Northwoods Sporting Journal, Oct. 2022

Lenny Bloat Loses 75 lbs. Before He Meets Cora Slight October 2022

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October: Birds N’ Dogs -Jonah Paris

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October 2022

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 3

Things That Matter

I am not the best bird hunter, though I enjoy hunting birds right along with the best of them. I own a stubborn beagle born in a DownEast Maine trailer, not a spaniel, pointer, or setter from an established breeder. Neither the hound nor I ever took much stock in pedigrees; when I ask her thoughts on championship bloodlines, she just tilts her

create the adventure. My usual crew is the hound and my fiancée, Ashley, who, to my great satisfaction, has found a passion for trudging through the Maine grouse woods with her 20 gauge. Since October is a time to share among friends, let me take you along to several of my

other. As we continue hiking, we will cross a brook.

I have often wondered if the trickle holds trout in the spring, but now the water will be low and tea colored. We will probably flush a grouse or two here.

Any bird will flush from the birches and fly right to left over the road. And

If you would like to bring along your champion dog and engraved side-byside that is fine by me - I would like to meet them both. But if you just grab your old pump gun and the family dog, we will be traveling much the same. chin, ears hanging low, and stares suspiciously.

Despite a growing collection of shotguns, my favorite grouse gun has been a rabbit gun, duck gun, goose gun, squirrel gun, and tin can gun.

Loaded with a slug, it was also a deer gun through my first few seasons. The stock and receiver are decorated with scratches from the briars, and the barrel is dotted with rust from the salt marsh - all of which tell my stories; beauty marks, as they say. My game pouch is a green backpack, adorned with a jammed zipper, and my typical upland outfit is a pair of blue jeans and flannel shirt. Sometimes we get caught in the idea that gear makes the sport, but that is not the case; it never was.

Hunting is about people and places. Those we share the hunt with help

Maine Tails

By Jonah Paris, Scarborough, ME the Fossil Road is a thick cedar swamp - low, dark, and damp. And though we might enter the swamp on a whim and poke our eyes, scratch our guns, and trip over boughs, the beaten game trails suggest moose four or five times our size navigate through here just fine. Across the road, along the side of the mountain, is where we will spend most of our time. Though quite steep, this area was previously cut and the dense

new growth is attractive to grouse. Maybe I will bring a rifle along next month. I suspect a big buck roams this mountainside.

The Bullfight Road The Bullfight Road, our last hike for the day, earned its name from a pair of bull moose that left the road in shambles last October; pools of blood, patches of hair, and two (Matter cont. pg 23)

1681 Bennoch Rd, Old Town, ME East Off I-95 Exit 197

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The author with a Blackberry Road grouse.

(Photo courtesy of Ashley Soucy.)

favorite grouse haunts. If you would like to bring along your champion dog and engraved side-by-side that is fine by me - I would like to meet them both. But if you just grab your old pump gun and the family dog, we will be traveling much the same.

The Blackberry Road Beginning in the valley, the Blackberry Road runs east to west. Soon we will find ourselves high on the ridge looking out at the Western Maine Mountains and beyond. Thick blackberry bushes line one side of the road. Young birches and balsam fir cover the

even though we are expecting the bird, we will miss it because we usually do.

Then we will blame our guns, blame the new ammo or the old ammo, blame the sun or the shadows, blame the bird, then finally settle on blaming ourselves. With a shrug, we will chuckle, reload, and continue on.

The Fossil Road Heading northwest into the high country, we will hike the Fossil Road.

Ashley once found a fossil of seashells along this road; a reminder of a distant age when the sea covered Maine’s great mountain ranges. On one side of

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Page 4

On The Cover

Lenny Bloat Loses 75 lbs. Before He Meets Cora Slight - Pg 16 October: Birds n’ Dogs - Pg 3 SAM Saves Deer Yards - Pg 14 Boot Tracks Bust - Pg 31 Wireless Trail Cams - Pg 45 & 50 Is Hunting A Sport - Pg 6 Camps, Cottages and Land for Sale - Pg 67

Northwoods Sporting Journal 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 3. Maine Tails - Jonah Paris outdoor community for more than 28 6. Northwoods Sketchbook - Mark McCollough years. Some of our writers are seasoned 7. The Northwoods Bowhunter - Brian Smith and specialized outdoors people who 10. “A Hiker’s Life” - Carey Kish will share their know-how and insights; 11. The Gun Cabinet - John Floyd some of our contributors are simply 12. Muzzleloading Afield - Al Raychard lifelong outdoor people with interest15. Basics Of Survival - Joe Frazier ing stories to tell.

16. The Adventures Of Me & Joe - Bob Cram Our aim every month is to capture 18. Outdoor Sporting Library - Jeremiah Wood the essence of Northern New England’s 20. Aroostook Woods & Water - Mike Maynard 22. The Bird Perch - Karen Holmes remarkable outdoor heritage by stirring 24. “The Trail Rider” - Dan Wilson memories, portraying outdoor humor, 25. Native Fish Talk - Bob Mallard and sharing experiences and outdoor 26. Post-Script From Pocasset - Rich Garini knowledge. We also keep our readers 28. “Just Fishing” - Bob Leeman up to date with late-breaking outdoor 30. Cookin’ With New England’s WildCheff - Denny Corriveau news and hard-hitting editorials about 31. Warden’s Words - Kale O’Leary fish and wildlife issues.

32. The Buck Hunter - Hal Blood Anyone who loves to hunt and 33. Guns & Ammo: A Guide’s Perspective - Tom Kelly fish, or simply finds the Great Outdoors 34. The Maine Woods - Matt LaRoche a treasured place, is more than likely 36. View From The River - Laurie Chandler 37. On The Prowl - Justin Merrill to find some special connections amid 38. On Point - Paul Fuller the pages of the Northwoods Sporting 39. Old Tales From The Maine Woods - Steve Pinkham Journal.

Contents

40. South Of The Kennebec - Stu Bristol 42. Maine Outdoor Adventure - Rich Yvon 43. Northwoods Voyager - Gil Gilpatrick 44. Kineo Currents - Suzanne AuClair 45. Outdoors In Maine - V. Paul Reynolds 46. Women In The Woods - Erin Merrill 48. The Memorable ‘Gap’ Year - Matthew Burt 49. New Hampshire Outdoors - Peter St. James 50. Vermont Ramblings - Dennis Jensen 51. Maple County Outdoors - Ben Wilcox 52. Outdoors In Vermont - Gary Moore 54. Green Mountain Report - Bradley Carleton 55. Best Bassin’ - Bill Decoteau 57. What Were We Thinking? - Alicia Cram 58. The Singing Maine Guide - Randy Spencer 60. Question Of The Month - Nathan Theriault 63. The Tyer’s Corner - Hugh Kelly 64. Marsh Island Chronicles - Matthew Dunlap 66. Anticosti - Mark Cote

Other Great Stories & Information 8. Editorial/Letters 14. Outdoor News 41. Trading Post 67. Real Estate

Cover Photo: Photo of grouse by Tim Flanigan

October 2022

www.sportingjournal.com

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

Vol 29 Issue 10 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.

Green Mountain Report - Pg 54 Bradley Carleton

Outdoors In Vermont - Pg 52 Gary Moore

Correction We inadvertently omitted the untimely death of Warden Pilot Daryl Gordon who perished in a snow storm in his plane on Clear Lake. He died in the line of duty, and we regret not recognizing him and his service in the September article.

The Bird Perch - Pg 22 Karen Holmes

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Page 6

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Northwoods Sketchbook

by Mark McCollough, Hampden, ME For some who do not hunt there is nothing sporting about “sport” fishing or hunting. The notion of “sport” as a contest between opponents for enjoyment or pleasure has led to

of “sport” and “game” are intentionally played to cast fishing and hunting in a poor light.

“Sport” and “game” seem unusual words to associate with hunting.

October 2022

Is Hunting a Sport?

especially when an animal’s life is taken. Simultaneously, hunting is fun in the sense that I sometimes travel to a hunting camp, enjoy nature at the most glorious time of the year, and spend time with my family and friends. The object of the “game” so to speak is to provide food,

is not a problem for us simply as predatory carnivores, but as the occasional prey, and as an omnivore whose closest kindred species are also omnivorous, conscious, sentient beings like ourselves. It is right to kill and be killed in this “game”

followed by a dramatic increase in the size of our brains. Homo habilis, erectus, and sapiens were just a few of many “players” in a vast succession of species on the African continent.

Species came and went like substitutes on the playing

There are no conquests, contests, or opposing teams seeking to win. The playing field between hunter and hunted is not equal. Instead, we hunt for food and for deeply personal reasons. the misinformed view that anglers and hunters harass or kill fish and wildlife for fun or trophies. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. The double entendre

For me, hunting is a lifeand-death endeavor where humans kill and consume animals. I approach hunting with a respectful, but reverent, frame of mind

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but unsuccessful hunts are just as satisfying as those when a deer is tied across the hood of the car.

The concepts of sport and game associated with hunting originate deep in our evolutionary cosmology when humans occupied a biological niche as a hunter-gatherer. Early humans approached hunting as a mystical, sacred activity guided by a complex set of rites, rules, and taboos. Our species did not take killing other animals lightly as it may be the hunter who will be killed by the lion tomorrow.

Anthropologist Paul Shepard explains the ancient “game” of hunting in his book Back to the Pleistocene. “Not all searches and quests are hunts, for the hunt deals with the intense emotional and philosophical problems raised by the act of killing and of facing one’s own death. It

474-5430

For a few fleeting weeks in autumn, we toss away the trappings of modernity to reconnect with our archaic niche in the ecosystem.

(Illustration by Mark McCollough)

of the hunt so long as we understand the transformations of life and death as a natural consequence of the gifting cosmos where one receives and gives and in the final hour finally passes the gift on. When that clarity is lost, the hunt becomes monstrous, along with the rest of nature, and we move the killing to a butcher’s abattoir.” Hunting has always has been guided by a moral and ethical system, a delicate “game” or dance between humans and other animals.

Our genus began hunting about two million years ago, which was

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field, upping the intellectual ante or losing their place as our competitors.

Our species resulted from several significant transformations, extinctions, and evolutionary dead-ends.

Our cooperative nature and intelligence are the culmination of playing the game of predation and survival over eons. Eventually, our invention of the spear, atlatl, bow and arrow, and domestication of dogs tilted the evolutionary arms race in our favor as a predator and rarely as prey.

Our modern use of the words “sport” and “game” associated with hunting originated after the agricultural revolution when farming and domestic animals fulfilled the food needs of the masses. Horses and firearms further tipped the scales in favor of the human hunter. Hunting in the “civilized” world changed (Sport cont. pg 13)

October 2022

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Uncle Craig The “Moose Man”

Maine has a top quality moose hunt with the highest success rate in the country and almost 4000 permits have been issued

Pamphile with a 55” spread using his pre-war Model 70 in 30-06. Uncle Larry called him in and Brother Dave videoed the hunt. In

to participate in another 12 moose hunts with family and friends in Maine and NH. Uncle Craig is a retired Army Blackhawk Crew Chief and Welding Instructor. He is only 4 years older than I and is more like my older brother.

We have hunted and fished

Page 7

The Northwoods Bowhunter

by Brian Smith, Machiasport, ME

secured a rental house in the Portage area for the October hunt.

We had a full camp as Craig invited his parents, 3 brothers, his 2 boys, my brother Dave and me. On opening morning we spied a nice 34’’ bull with 12

choice for this hunt was a TC Hawken 50 cal Muzzle loader. With Ernie guiding on the first morning, Craig put a 300 grain mini ball through the vitals of a 12point 36” bull at 70 yards and dropped him.

In 2011, Craig got

In 1991, Craig got his first moose permit while deployed in support of Desert Storm. He wasn’t sure he would be back in time for the hunt so I secured a rental house in the Portage area for the October hunt.

Uncle Craig and Marie with the 58” bull. for 2022. I was blessed to 1994 I won a permit for the be chosen as a sub-permit- Eustis area and was able to tee by friend Mark Burgess take an 8- year- old 50” bull in 1988 and harvested a with brother Alan by my 12- year- old- bull near St. side. I have been fortunate

together for over 50 years and I got to introduce him to bowhunting. We called in his first two Gobblers, instructed him on how to bait/bowhunt bears and helped him harvest four bull moose.

In 1991, Craig got his first moose permit while deployed in support of Desert Storm. He wasn’t sure he would be back in time for the hunt so I

points and stalked close enough for him and his 12 yr- old son James to put a 30-06 bullet and 20 ga. slug into the vitals. I was able to video the kill and exciting celebration with the rest of the family arriving to help with the field dressing and loading.

In 2001, Craig got his second permit for the Molunkus area near his brother Ernie’s camp. His gun of

picked for WMD 27 near our home, which has low moose density. We hunted hard all week and on the last day in the last hour we found a young 5- point bull near home and saw a perfect opportunity for a bow shot. Using my Mathews bow, Craig launched a Muzzy Tipped Easton arrow through the lungs at 20 yards and the bull dropped (Craig cont. pg 33)

Page 8

Northwoods Sporting Journal

October 2022

The Gun Rights Ruling

Those of us who hunt with guns and value our heritage are never very far from the swirling conflict in this country over gun violence in the streets and the right of a law-abiding citizen to bear arms. Directly and indirectly, there are inescapable implications for sportsmen and women.

In June of this year, the U.S. Supreme Court, in an historic gun- rights decision, struck down a highly restrictive New York state law on public carry of concealed weapons. Leaning on the 14th Amendment, as well as the Second Amendment, the Court majority basically said that New York, or any state, cannot require that a law-abiding citizen demonstrate or prove a “special or substantial need” to carry a firearm for self defense. In practice, the “special need standard” was used to deny the issuance of concealed carry permits in New York state and some other states as well.

This Supreme Court ruling also affected a number of other states, not the least of which were Massachusetts and Maryland.

To their credit, both of these states have

moderated their concealed carry laws and are in compliance with the Court decision.

New York state, on the other hand, apparently is in some stage of defiance.

To be clear, the high court did not limit states on the usual legal gun regulatory processes, including background checks, waiting periods, and the denial of gun purchase and concealed carry permits to felons and the mentally ill.

The Supreme Court’s respect for our Constitutional prerogatives is in stark contrast to what has been going on within the leadership of our highest law enforcement organizations in the land – the U. S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The unprecedented raid of President Trump’s Florida residence has all the earmarks of yet another political fishing expedition and abuse of Federal power like we have never seen.

Under the radar, there are other goings on by Federal enforcement agencies that threaten, not only your gun rights, but your civil rights as a citizen. In Missouri, the

Patty’s Recipe To the Editor: I’ve enjoyed your magazine for many years and would like to share with you and your readers some memories of Nugent’s Camps on Chamberlain Lake.

I started going to Nugent’s with my dad when I was 9 or 10 years old. No interstates then and a long drive from Downingtown, Pennsylvania followed by a flight from Greenville with Roger holt in one of his float planes.

Exciting stuff for a youngster!

This memory is from a bit later. I was married,

state attorney general has served notice that the FBI’s harvest of gun owner information from gun stores and other sources is illegal. In Mesa, Arizona a gun shop owner watched in disbelief as a Federal agent took photographs of page after page of names of customers who purchased firearms from that store. This is illegal!

It does not take much imagination for a gun owner, regardless of political stripe, to picture where all of this is leading.

If this continues, the bitter divide in this country will only deepen. Beyond the Nation’s Capitol and political power center and out into the heartland of working America, people are beginning to see that votes do, indeed, have consequences. Trumper or no Trumper, it was Donald Trump’s Presidency that appointed three conservative Justices to the High Court, the same court that seems to be becoming the last bastion of defense against an increasingly out-ofcontrol Washington establishment.

- VPR

quite young, with a young wife with whom I wanted to share my early adventures.

Landing on Chamberlain and taxiing up to Nuge’s dock, Jill had her first glimpse of the Nugent’s cabins. At the same time Carol, a young woman who worked for Patty Nugent, was looking out the window of the main cabin and said to Patty, “Ralphie has a woman with him!”

This was related later to me

by Patty.

Needless to say Jill loved Patty, Nuge, and the camps and we had a great time for Jill’s first visit.

While we were guests of Patty and Nuge, we had

numerous meals and Jill must have commented on Patty’s 3 bean salad. Patty was generous and gave Jill her recipe for the salad.

My family has been enjoying Patty’s gift for these past fifty plus years and with Jill’s blessing I would like to share Patty Nugent’s recipe with your readers.

Patty’s Recipe 1 can red kidney beans 1 can green string beans 1 yellow wax beans 1 bell pepper cut into strips 1 onion sliced in rings Dressing ¾ c. sugar (Letters cont. pg 9)

October 2022

Letters

Northwoods Sporting Journal

never think of flying over Tips for Trail Cam water without wearing an Purchases (Cont. from pg 8) inflatable life preserver. I hope your readers take your 2/3 c. vinegar To the Editor: advice and wear one when 1/3 c. salad oil A recent trip to the appropriate. Keep up the 1 t. pepper area Bass Pro Shop and Marinade overnight, good advice that you pro- Tractor Supply Store to drain next morning, serve vide in your articles. seek information about cold game cameras left me thorCharles Plummer Ralph H. Kurash oughly confused. I am a newbie on the subject.

Fantastic Me & Joe As a subscriber to The Sierra Club NWSJ, would you please To the Editor: let readers know if the To the Editor: Just wanted to let you Journal has previously pubI just read the editoknow that the Me and Joe lished any articles about rial about he Sierra Club article in the June issue what to look for when buyin your June 2022 issue. was absolutely fantastic. ing the first game camera?

Spot on! I’m the President Especially well done.

Keep If not, would columof the Pike County Federaup the great work! nist Mr. Bob Utecht contion of Sportsmen’s Clubs sider covering the subject and we’ve been fighting Tim Largay in a future article? this since 2014. You can Dedham Thank you for pubhelp spread the word on the Facebook page. No National Park Charles Lombaerde

Down at Sea To the Editor: My name is Charles P lu mmer an d I am a long-time outdoorsman and sportsman and I enjoy reading your articles in my daily paper very much. Your article in this mornings paper about the importance of wearing an inflatable life vest caught my attention because one saved my life many years ago. I was a navy combat aircrewman during the Korean War and while returning to our aircraft carrier from a mission we lost an engine and crashed into the Sea of Japan. The pilot and I managed to get out of it before it sank and inflated our life preservers that kept us from drowning until we were rescued after a period of time by a helicopter and flown to our carrier for treatment of our injuries and a severe case of hypothermia. We would

lishing a great magazine that is informative, provides hours of enjoyment, and mentally takes me to Maine until my next trip.

