Northwoods Sporting Journal, June 2022

Albert Solitary Was A Medal Of Honor Winner June 2022

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Green Lake: A Special Fishery -V. Paul Reynolds

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June 2022

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Green Lake: A Special Fishery Among those Maine anglers who talk and ponder such things, the Arctic charr is getting a fair amount of attention these days. This cold -water native Maine fish has a Laurentian lineage, which means that its ancestors date back to the Ice Age. In the U.S, there are just 12 waters that hold the Arctic charr. All are in Maine.

One of these 12 waters is Green Lake in Hancock County. According to Bob Mallard, spokesman for the Native Fish Coalition (NFC), Green Lake is the only water in the country where Arctic charr and landlocked salmon “occurred naturally.” The term for this is “coevolved.” The lake is also a native habitat for rainbow

both salmon and lake trout in Green Lake. Because lake trout are deep bottom dwellers like charr, Mallard and the NFC contend that this stocking is misguided, that the lake trout in particular will forage on the charr and hybridize with them, and thus represent a direct threat to the native charr’s survival. NFC

regardless of what happens at Green Lake.

NFC’s mission is unequivocal. It wants no fish ever stocked over wild native fish, period! ” In my view, this is a significant departure from conventional fisheries management philosophy. Who knows, NFC may be riding a new wave, an emerging neo-

Page 3

Outdoors In Maine

by V. Paul Reynolds, Ellsworth, ME salmon waters?

So, boiled down, the decision hinges on whether pedal-to-the-metal charr protection in Green Lake justifies the closing down of lake trout stocking there,

diverse recreational fishery.

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 But the larger question becomes: “How far do we go Sundays at 7 p.m. on The and how big a sacrifice and how much energy and Voice of Maine News-Talk public money are we willing to expend to protect a Network. He has authored native fish in a specific body of water? three books.Online purbelieves, for these reasons, ethic in modern fisheries or even salmon stocking, chase information is availthat the stocking of lake stewardship. But applied and in turn compromising able at www.maineouttrout in Green Lake should broadly, it cuts to the quick a historically robust and doorpublications.com be halted. of Maine’s existing recWhere do we go from reational angling culture, here? Clearly there is a outdoor economy (guides, niche in fisheries politics sporting camps, outfitters, and advocacy for native etc) and biology. fish evangelists The question of stocking lake trout in Green Lake is certainly worthy of debate and sober deliberation. And NFC has a role 1681 Bennoch Rd, Old Town, ME in bringing these native fish East Off I-95 Exit 197 Maine’s wild and native Arctic Charr issues to the fore. Of note, however, is the fact that are in 12 Maine lakes. the Green Lake charr are smelt as well. Mallard says like Mallard and his growstill there despite 60 years that this triple species mix ing organization, which has of lake trout and salmon of native fish make Green fought hard for wild native stocking. According to Lake a “natural resource of fish protection. But the IF&W, there is no evidence national significance.” larger question becomes: that the charr numbers have TURKEY Although it was once “How far do we go and appreciably changed in 60 HUNTING thought that the Green Lake how big a sacrifice and how HUNTING & FISHING years! If Green Lake was LICENSES charr were not native, that much energy and public SUPPLIES RESIDENT • NON-RESIDENT the only charr water in they were progeny from a money are we willing to Maine, the choices might stocking in Green Lake of expend to protect a native GARMIN FISH FINDERS be more clear cut. But that charr from Floods Pond fish in a specific body of is not the case.

DOWNRIGGERS in the late 1800s, there is water? Contrary to MalEverything, even fishFISHING & BOATING SUPPLIES now a growing consensus, lard’s criticism of IF&W’s eries management, is a backed by scientific data, charr protection protocols, trade off. If, as Mallard that seems to point to the IF&W has gone to the wall contends it is irresponcharr as being a native fish to save other charr waters sible to stock hatchery fish in Green Lake. IF&W’s in Maine. Big Reed Pond over wild native fish, then fisheries chief, Francis and Wadleigh Pond are what about the stocking Brautigam, says that the cases in point. of hatchery salmon over Department acknowledges IF&W’s long-range native salmon at Green 5 that the Green Lake charr fisheries management plan Lake. Will that be chal“are likely endemic.” calls for the Arctic charr lenged next? And what CLOSED Since 1961, IF&W to be “sustained as a speabout Moosehead Lake has been regularly stocking cies.” That is being done, www.oldtowntradingpost.net and dozens of other Maine

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On The Cover

Albert Solitary Was a Medal of Honor Winner - Pg 16 Green Lake: A Special Fishery - Pg 3 Understanding Fly Lines - Pg 6 Best June Flies - Pg 9 Crappie Tactics - Pg 15 Legendary Maine Guide 2022 - Pg 5 Camps, Cottages and Land for Sale - Pg 66

Contents

3. Outdoors In Maine - V. Paul Reynolds 5. Polly Mahoney Named Legendary Maine Guide 6. The BackShelf - Bob Leeman 7. The Tyer’s Corner - Hugh Kelly 9. “Just Fishing” - Bob Leeman 10. “A Hiker’s Life” - Carey Kish 11. The Gun Cabinet - John Floyd 12. On Point - Paul Fuller 13. Muzzleloading Afield - Al Raychard 15. South Of The Kennebec - Stu Bristol 16. The Adventures Of Me & Joe - Bob Cram 18. Outdoor Sporting Library - Jeremiah Wood 21. Aroostook Woods & Water - Mike Maynard 24. Basics Of Survival - Joe Frazier 25. Native Fish Talk - Bob Mallard 26. Warden’s Words - Warden Kale O’Leary 28. Post-Script From Pocasset - Josh Reynolds 30. The Northwoods Bowhunter - Brian Smith 31. Ramblings From T8-R9 - Benjamin Rioux 32. The Buck Hunter - Hal Blood 33. Guns & Ammo: A Guide’s Perspective - Tom Kelly 34. The Maine Woods - Matt LaRoche 35. New Hampshire Outdoors - Peter St. James 36. View From The River - Laurie Chandler 37. What’s In Your Woods - Bud Utecht 38. Marsh Island Chronicles - Matthew Dunlap 39. Old Tales From The Maine Woods - Steve Pinkham 40. Anticosti - Mark Cote 42. Maine Outdoor Adventure - Rich Yvon 43. Northwoods Voyager - Gil Gilpatrick 46. On The Prowl - Justin Merrill 48. Kineo Currents - Suzanne AuClair 49. The Bird Perch - Karen Holmes 50. Vermont Ramblings - Dennis Jensen 51. Outdoors In Vermont - Gary W. Moore 52. Green Mountain Report - Bradley Carleton 55. Best Bassin’ - Bill Decoteau 56. Cookin’ With New England’s WildCheff - Denny Corriveau 57. Northwoods Sketchbook - Mark McCollough 58. The Singing Maine Guide - Randy Spencer 60. Against The Current - Bob Romano 61. SAM News - David Trahan 62. Fly Fishing - Joe Bertolaccini 63. Maine Tails - Jonah Paris 66. Women In The Woods - Erin Merrill

Other Great Stories & Information

Northwoods Sporting Journal

June 2022

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 an independent voice for the region’s outdoor community for more than 28 years. Some of our writers are seasoned and specialized outdoors people who will share their know-how and insights; some of our contributors are simply lifelong outdoor people with interesting stories to tell.

Our aim every month is to capture the essence of Northern New England’s remarkable outdoor heritage by stirring memories, portraying outdoor humor, and sharing experiences and outdoor knowledge. We also keep our readers up to date with late-breaking outdoor news and hard-hitting editorials about fish and wildlife issues.

Anyone who loves to hunt and fish, or simply finds the Great Outdoors a treasured place, is more than likely to find some special connections amid the pages of the Northwoods Sporting Journal.

www.sportingjournal.com

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

Vol 29 Issue 6 is published monthly by Northwoods Publications, 57 Old County Rd. North, W. Enfield, ME 04493 Periodical Postage Paid at W. Enfield, ME. and additional mailing offices.

The Northwoods Sporting Journal (ISSN#1548-193X) Postmaster: Send address changes to: Northwoods Sporting Journal, PO Box 195, W. Enfield, ME 04493 Northwoods Publishing Group Victor Morin - Susan Morin - Diane Reynolds - V. Paul Reynolds Publishers - Victor Morin Jr. - V. Paul Reynolds Editor - V. Paul Reynolds Director of Marketing - Victor Morin Assistant Editor - Josh Reynolds Associate Editor - Donna Veino Graphic Arts Manager - Gayleen Cummings Subscription/Distribution Manager - Alicia Cram Operations Manager - Annette Boobar Webmaster - V. Paul Reynolds General Sales Manager - Victor Morin Jr. Sales Department; Thomas Schmidt, Paul Hatin & Michael Georgia Regional Advertising Manager - Jim Thorne The Northwoods Sporting Journal invites submissions of photographs and articles about the Maine outdoors.

Manuscripts should be sent with a self-addressed envelope to: NORTHWOODS SPORTING JOURNAL P.O. BOX 195, W. ENFIELD, MAINE 04493 The Northwoods Sporting Journal accepts no responsibility for unsolicited photos or manuscripts. Photos submitted without a stamped, self-addressed envelope will not be returned.

All rights reserved, 2022. 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.

Women In The Woods - Pg 66

By Erin Merrill

Kineo Currents - Pg 48

By Suzanne AuClair

8. Editorial/Letters 14. Outdoor News 41. Trading Post 66. Real Estate

Cover Photo: NWSJ Assistant Editor Josh Reynolds with a nice salmon.

The Northwoods Bowhunter - Pg 30

By Brian Smith

Northwoods Voyager - Pg 43

By Gil Gilpatrick

June 2022

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 5

Polly Mahoney Named Legendary Maine Guide

Maine’s 2022 Maine Legendary Guide Polly Mahoney follows a distinguished line of other legendary Maine guides.

The award was first presented posthumously in 2009 to the late Wiggie Robinson, for whom the award is named.

Polly Mahoney, a longtime guide from Newry, was honored by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

the community and others make her extremely deserving of this award,” said MDIFW Commissioner Judy Camuso, “She is well-

“Polly’s career and continued outreach exemplifies the meaning of this award,” said Camuso. “It is a pleasure to recognize her and her career that has left its mark on so many.” with the Wiggie Robinson Legendary Maine Guide Award. The award was presented by MDIFW Commissioner Judy Camuso and Deputy Commissioner Tim Peabody during the Maine Professional Guides Association annual banquet on Saturday, April 9th.

“Polly’s wealth of experience and her willingness to give back to

known for outdoors skills and leadership, but perhaps even more so for mentoring and helping others.”

Polly is a Master Maine Guide and has led trips for over thirty years as co-owner and operator of Mahoosuc Guide Service, offering dog sledding, canoeing, and fishing trips in Maine and beyond. She is extremely active in her

community, having taught at Bryant Pond Conservation Camp, spoken at the Common Ground Fair, as well as numerous schools, libraries, and even universities such as Harvard.

She has worked with native American tribes to help them develop outdoor tourism businesses. She has lent her expertise to mentoring young people who have an interest in the outdoors, and has seen a number of them go on to become guides.

She co-founded the dog sledding program at Hurricane Island Outward Bound School, is one of three non-native people selected as a member of the First Light Learning Program, and was selected

by Maine Biz as a 2021 Woman to Watch. She is a board member of the Forest Society of Maine, an instructor for the Maine Canoe Symposium, sponsor of wilderness medicine courses, and women’s outdoor education programs.

She initiated a program that helped the Cree and Inuit nations in Quebec start and operate their own tourism and guiding businesses, and worked with the Penobscot nation the past seven years on a similar program. Through that role, she has helped spread understanding of the culture, traditions and history of the Penobscot by offering canoe trips utilizing numerous Penobscot guides as staff.

“Polly’s career and continued outreach exemplifies the meaning of this award,” said Camuso. “It is a pleasure to recognize her and her career that has left its mark on so many.”

The Wiggie Robinson Legendary Maine Guide Award is presented annually at the Maine Professional Guides Association annual banquet. Winners must have been a Registered Maine Guide for 20 years and been an active guide for at least 10 of those years. Along with guiding, winners must be active in the local or outdoor community, or active on boards or committees that enhances and promotes the importance of Maine’s outdoor resources.

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 6

THE BACK SHELF

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

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

By Bob Leeman Are some of these lines better than other flylines? Actually, despite differing in color and price, a (WF) weight forward floating flyline will do what they say they do-that is, float better and perhaps longer, if coated.

The Question: Do you really know how many kinds of flylines are available to anglers today? As I write this, we have (L) level, (QT) quad tader, (QT) quad tip, (I) intermediate, (IT) intermediate tip, (S) sinking, (ST) sinking tip, (DT) double taper, and of course (WF) weight forward. Among others there are also nymph flylines.

Now there’s a whole other

category, including sinking tip. Which one is for you? That is the question, isn’t it?

As you know, most, if not all, have a differ-

Do you really know how many kinds of flylines are available to anglers today? ent color for each flyline product. Cortland Line Company, for instance, has a peach colored floating flyline exclusively for 444.

Now, Scientific Angler’s flylines have differing colors of flylines from top to bottom of their product.

So too, for Rio Company,

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June 2022

Understanding Fly Lines

and a few flyshops that offer their generic flylinesmaybe a bit less expensive with differing colors and capabilities as well.

The Better Lines: Are some of these lines better than other flylines?

Actually, despite differing in color and price, a (WF) weight forward floating flyline will do what they say they do-that is, float better and perhaps longer, if coated. Coated? Now there’s one question for you. And YES! These lines may make a real difference in slipping thru flyrod guides speedily.

But there is no question, the top-of-the-line, no pun intended, have been produced with hidensity, hi-tech, and all sorts of testing over many years. They’re hardly just “strings” anymore. Would you believe, the average price for the top-ofthe-line is $125.00 each?

True. Whereas, the average top-drawer is hardly inexpensive either, that being $90.00 average. Have you noticed? Almost all of the “top-of-the-line” flylines have exclusive names.

Oh, yes, you may well purchase a lesser expensive

flyline that fits your purpose, of maybe the “average” fly caster who only finds time to go on the water a few opportunities per year. In that case, I would suggest you check out a least expensive outfit, with flyrod, flyreel, with backing, flyline and leader---ready to go! These are generally priced for the above, but let me say, don’t laugh—I got a couple of these myself, and use ‘em often. If you’re pinched for price, and only need a “cheap” flyline, you can find these in most fly fishing catalogs, or maybe even on line, for $50.00 to $60.00 bucks, or sometimes less.

Top Drawer Lines: Now, the graduates, or even the masters, might well fall in line, again, no pun intended, for one of those “top-drawer” exclusive, master flylines on the market. These would include: Scientific Angler’s Amplitude Infinity, priced at -hang onto your hat!-$180.00, plus tax. Too, they supply “Bass Bug” flylines at about $90.00 bucks, or so, and a full line of moderately priced flyline products.

Rio Creek Flylines is another top competitor in the field, selling a full array of high-grade lines for all, also, covering the saltwater flycasters and those supersports seeking pike, musky, and stripers. Also, let us not forget Lee Wulff famous flylines guaranteed best for roll casting.

As mentioned above, Cortland Flylines, Cortland, New York, has been in the business since “Rex was a pup”, and still produces one of the finest lines for fly casting, highly recommended by this writer, including the famous 444, peach-colored (WF), and double taper at around $60.00.

If all of this has been a bit confusing, all the average fly caster needs to use most often on his reel, would be a floating line, matched-up to size of your flyrod, a five-weight flyline for mid-weight, 9ft. .to 9ft. flyrod, and/etc. check on the side of the rod near the handle.

Oh, and most flylines today have a loop end for knot to backing. If not looped, then use leader to line with a nail knot, use surgeon’s knot for tippet to leader.

Class dismissed!

Bob Leeman is a Master Maine Guide, outdoor writer, naturalist, book author, and a co-host of the MAINE OUTDOORS radio program on Sunday evenings from 7-8 p.m. His three books are all available, in soft cover only, at several bookstores and fly shops, or directly from him.

For information, see ad in this publication or call 207-573-1468.

June 2022

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Mopey Dick

This month’s fly is an effective flat wing style wet fly that has several names and cousins. It is a close cousin to Hardy’s Favourite and there are versions out there called Moby Dick. I have an old version given to me by my brother in law, Alan Stevens of Starks, ME. The card attached to it said “Mopy”.

It was old when he got it and that’s the version I tie.

Works wicked good.

Recipe for the Mopey

Dick

Hook – Size 8- 12, 3x long nymph hook Tail -- Golden pheasant tippets Body – Peacock herl Hackle – Brown hen, beard style Wing – Teal flank feather, tied flat wing style Tie in the tippets tail first and follow with a peacock herl body. I use two herls together and if

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Page 7

The Tyer’s Corner

by Hugh Kelly, Detroit, ME

I have time, I put down a thin coat of head cement on the shank so the herls will become glued to the shank. Trout teeth are sharp and they can tear up a peacock herl very quickly.

The hackle I use is a small bunch of brown hen hackle tied in beard style. Last is a

teal flank feather tied in on top in what is called “flat wing” style. Teal is a favorite because it’s inexpensive and it has great markings for wings.

Substitutions: the first substitution is the name.

This basic pattern is good enough for there to be mi-

nor variations (and names) to cause confusion; I can find at least four names for this fly. Next is the rib and hackle. Instead of beard style, you can use the palmer method of winding a hackle the full length of the hook shank. Or you can use the beard style and add a wire rib. Or a rib of red floss and call it a Hardy’s Favorite. Or you can use brown Wood duck flank for the wing. You get the idea.

This is an inexpensive, easy fly to tie and the trout love it.

Hugh Kelly has fly fished and tied his own flies for over 40 years. He and his family live in Detroit where he ties flies, drinks Moxie and plans fishing trips. He can be reached at hkellymaine@gmail.com and he writes a fly tying blog at puckerbrushflies. com

Page 8

Northwoods Sporting Journal

June 2022

The Sierra Club

Over the years, debate has ensued over whether the national environmental organization, The Sierra Club, actually has been an adversary of our hunting rights in this country. Not so long ago, the NRA, a proponent of hunting rights, dropped its supporting membership in the Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) because of OWAA’s support of the Sierra Club.

Some outdoor writers have taken a middle-of the-road posture, arguing that it is not inconsistent to embrace both of these politically potent national organizations, NRA and the Sierra Club. A few hunters I have known belong to the Sierra Club with no compunctions.

Increasingly, we live in a seductive age of information overload in which truth becomes more and more difficult to discern, most especially with well-funded and skillfully marketed power groups like NRA and Sierra Club.

The only defense, I believe, is to follow actions, not so much the words. Check this out.

Sierra Club Equation To the Editor: I read your V. Paul Reynolds article about the Sierra Club and it reminded me of a common mistake.

That is that people confuse Preservation and Conservation, In equation terms, Preservation + Management (Both habitat and species) equals Conservation.

People and wildlife usually fare much better with Management added to the mix.

On another subject, the Buck Law for deer, it is designed and works with two variables are met. !.

Deer and Habitat are below Carrying Capacity. 2. The

The Sierra Club recently has renewed its push to change the 70,000-acre Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area into a National Park and Preserve, thereby closing off tens of thousands of acres to hunting for area sportsmen. Their plan is to re-designate a large portion of the area as the Delaware River National Park.

Sierra Club has pushed this idea for about a decade, but due to push-back from hunters and hunting organizations, they have not yet succeeded in getting this change through Congress. Of course, hunters know that with National Park designation, hunting will be prohibited. This re-designation to a National Park would effectively post a “no hunting” sign throughout tens of thousands of acres of public land that hunters from several states have enjoyed for decades.

And the Sierra Club New Jersey Chapter – the leader on this move – is not shy about why they are pushing so hard for this change right now. From their website“… we’re aware that the current favorable climate in Congress is tenuous. We are

population can be managed (both up and down) by means of controlling the harvest by means of the legal bullet. If you have a habitat limiting factor on a population, your results will be hindered.

Jim Hall Machais

Disappointed Buck Hunter To the Editor: First, I would like to say that I enjoy your magazine and look forward to every issue.

I have been reading outdoor magazines for over 60 years now and in that

time I have, of course, read opinions and ideas that differ from mine, but I have never been angered enough to write a letter to the editor-until now.

My favorite time in the outdoors now is my annual deer hunting trip to Northern Maine where I look forward to trying to track down a trophy buck, so I was enjoying reading the article “Shadowing a Buck Hunter” by Brian Connor in the January 2022 issue until I came to the last paragraph!

I was appalled to read that Rick Labbe considers white tail bucks to be “Bastards” to be defeated.

(Never let the bastards

working to get this legislation passed in the current session … The change could happen as simply as with the attachment of a rider to an appropriations bill.”

In other words, move fast to ban recreational hunting in the Delaware Water Gap before the Democratic majority in Congress is overturned in the mid-term elections next fall!

Effectively booting hunters out of 70,000 acres of traditional hunting ground in one fell swoop is a strange way to promote conservation, which is the mantra of the Sierra Club. Obviously, the Sierra Club does not embrace the concept that “hunters are the conservationists.”

You can walk the middle of the road on this if it suits you, but not I. Closing down the Delaware water gap to recreational hunting is not the first anti-hunting initiative pushed by the Sierra Club. This group is toxic to the American hunting heritage, and just can’t elude the Reynolds Duck Test: if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, it is probably a……..

- VPR

win). I won’t write out that word in case you print this and a young hunter reads it.

Is that the “tracking philosophy” we want to pass on to young hunters?

I certainly hope this is not the philosophy of the rest of the Big Woods Bucks team.

Maybe, Mr. Labbe should take up coyote hunting and leave the trophy bucks to those of us who respect and admire the white tail buck for the magnificent creature he is.

Jack Hudnall White Sulphur Springs, WV

Sad in New Jersey To the Editor: Saw V. Paul Reynolds recent article about the Sierra Club (trying to close the Delaware Water gap to hunting). We live several miles from the Gap in northwest Jersey. I made copies of it and sent to area congressman. We have enough nuisance bears out in these parts, so we don’t need more restrictions on hunting. It’s enough that bear hunting, if it is even held, is already closed off on public lands, and we don’t need more. Can’t carry a gun here, yet they want a national park for (Letters cont. pg 22)

June 2022

Northwoods Sporting Journal

“Just Fishing”

by Bob Leeman, Bangor, ME

Best Trout Flies for June

When I am wading or canoeing the central and eastern regions of Maine for brook trout, I am sure to include in my flybox the following selections of flies: Muddler minnows in sizes ranging from #12 to #8. The muddlers work especially well if there’s a slight rise in water, or if it’s the least bit turgid.

Grasshoppers—preferably yellow, but some orange. The size #8 hoppers

Hornbergs and Humpys in size #10 are excellent for both brookies and brown trout. Slightly larger sizes are good for landlocked salmon, while casting rivers that have them.

The browns seem to have a passion for yellow colors, so I carry some yellow Hornburgs especially for them.

I’ve taken some heavy landlocks and trout too, on size #12 Picket Pins that

My best casting streamer fly patters in bigger waters include Grey Ghost, Pink Lady, Marabou Muddler, and Bob’s Red and White bucktail.

Best sizes in these are #8 and #10. I try not to forget a Barnes Special for any interested Browns.

There’s also the exception to the basic rules.

For those occasions, which fishermen cannot explain, I always include, and often try, a big #8 white Wulff

Hornbergs and Humpys in size #10 are excellent for both brookies and brown trout. Slightly larger sizes are good for landlocked salmon, while casting rivers that have them. come under the category of nymph wet type flies.

E a r nymph is good too. Both are weighted.

T h e green caddis Top: Hornberg, Wulff Bottom: latex nymph Yelmanabou Muddler, Bill’s Hopper. is always in seem to lure the biggest my flybox during the early part of the season. A trout to strike.

Buckbugs in sizes 10 hare’s the last few years, and 12. Here’s a relatively the Golden Retriever fly, new fly to us from Cana- when used as a nymph, dian waters. I don’t really has been a good choice know what the brookies when fishing trout ponds. think it is, but they’re intent Too, casting these for landon destroying it, and they locked salmon, upstream will take it fished both wet and down, has raised eyebrows of late. and dry.

Professors and Royal Cahills #12 and #14 in both light and dark shades, Coachmans in sizes #10 and Slim Jims in the same and #12 are preferred wet sizes are my preferred dry fly patterns.

Mosquitoes in small flies. sizes, tied real sparse in Parmacheene Bells #14 dries are best on a re- both wet and dry patterns, ally bright day on crystal- will often produce when all else fails with finicky trout. line waters.

dryfly and a #6 brown and orange stonefly dryfly.

During late season, low water September fishing, sizes #18 to #24 midge dryflies have often saved the day for action. Brown, black, and blue Dun patterns are best.

When my ultra-light spinning outfit goes along for both river and pond casting, I make sure I have the following lures with me: Dardevle Midgets in red and white and yellow five-of-diamonds, Al’s Goldfish in gold, and a few small, assorted Mepps Spinners in both silver and gold. With this arsenal, I consider myself well prepared, and everything is light, compact, and easily portaged.

Bob Leeman is a Master Maine Guide, outdoor writer, naturalist, book author, and a co-host of the MAINE OUTDOORS radio program on Sunday

evenings from 7-8 p.m. His three books—“Fly Fishing Maine Rivers, Brooks and Streams”, “Trolling flies for Trout and Salmon”, and “Salesman Angler”—are

Page 9

all available, in soft cover only, at several bookstores and fly shops, or directly from him. For information, see ad in this publication or call 207-573-1468.

Page 10

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Hiking the PCT: Muir Pass

“A Hiker’s Life”

wide-open terrain of barren rock, dozens of snowfields

by Carey Kish, and the occasional green Mt. Desert Island, ME patch of dwarf pines offered limitless panoramic Crossing a sturdy “My First Summer in the views. bridge over the roaring Sierra,” Muir wrote: “AnSouth Fork of the San Joa- other glorious Sierra day quin River, I entered the in which one seems to be wilds of Kings Canyon dissolved and absorbed National Park. The next and sent pulsing onward day, after 4,000 feet of we know not where. Life climbing over 18 miles, I seems neither long nor stood happily atop Muir short, and we take no more Pass. The 11,969-foot pass heed to save time to make is named for John Muir, the haste than do the trees and

The high elevation Sierra fun began in earnest around Highway 108 at 9,624-foot Sonora Pass, where the PCT climbs to just shy of 11,000 feet on its meandering route around Leavitt Peak. dedicated naturalist, ardent conservationist and prolific writer. An old stone hut adorns the pass.

