Tobias Fools Wardens Into Retrieving Sunkin’ Snowmobile February 2021
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February 2021
Northwoods Sporting Journal
Page 3
Electric Snowmobiles
To those of you who routinely read my column, thank you very much for your support! You may remember back in March of 2019 I wrote a column about a new company, Taiga Motors, of Canada that had designed an electric snowmobile. Fast forward
comparisons between the Taiga and the other big brand gasoline-powered snowmobile models so you can determine if an electric sled would be a good choice for you. Price. The Taiga Atlas model is priced at $15,000 US. Comparing this to
The Taiga models have a standard 120 HP motor or a high-performance motor that can generate up to 180 HP. to today and this concept the Polaris 600 Switchhas become a reality and back PRO S, which has an they are rolling out three MSRP of $12,199.00 US, models and fulfilling or- or the Ski-Doo Renegade ders. They have 3 different X at $12,599.00 US. if you models, the Ekko, a 154- add additional features to inch track mountain sled, the big brand sleds, their the Atlas, a 137-inch track price will go up, but even crossover, and the Nomad, so, the Taiga, in general, a 154-inch track touring/ is a little more expensive. utility sled. According to Range. The Tagai their latest news, this sea- models have a range on son we should start to see one full charge of 86 miles. Taiga Nomads operating When I compare this to my in ski resorts across North Polaris Switchback AdvenAmerica as many of these ture, I know I can get at resorts begin to electrify a minimum of 110 miles. their fleets. In addition to Looking across the differthe pilot roll-out, Taiga will ent brands and models, the be testing the Ekko model’s average tank size is 10.5 ability to perform in the US gallons. Depending on toughest conditions by your model you should be conducting extensive deep able to achieve between powder testing in Whistler 100 - 200 miles on a full and Revelstoke. tank. Additionally, you can For those of us who always fill up on the trail. have been following this The Taiga models have a company, they have also DC fast charge to 80% in designed a personal wa- 20 minutes but it might be tercraft (jet-ski), the Orca, difficult to find convenient which will be debuting in charging stations out on the the summer of 2021. trail today. Let’s breakdown the Power. The Taiga
models have a standard 120 HP motor or a highperformance motor that can generate up to 180 HP, which is higher than most gasoline engine models. 600cc engines generate 120-130 HP and 800 900cc engines generate 160
The Trail Rider by Rod Fraser, Hyde Park, MA for the future. If you aver- snowmobiles/ age less than 85 miles on a ride and operate to and Enjoy your rides! from your home, then the Ride safe, ride right!
Let’s breakdown the comparisons between the Taiga and the other big brand gasoline-powered snowmobile models so you can determine if an electric sled would be a good choice for you.
- 170 HP. If you view their videos on Youtube, it looks like power is no problem, even in deep powder. Maintenance. According to Taiga, there is no maintenance required on the battery or electric drive motor. Other features. The Taiga has remote diagnostics and fully adjustable drive parameters which allow you to tune everything from torque to throttle sensitivity. You can then save your custom modes to match suspension setups and different snow conditions for optimal control and save user specific profiles with programmable limits for speed and power. Everyone rides differently and values different aspects of a snowmobile’s performance. For me, my normal day of riding is 100 - 120 miles with a gas tank fill up on the trail. Unless I knew I could recharge on the trail, I would be reluctant to trade my Polaris in on an electric sled. I do like the quietness of the electric sled and combined with the high power to weight ratio and the increased power of the 180 HP performance option, I find this to be a serious option to consider
Rod Fraser is an avid outdoorsman and twentyyear Navy veteran. Originally from Maine and living in Massachusetts, Rod has written extensively Taiga could be a great op- about snowmobiling. visit tion for you. Learn more his website at www.roderat https://taigamotors.ca/ ickfraser.com
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Northwoods Sporting Journal
On The Cover
Tobias Fools Wardens Into Retrieving Sunkin’ Snowmobile - Pg 6 Electric Snowmobiles - Pg 3 Hermit of Hudson Pond - Pg 40 Tying Foam Flies - Pg 28 Hunting Red Fox - Pg 48 Puppy Picking Pointers - Pg 14 Camps, Cottages and Land for Sale - Pg 67
Contents
3. The Trail Rider - Rod Fraser 5. “Just Fishing” - Bob Leeman 6. The Adventures Of Me & Joe - Bob Cram 9. Muzzleloading Afield - Al Raychard 10. “A Hiker’s Life” - Carey Kish 12. Women In The Woods- Erin Merrill 14. On Point - Paul Fuller 15. Northwoods Sketchbook - Mark McCollough 16. The Gun Cabinet - John Floyd 17. What’s in Your Woods - Bud Utecht 18. Outdoor Sporting Library - Jeremiah Wood 19. Cookin’ With New England’s WildCheff - Denny Corriveau 22. Aroostook Woods & Water - Mike Maynard 23. The Bird Perch - Karen Holmes 24. Question Of The Month - V. Paul Reynolds 25. Maine Outdoor Adventure - Rich Yvon 26. Ramblings From T8-R9 - Benjamin Rioux 28. Fly Fishing - Joe Bertolaccini 30. Warden’s Words - Game Warden Kale O’Leary 31. Marsh Island Chronicles - Matthew Dunlap 32. The Buck Hunter - Hal Blood 33. Guns & Ammo: A Guide’s Perspective - Tom Kelly 34. South Of The Kennebec - Stu Bristol 36. Against The Current - Bob Romano 38. The Back Shelf - Dave O’Connor 39. Old Tales From The Maine Woods - Steve Pinkham 40. The Allagash - Matt LaRoche 43. Best Bassin’ - Bill Decoteau 44. Native Fish Talk - Bob Mallard 46. New Hampshire Outdoors - Peter St. James 47. Northwoods Voyager - Gil Gilpatrick 48. On The Prowl - Justin Merrill 49. Outdoors In Maine - V. Paul Reynolds 50. Outdoors In Vermont - Gary Moore 51. Vermont Ramblings - Dennis Jensen 52. Green Mountain Report - Bradley Carleton 54. Mass Wanderings - David Willette 55. The Tyer’s Corner - Hugh Kelly 56. The Big Ones: When Do They Show? - Kenneth Baer 57. The Fur Shed - Blake Dougherty 58. The Singing Maine Guide - Randy Spencer 60. Maine Tails - Jonah Paris 62. Deputy Game Wardens - V. Paul Reynolds 65. Kineo Currents - Suzanne AuClair 66. The Legacy Lives On - V. Paul Reynolds & Sam Huston
The Sportin’ Journal
February 2021
The Outdoor Paper For “Maine Folks” The Northwoods Sporting Journal is the Northeast’s most comprehensive and readable monthly outdoor publication. Published at the trailhead of Maine’s sprawling North Woods, the Sporting Journal prides itself on being an independent voice for the region’s outdoor community for more than 28 years. Some of our writers are seasoned and specialized outdoors people who will share their know-how and insights; some of our contributors are simply lifelong outdoor people with interesting stories to tell. Our aim every month is to capture the essence of Northern New England’s remarkable outdoor heritage by stirring memories, portraying outdoor humor, and sharing experiences and outdoor knowledge. We also keep our readers up to date with late-breaking outdoor news and hard-hitting editorials about fish and wildlife issues. Anyone who loves to hunt and fish, or simply finds the Great Outdoors a treasured place, is more than likely to find some special connections amid the pages of the Northwoods Sporting Journal.
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Vol 28 Issue 2 is published monthly by Northwoods Publications, 57 Old County Rd. North, W. Enfield, ME 04493 Periodical Postage Paid at W. Enfield, ME. and additional mailing offices. The Northwoods Sporting Journal (ISSN#1548-193X) Postmaster: Send address changes to: Northwoods Sporting Journal, PO Box 195, W. Enfield, ME 04493 Northwoods Publishing Group Victor Morin - Susan Morin - Diane Reynolds - V. Paul Reynolds Publishers - Victor Morin Jr. - V. Paul Reynolds Editor - V. Paul Reynolds Director of Marketing - Victor Morin Assistant Editor - Josh Reynolds Associate Editor - Donna Veino Graphic Arts Manager - Gayleen Cummings Subscription/Distribution Manager - Alicia Cram Operations Manager - Annette Boobar Webmaster - V. Paul Reynolds General Sales Manager - Victor Morin Jr. Sales Department; Thomas Schmidt, Paul Hatin & Michael Georgia Regional Advertising Manager - Jim Thorne The Northwoods Sporting Journal invites submissions of photographs and articles about the Maine outdoors. Manuscripts should be sent with a self-addressed envelope to: NORTHWOODS SPORTING JOURNAL P.O. BOX 195, W. ENFIELD, MAINE 04493 The Northwoods Sporting Journal accepts no responsibility for unsolicited photos or manuscripts. Photos submitted without a stamped, self-addressed envelope will not be returned. All rights reserved, 2021. Written permission must be obtained from the Northwoods 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. The views and opinions expressed by our monthly columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of this publication.
Mass Wanderings - Pg 54 By David Willette
The Legacy LIves on - Pg 66 by V. Paul Reynolds
Other Great Stories & Information
8. Editorial/Letters 13. Outdoor News 9. Crossword Puzzle 41. Trading Post 45. Carroll’s Corner - Carroll Ware 67. Real Estate
Cover Photo: Cover photo courtesy of Taiga Motors.
On The Prowl - Pg 48 By Justin Merrill
The Buck Hunter - Pg 32 By Hal Blood
Northwoods Sporting Journal
February 2021
The Struggles of Atlantic Salmon
Page 5
“Just Fishing”
Part 1
by Bob Leeman, Bangor, ME
Fishermen and marine biologists were stunned at the sudden activity of ocean migrations of silversides in the eight to twelve pound category. (Watercolor by Tony Couch) Back in the mid-1970s and well into the 1980s, those rod-busting fish from the seas strained into the sprawling Penobscot River in droves of several thousand per year. The year’s 2020 migration of Atlantic salmon into the Penobscot River of 1,603 fish counted at the Milford fish lift was welcomed, but a far cry from the sea-runs of bygone times. Some say this migration was a modernday record, besting those recordings made in current years of slightly over 1,000 fish. An “unusual” bump of fish occurred in 2011 of 3,000 or so, but for the most part Atlantic salmon migrations since “the early days” of the 1920s and 30s
were only a fraction. Back in the mid-1970s and well into the 1980s, those rod-busting fish from the seas strained into the sprawling Penobscot River in droves of several thousand per year. Fishermen and marine biologists were stunned at the sudden activity of ocean migrations of silversides in the eight to twelve pound category. Locally, flyshops sprung open, retailing oversized flyrods and matching reels and flylines. Imitation salmon flies were hurriedly assembled, sold, and used. And, the old Bangor Salmon Pool, below the dam, was a height of rodflaying activity. For the ensuing years, benches were warmed, as anxious anglers were rotating and
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waiting a chance at flipping out new and old creations of feather and fur to hopefully attract a salmon to the strike. Many were successful at hooking on to a battling beauty for the first time, and will recall that thrill and memories will be treasured for years. This writer recalls hooking a giant-sized male
fish one eventful day, while casting a tide-filled pool at the illustrious salmon fishing site, using a highfloating “bumber” fly. It was cast over a large group of “schooling” fish at the cooling inlet of the local stream. The fish, which proved to be an oversized male, accidentally got hooked by getting the line entangled in its mouth, and while circling, pulled the imitation fly right into its mouth. After the tussle was over, and the fish landed, several local onlookers from neighboring houses came down and requested that I not release the fish, but they would like to have it. The fish, however, got carefully released back into its home water. There were many such tales to tell in those resurgent days of abundant
Atlantic salmon back in the mighty river again. But, it all halted rather abruptly when the news came down after the migrations began to fade, that all fishing would be halted, and the Atlantic salmon would be placed on the endangered species list! Part 2 Next Month Bob Leeman is a Master Maine Guide, outdoor writer, naturalist, book author, and a co-host of the MAINE OUTDOORS radio program on Sunday evenings from 7-8 p.m. His three books are all available, in soft cover only, at several bookstores and fly shops, or directly from him. For information on his books, please call 207573-1468.
Page 6
Northwoods Sporting Journal
Last Rights
The Adventures of Me and Joe
February 2021
by Bob Cram, (Alias T.J. Coongate) Medway, ME
Me and Joe sat in my big ice shack basking in the warmth from the little wood burning heater. The 8-foot by 12-foot structure was well-insulated and sported a pair of single bunks along the wall, a fold-down table, and a small three-burner gas stove with an oven, salvaged from an old camper. Each of us worked a jig stick through holes in the floor and the ice below and a pile of frozen white perch outside the door testified to the success of our labors. “You know,” Joe said complacently. “This ain’t a bad way to spend a cold winter day. Beats the heck out of watchin’ idiots on TV.” I nodded agreement just as the door popped open and Warden Pinch Brody stepped into the warmth, closing and latching the door behind him. “You boys are getting’ spoiled,” he said, slipping off his heavy gloves. “Time was, in your younger days, you’d stand out on the ice with nothin’ but a tarp stretched between two poles to cut the wind while you fished in the cold for hours.”
“That was when we was young an’ foolish,” Joe said, lifting his jig line and letting it sink back down. “You get older, you get wiser. I noticed you was pretty quick getting’ in out of the cold, too. Just heard your sled drive up.’ Brody sank down gingerly onto a small stool by the door. “Ain’t just a social visit, boys,” Brody said with a sigh. “this here’s serious business. Tobias Cunning is in the hospital. Don’t look like he’s gonna make it.” We both sat up in our chairs. Tobias Cunning was almost a local legend. In his youth he had been a terror, suspected of all sorts of crimes, from breaking into hunting camps to stealing vehicles and selling them down south. His greatest suspected crime, for which he’d never been arrested, was stealing a logging company payroll. The thief, whoever it was, made off with the loot across the Lake Where the Woman Drowned. That had been in the early 1960s, when snowmobiles were in their infancy. The criminal had
Late the next afternoon me and Joe stood on the lake ice near a large hole cut through the frozen surface. Members of the state dive team had been scouring the bottom 30 feet down for nearly an hour. Suddenly a rubber-capped head popped up through the surface of the dark water, spitting out an air regulator. escaped on an early model Polaris Snow Traveler. Neither the thief, nor the snowmobile, had ever been found. In later years Tobias had settled down. He made a precarious living crafting snowshoes, axe handles, and knives at his little house and workshop hidden in a grove of pines just outside town. “I didn’t know he was ailing,” I said. “I know he must be in his 80s by now, but he seemed healthy.” “ T h a t ’s w h a t I thought,” Brody agreed.
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.
“But he checked himself into the hospital the other day and the doctors say he’s real sick an’ failing fast. The thing is,” the warden continued, eyeing us both, “he’s asked to see the two of you.” “Us?” Joe said. “I mean, we know Tobias… everybody does. We’ve bought knives from him. He makes a real good knife, holds an edge well and lasts. But we never been particularly friendly.” “ T h a t ’s w h a t I thought,” Brody said. “Fact is, I’ve got one of his knives, too. Had it for years. But he asked for the two of you. Said he wanted to get something off his chest before cashin’ in.” Brody eyed us carefully. “Only thing I can think of he might want to get off his chest is the theft of that payroll way back in ’61. If you boys don’t mind, I’d like to tag on along when you go visit him.”
“That,” said Joe, “don’t sound like a bad idea.” A few hours later we stood in a room at the Mooseleuk hospital. Tobias Cunning appeared shriveled in a hospital johnny and hooked up to tubes and instruments. He was a medium sized man with a wrinkled face and a pot belly that looked like a basketball hump in the blankets. His face was flushed and he looked wan and trembling. He stared at us out of bloodshot eyes, his gaze finally settling on the warden. “Don’t want no law here,” he rasped. “Look, Tobias,” Joe began, “Warden Brody just wants to…” “You git rid o’d the law, or I got nothin’ to say. I know my rights.” The old man turned painfully toward the wall. Brody nodded grimly. (Me & Joe cont. pg 7)
February 2021
Me & Joe (Cont. from pg 6)
“That’s okay. You boys have a nice visit. I’ll wait out in the hall.” He turned and walked away. As soon as the door closed, Tobias Cunning turned back toward us. “I ain’t had many friends,” he said tiredly. “Fact is, I never got on all that well with folks. But you two always treated me fair. I ain’t got long,” he continued piteously, “so I want to make some amends afore I face the music upstairs.” He looked at us from hooded eyes. “You know about the payroll heist back in the 60s?” he whispered. J o e n o d d e d . “ We heard about it,” he said cautiously. “Nobody was every arrested for it.” “No evydence,” Cunning said somewhat proudly. “Never could prove a thing.” Then he seemed to deflate. “It were me that done it,” he said dejectedly. “Thought I’d done everything right. I’d jest got that new snow machine. Swapped my ol’ antique .45-70 for it down to Winterport. I knew the dealer an’ he always wanted that gun. Anyways, I heisted the payroll an’ then headed out acrost the lake. Figured to hit the loggin’ road to Munsungan an’ git clean away. The law didn’t have no snowmobiles at that time. “But we’d had a warm spell. ‘Bout two-thirds the way acrost the ice give way an’ I went through. Barely got myself out, but the sled went to the bottom. I got to shore an’ got a fire goin’. Dried myself out an’ then hiked the loggin’ road back home, hidin’ in the woods whenever a loggin’ truck
Northwoods Sporting Journal went by. “It froze hard that night an’ then snowed. They all never knew what happened an’, whilst they always suspected me, they never could prove nothin’.” Joe nodded thoughtfully. “That’s quite a story, Tobias. But why are you tellin’ us? I’d think, at this late date, you might want to confess to a priest or somethin’.” “A priest?” Cunning stiffened in outrage. “What, you callin’ me a sinner or somethin’?” “No, no…” I raised my hands in a placating gesture. “It’s just that, well, it’s an interesting story at all, but I don’t see what we…” “I mightier done a few things I ain’t proud of, but I ain’t no sinner needin’ a sky pilot,” Tobias said, slightly mollified. “No, what I wanted was…well…” he stared at us sorrowfully. “I thought maybe you could raise up that snowmobile from the bottom of the lake.” “Raise it up?” Joe was astounded. “But why, Tobias, after all these years?” The old man put on a sheepish expression. “Like I said, I want to make amends afore I head to the big loggin’ yard in the sky. Besides,” he looked at us almost slyly. “Don’t you want to git back that payroll?” My mouth dropped open. “You mean the payroll was on the sled?” Cunning nodded, grinning. “I put it in one o’ them big military ammo cans with a clamp-down lid an’ rubber gasket. It was strapped to the luggage carrier. Should still be there.” Minutes later we stood in the hall outside Tobias Cunning’s room talking to Warden Brody.
“You mean he admitted to stealing the payroll?” the warden asked eagerly. “He admitted it to us, but I doubt he’d admit it to an officer of the law, or under oath.” “That’s really not my concern,” Brody continued. “did he say where the sled went through? Maybe we can bring it up.” “He must have taken sightings after he got out of the water. He gave us precise directions,” I said. “I think we can come quite close.” “I’ll get the department dive team up here tomorrow,” Brody said. “It would be good to finally have closure on a mystery that’s half a century old. It’s a good thing that old fox felt guilty at the end.” Late the next afternoon me and Joe stood on the lake ice near a large hole cut through the frozen
surface. Members of the state dive team had been scouring the bottom 30 feet down for nearly an hour. Suddenly a rubber-capped head popped up through the surface of the dark water, spitting out an air regulator. “We found it!” he cried. Wardens and two state troopers helped him out onto the ice. “It’s about 50 yards toward shore. I think if we cut another hole in a little ways, we can set up a tripod and raise it.” It was the work of but a half hour to cut another, larger hole, and then rig up a big spruce pole tripod over it. An electric winch was hooked to the top of the tripod and cable stretched down into the water and beneath the ice, where divers were attaching it to the sunken snowmobile. A state trooper oper-
Page 7 ated the winch controls. As a diver surfaced and gave the thumbs up, the winch began to hum and the cable tightened. Slowly, inexorably, the winch would in line. There came a disturbance in the water’s surface, and then the frame of a large machine began to lift clear of the water. Finally, the big snow traveler hung suspended and dripping above the surface. Two wardens quickly attached ropes to it and, as the trooper paid out cable, they pulled it sideways to rest on the snowy surface of the ice. Finally, after over 50 years, the payroll heist getaway machine lay exposed to our gaze. It was in remarkably good condition after resting on the bottom of the cold lake for decades. It was a big machine, with a front seat that would hold (Me & Joe cont. pg 11)
Page 8
Northwoods Sporting Journal
February 2021
Backtrack: Mixed Bag
Most of us will be relieved to put this year in the rear view mirror. And, although it was a forgettable year for a host of reasons, it was a year that nonetheless still offered 365 days of life for the majority of us. In the realm of the Maine outdoors it was a mixed bag of bad news, surreal news, confusing news, and some unexpectedly positive news, despite the Shadow of Covid. Of the bad news, the death rate and injury on our 14,000 miles of snowmobile trails in 2020 was almost record breaking. During the sledding season, 14 recreational snow sledders lost their lives on Maine’s vast network of snowmobile trails. Most of the fatalities were attributed to speed, alcohol and inexperience. ATV operators also had too many accidents, and some fatalities also attributable to alcohol and speed. The governor’s ATV task force released its list of recommendations that could help to improve ATV safety down the road. Although public opinion reportedly gives the governor high marks for her sweeping statewide Covid protocols, state Covid lockdown policies left scars, especially in Maine’s hard-pressed sporting camp industry. It is likely that a significant number of these historic “camps” will never recover from the economic setbacks trig-
Lampreys Not All Bad To the Editor: After reading Mr. Hartmand‘s letter in your Jan. 2021 issue of NWSJ, it seems to me that he could have done a little research before he began expounding his own opinions rather than facts. Sea lampreys have been in Maine rivers since the last ice age (10,000 yrs approximately) They are anadromous creatures as are Atlantic salmon,
gered by the Mills edicts. Most arbitrary of all among the governor’s edicts to the outdoor community was the closure of Baxter State park during the June trout season! It seemed to be gubernatorial overreach at the time with no scientific basis. By today’s experience base with Covid and associated closures, it stands out as even more outlandish and ill advised. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIF&W), whose policies and pronouncements impact all of us who hunt and fish, was a study in contrasts. Beseeching hunters to carry out the viscera of dispatched game animals to protect avians was a most remarkable recommendation that begs the straight face test. Asking those same hunters to eschew lead bullets, and switch to more expensive copper projectiles at the height of an unprecedented ammo shortage also left heads shaking. On balance though, MDIF&W performed well in serving sportsmen. Augusta policymakers at MDI&W wisely rejected a series of petitions from anti-hunting activist John Glowa, who sought to ban coyote hunting and trapping, as well as bear hunting as we know it. Thanks to a dry spring and good nesting conditions, grouse and turkey numbers
river herring and alewives. They live as adults in salt water, return to freshwater to spawn, and then die. The young live buried in sand or gravel and survive as filter feeders as do many insects and other invertebrates. After as much 8 years they have grown to as much as 7 to 8 inches. They then return to the sea. The adults do not feed upon entering fresh water . The young (called smolts like salmon) are the only form that can feed on fish. It is rare for them to attach
to fish on their journey to salt water. The adults are a rich food source for many birds and mammals and their decaying bodies provide important nutrients to the river ecosystem. Ye s t h e g r o w i n g smolts feed on fish in the ocean but they also have many predators which control their numbers. The big problem in the Great Lakes was and still is the lamprey did not exist there before the Welland Canal was built al-
this season were as robust as they have been in years. A record number of whitetail doe permits were issued this fall, as well as an increase in moose permits. As for the fall deer harvest, Northwoods Sporting Journal columnist Al Raychard writes, “ Hunters during the regular firearms season also did quite well harvesting 27,500 deer. That figure includes opening day for residents and the four weeks of regular gun season but not youth day. That’s the best November take since at least 2011. The closest total to it was 27,245 in 2018.” Raychard believes that once the numbers are all tallied that the 2020 deer -season harvest will exceed 30,000. Finally, the silver lining in the 2020 Shadow of Covid is this: statistics and anecdotal reports indicate that this year found more and more people getting into the outdoors and participating in all forms of outdoor recreation, hunting, fishing, boating and camping. Thankfully, Covid cannot compromise Maine’s exceptional hunting and fishing opportunities. Looking ahead, 2021 has the potential to be a better year than the year just past for outdoor folks. Bring it on! - VPR
lowing them access around Niagara Falls. There they had unlimited habitat and few predators, Jack pot, they reproduced exponentially and like many invasive species that man introduces did huge damage. They are an important part of Maine’s rivers and have been here long before we were. As for the comment at the end of his letter, the leftists and pseudo - conservationists can’t do anything about climate change. A little research would
show him that during the pandemic, green house gasses have decreased an average 17% a day since it began. Less fossil fuel being burned. Please don’t tell me we can’t do anything about. The facts don’t lie. As for dam removal I don’t know if it is good in some situations and poor in others. But I think science is the way to turn not alternate facts Harry Martyn Ellsworth
February 2021
Northwoods Sporting Journal
The Treestand’s Winter Vigil
Winter. It’s not my favorite time of year. When it comes on to the outdoors, my activities are typically spent bringing wood in to keep the wood
house, that I never seem to have time for at other times of year. There is time for planning (and dreaming about) hopeful fishing and hunting trips. These help maintain some level of sanity. Come on spring! I recently did make a rare exception, though. It was one of those uncommon sunny days in late January when there is no wind to speak of. There was a thin gray c l o u d c o v e r, but on that day the sun was strong enough In winter, a treestand in the naked hardwoods is a lonely t h a t y o u c a n sentinel, watching over things actually feel its heat. My wife, until the long-awaited fall. Diane, was busy (Photo by Al Raychard) with the grandstove fired up and keeping daughter doing something. the driveway clear of snow So I decided to go for a walk when it comes. Then there in the woods before the last are the little indoor fixer- Patriots game. A dusting upper tasks around the of fresh snow dropped the
Crossword
night before lay on the hard-packed crust making for easy walking. I was curious to see if there was any wildlife activity. Maybe I’d cross some fresh deer tracks, more specifically some fresh tracks and runs that I wasn’t aware of, something to keep in mind come fall. Although I well knew that winter runs often
Page 9
Muzzleloading Afield by Al Raychard, Lyman, ME
keep your eyes wide open. Just before heading back to the house I ended up at one of our hunting stands. Since purchasing the property we have deer hunted nowhere else. We’ve never had the need.
halfway up a beech and hardwood ridge offering an expansive view along a natural funnel and well used run. On late day hunts, my favorite time to deer hunt, the thermals typically flow in the right direction,
I spent a good two hours just walking around, inhaling the fresh air, using muscles I hadn’t really put to use since last fall, in general just enjoying the time.
differ from fall runs, but you never know. I learned early on the more you know about deer activity in your hunting area the better and the discovery just might pay off some day. I spent a good two hours just walking around, inhaling the fresh air, using muscles I hadn’t really put to use since last fall, in general just enjoying the time. I had forgotten just how peaceful the woodlands can be during the winter months. I also forgot how telling they can be if you
We’ve taken some decent bucks from the parcel and it produces deer almost every fall. Because we hunt home ground, our stands remain standing year around. We might move a particular stand or several to different locations when warranted. Prior to the archery season we check to make sure the stands are secure and still in good condition, mending, repairing and replacing as needed. On this particular day the stand I came upon is one of my favorites. It sits
Across 2 Small owl 6 --- flycatcher 7 Pond good for fishing or cancer? 8 Could be used on 7 Across or 4 Down 9 What gun owners do 10 Rifle butt 11 An excellent hunter, the --- loon, but no longer hunted 14 --- serviceberry 15 Frighten from cover Down 1 The buzzzzy-singing --- sparrow 2 The --- mole, which can smell underwater 3 Irish red and --- setter, hunting dog 4 Good brown trout ice-fishing spot near Denmark 5 --- Jaeger, coastal Maine bird 12 --- Lake, Penobscot County source of yellow perch 13 She goes for the bucks (Crossword answers pg 14)
up and away, the setting sun is to my back flooding the area with good light and visibility allowing shot options well after the sun has set. I’ve killed several deer there, always see deer there and have always had a stand in that location. As it is after every deer season, the stand was minus its thinly padded seat cushion, arms rest and rail covers that provide a small measure of comfort during the season. It just stood there in the late January cold as if frozen in time, seemingly forgotten until fall. Surrounded by hardwoods that had shed its leaves long ago the scene looked skeletonized. Its funny what you think at times like that, but the first thing that came to mind was, “That’s the loneliest picture in the world.” Indeed it just might be, for now, but certainly not forever. I’ve never been one to wish time away, certainly these days. The older I get the more precious time becomes. But with the passing of winter, spring will come and then summer and finally fall and with it a new deer season when that lonely stand will again become extremely important.