Gene Maloney Southport, CT

Page 9

Editor’s note: In past columns, Bud has written about tips for buying new trail cameras. We will dig into the archives and try resurrect one of his columns for our Backshelf section in November or December issues.

Ed Stevens and his son Jacob share a special moment after bagging a moose in zone 5

Page 10

“A Hiker’s Life”

Northwoods Sporting Journal

by Carey Kish, Mt. Desert Island, ME The long journey begun six months ago wasn’t supposed to end at Stevens Pass, Washington but rather at the Canadian border 187 miles to the north. Full-on winter had arrived early to the North Cascades in Washington state, however, and when Mother Nature speaks with such unequivocal force, well, this hiker listens.

a raging snowstorm.

A day earlier, Fran deposited me and two trail friends–Bubblewrap and No Name–at Stevens Pass.

It was 45 degrees and raining heavily–grim conditions for sure, but after sitting idle all weekend waiting for the post office to open to grab resupply boxes, we needed to move.

Eleven miles of miserable,

Crossing the slush and snow of U.S. Route 2 to meet my relieved wife, Fran, the irony was not lost on me that this same highway terminates at Bangor, Maine, 2,500 miles east and an hour north of our Mt. Desert Island residence. It is indeed time to go home now.

As my planned finish date came and went, and the days melted into autumn, I knew the time might come when I’d say to myself, “You have no damn business being out here anymore.” That moment arrived on in the midst of

heads-down walking later, we camped in some trees at 5,000 feet; climbing higher on Grizzly Peak meant risking a night fully exposed.

Though our three tents stood just feet apart, the usual jovial banter was muted, as we each wriggled out of soaked clothing, burrowed into sleeping bags and boiled water for hot drinks and dinner. Most of our gear was wet, the temperature was dropping, and we were only marginally comfortable.

I awoke in the night, shivering. My sleeping bag

October 2022

End of the Journey

was now mostly layers of damp nylon and clumps of down thanks to the moisture laden air outside and heavy condensation inside the tent. I unfolded my emergency space blanket and wrapped it around me inside my bag and slept, fitfully, until dawn.

Four inches of snow on the ground and more falling fast. Frozen tent zippers, half-frozen boots, wet socks, wet everything.

And cold. After breakfast, we packed in silence. Packs on, I looked at my partners

Hiking conditions went from bad to worse and then to dangerous!

It was a quick decision, and a good one. I’d been wet and cold almost every day through three weeks of unsettled weather, and now conditions had gone from uncomfortable to downright dangerous.

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and asked the essential question: “You OK carrying on?” Nods of agreement, and with that we shuffled off into the storm.

A mile out and 1,000 feet higher, I heard Bubblewrap behind me wince audibly in pain.

I turned and asked if she was OK. “Not so much,” she replied. “Me neither,” I said. She from ice cold fingers and toes, me thinking of saturated gear and 115 miles to the next road crossing. What price going forward into the most remote stretch of the entire PCT in such awful, deteriorating weather?

Fingers and toes, or perhaps worse?

It was a quick deci-

The author and Bubblewrap. sion, and a good one. I’d dead set against spending been wet and cold almost another night out, we hiked every day through three out, plowing through deep weeks of unsettled weather, snow to reach Stevens Pass and now conditions had at nightfall.

We contacted search gone from uncomfortable to downright dangerous. and rescue authorities and This was it; we would turn an attempt was undertaken around and go back. We the next day to locate our waited a half-hour for No friend, but to no avail.

Name, who’d gone ahead, Fortunately, No Name, a thinking he would reach military man with a clear the same conclusion. No head and strong legs, made show. Returning to the his way back to the pass campsite, we erected a and safety on his own in tent and huddled for three an epic 27-mile, 15-hour hours. Still no sign of our struggle. After 187 days friend. By early afternoon, and 2,466 extraordinary miles, the big hike was over for us this year.

Carey Kish of Mount Desert Island, ME is editor of the AMC Maine Mountain Guide and author of AMC’s Best Day Hikes Along the Maine Coast.

His new book, Beer Hiking New England, will be available late next winter.

Northwoods Sporting Journal

October 2022

Perseverance Pays Off

During the 2017 fall bear season, I had a client from Pennsylvania that had yet to shoot his first Maine black bear after several trips with different outfitters. He was an experienced hunter and knew

During his second afternoon on stand, the bear appeared out of nowhere at the bait site. My client said he looked up and the bear was just there, he never heard or saw it come in. It was the big boar.

and could not find the bear.

I retraced the route the bear took and examined the shot location several times.

After three hours and multiple trips up and down the ridge in the dark, I called a stop to the search. We resumed the effort the next morning, allowing a better look at where the bear was hit. After several hours of continued grid searching, I called the search off. I had all the evidence I needed

Page 11

The Gun Cabinet

by John Floyd, Webster Plantation, ME covering 500 yards in all directions, I knew for certain what happened - classic boar fever.

I explained my findings to the client, and while he accepted what I had to say, he was still uncertain.

Back at camp he questioned the rifle, the scope, rings and base security

The client waited until the bear dropped down on all fours and turned, presenting the textbook broadside shot.

exactly what he wanted in terms of the bear he would look to take. I set him up on a virgin bait I had specifically scouted and maintained, just for his hunt. I had several nice bears coming in and one of them was a giant boar that I knew would fulfill this clients wishes.

The client waited until the bear dropped down on all fours and turned, presenting the textbook broadside shot. His Remington 7600 pump-action .30-06 rifle boomed across the ridge and the bear sprinted out of sight into thick cover down ridge.

We searched for hours

- there wasn’t a drop of blood nor a shred of hair at the suspected hit site.

Furthermore, we couldn’t locate even the faintest sign of a blood trail. It’s well known that entry and exit wounds tend to plug up on a hit bear due to heavy fat reserves and that bears will roll in dirt and mud in attempt to clot the wound, but I found not a single shred of evidence that the client hit that bear. After

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and finally the cartridge itself - the .30-06 I recommended he use. He thought that maybe he hit the bear and that perhaps the shot was a through and through, not creating a devastating, mortal wound. I assured him it was not the case and that he simply missed - it happens.

After a day to compose himself and regain some confidence, I put the client back on stand at a different location. Within two hours, a bear approached the bait from the clients left, moving slowly but steadily through a mixed fir, spruce and beech stand.

As the client brought the rifle up, his eyes caught movement down ridge to his right. The bear nearing the bait froze and stared down ridge. Seconds later a bigger boar charged up the ridge, chasing the first bear off of the bait site. This time the client didn’t hesitate. As soon as the boar stopped at the bait site, the hunter let the .30-06 bark for the second time in three days. The bear hunched up and turned down ridge at a clip. We found the bear not 35 yards from where the client hit him.

With his fever broken, the knock down power of the .30-06 Springfield and the large wound channel it creates, my client had his first Maine black bear - and a heck of a story to go with it.

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

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Sporting Journal Northwoods

Muzzleloading Afield

by Al Raychard, Lyman, ME

For a wide variety of reasons, the vast majority of Maine residents would agree we live in a very special place. I’ve done a bit of traveling for business as well as pleasure, mainly to hunt and fish, and there is no place I’d rather live.

Yes, there are places where I enjoy hunting and fishing as much as I do here at home, but here again, for a number of reasons, Maine

you’re a numbers person, it boils down to roughly 10 million acres of private land is open to public recreational use, including hunting, thanks to the generosity of land owners.

As our most popular hunting seasons commence this month, we should all stop and take a minute to think what would it be like if these millions of acres were not available.

Our Open Land: Say ‘Thank You’

is becoming an Outdoor Partner, part of MDIFW’s Landowner Relations Program. The membership cost is $15, but is offset by discounts at several supporting business and other incentives and benefits. But more than that membership

you don’t join, the Outdoor Partner Program suggests seven ways to being a good private land user. They include always ask permission even if not necessary, learn what is important to the landowner, provide your personal information,

October 2022

tant, always say thank you.

More detailed information on these points and the Outdoor Partners Program can be found on the MDIFW web site by clicking on the Hunting & Fishing tab and then Accessing Private Land tab.

Perhaps it’s even time to stop and say thanks and show our appreciation. It’s a word and gesture we hear and see all too seldom these days. is unique.

We are also extremely fortunate. According to most resources about 94-percent of the land in Maine is private. Unless specifically posted, access is presumed allowed under the state’s implied permission structure, a tradition unique to Maine and one that goes back before Maine became a state. If ORONO

Perhaps it’s even time to stop and say thanks and show our appreciation.

It’s a word and gesture we hear and see all too seldom these days. Both can go a long way to continuing the access most hunters have long enjoyed and perhaps taken for granted. After all, the access we enjoy is a privilege not a right.

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Good luck this season know the property boundaries, keep the property and hunt safe. clean, keep activities legal Al Raychard and his and, perhaps most imporwife Diane live on 43+/acres in Lyman, Maine that offers good deer and turkey hunting opportunities that they both enjoy. If the property had a trout stream it would be true paradise.

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Sport (Cont. from pg 6) from a necessity to a leisurely pastime. Egyptian pharaohs went on hunting expeditions in their chariots. Upper class Greeks and Romans went trophy hunting. European royalty declared they owned the game animals and forbade peasants to hunt. The privileged developed elaborate “rules of the chase” to level the playing field between the hunter and hunted.

Our use of the word game comes from the Middle English gamen that meant sport.

In North America, colonial Europeans rejected the royal ownership of game animals. Hunting was not a “sport” but a matter of necessity, and game provided the larder for the expansion of the frontier.

There were no rules governing hunting, and “fair chase” was not part of America’s frontier heritage.

Circle hunts were organized to eliminate predators (or any animal seen) from large swaths of the landscape. Market hunters shot wagon-loads of game to sell at city markets. It was the “me first” ethos.

I get mine before you can get yours. Once-abundant

Happy Halloween

Northwoods Sporting Journal populations of white-tailed deer, passenger pigeons, shorebirds, waterfowl, seabirds, turkeys, elk, and bison fell victim to the tragedy of the commons.

Entire ecosystems were cut or plowed into oblivion.

By the late 1800s, state governments backed by hunter-conservationists began to impose rules to curb the unrestricted excesses of hunting by limiting the species that could be hunted, initiating bag limits, and establishing hunting seasons. William Henry Herbert, who went by the pen name “Frank Forester,” first introduced the ideas of sportsmanship to North American hunters in his essays in the maga-

zine Forest and Stream.

Based on his experiences in England, he proposed that hunting be guided by a code of ethics and conduct.

The “genuine sportsman” killed only game animals and those only by “sporting” methods. He espoused the “true spirit, the style, the dash, the handsome way of doing what is to be done, and above all, the unalterable love of fair play, that first thought of the genuine sportsman.”

Conservationists like Teddy Roosevelt and George Bird Grinnell fashioned the term “sport hunting” to contrast this new approach with market hunting or poaching. “Fair chase” became the basis for

game laws and for hunters who chose to voluntarily limit their hunting methods. “Sports” were visitors guided at Maine and Adirondack hunting camps by their “guides” who mentored them in the new morals and values of fishing and hunting etiquette.

I conclude that classifying fishing and hunting as sports, though governed by rules and often done in the camaraderie of others, leaves much to be desired.

There are no conquests, contests, or opposing teams seeking to win. The playing field between hunter and hunted is not equal.

Instead, we hunt for food and for deeply personal reasons. For a few fleet-

Page 13 ing weeks in autumn, we toss away the trappings of modernity to reconnect with our archaic niche in the ecosystem. Hunting should be a sacrament to our natural world; a mystical, sacred engagement in the struggle between life and death. When retrieving a grouse well-shot on the wing or kneeling next to the dying buck we reflect on the mystery of life and glimpse our own mortality in the fading glimmer of their eyes.

Mark McCollough contemplates hunting from a stump in Hampden, Maine. He can be contacted at markmccollough25@ gmail.com

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 14

October 2022

Outdoor News - October 2022 Edited by V. Paul Reynolds October! For most of us who hunt or fish or just enjoy the great outdoors this is it – the month of months. Enjoy!

Deer Yard Protection: SAM Leads the Charge

August 23 at Jeff’s Catering in Brewer, David Trahan, the executive director of the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine (SAM), was the guest speaker at a Deer Yard Forum hosted by some Bangor area state Republican legislative candidates.

Gerry Lavigne, a retired state deer biologist and wildlife consultant for SAM, joined Trahan at the podium to talk about the history of Maine’s declining deer population in Maine’s North Woods and what can be done to turn things around.

Trahan said that “predation and habitat loss have led to the collapse of the deer population in northern, eastern and western Maine. At one time, 10

MADE IN MAINE

percent of the landscape was deer wintering habitat.

Now it is is just 3 percent!”

In an effort to end this “death spiral of suitable deer habitat,” Trahan said, “SAM has spearheaded three initiatives to restore deer wintering habitat:” 1. A change in the law that requires the Land for Maine’s Future Program (LMF) prioritize its funding and land conservation purchases toward acquiring known deer yards.

2. Purchased deer wintering areas will be held in Trust for IF&W and managed by this agency.

3. SAM helped negotiate a $40 million state appropriation, which will be matched 3 to 1 by federal funding and used to purchase strategically important deer wintering areas in Maine.

SAM also played a part in the new doe permit system. Hunters will pay $12.00 for their doe permits this season. This ‘new” money will be also earmarked solely for deer yard protection programs.

This fall for the first time hunters will be able to harvest both a buck and a doe, with appropriate permits.

Trahan said that deer

yard purchases had already begun. SAM will soon announce the acquisition by the state of a major deer wintering area in southern Aroostook County.

These deer were all driven onto the ice of Maine’s St. Croix river and killed by coyotes in one winter of 2004. prey whenever the opportu- ratio. Other members of nity arises. The career deer the ACWDC are Andrew Gerry Lavigne (left) biologist explained that this Ketch, Rob Keiffer and and David Trahan is called “surplus killing” Bruce Frost. from SAM spoke at Individuals interested the Brewer Deer Yard and is not all unusual.

Other positive news in donating to this private Forum. (Photo by V. Paul Reynolds) regarding deer yard pro- fund for deer yard enhanceDuring a question and tection, said Trahan, is the ment in Aroostook County answer period, biologist creation of the Aroostook should contact David TraLavigne pointed out that County White-tailed Deer han at 207 23 489 (david@ predation on healthy win- Collaborative (ACWDC). samofmaine.org) or Jerry tering deer in the North The mission of the collab- Mclaughlin at 207 52 2516 Woods by both coyote and orative is to raise private (jmguideservice49@gmail. bears has been a significant money to support deer yard com) cause in deer population protection and manageAt the conclusion of declines. Lavigne said that ment in the County. With the Forum, both Lavigne predators also take about support and leadership and Trahan were applauded 50 percent of spring fawns of Aroostook sportsman enthusiastically by those in that don’t survive.

Jerry McLaughlin, area attendance. Northwoods Responding to a ques- sportsmen have already Sporting Journal editor V. tion about whether coyotes raised $20,000. This mon- Paul Reynolds publicly engage in random killing ey, along with hours put in thanked both of the speakeven when they are not by volunteers on feed plot ers for “their leadership hungry. Lavigne explained management in the County and hard work.” He said that all predators, coyotes deer yards, will generate that in all the years that included, have no com- additional matching money he had been writing about punctions about killing from the Feds, on a 3 to 1 the Maine outdoors, this deer- yard- protection effort At long last, revived from the archives of the once-authoritative books on New counted as the most historic England streamer flies and how to use them: Trolling Flies for Trout & deer management initiative Salmon, by Dick Stewart and Bob Leeman. in his memory.

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Bear Attacks Vermont Woman

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department responded to a bear attack in Strafford on August 20.

Ms. Susan Lee, 61, of Strafford, was treated at Gifford Medical Center (News cont. pg 19)

Northwoods Sporting Journal

October 2022

Finding a Location

In a survival situation, where you set up your shelter is extremely important.

Your location can make life much easier, or much more difficult. I will show you how to use nature to your advantage.

First, you need to be in a safe area below the treeline, not on a mountain top with no natural cover.

An open field will not provide you with any shelter, but is critical for visibility.

next time you are walking a trail in the evening, try to notice the temperature difference between the low and high spots.

Setting up near water has the advantage of supplies available, but there are usually more bugs as well. There are also more animals near water, especially at dawn and dusk. If it is warm you might want to set up in a windy spot to keep the bugs away.

caused the snow to drift so you can make a snow cave easier. Be aware if there is a snow storm, you and your shelter might get burried in snow. Again, try to find an open area so you can be seen and signal aircraft for rescue. Under trees in the winter is not usually a good idea because of the snow accumulated on the branches. If there is any wind or if you build a fire under the branches, all that snow could come down on top of you. Soaking wet

Basics Of Survival

by Joe Frazier, Bangor, ME are lost, try to find a good shelter location close by and don’t move around too much. You should start looking for a good location by lunch time. It takes a while to set up a shelter and gather supplies for the night. Never move after dark unless you have a light, and then only if you have to. Try to find a loca-

Avoid dead trees and large dead branches, especially when it is windy.

Always look above your area. The last thing you need is a tree crashing down on you.

Watch any video of forest filmed by a drone or helicopter. You can not see anything or anyone under the trees.

Avoid low spots and stream beds. Flash floods can occur from rain storms miles away. Stay in high, well drained areas.

If you are trying to maintain body heat, pick a spot that is out of the wind. Also, warm air rises but cold air acts like water.

It will flow into low spots and pool in low areas. The

When it is raining look for dense trees that you can get under. For a short while it will give you some shelter. A large, leaning tree trunk can also help keep you out of the rain.

Avoid dead trees and large dead branches, especially when it is windy. Always look above your area.

The last thing you need is a tree crashing down on you.

In the winter, look for places where the sun can help warm you. Look for areas where the wind has

and freezing cold is what you want to avoid.

In the summer, heat is another problem to deal with. Find a place with good shade and ventilation.