Muir Pass is a setting so spectacular that you could easily imagine yourself in the Karakoram or Himalaya. Harsh as this desolate place appears, though, there’s a softer side if you look closely, that of delicate wildflowers and slender grasses, marmots and mice, and flitting little birds. I pitched my tent amid the rocks 200 feet from Muir’s hut and enjoyed the finest camping of the trek, complete with a lovely moonrise, sweet sunset, brilliant stars and not a breath of wind.

In his 1911 classic,

June 2022

the stars. This is true freedom, a good practical sort of immortality.”

Nearly 1,700 miles and 4 1/2 months into this Pacific Crest Trail thruhiking adventure, I stride forth with John Muir’s spirit deep within me and feel the freedom he felt, breathing deeply the mountain air, drinking copiously of the crystal-clear waters, and feeding voraciously on the incomparable natural beauty all about me.

The high elevation Sierra fun began in earnest around Highway 108 at 9,624-foot Sonora Pass, where the PCT climbs to just shy of 11,000 feet on its meandering route around Leavitt Peak. The

The PCT enters Yosemite National Park at Dorothy Lakes Pass, then descends to follow Falls Creek for 10 easy miles. At Wilma Lake, the trail turns east and starts across the “Yosemite Washboard,” a 40-mile stretch of steep and strenuous ridge, and pass climbs in quick succession.

The late snowmelt has meant a delayed crop of mosquitoes, and while they were only bothersome up

to this point, in Yosemite the beasts were ferocious.

Long-sleeved shirt, long pants and a slathering of DEET became my daily modus operandi, minus

wide open at 10,800 feet just below the icy pass and enjoyed a wonderful evening in the shadow of 13,114-foot Mt. Lyell.

It’s easy to lose track of where you are in this grand landscape of granite and snow, meado w s a n d b ig trees. Yosemite gave way to the Ansel Adams Wi l d e r n e s s , then somewhere amid the head-spinning scenery around Thousand Island Lake, Mt. Ritter and Banner Peak, I think I passed a sign for the John Muir Wilderness.

It’s all gloriously the same to me. These days in the High Sierra are as demanding as any on the hike. I could figure the elevation gain and loss, but I won’t. It’s a lot.

The sweat and toil is worthwhile, however, the head net I’d jettisoned several weeks ago to “save because of the truly special wild places I’ve walked weight.” Yikes.

At Tuolumne Mead- through and camped at. I’m ows, the PCT meets the one lucky hiker. popular John Muir Trail, Carey Kish of Mount which coincides with the big trail for most of the next Desert Island, ME is editor 200 miles. From Lyell Can- of the AMC Maine Mounyon the path switchbacks tain Guide and author of past perfect blue-green the AMC’s Best Day Hikes lakes, gushing creeks, and Along the Maine Coast. clumps of vivid heather His new book, Beer Hikand penstemon to Dona- ing New England, will be hue Pass. I camped in the available in Spring 2022.

June 2022

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Hunting Camp Expectations

Page 11

The Gun Cabinet

by John Floyd, Webster Plantation, ME been here before. It is my the spirit of the traditional hope that seasoned veteran sporting camps of Maine hunters in camp mentor and lore. As hunters, we are offer advice to the younger, all brothers (and sisters) less experienced in camp. in arms, from the astute Similarly, novice hunters woodsman to the greenshould seek the wisdom horn rookie. We all share and experience of those the passion for the pursuit who have “been there, done of game and all that nature that.” reveals to us, deep in the A good hunting camp brings together folks from varying This dynamic of hunt- solitude of the woods. backgrounds and experience levels.

We hope you enjoy As a professional ers are sure they know These hunters often are in- ing camp is one that solidifies the hunting community your time on Tucker Ridge. hunting guide in Maine, I someone of the type I’m timidated by what goes on often expect to find myself talking about. Further- around them. At last they and ensures that traditions As you make new friends dealing with the seasoned more, on their first hunt are in Maine, Big Woods pass down from genera- and swap tall tales, you’ll hunter; an individual who they are often positive I’ve Country, and the place that tion to generation. Hunt- not only be participating in the richest of hunting herihas hunted for many years, Most hunters still bring too much gear, and they pack tage and tradition, you will perhaps made a hunt or two it in oversize gun cases and extra-large duffles or totes. be helping to build ours… out west or down south, New hunters to the north woods of Maine tend to pack and now is coming further John is a Registered north to hunt for species everything but the kitchen sink and even experienced ones Maine Guide, an NRA Cerpack things they don’t need. that have eluded him elsewhere. The seasoned hunt- described everyone else in hunting dreams are made ing camp is far more than tified Instructor and is the er knows what firearms he camp – and not them. of. It’s all new to them and a place to sleep when you owner of Tucker Ridge Outneeds and what equipment The truth is very few sometimes, overwhelming. aren’t on stand. It is a place doors in Webster Plantawill be necessary - and he hunters are the above-de- The size of the country, of camaraderie, union of tion, Maine. He also works knows the ropes. The most scribed ‘perfect hunter’. the remoteness, and the spirit and legacy building. as an outdoors writer and At Tucker Ridge Out- can be reached at john@ noticeable thing about seaMost hunters still casual manner in which soned hunters is that they bring too much gear, and locals treat the sprawling doors, we aim to capture tuckerridge.me don’t seem to be lost souls. they pack it in oversize gun woods and quick changing It’s obvious that they have cases and extra-large duf- weather is quite different done this before. fles or totes. New hunters to from what they are used to.

They generally bring the north woods of Maine They sometimes feel one rifle in a hard case; it tend to pack everything but they do not fit in. They is sighted in, has a qual- the kitchen sink and even don’t ask questions for ity scope installed and a experienced ones pack fear of looking ignorant, couple of boxes of extra things they don’t need. or maybe they just don’t ammunition are on hand.

I think we (as hunt- know what to ask. It is obThey also have a mini- ers) probably come to ex- vious to me that many don’t mum of personal equip- pect this ‘perfect hunter’ book hunts, simply because ment, which is packed in persona of everyone, and they do not know what to two small duffles that will all too often forget about expect. Others are willing easily fit in camp. Proper the people who haven’t to go, but only if they have footwear, cold weather and hunted in the north before. someone along who has 546 Main Street Phone 827-2676 rain gear are in one of the Old Town, ME 04468 Fax 827-5950 duffle bags, and a super light camera is tucked in a shirt pocket. Perhaps the only items of obvious excess are the cell phone and other electronic gadgets prominent today.

“Automotive services of all kinds Many first-time hunt-

EASTERN MAINE

with common sense!”

Page 12

On Point

Sporting Journal Northwoods

by Paul Fuller, Durham, N.H. Field trials play an important part in the bird dog world. They identify the best bird dogs and allow superior genetics to be passed along. However, your author feels there should be more consistency in judging. Let me provide

Eaton told me that the purpose of a bird dog is to be a good hunting companion. And, Hoyle was a big proponent of loving your dog. I interviewed one of the judges the day before the trial began. I asked him what he would be looking

June 2022

Better Field Trial Judging

make that type of cover their objective. This means the dog runs to objectives.

A very well-known trainer, handler and field trial judge from New Hampshire, told me several years ago that he would never reward a dog for running past birds. Finally, the dog that usually wins the National Bird Dog Championship is the dog with the most bird finds.

with a very nice looking English setter. At the break away, both dogs ran hard and straight forward. The judges were on horseback so they had no problem

the thicket and flushed two planted quail. Both dogs moved a bit but stayed fairly steady to the flush. For derby work, it was good.

After the flush, I

A very well-known trainer, handler and field trial judge from New Hampshire, told me several years ago that he would never reward a dog for running past birds. Finally, the dog that usually wins the National Bird Dog Championship is the dog with the most bird finds. an introduction to various thoughts regarding field trial performance and then I’ll provide an example of my concern.

In 2016, while visiting the National Championship in Grand Junction, Tennessee, I interviewed several well-known field trial trainers and handlers.

Hall of Fame trainer Hoyle

for in a dog while judging the National. He said I want a dog that I can take home and hunt with. While visiting the legendary and Hall of Fame trainer Ferrel Miller, I asked him what he looked for in a bird dog.

One of the traits he wants is intelligence. He wants a dog to quickly identify cover holding birds and

Now that I’ve set the stage, I want to tell my story about a field trial experience. And, why I feel there needs to be more consistency and reward for bird work in judging smaller trials.

When my little Cordie was derby age, I ran her in a derby field trial in Connecticut. She was braced

The author’s gundog, Cordie, on point. keeping up with the dogs. never again saw Cordie’s The other trainer and I had brace-mate or the hanto huff and puff to catchup. dler. Through intelligence, We soon arrived at a thicket Cordie now knew her obof brush about 15 yards in jectives…cover similar diameter. Both dogs in my to where she pointed the opinion were on point; I birds. And, after the initial don’t believe there was an bird find, Cordie was alhonor involved. In field ways running ahead. Cortrial language, it’s called die had several more bird a divided find. I went into finds with a good point and steady to most of the flushes. I was very proud of her and was sure she would win a ribbon. At the end of the brace, I met up with the handler of Cordie’s bracemate. The handler told me that her setter had one more find after the initial divided find. That means that dog ran past a large number of birds. The setter had not identified objectives as Cordie did.

One handler told me that he never saw his dog after the breakaway until a judge rode up to him and told him that his dog was on point way up in a far field. This was only with a few minutes remaining in the brace. The handler (Judging cont. pg 27)

June 2022

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Fly Fishing Schoolies

I’ll be the first to admit I don’t have much use for the ocean even though I’ve lived relatively close to it all my life. I find it too cold to swim in even during the heat of summer.I’m prone to sea sickness and I can find better things to do with my time than walking on the beach. I

the monsters or cows so often sought. Give me a calm, shallow saltwater bay, estuary or river mouth I can wade, or a small saline or brackish coastal creek with a run of 20-inch fish (or less) I can work from dry land and I’m a happy angler. My wife, Diane, and I have spent many sum-

bass in locations along the Maine’s south coast. We still do, especially during the dog days of summer when local freshwater angling leaves much to be desired and the cool morning and evening coastal breezes offer a rewarding reprieve from inland humidity and scorching temperatures.

There are several aspects we enjoy about fly fishing for small stripers.

For one, it’s not hard nor

Page 13

Muzzleloading Afield

by Al Raychard, Lyman, ME releasing fish. It doesn’t always pan out that way.

There have been outings when the action was slow, or spotty and we had to keep moving, wade slowly or keep low profiles bankside so not to spook fish but I can count the times on one hand when we went home without experiencing action. Schoolie stripers

Seven weight rods equipped with floating lines and 8-to-10 foot monofilament leads consists are our setups. On those rare occasions when this doesn’t work we usually carry spools loaded with sink-tips. overly challenging fishing.

The wind can test your casting skills at times, but early mornings and evenings when the tides are right, our favorite times, it is more than manageable and you can get all the distance you want or your casting talent can muster. Nor does it require any heavy gear. Seven weight rods equipped with floating lines and 8-to-10 foot monofilament leads consists are our setups. On those rare occasions when this doesn’t work we usually carry spools loaded with sink-tips.

Another thing we like is the action can keep us busy hooking, playing and

Although the author and his wife, Diane, enjoy freshwater fly fishing they take advantage of the saltwater opportunities not far from home. do love some of the foods mer mornings and evening it provides, namely fried casting weighted or unhaddock and clams fried weighted white and charin crumbs. But with one treuse Deceivers, various exception I have little use sand eel and Clouser minfor the salty brine. now patterns in a host of That one exception is color variations to schoolie fly fishing. I’ve fished for various saltwater species from tarpon in Cost Rica to bonefish and permit in 474-5430 the Bahamas and Florida to MAINE GUIDE TRAINING the host of inshore species June 2-5, Penobscot Cty. Conservation Association, that live or visit the New Brewer England coast. One of my June 9-12, Windham-Gorham Rod & Gun Club, favorite targets along the Gorham Carroll & Lila Ware, Master Maine Guides & Instructors Maine coast is striped bass.

And they don’t have to be www.FinsandFursAdventures.com

WORLDWIDE SPORTING ADVENTURES

seem to travel in numbers.

Maybe that’s why they are called “schoolies.” Although they seem to be perpetually on the move, whether along a stretch of sandy beach, in a tidal bay or creek, when you find one you’ll find others.

What we like most of all though, is on mediumweight fly gear even a 12inch bass will provide an exciting and entertaining fight once hooked, especially if there’s a current or the tide is running. A 20-inch specimen will put

a bend in the rod and in the right locations and conditions can strip line into the backing. Just pure fun!

Fortunately, we live within 30 minutes or so of some prime schoolie fishing areas and we typically make our first trip sometime in June, or when we hear “fish are in.” Schoolie bass will remain available in most areas into early September. There are spots worth exploring from Portland and Scarborough south to Saco and Biddeford. Wells is about as far south as we have to go. These areas, the Maine south coast in general all the way to Kittery are popular summertime tourist areas so if you live nearby or are planning a visit this summer don’t forget your fly rod!

Al Raychard and his wife, Diane live on 43 +/acres in Lyman, Maine that offers good deer and turkey hunting opportunities which they both enjoy.

If the property had a trout it would be true paradise.

Al can be reached at alraychard@sacoriver.net

SKOWHEGAN

Page 14

Northwoods Sporting Journal

June 2022

Outdoor News - June 2022 Edited by V. Paul Reynolds

that was shot, dumped off a bridge, and left in Dead Brook in LaGrange. This bear was senselessly killed and left for dead, and this will not stand.

Maine Operation Game Thief (Maine OGT) is seeking information on this incident, anyone with information is urged to call the confidential Maine OGT tip line at 1-800-ALERT-US. Maine OGT is offering a $4000.00 reward for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of the individuals responsible for this waste of one of Maine’s most prized natural resources.

June is bustin’ out all over, and like they say, June is “troutin’and bassin’ time.” With more than 5,000 lakes and ponds, thousands of miles of rivers and streams and 400 remote trout ponds scattered throughout the Pine Tree State’s sprawling wilderness, there is room enough for all of us to find solitude and sustenance for the soul - and maybe even some fish. So get the garden in early, and get after those wonderful brookies and feisty bass.

Be sure to read this issue of the Journal thoroughly.

It’s chocker block full of fishing’ tips and places to go. Don’t forget to buy a RRG & SA fishing license -you can do Announces Second that online now - register Fishing Derby your boat, grease the hubs In 2020, the Rangeon your boat trailer, bring ley Region Guides’ and a kid along and wear a life Sportsmen’s Association jacket.

(RRG&SA) began working with Maine’s DIF&W Reward Offered for to construct a fishing derBear Poacher by for the Rangeley reOn April 26 the Maine gion that was aligned with Warden Service received a their management plan. complaint of a dead bear By catching and keeping

smaller landlocked salmon, we hope to improve conditions for larger trophy fish, as well as improve the overall health of the population. Our derby is completely consistent with current fishing regulations.

After a lot of work, in June of 2021 we held a very successful derby aimed at harvesting smaller landlocked salmon out of Mooselookmeguntic Lake.

We were very pleased with the results. Our participants had a great time, some drawn to Rangeley for the first time. DIF&W was able to be present and collect a tremendous amount of data from the catch. Indications are that we achieved our goals with a very light impact on other species and lake use.

For 2022, the dates have been moved one week earlier, to June 11 and 12.

Goals, rules, and prizes remain the same. We award more than $3000 in prizes!

Our sponsors will also help us to hold a separate Kids’ Fishing Derby during our Outdoor Sporting Heritage Days. That event, held at our Kids’ Fishing Pond in Oquossoc, will have additional prizes awarded in various age groups.

Whether you are interested in entering the Derby, becoming a sponsor or helping as a volunteer you will find all the information you’ll need at our website, https://rangeleyoutdoors.org/salmonderby.

If you can’t find an answer there you can email us at salmonderby@rangleyoutdoors.org.

If you are planning on entering the derby, we would suggest that you submit your entry forms

as soon as possible. Due to capacity constraints, we may be required to limit the total number of boats. In 2021, the Derby filled up early and we had to close registration.

Vermont’s New Trout Strain

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is stocking a new strain of rainbow trout this spring and is looking for help from anglers to evaluate its performance. “ Ve r m o n t s t o c k s about 115,000 rainbow trout annually into inland rivers and lakes to provide recreational fishing opportunities for the public,” said State Fisheries Biologist Lee Simard. “We are evaluating the new Eagle Lake strain of rainbow trout against our traditionally stocked Erwin-Arlee strain to ensure we are providing the highest quality fishery possible with these stocked trout. The Eagle Lake strain is currently stocked in many states including Maine and Michigan and could be a great fit for Vermont as well.”

The two strains are the same species, but genetic differences can impact their behavior and performance.

Both strains will be stocked side-by-side into 11 waterbodies across Vermont and will be compared based on their catchability, survivability and growth to see if the Eagle Lake Strain performs better after stocking.

The two strains look very similar but can be identified by a clipped ventral fin, the paired fins found on the underside of the fish about halfway along its body. A missing

left fin indicates the new Eagle Lake strain while a missing right fin indicates the Erwin-Arlee strain.

“To help us evaluate the new Eagle Lake strain, we are asking anglers to report to us the rainbow trout they catch from the waterbodies included in this evaluation,” said Simard. “Take a picture of the trout that clearly shows the missing fin. Then submit that picture and catch report on the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department website or by using the Vermont Outdoors app on your smartphone. The data submitted by anglers will directly influence our management of stocked rainbow trout in Vermont.”

The two strains will be stocked each spring through 2024. A final decision about which strain will continue to be stocked in Vermont will be made by 2025.

Additional information and a complete list of the waterbodies included in the evaluation can be found on Vermont Fish and Wildlife’s website https://vtfishandwildlife.com/rainbowtrout-strain-evaluation.

Early Spring Fishing Tips • “During the early season the ‘go to’ bait for my kids and I are worms.

They can be easily found and work quite well. They can be purchased at most gas stations, convenience stores, as well as local (News cont. pg 64)

June 2022

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Crappie Tactics

Over the years as an outdoor communicator, I’ve worn many hats and answered to many names, sometimes not so flattering. In the 1960s I was the trout and salmon guru as

man’s treasure,” and that fits crappie fishing as well.

It pains me to see crappies strewn over the ice during ice fishing derbies. Sure, the eagles and small game are appreciative, but this is such a waste of fine table fare.

In southern states and throughout middle America anglers enjoy the abundance of crappies.

In many states crappie tournaments rival bass derbies and rightly so. I haven’t heard of such derbies in Maine but there certainly is the Waterboro angler Mike need and the opGoodrich with pair of portunity to allow 2-pounders. them.

Currently there is no one of the earliest members of Trout Unlimited (less daily limit on crappies and than 2 dozen nationwide) the only requirement is to then in the 1970s people leave the skin on fillets for called me “Turkey Man,” identification.

While most anglers due to my involvement in restoring wild turkeys to are of the mind that crapNew England. Today my pies are not only trash fish friends and readers remem- but very easy to catch. ber me as “The old Man,” That’s not always true. Yes, or most recently I have they are abundant in most been dubbed the “Crappie lakes and ponds from AuGuy.” Take that in context gusta to Kittery and double digit catches are common. any way you like.

What anglers haven’t My most popular realized yet is the fact that guided trip over the past few years have been fo- catches of 1-1/2 to 3-pound cused on Maine’s excep- catches are becoming more tional Black Crappie fish- common. If you want a ing opportunities. I guide Maine Sportsman 2-poundon many lakes and ponds er patch, spend a day on Patriot Homes but most return custom& ers ask for Sabattus Pond Design Center in Greene for crappie and huge northern pike or Web- Building Maine One Home At A Time ber Pond in Vassalboro, Richie Zerrien Jr. 207-266-7008 Homes • Mobile Homes where we target crappies SiteModular Built Garages • Porches & Decks and trophy size largemouth Remodeling • Flooring • Kitchen & Bath Design • Heat Pumps • Siding bass.

Roofing • Additions We’ve all heard “one patriothomesofmaine.com man’s trash is another

Sabattus Pond and you are likely to land one or more.

Finding a school of crappie is as easy as finding submerged brush or stumps early in the morning. By mid-day the sun warms the surface and zoo plankton become easy prey for large schools of white perch and crappies. On calm days, look for slurping or dimples on the water.

Approach the edges and cast silently into the

Page 15

South Of the Kennebec

are popular in cork poppers on a fly rod.

On slightly windy days I clamp a 1/8 ounce splitshot a foot or more up the line for faster sinking.

Jig in short increments of six inches or less, all the way from bottom to the surface, allowing the lure to drop between retrieves.

Now, for the eat-

by Stu Bristol, Lyman, ME you and then cut out the rib cage. No Bones!

Crappies are beginning to crowd out even bass in many lakes and I’ve always noted the best way to cut down on invasive species the eat them.

Take some time and run through the crappies fishing groups and pages on Facebook. There are

In many states crappie tournaments rival bass derbies and rightly so. I haven’t heard of such derbies in Maine but there certainly is the need and the opportunity to allow them. center of the school so as not to sound the fish. Fly anglers have the definite advantage but light tackle anglers should make out just fine.

Crappies generally hit lures on the drop so a light jigging action of only a few inches should trigger hits.

“Go small” is the general rule when selecting bait, and color is of the utmost importance.

I tie my own chenille jigs in 1/16 to ¼-ounce.

The most productive color is pink marabou followed by green, red and white and yellow. The same colors

ing, let’s dispel another falsehood about crappies and white perch as well.

They are not “boney.” The only bones in both fish are around the rib cage.

Make a diagonal cur behind the pectoral fin, then turn your blade horizontal and cut all along the dorsal fin and out the tail. Turn the fish over and repeat the process. As mentioned above the law requires skin left on until preparing for cooking. Hold the small end of the fillet with one two fingers and slide the fillet knife under the flesh and pull the skin toward

many and check out how the tournaments are being run. Maine is in desperate need of an awareness program touting the benefits of targeting crappie.

Stu Bristol is a Master Maine Guide and Outdoor Writer. His columns and features have been published nationwide for nearly 60 years. Inducted into NE Wild Turkey Hunting Hall of Fame in 2019.

He operates Orion Guide Service in Southern Maine and makes custom game calls at www.deadlyimpostergamecalls.com

GIVE US YOUR BEST SHOT!

At camp, this guy and his gundog - after a morning of chasing pa’tridge - found a comfy place to spend some time with their favorite read, the Northwoods Sporting Journal.

Where do you read your copy of the Sporting Journal? At camp, in the boat, at the ice shack? We’d love to see a photo of you with your copy of the Journal at an unusual place. If we like it, we will publish it in the Journal. If we select your best shot for publication, we’ll send you an exclusive Sporting Journal hat created just for the occasion. Send your Jpeg photo and a short blurb to vpaulr@tds.net. Please include your contact information, too. www.sportingjournal.com

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 16

The Adventures of Me and Joe

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

“Oh, and I changed the starter.” Albert Solitary pointed down the side of the 4-cylinder engine.

Me and Joe were already open-mouthed at the change in Joe’s old 1947 Jeep. All the dents and rents in its battered hide had been welded, or pounded out and sanded. The whole Jeep had been repainted a deep forest green. Under the hood the engine was completely rebuilt, cleaned of grease and oil residue, and painted fire engine red.

“I took out the old foot pedal starter an’ installed a new one that works off the key. I also converted the old six volt system to 12 volt. An’ them new lockin’ hubs will save a lot o’ wear an’ tear on the front drive train.”

“Dang it, Albert, I don’t know what ter say,” Joe breathed reverently.

“It’s jist byootiful! Gonna take me a while to come up with the cash to pay yer.”

“Don’t be silly, Joe. You already paid me for

the parts.”

“Yeah, but you got hours, no days, tied up in this. I got to pay you for yer time.”

Albert scowled.

“Don’t you be insultin’ me, Joe. I used your cabin on Chase Deadwater most o’ last summer. An’ you took me on that 5-day trip down the Allagash an’ wouldn’t take a cent. Don’t you be thinkin’ you owe me anything.” He turned and smiled at the immaculately turned out Jeep. “This here…this was a labor of love.”

Albert Solitary was in his late 50s, a bachelor who lived up to his name.

He avoided most contact with the other residents of Mooseleuk, living alone in a tiny three room house on the shore of the Little Salt Pork River. But he was the best mechanic in three counties. People traveled all the way from Presque Isle to have Albert work on their vehicles. And he was notional. If he didn’t like

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

Address

(Marty was found on pg 44)

Phone I found Marty on page

Zip

And in that instance of recognition, every person in the room wearing a uniform brought their right hand up in salute. you, or if he just didn’t feel like it, he wouldn’t do your mechanic work at all.

Albert and Joe had come to an understanding a long time ago. I don’t know if you could actually call it a friendship. Albert was too aloof for that. But they respected each other and often spent time together in the wilds of northern Maine.

said.

“Try her out,” Albert

Joe climbed into the Jeep and turned the key.

The little 4-cylinder immediately sputtered to life and settled into a quiet purr. He eased the vehicle into gear and drove out of Albert’s tiny garage. Listening to the engine for a moment longer, he turned it off and climbed out.

At that moment a big blue Ford Expedition pulled in beside the Jeep.

Colonel Tom Dealer rolled down the window.

“Looks like a whole new vehicle, Joe,” he said, nodding at me.

“Runs like one, too, Colonel,” Joe replied. “Albert, he sure done a first (Me & Joe cont. pg 17)

Shown actual size

F. Dello Russo

State

The Veteran

Marty

Name City

June 2022

Entries must be postmarked by 6/13/22 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.