Page 10
Northwoods Sporting Journal
“A Hiker’s Life” by Carey Kish, Mt. Desert Island, ME For 52 miles, the Appalachian Trail threads a pleasant route through the hills and mountains of Litchfield County in northwestern Connecticut. The trail is never far from the winding and scenic Housatonic River, and even fol-
it be and hurried north. Just out of Salisbury, the trail reaches the 1,500mile mark before climbing 2,316-foot Bear Mountain, Connecticut’s highest peak. I didn’t get much time to enjoy the view as I was chased off the summit
February 2021
Weary, But Unrattled
vation lands, including two state reservations and five state forests. The 90-mile route of the AT through this region visits all of them. The remote Upper Goose Pond Cabin is an oasis halfway through Massachusetts, with comfy bunks, great swimming, and blueberry pancakes and fresh-brewed coffee for breakfast, all for free. Trail magic abounded
Church, just as I had on my 1977 hike. Nothing had changed and I felt like a kid again, minus the jean cut-offs and cotton T-shirt. Perfect weather greeted me for my hike over Mount Greylock. Topped by the Veterans War Me-
became forever captivated by the idea of this impossibly long trail continuously marked by white blazes. In a motel in Williamstown, I waited out a miserable day of rain, my first day off since New York. The Green Mountains of
A couple days later on Sharon Mountain, I nearly stepped on another rattler. I’d only been on the trail five minutes that morning. lows along it for five easy miles, the longest stretch of level walking on the entire AT. Atop Mount Algo, I encountered my first ever timber rattlesnake. Another hiker was prodding it away with a trekking pole, so I made a wide arc around and quickly moved on. A couple days later on Sharon Mountain, I nearly stepped on another rattler. I’d only been on the trail five minutes that morning. I’m not sure what made me look down, but I’m glad I did because I was about to put my right boot on the black tail of a 5-foot long Crotalus horridus in the middle of the trail. I bounded several feet off the path to the right while the snake slithered left into the brush, curled up and began to rattle its tail. Heart pounding wildly, I zoomed in with my camera, then let
rocks by a quick-moving thunderstorm, down over the backside and across the state line into Massachusetts. Once into the relative safety of Sages Ravine, the sky opened up, but despite the soaking I enjoyed the walk along the rushing stream through this dark and wild place. It was an interesting welcome into the Bay State, for sure. The next morning dawned clear and I was out early for the glorious eightmile traverse of Mount Race, Mount Everett and Jug End. Clouds cloaked the valley below while I walked high above in warm sun under blue skies, stopping and staring at every craggy outlook. The beautiful Berkshire Hills of western Massachusetts are home to an impressive array of conser-
in the days immediately after Goose Pond. I was met with cold sodas, ice cream, cookies, fresh fruit and chocolate at four road crossings in one day, then was pampered by trail angel friends for a couple more days. Good food, frosty beers and lots of laughs buoyed the spirits of this weary hiker and kept me smiling for many miles. The AT passes directly through a handful of towns on its way from Georgia to Maine, and Dalton and Cheshire are two of them. In Cheshire, I stayed at the hostel in St. Mary’s
As the author can attest, Connecticut has rattlesnacks. morial tower, the 3,491foot peak is the state’s tallest. My connection to the Appalachian Trail dates to the 1960s, when my family would drive up Mount Greylock while on vacation. The AT crosses the auto road several times, and on short walks down the path with my father, I
Vermont lay just four miles north. Eleven states down, three to go. Carey Kish is the author of “AMC’s Best Day Hikes Along the Maine Coast” and editor of the “AMC Maine Mountain Guide.” Follow more of his outdoor adventures on Facebook @Carey Kish
Best Shot Just got back from a blacktail deer hunt on Kodiak Island Alaska and was able to catch up on my Northwoods Sporting Journal in the field. Been a subscriber for many years, keep up the good work!
Northwoods Sporting Journal
February 2021
Me & Joe (Cont. from pg 7)
two or three people. Shreds of a pale green canvas canopy hung in taters over the windshield. A Kohler engine sat on top of the rear drive section, which was attached to the front by a pivot. At the rear, a luggage carrier hung down horizontally. “Where’s the ammo box?” Warden Pinch Brody demanded. “We didn’t find it,” one of the divers said. He flinched at Brody’s wrathful look. “It must have come loose when the machine went through the ice. We’ve got divers down there still looking for it.” His expression turned doubtful. “But the bottom is all muck here. It may have sunk into the silt. If that’s the case, we
won’t find it. Maybe we can come back in open water with metal detectors. It’s just too cold down there to spend the time now.” The ammo box was never found. Just before dark, the wardens towed the old machine back to public landing, where it became a three-day wonder. People came from all over northern Maine to have a look at the machine used in the famous payroll heist. On the third day, as the crowds began to dissipate, we got another surprise. Tobias Cunning showed up at the landing, wrapped in layers of winter clothing, red cheeks and sharp blue eyes showing above a thick scarf. “Tobias!” I cried, stunned. “I thought you were on your death bed.” “So did I,” he said grimly. “But I been getting’ steadily better for
three days. Doc’s said they never seen nothin’ like it. It’s some kinda miracle!” He walked over a laid a hand on the motor of the snowmobile, rubbing it gently. “Good to see yer agin, ol’ girl. Guess you’ve come home.” “I guess she has,” Pinch Brody said grimly as he walked up. “But where’s the box with the payroll?” “Why, uh…it was… uh strapped right to the luggage rack, like I said, “Cunning said guiltily, his eyes swiveling off to one side. “Didn’t you find it?” “No we didn’t, but we’ll keep looking. So you admit to stealing the payroll?” Brody continued. “I don’t admit to no sech thing,” Tobias replied sharply. “An’ it wouldn’t matter if I did. The stature of limitations ran out a long time ago. I checked,” he said with a grin. Then the
Page 11
smile left his face and he seemed more contrite. “Look, is they any reason I can’t have this here sled back? I mean, it is mine, after all.” Pinch Brody flushed to the hair roots. “You use this machine in the commission of a crime and now you want us to give it back to you?” “You can’t prove no crime was ever committed with this here sled,” Cunning shot back. “An’ I got the papers that show I bought it fair an’ square. I know my rights.” Brody fumed silently. After a moment, Joe spoke up grudgingly. “It seems like he’s got yer over a barrel, Pinch. Legally the sled is his.” Tobias now smirked openly. “Think I’ll work on her, maybe try an’ restore her to like she was. Might not be able to, but it’s my
legal right to try,” he said. At that moment there was a stir among the dozen or so onlookers at the landing. A tall figure stomped toward us, wrapped in a long winter coat. “There you are, you, you, imposter!” I recognized the severe features of Agnes Blunt, the head nurse at the hospital. Tobias Cunning backed away from her, his features suddenly pale. “We found that bottle of Chortle’s Muscle Liniment in the garbage in your room!” She shook an angry finger in Cunning’s face. “The lab says that when anyone ingests that stuff, it lowers the blood pressure, makes for an erratic heartbeat, and leaves you sick as a dog! I don’t know why you were taking that stuff, Tobias, but you’re going to wind up (Me & Joe cont. pg 20)
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Page 12
Sporting Journal Northwoods
Sportsman Shows: Closure Hurts All
Women In The Woods by Erin Merrill, Portland, ME For the second year in a row, we will not be attending sportsman’s shows. We won’t be able to catch up with fellow hunters, trappers and anglers and we won’t be spending money on all of those raffle tickets. And that is hurting hunting organizations – a lot. Many outfitters and organizations rely on the
foot traffic that these shows provide to help get their mission out there and reach more people, which helps to draw more donations. Businesses rely on shoppers to buy the cast iron, jackets, wooden carvings, jerky and more but we are not there to make those purchases this year. And while everyone
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February 2021
is still feeling the pinch of the pandemic and a changing world, we need to make sure that these organizations have what they need to continue with their mission because it is so important to the hunting and outdoor world. Some of the organizations that could use your
ened and we need more trappers to help educate the public on the importance it plays as a management tool. Supporting the MTA and considering becoming a trapper and/or teaching trapper’s education through Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, will help to ensure the organization stays strong.
rely on the support of people attending the shows each year. Since we will go another year without gathering and seeing one another, you may want to connect with these organizations on social media, join their memberships and sign up for their newsletters. And, if you are able,
And while everyone is still feeling the pinch of the pandemic and a changing world, we need to make sure that these organizations have what they need to continue with their mission because it is so important to the hunting and outdoor world. support: Since the 2014 referendum, the Maine Wildlife Conservation Council has continued to raise money for the war chest to ensure that when the next threat to hunting/trapping/hunting with dogs comes along, there is money to start a campaign immediately and spread the message of how important scientificallyproven management is. Maine Trappers Association: Trapping is always on the brink of being threat-
Maine Sporting Dog Association: I had two successful bear hunts thanks to guides using dogs. I have written about the awe that comes from watching these dogs work and appreciating them after that bear is on the ground. The MSDA is a critical part of how we manage bears, bobcat, and coyotes and if you have ever bird hunted with dogs, you should be supporting them. There are so many other organizations that
please consider sending those raffle dollars to them. They will be so grateful. Erin is a member of the OWAA and the New England Outdoor Writers Association. She is a senior writer for Drury Outdoors’ DeerCast and is the President and co-Founder of the non-profit group Women of the Maine Outdoors. You can read about Erin’s adventures and contact her at www.andastrongcupofcoffee.com
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February 2021
Northwoods Sporting Journal
Page 13
Outdoor News - February 2021 Edited by V. Paul Reynolds
February. Not a bad month for outdoor types. If you look closely, you’ll notice longer days. Cabin fever sufferers take heart. There are sportsman shows and ice fishing derbies that make a relatively short winter month go even faster. On late afternoons toward the end of February, when the sun’s rays begin to hold promise and the wind stays down, it can be downright pleasant near those ice fishing holes. If you’re shopping for winter diversions beyond the bunny hunts or tying bench, don’t forget to check out the ice fishing derbies and bait dealers whose ads appear this month in the Sportin’ Journal. As we said in this space last year at this time, the best part of the month is the perennial promise that helps Mainers endure the abbreviated days and prolonged nights: the coming of March, then the April thing, and then spring!
NH Ice Fishing Spots
Winter anglers in New Hampshire had some trout stocked especially for them during 2020. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department stocks trout during the fall to bolster the winter ice fishery, translating into some exciting fishing action this winter. Winter anglers chasing trout can find lists of waters that remain open to the taking of trout year round on the Fish and Game website: •For lakes and ponds, visit www.fishnh.com/ fishing/trout-year-round. html. •For rivers and streams,
see www.fishnh.com/fishing/trout-streams.html. •Rules for waterbodies with special regulations are listed in the NH Freshwater Fishing Digest, available from license agents or on the Fish and Game website at www. fishnh.com/fishing/publications.html The following is a list of New Hampshire lakes and ponds that were stocked with trout during the fall of 2020: Akers Pond in Errol, Cedar Pond in Milan, Big Diamond Pond in Stewartstown (open January 1, 2021), Highland Lake in Andover, Martin Meadow Pond in Lancaster, Mascoma Lake in Enfield, Mirror Lake in Woodstock, Pearl Lake in Lisbon, Pleasant Lake in Deerfield, Webster Lake in Franklin, White Lake in Tamworth, Tewksbury Pond in Grafton, and Streeter Pond in Sugar Hill. Please note that there are additional New Hampshire waterbodies open for yearround fishing besides those on this list.
“The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s hatcheries stock post-spawn brook and brown trout into selected waterbodies without a closed season before winter. These fish can range from 2 to 3 pounds each. Numbers, dates, and stocking locations vary annu-
closure to some families will enjoy her well-deand saving multiple lives.” served retirement with Corporal Chabot and family,” said Bellanceau. K9 Morgan is in her final month of a nine-year career serving the state of Maine. Morgan began her career in 2011 as a search and rescue K9 in western Maine with Game Warden Kris MacCabe. K9 Morgan is credited After ten years of with 10 human search and service, K9 Ruby will be rescue finds, and had nuretiring. K9 Ruby began merous evidence finds in her career with Corporal fish and wildlife investigaDave Chabot patrolling tions that led to criminal the greater Androscoggin prosecutions. Morgan and County area in Central MacCabe were also honMaine. Over her career, ored with the 2015 Maine Ruby is credited with over Warden Service K9 con20 human search and res- servation case of the year. cue finds, along with nu- Over her career, Morgan merous evidence finds in and MacCabe made countfish and wildlife investiga- less public appearances tions that led to criminal including many episodes prosecutions. K9 Ruby of Animal Planets “North also assisted various law Woods Law”. “ K 9 M o rg a n h a s The Maine Warden enforcement agencies by Service K9’s Retire locating critical evidence earned a well-deserved At the end of this in evidence searches in- retirement at home with month, the Maine War- cluding several homicides Warden MacCabe and his den Service will be saying and several criminal shoot- family,” said Bellanceau goodbye to two very spe- ings. K9 Ruby and Corpocial members of the ral Chabot were awarded Maine Warden Ser- the 2013, 2014, and 2019 vice who are retiring. Maine Warden Service K9 Game Warden Search and Rescue awards, K9 Ruby and Warden as well as the 2011 and K9 Morgan are retir- 2017 Maine Warden Sering after a combined vice K9 conservation case 19 years of service, of the year awards. Maine Loses Popular “I know that K9 Ruby over 30 human search Outdoor Writer and rescue finds, nuDave O’Connor, formerous evidence mer Island Falls resident finds and multiple and longtime columnist for honors between them. the Northwoods Sporting “Morgan and Ruby Journal, passed away in have been tremendous asDecember at 76. O’Connor, sets for the Maine Warwho had moved to Florida den Service and the state with his wife Nancy, wrote of Maine,” said Maine a popular outdoor humor Warden Service Corporal column titled “Huntin’ & Lucas Bellanceau, “Each Fishin’ with the Ole Man.” of them served a distinguished career, bringing (News cont. pg 59) ally. I would encourage anglers of all skill levels to take advantage of this season’s stocked opportunities throughout New Hampshire when weather conditions are favorable and once the ice is safe,” said NH Fish and Game Inland Fisheries Division Chief Jason Smith. “The Granite State’s rivers and streams open to fishing on January 1, and there are some quality fish to be caught in some of the tailwater fisheries such as the Newfound River,” continued Smith. “When water levels are drawn down on larger lakes for the fall, prize-sized fish often drop down below dams creating opportunities for savvy winter anglers. This winter’s free fishing day is January 16, so why not try your luck through the ice this year.”
Northwoods Sporting Journal
Page 14
On Point
February 2021
A New Puppy
by Paul Fuller, Durham, N.H. I’ve never had so many people inquire about getting a new puppy as in the past year. The pandemic drove thousands of people to the outdoors and upland hunting was included. Picking a puppy is a major decision. It’s usually at least a ten-year commitment which means there are many factors involved. There are many questions to be answered. Here are a few: Is everyone in the family on-board? Can you afford to buy a well-bred pup and pay the upcoming vet bills? Do you have time to train a field/hunting dog? Do you have time and the property to exercise the dog daily? Be sure you can answer these questions in the affirmative before looking for that pup. The first step in the process is deciding which breed of puppy you want. Perhaps you have a friend you’ve hunted with and really like the breed of dog he has. That might make the decision easier for you. If not and you’re a first-time bird dog owner, my recommendation is that you investigate these four breeds: English setter, pointer (English), Brit-
tany or German shorthaired pointer. There are many lesser known breeds that perform very well in the field, however, the wider the field of choices, the more confusing and the more time it will take. One point I would like to make here. When you buy a puppy, you’re buying potential. Potential is improved with good genetics. And, good genetics are more expensive than a back-yard bred litter. The English setter is the most popular breed in North America for ruffed grouse and woodcock. A well-bred setter will have
When you buy a puppy, you’re buying potential. Potential is improved with good genetics. (Photo by Paul Fuller) This breed is the second most popular breed for ruffed grouse and woodcock hunting. And, then we have the Swiss Army Knife of bird dogs…the German
Finding a respected breeder is your next challenge. A suggestion to help find a breeder and/or a breed would be to attend a bird dog event. You can
The English setter is the most popular breed in North America for ruffed grouse and woodcock. A well-bred setter will have a good nose, is biddable and makes a good member of your family. a good nose, is biddable and makes a good member of your family. The pointer (English has been dropped from the name) is a tried and true breed. It was the pointer that was brought to the Northern states, from the South, in the late 1800s to bring a little more style to bird hunting in Yankee territory. The Brittany is a rock-solid game finder.
CROSSWORD ANSWERS (From pg 9)
Across: 2 Saw-whet, 6 Acadian, 7 Chemo, 8 Canoe, 9 Carry, 10 Stock, 11 Red-throated, 14 Downy, 15 Drive. Down: 1 Clay-colored, 2 Star-nosed, 3 White, 4 Hancock Pond, 5 Pomarine, 12 Hay, 13 Doe.
shorthaired pointer. Great nose, medium range and a wonderful family pet. Although there are exceptions to every rule, in general, the Brittany and German shorthaired pointer will be more natural retrievers. They’re both considered versatile hunting dogs. The setter and pointer may need more advanced training for reliable retrieving. However, for natural backing the point of another dog, the setter and pointer have the advantage. Backing has been in their genetics longer. The setter and pointer may naturally have a bigger range than the Brittany and German shorthair, however, proper training can adjust range… both out and in.
don’t want to buy a puppy intended for hunting that is from a blood line used primarily for the show ring. For each generation bred for the show ring, there is less genetic desire to hunt birds. If possible, visit the breeder and watch the sire and/or dam work on birds. When searching for a breeder, be sure the breeder isn’t releasing the puppies before the age of eight weeks. It’s actually illegal in many states to release a puppy earlier than eight weeks. Numerous studies have shown that the longer a puppy stays with their mother and littermates, the more adjusted and happy the puppy will be. Eight to ten weeks is ideal for breaking up the litter. And, ask the breeder how often the litter gets human contact…it should be at least twice per day. Good luck with your puppy. You’ll have many years of enjoyment in the uplands.
go to www.americanfield. villagesoup.com for a schedule of field trials and www.navhda.com for a schedule of training events throughout North America. At both websites, you’ll find a plethora of opportunities to watch excellent dog work. Another source to find breeders is www. gundogcentral.com Since this column is about bird dogs that are actually going to hunt, you want to be sure you’re buying genetically geared puppy stock. And, the key to doing this is making sure the blood line is used for hunting. When you’re interviewing breeders, you Paul Fuller and Suwant to ask if both the sire and dam have been used for san, his wife, host and prohunting. For example, you duce Bird Dogs Afield TV.
February 2021
Northwoods Sporting Journal
Venison Leberwurst
My German ancestors arrived in the port of Philadelphia in the early 1740s. Within a few decades they worked off their indentures and settled with their Scots-Irish neighbors in the wilderness of western Pennsylvania. German traditions are still prevalent
of freshly-baked German brown bread, a shoofly pie, whoopie pies, and fastnachts—square doughnuts made from mashed potatoes, butter, and lard. Yum. The German families are tight-lipped about their recipes that are passed down through generations.
