m f r o m my shelf, as does The watch the sun rise over ing the storyline. I imagmere letters Compleat Angler by Izaak a spread of decoys with ine the circumstances of o n p a p e r Walton. Five books filled Gene Hill and his be- when, where, and how I and play out with the poignant essays loved labradors. By noon, will fish a particular fly, like a movie. of Gene Hill, some illus- we are trolling baits for and then let the scene play However, the trated by Maine’s own Tom blue marlin with Ernest out. The scene dictates Enjoying the outdoors from writer must Hennessey, reside there Hemingway off Bimini as which materials I select indoors. do their part too. Several humorous he lectures us about the and the tools I reach for. I (Photo courtesy of Jonah Paris) too. A good trout-centric musings of principles and ethics of big think of past fishing trips season has come and gone writer is committed to tak- John Gierach sit alongside. game fishing. And when and what worked, what for most of us, though a ing their reader along with Maine voices, both past the shadows lengthen and did not, and what should persistent few will remain them on the adventure. and present, fill a large sec- evening settles in, we find have. Those “what should in the woods with muzzle- Together, reader and writer tion. Gene Letourneau and our way to Cherryfield and have worked” thoughts loaders. A final late-season journey to a specific place George Smith left us with cast streamers for Atlantic are responsible for many trip to the duck blind is and time. My shelf of out- vivid stories of days past. Salmon on the Narragua- hours spent hunched over likely, but otherwise my door sporting literature, a The works of Arthur Mac- gus with Gene Letourneau.

(Indoors cont. pg 31) outdoor adventures for this year are coming to a close.

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On October 17 th , 2023, the Maine Warden Service held a small ceremony to dedicate the newly refurbished Chesuncook Village camp, to the memory of two Maine Wardens killed in the line of duty.

This camp will now forever

Warden’s Words

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Maine Warden Camps

within our Department.

Over the last several years Sergeant Chris Simmons spearheaded the effort and a large group of Wardens spent many hours refurbishing and completing repairs on the Chesuncook Village camp. The

of new Wardens decided that they would dedicate the camp this fall to the memory of two Maine Wardens killed in the line of duty in the region near Chesuncook Lake. The new Wardens took on the planning of the event and made a beautiful wooden sign proclaiming for all that this camp is now called “Camp Deag-Robinson”.

camp had been built by Game Warden Glen Feeney and others in the late 1970’s. The camp was used by many Wardens over the years as a base of operations or simply as a spot to get warm and cook a meal, but it was in need of repair.

The work done over the last two years completely renovated aging camp. It was a great piece of teamwork by many skilled Wardens to bring the camp back to life.

During the 2023 Advanced Warden School, the class

This is a short history on both Wardens who tragically passed away far too soon and too young.

Arthur G. Deag was killed in the line of duty on July 19th, 1921 on the West Branch of the Penobscot River after his canoe capsized at Pockwockamus Falls. It is believed that a discharge of water that had been released from Ripogenus Dam, caused the Warden’s canoe to capsize, sending him out of the canoe, striking his head on

by Game Warden Kale O’Leary, Ashland, ME

December 2023

a rock in the river. Warden Deag was paddling the river that day with Commissioner of the Inland Fish and Game Department’s

Warden Deag was only 20 years old at the time of his untimely death in the line of duty. Warden Deag was regarded as a great swim-

Arthur G. Deag was killed in the line of duty on July 19th, 1921 on the West Branch of the Penobscot River after his canoe capsized at Pockwockamus Falls.

be known as “Camp DeagRobinson”.

The Warden Service owns several camps and facilities in remote areas of the State. The intent of these camps and houses is to be able to station or house Wardens to work in these more remote locations, often times several hours from the nearest town, gas or cell service.

Some of these camps are named and dedicated for Wardens of the past who have left a lasting legacy

Wardens William Gormley, Matthew Tenan, Nick Bartholomew, Joshua Lugdon, Melinda Rugg. son, who survived the in- mer and very capable in a cident. The survivor was canoe, making the incident able to swim to shore and even more unfortunate. retrieve help in locating Less than four months the body of Arthur Deag. later, on October 8th, 1921, tragedy would strike the Maine Warden Service again, when another Warden died in the line of duty in the Ripogenus Lake area. Leslie Robinson, was killed in an automobile accident that night while travelling with a passenger in a blinding snowstorm. There are many unfortunate similarities between Deag and Robinson. Both men were exactly 20 years old, born in 1901 and killed in 1921.

Both men had another person travelling with them when they died, with both “passengers” surviving the accidents. Both events occurred close in location and time to each other, with

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December 2023

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 27

The Long Journey

So where do we go from here? On October 25th, an individual struck at a bowling alley and a billiard hall in Lewiston, Maine with an AR-10 rifle, killing 18 innocent people and wounding 13 more.

Because we brag about how Maine is a big small town, and how you only have to ask three questions of any perfect stranger anywhere in the state before you figure out your mutual acquaintances, the nephew of one of my lifetime friends was one of the fallen. It’s really hard to even contemplate, let alone write about.

For anyone, the rash of mass shootings that have dominated headlines over the years are an unfathomable nightmare. It’s confusing especially to legitimate, law-abiding sportsmen who use their firearms with care and respect as we get hauled into the searing debate about gun control.

Adding to the emotional rollercoaster, U.S. Congress 2nd District Representative Jared Golden gave a speech the day after the shooting expressing remorse for his prior votes against banning socalled assault weapons and pledged to do everything in his power in Congress to enact just such a ban. This came the day I got my copy of The SAM News from the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine (SAM) which featured a quarter-page advertisement from Golden touting his working relationship with SAM ‘protecting our outdoor heritage and the 2nd Amendment’.

Given the political makeup in Washington, passing an assault weapons ban may not be impos-

sible, but it’s in the same zip code. The next item on the wish list of those calling for firearms limits is the universal background check in order to close a loophole where a person prohibited from owning a firearm can obtain one in a private transfer, avoiding the required instant background check performed by a Federally licensed firearms dealer. Ironically,

Gun Control Act, and the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act. There are, at this writing, renewed calls for statutory limits on magazine capacities as well as the aforementioned assault weapons ban and universal background check legislation.

Will Rogers once cracked that he didn’t write jokes; he just watched what Congress did and reported

Marsh Island Chronicles

by Matthew Dunlap, Old Town, ME

a firearm to someone they aren’t sure about.

Society has changed.

It has always changed; but in the cycle of change, which now spins faster than at any time in human history, we have become so fragmented and isolated that those least equipped For anyone, the rash of mass shootings that have to handle fragmented isodominated headlines over the years are an unfathomable lation are lashing out and killing people. When we nightmare. It’s confusing especially to legitimate, understand why that is and law-abiding sportsmen who use their firearms with find a way to address that, care and respect as we get hauled into the searing it will make proposals for debate about gun control. gun control moot. For both most of the perpetrators the news. That was dur- System to find ways to pre- sides of the gun debate, that of mass shootings over ing an era when Congress vent people who are intent will be a good place to be. the last twenty years have could actually come to- on mayhem from obtaining obtained their firearms gether in agreement on firearms. That might entail Matt Dunlap is a from licensed dealers after policy changes—a wist- asking different questions, sportsman from Old Town clearing their background fully bygone time. Given asking for references if and is a periodic co-host checks. that political situation, it there are questions about on Maine Outdoors, heard I don’t know how this seems unlikely that Rep. someone obtaining a fire- statewide every Sunday is going to end up. Firearms Golden will be terribly arm, and perhaps exempt- night at 7:00 pm on WVOM are not new, and they aren’t instrumental in ushering in ing licensed firearms deal- 103.9 FM, WVQM 101.3 easier to get than they were the most sweeping changes ers from civil liability if FM, and WRKD 95.1 FM before 1934, 1968, or 1993, to firearms laws since the they don’t want to transfer in Rockland. when Congress passed the National Firearms Act of National Firearms Act, the 1934. That said, if Congress could bring some wisdom to bear on these repeated tragedies, they might look at how the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives screens the background checks conducted in the National Instant Check

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Page 28

The Singing Maine Guide

Northwoods Sporting Journal

by Randy Spencer, Grand Lake Stream, ME Knives––one of the most important pieces of equipment in the arsenal of any outdoors person. And yet, it’s hard to get a shared view on the best brand, style, length, or handle

Sometimes, the knife you carry will be the same one your father favored.

That’s not my story, but I do have a soft spot for Barlow-style knives like the one my Dad used. He kept

A Lifetime of Knives

ried one, given to him by his mother, engraved with the words, “Always Obey Your Elders.” A folding style knife is used today by a great many guides who learned to clean fish the old way, by doing the whole job while holding the fish in your hands.

Buck knives became a

I’ve owned two Ka-bar knives since the 1970’s. To say they’re durable is an understatement. Originally designed not only for combat, but for digging trenches, cutting roots, wire, rope, cord, and more, it turns out to be a great knife for dressing out and skinning deer, moose and bear. from any two people you ask. Knives end up being one of the most deeply personal gear items for fishermen, hunters, and trappers alike. A relationship is formed with your knife. It’s feel on your belt or in your pocket becomes a fixture, and when it’s missing, it’s as though something is very wrong.

one in his pocket, and one in his tackle box just in case he lost the first one. There was also a piece of flint in there so he could tune the edge before cleaning a fish.

I learned only later, that Barlow knives, an English invention, had been around since the 17th century, and that in the 18th century, George Washington car-

December 2023

name that was erroneously used to describe almost any hunting knife in the same way Kleenex is used to describe any tissue. But Buck has a storied history, and a price tag that reflected how few were actually produced in the early days, due to the quality and meticulousness that built its reputation. Today, some Bucks are made

in China, but most are still made here in the USA. Separating a devoted Buck owner from his Buck knife nearly attains to the level of losing a dog.

I’ve owned two Ka-bar knives since the 1970’s. To say they’re durable is an understatement.

Originally designed not only for combat, but for digging trenches, cutting roots, wire, rope, cord, and more, it turns out to be a great knife for dressing out and skinning deer, moose, and bear. I’ve tested mine on all three. The stacked leather handles feel so right and are nearly indestructible, and though it takes time to get a really good edge, once you do, they have great staying power.

If you need to clean

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fish every day, some prefer the more pliable, thinner blades made by Rapala, KastKing, Mossy Oak, and many others. The upside here is the “feel” of the blade touching the fish’s spine as we press and bend it so as to waste no flesh.

These blades tune up quickly, often with the mini sharpener that comes in the package with the knife.

The downside is the handle.

Unlike the blades used by custom, professional knife makers which run the length of the knife, some of these commercial blades fasten to the handle only part way in. This attachment of the handle to the blade is called the “tang.” A full tang is the kind used by the custom professionals. The partial tang used in commercial brands is the chief reason many of them fail long before the blade has outlived its usefulness.

As a serious lover of knives, I’ve found it impossible to reduce my needs to one brand. For high quality, and aesthetic beauty, I’ve had two filet knives custom made at considerable cost.

They should last several life times, especially since I don’t use them on the water day to day. As I’ve learned, to use them this way is to lose them. Instead, I buy a Rapala Finlander 7-inch stainless steel filet knife at least every other year. To keep a baseline of sharp(Knives cont. pg 47)

Northwoods Sporting Journal

December 2023

Page 29

Hunting Access: The Callous Culprits

Over the past year, I have received far more trail camera photos of people, vehicles, and trailers in places where they don’t belong on our property. I have yet to fully understand how the posted signs get overlooked but they do.

Some of these are during the summer when I am shocked that they could find our trail and others during the height of hunting season when I am sure they know what they are doing. It leads me to wonder if hunting ethics have been replaced by the need to have success.

Last fall, I watched on multiple cameras as a ‘hunter’ walked around our property without a rifle. I have pictures of him talking to Dad. I wrote an article for the NSJ and on my website about it.

Weeks earlier, I watched a couple of hunters walk along the edge of the field on opening day heading to a nearby stand. In previous seasons, I have had fellow hunters yell at me while I was in my tree stand on our property. The days of being neighborly and aware of who is hunting around you

and respecting that seem to have gone out the window.

Every year (yes, every year) I tell the story of my bear hunt with Bill Dereszewski from Hollaback

general area. He radioed to the other trucks with us and together, they grabbed the dogs as they crossed the road. It ended the hunt but it was the right, ethical

Are we worried about hunting ethics?

Guide Service in Princeton.

Bear hunters and those using dogs are always being blasted on social media because of the ‘bad’ hunters that use the “you can’t control where the dogs go” excuse. On my hunt with Bill, the dogs were running a bear and Bill watched them on the GPS. He knew where they were headed, and he knew that there was another guide in that

thing to do. He didn’t want to mess up another hunter’s day by having his dogs in the mix. Ethical, logical, hunting.

At my recent Rotary meeting, I had a fellow member pull me aside and tell me about needing to call the local warden because people were accessing his property via the nearby stream and putting out apples. He heard gun

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shots over the weekend and knew that no one should be out there. He had put posted signs out but none facing the stream because he couldn’t imagine someone coming onto his property without permission from that direction.

Many landowners and fellow hunters have testified, written articles and been vocal about their plans to post their land if Sunday hunting passes.

We may not have to wait that long for parcels of land to get posted. We will do it to ourselves. The need for bragging rights and a shot at the biggest buck can sometimes replace any

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We are already struggling to maintain hunter numbers and recruit new hunters. In the end will our egos do more damage than antihunters?

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 30

“Just Fishing”

by Bob Leeman, Bangor, ME Aw, Labrador! Put it on your bucket list---you won’t be disappointed! If you decide to go there for the fishing, you will not be disappointed. That’s a given!

Recommended locations would be Minahac Lake and/or Eagle River, or both if possible. The lake is massive---miles larger than one could imagine!

The lodges here feature trolling type fishing with original Red and White or Daredevils, or even copies will work. No need to troll deep as the quarry is near top water, for the most part, and that will include lake trout with an average size

of 18 to 20 inches. Like most cold waters in the Northeast, the big fellas are found deeper.

You can expect just about every sheltered cove to harbor a “massive”

December 2023

Ever Been to Labrador?

River and slow moving, maybe, with a strong “pull” of current pushing you downstream. A guide boat here better have a strong outboard motor when needed. There’s a set of falls and accompanying “roar” –with a floating mist---remindful of Niagara Falls!

And that’s no foolin’!

The fishing, as you

been tried, but only by diehards!

The fish taken in the river consist almost entirely of landlocks. At the dinner, a bowl of filets, deep fried, with a deep

er, Labrador, feature superb fly casting for migrating Atlantic Salmon and oversized and numerous brook trout, to say the least!

Migration times are best to flycast for Atlantic

Lodges on Eagle River, Labrador, feature superb fly casting for migrating Atlantic Salmon and over-sized and numerous brook trout, to say the least!

Northern Pike guarding his home spaces, and almost anything tossed his way will entail a vicious strike, then a heated battle!

The outlet river is also huge. To give it perspective, imagine it being twice as large as the Penobscot

ease upriver in the current, is mostly for landlocked salmon, averaging in size around 16 to 17 inches in length. Again, Daredevils are all that is needed for trolling. That’s not to say, flycasting with streamers, or bait, or whatever, has

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Salmon, and that lasts from early to late in the season.

Too, there are grilse---small Atlantic Salmon---galore to fill in those quieter times.

Those will average in size down to 20-24 inches, or less.

However, the big quarry here are brook trout!

These speckled beauties are found along the entire stretch of river, but “gang-up” off the mouth of feeder inlets in hordes!

The average size of these runs about 10-12 inches, on up. If you’ve come for a trophy brook trout catch to photo or mount, you will more than likely have the opportunity here.

The best and only fly needed here is a drifted Muddler, by far! A size 8 or 10 hook is a good option.

You will discover multitudes of brookies headed up off the mouths of these fast-flowing inlet tributaries.

For sure, you won’t be disappointed in a fishing excursion to the waters (Labrador cont. pg 31)

December 2023

Camps

Labrador

(Cont. from pg 26)

(Cont. from pg 30)

Leslie Robinson being the Warden who took over the West Branch district after Arthur Deag passed away.

Tragic and unfortunate circumstances for these two young men and brave Maine Game Wardens.

History, legacy and honor is engrained into the culture that is the Warden Service. While serving as a Cadre member during the 2023 Advanced Warden School, I continuously shared history and spoke with the new Wardens about always remembering the men and women who paved the way before you and built the reputation and legacy of our agency.

The Warden class of 2023 is a special group, destined to do great things and to write their own chapter of history. They have already made a lasting impact by dedicating the Chesuncook camp to two brave men who gave everything for our State and the Warden mission.

found in teaming flows in a desolate, barren tundra and low growths of Labrador.

Kale O’Leary is a Maine Game Warden who lives in Ashland. He patrols the Masardis district in central Aroostook County.

He has been a Game Warden since 2016.

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Call 207-732-4880 or Email: info@sportingjournal.com

Bob Leeman is a Master Maine Guide, outdoor writer, naturalist, book author, and a co-host of MAINE OUTDOORS radio program on Sunday evenings from 7-8 p.m. on 103.9 FM. Two of his three books are still available, in soft cover only--“Fly Fishing Maine Rivers, Brooks, and Streams” for $19.95, and “Trolling Flies for Trout and Salmon” for $21.95, plus $4.00 postage for each. They are available at several fly shops or directly from him. For information, see ad in this publication or call 207217-2550.

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 31

Indoors

fish hit an olive and white Clouser Minnow so close to the sand that I initially (Cont. from pg 25) thought I had set the hook the vise. into the sole of my wading Thinking back to fish- boot. As I reach for my ing a red and white buck- bobbin, past and future tail in Grand Lake Stream adventures unravel like the one spring, I realize that contrast and sparseness in a streamer are key to a successful fly. Having observed a pod of brook trout snatching chubs from a deep pool in a Somerset County stream, I now work to design a heavy creek chub pattern. I recall when my Stimulator fly simply exploded - hook and all - in the jaws of a leaping whale-sized Kennebec River brown trout, and how a rainbow of similar proportions jumped and spit Ashley’s ant fly upriver the following year. The big white bucktail on my desk reminds me of my first striper on the fly. The

thread.

