Northwoods Sporting Journal, July 2023

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

July 2023

Page 3

Last Stand at Papa’s Point

by V. Paul Reynolds

Editor’s note: This article first appeared in the Nov.-Dec. issue of Bugle Magazine, which is published by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF). It is reprinted here with permission of Bugle Magazine.

“Look me in the eye,” she said, partly insisting and partly beseeching, “and promise me this is absolutely your last elk hunt!”

In 57 years of marriage Diane had never once cornered me like this, at least never over my hunting trips. It caught me flat-footed. She’d always seemed to understand my passion for the hunt. In fact, after retiring from teaching grade school, she took a hunter education course, got her hunting license and started deer hunting with the old .35 Marlin I’d inherited from her dad. Her first hunt was on a beech ridge behind our

19th-century farmhouse in coastal Maine, where she felled a fork-horn buck without coaching.

She took to hunting big time and has managed over the years to kill Maine deer, moose and bear, as well as a Colorado elk. She “got it.” It was a rich bless-

We were at bedrock. rado is a long drive from She was worried about me Down East Maine. “ I t ’s t h e m o n e y, not coming back in one right?” I queried, arching piece, or maybe at all.

She’d been to where my eyebrow.

read her facial expression.

A somewhat somber kitchen table discussion ensued.

Over a cup of coffee and one of her pumpkin cookies, we did what we always try to do when marital tension requires resolution: we talked our

“How does a man know when he’s just too damned old to hunt elk?” I asked.

“Well, sir, when he stops going.” ing for me to share life with a bride who doubled as a hunt mate. We’ve loved sharing the woods and the delights of the hunt.

That only served to elevate the gravitas of her demand this day. She awaited my response to her abrupt and unexpected request.

“Wow! That’s a tall order, Di.” I took a breath.

“You really mean that? You want me to shut the door on elk hunting forever? I don’t think that I’m ready for that pledge,” I said, trying to

way through it. She had some valid points. It wasn’t as if I hadn’t had my fair share of elk hunts. The average Maine deer hunter is lucky to make that one big Western elk hunt. Tallying up each hunt from my journal for the first time, I was amazed. There were 13 elk hunts in my rearview mirror. How many elk hunts does a man need, or deserve? These trips aren’t cheap, even the backpacking do-it-yourself undertakings. And western Colo-

The author (right) and his hunt companion Rick Thompson from Glenburn packing elk quarters down the mountain.

(Photo by Greg Goodman)

“It’s your age, Hon,” she said softly, almost sympathetically. “My Gawd, Paul; you’re 81! You have no business sleeping on the ground in those mountains for a week, even if the boys are looking after you.”

I would be elk hunting several times. One season 15 years ago, she and I cooked and schlepped for an outfitter from that area. She’d witnessed the early fall blizzards and experienced (Point cont. pg 6)

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 4

On The Cover

Pinch Brody Put A Stop To The Perch Machine - Pg 16 The Green Drake Hatch - Pg 34 Last Stand At Papa’s Point - Pg 3 Hiring A Moose Guide - Pg 14 Fishing Stripers - Pg 5 Fly Fishing Maine - Pg 47 Camps, Cottages and Land for Sale - Pg 69

The Sportin’ Journal 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 3. Last Stand At Papa’s Point - V. Paul Reynolds 5. Muzzleloading Afield - Al Raychard an independent voice for the region’s 9. Just Fishing - Bob Leeman outdoor community for more than 28 10. A Hiker’s Life - Carey Kish years. Some of our writers are seasoned 13. On The Ridge - Joe Judd and specialized outdoors people who 14. Women In The Woods - Erin Merrill and John Floyd will share their know-how and insights; 16. The Adventures Of Me & Joe - Bob Cram some of our contributors are simply 18. Outdoor Sporting Library - Jeremiah Wood lifelong outdoor people with interest20. Aroostook Woods & Waters - Mike Maynard ing stories to tell.

21. Kineo Currents - Suzanne AuClair Our aim every month is to capture 22. Warden’s Words - Kale O’Leary the essence of Northern New England’s 23. The Bird Perch - Karen Holmes 24. Basics Of Survival - Joe Frazier remarkable outdoor heritage by stirring 26. On Point - Paul Fuller memories, portraying outdoor humor, 27. Best Bassin’ - Bill Decoteau and sharing experiences and outdoor 28. Maine Tails - Jonah Paris knowledge. We also keep our readers 30. Marsh Island Chronicles - Matthew Dunlap up to date with late-breaking outdoor 31. Northwoods Sketchbook - Mark McCollough news and hard-hitting editorials about 32. Cracker Barrel - Homer Spit fish and wildlife issues.

33. Guns & Ammo: A Guide’s Perspective - Tom Kelly Anyone who loves to hunt and 34. The Maine Woods - Matt LaRoche fish, or simply finds the Great Outdoors 36. View From The River - Laurie Chandler a treasured place, is more than likely 38. Maine Outdoor Adventure - Rich Yvon 39. Old Tales From The Maine Woods - Steve Pinkham to find some special connections amid 40. Cookin’ With New England’s WildCheff - Denny Corriveau the pages of the Northwoods Sporting 42. The Buck Hunter - Hal Blood Journal.

www.sportingjournal.com

Main Office Phone: (207) 732-4880 E-mail: info@sportingjournal.com Fax: (207)732-4970

Contents

43. Northwoods Voyager - Gil Gilpatrick 44. New Hampshire Outdoors - Peter St. James 45. On The Prowl - Justin Merrill 46. The Trail Rider - Dan Wilson 47. Book Review - V. Paul Reynolds 48. How To Plant With Success - Mike Farnham 49. Outdoors In Vermont - Gary W. Moore 50. Vermont Ramblings - Dennis Jensen 51. Maple Country Outdoors - Ben Wilcox 53. Outdoors In Maine - V. Paul Reynolds 54. The Northwoods Bowhunter - Brian Smith 55. Against The Current - Bob Romano 56. Question Of The Month - Bill Huff 57. South Of The Kennebec - Stu Bristol 58. The Back Shelf - Dave O’Connor 59. The Singing Maine Guide - Randy Spencer 62. SAM News - David Trahan 63. Fly Fishing Summer Bass - Al Raychard 64. Huntin’ & Fishin’ With The Ole Man - Dave O’Connor 66. Why Do Fish Bite? - V. Paul Reynolds 67. The Togue Hunters - Stu Bristol 68. Tying The “Barnsie” - Bob Leeman

July 2023

Vol 30 Issue 7 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 Sales Department; Victor Morin,Thomas Schmidt, Paul Hatin, Traci Grant, Michael Georgia & Mike Brown 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, 2023. 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.

The Togue Hunters - Pg 67 Stu Bristol

Outdoors In Vermont - Pg 49 Gary Moore

Other Great Stories & Information 8. Editorial/Letters 12. Outdoor News 69. Real Estate

Cover Photo:

David Smith of Hermon with a Moosehead brookie.

(Photo by Earl Weigelt)

Warden’s Words - Pg 22 Kale O’Leary

July 2023

I’ve never been a big fan of the ocean or beach, even though I have always lived within 20 minutes of them. I’m not one to lay on the sand and develop a tan.

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Schoolies If the sun is going to turn me into a bronze Adonis it’ll be while working in the garden, cutting winter wood or spending too much time with fly rod in hand. I

don’t care of the shoulderto-shoulder crowds either to say nothing of sand finding its way into spots you don’t want sand!

But I do like fly fishing in saltwater. I’ve done it from Costa Rica for tarpon and the Bahamas and the Florida Keys for bonefish to several locations along Long Island Sound

Page 5

Muzzleloading Afield

by Al Raychard, Lyman, ME

about eating them, I just like catching them. And on a six or seven-weight fly rig they are a lot of fun.

Fortunately, there are a number of tidal creeks, back bays and beaches not far from home. As with any

Maine coast require a town permit during peak daytime hours but many are free after 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. Hopefully the open parking time and right tide will coincide but if not it’s always worth a try. In the areas I fish

Fortunately, there are a number of tidal creeks, back bays and beaches not far from home. As with any fishing endeavor it’s important to know the right tide. Some are best fished on the incoming, some at high and some on the ebb but most host fish or see fresh runs all summer long. for bluefish and Maine coasts. One of my favorite local targets are striped bass. Not the big cows you see illustrated on magazine covers but the smaller schoolies, those anywhere from 12 to 24 inches or so. I don’t care anything

fishing endeavor it’s important to know the right tide.

Some are best fished on the incoming, some at high and some on the ebb but most host fish or see fresh runs all summer long. And parking can be an issue. Most areas along the southern

there always seems to be a schoolie or two around regardless.

There are several things I like about schoolie bass. Like their name implies they travel in schools so where you find one (Schoolies cont. pg 11)

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 6

Point

(Cont. from pg 3) the overhanging mountain switchbacks on horseback, the sleep-starved nights on the cold ground, the freeze-dried meals, aching joints and the tough humps with elk quarters. Those are the things elk hunters tend to forget. The long views, golden aspens and warming campfires get top billing whenever we look back in our mind’s eye.

Spouses of almost a lifetime know you and your foibles intimately, sometimes better than you know yourself. Her anxiety about my wellbeing during this upcoming elk hunt, and her conviction that I was too old for it, sowed additional seeds of doubt among those that I’d been privately harboring already.

For an elk hunt there are things that you can do to “physical up,” and I always worked to condition myself before these tough mountain hunts. But advanced age, and all its immutable physical implications, lurked no matter how much walking or resistance training I did. Mindful of my years, and the attendant aches and pains, I had been asking myself if, indeed, I

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was up to the challenge.

“Dad, don’t give it a second thought,” said Scotty, my eldest son. “You’re in great shape for your age.

Look at all the walking you do. We’ll be looking out for you. You can do this thing.”

In the end, Diane and I agreed that this would indeed be my last elk hunt— but that I was going.

aged themselves now, had no compunctions about parting with some greenbacks in exchange for a pain-free hike into and out of elk country, especially if there was meat to pack.

The four of us were smiling hikers as we savored the trek into the creek drainage burdened only with six-pound rifles

The special elk hunting spot, “Papa’s Point.”

(Photo by V. Paul Reynolds)

Over the years we’d humped 40- to 50-pound packs a couple of miles uphill into elk country.

We’d slept on the ground in one-man tents and lived on freeze-dried meals and instant oatmeal. It would be the same this time, but with one critical and welcome exception. A hired wrangler, Leon, would ferry our overstuffed packs to our campsite with mules and panniers. My boys, middle-

and 10-pound day packs!

The wrangler showed up with our dunnage shortly after our arrival, and we set up camp in a light snow, not unusual during first rifle season in northwest Colorado at 8,700 feet.

Soon a campfire flickered. The Jetboils roiled the hot water that would reconstitute our freeze-dried beef stew. As we huddled about the fireside glow, I took measure of our hunt crew

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as one of them shared a nip or two from his traveler’s flask.

Scott, my airline pilot son, is tough as nails, even at 56. When I walked three miles, he ran six. When I did 10 curls with my exercise spring, he did 100 pushups. Ditto my son-inlaw Jacques, another airline pilot and exercise buff who at 60 has the same waist he had at Air Force basic training 40 years ago. The third “youngster” is my middle-aged nephew Paul.

A banker and seasoned Maine deer hunter, this would be his first Western hunt. He looked lean, having controlled his diet and pedaled an exercise bike miles each day for months before.

I, the old man who started these family elk hunts more than 20 years ago, am now the outlier.

This fact is never spoken, perhaps out of respect, but it’s there lingering beneath the surface. A few pounds lighter than normal, with reasonable “wind” for my age, common sense still tells me that I will not be able to make the gut-busting climbs up into the dark timber with these younger men. A few years ago, I did manage to keep up, but it took its toll and was unwise, as I knew on some level even at the time.

Now I wondered, Is Scotty worrying about me?

Am I a liability? He constantly nags me to hydrate.

He fusses with my tent lashup and improves it.

“Dad, you okay in there?” he calls toward my tent in the morning. Diane had hinted that worrying about me might undermine his good time. He assures me that is not the case— says he is just thankful that I can share this with him once again.

July 2023 I’m thankful, too. Perhaps more than he can imagine. I’d pledged to Diane that I’d make this last elk hunt relaxing and laid back. I would stick to level ground, maybe tackle a few gradual ascents into the gold-spattered aspen groves. Lots of sitting, waiting for things to happen. That was my strategy.

A Maine deer hunter once more, only high in Colorado elk country.

The boys had their game plan all mapped out.

They would split up above the drainage in the rocks and dark timber. I had a plan, too: have fun, savor it all while working the creek bed and get home in one piece as I’d promised.

Papa’s Point, 9,000 feet, October 2021 I am hunkered beneath an overhanging pine.

Steam rises above the creek.

It’s a half hour before legal shooting light. The eastern skyline is aglow. Not a breeze stirring. The sun, when it breaks over the top, will be welcome amid the morning chill. It’s a joy just to be here, to be alive and full of expectation.

Papa’s Point, named after me many years ago by my son Scott, has evolved as our group’s common landmark during the hunt week. You won’t find it on a topo map, but on Opening Day, Papa’s Point is a good place to be. It is also favored by others, some of whom have over the years gotten up earlier and beaten me to it. But not this day.

Today the old man—the namesake—has the run of Papa’s Point. This spear of land juts above a 100yard opening along a creek tucked between aspens, scrub oaks and a stand of dark timber to create a natural funnel. If the past (Point cont. pg 7)

July 2023

Point

(Cont. from pg 6) is any prologue, scattered elk fleeing the Opening Day volleys may cross the creek near the Point, aiming for this escape route to the high country.

As much as I believe in its strategic value, Papa’s Point has never once delivered for me. It has on more than one occasion, however, come through for others in our group.

When this day ends and the October sun dips below Pagoda Peak, I say farewell to Papa’s Point having seen not a single elk. No matter. At last light, I picked up my gear. For the rest of the week, the point will be free for the taking for anybody who gets there early enough. With one last glance back, I head up the drainage to camp. When you know in your heart that you probably won’t see your favorite hunting perch again, you get to thinking.

And you pray for a clear mind in advancing age that will allow you to recall and

Northwoods Sporting Journal relive all the memories in this remarkable mountain country.

I spent the week hunting other old-man-friendly spots. In one of them, I shot a large cow when she meandered out of the aspens and paused before crossing

maybe it was simply, as they say, “Old age and treachery trumping youth and hard work.”

Back at the trailhead, before heading down the mountain, I made a social call on George Clark at his spike tent. George and I

Home is where the heart is in the Colorado mountains. The author’s tent site in the Aspens. (Photo by V. Paul Reynolds) a creek bed. Though my boys worked far harder, climbing long in tough terrain every day, I wound up the only one from our party to punch a tag. They were far more deserving of game. It may have been divine intervention. Or

had met the previous year and shared a beer while acknowledging our common bond: age. “George, how does a man know when he’s just too damned old to hunt elk?” I queried.

“Well, sir,” he quipped around his cigar stub.

“When he stops going.”

“Not sure I will see you next year,” I said. “My wife says at 81 it is time to hang it up.”

“Hell, I’m 82!” he said with a wide smile.

“And here I was sure that I was the oldest guy on the mountain!” I shot back.

We bade farewell. As I got in the truck he shouted my way, “See you next season, you hear?”

It really wasn’t all about the killing of elk, was it? Ultimately, it wasn’t even about the coveted elk steaks that we all strove so doggedly to bring back to Maine all those times.

These thoughts struck me during my day of pondering at Papa’s Point.

It was about the land— the look, the feel and the smell of it. It was about the friendships and kinship and campfires. The atavistic validation that is manifested when you “survive” in tough conditions and share that privation with close friends and loved ones. My swan song

Page 7 at Papa’s Point gave me a revelatory glimpse of what I should have sensed all along during my many visits to elk country: it’s about just being there.

Riding in the pickup down that slippery, deeprutted mountain road, I looked ahead, not back.

A hot shower, a steak and a call home to Diane lay before me.

She would be pleased that her son looked after the old man and that he was coming home still healthy with a heart full of gratitude for elk country and all it has meant over the years.

The elk quarters in the truck bed were a welcome bonus, but we all agreed that they didn’t have to be there to hone the memory.

No sir, there’s never a bad elk hunt.

V. Paul Reynolds is an outdoor writer and editor/ publisher of the Northwoods Sporting Journal.

He lives on a Maine lake with his wife Diane and winters on a houseboat in the Florida Keys.

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 8

July 2023

For the Love of Loons

The Common Loon is such a revered and iconic waterbird in Maine and elsewhere that an outdoor writer who implores his readers to keep a sober perspective about this celebrated critter does so at his own peril.

But here goes.

Grand Lake Stream in Princeton is arguably Maine’s most fabled and frequented fly fishing water for landlocked salmon.

The stream, which runs between West Grand Lake and Big Lake, gets its flow from the waters of West Grand Lake via a dam with a spillway. The flow of the water through this dam is controlled by Woodland Pulp and Paper in Baileyville. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission(FERC) licenses this dam and Woodland Pulp and Paper must adhere to the FERC requirements, when it comes to drawing down the lake or blocking the flow into the stream.

The third week in May this popular section of moving water was practically unfishable due to record low stream flow for this time of year.

The culprit? Nope, not the dry spring.

From all reports, water levels on the lake above the dam are unusually high, almost over its banks. So why is the stream being denied a flow of water from the lake?

Answer: Apparently to accommodate

the loons during their nesting season! The FERC license requires that the dam operators stabilize the lake level between May 15 and July 15. This is called the “loon nesting window,” and is intended to minimize flooding of a potential loon nest.

Here is the regulatory language from the Woodland Pulp and Paper’s FERC license: To protect smallmouth bass and enhance nesting conditions for common loon and breeding conditions for muskrat and beaver, the license requires Woodland Pulp to limit impoundment level fluctuations at the Sysladobsis and West Grand impoundments to less than a 6-inch increase and 1-foot decrease from May 15 to July 16.

It is the nature of regulatory actions to deal with competing interests. In this case, it’s the loons and beavers versus anglers, the economy at Grand Lake Stream and, perhaps, the salmon themselves, who need fast flowing, highly oxygenated water to survive.

Given the fact that loon populations in Maine are on the rise, and that natural predators, boat strikes and boat wakes are the single greatest cause of loon mortality, not water levels, common sense would suggest a compromise, or a temporary

New Fishing Places To the Editor: Enjoyed reading Josh Reynolds’ column in the May issue. Since I’m not getting around very well anymore, he had great suggestions for finding new places to fish which I will pass on to my children, grand children, and greatgrandchildren.

Wishing you and your family the best.

Joe Bertolaccini Orrington

relaxing of the FERC loon nesting provision so that stream levels can be returned to at least minimum flows.

Good luck in cutting through the layers of regulatory bureaucracy to find out who has the authority to allow Woodland Pulp to open the spillway. Parties involved include, Woodland Pulp and Paper, the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, FERC, and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

At press time, with the exception of the waterbird research leader at MDIF&W, none of the regulatory agencies have returned my repeated phone calls in an attempt to get information.

For thousands of years, long before these regulatory agencies set up shop, the loons and beavers survived all manner of climatic and meteorological upheaval.

Today, loons and beavers in Maine are doing very well. Do regulations always have to trump common sense? Shouldn’t we strive to strike a balance in our regulatory approach to protecting wild things, even with the ones whose haunting vocalizations enthrall us so?

Coyotes in Connecticut To the Editor: I read Brian Smith’s article (about coyotes) in the latest issue of Northwoods Sporting Journal.

In CT we have a severe coyote problem.

Last year, over the course of 12 months, in our area, we had six people attacked by coyotes while walking their dogs. And this was in suburbia, not the woods.

My chiropractor let

VPR

his dog out into his back yard one morning and three coyotes pounced on it and killed it. Then, two days later, his neighbor had a doe crash through the sliding glass porch door with two coyotes hanging on to it Lots of posters out about missing Fidos and Fluffies, a sure sign of coyote activity.

Nice article and I agree with you.

Wayne Dengler CT

July 2023

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Carrie Stevens: The Grey Ghost Lady

A milliner by trade, and the wife of Maine Guide, Wallace Stevens, was Carrie Stevens. She naturally came by the flytying avocation, which turned into a profitable hobby, almost by accident.

fly into the outflow of water spewing out from the dam.

As luck, or skill, would have it, she tied into a beauty of a brook trout, which must have set her heart aflutter as she netted her prize! You can just

become the possibility of winning a prize in a fishing contest being advertised in the latest issue of “Field and Stream” magazine. The hefty catch was promptly entered into the magazine’s competition.

Although her feat had been an overwhelming achievement at the time,

Page 9

“Just Fishing”

by Bob Leeman, Bangor, ME that lasted for years. Too, many of her other creations still live on as well.

Carrie went on to invent many other streamer fly patterns that have become quite popular, even today. Some of those include: America, General MacArthur, Shang Special-

for several years thereafter.

Bob Leeman is a Master Maine Guide, outdoor writer, naturalist, book author, and a co-host of MAINE OUTDOORS radio program on Sunday evenings from 7-8 p.m.

As luck, or skill, would have it, she tied into a beauty of a brook trout, which must have set her heart aflutter as she netted her prize! You can just imagine what her husband must have exclaimed upon first gazing on her accomplishment!

Original streamer fly by Carrie Stevens.

Being familiar with arranging colors, and having all those materials for women’s hats around, it must have been easy to decide to surprise her husband with one of her new creations for his trade.

Apparently, she assembled a streamer fly that, to her, most resembled a swimming, live minnow, or baitfish. Her attempt turned out to be a most rewarding episode of discovery. You might picture her now, holding up her completed fly assembly to the table lamp. “Hmmm”, she must have pondered, “I’ll bet this would tempt a big brookie to strike!”

How true it was then, because she took her husband’s flyrod and attached her new creation to the business end on the leader.

After strolling over to the lower Richardson Lake Dam, which was only a few steps from her home, she promptly began to cast her

imagine what her husband must have exclaimed upon first gazing on her accomplishment!

“Just caught it off the dam!”, she likely asserted, “and on this new fly creation”, as she promptly presented her effort in the tying game. After knowing the fish’s weight, at six pounds and thirteen ounces, and girth, it must have

it was not quite enough to prevail for the top prize.

It did, however, allow a second treasure in the field of entries, that being a painting. Nothing, however, could have predicted what “Carrie Stevens” had begun that day.

That streamer fly creation of hers, she named “The Grey Ghost”, not only plummeted to great heights locally, but world-wide, and orders of her newly formed creation vaulted into a fly- tying business

--a friend, Wizzard, Green Hornet, Col. Bates, Golden Witch, Allie’s favorite, Blue Devil, and so many more. Her Happy Garrison was named after a pet dog.

Mrs. Stevens retired in her later years and eventually sold her business to H.W. Folkins, who continued copying her mastery

His books, “Fly Fishing Maine Rivers, Brooks, and Streams” and “Trolling Flies for Trout and Salmon”, are all available, in soft cover only, at several bookstores and fly shops, or directly from the author.

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 10

“A Hiker’s Life”

Beer Hiking: Maine

by Carey Kish, Mt. Desert Island, ME Beer Hiking New England features 50 great hikes and craft breweries from around the region.

On this selected adventure, sample some of Acadia’s finest sights on a walk along Jordan Pond and a climb of Sargent and Penobscot mountains. Then head into bustling Bar Harbor to sample the fine beers at Atlantic Brewing’s Midtown brewpub.

Acadia National Park protects a spectacular 51,000-acre chunk of Maine’s eastern coastline, with the bulk of the acreage—some 31,000 acres— on Mount Desert Island.

Scoured and shaped by the action of powerful glaciers eons ago, the 80,000-acre island, the state’s largest, is divided into distinct east and west halves by Somes Sound, a natural fjord. Blue

July 2023

Hill Bay to the west and Frenchman Bay to the east bookend the island.

A jumble of 26 pinkgranite mountains range

across MDI, with eight peaks exceeding 1,000 feet in elevation. At 1,528 feet, Cadillac Mountain is the highest summit. The island also features 26 pretty lakes and ponds, 41 miles of rugged shoreline, and

Coastal

wiscassetspeedway.com

an abundance of wildlife.

More than 125 miles of hiking trails, 45 miles of non-motorized carriage roads and the 27-mile Park Loop Road offer countless ways for visitors to enjoy the park.

Permanent protection

the way you’ll cross several of the park’s historic carriage roads.

The route along the east side of the pond offers outstanding views of the steep walls of South Bubble and Jordan Cliffs before climbing along Deer Brook

exposed metal, big glass windows and a polished concrete bar to cozy up to.

There’s also a beer garden on the roof, a sweet spot to hang out on a nice summer day. The Real Ale and Blueberry Ale are longtime classics, but you might also

for lands on MDI began with the establishment of Sieur de Monts National Monument in 1916. Congress redesignated this as Lafayette National Park three years later, and in 1929, the name was changed to Acadia. This scenic walk leads you into the heart of park on the east side of the MDI to Jordan Pond, the park’s deepest and second-largest lake. The hike follows five fabulous footpaths—the Jordan Pond Path, the Deer Brook Trail, the Penobscot Mountain Trail, the Sargent South Ridge Trail and the Spring Trail—and along

and then on to tiny Sargent Mountain Pond. From the wide-open ridgetops of Sargent Mountain (1,367 feet) and Penobscot Mountain (1,243 feet), you’ll enjoy amazing panoramic vistas east and west across the island, north to the mainland hills and south to the Gulf of Maine and a multitude of islands.

Bar Harbor is the gateway to Acadia National Park, and Atlantic Brewing’s Midtown location is your portal to great brews and delish pub snacks. The family-owned, modern brewery has a northern European feel, with lots of

want to try the Flat Hat American Pale Ale, a cold, crisp, refreshing light beer.

A portion of Flat Hat sales helps support water quality research at Jordan Pond, so you can drink beer and do good.

Husband and wife turkey hunting duo, Brian Smith and his wife, Joyce, bagged this handsome twosome on opening day in Washington County. Smith writes a bow hunting column for the Sporting Journal.

Carey Kish of Mount Desert Island, ME is a diehard hiker and dedicated beer enthusiast. When he’s not on the trail or on a bar stool, you might be able to catch him at maineoutdoors@aol.com, on Facebook, and on Instagram @ careykish

July 2023

Schoolies (Cont. from pg 5)

you’re very apt to find several which often means some steady action, at least until they move on. Things can slow down then but if you’re patient, bide your time and keep looking and casting the action can pick up again.

I also like the intimacy of fishing the quieter estuaries and back bays and especially the small tidal creeks that feed them where there is a current. I usually have these spots to myself or a companion and the intimacy and peace and quiet is almost like fishing a small trout stream or remote pond somewhere.

There are times when schoolies can be touchy and challenging and are easily spooked and some tact and finesse is called for. It depends on the area, wind, water clarity and some other factors but most often once found schoolies are willing participants.

Toss a Lefty Deceiver, Clouser, Surf Candy or Sand Eel their way, in some cases whatever you have available, work it with some twitches and slight jerks and chances you’re in for some action. You might have to experiment with fly size and color variations and the speed and action on the retrieve but fly fishing for schoolie stripers isn’t brain surgery. Most times I fish with a floating line, simple 6-to-8-foot leaders depending on water conditions and my 9-foot, 7-weight rod. Easy and simple, nothing special or overly technical.

The Maine coast from Portland Harbor south to Kittery Point has any number of places where schoolie bass can be found

Northwoods Sporting Journal

and caught and the prime season is now and will continue all summer long.

Do some exploring and get to know them. Once the humid, hot dog-days of summer arrive they will prove a delight once the crowds have dispensed for the day. And while you’re at it you might as well partake of some fried haddock, clams or scallops. You can

Page 11

keep the lobster!

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

Have a Safe & Happy Independence Day!

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Page 12

Northwoods Sporting Journal

July 2023

Outdoor News - July 2023 Edited by V. Paul Reynolds

July. Let summer begin! Although fishing has begun to peak, there is much angling left. Togue (Lake Trout) will be found by those willing to go down deep with lead core line or downriggers. Fly fishers are keeping a vigil over the ever-popular Green Drake hatch on trout ponds.

Stripers and mackerel runs keep it going for salt water anglers. Bass fishermen are enjoying Maine’s incomparable bass fishery.

And, believe it or not, bear hunters and bear guides have already begun laying plans for the annual bear season that begins the end of next month!

Meanwhile, if you were lucky enough to boat a fat landlocked salmon, don’t forget to poach it, apply an egg sauce and find some fresh garden peas to go along. Happy Fourth of July!

Vermont Bear Conflicts

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is increasing outreach efforts to encourage Vermont residents and visitors to get ahead of an anticipated jump in bear conflicts this June.

“Last year, we saw reported bear incidents spike from 206 in May to 473 in June,” said the department’s Black Bear Project Lead Biologist Jaclyn Comeau. “We want to head off that spike this year, and we need the public’s help to do it.”

The department has seen increasing bear conflicts between May and June over the past several years. However, 2022

showed a more pronounced spike than the three-year average of 182 reports in May and 370 reports in June. This year the department had already received 136 reports as of May 27.

That number does not include incidents reported directly to game wardens and will likely grow as warden reports are processed over the next two weeks.

To increase awareness about the steps Vermonters can take to prevent bear conflicts, the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is expanding its outreach effort this year.