When making a shelter you usually should insulate under yourself because the earth will take away body heat fairly rapidly. In the heat you should take advantage of that and simply lay on the bare ground. Be sure you are not laying in a nest of ants or ground hornets; they have no sense of humor, trust me.

Once you realize you

Page 15

A good location is as important for camping as for survival. You will be much more comfortable and enjoy yourself much more in the right spot.

Weather you are setting up a tent or a survival shelter; look for a spot that is flat, dry, and free of rocks or roots. Use a stick and sweep it flat along the ground to help find rocks or hard spots. Be sure to avoid poisonous plants such as poison Ivy. You don’t want to lay down in a big patch of that and have more problems than you already have.

Do not set up your shelter near fruit trees or large area of flowers. They will attract insects and wildlife that you don’t need.

By being careful in your selection of a location, you can increase your odds of survival and make the experience more enjoyable.

Don’t make things harder for yourself.

tion near firewood, and collect your firewood a ways away from your camp.

Leave the firewood that is close by in case you need it at night.

Anytime you are hiking or in the woods, play a mental game once in a while. Look around for places that would be good shelter spots and also dangerous spots you would not want to use for shelter. If you are out with kids, teach them as well. Pick a spot and ask them if it would Joe is a husband, fabe good or bad for shelter ther, writer, and marine. Joand why. efrazier193@gmail.com

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 16

The Adventures of Me and Joe

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

“You guys gotta help me! I’m desperate!” Lenny Bloat stuffed the second half of a cream horn into his mouth, sighed in evident rapture, then returned to his serious frame of mind. “If I don’t lose a bunch of weight real fast I’ll miss my only chance at eternal happiness. You want me to be happy don’t you?”

“It’d make my day,” Joe said dryly. “So tell us Lenny, why the sudden urge to slim down? You’ve been…uh…heavy, since we was in first grade.” It was the first week of summer vacation from high school. The three of us were sitting on a bench in front of The Emporium.

Lenny’s 5-foot 6-inch, 250-pound bulk weighed the bench down heavily at one end. He looked suddenly sheepish as he unwrapped a giant-size Baby Ruth bar and took a massive bite from one end.

“Thee, theyth thith durl…”

“Say what?”

He swallowed noisily. “They’s this girl. Her name’s Cora Slight an’ she lives in Springfield, Massachusetts. We been corresponding back and forth for a year now. She’s just the greatest! Likes everything I like. Enjoys the same music, reads the same books. We both even think that Richard Nixon will be president some day.”

“Yeah,” Joe snorted.

“Like that’s gonna happen!”

“Anyway, the one thing she really doesn’t like is fat people. She says it’s just a matter of will power; that anyone can control their weight if they just want to bad enough. I didn’t dare write anything about my…uh… size.”

“Well, what she says may be so,” I said, “but what difference does it make, Lenny? She’s in Massachusetts and you’re here. It isn’t like she can see you.”

“But that’s just it!

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The elusive Northwoods Sporting Journal’s moose Marty.

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Name

The Diet Plan

“Anyway, the one thing she really doesn’t like is fat people. She says it’s just a matter of will power; that anyone can control their weight if they just want to bad enough. I didn’t dare write anything about my…uh…size.”

She’s gonna see me. Her family is coming up to northern Maine for a vacation this summer. I’ve bragged about this area so much in my letters that they’re gonna stay right here in Mooseleuk!”

“Geez, that’s too bad Lenny,” Joe shook his head.

“But I don’t really see how

we kin be of any help.”

“You guys gotta help me lose weight! Look at you! You’re both skinny as rails! You must know all the secrets of staying thin.”

I looked at Joe. “Well, I think it’s more of a matter of coming from a long line of skinny people.”

Joe grinned. “Oh, I

dunno… what about yer Uncle Pudge?”

I smiled back. “Now Joe, you know Uncle Pudge says his overweight is due to an imbalance in his metabolism.”

“Yeah,” Joe smirked.

“He’s likely been eatin’ too many of them metabolisms.

(Me & Joe cont. pg 17)

Shown actual size

Everett Fennelly (Marty was found on pg 35)

Address City

Marty

October 2022

State

Phone I found Marty on page

Zip

Entries must be postmarked by 10/11/22 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.

October 2022

Me & Joe (Cont. from pg 16)

Seriously, though, bein’ thin may have a lot to do with us eatin’ so much fish and wild game. Them scientists say wild food’s got a lot less of the stuff in them that makes you fat.”

“That must be it!”

Lenny brightened considerably. “You guys got any of that wild game and fish you could share with me?

I’ll do anything to lose weight!”

Joe stared at him, suddenly intent. “Anything?”

Lenny stared back and swallowed nervously.

“Yeah…anything!”

“Okay.” Joe nodded firmly. “You’re our friend, so we’ll help all we can.

But you gotta do your part.

That means startin’ on my special diet plan right now.”

He reached over, plucked the other half of the Baby Ruth from Lenny’s pudgy fingers and dropped it into the nearby garbage can.

Lenny stared at the can in dismay.

“And,” Joe continued, “You’ll also have to start our special exercise program as well.”

“Exercise?” Lenny looked horrified.

“Exercise!” Joe said firmly. “Good diet ain’t no good without good exercise. Come on.” He got up

Northwoods Sporting Journal

and walked down off the porch in the direction of Lenny’s house. I followed along with Lenny lagging reluctantly behind.

At Lenny’s house Joe had a talk with the fat boy’s mother.

“I’ll cook whatever you bring over,” Mrs. Bloat nodded in agreement.

“Anything to help Leonard lose weight.” She glanced at her child with a knowing look. “But you might want to take a look through his room. I think he may have some emergency rations stashed here and there.”

“Ma!” Joe marched immediately to Lenny’s room and in fifteen minutes time unearthed about 25 pounds of candy bars, cupcakes, cream pies, beef sticks and, under the bed, half a pan of lasagna with a distinct greenish tinge.

Lenny watched all this in resignation.

“I’m gonna starve,” he said morosely.

“That’s the idea,” Joe agreed.

The Slight family wasn’t due to arrive on their vacation for a month and a half. Those six weeks became a torture test for Lenny. While he liked the meals of deer meat, white perch and fiddleheads his mother prepared from the supplies we provided out of our home freezers, the

withdrawal from refined sugar products was brutal.

During the third week we caught Lenny holding down a five year old while he tried to steal the youngster’s all day sucker. Another time we had to confiscate his pocket change and advise his mother not to give him any more.

Lenny was sneaking out in the middle of the night to raid the candy machine in front of The Emporium.

But the worst thing was the exercise. We started him out with walking a half mile a day. He puffed and wheezed but he kept with it. Then we extended the distance to a mile; then two miles. Before long he was walking five miles a day. That’s when we started jogging.

Lenny balked at first, but all that was needed was a subtle reminder of the date when Cora Slight was due to arrive to reaffirm his dedication. He began to jog, then to run, as me and Joe followed along on our bikes. And the weight started to melt away. Before long Lenny began to develop an actual waistline. The pounds started disappearing and muscles long hidden by slabs of fat began to acquire tone and definition.

The diet and exercise regimen that Joe had imposed was probably

Page 17

Pork River. Lenny was still nervous about meeting her so he asked me and Joe to go along. The older Slights proved to be an engaging couple, enthusiastic about visiting the wilds of Maine. Eventually, they disappeared into the cottage leaving the three of us in the yard with their daughter.

Cora Slight was a pretty, dark haired girl with a slender build and an engaging personality. For once, it was great to see a plan come together. She and Lenny seemed to hit it off right away. Of course it helped that they had been corresponding by mail for more than a year.

“And you look so healthy,” Cora said as Lenny blushed. “It must be this outdoor life.”

“Well,” Lenny mumbled, “I gotta tell ya, Cora…I used to be kinda… well…pudgy.” Joe cleared his throat.

“So did I,” Cora said calmly. Our collective jaws dropped.

“I guess that’s why I have such a thing about fat,” she hurried on. “I used to weigh, well, close to 200 pounds.” She colored prettily. “But that’s all behind me now. All it takes is will power and the right diet and exercise!”

“That’s right!” Lenny (Me & Joe cont. pg 39)

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dangerous and certainly wouldn’t have been approved by any doctor.

But by the day before the Slights were to arrive, Lenny had dropped 75 pounds and was running five miles a day, every day. He was a shadow of his former corpulent self and his stature had so improved that it looked like he’d gained an inch or so in height into the bargain. His mother was ecstatic.

“I don’t know how to thank you boys,” she said to us as Lenny sat at the table munching on a stick of venison jerky. “Just look at him! I’m so proud of you, Lenny. You’ve come so far! Aren’t you glad you went to your friends for help?”

Lenny nodded in agreement. “Yeah! I really hated you guys at the start.

But now, well, I guess the end more than justifies the means, when it comes to losin’ weight. But, still,” he looked a little wistful, “Every now an’ then, I still get the urge to chow down on a Baby Ruth.”

Joe scowled but Mrs. Bloat held up a staying hand.

“If you do,” she said calmly, “I’ll kill you myself.”

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Page 18

Outdoor Sporting Library

Cache Lake Country

by Jeremiah Wood, Ashland, ME

Have you ever happened upon a place in the woods that just felt different? It felt like you belonged there, and that special spot could just as well be your home. John Rowlands discovered that feeling in a place called Cache Lake in the wilderness of northern Ontario.

As Rowlands put it, “Most men who travel the north woods sooner or later happen on a lake or stream that somehow they cannot forget and always want to go back to. Generally they never do go back”.

But in his story, Rowlands went back to Cache Lake, a place he’d discovered while cruising timber for a lumber company. He

returned there and built a cabin to live in and serve as a watchman for the company, with a wise old Cree Indian and an adventurous artist as his neighbors.

“Cache Lake Country” is a collection of letters Rowlands wrote about living in the north woods over the course of a year, one for each month. He tells of building a cabin, hunting and fishing for food, cooking, traveling through woods and on water, and learning the crucial skills for survival in a harsh and remote environment.

Rowlands’ writing is unique in that he uses the story of life at Cache Lake to describe and explain woodcraft and survival

October 2022

skills, as well as important lessons that can be learned from living in the woods.

These are accompanied by detailed drawings that allow the reader to easily visualize many of the de-

scriptions.

Whether it’s sewing moccasins or a rabbit skin robe, making snow goggles, a knife sheath, a hunting blind or a smokehouse, countless useful tidbits of bushcraft information are scattered throughout the pages in a reflective and relaxing narrative.

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As Rowlands put it, “Most men who travel the north woods sooner or later happen on a lake or stream that somehow they cannot forget and always want to go back to”.

timber cruiser and journalist. He wrote the Cache Lake letters while working as a public relations officer at MIT. The stories were fictionalized, though most readers wouldn’t know it. Was Cache Lake a real place, or just a state of mind? In reality, it probably doesn’t matter.

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(See pg 49)

October 2022

News

(Cont. from pg 14) for non-life-threatening injuries from the attack.

She called 911 while being transported to the hospital by her neighbor. Game Warden Sergeant Jeffrey Whipple and Game Warden Kyle Isherwood responded Warden Isherwood interviewed Ms. Lee at the hospital. He advised her of the risk posed by rabies and collected her clothes from the attack as evidence.

Ms. Lee reported that she and her two dogs, a Jack Russell terrier and labradoodle, were walking trails on her Strafford property at the time of the attack. She stated that she had just recalled her dogs which had moved out of sight, when she heard a loud noise and realized a bear was charging her.

Ms. Lee stated that she tripped on a stone wall as the bear charged her.

She then felt pain on her upper left leg and realized the bear was on top of her and had bitten her. Ms. Lee stated that her Jack Russel terrier intervened by barking at the bear, which got off her and appeared to focus on the dog.

Northwoods Sporting Journal per left leg and multiple scratches between two and nine inches long on both her sides.

Sgt. Whipple proceeded directly to the scene where he was joined by Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department Bear Biologist Jaclyn Comeau and Warden Isherwood to inspect the site where the attack occurred. They concluded that the bear was a female with cubs and that the attack was likely provoked when Ms. Lee and her dogs surprised the group. They also attempted to locate the bear but were unsuccessful.

“Bear attacks are extremely rare in Vermont,” said Comeau, adding that the department has records of only three prior bear attacks in the state. “However, at this time of year black bears are moving in family units and mothers will be

protective of their cubs. If confronted by a bear it is essential to remain calm and back away slowly, and to fight back immediately if attacked.”

More guidance for navigating bear encounters can be found on the department’s website.

Hunter Harassment Case

Groton resident Liza Nanni, 61, will appear in court to answer for three criminal charges following the investigation of an incident of hunter harassment.

Members of the Vermont Warden Service responded to a call from Newbury resident Ellsworth Spear, 61, on Sunday, July 10. Mr. Spear alleged that he, another adult hunter, and a minor were stopped by Ms. Nanni while driving on Red Brook

Road in Groton with hunting dogs secured in their truck during Vermont’s June 1–September 15 bear hound training season.

Mr. Spear alleged that Ms. Nanni blocked the road, instigated an altercation, and used bear spray on him and his companions.

Mr. Spear and companions retreated from the scene and called Vermont State Police Dispatch after returning to cell service.

Wardens interviewed the victims on July 10 and Ms. Nanni on July 12.

Wardens also reviewed

videos recorded by both parties during and immediately after the incident.

Ms. Nanni was cited for violations of Title 10 V.S.A. §4708, Interfering with a Hunter, Title 13 V.S.A. §1023b Simple Assault, and Title 13 V.S.A. §1026a Disorderly Conduct. Ms. Nanni’s arraignment date has been set for September 26 in Caledonia Superior Court.

“Managing Vermont’s wildlife for a public with diverse values is a challenge and a privilege,” said (News cont. pg 21)

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Ms. Lee stated that she got up and retreated down the trail, followed by her terrier and without further sighting of the bear.

Ms. Lee called 911 once she reached her residence and texted her neighbor for transportation to the hospital. She sustained a bite wound on her up-

Page 19

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Aroostook Woods & Water

by Mike Maynard, Perham, ME Man, what a weird summer we had. While the rest of state was turning into the second coming of the dustbowl, and broiling in temps that would make Death Valley jealous, the County saw just a couple of days that pushed the 90 degree mark. We also had plenty of rain; our water

and appears to have no end in sight. After a summer of seeing more game in my backyard (literally) than ever before, …it all just vanished, like somebody hit a switch. It’s a lonely place these days, my backyard.

A couple of takeaways on this summer.

Fall in the County

that they’ll out-compete other species for vital nutrients, but biologists tell me it isn’t a problem. Good.

Grouse: After a spring where I saw a ton of baby grouse running all over the place, my optimism for another successful bird season was high. Then they all disappeared. I haven’t seen a grouse in weeks now.

Same with the bunnies.

This summer they were a plague, playing duck n’

Our County deer herd, at least the one that hangs out at my house, is on the rise. People, not just me, are seeing a lot more deer than they’ve seen in a very long time. levels never dropped off appreciably. I was in Bangor in mid-August and the Kenduskeag was lower than I ever remember seeing it. A thin sliver of water trickled between a couple of rocks and grass and weeds were growing in places they had no business growing; dust bowl city.

Scouting out routes to water holes might be a good idea this fall. And then we come to the dreaded and oft-lamented, ‘October lull’. Only this time it showed up in late August

Our County deer herd, at least the one that hangs out at my house, is on the rise. People, not just me, are seeing a lot more deer than they’ve seen in a very long time. A couple more years like this and we’ll be complaining about them.

Well, not me, but some people.

Turkeys: Wow. I think we can say with utter certainty that the reintroduction of the turkey to northern Maine has been wildly successful. They’re everywhere! I worry sometimes

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dodge with the truck as I drove the woods roads.

We called them the ‘suicide squad’. Now, they’re nowhere to be found. My supply of rabbit’s feet for fly tying is dangerously low so, I need a few accommodating bunnies to belly up to the bar this season, so to speak.

Bear: Never very sociable to begin with; but they were almost gregarious this summer. I never see more than a handful in any given year, but this year my quota of sightings was filled to overflowing

by June. A very well-watered summer, with plenty of sun, the mast crop is staggering. As the summer went on, the bears were

starting to resemble big black cannon balls instead of animals. Fat and happy; kind of how I want to go out.

Moose: And here I worry. We’ve been shooting a pile of moose up here for quite a while now. With the changes in weather, the onslaught of ticks killing more than its share of animals, the lack of animals in historically moose-heavy areas, is concerning. Cyclical? Maybe. Or maybe we need to pay a little more attention to the current health of our herd than worrying about how much money we can make off them.

Technology isn’t helping them either. People who get drawn for a moose permit are going to spend big dollars over the course of the hunt. A moose hunter from Pennsylvania is going to spend a bloody fortune, especially if he’s successful.

So to stack the odds in our favor, people are resorting to the use of drones out in the woods to scout. So much easier, and faster, to just jump out of the truck and fire up your drone and send it off over a likely looking area. No moose?

Jump back in the truck and take off for another spot.

There’s no prohibition against scouting with a drone in Maine. Person-

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ally, I think there should be. It’s illegal to use one during hunting season, but it’s my guess that they’re still being used for that very purpose. Especially by people whose idea of ‘fair chase’ is determined only by whatever app they just bought. I have a neighbor who owned one of those paraglider things for a while. I used to see him buzzing over the top of my house with a rifle in his lap during hunting season.

When I remarked that it was illegal to hunt from a paraglider, he told me that wasn’t a rifle in his lap, “I got terrible bad knees, that was just my walking stick for when I land”.

I have another neighbor who takes the complete opposite approach to shooting moose. He’s been drawn for a permit 3 times over the years, and only uses what he considers ‘primitive’ weapons to take an animal. The last time, he used a traditional bow. He even spent the months before the hunt trying to knap his own flint arrowheads; he never quite got the hang of it and eventually went with a two blade Muzzy.

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

October 2022

News

County

(Cont. from pg 19) Vermont Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Christopher Herrick. “I support all Vermonters with their shared passion for wildlife. No matter how different our practices or approaches may be, we all must remain civil and respectful as we enjoy the outdoors. I strongly condemn the criminal behavior that occurred in Groton.”

“Vermonters don’t always agree on wildlife management, especially when it comes to big game,” said Colonel Jason Batchelder, Fish and Wildlife’s Chief Game Warden. “Even so, I ask all Vermonters to respect one another’s constitutional right to hunt. Intentionally interfering with legal hunters in any fashion will result in court action.”