A four-season outdoorsman, Jonah lives in Ellsworth, ME with his wife Ashley, and beagle, Aurora. Jonah can be reached at jonaheparis@gmail.com

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 32

Outdoor Writer Dick Pinney Passes

We l l - k n o w n New Hampshire outdoor writer Richard “Dick” Pinney passed away Nov. 4 at the age of 85 Pinney, from Greenland, New Hampshire, wrote an outdoor column for many years for the Manchester Union Leader and the Northwoods Sporting Journal. He also wrote for Hawkeye and the Kittery Trading Post’s weekly fishing report. An The late Dick Pinney (left) talking active member of fishing with Sporting Journal editor the New England V. Paul Reynolds at a gathering of the Outdoor Writers AsNew England Outdoor Writers sociation (NEOWA) Association Spring Safari in Pittsburg, for many years, PinNew Hampshire, a number of years ago. ney was also a New Hampshire Conservation Officer.

Pinney’s longtime column in the Northwoods Sporting Journal was called Pinney’s Place.

“Dick had a place in Aroostook County he called the Do Duck Inn located in what he called Hootin’ Hollow, Maine. He loved to goose hunt in the County,’” said V. Paul Reynolds, editor of the Northwoods Sporting Journal. “A couple of times I got an invite for a goose hunt with Pinney and his buds. I now regret that I never made it,” said Reynolds.

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December 2023

Outdoor Writer Mike Roberts Passes

Longtime Connecticut outdoor writer and columnist Mike Roberts is dead at the age of 87.

Roberts, a resident of Meriden, Connecticut, wrote a weekly column for the Meriden Record Journal for many years called Woods N Waters. His friends called him the “Gentle Giant.”

An avid outdoorsman, Roberts founded the Meriden Rod & Gun Club more than 27 years ago. He was instrumental in helping the gun club raise thousands of dollars over the years for the St Jude Children’s Hospital.

A member of the New England Outdoor Writers Association, Roberts also wrote a number of outdoor books including “Connecticut Whitetail,” “ South Meriden Memories” and “Woods N Water Memories.”

A longtime member and Life Member of the New England Outdoor Writers Association, Mike was instrumental in establishing land grant university scholarships for all six new England States. He introduced numerous young hunters and anglers to appreciate an outdoor lifestyle.

Fellow outdoor writer, friend and NEOWA member, Stu Bristol, said of Mike, “All who had the pleasure of meeting or becoming friends with Mike Roberts were greeted with a broad smile and firm handshake.

All of us in the outdoor world are grateful for his unselfish contributions.

We offer sincere condolences to his wife Edna, friends and family. He will be missed.

Send Us Your Favorite Game and Fish Recipes!

Most outdoor folks like to eat what they bring home from the woods or the waters. And you like to cook it yourself, too right? So what is your favorite culinary lashup with fish or fowl? The Northwoods Sporting Journal would like to know. And we invite you to help us share your proud concoction with all of our readers. Our Northwoods Sporting Journal website:www.sportingjournal.com has a new addition: Outdoor Connections, which includes “Sporting Journal’s Top Shelf Game & Fish Recipes.” It has become a popular spot for visitors to find some great outdoor recipes, not from TV cooks, but from folks like you who live it.

Email us your favorite outdoor recipe to editor, V. Paul Reynolds, at vpaulr@tds.net. We won’t send you any money, or give you a new boat and motor, but we will list your recipe with all the others, along with your name.

If your recipe catches on and goes viral, we’ll figure out some kind of reward - say a new fry pan, a crockpot, or maybe a dutch oven?

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December 2023

Northwoods Sporting Journal Guns & Ammo:

Dad’s Shotgun

It’s story time folks. I know this is a hunting and shooting column, but this story to a large degree, is about a gun. I am writing this column at the beginning of my quiet season. I have just finished pulling

knowing I would likely miss any opportunity of shooting a partridge. I was reaching for a Remington Model 1100 when I passed my hand over my father’s 20 gauge “Franchi”.

This is a delightful lit-

Page 33

A Guide’s Perspective

astonishing 5.25 lbs.

I will admit that shooting a 7/8 oz. slug from this

by Tom Kelly, gun makes you pay a bit of Orient, ME a price for the light weight, but high brass #6 or 7 ½ Because, at that moment shot are very comfortable. I could feel the tug and at He carried this gun for sev- the same time the support of my deep roots in the outdoors. It doesn’t matter if you are a religious or spiritual person, it’s difficult to

owner/operator of Shamrock Outfitters in Orient Maine with his wife Ellie.

He is a retired police officer as well as a retired manager from two major firearms manufacturers.

So, as you go about your adventures in the outdoors, include a kid or a new hunter or shooter and be someone’s rainbow.

all my bear stands. All the blinds and ladder stands are put away. Any leftover bait is stored away. The ATVs are winterized and stored away for the winter as well.

The hunters are long gone and there is time for some downtime now. On this sunny fall day, I decided to take my shotgun for a walk in the woods in search of Mr. Partridge. When I say take my shotgun for a walk, I really mean that I rarely am able to hit a partridge.

I freely admit that I am a terrible wing shot. I have always been. I do, however, love the peaceful time in the autumn woods. So, to the gun safe I go. I opened the safe and went to reach for a suitable upland gun,

tle gun. My brother-in-law and I bought it for my dad in 1974 or 75. It was a perfect gun for him. He was, I think, 76 years old when we bought it for him. Dad was concerned over the weight of other shotguns.

My father lived his whole life in Massachusetts, so he was required to hunt everything with a shotgun.

His favorite gauge was 20.

He never really saw a need for larger bore guns. This shotgun checked all of his boxes. It was 20 gauge.

It had an improved cylinder bore, so it shot slugs relatively well. It would also tumble rabbits being chased by beagles very reliably. It is a 5 shot aluminum receiver. It weighs an

eral years until his passing.

It then became mine. On this day, I stopped my perusal on the old Franchi 20 gauge. I grabbed the barrel and thought, “Let’s go for a walk, Dad!” This beautiful fall day did not disappoint. The sun on the colorful leaves was spectacular after 3 days of rain. I found an overgrown old two track and started walking peacefully along enjoying the quiet. The solitude was soon broken by a high-pitched chirp and then a flutter of wings.

The bird flushed from the vegetation on the left of the trail and made a beeline for the evergreen cover on the right. The bird flared as he reached the pines and I tumbled him with a load of 7 ½ shot. The distance was about 12 or 13 yards.

In disbelief, I looked up into the partially clouded afternoon sky. What I saw was a ray of sun on an absolutely beautiful rainbow.

I started to smile, and a tear came to my eye. “Thanks, Dad!”, I said to myself.

experience the wonder of the outdoors without feeling joy.

So, as you go about your adventures in the outdoors, include a kid or a new hunter or shooter and be someone’s rainbow.

He is an NRA Certified Instructor as well as a Hunter Safety Instructor in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. You can reach Tom at Shamrock Outfitters (207) 694-2473. Please visit our Facebook Page: Shamrock Outfitters and Tom is a Registered Properties and come visit Maine Guide. He is the us on East Grand Lake.

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Page 34

Northwoods Sporting Journal

December 2023

The Maine Beaver Trapping found some beaver Woods we flowages and I went and Matt LaRoche, Shirley, ME

Trapping can be a fun way to spend time in the woods during those short December days, when there is not much else to do in the Maine woodlands.

When my son was 12 years old, he asked me if I would take him trapping. I

but still had all the traps and equipment needed to run a beaver trap line of about 20 traps.

When my kids were small, they used to sit on the cellar stairs watching me skin various animals for entertainment. My old-

talked to the big landowner company foresters. The forest management people were very helpful in telling me where beaver flowages were located because the beaver were flooding their logging roads.

My son and I spent a few days before the beaver season dyeing traps,

When we were out trapping martin and fisher, we found some beaver flowages and I went and talked to the big landowner company foresters. The forest management people were very helpful in telling me where beaver flowages were located because the beaver were flooding their logging roads. said yes of course and we were off on one of the most memorable adventures of our father-son relationship.

We started out trapping martin and fisher in the fall and, when things started to freeze-up, we switched to beaver trapping. I had not trapped for about ten years,

est daughter says that it is a wonder they were not permanently traumatized by what they witnessed. It was all just part of growing up for them and it kept the kids out of their mother’s hair for a few hours.

When we were out trapping martin and fisher,

MAINE WOODS GUIDE SERVICE

cutting poles and making homemade wooden conibear trap holders. On the first Saturday of the season, we set out all our beaver traps plus a few mink and muskrat sets.

The next weekend we were very excited to check our traps. That is the “thing” about trapping that makes it fun – the excitement you experience when checking your traps!

The first check of our traps was very productive, we had nine beaver, a mink and two muskrats.

Believe me the fun is over when you pull that beaver onto the ice. I would usually rough skin the beaver, freeze the pelt and then bring the skins out of the

(Illustration by Ruth LaRoche)

freezer a couple at a time to flesh and stretch when I had more time to deal with them.

One of the best things about beaver trapping is that there is no mystery about where they are. If you find fresh (white) chewed wood on the dam and/or house - you know a beaver is living there. It is just a matter of figuring out how you are going to catch it. When the ice on the pond is thin enough

to see through and thick enough to walk on that is ideal. You can see the runs on the bottom of the pond. The runs are usually quite obvious – they are U shaped underwater trails in the bottom of the pond.

These trails will have air bubbles under the ice and usually have bits and pieces of chewed wood in them.

All you usually have to do is set your trap in the (Trapping cont. pg 35)

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December 2023

Trapping

(Cont. from pg 34) underwater trail and place a few sticks beside the trap to guide the beaver into the trap. If you can find a place where the beaver has to swim under a log or other obstruction in the trail, that is a perfect spot. If you can find a place where the beaver is coming out of the water that is another good location.

I would have spruce poles cut and wooden trap holders made up ahead of time. All I had to do is figure out how deep to set my trap, attach the trap holder, and push my pole into the mud at the bottom of the pond. Don’t forget to put your name and the town that you live in on the trap pole as required by law.

Once people find out your trapping beaver, you

Northwoods Sporting Journal

will get plenty of requests for beaver carcasses for use as coyote bait and invitations to come trap nuisance beaver.

You will not make any money at the current prices being paid for raw fur. The upside is that there are plenty of fur bearers out there and practically no competition from other trappers.

Beaver trapping is a great way to get out and enjoy nature, learn about animal habits and build a stronger relationship with a friend or family member.

Matt LaRoche is a retired Superintendent of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, owner of Maine Woods Guide Service and an avid outdoorsman. He can be reached at 207695-2877 or at matt.laroche2877@gmail.com

Page 35

coast. His popular book, there.

Chechakoes the “The Cheechakoes” chron(Cont. from pg 18)

In his words, “When you come right down to it, this country is populated by “misfits” – those of us who are unable to accept the conventional way of life.

Most of us work a great deal harder to survive out in the wilderness than we would if we had safe nineto-five jobs in the city, but we would be miserable with such an existence.”

The Short family made their living from the woods and waters of southeast Alaska for decades, raising families and creating a legacy. For them, it was a good life, one with few regrets. Another of Wayne Short’s seasonal jobs was that of a writer, putting together stories gathered from his life on

icles the family’s journey J e re m i a h c a n b e to Alaska and much of the reached at jrodwood@ first decade of their lives gmail.com

Nathan Orff of Scarborough with the moose he took 17 miles from Jackman on October 10th tipped the scales at 750 lbs dressed. The moose’s antlers had a 50 inch spread.

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Page 36

Northwoods Sporting Journal

View From The River

by Laurie Chandler Bremen, ME This autumn has delivered some incredibly pleasant days in and among the rainy, windy ones. One of the best was today. Discarding my original plans, I jam-packed the hours with garden cleanup, a long walk, and reading Edward Abbey’s Desert Solitaire in the mellow midday sun. To cap the day, I built a campfire and sat beside it well after the cloak of darkness

Warm Winter Days

heartening. Before long, I was doing laps on a quiet stretch of river between two frozen ponds. Amazingly, the thermometer read fifty-seven degrees. Back and forth I went, happy as could be. Later, I remember just drifting, pants rolled up and feet bare, thinking of nothing but the miracle of the sun’s warmth on my skin.

Of course, safety pre-

Here in mid-coast Maine, there is always the hope of one last canoe trip before the lakes freeze over, even in late December. I remember one unforgettable Christmas Day, back in 2015. The sun shone with true warmth, and it was flat calm. fell, under the watchful eye of a perfect crescent moon.

Canoe outings early or late in the season are equally memorable. It may seem a bit daring to be out on the water then, but for me it is always worth it.

Time stolen from winter’s ice and cold boosts my spirits like nothing else.

A couple of years ago, I went out on an unseasonably warm February day. Simply lifting the canoe onto my vehicle was

December 2023

cautions are even more critically important under these conditions. I’ve noticed weather forecasts now include warnings on warmer-than-usual early spring days when the water is still dangerously cold.

Whether you choose to go—and how—is an individual decision based on many factors.

When it comes to attire, it’s safest to wear a drysuit instead of my typical layers of thermal

Memories of this Christmas will be with me for a lifetime. underwear, wool hat and made sure to let a couple of in the spruce. The staccato socks, and windproof out- people know that I would drum of a woodpecker aserwear. It goes without be canoeing and where and sured us that the winter saying that you wear your promised to let them know woods were still full of life.

PFD, always. Bring snacks when I was safely off the Hefting the canoe and water. It’s important to water. down the steep bank, we Here in mid-coast slid it into the water and hydrate in winter, too, and the calories will generate Maine, there is always managed to get in without body heat and give you an the hope of one last ca- getting our feet wet. Out noe trip before the lakes on the lake, all was still energy boost.

On that balmy Febru- freeze over, even in late and serene. We paddled ary day, I was in a stable, December. I remember one in hushed silence, tracing familiar boat. The water unforgettable Christmas the wintery shore as the was sheltered and shallow, Day, back in 2015. The sun shadows stretched toward and my vehicle was close shone with true warmth, evening. There were ducks, by. Some experts firmly and it was flat calm. invisible until they burst “Let’s go canoeing,” into flight and winged away state that you should never paddle alone in cold weath- I proposed to my daughter. in purposeful unity.

Back then, I kept an er. Certainly, it is crucial to I knew there were be aware of the risks and old Bear Creek canoe on photos from that aftermitigate them as much as nearby Little Pond in Dam- noon, somewhere. At last, possible. If you don’t take ariscotta. On the short walk I found one. The scene was a friend, be sure to inform in, we chatted away, as as I remembered. Magisomeone of your plans. I animated as the chickadees cal, golden lighting and an audible peace radiate from the scene. My daughter’s silhouette, her sharing of this hour, was the best gift that Christmas.

Caribou Area

Books make great holiday gifts! Laurie Apgar Chandler’s books, Upwards and Through Woods & Waters, are available for purchase on her website at www.laurieachandler.com

Northwoods Sporting Journal

December 2023

Great Gray Owls

Snow is blanketing the land and all is quiet and still. The hunter sits on a dead branch at the top of a tree. It is watching, listening and waiting.

A mouse is moving under the snow. With its eyes focused on that location, the hunter swoops down with mighty wings and plunges into the snow. Its long and powerful legs emerge with the mouse snatched in its talons.

So it returns to the branch to eat it. Owls have always captured my attention and my imagination with their oversized eyes staring directly ahead. I hope that this winter will provide such an above scenario with the hunter being a Great Gray Owl. It is one of the few species of North American owls that hunt predominantly by daylight and then rest at night. They are often found on a high perch overlooking a field.

Sometimes they even use the top of a telephone pole.

Being the largest owl species in North America, their wings span more than five feet; their bodies are about 34 inches long with a long tail. The overall plumage of muted gray and brown blends well with the surroundings. They have a black and white “bow tie” under the chin. Great Gray Owls have large and domed

heads and their yellow eyes stare out from large and concave facial discs. They have an imposing presence and inhabit the mountains from California to Wyoming, in the remote western forests of two-thirds of

of 1978-1979, 1983-1984, and 2005-2006.

A friend of mine told me she saw one in the field near her house in Downeast Maine in 2006. Any sightings of this magnificent bird makes the birds of the remote northern

Page 37

The Bird Perch

by Karen Holmes, Cooper, ME by loss and/or alteration of habitats. I hope that, during the winter of 2023 -2024, I will see one visit Downeast Maine. There are plenty of

encounter a variety of wildlife there. But during this past summer, their dog found some porcupines and skunks and these were

Being the largest owl species in North America, their wings span more than five feet; their bodies are about 34 inches long with a long tail. The overall plumage of muted gray and brown blends well with the surroundings.

Canada, the boreal forests of Alaska, and in the southern Ontario and Quebec.

If sightings happen in New England, it is because of a winter irruption. In the northern areas voles undergo boom and bust cycles. Their populations periodically increase and decline. A decline causes such species as Great Gray Owls to irrupt southward.

Such a large bird needs to consume perhaps 7 voles or other rodents a day. If they remain in the north, they might starve. Large irruptions of Great Gray Owls was documented in the United States in the winters

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(See our CHRISTMAS SPECIAL on pg 55)

woods come closer. So wherever they land, they attract much fanfare.

Birders will observe, photograph, and study them for hours. All these should be done to avoid too much intrusion.

When spring arrives, Great Gray Owls return to their breeding areas, looking for nest sites within a territory. Nests are often on top of a tree trunk or in old, abandoned raven and hawk nests. Biologists have placed large and shallow wood boxes high up on tree trunks and the owls will use them too.

These are important efforts because despite protection of all owls, their continued existence is still threatened

rodents here!

not enjoyable encounters!

Karen continues to be a free-lance writer and is Karen Holmes lives in also a volunteer citizen Cooper, Downeast Maine. scientist. This past summer She and her husband Ken she again was the Annual are stewards of 74 acres Loon Count Coordinator of mostly woodlands. They for Washington County.

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Page 38

Maine Outdoor Adventure Hunting today is an exciting time in history to be a hunter. Through conservation efforts and responsible hunters, wild, native game such as deer, turkey, and games birds, are at all time highs.

Hunting takes a conservation minded; selfsustaining mind set with

Northwoods Sporting Journal

by Rich Yvon, Bradford, ME severance it takes to be a sustainable, ethical hunter.

His story is a testament of years of learning about the environment and animals he hunts.

In a period of 40 days in the 2022 hunting season, Michael set out on his yearly hunting trail. His trail consists of his home state

Perseverance

nine, Michael proceeds to disperse doe in heat scent and then grunts which typically will attract the more mature, territorial buck to the call. After just two aggressive grunts, he then notices this tall eight pointer affectionally known as “Yukon”, expeditiously moving, and responding to the call. The wind was now moving straight into the deer. The “love drunk deer” foolishly exposed himself at 40 yards and

ty-Seven” bedded down sleeping! Being confident in his ability with his shot gun, he fires his twentygauge shotgun and the seventeen-point deer “Seven Forty-Seven” expires as he lays.