“This month, Fish and Wildlife will be using every channel we have to reach everyone who lives in or visits Vermont with the message that bear coexistence is a shared responsibility,” said Comeau. “For the first time, we are teaming up with the Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation and the Department of Environmental Conservation to put up ‘Keep Bears Wild’ signs at state parks and transfer stations. Anywhere there is a risk of bears learning to look for food near people, we want people to be able to see how to reduce that risk.”

In Vermont, the leading cause of bear conflicts is unsecured garbage, including household trash collection bins and dumpsters at businesses and campgrounds. Keeping garbage bins inside until a few hours before trash collection can significantly reduce the risk of bear conflicts in residential neighborhoods. Insisting that garbage collectors provide businesses and public fa-

cilities with bear-proof dumpsters can reduce the risk of conflicts in other locations.

When preventative steps are not in place and bears learn that unsecured garbage is an easy food source, they can quickly become bold, and sometimes aggressive.

“If a bear develops aggressive behaviors like breaking into buildings in search of food, the department may have to kill that bear to protect human safety—nobody wants that outcome,” said Comeau.

“Our goal is for everyone to know the steps to prevent bear conflicts from happening in the first place.

Proactive coexistences is the best thing for bears and for people, and it will only work if everyone who lives in or visits Vermont treats it as a shared responsibility.”

A full list of steps for coexisting with bears is available on the department’s website at: https:// vtfishandwildlife.com/ learn-more/living-withwildlife/living-with-blackbears Vermonters who notice bears seeking food in their yards or in public places like campgrounds should report the incident at: https://anrweb.vt.gov/ FWD/FW/WildlifeBear-

Report.aspx

New Hampshire Youth Programs

Free youth day programs will be offered again this summer at the Owl Brook Hunter Education Center in Holderness.

These programs give boys and girls ages 10-15 the chance to learn about shooting sports, bowhunting, and other outdoor skills. Sessions will be offered in July and August at Owl Brook, which is operated by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.

Pre-registration is required and will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited to 16 participants per day, so register today by visiting Owl Brook Hunter Education Center | Hunting | New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (state. nh.us). There is no charge for these sessions.

Day programs will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, unless otherwise noted, beginning July 11 and ending August 18.

Tuesdays will be for youth ages 10-12, and Thursdays will be for youth ages 1315.

Another popular offering is the Hunter/Bowhunter Education Certification week that will take place August 15-18, during which students have

the opportunity to earn their Hunter Education/ Bowhunter Education certification. Youth age 12-15 who attend and meet all requirements will receive their Hunter Education/ Bowhunter Education Certification.

Check out the action by viewing a three-minute video about the exciting youth day programs at Owl Brook at www.huntnh. com/hunting/owl-brook. html Participants may register for one or more sessions, which are held from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the dates listed below.

Bring your own bag lunch.

Please download required forms and return to the Owl Brook Hunter Education center prior to attending.

Forms are available on the event registration page at Owl Brook Hunter Education Center | Hunting | New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (state. nh.us)

Week 1: (9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.) Bowhunting/ Archery Skills Tuesday, July 11 (10-12 year olds) Thursday, July 13 (13-15 year olds) Week 2: (9:00 a.m.

– 3:00 p.m.) Introduction to Rifle and Shotgun Tuesday, July 18 (10-12 year olds) Thursday July 20 (13-15 year olds) Week 3: (9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.) Navigation and Survival Skills Tuesday, (News cont. pg 19)

July 2023

Northwoods Sporting Journal

The Sunday Hunting Debate

I’d be blind if I wasn’t aware of what’s happening in Maine regarding the matter of Sunday hunting. In many ways, it mirrors the same problems Massachusetts has experienced for decades. I recently found myself absorbed in an article written by Jared Bornstein, Executive Director of Maine Hunters United for Sunday Hunting. Bornstein has been leading the charge for years in an effort to find common ground in Maine’s longstanding ban on Sunday hunting. In the article, he was once again expounding upon the issue of how the ban on Sunday Hunting in Maine is one of the most archaic hunting regulations in the entire country”. In this article, Jared declared that “These Blue Laws, which came directly from Massachusetts back when we were a colony of Puritans down there, remain today as the most longstanding and oldest Blue Laws in the country, and it’s been a fight to change them.” And I can tell you first-hand, when it comes to my home state of Massachusetts, truer words were never spoken.

Massachusetts and Maine continue to run under many of these old Blue Laws, which includes the law that prohibits hunting of any kind on Sundays. We also know that more proposals and compromises like the ones in Maine and Massachusetts will continue to be developed and researched as time goes on.

But before I go any further, I need to tell you that my position on Sunday hunting in Massachusetts has never

been one of offering any real support. And I’ll tell you why. I have hunted on Sundays my entire hunting life in states all over the country. So, when I refer to how I feel about Sunday hunting, it relates solely to the many issues in Massachusetts that surrounds it, and there are many.

Last year, the combined efforts of the Massachusetts Conservation Alliance and the Massachusetts Sportsmen’s Alliance proposed a “common sense” initiative, like what’s being done in Maine that really made sense. The Massachusetts House and Senate reviewed it as the initiative stayed focused on the fundamental problem of controlling the state’s rapidly increasing deer herd. Had this initiative passed, it would have allowed “Archery hunting only in MA for whitetail deer on Sunday”, which both the MCA and the MSA explained would be another tool to assist in controlling high deer populations in many parts of the state. It would enhance public safety for both property and residents, assist with the continued threat of Lyme disease caused by deer ticks, while becoming a necessary step in the continued conservation of our lands. It would also allow working families who hunt additional time to hunt together. And while I remind readers that even though I have never been a supporter of Sunday hunting in Massachusetts, I viewed this proposal as a responsible, well-timed compromise that would

allow both hunters and non-hunters alike to work together in seeking solutions in a responsible form of wildlife management.

I supported it completely.

This excellent amendment was simply not meant to be. Even though common ground between hunters, non-hunters, and even

Page 13

On The Ridge

by Joe Judd Shelburn, MA of non-hunters alike.

But it’s still going to take more time, in both Massachusetts and Maine, as future attempts for compromise continue to induce more discussion along with reasonable ideas, and the facts to support them,

to pump even more money into local economies. Include a few landowners in the deeper discussions adding their two cents, and suddenly, in the spirit of compromise, it could become a win/win for everyone!

Massachusetts and Maine continue to run under many of these old Blue Laws, which includes the law that prohibits hunting of any kind on Sundays. landowners could have possibly been found here, the bill fell again to the same fate as numerous past attempts. I wasn’t at all surprised by this outcome.

I will continue to support this amendment-based on its merit, and on the argument that archery hunting for deer brings a completely different approach to the question, in the opinion of many landowners I’ve spoken with, and a percentage

that might finally make some sense on the question of Sunday hunting. The other moving part here, and something we must absolutely remember, is the idea of families having that additional day of hunting together in an archery only capacity, which makes sense no matter how you spin it! Also, this could easily invigorate hunter recruitment, enhance retention efforts, and continue

Until that day, for me anyway, Sunday hunting remains an enigma. A series of paths all leading into unknown directions, especially in Massachusetts!

And while I believe the “Sunday hunting archery only” compromise has a better chance of passing in Maine someday than it does in my beloved state, I wouldn’t lay any serious bets on either!

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 14

Women In The Woods

by Erin Merrill, Portland, ME Editor’s Note: This month Sporting Journal columnist Erin Merrill and John Floyd collaborated on this Q&A about moose hunt preparation.

about hiring a guide.

EM: A moose hunt can be an expensive hunt.

There are a lot of things that can factor into the week you spend in the

July 2023

Hiring A Moose Guide: Some Tips

this special hunt. There are many factors unique to moose hunting that guides are used to but hunters may not understand at the outset. Things like piles of bagged ice in coolers that are refreshed as needed to

Winning a Maine moose permit for most is a once in a lifetime experience, most hunters do not understand the costs and situations that arise during this special hunt.

Erin Merrill has hired a few guides to help her; most recently, in 2021 when she drew a moose tag. John Floyd is a Registered Maine Guide and the owner of Tucker Ridge Outdoors in Webster Plantation, Maine. Together, they discuss thoughts, questions and concerns

woods. I didn’t realize how much the entire hunt would be. Do you think a lot of hunters understand the costs?

JF: Winning a Maine moose permit for most is a once in a lifetime experience, most hunters do not understand the costs and situations that arise during

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keep a harvested moose cool, daily fuel tank fills, gate fees and lodging expense outside of where a hunter usually hunts are the norm for a Maine moose hunt, but not necessarily expected by a first time moose hunter. Inquiring about costs above and beyond the moose permit and guiding service fee is crucial. Your guide should be able to advise you on

For many, a Maine moose hunt is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure so it pays to plan ahead, thoroughly! average additional costs ping? and if these are part of an JF: Tipping has aloutfitter’s package rate or ways been a sticky topic if these expenses are the for guides. While tipping is standard in the guidclient’s responsibility.

EM: What about tip- ing industry, many first time clients hiring guides GUIDES AVAILABLE may not be aware of it.

The private world of From a guide’s perspecNorth Camps tive, you hope if you work NORTH CAMPS Oquossoc, ME hard for your client and Located at Rangeley Lake exceed their expectations Waterfront Housekeeping Cottages you will receive a tip. HowGREAT FISHING & FAMILY FUN ever, if you do not it feels For 2023 Spring & Summer Reservation 207-864-2247 crass to ask for one. I have www.northcamps.com been tipped exorbitantly E.F. GIBSON P.O. BOX 341 OWNER OQUOSSOC, ME 04964 by a single client and been skunked by an entire group who thanked me effusively for the experience. If you would consider tipping the contractor that performed a specialized service at your home efficiently and with great results, you should probably consider tipping your guide.

Special note: As a sporting camp owner I do subscribe to the idea of Pet friendly Complimentary clients not having to tip the rooms available Internet owner if I am their guide.

2303 Main Street - Rangeley, Maine However, tipping for the Located on ITS 84/89 housekeeping and cooking 207-864-3434 - www.rangeleysaddlebackinn.com (Tips cont. pg 15)

July 2023

Tips

(Cont. from pg 14) staff (my wife) falls in line with standard norms in the hospitality industry.

EM: I packed every article of hunting clothing that I own and two pairs of boots. The weather was warm, cool, sunny and rainy so I was prepared throughout the week. But, I also know that I left a few bags in the truck that I never opened throughout the week. What is the right amount?

JF: This is a very common condition hunters traveling north experience – Imayneedthisitus. If left unchecked and not treated properly, this condition may lead to swollen camps and the much more serious condition Icantfindititus.

All joking aside, the packing list of required items for your hunt is one of the most critical aspects often overlooked. Any guide or outfitter worth their salt should be able to supply you with a standard packing list of required and optional items for your specific trip. I recommend clients break down their packing list into two sections – hunting & camp.

Good, comfortable boots, extra socks, cold and wet weather gear and hunter orange clothing requirements are essentials on any hunt. A small daypack with toilet tissue, spare eyeglasses, prescrip-

Northwoods Sporting Journal

tion medicine and personal comfort items is recommended. Bring a dependable rifle that is zeroed, extra ammunition and a quality case. For camp, pack your ‘civilian’ clothing and personal hygiene items. The last thing your guide wants to see when you come out of the camp in the morning is a client wearing brand new boots, carrying a stuffed hockey bag and rifle with the manufacturer sticker still on the barrel.

EM: I completely blew a shot on Wednesday morning. I was embarrassed and felt like I had let the group down because it meant that I might not get a moose. How should hunters handle that pressure?

JF: In my experience many hunters put a lot of unnecessary pressure on themselves. Some first time clients hold beliefs that guides are ‘super hunters’, all knowing and expert marksman to boot. This is rarely true. A good guide should know his clients strengths and weaknesses, as well as the chosen firearm’s limitations to put the hunter in the best position to be successful. The hunter and guide need to be on the same page in regards to shooting distances, effective range and shooting positions before the hunt begins. This also should be discussed during the introductory phase. If I know a client is a novice shooter and comfortable

only to 100 yards in a supported position, I will not give the client the “Take him!” command when a called in bull hangs up at 200 yards – no matter how impressive the bull is. If I ask a client to exceed their comfort zone and ability, a bad shot is on me not the client. A good guide should reevaluate and reposition to get an ethical kill shot for the hunter.

EM: When our hunt ended we had traveled more than 750 miles in the truck and hiked more than 25 miles. That is a lot. Aside from realizing how much time you will be driving and/or hiking, what should hunters do to prepare?

JF: Guides can be downright driven to put a moose in front of their client. No guide wants to look their client in the face after six days of moose hunting and know they are going

home with their tag in their pocket and not attached to a moose on the game pole. Guides want to do everything they can, take advantage of every minute of legal light and cover as much ground as necessary to fulfill their clients dream. Working guides are also used to the rigors of moose hunting, and I suspect often overlook the hunter’s comfort level during pursuit. We just want to work hard for you and earn our wage. If a client needs a break I welcome it, I just need to know. I tell all of my clients, “This is your hunt. Tell me what you need. I’m here for YOU.” JF: One of the things I ask my clients is if they are physically and mentally prepared for this hunt.

EM: It might sound weird but I started a training program for my moose hunt as soon as I was drawn. My rifle weighs

Page 15

7.5lbs and I knew that I needed to be able to stand in the middle of a road or chopping and hold my gun steady to make a good shot.

I also threw weights into a backpack and started hiking around my house. The work pays off when you have to jump out of the truck and have seconds to get a good shot off.

EM: Most spots where you hunt will not have cell signal. I loved my OnX maps and used it to track where we went and what sign we saw. But, I knew that it was not going to be our go-to for mapping.

Knowing phones probably won’t work, what’s your game plan?

JF: Having a daily hunt plan is a great way for guides and clients to work as a team and connect. We usually do it over breakfast.

I outline our current scouting report, where we will (Tips cont. pg 50)

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 16

The Adventures of Me and Joe

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

“I’m gonna build me a perch catchin’ machine.”

Cooper Turnscrew stared at Joe as though daring him to disagree.

“Why not jist use a pole?” Joe asked mildly.

“Too slow!” Cooper nodded in agreement with himself. “Too durn slow!

When the perch are bitin and you git in a school of ‘em, you got to git as many hooks into as many mouths as possible before the school moves off. You can’t do that with a pole.”

“How about two poles?” Joe raised an eyebrow as he took a slurp of coffee. “Two poles…twice as many fish.”

The three of us a sat at a table in the Five N’ Diner in downtown Mooseleuk with a number of other early risers scattered about the room, each intent on our conversation. Outside, the summer sun barely cleared the nearby trees and already it was hot enough to scramble the brains of the unwary.

“Still too slow,” Cooper advised seriously. Cooper was always deadly serious when it came to the thought of a new invention.

“You got to work twice as hard. You got to hook the first fish, run over an’ hook the secont fish, then run back an’ crank in the first fish, take ‘im off the hook, drop ‘im in the pail, rebait the hook, drop it back down to the right depth, then run to the secont pole an’ do the whole thing over again.

Makes me tired jist thinkin’ about it.”

“Makes me tired jist hearin’ about it,” Joe agreed. “So what’s your solution, Coop?”

“Dunno. But they’s got to be one, an’ I’m jist the galoot to come up with it. Gonna go right down to my shop right this minute an’ git started. Got me some fearful idears!” He swallowed the last of his coffee in one gulp, leaped up and dashed out the door, leaving the door chimes clanging in his wake.

HELP US FIND

The elusive Northwoods Sporting Journal’s moose Marty.

He has wandered into the northwoods.

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

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

Name

The Perch Machine

Cooper Turnscrew was about the nearest thing to what you could call an inventor in Mooseleuk. He made a living of sorts by fixing broken mechanical devices and putting together some other, unique mechanical devices to do work for which no regular tool existed.

Joe watched his rapidly disappearing figure through the front window.

“That’s jist what bothers me,” he muttered. “Him an’ them fearful idears.”

“You know, Joe, he’s got a point, though,” Tobin Hoard spoke up from the next table. “They’s a lot of lakes around here with big white perch populations. Besides bein’ a great

tasting fish, you kin keep all the white perch you kin catch. A lot of us like to stock the freezer with perch fillets when they start schoolin’ about now. If ol’ Cooper could come up with a contraption to make that easier, I’m all for it.”

“Me too,” chimed in Jason Gullible at another table. “Fact is, Coop has come up with some re-

ally weird contraptions, but most of ‘um work, at least…in a way.”

I thought about that.

Cooper Turnscrew was about the nearest thing to what you could call an inventor in Mooseleuk. He made a living or sorts by fixing broken mechanical devices and putting together some other, unique (Me & Joe cont. pg 17)

Shown actual size

Jeremiah Lucey

(Marty was found on pg 27)

Address City

Marty

July 2023

State

Phone I found Marty on page

Zip

Entries must be postmarked by 7/17/23 to be eligible for this issue.

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.

July 2023

Me & Joe (Cont. from pg 16)

mechanical devices to do work for which no regular tool existed.

For example, when Chesley Holstein had a problem with his cattle gate, Cooper came up with just the solution. In a fenced-in area attached to the back of his barn, Chesley kept a small herd of calves. In the fields beyond the enclosure grazed his herd of milk cows. Late in the afternoon the cows began to wander back toward the barn and their stalls.

Chesley had to stand at the gate and let the cows in, making sure that no calves escaped. This activity took a lot of time because the milk cows had a tendency to straggle in one at a time or in pairs.

Cooper came up with a device that included a trip mechanism that the approaching cow would step

Northwoods Sporting Journal

on. This device released the gate latch and a power arm swung the gate inward. When the cow passed through, the arm would release and springs would swing the gate gently back in place. The calves were intimidated by the big cows approaching the gate, and by the time they regained their nerve after the cow had passed, the gate was closed again. Worked like a charm.

And when Adolph Weave decided he wanted to go into the business of making brown ash pack baskets for retail sales, Cooper was there to help.

Adolph’s biggest problem was pounding out the ash.

The wood of the ash grows in layers and the layers must be separated in order to make the basket strips.

This is normally done by pounding the wood, usually with the back of an ax or a small sledge hammer. It is tedious, exhausting work.

Cooper made a device

from a scrap, 2-foot piece of 4-inch diameter shafting from the sawmill, a 3-food piece of pipe with a cap on one end, (the pipe just fitting over the shafting), a coil spring and a 3-horsepower Briggs & Stratton engine. The spring went up in the pipe against the cap, then the shaft went in after it. This combination was mounted on one side of a broad chopping block. In the side of the pipe Coop cut a 5-inch vertical slot through which a big bolt was screwed into the side of the shaft, the end of the bolt sticking out a few inches.

To the end of the crankshaft of the motor Coop hooked a wheel with an elliptical outside rim.

In other words, the rim of the wheel started at, say, 4-inches in diameter and grew gradually to about 5-inches, before dropping back again. Coop positioned the engine beside the pipe, with the wheel

just under the extended part of the bolt. Each turn of the wheel pushed up the bolt, raising the shaft inside the pipe against the spring.

Where the ellipse on the wheel’s outer edge ended, the bolt was released and the spring drove the shaft back down. With the engine running, this process happened about a hundred times a minute.

All Adolph had to do was feed his narrow lengths of ash under the rising and falling shaft. The layers were pounded apart in no time. Before you knew it, Adolph was up to his knees in ash strips. Eventually, he quit making baskets himself and simply sold bundles of ash strips to basket-makers downstate.

Like I said, Cooper came up with some weird devices, but they usually worked just fine at the specific tasks they were intended for.

As me and Joe walked back toward his cabin I mentioned the fact that

Page 17 Cooper’s inventions usually worked out fairly well.

“He may be just the guy to come up with an effective perch fishing machine.”

Joe snorted. “You’re rememberin’ the successful contraptions and forgettin’ about the failures.

What about Jimmy Windrow’s hay baler, or Francis Seine’s smelt netter?”

“Oh…yeah…” I said.

Jimmy Windrow kept a number of riding horses and they required a lot of hay. Once the hay was mown in his vast fields he used a regular hay baler towed behind his tractor to bale the hay and drop the bales in sequence across the fields. Then a truck with a big trailer would follow along and field hands would load the bales for transport to the barn. Jimmy wanted Cooper to make some kind of machine that would load them onto a trailer and store them in (Me & Joe cont. pg 35)

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 18

Outdoor Sporting Library

by Jeremiah Wood, Ashland, ME

Some people are up for anything. Need a fishing buddy? Give them a call. Want to go on a float trip or recover an airplane from the bush? They’ll be there. The same people who always say yes are the ones who tend to be happy wherever they land. They have plenty of adventures and make lots of memories.

Mike McCann is one of those people. I first heard mention of Mike while reading John Hildebrand’s book “Reading the River”, in which he described a stop in the Yukon River village of Tanana in the 1980’s. It was there he ran into Mike and his wife Claire, both outsiders who were making a life in the remote Alaska village.

Raised in New York, Mike first moved to Tanana to work as a village nurse, but there were too many other exciting things to do in Bush Alaska. After

After a few years he left the job and really started to live. He became a pilot, built up a fine dog team, operated a road house for travelers and became a regular jack of all trades. a few years he left the job and really started to live.

He became a pilot, built up a fine dog team, operated a road house for travelers

Anything Goes

and became a regular jack of all trades.

As a fun loving, adventurous guy, Mike McCann made a lot of friends over the years, including

July 2023

Discovery Channel show “Yukon Men”. Mike and Stan were just two of a large collection of folks from outside who moved to the Alaska wilderness

returned home after a few years, Mike, Stan and a few others stayed and made the place their home. Now in their older years, they still have their share of adventures together in and around Tanana.

Mike is a storyteller, and thankfully for us, he wrote some of those stories down.

“Give Me the Hudson or the Yukon: A Collection of Mostly True Stories” was first published Stan Zuray, who you might during that time. Although in 1989 and a follow-up, recognize as a star of the most of the newcomers “Return to the River” came out in 1995. These short, easy reading and often humorous stories paint a picture of the people in Mike’s life and the crazy things they’ve done over the years. They also give us www.visitaroostook.com www.visitaroostook.co m a peek into the life of a man who’s pretty much up for anything, and has a lifetime of memories to show for it.

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 19

News

distance from her home, Game Department is the Missing Woman she had to be transported guardian of the state’s fish, Found Alive wildlife and marine reWarden K9 Storm out of the woods by canoe (Cont. from pg 12) sources and their habitats. and Game Warden Chad first, then by boat, to emerJuly 25 (10-12 year olds) Visit www.huntnh.com to Robertson located a miss- gency medical personnel Thursday, July 27 (13-15 learn more. ing 72-year-old woman waiting for her at the outlet year olds) May 23rd, after she had of Wight pond.

Week 4: (9:00 a.m.

After searching Week 5: (9:00 a.m. wandered away from her – 3:00 p.m.) Exploring – 3:00 p.m.) Hunter/Bow- home on McCaslin Road through the night last night, the Outdoors Tuesday, hunter Education Certi- in the afternoon.

Warden K9 Storm and August 1 (10-12 year olds) fication Week Students Marjorie May, who Game Warden Robertson Thursday, August 3 (13-15 must attend all days listed battles memory loss, was were searching another year olds) and be at least 12 years found by Storm and Rob- designated area on the eastWeek 5: (9:00 a.m. old on or before August ertson disoriented, cold ern side of the stream this – 3:00 p.m.) Hunter/Bow- 12. Tuesday, August 15 and missing a shoe near morning, when Storm indihunter Education Certi- (12-15 year olds) Wednes- the shores of McCaslin cated on a scent, then raced fication Week Students day, August 16 (12-15 year Stream over two-thirds of further ahead, and started must attend all days listed olds) Thursday, August 17 a mile from her home at barking. Robertson yelled and be at least 12 years (12-15 year olds) Friday, approximately 9:30 a.m.. out Marjorie’s name, and old on or before August August 18 (12-15 year Due to the thick woods and (News cont. pg 41) 12. Tuesday, August 15 olds) (12-15 year olds) Wednes“The Owl Brook US RT 1 BEGINS AT day, August 16 (12-15 year Hunter Education Center olds) Thursday, August 17 is here to inspire young “LA PORTE DU NORD” (12-15 year olds) Friday, people to become involved August 18 (12-15 year in the outdoors,” said Tom olds) Flynn, Program Manager “ T h e O w l B r o o k at Owl Brook. “These free, 356 West Main St Fort Kent, ME 04743 Hunter Education Center skill-based summer workPhone: 207-834-3133 Fax: 207-834-2784 is here to inspire young shops are a fun way to help people to become involved them discover what it’s all in the outdoors,” said Tom about.”

Flynn, Program Manager The mission of the at Owl Brook. “These free, Owl Brook Hunter Educaskill-based summer work- tion Center is to educate shops are a fun way to help individuals in the knowlthem discover what it’s all edge, skills, and behaviors about.” needed to become safe and The mission of the responsible hunters, trapOwl Brook Hunter Educa- pers, and stewards of the tion Center is to educate state’s natural resources. Its Nature never goes out of style here in Fort Kent. We are at individuals in the knowl- facilities include shooting the end of historic US Route 1, across the river from edge, skills, and behaviors ranges, classroom space, Canada, minutes from Allagash wilderness, walking needed to become safe and and interpretive trails. distance to the Lonesome Pine Downhill Ski Facility. The Tenth Mountain cross country and blathlon facility. The responsible hunters, trap- To learn more about Owl University of Maine at Fort Kent, downtown with it‘s pers, and stewards of the Brook visit www.huntnh. quaint restaurants and bars. Walking, ATV and snowmobile state’s natural resources. Its com/hunting/owl-brook. trails are adjacent to the property and there are many facilities include shooting html attractions a short drive away. ranges, classroom space, Activities at the Owl and interpretive trails. Brook Hunter Education To learn more about Owl Center are made possible Brook visit www.huntnh. by Federal Aid in Wildlife com/hunting/owl-brook. Restoration funds. The html New Hampshire Fish and Activities at the Owl Game Department is the Brook Hunter Education guardian of the state’s fish, Center are made possible wildlife and marine reby Federal Aid in Wildlife sources and their habitats.

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Northwoods Sporting Journal July 2023 Aroostook Woods right? It worked wonders ‘shadow casting’ looks hard to learn. No one picks & Water on me, but I was also six doable. I told him it isn’t, up a fly rod for the first time

Watch Your Backcast!

by Mike Maynard, Perham, ME I’m supposed to teach my son-in-law how to fly fish. I have three days to do it. I’ve been told that since he’s a bright boy, this won’t take but a moment. The kids are going on vacation to Montana this summer and they know somebody who knows somebody else who has a drift boat they

remember that the guy in the boat has the right-ofway, those obnoxious wade anglers are just a nuisance, go ahead and plow right through them.” I probably shouldn’t say things like that, but then again, I won’t know anybody on the Madison this summer, so I can laugh about

years old, a blank canvas.

This guy is in his 30s and already knows everything.

How do I explain the mechanics of the cast? 10/2?

The whole power on/power off’ thing is completely counter-intuitive. I tried to do some lawn instruction with my wife’s nephew (another extremely bright child) and he insisted on buggy-whipping the poor

and that wasn’t Brad Pitt (Jason Borger, son of Gary Borger, did the deed in the movie). I know I’m going to have to draw deeply from the well of patience if this is going to have any hope of success. I’ll start

and fires off a double-haul, they just don’t. Everybody wants to sling 100’ of line even though all the damn fish are 15’ in front of them.

And then, when all that line piles up at their feet, or in the back of their head, they

him off with an old rod, something I don’t have a lot of emotional attachment to. I’ll throw an ancient Pflueger on it and spool it up with the appropriately weighted line. Then we’ll go lawn casting and I’ll try and resist the urge to blindfold him and give him the ‘Be the ball’ speech from Caddyshack.

Look, fly fishing is

get frustrated and never pick up a fly rod again. It’s our job, if we’re going to perpetuate our heritage, to find a way to make the learning curve a little less steep. A good place to start would be to do a better job of vetting the people our children marry. “Honey, this one thinks a ‘muddler’ is a bartender who mashes fruit in a glass for a vintage cocktail!” (‘Old Fashioned’ to you kids).

How do I explain what rod weight means?

Why line weights matter, and the other intricacies of our passion? I have a suspicion that my SIL doesn’t really want to fish as much as he wants to pose for an Orvis calendar. He seems overly concerned with the costume particulars. I’ve told him he doesn’t need all of that. I tried to explain to him that all the Macedonians fished in was a GoreTex loin cloth. You can tell (Backcast cont. pg 25)

So the question becomes: how do we teach those we love (or barely tolerate) how to fly fish? My grandfather’s preferred method of fly fishing instruction was to give me an old, twisted Montague, point toward water, and then completely ignore me. Only the strong survive, right?

can borrow. I said, “I’m not giving you drift boat driving lessons.” His response: “I don’t need lessons. It’s just a boat, how hard can it be; you do it.”

I wouldn’t let him borrow my lawn mower, let alone a drift boat. I asked him where he was going to fish, and he told me, “I don’t know, somewhere around Bozeman.” I said, “You should head for West Yellowstone; that’s the best place to learn how to drive a drift boat. Always

it while I’m floating my canoe down the Aroostook in peace and quiet, while dozens of angry anglers in Montana beat him to death with $1,000.00 rods.

So the question becomes: how do we teach those we love (or barely tolerate) how to fly fish?

My grandfather’s preferred method of fly fishing instruction was to give me an old, twisted Montague, point toward water, and then completely ignore me.