The method of preparation and mixture of herbs is the secret to an irresistible sausage. in the region, including the numerous butcher shops that dot the western Pennsylvania countryside. Under the hex sign, or upturned horseshoe above the shop door, each country butcher has his or her secret recipe for scrapple, knackwurst, bockwurst, mettwurst, jagdwurst, braunschweiger, head cheeses, brains and sweetbreads, sliced tongue, bloodwurst, bratwurst, and Lebanon bologna. You know you’ve found a good Pennsylvania Dutch shop if there racks of soft pretzels, jars of apple butter, and Mason jars packed with home-fermented sauerkraut and souse (pickled meat, pig’s feet, and eggs). Smoked hams hang from the ceiling. Next to the cash register is a stack of loafs
Although you can find recipes or guess at the mixture of meats and pluck (offal) used in the product, the method of preparation and mixture of herbs is the secret to an irresistible sausage. Sage, thyme, brown sugar, savory, black pepper, coriander, allspice, and other mysteries are added to meat mixtures to create their unique tastes. The thrifty Pennsylvania Dutch used all of the pig, cow, chicken, or goose from snout to tail. There is little waste. A good Pennsylvania country butcher is an expert at processing deer, and can transform all of your trophy into a heaping box of any of these culinary delights. Or you can have fun preparing these pannhaas yourself. As a young boy, my
favorite traditional meal was leberwurst (liverwurst) served with Pfannhase (German for cornmeal mush). This year after a chubby 6-pointer walked in front of my sights, I decided to have a meal of fresh liver and onion, then turned the remainder of the liver into leberwurst. Here’s the recipe: Grind the liver, heart, and kidneys from a deer (about 3 ¾ pounds). Pur-
Page 15
Northwoods Sketchbook by Mark McCollough, Hampden, ME
reduce the heat and stir frequently (to avoid clumps) for about 15 minutes. The mixture will thicken to the consistency that you prefer. Mom poured the mixture into 9 X 5-inch bread pans (the same used for the liverwurst) and refrigerated them for a day to let the mush set up. To serve, slabs of liverwurst and sliced mush are either warmed The German families are tight-lipped or fried to a crispy exterior about their recipes that are passed in a frying pan and served down through generations. hot (sometimes with maple syrup). Lots of calories to chase 5 pounds of fat- dish in western Pennsylva- fuel a day of hunting or ty ground pork. Saute 3 nia and the Midwest. Bring snowshoeing! Guten apminced onions in a little 3 cups of water to boil in a petit! pork fat or butter until soft. large saucepan. Mix 1 cup Mark McCollough is Sprinkle the onions with yellow cornmeal, 1 cup 3 Tbs salt, 3 Tbs pepper, milk, and ½ tsp salt in a enjoying leberwurst and 1 ½ tsp each of oregano, small bowl. Slowly pour mush this winter from his sage, thyme, and allspice. the cornmeal and milk mix- home in Hampden, Maine. Thoroughly mix the meats, ture into the boiling water. He can be reached at marksauteed onions, and spices. Bring to a boil again, then mccollough25@gmail.com Divide the mixture into three batches and blend each to a puree in a food processor using the sharp S-hook. Place the puree in three loaf or bread pans (9 GRIGNON'S TAXIDERMY STUDIO X 5-inch) and cover each -THE FINEST MUSEUM QUALITY TAXIDERMYtightly with foil. Put the Reimond Grignon pans in a larger baking pan National Taxidermy Champion and pour an inch or two OVER 100 MOUNTS ON DISPLAY - BRING THE KIDS! of boiling water into the 70 Main Street, Palmyra, ME From I-95 Newport exit, take US Route 2 large pan (making a water West 7-1/2 miles towards Skowhegan. bath). Bake for about 2 Watch for big red sign on right. hours at 300F degrees until CALL FOR APPOINTMENT (207) 487-2754 Check out my website to see hundreds of photos! the meat is cooked but not www.grignonstaxidermy.com browned (160F with a meat thermometer). Remove the pans from the water bath (207) 353-6206 and let cool completely. Creative Award Winning Loosen the loaves from the Taxidermy SEND US YOUR pans, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate 24 hours before using. Makes about 10 pounds. Best eaten fresh but also can be frozen. Some German livermush recipes mix cornmeal into the meat mixture. Our family always prepared the cornmeal “mush” separately; a common hot breakfast
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Page 16
The Gun Cabinet
Northwoods Sporting Journal
Behind the Ammunition Shortage
by John Floyd, Webster Plantation, ME We have all seen it. It is hard not to notice when visiting your local gun shop or big box retailer sporting goods section. Bare shelves line the walls behind gun counters, nary a box of ammunition to be had. This past year you would have
February 2021
Supply and Demand It’s the most basic of business principles. Manufacturing processes ebb and flow with the consumer demand for the products the manufacturer’s produce. When rapid changes in the marketplace occur,
thousands of rounds are moving out of the supply chain in quick fashion. Multiply this scenario by even a fraction of gun owners in the country and you are talking big numbers. The National Sports Shooting Foundation estimates that over 12 million
CCI and the recently acquired Remington Ammunition brand) all report overwhelming demand despite operating at full
partment of Transportation approved cardboard that is required to ship live ammunition. The pandemic has also stressed the workforce
The National Sports Shooting Foundation estimates that over 12 million guns were bought during the first seven months of 2020, according to data provided by the FBI’s National Instant Background Check System. had a better chance of witnessing Sasquatch riding a mountain lion down State Street in Augusta than to see a box of 9mm Luger or .223 Remington on a sporting goods retail shelf. So what gives? Well, the answer is a lot less dramatic than most of the conspiracy theories I have heard over the past few years during similar shortages of .22LR and before that - primers.
there is bound to be a concurrent reaction on the manufacturing side. An unprecedented amount of social and political events over the past year or so contributed heavily to the ammunition shortfall. If the average gun owner who usually purchases a couple of boxes of cartridges during a visit to the gun shop suddenly is buying cases of ammunition at a time,
guns were bought during the first seven months of 2020, according to data provided by the FBI’s National Instant Background Check System. You can bet that a lot of these firearms belong to new gun owners and I suspect they didn’t leave the store without ammunition, likely a pile of it. The fear of not being able to purchase ammo causes this bulk buying reaction; case in point - I recently heard someone joke that ammunition is the new toilet paper. Manufacturer Challenges Winchester, Browning, Hornady and Vista Outdoor (the conglomerate that owns Federal, Speer,
Unprecedented demand, civil unrest, political uncertainty and the Covid-19 pandemic all contributed to the ammunition shortage of 2020. manufacturing capability who manufactures ammo. Remington Ammuand shipping product daily. The problem they say is nitions’ plant in Lanoke, that as soon as the retailers Arkansas, one of the bigreceive their ammunition gest ammunition manuthrough the back door, it facturing facilities in the goes right back out the country, shut down durfront door. ing Remington Outdoors Raw materials are a bankruptcy and asset sale big problem too. The Covid proceedings, adding to the pandemic has caused short- supply shortage. There is a ages in the supply chain glimmer of hope however. of everything from brass, Vista expects to have 400 to primers, copper and lead 600 laid-off workers back and believe it or not – De- (Shortage cont. pg 23) Huge Selection Of Ammo By All Manufactures Plus Hard To Find Calibers
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February 2021
Northwoods Sporting Journal
February: The Big Lockdown
Page 17
What's In Your Woods by Bud Utecht, Dedham, ME wind you will have lots of pictures of that particular branch. Now for last winter’s big camera problem; snow depths were record high covering up many of my cameras. No pictures until March on those.. I don’t take the cameras out because as the days start to lengthen wildlife will wake up and start looking for food. Everyone’s hungry in March. The last issue for the month is getting to camera
sinking up to our waist, even with snowshoes. We didn’t get far and waited until spring to retrieve most photos. Great memories are made in February as Katy and I crawl through the snow and battle our snowshoes. Lots of laughs and calories burned! You will undoubtedly learn a lot about your woods if you can get out in the winter as tracks and snow cover make it easier to see what’s going on. February… at least it’s a great month for ice fishing.
Some predators can take advantage of a crust in deep snow and go places where deer can’t. (Photo by Bud Utecht) February, one tough cover, the deer will likely is certainly a great place to month for my hobby. be found wherever there is find predators. Admittedly Several factors make this high quality food. Another many cameras go silent in month tougher than others. place to find them is ar- February and don’t kick The deepest snow of the eas where the wind blows back in until March as winter usually makes it difDeep snow also forces animals like deer and moose to ficult to access the cameras. Deep snow also forces anilocate in smaller territories and move less frequently to mals like deer and moose to conserve their valuable energy. With little to no food locate in smaller territories available, any unnecessary expenditure of calories places and move less frequently Bud Utecht is a Regwildlife at greater risk for starvation or predator attacks. to conserve their valuable ister Maine Guide, sportenergy. With little to no the snow over obstruc- things start to thaw. locations. In some areas we ing camp owner, Brownfood available, any un- tions causing low amounts The next issue is the get a family group together ing trail camera dealer, necessary expenditure of of snow on one side of a weather potentially caus- and make a day of outdoor and consultant. His trail calories places wildlife at stream or lake. ing camera problems. The recreation, hiking to all cameras are strategicalgreater risk for starvation Movement of other cold can have an effect the cameras in a particular ly placed throughout the or predator attacks. wildlife will slow as well. on many types of batter- area. Other areas are sig- Maine Woods. Feel free to Depending where you Rodents have stored food ies. I have witnessed cold nificantly more challenging email Bud for trail camera live can make a huge differ- and will hunker down temperatures causing the with snow depths measur- tips or to discuss what’s in ence on snow depth. Some once it’s difficult to move batteries voltage to drop ing in feet. Last year with your woods. bud@whatsinplaces in Maine do not see around. This will undoubt- below minimum thresh- record depths, we were yourwoods.com the deer yard up at all. For edly have an impact on old which, in turn, will those places experiencing the predator groups and shut the camera down. substantial snow depths, the amount of food avail- Snow- covered branches look for areas of mature co- able. I get pictures of these will get weighed down The elusive Northwoods Sporting Journal’s nifer forest as this is where animals traveling along and occasionally block the moose Marty. they tend to escape Febru- streams or on frozen bod- sight line of the camera. He has wandered into the northwoods. ary’s harsh winds. In areas ies of water. Anyplace that If these snow- covered Find Marty somewhere in the Northwoods Sporting where there is less snow has a large hare population branches get blowing in the Journal (Hint: he will be located in one of our ads) Send
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Page 18 Northwoods Sporting Journal
Outdoor Sporting Library by Jeremiah Wood, Ashland, ME
When it comes to outdoor history, the turn of the last century marks the starting point for much of what we’re exposed to as hunters, anglers and trappers. That’s when much of the country was beginning to be settled and thoroughly explored by outdoors folk, and their stories were being spread widely through the magazines of the day. When you think about it, 120 years ago was quite a while back, and obviously none are alive today who could remember it. That said, imagine going back a generation or two before that, during the Civil War era, and reflecting on how much more different things must have been then. Few people wrote
about the outdoors in the mid 1800’s for a number of reasons. For starters, there weren’t a whole lot of people around – Maine had only been declared a state
Manly Hardy: The Real Deal
big business, and learning and sharing in outdoor pursuits were an important part of his success. Hardy’s father had established the largest fur buying business in the Northeast. Based in Brewer, Maine, the Hardys
February 2021
published in the two major outdoor magazines of the day. We can learn a lot about the
Hardy’s father had established the largest fur buying business in the Northeast. Based in Brewer, Maine, the Hardys bought moose and bear hides and pelts from fox, marten, lynx, beaver, otter, muskrat and other furbearers. for a few decades, and the population was less than half what it is today. Besides, between establishing homesteads, raising crops, lumbering in the big woods and fighting wars, free time to wander around hunting and fishing wasn’t really a widely shared luxury. For Manly Hardy, though, the outdoors was
early history of Maine wildlife from Manly Hardy. For instance, he This book about Manly Hardy, describes by William Krohn, the distriis today hard to find. bution and abundance of wolves in off. He tells about the mithe state, including when gration of caribou in and their population tapered out of the state, and their eventual disappearance. His accounts of catching and purchasing the pelts of large numbers of Canada lynx demonstrates the presence of a population of the species that virtually www.visitaroostook.com www.visitaroostook.co m disappeared from the state for many decades, only to return in large numbers in modern times. In my favorite Hardy account, “A Fall Fur Hunt in Maine” Manly tells of his Caribou two-month long trapping 496-3211 trip with Rufus Philbrook LOOKING FOR A NEW TOY? CALL BOB, TODAY! in the headwaters of the Alwww.plourdeplourde.com lagash and Penobscot rivers in 1859. The two young men built a cabin near Caucomgomoc Lake and ran trap lines for marten, fisher, lynx, beaver, otter, mink, muskrat and bear. From the elaborate half-pitch camp Katahdin View Camps with an open fireplace and Weekend & Weekly Rentals wooden ‘chimney’ to intri207-944-3551 207-794-5934 (Manly cont. pg 21) 38 Swift Brook Road, Stacyville, Maine 04777
bought moose and bear hides and pelts from fox, marten, lynx, beaver, otter, muskrat and other furbearers. From the hunters and trappers who supplied him skins, and his own time spent in the woods, Hardy learned a great deal about Maine’s wildlife. He shared his observations in writing, his articles being
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February 2021
Northwoods Sporting Journal
Fishing for a Meal
We begin the process of calculating when our favorite pond or lake will be frozen enough so we can safely engage in the activity of ice fishing. While the varieties of fish we seek can vary, it is a great activity that can yield tasty results, and to enjoy. There is nothing like seeing a flag pop up. It is like unwrapping a gift, as we lift
prepping some fish ahead of time that you can bring with you to eat. Now, the common path would be to make a chowder (which is a great idea to stay warm), but I want to get your gears turning a bit so you can think outside the box and generate a whole new experience that will not only excite you, but those who take to
By the time the holidays have passed, and the cold weather has finally set in, many of us who love to spend time in the outdoors look forward to outdoor activities, to include on the ice.
the trap from the hole and reel in what we hope will be a nice fish that we can be bring home for the plate. Spending time on the frozen water, having the right equipment and warm clothing can positively make an enjoyable day. Try to envision firing up your portable grill or having a heat source to cook with while ice fishing, as it brings about further pleasure. There is an old saying that says “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”. Using that word picture, you can have a great food experience while you fish by using creative ideas at your ice shack that incorporate a fish theme. It is as simple as
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vors, use something like a teriyaki, sesame or ginger citrus themed seasoning – for a more vibrant taste you can always use a quality lemon seasoning with fresh herbs like dill, chives and parsley. In all cases you can pair the burger up with a unique coleslaw or salad topping followed by flavored mayo on your toasted bun that carry flavors that align with the fish burger. The type of fish you choose is up to you, but I recommend picking a fish that has a firmer texture. It can be something like wild salmon, lake trout or crappie, or fish market varieties such as tuna, haddock, swordfish. No matter which one you decide on, you won’t be disappointed. The key is to prep everything and bring it with you - so all you have to do, is cook your burgers in a pan, toast your burger buns and top it with tasty condiments. Guaranteed, it will make a tasteful day of memories on the ice!
the ice with you. One such idea is to make something that we all love – a tasty burger! The only difference is that you will substitute the typical beef, venison or turkey that you use and create a fish burger! Unlike a fried fish sandwich, fish burgers are made differently and integrate unique flavors. They are also easy to make, and you can use a variety of fish species to make whatever type appeals most to you. Flavor profiles deterWildCheff’s Asian mine what taste experience Fish Burgers you will have. For a deeper spice flavor use something like Ingredients a blackening seasoning, 1 lb. of wild salmon or to experience Asian fla- crappie filets, skinless
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Page 19
Cookin’ With New England’s WildCheff by Denny Corriveau, Kennebunkport, ME
1/3 C gluten-free breadcrumbs 1/2 T of ginger paste 1 T of lemongrass paste 1 tsp of WildCheff Herb Lover’s Blend seasoning (has thyme, parsley, chives, garlic, turmeric) 1 T of Dijon mustard 2 T of Cain’s mayo 1 T of orange juice
1 fresh egg Directions Cut fish into bite-size pieces and place into a food processor. Pulse until fish is broken down but not mushy. In a large mixing bowl, add the processed fish and then the other in(Meal cont. pg 23)
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Northwoods Sporting Journal
Page 20
Me & Joe (Cont. from pg 11)
paying for all that hospital care if I have anything to say about it!” She stomped off in a huff. Tobias grinned, sheepishly. “She don’t know what she’s talkin’ about,” he croaked. “I was a sick man! Why, for a while there I thought…” Just then a shiny black
Lincoln Navigator pulled in to the landing. The door opened and a tall, thin man, dressed in expensive outdoor clothes stepped out. His gaze immediately fixed on the old snowmobile. He hurried down to where we stood, a broad grin on his face. I glanced at Tobias. His face was suddenly ashen. “Is this it?” the man
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asked. He walked quickly around the machine, his glance shrewd and appraising. His smile widened. “It’s even better than you said, Tobias! It’s in great shape for so long an immersion.” Tobias swallowed audibly. “Uh…Mr. Barter, you wasn’t supposed to come up until I called… that is…” “Oh, I know,” the newcomer interrupted. “But I couldn’t wait! It isn’t often you get to purchase
an antique machine in this condition. Five thousand dollars is a small price to pay.” “Five thousand dollars?” Brody grated. He glared at Cunning in sudden understanding. “You planned this all along, getting us to do your dirty work for you!” “Now, Pinch…” Tobias said placatingly, backing slowly away. “Don’t ‘Now Pinch’ me! When we find that payroll, I’ll see you arrested for
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February 2021 a bunch of things, including tricking us into pulling this thing from the bottom of the lake.” “I spent that money years ago! You can’t find…” Tobias clamped both hands over his mouth, his eyes bulging in dismay. The warden’s eyes shot fire. He reached out and clamped his fingers on Cunning’s right ear. “Come along with me! We got some talking to do!” “ L e g g o ! ” To b i a s whined, staggering along on tiptoe beside the warden. “Be careful! I’m a sick man!” “You sure are! An’ I got the cure! Come right along, Tobias. We’ll have us a long discussion!” The newcomer Tobias had referred to as Barter stared openmouthed after the departing pair. “I say! Does this mean I can’t buy this machine?” “Well, I don’t know,” Joe said, eyeing the man thoughtfully. “But I’ll tell yer what. I got me a 1977 SkiDoo I might be convinced to part with.” Barter stiffened and scowled. “I hardly think that machine is in the same class.” “No, no, probably not,” Joe agreed, throwing an arm over the other man’s shoulders and guiding him toward his vehicle. “But I figure your chances of buyin’ mine are about a hunnert percent better than buying this one anytime soon.” I glanced at the old Polaris, then at the grinning faces of bystanders. I sighed and patted the old machine’s cowling, then walked slowly off toward where the other four men were arguing loudly.
Northwoods Sporting Journal
February 2021
Manly
(Cont. from pg 18)
rate picture of the history of Maine wildlife, their habitats, and the people who spent their lives among both. William B. Krohn compiled a thorough biography of Hardy and a collection of his stories in “Manly Hardy (18321910): The Life and Writing of a Maine Fur-Buyer, Hunter, and Naturalist. Published in 2005, the book has been very popular among Maine outdoor enthusiasts, and the few copies available are in pretty tight hands. If you can find one, you’ll probably pay about a hundred bucks for it. Unless and until there’s another printing, a local library or a trusting friend may be the best way to read this one.
cate hand-crafted deadfall traps for marten and fisher, homemade fur stretchers and clothing, encounters with Indians, ancient trails, active lumbermen and old logging camps, and keen observations of the weather and geography, the story is nothing short of fascinating. Perhaps the coolest thing about Manly Hardy, in my opinion, is that he wasn’t a BS artist like so many writers of his day. He sought to tell true stories of his experiences rather than exaggerate thrilling adventures that would captivate readers. His honest accounts and an apparent lack of desire for fame or J e re m i a h c a n b e fortune add a great deal of credibility to his writings, reached at jrodwood@ and help paint a more accu- gmail.com. ` Sidewalk Cafe
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Northwoods Sporting Journal
Aroostook Woods & Water
by Mike Maynard, Perham, ME I was sitting here this morning, watching the grandkids destroy the living room -again, and it became clear that outdoor activity is necessary for
that grows exponentially with every missed nap time. Kids are like puppies; you can see the possibilities in their smiles, but until the finished product finally
February 2021
Get ‘em Hooked!
standing sentinel until the day arrives when they can take them down and walk those fall grouse coverts with grandpa. Fly rods? Yeah, not yet. We’re going to ease our way into that one. I remember my own first adventure with a fly rod: standing in the backyard with one of my grandfather’s favorite
covered in hay chaff and desiccated worm guts; unmourned and unloved. Dig a bunch of worms and let the kids catch some sunnies! Go catch some perch! Go catch some chub! Don’t
word ‘Trout’ ever entered into their thinking. So we loaded up a couple of spinning rods and headed for the Aroostook River. We jumped in at the confluence of the Little Madawaska
My point: Take a kid fishing! We’ve all got a couple of cheap Zebco 444’s stashed in the barn, covered in hay chaff and desiccated worm guts; unmourned and unloved. all concerned if we are to survive another round of children in the house. They’re almost two and a half now. Twin boys. The terrible two’s. They have an unlimited appetite for destruction (and fish sticks),
washes up on shore, …oh, my god. They already have their own fishing gear, they don’t know that yet, but they do. There are two, old H&R .410 junior shotguns waiting in the gun cabinet,
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Granger (it might have been a Heddon), and buggy whipping the poor rod until it snapped. The end result was that I didn’t pick up another fly rod until I was in my late teens. He was gone by then, and there wasn’t anybody else in my life who could walk me through the labyrinth of arcane details associated with a way of fishing that was dreamt up by a Macedonian wading the Astraeus River, feeding ‘fraudful flies’ to gullible trout, two thousand years ago. Left to my own devices, I’m amazed that I stuck with it. I’m not Lefty Kreh, and I can’t throw a mile of line like Tim Rajeff. If I were a baseball player this is where people might say, “Not terrible, but he’s got a couple of holes in his swing”. My casting stroke has emerged, for better or worse, to what will be its probable end result: graceless but competent. My grandfather would have said, “Bull strength and ignorance, boy”. My hope is that I’ve left much of the ignorance in the past. My point: Take a kid fishing! We’ve all got a couple of cheap Zebco 444’s stashed in the barn,
Kids who catch fish will be back again. swing for the fences; the trout and salmon will come in time. If we want our children and our grandchildren to carry on the legacy, and to become the better angels of our lands and heritage, then we need them to find success early on, not frustration. Park their little butts on the end of the dock at camp or in a canoe moored off some shallow point, and turn them loose on the resident chub population. My good friend David, has a couple of nephews who live in Tucson. Their grandmother brought them up to the County for a couple weeks last year. When asked what they’d like to do while they were here, they replied, “Fish!” They wanted to stand in a river and catch a fish. They didn’t care what kind of fish; I doubt the
and the Aroostook River in Caribou, a notorious chub haunt in the late summer. The water was low, warm, and wadable. The boys had no idea how to cast a spinning rod, so we spent a few minutes going through the basics and making some practice casts. When it was clear that neither boy was going impale themselves in the head with a treble hook, we turned them loose on the fish. David said his charge, Dominic, was going with a small Mepps, #1, with a willow leaf blade. I said, “Fine, Gabe is going with a Mepps red and white, #0.” David and Dom went downstream about 100 yards, while Gabe and I stayed above them. I tried not to act like a helicopter fishing dad. I pointed out structure and explained (Hooked cont. pg 27)
February 2021
Northwoods Sporting Journal
Tufted Titmouse
I am hoping that the year of 2021 will be when I finally see a Tufted Titmouse here in Cooper. I
their short gray crests, small black forehead patches and vibrant black eyes, they are very handsome
nuts draw them like magnets and they can be very friendly towards the people providing such goodies.
Page 23
The Bird Perch by Karen Holmes, Cooper, ME nest boxes. The nests will be lined with soft material like moss and grass. I was amused when I saw them
brush piles, leaving trees with holes and even empty birdhouses, feeding birds, providing water are all ac-
Titmice are overall gray above with white bellies and buff flanks. With their short gray crests, small black forehead patches and vibrant black eyes, they are very handsome birds.
have not seen any in places near here either. They are a species like the Northern Cardinal that have been expanding their ranges northward. So I keep scanning the birds congregating at my feeders, hoping to see a very perky bird just a bit larger than a chickadee. Titmice are overall gray above with white bellies and buff flanks. With
birds. Titmice is an unusual name coming from the old English language and means “small birds”. When they visit feeders, they seem to be one of the perkiest of winter birds. Using their strong legs and feet to hang upside down from tree branches, they are like little acrobats. Feeders supplied with sunflower seeds and pea-
Shortage
hear about legislation being crafted to limit the sale of certain types of rounds, but those were singular issues causing hoarding; thus a shortage. This time around, there is a plethora of issues facing gun owners and shooting enthusiasts – the Covid-19 pandemic, an uncertain climate in the general public regarding gun ownership and the election of one of the most outspoken anti-gun presidential tickets in modern history. Folks are worried
(Cont. from pg 16) at the presses and shipping the popular yellow and green boxes of ammunition by the time you read this column. Future and Politics Previously, we could usually predict a firearm purchase surge when antigun politicians were elected to office or ammunition purchase surges when we
in Massachusetts grab fur right off the backs of my dogs during nest building time. February is a tough time for animals, but birds are especially well adapted for survival in the coldest of weather. I marvel at how birds can slow down their heartbeats and body Titmice will take seeds and temperatures to conserve stash them in nearby nooks energy. Providing sheland crannies such as under ters for them with log and rough bark. Caches of food are visited during severe weather days. Their calls of “peter, (Cont. from pg 19) peter, peter” ring loudly over the quiet winter landgredients. scape. Titmice are related Gently fold the into chickadees and like gredients together with a them, usually nest in tree spatula until thoroughly holes and they will use mixed. Firmly form the mixabout finding ammunition ture into 4 burgers and for the times they may need place onto a sheet of wax it most and are uncertain paper on a small sheet pan. when the shortage will Note: a round mold end. It’s a perfect storm for can help you form the burghoarding. ers. Place burgers into John is a Registered freezer until firmed, and Maine Guide, an NRA Cer- then into a freezer zip lock tified Instructor and is the bag so you can arrange owner of Tucker Ridge Out- them by placing them flat doors in Webster Planta- in your freezer. tion, Maine. He also works Remove from freezer as an outdoors writer and when packing cooler for can be reached at john@ your ice fishing. tuckerridge.me or on FaceTo cook, heat a cast book @writerjohnfloyd iron skillet and add 2 table-
Meal
tions that help them too. Karen Holmes is the Cooper naturalist. She volunteers there and throughout Washington County, Maine to do all sorts of wildlife projects. She also enjoys leading walks and doing programs to share with people her love of the natural world. She is a retired educator and writer for various publications. spoons of olive oil and melt a tablespoon of butter into it. Cook until both sides are browned and fish is cooked through. Serve on a grilled hearty roll. Top with Asian themed coleslaw or alternative could be over fresh basil leaves and brush bun with Asian flavor-infused mayo. WildCheff - Denny Corriveau is Award-Winning Celebrity Game Chef, Iron Chef Winner, and the Founder of the Free Range Culinary Institute, the only national wild game cooking school in the country. As a Wild Game Evangelist and trendsetter for wild game. You can learn more @ www.wildcheff.com or visit him on Instagram @ thewildcheff
Northwoods Sporting Journal
Page 24
February 2021
Question Of The Month February 2021
Ice: Is It Safe?
By V. Paul Reynolds As Maine winters seem to moderate, the Maine Warden Service urges us to use extreme caution before venturing out onto any ice that may be covering Maine’s wa-
Attleboro, Mass. died when his snowsled went through the ice on Messalonskee Lake. And three night-time snowsledders all perished in one night on Rangeley Lake, when they and their machines broke through
safe ice conditions cannot be assumed. Ice conditions vary greatly throughout the state, and while ice conditions may be safe in some spots, conditions can be very dangerous in others.
does happen, someone is there to help you. If you are doing it alone, wear a lifejacket. If ice at the shoreline is cracked or squishy, stay
Many of Maine’s lakes and ponds may appear to be frozen, however safe ice conditions cannot be assumed. off! Watch out for thin, clear or honeycombed ice. Dark snow and dark ice are other signs of weak spots. Avoid areas with currents, around bridges and pressure ridges. Wind and currents can break ice. Parents should alert children of unsafe ice in their area, and make sure that they stay off the ice. If they insist on using their new skates, suggest an indoor skating rink.