A clean kill by Michael and the ultimate sacrifice by “Seven FortySeven” completes the 2022 hunting season.

December 2023

as fishing trips on Sebago Lake, Maine. He can be contacted through his web site http://castntracks.com If you would like more information on Maine hunting or ice, fly/spin fishing techniques/strategies for bass, pike, salmon, and trout, please feel to reach out to me. I’m always happy to share my knowledge and experience to

The very one thing that impressed me about this hunter was the perseverance and gratitude shown to the deer by Michael. He acknowledged the animals sacrifice, so he may have subsistence for the cold winter ahead. much self-discipline and perseverance. There is one sportsman who stands out among the outdoors community. His name is Michael Keup. Michael has shared his last year’s hunting experience with me. He has come full circle in the art of hunting. Every year from the age of 24, Michael has been harvesting his quarry for his subsistence.

After listening to his hunts of 2022, it was evident that he certainly has the per-

of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.

His first hunt in the season was Pennsylvania.

After 18 years of hunting this private property, his hunting partner Dave, set out for another tree stand hunt with bow and arrow in hand. Less than ideal conditions, both hunters observed doe and buck activity immediately. Watching a small buck chase does prove that these deer were indeed in rut! The game was on to pursue a tall eight pointer that was previously captured on trail cam, earlier during the scouting season. On November

Michael released his arrow and efficiently put Yukon down.

Nineteen days later in Massachusetts, the buck called “Seven Forty-Seven” is being pursued. This seventeen-point buck has been on trail cam for three years. The previous attempts had been futile until this year.

During the rut, the area known as “Scrape Alley” had been off limits until after the rut. Going against his own rules, Michael decides to hunt this sacred spot. He then still hunts to his stand when he observed “Seven For-

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The very one thing anyone, for a better day of that impressed me about field! On the water lessons this hunter was the per- and hunting lessons are severance and gratitude offered by Rich at https:// shown to the deer by Mi- twinmapleoutdoors.com/ chael. He acknowledged contact-us/As always, rethe animals sacrifice, so member to take a young he may have subsistence person hunting or fishing to for the cold winter ahead. keep our outdoor heritage As well as serving his own alive and well! In addition, sustenance, Michael shares please support your local his bounty with all hunters tackle shops and small and non-hunters alike. We businesses! all can learn from each other and appreciate the Rich is a full time effort that goes into a hunt. Registered Master Maine Not all hunts go as planned Master Guide. He owns but with perseverance and and operates Twin Maple fortitude, success is waiting Outdoors guide service for anyone who is willing and sporting lodge located to put forth the time and in Bradford, Maine. He is a “Certified Yamaha G3 effort it takes for a hunt of Guide” that runs fly and a lifetime. spin fishing trips. Rich also Micheal Keup is a guides Maine Partridge, registered Maine Guide Turkey, Moose, Deer huntwho offers New England ing and recreation advenhunting adventures as well tures.

Northwoods Sporting Journal

December 2023

The Best Route to Seven Ponds

In July of 1878 Kennedy Smith of Eustis had a crew of six men working on the road northwest from Tim Pond to Beaver Pond, “cutting the last two miles to the Seven Ponds.” The

of their guests who might wish to go there, that the title of pioneer to that region can hardly belong to Mr. Kennedy Smith.”

Later in another article, Tuck addressed Capt.

ten years the Seven Ponds have been as familiar to the sportsmen visiting Rangeley Lake region and to Rangeley Lake guides as Tim Pond has been to the readers of Forest and Stream for the past year… a lady from the vicinity of Boston made the trip from this way five years ago

Page 39

Old Tales from the Maine Woods

by Steve Pinkham Quincy, MA

someone ought to say a word for two in favor of the Rangeley route, to let sportsmen know there at least used to be a way to get to Seven Ponds from there.

As Mr. T. prefers the rail car to the stage coach sup-

miles, a difference in favor of the Rangeley route of seventeen miles. I will “rest my case…”

In July 1882 Samuel Farmer, a Phillips hotel keeper, came to Barker’s defense, reiterating the

Capt. Barker, very upset, responded, “It really seemed to me that someone ought to say a word or two in favor of the Rangeley route, to let sportsmen know there at least used to be a way to get to Seven Ponds from there.

following month the threeand one-half mile road was completed and a cabin was ready on Beaver Pond.

J. Warren Tuck of Meriden, Conn., an annual visitor, boasted that this was the best route to Seven Ponds. The following week, Captain Fred Barker, owner of The Barker Hotel on Mooselucmeguntic Lake, disagreed with Tuck.

“It seems to me, considering that some years have elapsed since Messrs.

Grant & Richardson, of the Kennebago Lake House, have erected log camps “at the west end of the lake” and kept boats at the Seven Ponds for the convenience

Barker’s “sarcastic” remarks. “I trust my reply will be respectful and an aid to those recreationseekers, who, like myself, desire information…if one had read my previous articles, I think the words would not mislead. So far as I know, all interested in the opening of such a medium of sport and health are grateful for the road. I have heard many on the ground and others, in Boston and New York, express their gratitude.

Capt. Barker wrote in November that “our Seven Ponds’ travel has increased much in the last two or three years, but for the last

and spent some time at the Ponds, and came back all right.” He went on to describe the route from the Forest Retreat House at the head (south end) of Kennebago Lake.

Tuck soon responded to Barker’s remarks, “First, we take what the captain has given us, three miles on strong wagon, seven on foot or horseback, five miles’ pull in a boat down the lake, a mile and onehalf up the stream to a little lake, a half mile across this lake, up the inlet two miles further, then eight- or nine-miles’ trail, and the Ponds are reached. If we call the trail nine miles the aggregate is twenty-eight miles…”

Capt. Barker, very upset, responded, “It really seemed to me that

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pose we start from where the car leaves us. He has generously allowed me thirty-one miles from Seven Ponds to Rangeley, and the twenty miles to the iron horse at Phillips make the whole distance fifty-one miles. By the other route he has given us eighteen miles from Seven Ponds to Mr. Smith’s house. Now, adding the fifty miles from Smith’s house to the rail car at Farmington, we have 68

distance, but another local sportsman, writing under the name “Backwoodsman” settled the argument, writing “Having taken both routes, I agreed the route via Tim Pond was by far the easiest.

Steve is an avid hiker, paddler and historian, having collected over 30,000 Maine Woods articles to date.

Old Tales of the Maine Woods Steve Pinkham Maine Woods Historian, Author and Storyteller

617-407-0743

steve@oldtalesofthemainewoods.com www.oldtalesofthemainewoods.com

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Page 40

On Point

Northwoods Sporting Journal

December 2023

Grouse Shortage: Fishers?

2023 grouse population in the NMW? The strongest answer is weather. During prime nesting season (both clutch and brood), there was continuous heavy rain. The chicks simply could not survive.

And, if the hens tried a second breeding, the same weather occurred.

In other words, there was no opportunity for the hens to have a successful hatch. The few grouse flushes we had

would be an improveby Paul Fuller, me n t o v e r Durham, N.H. the NMW October is the magic lite phone for our week of when we month for ruffed grouse hunting in the NMW. saw a road hunters. We patiently wait Grouse and woodcock bird the first eleven months for our time enjoy early successional ten minutes in the grouse woods. And, growth woodlands. Your of driving what did we find for 2023? author has always felt that from the The third week of Oc- 70% hardwoods and 30% camp. This tober, Susan, the dogs and conifers is a good mix. would be a I headed North to the small The hardwoods provide the g o o d time village of Allagash, Maine. food and the conifers proto explain We rent a cabin which has vide the shelter. Continuhow Susan easy access to three gates ous cutting in the NMW and I handle which allow entrance to provides the cover preroad birds.

Having bird They offered another reason for low grouse numbers. dogs and beThe grouse boom year of 2020 generated a growth Author with his GSP Cordie after a ing propoin the fisher population in the NMW. nents of fair successful woodcock hunt.

Fisher eat both grouse eggs and the actual bird. chase, we approach the North Maine Woods. ferred by the ruffed grouse. were large mature birds. No tiful in the NMW. There The North Maine Woods Susan and I knew first year birds. were more woodcock than road birds as follows: We (NMW) is a three million there was trouble after we Here’s another pos- I can ever recall. The little stop the truck as soon as we acre property owned by hunted hard for three days sible reason for low grouse russet feller kept the dogs see a bird. Either Susan or I several paper companies. and never saw a road bird. numbers. Susan and I met busy and offered some get out of the truck and load our gun. The other hunter It’s about the closest a And, in that three day peri- two forest rangers at the shooting for the hunters. person can come to wilder- od, we only had one grouse Two River Diner in AlFor our second week releases our oldest dog ness in the Eastern United flush in front of dog work. lagash. They offered an- of hunting, we headed (Dena). Rather than seeing States. There is no internet Over the years, our average other reason for low grouse south to Eustis, Maine. and chasing the bird, Dena or cell phone service in would be ten flushes per numbers. The grouse boom Located in Eustis is one slowly approaches the bird. the NMW. And, the roads day in front of dog work. year of 2020 generated a of the finer old traditional Most often, the bird will are rough. We rent a satel- So, what happened to the growth in the fisher popu- Maine sporting camps:Tim run into the woods. Dena lation in the NMW. Fisher Pond Camps. The Camps picks up the scent and starts 910 Exeter Rd, eat both grouse eggs and are not actually in the town tracking the bird. Most of Corinna 207-278-3539 the actual bird. To add to of Eustis. They’re accessed the time, the bird will flush this theory, after 60 years several miles into the bush either out of range or in Low Grade Cedar, of walking the woods in on a gravel road. Tim Pond very heavy cover; neither V-Match, Shiplap, northern Maine and New Camps is a gated property situation providing a shot.

Square Edge and more.

Hampshire, this year, I saw of several thousand acres. However, about one in five my first fisher in the wild. Tim Pond Camps saved our times the hunter will get “We also have shavings” a reasonable opportunity The American wood- 2023 grouse season. www.yodersawmill.com (Fishers cont. pg 47) Yoderssawmill@gmail.com cock, however, was plenWe knew hunting

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

December 2023

Mysteries of Survival

By V. Paul Reynolds

In America today a once respectable word has taken on negative connotations. The word “survivalist,” to the average contemporary news consumer, conjures a vision of a bearded, wild-eyed anarchist who shoots at FBI agents from his mountain cabin.

Yet there are other kinds of survivalists, from mountain climbers and deep divers to corporate titans. Most of them are respectable. To one extent or another, anyone who is an adventurist, who gets off the beaten path to face nature on its own terms is a survivalist.

Most serious deer hunters are survivalists.

Those of us who spend any time in the big woods know that there is always that chance of, as they say, “getting turned around” - lost.

Most hunters, even if they have never had to spend a night in the woods, have known that uncomfortable feeling that comes from not being sure where you are or how best to get back to the truck.

Back in the 1950s, during Maine’s memorable deer hunting heydays, my late father got himself in a mess while deer hunting Maine’s fabled Airline

area off Route 9. Turned around at last light in a cold, hard-driving rain, he followed distant headlights that he could just make out through the downpour. Big mistake. In a near-panic, he lined out for the headlights and wound up getting mired in an extensive swale on the north side of the Middle Branch of the Union River, an area which is a huge cranberry bog that parallels the Airline Road for miles. The lights he saw

Wescott, who was hunting with Greenville native Ester Wallace, did not come out of the woods at dark, a full-scale manhunt was launched the next morning by the Maine Warden Service. When the deer season ended after Thanksgiving and an exhaustive search turned up no sign of Wescott, the search was called off. Then it snowed.

It was later learned that Wescott kept moving and made his way around Rum

THE BACK SHELF

From the files of the Northwoods Sporting Journal The best hunting and fishing columns going back 25 years!

By their very nature backshelf articles, resurrected from our archives, may contain information or facts that have been altered or changed by the passage of time.

the lake. Hospitalized with frostbite, dehydration and fatigue, Wescott, who was lucky to be alive, lost some of his toes, which had to be amputated.

Not all lost hunters live to tell their stories. A number of years ago, when

In the early 1980s, Massachusetts deer hunter George Wescott had no idea what he was in for when he stepped into the woods off the KI Road, east of Greenville.

When Wescott, who was hunting with Greenville native Ester Wallace, did not come out of the woods at dark, a full-scale manhunt was launched the next morning by the Maine Warden Service. were headlights from cars travelling north and south along a paved esker called the Whalesback. Unwilling to swim the cold waters of the Union River, he was fortunate enough to find someone’s stashed canoe.

He waited out the storm under the canoe and then, at first light, paddled it downstream to safety.

In the early 1980s, Massachusetts deer hunter George Wescott had no idea what he was in for when he stepped into the woods off the KI Road, east of Greenville. When

Ridge and eventually to the thoroughfare between Lower and Upper Wilson Pond. He found a remote camp on the side of the lake where there was no vehicular access and broke in. For days, he huddled in the camp eating canned goods and waited in vain for someone to find him.

Eventually, Wescott found a boat and got himself across the lake inspite of the shell ice forming. A phone company lineman picked up Wescott who was found hobbling down a secondary road not far from

Page 41

I was a press officer for the Maine Warden Service, a middle-aged man did not return from a day’s deer hunt with his wife and brother-in-law in Aroostook County. In one of the largest and longest search efforts for a lost hunter in Maine history, game wardens, state police, and dozens of volunteers conducted a 10-day grid search of every inch of woods in a five-mile diameter in Garfield Plantation.The hunter disappeared without a sign. As a volunteer in that search, I recall that

the missing hunter’s boot prints found in a fir thicket were confirmed to be those of the missing hunter, but that was it. The following spring, a skilled and highly experienced dog-handling Maine Game Warden and his scent dog searched diligently for the hunter’s remains. No trace was ever found of the missing hunter.

The wise hunter prepares for the worst-case contingency. He carries a survival pack that contains the bare essentials to get by if he does become lost.

Sporting goods companies market survival gadgets, from radio locator transmitters to space blankets and energy bars. Hunting safety instructors lecture newcomers about the need to be prepared and the kind of gear to carry. Aspiring new hunters are repeatedly subjected to this refrain: “Admit that you are lost and stay put. Start a fire.

Someone will find you.”

This is all well and good. There is, however, another element of sur(Survival cont. pg 47)

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Rylan’s Day on the Track

The Buck Hunter

by Hal Blood, Moose River, ME As I write this column, deer season is underway here in Maine. As is quite common in the north country, we were blessed with an opening day snowstorm. It started about 4:00 a.m. Monday morning in the Moose River valley. I knew it was going to be a tough day to find a good buck track as usually the

December 2023

were Monday, Matt and I heading out in the morning to search for a buck track to follow. I wished I could have taken Rylan, but that would have to wait now.

Just as I thought, we walked all day and never found a track. Tuesday rolled around and the game had changed and there were plenty of buck tracks in the

tracker and travels up from his home in Connecticut every time the snow flies up here.

Lars and Rylan were lucky enough to find a good buck track Monday morning, that was half full of snow. Lars told Rylan to take the track and work it out. He said Rylan did a great job, but when the buck got into a swampy grassy area where it got tough. Lars took over and before long after pushing through a fir thicket came

the back of the mountain another mile before turning downhill to make a circle.

As we swung downhill, we finally found a decent buck track made in the night.

I told Rylan to go ahead on the track, and away we went. The buck took us downhill for about a mile before going into a cedar

so we had to move fast to try and catch up to him. I let Rylan go ahead and he did good until the buck led us into a barnyard of doe tracks. Then another big buck track joined in the mess. The other buck track was just as big but did not drag his feet as much. Now it got difficult, so I took

bog. As we were working through the bog on a run, we noticed a running track that was just made. We weren’t sure if the track was made by the buck we were tracking, so we followed it until it started walking. Then we could see that the track was made by a smaller buck, so we left it.

We had a sandwich and started to make a circle to find the where the other buck came out of the cedar bog. We had only gone a few hundred yards, when we came to a monster buck track, dragging his feet.

I call them cross country skiers. They are the old bucks in the woods. Rylan was pretty excited as we thought it could be the track of that 10 pointer.

The track was made in the night but now it was one o’clock in the afternoon,

over and showed Rylan how to circle the mess to find the track coming out. It took about an hour to work though mess after mess, but we finally go his track striking off in a straight line. We took the buck for another 2 miles without freshening it up. the buck was now heading straight away from the direction the truck was and it was 4 o’clock so we had to leave it and make the walk back to the truck before dark.

Next month, I’ll have some more stories and with luck, some buck pictures.

We had only gone a few hundred yards, when we came to a monster buck track, dragging his feet. I call them cross country skiers. They are the old bucks in the woods.

Rylan was pretty excited as we thought it could be the track of that 10 pointer.

first snow of the year keeps the deer hunkered down for a day. I made the decision last year, that it was my last year of guiding deer hunters. I wanted to spend more time teaching my grandson Rylan the ways of the bucks in the Big Woods. Rylan is 14 and says he wants to be a guide, so I’m going to do everything I can to help him get there. So, I was asked back in the summer if I would take a writer for Field and Stream out to experience Big Woods hunting. I agreed to do it for the first week thinking the odds of having tracking snow were slim. Well, there we

woods. Matt and I chased bucks around all week but could get a bead on one.

He, like most people new to the Big Woods, got an education in how much different hunting in the Big Woods really is. It will be interesting to read his article and get his perspective on the hunt. Thursday of the first week, Matt wanted to get caught up on some writing, so I had a chance to take Rylan out. He had hunted Monday morning with a friend of mine Lars who was a client at remote camp years ago that I became good friends with.

Lars is a good hunter and

face to face with the big 10 pointer at 25 yards.

He turned to tell Rylan to shoot, but Rylan hadn’t kept right on Lar’s heel and was too far behind to get a shot. I think that was a painful lesson for him that he won’t repeat.

Thursday Rylan and I headed off to the same spot to see if we could find the track of the old 10 pointer. We walked back in a mile on an old winter road where they had picked up the track on Monday, coming off the mountain.

We couldn’t find a good track made in the night, so I decided to continue across

Good luck on the trail!

Hal is a Master Maine Guide and Author. He lives in Moose River Maine with his wife Deb. He can be contacted at: hal@bigwoodsbucks.com

Northwoods Sporting Journal

December 2023

Canoes in America

Canoes were an important part of my life for most of my working years.