Northwoods Sporting Journal

June 2022

Me & Joe (Cont. from pg 16)

class job.”

Colonel Dealer looked over to where Albert was wiping his hands on a rag.

“Uh…yeah,” he said noncommittally. He turned his attention back to Joe. “You’re still planning to attend the celebration next Wednesday, and march in the parade, right?”

Joe shook his head ruefully. “Never thought I’d put on that uniform again, but I guess it’s for a good cause.”

Colonel Dealer owned the Mooseleuk Insurance Agency. He was active in veteran affairs and was inordinately proud of the fact that he had commanded men in the field in Vietnam.

Mooseleuk people have always been more than willing to serve their country and the area has a large number of veterans.

As part of the upcoming 4th of July celebration the colonel had talked to the Mooseleuk Paper Company into donating $500 dollars to the school scholarship fund for every area veteran willing to don his old uniform and march in the annual parade.

Joe looked over at Albert. “You marchin’ Al?” Solitary continued to wipe

his hands, looking at the ground.

“I already asked him,” the Colonel said grimly.

“He turned me down flat.

Seems like some of us aren’t so proud of the fact we served our country in uniform.” Albert maintained his silence and Joe looked uncomfortable.

Having never been in the service, I kept silent too.

“Anyway,” the Colonel said. “I’ll be seeing you at the town hall on Wednesday. I figure we got about 60 veterans coming so it ought to really help the scholarship fund.” He put the Expedition in gear and backed out into the road, turning back toward his office in the center of town.

Joe glanced at Albert who was staring off into the distance.

“You know, Al, a lot of us weren’t much happy with that war. But the parade’s for a real good cause.”

“I know it is, Joe,” he turned his gaze away from the far horizon. “But I figure I done my duty an’ now I’m done with all that.

They’s some things I jist don’t like bein’ reminded of.” He turned on his heel and walked back into the garage. Joe looked at me and shrugged. We climbed into the Jeep and headed for Joe’s place.

As the 4th of July drew near, the people of Mooseleuk joined together to decorate the town for the festivities. An outfit from Bangor would set off fireworks along the banks of the Little Salt Pork. A potluck supper was being hosted on Saturday night, put on by the Daughters of the River Drivers. Folks were busy donating shatter they had to the big auction at the fire station, proceeds to go to the scholarship fund as well.

On Saturday morning we witnessed a confrontation between Colonel Dealer and Albert Solitary.

We’d just parked on Main Street In Front Of The Emporium. The Colonel was on the sidewalk, talking to Emmett Stateside and Ralph Echo about the parade, when Albert Solitary walked by.

Emmett glanced at Albert and said to the Colonel in a stage whisper, “course they’s some folks say some of us won’t even support the troops anymore.”

“That’s right,” Ralph chimed in. “That’s what we hear.”

Albert stopped as if struck. He turned a smoldering glance at Emmett swelled up like a poisoned pup, but the Colonel held up a hand and looked at Albert.

“You’ve got to admit, Solitary, that a man who won’t even march in a patriotic parade gives the impression that he doesn’t have much respect for people in uniform.”

“I admit no such thing,” Albert said evenly.

“I respect and support every man and woman who dons a uniform for this country an’ always will.

That don’t mean I got to respect that government that comes up with lame excuses to send ‘um off to war.”

“I suppose that means you don’t support the war in Iraq,” the Colonel shot back angrily. Albert’s scowl deepened.

“I don’t regret my time fightin’ in one war the government screwed up,” he said softly. “It ain’t likely I’m gonna be supportin’ another one.” He turned on his heel and stalked off down the street.

“See!” Emmett snorted. “See what I mean?”

A couple of days later me and Joe were at the local boat landing putting a coat of shellac on Joe’s upturned canoe. A quartet of schoolboys were fishing for perch on the dock, noisily criticizing each other’s fishing skills.

“Joe, I’ve heard some more people talking about Albert Solitary,” I said. “I

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don’t think the Colonel is spreading it. I think it’s that no account Emmett Stateside. They’re saying he’s a coward and that maybe he didn’t even serve in Vietnam, anyway. All the bad talk is bound to hurt his business.”

Joe sighed and stuck his brush into the shellac pail. “I know Albert went to Vietnam. I don’t know nothin’ about his service over there.” He picked up the brush and began spreading shellac again.

“Nothin’ about that war was any fun for those of us who was in it. I know some guys that had a real hard time, and they all handle it in different ways.”

He looked up at me. “And as far as I’m concerned, one of the reasons we was fightin’ that war was so folks like you an’ me an’ Albert Solitary, an’ even Emmett Stateside, kin have any opinion we want.”

I looked over at the shoreline as Albert paddled a canoe in and beached it.

He got out smoothly and drew out a small cooler packed to the brim with white perch fillets. He walked over to where we were standing and looked down at Joe’s canoe.

“The old canoe’s taken some batterin’ over the years, ain’t she Joe? But (Me & Joe cont. pg 20)

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Outdoor Sporting Library

June 2022

Fort Yukon Trader

mercial had taken over trading in Fort Yukon after the Hudson’s Bay Company left in the 1800’s, and remained a true trading post in every sense of the word. For the fur trappers scattered throughout

the town’s cabins were empty – they

by Jeremiah Wood, served as temporary Ashland, ME dwellings used by the mostly Gwich’in Imagine an entire near the mouth of the PorAthabascan Indians economy based on wild cupine, to work as a trader in between trapping fur. A community where for the Northern Comseasons. As Beathe primary breadwinners mercial Company in 1943. ver’s boss Jack Ferare wilderness trappers It was war time, and one guson told him, they who spend the majority of of the men who worked had a lot of work the year out in the bush, at the trading post had to do in the store living off the land in remote been drafted, leaving a in preparation for When Masten and his wife Helen arrived in Fort Yukon trade, as the place it was late winter, and the area was virtually a ghost was set to come alive after spring town. Local business owners, their employees, break-up. government officials, and those too old to live in the As soon as the bush made up the majority of occupants. ice let go in the rivers, small bands of cabins and harvesting fur- job opening there. Beaver the Yukon Flats, Indians and white bearers, fish and game to had been wounded and it was one of the trappers began to survive. As far away as that discharged from the army only places to trickle into town, may sound, just a couple and was longing for a dif- purchase much of generations ago that’s ferent adventure. He’d read needed supplies for their ghost town. Local business and their first stop was the the way it was in remote everything he could get his survival and success. owners, their employees, trading post with their large When Masten and his government officials, and catches of fur. It was durvillages of interior Alaska. hands on about Alaska and Masten Beaver moved the trader job seemed like wife Helen arrived in Fort those too old to live in the ing this time that Ferguson Yukon it was late winter, bush made up the major- spent long, tedious hours to Fort Yukon, an isolated a perfect fit.

Yukon River community The Northern Com- and the area was virtually a ity of occupants. Most of counting and grading furs and purchasing them from the trappers, while Beaver manned the store.

After receiving an offer they considered acceptable for their hard-earned furs, most trappers would www.visitaroostook.com www.visitaroostook.co m begin to purchase their outfit for the next winter.

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June 2022

Trader

(Cont. from pg 18) in July. A journey of 200 or so miles upriver with a year’s outfit could take two months in a dry year when the rivers were low. For those who trapped closer to town, they might spend the summer around the village, using that time to fish for salmon to feed dogs or work odd jobs for cash.

Beaver enjoyed the trading business and the area, but three years into the job, it was about to end.

The draftee he’d replaced was returning to his job, and he’d be transferred to the barren, windswept village of Nome. Instead, he quit. It had long been his dream to own a trading post, and Beaver got the chance when he took a scouting trip to the village of Chalkyitsik, about 45 miles northeast of Fort Yukon. After getting to know the people and the area, Masten and Helen set to building a trading post and gathering an outfit of goods. They would continue to trade there for several years.

The N.C. still operates in Fort Yukon today, under the name “Alaska Commercial Company”. It now resembles a modern day grocery store more than the old trading post. The village is no longer a collection of seasonal cabins used between trapping seasons. The cabins are now permanent residences and trappers are hard to find.

But it’s neat to think that the entire community was once supported by the fur trade and the adventurous lifestyle it entailed.

Fort Yukon Trader was published in 1955. The original is hard to find, but it was reprinted in recent

Northwoods Sporting Journ

years, and the ebook version is available to read for free at Archive.org. It’s a quick and enjoyable read.

In Jeremiah’s new book, “More than Wolverine: An Alaska Wilderness Trapline” he spends time in the old trapping village of Fort Yukon and talks more about area history.

You can find “More than Wolverine” on Amazon. com or by contacting him at jrodwood@gmail.com

Best Shot!

Page 19

NWSJ reader David Gagnier enjoying the Journal at the beach.

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Page 20

Me & Joe (Cont. from pg 17)

she still looks good.”

“Still a lot of life in her yet,” Joe agreed. He still held the brush, shellac dripping.

“Look, Al, I ain’t gonna push it any more, but are you sure you won’t march in the parade tomorrow?”

Albert continued to stare down at the canoe.

“Joe,” he said softly. “If I put on that dress uniform, custom dictates I gotta wear the decorations, too. I ain’t prepared to be stared at.” He sighed. “I know what people are sayin’.”

“Albert, a lot of folks didn’t get many medals.

You know what they say.

Them that got medals is just holdin’ ‘um for them that deserve ‘um just as much.” To me, it was a big thing to say. I knew that Joe had been awarded both the

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Silver Star for bravery and the Purple Heart for being wounded in action.

Albert shook his head stubbornly. “It ain’t that, Joe…” At that moment the group of chattering schoolboys walked by. In the loud voice that such youngsters think nobody else can hear, one of them said to the others, “there’s that Mr. Solitary. Mr. Stateside says he’s a coward.”

Albert flushed to the roots of his hair. Another of the boys spoke up angrily.

“Ain’t so! Mr. Solitary’s a good man. When pop was laid off, he fixed our car for nothin’.” The boy’s voice turned wistful.

“I just wish he’d march in the parade. That extra $500 would buy as all new baseball uniforms.” The boys continued off down the street, oblivioius to our attention.

I looked at Albert. He was as white as a ghost.

Without a word, he turned and stalked off in the other direction.

At 4:00 o’clock on 4th of July afternoon me and Joe were in the crowded town hall with dozens of other celebrants. Uniforms from every service were present. The Colonel, resplendent in a freshly laundered dress uniform, was holding court a short distance away, his wife at his side.

Joe’s old army uniform still fit him well.

Several medals hung from the left breast of the blouse.

I recognized the Silver Star and the unique shape and color of the Purple Heart.

Near the Colonel, I could see Emmett Stateside in an ill-fitting uniform and hear his high-pitched voice.

“We don’t need his kind here, anyway. Don’t need no peaceniks ruinin’ our celebration.”

He stopped as a commotion broke out near the door. I heard a murmur of excited conversation, then a firm and strident voice shouted out, “Ten…Hut!” Once ingrained, the command was never forgotten. Every man in uniform in the room snapped to attention. Joe looked at the door and I saw his eyes widen.

Standing in the doorway, looking very ill at ease, stood Albert Solitary.

He was dressed in an army uniform, sergeant’s chevrons on the sleeves. Atop his head was a western style black dress hat, the front emblazoned with the insignia of the Seventh Air Cavalry Division. On the front of the blouse was a row of medals and ribbons.

I recognized the Silver Star, like Joe’s and beside it a Bronze Star. There was a Purple Heart with two oak leaf clusters, meaning

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June 2022 he had been wounded in action three times. Other medals I didn’t recognize, but the one that drew my attention was the one at his throat.

Suspended from a pale blue ribbon with white stars, hung around the next, the medal was a gold star with green laurel leaves. In the middle was the head of a helmeted warrior. Above the star, on a bar, was the inscription “Valor”.

There was dead silence in the hall. I turned to Joe to ask about the strange medal, but before I could speak, Colonel Dealer’s wife spoke up.

“Dear God in heaven,” she breathed into the silence. “It’s the Congressional Medal of Honor.”

And in that instance of recognition, every person in the room wearing a uniform brought their right hand up in salute. Still looking very uncomfortable, Albert returned the salute and said softly, “at ease, people. And thank you.”

As Joe lowered his hand, I whispered, “What was the salute for?”

He looked at me quizzically.

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

June 2022

Page 21

A Promise Revisited

I need to revisit a dryfly promise I made to myself back in 1980. I was fishing the Connecticut River in Pittsburg, just below Murphy Dam. At the time, Pittsburg was a sleepy little village, not yet the Orvis endorsed ‘destination’ that it is now.

Entertainment was cheap. You drove out to the dump after supper to watch the bears. It was the ‘80’s version of social networking. Got something you need to tell Bob? Drive out to the dump, he’ll be there. No cell phones, just you and the rest of the town, gossiping, while the bears rummaged through your garbage. The accommodations were easy, too. I could pitch a tent and have a fire almost anywhere.

“Have fun, just don’t burn it down.” was the usual refrain you heard. If I was feeling flush, I rented a cabin for the weekend. Mostly, I just slept in my 1973 Ford Econoline van. On one memorable occasion, my grandmother rented a cabin for me as a HS graduation present, for an entire week.

Nobody had it better.

So, the dry fly promise. There I was, whipping the water to a froth, trying to lay out too much of the wrong line, the wrong leader, the wrong tippet, with a streamer attached to the bitter end. I don’t remember the pattern, but if I was in Pittsburg, I was swinging streamers. I was 18, it was all I knew. I was so caught up in my casting efforts that I failed to notice the elderly (I say elderly; everybody over 30 was old to me when I was 18) gentleman who had quietly walked up behind me. He coughed politely to get

my attention; or else to let me know he was there so I wouldn’t rope burn him to death with my next overpowered back cast.

With an arched eyebrow and a knowing smile, he said, and I’ll never forget this, “That’s pretty impressive; but you might want some help.” Knowing a good thing when I saw it, I simply said, “Yes, please!”

We sat there on a rock and talked shop for a good hour.

Well, he talked, I listened.

He then proceeded to give me a demonstration of what the physical manifestation of ‘grace’ looks like. He was throwing a dry, a #14 Hendrickson/Adams-looking compilation. I still have it. He cut it off at the end of our time together and gave it to me. I’ve never fished it for fear of losing it. It became a talisman. It resides in a clear plastic box on a shelf over my tying bench. A reminder of all that is good in the world, in fishing, and in people. Unfortunately, over the years, I forgot the man’s name; I wish I hadn’t.

On the drive home, I told myself that I, too, would one day stand in the middle of a stream and be

a beacon of light to other struggling fly casters. I was 18, so there was a lot of melodrama and hubris coursing through my veins; and I knew everything.

For a season or two after that day, I did spend more time fishing dries. And per his advice, with every dime I squirreled away, I improved my tackle. But backsliding is, by human nature, second nature, and

Aroostook Woods & Water

by Mike Maynard, Perham, ME Dyret (it doesn’t sound like it looks, that’s for sure), and it doesn’t help when you’re listening for the proper pronunciation of a Norwegian word being given by a Scotsman whose accent is almost indecipherable (yes, Mike, I’m talking about

patterns, are for me to gaze at, not attempt; if my fingers can’t conjure up the requisite magic after all these years of tying, then I simply don’t have it in me. I tell myself that the trout don’t care one way or the other if my flies aren’t

With an arched eyebrow and a knowing smile, he said, and I’ll never forget this, “That’s pretty impressive; but you might want some help.” Knowing a good thing when I saw it, I simply said, “Yes, please!”

I found myself falling back on old methods. If I ever thought about it, I almost felt guilty.

These last years have seen changes in my behavior, as far as the dry fly goes; other bad habits, are pretty much ingrained, and still providing entertainment.

I’ve reached the age where I can be peculiar in public and not care. Flaunt it, I say. So I started tying more dries. Stuff like Ausable Bombers and Haystacks.

Bushy, high floating suckers. I found a Norwegian pattern whose name I can’t pronounce, it’s called the

Davie McPhail). But man, it’s a fish catching machine! Sometimes, when I’m feeling cocky behind the vise, I’ll try my hand at #18 Comparaduns, though they’re a little too dainty for my clubby fingers to puzzle out and still make look pretty. I once tried to tie Vince Marinaro’s Thorax Sulpher Dun. The failure was epic, and the trauma of it haunts me to this day.

The Catskill flies, those beautifully winged

shadow box material, and they don’t. But I’d still like to be able to tie one up if I felt the urge, you know?

So this season…, dammit, I’m going to spend more time with Bombers and Haystacks than with my P&O’s and my GRHE’s. I promise!

Mike Maynard lives in the woods of Perham, Maine. He can be reached at perhamtrout@gmail. com

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 22

Letter

(Cont. from pg 8) hikers where more bears can roam. Guess I’ll have to take a pocket knife or a primitive arrowhead to defend myself if I go hiking there. The dems make no sense in anything they do.

It’s sad to see what’s happening to our state. Gov. Mills should stop imitating others and stand up to preserving what’s unique and special about Maine before it becomes like the others.

The Sierra Club is also responsible for outlawing plastic bags in grocery stores here as of May 2022. I reuse those for so many other things like many other people also do. Now, we’ll just have

to find out where we can buy them.

Janet Schuring Blairstown, NJ.

Sad in New Jersey To the Editor: Saw V. Paul Reynolds recent article about the Sierra Club (trying to close the Delaware Water gap to hunting). We live several miles from the Gap in northwest Jersey. I made copies of it and sent to area congressman. We have enough nuisance bears out in these parts, so we don’t need more restrictions on hunting. It’s enough that bear hunting, if it is even held, is already closed off on public lands, and we

don’t need more. Can’t carry a gun here, yet they want a national park for hikers where more bears can roam. Guess I’ll have to take a pocket knife or a primitive arrowhead to defend myself if I go hiking there. The dems make no sense in anything they do.

It’s sad to see what’s happening to our state. Gov. Mills should stop imitating others and stand up to preserving what’s unique and special about Maine before it becomes like the others.

The Sierra Club is also responsible for outlawing plastic bags in grocery stores here as of May 2022. I reuse those for so many other things like many other people also do. Now, we’ll just have to find out where we can buy them.

Janet Schuring Blairstown, NJ.

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you have a bit of land to dedicate to them and some one who doesn’t mind if you dig up a few, you can have your own supply with very little effort. Mine have grown any where I put them and in fact, once established, are hard to get rid of. They also appear at different times if planted in different spots.

I picked my first early ones today, will see the last patch show up in mid May. Having them in the back yard is perhaps not as exciting as finding your own secret patch and hoping no one beats you to it, but there are advantages that become obvious as you get on in years.

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Sierra Club Misguided To the Editor: V. Paul Reynolds’ article about the Sierra Club in Machias Valley News Observer (4-20-22) and Northwoods Sporting Journal was important and should be heeded by hunters and other sportsmen and women. I do not view (Letters cont. pg 64)

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Me & Joe (Cont. from pg 20)

awarded a Medal of Honor winner.”

The silence continued as Colonel Dealer walked over to stand in front of Albert. Solemnly, he held out his hand. Slowly, Albert extended his, and the two men shook hands.

“Sergeant,” the Colonel said, smiling faintly.

“Can you possibly find it in your heart to forgive an old fool?”

The ghost of a smile flickered at the corners of Albert’s mouth.

“Colonel,” he said with a twinkle in his eye, “it looks like they’s some things the two of us can

agree on after all.”

The Colonel gave a start, then busted right out laughing. Albert joined in, and the tension was broken. The people in the hall surrounded the two men, everyone talking and laughing at once.

A half hour later I stood in the crowd lining Main Street, watching the parade march by. At its head, Albert and the Colonel marched side by side, Colonel Dealer looking proud and Albert still looking uncomfortable.

Behind them came the rest of Mooseleuk’s veterans.

I saw Joe walking with a rambling step that was as close to a march as he was likely to get. At the rear were Emmett Sideline

and Ralph Echo. Their uniforms fit them like sausage casings, and Emmett seemed to be limping from boots a trifle too tight. But even they seemed to be proud of the whole affair.

Tomorrow, I knew, they’d all be back about their everyday lives again.

The Colonel would be selling insurance. Joe would be guiding a fishing party

from New York. And Albert would be back working in his garage, quiet and standoffish, doing what he liked to do best.

Each would be different, each having different values and holding to different beliefs. And I guess, when you think about it, those were things they’d all of them fought for in the first place.

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Tips on Life Jackets

Basics Of Survival

by Joe Frazier, Bangor, ME There are several different kinds of life jackets, or PFDs (personal floatation devices).

The difference is that a life jacket is designed to turn an unconscious person face up in the water, a PFD is designed to help a conscious person keep their own face above water and help them float or swim for self rescue. It is important that you have the right size and type for your body size and the activity you are doing. There are state and federal laws covering when you need to wear your PFD, but the law of common sense says

ALWAYS wear your PFD when you are on or even near the water. We have all read stories about people falling out of a boat and drowning, even on good weather days. Wearing a PFD greatly increases the

USCG approved. It will also tell you the type and weight rating.

Type I has the highest bouncy rating. It is designed to turn an unconscious person from face down to face up and keep their face out of the water.

They are the orange, rectangle shaped collar type they keep on commercial boats for passengers. Some

It is very important to get the right size, and fit it properly. Try it on in the store, it should fit snug enough to not ride up around your ears but not restrict movement and breathing. odds of you getting back home safely.

There are 5 different types of flotation devices.

Be sure the PFD you use has a label inside that says

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are vests also.

Type II are also designed to turn an unconscious person face up. They are the orange, collar type as well.

Type III are designed for conscious people. They are to help you keep your face above water and buy you time for rescue or self rescue. These are the vest type most people use for boating, canoeing, fishing, etc. Some have mesh backs, some have pockets, there are different designs for different uses. They are for inland water and are not designed for open ocean or where you would need to wait a long time for rescue.

Type IV are throwable devices to help rescue someone who is in the water. Either rescue rings or seat cushions. The seat cushions have straps on either side to make them easier to hold onto. They need to be kept available for immediate use and not locked in a cabinet.

Type V are specialty life jackets. There are several different designs including self inflating, manual inflation, and hybrid. Type V are also used for commercial fishing, sailboat racing, etc. These PFDs are very use specific and will be labeled what they are for.

It is very important to get the right size, and fit it properly. Try it on in the store, it should fit snug enough to not ride up around your ears but not restrict movement and breathing. Start with all the straps loose, then tighten from the bottom up. Sit, move around, and feel how it fits as you would be using it. If it is not comfortable you will come up with excuses to not wear it. Stuffed under a seat will not do you any good in an emergency.

Cleaning and maintaining your PFD is very important. After every use,

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you should rinse it with clean water and air dry it out of direct sunlight. If you need to clean it (because of dirt, sweat, etc.)

Use a gentle soap and a soft brush. Rinse with clean water after and air dry it.

You should inspect your PFD at the start of every season, and every few months after that. If you use it daily, inspect it once a week. Look for rips, tears, mold or rotting from being put away wet.

Also check the stitching, zippers, straps and buckles.

If you have a self inflating PFD, go to the manufacturer’s website to learn how to properly clean and inspect it.

When shopping for a kids PFD, you should pick the style but let them pick the color. If they have input in what they get they are more likely to wear it. Make sure it fits them properly as well.

I always keep a divers knife attached to my PFD for emergency use. It should have a blunt tip for safety, a serrated edge for cutting ropes or straps, and a hard plastic sheath that can be used one handed.

Dogs should have a PFD as well. It will help (Tips cont. pg 29)

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Splake: Bad Science

When it comes to splake, the first question that comes to mind is why?

Maine is home to 5 native salmonids, not including lake whitefish.

We have Atlantic salmon, landlocked salmon, Arctic charr, brook trout, and lake trout. Maine is also home

numbers of fish and numbers of waters while the demand for such was low.

IFW said the problem was us: “There is a lack of understanding of the role and importance of splake to Maine’s inland sport fisheries by the general public that often results in

IFW didn’t ask us what we wanted, they told us what we wanted.

While currently referred to as a “stable” hybrid by IFW, this was not the case for a decade or more when they were referred to as “sterile” or “infertile.” What changed?

While according to IFW, Maine has never documented splake reproduction in the wild, have we really looked? Do we really want to know? Did

Page 25

Native Fish Talk

by Bob Mallard, Skowhegan, ME Canada, Lake 17, Ontario, Canada, Lake Huron and possibly Lake Superior.

And what about backcrossing? This refers to instances where a hybrid reproduces with one of the parent species creating a 4 th species. Like natural reproduction, this too has been documented outside

Kennebec and lower Dead Rivers, Chesuncook Lake, Seboeis River near Baxter, and the famous lower West Branch Penobscot. There’s apparently been accidental splake stockings as well, including Pierce Pond, the finest large wild native brook trout lake east of Rangeley and south of

When asked if Maine should be stocking splake, the Dr. gave a definitive and negative response, stating that splake should not be stocked anywhere near wild native brook trout.

“In Maine it’s all about wild native brook trout, not hatchery-raised hybrids.” (Emily Bastian) to nonnative brown trout little support or outright and rainbow trout. With opposition for new and/or 7 salmonids, do we really existing programs.” Their answer: “Renew efforts need another?

Splake, and hybrid to educate the public by stocking in general, repre- writing popular articles for sent everything wrong with local newspapers, outdoor modern state-sponsored sporting journals and Defisheries management. Not partment news releases”. only are we manufacturing a fishery, but we are also manufacturing a fish. Unsatisfied with what occurs naturally, state fisheries biologists take matters into their own hands to create something “better,” at least in their minds.

For years, splake ranked lower with Maine anglers than almost all other game species. A 1999 IFW angler survey ranked splake 11th, behind all other salmonids, both species of bass, and white perch.

SAM even tried to get the splake program shut down at one time. Yet IFW kept raising and stocking them.

In fact, splake stocking expanded notably in both

we study the fish from Thissell Pond post-reclamation? Not from what I have heard…

To be clear, splake have successfully reproduced in other states as well as Canada, so why not Maine? According to what I found on the Internet, self-sustaining splake originating from hatchery stock have been found in Lake Agnes in Alberta,

of Maine. A 2008 survey on Lake Superior found what they believed were 5 lake trout x splake backcrosses and 1 brook trout x splake backcross.