When ice fishing or snowsledding on Maine waterways, never push your luck. You never can be sure of ice thickness unless you check it yourself. terways. thin ice. This is timely advice. Many of Maine’s A few years ago, Rich- lakes and ponds may apard Dumont, 52, of North pear to be frozen, however
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The Maine Warden Service is recommending that people check the thickness of any ice before venturing out for any activity on frozen water. If you must go on the ice, the Maine Warden Service offers these tips for ice safety: Never guess the thickness of the ice - Check it! Check the ice in several different places using an auger or some other means to make a test hole and determine the thickness. Make several, beginning at the shore, and continuing as you go out. Check the ice with a partner, so if something
body onto the ice. Once on the ice, roll, DON’T WALK, to safety. • To help someone who has fallen through the ice, lie down flat and
reach with a branch, plank or rope or form a human chain. Don’t stand. After securing the victim, wiggle backwards to the solid ice. Again, snowsledders take note. Snowsledding at night on frozen waterways can be tricky business, especially for those unfamiliar with the conditions of a lake, pond or other waterway. The author is editor
ICE STRENGTH TABLE Modified From the Northeast Logger Magazine, 1968 Inches of Ice Permissible Load for Clear Blue Ice 1 inch - Unsafe for humans 2 inches - One person on foot 3 inches - Group in a single file 4 inches - Snowmobiles & ATV’s 7 inches - Passenger car (2 tons) 8 inches - Light truck (2.5 tons) Note: The above table is for clear blue ice on lakes and ponds. Reduce the strength values by 15% for clear blue river ice. Slush ice is only 50% the strength of blue ice. If you break through the ice, remember: • Don’t panic. • Don’t try to climb out immediately - you will probably break the ice again. Reach for solid ice. • Lay both arms on the unbroken ice and kick hard. This will help lift your
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. maineoutdoorpublications. com. or www.sportingjournal.com Contact email: vpaulr@tds.net
February 2021
Northwoods Sporting Journal
Fish Management: More Work to be Done
Landlocked Salmon, Brook Trout and Lake Trout in Maine have historically played an important role for commercial and recreational fishing. It’s known that Maine, has
tion problem in our lakes, specifically Moosehead and Sebago Lakes. Historically, these lakes are quite different. Sebago, one of Maine’s original wild, native salmon waters
scuttlebutt that blame has been directed to anglers for catch and release practices. In my opinion, man’s hatcheries creating fish to be stocked over Maine’s native fish is most definite a problem. I believe we need
Page 25
Maine Outdoor Adventure
on blame but rather learn from our mistakes and put the environment, fish, and animals first. The mistakes continue and have been made, so let’s not bury or tear down our history, but
by Rich Yvon, Bradford, ME and plea to the masses. The movie is a film about people, rivers, and the fight for the future of wild fish and the environment that supports them. The full version of this film can be
The stocking over native fish will only backfire causing fish management and other environmental problems. As the old salmon story goes...the rise in hatchery fish, so goes the decline of wild fish.
Is stocking one species of game fish over a native game fish the right thing to do? been a world class fishery and is now struggling like other states to retain its very unique identity, special creatures and places. There have been historically and continue to be man- made changes to fish habitat that have negatively impacted our frontier state. Working as multi-species guide, I get the privilege to witness some really wonderful things in nature, and also some not so good. As an advocate of conservation, I believe it is of great importance to voice, participate and become part of a solution that can impact our natural resources for future generations. A recent topic of discussion is Maine’s perceived Togue (Lake trout) over-popula-
is just that, salmon water. Lake trout introduced into this water is in fact invasive, and therefore has no business being protected. Moosehead Lake, locally known as the “Aquarium”, has many mouths to feed, some native and some invasive. Do we really want to protect an invasive fish where native fish live? There has been recent
to get rid of these invasive fish and promote what mother nature originally designed and intended. The stocking over native fish will only backfire causing fish management and other environmental problems. As the old salmon story goes...the rise in hatchery fish, so goes the decline of wild fish. I firmly believe that man cannot improve upon what mother nature has created. As history has proven, we have created our own problems with mother nature through our own arrogance, ignorance, greed and overpopulation of man. Man needs to be aware of its own hubris and practice some humility if it is to survive and retain its wild things. We as a people need to come together and not focus
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learn and not relentlessly keep repeating the same mistakes. Maine currently has many waters with unremovable invasive fish. The damage is done. In my opinion, the continued wide-spread proliferation of these invasive fish by use of live bait, illegal/legal stocking, along with poor land and fish management practice is what threatens our native, wild fish here in Maine. Awareness, education and corrective action are important if we are to beat the on-going decline and further extinction of what we hold dear to us. In 2020, Patagonia had produced a very exceptional video called, “Artificial” that has sent a powerful message
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Northwoods Sporting Journal
Page 26
Libby Camps Winter Operation
Ramblings From T8-R9 by Benjamin Rioux, Millinocket Lake Hello, and Happy New Year from all of us at Libby Camps. As I write this, we continue to wait diligently for snow so we can welcome winter with open arms. In the meantime, we have a few an-
February 2021
that need to be addressed. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and increased safety guidelines imposed by the Maine governor’s office, Libby Camps winter operation for 2021 will be operating in a limited
Libby Camps began winter operations on January 14th, 2021. Our annual ice cutting weekend was held on Saturday, January 16th. nouncements as we jump with both feet into 2021 and kick off the winter season. Libby Camps began winter operations on January 14th, 2021. Our annual ice cutting weekend was held on Saturday, January 16th. While we are excited to welcome you all in Winter 2021, there have been some significant changes
capacity to remain in compliance with the governor’s orders, and for the safety of our guests and employees. When operating as a restaurant, we are required to follow the mandated restaurant checklist/guidelines like all other restaurants in the state, regardless of our remote location. Failure to do so could result in fines and suspen-
Cabin rentals are still available by reservation for $160/night/person and include breakfast and dinner. (Photo by Ben Rioux) sion/loss of our business license. While not ideal, this is a reality we are forced to live with if we want to remain open to serve in any capacity during the winter season. With that in mind, we have implemented several changes to remain in effect until further notice,
including: Indoor lunch dining will be limited to 5 tables accommodating parties no larger than 6 patrons each. Lunch is served daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. only. Our staff works diligently before 10a.m. preparing
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for lunch, and after 4 p.m. preparing dinner for our lodging guests. Please plan accordingly. Breakfast and dinner are available to lodging guests only. Masks MUST be worn by all guests entering the lodge, and can only be taken off when seated at a table. In an effort to still get hot food into cold riders on busy days, we will serve a limited but popular menu from the outdoor pavilion (weather permitting) for folks to eat on the go. Burgers, hot dogs, cups of soup and beverages will be available along with an occasional special. Our public/indoor restroom will still be available through an alternate entrance. Fuel will still be available. Please use proper social distancing/wear masks when at the pumps. Cabin rentals are still available by reservation for $160/night/person and include breakfast and dinner. (Libby cont. pg 27)
February 2021
Hooked
Northwoods Sporting Journal
into a competition. We could see Dave and Dom downstream doing their (Cont. from pg 22) fish dance whenever they’d some of the why’s and land a fish. I asked Gabe, wherefores about fish habi- “You’re not going to let tat, but for the most part I your brother get away with kept silent. The fish, thank- that, are you?” “No!”, and fully, were cooperative, his eyes suddenly took on and almost immediately the flinty glare of a baby both boys were into fish. gunslinger. His casting It also quickly devolved
Libby (Cont. from pg 26)
Ben is an avid fly fisherman, registered Maine Guide, and the Marketing director for Libby Sporting Camps. When he’s not exploring T8-R9 in search of new water, he can be reached at ben@libbycamps.com
with some great memories. David and Dom caught the biggest chub, but Gabe and I had caught more fish. Or maybe it was the other way around… So Dominic and Gabriel flew home to Arizona. They’re coming back this summer and guess what, they want to go fishing
again. Imagine that.
Mike Maynard is a part time farmer, grandfather of several, and an incorrigible water-logged stream rat and briar scarred covert crawler. He lives in Perham, Maine and can be reached at perhamtrout@gmail.com
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crouch got fishier and his concentration became laser focused. Gabe would catch a fish and holler downstream to his brother, taunting him and daring him to catch a bigger one. When the bite finally turned off, and it did; …yes, even chub turn off, we were left with a stalemate and the boys
Page 27
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Northwoods Sporting Journal
Page 28
Fly Fishing
With that in mind, let’s take a look at a couple of patterns.
by Joe Bertolaccini, Orrington, ME The use of foam for fly bodies has been increasing in popularity over the years because of its ability to be easily molded into
floating patterns, since it contains sealed air pockets that provide buoyancy. Open cell is used for wet or sinking type flies because
Foam Flies
Gurgler – This fly was originated by Jack Gartside as a New England saltwater pattern for stripers and blues,
Foam-bodied flies can be used effectively for just about any species of fresh or salt water game fish. various natural shapes, as well as its excellent floating qualities. Two kinds of foam are available. Closed cell foam would be the choice for
of its tendency to soak up water through open pores. Foam-bodied flies can be used effectively for just about any species of fresh or salt water game fish.
but can be readily adapted for many fresh water species, including panfish, smallmouth bass and pickerel. It is easy to tie, casts well and is virtu-
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Thread – 3/0 to match color of foam body. Tail – Sparse bucktail or marabou overlain with several strands of flash. Body – Strip of closed cell foam segmented with tying thread. Rib – Saddle hackle palmered Foam has natural buoyancy between segand is great for flies. ments. ally unsinkable. Shellback – Foam Hook – Size 2/0 to 10, pulled over the body and 2x long. tied down behind the eye with a stub protruding forward to provide a gurgling action when retrieved. Gurglers can be effective in many different colors, e.g. white tail and body with grizzly hackle for stripers, or combinations of other shades limited only by your imagination. Tying Notes 1. Attach thread behind the eye of the hook and wind halfway back along the shank. At this point tie in the tail which should be about 1½ times the hook length. 2. Cut about four inches of foam up to ½ inch wide depending on the size of your fly. Lay it flat on top of the shank and tie in at the beginning of the tail so that the forward end of the foam is just behind the eye. 3. Spiral the thread forward making four or five distinct segments to the eye of the hook. Wind the thread back over the segments, tightening as you go, to the original tie in point for the foam. If (Flies cont. pg 29)
Northwoods Sporting Journal
February 2021
Thread – Black 6/0. Body and head – Black closed cell foam. (Cont. from pg 28) Legs – Black hackle you tighten the thread too clipped short underneath much initially, you might to allow fly to sit naturally cut through the foam. on the water surface. 4. Tie in the hackle by its tip, move the thread up Tying Notes to the eye again between 1. Attach thread bethe segments, palmer the hind eye of the hook and hackle forward and tie it wrap to about 1/3 of the off. way to the bend. 5. Bring the end of 2. Tie in a strip of foam over top of the body black closed cell foam at and hackle, tying down that point with the back end snugly just behind the eye extending over the rear of and leaving enough room the hook and the forward for a whip finish. Trim end end to just behind the eye, of foam to desired length for the lip.
Flies
binding it down at that point. Spiral thread back to the bend of the hook and then forward to the original tie in point for the foam. 3. Bring the rear of the foam forward to its original tie in point and tie down. 4. At that point add a black hackle by its tip, take several turns and tie off. 5. Continue winding the thread along the hook shank to the eye. Bring foam forward to form the head, tie off and whip finish just behind the eye. It’s important that the head be no more than 2/3 the size
Foam Ant Hook - Size 10 to 16, standard dry fly.
Page 29
of the body. 6. Trim the bottom of the hackle to ½ the hook gap width. Foam bodies can also be used for many other patterns such as frogs, terrestrials, aquatic insects
and large dry flies. Joe has enjoyed fly fishing for over 65 years. His book, Fundamentals of Fly Fishing, is now available. He can be reached at: brewerberts@aol.com
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Northwoods Sporting Journal
Page 30
Warden’s Words
by Game Warden Kale O’Leary, Ashland, ME As I sit here writing this article as winter begins to take hold on the north country. I find myself thinking back on the sum-
that ended in success and the line of duty deaths of two Maine Game Wardens. While thinking back on the previous year, I recalled a
February 2021
Pssst….Game Warden!
past spring, while patrolling my district, I located a truck parked on a remote fly fishing only stream and since I do not see many people fishing in this particular location, decided to go for a walk to check the anglers. I made my way
should make you aware that I do not claim or profess to be the most stealthy individual or have innate cat-like abilities in sneaking up on poor souls in the woods. But on this particular day I was able to walk within arm’s reach of
out giving one of them a heart attack so far from the vehicles or the nearest hospital. This is a situation that I have found myself in on numerous occasions and again claim no special powers to walk up behind someone unnoticed. I re-
The gentlemen standing in the stream fishing was nearly hitting me with his fly on each back cast. I had to pay close attention so as not to catch the size 10 Royal Coachmen in the head. mer and fall seasons that have past. Since beginning to write for the Northwoods Sporting Journal, I have written articles about violators I have apprehended, search and rescue missions
few humorous moments that I thought could be shared to remind readers that not all I encounter as a warden is serious and complex. One afternoon this
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through the woods in this location, following the occasional boot prints in the soft mud along the stream bank and determined that there was at least two people who had trekked into this location. It did not take me long to find one of the gentlemen who had waded out in the middle of the stream in a fancy pair of waders. I watched the angler for sometime and could tell he was fishing with a top of the line Orvis rod and reel. I became concerned that he would run out of leader soon by how many fly changes he made from a loaded fly box with every color and pattern of fly imaginable. A guide was standing behind him, along the stream bank observing and assessing the situation. I walked over to the two men to say hello and see if they had caught any fish prior to me arriving. Before continuing I
“Photo is taken from canoe one day on patrol a mile above the Allagash Falls on the Allagash River”. the guide standing on the riverbank. The gentlemen standing in the stream fishing was nearly hitting me with his fly on each back cast. I had to pay close attention so as not to catch the size 10 Royal Coachmen in the head. At this point I began thinking to myself, how can I go about telling these two that I am here with-
member thinking, with no disrespect to the Maine Guide standing before me, that it was a real wonder that the human species had ascended to the top of the food chain without wild animals extirpating us before this moment in time. We have our ancestors to thank for this biological miracle that saber tooth lions or grizzly bears had not done us in before now. After thinking all of these thoughts in my head, it came to me that maybe if I kick over one of these large rocks along the stream bed, the guide would hear me but not be as startled as the sound of “Game Warden” being whispered (Warden cont. pg 35)
Fabruary 2021
Northwoods Sporting Journal
Cooking Wild
So now what? Maybe you’ve hit the Maine Grand Slam—a tom turkey, a bear, a moose, and a deer in one hunting year. Or perhaps you got lucky and tagged a spike-horn buck the last day of the season.
Most hunters are pretty handy with a charcoal grill and can render basic magic with a ribeye steak or a well-seared cheeseburger. Beyond that? Well, let’s just say it’s a little bit daunting.
ever known carries a double dose of each trait, transferring those skills from the field to the kitchen should be a natural move. It’s not that simple, of course, but remember that if you can cook a hot dog in a skillet, you can cook just about anything else. If you doubt you can do it, start easy. Stew is one
Marsh Island Chronicles by Matthew Dunlap, Old Town, ME be terribly fluent in the uses of different herbs and spices. If you’re making a basic stew out of venison, moose, or bear meat, you can rely on what you probably already have in
Being a successful cook requires two key personality characteristics - a little fearlessness and no small amount of curiosity.
Whether pan-frying trout or venison steaks, generous use of butter always enhances it all. (Photo by V. Paul Reynolds) Either way, you’ve got meat. Maybe a lot of it. You have the makings of a king’s banquet, minus the castle hall and yawning fieldstone fireplace and a coterie of surly, hungry knights. Cooking wild game is scary, especially if you aren’t well-versed in the mysterious ways of culinary arts to begin with. I know plenty of people who regard cooking an expensive roast as something best left to a professional and opt to go out to eat rather than chance ruining a beautiful piece of meat.
Being a successful cook requires two key personality characteristics—a little fearlessness and no small amount of curiosity. Since every hunter I’ve
of the cornerstones of our historic foodways. With the modern conveniences of the grocery store, you have plenty of viable shortcuts available (and for the snobbish, shortcuts are most certainly not ‘cheating’). Prepared soup base, some flour and butter, minced garlic, potatoes, onions, and carrots, some cubed up game meat—and you’re on your way. You don’t need to
Page 31
your cupboard. Salt and pepper are basics, and for the advanced, some dried thyme rounds up the flavors nicely. Some bouillon paste and minced garlic can also help some of the flavors along. To amaze your family and terrify your enemies, simply put a little olive oil (or vegetable oil, we aren’t picky) in a stock pot, season a pound or two of
your cubed meat with salt, pepper and thyme, throw in a tablespoon or so of your minced fresh garlic (or jarred from the store), a rough-chopped onion, and sear in the bottom of the pot until it’s browned all around. Add about a quart to a quart and a half of the prepared beef stock, cover it, and let it simmer on low heat for anywhere from two to three hours. Separately, cut up your potatoes and carrots and boil or steam until tender. You won’t need more than two pounds combined. Drain and keep separate. Once your meat is fall-apart tender, carefully strain the stock into another pot and keep the cooked meat aside. This is the tricky, (Wild cont. pg 35)
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Northwoods Sporting Journal
The Buck Hunter
February 2021
Winter Deer Habits
by Hal Blood, Moose River, ME As we usher in a new year, I hope you will all strive to make it a great one for you. 2020 was full of trying times for many people. Hopefully, this coming year will get back to normal. It is not starting out that way as all of the winter Sportsman shows
As I write this the first week in January, there is still only about 8” of snow in the Moose River valley and the weather forecast doesn’t show any in sight. For the snowmobilers, it’s discouraging, but for the deer it’s a blessing. Very few deer have come to
As I write this the first week in January, there is still only about 8” of snow in the Moose River valley and the weather forecast doesn’t show any in sight. For the snowmobilers, it’s discouraging, but for the deer it’s a blessing. have been cancelled. I always looked forward to those shows to chat and swap stories with other hunters. I guess fear has just consumed so many people that they are frozen in place! The news in the north country is winter has not found its way here yet. A warm spell with rain showed up just in time for Christmas and melted what little snow had fallen up to that point. It was like making a clean slate to start winter over again.
town yet this winter as they can get around and feed anywhere, even in the high elevations. A start like this usually means winter could not get bad enough to affect them now. Time will always tell, but things are looking good for them now. After muzzle loader season, about a foot of snow fell in this area and a few deer started coming down the migration trails. I put out a trail camera on each of the trails, to see how many deer used them
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It’s been an easy winter for deer in the North Woods, so far. and also to see how many bucks might head towards town. I checked two of the cameras right after the Christmas warm up. Just as I had suspected, very few deer had come down the trails. About thirty came down one trail, most of which were on December 14th and all of them were does and their lambs. Ironically, a few days later, the deer headed back where they had come from. That was interesting to me as I always assumed that once deer migrated, they would not go back until spring. Well, you learn something new all the time. I am going to leave the cameras to see if, and when
the deer will start their migration again, if they do. I can remember several winters in the past when the deer never migrated to the deer yards. Those were winters when very little snow fell, and the deer could move about anywhere to feed. Those winters, you could find bare ground on the steep south facing slopes in February. One of those years was only about 4 or 5 years ago. I went into my remote camp for a ride on my snowmobile and was surprised to find that the deer had stayed there for the winter. The deer yard for those deer is in Canada,
with farm country only about five miles away. There was only about two feet of snow on the ground then and it was a light powder. The deer were still pawing to the ground for food. It’s amazing how deer know the best way for them to survive the winter. I was told by a deer biologist a while ago that deer will always go to a deer yard by the 18 of December, no matter what the conditions are. I guess that was something he learned in a book, not by being in the woods all year round. I learned a long time ago not to think that deer (Habits cont. pg 41)
February 2021
Northwoods Sporting Journal Guns & Ammo:
“But I Only Have a 33-30!”
I have this conversation with numerous prospective clients. Many people feel the old .30/.30 is somehow substandard. In today’s magnum world, I guess I can see why you might think so. In today’s hunting world, however (if you are a supersonic magnum shooter), where are you going to find ammo?
bers like the .30/.30 and the guns chambered for it. Many hunters are now choosing to take a more proactive role in deer hunting. They prefer to track that big buck rather than sit and watch a trail waiting. Trekking through the woods in this manner favors a compact fast handling rifle capable of
arms. The product is called Leverevolution ammo. It utilizes a lighter more aerodynamic bullet with a soft rubber tip. This allows the pointed bullet to be used in a magazine fed rifle without the safety concern of nose to primer contact. In my opinion, these are great rounds for deer but expand a bit too quickly and lack the necessary penetration for heavier game like bears and moose.
A Guide’s Perspective by Tom Kelly, Orient, ME
have seen several whitetail harvests and at least three black bear harvests taken with one shot by a skilled hunter with a .30/30. It has enough weight, velocity and energy to expand the 170 gr. round to .50 or .60 caliber and penetrate thru the vitals
Technology has also made some advancements that compliment this old standby.
Don’t underestimate the trusty old 30-30. And are you ready to mortgage the house to buy it? In times of shortage, it is good to standardize. There is nothing more standard than a .30/.30. If you cannot find it at the big box stores, I bet the local general store or hardware store has some .30/30. Further, hunting trends and advancements have caused a slight resurgence in cali-
quick target acquisition and fast follow up shots. Many of these type rifles are chambered in .30/.30. Technology has also made some advancements that compliment this old standby. Hornady ammunition has come up with a product that allows calibers like the .30/.30 to achieve higher velocities while still working in traditional fire-
These rounds are 160 gr. They have a muzzle velocity of 2400 fps and generate 2046 ft lbs of energy. The same can be said for the 150 gr. jacketed soft point at 2390 fps and 1902 ft lbs of energy. This is a common .30/.30 round and a great deer load. However, my favorite load in this caliber is also the most common. It is a 170 gr. soft point round nose. It has a velocity of 2200 fps producing 1827 ft lbs of energy. There are some who would say this is quite tame. To those folks, I can tell you it just works. In just the past few seasons I
Page 33
and in many cases, pass thru leaving an awesome exit wound, and substantial blood trail. It comes in a variety of very pleasing rifle packages. The lever actions are most common and my personal favorite. There are also excellent bolt action, single shot and even handgun platforms available. It
has mild recoil. The ammo is readily available, but as I mentioned earlier, it just works. Tom is a Registered Maine Guide. He is the 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. 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 Properties, and come visit us on East Grand Lake.
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At camp, this guy and his gundog - after a morning of chasing pa’tridge - found a comfy place to spend some time with their favorite read, the Northwoods Sporting Journal.
Where do you read your copy of the Sporting Journal? At camp, in the boat, at the ice shack? We’d love to see a photo of you with your copy of the Journal at an unusual place. If we like it, we will publish it in the Journal. If we select your best shot for publication, we’ll send you an exclusive Sporting Journal hat created just for the occasion. Send your Jpeg photo and a short blurb to vpaulr@tds.net. Please include your contact information, too. www.sportingjournal.com
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Northwoods Sporting Journal
South Of the Kennebec by Stu Bristol, Lyman, ME It’s ice fishing season in Maine and the lakes and ponds are again littered with the rotting carcasses of unwanted pike, perch, crappie and other fish species some anglers deem to be “trash.” Just because the law does not list them
The list of self-justification goes on and on and worse, they oftentimes have youngsters along, being taught that it is permissible to waste food. An occasional fish on the ice to feed eagles and other birds and animals is
Stop Wasting Fish!
and feel the tug of fish coming to the hole in the ice. It’s a fun sport and worthy of bringing the family along. But wanton waste needs to be stopped, if not by anglers, then by legislation. Deer hunters, bothered by the shooting of skippers and left in the woods with or without a sampling of camp meat from a hind quarter, helped
On Sabattus Pond alone I have seen dozens of small northern pike, crappies and perch tossed onto the ice, still alive and suffocating while anglers pick up gear and walk off. as “game” species doesn’t make them trash. Excuses and cop-outs are easy to come by as anglers try to justify wasting fish. “We love to see the eagles carry them off.” “There’s too many bones in those fish. We can’t eat them.” “We just toss the invasive species on the ice. That helps the population of native fish.”
one thing, but over the past few years I have witnessed carnage of embarrassing proportions. On Sabattus Pond alone I have seen dozens of small northern pike, crappies and perch tossed onto the ice, still alive and suffocating while anglers pick up gear and walk off. Anglers of all stripes love to see flags fly often
February 2021
champion the Maine wanton waste law. §11224. Waste of game 1. Prohibition. A person may not waste a wild bird or wild animal that has been wounded or killed by that person while hunting. For purposes of this section, “waste” means to intentionally leave a wounded or killed animal in the field or forest without making a reasonable effort to retrieve and render it for consumption or use. This subsection does not apply to coyote. [PL 2009, c. 550, §3 (AMD).] 2. Penalty. A person who violates this section commits a Class E crime. It would be a simple matter for the Maine Legislature to add “or fish” to the wording. Granted a portion of the wanton waste law was created to insure that hunters make a reasonable effort to track and take into possession any wounded animal, but it also lends credibility to those who shoot a small deer, don’t want it or are too embar-
rassed to claim it, or shoot it merely for camp meat. While I’m on the topic of laws, Maine fishing laws demand that anglers either immediately kill or release alive any fish other than smelt or bait fish, into the water from which they were taken. Allowing fish to flop on the ice until they suffocate is certainly a violation (doesn’t fit the definition of immediately) and many agree with me, unsportsmanlike. Now, as for the argument that “only invasive” species are being tossed, understand that brown trout and largemouth and smallmouth bass are not native to Maine. Following the logic, if you are a diehard brook trout angler would you toss the brown trout or bass onto the ice for the eagles or coyotes? As for the pike, crappies, perch and other socalled “invasive” species, they were forced into otherwise pristine cold water species lakes by illegal dumping of bait or placed by well-meaning anglers not happy with the state trout-stocking programs. Pike, crappie and perch are definitely suitable table fare. My guide service has a long list of anglers who pass at bass fishing or trout fishing trips to fill a cooler with pike or crappie fillets. Most anglers simply don’t know how to properly clean these fish species for cooking. Due to the volume of fish I fillet for a client, I use an electric fillet knife. I make a diagonal cut behind the pectoral fin then turn the blade horizontal and cut
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Bob Menard with nice northern pike. along the dorsal fin and out the tail. Then turn the fish over and repeat on the other side. It is then just a simple process of cutting out the rib cage and removing the skin just before cooking. (Maine law requires one side of skin be left on for identification purposes until making ready for cooking) I may sound a bit “preachy” this month but I see a dramatic increase in the number of anglers who waste fish on any given weekend outing or sometimes during large fishing derbies or tournaments. During these tough times, unwanted fish can be put to good use by those who need food. It wouldn’t be too difficult to organize unwanted fish collection at large derbies rather than continuing wanton waste. Stu Bristol is a Master Maine Hunting, Fishing and Tidewater Guide, outdoor writer and custom game call maker. He operates Orion Guide Service out of southern Maine. His outdoor features have been published nationwide for more than 50 years. Stu has been inducted into the New England Wild Turkey Hunting Hall of Fame. Visit his website at www.deadlyimpostergamecalls.com
February 2021
Warden (Cont. from pg 30) into his ear. I slowly edged over one of the boulders with my foot, with special care to not cause the rock to roll onto the leg or ankle of the guide. The guide then spun around, yelling into the thick softwood canopy, which muffled the sound of his shriek from being heard in downtown Bangor. To answer your question, no they had not caught any fish…yet. I am not the only Game Warden who has struggled with the very real problem of how to go about announcing your presence when you have found yourself nearly on top of someone who is not expecting you to be there. Warden Dave Milli-
Northwoods Sporting Journal gan was once watching anglers fishing on Clear Lake and was so close to the party without them knowing that Dave could hear their conversations. After watching the anglers fish nearly all day, one angler caught an extra whitefish over his daily limit. Warden Milligan continued watching and when the angler asked the rest of the group what he should do with the extra fish he caught, Warden Milligan stepped out of the bushes and stated “you can hand it over to me”. I’ll finish with this article with the friendly reminder to always pay attention to your surroundings, you never know when a warden has walked up on you….or a bear. I would be more concerned about a bear.