(Cont. from pg 20)

H H A A L P L P O Y W E E N

numbers back this up, and making it easier by the use of technology should absolutely be outlawed. I agree.

It’s October, baby!

Let’s get out there and do it right. Get muddy, get

bloody, rip your pants, ruin a pair of boots, tear yourself up in that raspberry patch from hell… make some great memories.

Leave the drones alone.

Mike Maynard lives in the woods and likes it there. He can be reached at perhamtrout@gmail.com

Page 21

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The Bird Perch

October 2022

Great Blue Heron

by Karen Holmes, Cooper, ME During the fall months, I see many Great Blue Herons feeding not far apart along the edges of coastal and freshwater areas. Usually they are

stretched. Great Blue Herons have tall legs which keep their body feathers dry when they stand in deep water. Also they have spread-out toes, which

Great Blue Herons will eat about everything that swims, scuttles, slithers, runs, flutters or flies. solitary hunters, but during migration this changes.

They are majestic birds, being about four feet tall.

And when they take flight, they are even more impressive with huge broad wings spanning about six feet.

They hold their necks in tight s-shapes during flight.

This confirms they should not be called by their nickname of “Blue Crane” because all cranes fly with necks held out-

function like snowshoes and prevent sinking in deep mud. Great Blue Herons will wade, stepping slowly along. They will wait patiently with indrawn necks until something edible is either seen or heard in the water or on the shore. Their great height, telescopic sight, and acute hearing will locate the prey. Then their long s-shaped necks work like a spring so they strike quickly and their

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long serrated beak pierces and holds on.

Great Blue Herons will eat about everything that swims, scuttles, slithers, runs, flutters or flies.

Mollusks, crustaceans, reptiles, amphibians, fish, large insects, and even small mammals are prey.

They have been found dead because they tried to swallow too big a fish and prevented swallowing it.

Great Blue Herons can hunt at night because they have high-density light receptors in their eyes called rods.

Their loud croaking call can be very spooky at night. Most Great Blue Herons will migrate further south where waters do not freeze. But some remain in Downeast Maine as stragglers during the winter. I found one dead beside a wetland one winter here

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and it probably starved or froze to death.

Karen Holmes is a free-lance writer and retired educator. She and her husband enjoy watching the wild plants and animals that live in their 74 acres in Cooper. She continues to be the coordinator for the Washington County, Maine Annual Loon Count and volunteers for many surveys and projects. She just finished tagging her last Monarch butterflies for the Monarch Watch Project and hopes they reach the highlands of Mexico.

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

October 2022

Matter (Cont. from pg 3)

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sets of tracks. Beech trees and young birches line the road. As we continue hiking, you will look east to a panoramic view of spectacular foliage. We will take a few minutes here. Our legs will be tired by now, and the guns will seem heavier than they did this morning.

We will give the dogs water, and as you reach for a fresh McIntosh, I will reach for a chocolate bar. Up the road, we will find our way into a pine plantation. With any luck, we might add a snowshoe hare to our game bag before turning around.

When we get back to camp, we will make a fire outside and fix drinks. I am sure you brought something good to share; I enjoy rum, you remember. And as the flames threaten to melt the soles of our boots, and the dogs lay snoring at our sides, we will discuss the things that matter…people and places, birds and dogs, and October.

Jonah Paris teaches English at a small high school in Southwestern Maine. A four-season outdoorsman, Jonah lives in Gorham, ME with his fiancée, Ashley, and beagle, Aurora. Jonah can be reached at jonaheparis@ gmail.com

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 24

ATV Riding Late Summer into Fall

“The Trail Rider”

by Dan Wilson, Bowdoinham, ME Editor ’s note: The Sporting Journal is pleased to announce that Dan Wilson has taken the reins as our new ATV/ Snowsled writer. We hope you will enjoy Dan’s column in the years ahead and join us in welcoming him to the Sporting Journal family!

As late summer approaches and the daytime heat shifts into cooler, crisp evenings, thoughts of adventures on the 4-wheeler begin to form. Dragonflies dart about and monarch butterflies visit goldenrod, fading brown eyed susans, and milkweed fluff. The sounds of crickets echo

throughout the fields and frogs can be heard croaking in the nearby brook.

The ground is dry… a little too dry this year, making it a little easier to get around on an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV). Now, you might wonder why would I worry about wet ground when I have a 4-wheeler to prowl through the woods?

Well, that’s where ATVs tend to get a bad rap, mucking up trails with deep ruts.

It’s important to be mindful of acceptable trails open to ATVs. Many snowmobile trails discourage ATV use and not all landowners welcome ATVs.

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As late summer passes and the leaves begin to change it is a great time for a ride to enjoy the foliage. Depending on the year, peak leaves could unofficially be late September...

We have a 4-wheeler and a side-by-side. Both can haul a trailer and have 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive options.

The 4-wheeler uses a handle-bar to steer, with brakes and throttle at the ready and manual shifting with a press of the foot. Seating on the 4-wheeler is similar to that of a snowmobile or motorcycle, with a seat that you straddle. The side-byside is a little bigger and uses a steering wheel to steer, with brakes and gas pedals. On this specific

side-by-side can accommodate 2-4 passengers in seats with seatbelts. The two back seats can fold down, providing extra space for gear.

The side-by-side allows for many customizations, adding a roof, windshield, winch, etc.

So far, we’ve added a roof and windshield. I’ve seen some other cool customizations where an owner added tracks (picture a snowmobile track where each tire would be) to ride

BEAR HUNTS

October 2022

on snowmobile trails in the winter, along with a full enclosure and heater. That is pretty slick being able to ride around the trails in the middle of winter with your coat off.

Both ATVs have an electric start, which makes life a little simpler. However, sometimes this method doesn’t work, for one reason or another, especially on the 4-wheeler. In these cases, you’ll need to manually start the 4-wheeler.

Starting by taking the seat off to find the compression switch and pull cord. Engaging the switch releases the pressure and makes the pull cord easier to yank.

Add a little choke and a swift upward yank, and the 4-wheeler should turn right over.

As late summer passes and the leaves begin to (ATV cont. pg 29)

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Game Wardens: A Sportsman’s Perspective

I have recreated in our woods and waters for over 40 years. During that time, I’ve fished and hunted extensively. I am in the woods roughly 100 days a year, and have been for as long as I can remember.

I fish Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, regularly, and have logged countless days in many other states.

that ruffle. In literally thousands of days afield, I have never once been “harassed” by a game warden. In fact, I can’t even say I’ve been mistreated. In virtually all cases, my interactions with game wardens have been polite, businesslike, and even friendly. At no time have I been summonsed, or even warned.

Often when I encoun-

it goes down whenever I meet a game warden in the woods or on the water. At times, while I know I’ve been watched due to a flash off a binocular lens from the trees, by the time I got to shore they were gone.

They left because we were not doing anything wrong and had no reason to take it any further.

I lost a young friend to

When it comes to criticizing game wardens however, it’s my feathers that ruffle. In literally thousands of days afield, I have never once been “harassed” by a game warden.

I am also a regular camper and have been for almost as long as I have fished. I spend 50 or so nights a year in a tent, much of which is spent in the backcountry, including backpacking. This puts me in a position to encounter game wardens more than most.

For 15 years, I owned and operated a fly shop.

One of the things that bothered me most were the regular claims of “harassment” at the hands of game wardens. Sportsmen were quick to offer up unsolicited stories of being harassed while in pursuit of fish and game.

It’s fair to say that when it comes to fish and game agencies, I’m no apologist. I call it as I see it, and have done so for twenty years. I write books, articles, OpEds, letters to the editor, and blog posts, and my focus is usually on the conservation of wild native fish. I’m not afraid to challenge the powers that be, regardless of whose feathers it may ruffle.

When it comes to criticizing game wardens however, it’s my feathers

ter a game warden afield, they remember me from a previous meeting. Just a couple of weeks ago, a game warden in New Hampshire pulled up to our truck, got out, and asked my friend for their fishing license. As I reached for mine, he waved me off, noting that he remembered me from last year, and knew that I get a comp sportswriter license. We talked a bit, and off he went.

The encounter above was not atypical. In fact, it was pretty much how

a fishing-related drowning this spring. As I watched the search and rescue effort, I was reminded that keeping sportsmen in line was only part of what game wardens do, and in fact, not even the most important part. As folks looked on, game wardens scoured the high, cold, water looking to bring closure. They worked daily for almost a month before retrieving the body of my friend.

Game wardens find lost hunters, elderly folks who become disorient-

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Native Fish Talk

by Bob Mallard, Skowhegan, ME ed and lost, children who that criticized IFW for wander away, and those sending game wardens into who experience medical the woods one fall to check emergencies. They recover bird hunters. Another piece bodies of anglers, boaters, challenged the propriety of and swimmers. They put swarming a large northern their own lives on the line lake one winter to check to help those in need, and ice fishers. And some have bring closure to the loved likened the use of decoy ones of those who cannot animals to being “set-up.” be rescued.

Again, those who ran afoul This brings me to my of these attempts to lessen customers who said they bad behavior were guilty had been harassed by game as charged. wardens. In virtually all Unlike our cities and cases, they said they were suburbs, our woods are issued a warning or a tick- lawless, figuratively speaket. The offenses included ing. Without some level of tackle violations, too many law enforcement presence, fish, and short fish. Some they would be even more said they had a loaded so. To be clear, there are gun in the vehicle or open those who would, and do, container. A few even got ignore laws established to hit for fishing or hunting protect our fish and wildwithout a license. Amaz- life, and keep us safe while ingly, regardless of their afield. They need to be held claims of “harassment,” accountable for the good of most, if not all, were guilty all involved. as charged…

I remember an article (Perspective cont. pg 29)

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 26

Post-Script From Pocasset

by Josh Reynolds, Wayne, ME -By Rich Garini There he is! Like a ghost appearing in glimpses through the leaves and branches of the underbrush, he materializes in the perfect opening just in front of you. Your heart jumps from your chest faster and harder with every step he takes.

or bear, nothing beats the rush of encountering big game on their turf. Muscles that are dormant from the cold and patience of the hunt are suddenly flooded with adrenaline. Every sensory nerve in your body is switched to full, and your cardiovascular system is on

Are you in “Hunt Shape”?

But as a hunter, how many of us take the steps necessary to prepare ourselves for what we will put our bodies through during a hunting season? Walking up hill carrying just 10-20 pounds of equipment is a workout. Still hunting for 5-6 miles, using a climbing stand, or dragging out even a small deer is a workout.

On a good day, you may need to do all three! Is your

If hunting is a sport, then hunters are athletes. Like any athlete, a successful season starts with a commitment to preparation before the season begins.

This is what you’ve waited for all morning, dreamed of all season. You struggle to keep your breath under control. Every heartbeat pulses through your entire body. A few seconds ago, you were relaxed and calm enjoying the morning sun.

Now, you feel like you’re at a full sprint running toward the finish line. Don’t move!

He’s right there!

Moose, deer, turkey

overload. Hunting can be very taxing on your body, especially your heart. If you are successful, that’s when they say the real work begins, and work it is! Are you ready?

As an athletic trainer for almost 30 years, I know the importance of pre-season conditioning to get athletes in shape to handle the physical and mental demands of their sport.

body ready for that? Are you sure? Let’s take a look at some things you can do now to help you make the most of your hunting season, help you hunt longer — and safer.

First and foremost, every pre-season should start with a good physical.

You have to make sure your body can tolerate the demands of hunting, not only on your muscles

and joints, but also on your heart, lungs and other systems. Across the country each year, hunters die after suffering a cardiovascular event while in the woods. According to Dr. Eric Good, a cardiologist at the University of Michigan Health System in Ann Arbor, “The biggest danger that some hunters face isn’t getting hit by a stray bullet or falling out of a tree stand. It’s heart disease.

Heart attacks are three times more likely to take a life than a gunshot injury.”

The stress of walking in the cold, dragging a heavy animal out of the woods, or even the adrenaline rush of “buck fever” can bring on a cardiac event, especially if there is an underlying condition. Having an annual physical is sound advice for everyone, but especially for hunters who like to spend time far away from civilization where access to emergency medical ser-

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vices can be very limited.

Once cleared by your health care provider, it’s time to get into hunt shape.

For most hunters, starting with a good cardiovascular endurance exercise program will give you a strong base to work from and help improve your overall health and fitness. Walking is a great exercise that can be done almost everywhere. It helps build endurance and improve cardiovascular fitness. Adding some hills or stairs to your walk will increase the intensity of the workout and improve leg strength. Wearing a weighted back pack will also increase the intensity while making the activity more realistic to a hunting situation. Other cardiovascular exercises such as running, biking or using an elliptical trainer can also be beneficial to improve your overall fitness and improve cardiac health.

(Shape cont. pg 27)

October 2022

Shape

(Cont. from pg 26) Whichever cardiovascular exercise you choose, I recommend performing these exercises 3-5 times a week for 30 minutes to an hour at a moderate intensity (about 70 percent). In general, exercise intensity is measured as a percentage of your estimated maximum heart rate. This number is found by taking 220 and subtracting your age.

For example, a 50-year-old would have an estimated maximum heart rate of 170 (220 – 50 = 170). To walk at 70 percent, this person would need to maintain a heart rate of 119 beats per minute (170 x .7 = 119).

Many of today’s fitness tracker watches have heart rate functions that can help you monitor your heart’s beats per minute and can even give you a warning beep if you start going too high. If you don’t have a fitness tracker, just walk at a rate that significantly increases your breathing but still allows you to speak in short sentences.

Weight training can be a great benefit for hunters looking to have that extra edge. Performed correctly, weight training not only will improve your physical strength, but can also improve flexibility, balance and stability. The stronger and more stable you are, the better you will be at holding the cross hairs (or sight pins) on your target animal. This is especially true when shooting off hand or from an elevated platform.

I recommend performing exercises that use large muscle groups or a combination of movements using free weights such as dumbbells, kettle bells and bodyweight exercises. If

Northwoods Sporting Journal

you are not familiar with weight-lifting workouts, it is a good idea to work with a personal trainer to learn proper form and get a good whole-body workout.

Weight machines are great to help build strength and are generally safer than free weights, especially if you are working out alone.

Overall, weight training can make that long drag out of the woods seem much easier and can literally help you put that buck in the truck. Weight-lifting workouts should be performed 2-3 times per week allowing at least 48 hours between workouts for your muscles to fully recover.

HIIT training stand for High Intensity Interval Training. These exercises involve short, quick bursts of exercises followed by periods of active rest. These workouts may include sprinting intervals, body-weight exercises, free-weight exercises, stationary bikes or some combination of any of these.

Exercise bursts may last 30 seconds to 2 minutes with 1-2 minutes of rest or decreased activity between bursts. Most routines last for 20 to 45 minutes. Each burst of activity significantly raises your heart rate and breathing up to 90-percent intensity or more.

Much like the excitement of getting buck fever, you can hear and feel your heart beating strong in your chest with HIIT training.

The “rest period” between reps is a time to use breathing techniques to help you control your excitement.

By slowly breathing in through your nose and out through pursed lips (like you are blowing through a straw), you learn to control your breathing and slow your heart rate. This helps you recover more quickly

and be ready for the next burst of activity. This can have great benefits in the woods, too, especially for people who like to still hunt. Quickly getting to the top of a ridge to get a clear shot at an animal doesn’t do much good if you can’t control your breathing enough to execute a good shoot. I recommend doing HIIT workouts 1 to 2 times per week depending on your goals and overall workout plan.

The next time you are at the shooting range, add some realism to your shooting by performing 30 jumping jacks just before you pick up your gun or bow to shoot. Doing this will elevate your heart rate and help you practice controlling your breathing in order to execute a good shot. It is better to practice in this situation when all you have to risk wounding is a piece of paper.

Of course, all of this hard work is in vain if your body doesn’t have the steady intake of proper nutrients it needs to perform at its best. Proteins found in low-fat meats, fish, beans, eggs and milk products are important building blocks your body needs to recover and rebuild muscle fibers after your workouts. This rebuilding process allows you to gain strength and endurance. Complex carbohydrates found in whole grains, beans and fiberrich fruits and vegetables help give you a prolonged energy source to power you through those longer workouts as well as those long days in the woods.

Walking for miles or even just staying warm on a cold morning drains energy.

Don’t forget to carry some complex carbs with you to replenish your energy (Shape cont. pg 62)

Page 27

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“Just Fishing”

Northwoods Sporting Journal

by Bob Leeman, Bangor, ME

register their largest brown trout caught on a chalk board, where the largest fish taken that year would win you “The Hanson Trophy”. Weighing scales were available in the office.

Some of the average size of “winners” often exceeded

Long before outboard motors came along, trolling for “gamefish” in Maine and the Northeast was accomplished by renting a wooden, flat-bottomed rowboat from a local boat rental spot at a favorite lake. Average daily charge?

Good Old Days Of Trolling

two trolling rods. Those rods, many which were designed for the pastime, and some manufactured of bamboo by The Thomas Rod Company in Bangor, Maine. These were stout shafts, to say the least.

Deep trolling was

an occasional fly would be run out from the rear of the craft.

Wire lines, coiled on the hefty reels, while the business end was swiveled to a long “gut” leader, with a huge flashing blade of homemade and polished

their expertise in those premature days, as other equipment used in their quest for deep-holding finned lunkers were sought after during the summer months mostly. This was during the historic days of streamer flies and their creators; but were used mostly in spring, although

copper; to which another length of leader was knotted to a copper colored lure, of sort, or a sewed-on livebait. Let us not forget, those flashing blades on a stringer that came along in later years, were called “Dave-Davis”.

Every stroke of the oars, twitched the bait

In those days, Hanson’s had a trophy brown trout derby going that lasted all year. Lake trollers could register their largest brown trout caught on a chalk board… eight pounds.

Remembering---those were the “Good ol’ days of rowing all day, taking a shore lunch break only---at noon, they picked a nice secluded, sandy beach, built a little smudge, and relaxed for a bit. Usually there were two fishermen per boat, one rowing, while other tended

About two bucks!

One such location was Hanson’s Landing at Branch Lake in Ellsworth.

There were many others available to fit the times.

Sunday was the day choice.