Splake have also demonstrated a propensity to move. They have shown up in the fabled Magalloway River near Rangeley, Webster Lake in the Allagash Region, upper

Moosehead.

Splake are stocked in Coffee Pond in Cumberland County. Coffee Pond tributaries into Crescent Lake which empties into Panther Pond which terminates at Sebago Lake, one of just 4 native landlocked salmon lakes in Maine. Apparently IFW has concerns about splake movement as well, (Splake cont. pg 29)

S t . Jo h n Va l l e y

Page 26

Warden’s Words

Northwoods Sporting Journal

by Game Warden Kale O’Leary, Ashland, ME The summer of 2017 was in full swing, as most of my trout and salmon waters had warmed up and people had put away the fishing rods in exchange for ATVs and boats. Game Wardens in Aroostook county switch over our work habits, from spending time watching our remote ponds, to the vast, interconnecting ATV trails of northern Maine.

On this particular July evening, I was sitting at the Harry H. Hafford boat launch in Masardis when I heard a loud dirt bike running back and forth nearby. I decided to check out the sound and before long was running with my blue lights and sirens activated as I tried to get

the male operator to stop.

He had other ideas as he accelerated as fast as his YZ dirt bike would go. I pursued the operator as he turned into a residence and then proceeded to ride out behind the house into

June 2022

Dirt Bike Runaways

mail truck, I finally had a brief moment of clarity and thought “why am I chasing this guy? I know who he is, where he lives and will find him later.” I yelled at the man as I heard him running through the woods ahead of me, “Hey, Tim. If you don’t stop running, I’m taking your dirt bike and will be back to visit tomorrow.”

Like a dog chasing the mail truck, I finally had a brief moment of clarity and thought “why am I chasing this guy? I know who he is, where he lives and will find him later.” a wooded portion of the property.

I could not follow him in my truck, and opted for a brief chase on foot as he laid over the motorcycle and proceeded to flee on foot into the thick woods.

Like a dog chasing the

Tim didn’t stop running.

Having the justification and cause to seize the dirt bike as evidence, I picked the bike up, kicked it over and rode it back to my vehicle for safe keeping until the following day. The

next day I returned with other Wardens and Tim came out peacefully and admitted to his wrongdoings.

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found myself in the town of Presque Isle, working ATV activity. It was another beautiful July evening, much like the night of my interaction with the runaway dirt bike in Masardis the week prior. I am often asked how many people run from Game Wardens on ATVs or snowmobiles, and how many do you actually catch? At that point in my career I was batting 1.000. I had never lost any operator who had made the foolish decision to try and run from the Warden.

I was hungry that evening and stopped at the local KFC in Presque Isle for a quick supper. As I was parked in the drivethru lane, I observed two younger looking males pumping gas on dirt bikes at the gas pumps at the neighboring Irving gas station. Thinking nothing more of the two dirt bikes, I got my food and drove out the Parsons Road to set up and work for the night.

I had barely finished (Runnaways cont. pg 27)

Northwoods Sporting Journal

June 2022

Page 27

16-year-old operators. stop when signaled to do find with only seconds the best we saw all day.

Runaways two Within the hour of calling so by any law enforcement remaining.

In the second para(Cont. from pg 26) parking my truck when the distinct sound of fastmoving dirt bikes broke the peaceful evening silence.

I pulled up to the Parson Road and Connector Road intersection, which is not an approved ATV access route, just in time to see a blue and red flash streak past in the blink of an eye.

I did however, register that these were the Yamaha and Honda dirt bikes I had seen pumping gas at Irving minutes ago.

The dirt bikes continued ripping down the streets of Presque Isle as I struggled to keep them in view. We passed the Presque Isle Elementary School as one of the operators peeled off across the soccer field. I stayed close behind the Honda as we continued travelling on the road towards Hanson Lake. Just before reaching the Hanson Lake boat launch, the operator tore across a potato field. The operator, trying to get away from the Warden, decided to cross over the rows of potatoes instead of staying on the gravel road. The first row he hit, nearly sent him over the handlebars. I stopped following the dirt bike immediately at this time as I feared this young operator would seriously injury himself if he continued driving at this speed and with disregard for surrounding hazards.

20 minutes later, I was standing inside the Irving gas station in Presque Isle looking at a surveillance photo of both the operators as they entered the front door of the store.

A quick text of the photo to a local police officer led to identification of the

off the chase, I had two officer you may encounter more dirt bikes that were this summer. being held as evidence and property of the Maine “Kale O’Leary is a Warden Service.

Maine Game Warden and I don’t share this bi- has been serving since zarre and wild week to brag 2016. He covers the Oxabout my ability to catch bow/Masardis patrol in those who run on ATVs. I Aroostook County. He lives share this story to tell you in the town of Ashland. that failing to stop for a law enforcement officer on ATV, snowmobile or watercraft is a serious pen(Cont. from pg 12) alty which results in severe ran up to the far field and fines, loss of licenses and flushed the bird just under potential jail time. Always the buzzer. That was one

Judging

After all the braces finished, the judges discuss their findings and then announce the winners.

Cordie’s brace-mate was awarded first place.

The handler who had to run to a far field with only seconds remaining was awarded second place. I was stunned. In a polite manner, I asked my judge where my dog failed. His response: A field trial dog must run much bigger.

There is no question your dog did great bird work…

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graph, I laid the ground work for my argument.

Cordie met the standards set by all the Hall of Fame trainers, judges and handlers I interviewed. Based on her first find, she immediately established objectives, ran to those objectives and located and pointed birds. She deserved a ribbon. There needs to be more consistency and reward for bird finds in field trial judging.

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 28

Post-Script From Pocasset

by Josh Reynolds, Wayne, ME ing”. That’s when sanctimonious trolls have taken umbrage with a person who pulls a fish out of the net to take a picture – only to be released moments later.

“It stresses the fish”. “You are holding it wrong”. “It’s choking. These are fellow fishermen doing this mind you, not PETA zealots.

Let’s pose a reasonable question that only has one true answer. Have you ever killed a fish? If you fish on a regular basis, even if you have released every fish you’ve ever caught, you’ve killed a fish. Some kills are obvious. Blood coming from the gills is certain death. That swallowed fly that you fight to retrieve instead of just cutting the line, that’ll do

For the modern flyfishing angler, there is controversy afoot. It seems that the social and political polarization of the past few years has threatened to pollute a sport that I love.

In the angst-ridden world of social media, throughout the internet of fishing blogs, in the pages of traditional fishing magazines and probably in the cigar and scotch soaked confines of exclusive fly-fishing ranches and sporting camps there is a debate raging on killing vs. catch and release.

Honestly, it’s not much of a debate. What I see and read is a lot of one-sided “kill shaming”.

It goes further than that.

How about “photo sham-

June 2022

Catch and Release or Kill it. You play that feisty West Branch Salmon too long – they’ve only got so much fight – just like us. If you aren’t willing to kill a fish or can’t acknowledge that in the act of catch and release, you will likely kill fish, may I suggest you find another, less lethal hobby.

Now that I’ve taken

loaded with little trout – too many to grow big fish.

If it’s legal according to the law book, chances are keeping a couple to eat will have no negative impact on the population. In fact, there is a good argument to be made that you should put back the small ones AND the big ones, both are

Have you ever killed a fish? If you fish on a regular basis, even if you have released every fish you’ve ever caught, you’ve killed a fish. the sanctimonious, catchand-release trolls to task, here’s some balance. We as fisherman should know the waters we fish – not all are created equally, nor are the fish within those waters. If you want to eat fish, fish the waters that are loaded with little fish, killing a few can be good for a fishery. There are native, wild brook trout ponds in Maine that are

important, keep the ones in the middle.

If you are fishing a true trophy water, FFO, catch and release only, barbless hooks – know how to make a clean release, keep the fish in water, don’t play them too long. If you can’t easily retrieve the fly, snap it off and let ‘em go. Finally, if your fishing for trout and the water has

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warmed up above 70F, it’s time to fish for something else. The fish are already stressed.

The point that I’m trying to make is this. There is a time and a place, and should be a space for both catch and release and for killing. It’s not an eitheror scenario, it’s a both and

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scenario. All of us who love to fish should be able to make accommodations for differing points of view – even if we disagree with it. Keep your shaming, sanctimony to yourself.

We have to eat. For some of us, eating what we have killed – fresh, wild, natural fish that we have taken from the land is not only food for our bodies, but food for our soul. This connects us to who we are as humans in the most basic and important sense. Killing to just kill is barbaric and cruel. Killing to sustain your life creates an intimate bond with nature that too few experience today in my view. I will continue to kill and eat fish when the time is right. I won’t judge those who think I’m a heathen, but if public shaming is your game, prepare to be called out.

Josh Reynolds is the Assistant Editor of The Journal. He can be reached at jreyn207@gmail.com

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(See page 49)

Northwoods Sporting Journal

June 2022

Splake (Cont from pg 25) as the comment field in the associated 2021 stocking record says: “Do not stock @ outlet.” Nearby Tricky Pond, a direct tributary to Sebago is stocked with splake as well.

According to IFW data, roughly 50 waters were stocked with nearly 27,000 splake in 2021.

Fourteen of these were in Piscataquis County, including several that tributary into wild salmonid waters such as Chesuncook Lake, Roach River, and the West Branch Penobscot. Five were in Somerset County, including 3 in the upper Moose River system, and 1 that is part of the upper Kennebec/lower Dead system.

Years ago, while researching splake I reached out to the esteemed Dr. Robert Behnke, the foremost salmonid expert in the history of the world.

When asked if Maine should be stocking splake, the Dr. gave a definitive and negative response, stating that splake should not be stocked anywhere near wild native brook trout.

Splake failed to deliver on their promise as a tool for eradicating ille-

gally introduced nonnative smelts in Thissell Pond near Baxter. After 6 years and 10,000 splake, the lake had to be chemically reclaimed anyway as the smelt were still there. Two stories I read said splake were however good at controlling overpopulated wild brook trout, not something we want to see in Maine…

The question Maine anglers should be asking in regard to splake isn’t why not, it’s why… When it comes to splake I believe we have it wrong. This includes IFW who raises and stocks them, anglers who request them, and those who defend them.

Would we be this accepting of grouse/turkey hybrids passed off as the former just because they grew bigger

and can adapt to habitat not conducive to grouse? Deer/ moose crosses? I don’t believe so…

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 30

The Northwoods Bowhunter

by Brian Smith, Machiasport, ME My Dad introduced me to the joy of fly fishing for native Brook Trout at an early age. My Game Warden Uncle introduced me to Atlantic Salmon fishing in college and guided me to my first Salmo Salar on the East Machias River.

I’ve been a fly fishing fa-

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archery buck in 1992, thus filling the void of not being able to pursue the “Fish of a Thousand Casts”. Turkey hunting all morning in NY and VT then fly fishing the Battenkill and Metawee rivers in the evenings was a May ritual for several years. After a 20 -year Atlantic Salmon hiatus I was

June and July are the prime Atlantic Salmon and Sea Run brook trout times in Atlantic Canada.

The border is open again and Canada guides are ready to steer you to trophy anadromous fish that come from the ocean into rivers to spawn.

natic for over 40 years and have been fortunate to fly fish in 10 states and 3 Canadian provinces. I quickly came to realize that bowhunting is very much like fly fishing. It takes a lot more practice and dedication than spin casting and it takes much more practice to be suc-

mous fish that come from the ocean into rivers to spawn. I caught my last Atlantic Salmon in Maine in 1990 and they were closed to fishing a few years later.

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invited to the North River on Cape Breton Island by good friend Terry Smith. I dusted off my 8wt LL Bean graphite rod and Terry tied on a new leader and an orange and white Bomber fly.

After a long steep hike, we arrived at a pool at the base of a waterfall and Terry pointed out several adult fish. A big male came for the dry fly on the first cast and I pulled it out of his mouth. Then remembering Uncle Ernie’s advice, I counted to 30 before presenting the fly above his nose. This time

The author, with broken wrist, still holds up a fresh caught Newfoundland Atlantic salmon. he grabbed the barbless Run Brook Trout on the hook and made a run down Miramichi in New Brunsstream then leapt clear of wick, the North and Magathe water three times. I ree Rivers in Nova Scotia managed to coax him into and The Big East, Torrent shallow water and hand and Castors River in Newtailed the 12 pound adult. foundland.

In 2017, I took my The fly popped out just as Uncle Craig snapped a 75 year old Uncle Ernie to quick photo and I released Newfoundland for him to the trophy while still shak- try to catch Atlantic Salmon again. He had COPD ing.

Salmon fever was and could not walk far back and for the next 7 or fast but our guide was years I would always travel an expert at putting us on on July 1 (Canada Day) salmon within short walks weekend and fish with on nearby rivers. The first friends or a guide in the evening, I tripped and fell Maritimes. I’ve caught headfirst onto the rocks in Atlantic Salmon and Sea (Bowhunting cont. pg 39)

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

June 2022

Page 31

The Worst Case Scenario

By Jeff LaBree With spring fishing arriving in most parts of our state I’d like to describe a scenario we hear about too often this time of year. You and a friend decide it’s a perfect day to troll a favorite body of water. The boat is all loaded and before

and both decide going back for the second life jacket would take too much time considering how far you have driven. Your friend and fishing buddy of twenty years plus pushes off and the perfect day of fishing has begun.

Before long the first

cove you notice the wind has picked up with stronger gusts creating some whitecaps. The decision is made head back across the lake before the weather worsens. Motoring out into the lake away from the sheltered shore it becomes harder to keep your heading. With waves pushing the small craft from behind the bow begins to take in water. Your buddy is bail-

Ramblings From T8-R9

by Benjamin Rioux, Millinocket Lake

door magazines illustrating the need for life jackets and some common sense.

Having the required life preservers and flotation devices is the law whether you have been fishing for one year or twenty. And if when arriving at the lake

a rolling wave that throws you and your companion into the water. With the water temperature hovering around 44 degrees the situation deteriorates rapidly.

As you cling to the one life jacket you can’t see your friend. Getting to shore you

Knowing you can’t stay out in the middle any longer you swing the motor around and try to head to the nearest shoreline. In a flash the boat gets hit with a rolling wave that throws you and your companion into the water.

On Maine inland waters, the weather and the waves can churn up in a heartbeat. Be prepared! (Photo by Diane Reynolds) long you arrive at the landing. A breeze is blowing from the north but it’s not gusting. Looking out across the water, you wonder if the boat is big enough to handle the waves.

After all there are two of you, gear and coolers, and an outboard with gas can. You do a last minute check and realize you forgot to throw both life jackets in the boat. Agreeing that you’ll stick to the lee shore and sheltered coves,

of many fish is brought to the gunnel. The morning is productive and the weather is adequate, at least for the time being. After having a quick lunch in a protected

ing while you struggle to keep from capsizing. Like most spring time fishermen you are not new to boating and know of the dangers that can occur. But not to you.

Knowing you can’t stay out in the middle any longer you swing the motor around and try to head to the nearest shoreline. In a flash the boat gets hit with

or pond the thought crosses your mind that you probably need a bigger boat, then you really probably need a bigger boat. There are choices to be made.

(Case cont. pg 39)

scan the lake but there is no sign of the buddy who has fished with you for so many years.

This time of year there are many articles written and submitted to out-

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Good Prospects for Deer

The Buck Hunter

by Hal Blood, Moose River, ME As I write this, April is almost behind us. As I said before, the deer had a great winter, and they were leaving the yards around town around the 15th. The hardwood ridges and southern exposures were pretty much snow free by then and the deer love getting the green plants

Brandon Lane, who lives up there told me he had never seen that much snow still on the ground that late.

He also noted that there were a lot of moose calves laying down and dying in the roads. The winter tick is taking its toll on those moose that are struggling to get around to feed. I have

I took a ride back into my remote camp on the 20th to check on things and on the round trip saw 27 deer, they were all does with their lambs and yearlings. the start to sprout as soon as the snow exposes the leaves. I took a ride back into my remote camp on the 20th to check on things and on the round trip saw 27 deer, they were all does with their lambs and yearlings. There were several does with twins, which is always great to see them all make it through the winter.

This bodes well for another great deer season. In the far north of Maine, it was a different story though. At this time there is still 2-3 feet of snow in the woods up in the Allagash region.

only found one dead calf in this area and have seen quite a few with their mothers. It shows how critical it is to both deer and moose to have the snow leave in April when they are both in their poorest shape.

In early April, biologist Dan Hill came to Jackman on my invite to look at our deer wintering areas.

Dan has been assigned to head up the new project to protect deer wintering areas in Maine. This project was spearheaded by Dave Trahan and the Sportsman Alliance of Maine. There is

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money approved through the legislature which will be matched with federal funds for the project. You can find out more about it on the SAM website. I took Dan around to show him where the deer winter now as well as adjoining areas where the habitat is right for deer to expand into.

The idea is to buy land or acquire easements on land to be managed exclusively for deer wintering. I think Dan was impressed with what he saw around here as potential future deer yards.

This is a long-needed plan to help the deer in northern Maine. I hope all you deer hunters will support SAM’s effort by joining the organization. I have had a family life membership since 1980.

The annual Moose lottery festival will be held in Jackman this year. After holding online lotteries for two years, this event is sure to be exciting for all of those who love to attend.

The event will be held at the town hall square. I’m told by the event organizers that there will be the annual calling contest, an antler spread judging contest and seminars by the Big Woods Bucks crew, and a talk by the moose

man Roger Lambert, who is always a great entertainer. There will be food vendor booths as well as other crafts and businesses.

If you are coming for the event, make sure to book

and moose antler hunting and then moves on to fiddleheading. From there, it’s trout and salmon fishing time. Then before we know it, the end of July rolls around and it’s time

lodging ahead of time. I’m certainly looking forward to the festivities. The Big Woods Bucks crew will have a remote tent camp display, so people can see how to do a remote moose hunt. Stop by and share some stories with us.

We are now rolling into summer with all the activities that go with it.

It all starts with smelting

to start bear baiting. Bear season rolls into moose season and bird hunting.

Then before we know deer season is once more upon us! This is the cycle of life if you are an outdoorsman.

I’ve said it before but I still can’t believe how fast the years go by and it seems to accelerate the older I get.

That being said, it is even (Prospects cont. pg 33)

June 2022

Northwoods Sporting Journal Guns & Ammo:

Handgun Hunting Responsibilities

Before I start, let me say, these are my considered opinions. As a lifetime handgun hunter and retired police officer, I have earned the right to have

My usual response is, look at the energy. It requires a considerable amount of energy to drive a solidly constructed bullet into and possibly thru the

Caliber selection is key when hunting big game with handguns.

(Photo by V. Paul Reynolds)

these opinions even if they do not agree with yours.

I have been seeing much discussion lately on the various handgun hunting sites on Facebook, as well as conversations in person about suitable handgun hunting calibers for big game. I personally find it unethical that some folks are touting calibers such as .38 special, 9 mm, .45 ACP, and even .327 Federal as adequate for game like whitetail deer.

Prospects (Cont. from pg 32) more important to me to pass on the knowledge that I’ve gained from spending most of my adult life in the woods and waters. My grandson is 12 now and I can see myself in him.

He isn’t happy unless he’s doing something outside,

vitals (heart, lungs, liver) and exit the far side. These previously mentioned handgun calibers do not have that required energy.

Further, the .357 magnum and 10 mm auto barely could be considered up to this task. These two calibers could be tasked with close range hunting duties for game such as whitetails, but not for anything bigger or more dangerous. It becomes a question of ethics over comfort. We owe the whether it’s fishing, hunting or anything else that he can think of. I’ll be getting him in the deer woods as much as I can this fall. I hope the snow cooperates and we can track down a buck for him. He has the same attention to details in the woods and I’m betting that he’s going to be a good tracker. I’m not going to

game animals we hunt the respect of a quick, clean, humane death. If the recoil or blast of that .454 Casul or the .460 S&W magnum is too much for your capabilities, you are not alone.

Gun shops are full of major caliber handguns used once or twice and then traded in. Part of this phenomenon is that every person who first purchases a major caliber handgun immediately purchases the heaviest load available.

Page 33

A Guide’s Perspective

by Tom Kelly, Orient, ME

cup of tea, there are other options to conventional handgun cartridges. There are some excellent single shot handguns based on Thompson Center actions as well as others. These can be had in many popular rifle calibers such as .30/30, .270, .35 Remington as well as many others.

There are also AR handgun platforms. One of my bear clients and friends shoots a .450 Bushmaster on an

.44 magnum 240 gr.

JHP. 1180 ft. per. sec. 741 ft. lbs. of energy .30/30 170 gr. soft point. 2200 ft. per. sec.

1827 ft. lbs. of energy.

And for comparison, the standard .30/06 180 soft point. 2700 ft. per. sec.

2913 ft. lbs. of energy. As you can see, these show the huge contrast between cartridges. Handgun hunting offers a fantastic alternative for hunting, but we must not forget our responsibilIt becomes a question of ethics ity to the game. over comfort. We owe the game animals Please remember to we hunt the respect of a quick, clean, take a kid or a new shooter humane death. with you when you enjoy the great outdoors.

After all, “Go big or go AR platform handgun with home”, right? There is no great success. need to shoot a whitetail Earlier in this article, Tom is a Registered with a .500 S&W mag- I beseeched the prospective Maine Guide. He is the num launching a 500 gr. handgun hunter to look at owner/operator of Shamhard cast mortar round. the energy. Here are a few rock Outfitters in Orient The recoil is truly brutal. figures for comparison. Maine with his wife Ellie.

However, I can attest that Many hunters consider He is a retired police ofa 300 gr. jacketed hollow the .30/30 an entry level ficer as well as a retired point is a good manageable or minimum required for manager from two major whitetail load. I can also big game hunting. Look firearms manufacturers. say a 440 gr. hard cast from at these figures for an eye He is an NRA Certified Ina .500 can result in a one opener. structor as well as a Hunter shot kill with a complete .357 magnum 158 gr. Safety Instructor in Maine, pass through on a record SJHP 1235 feet per sec. New Hampshire and Masbook grizzly. As they say, MV. 535 ft. lbs. of energy. sachusetts. You can reach “Been there, done that”. .38 special +P 158 gr. Tom at Shamrock Outfitters If these handheld HP. 890 ft. per sec. 278 ft. (207) 694-2473. Please howitzers are not your lbs. of energy visit our Facebook Page: .45 ACP 230 gr. JHP. Shamrock Outfitters and wish the summer away, but 835 ft. per. sec. 356 ft. lbs. Properties and come visit us on East Grand Lake.

I’m anxious to start passing of energy it on to him.

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

Page 34

Northwoods Sporting Journal

The Maine Woods Matt LaRoche, Shirley, ME

It is that time of year again when the black flies come out in force and the brook trout feed ravenously. Fly fishing on northern Maine rivers and streams is at peak season during the first couple weeks of June.

My brother, Mark and I have a tradition of taking a fishing trip during the second week of June and

time and have the right fly to be successful. These spring fishing excursions hold some special memories for both of us, some that I will never forget.

Our introduction to fishing started when dad would take us to Walkers Pond where we had a great time catching chub. We eventually graduated to

Black Flies and Brook Trout

June 2022

few forays to new territory – just for something different to do. It seems like we learn something new every time we try a new area.

I am mostly a catch and release fisherman, but I do like a feed of fresh brook trout a few times a year.

What could be better than a spring caught brookie with rice and fiddleheads?

Another reason I like

I am mostly a catch and release fisherman, but I do like a feed of fresh brook trout a few times a year. What could be better than a spring caught brookie with rice and fiddleheads?

the fly fishing is almost always excellent for brookies. The exception was a couple of trips when the water was so high that we had a hard time to actually fish the streams.

We have fished primarily where ever I have worked in the Maine Woods over the years. Places like the lower section of the Allagash River (before Muskies were introduced), Umsaskis, Churchill Dam, Eagle Lake, Telos and the West Branch of the Penobscot. These waters all have plenty of native brook trout but you still have to be in the right place at the right

fishing the local brooks and streams of Lisbon Falls, Maine. I will never forget our first fishing trip to Kennebago where we caught brook trout on a fly rod for the first time. That was an experience with a tangled line more than anything else but we did catch a few trout out of a spring hole at the outlet of the lake. Dad took us to a few sporting camps when we got older, which was great fun.

Fishing the big woods of northern Maine has been our trip for the last several decades. We have pretty much fished the same locations year after year with a

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to kill a trout once in a while is to see what they have been feeding on. It is amazing what you can learn from examining the contents of a fish’s stomach. I learned to tie a caddis larva that imitates what the fish are feeding on during early June at my favorite stream.

I noticed that early season caddis had a bright green body, later in the season the bodies of caddis were olive and the late season caddis are much smaller and almost black in color.

The black flies can be difficult to deal with in early June. If you are prepared for them- it helps. We bring plenty of bug dope and a few cigars to help while we are out fishing and build a

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The author’s brother Mark with a handsome June brookie.

(Photo by Matt LaRoche)

smoky fire when we are at camp. I find that it is more of a mindset than anything else when it comes to tolerating the bugs. You just have to makeup your mind that you are not going to let the bugs ruin your trip.

I have spent many evenings fishing at my favorite pool tying on a new fly with the bugs swarming around my head and cigar smoke drifting up into my eyes wondering- which was worse the bugs or the smoke.

I like to fly fish and will put up with the bugs for the opportunity to catch some of the nicest native brook trout in the Maine Woods. I have found that

some people just can’t ignore the bugs in June. For them, it might be better to schedule a pre-Memorial Day fishing trip.

I have a saying about fishing in early June, “The fishing is best, when the blackflies are at their worst”.