Only the strong survive,

rod until it screamed, ‘Uncle!’. I’m fairly certain that Snidely Whiplash never cracked a whip as fast as this guy. Nothing I could say made any difference.

I would calmy, methodically, explain my actions, but to no avail. I’d say, “Okay? You got it? Let’s try again.” Ever seen a guy tie six wind knots in a fly line on a single cast? This kid was magic.

My SIL has watched ‘A River Runs Through It’. He thinks Brad Pitt’s

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July 2023

All In With My Axes

Keeping a good axe is worth its weight in gold.

It’s one of the most valuable tools to have at camp or in the yard. I never paid it much mind until this spring, when I noticed just how rough in the tooth

too hard.

So I took an inventory. I pulled out the axes, got out the file and grindstone, and watched some YouTube videos about how to put an edge back on my tools. I am no expert, but I

There is a lot of satisfaction in striking a good hit. And of holding the axe in this throat of the curve. Some axes don’t have much of a curve. my wood splitting axe had become. Good grief!

For years I depended on my husband to keep them sharp. Today, I am all in with my axes, and am honing them as best I can to bring them back to life.

Like anything else, maintaining them is important. With a little attention after each season, the pay back will be long, and rewarding.

This spring, splitting kindling from stove logs worked fine. But, I began to notice how dull the blade had become. When did that happen? Like old man winter, my favorite axe was worn out. It’s my own fault. I had been using it for years, one year slipping into the next without a whole lot of thought. It should cut like butter, and, as they say, help me to work smart, not hard. Splitting the wood had become

believe the axes are in better shape than they have been in a long time. Little by little, I’m sharpening the blades. I clean them up and oil the wooden handles, rubbing them out with a clean cloth, and check the eyes to see how secure the handles are. Only one, of course, the favorite, needs a new handle. I thought about carving a new one, but think it’ll be a whole lot quicker to go to the hardware store and buy a ready-made handle, then fit it to the old head.

Each of the axes is dif-

Page 21

Kineo Currents

ferent. I’m short, so am using one with a handle that is not as long as would be used by a tall man, with a head that is not as heavy or as broad. All of ours have wooden handles, some with a slight “s” curve, running a graceful line from the broad shoulder down to the knob at the base. This curve just feels good in the hand, and keeps the momentum of the downward swing going, splitting the wood fibers all the way through to the chopping block. There is a lot of satisfaction in striking a good hit. And of holding the axe in this throat of the curve. Some axes don’t have much of a curve. For me, the axe is easier to hold with the curve, depending on whether I want to take a good swing or whether I want to hold it close to the shoulder to be more exacting.

The length of these handles run approximately 28 inches. This must have

by Suzanne AuClair, Rockwood, ME been some sort of a standard size at the time they were made. A couple are about 23 inches. One time Roger surprised me with a hatchet he had made for me. It is just over 18 inches in length, with an “s” curve on a stout, sturdy handle and a Snow & Nealley Co. head. It is hefty, does good work, but is small enough to carry around in my packbasket. He made a leather cap for the head, tied with a long piece of rawhide.

It is a sweet little axe and, over the years, it has come in very handy.

Suzanne AuClair is an avid outdoorswoman. She has been writing about the Moosehead Lake region for 28 years and produced the state anthology,“The Origin, Formation & History of Maine’s Inland Fisheries Division.” She is an award-winning member of the New England Outdoor Writers Assn.

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 22

Warden’s Words

July 2023

New Wardens Graduate

by Game Warden Kale O’Leary, Ashland, ME Since 1936, Maine Wardens have been put through additional training, called Advanced Warden School. A training program designed specifically to enhance and grow these fine men and women into the highest caliber of conservation law enforcement officer possible. With every year that passes, and developments in technology

2023. The training program was led by a Cadre staff of Wardens Joshua Polland, Kale O’Leary, Chad Robertson and Megan Orchard.

The school travelled to four different “regions” during its training, ranging from Ashland, Machias, Greenville and the Sugarloaf area among other training locations. The curriculum that was developed by the

investigation and interview training, search warrants, time of death on wildlife and hunting related shooting incidents, just to name a few! The class also had

Moosehead Lake, late one night in March.

The members of the 2023 Advanced Warden School and their newly assigned districts are as follows: The class also had several week long trainings, focused on Nick Bartholomew snowmobile operation and winter survival, a winter ascent of worked previously as a Mount Katahdin, firearms training, search and rescue, with a wildlife biologist on the Department’s bear and heavy focus on scenario based training. moose crews and will be and procedures, the War- Cadre staff was focused several week long train- headed to the Boundary den Service has adapted primarily in hands-on train- ings, focused on snowmo- Cottage district, north of to change by enhancing ing and patrol techniques. bile operation and winter the Golden Road. Avery and adapting each Warden Topics covered during the survival, a winter ascent of Boucher, born and raised in School. Today, Wardens training program ranged Mount Katahdin, firearms Vermont before coming to are trained in a wide range from Title 12 laws, Warden training, search and rescue, Maine for college and fallof topics to produce the Service history, wildlife with a heavy focus on sce- ing in love with the State’s highest caliber of field and fisheries science and nario based training. resources and outdoor identification, OUI trainThe 2023 Advanced recreation opportunities Warden possible.

The 2023 Advanced ing and Advanced Road- Warden School gained will be headed to western Warden School graduated side Impairment Detection, valuable experience during Maine mountains in Farm10 new Maine Game War- Tactical Combat Medicine “work details”, or by send- ington. Bobby Brennan, dens and 3 Passamaquoddy training, water survival ing the new Wardens out a registered Maine Guide Tribal Wardens on May 5th, and cold water immersion, to work particular activi- and resident of Greenville ties with veteran Wardens. will be patrolling the PasThe class addressed many samaquoddy nation lands. snowmobile safety viola- Isaiah Dyer who grew up tions in Ashland, appre- in Charleston and worked hended 4 OUIs and mul- in the construction field tiple cusk line violations in before wearing the “red Greenville, another OUI in coat” will be patrolling Machias and rescued two the busy lakes and woods adults and two children in of the Belgrade district. a blinding snowstorm on William Gormley, son of

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retired Lieutenant Adam Gormley, worked as a boating deputy and will bring his passion for the career and lifestyle to the Millinocket district. Joshua Lugdon, an Army veteran who served in the 10th Mountain Division, will be the Springfield district Warden.

Sergeant Cole Nicholas, son of Passamaquoddy Chief William Nicholas, will be leading the charge for his Department and the Passamaquoddy nation.

Matthew Norcia, an Army veteran and Blackhawk helicopter pilot is now charged with protecting the people and resources of Appleton. Kevin Richards, comes to the Warden Service with a background in wildlife biology and experience working in the western United States, will call Patten home. Melinda Rugg, a veterinary technician and experienced bear and deer hunter, will be the new district Warden for the Rumford district. Joseph Socobasin, son of Passamaquoddy Vice Chief and Game Warden Joseph Socobasin, an accomplished guide and outdoorsman.

Joseph will be an asset for the Passamaquoddy nation. Matthew Tenan, the oldest member of the class at 36, who brought valued experience from his previous work as a guide, con(Wardens cont. pg 25)

July 2023

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Amateur Naturalists Can Help

I thought I would finish writing in my column about the importance of being a citizen science volunteer. Various organizations and professional scientists love to use data from self-motivated amateur naturalists like myself.

And you can make some significant contributions that really make a difference in protecting wildlife.

I lived for a few years next to the Taunton River in Middleboro, MA. One day I saw a very large turtle sunning itself on a log near the shoreline. It was huge compared to the painted turtles that shared that log with it. I was sure it was not a large snapping turtle. And I discovered over the next few days that it was very shy and I had to sneak up to study and photograph it.

I finally asked a friend who worked for the Massachusetts Wildlife organization to come see it through my spotting scope. I knew I needed an official wildlife expert to help verify what species I thought it was.

And he confirmed it was a Red-bellied turtle and it was the first time anyone had found that species in the Taunton River. Redbellied turtles are a state listed rare species.

My sighting allowed the Taunton River to become one of the few sites in Massachusetts where young Red-bellied turtles would be released through a restoration state project.

Children in local schools raised them until they were big enough to be released in suitable water bodies.

I was invited to such a release and it was a heart-

warming experience to watch happy children put the baby turtles they had fostered in the water. A few years later I found another species of turtle that had never been confirmed in my area. It happened in a

I had to go home instead of continuing the search.

Instead of bringing back stolen property, I carried a large and very rare turtle.

I knew Blanding’s turtles were not supposed to be in southeastern MA at all. So

My sighting allowed the Taunton River to become one of the few sites in Massachusetts where young Red-bellied turtles would be released through a restoration state project. rather strange and funny way. A friend asked me to go search a wooded area near a brook. Her house had been robbed and she thought that place might be used as a dumping ground for anything they could not sell or fence. We were walking beside the brook when ahead of us I spotted a turtle climbing out of it.

She was shocked when I suddenly started running and was able to capture it.

It was a Blanding’s turtle.

My friend needed an explanation for my weird behavior and she forgave me when I told her

I had two wildlife people come see it before I released it back where I captured it. And regrettably my friend and I never did find any stolen things there.

But because I documented Blanding’s and also Wood and Box turtles, the brook became recognized by the state as needing protection.

The same brook was further protected later by a standardized stream survey. I had read a proposed order of conditions for a future development near the brook. Being a concerned citizen and naturalist, I asked MA Wildlife officials

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Page 23

The Bird Perch

by Karen Holmes, Cooper, ME to come and check the brook. I knew it had native brook trout and other fish species. The final result of the stream survey was to designate the brook as a significant trout hatchery having a lowland coldwater habitat dependent on the contribution of groundwater springs keeping yearround cool water temperatures and high quality of the water. This was unusual in southeastern Massachusetts. Thirty-five years later I returned to that brook and it still flows cool and clean.

I continue to be a naturalist and volunteer in Maine

for any citizen science projects.

Karen Holmes is a retired teacher and lives in Cooper, Maine with her husband Ken and their cattle dog Dingo. She is a free-lance writer who writes about nature, especially birds. But she also writes about local history and has helped preserve a local cemetery. She is the coordinator for the Washington County, Maine Annual Loon Count. She is also an active volunteer for various lake organizations.

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 24

Basics Of Survival

by Joe Frazier, Bangor, ME We all know basic water safety rules, but we all get complacent. Summer is a busy time, kids want to swim in the pool or lake, and adults are always busy doing several things at once. Here are some reminders.

All kids (and adults) need swimming lessons to know how to be safe in the water.

With babies and infants, NEVER leave them alone in the tub or bathroom. Be sure your water heater is set no higher than 120 degrees to prevent scalding injuries. Toilet lids and bathroom doors should have locks to keep toddlers out.

Anytime kids are swimming; whether in a kiddie pool, a regular pool, water park, lake or ocean there needs to be a water guardian. An adult who will watch over the kids

and do NOTHING else. No phone, no TV, no alcohol.

Kids can drown in seconds and are often within reach of others who don’t realize they are in trouble.

Pools should have a fence with an alarm. Hot tub covers should lock as well. A pool and hot tub

Shallow Water Blackout

pic swimmer. If you feel like you are in this kind of current, don’t try to fight it. Wave, yell and call for help. You may be able to get out of the current by swimming parallel to the shore until you are clear.

Often lifeguards will use flags to indicate the risk of a rip current. Green is fine, yellow there is high risk, red is extreme risk of rip current. You can even see rip currents sometimes.

The water looks darker, and

one in trouble. On a power boat, more than one person should be familiar with the controls and how to operate the boat.

Another swimming risk we seldom hear about is Shallow Water Blackout. Also called Hypoxic Blackout. It happens when people play breath holding (underwater) games; or when people are free diving, long distance under water swimming, spear fishing, etc. If you hyper-

Another swimming risk we seldom hear about is Shallow Water Blackout. Also called Hypoxic Blackout. It happens when people play breath holding (underwater) games; or when people are free diving, long distance under water swimming, spear fishing, etc. should have water alarms that will trigger if anyone falls in. Set off the alarm so everyone knows what it sounds like. You should react faster to the pool alarm than even a fire alarm.

If you are swimming in the ocean, be aware of possible rip currents. It is a current flowing out away from shore and is stronger and faster than an Olym-

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there are no waves in the current. If you see someone caught in a rip current, throw a float to them and get help from a lifeguard.

Do not try to rescue someone from a rip. Don’t become another victim.

When you are on a boat everyone needs to have a lifejacket on. No matter what size boat, wear a life jacket. If you think sitting on it is close enough; get into waist deep water in your canoe and have someone capsize you.

Things happen FAST and you will not have time to put your lifejacket on. Of course you should never use alcohol or drugs anywhere near the water. That almost guarantees disaster.

Every boat should have a life ring to throw to some-

to train to avoid shallow water blackout. If it can happen to Navy SEALS, it can happen to anyone.

Some swimmers practice prolonged breath holding in training. This can trigger Blackout as well.

Prolonged breath holding underwater can trigger other fatal physical reactions such as larynx spasms, or cardiac arrhythmia. Reading, education, and being familiar with dangers is the best way to avoid shallow water (underwater) blackout. NEVER swim alone, don’t practice prolonged underwater breath holding, don’t hyperventilate before swimming. Swimmers do not know they are in trouble and are about to black out. They feel fine, then they are out.

When you are buying a swimsuit, don’t buy blue or black colors, they can blend in with the water and be hard to see if you need rescue. Buy bright colors so you (or kids) can be easily seen.

Now is the time to do some research online.

Check Redcross.org, what does actual drowning look like, shallow water blackout.

It is not a fun topic but it is worth it to prevent a kid from drowning.

ventilate, either intentionally or from exertion, you lower your CO2 level and don’t increase your oxygen level much. You breathe normally not from lack of oxygen but from a build up of carbon dioxide. When you hyperventilate you are significantly lowering your CO2 levels. Too low and you black out, usually under water. As soon as you black out, your body forces you to breathe. You don’t even feel like you need to breathe, you just black out and drown. Because the brain has already been deprived of oxygen, brain damage and death occurs in as little as 2 minutes. It can happen in any depth of waJoe is a husband, fater and is very difficult to ther, author, and marine. detect from above water by Joefrazier193@gmail.com lifeguards. There is no way

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Backcast

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Wardens

(Cont. from pg 20) him that he can have a great day with nothing more than a rod, a single box of flies in his shirt pocket, and a ratty old pair of Converse sneakers, but selling that dystopian vision is above my pay-grade. In his world, I think he sees that as racing the Daytona 500 in your grandmother’s skyblue, 1989 Malibu.

And the flies… What do I start this naif off with?

Do I go all traditional on him -a soft hackle, perhaps? Something that floats and is easy to follow -the venerable haystack? Or, do I go to the dark side and tie a ‘squirmy-wormy’ on to the end of his first tippet tugging experience? I want him to get into a fish, quickly, even if it’s a lowly chub. Some of my friends are retired teachers; they all have gray hair. I get it now.

(Cont. from pg 22) struction foreman, lobster fishermen and restaurant owner, will be a steward for the resources of Lubec. And last but not least, Joshua Theriault, originally from Connecticut, left a successful family construction company to pursue his life-long dream of being a Maine Warden and will serve in the Strong district.

For Wardens Avery Boucher, William Gormley, Joshua Lugdon, Matthew Norcia, Melinda Rugg, Matthew Tenan and Joshua Theriault, the graduation ceremony on May 5th marked the end of the training program including the Basic Law Enforcement Training Program, Warden field training program and Advanced Warden School.

Wardens Bartholomew, Dyer and Richards will begin their field training program this spring, with Mike Maynard can be Wardens Dyer and Richreached at perhamtrout@ ards attending the August gmail.com BLETP before completing

Page 25

the required training standards of the Maine Warden Service.

The law-abiding people of the State of Maine, who hold fish and wildlife in high regard and care about its protection and conservation for the next generation should rejoice knowing that these fine Wardens are headed to their respective districts. Those intent on harming the resource with no regard for the law, should be looking over their shoulders. This class is a highly motivated, talented and skilled group, whose potential is limitless.

They all will leave a lasting mark and legacy on their agency and patrol areas and I am proud to have been a part of their journey. All the best to 2023 Advanced Warden School!

Kale O’Leary has been a Maine Game Warden since 2016. He lives in Ashland and covers the Oxbow/Masardis district in central Aroostook County.

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 26

On Point

by Paul Fuller, Durham, N.H. I was recently asked what are the most important traits to look for in a bird dog. The traits I feel are most important are intelligence, nose, conformation, prey drive and biddability. Let’s look at each trait.

Regarding intelligence, I recall reading

obviously gone through the fence. My brace mate struggled to get through the fence. My dog ran along the edge of the fence until he found an opening. He then went back and picked up the scent and was off on the trail. My dog used intelligence and won the trial.

For a bird dog, working a

July 2023

Gun Dogs: The Key Traits

same way people depend on their sight. Also from my book, If you make the analogy (human to dog), what you and I can see at a third of a mile, a dog could see more than 3,000 miles away and still see as well.

A good bird dog needs a good nose.

We all like an attractive dog. Although beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, dog breeds have established conformation

usually liver and white.

Aristocratic is often used to describe the appearance of a well-bred shorthair.

Conformation standards for most breeds can easily be found on the internet.

When a young man suddenly becomes interested in young ladies, he’s developed prey drive. It’s genetic. Young men want to

dog long before it drops.

Your author has personally watched some of the finest pointing dogs in the United States. Horseback all-age field trial dogs may have too much prey drive for the average foot hunter. A cast of 1000 yards is possible and that’s a great deal of land to cover on foot. If your a foot hunter, you’ll

pursue young ladies. Bird dog prey drive is wanting to locate and chase birds. However, eventually, with our bird dog, we only want the locate and not the chase. Prey drive gives your dog excitement and enthusiasm. Prey drive will motivate your bird dog to hunt all day until it drops. However, as good dog owners, we pickup our

find excellent hunting dogs in the cover dog field trial circuit.

Biddability is very important for our bird dogs.

A biddable dog listens and cooperates. As owners/ trainers, we don’t want to squash that prey drive, however, you can work with positive reinforcement, to get them to listen.

Through loving and understanding your dog, they’ll become obedient members of the family. And, they’ll learn they don’t have to chase down their meal everyday, their loving owner will deliver it in a pan.

The bottom line is that all these traits are genetic.

When buying a puppy, search for the traits you feel are most important to you. Hope to meet you in the field some day.

Biddability is very important for our bird dogs. A biddable dog listens and cooperates. As owners/trainers, we don’t want to squash that prey drive, however, you can work with positive reinforcement, to get them to listen. many years ago the following: An intelligent dog with an average nose will find more birds than an average dog with an exceptional nose.

Although not a bird dog, I trained and field trialed beagles as a young man. I had my dog down in a major field trial and the dogs were running for first place. They came to a fence. The rabbit had

running ruffed grouse takes intelligence.

A dog’s nose is really his eyes. The nose tells the dog everything about his environment. Here is a quote from my book, 21st Century Pointing Dog Training. “A dogs nose not only dominates his face, but his brain as well. In fact, a dog relies on his sense of smell to interpret his world, in much the

standards which typically result in the most desirable physical traits for a breed. If a dog has most of those traits, it most likely will be attractive to most any eye. Let’s use the German shorthaired pointer as an example. A male will stand between 23 and 25 inches at the shoulder and weigh anywhere from 55 to 70 pounds. The female runs smaller. The coat is

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July 2023

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Drop-Shot Perfection

The Drop-Shot technique, in my opinion is one of the most versatile rigging techniques available to bass anglers! Drop-Shotting has the ability to cover shallow water situations by rigging your weight and hook closer together based on the water depth.

This allows anglers to cast, pitch or even flip to isolated targets much easier. Shallow water such as cover in the form of down-trees, grass, or lily pads are prime targets and never overlook pitching to docks or moored boats!

Increasing the distance between your hook and weight will raise your bait of choice higher in the water column. Scanning your sonar to locate both bait fish and bass, allows anglers to visually verify just how high to adjust their Drop-Shot rig for suspended bass. Remember the eyes on bass are close to the top of their head.

Rigging your baits slightly higher will increase your opportunities for encouraging more bites.

A large majority of Drop-Shot anglers prefer vertical presentations over horizontal presentations. Monitoring their sonars to locate deep water drop-offs, humps, long tapering points or isolated deep-water boulders, grass and changes in the bottom structure all become prime target areas. Most anglers will log way points on their sonars, then vertically dissect each of these areas by simply dropping their rigged baits straight down to their targets! As they watch the bass come and take their drop-shot bait, the angler sweep sets the hook. This has become

known as “Video Game Bass Fishing”.

Horizontal presentations with drop-shot rigs is a very effect technique, plus it allows anglers to cover large areas very effectively. Dragging your drop-shot weight along the bottom, has several advantages many anglers

Try a light shaking action with your rod tip and more often than not the cylinder weight will continue to slide through the vegetation. overlook. Savvy horizontal Drop-Shot anglers utilize their drop-shot weight to telegraph exactly what’s on the bottom…this is the same concept utilized when Carolina Rigging!

Drop-shot weights play a major part within this technique, and for that reason there are several

various style weights which work perfectly when encountering different forms of bottom cover. Cylinder style weights come through grass vegetation quite easily. Try a light shaking action with your rod tip and more often than not the cylinder weight will continue to slide through the vegetation. Tear Drop or Bell shape weights make more contact with the bottom and work very well in rocky areas or in clam shell beds. One other style drop-shot weight is the ball shape weight. I have used this style when drifting, however I now basically use either the cylinder or tear-drop shape for all my drop-shot techniques. I highly suggest anglers use only tungsten weights as most states have outlawed lead weights. Tungsten weights will increase your drop-shot skills if you concentrate on what type of cover they are in contact with. Don’t worry about

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Page 27

Best Bassin’

by Bill Decoteau, Hampden, MA imparting action to your drop-shot bait, every movement of the weight will vibrate to the hook where your bait is attached!

Google Drop-Shot hooks, a wide assortment of styles will appear. Take a closer look as most DropShot hooks will reflect similarities for rigging in a horizontal position. Portraying smaller hooks with a wide gap. While, depicting nose hook rigging for soft plastic baits. A few newer style Drop-Shot hooks have been developed with a completely unique concept that departs from the traditional style DropShot hooks on the market.

Nishine Lure Works has designed the most innovative Drop-Shot hook I have ever seen! Incorporating a longer shank the size #2 wide gap “DS” hook features a modified 90-degree bend. “The bend of the 90-degree angle is

purposed-built,” says Hiroshi Nishine. According to the Japanese Master Lure Designer, “the unique bend of the line tie becomes the platform for a Snell Knot with an elongated tag end.” (www.NishineLureWorks. com) This concept is brilliant…The Snell Knot pegs the “DS” Drop-Shot hook perfectly at a 90-degree angle, as the tag line to the weight hangs straight down and completely away from the hook point. Additionally, when setting the hook the Snell Knot rotates the hook point upward making for solid hook-ups and fewer lost fish! I discovered the Nishine “DS” hook to be flawless during hook-sets for both nose hooked and Texas rigged soft plastics.

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 28

Maine Tails

By Jonah Paris, Scarborough, ME The mainland is scorching as the temperature approaches 90 degrees.

On the water, we are enjoying 80 degrees with a 12-knot breeze; enough wind to keep us drifting

from the deck about tractors and corn. If I wasn’t on the clock today, I would still be right here in the sun, enjoying the same view, fishing the same baits except I would be sipping

July 2023

Summertime Sharking

I threw over the chum frantic reach for a camera, sharks are most abundant basket and set the baits then the fin disappears and in our waters and provide an hour ago. We are now the clients’ smiles fade. But consistent action for andue for a visitor. Another fifteen minutes pass, and just as my mind starts to wander towards iced rum, lime, and mint, I see what I am looking for. I walk back to the stern and interrupt a conversation about

First an expletive or two from the clients as the shark approaches, then the frantic reach for a camera, then the fin disappears and the clients’ smiles fade. But before anyone has time to speak, a rod goes off, expletives resume, smiles return, and a battle begins. along, but not rough, even to our clients vacationing from the heart of the Midwest. They booked a day of sharking, and I am sitting out on the bow searching for fins. Over the lapping of water against the hull, and Jimmy Buffett strumming from the captain’s speakers, I can overhear a passionate conversation

a mojito. This is where I want to be. Judging by the color of the water, we could be in the Caribbean. But the birds snatching chum particles off the surface are petrels and shearwaters, not pelicans and frigates, and somewhere on the western horizon lies the white sand of Old Orchard Beach, not Nassau.

Iowa deer hunting. I point my finger off the starboard beam towards the dark triangle snaking through the chum slick. The blue shark looks to be a good one to start off the day, close to seven feet. The next part replays itself nearly every trip: First an expletive or two from the clients as the shark approaches, then the

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The author holds steady as a big thresher takes a deep dive. (Photo courtesy of Jonah Paris.) before anyone has time to glers. Catching and releasspeak, a rod goes off, exple- ing over a dozen on a trip tives resume, smiles return, offshore is not uncommon. and a battle begins.

“Blue dogs” sometimes From late July through have a reputation of being the middle of September, a nuisance - and they are sharking remains hot in when tuna fishing with the Gulf of Maine. Blue expensive fluorocarbon leaders - but with appropriate stand-up gear and steel leaders, blues are a blast to tangle with. A big, angry female blue shark can wear out even our toughest anglers. Each individual shark behaves differently, and conditions, especially water temperature, have a lot to do with the fight of a shark. Anglers targeting blue sharks should locate 400-600 feet of water, the warmest they can find, before starting their drift.

We also regularly encounter porbeagles, threshers, and mako sharks. These “sporty” sharks roam the ledges and swim between the deep “mud bottom” (400-600 feet) and the shallow “hard bottom” (200300 feet). Studying the

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

July 2023

Sharking

(Cont. from pg 28) current and wind, a skilled skipper can set a drift that will position the boat near a contour shift. Though the toothy critters are often found near structure, the unwritten rule in the Gulf of Maine is that recreational sharkers should stay clear of any commercial tuna fishing efforts. Makos and porbeagles are endothermic, meaning they are warm-blooded and able to tolerate cooler waters. We seem to hook these species later into the fall, and frequently on cold, foggy, rainy days when the more temperature-sensitive blue sharks are harder to come by.

A traditional New England “shark stick” is a five to six foot stand-up rod, with a Penn International 50 reel, loaded with 80 pound abrasionresistant monofilament.

However, any wide-spool conventional reel with a quality drag system is fit for the job. We have played plenty of small to medium blue sharks on heavy spinning gear as well. The rig is relatively simple: A nonoffset, non-stainless steel circle hook is attached to a single strand wire leader.

The leader is then clipped to a weighted cable, which is attached to the main line.

Top shark baits are fresh mackerel and pogies suspended under a float or balloon. Baits should be set like an ascending staircase, with the deepest set first and positioned furthest back in the slick. This way, a shark that smells the chum will follow his nose upwards in the water column and swim into each bait on his way to the source. We typically fish three baits, set at 50-

Page 29

70 feet, 35-50 feet, and just out of sight.

Chum can be purchased frozen in buckets at the local tackle shop and deployed in a chum bag or milk crate.

Always wear gloves when leadering a shark and be sure wirecutters are accessible and sharp. Snipping the leader close to the Of all the vintage decor and photos that greet hook should customers at Saco Bay Tackle, this photo of local be a quick anglers from 1994 is one of the author’s favorites. At 448 pounds, this mako was the largest caught in Maine and safe act. that year. Times and fisheries have since changed, and Be aware of the ethos of sharking has shifted to catch and release in both ends - the mouth and tail recent years. (Photo courtesy of Peter Mourmouras, Saco Bay Tackle Company, Saco, ME.) of any shark can cause in-

jury. We strictly practice C.P.R. (catch, photograph, release) with all sharks aboard the Teazer, and participate annually in local tagging research. As apex predators, sharks play a crucial role in the Gulf of Maine food chain. Please note: A Federal Highly Migratory Species Permit (HMS Permit) is required to fish for sharks. Currently, mako sharks cannot be retained and must be released.

During the summer, Jonah is first mate aboard the Teazer in South Portland, Maine. A four-season outdoorsman, Jonah lives in Gorham, ME with his fiancée, Ashley, and beagle, Aurora. Jonah can be reached at jonaheparis@ gmail.com HOURS: 11AM-8PM

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Page 30

Marsh Island Chronicles

July 2023

What’s Out There?

Then, a casual mention about duck hunting to my grandfather in Alaby Matthew Dunlap, bama and my being in Old Town, ME the market for a used caislands, and wonder; and There is in the heart of noe elicited a response a shore-bound sportsman a then, I would return to the from him that contained an yearning that is hard to de- shore again, stuck at the amazing offer. “I’ve got a scribe. Craving adventure, water’s edge.

14-foot Crestliner with a The same sensation ten-horsepower Mercury I used to pace the shore, eyes fixed on the horizon, returned when I first lived and a trailer that you can or on islands close enough in Old Town, much far- have. You just have to

I had scavenged from the scrap pile of the previous year’s garden. Luckily, I wasn’t dumb enough to put the craft through any sea

sessed with the stories of the towering achievements of sea-captains like John Paul Jones and Lord Nelson. In class, as my

trials and so headed off the inevitably tragic end of the Boy Who Could Not Swim.