In those days, Hanson’s had a trophy brown trout derby going that lasted all year. Lake trollers could

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to produce the “action”, causing it to be quite an “alive” attraction to the quarry. Also, the swiveling blade, as it slowly looped along near bottom, not only contributing motion, but warned the trollers, if it skipped a rhythmed beat on the rod tip, was an indication of bouncing off bottom. A couple of turns on the reel was necessary.

These rowboat anglers had acquired skillful tactics for finding and catching many prize trophies of fish in those early days of angling lakes and ponds. Recalling, Father, James E. Leeman (Jim), and his friends, Uncle Archibald Leeman (Archy), Joe Klusner (cigar maker), Jim MacNamara, and “Babe” Keleher, among others.

Sewing on a “live” bait was somewhat of an “art” in those times. Not as much today. Deep trollers would, as the master of the trick, Guy Carroll of Bangor Explained: “First you must select a good length of ten-pound leader (monofilament), insert the mono into the bait’s mouth, make a loop in the jaw, then care(Trolling cont. pg 41)

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

October 2022

Perspective

(Cont. from pg 25) I for one am glad we have game wardens. Like police, while I hope I never need one, I’m comforted to know that they are there if I do. And as one who criticizes those who do wrong, I must praise those who do right, and game wardens fall into the latter category.

BOB MALLARD has fly fished for forty years.

He is the former owner of Kennebec River Outfitters, a Registered Maine Fishing Guide, and a commercial fly designer. Bob is a blogger, writer, and author. He is also a native fish advocate and founding member, Executive Director, and Maine Advisory Council member for Native Fish Coalition Look for his books 50 Best Places Fly Fishing the Northeast 25 Best Towns Fly Fishing for Trout Squaretail: The Definitive Guide to Brook Trout and Where to Find Them and Favorite Flies for Maine: 50 Essential Patterns from Local Experts His next book, Fly Fishing Maine: Local Experts on the State’s Best Waters, is due out Fall 2022. Bob can be reached at BobMallard.com or Info@BobMallard.com

Page 29

there is early snow, an ATV would be a great companion for when you get that deer! Once hunting season is over, it might be time to put on the plow. My father puts one on the 4-wheeler to easily clear the driveway when small to moderate snowfall accumulates.

Whether riding around for fun or working with your ATV, be safe, respectful, and enjoy the ride (and the view)!

ATV

(Cont. from pg 24) change it is a great time for a ride to enjoy the foliage.

Depending on the year, peak leaves could unofficially be late September, as they seemed to be in 2020 in the Midcoast region.

This makes for a colorful journey, driving to a spot, then exploring a bit on foot.

Who knows what will cross your path in the woods, flushing partridge (grouse) Daniel Wilson works to jumping a deer. in healthcare and enjoys Depending on how time outside in nature with wet a fall we have or if his family.

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 30

Old Dog: New Tricks?

Cookin’ With New England’s WildCheff

by Denny Corriveau, Kennebunkport, ME

You’ve heard of the old saying “Spring Forward and Fall Back”?

My question for you is are you moving forward or backwards in your wild game cooking skills?

Ultimately, you have to enjoy what you cook, so you need to prepare your game in a manner that pleases you, but there are a variety of ways that you can expand your options as it relates to enjoying your game.

I recall growing up many people were stuck in a culinary rut. Certain days of the week represented what was served. Wednesday was Prince Spaghetti Night, and then there was Pizza Night, American Chop Suey Night, Boiled Dinner Night and the list goes on.

In this day and age, there is much more available to provide a supporting cast for your meals you cook with your game. With the advent of ingredients at your fingertips, you can now enjoy game much differently and exercise some creativity.

While we all love a good venison spaghetti sauce or chili, by adding an ingredient or two to that spaghetti sauce or making a simple change to your chili you could now have a more advanced version of a spaghetti sauce called Bolognese and by changing your chili from burger to diced steak, you could now have a delicious Texas game chili.

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sidering making game recipes that incorporate your generational background?

Say a venison stuffed cabbage if you are Polish.

Taking a 3-5 lb. moose roast of you are German and making into a delicious sauerbraten.

steaks off that goose breast and lightly coated them with olive oil and then seasoned them with Tex/ Mex or Cajun seasoning.

Then dredged them lightly in flour and sauteed them in olive oil and butter. If you made mashed pota-

In this day and age, there is much more available to provide a supporting cast for your meals you cook with your game. With the advent of ingredients at your fingertips, you can now enjoy game much differently and exercise some creativity.

Maybe you are Irish.

Have you ever tried corning your venison or bear roast so you can enjoy it like a St. Patty’s Day dinner?

You get the idea.

Consider all the types of game you hunt and see beyond the obvious. It’s always easy to throw something in the pan, but what else could you do with it.

Take waterfowl or upland game bird breast for example. Some think of jerky with their goose breast, others think of just cooking that grouse breast in the cast iron pan.

What if you sliced

toes and added chilies or chile infused cheese to those whipped potatoes, that could make a great backdrop for your chicken fried goose!!! The beauty is that the goose steak is not overloaded with a thick batter. There’s just enough to serve the purpose and hold in the moisture that the olive oil provides. The seasoning is now trapped between the steak and the dredge of flour, and the essential oils of the spices explode with flavor. When you cut into that steak (which should be still left pink – medium rare) you will experience your goose

in a whole new way that may have you thinking twice before turning it into jerky.

Now, don’t try to tell me you don’t have the skill level to do accomplish this.

I created WildCheff 30 years ago just for this purpose. Feel free to reach out or come to one of my culinary seminars and you’ll be armed and dangerous in your kitchen!!!

Learning the proper method for cooking game is very possible for those who truly have interest.

The only thing that will hold you back from expanding how you enjoy what you harvest is you.

There will always be those who just want butter in the pan, and salt and pepper, but for those who crave more out of their game – consider the art of possible.

It will open up new food enjoyment and raise the bar on your personal skills and options you take with your wild game.

I look forward to sharing with you in my next column the results of my daughter’s moose hunt, but until then happy hunting (Tricks cont. pg 41)

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October 2022

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 31

In Snow, Hunters Leave Tracks, Too

A cold November wind whipped across the open fields and into the camp yard where I stood alongside Wardens Dave Milligan and Preston Pomerleau. Hung up on the

deer and we know what happened, so here is your chance to tell us the truth” Warden Milligan told the young man standing before us with his head hung low, staring down at the snow.

tered the rental cabin with his tail tucked between his legs to retrieve the actual shooter, Dave and I both looked at each other and began laughing. Not at the hunter, the confession or the crime committed.

But at how certain we had been, until that very moment of who was wearing

Warden’s Words

ange. I got a call early that morning from now retired Warden Dave Milligan telling me that Warden Preston Pomerleau and him were working on a pretty good case and to head up to the Irving Mill in Nashville to help them with it.

by Game Warden Kale O’Leary, Ashland, ME

Warden Pomerleau soon found evidence which very clearly showed where a hunter had killed a goodsized deer, covered the deer with spruce bows, before returning later to drag the deer out of the woods.

Warden Pomerleau had

I soon found out that Warden Pomerleau had used the good tracking snow to his advantage that morning, not for tracking a big buck of his own, but for tracking a hunter who had been dropped off on the dead-end logging road.

The hunter had covered his kill with snow and boughs. (Photo by Kale O’Leary) game pole in front of us was three trophy, 200 plus pound northern Maine whitetails swaying in the driving wind as we began talking to the gentleman wearing the boots we had been looking for.

“Look, we found the kill site where you shot the

After a brief pause and a big sigh, he muttered “Ok, you got us. It was my brother that killed that deer.”

Dave looked over at me and without missing a beat said “we know that, so go get him and have him come out to talk to us”. As the hunter spun around and en-

what for boots!

You’re probably wondering what in the world is he talking about? Let me paint the full picture and explain how we found ourselves standing in that camp yard, one hundred percent sure we had our man based on his boot prints and the valuable lesson I learned that day.

It was my first deer season working as Maine Game Warden. Early snow had pushed the whitetails of northern Aroostook County into “migration” mode, and they were off to the races to the yarding areas near the towns of Portage and Ashland, and quite often into the crosshairs of men and women wearing or-

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I soon found out that Warden Pomerleau had used the good tracking snow to his advantage that morning, not for tracking a big buck of his own, but for tracking a hunter who had been dropped off on the dead-end logging road.

documented several very distinguishable boot tracks in the snow that would later become crucial pieces to our case.

Hearing this sequence of events may not conjure up a picture of a potential (Tracks cont. pg 35)

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

The Snow Vigil

The Buck Hunter

by Hal Blood, Moose River, ME Fall is in all of its glory. The peak of the foliage in northern Maine is something that many people only get to see in photographs, but we seem to take it for granted. The peak when the reds of the red maple, the bright yellow of the yellow birch and the fiery orange of the

get him a bull, I’ll pick up Rylan and head north again to search for a second bull. Rylan plans on calling a bull himself and by the way his call sounds, it shouldn’t be a problem. He has been honing his calling for turkey, moose and elk for years and is good at all of it. He got a lot of it from

not come until early December. It’s hard to believe that there could be a twomonth time frame for it. I remember back in the late ‘90s or early 2000s, we got about a foot of snow during the moose season. Back then there was only one season, and it was the first

ing. It covers the ground even under the softwood trees and it is easy to walk in. I drove to the end of a road without seeing a big track, so I grabbed my pack and rifle and headed up the mountain. Fifty yards from the truck I cut a nice track skirting around the end of

I didn’t see him long, but I saw him good enough to see that he was one of those bucks, that would weigh around 250 pounds and sported a heavy eight point rack. I could not believe that I hadn’t seen him lying there... sugar maple only lasts a few days before they start to dull and blend together.

It seems to be timed perfectly for the first moose season, making those hunts even more spectacular than the hunt itself.

I’m looking forward to the first hunt as my 13-year-old grandson Rylan is my sub-permittee and the shooter. It will be hectic as I had already committed to guide a hunter before I got drawn. I’ll take my client first and after we

me, but he also watches YouTube clips. I’m glad that in this time where most kids his age are playing game online, he would rather watch hunting. Next month, I’ll have the moose hunt report.

In the blink of an eye, deer season will be upon us once again. Any of us trackers will be praying for early snow, so we can get right at it. Snow is a funny thing in the north country.

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The author with the 227 pounder. full week in October. Of the road. This is common course, that time of year it practice for those wise old melted quickly but it shows bucks. He had come off that anything can happen. the top of the mountain I can remember quite and was headed down into a few years that we had some cuts looking for does. snow for residents day I followed him through around Jackman. Usually, several cuts for about a it is in the higher eleva- mile before he followed tions which on average are another buck up through at least five degrees colder a notch in the mountain. than the valleys. In 2018 we When they turned abruptly had snow for residents’ day, left up a green knob, I figso I headed for a mountain ured they would be laying in search of a track. there there. The first step into was a couple of inches on my death creep, I stepped that mountain which is the on a piece of birch bark perfect amount for track- that I didn’t see through

October 2022

the snow. It made a loud crunch, and I knew that I had just blown it on those bucks. Sure enough, as I snuck over the top, there were running tracks from the beds.

I ate a sandwich and took up the chase. Those bucks were spooked and never slowed down as they made there way high up into the mountain. I’d gone about a half a mile when they turned up an open ravine and started walking. Just then I saw a track off to my right. This track was made by one of those old toe draggers and he was just feeding around. I thought to myself, “game on” as I started on the track.

I didn’t go a hundred yards before coming to his bed. I could see the track walking out of it and a pile of droppings. When I felt the droppings, they were not frozen.

I thought, how lucky could I get. The buck was just feeding his way higher up into the mountain. I was already planning on how I was going to drag him out!

I eased along slowly know that I was going to catch him feeding any minute. Up ahead, I could see a couple of spruce trees blown down. I search every (Vigil cont. from pg 35)

October 2022

Northwoods Sporting Journal Guns & Ammo:

Ammo Developments

A Guide’s Perspective

Here we are, closing in on the end of 2022. So, let’s review what some of the ammunition companies have developed this year.

Hornady is always at the forefront of a m m o development.

The latest offering is called the CX bullet.

CX represents a controlled alloy expanding bullet. It is lead free and designed not to separate and to drive deeply into the game animal while mushrooming reliably. It typically retains 95% of its weight.

The heat shield tips resist aerodynamic heating and prevent ballistic coefficient degradation during the flight. The design also incorporates new groove geometry along the bullets shank and reduces the bearing surface, which also reduces fouling. These bullets are offered as reloading components. They will also

be offered in most popular calibers under the Outfitter ammo monitor. These should be effective for all big game animals.

Remington CoreLokt, one of the most popular ammo lines, has a new variant as well. It’s the Core-Lokt tipped. The round has a tip to help improve the ballistic coefficient and improve long range accuracy.

Winchester has also entered the copper bullet market. This round, like the Hornady offering, i s worth a look.

It is called the Copper Impact. This round is designed for improved external ballistics and better long range performance.

This is accomplished by incorporating a longer ogive and boattail in the bullet design, thus creating optimal terminal bal-

listics. A feature called the Extreme Point facilitates rapid expansion while the all copper bullet penetrates deep into any big game animal. This round will be available in most popular calibers.

I am happy to report that Winchester has not forgotten the upland game hunter. They have introduced a new shotgun shell

designed for big tough birds like pheasants. It’s called the Winchester Super Pheasant. It is a #5 size shot with 8% more antimony making these the hardest lead pellets in the industry.

Federal Premium ammo is showing some love for a couple of classic

alloy projectiles. It’s just a matter of time until the anti-hunters are successfully banning all lead projectiles. In addition, upland game birds are once again garnering some development resources.

Ammunition is finally becoming more available although still very expen-

Craig

lay eyes on a bull before the opener. A few days before the hunt, a friend showed me a trail cam photo of a giant bull just south of Rt. 9. I showed Craig the photo and pinpointed the location on the map. He found his rutting area and put out some cow urine on Sunday evening. Craig, his sub-permittee Marie,

his son James, 4- year- old grandson Jaxson, my wife Joyce and I were set up before dawn. Craig has an awesome electronic Wildlife Tech Moose call and within 30 minutes had a bull responding and coming. When he got within 150 yards we could hear his grunting and his antlers hitting brush. Suddenly he stopped coming and went silent when Jax said “What’s that noise”! We hunted the rest of the day and saw a small bull run across the road but did not see a shooter. We were back at the calling spot before daylight the next morning. When we got out of

the trucks the area reeked of moose and we heard a cow moan. At daylight we began to call and eventually heard a bull coming from a different direction.

Craig and Marie got ready with Marie’s son Harry getting ready to video. The giant bull came on a string and stepped out at 30 yards broadside. Craig and Marie fired at the same time and two 30 caliber Hornady bullets punched through his lungs. He turned and ran only 50 yards before piling up in an overgrown skidder trail. Harry got a great video and Joyce captured a still photo of the shots. The bull had a 58.5” spread and

(Cont. from pg 7) 150 yards later, after a follow up arrow. He had now taken bull moose with rifle, muzzle loader and a bow.

In 2019, Craig won his fourth permit for a bull in WMD 28 also near where we live. He did lots of scouting but could not

Page 33

by Tom Kelly, Orient, ME

Northwoods calibers. They are offering a 220 gr soft point in the .35 Remington and a 270 gr soft point in the .444 Marlin. Both favorites in any bear camp.

In summary, it’s nice to see ammo companies putting resources into all

sive. Much like everything else. There is, however, some relief to be had from the high price of everything today. It can be found in the voting booth. Please vote!

Federal Premium ammo is showing some love for a couple of classic Northwoods calibers. They are offering a 220 gr soft point in the .35 Remington and a 270 gr soft point in the .444 Marlin.

Both favorites in any bear camp.

Tom is a Registered Maine Guide. He is the owner/operator of Shamrock Outfitters in Orient Maine with his wife Ellie.

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

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

Please don’t forget to come and see us at the lake.

23 points. It was the largest bull of the eight killed in WMD 28 in 2019. Craig the “Moose Man” now has a crossbow ready for the next permit he draws!

Brian Smith is a Retired Maine State Police Detective and NRA Field Representative. He is a Life Member of the Maine Bowhunters Association and serves as 1st Director at Large. He was chosen Maine Bowhunter of Year twice. He is a Life member of the NRA and serves on the SAM-ILA Board of Directors. He can be reached at bowhunter@mgemaine. com

Page 34

Northwoods Sporting Journal

The Maine Woods Matt LaRoche, Shirley, ME

The United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has been very helpful to small landowners all over the country in improving wildlife habitat and growing crops- including trees on their property. To qualify for financial assistance, you must have land that is

annual payment. The landowner and NRCS agree on a stewardship plan for the property with scheduled conservation treatments and then enter into a fiveyear formal contract.

I was very concerned about the declining health of beech trees and the associated loss of an important mast crop for wildlife on

Wildlife Habitat Improvement

ment, establishing tree/ shrub species to restore native plant communities and to establish a conservation cover in a wildlife opening. The plan focuses on five acres where I have a high concentration of diseased beech trees. I harvest the beach trees, spray the stumps with herbicide so they will not sprout and then plant red oak, chestnut, and various shrubs that

work done on.

One of the unexpected benefits that I have found in my dealings with the professionals at NRCS is that you get introduced to other like-minded landowners, foresters and contractors that you can learn from. I

October 2022

sharing office space. They are not hard to find, just do an internet search.

Maine has county Soil Conservation Services that work hand-in-hand with NRCS. This may be a good place to start your conservation planning activities.

I have my back 80 acres enrolled in a program called Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). Land enrolled in the CSP program is eligible for an annual payment. currently engaged in agricultural or forest production. However, technical assistance is available to all landowners.

I have my back 80 acres enrolled in a program called Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).

Land enrolled in the CSP program is eligible for an

my property. I went to the NRCS with my concerns and we came up with a conservation plan that met my objectives and fit their funding criterion.

On my property I agreed to the following conservation plan: thinning for wildlife and forest health, brush manage-

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are beneficial to wildlife in the thinned areas.

When the landowner signs a contract, he or she is obligated to get the job done. I have found that the people at NRCS are happy when I get the conservation practice done well and on time.