Matt LaRoche is a retired Superintendent of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, owner of Maine Woods Guide Service and an avid outdoorsman. He can be reached at 207280-0713 or at matt.laroche2877@gmail.com See www.mainewoodsguide.com

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(See page 49)

Northwoods Sporting Journal

June 2022

The 365 Day Hunter

Many hunters are fond of saying that for them, hunting season never ends. There are just different tasks that need to be attended to at various times of the year. But still, they’re all hunting related. Case in point are the moose lottery drawings coming up. New Hampshire and Maine will pick their winners this month (Maine on the 11th and NH on the 17th) while Vermont will select theirs on July 20th. For the hunters whose names are selected, their focus on October (and late September for some in Maine), will take on a laser beam focus for the next few months leading up to the hunt. Scouting when possible, securing a guide, getting gear together and all the logistics that

go with a hunt that’s not a couple of hours away from your house can be time-consuming endeavors. But I don’t know of anyone who’s been picked that regretted being in the position of having to make

pick. To be consistently successful in any of those water bodies, like in hunting, you need to always be scouting. Know where the structure is, what the bottom cover consists of and where the natural springs

For the hunters whose names are selected, their focus on October (and late September for some in Maine), will take on a laser beam focus for the next few months leading up to the hunt. those choices. I’ll gladly suffer that kind of stress willingly. I put in for all three states so we’ll see what happens?

Now that the Spring Turkey season has ended, fishing takes center stage for the next few months.

Warm water, cold water or ocean fishing…take your

are that will keep the surrounding water cool no matter what the air temperature is. I have a notebook with maps of ponds and lakes that I’ve either fished or plan to fish. As I explore them, I make notes on the maps to remember what I found. Now that may sound like a simple thing

New Hampshire Outdoors

Page 35

by Peter St. James, Warner, N.H. to do but it took me years to finally convince myself to do it. Before that I just thought that I’d remember everything.

Then comes the day you get up from the recliner to walk the fifteen steps to the kitchen and completely forget what it was you got up to get. That’s why I started making notes on the maps. Because fishing secrets are much more important than….whatever it was I wanted in the kitchen!

On the subject of fishing, don’t forget that the period between May 15th and June 15th is Catch and Release on all bodies of water for Largemouth and

Smallmouth Bass.

Belated congratulations going out to the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department for another wildly successful Discover Wild NH Day event that was held back in midApril. The one-day event, which is the department’s biggest community event of the year, attracted over eight thousand folks of all ages. While at the Fish and Game headquarters the attendees spent some time with Fish and Game personnel, their K-9s, some fish from the hatcheries and other exhibits from their outdoor partners including (Hunter cont. pg 43)

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Page 36

Northwoods Sporting Journal

View From The River

by Laurie Chandler Bremen, ME Since the dawn of humanity, people have felt the pull of the water. I believe this connection, born of necessity and rooted in the practical, will always endure.

Recently, I read an article by Ewen Callaway in Nature, describing a remarkable discovery in New Mexico’s White Sands

below shows them to be between 21,000 and 23,000 years old. This discovery provides the best evidence to date that humans from Siberia migrated down the Pacific coast while sheets of glacial ice still covered much of the continent.

I’ve had moments, out on the water, when a strange feeling has come

At its most basic, water is life. To those early wanderers, the lake meant survival. For tens of thousands of years, the gifts of our rivers and lakes have physically sustained us.

National Park. Beneath the ivory dunes, archaeologists have uncovered a trail of footprints that has dramatically rewritten the timeline of human migration into America.

The footprints meander along the shoreline of what was once a shallow lake, not far from tracks of mammoths and giant sloths.

These human footprints are as clear as any made this past mud season, and they are ancient. Radiocarbon dating of spiral ditchgrass seeds from layers of undisturbed sediment above and

over me. A ripple of knowledge of the time before and the time to come. An awareness of the antiquity of Earth and its waters.

On a river, wild and alone, comes a glimpse of my existence that is at once miniscule in the grand scheme of things and exploding with wonder that for a time, this little corner of the Earth is mine.

At its most basic, water is life. To those early wanderers, the lake meant survival. For tens of thousands of years, the gifts of our rivers and lakes have

River Reflections

physically sustained us. It is no wonder that water has also taken on great spiritual and philosophical meaning.

Buddhists believe that water symbolizes purity, clarity, calmness, and the cleansing of the mind. The Bible—in both the Old and New Testaments—speaks of believers receiving the Spirit, which “shall flow like rivers of living water.”

I once hiked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Not far from its beginning, the trail crosses the Urubamba River on a narrow bridge.

Clutching tightly to the rail, I marveled at the breathtaking drop to the churning river below. The Inca believed this sacred river reflected the Milky Way, which was to them a celestial river. As the earthly river gathered the water of Peru’s Sacred Valley, they believed it fed the Milky Way above.

Rivers have become metaphors for life, the passage of time, fertility, even the mysterious threshold between life and death.

Moving in concert with a river naturally brings time for reflection, thinking deeply, and pondering life.

Edward Abbey once wrote, “I choose to listen to the river for a while, thinking river thoughts, before joining the night and the stars.”

When I listen to the river, I come away with renewed hope and pur-

pose. It’s natural to equate the structure of the river with the journey of life.

Where you have come from at the source, where you are headed around the

June 2022

They have humbled me and empowered me and taught me truths that I will never forget. I have learned to trust that I will find a way past even the worst of the

Moving water has a magic all its own.

(Photo by V. Paul Reynolds)

next bend. The rapids are the rocky times, the eddies times of respite, and stretches of calm, slow current are the places where life flows smoothly on.

Once embarked upon a river, there is often no turning back. For me, that forward movement triggers forward thinking and an assessment of where I am headed. Sometimes the river goes where it will and we are carried along, just lucky to stay in our boat.

Other times, we meet a sandy island covered with wildflowers and can choose to pass to the right or the left.

River journeys have convinced me that I am stronger than I ever thought.

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rapids.

Our innermost beings long for this connection, be it with the sea or inland waters. As you may imagine, I am most of all a river person. The river in all its moods, and its journey to distant places, will always call to me. Not only do I listen for the voice of the river but I feel it in my soul. In the words of Henry David Thoreau, those “who hear the rippling of rivers will not utterly despair of anything.”

Laurie Apgar Chandler is the author of Through Woods & Waters, which provides an adventurous look at Maine’s Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, and Upwards, the story of her 2015 solo self-propelled thru-paddle of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail.

For more information or to purchase the books, visit www.laurieachandler.com

June 2022

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 37

Spring Cameras

What's In Your Woods

by Bud Utecht, T4 Indian Purchase Township

The bears came by for a visit.

Last fall, I placed a duck blind in a new location. A portable shelter tucked into the woods overlooking a marsh seemed like the perfect set up.

Since no one appeared to be duck hunting the area, and there was a lot of activity in the spring at

next calm day I went to hunt it again. Upon arriving I discovered that everything was a mess. The tent was flat, the chair thrown in the bushes which I thought was the wind. After starting to set the tent back up I noticed the claw marks in the tent. Could it have been…

uneasiness. The only thing that happened that day was an eagle tried to take one of my decoys.

The next day I went back armed with game cameras and proceeded to set them up. I took the blind out and left the site for the winter. I was hoping to get

A bear had visited me, and I wasn’t home. Now I’m thinking a big bear here with little human fear. Normally, I don’t fear bears however sitting in that tent waiting for ducks to come will give you a touch of uneasiness. this location, there was no doubt in my mind I would experience incredible luck here. After hunting it a few times, I took a little break from the spot mostly because it turned out to be a terrible location after all.

Of course, you never know until you try!

Like typical fall weather, there was a stretch of windy days and on the

naw there’s no way… but maybe? Then I picked up my face mask which I left it the chair and yes indeed it tried to shred that as well.

A bear had visited me, and I wasn’t home. Now I’m thinking a big bear here with little human fear.

Normally, I don’t fear bears however sitting in that tent waiting for ducks to come will give you a touch of

that bear before it went into its den for the next several months.

Once the spring ice was mostly out, Katy and I decided to head up the brook in the boat. We weren’t expecting to get that far but the cameras were calling us. Myself, Katy and the 2 dogs, Benny and Addy, finally arrived at the spot where I had placed

my blind and immediately got out to explore. The cameras were a ways apart so Katy walked with the dogs on the shore while I went to get the SD cards.

Normally I would bring my iPad to view the photos, however I decided to leave it behind this trip.

The anticipation was killing me as I really wanted to see the bear, but I would have to wait until we got home. I changed the batteries, grabbed the SD cards, and went back to the boat.

I kinda wanted to head back to the house but Katy wanted to go further up the brook. The bear pictures would need to wait...

There were hundreds of ducks getting ready for their nesting season while we maneuvered through the marsh and beaver dams all throughout the area. No trappers working this area for sure. Before dark we

headed home, and I would finally see my prize. Immediately I grabbed the iPad and plugged in the card reader. Alive the images came, and the bear pictures downloaded. Not a big one, just an extremely small sow with her two cubs playing on the shore of the brook. No monster to be seen. Along with the bear there were many deer, fisher, coyote, fox, moose, and beaver. Not bad for a little ice out spring jaunt up the brook.

Bud Utecht is a Register Maine Guide, owner of Buckhorn Camps, Browning trail camera dealer, and consultant. His trail cameras are strategically placed throughout the Maine Woods. Feel free to email Bud for trail camera tips or to discuss what’s in your woods. bud@whatsinyourwoods.com

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 38

Marsh Island Chronicles narian had the legal right to enter cow pastures, test dairy cattle, and drop them on the spot with a heavy revolver if they tested positive for disease,” she said tensely. “That’s how people got tuberculosis—through infected milk.”

Then, there was the Connecticut store owner

have to buy large amounts of fresh seed from the seed company every year.

Finally, Maine voters spoke out. On November 2nd, 2021, voters ratified Article I, section 25 of the Maine Constitution: “All individuals have a natural, inherent and unalienable right to food, including the right to save and exchange seeds and the right to grow, raise, harvest, produce and consume the food of

who sued a local food pantry in 2011, saying that aside from cigarettes, the pantry was giving away for free the very items he was trying to sell, and how it was hurting his business.

Oh, but there’s more.

Big seed companies get into contracts with large farmers, prohibiting them from saving seeds from their own crops so that they

their own choosing for their own nourishment, sustenance, bodily health and well-being, as long as an individual does not commit trespassing, theft, poaching or other abuses of private property rights, public lands or natural resources in the harvesting, production, or acquisition of food.” The amendment was adopted by the voters

by Matthew Dunlap, Old Town, ME The premise seemed simple enough at the time (it always does, and never is). Shouldn’t we have a choice as to where we get our food from?

It gets complex from that simple point. A casual conversation between my state representative (who was chair of Maine’s legislative committee on agriculture at the time) and my mother (who, like many mothers, is kind, sweet, polite, and soft-spoken) about goings-on in the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry turned to the then-hot debate on whether the public should be able to purchase raw milk directly from farmers. Some want it for cheeses, others just want it. My mother just about came out of her chair.

“When I was a little girl in Alabama, the state veteri-

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by a margin of 249,243 votes in favor against 160,440 votes in opposition. Simple enough? Not so fast.

In late April, Joel and Virginia Parke of Readfield, Maine filed suit in Superior Court against the Commissioner of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, protesting that Maine’s 139 year-old statutory ban on hunting on Sundays is a violation of the Constitution’s new provision providing a right to food.

The idea that we should be able to get our food from where we want to, after all, seemed easy enough at the beginning of this article. One concern is public health—after all, one reason the U.S. Food and Drug Administration was created was to keep dairies from selling old milk with formaldehyde added to kill the worms in the milk, to keep butchers from selling meat that was ridden with maggots, and hosts of other practices we can’t even conceive of today. But at the same time, is buying a dozen eggs from a neighbor with laying hens something we really need to regulate?

Sunday hunting has been debated every legislative cycle for as far back as I can find records, and I’ve certainly written enough about it here; the concerns of non-hunters

June 2022

about safety, the concerns of avid hunters about posted land, and the concerns of landowners about when enough is enough.

The lawsuit argues that “this amendment does not say that Mainers cannot harvest game on arbitrarily established religious days,” according to Jared Bornstein, an avid hunter who also works on advocacy issues in Augusta and who is a prominent member of several outdoor groups who advocate for sportsmen’s rights. With the Legislature being reluctant to tackle the unknown consequences of repealing the ban on Sundays, Bornstein has teamed up with the Parkes to let the courts figure out whether hunting on Sundays should be allowed.

If they’re successful, you can bet on a bunch of other litigation on hunting.

If you have the right to hunt on Sundays, what about closed seasons? What about licenses? If we have a right to food and hunting is a part of that, why should we have to pay? What about night hunting?

Yup. This should be simple enough.

Matt Dunlap is a sportsman from Old Town and is a periodic co-host on Maine Outdoors, heard statewide every Sunday night at 7:00 pm on WVOM 103.9 FM, WVQM 101.3 FM, and 95.1 FM in Rockland.

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 39

A Rangeley Fish Story

Dan Heywood, a wellknown guide in the Rangeley Lakes, wrote many fascinating stories about his many experiences, while fishing and hunting. He published it in Shooting & Fishing on May 5, 1903.

“After lunch the whole party decided to cross the lake and try the

there was on the drum. Fortunately, it stopped running just in time, and I backed up slowly and requested the man reel in some reserve line. The fish behaved well and we were able to recover as much line as we wanted without disturbing it again. Then we headed for the middle of the lake.

I never saw a large fish play in a more elegant manner. Our reel was much too small for the work as it held not more than seventy-five yards of line. For about thirty minutes the performance was grand and ideal. shore along Black Point to the south. We were all trolling.

“Hold on, I have the bottom,” cried my companion, a young man of twenty-six years, but I knew it was a fish instead.

I assured him that it was a fish, and in a moment, it took another start and took every foot of line

I never saw a large fish play in a more elegant manner. Our reel was much too small for the work as it held not more than seventy-five yards of line.

For about thirty minutes the performance was grand and ideal. At one time I saw the line sweeping to one side as it entered the water fifty or seventy-five feet away,

then there was a break twenty feet to one side where the line pointed, and a great gleaming salmon sprung several feet in the air, shook itself vigorously, and fall flatwise with a splash that was distinctly heard over all the still waters a mile away. One of our boats came near us, and reeling in their line laid about watching the battle.

The fish only broke water three times, and each time it was an elegant spring several feet in the air. Our rod was an eight-ounce affair, but of good quality, and my man played the fish very hard, as was necessary, owing to its enormous size. As it made on of its fearful rushes the drag on the reel got out of place, and there was an overrun that balled up a lot of line and rendered our position a helpless one. I often coached the man, and on this occasion, I backed

and struggled didn’t go to the hospital Bowhunting Naproxen into my waders. At daylight in Canada. I told her that (Cont. from pg 30)

the Torrent River. A retired RCMP fished me out of the river and said “that looked like it hurt”! It really did, but I thanked him then thanked God I didn’t break my Sage rod or rip my waders. I could barely walk back to the vehicle and deliberated going to the hospital several hours away.

When we got to camp my left arm and ankle throbbed but the head wound had stopped bleeding. I could still limp along slowly and cast with my right arm so decided to fish. I had broken my left radius and badly sprained my right ankle which turned all black. The next morning I took some

we were on the Big East River and could look out to the ocean. Within a few minutes, Ernie hooked and lost a nice adult fish, then landed a bright 10 lb hen.

He told me he could die a happy man now and proceeded to land three more grisle over the next few days. I was fortunate to land a 12- lb male with talon gashes near his gills from an eagle. I released him and the retired Mounty caught the same fish a few days later. In the next few days, I managed to land another adult fish, 4 grilse,and 3 big brookies. When I got back to Maine, X rays revealed the need for a cast on my arm for two months.

My doctor asked why I

I could walk and cast and didn’t want to miss out on any Salmon fishing. Every time that it storms now, my wrist throbs and reminds me of that wonderful trip!

Brian Smith is a Retired Maine State Police Detective and NRA Field Representative. He is a Life Member of both the NRA and Maine Bowhunters Asscoiation where he serves as first Director at Large. He was awarded Maine Bowhunter of the Year in 2005 and 2008. He is a longtime member of the Sportsmans Alliance of Maine and serves on the SAM-ILA Board. He can be reached at bowhunter@ mgemaine.com

Old Tales from the Maine Woods

by Steve Pinkham Quincy, MA

up and advised him to keep only a light strain on the fish while he unsnarled the line, being careful not to frighten the fish while doing so.

At last, it went to the bottom where it sulked like a log for a half hour. More strain was applied and soon the stubborn victim began to come up. The fish came toward me near the surface, wriggling leisurely along, and turned away just before coming within reach. Again, it circled and came nearer than before, but turned away again. I put the net deep down and waited for the next turn which would decide the conflict. Around it came this time rather too near and I raised the net under its nose, poked its head

inside, and pushed it gently backwards to force it head foremost into the net.

As its nose touched the side of the net some of the hooks dangling about its nose caught the meshes. I raised it gently, hoping it would fall inside but its tail was much too heavy, and without a struggle it slipped backward and fell outside.

For a moment was saw it lying below us, then turn about and glide away like a shadow. We watched it go for a distance of thirty or forty feet, before we could comprehend that it was really lost.”

Steve is an avid hiker, paddler and historian, having collected over 26,000 Maine Woods articles to date.

Case

come. Let’s have a safe and successful spring fish(Cont. from pg 31) ing season and do what we Go to a smaller pond for can to make the job of the one, or do not overload the Maine Warden Service as boat with a huge cooler and easy as possible! enormous tackle boxes. I Jeffrey Labree is a have flipped over in some very cold water and know long time Libby Camps from experience the impor- Fly Fishing Guide, teller of tance of proper flotation spectacular fishing stories, devices. They will save and creator of the famous your life and ensure that “Jeff ’s Smelt.” You can you and your buddy can reach him at jeffssmelt@ fish together for years to gmail.com

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

617-407-0743

steve@oldtalesofthemainewoods.com www.oldtalesofthemainewoods.com

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 40

June 2022

Aaron and Kate’s Hunt

Anticosti

by Mark Cote, Rumford, ME island every year since I was 13 years old and you know what? That island has far exceeded my wildest dreams! Let me tell you about one of my most favorite memories!

Fast forward to December 2018 (11 years later) on our annual hunting trip. My brother

By Kate Cote My dad has been go- Aaron and ing to Anticosti Island for I load up a over 20 years now! When four wheeler This month, I have a guest columnist writing in my place, my daughter Kate. She has been proofreading my work since the beginning. I thought it would be fitting to pass the pen to her and let her share a story. I know you will enjoy it.

We passed the day sharing jokes and smooshed pre-made sandwiches from our backpacks, stopping every now and then to take pictures and silly videos.

Finally, the sun was on its last hour of light and the mood started to get serious- that’s when we started praying for a change in our luck. Then we saw him…

A beautiful buck eating kelp on the shore about

teered me, and that was all the permission I needed!

“Okay! Let’s take the wheeler up until there” pointing to a peninsula, “and then we’ll walk the rest of the way,” Aaron said. We took off without wasting any time, using the cover sound of the ocean waves to our benefit. The deer started to turn and head back towards the land like he was finished with his

warmer, and pulled the glove off my trigger-finger with my teeth. My brother spotted a downed tree and whispered to me that it would make a perfect rest.

I nodded my head in agreement, crouched up to it and lifted my rifle… After a few deep, concentrated breaths, I heard my brother whisper…”You have all the time in the world. When you’re ready, take your

The deer started to turn and head back towards the land like he was finished with his dinner and ready to go back home when we jumped off the wheeler and started to stalk him on foot.

I was a kid, I grew up hearing about this magical place that he described as “his Disneyland”. He raved about his adventures and every year I would ask him if I could go with him. He would always tell me, “Once you’re old enough to carry your own rifle in the woods, then you can come!” Well, I’ve been going to that glorious

and head for the beach, where the trails round Kate and her Dad, Mark Cote. the coves of the ocean perfectly. Our two turns ahead of us! My strategy was to stop at each brother and I looked at each far point on the beach and other. Our hearts immedilook through our binocu- ately started jumping as we lars at the next cove ahead started to form a plan. Both of us. We continued like of us had a tag to fill, so that on every turn but didn’t who was the shooter? My brother generously volunsee much action.

Kate and her Anticosti buck. dinner and ready to go back home when we jumped off the wheeler and started to stalk him on foot. I took out my phone and started recording. As I got closer, I peeled off my mad-bomber hat, pulled down my neck

shot.” With confidence and control, I took my shot.

Flawless execution.

I love following a good, quick blood trail…

Especially when there’s a beautiful 8 point, pool win(Hunt cont. pg 41)

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

June 2022

Hunt

(Cont. from pg 40) ning buck found at the end of it! I cautiously ran up to him, kneeled down to pay my respects, then victoriously grabbed the antlers in both of my hands with the biggest smile… Boy, what a feeling! But you know what the best part about that is? We caught every moment on video, every memory and all of the excitement had been captured on film and when we got back to camp, we showed our dad our ad-

Page 41

County salmon source 12 Ski ---, winter gear 13 Yellow-breasted woodland bird 14 --- Hagas, Grand Canyon of the East 15 --- East Sunrise Trail

venture! I think it was one of the proudest moments he had in his life, to see his children successfully hunt a beautiful deer with textbook precision. All of those years of taking us to the shooting range and guiding and teaching us on our hunts had paid off. It was like watching his little birdies fly out of the nest.

For information on a hunt on Anticosti, call my friends at the reservation desk at 1-800-463-0863.

Tell them Mark sent you.

Across 1 Large Aroostock County body of water 4 Red --- Dogwood 5 Predatory polecat relative 6 One place you cannot buy

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Down 1 Bird rearranged stunning bow 2 --- Stream, Sandy River tributary 3 --- Eider Duck 8 American --- Duck, hunter’s target 10 Used to shoot 8 Down, for example 11 Federally-protected coastal animal 12 Lower --- Lake, Hancock County chain pickerel source

(Answers on pg 64)

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Page 42

Maine Outdoor Adventure

The avid sportsman is certainly outside more than the average person. The last ten years has made hunting and fishing so much more challenging. If you are like me, and count on having the same conditions every year, then you are also most

Northwoods Sporting Journal

June 2022

Crazy Weather

by Rich Yvon, Bradford, ME western fishing guides had even lost an entire season due to lack of water. Here in the northeast, the lack of water had even moved Canada geese migration patterns. In my observation, places inland had seen less geese and shorelines

While dams are held back and less run off, the water runs much clearer. Having clear water, certainly increases fishing opportunity and fishing success. likely to be disappointed or worse, unprepared. So, if you believe in climate change or not, one thing for sure, we can all see some sort of change is occurring.

If we are to effectively fish or hunt year in and year out, we will need to pay close attention to our weather conditions and adjust accordingly.

In 2020, we all experienced a drought here in Maine along with most of the western United States.

In fact, the west had been burning up with wildfires. Increased evaporative demand has exacerbated the dryness in vegetation that had enabled more western wildfires. Some

had a significant increase in geese movements. A dry spring meant a noticeable, bountiful partridge (Roughed Grouse) season due to less mortality of the young chicks. A year with a lack of water, can also have some benefits for the fisherman. While dams are held back and less run off, the water runs much clearer. Having clear water, certainly increases fishing opportunity and fishing success. Being aware how the environment changes, will help us in understanding the impact on our fish and wildlife.

As we entered 2021, our rainfall increased along with cooler running water.

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Typically, the month of August, is a slow month for most anglers. This summer was certainly the exception. The northern rains made rivers run much cooler than normal, providing good fishing right into September. A noticeable increase in water for the fall, Canadian geese migration rebounded inland.

Having enough water, also increases safe roosting for geese as numbers increased inland.

Guiding glacial lakes this year we found more ice in January and allowed us to get to our honey holes.

The snowpack was less this year and temperatures swung as the winter season progressed. It certainly made for an icy, dangerous cover for walking.

As precipitation goes, we certainly caught up with a surplus going into the 2022

spring. Streams, rivers and lakes overfilled; muddy rivers flowed as dams released massive amounts of water.

The early cold water river fishing did come to a crawl with all that muddy water. On a good note, let’s hope everyone has a great growing season and fun fishing season!

This year our Maine northern whitetail has done very well with less snow and more survivability.

The cutting of deer yards has historically devastated our northern deer herds.

Having less snow, seems to have helped populations and less deer mortality despite the lack of deer yards and winter habitat. As our environment changes, so goes life of every living form. As sportsmen, we need to stay flexible and always adjust to conditions

because it will ever be changing. I wish everyone a safe and fun summer!

As always, remember to take a young person hunting or fishing to keep our outdoor heritage alive and well! In addition, please support your local tackle shops and small businesses!

Rich is a full time Registered Master Maine Guide. He owns and operates Twin Maple Outdoors guide service and sporting lodge located in Bradford..

He is a “Certified Yamaha G3 Guide” that runs fly and spin fishing trips with a G3 Jet boat and Stealthcraft drift boat. Rich also guides Maine Partridge, Turkey, Moose, Deer hunting and recreation adventures.

To All You Dads Happy Fathers Day!

June 2022

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Allagash Trip Recollections

In my early years of guiding canoe trips I often had folks ask me about taking their trip in June. In those years I was tied up until the end of the school year and so had limited experience at early summer canoeing. I did do some, however.

waves and currents that require constant attention and quick reflexes. Good cooperation between canoe partners is essential.

A few of my early season trips was with students.

It should be noted that the students had all worked on cedar strip canoes and so

and was wrapped around a rock. The canoe was wrecked and had to be abandoned. When the canoe was dragged off into the woods we rearranged the gear salvaged from the canoe and divided it into the remaining canoes along with the two occupants from the wrecked canoe.

We hadn’t gone far when I heard a yell and looked back to see the

Northwoods Voyager

Page 43

by Gil Gilpatrick, Brunswick, ME could get word to a ranger.

As I looked around for a suitable spot I heard a motor on the river and soon a canoe with a couple of fishermen showed up and volunteered their help.

They took me to the ranger station and then the ranger and the fishermen went back to my group and transported us all to the

to know him as a regular guy and I respected the way he handled the problems we had.

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 Asso-

We hadn’t gone far when I heard a yell and looked back to see the superintendent and his partner in the water and their canoe also wrapped around a rock. Now I was really in a fix.