I have written before in this space about my love of the Somesville Public Library near Bar Harbor, Maine, and how as children we would comb the bookcases looking for stories of adventure, which was sort of the oblique pathway to my fascination with the outdoors. Prior to my ambitions as a beaver trapper in the Rocky Mountains, however, I was first ob-

mind would wander and I would look out the window towards Frenchman’s Bay, I would doodle pictures of ships of the line, frigates like the U.S.S. Constitution, and clipper ships under full sail. I knew the name of every piece of canvas on any sailing vessel, and in my imagination, I would wander that same shoreline, imagining my trips to exotic lands while under full sail.

My musings were not (There cont. pg 39)

The Crestliner—and the canoes and the kayaks that followed—opened up epic opportunities for me that I only dreamt of as a young kid, pacing back and forth along the shore.

by that I could count the glacially deposited boulders scattered along the water’s edge.

On drizzly and cold Saturday mornings, I would lay in bed, listening to the far-off reports of shotguns employed by duck hunters along the Penobscot Bay

ther up the river, ten miles above the head of tide. I would beat through the bush, looking for gaps wide enough that I could manage to cast a spoon or a plug among the rock outcroppings, taking my chances with the local bass lurking below.

Central Maine Region

come and get it.”

There isn’t room here to tell from front to back the story of the rollicking adventure that followed in going to Alabama and bringing the boat home to Maine; the tale could be a prominent chapter in a book entitled “Don’t Do It the Hard Way Like Me.” The Crestliner—and the canoes and the kayaks that followed—opened up epic opportunities for me that I only dreamt of as a young kid, pacing back and forth along the shore. So possessed was I with the idea of plying the waves that I took some old lumber and a pair of logs and nailed together a makeshift raft that I planned on poling along the ocean shore with an old beanpole that

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July 2023

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Happy Birthday America

July 4 – Today is the 247 birthday of our country, and tonight exploding ordinance will light up the night sky to commemorate the happy event. It has been a decade since Maine legalth

don’t have your firework displays within a half-mile from sensitive bird nesting areas like beaches, seabird nesting islands, heron colonies, and eagle nests. Don’t use fireworks when condi-

in mind as you have fun.

July 10 – Today my wife and I took a boat trip to Petit Manan Island with the Friends of Maine Seabird Islands. This is one of Maine’s premier seabird nesting islands. We were treated to squadrons of puffins flying to the island with herring lined up in their colorful beaks. Raucous clouds of common and arctic terns rose from the island to greet their mates returning to feed

Page 31

Northwoods Sketchbook

by Mark McCollough, Hampden, ME ing birds. Although most are small ledges or grassy knobs hosting a few pairs of gulls, some of the gems of our coast support large colonies of rare species like terns, razorbills, and puffins. Six islands are staffed by biologists all summer from National Audubon and Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge.

was tending the American chestnut orchards at the Penobscot County Conservation Association. I forgot to bring a lunch, but found a handy raspberry patch nearby. The canes were festooned with ripe, juicy berries. I was amazed that a berry picker had discovered the raspberries in this remote location and cre-

To be responsible, don’t have your firework displays within a half-mile from sensitive bird nesting areas like beaches, seabird nesting islands, heron colonies, and eagle nests.

Don’t use fireworks when conditions are dry.

ized personal use of fireworks, and bottle rockets and sparklers will be flying off the shelves. With our personal freedom comes responsibility. Celebrating Independence Day is part of being an American, but sometimes comes at the expense of our nation’s wildlife.

In some situations, fireworks and wildlife do not mix. For example, on the jam-packed beaches of southern Maine, crowds of July 4th revelers have accidentally crushed little piping plover chicks. As a wildlife biologist I was called on frequently this time of year to resolve potential conflicts between municipal fireworks displays and our national symbol, the bald eagle.

Fireworks near eagle nests have caused young eaglets to prematurely jump out of the nest before they are ready to fly.

To be responsible,

tions are dry. I recall the year when my home town was assembled to watch the municipal fireworks display that unexpectedly caught the nearby forest on fire. The firework display was discontinued, but the entire town stayed for another hour of entertainment watching our municipal firefighters extinguishing the fire. Clean up any litter from fireworks, which can be a choking hazard or toxic to wildlife. Finally, Smoky Bear reminds you that fireworks are banned on all Maine state lands, national wildlife refuges, national forests, and national parks. Keep wildlife

their chicks. Laughing gulls attempted to steal fish from returning seabirds.

Rafts of hen eiders and their chicks bobbed in the surf. The air was permeated with the pungent smell of digested fish. Take the opportunity to experience a seabird nesting island up close. Boat tours visit Eastern Egg Rock from New Harbor, Petit Manan Island from Bar Harbor, and Machias Seal Island from Cutler. It’s a feast for the senses and the chance to see bird conservation in action.

Petit Manan Island is one of 500 seabird nesting islands along the Maine coast. The majority are owned by state and federal wildlife agencies who protect and manage the nest-

They census nesting seabirds, ward off predators (and sometimes human visitors), monitor chick survival, and determine what fish stocks the birds are bringing back to the islands to feed their young.

This intensive management has allowed some species, like puffins, to return to Maine islands and maintain other species, like roseate terns, from declining further.

July 19 – Today I

ated many convenient trails throughout the patch. That is, until I stepped in a pile of bear scat chockablock full of raspberry seeds. A black bear had beat me to the berry patch!

July 21 – There is hope for the American chestnut! Tom, a professor at the University of New England, invited me to hand-pollinate American chestnuts today. For decades, The American (America cont. pg 61)

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 32

July 2023

Fields of Solar Panels

Cracker Barrel

by Homer Spit tax policy, tax credits.

In energy development, like so many other human endeavors, there is no free lunch. There is an ancillary cost//benefit factor associated with solar development that has nothing to do with bank loans and tax incentives. Like solar windmills rising above Maine’s forested skyline, these rolling fields of solar panels are incongruous at best and, to some of us, downright ugly.

Apparently Mainers have reconciled themselves to the visual assault, for the good of man and climate change mitigation.

You don’t hear much push

In Maine, in case you hadn’t noticed, fields of solar panels are multiplying around the state like seagulls at a landfill. In 2021, there were a reported 3,500 sprawling photovoltaic solar installations on what were once open fields or forests. Reportedly, these solar installations generate about 300 megawatts of electricity for the power grid, or less than three percent of our state energy usage.

Like so many alternative energy sources, these solar development investments are driven by social concern about fossil fuel energy and incentivized by

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What about these fields of solar panels? Will this runaway solar development continue until every field and forest edge in Maine is populated by these futuristic eyesores?

These fields, by night, are critical grazing areas for all manner of wildlife.

A fenced in solar farm displaces wildlife habitat significantly.

Recently, the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine (SAM) testified in support of a bill, LD 1881, that is intended to address this issue.

This bill requires developers of solar energy projects to pay a compensation fee or pay for conservation efforts to mitigate adverse effects on prime agricultural soils or soils of statewide importance.

It also requires and developers of solar energy developments, wind energy developments or high-im-

pact electric transmission lines to pay a compensation fee to fund off-site habitat improvement or preservation projects to mitigate the adverse effects of a development on wildlife and fisheries habitats.

Here is part of Tra-

ing the impact of fenced solar development on our wildlife on forested and non-forested lands. I have no preference how this committee mitigates the impact of solar development on wildlife, but please do not underestimate how

Apparently Mainers have reconciled themselves to the visual assault, for the good of man and climate change mitigation.You don’t hear much push back from Maine citizens. han’s testimony: “Everything wild, uses fields at one time or another. To argue fencing in a 50 or 500-acre field does not harm wildlife is to ignore the fact that animals using these areas must travel greater distances because of fences, they must find new food sources, cross dangerous roads and simply must live in a smaller natural world. Whatever this committee does with this bill, there is no mistak-

Central Maine Region

valuable farmland is as wildlife habitat.”

“If I said to you, this committee could restore thousands of acres of prime wildlife habitat and open fields in less than a year, you might challenge me, I would respond by quoting President Ronald Reagan, “tear down this wall.”

Homer spit lives on a lake in maine. He likes to keep a low profile.

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The fish stocking report now features daily updates from hatchery staff. Instead of hearing when and where the hatcheries have stocked well after the season has ended, anglers now will be able to easily locate waters freshly stocked with catchable trout.

Waters are grouped by county, listed by town, and include the date of stocking as well as the species, quantity, and size of fish released. Find the report online at www.mefishwildlife.com. Just click on stocking report.

July 2023

Northwoods Sporting Journal Guns & Ammo:

Lead Free Ammo

The depths of deception seem to be bottomless with the current ruling class. Gun control is a top agenda item with our liberal elite politicians. Hunting has long been a tolerated justification for gun ownership. So logically, it now is a subject for attack to be weakened as a legitimate activity. The vehicle being used to attack hunting is of all things, conservation.

The means to this end are rules that are not subject to legislative debate.

Recently, lead ammunition has been banned on all Federally owned properties. “So what”, you say, no one hunts in Acadia National Park. Well, that may be true, but the Federal Government owns millions of acres of land across this great country. Thousands of which are here in New England. Further, now that this rule exists on Federal lands, it’s just a short step until all of the state level politicians trying to out liberal each other, line up to adopt the ban on state owned land. The good news is that what they think will inhibit our ability to buy ammo will simply change what we buy.

Since the late 1980’s, ammo companies have been developing lead free bullet options. This started with Randy Brooks

developing an all-copper monolithic hunting bullet.

He then purchased Barnes Bullets and built an entire company around the concept. Since then, most of the major manufacturers have climbed aboard.

They either purchase bullets from Barnes or make their own.

In the beginning, these copper bullets experienced some growing pains such as hollow points failing to expand, poor accuracy, and terminal performance

their weight better. The way the bullets are scored on the sides promotes expansion by encouraging the sides to open into petals like a flower. Except these petals are very sharp. They cut and tear as the projectile penetrates. Even when contacting bone. Expansion below 2000 fps. is inconsistent. The addition of a polymer tip can promote expansion down another 100 fps. Pass through shots with full expansion will be much more common with

The vehicle being used to attack hunting is of all things, conservation.

The means to this end are rules that are not subject to legislative debate. issues. These have all been addressed. There are some physical characteristics that are different. For instance, copper projectiles are all one piece. The expansion is achieved by drilling a hole deep into the center of the bullet creating a cavity then a long-tapered obelisk is pressed into the cavity.

Copper alloy is a lighter material than a lead core bullet, so copper bullets are longer than traditional projectiles. Some of these bullets utilize a polymer tip to aid in expansion when they make contact.

Copper alloy bullets penetrate better than lead core bullets and they retain

copper bullets. This needs to be a consideration in the case of game animals standing side by side. No one wants to shoot two deer by accident. There will also be a very slight reduction in accuracy.

This is a non-issue in hunting scenarios. Let me be a bit more specific.

If your favorite hunting rifle will yield a .08 inch group at 100 yards, the same rifle will give you a 1.1 or 1.2 inch group at the same distance with copper bullets, the deer will never know the difference. The downside of this is that most retailers are used to carrying traditional lead

Page 33

A Guide’s Perspective

by Tom Kelly, Orient, ME

core ammo. Make sure if you plan to transition to copper, you shop for your ammo well in advance of your needs. This holds true for any ammo. Do not wait until opening day to buy ammo. Talk to your retailer.

If he knows he will sell a particular type of ammo, he will order it. You can even talk to your friends and acquaintances who shoot the same caliber and combine an order.

If the retailer knows he will sell 8 or 10 boxes, he is more likely to make the order. Another source is to keep checking the online dealers like the Sportsman’s Guide and Midway.

Check them frequently because availability changes daily. I will say that some of these online retailers will not ship to places like Massachusetts. Sorry for your loss of rights. Currently both loaded ammo and

components are available from Barnes Ammo, Federal, Winchester, Norma, Hornady, and Nosler. They failed at this back door approach because we were ready. What about the next attempt? Please remember this when you vote.

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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Page 34

Northwoods Sporting Journal

July 2023

The Maine The Green Drake Hatch of males. The males Woods swarm and females mate in flight Matt LaRoche, Shirley, ME

Have you ever been on a wild brook trout pond during the green drake hatch? If so, you are probably still talking about it!

Every year about the first week of July, these giant mayflies hatch on most of Maine’s trout ponds.

Hexagenia limbata

in North America and an important part of the food chain in clean unspoiled lakes and ponds.

The lifecycle of the green drake lasts about two years on Maine trout ponds. The nymph leaves its burrow in the bottom of the pond at about dusk

during darkness. Shortly after mating the female settles down on the surface of the pond, extrudes her eggs (as many as 8000) and dies - this is called the spinner fall. The eggs sink to the lake bottom, tiny nymphs hatch after several days. The nymphs burrow into the lake bottom and feed on plankton. The

The green drake is one of the most geographically widespread mayflies in North America and an important part of the food chain in clean unspoiled lakes and ponds. (hex) or green drakes as we call them in the Maine woods are a favorite food source for most species of fish. Brook trout are especially fond of these insects and feed heavily on them during the hatch.

The green drake is one of the most geographically widespread mayflies

and swims to the surface of the pond where it sheds the exoskeleton. The fully winged sub imago (also called a dun) emerge from the exoskeleton and take flight in only a few minutes. During the night or the next day male and female duns molt a final time. At dusk, female duns fly into a

MAINE WOODS GUIDE SERVICE

• Canoe Trips • Fishing • Hunting • Wildlife Watching Matt LaRoche - Registered Maine Guide 207-695-2877 www.mainewoodsguide.com

nymph enlarges its burrow as it grows; the burrows of mature nymphs can be up to five inches deep.

When fishing the green drake hatch, the best fishing is usually from dusk until you can’t see anymore. I have been on ponds that have a good hex hatch in the late afternoon and had to work hard with a sinking line and nymph imitation to catch only one or two brookies. Then all of a sudden at dusk, a few duns hatch and the fishing turns from slow to fantastic in just a few minutes. Fish start rising everywhere!

The flies are especially vulnerable at the surface

of the pond when they are shedding their exoskeleton.

As they struggle to emerge and dry off their wings, they are easy prey for a hungry brook trout.

All you usually need to do is cast a fly that looks about the right size and color over a rising fish, give it a twitch and you will hook a fish.

If there is a good hatch and you don’t see many fish rising - that is a pretty good sign that the population of trout in that pond is low.

Most of the muddy bottom trout ponds in Maine’s Northwoods have

a good hex hatch. Just ask for advice at a local sporting goods store or hire a Maine guide to take you out on a remote trout pond to fish the famous green drake hatch.

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

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July 2023

Me & Joe (Cont. from pg 17) the barn without benefit of human effort. Cooper went to work.

He came up with a big trailer, the floor of which was comprised mostly of conveyor belts. It attached just behind the baler and as the bales dropped off the end they landed on one of the trailer’s belts and were whisked into sorted piles. It all worked fairly well until it came time to store the bales in the barn. Jimmy backed up the trailer to the open door and then pulled the trip lever for the unloading mechanism, which consisted of another conveyor belt that delivered bales to a spring loaded, vertically pivoting shelf. Nobody knows exactly what went wrong with the idea, but by the time

Northwoods Sporting Journal Jimmy got it shut down, the unloader had heaved heavy bales of hay in all directions. They stove in half the barn wall and one bale ricocheted off a corner post and punched through the big picture window in the main house. The whole affair wasn’t pretty.

The smelt netter was almost as bad, just on a smaller scale. When the smelt ran in April on the Little Salt Pork River, it wasn’t much of a job to net up a limit. But Francis Seine was a lazy sort, and he talked Cooper into making a smelt netting machine to take the work out of the process. Coop came up with a contraption with a small gas engine that sat on shore. When the smelts were running, the mechanism operated a long pipe boom that swung a steel mesh basket downstream, netting the upstream mi-

grating smelts as it went.

At the end of the swing, the boom was supposed to lift above water, the basket turn upright, and lid slamming down on the top, trapping the fish inside. The boom would then swing softly to shore where the fisherman could pour out the smelts at his leisure. At least, that was the theory.

When the basket made its first pass downstream, it filled with a truly huge volume of smelts. The arm lifted, the basket pivoted, and the top slammed down and latched. But then things went decidedly wrong. Instead of stopping at the top of its pivot, the basket continued on, starting to revolve on the end of the arm at an everfaster rate. By the time Cooper got it stopped, the violently revolving basket had reduced the smelts to mush, which dripped in a

thick gruel into fast water.

Warden Pinch Brody summonsed Coop for taking too many smelts and for chumming.

“Okay,” I said, still not ready to admit that Cooper wasn’t at least a halfway decent inventor, “but you’ve got to admit that at least some of his contraptions work well.”

“Yeah,” Joe sighed, “I s’pose some of them do.”

Over the next couple of days I stopped into Cooper’s shop from time to time to see how his perch catching machine was progressing. Like most things he got excited about, the device was ready for testing in record time.

“Coop’s gonna try out his perch catching machine tomorrow morning out on The Lake Where the Woman Drowned. You going out to watch?” I asked Joe on Friday evening.

Page 35 “Nope. Pinch Brody got him a day off, and we’re goin’ out and try to catch a mess of big perch. Found where some big one’s is schoolin’ down off Coffin Point.”

The next morning a bunch of us onlookers from town boarded Cooper’s barge for a demonstration of the perch catching machine. The barge was 25 feet long and 10 feet wide, nothing more than a plank platform with railings, resting on a dozen empty 55-gallon steel drums from the mill. An antiquated 40 horsepower Johnson pushed the barge at a sedate 5 miles an hour.

We moved slowly north along the shoreline until we came to Crescent Cove, where local fishermen often caught perch where they were schooling.

Cooper shut off the motor (Me & Joe cont, pg 37)

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 36

View From The River

by Laurie Chandler Bremen, ME I’ve written before about simply taking The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer in hand and exploring.

Here’s another story along those lines, to perhaps inspire you to do the same.

With no definite plan, just let yourself be led by happenings along the way.

There’s always uncertainty in the little tent symbols that designate

berries were ripe, and I was hungry for both.

Soon, the road approached Ragged Lake—a 2,700-acre waterbody with a varied coldwater fishery.

The gazetteer indicated there was a campground near the dam at the bottom of the lake. I tried turning left by the outlet brook, much cheered by the sight of the rushing water. It

July 2023

A Summer Ramble

a few other empty ones, but I was hoping for more solitude. Chatting, I discovered there was another site across the dam, on the road I’d originally taken. It was perfect, with a fire ring and new picnic table.

With camp set up, I walked the gravel road.

Cares and responsibilities drifted away, other than those inspired by two large piles of bear scat mounded high. One was full of raspberry seeds and the other mostly composed

I was still on a mission to find berries. The road wandered up and around. The open roadside soon provided a generous raspberry patch, with plenty that the bears had left behind. There would be raspberries for dessert tonight. campsites. What you will discover is often a mystery until you arrive. On occasion, I have stumbled upon spacious grassy sites beside a quiet pond or tucked among tall trees. There could be a picnic table, or not. Sometimes nothing but a fire ring perches sadly beside a hot and dusty logging road.

One July day, not far from the Golden Road, I was making my way north on Sias Hill Road, in search of two things—a campsite and a berry patch. It was that sweet season when both blueberries and rasp-

whispered that I was back up north, where beauty and tranquility can often be all yours. In that spirit, I paused to write for a while in my journal. Eventually, a kind man stopped to ask if I was lost. It turns out the campground was on the last road I’d gone by.

I backtracked. At the time, campsites cost $6 per night, on the honor system.

Down by the water, two young couples were fishing. In the site adjacent to the boat launch, a father and son with a pop-up camper were busy around the campfire. There were

of a larger seed unfamiliar to me. A brown bird with a touch of yellow flirted among the brushy roadside wildflowers.

I was still on a mission to find berries. The road wandered up and around. The open roadside soon provided a generous raspberry patch, with plenty that the bears had left behind. There would be raspberries for dessert tonight.

Later, back at the brook, I found the woods along the bank carpeted with a soft bed of pine needles and moss, covered with bright blueberries. I waded in, easing my itchy, hot, and buggy body down into the cool water. Rocks and pebbles, washed clean by the current, were smooth underneath me.

Branches of gray dogwood curved out over the water, and two types of

Where will your summer rambles take you?

(Photo by Laurie Chandler)

damselflies danced about.

An elusive black-winged one landed on a purple aster, the sun glinting on its elegant wings. Later, I learned its name, the ebony jewelwing, which suited it perfectly. A bunch of thinner, light blue ones hovered and darted nimbly just above the surface. I could have stayed and watched them forever.

That night, I drifted quickly into deep and peaceful sleep. Around midnight the campfire flared up, the light of the flames flickering on the tent walls. This is just a simple story of one day up north, but with summer in full swing, also a reminder that an infinite variety of places are waiting to be explored.

Don’t forget to look for the little things and soak in the miracle of the moment.

Embrace the adventure of not planning too much for your summer ramble. Let the spirit, or kind people along the way, guide you to the perfect place.

Laurie Apgar Chandler is the author of Through Woods & Waters, which provides an adventurous look at Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, and Upwards, the story of her 2015 solo thru-paddle of the 740-mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail. For more information or to purchase the books, visit www.laurieachandler.com

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July 2023

Me & Joe (Cont. from pg 35) and dropped anchor. He pointed to the perch catching mechanism mounted on one side of the barge.

“Ain’t got time ter explain how it works. You jist watch, and you’ll catch on.”

He bent down and pulled the started cord of the inevitable Briggs & Stratton engine, which promptly coughed into life.

The device consisted of six short fishing rods mounted around the rim of an old wagon wheel.

Cooper baited all six hooks with worms and then threw a lever. I watched in amazement as the wheel rotated and one pole swung out over the water. A trip lever nudged the release button on the bait casting reel and the line dropped to a predetermined depth. Cooper smiles.

“Now we wait,” he said complacently.

We didn’t have to wait long. Suddenly, the line twitched and the rod snapped up three inches, setting the hook. A small bicycle chain attached to the crank mechanism on the reel began to turn. Soon a fat 10-inch perch came squirming out of the water.

A small beat on the line tripped the crank mechanism and stopped it from reeling in. Then the wheel began to revolve again.

The dangling perch slapped against an extended wooden arm and flopped off the barbless hook, sliding down an angled chute into a washtub. As the wheel revolved, another pole swung out over the water and its bait dropped down to begin the process again.

Tobin Hoard stood

Northwoods Sporting Journal

beside me, his battered old campaign hat clamped on his bald head, chin strap snugged firmly under the second of his double chins.

“Gory be!” he cried excitedly. “It works!” An enthusiastic murmur or agreement rose from the other half dozen people on the barge.

In a few minutes, the school of perch moved on.

But by the time it left, 10 fish flopped around in the tub. And in just few minutes, another school moved in to hit the bait once again.

We watched in continued amazement as the machine caught perch after perch.

A few hours later I saw Joe’s canoe approaching, Pinch Brody ensconced in the bow seat. They pulled up alongside the barge, just as the machine snagged another perch.

“Watch this, Warden,” Cooper crowed. “This machine’s about the best thing since sliced bread. She works finer’n frog hair!”

Brody watched in silence as the reel cranked the squirming perch above water, then started to swing.

But at that moment, a loud “snap!” sounded from within the mechanism. The swinging pole, instead of whacking the fish against the release board, continued on by. The flopping perch slapped Agnes Chub firmly across the mouth, sending her sprawling.

Harriet Grasp caught her by the arm before she could slide under the rail and into the water.

“What the…” Tobin Hoard began, but the next pole in line swung inboard, the dangling hook snagged in his campaign hat, and Tobin, caught by the chin strap, went dancing across the deck to tumble over the rail and into the lake.

Cooper dove for the kill switch on the engine.

As it sputtered to a stop, silence settled over the small gathering. Agnes climbed to her feet, violently wiping at her mouth and retching.

I reached down a hand and pulled the coughing, sodden Tobin Hoard back aboard.

“Yeah, Coop,” Brody said from the bow of the canoe. “I kin see how well it works.”

“No, really,” Cooper sputtered. “It’s been workin’ great right along!” He looked around at the rest of us for support. “Ain’t it?”

“I know what prob’ly went wrong,” he continued enthusiastically. “It’s pro’bly jist the cotter pin in the pivot mechanism. All I got ter do is…”

“Coop!” Brody interrupted sternly. “You know it’s against the law to fish with more than two poles.”

“To oncet!” Cooper shot back. “That’s two poles to oncet! I only got one line in the water at a time!”

“And what you gonna do with them fish?” Pinch continued softly.

“What? What fish?”

Cooper asked, puzzled.

Brody pointed a finger at the washtub. “Them fish.”

Cooper stared at the tub as though seeing it for the first time. The washtub held more than 50 white perch, willing it more than halfway to the top. “ W h y … w h y, I ’ m gonna, that is…”

“What yore gonna do,” Pinch interrupted, “is forget about thet infernal machine for a while, git out a knife, an’ cuttin’ board, an’ start cleanin’ them perch. You pile any more in there an’ the bottom ones are gonna spoil,

Page 37

an’ it’s against the law to waste game.”

“But, warden! I gotta git this thing fixed! I gotta…”

“What you got to do is clean them perch. Right now.” He folded his big arms. “An’ I’m gonna stand right here an’ watch you do it.”

As Cooper dug out the fillet knife and cutting board, complaining all the while, and began to clean perch, I stepped down into

Joe’s canoe and lifted the lid on the pail amidships.

It was filled nearly to the brim with big white perch, the smallest more than a foot long.

“Fishing was good,” I said, looking back at him in the stern.

“Yep,” he replied, watching Cooper thoughtfully. “So Coop’s perch catching machine worked out after all.”

“Yeah, I guess it (Me & Joe cont. pg 43)

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Page 38

Maine Outdoor Adventure

Hiking all over this country, as well as Maine, is certainly an enriching experience enjoyed by ablebodied people. The trails in this country have been built and continue to be maintained by volunteers.

I found this story to be

Northwoods Sporting Journal

by Rich Yvon, Bradford, ME quiet, northeast corner of the state left a legacy of a 9.8-mile portion of the Nipmuck Trail. Bob Mancini of Union, Connecticut is one person, who made a lifetime contribution of 40 years in establishing and maintaining a 9.8-mile

July 2023

Hiking the Blue Trail

al hike every year has been organized by his daughter, Lee A. Fitzgerald. This memorial hike appropriately coincides with Connecticut Trails Day, held every year on the first weekend in June. Bob was instrumental in the design of the 9.8-mile section of the blue trail. His ongoing work of trail establishment and maintenance had earned

Since Bob Mancini’s passing in 2019, a memorial hike every year has been organized by his daughter, Lee A. Fitzgerald.

This memorial hike appropriately coincides with Connecticut Trails Day, held every year on the first weekend in June.

Cutting of the ribbon at the dedication of the Blue Trail on May 1, 1976. L-R: Dr Samuel Dodd, Trail Chairman and Robert Mancini, Trail Section Chairman.

very interesting because it focuses on one man’s contribution to the greater good, as well as his passion for the outdoors.

In Connecticut, there are many miles of natural, beautiful hiking areas that stretch from one end of the state to the other. The Blue Trail is the predominant trail that is well-used and maintained by many volunteers and hiking enthusiasts. One volunteer who has stood out in the

his wife spent time hiking, kayaking, and riding his bicycle.

Today, the trail is owned in part by both Yale School of Forestry and Hull Forest Products. The forested trail has many special features including mature trees, mountain laurel, and a scenic overlook called “The Boston Hollow Overlook”. The mature oaks, tulips, and hemlock are inspiring and will uplift any passing hiker. While hiking the trail, whitetail deer, bear, and turkey can be found here as well as some of the smallest of creatures, like the newt. After hiking this slice of heaven, I was very impressed with the diversity and enchantment of this remote woodland landscape.

On June 3, 2023, The

stretch of trail, known as the Nipmuck Trail.

The 9.8 stretch was established by Bob and was officially opened for public use on May 1, 1976.

The celebration event was named, “Nipmuck Trail Day” which celebrated the completion of the Nipmuck Trail between Bigelow Hollow State Park in Union, and the Mansfield State Park in Mansfield.

Since Bob Mancini’s passing in 2019, a memori-

Mainely Agriculture P.O. Box 632, Brownville, ME 04414-0632

207-991-3224 cell/text wally.sinclair@aol.com WALLACE SINCLAIR, Publisher

him recognition with placement on the trail kiosk and history books. In addition to Bob’s trail accomplishments, Bob served our country in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War and was employed as an electrician until retirement. Bob loved the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, hiking, biking, skiing, and cutting wood.

He had a great time traveling to many of the National Parks and especially loved Acadia National Park, where he and

(Photo courtesy of R. Mancini)

Fifth Annual Bob Mancini Memorial hike commenced. After my hike, I feel this is a moderate hike and can be done as a beginner in good health. Our cell phone coverage was adequate for most of this trail. As always, it is best to hike with a buddy and let someone know where you will be, with a time you are expected back.

If you would like to be involved in annual Connecticut’s Day Trail or the Annual Bob Mancini hike, reach out and get involved today!

More information can be found visiting https:// youtu.be/A-GRTxgno_0 and https://ctwoodlands. org/explore-trails/interactive-map/

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July 2023

Northwoods Sporting Journal

A Kennebago Bear Hunt

This hair-raising story, first published in the Phillips Phonograph, was republished in the Maine Industrial Journal on Dec. 2, 1887. James A. Smith of Phillips, Maine, commonly known as Jim, worked as a day laborer, a river driver, and began guiding by 1880.