Wild
(Cont. from pg 31) magical part—thickening the stock into a gravy. There are lots of ways to do it, but the old-fashioned way is to make a French roux (pronounced rue) with a half-cup of flour and a stick of butter or margarine (pro tip: margarine tolerates heat better than butter, and you are less likely to burn your roux; and the more it browns, the less thickening power it has). This is called a half-cup roux, because you’re using a half-cup of butter and a half-cup of flour. You’ll want to melt the butter or margarine in a saucepan, add the flour, and then cook it on low for about four minutes, stirring all the while. A timer helps here.
Once your roux is done, and your stock is seasoned to the flavor you like, heat the stock to boiling and slowly add the roux, stirring all the while with a whisk until it’s thickened the way you like. Cooking the roux here is most important, because uncooked roux just keeps thickening until your gravy turns to paste. When that’s done, add the gravy to the potatoes, carrots, meat and onions. While there are plenty of recipes that accomplish all of this without cooking the elements separately, this one is pretty foolproof. Just like that, you’ve made a meal that will reward the efforts of your hunt—all winter long. Mastery of the unknown pushes away the fear of doing something new, and is its own reward.
Page 35 The adventurous hunter who wants to learn more about cooking wild game has plenty of resources. Two truly great ones can be found online: Chef Denny Corriveau’s Wild Cheff at wildcheff.com and Kate Gooding’s wild game cookbooks, found at blackflystew.com will give you lots of ideas not only about the game in your freezer, but will inspire you to hunt for different species just to try their recipes. Matt Dunlap is a sportsman from Old Town and worked as a commercial cook for nearly twenty years. He is a periodic cohost on Maine Outdoors, heard statewide every Sunday night at 7:00 PM on WVOM 103.9 FM, WVQM 103.1 FM, and WRKLD 1450 AM.
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Northwoods Sporting Journal
Page 36
Against The Current by Bob Romano, Rangeley, ME Western Maine and northern New Hampshire have retained a number of gates that prevent vehicular traffic on logging roads owned by paper companies. In many instances, there is good fishing behind the gates, which restrict access to those camp own-
failed to spot the stream, and decided to head back. My calves protested on each incline, and as we began the final mile of our return, age caught up with me. Had we found water, I’m sure all would have been well, but without a single cast, I’d lost my pas-
February 2021
Manners on the Stream
of water tumbling out of the dam below Aziscohos Lake, but by the time it sweeps under the bridge, the current loses much of its energy, forming a long deep run that widens into a tailout that is fairly easy to wade. Which is why, on most afternoons, you’ll find at least one angler firmly planted in that part of the river. It is a large pool, and if found on a river in New Jersey, would
bushy dry fly to drift into the tailout. Instead of grabbing my rod that had remained rigged with my favorite wet fly, I sauntered over
feet of line with the ease of an experienced caster. Normally, I’d leave the pool to its sole occupant, but a promise is a promise, even if made to one’s self, and so
The man frowned when he turned in my direction, a grunt was his only acknowledgment of my presence. I watched for a while as he laid out forty feet of line with the ease of an experienced caster. ers, sporting lodges, and loggers lucky enough to have a key, as well as the few hearty souls willing to hike or mountain bike to such water. T h i s S e p t e m b e r, the region was suffering through another drought, an all too familiar occurrence over the last few years, and as the fishing season drew to a close, my wife and I decided to hike beyond one of these gates in hopes of finding fish. After three miles, we
sion for adventure. Rather than complain, I whistled “Don’t Fence Me In” between the occasional grunt and groan while promising myself time on an easily accessible pool. Back on Route 16, the two-lane hardtop that connects western Maine with the hamlets of northern New Hampshire, we drove over the bridge that crosses the Magalloway River. Some of the toughest bump-and-grind rapids can be found along the stretch
contain five, six, or more anglers jockeying for position. But this is Maine, and when at camp, my preference is for solitude. As the saying goes, beggars can’t be choosers and one who has hiked six miles on old-man legs isn’t about to hike another few miles into some backwoods ribbon of water. So instead, we pulled in beside the bridge where another angler was wading about halfway down from the bridge, allowing his
“Well, he did have the pool to himself, and it’s nearing the end of the season. I guess, the guy felt kinda crowded,” I replied. to where a guy about my age was fishing, and said, hey, while sitting on one of the boulders that helps stabilize the bank. The man frowned when he turned in my direction, a grunt was his only acknowledgment of my presence. I watched for a while as he laid out forty
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I pointed toward the bridge and asked if he’d mind me fishing in that direction. He stared at me for a moment, but then growled his consent, adding, “thanks for asking” before making another effortless cast. While I returned for my fly rod, an SUV with out-of-state plates pulled behind my vehicle. The occupants quickly departed from its doors, two twentysomethings scrambling toward the tailout. A few minutes later, I took my position well above my contemporary, knowing the better water lay below. It didn’t take long for another vehicle to turn down the lane beside the pool. The middle-aged guy at the wheel soon wobbled toward the water followed closely by his teenage companion. This was as many an(Stream cont. pg 37)
February 2021
Stream
(Cont. from pg 36) glers as I’d seen during the two weeks Trish and I had spent at camp, and I was about to reel in when a mink slipped into the water from under the shadows that had fallen across the far side of the pool. After swimming across the current, the animal slithered between the boulders that formed the berm along my side of the river. After a few moments, the mink appeared from between the rocks, where I could see its whiskers. At the same time, a red squirrel squeaked its displeasure, scampering to safety in the high grass. My attention was soon drawn from this dispute to another that was taking place above the tailout. The old man had shouted something I couldn’t hear at one of the two twenty-somethings. After the young man yelled something back, he and his friend trudged out of the pool and drove away. Not long afterward the old man packed it in, after which I did the same. While I was removing my waders, the middleaged man approached me. “You the guy writes for that Northwoods magazine?” he asked as he drew closer.
Northwoods Sporting Journal “Guilty,” I replied. “What did ya think of that guy?” he continued. “What do you mean,” I countered, not wanting to be drawn into an argument. “That guy, giving those young fellas a hard time. I was gonna give him a piece of mind if he’d said something to my nephew.” He pointed to his young companion. “What do ya think about that?” the middle-aged man persisted, as if writing for the Northwoods Sporting Journal qualified me to be the river’s arbiter of ethics. “Well, he did have the pool to himself, and it’s nearing the end of the season. I guess, the guy felt kinda crowded,” I replied. “This is a pretty wellknown spot. There’s always someone here, especially for the evening hatch. I mean, it’s just not right, him acting that way.” While waiting for my reply, he added that the two young anglers had told him it was the owner of a well-known sporting lodge who’d directed them to the pool. I could think of nothing more to add, and after shrugging my shoulders, wished the fellow good luck. The incident reminded me of yet another dispute that arose a few days
earlier along the shoreline below our cabin. It was nearly dusk, and I’d been relaxing in one of the lawn chairs Trish and I keep at the water’s edge. The same cove is home to a pair of loons, who nest on a manmade structure created specifically for them. As the sun receded behind the hills, no fewer than twenty mergansers paddled quietly around the water’s edge. As I watched, one of the loons began swimming toward the group of ducks. The large bird slipped under the surface, reappearing a few feet in front of the mergansers, where it rose up, inflated its breast and flapped its wings while thrusting that deadly beak in their direction. The
ducks wisely retreated to the shore where the loon was powerless to strike at them, but it was an amazingly fierce display, leaving little doubt the loon would not tolerate their presence in the cove. On the drive back to camp, I found it hard to decide upon the proper etiquette. Should the older man be judged differently than the loon? I knew I’d never have entered the pool below him, at least not without saying something first. Then again, I’ve rarely felt compelled to make my feelings known to another angler, let alone engage in a shouting match, preferring to simply reel in and move on in such cases. Could the guy have handled it in
Page 37 a different way, perhaps asking the younger men to give him space rather than shout at them? Maybe he was simply having a bad day. I certainly understood the frustration of an angler engaged in the few final casts of the season, but had to wonder what the two young men would say about their experience fishing in the Pine Tree State. Should they have known better than to crowd another angler? Should they have apologized, and moved farther up or down the stream when challenged? How would you have handled the situation?
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Northwoods Sporting Journal
Page 38
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.
By David O’Connor Duck season was due to open the following morning. We were late getting out of work and slightly tired when we got to Home Base, the hunting camp in the backwaters of Merrymeeting Bay. That something was
of His favorite possessions, one that rivaled the Jeep or His L.C. Smith or His Leonard fly rod. There were very few things that the Ole man couldn’t stand. Vandals who shot out electric company insulators or used a road sign were particularly
He Handles the Thieves
considered a civilized thing to do.” It started about the same way that the Home Base incident, as it was to be known, came to us. We were just starting a trip into Swift Brook when Warden Clements stopped in for a visit. The fact that he could use a drink was obvious. His eyes were drawn, he looked very tired and his uniform had the rumpled “lived in it” styling that signified a hard day in the woods. He refused the drink
There were very few things that the Ole man couldn’t stand. Vandals who shot out electric company insulators or used a road sign were particularly disdainful. wrong was easy to see, the door was open, the lock smashed. The old Jeep was hardly stopped before the driver’s door was open with such a swing that the canvas hinges were strained with a force that they weren’t designed for. The Ole Man was inside in a flash. I was just through the door when He roared, “I knew it! I knew it! The blasted apes took my stove. I hope it blows up, or smokes every time they light a fire.” It was one
disdainful. Poachers that shot deer under a light or guys who brought home a hundred pounds of fish. The vandals that broke into His camp we never did catch, but one kind of thief we had caught and on the first day of duck season I heard time and again about the men who had 101 fish. These were ultimate thieves or as the Ole man would put it they were “first class jerks who should have lived back when getting the rope was
February 2021
and slumped into the chair. It was the Ole Man’s favorite chair in the den, and that meant that Warden Clements was really tired. No one ever sat in the Ole Man’s chair, not even Warren Page, the day he stopped to see the Ole Man on his way home from a trip to the Atlantic Rivers of New Brunswick. He had been successful on the salmon and a hound run bear, but even he knew enough, as a virtual stranger, to avoid the, rather, THE
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chair. Clements finally summed up the problem, “Those trout thieves are at it again. I know for a fact that they are taking out catches of fish that are way over the limit, but I can’t prove it. One of the thieves has been giving out sample trout all over town and yet he doesn’t go fishing but once or twice each season. He can’t possibly get that many fish in a trip and still stay under the law. But, every time I get to check him, he has just exactly the limit. No more, no less. I just came back from following that crew of thieves for two days and they never
violated the law that I could see, not even the litter law. In fact, they stayed in camp most of the day and hardly budged from there except to throw a worm or two in Mallory’s Pool. I can’t even understand how they caught their limits. Lights went out by 9:00 p.m. and they seemed to be living the quiet life. I snuck back into the brush and slept out in the black flies.” The warden had a sad tale to tell. I really couldn’t help him in his problem and could only shake my head at his lack of success. The Ole Man was all ears and kept on asking (Back shelf cont. pg 39)
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February 2021
Northwoods Sporting Journal
Page 39
Uncle Jotham’s Moose
Herbert W. Rowe of Bangor, editor of the Maine Sportsman, went hunting in the Kennebec Valley several times and occasionally visited with “Uncle Jotham,” an old time lumberman and sportsman. He collected the old man’s stories and published them in a couple of articles. This tale, is from the December 1900 issue of the Maine Sportsman. Uncle Jotham’s father died in a hunting accident when the son was only 14 years old, forcing Jotham to become the man of the family and supply food for his mother and her big brood. After fishing and hunting in the region a few years, he then took a long trek, “a hundred miles through the forest,” securing a job as a cook at a lumber camp on the East Branch. “Uncle Jotham spent every winter in the woods for years, working up his business until he was the
Old Tales from the Maine Woods
head chopper, and had the important position of selecting such trees as was suitable for cutting down. In this connection he was off from camp for an entire day, at times picking out the best timber in the tract which was being cut over, and always went, or at least intended so to do, prepared for whatever
ter time, he concluded that somebody’s dog had game a bay, and was fighting. He accordingly took the camp dog, for in those days there was no law against dogging game and every camp kept one of some sort, and armed with only his axe tramped off on his snowshoes for the scene of the fight, where his dog at
whirled completely about on his hind legs, and with lowered head, hair bristling and defiance snorting from his nostrils, was ready to dash upon his new persecutor, but for the deep snow
game he might meet. But he did not always have his gun with him, and on one occasion killed a moose within a half mile of the camp, armed only with an axe. It came about this way: “While he was at work near camp in the woods on Spring Brook, a tributary of the Penobscot East Branch, he heard at a distance a dog barking, and as it sounded in the same place time af-
once “pitched in” to help the other, which was a very small dog and only able to worry the big moose that was endeavoring to trample on him. While the two dogs took up the animal’s attention, Uncle Jotham worked up to the moose’s heels, intending to hamstring the animal, but the moose was more agile than he had bargained for. In the twinkling of an eye, Mr. Moose had
which, in the winter, so handicaps these ungainly creatures. “Realizing that now was his time, if ever, Uncle Jotham struck hard and true with his axe, hitting the moose between the ear and eye, the axe going into his brain and dropping him instantly. As soon as he was bled sufficiently, the triumphant hunter dressed him, took off his hide, and
by Steve Pinkham Quincy, MA
“While he was at work near camp in the woods on Spring Brook, a tributary of the Penobscot East Branch, he heard at a distance a dog barking, and as it sounded in the same place time after time, he concluded that somebody’s dog had game a bay, and was fighting.”
making a bundle, trudged back to camp, and as he came out into the clearing where the men were at work, to use his own words, “There was some starin’ now I tell ye.” For every man at work there had seen him go, armed only with an axe, and to see him coming back with the hide of the biggest game of the woods, was quite a sight. Men who were in that crew are alive today, and can remember well the astonishment of all hands as their foreman strode along with his prize.”
Steve is an avid hiker, paddler and historian, having collected over 25,000 Maine Woods articles to date.
hundred hours a week that Ole Man was gone. wanted someone to talk to. bothered to inquire. Back Shelf the Loren was home and his work required to get the “Left an hour ago. Took Even the sight of Jake’s
(Cont. from pg 38) questions about who was involved and who was out of line. The warden said he was not supposed to divulge such matters to anyone, but would make an exception this time as it was about time the public really knew what was happening to their wildlife. By the time he had gone it was too late to go to Swift Brook and the Ole Man was in a foul mood. We rescheduled it for the next day, our day off. I arrived at the Ole Man’s house in time for an extra cup of coffee from Herself’s special pot. Imagine my consternation when I found Herself home, but
that same crew of rowdies that the warden was talking about last night. I can’t understand the company He keeps. Took them to Swift Brook too.” I was hurt and stunned. What the Hell was going on? I wasn’t as bad as all that, at least I hoped not, and here He was off on a fishing trip with Himself. I turned down the coffee offer and headed for the house I sometimes called home. I was suddenly more tired than I thought I had been. After my morning nap I mowed the lawn, went to the dump and headed down to see Jake. He couldn’t help me any, I guess I just
new lab didn’t shake me from my depression. He was a pretty good looking pup that Jake had traveled all the way to New York to get, but that was all secondary to my problem. My wife wouldn’t tolerate my mood and I headed back by the Ole Man’s house. It was nearly dark and He still wasn’t home. That didn’t help my mood in the least and I headed over to Loren Smythe’s. He had a tap in the cellar he called the “escape Hatch.” It was a place that reeked of booze, maleness and was rarely bothered by the fairer sex. You could “get rathy” as Steve McLaughlin would put it, and no one
glad to make use of the room. We talked of fish, dogs, guns, work and things like that until the Magic Wand had taken its effect. At last I had to pour out the whole story and Loren listened to the tale. “Warden Clements was a good enforcement officer,” was all he had to add. I already knew that. The warden was willing to put in the one
job done, and even though he loved to hunt and fish as well as we did, he was rarely able to get the time to do it justice. Just as there are drawbacks in every job, he was the most busy at the most active outdoor seasons each year. When it was opening day of deer season he had to check hunters, the same went for (Back Shelf cont. pg 42)
Old Tales of the Maine Woods Steve Pinkham Maine Woods Historian, Author and Storyteller
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steve@oldtalesofthemainewoods.com www.oldtalesofthemainewoods.com
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Northwoods Sporting Journal
The Allagash
AWW Superintendent, Matt LaRoche, ME Fred Harrison, known as the Hermit of Hudson Pond, lived in a small cabin on the shore of Hudson Pond in T6 R10 in what is now the Baxter State Park Scientific Forest Management Area. Fred was a self-
as a young man. He read about life in northern Maine in a trapping magazine and decided that was where he wanted to live. He moved to Hudson Pond, built a small one-room cabin with logs cut nearby,
February 2021
Hermit of Hudson Pond
towel on the ledge near his camp as a signal to the local flying service to stop and pick him up for a trip to town. As you can imagine after spending his entire adult life at Hudson Pond, he became a very good woodsman and knew his domain like the back of his hand. He knew furbearing animals and their
He also guided and hunted bobcats with his dog Dixie Two-Spot for the bounty that Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife paid at that time. Bobcats were a major predator of deer in the deer yards during the
State Park Scientific Forest Management Area showing the trail to Hudson Pond. The trail goes right next to where the cabin once stood. You can still see the spring that once supplied drinking water to
winter and IF&W paid a $15.00 bounty for each cat killed in 1955. Fred Harrison died at the age of 71. Ray Porter of Porter’s Flying service found his body in the water near the ledge where he liked to sit and look out over his beloved pond deep in the Maine woods. Ray found the suicide note in Fred’s cabin. The message stated that he had taken his own life because he had killed his dog for chasing deer. It indicated that his act was one of strangely confused atonement. You can still see the remnants of Fred’s cabin on the shore of Hudson Pond by taking the Wadleigh Brook Trail, north from the Blunder Bog Shelter. See page 56 of the Maine Atlas and Gazetteer or see https://drive.google.com/ filed/0BwZDw990Jj6NM zgyalByMVBCS1E/view for a map of the Baxter
the cabin. While you’re at the pond take a few minutes to sit on the ledge overlooking the pond and imagine what it must have been like living here all by yourself. If you want to read more about the Hermit of Hudson Pond, Edmund Ware Smith wrote one chapter about him in the book titled, To Fish and Hunt in Maine.
In the early years, Fred would walk the forty miles to Patten to stock-up on supplies. In later years, he would place a white towel on the ledge near his camp as a signal to the local flying service to stop and pick him up for a trip to town.
sufficient man living off the land as completely as he could. He had a small garden behind his camp that provided fresh vegetables and he canned wild mushrooms, berries, fiddlehead ferns, trout, partridge and venison. Born in 1890 somewhere in Ohio, he had worked in the apple orchards of New York State
cedar shakes made by hand using an axe and froe, complete with moss chinking between the logs. The cabin was located near a ledge outcropping on the pond and a cool spring provided drinking water. In the early years, Fred would walk the forty miles to Patten to stock-up on supplies. In later years, he would place a white
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habits. He knew deer by his constant association with them, having many that he considered tame over the years. The previous owner of my camp at Webster Lake, Ray Rinaldi knew Fred personally. Ray and his hunting buddies lived in West Haven, Connecticut. They were hunting in the Patten area and inquired about hiring a guide in one of the local stores. The clerk pointed out the window and told Ray that if he could hire that guy (Fred Harrison) they would have the best guide in the area. That started a relationship that lasted several years, until Fred’s untimely death by his own hand in 1961. Ray told me that Fred would sneak-up on them when they were hunting and tap them on the shoulder just to show that he could. He showed them how to read animal sign in the woods and taught them to walk off to the side of the deer trails instead of walking down the trails. For income, Fred trapped, harvested burls used for making expensive pipes and exotic furniture.