The water levels in June are enough to make a whitewater canoeist drool in envy. It is unfortunate that the most challenging whitewater comes first on an Allagash trip. The most difficult whitewater, Chase Rapids, begins just as one carries around Churchill Dam. The high water in June will create standing

we made these trips with the strip canoes. On one trip the superintendent of schools expressed his desire to go on the trip with us. It is hard to say no to the big boss so he became part of our group. It turned out to be a very memorable trip!

As we proceeded through the first whitewater one of the strip canoes upset

off. New Hampshire has over 800 lakes and ponds and approximately 19,000 (Cont. from pg 35) miles of rivers and streams archery, fly-tying, cast- so it’s time to go fishing. ing, live animals, trained See you out there! falcons and even a Blackhawk helicopter from the Peter St. James is a NH National Guard. After member of the New Enga two-year hiatus because of COVID, the public was land Outdoor Writers Ascertainly ready to re-en- sociation, Outdoor Writers gage in exploring outdoor Association of America, is a opportunities. Put it on licensed NH Fishing Guide your calendar for next year and has a daily radio show as it’s already scheduled for on WNTK-99.7FM. Reach him at : stjames.peter@ April 15th, 2023!

But that’s a long way gmail.com

superintendent and his partner in the water and their canoe also wrapped around a rock. Now I was really in a fix. There was no way we could proceed in the remaining canoes. After we got everyone safely ashore I looked around considering my options.

The only thing I could see to do was to camp where we were and wait until someone came along who

nearest campground. From the ranger station I called Pelletiers Campgound and had two canoes brought in. We funished the trip without further trouble and though the trip was a lot of trouble it made for some long lasting memories.

Oh, and an advantage of having the boss along was that he picked up the tab for the canoe rental and transportation. Also, I got

ciation, 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

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 44

June 2022

Outdoor Writers Hold Annual Meeting

The New England Outdoor Writers Association ( NEOWA) held its annual banquet and membership meeting in Oxford, MA April 9th at the Singletary Rod & Gun Club.

During the meeting,

During the meeting, 12 $1,500.00 scholarships were presented to wildlife ecology majors from all six New England states.

12 $1,500.00 scholarships were presented to wildlife ecology majors from land grant universities in all six New England states.

Scholarship recipients were: Ciara Frawley and

Colby Slezak from Rhode Island; Isabella Collamati and Secilya Williams from New Hampshire; Rebecca Cusick and Sequoia Dixon from Maine; Andy O’Sullivan and Tatjana Washington from Massachusetts; Dani Berger

and Jacob Crawford from Vermont; and Robin Chandler and Melissa Ruszczyk from Connecticut.

These Sherman Lowell Scholarships are presented each year and were made possible through a generous financial dona-

professionalism in outdoor communications and to promote conservation and protection of natural resources.

Following the annual meeting and banquet, Northwoods Sporting Journal hiking writer Carey Kish gave a slide presentation about his recent thru hike of the Pacific Crest Trail. NEOWA P r e s i d e n t Wi l l Lund also moderated two workshop discussions about women in the outdoors and the use of social Recent recipients of the 2022 NEOWA Speaking to the NEOWA membership media in outdoor about women in the outdoors were (left scholarships (List above). to right) Erin Merrill, Staci Warren, Ellie communications.

(Photo by Diane Reynolds)

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NEOWA is comprised of outdoor communicators from all over New England. Its mission is to encourage excellence and

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

June 2022

Page 45

Cracker Barrel

by Homer Spit

Who’s On First?

One of the poets, whose name I cannot recall, has a passage, which I am unable at the moment to remember, in one of his works, which for the time being has slipped my mind, which hits off admirably this age-old situation. — P.G. Wodehouse At times I have done dumb things, in the outdoors and in the indoors. In one of my books, I dedicate a chapter to my most headshaking blunders as a hunter.. These mistakes are all lumped together under an acronym I dubbed CTB, Capacity To Blunder. As I get older, my CTB mishaps seem to me to be more amusing and less personally embarrassing as they once were.

You may have done some of these dumb things yourself. Anyone trying to light a malfunctioning butane mountain stove could set his wool hunting pants ablaze. Surely I was not the first deer hunter to drive away from a hunt spot having left his rifle leaning against the pickup’s front tire. Or accidentally discharge a deer rifle into the ground while demonstrating safe gun handling to a grandson.

Women mess up, too. A middle-age lady I know told me about her first grouse hunt. A bird flushed. She swung on it and the 20 gauge dry fired on the bird. Opening the action, she found that instead of a number 7 bird load a tube of chapstick had been loaded and locked in her new shotgun breech.

Whether in the woods, on the waters or at the homestead, my advancing age seems to be accelerating my penchant to step on it. Wintering in Florida seems to help the old joints, but doesn’t seem to mitigate my CTB issues. This was a first. I parked the truck at our marina, got a bag of groceries out of the back, locked the truck and walked away --with the engine still idling and the AC on. Five hours later Diane discovered my “oops moment” as she opened the door to an idling engine and a properly cooled truck cab.

Late last fall, while closing down my lake house for the winter for the umpteenth time), I drained my hot water tank after switching off the circuit breaker to the tank ( or so I thought). Stunned was I to discover in returning in April that, indeed, the tank’s circuit breaker was never closed! Yes, indeed, a new water tank was necessarily purchased and installed.

But I am saving the best for last.

“Hello, is this the Ellsworth landfill office?” I queried, after finding the phone number online. A polite and friendly woman assured me that, indeed, it was and asked how could she help. I then explained that I needed to dispose of a metal water heater and need directions to the landfill, never having been there. She said, to my surprise, that I could unload the old water heater at the landfull no charge! “Now to find the landfill,” she said,”do you know where ChoChoo’s Restaurant is located?” I explained that I had not heard of it but that I don’t eat out much.

“How about Home Depot?” she asked.

“Oh yes, right across form the Walmart,” I offered. “No, no Walmart is on the other side of town,” she said with incredulity.

By now I am beginning to question my sanity and no doubt so was she. “How about the prison, you know where that is?” she asked.

“Prison?” I exclaimed, “there is no prison in Ellsworth!”

I think it hit us at the same time. “Do you live in Ellsworth, Kansas?” she asked with a smirk in her voice. We both had a good laugh.

She was almost in hysterics.

Since she was going to dispose of my water heater at no charge, I almost asked her how far a drive it was from Ellsworth, Maine to Ellsworth, Kansas. But, hey, that would have been pushing it.

Homer Spit lives on a lake in Maine. He likes to keep a low profile.

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Page 46

On The Prowl

by Justin Merrill, Cherryfield, ME These suggested coyote hunting tips and tactics you are going to read about in this column are of my opinions based on my twenty one years of coyote hunting experience. The tools for the job are the first order of business. Like Tony Smith told me twenty

this.

Any Earth tone colored clothing that will help you blend into your surroundings will do. Hand wash all your clothes with Baking Soda in a large plastic bin. Air dry the clothes someplace they will not collect foreign

Northwoods Sporting Journal

June 2022

Coyote: Beginners Guide

trusty .270 caliber rifle. I shot that blonde phased female coyote out to 115 yards from my sitting position high up on the side of a ridge looking out over an old clear cut deep within the forest.

If you are looking to keep a lot of coyote pelts and don’t want big bullet holes then calibers like the .270, .243, .223 and the .22-.250 caliber will

e-caller soon.

It’s very important that you read the user instructions carefully for all calls you purchase. I can’t stress how important it is that you practice with the calls before you go hunting. Coyotes are extremely smart and will not come into an armature sounding

photos to learn all the roads and trails. Also use these tools to help you figure out the larger tracts of forest where coyotes will spend the majority of the daylight hours. Learn where the coyotes will most likely be at various times of the day.

This way you can quickly put together your plan of

It’s very important that you read the user instructions carefully for all calls you purchase. I can’t stress how important it is that you practice with the calls before you go hunting. Coyotes are extremely smart and will not come into an armature sounding predator call. one years ago - “you don’t need every new fancy gadget out there to kill a coyote”. Almost Tony’s exact words. He gave me lots of coyote hunting advice all those years ago.

Everything you currently use for hunting deer will suffice for killing coyotes.

Yes! Even those deer calls will call in coyotes too! Not everyone realizes

odors. Bag them in a scent free trash bag. You can also hand wash your boots in Baking Soda and dry them with an electric PEET Boot Dryer. Shower with any type of scent-free and dye-free soap just before leaving to go hunt.

The caliber rifle you use can be your favorite deer hunting rifle. The very first coyote I killed twenty one years ago was with my

work great. You can buy lesser grain bullets for all these calibers. The idea is to use a bullet that will pass through quick and not mushroom up during the exit leaving gaping holes.

The types of predator calls that I’ve learned work best are the Made For Killing (MFK) line of coyote calls. You also can’t go wrong using the PRIMO’S line of predator calls. I have great calling success with my BUCK EXPERT and MICK LACEY line of predator calls. If it’s electronic callers (e-calls) you are interested in then look no further than the FOXPRO e-callers. I happen to have a WESTERN RIVERS e-caller that I love.

I do have plans to buy a newer and better FOXPRO

(Illustration by V. Paul Reynolds)

predator call.

Now for a few coyote hunting tips that might help you get started off on the right foot. It’s crucial that you determine coyotes actually live, hunt, scavenge and overall occupy areas you plan to hunt. Look for tell-tale signage around the outskirts of the forests and fields. When asking landowners for permission to hunt, also ask them if they see coyotes frequently.

Secondly it’s equally as important to plan an entrance and exit route through your hunting areas where you are confident that you won’t alarm any coyotes. Use maps or aerial

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attack.

What you need to do is pick a few places to sit and call that gives you ample visibility for easy shooting. Try to set-up on the side of a hill or ridge overlooking wooded clearings. If you are up higher than where you expect coyotes to appear then you’ll have an advantage. I’ve found through the years that sitting on the side of hills, instead of on the top edges, hides me better. This way I’m not sky-lined. I have had several coyotes approach from behind and they never saw me. One trotted so close it scared me. That coyote must have been only six feet away from me as it walked down past. I waited until it got thirty yards away before I shot it.

Always play the wind and thermals. By sitting up high looking down a lot of the times the wind and thermals will pull your (Coyote cont. pg 53)

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 48

Moosehead Lake: The Rusticator's Paradise

Kineo Currents

by Suzanne AuClair, Rockwood, ME Most sporting people know that the Moosehead Lake Region was carved out of the last glacial age 12,000 - 15,000 years ago and connected the greatest river routes to mountains across a wild landscape, from what is now the Canadian border to Katahdin.

For thousands of years,

Why is it still the Gateway to Maine’s famed North Woods?

The short answer is geography. The largest waterways that cut through interior Maine, including the Kennebec, Allagash, Penobscot, and St. John rivers, with thousands of acres of connecting tribu-

and ponds greater than 10 acres. These have a combined surface area of nearly 23,000 acres. The second largest drainage is the Roach River system, on the east side of the lake, with 13 great ponds, representing some 5,426 acres. All told, the lake area represents four percent of the entire state!

Moosehead Lake is

By the 1830s, with land speculation, lumbering ventures, and new supply trails cut through the woods, adding to water travel, Moosehead Lake became a hub for logging, settlement, and outdoor recreation, with the Town of Greenville as its supply center.

Native Americans, the first human footprint here, canoed these interconnected waterways for navigating to woodland summering grounds. Fast forward to the 1800s, and Moosehead Lake was called the Gateway to the North Woods, and for good reason. How has it continued its connection to the northwest territory, known as an outdoor paradise? How did it stand the test of time?

taries, streams, lakes and ponds, have Moosehead Lake as their jumping off points.

Moosehead Lake itself is a great basin, draining an area of 1,266 square miles, with some 18 townships, from the Moose River and its tributaries.

Two major tributaries feed the lake. The Moose River extends westerly to Jackman and the Canadian border, representing 91 lakes

like an interior ocean. At 76,293 acres, it the largest lake within one state east of the Mississippi. It and surrounding tributaries total waters of some 106,569 acres. She is cold, springfed, pristine, ledge-bound, and can be dangerous -a tricky wind may kick up at any time. She has claimed boats, and lives, in quick time. The lake is surrounded by undeveloped mountains, largely

because it has been owned by private timber interests.

It was, and still is today, the land of the moose and of the wild native brook trout, lake trout, the Arctic charr, the black bear, eagle, and Canada lynx.

It is a place of the northern lights and the Milky Way, shimmering against the blackest black of the night because, outside of Greenville, there is hardly a street lamp to siphon off the arc of the midnight sky.

It is a place of old, haunting names, like Seboomook,

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Socatean, and Chesuncook; Misery Gore, Kineo, and Kokadjo. It was, and still is, one of Maine’s most remote areas. As Maine was settled, it wasn’t by chance that this area was called the Wild Lands.

Once the American Revolution ended, these North Woods were labelled by governing powers as the Wild Lands, a hinterland territory not well known, as yet un-surveyed, or even considered too very important, by its distant landowner, Massachusetts. But once Massachusetts cleaved off its northern Wild Lands in order to pay crushing war debt, in 1820 Maine became its own state.

Very quickly, the Wild Lands saw a tremendous era of economic, social, and cultural vigor that would shape the next 150 years. By the 1830s, with land speculation, lumbering ventures, and new supply trails cut through the woods, adding to water travel, Moosehead Lake became a hub for logging, settlement, and outdoor recreation, with the Town (Paradise cont. pg 54)

Northwoods Sporting Journal

June 2022

Olive-Sided Flycatcher

During the month of June I walk through my woods hoping to hear and see “the dead limb birds”.

This is a nickname for some birds of the Flycatcher family. From high atop a tree on such an exposed perch they launch themselves on insect-chasing sallies. Then they return to that same

atop the tree, I will see the large, cone-shaped head and heavy looking bill. Its plumage will be an overall dark olive-gray with the dark flanks separated by white in the center of the underparts. If the bird is one of a breeding pair, they might have built a cup-like nest high up in that tree or

not perch atop a tree. They prefer a dead limb in the shade of conifer needles. I love hearing their plaintive call of “pee-a-wee, peea-wee”. This species also builds a cup-like nest high up in a tree.

Some years I am lucky to also have Great Crested Flycatchers. They prefer deciduous woods and mine is mostly made up of conifer trees. I always know when they are visiting mine because they emit a loud call of “wheep,

Page 49

The Bird Perch

by Karen Holmes, Cooper, ME plastic or wax paper.

Great Cresteds are larger than the other two species of “dead limb birds”. They are olivebrown above with yellow bellies and rusty-colored wings and tails. I find it so interesting that these three species share a habitat and all target insects. They use the same tactics of darting out and shooting straight

If my readers have never done so, get a notebook having pages equal to a year’s worth of days.

On each page start listing what birds you see or hear that day. If you do so for a while you will see that birds arrive and leave on almost the same days. I can look at my records for 2000, 2001 and predict accurately when birds will come or leave on certain days in 2002. It is mysterious and amazing!

up in the air or at angles to kill a passing insect. But competition is minimized because the Olive-sided hunts higher up in the trees while the Pee-wees hunt at the lower levels. Great Crested Flycatchers will often use the forest edges.

I love being a Maine forest owner and my husband Ken and I use forest management that establishes favorable habitats for birds and other animals.

Karen Holmes loves having 74 acres of woods to roam around in Cooper, Maine. Hopefully this summer she can do so and will have fully recovered from a right hip replacement. She will as usual coordinate the annual Loon Count for Washington County and do her route for the Breeding Bird Survey this summer. Fortunately neither of these require much walking!

Its plumage will be an overall dark olive-gray with the dark flanks separated by white in the center of the underparts.

location. One species I find in my 74 acres of mostly coniferous woods and wetlands is the Olive-sided Flycatcher. Usually I hear one first and the call sounds like “quick! three beers”.

Once I locate the bird high

wheep”. Then I look for where they might be entering or leaving a tree cavity.

This species likes to nest in such places and covers the cavity floor with sticks, bark, and grasses. Then nearby . they often behave oddly Another species I by adding a shed snake usually find is the Eastern skin and weaving it into Wood Pee-wee. This is the nest materials. Perhaps smaller and olive brown this is a trick to discourage above with two pale wing predators?? If they cannot bars and whitish under- find a shed skin, they will parts. Pee-wees usually do sometimes use cellophane,

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Page 50

Vermont Ramblings

by Dennis Jensen, Vermont We stepped out on the porch for the eighth morning, owl hooting first and then yelping with a box call. Nothing. This is the way it has been all week.

I can clearly remember, back in the springs of the 1990s and then again in the next decade when I would walk down the drive way to grab the morning paper and, off on the big ridges to the east, I would hear a bird gobbling. Other mornings, I would cut loose with my own vocal chords, sound off with the call of the barred owl and, right on top of the call, I would have a gobbler sounding back.

In the spring turkey woods, I would sometimes have several owls answering. Not so, over the past 10 years.

What the heck hap-

pened to the turkeys and the deer and the ruffed grouse and the barred owl over the last decade or so?

Twenty years ago, on the opening day of the May turkey season, I would be sitting against a fat pine tree and could hear two, sometimes three barred owls answering to me.

Sometimes, mostly in the spring, I would invite a visitor to come out on the porch of my home and I would make the call of the barred owl and, often, I would get a response.

Sometimes, I would pull an owl from a good distance and have him land on the limb of one of the old hemlocks that line my driveway. That old owl maybe 25 yards away, going off. We would go back and forth and it sometimes

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Changing Times

was hysterical.

Not anymore.

Back in the 1990s, during the first week of the season — still early in my turkey hunting — there were no mosquitoes, no blackflies, no filthy ticks to trouble me while I tried to bring a vocal tom in close.

These days, there are black flies buzzing my face in April, the ticks are everywhere and the early days of May can be downright brutal, in terms of hot weather.

So I am a bit worried.

If all of this is my imagination or a sign that I am really growing old, then there is no problem; but if it’s not me, then I think we have a big problem.

It’s call global warming. I have no need to run down the list of catastrophes that have fallen on our country, in terms of violent weather.

Just watch the news.

So we talk about it.

And the political parties

argue about it. And it goes on. But here’s the thing. If you know anything about the history of the Earth, this much is true: This old planet has seen violent times, times when almost all life was gone. Asteroids hitting the planet. Weather patterns so severe that great

stretches of the planet were covered in ice.

And yet, the planet goes on, as if it had a life of its own. And, of course, it does. But this time things are somewhat different. It isn’t asteroids or the killing heat or deadly ice that is troubling the planet; this time it is the doings of man.

If you are old, as I am, you might remember the commercial. I think it was about a margarine that was purported to be so

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good it could be mistaken for butter. (And that was a crock.) At the end of the commercial were heard the words, or something like this: “It’s not nice to fool Mother Nature.”

Those words keep coming back to me. And I think the planet is getting

What the heck happened to the turkeys and the deer and the ruffed grouse and the barred owl over the last decade or so?

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June 2022

disgusted with this species that by some freak of nature emerged. Nah, Mother Nature had nothing to do with this being. The species is so different from the rest.

Smart. Imaginative. Evolving. But, and this is the part that Mother Nature is getting really angry about: Dumb, war-loving, hatefilled, arrogant, greedy, with a “who-cares-abouttomorrow?” attitude.

Well, Mother Nature cares. Let’s see, how do we deal with this freak of nature called Home Sapiens?

Well the tornadoes and the fires and the hurricanes and the earthquakes seem to have an effect. But, nah, that ain’t gonna get the job done.

Hey, how about this one? A virus, a nasty, highly contagious virus, one that goes deep enough, far enough, lethal enough and takes care of these pesky, dearly-departed humans.

Let’s work on that one, shall we?

It’s not nice to fool Mother Nature.

Dennis Jensen is the outdoor editor for the Rutland Herald and Barre Times Argus and a freelance writer. Contact him at d.jensen62@yahoo.com

June 2022

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 51

Vermont’s Master Angler Program

Many sportsmen and women like challenges and goals to shoot for. Whether a grand slam for turkeys, catching all the species of trout in a given state or hiking all the peaks over 4,000 feet, we like goals and challenges.

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department’s Master Angler Program is a challenge that is growing in popularity. The program recognizes the achievements of anglers who catch trophy-sized fish from Vermont waters.

The Vermont Master Angler program is a lengthbased program that sets “trophy sized” benchmarks for 33 eligible fish species.

Anglers catching a fish exceeding the minimum qualifying length in any of the 33 species categories can receive a certificate commemorating their catch.

Anglers catching multiple species that all exceed the minimum qualifying lengths in the same calendar year are recognized as “Vermont Master Anglers” and receive a unique oneof-a-kind lapel pin at the end of the year. To qualify for the annual Vermont Master Angler Pin, an angler must submit qualifying entries for five or more species within a calendar year.

Last year was another record year for the program, with 1,169 entries approved, 332 of which were from youth anglers.

There were also 73 Vermont Master Angler award recipients in 2021, 17 of which were youth anglers.

The program provides the department with information on big fish through-

out the state and helps promote the many diverse fishing opportunities that Vermont has to offer.

It also gives us an excuse to fish for species we may have ignored in the past. We can even have a friendly competition with our angling buddies.

The 2021 Vermont Master Angler Program Annual Report is on Fish and Wildlife’s website at: https://vtfishandwildlife.

Pond, Newark Pond, Jobs Pond and Center Pond.

Northern Cartographic’s The Atlas of Vermont Trout Ponds has maps and information on the ponds and is a great resource.

The Vermont Official State Map is available at most rest areas and state offices and will lead you to most of the ponds. A more detailed guide and one that serious anglers should have is The Vermont Atlas and

Outdoors In Vermont

by Gary W. Moore, Bradford, VT

anglers excellent eating and a lot of fun.

Some of the best walleye fishing on the east side of the state can be found in the Connecticut River.

The best places to fish for walleyes in the Connecticut River are from the Ryegate Dam south to the Massachusetts border.

The Northeast Kingdom waters Salem Lake

To qualify for the annual Vermont Master Angler Pin, an angler must submit qualifying entries for five or more species within a calendar year. com/fish/fishing-eventsand-programs/master-angler-program June Fishing Stays Good June is prime fishing in Vermont. There are so many opportunities to fish in Vermont and so many species available that choosing where is often difficult. Two of my favorite species to pursue are brook trout and walleye, both are among the best eating fish to be found.

I have written many times over the years about my favorite type of fishing, brookies in remote ponds and mountain brooks.

Northeast Kingdom ponds are among my favorite places to fish. They include Bald Hill Pond, Long

Gazetteer published by DeLorme.

Walleye fishing season opens in early May and continues to be good through June providing

and Island Pond also have walleye populations as does Lake Champlain and its tributaries, the Missisquoi, Lamoille and Winooski rivers and Otter Dave Irving with an 18-pound

Creek, all on the west side of the state. Lake Carmi and Chittenden Reservoir are also good bets.

Syndicated columnist Gary W. Moore is a life long resident of Vermont and a former Commissioner of Fish and Game. He has been a magazine freelancer and syndicated newspaper columnist for 45 years. He may be reached by e-mail at gwmoore1946@icloud. com or at Box 454, Bradford, VT 05033.

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 52

Vermont Poaching Ring Gets Pinched

Green Mountain Report

by Bradley Carleton, Charlotte, VT Okay. Here we are again. June. What does it mean to you? Big shiny rainbows in the deep pools of the Winooski, Lamoille, Missisquoi, Connecticut?

How about those monster brownies in the Battenkill or Steelies on Lake Champlain? Let’s not for-

boat. We laugh hysterically at how easy it is to hook up with one of these panfish.

After another beverage, we start getting serious about the smallmouth bass that inhabit this shoreline. Is it any wonder that when the big tournaments roll into town that the shore of this

all the regulars who come back year after year! This year the Grand Sponsors are Yamaha, Kool 105 and WIZN 106.7 radio stations as well as Jolley Stores, Coca Cola, Engel Coolers, the infamous Dunkling Brothers’ shop called Rays’ Seafood, and my favorite, the Bissonette’s Shelburne Campground. Prizes are

The Vermont Warden Service completed a multi-month poaching investigation resulting in the arrest of five Windsor County males suspected of taking 14 illegal deer in Vermont during the fall of 2021. get the hawg lakers of the Northeast Kingdom! Me? I’ll be playing with the smallies off Georgia Shore on Champlain. My “old fishing pal,” Steve “Ozzie” Osborne of Williston, renovated a cute little shoreline camp. Then he bought a super comfortable 26’ pontoon boat. The concept of retirement is not lost on him. My fishing buddies, Ozzie, Chris, and I like to troll up and down the shoreline, with a beverage always nearby, and cast into the shallows. The action, at times, is truly comedic. Entire schools of yellow and white perch, sunnies, bluegills and pumpkinseeds chase the bait back to the

June 2022

bay is covered with pro bass anglers? With Champlain being named one of the top bass fisheries in the country, it’s no longer a secret.

Now, if it’s the competition or prizes that motivate you, you will want to get your entry fees in to celebrate the greatest summer event of the year, the Father’s Day Fishing Derby presented by Yamaha. This year the Biggest Weekend of the Summer runs June 18-20, starting at the unholy hour of 12:00 am, Saturday, June 18 and ends 4:00 pm, Monday, June 20.

Liz Ehlers and her team are always enthusiastic in welcoming newbies and

still being collected as I write this column, but trust me, they have never disappointed in cash, recognition, or equipment.

FYI: Please come visit me at the Point Bay Marina in Charlotte. And, yes, I will keep the light on for all your walleye and bowfin fisherman who love to stay up all night. Just knock gently on the door and I will stumble out to greet you and weigh in your derby dogs! Visit online at www.mychamplain.net/ events/fathers-day-derby or call Liz and her team at (802) 879-3466.