A very popular guide, he worked in the Rangeley Lakes region, specializing in the Kennebago Lake and Stream area. He also was one of the best-known story tellers among the western Maine guides, being in great demand around campfire.

“James A. Smith and George Hayden of Phillips had been at Kennebago Lake for two weeks past.

They camped at the outlet of Kennebago. Jim started for Little Kennebago overland one morning at

There

(Cont. from pg 30) limited to the far horizon. I would wonder what was in the back of the salt marsh near our house, or later, what was upriver from my apartment building in Old Town.

The key to cracking those mysteries, as I knew as a child, was to have a keel to split the waves with, to fly across a submerged land to a destination that beckoned for a visitor. In the years since I pulled the starter cord on the Mercury outboard for the first time (not as romantic, to be sure, as sheeting out the topgallants and royals on the main mast, but hey, it still gets you there), I’ve been able to make those trips and journeys. Duck hunting, fishing, even moose hunting—the waters now

8 o’clock, and about a mile and a half from camp caught sight of a monstrous-sized bear through the woods, and of course went to work at once to get a shot at him. Bruin started on the run toward North Mountain, and Jim followed, across swamps and blow-downs, over the hills and through the bushes.

But odds were against him.

Once, when Bruin was out of sight, Jim walked up on the trunk of a blow-down tree to look around, and saw just ahead of him an old buck and two does. He was about ready to “spot” one of them, when the bear growled just under the tree he was standing on, which was such a surprise, to Jim, that he lost his balance and fell to the ground. The fall scarred his hands and face considerably, and when he

reached the ground only one foot touched, the other being “hung” on the limb about as far up as the length of his legs would allow him to reach. The bear, being close to him, gave him a rake of his claws that took his pants and drawers clean from the skin and tore the flesh considerably.

Page 39

Old Tales from the Maine Woods

by Steve Pinkham Quincy, MA

on the snow. The bullet, however, only served to increase his speed. Jim says his claws would strike the ground—through 14 inches of snow—at every leap. The chase was so

The bear, being close to him, gave him a rake of his claws that took his pants and drawers clean from the skin and tore the flesh considerably.

was back at camp, as hungry as was ever seen, having been without food for nearly twenty-four hours.

We have Mose Harden’s word for it, that when Jim got back to camp, he was so weak that he had to take both hands to lift food to his mouth, and George had to take hold of his chin and nose to open his mouth. He says Jim must have been awful weak, for his mouth generally opens when his elbow crooks.

“The game that Jim and George captured while at Kennebago amounted to two deer, five beaver, thirty-seven partridges, thirteen ducks and eighteen muskrats.”

“At this stage of the exciting that Jim followed proceedings, Jim attempted it until too late to return to bore the old fellow with to camp that night, and his 16-shot rifle, but the so he was obliged to lay cartridge failed to explode. out. He found a favorable The bear started on the place for a fire, and after run, and Jim gave him a gathering up a nice lot of bullet in the stern end just birch-bark and dry timber, as he went out of sight, discovered that he had only starting a stream of blood three matches; but he was that was easy to follow successful with the first yield their mysteries to my The African Queen. If the one and soon had a good Steve is an avid hiker, paddles, oars, and outboard destination is less a story fire, and making a bed of than the journey, then our boughs and sticks, dried paddler and historian, havscrews.

And what adventures! canoes and boats take us to his clothes and slept well ing collected over 30,000 for several hours. At half Maine Woods articles to Even gliding along on low exotic places, indeed. past six next morning, he date. power when the water has been super-clear, and Matt Dunlap is a watching the ledges drop Steve Pinkham away into great depths has sportsman from Old Town and is a periodic co-host Maine Woods Historian, Author and Storyteller been a magnificent experion Maine Outdoors, heard ence, not to mention the many fun times in retriev- statewide every Sunday 617-407-0743 ing game or hauling in fish. night at 7:00 pm on WVOM steve@oldtalesofthemainewoods.com Traversing the channels 103.9 FM, WVQM 101.3 of the Penobscot River FM, and WRKD 95.1 FM www.oldtalesofthemainewoods.com is a breathtaking experi- in Rockland. ence under any conditions, drifting along through an ancient world.

What I have learned is For more than 20 years, the Maine Outdoors has that my yearning was not been talking to outdoor people about hunting misplaced—there’s a lot and fishing and anything related to the outdoors. to see on the far shore. One Hosts V. Paul Reynolds and Bob Leeman. of my college professors Interview studio guests and take your calls.

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Old Tales of the Maine Woods

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 40

Great Fish Cakes

Cookin’ With New England’s WildCheff

with herbs, while those who like to spice it up can use Cajun, and chiles. Additionally, you can choose Mediterranean, Curry or Asian themes. It’s like the old adage “Different strokes for different folks”.

Another consideration is that leftover fish from a baked fish dinner are a great candidate for repurposed meals such as fishcakes.

One of the key nuances for bringing success to cooking them is that once

by Denny Corriveau, Kennebunkport, ME

As an individual with French Canadian and Native Metis heritage, I am no stranger to the enjoyment of sweets. As I get older, I have to discipline myself to taper back on such things.

I do find pleasure in another type of cake that is so savory and compelling that I’d like to share with you.

breadcrumbs or mashed potatoes which act as a binder that helps hold the cake together. The mixture is shaped into patties and pan-fried until golden brown and crispy.

This rustic style of cooking fish allows you to experience your fish in a different way, and when combined with the right

This rustic style of cooking fish allows you to experience your fish in a different way, and when combined with the right other ingredients it can be a very compelling way to eat your fish.

Being from New England, I grew up fishing and eating fish. The great thing about fish is that there are so many varieties to enjoy.

Whether you like freshwater, saltwater, or both, making your catch into fishcakes can be a great way to enjoy them.

Fishcakes can be enjoyed on the plate or on the bun – i.e. as a fish burger.

Fishcakes consist of cooked fish that is flaked or shredded into small pieces and combined with other ingredients. The fish mixture usually contains other things such as egg and

other ingredients it can be a very compelling way to eat your fish.

Two types of fish that you can use include fresh fish or smoked fish. It does matter as to the type of fish you choose. Crappie makes exceptional cakes, along with trout, haddock, salmon, and striped bass.

In all cases, the first step is to poach the fish in warm water, which I will share in the adjoining recipe.

The type of spices you choose can also affect the flavor profile. Lemon lovers can apply lemon or citrus style seasonings

you form your patties with the mixture, place them on a small sheet pan or plate that you line with wax paper. Place them in the fridge to chill before cooking. It will bind the cakes, so they are ready for your cast iron pan. I would allow at least 30-60 minutes or more to accomplish this.

After cooking them, you can serve them with tartar or remoulade sauce, along with creamy or creative coleslaw or potato salad.

If you choose the fish sandwich option, grill your buns, top the fishcake with

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your choice of sauce, lettuce, tomato, and pickled onion.

Lemon & Herb Fish Cakes with Horseradish Crème Ingredients 1 lb. of fresh white fish filets 2 T of lemon olive oil 1 large egg, lightly beaten.

1/4 C of thinly sliced scallions 2 T of Cain’s mayonnaise 1 T of fresh lemon juice 1 T of Dijon mustard 1/4 C of 4C gluten free breadcrumbs 1 Tsp. of WildCheff Herb Lover’s Blend seasoning 2-3 Tsp. of WildCheff Lemon Lover’s seasoning 2 Tsp. of WildCheff Cajun Blend seasoning Salt and pepper, to taste Directions The first step is to poach your fish.

In a large skillet, add enough water and white wine (Riesling) so it will cover fish, when it is added to pan. Bring to liquid to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. (You do not want the liquid to boil with fish in it) Gently add fish to pan and poach for approximately 5 minutes, turning once. (you will see the fish change color).

Remove fish from skillet with slotted spoon or fish spatula and place filets into a large strainer

so any excess liquid drains off in the sink. Let the fish cool to room temp.

Break up your poached fish with your hands into a large mixing bowl. Add other ingredients and gently fold with a spatula until everything is evenly mixed. Make sure that you have enough breadcrumbs so that it binds the mixture.

Form the mixture into cakes and coat exterior of the cakes with breadcrumbs. Place them on a sheet pan over wax paper and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes.

To prepare, heat a cast iron skillet over mediumto-medium high heat and add two tablespoons butter.

Gently place fish cakes into the hot pan and cook for 5 minutes, or until golden brown on bottom. Carefully flip cakes and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown on both sides.

Serve with lemon horseradish sauce and coleslaw.

Horseradish Crema 1 small container of plain yogurt 1-2 T of prepared horseradish 1 T of lemon juice 1 Tsp. of fresh chopped parsley Combine together.

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(Cont. from pg 19) she hollered back to him.

Once he got to her, Robertson gave her some water and food, gave Storm his favorite toy, and completed a quick medical assessment. Even though she could stand and was becoming more coherent as she warmed up and had some food, it was clear she didn’t have the strength to walk back to her house.

Northwoods Sporting Journal wardens, Marjorie was loaded into the canoe, and was paddled back down the stream by Warden Roy and William Altman, where she was then loaded into the boat, and driven back to the boat ramp by John Altman. Upon arriving at the boat launch at the outlet, Marjorie was examined by medical personnel, cleared to go home, and released back to her family and taken home.

Marjorie had gone

Wardens also visited and interviewed neighbors seeking information. A Maine Warden Service plane was launched and was searching the area when Storm located Marjorie.

The Maine State Police, Maine Forest Service, Penobscot Fire Department, and Maine Search and Rescue Dogs all assisted in the search. The Maine Warden Service set up a mobile command center at the Penobscot Fire Department to oversee the search.

Body Recovered In Pocumcus Lake

After talking with two local Registered Maine Guides who had offered to help, and who hunted and fished the area extensively, a decision was made to take Marjorie out of the woods by canoe and boat, instead of carrying her on a stretcher through the thick woods.

John Altman of Brooksville, and his son William Altman grabbed their boat and canoe, then along with Game Warden Chris Roy, launched the boat at the outlet of Wight Pond and traveled two miles by boat towing the canoe to the mouth of McCaslin Stream, then paddled another mile up the stream to where Marjorie was waiting with game wardens and other rescue personnel.

After being outfitted with warmer clothes, a life jacket and dry shoes which were brought to her by her nephew and game

missingaround 3:45 p.m. and after family had searched and were unable to locate her, they contacted the Maine Warden Service, who started searching at approximately 8:30 p.m.

G a m e Wa r d e n s searched through the night on foot and with K9s. Some of the K9s logged nearly 20 miles searching. Game

A body recovered in the northwest area of Pocumcus Lake has been positively identified as Lowell Wheaton, age 62 of Old Town. Lowell had been missing since April 27 and presumed drowned in Pocumcus Lake. His body was spotted at approximately 10:00 a.m. in midMay by a Pocumcus Lake campowner who then called 911, and the body was later recovered by the Maine Warden Service.

Wheaton had been missing since he had

travelled to his camp on Pocumcus Lake. His canoe with an attached outboard motor was found drifting on Pocumcus Lake the next day, April 28, triggering a large scale search of the lake and surrounding roads and woods.

The Maine Warden Service, with assistance from the Maine Forest Service, Maine State Police, Passamaquoddy Game Wardens, and others, had searched both the lake and surrounding shorelines and roads, and Maine Warden Service aircraft and a Maine Forest Service helicopter also searched the area. The Maine Warden Service Dive Team searched Pocumcus Lake with sonar, an underwater ROV and divers for seven days.

Pocumcus Lake is approximately five miles long, and one mile wide, with a maximum depth of 44 feet, encompassing over 2,200 acres. Pocumcus Lake is part of the West Grand Lakes area, as Sysladobsis Lake flows into Pocumcus Lake, and Pocumcus Lake flows into West Grand Lake.

Page 41

Game Wardens Graduate From Advance Warden School

Thirteen new Game Wardens graduated from the Advanced Warden School today at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy.

These new game wardens are headed into the field, and have been assigned districts throughout the state.

Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner Judy Camuso was one of the featured speakers at the graduation, and urged the graduates to “Endeavor to uphold the standards of excellence set before you, persevere where others may falter, treat people with fairness, honesty, compassion and respect, and I have no doubt that not only will you uphold the excellence of this agency, you will be on your way to creating new standards for others to aspire.”

Joining Commissioner Camuso as speakers during the ceremony were Maine Warden Service Colonel Dan Scott, Advanced Warden Service (News cont. pg 61)

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Page 42

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Summertime Practice Time

The Buck Hunter

by Hal Blood, Moose River, ME Summer is getting into full swing. I wrapped up my spring deer clinics and once again enjoyed teaching these hunters about how to hunt the elusive bucks of the Big Woods.

It’s fun for me to pass on this information to new hunters, old hunters, young hunters and women. I did my first all women class this spring. I’m glad to see more and more women in the hunting community.

They are the key to getting the kids involved. I think if the father hunts, it’s a 50-50 chance that the kids in the family will hunt. If the mother and father hunt or maybe just the mother, it is fairly certain that the kids in the family will hunt.

When I take these students into the woods on a scouting mission, it’s fun to see their lightbulbs come on when they learn that hunting the big woods is totally different than hunting the farm country or suburban areas. I tell them that it’s like hunting two different animals. They leave camp with a new perspective and can’t wait until fall. If you’re interested in attending next spring, you can

July 2023

contact me to get on the list.

When summer rolls around, most hunters, attention turns to other activities such as fishing, camping, and vacations.

There’s nothing wrong with that, as it keeps people well rounded. The most serious deer hunters or “dyed

about six inches and staple them onto a piece of plywood or cardboard. Stand about fifty yards away and practice bringing up your gun while taking safety off and shoot instantly. Start out by shooting one round and bringing your gun back down each time. This is great practice to gain muscle memory. Woods shooting at deer is very often a quick proposition.

You may have to get a

wipers mesmerize me. I always see more game on rainy days in the summer.

I think the rain is a cooling and cleansing period that all animals like. Who knows, I might just see something that needs more investigating come fall.

I’ve found plenty of good hunting spots just driving

stuff as well. As for now, I need to get my firewood put up for the house as well as remote camp and host of other things on my Honeydo list! I also have my own to do list. I have to spend a little time getting the old Grey ghost Ramcharger ready for the fall hunting seasons. The Grey Ghost

around aimlessly in the summer. Go on your own trip and you’ll see what I mean.

Well, the days are starting to get shorter already, which means we’re cruising towards fall. Believe me, I’m not wishing the time away as lord knows it goes quick enough, so I enjoy every day that I wake up in the morning. I just learned that I’ll be doing a book signing at the Kittery Trading Posts Septemberfest on September 4. I’ll be there all day, swapping stories and signing up some books, so stop by if you’re in the neighborhood. It will be a good time to get stocked up on your hunting

gets me anywhere I want to go in the fall, so I need to give her the tender loving care she deserves. The worst thing you can do is to not have your hunt rig ready for hunting seasons.

Having a breakdown during the season can ruin a hunting trip and cut into your hunting time, so make sure yours is tip top shape going into fall.

Another great practice is to blow up balloons about six inches and staple them onto a piece of plywood or cardboard. Stand about fifty yards away and practice bringing up your gun while taking safety off and shoot instantly. in the wool” so to speak, will always find something deer hunting related to do in the summer. On a rainy day, it might be getting their rifle out and giving a good cleaning, sharpening knives, going through clothing or anything else that comes to mind. A good Saturday activity might be to go to a pit and roll some tire to practice your running deer shooting skills. I like to put a piece of plywood in an old tire and staple some balloons on it. That way you know instantly if you hit them or not.

Another great practice is to blow up balloons

shot off in seconds and if you don’t have the muscle memory to operate your gun quickly you will lose a lot of opportunities at a buck. It just might be the buck of a lifetime as well.

Practicing at the range may just save you from a painful lesson in the woods.

One of my favorite things to do on a rainy summer day is to take a ride in the woods, with no destination in mind. I don’t really care where I go, I’m just going to enjoy the solitude of the woods and let my mind wander while I reminisce about hunts in the past as the windshield

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. He can be contacted at: hal@bigwoodsbucks.com

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July 2023

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Topshelf Trail Bread

Scattered throughout my book, Outdoor Adventure Trips are tips that are labeled “One Guide’s Story.” I have selected a few for this month from the chapter entitled “Food and Water.”

Don’t drink the water (yet) Ever since I was a little boy I have roamed the woods and have drunk water from brooks, streams, lakes, rivers, and even woodland pools. Because of this, I assumed I was immune to just about any-

when I was a boy. That explained some things - and I was sorry I had not met the researcher earlier!

Fresh Baked Goods River Drivers in Maine used reflector ovens to feed the ravenous crews at the end of a cold, wet day on the river. Cooks set up four reflector ovens around a fire every night and baked heaps of biscuits and bread.

This approach makes a lot of sense and I adopted it for my own trips on a lesser scale. Trying to transport

supper meal, then put on a loaf of Canoe Country Bread for the next day’s lunch as soon as the biscuits were finished, so it could bake while we ate supper. I saved any leftover biscuits for breakfast the next morning.

Canoe Country Bread Browsing through a hundred-year -old camping book one day, I came across a recipe for bread.

That’s what it was called - “Bread”. I gave it a try and it turned out to be the

Browsing through a hundred-year-old camping book one day, I came across a recipe for bread. That’s what it was called - “Bread”. I gave it a try and it turned out to be the best bread I have found for day-in, day-out use on an outdoor expedition.

thing wilderness water in Maine could throw my way, I was wrong! After one week long trip, I came down with giardiasis.

Without going into detail, I will just say that I will take every precaution in the future to prevent getting it again. Happily, the symptoms disappeared quickly once I visited my doctor and began taking the prescribed medication for giardia. I later learned from a researcher that although giardia is currently present in Maine waters, it wasn’t

baked goods outdoors is a recipe for disappointment; they go stale quickly and usually get squashed even more quickly. Baking in camp regularly avoids those issues and keeps campers very happy.

Reflector ovens work well for almost any quick bread, as well as brownies, cookies, etc. It’s easy to use a bought or homemade prepared mix to make those treats, which typically require adding only eggs. I served freshly made biscuits with almost every

best bread I have found for day-in, day-out use on an outdoor expedition. It can be baked in a reflector oven, stovetop oven, or what have you. One loaf paired with cheese, peanut butter or similar items takes care of six people for lunch.

Dry ingredients are taken premixed. All I do is add the water, mix and bake.

4 cups flour 4 teaspoons baking powder 3 teaspoons salt 1/2 cup sugar 2 1/2 cups water

Me & Joe

looked up, a surprised look on his face. “I know what we need!” he cried. “What we need is a perch cleanin’ machine!”

“What we need,” Brody shot back, “Is for you to get these here fish cleaned.”

“I’m cleanin’! I’m cleanin!” Cooper replied, hacking at another fish.

“But a perch cleanin’ machine would be the cat’s meow! I kin see in my mind

jist how it could work! All I got to do is…”

“A perch cleanin’ machine,” Joe said softly, a look of rapture on his face.

He glanced down at the big pail of perch, then at his fillet knife in its holder on the thwart.

“Now that would be an infernal machine a man could really find a use for!”

(Cont. from pg 37) did, for the most part.” I watched as Cooper sweated and complained over the cutting board.

“But you can’t pick and choose like you can in regular fishing. You and Pinch concentrated on big perch. With the machine, you take what you can get.”

Suddenly, Cooper

Northwoods Voyager

Page 43

by Gil Gilpatrick, Brunswick, ME Take the mixed dry ingredients in a plastic bag.

To use, put the dry mix in a bowl or pot, add the water and beat the devil out of the batter for a half-minute or so. Pour the batter into a greased or oiled 9X9-inch pan or equivalent, and bake for 45 minutes to an hour.

In actual use on the trail, the time or temperature means little. A stick should come out clean, and then it is done. The shallow, 9X9inch pan is used rather than a loaf pan to cut down on the baking time. Also, it is more versatile than the loaf pan, lending itself to other uses.

All kinds of variations are possible. Try adding dry fruit like raisins, and streak in some cinnamon-sugar mix and you have a tasty coffee cake.

The bread was without a name in the old book, so I took the liberty of naming it after a canoe column I was writing at the time for an outdoor magazine. I think

it is just about the same as bannock bread, which was an old-time camping staple.

Bannock was often baked in a skillet propped up in front of a fire, no doubt this bread could be as well.

I hope this helps you plan for an upcoming trip this summer. Enjoy the summer 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

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 44

Granite State Remote Ponds

New Hampshire Outdoors

by Peter St. James, Warner, N.H. Well, it was about six months ago when some folks started saying, “Boy, I can’t wait until July gets here”. Poof….you got your wish. Now, what? There really aren’t any shortage of options. With 12,000 miles of rivers and streams and 975 lakes and ponds in New Hampshire, you can find places to fish, kayak, canoe or maybe even pan for gold (with landowner

and then spending the better part of the day fishing.

Maybe a deer, moose or bald eagle may be your only company. There are many of them scattered all over the state, but some you may want too check out include; Black Mountain Pond, Sandwich…Middle Hall Pond, Sandwich…

Shoal Pond, Lincoln…

Judd Pond, Clarksville…

Harris Pond, Pittsburg…

kayak or float tube with others sharing the water with me. We know how therapeutic and restorative time on the water can be.

But I saw a blog on takemefishing.org that really drove the point home. It was titled “7 Psychological Benefits Of Fishing With A Fly Rod”. But because of space limitations, I’m reducing that to 5 Benefits.

Meditation. Because fly fishing requires you to be highly focused, you are

But for me, nothing beats the experience of hiking into a remote pond and then spending the better part of the day fishing. permission). And, Fish and Game stocks over a million trout each year. If hiking is your thing, sure, we’ve got 48 – 4, 000-foot peaks and a whole lot of shorter, kidfriendly hikes as well.

But for me, nothing beats the experience of hiking into a remote pond

Mountain Pond, Chatham and Pond Of Safety, Randolph.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t need to retreat from civilization to enjoy fishing time. I can do that on a stream or river with folks ahead of me or behind me.

Or, on a small pond in a

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much less likely to worry or think about anything that might be stressing you out.

Lifting depression.

Time spent outside is therapeutic because it helps to produce lower activity levels in your brain’s prefrontal cortex. This means that it’s easier to break out of cycles of negative thoughts, which leads to lower levels of stress hormones.

Meaningful connections. According to a Loneliness Index, three in five adults report feeling lonely, and chronic loneliness can lead to mental health is-

sues such as depression.

So, plan a fishing trip with your family or join a local fishing club and add meaningful social connections and family bonding to the list of therapeutic benefits of fishing.

Boost in brain power. It takes practice and patience to cast into the places where fish are likely to be hiding, and it uses brain power to be able to perfect new techniques or gear. The focused attention and rapid reaction time involved in fly fishing is very likely to strengthen your mind.

Perspective. Psychologists agree that when you give yourself some “me time,” you gain new perspective on day-to-day challenges, creativity is often sparked, and you’re better able to cope with life’s demands.

Obviously they’re selling the benefits of fly fishing, but the benefits listed could also be enjoyed by bait casters and spin fishermen as well.

Each discipline of fishing has their own unique casting and presentation techniques that need to be done over and over until they’re second nature. And while we may not know

New Hampshire

July 2023

the specific neurological, physiological or psychological benefits that time spent fishing provides, we just know that it works and we feel better every time we fish. So our job is to not just preach to the choir but preach to the huge Post-COVID congregation that wants to go outdoors and that is looking for that meaningful connection to nature that so many of us have had since we were kids.

Unit M and Unit L Antlerless-only Deer Permits will be offered again this year by Fish and Game beginning this month. The Unit M permits are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last.

The Unit L permits will be issued through an online lottery. Go to : hunt.nh.com for more info.

I’ve got one more chance for a moose tag.

Vermont draws on July 19th. We’ll see?

Peter St. James is a member of the New England Outdoor Writers Association, Outdoor Writers Association of America and is a licensed NH Fishing Guide. Reach him at : stjames.peter@gmail.com

July 2023

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 45

On The Prowl

Mother Nature’s Bait

by Justin Merrill, Cherryfield, ME always greeted with a visit from white-tailed deer, turkey, and the occasional red fox. One time a red fox caught me off guard bolting out of some tall weeds but didn’t go far. The red fox stood still watching my every move. I used my cell phone’s camera and snapped picture after picture. All the while I was Coyotes are opportunistic. If they can’t find meat, they love wild fruit.

(Photo by Bud Utecht)

During August and early September I learned that if you find a field laced with fruiting plants you very well could have found a coyote’s hangout. When the fruit is on expect fruitful hunting. Just think of all the other wild animals that congregate in and around Mother Nature’s bait, which comprises mostly of blueberries, raspberries and black berries. Occasionally coyotes will feed on partridge berries found on a low growing herbaceous plant. The hobble-bush berries can be found just inside the woods edge off the fields. What does this mean to a predator hunter?

You may already know the answer. I will tell you this – a coyote being the opportunistic hunter/scavenger that he is will have a limitless dinner menu lurking around areas with abundant fruit. All the more reason to dust off your rifle, get into predator hunting mode and pick the best fruiting field you can find, (without trespassing of course). Pattern the wind and thermals, choose a non-intrusive entry and park it. You do this

with lots of patience and confidence you very well could see a coyote.

Like anything else you’ve earned in life by putting in the time, effort, and energy - coyote hunting is no different. Forget about that bass boat and your favorite baseball team long enough to stake out an ambush in a field that is bearing fruit. All that coyote, fox, bear, deer and turkey scat spread out like fertilizer should be all the proof you need for a successful ambush.

Where I live, there are blueberry fields scattered all over. These fields are like Mother Nature’s litter box as her birds and terrestrial mammals congregate in them, defecating inevitably. I just about step on, or see coyote scat, cram packed with berries, almost every three to five steps when strolling through a blueberry field. If you want proof just how effective hunting over Mother Nature’s fruitful bait really is – get a load of this: on one day while in a blueberry field I had two coyotes show up out in front of me.

A second later another coyote showed and eventually a total of five coyotes were up to no good in that field.

The very next week in the same field I nearly walked on a coyote eating berries among the tall grasses.

I don’t know who was startled worse. On another occasion I found where the five coyotes took a nap right in this blueberry field.

By this time I really hope I’ve gotten your attention and you dropped the Northwoods Sporting Journal, picked up your varmint rifle and ran off to the blueberry patch. Even if you don’t get a crack at a coyote the first time, don’t get discouraged, keep at it and your efforts will soon pay off. If nothing else, you should get to watch deer, turkey, many types of songbirds and even red fox while sitting undetected along the field’s edge. Heck, even a black bear could possibly sneak on into the field to dine on berries.

When I stake out an ambush on coyotes in my favorite blueberry and raspberry fields I’m almost

movement and is upwind of me so as not to smell me, then maybe mouse squeaks will calm its nerves, (like it did for the red fox), long enough for me to get off a shot. The point I’m making here is predator hunting can be tons of fun and a learning experience. If you are always trying to find ways to hunt, like I am,

Like anything else you’ve earned in life by putting in the time, effort, and energy - coyote hunting is no different.

Forget about that bass boat and your favorite baseball team long enough to stake out an ambush in a field that is bearing fruit. mouse squeaking with my lips and creeping ever so slowly closer to the red fox for a close up picture.

This red fox would run off and my mouse squeaks would stop it dead in its tracks. The mouse squeaking would bring it back around to at least try to get wind of me. The mere sight of me was apparently not enough to run it off completely. This experience in a blueberry field taught me a couple things.

I learned to use mouse squeaking at my coyote ambush sites. I also learned that if a coyote catches my

then ambushing coyotes in the summer and early fall months in fields loaded with fruit should be enough of an excuse to go hunting.

Justin has his Wildlife Biology degree from Unity College and is a member of the New England Outdoor Writers Association (NEOWA). He is the author of “Wild Maine Outdoors – Hunting Tactics, Tricks, and Secrets” and the owner of the YouTube channel, “SPIKES and GILLS”. He can be contacted at www. wildmaineoutdoors.com

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Page 46

“The Trail Rider”

Northwoods Sporting Journal

by Dan Wilson, Bowdoinham, ME As the childhood song goes, “there’s a hole in my bucket, dear Liza, dear Liza,” but in this case, there’s a hole in my trail, dear Daniel. In a recent column I mentioned how

we use to access part of our property crosses a brook. With the torrential rain Maine received, the brook swelled to such great heights that it practically became a river with

There’s a Hole in My Trail

the brook from flowing easily over the bridge, diverted the water to either side.

This diversion began to wash out the road, blasting dirt and gravel and slinging rocks out of the turbulent water’s path. My Dad and I remarked that this is the

July 2023

the bottom. It took four (small) truckloads of rocks to fill the pit and shore up the other side of the bridge that wasn’t as heavily impacted. We needed to look

riding when and where they shouldn’t be. Working together, we can keep these trails in good shape and open for use. To view current conditions of the trails,

for outside help because we couldn’t get the tractor over to find our own rocks and dirt. Thankfully a local hauler had access to some broken up rocks, ranging in size from softballs to cantaloupes. This was an unexpected outlay that I hope we won’t need to do too often and shows how important it is to have a rainy-day fund for such expenses.