In the winter, I spent a lot of time teaching my students to build cedar strip canoes.

Then, in the summer, I

It is safe to say the birch canoe has been around for 5,000 years or more. In an article about canoes, I once wrote that the birch bark canoe could have been invented right

major inventions of the Native Americans, the canoe and the snowshoe, were quickly adapted by the Europeans and allowed them to travel, settle, and eventually wrest the land away from the inventors.

The overall shape of canoes has not changed all that much over the years in spite of some manufacturer’s claims to the contrary.

Page 43

Northwoods Voyager

by Gil Gilpatrick, Brunswick, ME

Many modern canoes are made with plastics that are tough and durable. This in turn has developed a canoeing style that is often oblivious to rocks and other obstacles that the old time canoeist skillfully avoided.

of the Legendary Maine Guide award. He is a life member of the Maine Professional Guides Association, a founding member of the Maine Wilderness Guides Organization, and served as a member of

It is safe to say the birch canoe has been around for 5,000 years or more. In an article about canoes, I once wrote that the birch bark canoe could have been invented right here in Maine.

Jason and Kelly Garland wetting out the fiberglass on their strip canoe.

(Photo by Gil Gilpatrick)

guided canoe trips on the Allagash and other Maine rivers. I thought I’d write a little background information about this important watercraft.

Canoes are the most versatile watercraft ever invented - its longevity alone makes that point. The birch canoe had been in use for thousands of years when the first Europeans stepped ashore in America. Early manuscripts tell us how impressed the newcomers were with the boats used by the natives. The paddlers actually faced forward as they moved through the water. A far cry from the back-facing rowers in the rowboats used by the new arrivals. Ancient canoes were of two major types: the bark canoe (birch being the best known), and the dugouts. I am sure the dugout preceded the birch canoe, but it must have been heavy and would not have allowed the freedom of movement achieved with the lightweight birch canoes.

here in Maine. I received a call from the editor asking me for the source of this information, I replied that I couldn’t find information to the contrary. He ran it as I wrote it. Of course no one knows, so anyone who lives in an area where white birch grows, can make the same claim without fear of contradiction, as far as I know. In his book Penobscot Man, Frank Speck wrote that the birch canoe “is the most complex and intricate product of native mechanical genius in the north.”

It has always seemed ironic to me that the two

What has changed since the end of Word War II is the materials used to make canoes.

The change to tougher, more resilient materials has changed the way people use and treat canoes.

The birch canoe, and the wood canvas canoe that followed it, were somewhat fragile and didn’t stand up to rough treatment without the need for immediate repairs. The tougher canoes started with the aluminum ones built right after the war by aircraft manufacturers when the demand for warplanes disappeared. The tough aircraft aluminum was soon joined by a variety of plastics known by a variety of names.

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the Advisory Board for the Licensing of Guides from 1996 to 2010. He is a member of the New England Outdoor Writers Association and is the Gil Gilpatrick is a author of seven outdoorMaster Maine Guide, and related books. Contact him is the first living recipient at Gil@GilGilpatrick.com

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Page 44

South Of the Kennebec

by Stu Bristol, Lyman, ME

His name is Peter Wentworth but to all his friends, it’s “Uncle Pete,” as in Uncle Pete’s Custom Wingbone wild turkey and moose calls. After hanging out and hunting with Pete most of the summer, I have tagged him with the nickname, “The Pied Piper of the Turkey Woods.”

Unlike the folk tale

instrument, the piece is then in the hands of a skilled craftsman. Uncle Pete is such a person and the end results of his craftsmanship are wingbone calls that are pure art. The bones are cemented together according to size with expoxy, then sanded smooth and the joints wrapped with rodbuilding threads of various

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Maine’s Pied Piper

Finding the right piece of bark is something of a task in itself, as you will see when I describe his custom moose calls.

When he is happy with the sound the instrument emits, Pete finishes the call with a generous coating of rod-building Flex-Seal cement and allows to harden overnight. A lanyard is added for easy carrying and the user only needs to perfect the vocalizations of a wild turkey.

ing a call to the hunter is always a challenge.”

Uncle Pete also offers custom moose callers and every moose guide I have spoken to this season who are using one of Pete’s calls

Uncle Pete is a World Champion wingbone call-making champion and also places high in the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Grand National call making competitions. featuring a man playing a flute that lured all the rats out of town, Uncle Pete lures turkeys from all points in the forest to his shotgun. Don’t worry, he won’t lure your children away as in the folk tale.

He’s just that good of a turkey caller using one of his creations. What an amazing byproduct of a successful hunt. Save all the feathers for fly-tying or crafts then clean the three bones of each turkey wing, boil them clean and remove all the marrow. Combine the bones end to end, glue in place and you have a simple wingbone turkey caller.

As with any musical

colors.

To increase the volume of the call, Pete adds a cone of birch bark which he steams to shape and cements to the large bone. At the request of customers Pete sometimes adds a hollow cow horn to the call for added volume.

Not all bones have the same resonance. Pete explains, “The bones of a young Jenny in the fall will have one distinct sound while a young jake’s bones will offer a deeper tone.

The sounds emitted from a mature hen or gobblers will tend to be more raspy.”

Once again, “custom” is the key to professional call making.

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Uncle Pete is a World Champion wingbone callmaking champion and also places high in the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Grand National call making competitions. His custom wingbones sell in the $100-$150 range and well worth the money.

Getting sound out of a wingbone is fairly easy but making usable turkey vocalizations is something else. Place the tip (smaller end) of the call between your tightly closed lips and suck in short bursts. In my book, “Building Turkey Calls and Owl Hooters” I warn readers that a wingbone call can be frustrating to the novice caller.

Uncle Pete and I both agree that to be successful at calling wild turkeys it is not enough just to sound like a wild turkey, you must become one. “Every game call maker and hunter has the sound of a wild turkey in his or her head. Match-

are wicked impressed both at the workmanship and the sound quality.

I spent some time recently with Pete, looking for birch bark and quickly found it wasn’t all that easy. As expected, Pete is extremely fussy about finding just the right bark.

He refuses to take bark from a living tree. Instead, he searches for fallen trees that haven’t touched the ground or haven’t begun to rot.

He carefully slices the bark then pulls it from the tree. He then removes any amount of rot that has begun to form. At home he will cut a pattern and place the bark in his homemade steamer and shape to the

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size of call he is building.

When he is done the bark is carefully sewed together with rawhide, tested and finished with a hard Vaspar Stain and Sealer. A good moose call, he says, should have the tension of a fine bongo drum.

I’ve witnessed Uncle Pete’s talent for calling wild turkeys. He and I are a lot alike. We are both avowed “turkeyholics.” We look for turkeys every day of the year and seek only the challenges each wild turkey offers.

Tablefare is obvious and secondary to the hunt.

Going into this year’s deer hunting season Maine’s Pied Piper of the turkey woods and I will both keep one eye on the deer trail and the other for wild turkeys, even though they may not be legal game.

It’s a passion we share with many of our customers. Pete can be reached for custom call building at kwent1234@gmail.com or I can send him your way.

Stu Bristol is an outdoor writer and professional game call maker in southern Maine, www. deadlyimpostergamecalls. com. His work has been published nationwide for more than 60 years and is a Past President and Director Emeritus of the New England Outdoor Writers Association. He is a Life Member of the National Wild Turkey Federation and was inducted into the New England Wild Turkey Hunting Hall of Fame in 2019.

December 2023

Northwoods Sporting Journal

White Pine Sex

What are the preferred pronouns for a White Pine tree?

It turns out that White Pine trees are monoecious.

That sounds suspicious.

For a tree to be monoecious they must have both male and female reproductive organs on the same tree. Are you sure this is an appropriate topic for the NSJ? This subject may be tough to get past the censor, but we are going to talk about White Pine Sex. In the spring of any given year the male cones of a white pine tree produce sperm. Or, if you are offended by the graphic nature of this article, in the spring of any given year the male cones of a white pine tree produce yellow pollen.

Clouds of yellow pollen.

Yes, blame the white pine

trees. A white pine can fertilize itself but to limit the amount of self-fertilization mother nature cleverly placed the male cones at the bottom of the tree and the female cones at the

Tales Of A Maine Woodsman

by Joel F. Tripp Limington, ME

all open and release their tiny winged seeds. The exact timing of this mass seed migration is a closely held secret known only to Mother Nature and is subject to her moods and temperament. With luck

been the official floral emblem. For more information about the white pine tree and all the trees of Maine contact the Maine Forest Service, www.maineforestservice.gov and request a copy of their publication

A white pine can fertilize itself but to limit the amount of self-fertilization mother nature cleverly placed the male cones at the bottom of the tree and the female cones at the top of the tree.

top of the tree. The theory is that the pollen will be blown by the wind and be more likely to land in the top of a neighboring tree.

All the same, some selffertilization will occur and

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thus we have a problem with the censor.

Pollen production happens every year on a limited basis but every three to five years, for no apparent reason, the trees get particularly randy and produce a bumper crop of pollen.

This in turn produces a bumper crop of female cones. But we

Page 45

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After the pollen has been blown hither and yon and coated everything in sight, then the tiny male cones are jettisoned by the parent tree. The female cones, in the top of the tree, lucky enough to receive pollen (sperm) are fertilized and begin to grow until fall. At this time the cones are about one inch long and can be seen from the ground. The following spring the cones begin to grow and by fall they are six to eight inches long.

At some point in late August or September the cones, now being two years old and fully mature, will

the seed fall will happen on a windy day and the tiny wings will carry the seeds up to several hundred feet.

This past year in southern Maine and southern New Hampshire, we have had very good white pine seed year, a subject foresters get down right giddy about. The tops of the pines were heavy with cones and it looked like bunches of bananas hanging from the trees. During this past hunting season every pine stand had thousands of empty cones littering the ground.

Eastern White Pine; Pinus strobus, is the official tree of the State of Maine and since 1895 the “Pine Cone and Tassel” have

“Forest Trees of Maine”.

So now you know.

White Pine trees do have sex, sometimes alone, sometimes with friends.

With luck many of those little seeds will sprout and take root and someday grow up to have cones of their own.

Joel Tripp is a Maine Woodsman and Master Blacksmith who has never had sex with a pine tree.

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 46

Slipstream

By Scott Biron, New London, NH Every year I try to develop a new smelt pattern to test out. Honestly, I have tried going about this a few different ways.

First improving on an older pattern, second, having Ewingfeatherbirds dye me a special color to work with, third just focusing on a specific waterbody to create the smelt for and

called the Winnipesaukee Smelt which remains one of the most effective patterns on the lake. The fly dates back to 1957. In 2012 he came up with the Super Winnipesaukee pattern and in his notes, he said “that this was not to replace the original pattern, but to incorporate a great many features that I felt could

My Smelt Fly for 2024

The water color as well as the light hitting the water can change the smelt’s color too.

One of the lakes I troll a lot on here in New Hampshire, Lake Sunapee has very clear water. There are also a number of sandbars close to the shore in various spots on the lake.

Sometime the salmon will ambush the smelt on the sandbars and when they do the smelt take on a golden-olive coloring. I

If you do a little deep dive on smelt you will find the following about their colors. Purplish, blueish, green, greenish tan, golden-olive, silver, gray and pink. fourth, come up with a wild attractor type smelt.

Each one of these methods have worked for me. Usually, I lay out some of my older smelt patterns on my tying table. Then I go through my notes on what worked and what didn’t the past few seasons. Quick check with my friends that I gave the 2023 pattern to and get their feedback.

Do I improve on one of these? Many great fly tyers have found ways to improve on an older one. I have some of Jim Warner’s notes and I also know several people who knew and tied with him. Jim had a fly

be added to make it more fishable”.

The second and often the most important aspect of development is to answer these questions.

Size, Color, Single Hook or Tandem? When I first began working on smelt patterns I only focused on color. Doing that can make the task much harder than it needs to be.

If you do a little deep dive on smelt you will find the following about their colors. Purplish, blueish, green, greenish tan, golden-olive, silver, gray and pink. You can see how focusing on the color aspects of a smelt can be daunting.

December 2023

troll in Maine lakes too and, because many of these lakes have water that is tannin colored, the smelt look different in those water bodies.

The length of the fly is very important. Hook size by manufacturer differs a great deal. I use Partridge hooks for my streamers.

They have been around for 90 years and are made using very strong Swedish steel. They hold up to most anything. My trolling sizes for single hooks are 10X, 9X and 7X and my tandems usually are 2.252.5” long.

One tip is not to change your fly pattern but

not work so over time I stuck with the tandem. It was highly effective in NH not so much in Maine but maybe had I run some black ostrich on top of the wing it might have done better.

By the time you read this I’ll be hard at work on the 2024 smelt fly. If it works it will get a name and if you’re at any of the 2024 fly shows I will have the pattern so you can see it. It will not get tested until the LLS season opens but we can certainly start getting the itch now.

Having heard this many times before “in the end it’s up to the fish”. for a photo of the stomach Ice out can’t come contents. Often the smelt soon enough for me. in the fish are not digested fully and I can see their size Scott Biron cut his and coloring. teeth learning to tie flies This year I’m going to and fly fish back in the1960s work a pattern with a more in the North County of New traditional look and I plan Hampshire. He has fished to tie it in two versions. many of the streams north The NH version will differ of Route 26 in NH and his from the Maine as the latter favorite the Androscoggin will have a dark topping. River. He is a Master Artist The tannin water in Maine in the NH Traditional Arts seems to have smelt with Program and instructs fly a dark line on the top of it. tying both nationally and This is not the case with my internationally. He is on NH smelt patterns. the Ambassador Pro Team In the fall of 2021, I for HMH Vises and Parcreated this pattern I called tridge of Redditch. Ewing the Super Blue and as you has come out with a signacan see it is a tandem. The ture series line of feathers single hook versions did under Scott’s name. change the fly’s size. One year fishing with my friend Chuck on Lake Sunapee we were not having much luck fishing a Ripogenus Smelt pattern in 9X long and I switched to a smaller 7X and then it was nonstop salmon the rest of the day.

For that reason, I build a lot of my flies in several sizes and I think I drive my friends crazy when they keep a fish, I ask

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

December 2023

Knives

(Cont. from pg 28) ness, I use a diamond stone.

But out on the job, I use a strop. If you’ve ever been inside an actual barber shop, the strop is the leather strap hanging off the side of the barber’s chair, used, in this case, on straight razors for shaving. The blade, already pre-sharpened on a stone is swiped to and fro on the strop. This has a “polishing” effect on the edge, and it works just as well on filet knives of all kinds. Fishing for sockeye in Alaska, I watched all my guides fine tune their blades on a strop attached to the boat before cleaning the salmon.

As for big game animals, I still love the Kabar. But when it’s time to cut up meat at home, out come my custom knives, because if you love wellmade knives, using them is its own reward.

Survival

(Cont. from pg 41) viving woods shock that is crucial yet rarely gets discussed: the psychology of survival. Author and adventurer Laurence Gonzales examines the psychology of survival and risk taking in a fascinating book titled “Deep Survival.” He delves into the mysteries of survival and addresses the contradictions you will find if you start reviewing stories of survival. For example, why is it that a perfectly healthy and strong deer hunter can perish after one night in the woods while a 4 year-old child can survive the same woods for a week under similar conditions? And what about that December deer hunter in Western Maine a number of years ago? The Vermont man wandered aimlessly for a couple of days in the cold and snow. He fell through Randy Spencer is a the ice twice! He reportedly working guide and au- didn’t know how to use his thor. His award-winning GPS effectively. In short, books are all available he violated just about every on Amazon. Reach Randy survival rule in the book, at randy31@earthlink. yet lived to tell about it. net or through www.ranGonzales writes: “A dyspencer.com survival situation is a tick-

ing clock: You only have so much stored energy (and water) and every time you exert yourself, you’re using it up.The trick is to become extremely stingy with your scarce resources, balancing risk and reward, investing only in efforts that offer the biggest return.”

Gonzales maintains that people who perish in the woods die from confusion, or what he calls woods shock. He contends that there is more to surviving than what you have in your survival pack, or even how much training you have had. “At the moment of truth,” he writes, “those might be good things to have but they aren’t decisive.” In fact, he claims that these things, the cell phone or what have you, can betray you.

So mental preparation, as well as survival gear, equals survival, some of the time. There is yet another dimension. “..it’s not what’s in your pack that separates the quick from the dead. It’s not even what’s in your mind. Corny as it sounds, it’s what’s in your heart,” asserts Gonzales.

By example, Gonzales recounts some real-

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life survival ordeals of people adrift in lifeboats.

All aboard were dehyderated, starved and desperate.

Some lived; some died.

The ones who went first “gave up” before their bodies did. There was a sort of spiritual collapse.

By contrast, a solo Atlantic sailor managed to survive for months adrift by saving and rationing rainwater and catching an occasional fish. He finally drifted into a shipping lane. Upon being discovered, he told his would-be rescuers not to hurry. He was “fine.”

Clearly, some of us are born survivors and some are not. Which are you?

The author is editor of the Northwoods Sporting Journal and has written his first book, A Maine Deer Hunter’s Logbook. He is also a Maine Guide, cohost of a weekly radio program “Maine Outdoors” heard Sundays at 7 p.m. on The Voice of Maine NewsTalk Network (WVOM-FM 103.9, WCME-FM 96.7) and former information officer for the Maine Dept. of Fish and Wildlife. His e-mail address is paul@ sportingjournal.com

Fishers

(Cont. from pg 47) at a shot. This technique worked twice for us at Tim Pond Camps. It also failed us four times but that’s okay. Dena loves the challenge!

Overall, each day we had several grouse contacts while hunting at Tim Pond Camps. Also, as with the NMW, woodcock were very plentiful. We had numerous woodcock points and even managed to scratch down a few. The woodcock held very well for the point. I don’t recall a single woodcock running.

I commend Betty and Harvey Calden for operating such a comfortable camp. The food and service is outstanding. And, the bird hunting is pretty darn good.

Wherever you’re hunted, Susan and I hope you had an excellent season.