These conservation activities are not for the passive landowner. I have done most of the work on my property myself or with a friend that I shared the firewood from removing the dying beech trees. It has been difficult to hire people to plant trees or run a brush saw on the smaller parcels of land that I need

The author’s wife, Ruth, with a doe she harvested from the LaRoche’s woodlot that has been improved for wildlife.

(Photo by Matt LaRoche) have also learned a lot at Both the Soil Conservation the various seminars and Service and the University course offerings that come of Maine, Cooperative Exfrom these relationships. tension Service offer free If you want to im- technical advice and eduprove the wildlife habitat, cational programs. increase production or address a resource concern on Matt LaRoche is a your property I urge you to retired Superintendent of talk with the professionals the Allagash Wilderness at NRCS. There is an office Waterway, owner of Maine for each county with some Woods Guide Service and of the smaller counties an avid outdoorsman. He can be reached at 207280-0713 or at matt.laroche2877@gmail.com See www.mainewoodsguide.com

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October 2022

Tracks

(Cont. from pg 31) violation, but to these two Wardens, they knew that foul play had occurred.

Why would the hunter cover the deer up with spruce bows and then return later to drag the deer a short distance to the road?

Sure, maybe he needed help to drag the deer, but something didn’t look or feel right. As a Warden, you often have to trust your gut instinct until you can piece together the entire series of events.

Being my first fall working, I was not of much help to either Warden Milligan or Pomerleau but, I was like a sponge, listening and watching as they pieced together the information and evidence. We soon found a deer that had been tagged at the Gateway store in Ashland that morn-

Northwoods Sporting Journal

ing by a man in his mid-60s from Vermont. Further tagging evidence showed that a few days before, both his sons had already tagged deer as well. The rifle used to kill the deer that was covered up was the same caliber used by one of the sons earlier in the week to kill his deer. The picture was beginning to unfold before even my untrained eye. It appeared that one of the sons had been dropped off, tracked the deer and shot it, returning later with his father to remove the deer and get it tagged.

Time was now against us as we began searching for the suspects, who very likely could already be on the I-95 southbound with our evidence.

Let’s fast forward now to where I started this story. All three of us used the photos of the boot impressions taken at the scene and compared them

to the footwear worn by the family of hunters from Vermont. Without much hesitation or time to carefully examine the boot prints, we jumped to a conclusion that had shocked us when we incorrectly picked the wrong brother as our main suspect! The evidence was clear (at second glance!) as to what occurred and great teamwork by all involved led to us holding a hunter responsible for killing an extra deer that should have been left to survive another year or for another lucky hunter to try and outsmart.

Tracking snow is a welcome sight to hunters and Wardens alike!

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

Vigil

(Cont. from pg 32) inch of them, knowing the buck was feeding on the old man’s beard. As I eased around them, I could see the bucks track headed back down. There was a little opening ahead and I took one step at a time searching everywhere ahead. I hadn’t gone ten steps, when the buck jumped up in front of me at 25 yards and disappeared into the spruces before I could get a shot.

I didn’t see him long, but I saw him good enough to see that he was one of those bucks, that would weigh around 250 pounds and sported a heavy eight point rack. I could not believe that I hadn’t seen him lying there until I went down to look at his bed. He had laid under a limb of a big spruce tree in a two-foot-deep depression. I got down to his

Page 35 level and now I understood why I didn’t see him. being in the hole with two-foot brush around on the curve of the hill, put him low enough to be hidden.

That’s why those bucks get big. I jumped the buck one more time in a spruce thicket on the back side of the mountain, before having to make the long slog back to the truck.

The next Tuesday there was an inch of snow lower down and I tracked down a 227-pound 6 pointer. Got to love the early snow!

Until next month, good luck on the trail!

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

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Page 36

Northwoods Sporting Journal

View From The River

October 2022

The Lake in Autumn

by Laurie Chandler Bremen, ME Those of us who call Maine home live life by the turning of the seasons.

Fall brings flannel shirts and soccer games, county fairs and an abundance of apples. Neighborly friends share cider fresh from an old-time press. The wood rack migrates back to the porch, where pumpkins and mums keep it company.

Brilliant autumn colors are mirrored in the stillness of the lake. The red maples of the swamp are the first to herald the change, but my favorites are the birch. Clean white trunks stretch skyward, their leaves the perfect shade of yellow. Meadow wildflowers— purple asters, goldenrod, and Queen Anne’s lace—still brighten the world with color.

The most agreeable of days are warm enough for a brief swim, maybe, just to say you did. Near home, I have the best of all worlds. The lakeshore where I swim is across the road from our local apple orchard. Chilled from the pond, I spread my towel on the sun-warmed rock and bite into an apple dumpling. Life is good.

The loons will linger at the lake a little longer, before departing for their winter ocean home. In fact, as summer turns to fall, you are likely to see more of them. Not long ago, I watched seven loons in the glow of the fading afternoon. At first there were four, then magically I counted seven. They cruised together, softly hooting, diving and reappearing, drifting peacefully down the lake. These large social groups or “rafts” of loons gather to fish cooperatively and perhaps prepare for migration.

The beavers are busier than ever. There is much to accomplish in preparation for winter, and they know that time is short. A fresh coating of mud is applied to the outside of the lodge.

When frozen rock hard, this will help to weather-proof the structure and keep out predators. Studies have shown that the temperature inside the lodge will remain around 32˚ F., even when it is far colder outside.

To prepare for winter, beavers store food and gain body fat for energy and insulation. Their thick

Beavers do not hibernate. When the lake freezes over, a beaver family—parents, yearlings, and this year’s kits—will hunker down inside the lodge. tails are especially well suited for fat storage and will gradually shrink again over the winter months.

To create underwater food caches, stems of preferred species like aspen, birch, and willow are cut and anchored in the mud of the lake bottom.

Beavers do not hibernate. When the lake freezes over, a beaver family— parents, yearlings, and this year’s kits—will hunker down inside the lodge.

From there, underwater entrances allow access to the pantry. They will also eat the roots and stems of aquatic vegetation like pond lilies and cattails.

All this time, the lake is gradually cooling. There

is a fact of water chemistry that is fascinating. We all know that the freezing point of water is 32˚ F. There is another “magic number” of limnologists, those who study lakes. Just above 39˚ F., water is at its densest.

Twice annually, when the water temperature reaches this magic number, lake turnover occurs.

Ecologically, this is a crucially important event.

The sediment from the lake bottom, rich with nutrients, is brought to the surface.

Those nutrients feed phytoplankton, algae, and other organisms, becoming the foundation of the food web.

So, as you enjoy the beauty of the lake this time of year, think of all

that is happening around you, seen and unseen. Let the clear, crisp air fill you with energy to explore and observe. Savor these outdoor days until, like the beaver, we seek the warmth of lodge and woodstove.

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

For more than 20 years, the Maine Outdoors has been talking to outdoor people about hunting and fishing and anything related to the outdoors.

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October 2022

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 37

October Coyotes

The hot days and the fruits of summer have gone by. The deer sightings have grown exponentially and coyotes are on the prowl much more often than not.

Late September into October I start seeing a lot of white-tailed bucks milling around fields, apple

deer. One October morning around 9:00 o’clock in the morning, while sitting behind my Ghost Blind, a large gray- phased coyote came prancing along the exact path the deer walked on. That coyote got to within eight or ten yards of me. I got to full draw

October is a great month to hunt coyotes.

(Photo by V. Paul Reynolds)

trees, road ways and back yards. It’s no surprise that these are the same exact places we all see lots of female deer. With shorter, colder days, summer foods drying up and the pre-rut around the corner, bucks start spending more time in and around doe areas.

With an inflation of deer activity around feeding areas comes risks of being hunted by predators on the prowl, such as coyotes. But of course! By us human hunters too!

It amazes me that every October when I am sitting in one of my deer hunting blinds how often I hear coyotes vocalizing nearby. Many times I have driven up on or walked up on coyotes also hunting my

and aimed but that coyote was much too fast for my mediocre shooting skills.

It’s always in October and on into November when I get trail camera pictures of coyotes with deer legs in their mouths.

A correlation exists among deer and coyotes fluctuation in population sizes. As crazy as it seems, the white-tailed deer herd numbers go up when the coyotes population goes down. Likewise once deer herds are at or over threshold the coyotes population

grows as there is enough deer to sustain an expansive coyote population. It’s one vicious circle!

It’s a well known fact that if a population has unlimited amounts of food, water and other favorable environmental factors that populations will show exponential growth. The birth rates go up and so do the survival rates. What a lot of non-hunters don’t realize is the utmost importance of the hunter in the midst of all this population control doctrine.

Hunters play a gigan-

On The Prowl

by Justin Merrill, Cherryfield, ME

your pets do you? What we need is proper carrying capacities for all animals.

What carrying capacity means is that the forests, fields and water resources can only support a certain number of animals. If any one or more animal populations exceed threshold bad things happen.

What all this means to you as a hunter is October is a killer month to get in the woods. Don’t just focus A correlation exists among deer and on getting that big buck coyotes fluctuation in population sizes. but try to turn your attenAs crazy as it seems, the white-tailed tion to coyotes too. Try hard to thin out the coyote deer herd numbers go up when the population as plenty of deer coyotes population goes down. hunters are already doing tic role in wildlife conser- hunting in October. Oh do their part as wildlife convation keeping the game I wish I were able to shoot servationists in harvesting animals carrying capacities every one of them. Espe- deer. Now it’s time to target from exceeding the thresh- cially since these rascals coyotes. old. This in turn prevents have gone on to pose for deaths due to starvation, a picture in front of my Justin has access to diseases and vehicle colli- trail cameras with fawn sions. All in all the hunters legs dangling out of their over 30,000 acres to hunt help keep the herds healthy mouths. I’m going to try coyotes, bobcats, black and thriving for years to harder at shooting more bears and foxes. He is a coyotes and you should member of the New Engcome.

A hunter’s success too! I already know you land Outdoor Writers Asrate goes up when game shoot multiple deer every sociation (NEOWA). He animal numbers undergo fall so why not coyotes is the author of two books extensive growth. The time too? You want that tro- and the owner of the inof year hunters notice this phy buck to survive into ternet based T.V. Show, is right around October. the next hunting season “SPIKES and GILLS”, That’s due to hunters get- don’t you? You don’t want found on YouTube. You can ting out in the woods to multiple coyotes lurking learn more by visiting his hunt from October on into around your house harass- website at:www.wildmaining deer and picking off eoutdoors.com December.

The springtime gave way to white-tailed deer fawns and coyote pups. All the survivors increased the population. In turn the coyotes have more to eat and the human hunters have more coyotes to shoot. In Maine the hunter can shoot coyotes year round with no bag limit. October on through into winter is the best time of year in Maine to hunt coyotes as they are much more plentiful.

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve encountered coyotes while deer

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Page 38

On Point

Northwoods Sporting Journal

by Paul Fuller, Durham, N.H. In the past, my October column has always been centered around locating and hunting ruffed grouse and woodcock.

However, in this column, we’re going to talk about how to shoot a grouse or woodcock. Here’s why.

Just about all articles on “how to shoot” talk about balance and footwork. You step forward with the foot opposite your gun shoulder.

Your feet should be about the same distance apart as your shoulder width. Your weight should be slightly forward while remaining relaxed. The eyes and brain take over and you swing through the flushing bird.

All that sounds wonderful. How could I miss with such a perfect shooting style? The problem with that perfect shooting style is it only works for prairie bird shooting or

plantation quail. In other words, wide open territory.

You visually see your dog point, you approach the dog in a calm manner, your field of view is wide open, you flush the bird and in a second you properly step forward, mount the gun, remain balanced, pickup the target and fire. All perfectly executed.

Now, let’s talk about hunting in jungle cover for ruffed grouse and woodcock. You know your dog is on point but can’t see it. You fight the jungle cover to locate your dog.

There are times your dog may only be three to four feet from you but you still don’t see it. A grouse or woodcock flushes while you’re stepping over a log and have your gun in an awkward position due to heavy brush. Executing that perfect style described

Grouse Tactics for Heavy Cover

above is simply impossible. Although you may not be able to execute the perfect style, here are a few tips for the ruffed grouse and woodcock hunter.

First, make sure you have a gun that fits you. A quick and inexpensive gun fit check is to close your eyes and throw the gun to your shoulder. Open your

Remember, there is no intentional aiming in bird shooting. The eyes and brain do the aiming.

Most ruffed grouse and woodcock shots are 20 yards or less. The shot is taken within one second. And, it’s usually one shot. At 20 yards, the shot spread is about 3 feet. If you’re able to get the gun

before the gun got within six inches of her shoulder.

She dropped the bird. I recall reading an article in the Pointing Dog Journal magazine about the writer having shoulder surgery before hunting season.

Before he went afield, he practiced shooting from the hip and became rather good at it.

The shot is taken within one second. And, it’s usually one shot. At 20 yards, the shot spread is about 3 feet. If you’re able to get the gun to your shoulder in one second (or micro second), you should be able to connect with the bird.

eyes. If you’re looking straight down the barrel, it’s usually a good fit. Even a quick hail mary shot will be more successful with a well-fitted gun. When approaching a dog on point, look carefully for an opening in the brush. Just the smallest clearing in the jungle cover may be all you need. When the bird flushes, no matter where your feet are, get the gun to your shoulder and fire.

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to your shoulder in one second (or micro second), you should be able to connect with the bird. You can practice this shot. Go to either a trap or skeet range and always have your gun in the carry position and your feet in many different positions and then call “pull”. The pros at the range will criticize you for poor style, however, ignore them. Their goal is to break as many clay birds as possible; your goal is to get ready for hunting season.

One more comment on gun fit. The eye hand coordination for the human being can be pretty amazing. I’ve watched professional shooters break clay bird after clay bird shooting from the hip position. I have my wife on film being surprised by a grouse flush in front of a point by Dena. My wife, Susan, shot

Hunting and shooting in the ruffed grouse and woodcock jungle is not easy. Practice and keep a positive outlook and you’ll be successful. And remember, the only bird that you can brag about has been shot on the wing…not on the ground.

One more suggestion.

My February 2022 column in Northwoods Sporting Journal is titled Selecting A Gun. In that column, there are also tips on shooting.

It’s available on my website: www.birddogsafield. com Paul Fuller and Susan, his wife, are co-hosts of Bird Dogs Afield TV. All past episodes are available on their website: www. birddogsafield.com. Contact: paul@birddogsafield. com

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October 2022

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Dead Deer In The Maine Woods

The following article, which was published on August 20, 1882 in the Bangor News, was republished on Sept. 2nd, in Forest and Stream.

“It is very certain that the headquarters of the Penobscot are again infested with outlaws and poachers, who wantonly kill deer and

Aug. 2.-Left Bangor, and went by rail and water to North East Carry.

Aug. 3.-Went to Lobster Lake outlet. Passed three dead deer on the shore and saw two lives ones in the stream. On the shore saw six live deer and one caribou, all very tame.

Aug 4.-Started at 5

moose for the sake of seeing them dies.

“A prominent citizen of Waldo County, who is a dead shot with a rifle…has just returned from a trip with canoe and camera,” He camped in many places, and saw the scenes of which he tells. To a reporter who saw him, he gave the following extracts from his diary that make excellent reading. Here it is:”

o’clock A. M. In the forenoon saw five deer on the shore of Lobster Lake and one deer carcass of North Lake. Also saw signs of bear and several moose tracks. It began to rain at 3 o’clock and I returned to camp. While in camp I heard the report of a rifle near the outlet.

Aug. 5.-Saw six deer on west shore and outlet.

Got back to camp at 2

o’clock, having seen four dead deer and the legs of another and the disemboweled carcass of yet another which had just been killed.

Left camp again at 3 P. M. for Blood Pond stream, getting back at 8:45, having seen signs of moose, caribou and bear. Saw four deer, all in easy short range, so a man could shoot 90 percent of them.

Aug. 6. Sunday.

Aug. 7.-Went to Russell’s Pond. On my way saw three deer and found one carcass. Also found one moose hide and part of the body newly killed and sunk in the water half a mile from the West Branch. Then travelled up toward North West Carry.

Saw three deer on the road above Seboomook Falls.

On Russell stream saw two families of beavers.

Aug. 8.-Broke camp and came down to North East Carry; from here went

Me & Joe

gether and we’ll stick to the diet that worked for me,” she smiled prettily. “That is, if it’s okay with you.”

“Oh, sure!” Lenny said quickly. “Anything’s fine with me. What is it that you’ve been eating to lose the weight?” “ To f u , ” s h e s a i d proudly. It was Lenny’s turn for the stricken look as she linked her arm with his.

“You’d be surprised at how many flavors tofu comes in. It’s so healthy! Come on in the cottage and we’ll have a good lunch.”

As the screen door closed behind them, I reached over and pushed up on Joe’s gaping jaw.

It closed with a click. He shook himself like a dog.

“You know,” he said quietly, “I think they’s a

Went to Pine Stream Pond and from there to Ragged Lake. Saw six deer on Moosehorn and Pine Streams.

Also saw bull moose.

(Cont. from pg 17)

agreed. “Now all we have to do is keep the weight off.”

“Oh, we can do that!”

Cora said. “My family’s gonna be here a while, so we can diet and exercise together. What do you eat on your diet?” “ We l l , v a r i o u s things,” Lenny said, “but mostly deer meat, white perch an’ fiddleheads.”

“Deer meat…white perch…” Cora looked stricken. Then her expression firmed up. “Well, that diet may have worked for you in the past, but while I’m here we’ll exercise to-

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

617-407-0743

steve@oldtalesofthemainewoods.com www.oldtalesofthemainewoods.com

Page 39

Old Tales from the Maine Woods

by Steve Pinkham Quincy, MA to Moose Brook. Saw one tote road and travelled deer. Also found a small eight miles to Jackson party that had no guns. camp, where I found there Aug. 9.- Went to had lately been a terriCaribou Pond. Saw one ble slaughter of deer and moose, one caribou and moose. Could not tell how three deer on my way. Also many. There were certainly saw two carcasses of deer five; perhaps ten. The camp untouched and intestines of site smelled so bad of cara third. Camped at Moose- rion that I had to gather horn. it up and burn it before I Aug. 10.-Went to Pine could stop in the camp.

Stream Pond and from Saw a big bull moose and there to Ragged Lake. Saw two deer near the camp, six deer on Moosehorn and and one cow moose and Pine Streams. Also saw calf and three deer coming bull moose. Found five down. Caught a few fine dead deer between Lobster trout near Jackson camp.