Thanks to local snowmobile and ATV clubs, as well as state managed trails, ATVing can thrive in Maine. It takes respect (of landowner’s property) and support for these groups to keep the trails open, safe, and maintained. With all the recent storm damage, all trails have been delayed in opening until at least Memorial Day, and it’s important to obey these closures.

I’ve seen recent posts on social media stressing the importance of staying off the trails until repairs can be made and despite these requests, riders have been

visit the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands website: https://www.maine.gov/ dacf/parks/trail_activities/ atv/index.shtml Nature has a way of healing itself. I questioned whether there would be many fiddleheads after all of this high and swift moving water. Near the bridge and recent rapids, I thought an old-fashioned rose bush that had been precariously growing in a patch of dirt, jutting out from some rocks, would be a goner.

But life continued on in abundance and besides a newly patched trail, little evidence remains of a wet and stormy spring. Needless to say, this year we viewed the “trail in bloom” on foot, taking in the sweet scents of apple trees and lilacs one step at a time, lush green grass underfoot.

Thanks to local snowmobile and ATV clubs, as well as state managed trails, ATVing can thrive in Maine. It takes respect (of landowner’s property) and support for these groups to keep the trails open, safe and maintained. well Maine seemed to fare during the winter thaw and spring rains, then the end of April and beginning of May took shape and there were flood warnings all around.

One of the main trails

rapids. A large dead tree floated downstream and got caught up at the bridge.

Fortunately, the bridge has metal I-beams embedded in rocks, so that kept the bridge in place, but having a large tree trunk blocking

worst washout at the bridge we’ve seen yet.

The now crater left behind from the raging water dug at least three feet deep and almost the width of the road, leaving behind only the largest rocks at

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July 2022

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 47

Book Review Fly Fishing Maine

By V. Paul Reynolds Listen. When you do what I do, you build up quite a collection of books about hunting and fishing. Often they are sent to you as a complimentary offering by book publishers looking for a favorable review. Although not all of them get reviewed by me, most of them do get read. My office book shelves are festooned with fishing books.

The best ones wind up on the top shelf, for easy access when I am looking for a fishing fact or probing around for a writing topic.

Fishing books by Bob Mallard, of which there are now five, get top billing on my book shelf.

His latest book is a winner! Titled, “Fly Fishing Maine,” it is his best work to date. This is what the dust cover promises in this book: “ This guide to the state’s best fly fishing covers rivers, streams, ponds and lakes, and saltwater, also includes extensive information on backcountry ponds and other out of the way places.”

To create a marketable fishing book in this era of fishing book hyper competition you need a unique approach, a lot of useful information and skillful writing. “Fly Fishing Maine” hits all of these chords with harmony, balance and a cadence that is just right. For me the essence of the book’s appeal is, not only Mallard’s grasp of his subject and his uncommon intellect, but the collective contribution of local experts who know Maine’s best waters intimately.

In this book 20 different outdoor writers and fishing guides walk you through their favorite fishing waters, sharing history, fishing tips and so much more. For example, Dennis LaBare writes about Grand Lake Stream. “In the late afternoon, catch the spinner fall. A #14 rusty spinner will get the job done. Shortly after there is a solid evening Sulphur dun, Pale Evening dun, take your pick..”

You get the idea. Most of us realize that Maine is a one--of-a- kind treasure trove of game fish waters and remote trout ponds that hold wild native brook trout. This book underscores that reality. If I had it to do over again as a young man, I would quit my job, become a trout bum and spend the spring and early summer traveling about Maine with a fly rod, a one man tent and a copy of this book.

Of course, the bonus in this book is Bob Mallard’s comprehensive reporting about Maine’s angling history, fish species and conservation. Mallard, who is a founder member and executive director of the Native Fish Coalition and often called the “trout evangelist,” manages to keep an even strain on his known capacity to sermonize about the folly of stocking over native fish. He addresses Maine fisheries science in the epilogue. He reports the good news and the bad news,”No section of this book was tougher for me to write than this one. I straddle a line between avid angler and wild native fish advocate, and what I fish for is not always what I advocate for.”

“Fly Fishing Maine” is published by Stackpole Books.e Autographed books can be purchased for $34.95 at https://bobmallard. com/product-category/books/http://www.sportingjournal.com/ The author is editor of the Northwoods Sporting Journal. He is also a Maine Guide and host of a weekly radio program “Maine Outdoors” heard Sundays at 7 p.m. on The Voice of Maine News-Talk Network. He has authored three books. Online purchase information is available at www.sportingjournal.com

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

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Only $31.95 for a one year subscription! (12 issues) or $50.00 for a two year subscription $91.95 Canadian subscription (due to postage) Mail to: Northwoods Sporting Journal P.O. Box 195 West Enfield, ME 04493 Email: info@sportingjournal.com Call: 207-732-4880 or Fax 207-732-4970 Order with this form or online at: www.sportingjournal.com (please allow 4-6 weeks for your first issue)

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 48

By Mike Farnham After you have received you soil test back from the State of VT. UVM Extension make sure you understand what is needed for lime and fertilizer. If you have questions they can be contacted or if you are using More Wildlife seeds we will figure everything out for you.

Step one is weed-kill mid-May and then wait 7-10 days before moving to the next step.

Step two apply your lime as required from your

How to Plant With Success test. Example: If it calls for 3 tons/acre and your plot is .500 (1/2 acre) and you are using 40# bags. .500 x 50 = 25 = 1 ton/acre x 3 =

Step four really depends on the seed you are using and soil conditions.

If it’s a small seed or your soil is real dry and fluffy I

Step three disc or till your plot and then drag with an ATV harrow drag.

75 40# bags of lime. The reason we use 50 is there are 50 40# bags of lime/ton.

Always incorporate your lime for best results.

Step three disc or till your plot and then drag with an ATV harrow drag.

would roll before applying seed and fertilizer. Some seed like Buckwheat, Soy Beans, Sugar Beets, and Winter Peas and Radish like to be planted deeper so you will actually drag the seed and fertilizer into

the dirt lightly. For this example we are going to use Clover so roll, apply seed and fertilizer per soil test recommendations, and roll again.

Step five for clover after it reaches 4-6” I would most likely apply 0/0/60 (Potash) @ 200#/ acre as a finishing fertilizer.

For this example it would be 2 50# bags of 0/0/60. .500 x 200 = 100# Every seed and every location is different so keep in mind always soil test

July 2023

using UVM Extension.

You could have two plots 100 yards apart and they most likely won’t take the same fertilizer because of what has been planted there before, what you are planting now, or what has been applied in the past for lime and fertilizer.

Check out our website @ www.morewildlife.net or email us @ morewildlife@ hotmail.com Happy planting!!!

8th Annual Puckerbrush Primitive Gathering The 8th Annual Puckerbrush Primitive Gathering will be held July 14-16 at the Pleasant River Fish & Game Conservation Association in Columbia, Maine. The focus of the event is primitive outdoor skills such as traditional archery, bushcraft, basic survival skills, canoeing, and related handcrafts such as bow making, black-

smithing, woodworking, courage presenters and fire craft, and much more. vendors of relevant topics Most presentations feature and wares to join us. Some

Puckerbrush will be held at the Pleasant River Fish & Game Conservation Association grounds, 1597 Tibbettstown Rd., Columbia, Maine. “hands-on” workshops, may qualify for a weekend with something for all ages pass!) and skill levels. (We enA sincere effort is

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made to keep this event affordable for all, with a focus on price not being a barrier to participation.

General admission for the entire weekend is $25.00 per person which includes free on-site camping. Day passes are $5.00 on Friday, $15.00 on Saturday, and $10.00 on Sunday. Youth 12 and under receive free admission. Youth groups (such as Scouts and Camp attendees) and two adult leaders may qualify for free admission as well.

Snacks and refreshments will be available for the duration of the event, breakfast is available both Saturday and Sunday mornings (donations will be accepted), lunches will be available Saturday and Sunday. Satur-

day evening will feature a pot-luck supper.

Puckerbrush is an alcohol-free, chem-free, family friendly, non-firearms event. Friendly, wellbehaved dogs are welcome; please see our event website for guidelines.

Puckerbrush will be held at the Pleasant River Fish & Game Conservation Association grounds, 1597 Tibbettstown Rd., Columbia, Maine.

Please send inquiries to Larry Balchen Mail to: puckerbrush@ prfgca.org and visit the event webpage at; https:// www.prfgca.org/events/ event.php/puckerbrushprimitive-gathering-2/ to download a flyer and link to the event facebook page.

July 2023

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Northeast Kingdom Trout Waters

The Northeast Kingdom is famous for its trout waters. Anglers have so many options that it would take years to truly explore all the trout fishing that the

can be fished successfully from shore. I have a 13 foot Stowe Canoe that weighs only 56 pounds and is easily carried by one person.

My wife and I find two of

Bob McCabe holds a nice Bald Mountain Pond rainbow he caught while fishing with the author. region has to offer. I have been fishing the Kingdom for some 70 years and still have a few ponds to explore.

The Kingdom has many fine lakes in which lake trout, brown trout, rainbow trout and landlocked salmon thrive. I enjoy fishing them even though they tend to attract a lot of anglers in search of a trophy. The bigger lakes are very busy in July and August with speed boats, jet skis and water skiers often making fishing difficult so I avoid them until after Labor Day. However, it is the small ponds and mountain streams that I find most enjoyable to fish. My favorite quarry is the brookie, square tail, or native as we call the brook trout in this area.

The ponds I will mention are best fished from a canoe although some

us can fish from it very comfortably. The canoe is very broad in the beam and I can safely stand and cast from it while going solo.

Pond fishing can be very good or it can be painfully slow, but most of those I mention will be so scenic that you won’t mind if the fish are not hitting. Watching the loons,

beavers, moose and other wildlife make a day spent on a Northeast Kingdom pond enjoyable. I generally fish early morning or evening this time of year when it tends to be cooler.

There are Fish and Wildlife boating accesses provided on several of the larger ponds, including Holland Pond in Holland, Long, Jobs and Bald Hill Ponds in Westmore, Center Pond in Newark, May

Page 49

Outdoors In Vermont

by Gary W. Moore, Bradford, VT

in Granby, West Mountain Pond in Maidstone and Lewis Pond in Lewis are all worth the effort. Also to be tried are McAllister Pond in Lowell, Hartwell Pond in Albany, Baker Pond in Barton, Beck Pond in Newark and Brown Pond in Westmore. Big Wheeler

either be very good or very unproductive. Either way, the exercise gained from hiking to them is good for you and the solitude is good for the soul. No jet skis or speed boats here.

Syndicated columnist Gary W. Moore is a lifelong The ponds I will mention are best fished resident of Vermont and a from a canoe although some can be former Commissioner of Fish and Game. He may be fished successfully from shore. reached by e-mail at gwPond in Barton and Martins Pond straddles the Barton/ moore1946@icloud.com Pond in Peacham. Newark Sutton town line and also or at Box 454, Bradford, Pond used to be a favorite holds brookies.

VT 05033.

When not out in my for me when it held a good trout population but now canoe, I like to hike up is mostly a warm water remote little streams which start on the mountains or fishery.

No state access is ridges. Some are so small found at the following, but you can step across them Market & Restaurant some can be driven to and a with ease. They tend to 7 Pinecrest Drive canoe or car top boat used. have overhanging trees Essex Junction, VT 05452 Sutton is home to Dollofs, and thick growth right to (802) 879-3611 Marl, Bean, Duck and the edge which will chalwww.raysseafoodmarket.com Blake Ponds. Ferdinand lenge your casting abilities. hosts Notch, South Amer- Often you will encounter “Where the catch is ica and Unknown Ponds beaver dams that impound always the best” while Levi and Osmore water and provide a little Ponds are located in Gro- room to cast.

I find that the fishing ton. Kidder Pond in Coventry, Cow Mountain Pond on these little streams will

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 50

Animal Rights Gone Bonkers

Vermont Ramblings

by Dennis Jensen, Vermont So this is how far things have gone?

Just when I thought that things could not get any more bizarre, I was turning the pages of the magazine, Adirondack Explorer, when I came upon an article entitled, “WhatAbout the Prey?”

“Antelopes were not made to be food, they were made to live antelope lives.”

That quote should cause some concern for those folks who have failed to notice that the animal rights people, like far too many people in our midst,

not only did this person believe writing a book with such an absurd topic was a good idea, the magazine in question decided it was worthy of a serious review.

(By the way, I will never again subscribe to Adirondack Explorer.)

While the author of the magazine article, to his

That quote should cause some concern for those folks who have failed to notice that the animal rights people, like far too many people in our midst, have gone over the edge.

In the March/April edition, there is a review of a newly-published book, “Justice for Animals: Our Collective Responsibility,” where, to quote the author of the book review, “the philosopher Martha Nussbaum questions our indifference to carnage in the wild.”

Criticizing safari-goers (tourists, by the way, not safari hunters), Nussbaum maintains that those who might gather to watch wild dogs devour an antelope should know that

have gone over the edge.

Here is another juicy quote from Nussbaum, who says that we humans have the power to change the laws of nature: “The fact that so often they (antelopes) do not get to live those lives is a problem, and since we (humans) are in charge everywhere we need to figure out how much we can and should do about it.”

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credit, did quote someone with a different, logical explanation of the balance of nature and why the predator-prey equation is simply the way things are, he offered up this view, which I found disturbing: “We recoil at the threat of pets being torn

Tips (Cont. from pg 15) be operating that day and prominent road names using the Gazetteer. During the hunt, I point out major terrain features and names of brooks, streams and ridges. This not only provides conversation but helps to keep clients in tune to our surroundings.

EM: I didn’t really care how big of a moose I shot, but I didn’t want spikes. I know a lot of people try to wait and possibly get a bigger bull later in the week. I made sure that my guide knew that we just wanted a moose.

Should hunters be upfront about what they will and won’t shoot?

JF: Yes. We need to know that in order to meet

July 2023

apart by wolves or cougars.

Why shouldn’t we extend our compassion to deer? Is it ethical to subject them to agonizing death to satisfy a desire to ‘balance’ nature?

Does this suffering matter?

These are tough questions, to which I don’t have answers.”

These are not “tough questions.” They are utterly ridiculous questions.

So this is how things are going? We can expect more and more of this insanity as far too many in our midst have grown farther and farther away from the truth of what is the nature of the natural world.

From the tiniest insect to the grizzly bear, this much is true: Only the strongest, or those who can adapt, survive what is, yes, the

cruel nature of things.

This is not only a classic example of the ignorance of nature, it is living proof that, as people become more and more anesthetized and addicted to smart phones, they become less aware and understanding of the world of nature.

At this stage of my life, there are few issues or events that shock me any more. But I must admit that this book and the dead serious review of it that followed had me both troubled and pissed off.

Stay tuned.

or exceed your expectations. Most guides get tunnel vision, expecting that clients want nothing more than the absolute biggest bull or cow they can get.

This happens because most clients actually say that.

But when a hunter can’t take a 50 inch class bull in the first three days, the client’s expectations rapidly change. A guide may have passed on a few 40 inch class bulls to meet assumed expectations early in the hunt and now is struggling to put a 30 inch class bull in the crosshairs later in the week. My advice to clients for any big game animal might sound cliché, but it stands the test of time.

‘Don’t pass on something on Monday that you would shoot on Friday.’ If your guide knows your expectations and goals, you will

both be working on the same page and as a team.

JF: Another key thing to think about is your experience level and/or comfort level hunting and being in remote places.

EM: I was very happy to have a hot shower and bed every night. But, I know there are a lot of guides that are off grid in tents or somewhere in between. Hunters should think about where they want to be if they have to hunt for a day in the rain or heat. Fall in Maine can encompass every possible weather option we have; rain, snow, 20 degrees and 80 degrees. Moose hunting is mentally and physically hard. You want to enjoy your week so be honest about what you want out of your camp experience.

(Tips cont. pg 52)

Dennis Jensen is a freelance writer for three New England magazines.

Contact him at d.jensen62@yahoo.com

Northwoods Sporting Journal

July 2023

Fly Fishing the Dog Days

The author with an early morning smallmouth caught on a top water fly.

The dog days of mid summer are surely my least favorite time of the open water season to fly fish.

Low, warm water, coupled with heat and humidity

feeding activity drops way off and the trout are under thermal stress. If you are a catch and release angler the mortality rate significantly rises even if you release the

along with cooler temps will trigger trout to feed hard. Almost every state in the Northeast has at least a tailwater or two that releases cold water from the bot-

Almost every state in the Northeast has at least a tailwater or two that releases cold water from the bottom of a reservoir allowing the river below it to remain cool for a significant distance downstream. Don’t overlook small mountain streams. are just not the conditions that get me excited to fish!

There are however, many opportunities for trout and other warm water species in the northeast if you are willing to look and perhaps travel.

If you want to trout fish during the dog days of summer the first thing I recommend is a stream thermometer. If the water is 70 degrees or above the

fish seemingly unharmed.

For these reasons it is imperative to find cold water.

Shaded mountain streams, spring creeks, and tailwaters are your best bet.

Obviously early and later in the day will have the most feeding activity. I like to hit the water at daybreak as that is when the water is the coolest. Rain events are also great times to get out.

The sudden rise in water

tom of a reservoir allowing the river below it to remain cool for a significant distance downstream. Don’t

overlook small mountain streams. Blue lining can be good fun, exercise and adventure. Depending on the stream you will get mostly brookies, but some will have wild rainbows and browns. Occasionally you will hook a fish that seems way too big for the small stream it’s living in.

Once you have found some cold water the next task becomes catching the fish. If you are not lucky enough to fish after a rain event and the water is clear and low an adjustment of tactics is necessary. This is the time and place for long delicate leaders, thin tippet and delicate presentations.

A single dry fly on a long 12-20’ leader can be deadly and extremely rewarding, 6-8x tippet is best depending on the size of the fish and the fly. Dry dropper fishing as I explained in my last column would be the next method I would try. Lastly, fishing a single lightweight nymph with a

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Page 51

Maple Country Outdoors

by Ben Wilcox, Essex, VT

greased leader and piece of colored monofilament acting as a strike indicator is an extremely stealthy and technical method to fool wary trout in low water.

On the warm water front I find even bass can get lethargic and difficult to catch on a fly rod when the water is really low and warm. Again, first and (Dog Days cont. pg 52)

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Page 52

Dog Days

(Cont. from pg 51) last light will be your best bet for consistent fishing.

Many, though not all, lake smallmouth tend to go deep for a large portion of the day making it more difficult and less fun to get a fly down deep, however it’s not impossible. Top water flies like small poppers

Northwoods Sporting Journal

thrown at dusk or daylight often will entice really big smallmouth. Fish them gently, small twitches and let it set. This is not time for giant pops and wakes.

Largemouth can still be found in shallow water, however not as many as earlier in the spring and summer, a portion will be in deeper water. Look for thick cover and shade. I enjoy throwing a frog with

a stout leader for the green bass.

Mid summer is a great time to look into doing a bit of traveling to fish. As I mentioned earlier in the article, regional tailwaters that stay cold all summer long can be a great way to get away for a weekend.

I also enjoy heading to the coast for striped bass.

Wading the coast for stripers is a puzzle I have not

figured out, but can occasionally manage to hook a few bass. When I can, hiring a guide and fishing from a boat is the route I like to take! I also try to take a trip out west to fish.

Often snow run off from the mountains keeps the rivers cold all summer, or I head to the many famous tailwaters through the west.

This year we are headed to Colorado in early August.

July 2023

I will be fishing in a Team USA competition and then the rest of the family is flying out for a week to camp and explore. Good luck out there this summer and don’t forget to take a water temp Ben Wilcox is owner of Maple Country Anglers, located in Northwest Vermont. He is a current member of the USA Fly Fishing Team. He is a registered Maine Guide and graduate of the University of Maine.

He also owns a large Maple Sugaring Business, Amber Ridge Maple. These occupations allow him to be in the woods or water nearly every day of the year. He can be reached at maplecountryanglers@gmail. com or on instagram @ benwilcox_maplecountryanglers

Tips (Cont. from pg 50) Overall, we wish all of the permit winners a wonderful moose hunt. It is a once in a life time experience for so many and you cannot beat hunting in the Maine woods this time of year. Enjoy every minute!

Erin is a member of the Professional Outdoor Media Association and the New England Outdoor Writers Association. She is a senior writer for Drury Outdoors’ DeerCast. You can read about Erin’s adventures and contact her at www.andastrongcupofcoffee.com John is a Registered Maine Guide, an NRA Certified Instructor and is the owner of Tucker Ridge Outdoors in Webster Plantation, Maine. He can be reached at john@tuckerridge.me or on Facebook @tuckerridgeoutdoors

July 2023

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Bucks Mills Rod & Gun Club

Sources tell me that there are about 100 traditional rod and gun clubs left in Maine. At one time there were considerably more. Over the years, a number of these clubs have invited me to serve as guest speaker, which was always an honor and an immensely enjoyable experience, for

for local scholarships. It supports the Pine Tree Camp and conducts fishing derbies, gun shows and oversees hunter safety courses for youngsters at the local school. For me, a lifetime member, one of the highlights, because I like to eat, is the annual Warden’s Supper. Maine

lis emceed the Warden segment. Gillis related an anecdote about a women on his office phone who was all in a panic because a bear was in her yard after getting into a trash barrel.

Gillis counseled her to stay inside and stay cool. She then told him that the bear had left when she shouted at it, but she remained concerned that the critter

Page 53

Outdoors In Maine

by V. Paul Reynolds, Ellsworth, ME

hunters outside Searsmont.

Chandler and his fellow Warden were on foot when they caught two night hunters in the act of jacking deer. After cuffing them, the Wardens requested that the would-be poachers permit the Wardens to drive the poachers in their own

helping the public deal with a nuisance critter.

The Warden’s Supper is a special time, not just for the Wardens in attendance, but for all of us who share a meal with them. The Bucks Mills Rod and Gun Club and the folks who make it what it is are to be com-

She then told him that the bear had left when she shouted at it, but she remained concerned that the critter would return to feed on the rubbish strewn about her grounds. “Perhaps you should go out and pick it all up when we finish talking,” he said. “I don’t dare to, unless you stay on the line,” she said softly.

During the Warden’s Supper at the Bucks Mills Rod & Gun Club, Sporting Journal columnist and author, Bob Leeman, himself a former Deputy Game Warden in his early years, told about working alongside some of Maine’s most legendary Game Wardens. Among those enjoying Leeman’s comments were former Warden Colonel Bill Vernon (top center) and retired District Warden Dave Georgia (middle row right). a number of reasons. The folks - men and women – who populate these organizations are salt of the earth individuals who all share common values. They love the outdoors, they deeply value their hunting heritage, they are patriotic and they get pleasure from serving their community and doing for others. And they like a good laugh.

One of these standout clubs is the Bucks Mills Rod and Gun Club in Bucksport, which has been around for 75 years plus. Among other things, this club raised $4,000.00

Game Wardens, both active and retired, are invited from all over the state, to enjoy a complimentary prime rib dinner with all the fixin’s. The sumptuous meal is topped off with special pies cooked by the club treasurer Cathy, who knows her way around a kitchen and the secrets of making a flaky pie crust.

Following dinner there is a raffle drawing for prizes and then the Game Wardens all introduce themselves and share a few stories that always hit the lighter side. Game Warden Sgt., Alan Gil-

would return to feed on the rubbish strewn about her grounds. “Perhaps you should go out and pick it all up when we finish talking,” he said. “I don’t dare to, unless you stay on the line,” she said softly.

“OK, I’ll stay on the line,” Gillis agreed, “You clean up the mess and let me know when you are finished,” he offered. It all worked out and the bear never returned. Another Warden recounted coming upon a man walking in circles on the Stud Mill Road. When confronted the man said that he was drunk and had been left by his buddies. The man refused a lift so the Wardens let him walk it off along the road while observing him from a distance. A few hours later, the man was picked up by his buddies. “At first, when I saw him walking in circles, he reminded me of a moose with brain worm,” said the Warden.

Former Warden Lt. Langdon Chandler remembered an incident with night

truck the 15 miles to the Searsmont jail. “No, way,” refused the poachers.

So the rest of the night Warden Chandler and his fellow Warden walked the handcuffed poachers the long midnight trek to Searsmont.

There were many other stories that were equally amusing and drove home the point that a Game Warden never really knows what the job will expect of him or her day by day. It is not all catching poachers or issuing summons to lawbreakers. Sometimes it is finding missing persons in the woods or simply

mended for their efforts.

The other 100 similar organizations around the state also serve their respective communities and help keep the fish and hunting heritage alive.

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

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 54

The Northwoods Bowhunter

by Brian Smith, Machiasport, ME The gobbler was balancing himself on top of my Zink jake decoy 20 yards from our blind. I whispered to Joyce, “Shoot when you’re ready” as she raised her Benelli 20 gauge. She whispered loudly, “There’s a Coyote”!

This was our first day

ing across the field to our setup. We then saw a bigger tom walking and strutting 200 yards to our right but not gobbling. Joyce clicked the safety off when the first longbeard neared us and decided to mount the realistic jake decoy then peck at its head. He fell

We Love to Hunt Longbeards!

guns. Joyce retrieved her gobbler and while affixing the transportation tag, said “I love this spot!” We sat for another hour an a half while watching deer,

tercept him in the morning.

The next day was windy and cold with a steady drizzle so Joyce sat in the blind while I set up within 200 yards of where wary

Finally, the tom appeared with the other two birds gobbling at every call. He strutted back and forth at 200 yards in the rain for an hour but would not leave the hen. turkey hunting at my wife’s favorite new hunting spot.

Opening day 2023 was a washout with heavy rain and high winds so we didn’t hunt. The next morning we awoke at 3:00 a.m. and set the decoys then climbed in the popup blind at 4:30.

The tom was roosted 150 yards in front of us. He did not gobble until 4:45 and stayed in the tree gobbling until well after legal light.

Finally he flew down and stayed silent, slowly work-

off twice but jumped back on to show dominance as she waited for a clear shot.

That’s when she spied the coyote closing in on the other tom and took her focus off the gobbler in front of us.

Unfortunately, it was was too far away to shoot.

Once the tom cleared the decoy she shot him with a load of heavy shot. Immediately another coyote ran by us at 150 yards, again too far for the shot-

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The author with a 20 lb Downeast Tom. geese and other turkeys that would not come to my calls. We were anxious to try the new electronic tagging feature but it would not work so she registered the gobbler at the local tagging station.

That evening we set up 500 yards to the north near where we thought the other turkeys may roost.

We watched for two hours as a lone gobbler with a long thick beard, patrolled the area looking for hens.

He would not gobble, strut or come closer that 200 yards despite our perfect decoy set up and my best attempts at seductive calling We watched him go to roost at 150 yds and crept out at dark with plans to in-

tom went to roost. I didn’t call for the first hour hoping he would be duped by my decoy setup.

We never saw or heard a turkey during our three hour sit so headed home to dry off and warm up. Near home we saw a gobbler strutting to a hen and jake in a big blueberry field. My calling first lured another coyote within 100 yards but again too far for the shotgun. Finally, the tom appeared with the other two birds gobbling at every call. He strutted back and forth at 200 yards in the rain for an hour but would not leave the hen.

The next morning, I decided to hunt my lower field and called in a big

July 2023

gobbling and strutting tom from the roost followed by two jakes. When he got to the decoys I shot the 20 pound tom at 25 yards. I tried the online tagging again but it would not work, thus I had to call the IF&W number to register by phone. On Saturday morning, I set up in our lower field again with two hen decoys and soft tree calling. A long beard came in silent at six a.m. and I filled my limit with my Benelli Super Black Eagle.

We spent the rest of the season hunting the only gobbler Joyce wanted, the wily tom with the big beard. He would not come to calls or decoys but on our last day we got up at two a.m. to be near the roost before four. He flew down and followed four hens to within 40 yards of our hide and the end of Joyce’s barrel. I kept whispering to shoot him but she didn’t feel confident of making a lethal shot to his bobbing head at that distance. We saw him later at 50 yards following the hens slowly out of sight.

We saw lots of wildlife but also discovered ticks on us every day. We love to hunt turkeys but hate ticks!

Brian Smith is a Retired Maine State Police Detective and NRA Field Representative, He is the former NWTF State Chairman and Regional Director for New England and Atlantic Canada. He serves on the boards of SAMILA and MBA and can be reached at bowhunter@ mgemaine.com

July 2023

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 55

Black Cat Cove

The year before he sold Bosebuck Camps, Tom Rideout invited my wife and me to an early dinner at his fishing lodge located at the head of Aziscohos Lake in western Maine. We’d motored toward the traditional sporting camp in our sixteenfoot Grumman. It was a warm summer evening. I sat in the stern, guiding the arm of the four horsepowered engine while Trish sat in the bow. A pair of loons dove under the surface as the aluminum boat sliced through the smooth veneer of the Lake.

As we approached the camps, a mother merganser raced along the shoreline, with her ducklings following behind in single file. We tied up at the wooden dock and walked across the lawn toward the main lodge. Cedar waxwings circled overhead. One swooped down to catch an insect in flight. A young couple sat on a swing hanging from the ceiling of the wide porch. A few sports were seated on the steps. “Any luck?” I asked, as we moved between them. Tom walked over to our table a few minutes after we took our seats in the lodge’s dining room.

During dinner, we reminisced about old times.