The next topic is one where I must express my own opinion. It seems to

me that fines, equipment seizures, hunter education courses and criminal records aren’t enough to dissuade poachers. When people do this, they are stealing resources of the state that belong to you and me. And I would propose that a more effective method of discouraging this kind of action, would be to adopt the Asian concept of “public shaming” by calling out the names of the offenders and letting them know we are disgusted with their actions. So, this past month, one of the most significant investigations resulted in the following: The Vermont Warden Service completed a multimonth poaching investigation resulting in the arrest of five Windsor County males suspected of taking 14 illegal deer in Vermont during the fall of 2021. VT F&W Game Wardens and Detectives worked alongside Conservation Officers from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, and Special Agents of the USFWS through the investigation. In addition to the 14 illegal deer taken in Vermont, those involved are suspected of taking multiple illegal deer in New Hampshire. They are facing additional charges in that jurisdiction. On April 26, Zackery Baxter

(26) of Sharon VT, Jeffrey Degrasse (26) of Hartford VT, Kobe Labonte (22) of White River Junction VT, Casey Thayer (27) of Hartford VT, and Patrick Whitcomb (24) of Hartford VT appeared in court to answer several counts of the following charges: Taking Deer in Closed Season, Title 10 VSA 4745 Possession of Illegal Deer, Title 10 VSA 4781 Transportation of Illegal Deer, Title 10 VSA 4784 Failure to Report Big Game, Title 10 Appendix 2 Failure to Tag Big Game, Title 10 Appendix 2A Obstruction of Justice, Title 13 VSA 3015 False Information to Police Officer, Title 13 VSA 1754 Feeding Deer, Title 10 Appendix 37 In total, the five males are facing a combined 78 criminal charges related to the poaching of deer in the Vermont. These 78 charges do not include criminal charges filed by Conservation Officers in the state of New Hampshire. On their April 26 court date, Mr. Baxter and Mr. Degrasse pled not guilty to all charges. Mr. Casey pled guilty to taking deer in closed season, transportation of illegal deer, and possession of illegal deer.

(Pinched cont. pg 53)

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June 2022

Pinched (Cont. from pg 52) He will be fined $1,821, pay $500 in restitution for the deer, be required to forfeit his crossbow, and be required to complete 9-10 days of work crew service. Mr. Labonte pled guilty to taking deer in closed season. He will be fined $607. Mr. Whitcomb pled guilty to taking deer in closed season and possession of illegal deer. He will be fined $1,214, pay $500 in restitution for the deer, and be required to forfeit his crossbow. Officials

Coyote (Cont. from pg 46) scent away from the clearing below. It’s a very good idea to always position yourself to where you can see and shoot downwind.

Just before you commit to sitting down, to start calling, be sure your scent will blow away from where you expect coyotes to be hanging out. If you are as scent free as possible, have a favorable wind and a great view you very well could call in a coyote.

I could go on and on about different ways to hunt coyotes. If you are a beginner I only hope you learned one thing. I wish you all the luck on your coyote hunting adventures.

Justin has over 30,000 acres to hunt coyotes. He is a member of the New England Outdoor Writers Association (NEOWA) and has authored two books. He is the owner of the online T.V. Show, SPIKES and GILLS found on YouTube. You may learn more by visiting, www.wildmaineoutdoors. com

Northwoods Sporting Journal stressed the impact of the illegal deer take uncovered in this investigation for the area’s deer population and hunting opportunities. “It will take 3-4 years for the deer population in Windsor County to recruit additional mature bucks and replace those that were illegally taken this fall,” said VT F&W Division Director Mark Scott. “Poaching at

this scale is a blow both to the local deer herd, and to Vermont’s culture of fair and equal access to public trust wildlife.” “This investigation was only possible thanks to tips from conservation-minded hunters who alerted game wardens to poaching in their communities,” said Vermont Game Warden Detective Sergeant, Robert

Currier. “Their actions and ethics highlight the contrast between true hunters and poachers.”

Page 53

SUBSCRIBE TODAY! (SEE PAGE 49)

Bradley Carleton is the founder and Executive Director of www.sacredhunter.org which teaches the public respect and empathy through hunting and fishing.

Page 54

Paradise

(Cont. from pg 48) of Greenville as its supply center.

Places like D.T. Sanders Store would be run by the same family for generations, outfitting thousands of men streaming into lumber camps to early adventurers, like Chief Justice William O. Douglas and Henry David Thoreau.

Naturalist writers, like Thoreau and Lucius L. Hubbard, both from Massachusetts, revealed the territories for the first time to a new type of traveler, the rusticators. Rusticators were late 1800 urban

dwellers, usually wealthy, looking to escape the heat and grime of the cities for a summer of fresh air and simple living. Rusticators were Maine’s first wave of “tourists,” in an era that would span the next 40 years, until just before WWII. Both Thoreau and Hubbard, in different times, set off into the woods on long canoe trips, learning from Native guides, like Penobscot Joe Attean, about the unbound bounty of trees and waters that lay before them, then capturing the spirit of it in writing for a waiting society. Both men were not interested in taking as much fish and

Northwoods Sporting Journal game as they could, or about logging, but had a serious interest in recording the life and times of what they were experiencing and seeing in the wild.

Their adventures spurred others to do the same.

These writings, and others, promoted the region for its raw beauty, abundant fish and wildlife, and constant fresh breezes, marketing Moosehead for its health restorative powers.

From the 1880s, sporting camps sprang up.

Passengers were met at a new rail station by steamboats to be ferried to points up the lake. The Kineo Hotel kept well-to-do early rusticators comfortable.

Tens of guides were hired each summer. Many of these men worked in the woods during the winter and guided during the summer. Native guides, like members of the Capino and Tomer families were much sought after.

Sportsmen were taken on short and long canoe trips, to Chesuncook, the West Branch of the Penobscot River, and the Allagash. Cornelia “Fly Rod” Crosby guided at Kineo. She became the first Registered Maine Guide in 1897 and organized guides to showcase the North Woods at popular in and out-of-state trade shows.

Her marketing acumen and guiding expertise made her a legend. Likewise, Natives Henry Perley and Roland Nelson, promoted the Moosehead region in Boston and New York City sportsmen’s shows, performing for an expectant market as “Chief Henry Red Eagle” and “Chief Needahbeh” and in Wild West shows popular throughout the country at that time.

Innovators, like Fred C.N. Parke honed his taxidermy skills on the many wild fish and game that were brought to his store in Greenville Junction. He became known for his skill in preserving fish and for his lifelike colorings and configurations. Eventually, he left to open agencies around the world, but credits Moosehead’s distinctive colorings of fresh wild fish and game for his creative eye. Customers included Ernest Hemingway. Today his carvings and taxidermy are found in major institutions around the world.

By 1933, the railroad spur to Kineo closed; the heyday of Kineo Hotel ended with it. By 1938,

June 2022

the first automobile trail was built up the west side of the lake to Rockwood.

This change in travel would bridge an old world defined by the Wild Lands to a new one, leading to new forms of outdoor recreation and the birth of tourism as we know it today.

After WWII, touring road trips became a popular pastime, with travel not confined to the wealthy any more. Many sporting camps thrived. Sportsmen were brought into the North Woods by owners who were woodsmen themselves and knew the lay of the land. Some of these camps, like Maynard’s, The Birches, and West Branch Pond Camps, have stood the test of time and still operate today.

To d a y , v i s i t i n g Maine’s outdoors has changed again, coming almost full circle. Other places have embraced the industry of tourism full-on.

Small coastal towns are overcrowded with touristy shops, restaurants, and thousands of people hitting the walkways off cruise ships and nearby highways. But like the rusticators 150 years ago, a new wave of travelers wants a fresh outdoor experience, in unbound beauty. The Moosehead region still does that. It is still a jumping off point into the North Woods.

Suzanne AuClair lives near Rockwood. She has been writing about the Moosehead Lake region for 27 years and produced a state anthology,“The Origins, Formation & History of Maine’s Inland Fisheries Division.” This month’s column was co-authored

by Matt Scott and Lloyd Irland.

June 2022

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Running The B.A.S.S. Tides

Bassmaster Open Series consist of three official practice days, two full field days of competition with 225 Pro-anglers paired with 225 Co-anglers and one final championship day composed of only the top-

Pro-anglers demonstrated just how outstanding the bass population could be on the James River. Claiming the victory Japanese Pro-Angler Kenta Kimura proclaimed, “I have never fished the James River

championship round, including the next 30 Pro-anglers qualifying within the Top-40 to collect checks.

“I finished in 33rd-place with 29 lb. 7 oz.”, replied Bradley. With 17-years’ experience as a Pro-angler the Ranger Boat/Bass ProShops veteran enlighten my curiosity as I inquired

Page 55

Best Bassin’

by Bill Decoteau, Hampden, MA daily hourly difference,” insist Bradley.

Questioning Christiana I asked, “Were there any other factors besides the size of the 225-Boater field you needed to consider? “Certainly, 225 Pro-anglers on just about

“Timing is extremely important when fishing tidal water. You need to know high and low tide water levels and then add into the equation the daily hourly difference.”

Bassmaster Pro Angler Christiana Bradley with her big bass during the Northern Open on the James River (Courtesy of Andy Crawford Photography/B.A.S.S.)

ten Pro-anglers. Entry fees for the Pro-anglers in the Open Series per event are $1,800, while Co-anglers entry fee is $475 per event.

Monetary payouts go to the Top 40 anglers in each division Pro-anglers and Co-anglers.

The first St. Croix Open Series Northern event of which three events are scheduled was held April 14-16 on Virginia’s James River. Launching and weigh-ins took place within Richmond, and Henrico County, Virginia.

Main river channels range in depths from 18’ to 25’.

However B.A.S.S. anglers searching for largemouth bass have an enormous amount of shallower backwater sloughs available where largemouth bass habitat encourages lunker size bass with plenty of forage!

On Day-3 the top 10

and didn’t know the tidal changes. Yes, my 6 lb. bass within the final minutes secured my winning weight.

However, it was time-management and concentrating on the tidal effects, which allowed me to fish with confidence.”

The only female ProAngler to make the Top-40 payday cutline was Virginia’s Christiana Bradley.

With 225 Pro-anglers completing the Day-2 weigh-in process, along with their Co-anglers the scales were closed. The leaderboard revealed the Top-10 Proanglers to advance to the

on her Day-1 and Day-2 on-the-water performance.

“Let me start with my limited practice period.

Tuesday, I managed to be on the water from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., this time frame coincided with the last flight period. Wednesday, I launched early and came off the water at noon.” According to Christiana, she was able to log the tidal changes for morning and afternoon periods within the areas she was going to target. Additionally, the Green Top Sporting Goods Pro logged her running time between her chosen areas, both with and against the tide. “Timing is extremely important when fishing tidal water. You need to know high and low tide water levels and then add into the equation the

any body of water always presents challenges. Bass were migrating to spawning areas in both pre-spawn and spawning stages. The larger spawning areas on the James River are also known as ‘CommunityHoles’, and a large majority of the boaters were within these areas. I avoided these areas” Hesitating, Christiana smiling continued, “Two Major Factors for me rotated around the weather and moon-phase! The

full moon effects the tidal changes drastically, causing extremely higher and lower tidal levels. These in turn restrictions the amount of time anglers can spend in shallow backwater sloughs during high-tide conditions. The weather forecasted brutally high winds...However, knowing the direction of the wind I utilized it to my advantage!

During high tide the wind pushed more water faster into my shallow areas. This in turn extended my angling period allowing me to dissect the area thoroughly.

When the tide changed the high winds slowed the tidal difference just enough for me to exit and move to my second area which held more water.”

Christiana Bradley concentrated her angling efforts within the Richmond area south to specific areas within the Chickahominy River. “Each day I had a 5-bass limit within (Tides cont. pg 59)

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 56

Cookin’ With New England’s WildCheff

by Denny Corriveau, Kennebunkport, ME

Summertime. Outdoor BBQ’s, Firepits, Outdoor Activities.

Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors and all it has to offer. Its also a wonderful time to enjoy your fish and wild game.

During the warmer months we can exercise

that matter, and then grill it. The brining process is fairly quick with fish due to its porous nature (15-30 minutes), whereas with game, you can brine it for 3-6 hours.

The brine accomplishes two things: 1) It adds moisture to the meat by breaking down the pro-

Most marinades are filled with preservatives. Making a homemade marinade is easy and can be creative. our creativity and cook wild protein over an open fire in a variety of ways that can lend to some very tasty recipes. How can you resist cooking wild food over fire?!

From fajitas, and grilled game steaks, to kabobs, grilled tips, seared fish, and fish tacos you can enjoy numerous flavor profiles that can match up to summer side dishes and ingredients that will make tasteful memories.

There are different methods you can use to accomplish this. Brining is a fun method where you can submerge certain types of game; and even fish for

tein. This makes it more tender to eat. 2) It infuses flavor into the protein no different than seasoning ground meat and let it sit for hours. The longer it sits, the more pungent the flavor becomes.

Another method is marinating. You may be accustomed to simply going to the store and buying a pre-made marinade, but consider this – do you know what they put in it for ingredients? Most marinades are filled with preservatives. Making a homemade marinade is easy and can be creative.

Items like citrus and vinegars are available ev-

June 2022

Let the Summer Begin

ditional olive oil if it is all 4 T of crunchy peanut absorbed. Place on a hot butter grill and cook until desired 1/3 C of blueberry jam 1/3 C of water doneness.

Directions In a large bowl, comWildCheff’s Wild bine all turkey marinade Turkey Satay with Blueberry Peanut Sauce ingredients.

Place turkey strips Ingredients 1 ½ lbs. of wild turkey into marinade, coating all breast, sliced into strips to the meat. Cover and chill for a couple of 2-4 hours. skewer After marinading, 12 wooden skewers thread the turkey strips onto bamboo skewers that you have soaked in water prior for 30 minutes.

Place skewers on hot outdoor grill that has been oiled to prevent sticking.

Grill over medium high heat, while turning occasionally, until turkey is cooked. Remove from grill and serve with satay sauce.

Marinades are a great way to tenderize wild Making the dipping meat. (Photo by V. Paul Reynolds) sauce In a saucepan, heat people over the years who Turkey Marinade olive oil and then add onion approach me to get advice 1/2 - 1 T of WildCheff and saute until translucent. on how to keep their game Curry moist when they cook it. 2 Tsp. of WildCheff Roast- Add minced garlic and stir until garlic is fragrant (30Well, one method is brin- ed Garlic Powder ing, which I spoke about. 1 T of powdered peanut 60 seconds).

Stir in peanut butter, The other may sound ef- butter soy, jam and water and mix fortless, but it works. Bring 1/2 C of plain yogurt well. Heat until mixture is your game to room temp 1 T of cilantro, chopped and place it on a large For the Blueberry Dip- heated through. (add more water if needed). plate or sheet pan. Coat ping Sauce Pour dipping sauce the meat with olive oil 2 T of sunflower oil and then follow with sea- 2 cloves of garlic, minced into a ramekin and place soning it. Allow to sit for 1/4 C of finely chopped on center of a plate. Place wild turkey skewers all 10-15 minutes, and then onion add a small amount of ad- 1 T of low salt soy sauce around it.

erywhere. Choosing a flavor that supports the theme of your meal. In both cases, citrus and flavored vinegar (balsamic) act as an acid to penetrate the fish and game with flavor. Be sure to combine with a good olive oil and whisk up before pouring over your meat.

The last summer technique is pretty straightforward. I’ve spoken to many

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All other laws and regs apply on these days.

WildCheff - Denny Corriveau is Award-Winning Celebrity Game Chef, Indigenous Metis Chef, and the Founder of the Free Range Culinary Institute, the only national wild game cooking school in the country. You can learn more @ www.wildcheff.com or visit him on Instagram @ thewildcheff

June 2022

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 57

Midsummer Night’s Dream

It was dark. Not the pallid gray that cloaks our light-polluted cities at night, but a dense vault of ebony pin-pricked with a thousand scintillating stars. I stumbled down the familiar path through the firs to the shore of Cobscook Bay to listen to the never-ceasing ebb and flow of the tide. A clam bubbled here. A stranded squid squirted there. A gull cried in the distance.

The bay was calm as glass, but shimmered with a mysterious greenish sheen like a jiggling bowl of lime-green Jell-o. Its source came into view as I walked along the shoreline.

The northern horizon pulsated with the arc of the aurora. Streamers of soft, greenish light pulsed and occasionally shot like spotlights high into the sky.

The bow and shooting rays were perfectly mirrored in the calm waters of the bay. I skipped a flat pebble across the surface to break the stillness. From the depths of the bay a lighting flash of green answered the aurora – phosphorescence! Like Homer’s Odysseus, I was lured by the siren’s call to fetch my canoe and paddle into the bewitched wonders of the night.

I slid the canoe into the onyx waters, grabbed my paddle, and made a long stroke to glide like an otter into deeper water. The saltwater erupted in flashes of green phosphorescence with each dip of my paddle.

otherworldly crimson glow engulfed the northern sky.

The Great Bear and her cub, Cassiopeia, and Draco watched on. Transfixed, I laid in the bottom of the canoe and gazed into the seniorita’s swirling dresses.

The bay glistened reflecting the cosmic storm above and the bioluminescence below. I was

Northwoods Sketchbook

by Mark McCollough, Hampden, ME

us watch songbirds migrate across the face of the moon, watch a blood-red lunar eclipse, or camp out to watch a meteor shower.

It takes phosphorescence or the aurora to return us back to the wonder of our brief reality.

One-by-one, science has chipped away at the

From Alaska to Finland scientists have dissected the aurora, and the mystery is mostly explained.

Perhaps scientific discoveries make the polar lights even more wondrous than early humans ever imagined. Seen from space, the aurora cavorts in two haloes that hover over each of

The northern lights have seen queer sights, but the queerest they I ever did see, was that night on the marge of Lake Labarge… -Robert Service

I trailed my hand in the water and long streamers of green light flowed like flames from my fingertips.

I paddled further into the calm waters of the bay into the reflected aurora. The wake of the canoe created a long arc of luminescence like an emerald comet.

As midnight approached, the rhythmic pulses of the northern lights quickened and brightened.

Ranks of aquamarine beams pulsed higher and higher toward the zenith and marched southward across the dome of the night sky. Malachite curtains billowed and swirled directly overhead like the skirts of a Spanish Flamenco dancer. Gossamer whisps of dragons chased each other through shimmering banners whipping in the cosmic wind. An

suspended in the orb of the siren’s crystal sphere and could almost hear their music or was that the swishing of the aurora above? The sirens had me fully under their spell. Phosphorescent swirls and eddies nudged my drifting canoe. The retreating tide lured my drifting canoe beyond the islands and into the expanse of the bay. The hiss of whirlpools and rapids from the approaching Reversing Falls broke the siren’s spell. I paddled the miles homeward in the wee hours of the morning while the great cosmic storm abated and retreated back to the land of the Inuit.

Our species evolved in celestial wonderment, amazed by unexplained phenomenon and “signs” – shooting stars, comets, eclipses of the sun and moon, and the rise and fall of the sun’s arc with the seasons. The night sky still prompts us to ponder the improbability of our own fragile existence. We experience this sense of wonder in our youth, and if we are lucky will revisit it in our twilight years. In between, our frenetic lives prevent

world’s greatest mysteries. Phosphorescence is not caused by warring sea serpents or spirits lost to the sea, but by tiny bioluminescence plankton called dinoflagellates.

Their populations swell in late summer and put on a grand show. They use bioluminescence to confuse predators. Each dip of my paddle triggered thousands of these small creatures to flash their lights.

the polar regions. Incoming particles of energy from the sun (electrons) collide with the Earth’s magnetic field and are drawn into the upper layers of our atmosphere. Here they agitate oxygen and other gasses to create light – much the same as gasses in a neon or fluorescent light are agitated by electricity and emit light. Oxygen is the most common atom high in (Dream cont. pg 59)

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Page 58

The Singing Maine Guide

Northwoods Sporting Journal

by Randy Spencer, Grand Lake Stream, ME The first concern is always the road. The land trust now posts signs at its beginning asking for vehicles to wait for the drying process to run its course.

That can be a long wait, but the alternative was illustrated two years ago.

An early traveler mired his pickup truck in mud so

Branches, pine cones and birch bark comprise the lion’s share of litter on the camp road.

And here comes your first look at the place. That’s a deep breath moment, for there have been years when you came over that last rise only to see that the metalbestos chimney had blown

Opening Camp

snow on the floor inside.

This time, you were lucky. Everything intact.

The fall cleanup hadn’t really held; the lichen and pine cones covering the property replaced the leaves that were raked up in the fall, but you always expect that. Situation normal.

Next comes the survey of mice and squirrel damage. It always looks as if they all got together and

And here comes your first look at the place.

That’s a deep breath moment, for there have been years when you came over that last rise only to see that the metalbestos chimney had blown over and was laying on the ground next to the camp. deep, it covered the tires up to the wheel wells. It had to be pulled out by a backhoe.

This year the soft spots firmed up by the first week of May. Better make sure to pack a chainsaw on that maiden trip. Gray birches are always the first ones to weaken, rot, and blow down across the road.

If there are only two or three, it’s a good year.

over and was laying on the ground next to the camp.

Another time, a partridge had flown through the window next to the bed. It was long since dead under the pitcher pump next to the kitchen sink. Broken glass covered the bed. And still another time, one of our famous northwest blows had blown the camp door open and left remnants of

June 2022

Opening day at camp is always full of surprises!

(Illustration by V. Paul Reynolds)

celebrated every holiday in your camp, their favorite gathering place. And why are half the spices from the spice rack always on the floor? Do they really need cayenne and cumin for their galas? They definitely need napkins and paper towels. You can tell it was a party because they made confetti out of any paper products they could find.

It wasn’t all partying though. There was at least one funeral. That last

mouse trap you set at ice fishing camp and left behind the medicine cabinet was successful, but the final death throes left the victim down on the floor.

The dozen or so mourners who gathered for the service all left their deposits, ritual-like, on the floor around the trap to commemorate their decomposing countryman. You also note that they finished off the remainder of the peanut butter on the trap pedestal because Sam, or Irving, or whoever he was would’ve wanted them to.

The party, as most

good parties always do, extended to the outhouse.

The half-eaten toilet paper roll had been converted into a blizzard of confetti that covered the seat, the magazines next to it, and the whole floor. Had these rodents somehow gotten into that half-full bottle of Fireball one of the deer hunters left in camp last fall?

You’ve tried sanctions and detente in your attempts to take a kindly approach to negotiations with these winter interlopers. But the other side (Camp cont. pg 59)

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Camp

(Cont. from pg 58) always responds the same way, with deposits in the sink, on the counters, and on every other surface.

You’ve rattled sabers a few times with the threat of the nuclear option, but fifteen dead mice at the bottom of a pale of antifreeze is more than the wife can stomach.

When the dirty work is done, the docks need to go in. Over the years you’ve used every conceivable means of easing this bull work, but these days, a tractor and bucket work best. Docks on wheels were an ingenious invention, but unless you’re spending thousands on those very popular aluminum sections, you’ve probably still got peeled logs on hay rake wheels covered with hemlock decking. They go perfectly with a deep woods camp like this one, but of course, they rot.

Time to get down under it, test the logs for firmness, see which planks need replacing, and think about the money you’re saving by keeping old relics alive.

The penny-wise need such consolations.

What’s this? It’s only noon time and you’ve finished the worst of it? There must be a canoe and a fly rod around here somewhere. Well, of course there is. Dragging some colorful feathers behind a canoe when you know there are landlocked salmon up near the surface gets your mind off mice.

Suddenly, you’re moving quicker than you had all morning. But just before you push off, you go back into camp one more time and set that trap behind the medicine cabinet with just one little dab of peanut butter, and offer a benediction:

Northwoods Sporting Journal

May he get all of it before the lights go out.

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Tides (Cont. from pg 55) the first hour and spent the rest of the day culling for ounces. My Day-1 limit weighed 13 lbs. 9 oz. and Day-2 limited weighed 15 lbs. 14 oz. anchored with one bass over 4 lbs.

I caught most of my bass with a Bass Pro Shops 3/8 oz. white Willow/Colorado spinnerbait on a Johnny Morris Signature CarbonLite Baitcast Combo spooled with 14 lb. Trilene Big Game monofilament.”

Follow Pro Angler Christiana Bradley during the 2022 Bassmaster Opens on Facebook @christianabradley, YouTube @ christiebradley and Instagram @christiebradleyfishing.

Page 59

God Bless and Best Earth’s magnetosphere, the Bassin’ northern aurora brightens and becomes more active, B i l l y “ H a w k e y e ” and the halo widens to posDecoteau is an outdoor sibly flicker over Maine, journalist with a strong Paris, or Peking. passion for pursuing the Despite these discovBlack Bass. His activities eries, a few mysteries reinclude; emceeing The main about these ethereal Bass University weekend specters from the north. educational seminar pro- Eskimos, polar explorers, grams, as well as emceeing and crews of ships bound in benefit tournaments such the arctic ice claim to hear as Maine’s Annual May the aurora – a crackling Special Olympics Team hiss, swishing, or static Tournament, Fishing For sound. It is possible, but so Freedom, and working far not proven by scientists. with the USO. Physicists would predict that the aurora should be an indistinct glow in the sky. Instead, it dances in an amazing display of ribbons, (Cont. from pg 57) the ionosphere (above 180 curtains, beams, and arcs. miles) and creates the rare Scientists still can’t explain

Dream

red aurora. The more common yellow-green lights are created by collisions of electrons and oxygen at lower altitudes, between 60 to 180 miles up. Storms on the surface of the sun, solar flares and “coronal mass ejections,” spew bursts of radiation and energy our way. When these solar tempests collide with the

what creates these fantastic shapes.

Albert Einstein wrote, “Something deeply hidden had to be behind things.” It is comforting to know that science hasn’t answered all the deep questions.

Whether awestruck by the dazzling aurora or puzzling the strings, leptons and quarks of quantum physics, we are in still in awe of the tapestry of the universe and ask, “What (or who) is behind it all?”

Mark McCollough watches the aurora from his home in Hampden, Maine. He can be reached at markmccollough25@ gmail.com

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Page 60

Against The Current

by Bob Romano, Rangeley, ME Most years, ice-out on Aziscohos Lake does not begin until sometime in early May. My wife and I open our cabin soon after the word has spread that the lake is once again clear. The weather can vary drastically during this time of year. There have been times when we’ve pulled into camp under blue skies, the sun brightening our arrival as the temperature climbed into the seventies.