Lake and Moosehorn.

Aug. 13.-Sunday.

Aug. 11.-Back to Having used up all my Lobster Lake, and passed plates, left for Northeast two parties camping with Carry and Kineo, and ladies. Left Lobster Lake thence for home. for Russell Stream, and camped at 8:30 P. M. Saw Steve is an avid hiker, eight deer. No dead ones. paddler and historian, havAug. 12.-Canoed up ing collected over 26,000 to Russell’s Falls. Here Maine Woods articles to took the Caucomagomac date. package of fatty hambuger in our freezer.”

“I’ve got some potatoes and an onion and a chunk of salt pork,” I said.

He turned toward the trail to town. “Lets us go and build an open fire and eat somethin’ unhealthy.”

“You know,” I said

as I caught up with him.

“I’ve still got part of that stash we took off ol’ Lenny.

I think there’s a couple of those big Baby Ruths in there.”

“That,” Joe said with a happy smile, “would be jist about perfick!”

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 40

Banning Cellular Trail Cameras

South Of the Kennebec

by Stu Bristol, Lyman, ME

Editor ’s note: For more on this subject see V. Paul Reynolds’ column elsewhere in this issue.

If you haven’t seen or heard of them, you will, as the discussion on the use of cellular trail cameras heats up here in the Northeast.

Imagine sitting in your living room and watching

October 2022

other states in the Northeast follow suit?

The bans came about in the western states as fights have been breaking out as guides and individual hunters crowd their cameras around waterholes and coolies (shaded ravines) used by elk and mule deer. In current drought

live-action game cameras while attempting to locate . . . or take any game animal . . . during the same calendar day while the season is open (cameras that send an electronic message or picture to a handheld device or computer when sensors are triggered by wildlife).”

No word back from Pope & Young but Boone and Crockett warns, “The

landowner and must be clearly labeled with name and contact information of the person setting the cameras.

Those are the bare facts, now for some opinions. I’ve been covering hunting and fishing trends

that are swimming or confined temporarily by fences or other obstruction, or hit by cars and trucks.

Founder of Big Woods Bucks, Hal Blood, noted for deep woods tracking of whitetails reports “we have little use for real-time

Other state wildlife managers have reported back to me; “we will have to evaluate the continually evolving technology.”

So far the only restrictions listed in Maine laws is the prohibition of using trail cameras to tend bear traps. a game trail real-time or employing cellular cameras as an aid to hunting guides, directing clients to key locations. Taking too much advantage over game or are they another useful piece of technology?

Currently, Utah, Arizona and Nevada have placed an outright ban on cellular (real-time) technology and three other states, Montana, Kansas and New Hampshire have same day or season-long restrictions on their use. Other states are quickly jumping in with possible bans on the sale of locations or footages derived through the new technology. Will Maine and

situations, this is obviously taking unfair advantage of wild game by hunters.

Cameras are stolen, trophy photos are being sold and some outfitters are charging higher fees for guiding in areas scanned by their cameras.

A number of supporters of their use claim in most places real-time has no cell coverage (towers) to make it anymore useful than a trail cam that must be visited.

So far in the Northeast only New Hampshire has begun to address the use of cellular cameras. New Hampshire regulations state, “It is unlawful to use

use of any technology that delivers real-time location data (including photos) to target or guide a hunter to any species or animal in a manner that elicits an immediate (real-time) response by the hunter is not permitted.”

Other state wildlife managers have reported back to me; “we will have to evaluate the continually evolving technology.” So far the only restrictions listed in Maine laws is the prohibition of using trail cameras to tend bear traps.

Also noted that persons may not leave cameras on private property without written permission of the

Typical cellular game camera photo.

(Photo by Bill Carney)

for newspapers and magazines for half a century and I have noticed the similar objection of “not fair chase” when dealing with other cutting edge technology such as compound bows, fish finders, downriggers, ATV, snowmobiles and non-cellular trail cams.

I’ve also noted prohibition for shooting animals after scouting with aircraft, drones; shooting animals

cellular cameras. They just don’t fit our style of hunting.” He also noted the same lack of cell coverage in his hunting areas and that he and his guides sometimes use cameras that must be visited but they do not play a major role in their tracking abilities. Bear hunters seem to be the beneficiaries of the (Cameras cont. pg 56)

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Trolling

(Cont. from pg 28) fully push the line down through the mouth---all the way to, and out the vent, where a single or double hook is secured. Then ease the mono up ---fairly tight; making sure the fish is still lively as possible. Let the “live” bait out slowly, to be sure it is still swimming naturally, and the trolling is done to match the fish as it swims along. Then let your fishing line out as the bait sinks to attraction levels.

A fella by the name of Evinrude was one of the first to design a motor that was used to propel a watercraft. These were called “klunkers” in those early days of trolling. Other brands were tested as well, but Evinrude appeared to be one of the best at the time.

Some of the models even had air-cooled engines. Others were “hand starting”, and still others were difficult to adjust to

Northwoods Sporting Journal

a steady pace. Johnson and Mercury were well respected outboards, as well.

Eventually, these engines improved to what we have today, from two-horse to 350 horsepower. Too, we must not forget those electric trolling motors, that have been perfected to push a craft along “in not too windy conditions.”

You might say, the “Good ol’ Days” trolling for gamefish, have come a long way.

Bob Leeman is a Master Maine Guide, outdoor writer, naturalist, book author, and a co-host of MAINE OUTDOORS radio program on Sunday evenings from 7-8 p.m. His three books, “Fly fishing Maine Rivers, Brooks, and Streams”, “Trolling Flies for Trout and Salmon”, and “Salesman Angler”---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.

Tricks (Cont. from pg 30) and happy eating!

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Maine Outdoor Adventure

Northwoods Sporting Journal

by Rich Yvon, Bradford, ME

As we approach the heart of fall, most sports love getting out on the water to enjoy the foliage as well as the fishing. The smallmouth bass is in fact, coming to its conclusion on open water. These fish will be feeding ferociously in anticipation of the coming winter. If you are like me, and enjoy multiple techniques, being flexible to give fish what they want and when they want will prove to be successful.

Finesse fishing has always been my passion.

In fact, I grew up fishing salmon and steelhead which require a certain degree of finesse to be successful. Understanding the fish and how it feeds is paramount to getting strikes.

I always seem to compare smallmouth to the likeness of landlock salmon and steelhead. These fish are all top water as well as sub-surface feeders. Their likeness is exactly how they look at flies, topwater baits, and sub-surface bait.

After 40 years of fishing these species, doing a comparison cannot be avoided when spending all these years fishing multi species. Learning just the right presentation on top and sub-surface water with the just the right amount of finesse, has proven to be very effective, especially in colder water as we flow into fall fishing.

October 2022

Fishing Fall Smallies

presented on the waters film, a drag free drift with a slight finesse twitch after the rings disappear, will prove deadly to an awaiting fish looking for an easy meal. The twitch of the fly says...”Hey, I’m alive” while appearing to be in distress.

For those who use spin gear, a topwater plug can be fished with the same finesse technique as a fly, which can also prove deadly. The plug can mimic the forage

a number one size drop shot hook. My spin gear is typically a fast action, one piece rod used with seven pound fluorocarbon line.

Using

for a dedicated article. Stay tuned!

If you would like more information on fly or spin fishing techniques/strategies for Bass, Pike,

Salmon, and Trout, is the proper term tackle is also please feel to reach out most important for keeping to me. I’m always happy fish uninjured. The impor- to share my knowledge and experience to anyone, Top water finesse is viable all year long fishing smallies. for a better day of fishing!

My top favorite top water technique is fishing top water fly On the water lessons are poppers with a 6-weight fly rod. offered from April through Top water finesse is or can simply match the tance of keeping plastic October in Maine, by Rich viable all year long fishing mood of an active, feeding worms out of the environ- at https://twinmapleoutsmallies. My top favorite fish for a strike. My favor- ment and out of the belly doors.com/contact-us/ top water technique is fish- ite three top water plugs of a fish is a priority one. ing top water fly poppers are lures such as Rapala Using a double O ring will Rich is a full time with a 6-weight fly rod. I Skitter Prop, Daddy Mac help the worm stay on the Lure – Bomb and a Berkely hook, as well as keeping the Registered Master Maine typically fish size 6 and hook in an upright position Master Guide. He owns vary the color to match the Flicker Shad.

Lastly, fishing sub- for a better hook set. The and operates Twin Maple hatch or the mood of the surface is extremely effec- proper terminal tackle and Outdoors guide service fish. Often, a certain color will work better than oth- tive on slower, more finicky hook removal will ensure and sporting lodge located ers, however, presentation fish. It’s all about presenta- a healthy fishery, as well in Bradford, Maine. He is is what’s most important to tion for success in sub-sur- in providing good fishing a “Certified Yamaha G3 get a strike. A most critical face fishing. Worm fishing results for the sportsman. Guide” that runs fly and presentation is an absolute is as natural as it gets. I use Another great sub-surface spin fishing trips with a dead drift with zero per- a four-inch Senko fastened technique is the float and G3 Jet boat and Stealthcent drag. After the fly is with double O rings, and fly. This technique is ex- craft drift boat. Rich also tremely effective in cold guides Maine Partridge, water and can be used in Turkey, Moose, Deer huntmoving or still water fish- ing and recreation advening. Perhaps a great topic tures.

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

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

October 2022

Love of the Maine Woods

I have always loved the woods, especially the Maine woods. I traveled a lot in my younger years, and so I had some experience with woods and terrain in other parts of the world. I spent some time in Germany and saw the carefully tended forests there. Back in the U.S. I

didn’t say it immediately, but I knew that eventually we would buy it. And, we did.

I knew that the trails in our new woods would not be like the ones I left behind when we sold our place farther north, but it was woods, and that satisfied me. As time went by I

preciate crashing to the ground because of the careless placement of our feet.

But, I wanted to be able to look around now and then to appreciate the woodland.

This is where my years of deer hunting in the north woods payed off for me.

When slowly moving through the woods in search of deer, silence is important. What I learned is to

Northwoods Voyager

by Gil Gilpatrick, Brunswick, ME

I also continue looking around for evidence of old-time logging that took place here in the early part of the 1900s. I know this area, like everywhere in the state was once wilderness. Still as I look at how settled it is now it is hard

When slowly moving through the woods in search of deer, silence is important. What I learned is to look ahead for eight or ten yards looking for anything that might make noise such as a dry branch that might snap off with a loud crack.

An old trash dump. Dick and I found many of these in the north woods. Certain evidence of a past lumber camp. There was always a water source nearby. spent time in the deserts of California where I sorely missed the trees of Maine although I did appreciate the beauty that the desert terrain had to offer.

So, because of my love affair with the Maine woods, I had some special requirements when Dot and I were looking for a place to live in southern Maine.

During those searching times my daughter and son-in-law drove us around looking at various places that we might like. Some homes we drove by had back yards that looked out to someone else’s back yard. Nice places, but hardly a tree in sight. The day we drove along a nice quiet street that had some nice looking homes I saw something that immediately got my attention. The house was for sale and directly behind it was woods. I

explored the existing trails in the woods and found that, although I could be alone most of the time, they were well used. The evidence of the heavy use was the tree roots exposed because the soil was compacted by all the feet and bicycles that passed over it. Those exposed roots are a serious consideration when we walked the trails because our eighty-plus year old bodies don’t ap-

look ahead for eight or ten yards looking for anything that might make noise such as a dry branch that might snap off with a loud crack.

If it looked clear I could slowly step ahead while looking around for deer. I did the same thing on our root infested trails to get a look around while our dog, Sukey and I moved along. It really wouldn’t matter if I looked around or not, with Sukey there I am almost always alerted to a deer or other critters (including a human) that are somewhere around. Still, I like to see and appreciate what is around me.

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Page 43

to comprehend. I wrote once about what I was convinced was a railroad bed used to get logs out of the woods. One of our readers questioned my conclusion and wrote that probably it was instead an old trolly line. After some research and finding the old railroad sign, I am still convinced it was a log-hauling railroad, probably running to the Androscoggin river. More

evidence of old-time logging is the old trash dump, proving that a woods camp once existed nearby.

So that’s how I enjoy our woods here and it is a pleasure each day as Dot and I take our daily hour or so walk. Enjoy the fall folks and the upcoming hunting season.

Gil Gilpatrick is a Master Maine Guide, and is the first living recipient of the Legendary Maine Guide award. He is a life member of the Maine Professional Guides Association, a founding member of the Maine Wilderness Guides Organization, and served as a member of the Advisory Board for the Licensing of Guides from 1996 to 2010. He is a member of the New England Outdoor Writers Association and is the author of seven outdoorrelated books. Contact him at Gil@GilGilpatrick.com

Page 44

Kineo Currents

by Suzanne AuClair, Rockwood, ME

Brother Vernon has some good stories. His best days are when he is out fishing or hunting. The other night we got together for supper, with our father and a friend. Sometimes we compare the circumstances of a trip, always have some fun, and maybe learn a

days of sun and one day of rain, as predicted, we got five days rain, hail, thunder, lightning, whitecaps, and cold; one day sun and flies.

Life can’t get much better!

Vernon had his own version, of a trip he took up the Allagash. He and his friend encountered similar

Northwoods Sporting Journal

October 2022

A Hard, Fetching Haul

and waves had pushed them way back, and they had to commence paddling to make up the lost distance. No matter, they got a fish! When they reached where the waters meet again, again his buddy quit paddling and threw out his line. Sure enough, he caught another fish! Again, the driving wind set them way back, from whence they had already come, twice. In the commence

Vernon and friend did fish, and they enjoyed eating the fish that evening. It had been a hard, fetching haul.

Another bit I took from our supper. His friend has been to the Yukon. Now retired, and even before he was, he took time away from a busy work schedule

is is right here, right now.

Words to live by.

Speaking of “do now, don’t wait”, I am well on the way to refinishing my 15-foot canoe, built in 1974

by Roger. It needs a new canvas and a couple of planks replaced. It should be completed this fall,

to do the other personal things most important to him and his wife. From day to day, with many obligations’ morning, noon, and night, that is not easy. All of a sudden month go by, and the fetching haul is lost in the shuffle. During supper, as I talked about some of the trips I still want to take.

He said, do it. Do it now.

Because we don’t know what’s ahead, and all there

ready for a spring trip.

On the St. John, instead of five days of sun and one day of rain, as predicted, we got five days rain, hail, thunder, lightning, whitecaps, and cold; one day sun and flies. thing or two. Such was the case in this recent visit.

Vernon knew that I had gone for a week on the St. John in May, which is the time to go on the St. John, but it is still early that time of year, that far north.

Weather-wise, you take what you get, and decide how you’re going to live in it. You can go hard or you can go easy, seeing the best in the days and nights. On the St. John, instead of five

driving wind and rain and found themselves having to paddle into the whitecaps.

Like us, it was hard going.

Any distance covered was well fought.

There is a stream that empties into Round Pond. When they got to it, his buddy stopped paddling and threw out a line just as they were passing where the waters meet.

Sure enough, he landed a big trout. But, the wind

of a third haul up to the same spot, Vernon warned his friend that, after three draws up, he did not have it in him to make up any more fallback. As they passed where the waters meet, the line stayed in.

They still had a ways to go before making camp.

I understand this.

There are only so many miles a person can push in a day. On the St. John, we did not fish. But I know that I could not have canoed the same stretch against driving winds, multiple times, and still cover distance up ahead. Even so, brother

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

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

October 2022

Hunting: Ethical Choices

Editor ’s note: For way? more on this subject see Stu Fair chase, as defined Bristol’s column elsewhere by the Boone and Crockin this issue. ett Club, is the ethical, sportsmanlike, and lawful pursuit and taking of any free-ranging wild game animal in a manner that does not give the hunter an improper or unfair advantage over the game animal.

America’s foremost hunting ethics guru, the late Jim PoseTrail camera technology is witz, wrote this changing at warp speed. Does definition of the this present ethical choices? ethical hunter: (Photo by V. Paul Reynolds) “A person who In the realm of deer knows and respects the hunting, what is the defini- animals hunted, follows tion of “fair chase” any- the law, and behaves in a

way that will satisfy what society expects of him or her as a hunter.”

In my view, the unrelenting march of technology is imposing upon us hunters some unprecedented ethical choices that really push the envelope on our personal application of

Page 45

Outdoors In Maine

by V. Paul Reynolds, Ellsworth, ME

states, Arizona, Utah, Ne- be labeled with your name vada, have banned wireless and phone number. cell cams altogether. Others What do you think? are imposing restrictions.

I never had compuncIn the East, New Hamp- tions or second thoughts about using my convenA number of Western states, Arizona, tional trail cam to pattern Utah, Nevada, have banned wireless deer movements. Most of the bucks I photographed cell cams altogether. Others are imposing restrictions. In the East, New never showed themselves Hampshire has made it unlawful to use in day light during bow season. Last fall, though, cell cams during the open season. during the September fair chase. More specifi- shire has made it unlawful bow season, when I was cally, the wireless or cellu- to use cell cams during the comparing notes with a lar trail camera that allows open season. In Maine, the young, eager high-tech the real-time monitoring of only restriction is that you bow hunter, he showed wildlife during the hunting must have landowner per- me his real- time cellular season is, or will soon be, a mission to put up any trail images of his tree stands camera, conventional or on his I-phone. I said nothmega fair chase issue!

(Choices cont. pg 53) A number of Western cellular, and the cam must

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Page 46

Women In The Woods

Northwoods Sporting Journal

by Erin Merrill, Portland, ME Last fall, about a week after I got my deer back from the butcher, an email hit my inbox alerting me that I might be hunting deer in an area that Inland Fisheries & Wildlife had flagged as a ‘do not eat’ area because of the high levels of PFAS found in the several deer that biologists had killed in the area.

We have not heard much of a follow up since that time and I wonder if the area that was closed off will continue to be so. Will there be more locations also flagged as ‘do not eat’ areas? I am surprised that there has not been anything put out (as I write this in

late August) that would give hunters an idea about if they should stick to their home area or try to find a new area to hunt. Maybe the assumption is that they won’t plan to hunt in the area anyway.