Paul Fuller and Susan, his wife, produce and host the Bird Dogs Afield TV program. All episodes are available on their website: www.birddogsafield. com. Contact: paul@birddogsafield.com

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 48

Vermont Ramblings

by Dennis Jensen, Vermont I was pleased to read Stu Bristol’s riveting column last month about the “Old School” approach to hunting and fishing. Stu even had the audacity to name me as an “old school-

talkie, a cell phone and a GPS. While I am convinced that Stu was only looking out for my safety, I told him that I would be carrying the only tool I ever took to the vastness of the Adiron-

December 2023

Very Old Schooler

Hunting magazine. What I saw convinced me that this new age of gimmicks has gone way too far.

Let’s start with my favorite, an ad for a really nicelooking hatchet on Page 22. The price: $375. Is it possible that, at that price, the hatchet splits kindling by itself?

There’s more, a si-

price, but you might be able to guess that it is way up there after the ad makes reference to the “original sticker shock” that comes with the product.

This is not intended to pick on the Petersen’s publication. I am cer-

chew on.

Yeah, I know. I guess all of this makes it clear that I am, without a doubt, an “Old Schooler.” But you know what? The school I attended, the school of deep woods experience that helped me become the

Anyway, Stu’s piece got me thinking about stuff, especially when, a few hours after reading his piece in the Northwoods Sporting Journal, I was turning the pages of the October issue of Petersen’s Hunting magazine. What I saw convinced me that this new age of gimmicks has gone way too far. er,” namely an old fogey who refuses to accept the many — mostly overpriced and hardly needed — gadgets and gimmicks offered to outdoors folks for far too many years.

What Stu did not mention was the time, more than 20 years ago, that I headed over to his place in Maine, a very nice invitation from him to hunt deer in some big woods not far from his home. The night before we were to set out, Stu placed three accessories he thought I would need before heading into the woods — a walkie-

dacks, northern Maine and in the big woods of the Northeast Kingdom — my trusty compass.

Long story short, I wasn’t in the woods for more than two hours when I made a pretty good shot at a nice 9-point, 150-pound buck, right in the place where Stu set me up.

Thanks, pal.

Anyway, Stu’s piece got me thinking about stuff, especially when, a few hours after reading his piece in the Northwoods Sporting Journal, I was turning the pages of the October issue of Petersen’s

lencer on Page 43 that does not give you an actual price, “only $199 down.”

I didn’t call the number listed in the ad because, call me old fashioned, but I love to hear that old 3030 crack when I shoot my deer.

Here’s a real deal, a spotting scope on Page 22 for only $1,299.

What is that all about? A few pages later, on Page 28, is a real pretty rifle that sells for only 300 bucks more than the spotting scope.

An ad for a bipod on Page 16 never even reveals a

Vermont Vermont Outdoor Guide Association hosts Vermont's most complete directory of outdoor recreation services, guided tours and adventure travel resources. https://www.voga.org/

Believe it or not, there is an ad for a real pretty hatchet in an outdoor magazine that sells for — are you sitting down? — $375. Here are two hatchets I own. The one below has never been used. The hatchet, above,, (note the duct tape) has served me for many years. If I remember correctly, I paid $3 for the hatchet at a garage sale. (Photo by Dennis Jensen) tain that this kind of stuff can be found in almost any outdoor magazine.

Now imagine my relief when I turned to Page 36 and found a full-page ad for “Old Trapper” beef jerky.

There was not a price listed for the beef jerky but I can guarantee you that the cost was something you could

deer hunter that I am today, was all that I ever needed to carry with me into the deer woods.

Dennis Jensen is a freelance writer. Contact him at d.jensen62@yahoo. com

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

December 2023

That Deer Camp Feeling

For many of us December is bittersweet. It is mercurial and we must face that “the season of dreams”

begin to freeze, squirrels are jumping from skeletal branch to branch in a frenetic last-minute shopping

under. The most precious time of all, the last few weekends we spend at deer camp, is also coming to a close as the snow on the old fourth-class road becomes impassable. Late muzzleloader season allows us one last hooray. Inside the camp laughter reigns

Green Mountain Report

Page 49

by Bradley Carleton, Charlotte, VT has never experienced joint which leave just enough pain, and the upper bunks space between each board – well they’re reserved for so the pet mouse can access the youngest members who the mantle and lie prostrate don’t require as much oxy- until morning. I’ve woken gen and can tolerate sauna up in the middle of the

The furniture is all carefully selected from backroad lawns with the sign “Free!” on them. Big old recliners and a sofa line the interior, as if someone had hired Martha Stewart to decorate after she had had too many tequilas the night before.

is coming to a close. Cold fronts sweeping down from Canada with ducks scrambling for food and open water as the swamps

before the holiday hibernation. The last few flocks of giant Canada geese are seeking the few corn fields that haven’t been tilled

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The food can be anywhere from culinary genius to inedible cat food on toast with something resembling canned cream crowning the gastronomic disaster. We had had a master chef for a decade until he “retired” and now stays home to tend to his young protégé,’ his grandson. The constant battle to keep the water flowing through the camp from the brook without it freezing is kind of fun. It’s the pioneer spirit battling the elements. The lower bunk beds are comfortable enough for anyone who

temperatures. There are small yellow lantern-style lights in each window that give off a warming glow from the outside where the snow is piling up. An old Vermont Castings Defiant woodstove throws off enough heat to warm King Charles’ castle. The furniture is all carefully selected from backroad lawns with the sign “Free!” on them.

Big old recliners and a sofa line the interior, as if someone had hired Martha Stewart to decorate after she had had too many tequilas the night before. Hemlock paneling covers the walls

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night to stoke the stove and noticed him lying comfortably there. He would raise his head just enough to look at me quizzically, as (Camp cont. pg 52)

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Page 50

Every season is greeted with high expectations and much excitement.

However, we never know how it will end until the last day. I’m hoping all of your deer seasons will go down as one to remember, but the truth of the matter is that most don’t quite live up to our pre- season hopes and dreams. Every once in a while, though, things go exactly how you planned, or even better. I’ve been fortunate enough to have a solid number of great seasons, but today I’ll tell the story of my “dream season” from a few years back.

The 2018 deer season tops the list as my best ever, not because of the quality of the three mature

Maple Country Outdoors

by Ben Wilcox, Essex, VT

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Dream Season

December 2023

Part 1

short of my shooting lane. from me. Grunting like I then got to watch him crazy to get his attention just out of range for about did not work. However, 15 minutes. It was a great just as he disappeared a experience and one of the buck I had no clue was few times I’ve rattled in a around ran right to me and My father and I with his buck. Note the two buck. That wrapped up my stopped at 20 yards slightly broadhead holes bucks I killed, it tops the During the third week of VT bow season, and we quartering to. I quickly shot list because of how, where, October, I grabbed a pair of headed to Ohio for the first and watched the arrow fail to penetrate fully. My dad and who I was with. My sheds I had found the previ- week of November.

Ohio that year had and I spent most of the day season started with a few ous winter and headed to a bow hunts in VT. I had stand for a morning bow Ohio that year had some major ups and been hunting a 4-5 year hunt. There was snow on downs. On the second to last morning, old 8 point for a few years. the ground from an early in the same place I had killed a giant 9 season storm that mornpointer a few years prior, I spotted a big ing. I finally laid eyes on buck cruising away from me. the big 8 point, as he followed 4 does away from some major ups and downs. tracking the buck. Finally I me. Quickly grabbing the On the second to last morn- sent my dad to hunt in the Old Guns Bought, Sold, Traded and Talked About (Incessantly) rattling antlers as he went ing, in the same place I had evening and I grid searched out of sight, I was able to killed a giant 9 pointer a the entire area after losing get that buck to come to 35 few years prior, I spotted the blood trail. I got back yards and stop two steps a big buck cruising away to the truck at dark, feeling like I had ruined my hunt and my dad’s when Black Dog Guns he called on the radio to Guns/Ammo say he just shot one! We quickly recovered a wide We buy guns!

130” 9 pointer only about We have an amazing selection of guns at our Bennington, 150 yards from where I LARGEST AMMO SELECTION Vermont store. We also sell a variety of modern, rare & had hit the buck in the IN SOUTHERN, VERMONT antique rifles, pistols and scopes on www.GunBroker.com morning. We snapped some Search by seller "BenningtonArmoryLLC".

Shotguns Handguns nice photos and dragged it Ammunition to the road,when I noticed Rifles Optics Accessories that the buck had two broad Magazines head holes in it. It was the New Ladies same buck I had hit in the Jessie James Section featuring morning! My arrow had hit Leggings, Collection of Dena Adams the shoulder blade and slid conceal carry bike shorts, Collection for all between the hide and the belly bands purses conceal carry needs rib cage. My father said the deer didn’t even appear 233 South Main Street, Rutland, Vermont to be limping and was out Bennington Armory LLC ~ 47 Main Street Bennington, VT 05201 802-342-0187 www.blackdogshootingsupplies.com (802) 753-7482 info@benningtonarmoryllc.com (Dream cont. pg 51)

December 2023

Dream

(Cont. from pg 50) looking for does. The pendulum had swung upward in a huge way and I felt as successful as my dad.

Little did I know the next day and a half would have the same ups and downs.

Then next day was to be our last in Ohio. It turned into a day and a half I’ll never forget. Setting up in a spot where I had killed a 10 pointer the year before, the wind was perfect. Late morning a big buck cruised through just out of bow range. A few hours later a big non typical cruised through on the same trail, but I couldn’t coax him into range despite his interest in my calls.

At that point I said “I’ll be damned if I watch another buck walk just out of range”. At 2 p.m. I ripped my tree stand down and hung it 45 yards up the hill.

I finally settled in, closed my eyes and heard a deer.

I saw the same non-typical, that had circled behind me coming from below, right towards me. Suddenly, he turned and walked directly under the tree I had been in previously, out of range!

Eventually, he headed off opposite the way he had originally come from. I had to laugh, but it was even funnier when a nice 8 pointer walked under the same tree I had been in not long afterwards. Finally, just before dark I got my chance. The same non typical walked right to me and I shot him at 20 yards.

Unsure of my shot, we backed out. Unfortunately, it poured that night and we had to stay another morning grid searching. Around noon I finally found my buck. It was a 12 pointer with double brows, 6.5”

Northwoods Sporting Journal bases, a big kicker off the G2 and mass all the way through both the tines and beams.

Lookout for part II next month, where I track and still hunt two big VT deer.

ber of the USA Fly Fishing Team. He is a registered Maine Guide and graduate of the University of Maine.

He also owns a large Maple Sugaring Business, Amber Ridge Maple. These occupations allow him to be in the woods or water Ben Wilcox is owner nearly every day of the of Maple Country Anglers, year. He can be reached located in Northwest Ver- at maplecountryanglers@ mont. He is a current mem- gmail.com

Page 51

Send your letters to the Editor to:

NWSJ P.O. Box 195 W. Enfield ME 04493 or info@sportingjournal.com

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 52

Camp (Cont. from pg 49) if thinking “you’re not going to hurt me, are you?”

I answered him out loud.

“No worries little buddy.

Just stoking the stove. Go back to sleep.” What seems like minutes after our repartee’ the terrible ringing of the Big Ben alarm clock begins. It shocks us all out of our sleep and the troops groan and curse all at once.

This year, my comrade Trevor Coles, of Manchester, NH and I will be “drivers” for our dear buddy, Chris Thayer, of Charlotte, VT. You see, Trevor and I have both already tagged out on our bucks during bow season and feel bad that Chris hasn’t shot a buck in decades. But he

is forgiven because his primary role is to keep us entertained with raucous jokes and inappropriate antics. My wife, Katie, has volunteered to run the camp and “take care of her boys.’ Chris rubs the frosty inside of one of the windows to peer out. “Jeezum Crow! It’s still snowing!”.

“The better to track ‘em with little buddy! Put on those woolies and let’s get out there!” The old green door opens, and a gust of wind blows the drifting snow onto the floor, swirling little tornadoes across the kitchen area. I look back at the crew and they look back at me and yell “Shut the friggin’ door!”

How did we all get so old?

Ve r m o n t F & W i s asking all deer hunters to voluntarily take a survey

where hunters record how many hours they hunted and how many deer, moose, bears, or other wildlife they saw on each day they hunted during the various deer seasons. This survey is like a diary, where hunters record how many hours they hunted and how many deer, moose, bears, or other wildlife they saw on each day they hunted during the various deer seasons, using the Deer Hunting Log feature in the VT Outdoors app. The app allows you to easily report this information each day in just minutes. It also allows you to track your effort and wildlife sightings each day during any of the deer hunting seasons. You can use the online web-based form to complete the survey. Any-

one with a Conservation ID can complete the online survey. The online survey will only accept data entries for the Regular November Season (11/11 11/26) until December 22. This information helps the department evaluate how hunting pressure and the numbers of these animals varies throughout the season and around the state. This helps estimate population sizes in each region of the state, which guides management decisions. Remember if more hunters complete the survey, population estimates will be more reliable, and management will be more effective.

Now I know that there are many who don’t believe in climate change or global

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December 2023 warming, but whether you believe it or not, the last several winters have been unseasonably warm when it comes to ideal ice fishing conditions. There have been one or two that I can remember in the recent past that we were able to get on the ice in December, and most avid fisherpeople know that first ice is often some of the most productive. But before we get too excited about being the first to score some hawg perch, let’s just take a moment to remember last season’s losses. The Islands Ice Fishing Derby was cancelled just days before it was to start. The Grand Isle County Sheriff’s Department requested the cancellation due to the ice conditions. John Fleury, 71, of Williamstown, and his brother, Wayne Fleury, 88, of East Montpelier, fell through the ice in Keeler Bay in South Hero while riding in an enclosed sideby-side utility terrain vehicle. Their deaths came just two days after Wayne Alexander, 62, of Grand Isle, VT, fell through. Alexander, even though he was wearing a floatation suit, was found in the water and pronounced dead at the hospital. I heard so many comments about our sport and the people who are passionate about it that we “were idiots who were demonstrating Darwin’s Law of eliminating the less intelligent from the gene pool,” It really mad me made that the public laughed at our love for our traditions. Let’s honor those men we lost by being more safety conscious and keeping the public’s perception of our sport in a positive light.

December 2023

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 53

Graydon Hilyard: Historian

When my wife and I purchased a cabin a few miles below Parmachenee Lake, I was not much older than John Danforth and Fred Barker when those the two young friends spent the winter of 1876 trapping and hunting around the lake.

That was a time when herds

Our cabin did not have electricity, still doesn’t.

Each evening, I’d read by gaslight, more often than not a book about the many men and women drawn to this tiny corner of northern New England.

Our cabin is not far from Upper Dam, the place

A bit further down the road is Haines Landing, the hamlet where fly-fishing’s renaissance man, Herbert Welch, took time away from his paintings and sculptures to create the Black Ghost, a streamer pattern that remains highly effective today. Not far from there, below Middle Dam, along the carry road beside the Rapid River, Louise Dickinson Rich wrote her celebrated memoir, We Took To The Woods.

In Oquossoc, the faithful still congregate

Against The Current

by Bob Romano, Rangeley, ME little book would be of little interest to readers. Gathering my courage, I wrote to Graydon, known as Bob by his friends, and asked if he’d review the manuscript, and perhaps provide a comment. He soon wrote back, providing a few kind words, which graced the book’s back cover.

The following year, I spent a weekend promoting my new book at the THE FLYFISHING SHOW held in Marlborough, Massa-

As he ambled closer, his bright blue eyes betrayed an impish sense of a humor. I’d read about leprechauns, but as of then, had not encountered one.

Taken at Sagamore Lodge on Quimby Pond in Rangeley. At that time, owned by Don and Stephanie Palmer who let Graydon and his son, Leslie, store their Old Town canoes during the winter. (Courtesy of Leslie Hilyard) of caribou grazed through to be, if fishing during the old growth forest and the “Golden Age” of fly fishregion’s brook trout ap- ing. It is where Wallace peared inexhaustible.

Stevens once guided anLike so many before glers and where his wife, me, it was my search for Carrie, tied her Gray Ghost trophy-sized fish that led streamer. The author of me to the Rangeley Lakes a number of fly-fishing Region of western Maine. I books, Colonel Joseph spent my waking hours ex- Bates also cast his flies in ploring the many streams the pools and runs below and rivers while casting the celebrated structure as flies to brook trout native to did Shang Wheeler, who the region and landlocked penned an ode to a mythisalmon introduced in the cal fish known as White late eighteen-hundreds. Nose Pete.

each Sunday in the little Catholic church constructed with funds Cornelia “Fly Rod” Crosby helped raise during the same time the Barrett boys were building their Rangeley boats.

While growing more and more interested in the region’s sporting history, I continued to wade the rushing current of the larger streams as well as those narrow rivulets passing under the shadows cast by the conifer forest. In 2004, I began work on a series of essays that would become Shadows in the Stream, my first book in celebration of the Rangeley Lakes Region.

Four years earlier, the late Graydon R. Hilyard’s book on Carrie Stevens was published. Carrie Stevens: Maker of Rangeley Favorite Trout & Salmon Flies was meticulously researched, beautifully illustrated, and so well written, I was concerned my

chusetts. Late, on Sunday afternoon, an older fellow with snow-white hair falling over his shoulders in a manner reminding me more of a Civil War general than a twenty-first century author approached the bookstore booth. He wore a tattered khaki-green jacket, the kind purchased from military surplus stores. His beard was as white as his hair and resisted any attempt at control while his mustache drooped down over his lips. As he ambled closer, his bright blue eyes betrayed an impish sense of a humor. I’d read about leprechauns, but as of then, had not encountered one.

Having never met Graydon, I was surprised when he introduced himself. In awe of this sporting historian, I had trouble expressing my appreciation for his superior intellect and skill as a writer, but after a short time, his warm demeanor drew me in and we had a pleasant conversation.

Thereafter, we kept up a now-and-again correspondence, always writing by regular mail as Graydon was not fond of computers.

With each letter, I imagined the twinkle in his eye, for although sensitive and thoughtful, his letters always contained a bit of humor. Like so many others in the fly-fishing community and beyond, I was saddened to learn of this gentle man’s death on April 2, 2020.

Graydon Hilyard wrote for various magazines. An example of how he combined historical fact with wit can be found in his article, The Rangeley Lakes: A Sinner’s Paradise found in Volume 46 of the summer 2020 edition of The AMERICAN FLY FISHER Journal of the American Museum of Fly Fishing.

His three books— (Historian cont. pg 63)

RIVER FLOWERS - by Robert J. Romano, Jr. "Lyrical, poignant, and sometimes fantastical angling tales from the Maine woods and beyond, written in the great storytelling tradition of Sparse Gray Hackle and Robert Traver..."Stephen Sautner, author of A Cast in the Woods and Fish On. Fish Off.