On the wall above our table hung a faded print of a John Swan watercolor. John is a world-renown artist whose family has owned a camp on Kennebago Lake for three generations. In the painting, a fisherman stands

on a wooden dam. He’s facing a large pool, his back to the river below him. I was sure I knew the location.

Tom explained how he’d

call a bluebird sky.

With Buck, our black lab, trotting ahead of us, Trish and I hiked up a narrow trail running alongside the river. We continued upstream, crossing over deadfalls, under the limbs of spruce, and then, up and down the side of a high hill. It wasn’t long before sweat had soaked through our shirts. Above Aziscohos Lake, the Magalloway is not big water. Its

Against The Current

by Bob Romano, Rangeley, ME fish. It went on like this for quite a while—that is, until I went down. The current had me as my feet sought purchase in the stream’s rock-and-stone bottom.

Hippers filled with water, one of my knees smashed against a boulder, and for a moment, maybe two, I was not quite sure what the river had in mind. But I was up before Trish could rise to her feet. My rod had

A few years later, I learned that John Swan had donated the proceeds from the reproduction of his painting of Black Cat Cove to the American Museum of Fly Fishing.

The dam is now gone.

clipped the print from an article in Gray’s Sporting Journal. I realized it was the place where, years before, Trish had taken her first salmon. While Tom was telling us of his plan to sell the camps, I found myself doubling back on the trail of that recollection, which began along the west shore of the Magalloway River. It had been pleasantly warm for early September, the temperature in the midseventies.

It was one of those rare days in that part of western Maine—what old-timers

rapids are nevertheless raucous, falling over an everlasting supply of slippery stones, rocks, and larger boulders.

While Trish took a break, I strung up my rod and tied a Hare’s Ear nymph to the tippet. Wearing a pair of hippers, I entered the stream. Sunlight filtered through the spray rising over the rapids rushing past me, creating a miniature rainbow over the river’s surface.

The smell of balsam permeated the air. On my first cast, a brookie flashed in the current. Trish was content to remain seated on a boulder, breaking the scene down with her artist’s eye. As I worked the nymph through pocket water, a fat brookie lunged for it. A few moments afterward, I released a second

remained in my hand, my baseball cap on my head.

While rubbing my left leg, I slowly sidestepped toward the bank. Buck had sensed something wrong and had run to my side. I limped over to Trish and we headed back to the trail. In another twenty minutes we were at the dam. The water above the dam shimmered under the mid-afternoon sun. After wringing out my shirt, I drapped my jeans over the warm boards of the wooden structure.

After lunch, Trish snapped a photograph as

I was slipping my hippers over bare legs. Tying a Black Ghost pattern onto a long leader, I handed my wife my rod and watched her cast the streamer into a run below the dam. As she was letting line out, a flash of silver streaked across the lip of the pool. When Trish bent back on the rod, the fish erupted through the surface. She whooped, I hollered, and Buck wagged his tail. Soon after, the salmon’s silver-and-black flank glistened in the sunlight as the fish slid from between Trish’s dampened palms. “I’m going to miss this place,” Tom mumbled as he drained his mug of coffee. “We’ll miss you,” Trish replied.

A few years later, I learned that John Swan had donated the proceeds from the reproduction of his painting of Black Cat Cove to the American Museum of Fly Fishing. The dam is now gone. All that remains are a few logs and piles of stone where the cribwork once stood. A copy of the painting now hangs on our bedroom wall, where there is a photograph of Trish releasing her first salmon, next to the one of me in skivvies and hip boots favoring my left knee.

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 56

July Question Of The Month

July 2023

Our Heritage: Does It Matter?

By Bill Huff It was about 40 years ago I landed in Kipnuk, a small native village in southwestern Alaska. My passengers were to attend meetings at the school lasting several hours so I had time to kill in the village.

Soon after striking out for town, a foul smell permeated the air. I followed my nose into the center of town where I came upon an old

had done for centuries.

Providing sustenance for the family to sustain their lives from the natural world around them. We often refer to it as “Our Heritage.” Some interpret the phrase in a very narrow form meaning, “to do as we have done in the past.

“Heritage,” however is much more than that.

Living IN the natu-

ings. The way we live our lives defines who we are as much as our blood type or DNA. Our heritage, is more than generations of a lifestyle or doing the same things our ancestors did in the past. It is our lives, our soul, our very being.

“Outsiders,” those looking in to the natural world rather than being a part of it, will never un-

Countless bills, every session, attempt to strip us of the very essence that makes us who we are. Can’t they see, they are destroying a culture that is the fabric of Vermont? Who do they think cleared the land with an ax and crosscut saw? man attending a washtub full of brown foaming liquid on top of a roaring fire.

As I approached, I queried, “Whatcha got cooking?”

The attendant, a native Aleut, in broken English, proudly explained to me his son had killed a walrus and the meat was being processed to provide for the family. It was then I noticed his wife, tucked into a small shed, busy with an ulu, prepping more walrus to add to the washtub.

This family was living as their forefathers

ral world is much different than observing that world from the outside, …LOOKING IN. Many Vermonters choose to live IN our natural world following multiple previous generations. Their home is not defined by the four walls of their house, but by the woods, fields and streams that surround them.

We hunt, fish, and trap, because that is a natural extension of living outside the four walls that define our house. We are one with our wilderness surround-

derstand how much every animal harvested, (hunted, fished, or trapped), is revered and respected by those of us that harvest them. We care just as much about the wellbeing of wildlife as any “anti” ever did. We do not like to see any animal, wild or domestic, suffer. When we harvest an animal, we do it expeditiously and as painlessly as possible. Certainly, with more respect than the millions of pigs, chickens, and cows that are butchered daily. But sustaining our lives by utilizing the natural resources around us are what makes us who we are. Being one with nature sustains our body as well as our soul.

From an outsider’s perspective, the impulse is to ban participation, limit access, and prevent harvest of all our natural resources whether it be wildlife or forest. Post it, put a fence around it, prohibit hunting, trapping, and halt the harvesting of any wood

products. Our renewable resources are far better off with purposeful management to prevent damage to infrastructure and crops, keep numbers in balance to prevent disease, and allow selective forest harvesting for better yields and a more diverse forest. Those of us that live IN the natural world, play an indispensable role in that purposeful management.

We allow the Aleuts to harvest whales and walrus because it’s their heritage.

The harvests are an inseparable part of who they are.

It provides sustenance for both body and soul. It’s no different with Vermonters who live WITHIN their natural surroundings except the Vermont legislature doesn’t protect those that hunt, shoot, and trap.

To the contrary, they have an annual “open season” on us, pandering to every anti with a grievance to bear.

Countless bills, every session, attempt to strip us of the very essence that makes us who we are. Can’t they see, they are destroying a culture that is the fabric of Vermont? Who do they think cleared the land with an ax and crosscut saw?

How do they think that stone wall out back that stretches over the mountain got there if not for handpicked rocks, a stone boat, and an ox. The tools may have changed over the years but the individuals that made Vermont what it is, still live on today generations later and are unjustly under a constant attack simply for generational

longevity.

There have been several recent incidents where Vermont law has intentionally been violated. Title 10, section 4708 clearly states “A person shall not intentionally interfere with the lawful taking of fish or wildlife…” and goes on to specify what actions are illegal. The illegal behavior is being addressed but the statute falls short of what is needed to stop the coordinated hatred, harassment, and bullying by a small group of anti activist.

Sportsmen and women’s Facebook posts are maliciously attacked by a coordinated deluge of “replies” intended to assassinate the poster’s character and ruin their business.

Some media outlets display the antis’ ads for the revenue regardless of the fact the ads are inaccurate or unfairly demonize a group of Vermonters.

Modern day tactics are being used to “intentionally interfere” with the lawful pursuit of game. Current statutes should be updated to reflect the use of social media and modern tactics meant to bully, demonize, and interfere with Sportsmen and women. It’s time for the legislature to acknowledge our existence, our heritage, our livelihoods and move to protect our culture, and our businesses rather than try to destroy them. Our heritage matters too!

Bill Huff lives in Thetford VT.

July 2023

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Saco River Secrets

The Saco River, from downtown Biddeford/Saco, upstream to the Skelton Dam in Dayton measures just over 11 miles. It’s the place I take some of my guide service clients who want to learn how to flyfish.

You can almost count on

your fingers the number of houses that line either side of the this stretch of river and, if you were shown a photo taken anywhere along this stretch you wouldn’t guess that it was taken less than five miles from the hub of southern Maine’s tourism.

Most tourists don’t seem to have any interest in the river. With beaches, shopping malls and the ocean just minutes away and Maine‘s outstanding saltwater fishing opportunities, only a few are looking for a quiet slow-moving river to canoe, kayak or paddleboard.

For the trout and bass angler looking for solitude, even the mention of the river has them reaching for the phone or the computer to complain. “Don’t mess it up for those of us who appreciate the river.”

Unlike the section of river that has gained so

much notoriety upstream, in the Fryeburg area where every weekend dozens of boaters raft kayaks and canoes together and party.

There are no sandbars to pull up and cook a shore lunch and only one business from which to rent a

canoe or kayak. (Homestead Campground on Route 5 at the Dayton/ Saco line) Much of the shoreline on both sides is grassy or wooded. Thanks to conservation measures a greenway has been established and new development of houses and business has been held to a minimum.

Only an occasional drone of an airplane can be heard overhead and perhaps the rapping of a hammer as a homeowner repairs a deck or the faint roar of a lawnmower.

It’s one of those places where any of my readers can flop down an air mattress or lie back in a canoe or car-topper boat and just drift all day long. The water current is slow and there is only one section of fastermoving water that can be navigated very easily.

Even swimmers in truck inner tubes can take

advantage of the rivers peaceful nature. Put in at the dirt launch just below Skelton Dam and make a day of it or flop down on the water at the Route 5 bridge and drift down to Rotary Park in Biddeford Anglers with belly boats will enjoy the outstanding smallmouth bass and brown trout angling.

However, due to the computerized monitors on the dam, water levels keep rising and falling making locations of the larger fish a moving target.

I enjoy just drifting the shorelines using a 5-6 weight flyrod and small popping bugs. It doesn’t take long to recognize the character of the fish habitat.

The corners are the deepest pools with depths seldom reaching over 25 feet and the mid-river depths seldom go over 10 feet except during periods of water release.

Both brown trout and smallmouth bass occupy the same feeding areas.

Look for changes in the character of the shoreline.

Most of the river bottom is mud but sections give way to rocky ledge and broken river rock. These are the sections the brown trout and smallmouth bass will hold and feed.

The primary food sources for game fish are the large number of minnows and areas that hold crayfish and leeches. There are also yellow perch, pickerel, some brook trout and occasionally an Atlantic salmon (which may not be fished for) and the shad and alewives that are moved up over the Cataract Dam in Biddeford.

As for floating the river and swimming, any-

Page 57

South Of the Kennebec

by Stu Bristol, Lyman, ME

time during the summer between early June and late September is fine.

While most of this section of river can be navigated by medium sized boats, I would estimate that only the first mile or two is safe for boats larger than

lie several feet upstream.

It’s been several years since I have mentioned the river and all it has to offer visiting tourists and locals but for whatever reasons, they stay away. For some of us that is a blessing but for a coastal town that thrives

18 feet unless the motor is equipped with a power lift.

State law prohibits boaters from travelling at more than headway speed within 200 feet of either shoreline and that takes in quite a lot of the river. Also, huge boulders loom just under the surface close to the shorelines and a couple are situated right in midstream and are not marked.

They stick out of the water at low water levels but during a release they are dangerously covered. Watch carefully for the boiling water as boulders usually

on tourism, it’s a missed opportunity staring town planners right in the face.

For the trout and bass angler looking for solitude, even the mention of the river has them reaching for the phone or the computer to complain. “Don’t mess it up for those of us who appreciate the river.”

Stu Bristol is a Master Maine Hunting, Fishing and Tidewater Guide.

(Orion Guide Service) His books and articles have been published nationwide for more than 60 years. He was inducted into the New England Wild Turkey Hunting Hall of Fame in 2019 and operates the Deadly Imposter Game Call Company. www.deadlyimpostergamecalls.com

Greenville

Page 58

THE BACK SHELF

Northwoods Sporting Journal

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 Dave O'Connor

The pilot agreed to take us in to Long Pond. It was a fabulous brook trout water where the spring run fish often weighed in at three pounds and often more. A real bonanza. The pond received little notice from the angling herd because it was too remote and extremely hard to reach.

Floatplane pilots didn’t much like it either because there was a high ridge on one accessible side, a shallow water depth on the other and the pond was right at the minimum for safe landings and takeoffs.

In hot summer weather the “lift”, air flowing over the wings, was not good and some days no veteran pilot would land there because the takeoff was impossible.

Wind was also a factor because downsloping from the mountains and ridges

pushed planes down unless it was an early morning thermal.

Ground access was barred by two unbridged rivers, a swamp, a game preserve without roads and

Not Enough Tackle

to take us there in his Piper Super Cub. One trip in for each of us. The Ole Man’s a white knuckle flier but He said, “Getting in is easy.

If we crash coming out at least we’ll have caught some great brook trout. If the lift isn’t good on our scheduled day to come out then we’ll have to fish some more. All in all, a pretty good deal.”

The Super Cub was es-

load. We didn’t need an overloaded, unstable floatplane. I don’t want to visit the spruce forest from a faulty flight. Not even for three pound brook trout.

Since we were going for a full week we took dehydrated foods, split the load for each flight and went easy on heavy gear.

I took my Primus single burner stove instead of the big two burner Coleman.

This Long Pond flight meant splitting the load.

We didn’t need an overloaded, unstable floatplane. I don’t want to visit the spruce forest from a faulty flight. Not even for three pound brook trout. a non-friendly large land owner who gated roads coming anywhere near Long Pond.

So, the sporting community largely fished elsewhere even though some state fisheries reports called it one of the best coldwater brook trout fisheries in the state. I think the mystery of it added an aurora we found so compelling it was in a must-do category all its own.

Still, our pilot agreed

July 2023

pecially equipped with light floats, a special carburetor for max horsepower...a nice STOL(short takeoff and landing) airplane. With the big engine, stubby wings and solid design it was up for the job.

Most pilots will say the Super Cub is a great bush plane as long as it isn’t overloaded and the pilot is quick at the controls. No novices in close quarters. If the pond was normal in length and difficulty we could have taken the pilot, the Ole Man, me and the canoe strapped to the struts. This Long Pond flight meant splitting the

We cut our camping comforts and shortened our list of fishing gear. I even left home my tripod and one of two cameras. I cut the list of lens from seven to two...normal and moderate telephoto. No wide angle or portrait lens. Keeping the weight down. I did take an extra tip for my Orvis Battenkill and I took extra flies, both dry and wet.

As I looked at the puny pile of fishing gear laid out on the dock before we took off I felt sure it represented more gear than you needed for a day’s outing but certainly no where near enough stuff for camp-

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ing, eating, fishing, for an entire week. Even the Ole Man checked His stuff to be sure everything was there.

My favorite flashlight is a big, square rig lacking in class, but world class in reliability and candlepower. As I write this now, there are three of them, all in perfect working order, set out on my desk. They use a very large six volt battery and while heavy, they get the job done. The batteries last a long time, can be recharged and give steady light. No LED’s or other new fangled blue lights here.

On this flight, to save weight, I took only a small light I kept stored in my shirt pocket. Not quite a pen light, but not my favored square lantern, either.

Not exactly what I wanted but the pilot cautioned us to, “Save all the weight you can. Landing at Long Pond is not hard. Getting out of there is a scheme based on MINIMUM weight.” He jokingly added, “On the day we get you out of there be sure to drink no more than two cups of coffee.”

I think it was a joke. The name Long Pond is a joke, too, I would guess. It is oblong in shape, but “long?”

Not long enough and yet this lone lack of access was the thing keeping the pond practically unfished.

Pilots have a term for floatplane flying called ”getting up on the step,” where the floats sit on top of the water and not settled down in to the water. To get this is similar to an outboard motor getting a boat up on the surface and not just sitting deadweight in the water. A heavily loaded floatplane squats (Back Shelf cont. pg 60)

July 2023

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 59

The Chilling Effect

A perfect storm of adverse conditions arose last month to thwart the efforts of smallmouth bass fishermen and guides. A system to our east spun out cold wind and rain that came at us from the north, blowing out the black flies and drenching the region with much needed rain.

The problem was, it was

bottoms near rocks and logs. The reasons for this shutdown?

Delayed Spawning: Sudden cold weather can cause smallmouth bass to delay their spawning activities. The drop in water temperature triggers a temporary halt in the reproductive process as the fish wait for more favorable

almost miraculous capacities to adjust and adapt to surprises like these when they come along. These are some of the ways in which this game fish handles what happened in early June this year: Nest Protection: Smallmouth bass exhibit remarkable parental care, especially the males who guard the nests. When faced with prolonged cold rain and wind, the males

The Singing Maine Guide

by Randy Spencer, Grand Lake Stream, ME or vegetation beds. These locations provide some protection against cold rain and wind, reducing direct exposure to adverse weather conditions. The bass may seek out even more sheltered spots within these areas to shield the nests from the elements.

Temperature Regula-

bryo development. While sudden cold rain and wind may temporarily lower the water temperature, the bass seek out areas with consistent thermal profiles.

They gravitate towards regions where warmer groundwater sources or sheltered microhabitats exist, ensuring that the

As it turns out, too much worry for the species during these unseasonable, wintery throwbacks is unwarranted. The problem is worse for the fishermen than for the fish. Many sports who’d planned their trip for a year went away hanging their heads.

A perfect storm of adverse conditions arose last month to thwart the efforts of smallmouth bass fishermen and guides.

(Illustration by V. Paul Reynolds)

the money month for smallmouth bass fishing.

Sudden cold weather, accompanied by long periods of cold rain and wind, can present challenges for smallmouth bass. During this period, the temperature most mornings never got above 43˚. Anglers experienced a very frustrating shutdown of spawning activity, namely, an absence of bass on beds. They love casting to these when the sun reveals their bright, orbital shapes on gravely

conditions.

Nest Abandonment: Male smallmouth bass are responsible for constructing nests and guarding the fertilized eggs. However, if a sudden cold spell occurs during the early stages of spawning, the males may abandon their nests to seek warmer and more stable environments. This abandonment can lead to reduced reproductive success.

Fortunately for the species and for the fishery, smallmouth bass have

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intensify their guarding efforts, using their bodies to shield the nests from the elements. By covering the eggs and minimizing exposure to the cold rain and wind, they can enhance the chances of successful hatching.

Adjusted Nest Locations: During the spawning season, smallmouth bass select nesting sites in sheltered areas such as rocky crevices, submerged logs,

tion: Smallmouth bass possess the ability to regulate their body temperature to some extent. They can adjust their metabolic rate and behavior in response to cold weather. By slowing down their metabolism, they conserve energy and endure periods of adverse weather conditions.

Thermal Preference: Smallmouth bass have a preferred temperature range for spawning and em-

water surrounding the nests remains within the optimal temperature range. (Who knew? There are actually areas in the lakes where groundwater provides a warmer habitat ideal for nesting! And of course SMB’s can find them!)

Many of us have had the experience of swimming in some of our cold water lakes and suddenly passing through a warmer column (Effect cont. pg 65)

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 60

July 2023

Once we lumbered the canoe out, paddled noe, the two men...there a solid strike from a fat, Back Shelf into the air I forgot my around, setup a camp- was a load. I hoped for native brook trout When

(Cont. from pg 58) in the water until the pilot calls for full power to first drag the plane forward and then begin the lift as the float “sits up on the step.”

That’s one step from flight.

The plane is actually ready to leave the water’s surface at the proper air speed.

Our man was a long time getting our load to “full step.” The Ole Man stayed at the dock. I was on the first flight with the canoe. He would come with the camping gear. The floatplane base is located on a large body of water.

There is plenty of room to taxi, to take off, to land and yet we were using a lot of water to get airborne. Long Pond, on the other hand, was named by someone who already walked twenty miles the day he chose that name and he didn’t want to walk around another piece of submerged real estate on that day. Maybe it was named after John J. Long.... in any case, no one alive today knows why it holds a non-descriptive name.

reservations because I was too busy gawking out the window at some of the lands and waters where we hunt and fish. As we passed over Swift Brook I couldn’t help but remind myself there were brook trout in this brook that probably rivaled anything at Long Pond. But, it’s the GrassIs-Greener thing. There is the traveler’s thing about “maybe I should have taken the less risky route”, but this, too, passes as the plane flies on toward the destination.

For the most part the two hour flight was uneventfully smooth. We did get some rough air over the Penobscot River watershed, but it quickly passed.

The sky was clear, the engine droned on. When we circled Long Pond for actual the final approach for a landing, I saw how small Long Pond really is out my passenger window.

On the water the pilot wished me well and went to get the Ole Man and the camping gear. I got

fire ring, hauled and cut firewood, found a really nice spring someone enhanced by rocking it up to keep debris from falling in when you got a container of water. The water was sparkling clear, tasted excellent.

I was just beginning to wonder where they were when I heard the Supercub coming and saw it circle for a landing. The pilot said, “See you in 7 days. I hope we have good weather.” Empty, both times leaving Long Pond, the plane zipped along, up on the step, flew nearly at a 45 degree angle, or so it looked and cleared the trees easily. Would it be that way with us aboard on the flight out? I wondered.

As soon as the plane was gone the Ole Man said, “We didn’t seem to get airborne very quickly back at the base did we?” I guess He wondered about the return trip, too. I knew during the next week this thought would be framed again and again in my mind, whether I acknowledged it or not.

With the junk we carried, the camping gear, the ca-

great lift conditions on the day we left. We both knew the pilot knew his business.

He flew in the military, as a civilian he had been flying for thirty years and surely he knew whether Long Pond takeoffs were safe, or not. Ya gotta believe.

Still, we remembered how hesitant he was when we first discussed taking us here. “Can’t say that I want to. If there’s a cross wind you’ll have to wait an extra day or two. I need a day of maximum lift and Long Pond can be tricky. I won’t fly unless the margin of error is in my favor.

Too many guys, guys I knew well, have bought the farm by being careless.

I WON’T come to get you until the weather is right.”

We said we understood.

The only thing we heard was that he would take us to Long Pond. We ignored the warnings and cautions. Now, as we set up the tent and got camp fully operational we thought about little else except the flight one week hence.

When we went out to go fishing it was even more obvious. The Ole Man got

He edged it over the side for a quick picture before releasing it He said, “Suppose anyone will ever get to see that picture you’re takin’?”

A shiver went up my spine. Never in all the years I knew Him was there ever such an inference. Life was precious. There was a cloud hovering over us implying we might have forced the pilot’s ego to get us here “where no man ever goes.” If we didn’t do something quickly the whole trip would be scuttled while we solemnly waited for the returning plane in seven days in the same frame of mind as the condemned prisoner awaits the date with executioner.

My mind filled images of an aborted takeoff and a sudden crash into the heavy evergreen trees surrounding the pond. Perhaps a big hemlock would do me in. A shiver went up my spine. I even remembered seeing some big rock maples sticking into the sky near the lifeoff point, maybe they would be my fate.

It was a quiet lunch.

Neither of us commented (Back Shelf cont. pg 65)

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July 2023

News (Cont. from pg 41) Academy Cadre Josh Polland, Game Warden Mark Hutcheson, Passamauoddy Game Warden Chief Bill Nicholas and class speaker Game Warden Matthew Tenan.

These wardens just completed a 12-week academy that focused on subject matter specific to the Warden Service, including search and rescue, fish and wildlife laws and regulations, boating, fishing, hunting, ATVing, snowmobiling and others. This 12-week course is in addition to the 18-week Basic Law Enforcement Training Program required of Maine law enforcement officers.

Game Warden Joshua Polland was the lead cadre for the Advanced Warden School and the cadre staff included Game Wardens Kale O’Leary, Megan Orchard, and Chad Robertson as well.

The 13 new game wardens, and their assigned district are listed below: Maine Game Wardens Joshua Theriault: Strong Matthew Tenan: Lubec Melinda Rugg: Rumford Matthew Norcia: Appleton Isaiah Dyer: Belgrade Avery Boucher: Farmington Kevin Richards: Patten William Gormely: Millinockett Nick Bartholomew: St. Zack Joshua Lugdon : Springfield Passamaquoddy Tribal Wardens: Cole Nicholas Joe Socobasin Bobby Brennan

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Shortly after 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 28, 2023, New Hampshire Fish and Game responded to a call for assistance from an injured climber in the area of Sundown Ledge in Albany. Jiwon Han, 25, of Cambridge, Massachusetts, fell while rock climbing with a group of friends. Conservation Officers responded along with members of Conway Fire/EMS and members of Lakes Region Search and Rescue (LRSAR).

Han was climbing an unnamed route to the right of the Mithras path with a group of friends in the area of Sundown Ledge and the Boulder Loop Trail.

Witnesses state that Han was approximately 20 feet up when a piece of bolted protection released causing him to fall. Han sustained serious injuries to both lower extremities.

Rescuers arrived on scene, stabilized Han, and transported him by rescue litter. Han arrived at the Boulder Loop trailhead parking area at 8:15 p.m.

He was transported to Memorial Hospital in North Conway for evaluation and treatment.

Outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to purchase a Hike Safe card at www. wildnh.com/safe. The card helps support Fish and Game search and rescue activities. For safe hiking tips and a list of essential

Vermont Muzzleloader Permits

Vermont’s muzzleloader season antlerless deer permit applications are now available online at Vermont Fish and Wildlife’s website and from license agents. A link to the information and online applications is on the home page.

The Fish and Wildlife Board met on May 24 and set antlerless deer permit numbers for the fall deer hunting seasons.

Hunting for antlerless deer will be allowed statewide during the archery season. One deer of either sex will be allowed during the October 21-22 youth and novice weekend hunt.

The muzzleloader seasons on October 26-29 and December 2-10 will have antlerless permits available for 19 of Vermont’s 21 Wildlife Management Units.

Landowners who post their land may not apply for a landowner priority muzzleloader antlerless deer permit. They are eligible to apply in the regular lottery for an antlerless deer permit.

“Recent management efforts have successfully balanced deer numbers with what the habitat can support in many parts of Vermont,” said Nick Fortin, deer and moose project

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Deer populations in eight wildlife management units, primarily in the Champlain Valley, remain above their respective population objectives. The goal is to reduce deer numbers in those areas.”

The deadline to apply for a muzzleloader antlerless deer permit is August 2.

America (Cont. from pg 31) Chestnut Foundation has been on a mission to restore the American chestnut to our eastern forests. This magnificent tree was nearly eliminated by a foreign fungal blight introduced to the New York City area in the early 1900s. These “redwoods of the East” were the most abundant tree in our eastern hardwood forests from Maine to Mississippi. Each tree could produce hundreds of pounds of chestnuts for

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Page 61 wildlife and people. The health of our forests was greatly diminished as these giants disappeared.

About 12 years ago, the State University of New York added a single gene from the wheat plant to an American chestnut embryo. This gene produces an enzyme that neutralizes the oxalic acid produced by the chestnut blight. This transgenic American chestnut has been studied for over a decade, and no environmental or human health effects have been discovered. Unlike American X Chinese chestnuts hybrids, this tree is 99.99999% American chestnut. There has been substantial support for this transgenic tree.

If approved by the Federal government this will be the first time that genetic technology will help to restore a species that we nearly lost.

Mark McCollough is a retired wildlife biologist who has more time to spend outdoors in Hampden, Maine. He can be contacted at markmccollough25@gmail.com

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Page 62

SAM News

Northwoods Sporting Journal

by David Trahan, “Executive Director” The problem with the debate surrounding firearms and violence in Maine is national gun control groups have pre-defined the so-called “solutions” to be policies like expanding background checks, mandatory waiting periods to purchase firearms, bans on certain guns and the list

tive session. Working with members of the Governor’s team, we put together a series of improvements to Maine’s public safety network. The proposal included legislation to create a new straw purchase statute that mirrored federal law, enhanced penalties for violating the provision and

Gun Safety Measures

also included several new educational programs to support families in crisis.

Unfortunately, this major advance in public safety did not check off enough boxes for the gun control community and the effort is stalled, it was “not enough” for the Gun Safety Caucus. They missed the boat. Just after the recent shooting, I stated publicly and that I hoped we could work on a proposal we

The most recent SAM ILA/Governor’s proposal was designed to enhance and expand on a series of reforms designed to make Maine a safer place to live. It fell victim to the political meat grinder that has become our law-making system. goes on.

The scenario is always the same, a murder by firearm is followed by President Biden calling a press conference and announcing his support for a ban on semi-automatic firearms. No waiting for the facts, who cares if the firearm used was not a semi-automatic firearm or the shooter was already banned from owning firearms, these are the talking points.

In the wake of the recent shooting in southern Maine, I was asked to consider a new public safety proposal for this legisla-

expand a legislative study to look at voting place security. The proposal also included expanding telemedicine infrastructure for evaluating mental health patients in protective custody, providing grants to expand safe storage programs for families in crisis.

In addition; examine the process used to release violent felons and other prohibited individuals into society to ensure the residences in which they are domiciled are either free of dangerous weapons or use the proper storage to keep them out of the hands of the same. The proposal

July 2023

could all support before debating the annual gun control policies that divide us. I also stressed that I was not asking to have the other gun bills killed. Just allows us to continue moving forward together.

I guess the temptation to leverage my organization into adding controversial gun control to the proposal was too enticing.