More often, we are greeted with overcast skies and nasty rainsqualls, the type of harsh conditions favored by landlocked salmon and brook trout. Ravenous after a long winter of inactivity, these majestic fish can be found chasing schools of smelts throughout our lake.

Shivering under layers of clothing, we pull our 15’4” Grumman down to the shoreline, clamp the outboard to its square stern, and prepare our lines to troll traditional streamers meant to imitate the baitfish found throughout western

Maine’s lakes and rivers.

Although we favor the Black Ghost, first tied

by Herbert Welch in the nineteen-twenties and the Gray Ghost, created by Carrie Stevens at about the same time, there are countless patterns from which to choose.

These days, Selene

Northwoods Sporting Journal

A Maine Tradition

anywhere in New England.

I prefer traditional patterns, but sometimes switch to modern streamers such as The Sneeka tied

by Fern Bosse. Fern created many of his patterns on the banks of our lake, the reason perhaps, they never seem to fail.

Whether using old standards, new concoctions or variations on these themes, trolling a streamer

PART ONE

the porch of our cabin.

Each reel houses seventy-five feet of fly line to which I attach thirtyfive feet of five-pound-test monofilament to act as a leader. Knotting the end of the monofilament to a swivel, I add another ten or twelve feet of monofilament to the back of the swivel to serve as a tippet.

The swivel prevents the streamer from twirling un-

Although we favor the Black Ghost, first tied by Herbert Welch in the nineteen-twenties and the Gray Ghost, created

by Carrie Stevens at about the same time, there are countless patterns from which to choose.

Dumaine, a renowned flytyer from Readfield, Maine has gained a well-earned reputation as a result of her meticulous reproductions of Carrie Stevens’ streamers as well as her own innovative creations. Brett Damm, who guides out of the Rangeley Region Fly Shop, and Bill Thompson, the previous owner of the North Country Angler Fly Shop in North Conway, New Hampshire, are also masters at tying streamers sure to take fish while trolling across a lake or pond

Greenville

June 2022

is one of the best ways to play tag with fish. Whether it be spring, summer or fall, you can find Trish and I, with lines extending beyond the Grumman’s stern.

When we first moved into our camp, I purchased two fly rods from the local general store, each costing no more than a breakfast for two at MacDonald’s.

I rigged the eight foot of fiberglass with equally inexpensive Medalist reels.

Nearly forty years later, Trish and I continue to troll with the same gear.

When not in use, the rods hang across spruce notches nailed above the screens on

naturally in the wake of our boat’s motor.

I string my fly lines on four spools – two sinking and two floating. The floating line is long past its usefulness for casting a dry fly, but quite adequate for trolling a streamer. If wishing to troll a streamer near the lake’s bottom, many anglers use a fly line with lead core. These lead lines have a different color every ten feet or so allowing the angler to determine how much line is necessary to get to a desired depth.

As two boats pass, it is not unusual for the occupant of one to call out to the other, Send your letters to the Editor to: NWSJ P.O. Box 195 W. Enfield ME 04493 or

info@sportingjournal.com

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“How many colors?”

Unfortunately, the line’s lead interior significantly deadens the action once a fish strikes. For this reason, I prefer to use a sinking line manufactured by the Cortland Company specifically for trolling. It is much lighter than the lightest lead line, and although it sinks a bit slower and requires more length to get the fly to the requisite depth, it is better able to transmit the action of the fish.

When unsure of the fish’s depth, I let out floating line while Trish trolls with the sinking line. If either of us gets a hit, the other can switch spools.

When doing so, I’ll clip the monofilament in front of the swivel, remove the spool from the reel, and replace it with the other, thereafter attaching the monofilament from the new spool to the swivel that continues to hold the streamer knotted to the end of the tippet. The entire process takes only a few minutes to complete.

Hooking the fish is only half the fun for I swear I’ve seen a smile spread across a salmon’s jaw as it pirouetted across the waves, hook thrown skyward, streamer suspended in mid-air, fish falling back through the lake’s surface, the silver-and-black flash gone in an instant. The thrill, like spying the trail of a falling meteor, always produces oohs and ahs.

In the next issue, I’ll discuss a few tactics you may find helpful when trolling for brook trout and landlocked salmon.

June 2022

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 61

The Sunday Hunting Bill’s Demise

For decades, the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine, with the backing of a majority of SAM members has supported Sunday hunting. So why not this year? Answer: the latest Legislation, LD, 2014, An Act related to Sunday hunting was not a true Sunday hunting bill. It was a proposal, if passed, that would have had dramatic and lasting negative consequences for today’s hunters and outdoor recreationists for generations to come. I will get to that in a moment.

First, we understand the people behind LD 2014 were well meaning and likely failed to understand the unintended consequences of some of the elements of this bill.

The following analysis of this bill is not to question their motives, but explain our rationale for opposing certain elements of the bill.

As proposed, LD 2014, would allow persons to hunt wild animals and wild birds on Sunday north of U.S. Route 2 from the New Hampshire border to Bangor, north of Route 9 from Bangor to the Canadian border and within any portion of the White Mountain National Forest in the State. The bill also

would allow landowners in all other areas in the State to hunt wild animals and wild birds on their private property on Sunday. It also authorized a person with written permission from the landowner to hunt on the landowner’s private property on Sunday.

LD 2014, was appropriately named, An Act Related to Sunday Hunting. Yes, it is related to Sunday hunting, but it also included two major policy changes vehemently opposed by SAM and most outdoor groups going back decades-Reverse posting and a return to the longabandoned English “Feudal System” when determining who has the right to harvest wildlife.

Reverse Posting-The Past This is a quote from the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife web site that explains the current public access law, “The law - Unlike most other states, Maine operates under an implied permission structure, meaning that if land is not posted, it is legal to use the land.”

Under LD 2014, this long established “implied access” law would be flipped on its head for most

SAM News

of the best deer hunting land in the southern twothirds of Maine on Sunday.

Currently, a landowner has to post their property, “no hunting” to keep hunters out, under LD 2014, this would still be true for six days of the week, but, on Sunday, all land in this southern Maine area would be assumed closed to hunting for everyone

by David Trahan, “Executive Director” I have heard this argument the last two years.

The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife just released the results of a very significant poll of 2,000 Mainers and their very detailed opinions about Sunday Hunting.

I served on the committee that came up with the

passed, they would have the exclusive right to hunt alone on their property, all seven days of the week.

Pay to Play-The Door is Opened a Crack If LD 2014 passed, Sunday Hunting would be legal above Rt. 2 and Rt. 9 or in Northern Maine.

Sounds good right, except

The people who introduced LD 2014 meant well. The reasons they want to hunt on Sunday are legitimate. For over three decades, legislation has been introduced to allow some version of Sunday hunting. Every version that has been proposed has been controversial and soundly defeated. except the landowner. The exception would be for a landowner’s friends and relatives and hunters with written permission. If this change passed it would be the beginning of the end for implied access. The Maine Woodland Owners, Director, Tom Doak has already said, “if written permission is justified on Sunday, why not all the time?”

Be ready for a fight with landowners who will argue that everyone should have written permission to bring a loaded gun on to their property. I know, because

dozens of questions to be asked. Landowners were one segment of the population targeted and I insisted on one question in particular. Is your land posted and a follow-up, if it isn’t, will you post it, if Sunday Hunting passes? The answers were telling, 44 percent said yes, but, 73 percent of southern Maine landowners said they would post their currently unposted land.

On the flip side, for the landowners who currently have their land posted “no hunting” if this law

for a little-known phenomenon getting more popular with Maine Professional Guides and landowners exclusive hunting leases on large tracts, (1,000 acres or more). Many bear guides are buying exclusive bear baiting rights on hundreds of thousands of acres of northern Maine lands and managing all bear baiting sites.

Every year, we get more and more complaints that guides are not only buying all large landowner’s bait sites, but gating (Demise cont. pg 65)

At long last, revived from the archives of the once-authoritative books on New England streamer flies and how to use them: Trolling Flies for Trout & Salmon, by Dick Stewart and Bob Leeman.

Trolling Flies for Trout and Salmon was first published in 1982 and again in 1992. There were 350 signed Limited Edition hardcover copies and several thousand hard and soft cover copies sold out with the two printings. Many fly tyers view this book as an up-to-date version of new and available streamer fly patterns and crave to have it in their library. Used copies have been selling on AmazonBooks.com for the last few years with a price tag up to $300.00 for each copy! There are 125 pages with 32 color plates of more than 90 classic streamer flies and tying recipes from a Winnipesaukee Smelt to a Barney Google and a Rangeley Centennial. Leeman and Stewart also share with readers many tips and tactics for trolling streamer flies for trout and salmon throughout New England.

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Page 62

Fly Fishing

Northwoods Sporting Journal

June 2022

Feather Wings and Palmering

allel to the hook shank by winding two or three semitight turns of thread toward the rear of the hook, again maintaining a tight grip to As a beginning fly fouling around the hook as keep the feathers together tyer, one of the most dif- well as minimizing short and vertical. ficult challenges for me strikes. Two hackles should It is also important was tying hackle wings for be stacked together so that to have a smooth tapered streamer flies. Most stan- their tips are even and transition from the forward dard patterns call for four their curvatures match. The end of the body to the hook matched hackle feathers, same is done with the other shank rather than an abrupt although the small sizes pair and the two stacks are vertical bump at the wing (ten or smaller) can be tied placed with their concave tie-in point. For attachwith only two if the wing sides together, tips even ing wings to the sides of is all one color. I use strung and the feathers positioned the hook, tie in each pair My preference is to have the tip of the wing extend no separately, concave sides further back than the width of the hook gap behind the bend. against the hook shank. I This will help prevent the wing from fouling around the hook find it helpful to tie in the near side pair first in the as well as minimizing short strikes. same manner as above, hackles because they are on top of the hook at the tie If the feathers stay pulling the two hackles forusually fairly uniform in in point. Lightly moisten- together but are not quite ward until a few barbs are size, shape and color. After ing the feathers helps to vertical, they can be gently trapped under the thread selecting the hackles, mea- keep them together. teased with your fingers wraps. Then place the far sure for length and strip off The wing should be to the proper position. If side feathers in exact alignbarbs from their butt ends vertical with the four tips the feathers splay apart, ment with the first pair, where they will be tied in in alignment so that they they must be taken off making sure that the tips just behind the eye of the appear as a single feather. the hook and restacked hook.

After much experimenta- before proceeding. Prior My preference is to tion, I found that the feath- to binding down the front have the tip of the wing ers being placed at the tie of the stems, put a drop extend no further back than in point with three rather of head cement to prevent Red Gray Ghost the width of the hook gap loose turns of thread taken the feathers from pulling behind the bend. This will around the stems and hook loose. If the wing seems to are even and the two sides help prevent the wing from shank seem to work well. be cocked up a bit high, it of the wing form a slight can be brought down par- tent shape over the body.

by Joe Bertolaccini, Orrington, ME

Keeping a tight grip on the hackles with the left thumb and forefinger (if you’re a righty), grasp the stems with the right hand and slowly pull them forward until the beginning of the hackle barbs are trapped under the thread wraps.

Still keeping that tight grip, make sure that the feathers are together and vertical and secure them with a pinch wrap and several tight thread wraps.

Add a little head cement to the stem butts prior to tightly binding them down.

Palmering is the term used to spiral wind a feather around the body of a fly to produce a hair effect that is typical of many aquatic insects. The popular Wooly Bugger exemplifies the palmering technique. Attach the tip of the hackle at the base of the tail with the butt extending back over the rear of the hook. After winding the body, spiral the hackle forward around the body and finish with two tight turns behind the eye.

The excess hackle butt is clipped and the fly completed with a nicely tapered thread head. The Wooly Bugger is a versatile pattern that can be tied in many colors, sizes, and shapes. By eliminating the tail and/or clipping the palmered hackle at appropriate points, leeches, damsel and dragon fly nymphs, caddis larva, scuds, and stick caddis, to name a few, can be simulated.

Next month we will look at marabou and flank feathers.

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June 2022

Northwoods Sporting Journal

“Sunnie” Days

For years my parents separating the waterfront rented a small cabin on a property of one camp with lake in the hills of Western that of the next. Naturally, Maine. From the time I the camp owner whom my was three until I was six- parents rented from kindly teen, week-long trips to asked that a little sandy “the cabin” were an annual haired boy not wade atop tradition. The cabin itself the rocks and disrupt their was nothing special; a typi- placement. Deliberately cal New England sporting lifting the rocks and tosscamp built with a hammer ing them aside was strictly and nails sometime before forbidden. But that was World War II. Nights when where all the big crayfish the summer moon was full, slivers of light sliced through the gaps between various pine This “sunnie” fell for a popper. boards and (Photo courtesy of Jonah Paris.) beams. Assorted insects, mice, and hid, so I figured there was the occasional bat, along an obvious exception. with my two sisters and I, The rock wall was found sanctuary within the home to more than craycabin. Inside, there was a fish; a child’s imagination toilet, truly more of a pit resided there for years. embellished with a toilet From atop the rocks, I seat, which could swallow peered down into my own a person. Outside, there private coral reef. The sunwas a shower, always cold, fish - “sunnies” - became where spiders the size of giant groupers and snapdinner plates loomed in pers. The monsters would the corners, ready to de- viciously dart in and out of scend upon an unsuspect- crevices to grab their prey ing child. and then slowly retreat to From the gravel bank, their dark, impenetrable a rock wall protruded sixty lairs. From another peror seventy feet into the lake, spective, a sunfish, and

perhaps the occasional smallmouth bass or chub, would swim out from between the rocks to casually inhale a drowned dragonfly or unlucky cricket, then swim away. Once or twice, I glimpsed a leviathan - a brown trout or large pickerel - cruising by the rock wall, always off the deep end and always out of reach of a cast. When the angle of the sun was just right,

Maine Tails

By Jonah Paris, Scarborough, ME with my fingernail, I tied on a popper, and so it began.

While balancing on the rock wall, I soon discovered that if I chucked my popper a few feet out and twitched it once or twice, an angry pumpkinseed or redbreast sunfish would

When I was eight or nine, I stumbled upon a stash of treasure in the shed: a vintage L.L. Bean fly rod and box of panfish poppers. Scraping the rust off with my fingernail, I tied on a popper, and so it began. and an afternoon breeze whistled through the hills ruffling the surface of the lake, the dark shadow of a sunfish against the bottom resembled all kinds of beasts to a six-year-old even a shark once or twice.

After a morning of casting spinners and worms to white perch from the canoe with Dad, I’d spend the afternoon fishing from the rock wall.

When I was eight or nine, I stumbled upon a stash of treasure in the shed: a vintage L.L. Bean fly rod and box of panfish poppers. Scraping the rust off

Page 63

come charging out from beneath my feet to engulf the fly. We would each play our roles: me hurling a snarl of fly line and a popper into the shallow water, and the “sunnie,” either hopelessly oblivious or with some heightened sense of pity towards its pursuer, attacking the popper. With a vague understanding of this mutual agreement, I always

released the sunfish. There was no need to kill a fish when grilled chicken and s’mores awaited me. Life was good.

I found myself out by the cabin one day a few years ago. My girlfriend and I had been fishing a mountain trout stream and, like sportsmen often are, I was inexplicably drawn to my old stomping ground. As I drove down the camp road leading to the lake, things seemed different. The field where the deer used to graze, red and dainty in their summer coats, seemed smaller. The pine forest seemed thinner; the road shorter. As I approached the cabin, I realized what I must have known all along. The property had been sold and the cabin was demolished. A newly constructed house lay a hundred feet away, (Sunnie cont. pg 67)

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 64

News

(Cont. from pg 14) tackle and bait shops. Bobbers or a fishing float while fishing with worms may be beneficial for beginners since it will help keep the bait from getting stuck on the bottom. We also like to use small spinners and lures. We find that a slow retrieval works best this time of year. Just fast enough so that the spinner blade is turning, or a lure/ spoon has a slight wobble.

Great options are small Panther Martin spinners, Rooster Tails spinners, Mepps Aglia spinners, Rapala floating lures, Phoebe spoons, and let’s not forget about the old Super Duper! All of which come in a variety of colors and

sizes.”- From Fisheries Resource Technician Stephen Seeback

• “For fly anglers fishing the rivers and streams for brook trout, my favorite fly is the Woods Special.

For pond brook trout fishing my favorite fly is the Micky Finn. For catching a brook trout with lures my favorite lure as a kid was the gold Phoebe.” - From Fisheries Resource Supervisor Greg Burr, Grand

June 2022

Lake Region Region • “In May the fish are • “While fish can sudhungry, but the water is denly be on the bite at any time, there is a lot of truth to the old adage, “The early bird gets the worm.”

Some of the best spring trout and salmon fishing often occurs from dawn to 8:00 AM, and dusk is also a good bet.” - Fisheries Resource Supervisor James Pellerin, Sebago Lake Region • “Presentation can still cold and there is an often be the key to improvabundance of wild forage.

Making your bait or lure ing your angling success. match the natural food Try to minimize the “unavailable is the best chance natural” in your gear. Keep for getting a bite. Slow retrieves on lures or flies, and slow trolling speeds can be more productive.”

(Cont. from pg 22) - From Fisheries Resource Biologist Tyler the Sierra Club as a conserGrant, Rangeley Lakes vation organization. They view themselves as more elite than doing good for wildlife. Being from Pennsylvania I am quite familiar with the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Closing this area to hunting is a dangerous precedent like the Northwoods National Monument in Maine. Those antis’ from New Jersey are a real bunch of radicals. This area in the Delaware Gap is prime hunting country. Because of its fertile soil, it was prime agricultural land for farmers. The plowed fields

STACYVILLE SHERMAN • SHERMAN MILLS

Letters

hook sizes appropriate for the species you’re targeting; don’t use a size 2/0 hook for brook trout. Minimize the use of swivels, if possible. Choose the right pound test for your line.

Heavy line is more difficult to cast and it can greatly impact bait presentation and hook sets. Keep your line as light as possible and make sure you know how to use the drag settings on your reel.”

• From Fisheries Resource Supervisor Jason Seiders, Belgrade Lakes Region were a good place to look for Indian relics. This area has a high bear population.

With no hunting who will handle the increasing bear complaints? The Sierra Club should; they created the problem. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area should be conveyed to Pennsylvania Conservation Agencies to ensure proper management and continued hunting.

Sportsmen and women continue to be on the front line for conservation. We have too much federal government overload. Will the Sierra Club try to ban the productive shad fishing in the Delaware River?

Fred Hartman Whiting

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June 2022

Demise

(Cont. from pg 61) roads to keep all other hunters out. Selling exclusive hunting rights is supposed to be illegal, but the way they get around it is to tell all hunters who complain “they are welcome to hunt, but they must walk in”. This excuse is nothing more than a loophole in the law and a challenge to those who object, “sue” if you don’t like it.” Do you believe these same landowners are going to allow Sunday hunting for everyone?

North Maine Woods manages 3.5 million acres of gated commercial woodland that visitors, including hunters, pay to access. All of northern Maine encompasses 10 million acres and most are large landowners who strongly oppose Sunday hunting. The question is, will these large landowners open their gates on Sunday or will they expand their exclusive hunting

Northwoods Sporting Journal opportunities to guides?

I suspect the latter, given guides have liability insurance to protect landowners from lawsuits and they pay significant dollars to use their land. Lastly, bear and moose are the dominant big game hunts in this region and fairly lucrative as deer have mostly disappeared.

These hunts will become a premium on Sunday and a huge marketing tool for guides. In their defense, gates and pay to play in this scenario are just good business. Full disclosure, the Maine Professional Guides Association, testified against LD 2014.

Southern, Eastern and Western Maine-The Door is Blown Off Under the provisions of LD 2014, landowners in Southern Maine would be allowed to hunt and kill wildlife on Sunday and if they chose, could give written permission to others.

This new policy is reverse posting on Sunday, but, more concerning, LD 2014

would resurrect what is called the, Feudal System The Feudal system originated in medieval times and granted the King authority to establish a privileged class of people with special rights. These privileged were called “Nobles” and were granted exclusive rights like, property ownership and the right to kill wildlife, while all other commoners were banned and severely punished by law for killing the same animals.

Currently, landowners have all the rights of private property guaranteed in our Constitution, but the public’s right to harvest wildlife is legally protected by what is called the “Public Trust Doctrine”. That means every American has an equal and legal obligation to manage our wildlife in a sustainable and responsible manner for future generations.

Some wildlife species are protected from harvest to ensure their existence,

and other species can be harvested in a sustainable manner by all Americans.

As it relates to hunting, LD 2014 would have established a new privileged class entitled to hunt wildlife simply because they owned land, while commoners or non-landowning Mainers could not.

The people who introduced LD 2014 meant well. The reasons they want to hunt on Sunday are legitimate. For over three decades, legislation has been introduced to allow some version of Sunday hunting. Every version that has been proposed has been controversial and soundly defeated. It seems each year, the proposals become more creative. Although SAM has always, and still supports Sunday hunting, this version was a classic example of the term, “be careful what you ask for”.

In the future, any Sunday hunting bill must be carefully thought out. First, it must be good policy,

Page 65 second, the outdoor community should be unified in support and finally, have some chance of passage, LD 2014 had none of these qualities.

David Trahan is SAM’s Executive Director.

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IVE ACT O T Y E 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

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 66

Women In The Woods

Moose Hunter’s Diary

To know that things won’t work out the way you want them to. I told myself that no shot is better than a bad shot. We were half way through the week. I had an opportunity and couldn’t make it count. But, I had to keep going. I had to take in the experiences of the hunt and appreciate being there with Dad. I hoped that we would get another chance to punch our tag. We had three more days to go.

by Erin Merrill, Portland, ME It poured the day Dad and I drove the 5 hours to the Allagash and to Allagash Adventures to meet our guide Wayne Bernier, for our 2021 Maine moose hunt. We were in Zone 2 for my first moose hunt. Here is how my week started off.

I raised my rifle, put the sights on the bull and squeezed the trigger. Nothing happened. My mind raced. Why wasn’t my gun working?

Monday We left at daybreak to begin searching for moose.

As we crested one hill, Wayne stopped the truck and lifted the binoculars.

There were two moose on the edge of the road ahead of us. They were so far away that I could not see them. It seemed like a great way to start the week.We were excited to see what the week would hold and if we would come home with a bull moose. We saw one more cow throughout the day and Dad shot a few partridge. It was disappointing not to see a bull but we knew we were in the right area.

guides were reporting the same issue; the moose were quiet. We took a break from that road and headed to a different location. An hour later, as we worked our way back to original road, we met a truck with a nice bull sticking out from the truck’s bed. Our hearts sank. As we turned back onto the road that we had spent so much time on, there it was: a gut pile maybe 50 yards from the main road. Had they benefited from us calling this bull in without knowing it? or had it just been a matter of right place, right time as the bull walked by?

Wednesday It was foggy as we drove down the dirt road.

We decided to hunt in a different area and had an additional guide, Pat, with us. It felt like a perfect morning for moose to be moving. A white truck passed us and revved its engine, louder than necessarily. Nothing came in or called back, so we moved on to the next spot. We drove around a corner and saw three moose coming down over a hill at us. We stopped the truck and watched. They were close. The one in the middle turned and we could see that it was a bull with spikes. He was a legal bull.

We jumped out of the truck Tuesday It was a great day for but the three moose turned bird hunting, not so much and ran back up the hill and for moose hunting. We into the fog.

We continued on and spent a few hours on one particular road that showed came to a large chopping. lots of good moose sign. The road split; heading Nothing was responding straight ahead of us through to our calls and the other the middle of the clearing

June 2022

The author’s Dad, Mike, with a grouse taken during the moose hunt. or dipping into a valley to the left. Parked in the valley was the white truck.

We headed straight and as we crested the hill, three moose were running away from us. One was a nice bull with a large set of antlers. The white truck was parked too low in the valley to see them. Dad and I jumped out of the truck and loaded our guns. Pat and Wayne followed and stood in the road near us, watching for the moose to come back out. We could hear electronic moose calls coming from the white truck. The moose had run into a small strip of woods.

Like a picture, they started to cross the road in front of us. Pat called to get them to stop. They were back lit by the sun. The bull was first, then the two cows. Head to tail, they filled up the entire road.

I raised my rifle, put the sights on the bull and squeezed the trigger. Nothing happened. My mind raced. Why wasn’t my gun working? I squeezed the trigger again. I could hear Pat and Wayne yelling “shoot! shoot!” I was doing everything I should be doing, what was happening? We watched the last cow start walking again and push the bull and other cow across the road and into more woods. They were gone. I looked at my gun. My safety was not completely off and from where my thumb rested, I couldn’t push the safety forward enough. I knew that I had blown my hunt.

I was devastated.

There is a mental toughness that you need when you are hunting.

You need to have the determination to keep going.

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

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

June 2022

Sunnie

to sunfish from atop the forbidden rock wall will (Cont. from pg 63) always remain the “Sunnie complete with a circu- Days.” lar paved driveway and Jonah Paris teaches a fresh yellow “Posted” English at a small high sign nailed to an old pine.

A shiny Chevy Suburban school in Southwestern with out-of-state plates was Maine. A four-season outparked out front. I quickly doorsman, Jonah lives turned my truck around and in Gorham, ME with his headed for home. We rode girlfriend, Ashley, and beain silence for a short time gle, Aurora. Jonah can be afterwards. Those summer reached at jonaheparis@ days of casting poppers gmail.com

Page 67

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Page 69

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WATERPROOF SWITCH PACK

100% waterproof pack with detachable pocket that converts to a small chest pack.

APEX FLY ROD OUTFITS

Superlight, responsive fastaction rods with advanced large arbor reels.

TRUSTED GEAR. LEGENDARY SERVICE. EXPERT ADVICE. ALL AT OUR HUNTING & FISHING STORE.

Whether you're after Maine stripers or Bahamian bonefish, we have all the fishing gear and advice you need. We also have an extensive selection of hunting equipment and new/used long guns. Contact our gun experts at usedguns@llbean.com or call 207.552.7728 for more information.

Check our calendar for free clinics & events at

LLBEAN.COM/FREEPORT