FOR A LIMITED TIME: readers of Northwoods Sporting Journal can obtain an autographed copy, with free shipping and a five-dollar discount from the retail price of $25.00. Send your check in the amount of $20.00 made payable to West River Media to Andora and Romano, 15 Essex Rd., Suite 406, Paramus N.J. 07652. For more information go to forgottentrout.com

Page 54

Outdoors In Maine

Northwoods Sporting Journal

by V. Paul Reynolds, Ellsworth, ME Many of us outdoor folks list the November deer hunt as the apex of all of our outdoor passions. It is a long anticipated time. It is crispy mornings and special solitude in a tree stand with hand warmers and a

tion and locales, many of them passed along from generation to generation, along with unique histories and hunting tales that get carried on year after year.

A mouse in the corner – a graying one that has

The Hunter’s Moon

of catching a buck when he is distracted with his guard down and his focus is not on danger. Since there is only educated guesswork about rut times, mixed with some well-grounded anecdotal evidence, the deer rut can be the subject of spirited debate at deer camp.

There are two clear schools of thought on this

In general, if you can figure out what time of the month the rut is at its peak, you stand the best chance of catching a buck when he is distracted with his guard down and his focus is not on danger. Since there is only educated guesswork about rut times, mixed with some well-grounded anecdotal evidence, the deer rut can be the subject of spirited debate at deer camp. thermos of hot coffee. Add to this mix the crux of the hunt: the sweet anticipation that is every deer hunter’s eternal vision - a big buck in the cross hairs. Or, for the most hardy and driven among the hunt fraternity, the first snow and a chance to get on that big track.

Then there is the legendary Maine deer camp, the centerpiece of the hunt, part of the heritage and the history. These camps come in all sizes and descrip-

been hiding in the food bin for more than a year or two – knows that many of the same old topics get worked over at the card tables year after year. Among them: the best deer gun, the time of day that bucks move, tracking methods, and the Daddy of them all, when is the peak period of the allimportant rut?

In general, if you can figure out what time of the month the rut is at its peak, you stand the best chance

subject. The conventional wisdom of highly respected wildlife biologists, like Gerry Lavigne, is straightforward and has nothing to do with the moon phases.

Lavigne will tell you, unequivocally, that the rut always peaks on November 15th, year after year. Period.

This theory holds that the breeding season is guided or dependent strictly upon the length of daylight.

The more romantic theory, if you will, is that

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the rut, although occurring over a period of 40 days, has a “sweet spot” that lasts about 10 days. This is the lunar theory as articulated by well-known deer researcher Charles Alsheimer from Bath, New York. In a chapter in his book titled “Anatomy of the Rut,” Alsheimer postulates that the whitetail rut is regulated by the lunar cycle.

He theorizes that the Rutting Moon, or the Beaver Moon, determines the sweet spot, which begins three days after the Rutting Moon and lasts, as said earlier, about 10 days.

Unlike the Lavigne rutting theory, this lunar theory dictates a different rut peak year after year, and takes a little calculation on the hunter’s part. For example, the Rutting Moon is always the second full moon after the autumnal equinox. This fall, however, the Rutting Moon, or Beaver Moon, falls on November 8th. So this would commence the rutting “sweet spot” on Nov. 11.th So what does this mean? It really depends upon which theory you

elect to go with, lunar cycle or length of day. If you opt for the lunar theory and really want to maximize your odds for catching a rutting buck in deep distraction, you might want to reconsider the date you have set for your hunt week vacation. If Alsheimer is right, the buck of your dreams is more likely to make a mistake in your favor sometime between November 11th and November 21st.

Whichever rut theory you subscribe to, remember this. When it comes to deer hunting success, patience and perseverance trumps all, even the aforementioned rut theories.

Good luck, and hunt safely!

The author is editor of the Northwoods Sporting Journal. He is also a Maine Guide and host of a weekly radio program “Maine Outdoors” heard Sundays at 7 p.m. on The Voice of Maine News-Talk Network. He has authored three books. Online purchase information is available at www.sportingjournal.com

Subscribe Today!

(See page 47)

Northwoods Sporting Journal

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Page 55

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 56

December 2023

December Question Of The Month

By V. Paul Reynolds

Truth be told, the Reynolds small gun vault holds a half dozen guns, hunting rifles and shotguns – not a Parker or a Purdy among ‘em.

To admire a classic collector’s gun, or bring it to shoulder, is always pleasurable. But I don’t turn green with envy, or

Shotguns: Ford or Ferrari? this make me a plodding plebeian of the hunt fraternity, particularly among dedicated upland hunters?

Having recently frittered away a most enjoyable four days hunting grouse and being fed and lodged at an elegant Maine sporting camp, the dinner

questions: 1) What was my favorite adult beverage and 2) What would I be using for a shotgun? (He was providing the drink and the ammo.) My response “An old beat up Remington 20 gauge pump and Ole Stumpblower.”

The grouse were not plentiful. In fact, my guide, M a r k Kingsbury, said it was the leanest

able, no matter the grouse numbers.

During Happy Hour, two subjects monopolized the cocktail chatter: grouse and shotguns. A knowledgeable, quick witted and highly respected gunsmith, Charlie, from northern New York anchored the discussions. The man is an encyclopedia when it comes to shotgun knowledge. For me, and even the more well-versed shotgun aficionados from the national sporting magazines, Charlie’s shotgun “seminars” were engaging

sure, this love and appreciation of fine shotguns, not unlike art appreciation, can be infectious. For Christmas I plan to ask Santa for either a Beretta Silver Pigeon or a Hemingway DeLuxe 20 gauge by Bernadelli, retail price about $9,299.00.

Seriously, having learned a few things about fine shotguns from Charlie the gunsmith and others more knowledgeable than I, this is what I will buy should I decide to take out a second mortgage. It will be a Parker side-by-side in 16 gauge.

If you are in the market for a Parker, Jacqua’s Fine Guns, Inc. is offering a Parker 28 gauge, 26 inch barrel, custom engraved by Winston Churchill.

Price? Well, a steal at a cool $85,000.00!

table and the grouse woods were shared with some seasoned and accomplished upland hunters, who write for national hunting publications.

Well before the hunt date, my host asked me two

year grouse wise that he had seen in more than 20 years! Still, long walks amid the October foliage that is the North Woods and the company of a convivial guide and his well- trained gun dogs is always pleasur-

and educational, in a most fascinating way.

Beretta, Perazzi, Fabbri, Franchi, Charlie covered them all, not to mention Holland & Holland and Griffin & Howe. A non hunter, dropping in on the conversation, might surmise that we were discussing Italian cuisine or big law firms.

In the spirit of disclo-

The author is editor of the Northwoods Sporting Journal. He is also a Maine Guide and host of a weekly radio program “Maine Outdoors” heard Sundays at 7 p.m. on The Voice of Maine News-Talk Network. He has authored three books. Online purchase information is available at www.sportingjournal.com

For me, and even the more well-versed shotgun aficionados from the national sporting magazines, Charlie’s shotgun “seminars” were engaging and educational, in a most fascinating way.

look back with regret that I didn’t take out a second mortgage to acquire an expensive high end firearm like those polished and prized by the upper set.

No sir, my guns are just “tools of the trade,” instruments for the hunt, not unlike a garden rake or crescent wrench. Does

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

December 2023

Page 57

Florida Bass Fishing Guide Best Bassin’

Client lands his personal best. 9 lb. 14 oz. largemouth bass.

(Lee Bailey Jr. Florida Bass Fishing Guide)

Have you ever wondered what Professional Bass Anglers do when they retire from competing on the Professional Bass Circuits? I know what you’re thinking, “They go Fishing!” And to be perfectly honest that is exactly what the majority of retired Professional Bass Anglers do.

For example, Legendary Professional Bass Angler Kevin VanDam who recently retired stated he was heading to Alaska for some cold-water fishing! While Bass Fishing Hall of Fame Angler Basil Bacon of Mis-

souri fills his livewells with ‘Good-Eating Crappie’.

So, when I received a call from retired Professional Bass Angler Lee Bailey Jr., informing me he was living in Florida chasing ‘Bucket-Mouth Bass’, I wasn’t all that surprised.

Lee and I go way back in our angling history. Lee was known as the most proficient Bass Angler on the Connecticut River in his home state of Connecticut. His bass boat and outboard motor modifications, proved to be the perfect adjustments for running

the shallow rocky shoals on the CT. Rivers northern sections. And his CAVITRON designed Buzzbait caught more smallmouth and largemouth bass than can be counted!

It wasn’t long after Lee’s multiple bass tournament wins, that Lee developed and designed a comprehensive CT. River Fishing Guidebook. Including a complete listing of hazards, productive areas for specific species, along with angling tips and Lee’s suggested baits. “Actually, the second edition of the CT-River Guidebook is available on my new website at www.floridabassfishingguide.com.”

Lee Bailey Jr.’s resume and portfolio is overwhelming to say the least!

Lee has won Professional Bass tournaments at every level within B.A.S.S., Bassmaster Elite Series, three B.A.S.S. Classic appearances, two FLW Tour Championships, founder of the Foxwoods Bass Challenge Tour the largest and most professionally managed Team Trail in the Northeast. As a seminar instructor Lee Bailey Jr’s techniques and presenta-

by Bill Decoteau, Hampden, MA tions for sharing his information within his angling books, ‘Strategies for Bass’ and ‘Fishing Factors’ come alive as his artistic ability encourages every student and angler to seek more and more of Lee’s bass angling knowledge.

Florida is comprised of an abundant number of quality bass lakes. However, Lee Bailey Jr. concentrates his Florida Guided Bass Fishing Charters around Orlando, Tampa, and Central Florida Lakes.

“Most of the lakes I choose to fish are smaller and less pressured lakes. They are all within an hour of both Orlando and Tampa Airports. This makes it very convenient for those traveling to Florida.

Lee Bailey Jr’s Florida Bass Fishing Charter is a unique opportunity for angler’s looking to develop their angling skills. “I fish strictly with artificial baits only on all my bass fishing guide trips. With over forty-years of bass fishing knowledge, it’s imperative

to me I teach my clients to become better anglers!

Teaching and sharing my techniques and tactics on how to locate and catch bass on artificial lures will give you a great sense of accomplishment. Plus, it’s a lot of fun when a client catches their personal best Largemouth Bass.”

How long are your Guide Trips? “I offer 4-hour and 6-hour trips for either one or two individuals. I provide all the gear, tackle, and gasoline with each charter. Clients are responsible for securing their Florida fishing license, inclement weather clothing, non-alcohol beverages and food. (All this type of information is listed on Lee’s website under Guide Details.)

Lee Bailey Jr’s website is a complete and comprehensive detailed program featuring a Main Menu to navigate throughout Lee’s entire site with ease. Including direct links for clients to attain Flor(Guide cont. pg 63)

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 58

Basics Of Survival

by Joe Frazier, Bangor, ME A winter survival kit needs to be bigger and more comprehensive than a summer kit. You should have one that stays in your car and it should be portable so you can take it with you if you go snowmobiling, ice fishing, or whatever.

A duffle bag or backpack would be the best choice.

Line it with a heavy duty trash bag to waterproof it then put in your supplies.

Your first concern is exposure. You can die in a very short time if you are wet, and exposed to wind and cold. Your clothes are your first defense against the elements. You should wear layers, your outer layer should be wind and waterproof, and your gloves and boots should be waterproof as well.

A tarp, heavy duty space blanket, or heavy duty trash bag work great to protect you from wind.

Keep in mind anything waterproof will also not “breathe” so be careful of sweating. Tyvek Painters coveralls are a great option to protect you from wind and rain short term, and still allow you to be mobile.

They are cheap and take up very little space.

A set of polypropylene long Johns and wool

socks are a good item. You will have something dry to change into if you get wet.

A towel to dry off with is handy too.

If you have room, a sleeping bag or wool blanket will make a huge difference. A closed cell sleeping pad will insulate you from

Winter Survival Kit

snow shovel is very useful for clearing an area to sleep and also helping to build a shelter.

Lighters are handy, but they need to stay warm to work. Waterproof matches are a good idea as a backup. Cotton balls with petroleum jelly are a great fire starter and work with even damp wood. A Twig stove will keep your fire contained and out of the snow.

and candy are good too.

Flashlights or headlamps are good, but batteries die fast when they get cold. Consider a candle lamp instead.

If you have water that is not frozen, carry the bottle or canteen upside down. Water freezes from the top down so you will not have to try to break ice to drink.

Keep in mind how cold affects your gear. Gas

Sunglasses should be part of the kit. If you wear prescription glasses, get a set that will go over your regular glasses. Snow Blindness occurs when you are exposed to bright sun and when sun reflects off snow. the ground either sitting or sleeping. If you can, a plain rubber hot water bottle with almost boiling water will help keep you warm for hours, especially inside a sleeping bag.

Sunglasses should be part of the kit. If you wear prescription glasses, get a set that will go over your regular glasses.

Snow Blindness occurs when you are exposed to bright sun and when sun reflects off snow. It is basically a sunburn inside your eyes. It is incredibly painful and fairly easy to avoid.

Chemical hand and foot warmers are great and take up very little space.

They do get hot enough to burn so don’t use on bare skin while you are sleeping.

A collapsible plastic

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December 2023

Have a two quart pot with a metal lid in your kit to boil water and cook food. Warm food and drinks make a huge difference. You can put some of your supplies in the pot so it takes up less room.

A plastic cup and a tablespoon is a good addition as well.

Food should be dehydrated/just add water type so freezing will not bother it. Instant Oatmeal, hot chocolate, bullion or cup of soup all work well. Jerky

News

(Cont. from pg 12) New Hampshire Wildlife Federation. In 2022, the overall hunter success rate was 63%, and the average success rate over the last five years has been 71%.

The heaviest moose weighed 880 pounds dressed and was taken in Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) A2 by Dream Hunt participant Tucker Morse with the assistance of Northern New Hampshire Guide Service. The largest antler spread was

packing it down and putting branches in the letters to make them visible. Blue or purple unsweetened Kool Aid works well to color the snow when mixed with water. They are colors that are unusual so they will be noticed faster.

If you are stuck in your car, there are a couple things you need to do. Keep a couple windows open about an inch. It is critical to keep fresh air coming in, even if it is cold. If you are running your engine for heat, be sure the exhaust/ tail pipe is completely clear. Understand the danger if you use open flames inside the car (candles). If it is snowing you should open your door every hour or so to move snow and be sure you can get out. Be sure you know how to get into your trunk or storage area from inside the car.

The more supplies you have, the more comfortable you will be until help arrives.

stoves, lighters, batteries, duct tape; none of these work well when they get cold. Alcohol and white gas for stoves do not freeze, but they do become as cold as the ambient temperature; so if it is ten below out, the liquid is also. Any spills on your skin can cause instant frostbite. Be aware and VERY careful dealing with these.

Most signaling devicJoe is a Husband, es work well for summer or father, author, and mawinter. You can also create rine. Joefrazier193@ a large SOS in snow by gmail.com 57.5 inches wide, taken in WMU C2 by Ray Webb.

The youngest hunter was subpermittee Ian Gersberg who harvested a bull with permittee Stuart Goss.

One highlight for check station personnel was the story of Scott Soterian, who had been applying in the lottery for 14 years and drew a permit for WMU A1 this year.

Soterian wanted to hunt moose on foot and hired the services of New Hampshire guide and long-time friend Ken Dionne.

Soterian and Dionne

packed their food for the day and were in the woods from dawn until dusk, still hunting while calling around clear cuts that were near conifer cover. In the first 3 days of the season, they saw over 20 moose, but none of the options provided the hunters an ethical shot. On the morning of day four, they heard a cow calling and started calling back. As they moved closer, eventually seeing her at 80 yards away, they heard a bull grunt off to her left, but not within sight. The hunt(News cont. pg 63)

December 2023

Northwoods Sporting Journal

The Toms of Autumn

Jax with his fall turkey.

Pursuing mature gob- son waited all year for the blers in the fall can be a annual fall trip to Downeast challenge but rewarding if Maine for Grampy’s Cast successful. They are tough and Blast in pursuit of to call and difficult to spot feathers and fins and perand stalk as they see color haps a whitetail on the two and pick out movement. I youth days. Jaxson had usually only harvest one been hunting and fishing tom near home as that is with us for years, but this the limit in WMD 27. A year Gramp Craig bought few miles north of here is Jax his own 20 gauge youth a zone with a two bird limit pump shotgun. Jaxson was in the fall and this year I excited to shoot his first decided to try for three. I game and perhaps catch missed a gobbler on our his first autumn landlocked property at 30 yards but salmon on a fly rod. Over killed him the next day at the next few weeks Jax 40 yards with a Benelli 20 had a few close calls with gauge. He died instantly turkeys, grouse and woodfrom a head shot with #6 cock and some salmon but heavy shot and weighed 18 couldn’t quite connect. He lbs with a 9” beard. I was experienced a roller coaster able to spot and stalk two of emotions from excitemore 18 lb toms in WMD ment to disappointment 28 with the same 20 gauge when the quarry would slip loads. Not only did I limit away, but he never gave up. out but Uncle Craig killed He got to see me harvest three jakes in with a 20 my first turkey, Grampy gauge over/under and the kill three and also caught new TSS #9 shot that is some bass. lethal beyond 50 yards.

On the evening prior In October, his son to our last day in Maine, James and grandson Jax- we spied some turkeys in a son visited for three weeks field just before roost time to hunt turkey, grouse and and made a stalk. I could deer on youth day. James feel his excitement as we was able to take his first moved in position for a turkey ever, a jake, but Jax shot. Just as we got within didn’t have an opportunity range they started flying at a deer. The following is up into the evergreens and Cousin James narrative of Jax reminded me, “We do the trip in his words: not shoot turkeys out of “My nine year old Jax- trees”. On the drive home

he proclaimed “Dad, If you were able to get a wild turkey and a large landlocked salmon on this trip, I’m going to as well’! I loved his optimism but was also nervous about tomorrow, our last full day in Maine.