Waterway notes: For up-to-date ice conditions on the AWW go to: www. maine.gov/allagash or check-in at the Chamberlain Bridge ranger station. Matt LaRoche is Superintendent of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, a Registered Maine Guide and an avid outdoorsman. He can be reached at 207695-2169 or at matt.laroche@maine.gov
February 2021
Habits (Cont. from pg 32) always do this or that. Just when you think like that, there will be a deer that doesn’t conform to that idea. I have heard hunters say things like, “bucks always travel in a clockwise circle”, or “a buck will always lay on the south side of a ridge”. This way of thinking, pidgeon holes a hunter. I have actually found that more often than not, there are more deer on the north side of a ridge or mountain, even if the feed and cover is the same on both sides. I don’t have an explanation for it, but it is just so. You don’t have to track many bucks to realize that they don’t all travel in a clockwise direction. The same buck doesn’t always travel in the same direction. They usually do when they are in their regular travel pattern, but once the rut start, everything is out the window. Deer do
Northwoods Sporting Journal have certain behavior and habit, but never think that they will always do certain things. To be a good hunter, you always must think outside of the box. Take things in stride and learn new things as you go. Put those things in your arsenal of knowledge, to pull from when the time comes. My Brutus buck from 2019 is mounted and ready to have a prominent space on the wall. If you ask Deb, she will tell you that there is no space left on the walls! I’ve run out of pictures to take down, so now I’ll have to get creative to find a spot. The film of that hunt is also out and can be viewed on the Big Woods Bucks channel on YouTube. I hope you enjoy that hunt as much as I did. Until next month, “Good luck on the trail” Hal is a Master Maine Guide and Author. He lives in Moose River Maine with his wife Deb. Hal can be contacted by email: hal@ bigwoodsbucks.com
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Page 41
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Back Shelf (Cont. from pg 39) fishing holidays like Memorial Day weekend that most of us consider to be hallowed fishing time. After a couple more drinks and the passage of time I decided to head toward home. I walked to make sure that the Ole Man would surely be home. He wasn’t. The old Jeep was still missing and all the lights were out. I headed home. I walked slowly, and even took one more turn back around the Ole Man’s place. No one was there, except for Herself, probably. Disgusted with the events of the day I went home and hit the sack. All night I tossed and turned. Lacking in solid sleep and wanting to bust someone in the mouth I went to work. The Ole Man was supposed to be there too and couldn’t miss. He did skip and Mr. Keegan wasn’t very happy. He cornered me and asked about the where-abouts of Himself, but obviously I couldn’t help either. After work I drove by His house again. No one home. Damned! It was getting to be a real nuisance. My mind would not think clearly on any other topic. I needed an answer to what was really going on. It wasn’t like the Ole Man to miss work or miss an appointment for a fishing trip with a buddy. He was usually ready to go about fifteen minutes ahead of any time He had set. Often, He would be ready with all His dunnage set out by the road when the rest of us were just finishing the last cup of hot coffee. When we stopped by to pick Him up He would be fuming about
Northwoods Sporting Journal being late, even though we were still about ten minutes ahead of the schedule we had agreed on the night before. If the Ole Man said He wanted to leave at 5:00 a.m. sharp then it was really about 4:45a.m. that you should be ready. To be ready twenty minutes after that was inexcusable. On the next pass by His house the Ole Man’s Jeep was there along with Warden Clements’ truck. I almost missed the driveway as I finally got the right angle to complete the turn. Although I normally knock I made an exception this time and took the passage to the right that led to the den. They were engrossed in a celebration. That was obvious. Magic Wand flowed freely and the warden did not have his uniform on. In its place he had a pair of jeans and an L. L. Bean hunting cap. The Ole Man looked as tired as the warden did the night before, or was it two nights ago. It was now that I was to hear the story. It would finally come out, but all I got was snatches of the main jist. What was this about the railroad flare and the dark of night? How did 101 fish each fit into the four man party, what was the Ole Man guilty about, what did the warden have to do with all of this? The Ole Man turned to me and apologized for His behavior. Yes, he actually made an attempted at saying He was wrong not to have called me. But, He said that laying plans to catch the thieves was more important. Catch thieves, I asked, what was this about. “I called up the ring leader and told him that I knew just where we could make a haul on lunker
trout. Asked him to meet Me with his gang on Swift Brook at dawn. We were to fish at Upper Stump Pool. I knew that that area hadn’t seen a big trout in years, maybe never.” He adjusted His seat and poured another drink as He was obviously sitting somewhere close to the top of the world. Finally, He continued His story, “Day one went by and nothing happened. We caught a few small trout and they turned most of them back. I couldn’t believe it. I couldn’t just let them go, so I suggested that we stay over for one more day. Day Two was the dilly.” It seems that He had already contacted Warden Clements and the agreed upon time was set for the pinch when the railroad flare was set off. It would be visible for miles on a dark night. The daytime signal was to be several shots fired at random. “Well, the dusk turned to dark and they listened to my stories about lunker trout in Upper Stump long enough. Finally they owned up to the trick of their trout takin’. They were draining the water down at night by plugging the beaver dam at North Fork and walkin’ the stream bed to pick out the lunkers. With the fish flappin’ around in the small pools it was a pretty easy job. Things were just getting good, the Ole man was getting really loud and swinging His arms about. “The ring leader even thought I was an outlaw when we managed to get most of the good fish from the stretch near the mill. I suggested that since this was near the widest spot in the stream why didn’t we set out a flare to light up the area a little better so
we could be sure that we weren’t missin’ any food fish. He thought that was a good idea because Warden Clements was sure to be home by now. I walked back to the Jeep and got the flare. I rushed back to the brook to be sure that no fish would die that didn’t have to. I lit the flare and sat back to wait, makin’ believe that I was busy getting’ more fish for the garbage bags we were filling with floppin’ trout. There were three thieves and Me. The Warden arrived in record time. Said that the light from the flare was visible all the way over near the meadows. He made his arrest right off, even put me on the arrest report. Included all four of us. I couldn’t be more pleased. He stopped with that as though it was all as obvious as the nose on your face. I still had a couple of questions to be answered. How did the thieves get the trout back to town without Warden Clements catching them in the first place? Simple. They drove out at night and returned in the pre-dawn hours to “put in an honest day at fishing”. The trout were safely in the freezer and the beaver dam was unplugged to allow a normal flow of water. Where did the 101 trout come in? There was a need for an official count of the books and the warden had counted every trout from the Old Stump dam through to the next dam as dead trout and added them to his list. That made about, or more exactly, 404 fish. That included the Ole Man, and He was about to turn state’s evidence for His only crime had been to help the warden. The state had a wit-
February 2021 ness, the warden had his thieves, the Magic Wand was working and the sentence was sure to bring a stiff fine along with a stretch in jail. All was well, and the fact that He had missed an appointment to go fishing would soon be forgotten. Although the stove never returned when the Ole Man got to talking about thieves, He was always pleased to make his case against the fish jerks. I was still pleased about the whole scene, but confused over one scene, what had set the Ole man on the trail in the first place? “Ah, glad you asked. It was the lack of activity in the daytime. That meantthat they had to be fishin’ at night or doin’ somethin’ like that. The only way I was goin’ to get them was to go with them. I even told the warden I thought that it was at night that they were doin’ their business. See how good things turned out?” I agreed and settled in to hear all of the story for the second and third time around. This was sure to be a classic story that would get better with age. It would be told in trout times, duck hunting and in the deer camp. You might get tired of it, but it did your heart good to think that another wildlife scandal had been put to rest. The stove could be remade, the fish were gone forever. The Ole Man had done himself proud. David O’Connor, a longtime Sporting Journal writer, passed a way this past December at his home in Florida at 76. This month’s Outdoor News section carries an article about his outdoor writing career.
February 2021
Northwoods Sporting Journal
Open Cold-Water Periods Best Bassin’
The allure for chasing Black Bass during coldwater periods has always been an obsession with me. And, one that most anglers cannot seem to understand. That is unless you have experienced the thrill of landing a ‘Big Bass’ under cold-water situations! With the Bassmaster Classic scheduled next
for utilizing lipless crankbaits within New England waters, yet not familiar with Texas lakes during their cold-water periods, I placed a call to four-time Bassmaster Classic Qualifier Cliff ‘Cajun Baby’ Crochet. Crochet a Louisiana native is known for his shallow water expertise, and especially his bass
fished properly a Rat-LTrap could very well be the winning Classic bait!” Thinking that was easy, the Major League Fishing Pro responded, “But there is an ‘Equation’... Color-Sound-Retrieve!” Crochet enlightened me clarifying ‘Color’ resembled the forage as well as the forage size
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by Bill Decoteau, Hampden, MA times makes a major difference!” (www.Tacklewarehouse.com) The final part of Crochet’s Rat-L-Trap Equation...’Retrieve’. “The retrieve and hook-set actually go together, as the position of your rod coupled with your retrieve speed will dictate how solid your
relies on Seaguar 12-20 lb. Tatsu Fluorocarbon. (www.Seaguar.com) Rat-L-Traps can be retrieved in a multiple of ways; stroking or ripping off the bottom, steady retrieve at various depths, bumping along the bottom, burning or speed reeling with sudden stops includ-
Immersed within my own personal attraction for utilizing lipless crankbaits within New England waters, yet not familiar with Texas lakes during their cold-water periods, I placed a call to four-time Bassmaster Classic Qualifier Cliff ‘Cajun Baby’ Crochet. month on Texas’s Lake Ray Roberts, my recollection of how Boyd Duckett won the 2007 Classic had me thinking. Yes, there is indeed an array of productive lures both Professional Anglers and Guides turn to under open cold-water conditions. However, one lure that has been consistently productive is the lipless crankbait. It was a Bill Lewis Red Crawfish Rat-L-Trap lipless crankbait that secured Professional Angler Boyd Duckett’s 2007 Classic Crown along with the $510,000 purse. The water temperatures varied within the high 30-degrees into the low 40-degree range. Sticking with his confidence Rat-L-Trap bait, Duckett was able to entice larger bass! And, it was these bigger bass that carried Duckett into the winners circle. (www.Rat-L-Trap.com) Immersed within my own personal attraction
catching ability with RatL-Traps! I presented Crochet (Now competing on the Major League Fishing Tour) my lipless crankbait scenario as a possible winning pattern during the 2021 Bassmaster Classic to be held on March 19-21 at Lake Ray Roberts. “What few anglers understand is Bill Lewis Rat-L-Traps can emulate a wide variety of forage throughout the entire water column all year long. Including prevailing water conditions; from hot to cold or muddy to clear!” Continuing Crochet explained every movement of the Black Bass during seasonal transitions encompasses its own specific situation based upon the prevailing conditions.” Then adding, “That is why Rat-L-Traps are available in more colors than any other hard-bait including a wide variety of sizes... So my answer is ‘Yes’,
(Crawfish or Baitfish), but also needed to be visible to the bass dependent on the water clarity. Moving onto the ‘Sound’ factor Cliff mentioned this is where many anglers falter and it can change throughout the day. “The sound chamber is called Liv-N-Sound and imitates a school of minnows, while the Knock-NTraps have a low frequency sound more like a drum. I always keep at least two KastKing Spirale Series 7’4” MH rods rigged with both Rat-L-Trap sound chambers. A simple switch from the Liv-N-Sound to the Knock-N sound many
hook-set is!” Crochet is quick to point out Rat-LTraps come with quality treble hooks, but he favors changing his treble hooks to the same size Vector Tornado Treble Hooks. (www. VectorHooks.com) Making long cast allows for covering water quickly, and for locating isolated vegetation and other forms of cover. “It’s imperative to keep your line tight with no-slack.” This is where Crochet utilizes a KastKing Bassinator Elite 8.1:1 gear ratio reel. If vegetation is the target he spools 50 lb. Seaguar Smack-Down Braid, for other forms of cover he
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ing the pulling and pausing retrieve Pro Angler Cliff Crochet utilizes. “Make long cast and engage your reel as your Rat-L-Trap hits the water. Keep your rod pointed at the bait to eliminate slack, then pull your Rat-L-Trap from 9 to 3 feel the vibration and continue reeling as you move your rod form 3 to 9. If you don’t feel vibration set the hook, many times big bass will inhale the Rat-L-Trap and swim towards you. If your (Decoteau cont. pg 68)
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Page 44
Northwoods Sporting Journal
Trout Management: Backsliding?
Native Fish Talk by Bob Mallard, Skowhegan, ME Imagine having 90% or more of what’s left of something. Now imagine that you have 90% or more of five things. What a great position to be in, as you could corner the market and stand out in the crowd. Of course, you would do everything possible to protect these things, and allow
February 2021
tic salmon, Maine has the last remaining populations in the contiguous United States and last in the country, respectively. What is Maine doing to protect these unique and invaluable resources, and maximize their potential? Well, unfortunately, not nearly enough. While we
creasing protections for Maine’s unique salmonid resources, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IFW) is now in a pattern of liberalizing regulations under the guise of “simplification” and “opportunity.” We’ve gone from simply allowing harvest, to actually encouraging it. This is compromising our fisher-
They are also arguably Maine’s most fished waters. Why? Simple, because they have big fish and natural abundances. This is partially due to their restrictive regulations. With these
Meanwhile, Maine has virtually no specially regulated sea-run brook trout streams. If you wanted to fish for salters, where would you go, Massachusetts or Maine?
After decades of increasing protections for Maine’s unique salmonid resources, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IFW) is now in a pattern of liberalizing regulations under the guise of “simplification” and “opportunity.” them to reach their maximum potential, right? Maine is home to 90% or more of the remaining wild native lake and pond brook trout, large river brook trout, sea-run brook trout, Arctic charr, and Atlantic salmon in the United States. In the case of Arctic charr and Atlan-
have restrictions in regard to tackle, bag and length limits, and seasons, they are often more social than scientific, and in most cases fall short of what is needed for these resources to reach their maximum potential ecologically or economically. After decades of in-
ies, and damaging Maine’s reputation with the visiting angler and angling media. While not as popular with trout fishers as moving water, there is a market for lake and pond fishing. But the lake and pond angler expects larger fish than the moving water angler, and if you want to recruit the latter into still water fishing, you’ll need to do more than offer a change of scenery, you’ll need to offer them big fish. The Rapid and Magalloway Rivers are some of the most talked about waters in the northeast.
“Should we have more fish like this?” (Pond in the River Guide Service) Arctic charr are a rare rivers as a proven effective blueprint, why are we not “bucket list” species that is doing more to create other accessible to the masses. marque brook trout river Managed and marketed accordingly, they could fisheries? Sea-run brook trout bring anglers to Maine that are a hot fish right now. might not otherwise come. Anglers throughout the But that means providing east are talking about them. absolute protection to them Red Brook in Massachu- to increase the likelihood setts along with several that anglers can catch one other sea-run brook trout when they get here. Unforstreams, are open to year- tunately, ten of eleven charr round fishing with an ALO waters open to fishing altackle restriction and catch- low harvest, and five allow and-release regulation. (Trout cont. pg 45)
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February 2021
Trout
(Cont. from pg 44) the use of high-impact bait. While we can no longer fish for them due to their ESA status, Atlantic salmon have the potential to draw anglers from all over the east. Rather than throwing in the towel before we have done everything we can to try to save them, which we have not, would it not be prudent to embrace restoration efforts if for no other reason than the potential positive economic impact of a recreational fishery. In May of 2004, over
Northwoods Sporting Journal 15 years ago, I wrote a piece for this very publications called “Managing for Mediocrity.” Sadly, not much has changed, and what has is often for the worse not better. While we have reeled in the dangerous use of live fish as bait, this is more about preventing our wild native fish from going away than it is improving our fishing. After years of incremental improvement, Maine is backsliding in regard to managing its unique wild native salmonid resources, at least in regard to maximum size quality or abundance. And
we are trying to use harvest as a management tool, and as I have said for years, while you can harvest your way into trouble, you can’t harvest your way out of it. BOB MALLARD has fly fished for forty years. He is a former fly shop owner, Registered Maine Fishing Guide, and commercial fly designer. Bob is a blogger, writer, and author. He is also a native fish advocate and founding member, Executive Director, and Maine
Page 45
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Carroll’s Corner Ice Fishing Tips Hopefully by the time that you read this, our Maine weather will have returned to normal (today, 11/10, 65*!) and we will have a safe amount of ice on our ponds and lakes. Ice fishing is a great winter activity for families to spend a day together and with a little forethought, can be a reasonably comfortable day on the ice. Taking the youngsters out on the ice to fish for pickerel, perch, crappies or anything else that comes along will be a big time for the little folks. Focusing on these usually easy to catch species requires very little equipment. Keep in mind that for the kids, it is not what they are catching, more importantly that they are catching something! Small shiners, a jig-stick and a bucket to sit on are all it takes to get them started. Despite the fact that Northern Pike are an invasive species and can be devastating to our native species, one thing remains the fact of the matter; they are very large and aggressive and not usually difficult to catch. We have friends who fish for Pike regularly and their live bait of choice is an 8 to 10” sucker of shiner, either fished live or killed and laid right on the bottom. One of those friends that I mentioned is a believer in killing the bait fish and cutting open the body cavity. His theory is that by opening the body, more scent is there for cruising predators. Jigging is a popular pastime with many fishermen and can be very productive. My preference when using this method is to cut slabs of the baitfish a couple of inches thick, and then bouncing the jig a foot or so off the bottom. An important part of this is what happens when we hook a fish, particularly a large fish like pike. The key is to keep his head up and so once you start the hand over hand retrieve, keep him coming. Once you have his head in the hole, don’t be faint-hearted, just yank him up and clear of the hole. I once stuck my hand into the mouth of a sixteen pound togue that my companion had hooked while jigging. As he started the fish up through the hole, the leader broke and as the fish was trying to go back down, I stuck my hand into his mouth and pulled him out. Looking in retrospect, this may not have been the brightest thing that I ever did as my hand and fingers were ripped to shreds. But, we got him! I think that one of the secrets to taking the youngster’s ice fishing is to keep them well fed! Keep it simple, Smore’s, hot dogs, hamburg’s or even fish cakes, all this over an open fire will make the day memorable, even if the fish don’t cooperate! Always be aware of ice thickness and spring holes! Stay safe and have a blast with the kids! Next month…..Rabbit Hunting Carroll M. Ware is a Master Maine Guide, holder of forty-eight world fly-fishing records and a two-time Maine Professional fly-casting champion.
Northwoods Sporting Journal
Page 46
February 2021
Winter Fun Galore
New Hampshire Outdoors
Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch and White Perch will be hung on the board on by Peter St. James, both Saturday and Sunday Warner, N.H. for prizes of $500, $200, It was a year ago this in 1996 out of the Pemige- $150, $100 and $50. And month (the 25th to be exact) wassett River in Bristol and then the seven top anglers that Tom Knight landed in weighed in at over fifteen with the biggest fish go into the state book of record fish pounds and was almost a drawing where the First Prize is $15,000 cash, Secwhen he managed to get thirty six inches long. But, I suppose if you ond Prize is $5,000 cash his 42.125”, 37 lbs., 10.4 ounce Lake Trout through were going to catch a re- and Third Prize will get you
seen the numbers. In 1991, 28% of U.S. hunters fell in the 25-34 age group. That number declined to 16% in 2016, and there were similar decreases in the 18-24 age group. Meanwhile, in 1991, 23% of the hunting population was between
If there was one “bright spot” in the pandemic, it was that people discovered or in many cases, re-discovered fishing and hunting in big numbers. I haven’t seen the final figures, but I know that license sales in the
But, I suppose if you were going to catch a record fish, from any of the public, fresh water bodies in the State, you might want to do it on February 13-14 during the 2021 Great Meredith Rotary Ice Fishing Derby. the ice on Big Diamond Pond in Stewartstown. Rainbow trout are in there as well. Who knows? There may another state record lurking around under the ice. In case you’re wondering, the state record Rainbow Trout was taken
cord fish, from any of the public, fresh water bodies in the State, you might want to do it on February 13-14 during the 2021 Great Meredith Rotary Ice Fishing Derby. The five heaviest Black Crappie, Cusk, Lake Trout, Pickerel,
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$3,000 cash. The website is : meredithrotary.com The following weekend, there’s the 42nd Annual Webster Lake Ice Fishing Derby on Webster Lake in Franklin. Every youth receives a free TIP UP and the first 100 Youth registered will have a free registration. Pre sold tickets will be entered for door prizes. Adult Pre Buy tickets are $12.00. Youth Pre-Buy tickets are $5.00. For tickets, go to : www. eventbrite.com/e/42ndannual-webster-lake-icefishing-derby-tickets Make plans now for New Hampshire’s Open Snowmobile Registration weekend, which runs from Friday, March 5 through Sunday, March 7. Riders from throughout New England, and around the U.S. and Canada, will have the opportunity to explore the over 7,000 miles of trails New Hampshire has to offer snowmobilers. During the three-day Open Snowmobile Registration Weekend, sleds legally registered to ride in other states and provinces will be able to operate on New Hampshire’s trails. I’m sure that you’ve
Moosehead brookie! 45 and 64. That percentage state had some dramatic doubled to 46% in 2016. increases. Hopefully, those As much as we like simple folks enjoyed their experianswers, there isn’t one. ences enough so that they’ll There are many factors at stay with it. It would be a play. Urbanization, less shame if, once COVID’s meat consumption, ani- under control and employmal cruelty concerns, less ment numbers start increasmentoring and less firearm ing, that people turn their ownership by Millenials. backs on the outdoors and But in light of those go back to their lives withdecreasing numbers, hunt- out including any outdoor ing prices have increased. activities. If that happens I’ve seen elk hunts routine- we all lose… now and for ly priced in the $6-12,000 future generations. range with one high-fence hunting operation in New Mexico charging up to Peter St. James is a $50,000 for a 450-499 bull. member of the New EngI get the whole supply and land Outdoor Writers Asdemand concept but to sociation, Outdoor Writers me it’s sending the wrong Association of America message. We need to keep and is a licensed NH Fishfocusing on outreach, edu- ing Guide. Reach him at : cation and mentoring. stjames.peter@gmail.com
February 2021
Northwoods Sporting Journal
The Snowshoes, and the Books Northwoods Voyager For a good part of my life I have been associated with canoes, and rightly so. I used them, built them, wrote about them, taught others to build them. In short, they were an important part of my life. But, some don’t realize that I had another item that was also very important. Snowshoes! Everything I said about my relationship with canoes
snowshoes was just using the pair I bought at LL Bean. But, the director had thrown down the gauntlet and I picked it up. I found that little had been written about snowshoe making, but there was some information on bending wood so I read up on that and learned the basics and managed to produce some rough, but serviceable frames. As difficult as
building them. With my notes and drawings they managed to complete some snowshoes and were as thrilled with the achievement as I had been with mine. However, my learning process was not over. I had to alter the original drawings so as to make it possible to lace different shapes and sizes. This finally completed I took all my notes and drawings to
I never had the wish to make snowshoes until one day in my shop at the Vocational Center. That day the vocational director came into my shop with a pair of snowshoes and simply said that making them might be a good addition to my program. also applies to snowshoes. I remember having called them my winter canoe. Although we used to snowmobile as well, I always enjoyed the peace and quiet of silently moving through the woods where the only sound I could hear was the swish of my snowshoes through the snow and an occasional bird call. I never had the wish to make snowshoes until one day in my shop at the Vocational Center. That day the vocational director came into my shop with a pair of snowshoes and simply said that making them might be a good addition to my program. At that point in time my relationship with
the wood bending was to master, it was a walk in the park compared to learning the intricacies of lacing them. I could not count the number of hours I spent sitting in front of our wood stove with the completed pair the director had given me and the frame I had made. Many, many times I traced the lace from side to side and top to bottom trying to figure out the method and pattern of the process. Slowly, some of it started to make sense, and because I had to teach it, I made notes of every success as I struggled with the process. When I had enough information to start them on it I had students
our vocational secretary and asked her to reproduce them so I could use them to teach the process to more students. The secretary readily agreed to help make up some booklets that students could have to build snowshoes. When she had completed several of the booklets she said to me, “you aught to write a book”. I laughed at first, but the more I thought about it the more logical it seemed. After all, there didn’t seem to be a detailed instruction guide for the process and I finally decided, why not me? Eventually my first book was published: Build-
by Gil Gilpatrick, Brunswick, ME
ing Snowshoes. After that it went through several years of updates, changes, additions and alterations and finally emerged in its present form as: Building Snowshoes and Snowshoe Furniture. A colorful version published and sold by Fox Chapel Publishing of Pennsylvania. So this is how my first book, and to my knowledge, the only detailed instruction book on the subject. Though I knew from the start this subject matter would have a limited audience, I am proud of the fact that it is there for those few who desire to make and use their own snowshoes. Enjoy our
Page 47
Maine winter folks! Gil Gilpatrick is a Master Maine Guide, and is the first living recipient 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 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 author of seven outdoorrelated books. Contact him at Gil@GilGilpatrick.com
Page 48
Northwoods Sporting Journal
On The Prowl
by Justin Merrill, Cherryfield, ME I’ve been insistent on hunting red fox in a whole different way. Although not new to most, ambushing the predators without distress calls or bait has become my new method. One particular predator that I found easy to set up an ambush on during the
all that I knew about the fox making a living in my hunting grounds. I’ve done my hunter’s homework by reading actual fox sign, but also by reading about red fox and watching video footage. I’ve done this for every animal I hunt. I found that the am-
February 2021
Ambushing Red Fox
the ruffed grouse at a popular feeding/watering hole laced with red and white clover. So, why not ambush the red fox? After a couple visits to a blueberry field, called Blueberry Circle, it became obvious that I could establish an ambush on the red fox in this area. The three sloping blueberry fields with a brushed in drainage ditch running from a tract
out a mixed deciduous and coniferous forest existed. Knowing that red fox hunt their way along this drainage, throughout the fields, the clear cut across the tarred road and on into town, I knew the perfect ambush location. My blind was set up against the edge and to
feet behind that rabbit and all I could do was sit in amazement. I did, however, mouse squeak using my lips. It wasn’t long before I saw the rear end of the fox as it crossed the farthest end of the clearing. I got my gun up and ready. I mouse squeaked some more. A short while later
one end of the clearing so I could see it all. I was positioned so that I could actually get a shot at a red fox from left to right. I do realize that usually the first time on stand can be the best time for success. This hunting principle made me set up my blind at noon since the majority of fox are resting during the day - and I stayed at my ambush spot to hunt that same afternoon. After about an hour, a rabbit crossed the clearing at lightning speed. My predator instincts kicked in and my gun was up to my shoulder in ready position. What happened next was a blur. The red fox wasn’t much more than twenty
the fox was twenty feet behind my blind. I moved in my chair to get into a better position. Unfortunately for me the fox spooked. Gosh darn it! Not bad for my first time ambushing red fox.
I knew to be successful at ambushing a red fox I would need to actually use all that I knew about the fox making a living in my hunting grounds. winter is the Red Fox. This type of hunting for red fox may not be popular, however, paying close attention to every detail that matters will lead to success. Pay close attention to frequency of tracks, direction of travel, fresh scat, abundance of rabbit and mouse sign and geographical features that work to your advantage. Don’t forget to read the fox sign by studying it thoroughly. It’s wise to examine the direction of travel a fox went in and came from, (snow comes in handy for this). This simple task will let you know two vital truths. For one, tracks going from fields or any open terrain, road ways, towns, and open woodlands into larger tracks of woods should register as being the daytime retreat. The number two truth is obviously the whereabouts during its nightly jaunt in search of food. A well prepared hunter can take advantage of the messages a fox leaves behind after a long night. I knew to be successful at ambushing a red fox I would need to actually use
bushing techniques from the way a bobcat hunts can be applied to how we hunt. If I had to give an assignment to my readers, it would be to study the natural history of the wild feline that has mastered the art of ambushing its prey. Bobcats will and do eat fox. For a moment try to imagine a bobcat laying in wait near a highly traveled rabbit run. The cat took the least traveled route to its ambush spot and moved slowly. The cat made no sudden moves. The cat also stayed in the dark shadows. Now, what do you suppose happened if that bobcat didn’t so much as blink? You guessed it! The bobcat had rabbit for dinner that night. From my hunting experiences, I’ve found that we too can ambush the rabbit. Felines are extremely patient and very methodical with their movements when lying in wait for some fine dining. I try to emulate the bobcat when ambushing my prey. You can, too. Nothing is absolute or perfect, but learning from the bobcat can help. It has for me. I’ve ambushed
of forest down a gradual slope into and through the larger forest made it a prime ambush spot. Each field is bordered by forest and brushed in draws, all connected to this drainage ditch that occasionally has flowing water. A dirt road meanders from a tarred road down in through the fields with a surrounding rabbit and mouse infested forest. Not just the dirt road but the edges of the drainage ditch are consistently loaded with red fox tracks. To top it off, every imaginable prey animal the red fox would love to get its chompers on takes up residency here as well. I’m referring to the snowshoe hare, mice, turkey, ruffed grouse, squirrel, song birds and deer. I was ready to make my move after conducting an investigation to piece all the evidence together. I followed the drainage right into the red fox’s lair. It became apparent that the red fox occupying this area has been busy chasing rabbits across a clearing I found next to the drainage and thick rabbit haunts. Outside of the rabbit hang-
Justin has thousands of acres to hunt on every year and it’s not uncommon to find him scouting and hunting year round. He is a member of the New England Outdoor Writers Association (NEOWA) and has authored two books. You may learn more by visiting his website, www. wildmaineoutdoors.com. He can be contacted via. E-mail: wildmaineoutdoors@gmail.com
February 2021
Northwoods Sporting Journal
Page 49
More Moose Permits for Northwoods
The scientific management of Maine’s wildlife populations can be complex and, at times, counter intuitive. There are, however, some fundamen-
eas of Maine’s wilderness there are too many moose sharing the same space. And the winter tick is taking its toll, particularly on moose calf survival and
birthday.” Controlling the winter tick is the challenge. Kantar says that applying pesticides to the forest or the moose itself is “not effective, realistic or economical.” This leaves culling the herd with recreational hunting as the only practi-
Outdoors In Maine by V. Paul Reynolds, Ellsworth, ME
cow hunting permits in this test area of WMD 4. Kantar says that the increase in cow permits is likely to be in the hundreds. As the years go by, this harvest quota will be adjusted accordingly de-
agement approach based on science. This is at the heart of informed wildlife conservation strategy. Kantar and the MDIF&W team deserve our appreciation for their hard work and willing-
Today, in certain areas of Maine’s wilderness there are too many moose sharing the same space. And the winter tick is taking its toll, particularly on moose calf survival and reproduction.