Sad! Gun control advocates tabled a public safety measure supported by the Governor and gun rights groups that undoubtedly would save lives in hopes they could pass more gun control. It was never one or the other!

In this debate, gun control groups and their supporters may feel they are on the side of the angels, who am I to judge, but I can confidently say that most Mainers are sick of watching the same scenarios play out every legislative cycle. That is why when Governor Mills was elected, (someone I have known for close to three

decades), I asked my Board of Directors to allow me to reach out to Governor Mills and offer a new path, one in which we rejected division and looked at public safety policies where we could find common ground. In the first meeting I offered several ideas that have since become law, I will list them: W e created the Maine School Safety Center whose sole mission is to improve security a t a l l Maine schools.

W e passed and are now implementing the socalled Yellow Flag law that allows a person to have their dangerous weapons temporarily removed when the court deems them a danger to themselves or others due to a mental health crisis. The law has now been used 58 times.

We passed safe storage legislation.

We passed a sales tax exemption on gun safes and lock boxes to encourage the safe storage of firearms and prescription drugs.

Working with some

members of the Congressional delegation, our organization helped to negotiate important components of the Safer Communities Act. The most recent SAM ILA/Governor’s proposal was designed to enhance and expand on a series of reforms designed to make Maine a safer place to live. It fell victim to the political meat grinder that has become our law-making system. Legislative proposals are growing more extreme and, in many cases, written by individuals in another state, not tailored to fit Maine.

When I negotiated Maine’s Yellow Flag law, I was heavily criticized by the firearm community and gun control groups who tried to defeat the effort. I still bear the scars from that fight, but I would do it again. Not because it was a victory or a box to check, but because of the 58 souls and their families helped by the new law.

The work started with the Governor five years ago has saved lives in Maine.

Unfortunately, it appears that progress and effort to work together has ended, at least in the short term.

David Trahan is executive director of the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine.

July 2023

By Al Raychard For many fly fishing enthusiasts trout are the name of the game. I’m a big fan of the various members of the “trout” clan, too and have been fortunate to travel from the remote fly-in regions of Labrador,

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Fly Fishing Summer Bass cept a well- placed fly and I marvel at their colorful and delicate beauty. But closer to home bass are my name of the game, especially at this time of year.

Part of the reason is that bass are readily avail-

to Maine. According to a Black Bass Management Plan dated way back in 2001, smallmouth bass are found in 471 lakes and ponds and largemouth in 372. It doesn’t mention anything about rivers.

I dare say the number is now higher on both counts and will stick my neck out and say practically every river crossed, and the vast majority of lakes and

ing water, whether wading or casting from a canoe, is one of my favorite things to do. Although casting weedless flies into dense, dark cover and having a largemouth explode in acceptance is not far behind.

It’s all fun.

July can be a challenging time to fly fish for bass. By now bass and fishing for them have gone through some changes. The

Page 63

to where feed is most abundant and there’s a good chance of finding them in spots where a floating or sink-tip line will suffice.

Challenging This doesn’t mean that the fishing is easy. July bass fishing can be downright challenging, often frustratingly so, particular with flies. But I’ve found that if the same tactics used for t rout are employed

Another reason I like bass is they’re fun to catch, particularly on flies. It doesn’t matter what kind of fly. ponds in the bottom half of Maine, regardless of size, is home to either largemouth or smallmouth bass, in some cases possibly both.

Why Bass?

Another reason I like bass is they’re fun to catch, particularly on flies.

It doesn’t matter what kind of fly. For me surface flies are the most exciting, but whether it’s something on the surface or something subsurface it doesn’t matter. Bass are nowhere as colorful or pleasing to the Summer bassin’ is a great way to get kids human eye as trout, but hooked on fishing. (Photo by V. Paul Reynolds) ounce-for-ounce or poundQuebec and Alaska to the able, perhaps the most for-pound when comes to high altitude ponds in the readily available game fish giving a tussle on the end of Rockies to pursue them. in the bottom two-thirds or a fly line they have nothing I enjoy the wild bastions so of the state. That’s quite to be ashamed of. For what trout call home. I get ex- a statement considering it’s worth, fishing smallcited when they finally ac- that neither bass are native mouths in moderately mov-

Get Hooked on the Sporting

spawn and post-spawn periods are long gone and, as water temperatures warm, bass tend to seek cooler temperatures in deeper water. For that reason the early morning hours before the sun is fully on the water and late in the day once the sun starts to wane in the west casting dark shadows are my favorite times. Bass always seem to be on the feedbag but at these times of day waters are coolest, or are starting to cool, bass increase activity and move

success comes more frequently.

It’s July, folks. If you’re not off camping, at the beach or saltwater fishing, looking for trout, hiking somewhere or just wiling away the coming dog days of summer pick up your fly rod and try casting some flies for bass.

There’s tons of them out there, finding good water isn’t a problem and you’ll be glad you did in more ways than one.

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 64

July 2023

Huntin' And Fishin' With The Ole Man By the late Dave O'Conner

No TV’s Allowed, No Electricity Either Sometimes the Ole Man shuffled around. Normally He just walked, ran or crawled. But, on certain days He shuffled from place to place. It always meant that the world was badly beating Him in His quest to make sure that nothing ever changed.

It was on a shuffling day in early March that I went in for this particular visit. I had hardly closed the door before I wished I had waited for some other time. He was on a binge of reading books on arctic life, Inuit and ancient travelers. That in itself was good, but He was reading them now, as He often did, to escape life in the work-a-day world of this century.

“I’m goin’ on a caribou hunt this fall in Ungava Bay area of Quebec.

Want to come? We’ve (The “We” was now going to be part of all future debates, without even waiting for me to answer.) got to find an outfitter who still hunts with a fly camp, like Peter

Frenchen would have done.

None of this darned television or electricity stuff. I wish we could just go back to the simple days when

especially me. Instead I humored Him along and found my own excitement level getting higher as we talked about hunting in the

things were natural.”

I was going to ask Him if He wanted to give up His Orvis graphite rod, or a small trolling outboard for the lake fishing He loved, but decided that the world could do without another murder statistic,

far arctic.

Something in the outdoorsman leads us over that next ridge, and the next. Something promises that fishing will be better at the other end of the lake, or in another state or country.

Finally, the fishing book that you've been waiting for...drum roll, please...

FLY FISHING MAINE RIVERS, BROOKS AND STREAMS - By Bob Leeman Sporting Journal columnist Bob Leeman, a Master Maine Guide and ardent fly fisherman, has written a book whose chapters capture the experiences of a lifetime of fishing Maine. This book not only tells where to go to catch brook trout and landlocked salmon in rivers, brooks and streams, but locates wadeable waters and canoeable waters. Certain pools, secretive springs, slow water, beaver ponds and fast water pocket holding places are located in words and detailed map illustrations. For the fly fisherman, this is a useful, practical, "how-to" angling manual, unmatched for its thoroughness, originality and authoritative advice.

Bob shares his own fly creations along with recipes and striking color photos of each fly.

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Something urges us to become an explorer and join those who first wandered Africa, Alaska or the far flung ant hills of St. Louis.

There is always another thrill that comes from standing on the highest point around and looking down and over the domain below.

About seventy percent of the fun came from writing letters to the prospective outfitters and awaiting a n a n s w e r.

When the mail came everyday it was an anxious moment to find out if the “right one” had arrived yet. Finally there came a day when I was sure that we had our outfitter.

The letter described the land of Kaniapiskau River in the Ungava region.

It was run by the Montaganis Indians who were famous as guides. It was perfect. Although they had some rather nice, modern tent-platform type camps with hot-cold water, they also had some primitive outpost camps. The description was just the tonic the Ole Man had in mind.

We booked in for an outpost setting for the September hunt. Between the late April booking date and the actual trip in the fall came what He calls the “sweet time”…time

to dream. A day of togue fishing near home was spent with comments like “I wonder if we should get some better maps of the area? If that Woolrich jacket wasn’t red I’d take that for the hunting coat.

Probably I’ll take my duck hunting jacket, so I won’t spook the caribou.”

It was the real stuff of life.

As the time got down to only a week away we were ugly, uptight around work, excited, unhappy, ready to quit work early, unsettled at home. The Ole Man’s wife, Herself, summed it up quite nicely, “If I didn’t know better I’d think you guys were getting ready for the senior prom and a movie queen was coming to take you away.

Now, go out in the den and keep out of my way! Some of us have to work for a living.”

I had checked my gear about a thousand times but the night we left I gathered the flight bag, sleeping bags, guns and all the rest in a single heap. The kitchen floor looked small when I had finished. Actually, it was oversized, but with three weeks of “things” for two men on an arctic caribou hunt all neatly laid out it was a major effort for my son to get a cold glass of milk from the refrigerator, which was really about thirty miles for Labrador on the maps I laid out.

There was a single heap that I called “camp comforts”, things like a pair of well-worn moc(Ole Man cont. pg 68)

July 2023

Effect (Cont. from pg 59) of water. Perhaps we have just passed through an “upwelling” of warm water from the ground.

Energy Conservation: Cold weather and long periods of adverse conditions can limit the availability of food sources. Smallmouth bass adapt by reducing their activity levels and metabolic rate, conserving energy reserves for essential biological functions, such as reproduction and maintaining body temperature.

As it turns out, too much worry for the species during these unseasonable, wintery throwbacks is unwarranted. The problem is worse for the fishermen than for the fish. Many sports who’d planned their trip for a year went away hanging their heads. Some didn’t bring enough lay-

Northwoods Sporting Journal ers of clothing to handle the cold and the windchill. “Why would we?” they asked. One party that had been coming for 40 years said that they had never seen anything like this weeks-long period of unrelenting cold, wind, and rain. Was it one more manifestation of climate change, some of the models of which call for extreme weather of almost any kind?

The truth was, as sports hovered around the cook fire at noon, nobody asked these questions. The more common one was: “Do you think we should head in a little early today?”

Randy Spencer is a working guide and author.

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Back Shelf

(Cont. from pg 60) on the lovely weather, the wild, enchanting setting, the fabulous fishing...it was all background. Something needed to change.

Our doomsday thoughts.

Maybe we just possessed overactive imaginations.

When we asked other pilots they all said to contact the one we engaged. They all said he was the best and occasionally flew someone in to Long Pond and while the Super Cub could have taken the Ole Man, myself, the canoe and the gear in ONE flight, our cautious pilot would stay conservative and insist on two flights each way. It cost us more, but those were his rules and we abided by them.

As the day progressed we decided to make our best effort to enjoy the week. By the next morning

we were genuinely having fun. The fishing was as good as it gets. The brook trout were cooperative, the weather was sunny, breezy, mild and the camping vista was just unbeatable. By the end of the week it was hard to imagine we were ever troubled by impending doom. We were solidly upbeat...even talking about making this trip an annual event.

When we heard the drone of the floatplane on our appointed departure day it was different. Soon, we could see why. There were two Supercubs. We would be returning to the base without a long wait.

Once they pulled up beside us the pilot we hired said, “The weather is perfect for a good lift and Jimmy here, a man with more experience then I have even, offered to bring his plane along for a look at the scenery. You all ready?”

We were.

In a matter of minutes

Page 65

we were all airborne. There was clearance to spare on takeoff and now we drifted home in dual STOL craft.

The morale of all of this?

We now go to Long Pond annually for the last ten years and we throughly enjoy each and every trip.

Twice we have added a day or so to the trip because the pilot said the conditions were not good. Gladly we stayed put for another day of fishing. The fishing gear we brought on the first trip proved minimal, but adequate and we have taken the same spare tackle every year since. We know fishing. The pilot knows flying.

We let him do his job, we always do ours. He flies.

We fish. Never once has he accused us of having too little tackle.

The late Dave O’Connor was a longtime contributor to the Sporting Journal. He wrote a column called “Me & the Ole Man.”

Northwoods Sporting Journal Offers A FREE DIGITAL COPY to All Active Duty Military Personnel Worldwide!

E CTIV A O Y ET FRE ILITAR M

In these troubled and divisive times for our country, we at the Northwoods Sporting Journal remain proud to be Americans. We still stand for the National Anthem and thank our lucky stars that we live in the land of the free.

And we still salute our military men and women, who have served and continue to serve their country, here at home and in faraway lands. To them we owe our gratitude and appreciation for what they do, and for safeguarding our American way of life, which we value deeply.

As a way of saying thank you, we make the digital versions of the Northwoods Sporting Journal past and current - available online to service people around the world. If you have a loved one or friend now serving on active duty in Iraq or Afghanistan, or anywhere else, please let them know that they have free access to our digital magazines at: www.sportingjournal.com

Page 66

By V. Paul Reynolds

Fish psychology- why fish behave the way they do- holds fascination for just about every serious angler, but especially fly fishermen. Just when you think that you have the fish finally figured out, presto,

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Why Do Fish Bite? every fish struck at every fly or lure you presented, the challenge and the thrill would be gone. Not unlike romance, seduction is only meaningful when a fish plays hard to get.

Salmon, and to a less-

Nobody really knows for sure the empirically correct answer to this question. Perhaps that’s why anglers (and outdoor writers) like to ponder this intriguing but mystical question.

Nobody has conducted a survey with salmon or trout, but controlled studies

slammed my Rusty Rat, the same fly it had shrugged off for hours. A change in the water temperature? Rising barometer? You can never be sure. It looked less nuanced than that. Moreover, it seemed as though the fish had simply grown agitated by my fly constantly being

Fish, according to the conventional speculation, bite for three reasons: 1) Anger 2) Curiosity 3) Spirit of play.

The best flies are tied to attract the fish, not the fly fisherman. the fly or lure that was working like a charm gets ignored by the same fish that was slamming your offering minutes before.

But it is this very mystery and unpredictability that, for many anglers, is the essence of fishing. If

er extent trout, are at the top of my fish-that-play-hardto-get hierarchy. Eventually, this discussion gets you to the root question: why do fish bite a fly or a lure that may look marginally eatable, but gives off no oil or smell of protein.

have been conducted in order to put some “scientific” focus on this venerable question mark.

Fish, according to the conventional speculation, bite for three reasons: 1) Anger 2) Curiosity 3) Spirit of play.

Sounds plausible.

Casting in vain over a pod of fresh-run Atlantic salmon on the Upsalquitch River in New Brunswick for an entire morning, I bore witness to reason number one, apparently. Suddenly, a fish

stripped by it’s fanning position in the current.

Reason number one was in play: anger.

Here is an even bigger mystery, though, that escapes explanation in Fish Pyschology 101. Twice in my fishing career, once on trout and once on landlocked salmon on moving water when the fishing was incredibly fast and furious, the voracious fish continued unrelentingly to smash artificials that had been chewed beyond

July 2023

recognition. One was a hornberg and one was a smelt streamer imitation.

There was nothing left of these flies, except maybe a hanging shred of hackle and some silver tinsel wrap skewed in an unnatural direction off the hook. I have witnesses! Anger? Curiosity? Spirit of Play?

Your guess is as good as mine.

The takeaway, however, may be that fly tiers are trying too hard, tying elaborate flies that please anglers more than fish. Not to take away anything from the fly-tying skills of a Bob Leeman, a Don Corey or a Ron McKusick, these gents create marvelous artificials at their respective vises.

Perhaps this explains why one of the most consistently successful fly fishermen I know, who buys all of his flies, gives each one a “haircut” with a pair of fingernail clippers before showing it to the fish.

Tight lines, yes. But sparse flies as well. It’s another counter-intuitive case of less is better.

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

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July 2023

By Stu Bristol

These men and women are a rare and hearty breed, for sure. They travel Maine from end to end, in snowstorms, ice and rain, sometimes for hours at a time in a single day. Armed with modern ice fishing

Northwoods Sporting Journal

The Togue Hunters tive than simply hanging a sucker on the bottom, although that technique sometimes works.

Lake trout are called “togue” by Maine anglers and considered to be the longest lived and larg-

tail grubs in 3-6-inch size fished on a snakehead flat jig head. Popular colors are copper, white or silver spoons.

Back to the location search, the IF&W website offers lake depth maps on

Togue Hunter Tyler Strasenburgh of Clifton boated this monster togue in mid June at a lake in Hancock County. The fish tipped the scales at 20 lbs and measured 35 inches. Strasenburgh said he fought the fish for 45 minutes. He says, “When I saw that fish come up from the bottom, I couldn’t believe how big that head was on that fish.

It’s memory I will never forget.” gear they search for the est “native” freshwater most of the popular lakes.

Togue (Lake Trout) honey game fish. Togue have been For deep water ice fishing, holes looking for those known to live 20 years cross off the shallow lakes elusive 20 pounders. They or more and pushing the of 80 feet or less. Only a are the “Togue Hunters.” length of a yardstick. Cur- few exist is southern and We are not talking rent Maine State Record central Maine, hence the about randomly drilling a is 39.2 pounds taken from need to head Downeast.

10-inch hole in sometimes Richardson Lake in westToo Many Togue over two feet of ice. Care- ern Maine.

Some southern ponds ful study of Navionics Their diet is varied are over-populated with bathymetric maps, satellite from plankton to foot-long lake trout and a few the imagery and state-of-the- white or yellow perch, regulations have been liftart sonar units are all in smelt and suckers. Surpris- ed. One example is Sebago play. ingly they will also take a Lake with a daily bag limit Special Touch for Togue small 3-inch shiner but in only on lake trout measurThis type of ice fish- deep winter at depths of ing over 26 inches. Double ing is more challenging 100 feet or more anglers digit catches year-round are than scientific. Each angler need to employ specialized common. While there are needs to have that special lures. huge lakers in Sebago, the feel for a feeding togue.

One of the most pro- younger fish usually beat Jigging lures and baits have ductive is the versatile them to the choice baits. always been more produc- soft swim bait and flip- Usually the dedicated deep

water anglers will connect with the fat boys.

In northern Maine lakes the population is less concentrated allowing fish to grow larger and make for attractive targets of modern “Togue Hunters.” Look in the regulations for lakes that have strict bag limits

Page 67

depths being fished, anglers need a short rod with a fast tip and stiff butt. Instead of monofilament line they generally use a low-stretch Power Pro in 30 pound test and a long fluorocarbon leader.

Dedicated Anglers If you are blessed to be living near one of Lake trout are these deep water lakes, apcalled “togue” by preciate the distance and Maine anglers and hardship the togue hunters considered to be endure. They most times the longest lived sleep in their trucks or their ice tents and almost always and largest have a 7-hour or more trip “native” each way. freshwater game Obviously, I will not fish. Togue have divulge the names of lakes been known to live even though they are obvi20 years or more ous. Serious anglers never want others to hear about and pushing the their success in favorite length of a waters. Just as with bass yardstick. fishing using specialized on togue and you should electronics or hunting deer with modern cellphone find larger fish.

As I mentioned ear- game trail cameras, it is the lier, Togue Hunters are skill of the individual that a hearty bunch but they leads them to success. travel using ATV or snowmobile pulling a sled loadStu Bristol is a Master ed with a quilted pop-up Maine Guide and Outshelter, propane heater, battery-operated ice drill door Writer. His columns and sophisticated sonar of and features have been the Garmin E7 or higher published nationwide for resolution, and, of course a nearly 60 years. Inducted GPS to find exact location into NE Wild Turkey Huntof underwater humps and ing Hall of Fame in 2019.

He operates Orion Guide rock piles.

Navionics offers a Service in Southern Maine cellphone app that works and makes custom game well for little money (and a calls at www.deadlyimposfree short trial). Due to the tergamecalls.com

Page 68

By Bob Leeman

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Tying the “Barnsie”

While fly casting for landlocked salmon at Grand Lake Stream a few years ago, I spotted a goodsized fish waiting for a morsel to float by, while hiding behind a sunken boulder across the flow.

My first offer was a Bob’s White Marabou Muddler fly, flicked to the upper current just above and to the right of the fish--well within sighting distance.

In split seconds, the salmon was eyeing the offering, but refused to strike, hurrying back to his comfort spot.

A hurried change of fly pattern to a “Barnsie”, which is a casting ver-

sion of the original Barnes Special streamer fly; then cast to the identical location, produced an explosive strike, with no inspection at all! Wow!, I thought! This fly really works for stream landlocks, and here I’ve been using my White Marabou Muddler with mixed success on this stream for years!

“The Creator” The original creation of the “Barnsie” casting size streamer fly was made one evening by my longtime fishing pal, Roger Wakefield of Machias. As I recall, we had sat down at our rented riverside cabin, to tie some of our big caddis flies to match the hatch

of the early July big mottled caddis insect, which was hatching at the time.

And I might add, we had fashioned an almost perfect imitation that worked.

Anyway, Roger got to tying up some small

streamers that night, and right out of the blue, he put together his version of the Barnes Special, in a smaller size. Actually, it resembled the “original” one in size.

The “Barnsie” has gone on to be “the” fly at Grand Lake Stream, when

Grey Ghost, 9-3, Supervisor, Joe’s Smelt, Mickey Finn, Black Ghost, and Red and White.

“Tying The Barnsie” Hook: 4X long of your choice Tail: NO tail Body: Flat silver tinsel

Ole Man

were to stop in Montreal.

From that city it was a matter of climbing aboard another plane and being hosted up high again into another more remote place where the bush pilot would take us even more miles by air.

The pilot in the float plane seemed to be more my style. He was all business, but at least he had the decency to wear some dungarees and knew that those rifle cases were valuable items. “What are you guys going to use for guns?” he made conversation. I had my favored .300 Winchester Magnum in the Remington Model 700. It had performed nicely in several long ranged hunts in the past.

The Ole Man was kicking high and willing to be as cooperative as possible, “I got my deer rifle from Maine, the one I shot a deer with at over four hundred yards in John Braley’s held. Ever hear of

that shot? Well you will.”

He said that with a wink as He tapped the case holding His .30-06 pre War Model 70 Winchester. He had made some very good shots with it, but that was the first I had ever heard of the 400 yard shot in John Braley’s field. I guess I don’t listen too well.

It was nearly sundown as we glided in to a rest in the river Kaniapiskau. We were near the fabled Quebec herds of caribou, in fact, we had seen several bands on the way down through the sweeping flatlands that made up this gentle slope to the Arctic Ocean. It had been a long time since we had seen more than a simple hill, much less a mountain.

Our pilot introduced us to Joe, our guide for the trip and made his way back to the home base and an evening in front of the television. By the time he got home, he had told us,

the late news would be coming on. We turned to find that Joe was leading us up to where we would spend the next three weeks.

My wife would have croaked right there, but to us it sure looked good. The guide had a faded blue tent set over by a spring on a small knoll. We had the “best place in town”, as he had told us. It was a small shack about ten feet by ten feet with the ever present stove pipe through the roof.

The walls were made from notched spruce logs that were not peeled. On the roof was the cedar shake, the kind you don’t see anymore, they were hand split, and not very even.

On the inside the camp was even better. It had a ramdown stove, two bunks, a small sink, with holding tank outside and lots of canned food. Out back was the building known the world over, it was less impressive than most.

Joe had coffee on, the

(Cont. from pg 64) casins. I never went anywhere without them. I had ever thought to bring my best Case knife, one my father had given me about thirty years before. It was useful for anything from gathering in an apple back home while bird hunting to cleaning a mess of Dolly Varden in Nulato River in Alaska.

After fondly staring at my most prized possessions I was urged by the family to get them out of the way, or they were going to move elsewhere until I left “with Him”. I finally agreed to that, the former, but not until after I had gone over the written checklist once more. After a sleepless night in the big jet seemed to have the necessary comfort to give you a feeling that all was right.

It soared to thirty thousand feet over the western New England region where we

fly casting for landlocked salmon. The original Barnes Special streamer fly was, and still is ranking “up there” as one of the most renowned fly patterns, in usage and success in fly fishing results, rivaling

The original creation of the “Barnsie” casting size streamer fly was made one evening by my longtime fishing pal, Roger Wakefield of Machias.

July 2023

(medium #14) Rib: Medium oval silver tinsel (medium #14) Wing: Pinch of red bucktail, over which sparse white bucktail, over which are two matched yellow saddle hackles, over which are two grizzly saddle hackles, and matched.

Throat: One medium sized white hackle, wound around, then tied slightly back.

Head: Red thread. This fly pattern differs from the original Barnes Special streamer by an absent Junglecock tail and red threat or painted head.

stove was putting out the heat and we were ready for our first meal, beans, bacon (canned of course) and hot biscuits, from real flour. Joe stayed and ate with us and then said his good-night commenting that morning would come early.

The night was chilly, down in the low thirties, but we didn’t mind. The Ole Man and I strolled down to the edge of the river and sat for a silent hour looking at the stars. “It don’t look too much different than the sky from Swift Brook, but you know that even if we never get a caribou in the next three weeks it will have been worth all the effort to just sit here for an hour tonight, and look at those stars and think about the country we’re in.”

P.S. We each got a pretty good caribou, loved the land up there and would like to return to that river for one more trip, right after we get back from Colorado and a mule deer hunt.

Northwoods Sporting Journal

July 2023

REAL ESTATE SELLERS LANE

BUYERS ROAD

Page 69 www.edssheds-cabins.com Email: edwardl@edssheds-cabins.com

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T4 R7- Looking for re m o te p r i st i n e waterfront? Enjoy seeing a perfect starry night sky? Do you enjoy hunting & fishing? This leased camp on Seboeis River could be just what you are looking for. Call today for your appointment to see. $49,000

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Winn- This cute cabin is insulated with a knotty interior. The lot is heavily wooded and gorgeous. Situated on North Rd; a paved, year round, secondary road. With a little fire pit sitting just off the cabin’s screen porch. $49,900

Lakeville- Gorgeous piece of land, heavily wooded & near the end of the Spaulding Pond Rd with lakes all around. The cabin is small but sturdy. The privy and fire pit make it comfortable. Definitely well worth a look. $49,000

Residential

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Prentiss TWP- This piece of land is on a yr rd w/power, a drilled well and a s e p t i c syste m (we think). Most of the site work is done and is priced fairly, right on Park St. Rural, near many lakes and other outdoor recreational possibilities. $24,900

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T3R1- Remote. Private. Wooded and beautiful. With deeded access to Bill Green Pond, this would be a wonderful place to build your seasonal cabin right off Engstrom Rd. OF $22,900 Enfield- This large lot is part of a larger parcel, owner would consider selling larger piece.

Not far from Cold Stream Pond & Cold Stream. Public road of Caribou Rd & short distance to electricity. Make this your camp/home. $34,000 Lee- Looking for some privacy but still need year round access and electricity? This lot is well wooded, fairly level and ready for you to take a peek at on Old Steamboat Road. It could be the property you have been looking for. $37,500 Lincoln- Nice lot on year round Half Township Road. Great lot for that year round home or cottage. This lot is located in a rural area close to ATV trails. Explore the Maine woods from this lot. Enjoy a look today. $29,500

www.HearthAndHomeRealty.com 274 Main Street Madison, ME 04950

4403-Madison; Well maintained 2BR, one bath mobile home ready to move in as soon as you can close.

Nice additional closed in porch and good sized shed for additional storage. Two heat sources and A/C too. Walking distance to grocery store. $99,900

3453-Anson; 3BR, two bath doublewide with flowering trees, shrubs & garden areas.

Second area with sewer/water hookup for second dwelling if needed. Paved driveway, garage, 2 sheds, central A/C & automatic generator.

1.43 acres. $194,900

8455-Embden; Beautiful surveyed 10.741 acres with small unnamed brook.

Driveway, power and a septic tank are in. Also, preparations were made for a foundation as well. $75,000

3447-Athens; Country living on 12.2 beautiful acres. 2BR, 1 bath home to use as a yearround home or camp. Situated on a main road for easy access. Barn & shed for storage. $120,000

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL Our Past. Your Future

P.O. Box 72 Houlton, Maine 1-800-341-1566 www.wardcedarloghomes.com

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 70

P.O. Box 628 Main Street Machias, ME 04654

SUNRISE REALTY

Pemadumcook Lake Island

Office Tel. & Fax: (207) 255-3039 Email: anitaj@midmaine.com Website: www.sunlist.com Anita Johnson

EAST MACHIAS: This beautiful three-bedroom home has just been reduced to $225,000.00. The master bedroom has the 1/2 bath and there is a great laundry room. Great large basement and a two-car garage with a workshop on the end. This is a home you have to see to really realize how great this home is. Close to the Machias area where the DECH and the UMM is located. Super great price at only $225,000.00.

COOPER: This lot has 110 acres of land with views of Hills and Eastern Cathance lake. Watch the sun come up in the morning on your own land. Land was cut over several years ago and is growing back with nice trees. Property is in Tree growth. There used to be a home on the land several years ago and there is still a driveway there. REAL great price such a nice property. $110,000.00

July 2023 SELLERS LANE BUYERS ROAD

80 Penobscot Avenue Millinocket, Maine 04462 207-723-9086 www.northwoods-realestate.com

REAL ESTATE

“Serving Maine and the Katahdin Region Since 1984”

A 21.6 acre undeveloped island. Located on T1R9 WELS in Piscataquis County near Millinocket. It includes 2 large sand beaches. Price $425,000. Dan Corcoran, Agent

207-265-4000 259 Main Street, Kingfield, ME www.csmrealestate.com

janet@csmrealestate.com

Enjoy Maine's Vacation-land!

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3 bd, 2.5 bath home on 68 acres on dead end road.

Lots of privacy!

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