The next day we set up near the roost trees in the dark and Jax was laser focused. I was impressed with his patience and determination as we enjoyed a beautiful warm

Page 59

The Northwoods Bowhunter

by Brian Smith, Machiasport, ME washed over my young son as the gravity of killing his first game animal sunk in. He shook from the adrenaline rush then looked at the sky and said “Yes, Yes. Yes”! As we neared the bird, Jax felt grief for taking a life and said a prayer over the 18 lb

Downeast lake to troll for salmon with flies. Not long into the trip, Jaxson hooked and landed a beautiful 18” hen salmon on a black ghost streamer. We probably should have purchased a lottery ticket on that perfect October day. However, I wouldn’t trade Jaxson’s

The next day we set up near the roost trees in the dark and Jax was laser focused. I was impressed with his patience and determination as we enjoyed a beautiful warm fall sunrise.

fall sunrise. For almost an hour, there was no sign of the turkeys but when the sun hit the trees everything changed. Our flock of birds dropped from the trees and cautiously emerged into the field. When a large tom appeared in front of us Jax raised his new 20 gauge and took aim at the gobblers head. I whispered to shoot and he fired killing the tom instantly with TSS #9 shot at over 50 yards.

It was amazing to see the flood of emotions that

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Gobbler. Three generations of Smiths felt a profound sense of gratitude to be together for this special moment in the Maine woods and this once in a lifetime experience. Jaxson was now a hunter!”

After photos, electronic tagging and a breakfast celebration, Jax helped clean the gobbler and saved the tail, beard and spurs for trophy reminders. It was a perfect morning so Dad took us out on our favorite

day of feathers and fins for all the money in the world.

Brian Smith is a Retired Maine State Police Detective and NRA Field Representative. His Cousin James is a Retired Air Force Fighter Pilot and currently pilots and instructs others on Boeing 787s. Brian can be reached at bowhunter@mgemaine. com

Page 60

Kineo Currents

by Suzanne AuClair, Rockwood, ME Summer or fall is an excellent time for a week’s canoe trip, anywhere from Moosehead Lake up through to Allagash. Take your pick. And now, as the year closes, it’s not too early to plan that trip. Whether it’s with a few best buddies or, even better, with your kids, the North Woods will absolutely deliver to relax, rejuvenate, set your mind to ease, and create unforgettable memories to last a lifetime.

Moosehead Lake itself is spectacular. But, because it’s so big (approximately 75,000 acres), surrounded by mountains, with a constant prevailing, tricky wind, it can be dangerous to paddle. It’s wise to stay near the shoreline and not try to cross this inland ocean in a canoe. Even large boats can swamp, in the flash of a minute. Along

the shoreline there are many beautiful tent sites around Moosehead Lake, especially from Rockwood up to Northeast Carry.

If a big, open lake is not to your liking, as a major headwater that is also surrounded by water — other lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, marshes and bogs — in every direction, there are plenty of other places that will feed your spirit, soothe frayed nerves, and leave you in the very best mood. The easiest way to plan a trip (that is not guided) is to buy a Maine Atlas and Gazetteer to map it out. Do not rely on GPS because it won’t work in many areas of the North Woods, and, if it does, it can send you on a wild goose chase that makes no sense whatsoever. With the Gazetteer and some on-line looking before your trip,

Northwoods Sporting Journal

December 2023

North Woods Getaway

you’ll be in good shape when it’s finally time to go.

This summer and fall I got in a lot of canoeing.

One region explored was the Debsconeag Wilderness Area, from First Debsconeag to Passamagamet through Ambejejus lakes, taking out at Big Moose

Moose campground across from Ambejejus Lake offers a bustling, fun ending.

It is a packed little tent and RV compound, with some lodging, a restaurant, a store with the biggest whoopie pies I’ve ever seen, and, in the evening, some music, if you’re up

could partake of some much needed creature comforts, bolstered for the last, northern-most leg of their trip. Freddie’s article about their four-month journey will be featured in a 2025 issue of the Geographic. To finish out this North Woods section, the three men came

Do not rely on GPS because it won’t work in many areas of the North Woods, and, if it does, it can send you on a wild goose chase that makes no sense whatsoever. With the Gazetteer and some on-line looking before your trip, you’ll be in good shape when it’s finally time to go.

Inn, Cabins and Campground in Millinocket. I highly recommend this for a family trip. There are several nice tent sites and some places to stop and explore, like the ice caves, an historic boom house, and a place called Little Omaha Beach that can’t be missed, with its unusually opened shorefront that is not typical for the Maine woods at all. There is one portage.

After this remote water route across stunning territory that will make you glad to be alive, Big

for it. It’s a place where you can get a shower, eat big food, and get ready to re-enter civilization.

This year I went on this trip with some friends traveling with a writer from National Geographic. He, not Native, and two other men, one Penobscot and one Oneida Nation, were finishing a four-month, 1800-mile canoe route, tracing ancient waterways that began and ended on Indian Island in Old Town.

I hosted them, united with a few family and friends in Rockwood, where they

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over from Quebec into Jackman, down the Moose River into Rockwood, and up Moosehead Lake. I, and a few others, joined them on the lower West Branch of the Penobscot River into Debsconeag-Ambejejus.

It was exhilarating to be a bow person for the last of this trip. In another week’s time, we met up with them further down the Penobscot River, to finish at Indian Island.

My trips this year, just a week at a time, were rainy and warm. So was theirs, only for long stretches. I can’t wait to see how Freddie treats all of that in his account. However short, my North Woods getaways are always fulfilling. I’m already planning a special spot for next fall.

Suzanne AuClair lives near Rockwood. She has been writing about the Moosehead Lake region for 28 years and produced the state anthology,“The Origin, Formation & History of Maine’s Inland Fisheries Division.” She is an award-winning member of the New England Outdoor Writers Assn.

December 2023

Northwoods Sporting Journal

New Hampshire Outdoors

Deer Meat for the Needy

Well, firearms season for deer winds up on December 3rd and archery season closes on December 15th. Then it becomes a numbers game to see how deer hunters fared this year. The 2022 deer season resulted in a total harvest of 14,082. The antlered buck harvest of 8,339 was the largest in the state since recordkeeping began in 1922. Archers took 4,498 deer and Muzzleloader and regular Firearm hunters took 2,133 and 7,064 deer, respectively. Last I looked, the white-tailed deer population in New Hampshire was approximately 100,000. But, as was pointed out in NH Fish and Game’s New Hampshire White-Tailed Assessment, in 2015, “Any estimate of the future potential of deer in New Hampshire has to consider the loss of both summer and winter deer habitat. So long as development is the primary political and economic objective for land use in New Hampshire, deer habitat quantity and quality (and that for other wildlife) will only continue to decline, as will hunter access as suburbanization continues to increase.” All valid points to address because they’re not going away any time

soon!

If you were a successful deer hunter, think about sharing your harvest with the needy through the “Hunt for the Hungry” program at the New Hampshire Food Bank.

Once again, the Food Bank is collecting donations of processed deer and moose for distribution to more than 400 food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and group homes statewide. Last year, the

USDA approved butchers in your region.

Dennis Gichana, Director of Operations for the Food Bank said, “This year, our protein donations are down 10 percent from last year, so contributions from the Hunt for the Hungry program will fill an even bigger need this fall. Venison is especially popular and a real treat for our clients. As always, we thank New Hampshire’s hunters for their continued

by Peter St. James, Warner, N.H. support upland gamebird and snowshoe hare populations, a range of pollinators and, species of greatest conservation need such as American kestrel and bobolink. The property includes a cedar wetland, which is an active deeryard, and the woodlands have the potential to support American marten and

If you were a successful deer hunter, think about sharing your harvest with the needy through the “Hunt for the Hungry” program at the New Hampshire Food Bank.

Hunt for the Hungry program took in over 2,000 pounds of donated deer and moose meat for distribution to those in need. However, the New Hampshire Food Bank is not equipped to accept donations of bear meat, fowl, or wild game birds such as duck, goose, turkey, or grouse.

To learn how to donate game, and for packaging instructions, call the New Hampshire Food Bank at (603) 669-9725. If you’d like to share an entire deer or moose, please process the meat and have your donation stamped by a USDA approved butcher.

Contact the Food Bank for

support. We couldn’t do what we do without you.”

With facilitating support from The Conservation Fund, the Fish and Game Department has purchased approximately 820 acres of land in Dummer, NH, at a total project cost of over $1.2 million. It will be known as the Glover Farm Wildlife Management Area (WMA). It was acquired to protect outstanding wildlife, water, and upland resources and to provide the public with recreational opportunities like hunting and wildlife watching. The WMA’s 85 acres of old fields, orchards, and shrublands

Page 61

lynx.

The Farm, owned by generations of the Glover family, is known for its hunting, public access opportunities and scenic beauty. “Our grandfather Robert Glover started purchasing this property in 1912,” said Regina Saucier. “Selling it

for development wasn’t an option. The entire family is so happy and relieved that our grandfather’s and father’s farm land will never be built on and that it will be left forever to New Hampshire’s wildlife and the people who enjoy it for hunting and fishing like we all did.”

On that note, as we get ready to turn another page in the calendar of life, I hope that you and your family get the opportunity to have a meaningful and rewarding Holiday season!

Peter St. James is a member of the New England Outdoor Writers Association, Outdoor Writers Association of America, a licensed NH Fishing Guide. Reach him at : stjames.peter@gmail.com

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Page 62

by Mike Miner

As outdoorsmen we collect stories–our successes, our failures, missed opportunities, amazing shots, beautiful moments, and wet muddy messes.

It’s part of our DNA. We sit around the fire, sipping coffee and whiskey, and recount our past with those closest to us. It’s a ritual as old as hunting and will continue long after we are all but dust. Here is one

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Hunting With the Old Man I awoke bright and early and got all my gear together. At the time I was hunting with an SKS that my dad had bought me for Christmas–the 7.62 mm had done alright the year before. Although many years later I’d change my gun to the trusty 30.06. My dad had not gotten out of bed yet and I looked at the clock. I decided to let him sleep for a bit. I lamented

charge to the hillside where there were two main logging roads crisscrossing.

I would set up on one and my dad the other. But Dad needed to rest every ten or so minutes–the old man hadn’t been in the woods in some time. We finally made it close to where we wanted to set up. At this point it was well beyond typical shooting time and I knew at this point the

slowly, lost in the all too familiar daydream of the hunter. We get into a sort of haze, our senses become heightened, our hearing enhanced, our eyesight tuned to movement and color. It’s a sort of trance we go into as we still hunt. It’s the slow gate of an apex predator so connected to the land and the animal that all else seems to melt away. That’s when I heard the shot, not

December 2023

tripped over it.

He told me the story of how he watched the young buck sneak behind me almost as soon as I had started down the trail.

“Must have smelled you or heard you,“ my dad said, “Then tried to quietly slip away.” The buck, my dad said, came right up the trail and didn’t even see him.

That’s when he raised the Winchester 12-gauge and

“Look to your left,“ my dad said, pointing his 12-gauge to my left. To my surprise, not more than ten feet from me, there he was, a beautiful four-pointer, stone dead right where the old man had hit him with the slug. In my excitement I had nearly tripped over it. such tale that I love to tell.

My dad had been sick for quite some time. Having been diagnosed with liver disease he was slowly getting worse year-to-year.

Any physical activity longer than an hour would just tire him out. I was home from college for the weekend, having driven down from the University of Maine in Orono that Friday night. We made arrangements to strike out early like we used to. I wanted to try the spot where I had shot my first buck the year before. A story to come later. After some good home cooking and reminiscing with my father I quickly fell asleep.

the fact that I wouldn’t be in the woods at first light, and that this was about me and him, more than it was about getting a deer.

I just wanted to be in the woods with my dad. I let an hour or so pass and finally roused him out of bed.

After some grumbling and groaning I brought him a strong cup of instant coffee and cooked up a quick breakfast. We ate, dressed, hopped into the truck, and drove to the spot.

It was a beautiful day, slight crisp to the air, sunny with a little wind, perfect conditions for a fall Maine hunt. Again I had to remind myself of the meaning of this hunt as I wanted to just

deer wouldn’t be moving or would have been bedded down. But again I reminded myself, this is about me and him, not the deer. My dad sat down on a big ancient tree stump and took out his trusty tin of Altoids. Popping one in his mouth he offered me one. I gladly took it. “What now?” I asked, knowing we were still about 100 yards from the trail intersection.

“You go up the hill and get set up. I’ll slowly make my way to my spot, and who knows, we may either kick something up or get lucky and see something moving,” my dad said, popping another Altoid into his mouth. I slowly made my way down the trail, taking in the woods around me, scanning the rock wall for any movement, looking into the thick cedars for any sign of life. I made my way

more than five minutes from when I had left him.

I waited where I was just in case something came running my way, after ten minutes I decided to slowly make my way back to where I had left him. Scanning the woods around me for any movement, slowly, ever so slowly, I arrived within 50 yards from him. He was still sitting on the stump. I whistled so he knew it was me, and he waved me over.

I quickened my pace to get within hearing distance.

“Did you shoot one?” I asked, excitement growing.

“Look to your left,“ my dad said, pointing his 12-gauge to my left. To my surprise, not more than ten feet from me, there he was, a beautiful four-pointer, stone dead right where the old man had hit him with the slug. In my excitement I had nearly

put one slug in him. We made quick work of the field dressing and then the long drag back to the truck started. I, being the young teenage kid, did the brunt of the dragging. But I was beaming with pride and that energy drove me on.

I’ve told this story many times, “the stump buck,” or “Altoids buck.” Every time I’m amazed at how calm and collected he was, so casual, yet so full of pride. We lost my dad a few years later. He ultimately lost his battle with liver disease, but I know every November he’s up above, watching me, telling me to slow down, take a seat, have an Altoid, and enjoy the moments.

Mike Miner lives in Clinton, Maine

Happy New Year!

From the Northwoods Sporting Journal Staff

Northwoods Sporting Journal

December 2023

Historian (Cont. from pg 53) Bogdan (2006), Herbert L. Welch: Black Ghosts and Art in a Maine Guide’s Wilderness (2018) and Carrie Stevens: Maker of Rangeley Favorite Trout & Salmon Flies (2000), remain classics of fly-fishing literature. Co-author of the latter two books, his son, the celebrated fly tier and collector of sporting memorabilia, Leslie Hilyard, carries on his father’s passion for western Maine’s rich sporting tradition.

Like the men and women he chronicled, Graydon Hilyard has passed into legend. Perhaps, someday, someone will write a book about this unassuming man, whose painstaking research brought to life so many of our sporting notables.

More information about Graydon Hilyard’s books can be obtained by emailing Leslie Hilyard at rangeleyfavorite@gmail. com

Guide

(Cont. from pg 57) ida Fishing Licenses, a Booking Calendar, Photo Gallery, Fishing Factors, Guide Details, Customer Reviews, plus a Sitemap.

Interested anglers may also visit Lee’s Facebook Page (floridabassfishingguide1), and Instagram (floridabassfishingguide).

December is the perfect time to book a Florida Bass Fishing Trip and start your 2024 new year off with your personal best Florida Largemouth Bass.

God Bless and Best Bassin’

Page 63

News

(Cont. from pg 58) ers waited patiently and the bull moved closer providing a clear broadside view at which time Soterian took the adult bull with one shot.

The pair then began quartering and packing the meat (300+ pounds), and carried it out over 400 off-trail yards. No small feat, but quartering is the recommended practice to ensure the meat cools and to prevent spoilage. As Soterian explained, “I was thrilled to have the opportunity to hunt moose in my native state and I wanted to do it right.”

Billy “Hawkeye” To l e a r n m o r e Decoteau is an outdoor about moose hunting in journalist with a strong New Hampshire visit: www.huntnh.com/hunting/moose.html passion for pursuing the Black Bass. His activities include; emceeing The Bass University weekend educational seminar programs, as well as emceeing benefit tournaments such as Maine’s Annual May Special Olympics Team Tournament, Fishing For Freedom, and working with the USO.

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 64

Post-Script From Pocasset

December 2023

The Skulkers of Seboeis

by Josh Reynolds, Wayne, ME Nicknames that stand the test of time. The first generation cir. 1969; Thumb, Killer, ChooChoo, Bilgepump, Delightful Dana, Sureshot, The Newburgh Niceguy, Snort and Outta Stateah. The next generation cir early 1990s; Cookie, New Guy, Musk, Stick, Ezra, Whitewater and Spruce. New Blood cir early 2000s to present day; Hot Shit, Cool Hand and Boomer.

While only one of them is my actual blood brother, they are all my brothers, bound together by a tradition of purpose, place and time. While some are no longer on this earth, they too will always be my brothers, as well as those to come, who have yet to join

the brotherhood, to take the sacraments of belonging and receive the proper nickname. The following is our song, sung in unison, together, under the stars, at our Palace in the Great North Woods of Maine every 3rd Saturday evening in November since 1969.

Skulker Song Oh we are the Skulkers of Seboeis In our stupor we rejoice In Hastie’s hut we map our day, to slaughter those whitetail as they play Oh we are the Skulkers of Seboeis Our food is bad and our water is woise Vension soon will grace our fork, sautéed

gently with a little salt pork At night, we drink and gamble and curse and in between we sing this verse So lift your glasses and make some noise and drink to the Skulkers of Seboeis

The bucks and the does are chilled to the core for tomorrow they know that we’ll open that door We’ll skulk and steal our furtive way and ZAP those whitetails as they play.

Written by Thumb – cir 1969 In remembrance of our fallen brothers: Killer Black, Cookie Black, Sureshot Rodgers, Newburgh Niceguy Downs

Northwoods Sporting Journal Offers A FREE DIGITAL COPY to All Active Duty Military Personnel Worldwide!

E CTIV A O Y ET FRE ILITAR M

In these troubled and divisive times for our country, we at the Northwoods Sporting Journal remain proud to be Americans. We still stand for the National Anthem and thank our lucky stars that we live in the land of the free.

And we still salute our military men and women, who have served and continue to serve their country, here at home and in faraway lands. To them we owe our gratitude and appreciation for what they do, and for safeguarding our American way of life, which we value deeply.

As a way of saying thank you, we make the digital versions of the Northwoods Sporting Journal past and current - available online to service people around the world. If you have a loved one or friend now serving on active duty in Iraq or Afghanistan, or anywhere else, please let them know that they have free access to our digital magazines at: www.sportingjournal.com

December 2023

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Lewiston – The Rest of the Story

Page 65

By Randall Poulton

Predictably, the recent horrific mass murder in Lewiston rekindled the smoldering debate about “gun control”. Congressman Golden issued an open letter to Mainers in which he states: As you likely know, I have previously opposed calls to ban AR15s or similar rifles. I am now joining the call to ban their sale and restrict the possession of them.