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is proposing to control winter ticks on moose by reducing moose densities through increased harvest quotas in some areas. tal tenets that are timeless. Here are two: 1) An over abundance of animals is not a good thing, and in time can trigger unhealthy populations plagued with disease and starvation, and 2) Recreational hunting with harvest quotas is a proven and effective method of regulating animal population densities. Today, in certain ar-
reproduction. According to Maine moose research leader, Lee Kantar, “... the number of calves born each year has dropped significantly since the 1990s, as well as the number of twin calves produced. The prevalence of the winter tick has increased dramatically causing moderate to high mortality in calves trying to make it to their 1st
cal alternative. The Maine wildlife biologist points out that research shows that lower density moose populations are healthier populations that produce more calves and have less parasites, including winter ticks. To t h i s e n d , t h e Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIF&W) is proposing a test, starting next fall, to determine if lowering moose densities in the western half of Wildlife Management District 4 (WMD) will result in the decrease of winter ticks. This will be done by significantly increasing the number of
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pending upon the findings of the test. Why use WMD 4, in far Northwestern Maine as the test area? Kantar already has good moose research data from that area. Equally important is that this section of WMD 4 has very high moose densities. Of course, there is another alternative, which is to do nothing and let nature take its course. The problem here is that we risk losing more moose by parasites and experiencing lower and lower calf reproduction. Even this test is no guarantee of tick reduction, but it represents a pro-active wildlife man-
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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. maineoutdoorpublications. com. or www.sportingjournal.com. Contact email — vpaulr@tds.net
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Northwoods Sporting Journal
Page 50
Young Hunters Make Parents Proud
Outdoors In Vermont by Gary W. Moore, Bradford, VT Alicia Barnes, a 16year- old junior at St. Johnsbury Academy, bagged her first deer this season and it was a buck to brag about. That is what proud brother Tyler Barnes is doing. The St. Johnsbury resident told me, “My entire life my father and I were very very very close. I went off to the Marines after high school and ended up ending at my first term and coming
a shot at him. After I lost my dad I couldn’t bring myself to hunt anymore. Until this year my little sister had never shot a deer and begged me to take her so I did.” On their first day out, Alicia and Tyler went to a spot on Pumpkin Hill Road in Danville. “We went out where my dad and I used to hunt. It was really hard. We were sitting there
us together that day and I know he is the reason she got the deer he and I hunted for years.” The buck was a real beauty that weighed 165 and had 10 points. It scored a 174 green on the Boone and Crockett scale. ***** Fynn Hughes, a 15 year old sophomore at North Country Union High School in Newport shot really big bucks this year and last. As a result, the
“We had been after the same deer for years, only saw him a couple times and never got a shot at him. After I lost my dad I couldn’t bring myself to hunt anymore. back home due to the fact my dad was sick. In April 2019 he passed away. It was hard since my sister and I lived with my dad our entire life and always used to go hunting every year no matter what, that was our thing.” He added, “We had been after the same deer for years, only saw him a couple times and never got
maybe 15 minutes and all of a sudden the deer my father and I had been hunting for years walked right out about 100 yards away. My sister was shaking so bad I told her to breathe and just pull the trigger, She did and she dropped him, It was an awesome moment and I know my dad was there. I know it. Losing my father was hard, but it brought
February 2021
Alicia Barnes and her ten point buck.
Montgomery Center youth is the envy of many a deer hunter. I contacted Fynn and learned that both bucks were shot in Canaan where his grandmother lives and where his parents came from. Fynn said, “I’ve spent a lot of time in Canaan on our family tree farm on school vacations and weekends.”
Vermont Fynn Hughes and his ten point buck.
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He said his dad, “did not do much deer hunting growing up but showed me the basics and took me to hunter safety when I was nine. The following years we went out with no success. We learned more each year about tracking, moving through the woods and how deer move through the woods.” The effort to learn paid off. After three unsuc-
cessful youth weekends in a row, Fynn, then 14, shot an eight point buck that weighed 226 pounds. The last day of the 2019 Youth Weekend he and his dad were following tracks when they came upon the buck which had bedded down. It jumped up and Fynn shot it at 30 yards. An hour and a half into the first day of this (Proud cont. pg 53)
Northwoods Sporting Journal
February 2021
Page 51
Tackling the Heap
The basement is a mess. Bow season gear, the turkey vest and all of the fixings, equipment from the rifle season and a muzzleloader that must be put away until next fall. On top of that, the boss has been complaining, for months, that the mess downstairs is primarily mine. So, I guess it is time to walk down and take matters in hand. She has spoken. But wait. Now down in the cellar, that image, the one that pops up now and then, has again taken hold. I can clear the two folded tables and the boxes of junk to the other side of the basement, take those measurements again and begin the project that has been on my mind for about a decade: my very own man-cave. Oh, I can see it now. Those two sets of antlers on the work bench can go on one wall. My Green Bay Packers banner will hang on another. My very own television? You got that right.
I will have to frame up two walls, a simple task. Two-by-four studs and some rough-cut lumber will finish the task. But wait, I hear some mumbling upstairs and, right there, I am reminded about why I am down here in the first place. Yeah, I have to clean this place up and, at
into the safe. Hang up the two backpacks, store the crate of turkey hunting gear and the crate for muzzleloader gear and get them up on the big, long shelf against the west wall. But, the problem is, there is no room left up there. The shelf is stacked, on one side, with camp-
Maybe I can move some of her junk, dishes, bowls, pots and whatever to another shelf, you know, to make for room for my stuff? But where? least for the next 10 years, forget about a man cave. The thing about this basement, which measures about 32-by-24 feet, is that there is a lot of space down here. The only problem is, we have so much junk, that the only way to get my outdoor gear put away is that I will have to get rid of more stuff. That is carried out and toss it away. The five hen decoys will be shoved up above the big storage box, along with three camouflage nets that are used during the turkey and deer seasons. The guns will all go
ing gear, freshwater and saltwater boxes, one filled with about a dozen rolls of fishing line, three boxes of salt-water lures and a huge array of other stuff. The other side of the long shelf is reserved for my wife, who only minutes ago reminded me that it sounded awful quiet down there and are you getting the job done? Maybe I can move some of her junk, dishes, bowls, pots and whatever to another shelf, you know, to make for room for my stuff? But where? Over by the hot water heater, up on another wall,
Vermont Ramblings by Dennis Jensen, Vermont
I have three surf rods and a saltwater rod for plugs, all with reels attached. Sometime soon, I have to change the line on all four reels, that is, if I am fortunate enough to get a few weeks of fishing for striped bass along the coast of Maine this summer. The reels will be taken apart and thoroughly cleaned for it is certain that little grains of sand will be trapped inside the reels. The right lubricant will finish the job. OK, it is time to get going. I’ll clean up this mess in no time. I pull a pile of magazines from one shelf and, what do you know, I find an old Outdoor Life magazine with a guy holding a monster striped bass on the cover. Did I ever read the cover story? Maybe, but that would have been 25 years ago. You can never get enough information when it comes to stripers. Well, it’s just about time for dinner. Got to head
back upstairs. Is that spaghetti sauce I’m picking up? Yeah, it is. Well, we will get back to work next morning, if we can get the energy up. Because, you know, there is always tomorrow to finish — make that, begin — the big job of cleaning up the basement. Dennis Jensen is the outdoor editor of the Rutland Herald and Barre Times Argus and a longtime member of the New England Outdoor Writers Association.
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Northwoods Sporting Journal
Page 52
February 2021
Oops! There Goes Another Ice Auger
Green Mountain Report
south side. Our sleds and shanty were heavy, and we had to stop several times to Some people believe Carmi in Franklin, VT. The catch our breath. that mishaps come in ice was four to five inches Each time we stopped threes. I have seen several thick and covered in a the bottoms of the sleds attimes that when something Each time we stopped the bottoms of goes wrong there is often a cascading series of events the sleds attached more of that slushy snow on their surfaces. We parked the that follow. entourage and started drilling holes. I look back on my mistakes made early in my slushy snow. We were pull- tached more of that slushy career and wonder how ing two jet sleds full of gear snow on their surfaces. We the heck I survived. Today and two shanties by hand parked the entourage and was one of those cascad- about ½ mile north of the started drilling holes. I was ing events. We fished Lake state park entrance on the testing out my new cordless drill and auger with ICE FISHING IS HERE an adapter. My first hole popped quickly and the Are you ready? Rack 'N Reel Is. moment the knives sheared through the bottom of the ice; the auger slipped out of the drill. It plunged quickly into the five-inch hole. The handle barely caught the edge of the hole and stopped, but not before I screamed an obscenity and stuck my hand in to grab it. My partners, Ozzie and Chris bent over laughing. My wife, who had purchased the drill for me, gasped and yelled an expletive to match my own. Things calmed down and
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break down the shanties and load the sleds, we realized that all the water and slush had frozen to the bottom of our sleds and dragging them felt like we were wrestling with a team of defiant mules. When we got back
The author’s wife with a nice catch. we started fishing. I had to the trucks, we all were just been given a new Vexi- bent over gasping with lar from a good friend for exhaustion. My lovely Christmas and was eager to bride had to relieve herself try it out. For once, I had all and snuck behind a tree the best equipment money (‘because she is one of could buy and I was very those rugged women who excited at the prospect of don’t put on airs when it comes to respecting naout-fishing my friends. As they say “the best ture’s call.) Suddenly we laid plans of mice and heard a scream from behind men” go awry. I fished all the tree. Ozzie, Chris, and day, moving a few times I turned our heads to see and never caught a cotton- Katie had lost her balance pickin’ thing! Everyone mid-stream and fallen into (Auger cont. pg 53) else did. When we went to
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Northwoods Sporting Journal
February 2021
Augar (Cont. from pg 52) the cold snow bare bottomed. We roared with laughter. Finally, we drove to St Albans and Chris pleaded with Ozzie to turn in to a truck stop so he could get some more dip. My wife thought “I better lock the truck or Chris will try to steal shotgun for the long ride home.” She came into the store proud to share with me her little trick. I turned to her and she was already out the door before I could say “Did you happen to notice that I left the keys in the ignition?” Of course not. This is called a “cascading series of difficult events” but this time we were fortunate to have Ozzie’s warm truck to sit in as we waited for AAA. It was just “one of those days. We could not stop laughing about our luck. Some days are more about adventure than catching fish. Always wanted to go ice fishing but couldn’t find a good excuse to get away? VT F&W has found that excuse for you: a “Free Ice Fishing Day” on the last Saturday in January. Saturday, January 30, 2021 is Vermont’s next free ice fishing day - a day when anyone, resident, or nonresident, may go fishing in Vermont without a fishing license. If you still feel the need to hunt you may want
to give rabbit hunting a try. The season is open until the second Saturday in March and until March 31 in WMUs D&E. Cottontail rabbits are primarily found in the Southwestern Foothills and Champlain Valley, including the Champlain Islands. They favor the varied habitat in agricultural lowlands, and are commonly encountered in brushy hedgerows, overgrown fields, briar thickets, and shrub-filled creek bottoms. Kicking up cottontails in the snow is an excellent challenge, whether hunters elect to chase them with a dog and shotgun or stalk them with a .22 rifle. Bradley Carleton is the founder and Executive Director of www.sacredhunter.org which teaches the public respect and empathy through hunting and fishing.
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(Cont. from pg 50) past Youth Weekend, Fynn shot a ten point, 226 pound buck at 50 yards. Again they were still hunting, following a game trail up the mountain, where they had found several rubs. Fynn said, “Ever since we started hunting I realized that I was not going to be able to sit in a stand or a blind because I enjoyed tracking and moving through the woods much more and sitting for extended periods of time was not for me.” Both of the deer were
shot with a scoped, lever action, Marlin 30-30 that was passed down to Fynn by his uncle Danny Hughes. Amazingly both deer weighed the same, 226 pounds. Fynn told me he, “was born and raised in Montgomery, down a back dirt road surrounded by forest. My whole life most of the activities I love have been outside hunting, fishing, skiing, biking, riding dirt bikes and snowmobiles and four wheeling.”
Page 53 It sounds to me like some of us old timers should take some lessons from Fynn. I’m sure his family is proud of his accomplishment and rightly so. Syndicated columnist Gary W. Moore is a life long resident of Vermont and a former Commissioner of Fish and Game. He may be reached by email at gwmoore1946@ icloud.com or at Box 454, Bradford, VT 05033.
Don't Forget To Check The Ice Thickness!
Northwoods Sporting Journal
Page 54
February 2021
Coyotes: Fussy Eaters?
Mass Wanderings by David Willette, N. Adams, MA When I finally got to high school, my parents felt that they could take off for an overnight somewhere and I could
asked for the fried chicken version. Mostly because there was a tasty, (at that time anyways), dessert like an imitation apple crisp.
Another theory is that coyotes don’t like beef because the cows have been fed hormones or treated with other chemicals for whatever reason and the coyotes can smell that and are turned off by it. somewhat fend for myself food-wise, for supper anyways. This usually meant a Swanson frozen dinner of some kind and I always
I haven’t had a frozen dinner since then and I doubt that I would give one a first look, never mind a second look. And I think
Anecdotal evidence suggests that coyotes, not unlike humans, seem to prefer a hot meal to a cold one. We set out the very that the local coyotes have taken that same attitude large piles of bait, one pile towards both of my bait of deer, the other of beef, in mid-December and we piles this year. haven’t had one, not a single coyote, eat a single morsel off either pile since. Sure, a couple have walked by the bait, and several coyotes are in the vicinity of the bait pile but not one yote has taken a bite. When we first put out the piles, there weren’t even any coyotes in the area, according to the lack of tracks in the thin layer of snow. But I know that they know that it’s there. They’ve just turned their noses from it, and its frustrating. Theories abound as to why this is happening, and almost all of them are at least partially true. First and foremost is that even though there is snow, it only amounts to an inch or so, so the availability of small game exists, and as Shane Crommett told me once, “Coyotes prefer a hot meal over a frozen one.”
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Since Shane’s words of wisdom, other coyote hunters have said the same thing. Local coyote guru, Aaron Perras said that he once saw coyotes mousing 20 yards from his bait pile. My recent post on FB reinforced this theory as several avid coyote hunters lamented the same message that coyotes aren’t hitting their baits either. Which is somewhat comforting as misery loves company and I know that I haven’t done anything wrong with my baits. Another theory is that coyotes don’t like beef because the cows have been fed hormones or treated with other chemicals for whatever reason and the coyotes can smell that and are turned off by it. This may be true with certain coyotes, but overall coyotes aren’t that picky when they’re hungry. And besides, they aren’t hitting my deer bait pile either. (Coyote cont. pg 68)
February 2021
Northwoods Sporting Journal
Page 55
The Flymph
The Tyer’s Corner
This month’s fly is one of those famous flies that you rarely see, but most people have heard of. The Flymph is the brainstorm of James Leisenring and Pete Hidy and is presented in The Art of Tying the Wet Fly & Fishing the Flymph,
That’s another way of saying you should tie this simple but deadly fly in an assortment of colors. Try olive, gray, brown and all black. Don’t forget to try all black. about 50 years ago. The fly is designed to imitate an emerger becoming a fly, that is, a “flymph”. It fishes very well just under the surface and can be tied in any color to match local insects. That’s another way of saying you should tie this simple but deadly fly in an assortment of colors. Try olive, gray, brown and all black. Don’t forget to try all black. Recipe for the Flymph Thread – Any color to suit Hook – Size 10-14 wet fly hook Tail – Sparse clump of hackle fibers to match hackle Body – Dubbed hair, plucked out Rib- Silver or gold oval Mylar Hackle – Hen Start with a wet fly hook and tie in a sparse bunch of about 8-10 hackle fibers from a hen hackle the same color as you selected for your hackle. The tail should be about as long as the hook shank. Next, tie in some oval Mylar for a rib.
by Hugh Kelly, Detroit, ME
The body is any dubbed fur, beaver, rabbit, hares mask and opossum are old favorites and the synthetics work as well. You will be plucking the body to make it look “buggy” so if you use fur, leave guard hairs in. Wind forward a dubbed body and tie off, wrap the rib forward over the body and tie off. The hackle is soft hen hackle.
Rooster dry fly hackle will be too stiff and won’t give the same action under the surface. Hen hackles are far more useful for my table and less expensive to boot. Tie in the hackle feather at the butt and wind on three to five turns. Finish with a head and wrap the thread back tight against the hackles to gently force them back, you don’t want a dry
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Page 56
Northwoods Sporting Journal
February 2021
The Big Ones: When Do They Show?
By Kenneth Baer As all of us do, we needed to get out and do some fishing. We have all been in this covid lockdown since it began. My uncle Gary Bowman, cousin Pete Bowman, nephew Jonathan Bowman and me decided we would try some fishing around the Merrimac river for some stripers, we got more than
catching 4. After a couple of hours of that, and the tide had turned, we decided to troll back to the mouth and see what was going on. It was not much better. There were some bunker breaking at the mouth and we decided to snag a few of those for some more live bait. We drifted the river several times and only caught 1 small schoolie.
starboard rod, I put out my old faithful, red tube and worm on wire. Peter was driving the boat. We trolled in and out of lobster pots.
do the things you do on slow fishing days. Uncle Gary pulled out a folding chair and sat in the middle of the deck holding his rod
We finally slow the fish down and get clear of the lobster gear. Jonathan’s fish was the first to be subdued. He is able to maneuver the striper into the wake of the boat, “We are going to need the net” uncle Gary yells. we expected for a day on the water. We met up and were fishing the outgoing tide, the reports were spotty but we just needed to get out. Being the first time this year we were able to get out, it was like opening day of deer season, our expectations were high. The plan was to run out to “Breaking Rock, “pick up some macks, and drift the river. Well, it did not go as planned. We had trouble finding the mackerel, only
We resided to the fact that the fish just weren’t cooperating this day, it was slow fishing, almost dead. Not willing to give up we decided to troll out in front of Plum Island. We set up a three-rod spread, two on the outside and one down the middle, the port rod, manned by Johnathan with an 8 inch jointed, Mackerel colored Rapala, on the center rod Gary, with a multitude of colors and shapes, he likes to change it up frequently, and at the
The author with a 45 lb striper. We trolled along the edges of drops and sand bars. Nothing! It was a nice day for a boat ride. Seeing that the fishing was slow we all started to
and lazily jigging. Peter started playing with some of the electronics, reading the charts and playing with the side scan. Jonathan and me decided to munch on some food and sit up front making small talk. Pete casually says” We just went over some-
thing, we might get….” Was all he got out of his mouth. Jonathans rod started pulling drag and we tell him to take it because he is hung up. He picks up the rod and says “It’s not hung up I have a fish!” and is was not slowing down. Uncle clears his rod and I move to clear mine. Now, the wire line starts peeling off the reel. Pete says “Well, your definitely hung up.” I raise the rod tip and feel a head shake. I say “Nope, it’s a fish and we are going to run out of line really quick here, mark that spot!” Pete pushes the mark on the chart plotter then begins to move us out of the lobster pots so we don’t lose the fish in them. All heck is now breaking loose on the deck. Jonathan fish is still not under control with a couple hundred yards of braid trailing behind the boat, I am cranking down on the Penn 113H’s star drag trying to save some line on the reel and it is still going out. Uncle Gary is trying to clear the deck of his chair and the lures he had been playing with in the down time and Pete is dodging lobster buoys trying to keep the fish away from the gear. (Show cont. pg 59)
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February 2021
Northwoods Sporting Journal
Getting Kids Involved
Getting young people started with trapping is important. We have a responsibility to pass on the skills required to carry on this noble heritage. There are many ways to get a
tant tip when setting out on the trap line with a young one is to make them feel involved. It’s not much fun for a kid to be sitting on the sidelines watching but not doing anything the
of the world if a set looks messy or if scent control wasn’t perfect. Who cares? Resist the urge to take over. It’s in our nature to want to see our young ones succeed but its more important that kids are given the chance to make both their own mistakes and success. The important thing is that your protégé was out there learning and getting experience and more importantly get-
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The Fur Shed by Blake Dougherty, Suffield, CT dog yanking, jumping, growling and barking at the trappers. This is of course dependent on the child’s age and maturity. Each kid will be different. Use good judgement. Dispatch. Be prepared to discuss the process of
process. Ask them how they think they will feel. You can then formulate the best approach on how to handle this part of the process based on your discussion and their feelings about it. Some kids will have no problem at all with
I don’t think it’s any surprise that it can sometimes be difficult to keep a kid’s attention. There are however, a few ways to keep a youngster engaged while introducing them to trapping.
young person involved in trapping. Whether it’s your own children, a nephew or niece or a child of a friend, you can help a new trapper get started! My first memories of trapping come from tagging along with my father on my Great-Grandmothers farm in Bristol, Connecticut. He was trapping muskrats in the river using #1 long springs. I couldn’t believe it the first time we came upon a catch! That memory has never left me and that’s something you can help a kid experience too. So let’s get into the nuts and bolts of starting a child out trapping! I don’t think it’s any surprise that it can sometimes be difficult to keep a kid’s attention. There are however, a few ways to keep a youngster engaged while introducing them to trapping. Get them involved. The first and most impor-
whole time. Help them get their hands dirty. They can carry some lighter equipment or help you dig trap beds. Maybe you can make a game of locating muskrat holes in the riverbank or beaver sign. Have them hand you traps or stakes so they can get familiar with the equipment we use. Quiz them on what each item is and what it is used for. Have fun with it! Be safe of course. Let them pick set locations. Even if you know the odds of connecting with an animal are very low be sure to do this! The empowerment and inclusion a kid will feel is unmeasurable. Remember children are told what to do nearly every waking hour. For them to have the chance to make some decisions on their own is extremely rewarding for them. Don’t get frustrated. Stay cool. It’s not the end
ting excited! Nothing ruins a good time like a mentor getting mad and shouting. Trust me, I know. Kids tend to shut down quickly once that happens and will be unlikely to want to join you on the line in the future. Give a kid a few pieces of equipment if you can. Ownership of their own equipment will go a long way in keeping them interested in trapping. Maybe you have some old traps you aren’t using or an old trowel. Lures and baits are exciting to young folks. Trapping DVD’s are always a hit too. If you really want to make a kid’s day set them up with their own pack basket and they can add to it each season. Choose a low effort species to target. It will be important to show some results quickly to keep young ones interested. Target muskrats, opossums or raccoons to start. Starting a kid out trapping an aggressive species like a coyote may have an unintended negative result. Although exciting for an experienced trapper, it could be a bit scary to walk up on a song
dispatching or retrieving dead animals. In many cases young people haven’t yet experienced this yet. It will be important for them to be prepared for what they see rather than be traumatized. Have a calm, meaningful conversation about what happens and explain that its part of the
dispatch while others may express concern about it. It’s up to you as a mentor to decide how to proceed. These are by no means the only tips to utilize when getting a kid started trapping but should prove helpful for anyone trying to get a child involved.
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Thanks to Iowa Department of Agriculture for permission to modify
Northwoods Sporting Journal
Page 58
The Singing Maine Guide by Randy Spencer, Grand Lake Stream, ME Thanks to loads of fast action with your two fly fishermen, the beautiful September morning passed in a flash and now you’re pulling into a lunch ground for a welcome, midday break. For the sports that is, not you. For you, the guide, it’s a busy time: cleaning the lunch fish, unpacking the basket, setting the table, laying out hors d’oeuvres, cutting up potatoes and onions, mixing the guides coffee and getting the fire going. Meanwhile, both men–each in their late 70s–have taken a walk in the woods and are now settled onto the picnic table benches opposite one another. Busy with your routine, you pick up a scent that’s vaguely familiar, but you can’t quite place it. There are other smells competing after all: the cedar kindling you’ve split and lit with birch bark, the
breaded fillets sizzling in your Greenfield fry pan, the fresh-baked blueberry cake you’ve readied for dessert under a paper towel. Still, there’s that other smell–and it’s a tad skunky at that. Then, you glance over to the picnic table and see your two sports puffing on something that they’re passing back and forth. Bingo! Your brain goes into overdrive. How is it going to look if somebody smells pot on ME later? Or, what if we’re stopped by a game warden? And then it hits you–what your two elderly fishermen are doing is completely within the law in the state of Maine. Now, the two gents are busy doing something else–eating! Sports usually do have hefty appetites, but there are always morsels left for the red squirrels and ravens once you depart the lunch ground. Not today. Every wedge of cheese,
That Smell
every pickle, every bread crumb is devoured before the entrée of medium-rare burgers, cooked to order, shows up. When they do, the men eat like they’ve just come off of a fast. You’re grateful for the ap-
men try to out-do each other with compliments on the blueberry cake, one of them pulls a vile from his vest pocket. Presently, he unscrews the dropper from the bottle as the other sport sticks out his tongue.
preciation, but you can’t stop this freight train of thought. You’re old enough to remember back when it was commonplace for sports to put a “jug” in the canoe and nip from it off and on all day. That practice seems to have subsided in recent times. These days, you’re more likely to see a soft cooler with a few beers on ice, if anything. And now, this… After lunch, as both
Your jaw drops along with his. The dropper goes under the fellow’s tongue, is squeezed dry, and then refilled, whereupon the first sport gives himself a healthy squirt. He then holds the vile up in your direction and says, “care for some?” No matter what it is, the answer will be no, but you can’t help yourself, so you ask, “What is it?” In the time it takes to finish a cup of guide’s cof-
February 2021
fee, you get an education. You learn that this too is cannabis, albeit in liquid form. One of the men says it was prescribed to him by his oncologist during his chemo treatments to help
You’re old enough to remember back when it was commonplace for sports to put a “jug” in the canoe and nip from it off and on all day. That practice seems to have subsided in recent times. These days, you’re more likely to see a soft cooler with a few beers on ice, if anything. And now, this… with nausea and other side effects. The other sport says he takes it for an anxiety disorder. As old stereotypes topple before you, you realize this is a far cry from tie-dying tee shirts (Smell cont. pg 63)
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Northwoods Sporting Journal
February 2021
Show (Cont. from pg 56) We finally slow the fish down and get clear of the lobster gear. Jonathan’s fish was the first to be subdued. He is able to maneuver the striper into the wake of the boat, “We are going to need the net” uncle Gary yells. Unfortunately, after several attempt it is obvious the fish is not going to fit in the net! Pete is able to fit his hand in its mouth and drag it over the side. Whoops and hollers all around! Then the realization hits that we still have one out there that has yet to stop pulling drag. Through some boat maneuvers and the fish tiring, we are able to bring this fish to the wake. This fish is much bigger than the first, defiantly not going to fit in the net, we need a better plan to land it. I start telling John to get all the gear to the front deck from the side so we can fight the fish, he scrambles, we also realize no one has been driving the boat for a few minutes! Uncle Gary take over that chore. After several attempts Peter is able to get his hand into this stripers mouth and haul it over the side. Knowing these stripers are well beyond the slot limit, we start to work fast to get some measurements and pictures so we can get them released. Holding up the larger of the two fish, I step back to get a picture and put a #7 circle hook through my foot, and I yell in pain “I just put a hook through my foot!” Peter continues to take pictures of John and me as Uncle Gary asses the hook situation. “I think I’m just going to pull” he says to me.
News
Page 59
and his outdoor photography. (Cont. from pg 12) The Sporting Journal staff extends our sympaHe also had released two books of his columns by thies to Dave’s wife and the same name, published family. He will be missed, by Maine Outdoor Publica- but his work lives on. tions and Islandport Press. A graduate of the UniVermont Angler versity of Maine, O’Connor Survey was a guidance counselor 2020 marked the 4th in the Katahdin region, survey throughout the last when he was not hunting, 30 years conducted by the fishing, camping or work- Vermont Fish & Wildlife ing in his garden. During Department. This survey his life, O’Connor hunted asked a random group of and fished much of North both resident and-nonAmerica, including Alaska resident anglers several and the Yukon. He wrote questions related to their outdoor articles for numer- experiences and opinions ous outdoor publications, as well as the Sporting Kenneth Baer lives in Journal. He won a number Ashburnham, MA. of awards for his writing “Ready?” “Yup” I reply and he yanks. That explains the look on my face in the picture. After all is done the crew boated a 36 lb striper and a 45 lb. striper. We just missed the magic number 50! We weren’t disappointed though and we learned a thing or two. Frist, never give up, you never know. Second, keep the deck clear and always be prepared for anything, it will happen fast. Third, get out on the water whenever you can, you never know when a trophy will show up.
about fishing in Vermont. These surveys provide valuable insight used by fisheries managers to inform decisions and track trends throughout the last three decades. What did we learn? The rate of fishing participation in 2019 was 84.7% among resident license buyers and 96.5% among nonresident license buyers. Nearly 72,000 resident anglers are estimated to have fished for almost 1.8 million days in 2019. (News cont. pg 69)
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Northwoods Sporting Journal
Maine Tails By Jonah Paris, Scarborough, ME Ask any angler in the lower half of the State what their favorite local togue water is, and their eyes will narrow. Their face will harden, and they will ask you defensively if it is some sort of trick question. After assuring them that you are being genuine, the angler, still a bit suspicious,
from my more Sebagosavvy friends, I now rarely return home empty-handed. Dropping a jig down (hint: mimic an alewife), studying contour, frequently relocating, and paying close attention to the sonar machine has resulted in some big number days on the ice. Yet, my area of
Sebago Togue: Take ‘em Home!
“trophy” togue at 26 inches or better. If the bite is hot, one can legally stack up quite a few lake trout by the day’s end. Feed the Eagles… in Moderation I enjoy donating a pickerel, perch, or chub every once in a while to the bald eagles. “Feeding the eagles” while ice fishing often results in close
In an effort to rebuild Sebago’s once historic landlocked salmon fishery and control the overabundance of hungry togue, the State has adopted extremely liberal regulations on togue in recent years.
will croak, “Sebago”. To those in Southern Maine, it’s no secret that Sebago Lake offers a productive and accessible togue (lake trout) fishery. But don’t take my word for it - just drive past “The Station” in Standish or down Route 302 on a Saturday afternoon in February. Consistently and safely locating schools of togue (especially the lunkers) in a 300 foot, 45 square mile lake, now that is the secret - one which I, admittedly, have not yet fully uncovered. However, after a few seasons’ worth of training
expertise when it comes to Sebago togue - or any togue - begins once the fish hits the ice. Liberal Lake Trout Regulations In an effort to rebuild Sebago’s once historic landlocked salmon fishery and control the overabundance of hungry togue, the State has adopted extremely liberal regulations on togue in recent years. Currently (2021), Sebago’s regulations include no bag limit on togue under 26 inches and no minimum length limit. Additionally, an angler may harvest one
February 2021
contact with the birds and creates unique photo opportunities. However, leaving behind large piles of dead togue on the ice, as I came across several times last season on Sebago, even for the purpose of fisheries management, does not sit well with me as a sportsman.. Into the Oven Would an angler leave a cod or hake rotting on the dock after a day of groundfishing? No… so why leave behind a pile of fresh, wild togue? Togue taste good; a lake trout properly cared for does not taste “greasy”,
A Sebago togue destined for the dinner table. (Photo courtesy of Jonah Paris)
A pile of togue burgers awaiting the skillet. (Photo courtesy of Jonah Paris) “oily”, or “muddy” in the least bit. And if someone is concerned about high mercury levels (togue in many Maine waters are the top predator), just tell them
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to skip their tuna sandwich for the week and enjoy a togue burger or two. Below is a recipe on how to make your togue taste finer than any saltwater white fish. JP’s Togue Burgers: 2 whole (2-3lb) lake trout (gutted, heads and tails removed, washed thoroughly) 2 eggs (beaten) ⅓ cup mayonnaise 1 large yellow onion (diced) 1-1 ½ cup breadcrumbs 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Worcestershire sauce (to taste) Fresh dill (to taste) Fresh parsley (to taste) Thyme (to taste) (Togue cont. pg 67)
Northwoods Sporting Journal
February 2021
Page 61
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February 2021
Deputy Game Wardens
By V. Paul Reynolds When I was a kid growing up in Maine, I and most of my playmates, who spent our waking lives outdoors, day dreamed of becoming either a Navy carrier pilot or a Maine game warden when we grew up. That never worked out. I split the difference, getting a private pilot’s license and
warden recruitment program has suffered because of it this cultural shift. There was a day, not so long ago, that the Maine Warden Service was inundated with aspiring Game Warden candidates, whenever it put out the call. Not so today, according to a spokesman for the Maine Warden Service.
safe-guarding Maine’s fish and wildlife resources and helping others, the Maine Warden Service may be your calling. The deputy warden program, which offers part -time positions during the summer months, is a good starting point for an aspiring game warden. A deputy warden is involved mainly
So it is a “buyer’s market” so to speak, and, if you have considered carving a career as a Maine Game Warden, there is no time like the present. Applications are being accepted for both full-time game wardens and deputy game wardens. a Maine Guide’s license. My how times have changed! Kids today spend a lot more of their free time on their I-phones or video games than they do catching exotic butterflies for mounting or chasing chipmunks with BB guns. And, sadly, our contemporary cancel culture movement has seen to it that a career in law enforcement is apparently no longer attractive. Everything has consequences. Maine’s game
So it is a “buyer’s market” so to speak, and, if you have considered carving a career as a Maine Game Warden, there is no time like the present. Applications are being accepted for both full-time game wardens and deputy game wardens. If the outdoors is where you like to be, if you are physically fit, can pass a background check and would like to dedicate your working life to
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in boating safety and boating law enforcement, patrolling lakes and inspecting boats for boating law compliance. A successful candidate must possess knowledge of wildlife, hunting, fishing and trapping and a strong desire to work in law enforcement. A willingness to work out of doors in adverse weather conditions, often without assistance, is also important. As you might surmise, game wardens don’t get rich, but the best ones lead interesting, satisfying careers doing what they love, making a difference, and doing so with honor
Maine Game Wardens play a pivotal role in presreving and protecting Maine’s natural resources. and a degree of prestige and respect from the communities they serve. To learn more go to: mainegamewarden.com/ gethired. 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. maineoutdoorpublications. com. or at www.sportingjournal.com. Contact email is: vpaulr@tds.net
At long last, revived from the archives of the once-authoritative books on New England streamer flies and how to use them: Trolling Flies for Trout & Salmon, by Dick Stewart and Bob Leeman. Trolling Flies for Trout and Salmon was first published in 1982 and again in 1992. There were 350 signed Limited Edition hardcover copies and several thousand hard and soft cover copies sold out with the two printings. Many fly tyers view this book as an up-to-date version of new and available streamer fly patterns and crave to have it in their library. Used copies have been selling on AmazonBooks.com for the last few years with a price tag up to $300.00 for each copy! There are 125 pages with 32 color plates of more than 90 classic streamer flies and tying recipes from a Winnipesaukee Smelt to a Barney Google and a Rangeley Centennial. Leeman and Stewart also share with readers many tips and tactics for trolling streamer flies for trout and salmon throughout New England.
“This wonderful fishing book is the gospel when it comes to streamer flies and trolling tactics. A Classic!
$21.95
- V. Paul Reynolds, Editor, Northwoods Sporting Journal
Send a check for $2 .95 SRVWDJH along with this ad, to: Bob Leeman, 22 Alan-A-Dale Rd., Brewer, ME 04412. (Price covers shipping and handling). Maine Outdoor Publications
Northwoods Sporting Journal
February 2021
Smell
(Cont. from pg 58) and listening to “Truckin’” by the Grateful Dead fifty times in a row. This true story happened three years ago. Since then, it, or something like it, recurs in one form or another more and more frequently. Two seasons ago, when I got to fish some of Alaska’s great rivers, I spoke, guide-to-guide with Ben on the Kasilof River near Kenai. “Has the conversation around pot changed for you guys in the
last few years?” he asked. I answered an emphatic, “yes!” and then he related a slew of stories just like mine. As only 6 states out of 50 have not yet decriminalized cannabis, and don’t allow its medicinal use,
guides everywhere find themselves in new territory. We should be clear–what we’re seeing is not a story of opioid addiction, nor of children steering off course into substance abuse. Our clients come to us from the professions, from the
investor class, from the trades, and from across the ranks of the retired. Yes, it’s a brand new day for guides out there on the water. And as my Alaskan colleague put it, “Better get used to it. That smell you’re smelling isn’t al-
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Page 63 ways going to be a skunk.” Randy Spencer is a working Master Maine Guide, and author. Reach him at randy31@earthlink. net, or via www.randyspencer.com
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Northwoods Sporting Journal
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February 2021
Northwoods Sporting Journal Available to All Active Duty Military Personnel Worldwide! 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
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Northwoods Sporting Journal
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Kineo Currents by Suzanne AuClair, Rockwood, ME west of Dollar Island. The east boundary in a straight line between 2 red posts, one located just south of Porcupine Point on Sugar Island and the other on
little south): 45.591333° -69.570114° Laker Pt: 45.588012° -69.541015° Lily Bay State Park: 45.564398° -69.569763°
This new regulation for 2021 was put into place after a lot of soul-searching about how to conserve the absolutely unbelievable wild monster brook trout that live in the lake.
Moosehead Lake has been giving up trophy brook trout at near-record levels. On Jan. 1, the trophy brook trout of Moosehead Lake got a boost from fishermen and fisheries biologists alike, with wide support to close a portion of the Lily Bay Narrows to ice-fishing. This new regulation for 2021 was put into place after a lot of soul-searching about how to conserve the absolutely unbelievable wild monster brook trout that live in the lake. Unlike other locations, work by Moosehead Lake fisheries biologists revealed that these particular trout spawn late in the fall into
early winter, in concentrated areas of the lake. Historically, no one knew exactly where. Now we do, and they have become extremely vulnerable during this spawning time. It’s no secret that these Moosehead Lake trout are like no others found in the eastern U.S. In recent years, it’s been common to catch these trout in the three to six-pound range. They are unusual and spectacular. Here’s the skinny on the 2021 regulations, as provided by lead regional Fisheries Biologist Tim Obrey:
•All brook trout between 18 and 22 inches must be released alive at once (this applies to ice fishing and open water fishing) •No minimum length limit on togue (this applies to ice fishing and open water fishing) •Additional area closed to ice fishing: That portion of Lily Bay Narrows with a west border running in a straight line between 2 red posts, one located on the Lily Bay State Park boundary and the other on Sugar Island to the
Laker Point near the mouth of Mathews Cove on a line running south of Two-Mile Island. The rest of the Moosehead Lake fishing regulations remain the same as in 2020 and can be viewed in the 2021 fishing law book. Fisheries and Warden Service crews installed the red posts this fall to delineate the closed area. The red posts are red 2x8 boards attached to trees at the following coordinates: Porcupine Pt (just a
Greenville
Sugar Island near Dollar Island: 45.572967° -69.586561° Suzanne AuClair lives near Rockwood. She has been writing about the Moosehead Lake region for 25 years and produced “The Origins, Formation & History of Maine’s Inland Fisheries Division.” She is an award-winning member of the New England Outdoor Writers Assn.
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Page 66
Northwoods Sporting Journal
The Legacy Lives On
February 2021
By V. Paul Reynolds & Sam Huston Averill “Blackie” Black of Bangor passed on recently at 93. He was a brother-in-law and longtime hunting and fishing companion, a teller of tall tales round the campfire and a founding member of the Skulkers of Seboeis, a hunting club to which I
“I was so lucky to share this memory with him. I like to think that this was one of his last great memories he had.” am a member. Blackie’s grandson, Sam Huston, sent me the following note. It struck a chord with me in the way that it personalizes the essence of the outdoor legacy, the heritage that means so much to those of us who care deeply, for each other and the great outdoors. I thought Sam’s note was worth sharing. Dear Uncle Paul: When my grandfather, Averill Black, passed away at 93 the world lost a great man. For me, I lost a mentor, someone who made me fall in love with the outdoors at a very young
Sam Huston (left) and his grandfather Averill Sam Huston with a handsome brook trout Black sharing a special moment. taken through the ice using his late grandfather’s ice traps. age. He taught me so much of his old traps that I was when it comes to hunting lucky enough to hold on and fishing, which is why to. I brought a couple with I wanted to share a few me this weekend and was photos with you. able to bring these two 16 I believe I showed inch Brookies through the you the photo of me and ice, one on his trap. I find Gramp with my deer I shot it hard to believe that he this past year, but I wanted wasn’t fishing with me this you to have a copy of it. I weekend. was so lucky to share this It’s moments like memory with him. I like these that make this time to think that this was one easier on me. Knowing that of his last great memories he is still with me, espehe had. Adding to the fact The late Averill “Blackie” Black poses for cially in the woods, makes a photo op with his deer hunting gang, the me love it more and more Skulkers of Seboeis. Blackie is the guy in the every time I’m out there. middle in the green and black checkered shirt. I hope all is well, hopefully we can all celebrate that I shot it with my late are from this past weekend “Blackie’s” life together Uncle Jeff’s Remington during the first time I got this summer. 742 Woodmaster, it makes out on the ice this year. this deer that much more When we were moving Thanks, special to me. Gram and Gramp out of Sam Huston The other two pictures his home, I found a bunch
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Northwoods Sporting Journal
February 2021
Togue (Cont. from pg 60) 1 lemon (thinly sliced) Olive oil Vegetable oil Salt (to taste) Black pepper (to taste) Old Bay (to taste) 1. Lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil and arrange fish. 2. Sprinkle salt and pepper inside the body cavities, and line with lemon slices. 3. Bake fish uncovered at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes. 4. Sauté diced onions in a skillet with olive oil until soft and translucent. (Set aside.) 5. Allow fish to cool and pick meat off the racks. When properly cooked, the flesh should easily flake off the spine and rib cage. Discard skin, bones, and the thin pale strip of fatty meat near the belly along the pelvic fins. 6. Place flaked fish in a large bowl. Using your hands, mix fish with the following ingredients: eggs, mayonnaise, cooked onions, breadcrumbs, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, dill, parsley, thyme, black pepper, salt, and a squeeze of lemon juice. 7. Allow mixture to chill 2-3 hours in the fridge. 8. Using palms, shape mixture into burgers and fry in vegetable oil until golden and crisp (3-4 min-
utes per side.) 9. Sprinkle hot burgers with Old Bay, garnish with parsley and lemon, and serve with chipotle mayo (see below). * Cooked burgers may be frozen. Chipotle Mayo: Warning: After you taste this, you will put it on everything - from eggs, to deer burgers, to onion rings, to salad. 1 tablespoon lime juice ½ cup mayonnaise 3 shakes Worcestershire sauce ½ teaspoon smoked paprika ½ teaspoon black pepper Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (canned) 1. Mince 2-3 chipotle peppers (to taste). 2. In a bowl, mix minced peppers with mayonnaise. 3. Add 2 tablespoons of adobo sauce from can to mayo-pepper mixture, and whip thoroughly. 4. Add remaining ingredients, mix well, and adjust spice to taste. 5. Chill before serving. Jonah Paris teaches English at a small high school in Southwestern Maine. A four-season outdoorsman, Jonah lives in Gorham, ME with his girlfriend, Ashley, and beagle, Aurora. Jonah can be reached at jonaheparis@ gmail.com. MAINE
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Page 67
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Northwoods Sporting Journal
Page 68
Coyote
(Cont. from pg 54) Next on the theory list is, do I have my baits anchored with wire. I don’t have them anchored at all, so that’s not the problem. This theory may have some merit, but it’s usually just a localized population that shuns bait held down with wire. Respected Maine guide Bob Howe swears up
and down that wire scares coyotes off all of his baits. I don’t doubt Mr. Howe’s finding one bit, but there are coyote hunters all over America who anchor their bait with wire. All this proves to me is that coyotes are similar to fish in their feeding patterns in that a certain lure or fly will work on a certain river, but on another river the fish won’t even look
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at it. It’s the same with coyotes-what works for Shane Crommett may not work for Bob Howe. So what are my options? There aren’t many except wait until the coyotes get hungry enough after they catch all the small game in the area and start
hitting the bait. Or maybe I could put out a few Swanson’s frozen dinners. David Willette is the author of the book, “Coyote Wars”. He can be contacted at coyote wars@ gmail.com
ADVERTISE IN THIS SPACE CALL: 207-732-4880 OR EMAIL: INFO@SPORTINGJOURNAL.COM www.edssheds-cabins.com Email: edwardl@edssheds-cabins.com
Bangor/Lincoln 207-738-5315/Dexter 207-270-2312
Springfield: Camp on the ridge. 15.6 acres, can see Katahdin. Has been lived in year round. Insulated ATV & snowmobile to the ocean from there. Good road access. Broker owned $36,000.
Lee: Large chalet with new appliances, Penzotti boiler and heat/cool exchanger. Large rooms. Great location for recreation. Snowmobile or ATV to the OCEAN - legally. Storage shed or workshop. Huge stand of woods out back. $159,000.
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Grand Falls- This cabin was landed on this lot two years ago and ready to finish off and use. This 41 acre lot sits high on a hill with great views on Lord Brook Rd. ATV and snowsled from this location. Take a look. $79,000
Springfield- Complete with a full, concrete foundation, well, septic, laundry. Cabin can easily be year round residence for someone looking to live off grid on True Rd. With snowmobile access. It is situated in a great recreational area. $79,500
Lakeville- 52 acre lot with rustic cabin sits at the top of the hill offering breathtaking 180 degree views of area lakes & hills. ATVing & snowmobiling are at your door step on Vista View. Set it up for solar and live here year round. $99,000
Lee- A traditional northern Maine hunting camp. Located along an ATV and Snowmobile trail. Private location and hidden from view on Ames Rd. This is a wonderful hunting location and is priced fairly. $29,900
Lee- A cute little hunting camp tucked nicely in the woods of Northern Maine on Hale Farm Rd. Easy access to recreational trails and good Maine hunting.
Lee- Brand new cabin, well insulated with electric baseboard. Good sized lot offers privacy & well wooded. Close to ATV/ snowmobile trails. Year round access on Old Steamboat Rd, full time electric & possible owner financing. $59,900
$22,900
Lincoln- Large modern lot with electricity available, ready to be shaped into your lakeside dream. Build your year round home or weekend getaway on Long Pond. $55,000 Chester- Bass Fishing. Boating. Blue sky. Clean air. Your own little slice of “heaven”. Build a home, or camp or simply park your camper here on Medunkeunk Stream. The driveway is already in place. $19,900 Cooper- This lot has electricity available at the road & great access. Wonderful frontage. New driveway in. Forest on Cathance Lake is Deep Cove Forest & will be maintained as forever wild. A must see lot! $79,000 Lakeville- Gorgeous waterfront lot with a nice wide driveway. Clearing has been done to open up breath taking views of Duck Lake. Electricity is nearby. Nice frontage. LOW TAXES. Wonderful spot to build your dream home. $89,000
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February 2021
Decoteau
(Cont. from pg 43) Rat-L-Trap feels heavy keep reeling and always be in position to set the hook with a tight line.” MLF Pro Cliff Crochet suggests concentrating on high percentage areas such as isolated patches of vegetation, working your Rat-L-Trap over stair-stepping vegetation dropping into deeper water and never overlook flats or tapering points with scattered rocks and boulders. (Be sure to follow MLF Pro-Angler Cliff Crochet during the 2021 Tour at www.MajorLeagueFishing.com and www.FLWFishing.com) Billy “Hawkeye” Decoteau is an outdoor journalist with a strong 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.
February 2021
News
(Cont. from pg 59) Almost 37,000 nonresident anglers fished for approximately 369,000 days. 66.3% of resident and 38.5% of nonresident anglers fished for brook, brown, or rainbow trout in streams or rivers.
Northwoods Sporting Journal
71.9% of resident anglers and 52.1% of nonresident anglers fished for warmwater fish species. 47.9% of resident anglers and 33.8% of nonresident anglers fished for trout or salmon in ponds or lakes in Vermont. Brook trout, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass were the three most preferred species
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when fishing in open water. Yellow perch, northern pike, and lake trout were the three most preferred species when fishing through the ice. Anglers spent more time fishing for brook, brown, and rainbow trout than for any other species group. A majority of anglers
rated the quality of fishing in Vermont as good or excellent and ratings of overall fishing quality were better, compared to ratings in 2009. Stocking programs continue to be important to most anglers. Crowding at access areas and overall access to fishing was not seen as
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EUSTIS AREA...Actually in Coplin. 2 lots side by side. One 2.7 acres lot at $45,000 and one 2 acre lot at $39,000. Both with stream frontage. Snowmobile trail near. Close to Sugarloaf plus all of the hunting, fishing and recreation that Eustis area provides.
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Northwoods Sporting Journal
Page 70 SELLERS LANE
February 2021 SELLERS LANE
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Highland Plantation: Amazing property! Large level yard, spacious heated garage to work in year round and absolutely gorgeous 4 BR. 2.5 bath home with beautiful views overlooking Beaver Pond. Sit in front of the fireplace and enjoy nature at its finest. 6 acres. $275,000. Canaan: Perfect location for your business. Great opportunity to grow in a location with high traffic and fantastic exposure. Buildings are not the main focus here but the develped lot is. Well and septic are in place. 1.8 acres. $99,000.
Skowhegan: 1.188 surveyed acres on the Kennebec River. Property sits at the head of the "Run of The River" project. Connects to walking trails and great location. Very convenient to town. Trees have been thinned to make it a park - like atmosphere. $49,900.
Madison: 2 family in-town that is walking distance to area shopping. One unit is 1 BR, 1 bath and the other is 2BR and 1 bath. Use as a rental income or owner occupy. Newer furnace, full basement and deck. $64.900.
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WHITING: This 1.52 +/- acre lot has frontage on Holmes Bay with nice views of the water and 185 ft on the water. Land sits up above the water so you would have to have stairs to the shore. Lot also has a septic and well on it. Nice open level lot. There is also another lot right along side that as 1.62 +/- acres. Both lots are priced for $99,900.
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