I get that Rep. Golden feels the need to do something. But the fact is a semiauto rifle was just the tool RC used to carry out the massacre in Lewiston. He could have used a shotgun or a handgun to the same effect. Here is the rest of the story: The shooter, RC, was mentally ill. For almost a year, RC had been telling his family he was hearing voices and that people were “dissing him”. In May, his family notified local police about their concerns including his access to guns.

Then, in mid-July, RC, a sergeant in the Army Reserve, traveled with other members of his battalion to the Camp Smith training site in New York. Almost

immediately, RC began making threats and acting erratically. RC’s commanding officer ordered him to check into the Keller Army Community Hospital for treatment. The New York State Police were called to transport RC to the hospital. RC remained in the hospital for two weeks and never rejoined his unit.

In September, the military advised local law enforcement that they were concerned RC might “snap

ill people from committing mass murder. Early intervention, like taking the actions prescribed under Maine’s Yellow Flag law, might. Unfortunately, the history of mass murder in America shows that, far too often, law enforcement misses their chance to stop people like RC. Here are just a few more examples: SR, the 18-year-old shooter at Uvalde High School in Texas (21 dead) – SR abused and killed

Banning guns will not stop evil and/or mentally ill people from committing mass murder. Early intervention, like taking the actions prescribed under Maine’s Yellow Flag law, might. and commit a mass shooting”. Maine law enforcement agencies, including the Sagadahoc Sheriff’s Department, went looking for RC. These efforts were not successful, which, in hindsight, is rather damning: RC was working for a delivery company associated with Labree’s Bakery in Lewiston. After a few days the local cops gave up looking for him - until October 27th. And, by then, 18 people were dead.

Banning guns will not stop evil and/or mentally

animals, including cats, and livestreamed this abuse and his threats to commit a school shooting. SR’s online behavior was reported to the administrators of Yobo, but no other action was taken. SR worked at Wendy’s where his nickname was “the school shooter”. He lived up to that nickname; CB, the 24-year-old shooter at Ned Pepper’s bar in Dayton, Ohio (9 dead) – While attending Bellbrook High School, CB made lists of students he wanted

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to kill and rape. One “hit list” was discovered and resulted in a police investigation, after which, CB was suspended from school.

CB’s girlfriend said he complained of visual and auditory hallucinations. CB fired a semi-automatic pistol into the crowd at Ned’s.

In less than 30 seconds, nine people were dead and 17 wounded; NC, the 19-yearold shooter at Stoneman Douglas High School (17

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dead) - NC was a known trouble maker and had been expelled from Stoneman Douglas. His aunt called the FBI to warn them that NC wanted to shoot-up a school. The FBI did not follow-up; DR, the 21-year-old shooter at the Charleston Church (9 dead) - DR was well known to local police and should not have passed the FBI National Instant Criminal Background

Check System (NICS) and thus should have been prohibited from buying the murder weapon. The FBI later admitted they screwed up (again); DK, the 26-year-old shooter at the Sutherland Springs Baptist Church (26 dead) - DK had a history of violence that began in high school (seven suspensions) and continued during his time in the Air Force. Unfortunately, the Air Force forgot to report DK’s criminal behavior to the National Crime Information Database and thus he too passed the NICS background check (another screw-up).

Maine has a Yellow Flag law that should have applied to RC. For whatever reason, this law was not enforced. That was a huge mistake.

Banning “assault rifles” sounds good. But what is an assault rifle?

My deer rifle is a 308 caliber Winchester semi-auto with an expensive opti(Lewiston cont. pg 68)

Page 66

Outdoors In Vermont

Northwoods Sporting Journal

by Gary W. Moore, Bradford, VT The mystery was solved thanks to a game camera. For weeks early this summer I kept finding an owl decoy I had at the trout pond on the ground

checked the camera I saw two owls perched on the chair next to my decoy.

I had the answer. They were the ones knocking it off. Perhaps they were

The Battle of The Owls the camera to see what happens.

I have to wonder why.

The real owls should have learned long ago that it is a fake. It is solid and it does not move when they try to clutch it with their talons.

I should point out it

Over the past months my camera has shown an owl attacking my decoy, often knocking it off and twice breaking it. During one repair back in July, I used spray foam inside adding some weight to it. That seemed to make it more difficult to knock off but the attacks continue to this day. or in the water. I had placed it on a pedestal on the edge of the pond. Most days I would visit the pond it would be down so I would again put it back.

Curious as to what was knocking it off, I put a game camera on a nearby tree to cover the area where the owl decoy was placed.

Sitting next to it was the plastic chair I take out in the pond to sit in and cool off.

The next time I

territorial and wanted no intruders.

Over the past months my camera has shown an owl attacking my decoy, often knocking it off and twice breaking it. During one repair back in July, I used spray foam inside adding some weight to it.

That seemed to make it more difficult to knock off but the attacks continue to this day. Soon the pond will be covered in ice, but I will leave the decoy and

December 2023

looks very lifelike with yellow eyes that sparkle in the light. My wife Linda purchased it from Bradford’s J&M Landscaping and gave it to me for my birthday back in June.

It has become a challenge for me and for the owls, they knock it off, I put it back. They break off a piece, I repair it. *** Muzzleloader deer season is Vermont’s last deer season of the year.

It runs December 2-10.

As a landowner, I get an antlerless permit so even if I take a buck during the November season, I will have a chance to get some venison.

Hunters may take one legal buck anywhere in the state provided they have not taken one in a previous season this fall.

They may also take antlerless deer provided they have a

permit for a specific Wildlife Management Unit.

Hunters may take four deer total during the various seasons but only one may be a legal buck. One needs to know what WMU they will be hunting is as the definition of a legal b u c k v a r ies by WMU. In some it is one antler with two or more points while in the rest it its one antler three inches or longer.

After muzzleloader season, I wander the woods with my Ithaca 12 gauge double as time allows. Partridge (ruffed grouse) and gray squirrel may be hunted until the end of the year and snowshoe hare through March 10 of next year.

Soon the ice will be safe and I will head out in search of a fresh meal of fish.

Syndicated columnist Gary W. Moore is a life long resident of Vermont and a former Commissioner of Fish and Game.

His latest book, Four Season in Vermont, is available at many bookstores and sporting goods shop or from him directly. He may be reached by e-mail at gwmoore1946@icloud. com or at Box 454, Bradford, VT 05033. copyright 2023 Gary W. Moore

December 2023

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Snowy Trails

Snowy evergreens line deep wooded paths.

Quiet and still, calm and peaceful, silence fills the forest with fresh snow coating the ground. Branches lower, heavy with snow, beckoning you to pass underneath, ready to cover you and your sled with a pile of snow.

Headlights light your way, with high beams and low beams, as you meander through the dark trail.

Orange, yellow, and red signs glow bright as your headlights reflect off from them, indicating a snowmobile trail, directional arrow, bridge, and caution signs, or a signal to stop at a roadway or connecting trail. Similar to roadways with cars, best to dim your lights when approaching an oncoming snowmobile, and it never hurts to give a

nice wave or head nod.

The ground may have a good frost underneath or still be a little soft, but as you ride along on the marked trail, the fresh snow is a welcome sign of snowmobile season and the anticipation of a great season of riding ahead. All sorts of predictions have been made speculating

erly align all the hoses that were moved to get to the battery housing, and might take a few tries. The older machines are easier to take the battery in and out; I wonder if manufacturers will improve this process someday?

Christmas is just around the corner and my nephews have already been

Page 67

“The Trail Rider”

by Dan Wilson, Bowdoinham, ME

an early evening treat to tide us over before dinner.

Sometimes, when I see a Christmas tree in the woods, peeking out from a stand of trees or on the perimeter of a clearing, I can almost picture it decoThe ground may have a good frost underneath or still be a rated, just like in the Christlittle soft, but as you ride along on the marked trail, the fresh mas TV specials. With the magic of the season, snow is a welcome sign of snowmobile season and the maybe the woodland critanticipation of a great season of riding ahead. ters do gather to celebrate how much snow we’ll get on the lookout for a perfect garland across the ceiling, in community, trimming a this winter, but ultimately Christmas tree on our prop- and placing a knitted St. tree with colorful lights, Mother Nature has the final erty. We usually spot trees Nick in the picture window. garlands, and silver and say, so best to be prepared when riding the trails, takAs the sun begins to gold decorations, sending a for it all. ing nature walks, or when set, that signals it is time to message of peace on Earth Putting the battery we’re out hunting with my head home and get washed and goodwill to all. back in my “new,” now father. up and ready for supper.

3-year old sled, is finally Following an after- My mother would have Daniel Wilson works getting a little easier but it noon of riding, a hot cup of fresh baked cookies, sug- in healthcare and enjoys is still a tight fit. Extra care cocoa and our feet warm- ar and spice, dusted with time outside in nature with needs to be taken to prop- ing by the wood stove at powdered sugar, ready for his family. camp is just what is needed.

I remember when my lategrandmother would be up near Christmas time and she would decorate camp by hanging ornaments on a pair of antlers, stringing

Page 68 SELLERS LANE

BUYERS ROAD

REAL ESTATE

Northwoods Sporting Journal

136 Moosehead Trail Newport, ME 04953 Bus 207-355-3252

doug@brockwayinsurance.com Doug Brockway Agent

Like a good neighbor, "State Farm is there" EUSTIS/STRATTON:

Famous hunting area but also close to Flagstaff Lake, Sugarloaf, trails, biking, hiking and snowmobiling! 4 bedroom, 2 bath. Check it out! $280,000.

207-265-4000 259 Main Street, Kingfield, ME www.csmrealestate.com

janet@csmrealestate.com

Enjoy Maine's Vacation-land!

5 Lake Street, P.O. Box 66, Lincoln, ME 207-794-2460

"Tate" Aylward - 207-794-2460 Peter Phinney - 207-794-5466 Kirk Ritchie - 207-290-1554 Email: cwa@cwalakestreet.com

Lakeville- Large cabin is unfinished on the inside and sits on a half acre of land. End of road privacy in quiet, rural location on Duck Lake. It has a one car, drive in full foundation with a 400amp underground electrical feed. $229,000 Lakeville- This cute, well-constructed cabin on a small hidden cove on Lower Dobsy Lake. Private 10 wooded acres.

Light a fire & sit near thousands of acres of additional lakes & ponds of Northern Maine. $149,000

T3 R1- Brand spanking new cabin with detached woodshed/privy. Deeded across to Bill Green Pond (across the road). Partially furnished and cute as a button. Possible owner financing. $89,900

D a n fo r t h - L o t o f fe rs relaxing sunset’s views, has electricity available Lincoln- This large lakeside home at the road and is level has an oversized garage, lawn to the and well wooded right on lake and a paved driveway right on Lower Hot Brook Lake. This Mattanawcook Lake. Many mechanical is a beautiful, quiet part of updates completed, leaving cosmetics northern Maine- ready for up to you to make your own. Come take you. $99,000 a look today. $285,000

Lewiston (Cont. from pg 65) cal sight and a traditional wood stock. The rifle RC used was a 308 caliber Ruger semi-auto with an expensive optical sight and a plastic stock that makes it look like an AR 15. Are they both “assault rifles”?

So, what about expanding background checks? Today, if you want to buy a firearm at a store or gun shop, you must pass the NICS background check. That is the law.

As the recent story about Hunter Biden and several of the cases above demonstrate, this system is fallible. Sometimes dangerous people get a clean NICS finding and purchase guns. We need to fix that.

I do not favor “expanding” background checks to include casual sales. First of all, no mass murderer has ever bought their weapon at a gun show.

Secondly, if you are a prohibited person, and want a gun, there are guns to be had on the street. No questions asked. Third,

Pemadumcook Lake Island 80 Penobscot Avenue Millinocket, Maine 04462 207-723-9086 www.northwoods-realestate.com

“Serving Maine and the Katahdin Region Since 1984” A 21.6 acre undeveloped island. Located on T1R9 WELS in Piscataquis County near Millinocket. It includes 2 large sand beaches. Price $425,000. Dan Corcoran, Agent

December 2023 as Maine voters recently learned, with expanded background checks, the devil is in the details. For example, would lending a gun to a friend, without a background check, be a crime?

The bottom line is that, under Maine’s existing laws, RC should NOT have had access to firearms. Obviously, we need to do better enforcing the laws we have. Accordingly, I believe the people of Maine would be far better served if congressman Golden worked to secure additional funding for law enforcement. Maybe, if the Sagadahoc Sheriff had a couple more deputies, they could have found RC at the bakery before he killed 18 people.

Randy Poulton lives in Winterport.

Northwoods Sporting Journal

December 2023

REAL ESTATE SELLERS LANE

BUYERS ROAD

183 County Road Eastport, ME 04631

Mike MacPhee, Sales Agent

Covering the Heart of Downeast ME & Unspoiled Washington Co. 967 Ayers Junction Rd, Charlotte: 29 acre forested lot with 900 feet of road frontage running along Route 214 in Charlotte.

Electricity at the road. Brook running through back of property. Some level spots at road with generally sloping terrain. Both Round Pond and Pennamaquan Lake are located nearby as well as the Ayers Junction Sunrise Rail Trail that runs all the way to Machias and from there on to Ellsworth. Remnants of a wood mill and a small house are visible. Sign on property. $60,000

0 Barrows Lake Road, Alexander: Nice quiet location on Barrows Lake at the base of Breakneck Mountain in Alexander, with water frontage. Electric is right at the road. Land is also near Pleasant Lake and Pocomoonshine Lake. Great base for hunting, fishing, hiking and off road exploring. $68,000

6 Travis Lane, Robbinston: Private off grid tiny log cabin hideaway, surrounded by pine forest overlooking Western Lake in Robbinston.

Custom built and in great condition. Cabin has a cathedral ceiling, full insulation, covered porch, 250 gallon rain barrel water collection system, sleeping or storage loft, gravity fed flush toilet, and woodstove. Includes a rowboat and a right of way to boat landing on Western Lake. $79,900

1471 Jacksonville Rd., East Machias: Sitting on 100 acres+ known as McGeorge’s Crossing is this charming 1835+/- post and beam Cape, with original exposed ceiling beams.

Home has 3 bedrooms (one being used as a den) and 2 full bathrooms.

Hardwood floors throughout, some original, some new. Property has extensive road frontage with Sunrise Trail system going through North end of Property. $369,000

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Page 69

#3457-Embden; New 3BR, 2 bath custom double-wide ranch with beautiful views. High quality with many upgrades.

Granite Countertops, spacious laundry, fireplace and so much more. Access to trails for snowmobiling/ATV’s. Stream frontage.

33.55 surveyed acres. This property has it all! Just reduced to $325,000

#8459-Madison; .17 acre lot with large garage on it.

Public water and sewer are available at road. Convert to residential or use it for storage, autobusiness or maybe add a mobile?

Possibilities are endless. Garage has 2 bays. $65,000

#8449-Solon; Serene piece of Maine set alongside a quiet dirt road. 6.4 surveyed acres with Padham brook running through property. Great recreational area for those that love the outdoors. What a great country location. Close to trail. Possible owner financing. $53,500

#4398-Madison; Freshly remodeled in 2023. Could easily be a 2-family with 5BR and 2 baths but currently a spacious singlefamily home. Two new heat pumps and new boiler. Come and see. Convenient location. $250,000

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HARTLAND: This year-round chalet home boasts a spacious layout for the whole family over three floors with 2-3 bedrooms, and 2 large bathrooms. Ample space for entertaining or relaxing, including a partially finished basement plus additional attic space ready to be turned into a room of your choice. Steps away is a nicely landscaped spot to enjoy the impressive Great Moose Lake on 90’ shared waterfrontage. Recently remodeled down to the studs, almost everything in this modern home is brand new - insulation, sheetrock, siding, flooring, ceilings, paint, plumbing, wiring, windows, doors, along with an appealing hardscape. MLS 1568721 $379,000 BEAVER COVE: This cozy year-round log cabin nestled in Beaver Cove has so much to offer! Located just steps away from Moosehead Lake with 250’+ of shared beach waterfrontage, docks, a picnic & playground area and trail rights. The cabin comes fully furnished and equipped for four-season easy maintenance living. Step into the open concept living and kitchen area boasting abundant natural sunlight. A full bathroom with a shower to complete the main floor living space. A spacious loft bedroom on the second floor and another bedroom in the basement.

Additional living space could be finished in the basement, if desired. MLS 1571169 $399,900 BYRON: Once in a lifetime opportunity in an astounding spot! Minutes away from Tumbledown Mountain, along the Swift River in a secluded tranquil spot, you will discover three furnished cabins along with a garage, shed, and out-buildings.

Fully equipped for efficient year-round off-grid living with a well and two septic systems. Property is powered by gas, solar panels, and a generator shed. The main camp boasts 3 bedrooms, 1 bath and the two front cabins each contain 1 bedroom, 1 bath - one being open-concept living. This is the ultimate sportsman’s dream showcasing what the beautiful state of Maine has to offer. Leave right from the front door on your snowmobile or ATV and hit the ITS, enjoy excellent hunting in both zone 7 & 12, hike the Appalachian trail, or take a drive to Coos Canyon! MLS 1574474 and 1574475 $499,000

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 70

December 2023

Houlton Office 207-532-4500 Hermon Office 207-605-0556 Scot Walker, Broker

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM First Choice Real Estate

Serving the County to the Coast www.mainelandbroker.com www.firstchoicerealestate.com

SELLERS LANE BUYERS ROAD

REAL ESTATE

SELLERS LANE BUYERS ROAD

P.O. Box 628 Main Street Machias, ME 04654

SUNRISE REALTY

Office Tel. & Fax: (207) 255-3039 Email: anitaj@midmaine.com Website: www.sunlist.com Anita Johnson

CALAIS: This three-bedroom home sits on 80 Monroe street and has 1 1/2 baths. The upstairs has three bedroom and the full bath. There is lots of closets in the back bedroom. There is a nice yard and even an old garage on the lot. The property is close to stores and eating places.

The price is only $112,000.00.

EAST MACHIAS: The home sits on about 7.21 acres with tress all-round the buildings to make it more peaceful and quieter. The main building has an upstairs and three rooms downstairs. The smaller one they are living in and have been trying to work on the larger building. Would be a great place to make a summer retreat for people. Close to Gardner Lake and when the leaves are off you can see a bit of the lake.

This is an excellent sport for one to put their carpenter skills to work. Super great price at only $130,000.00.