But, I was also hopefully this past week as I heard a report on the BBC about a breakthrough in PFAS research and how scientists have found a way to break down the chemical, thus potentially being able to reduce the compound to the point that is it no longer ‘forever.”

L o w - t e m p e r a t u re mineralization of perfluorocarboxylic acids pub-

MAINE BEAR SEASON 2022!!

PFAS: How Much Worry?

lished in the journal Science by Dr. Brittany Trang et al. explains how there are weak spots in the molecular bonds between carbon and oxygen that make up the head of the PFAS chemical. By targeting

so simple (when explained in laymen’s terms and an article in the New York Times does just that) but the impact that this could have would be remarkable.

As hunters we have always prided ourselves on

Dr. Trang and her team could separate it from the rest of the compound and cause it to fall apart in about 24 hours. It seems

and family. No one hangs a deer up and wonders what sort of chemicals are in them. It was surprising and unsettling to have that

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bubble burst for a lot of us last fall.

It is obviously too soon to know exactly what this new research could mean for hunters and fish-

But, I was also hopefully this past week as I heard a report on the BBC about a breakthrough in PFAS research and how scientists have found a way to break down the chemical, thus potentially being able to reduce the compound to the those carbon compounds providing ethically killed, point that is it no with dimethyl sulfoxide, organic meat to our friends longer ‘forever.”

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ermen. Not being worried about the ground water, soil and animals we are eating would be a huge relief for those of us who are concerned about what we are feeding out families and putting into our own bodies.

Here is hoping that this research can be expanded and we start to hear more about how PFAS can be removed and destroyed from our land and water!

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

Page 48

The Memorable ‘Gap’ Year

By Matthew Burt The wind was swaying my tree stand back and forth as I kept my eyes trained on the barrel 40 yards away. Roughly an hour had gone by since

noticed in the tree above the barrel a large fisher was waiting for Bill to leave so it could investigate what was left behind. This is not an unusual experience for many outdoorsmen in

were preparing for their first semester of college, I was preparing to spend my fall in the North Maine Woods. Unsure of my college aspirations I had been emailing outfitters for a chance to pursue and expand my passion for the outdoors and have a good place to think about my career pursuits. My opportunity came when I opened

Ross Lake Camps, I had not met the owners or the guides, I was walking into a complete unknown with the type of heightened enthusiasm only a teenager with limited life experience could muster. When I exited my vehicle, I was greeted by the numerous and experienced guides who would be my coworkers and mentors for

October 2022

and knowledge would be given about the ways of hunting and fishing in the big woods of Maine.

When the camps were prepared, and the wood for winter was stacked neatly my real North Woods adventure began. I was able to accompany and assist the guides and owners on their daily trips into the woods. On the rare days

Near the end of July of 2015 most of my peers were preparing for their first semester of college, I was preparing to spend my fall in the North Maine Woods. Unsure of my college aspirations I had been emailing outfitters….

The author with his first bear. my guide Bill had walked me into the woods for an afternoon black bear hunt.

Once situated, he gave me a thumbs up and covered the rest of the distance to the aforementioned barrel placing the bait inside. I

the early months of fall when Maine’s bear season draws us to the woods. For me this was the conclusion to an epic journey that had started two months prior.

Near the end of July of 2015 most of my peers

an email from Don and Andrea from Ross Lake Camps. Included was a short message about having a positive work ethic, a generalized list of items I should bring, and the type of work I could be expected to do. Two days later on July 31st I pulled into camp 104 miles into the woods from Six Mile Gate, an entryway many of us are familiar with for the adventure of a lifetime.

Going into this I had not previously heard of

the months to follow.

Since I was not a registered Maine Guide my work included a lot of the tasks that were essential to the camp’s preparation and appearance rather than to the success of a hunt. I spent many hours splitting and stacking wood, painting, weed whacking, and a variety of other tasks for the anticipated arrival of the sports in the month to follow. Around the dinner table in the evening stories would be swapped

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we had everything caught up we would venture out for musky fishing trips on the nearby St. John River or troll for whitefish and other cold-water species in Ross Lake. I was living every young outdoorsman’s dream and the sports hadn’t even arrived to camp!

When they did, I added the responsibilities of welcoming and directing them to their cabin and guide for their weeklong stay. There is something to be said about the electrifying environment of camp the night before a hunt when the individual feeling of anticipation is multiplied by every person around you.

That year in camp there was a very high success rate for the hunters. I was able to hone my skills cleaning, skinning, and butchering bears to a level I would never have achieved simply pursuing them on my own. When the last hunters in camp left at the end of the third week and the realization was setting in that I would no longer be needed at camp set in, ('Gap' cont. pg 59)

October 2022

Northwoods Sporting Journal

October Cast and Blast

Okay, so maybe I’m a little biased. But having been born in Portland in the month of October , for me, makes October in Maine and New Hampshire as THE best month of all twelve. Because whether you love to hunt or fish, October is when you can partake of both. The fall shotgun season for turkey runs October 10th-16th in WMUs : D2, G, H1, H2, I1, I2, J1, J2, K, L, M. October 1st marks the opening of the three-month long pheasant season. If you were fortunate enough to draw a moose permit, you’ll be out October 15th through October 23rd trying to fill that permit. The weekend of October 22nd and 23rd is Youth Deer–Hunting Weekend. While there’s no minimum age for youth hunting in New Hampshire, all youth hunters under age 16 must be ACCOMPANIED by a licensed adult 18 years or older while hunting. And, accompanying adults may not carry a firearm or bow during the special youth hunting weekends, but may during the regular hunting

seasons for those species.

And to round out the hunting calendar for the month, October 29th marks the start of Muzzleloader season for deer which runs through November 8th.

And, to break up the action a bit, brook, rainbow and brown trout fishing in rivers, streams and trout ponds runs through October 15th. Same story for the large and smallmouth bass. Fishing in rivers, streams and trout ponds runs through October 15th.

Before I move ahead, let me regress a moment and talk our moose population. Back in June, a $312,404 contract with the University of New Hampshire and the state Fish and Game Department was approved by the Governor and Executive Council that will observe the state’s moose population. The sole-source contract through 2025 includes money for professional quality unpiloted aerial systems – UASs (Drones)– and about 140 camera traps scattered throughout the state strapped on trees and concentrated in high habi-

tat areas but throughout the state’s entire wildlife management units. The first launch of the drones will be this winter and a report on the data collected is expected to be ready by late Spring 2024. This is the first time that drones will have been used to study moose populations in New Hampshire.

Fish and Game estimates the state’s moose

Page 49

New Hampshire Outdoors

by Peter St. James, Warner, N.H. The jury’s out on this fall’s mast crop so far. It may be spotty due to the ongoing abnormally dry conditions much of the state labored through this summer. Another reason why early and continued scouting pays dividends!

larger tracts -- remain open to hunters, unless posted against hunting. Fish and Game recommends that each hunter contact landowners and seek permission to hunt. Even posted land can be accessed by contacting the owner prior

The jury’s out on this fall’s mast crop so far. It may be spotty due to the ongoing abnormally dry conditions much of the state labored through this summer. Another reason why early and continued scouting pays dividends!

population at roughly 3,300 animals which is below the state’s goal of 4,000 moose and below targets in all the state’s wildlife management units (WMUs).

I haven’t heard the official outlook for deer season this year, but I’ve got to believe that it’s very good.

Deer numbers have been relatively stable or increasing throughout most of the state for a number of years due in part to continued winters of below-average severity, which resulted in low mortality numbers, and good fall food production.

Based on long-standing tradition, nearly all lands in the state of New Hampshire are open to hunting. According to the Fish and Game Department, the “rule of thumb” in New Hampshire is: all state, federal, municipal, county and private land is open to hunting unless it is posted against hunting.

However, hunting is a privilege granted by the landowner -- not a right granted to the hunter. 80% of New Hampshire’s forestland is privately owned. Most private lands -- especially

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Now, that being said… go hit the woods and the water!

Peter St. James is a member of the New England Outdoor Writers Association, Outdoor Writers Association of America, a licensed NH Fishing Guide, Director of the NH Wildlife Federation and has a radio show on WNTK-99.7FM. Reach him at : stjames. peter@gmail.com

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Page 50

Vermont Ramblings

by Dennis Jensen, Vermont Now that I am deep into the winter of my life, I am looking at many things differently. How short may my days be? Well, that is impossible to say, but I know this much: I am going to do a hell of a lot of stuff before the door closes on my last day.

And I got to thinking as these words streamed from my brain to this computer, here in my study. If I look around me, I have memories that I cherish and which give me great pleasure. There are two memorable deer heads, one skull mount and large collection of photos, pictures taken of days afield and on the water from years ago and from only yesterday..

Well, let us start with long ago. I moved to Ver-

mont back in 1978 and, let me tell you, the deer hunting was really tough. I went five years before I got my first buck and the blackand-white photograph, showing a very young deer hunter, posing with a small spiked buck tied on top of a 1972 Ford Maverick, is still something that stirs my blood.

Right beside that photo is another favorite: I am holding a very large striped bass, in the back of the boat owned by the late Randy Julius. My God, that man could find his fish. A few years earlier, I took the three boys out with Randy and they are holding up a really big striper, caught by Matthew.

On the top of a book case, are the legs of two very

Days to Remember

special toms, one set of spurs measuring 1½ inches, the other set measuring just under those spurs. And hanging nearby is the 10½inch beard of a great tom I took back in 1990.

There is a twin photo of Dan, my oldest, holding a huge largemouth in one photo and. In another, posing with a great, 21½ pound gobbler he shot some years ago.

Oh, and here’s son Mike with a spectacular pollock, taken the day we ventured out far off the Maine coast and really caught some fish. And next to him is a photo of both Matt and me. On that day, in 2015, I shot a 4-pointer at 9 a.m. on the second day of the season and, one hour later, Matt shot a bigger 4-pointer. A day to remember.

Over my shoulder in the den is perhaps one of

the greatest photos I have ever seen of a wild turkey and this one, believe it or not, of a hen. It is a photo taken some 20 years ago

by David Jenne, who once worked as a photographer for the Rutland Herald, where I worked for 33 years. It is an extremely

So this place where I sit and write is also a hallowed place, a place of great memories, on the wall and along the shelves. large close-up of a hen, so clear, so defined that you can easily see the finest detail of the bird, from its glorious iridescent feathers, to the deep, darkness of its one eye.

I have an assortment of feathers, lined along the edge of a corner of a closet,

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October 2022

about a dozen in all, from hawks, a raven, a partridge, two species of owls and, of course, long tom turkey feathers found in the field.

On another shelf, is a splendid duck decoy carved by Tom Fuller, the trout fishing author and longtime member of the New England Outdoor Writers Association. I won the decoy at a NEOWA fundraiser. Thanks, Tom. But truth be told, for all of the hundreds and hundreds of photos taken of my three boys over a span of nearly 50 years, the clear favorite of them all is a photo I took of them one gray morning while surf fishing off the coast of Maine, perhaps 10 years ago.

The photo actually misses a critical aspect: The three boys, rather the three men, are not looking into the camera. The photograph was taken from behind them. They had no idea that the photo was being taken. It is striking in this aspect: Mike, in the left of the photo, is looking off to his left, and Matt, at the far right, is looking off to his right, while Dan appears to be gazing straight out into Saco Bay, just as a nice wave breaks. What has the attention of both Mike and Matt are not in the photo. They are both seriously focused on the tips of two 10-foot striper rods, just waiting for one of the poles to dip wildly off into the blue. Only 10 minutes earlier, by the way, Dan hooked into and landed a spectacular, 38-inch striper, which he released. All three sons caught fish that morning to make it a great day.

(Remember cont. pg 53)

October 2022

Northwoods Sporting Journal

The Versatile Hunter

Editor ’s note: The Northwoods Sporting Journal is pleased to welcome a new contributor, Ben Wilcox from Essex, Vermont.

As you will see, when you read Ben’s debut column below, he knows his stuff in the deer woods. With November just around the

is going to be your best bet due to low deer densities, favorable terrain and thick woods. However, there are so many other scenario’s you’ll face in the woods where adjusting tactics will be the best option.

When I hunt in my area of Vermont, tracking

The author with a 242 pound public land buck killed while sitting at midday. corner, Ben arrived at a often is not as productive for me as it is when I hunt perfect time!

Versatility as a hunt- further north and east. The er has lots of advantages mountains where I live are when it comes to consis- much steeper, primarily tently harvesting a buck, open hardwoods. Bucks especially in the Northeast. tend to bed high in cliffs Becoming proficient in and boulder fields watchmany hunting tactics and ing the backtrack where being comfortable hunt- they can see you coming ing various habitat types, for hundreds of yards. They will allow you to select are gone before you ever the best method for that have a chance. Secondly, particular day. Doing so many of the mature deer will allow you to maximize here have average sized your chances of success in feet, if they get into other the deer woods and enjoy deer it can be tough to stay the days that wouldn’t be on the right track. I find considered ideal by those that getting high on the hunters who specialize in mountainsides and hunting downhill using terrain a single method.

I’ve had the opportu- to my advantage is a more nity to hunt DIY style hunts effective tactic to kill a nice mostly on public land from buck. I used these same still Maine to Idaho and many hunting tactics in Northern points in between. For ex- Idaho and killed two good ample, we all know in big bucks in back to back days.

Back when we hunted woods of far Northern New England tracking on snow Northwest Ontario, we

were there before the snow fell. After the deer population crashed I found still hunting to be mostly ineffective because there were so few deer that your odds of two moving objects intercepting was low. In this case, finding the absolute best sign coupled with the best funnel points was key.

The last two years I hunted

Page 51

Maple Country Outdoors

by Ben Wilcox, Essex, VT

fresh. This is how I took my heaviest VT buck. Likewise, if it is really windy, rainy or warm, I will usually still hunt no matter where I am hunting, even with a crossbow. If it’s crunchy and cold with no When you can be proficient at all snow on the ground I will tactics and put them to use based on go to a high percentage location and spend the day. the particular day, is when If that’s in VT or parts of you can really take your hunting NH it will probably be to the next level. terrain driven, but if it’s in there I killed 10 points put them to use based on an area where you can find weighing 242 lbs and 222 the particular day, is when really good and fresh buck lbs within a few hundred you can really take your sign, then I’ll set up on the yards of each other. How- hunting to the next level. (Versatile cont. pg 53) ever, I went a week at a For instance, if I’m in VT time with out seeing a deer and tracking conditions still hunting and scouting are good I’ll follow a buck before I settled into sitting track, but only if its quite in the best location.

Market & Restaurant When I head south 7 Pinecrest Drive to NY, PA, or OH during Essex Junction, VT 05452 archery I adjust my tactics (802) 879-3611 again. I hunt mostly with www.raysseafoodmarket.com a crossbow and will scout until I find a good location “Where the catch is and then sit the last hour always the best” or so of daylight on the ground. I will do this in a bunch of locations until I find a spot I feel truly confident in. I’ll then set up and spend daylight until dark, on the ground if possible. thru NOVEMBER 2022 In these areas the deer densities are high and you DON’T FORGET: generally get quick feedRay’s has a full line of tackle at back whether you are in 2022 North Street Burlington and the correct spot. This past buys fish year round. year we hunted Ohio public Perch • Sunfish land. After scouting for 4 Crappies • White Perch days I settled into a diffiand More! cult to access creek bottom We will professionally with very thick cuts on both filet your catch, for a nominal • AMMO steep hillsides, enough to fee, at the • SANDWICHES keep most hunters out. The Burlington location.

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Page 52

Outdoors In Vermont

Northwoods Sporting Journal

by Gary W. Moore, Bradford, VT This is about perception and how it hurts sportsmen for it is perception rather than reality that many judge us by. Native Vermonters are an endangered species. The state is a mecca for those who want to escape urban areas and who bring their values with them and try to impose

be perceived as such because of what some people see.

Are you a road hunter? Do you go around no hunting signs because you grew up hunting that piece

October 2022

It’s All About Perception

Bowie proud when you enter the supermarket?

I get a lot of photos of hunters with nice bucks, a big moose or some other game that they can be proud of. Often, I won’t use them because of what can be misinterpreted by someone viewing the photo. The smiling hunter holding a

prowess.

Likewise, a photo that makes the hunter or angler look like some uneducated redneck won’t appear with one of my columns or articles even if I know the person is a fine, upstanding citizen and a good sportsman. When I take photos, I carefully pose them and

fender or report the illegal act to the authorities? That person was doing harm to you and all other sportsmen.

Aldo Leopold wrote in his A Sand County Almanac the following which we should always keep in mind.

“A peculiar virtue in

“Voluntary adherence to an ethical code elevates the self-respect of the sportsman, but it should not be forgotten that voluntary disregard of the code degenerates and depraves him.” them on us. They were not raised in a culture where hunting was a way of life for many and accepted by those who did not hunt.

They were weaned on tv and overdosed on Bambi.

Knowing that people who did not grow up hunting are in the majority in Vermont we need to constantly consider how we are perceived. I believe that most hunters are good sportsmen and would never intentionally do anything unethical, but we may not

My friend Orford, NH tree farmer Tom Thompson took this photo in August of the bull moose munching on water lilies in one of his mountain ponds. of land? Do you drive on can of beer standing next check out the background. wildlife ethics is that the private roads and across to a hanging deer is not an I don’t want the bloody hunter ordinarily has no fields? Have you ever stood image I want to promote. cavity of a deer, bear or gallery to applaud or disbeside your vehicle and Never mind that I drink my moose to be prominent and approve of his conduct. drank a beer after coming share of beer, I don’t want I always tuck the tongue Whatever his acts, they out of the woods ? Do you a photo of me with alcohol back in the mouth. I make are dictated by his own wear a knife on your hip appearing in a paper that sure that no evidence of al- conscience, rather than by that would have made Jim is portraying my hunting cohol will be visible in the a mob of onlookers. It is photo and I ask the hunter difficult to exaggerate the Vermont Outdoor Guide to put his cigarette down importance of this fact.

“Voluntary adhertuck in his shirt. It is Association hosts Vermont's most and all a matter of perception. ence to an ethical code We are all responsible elevates the self-respect of complete directory of outdoor for ethical hunting and fish- the sportsman, but it should recreation services, guided tours ing. How often have you not be forgotten that volunwitnessed some illegal or tary disregard of the code and adventure travel resources. unethical act and ignored degenerates and depraves https://www.voga.org/ it. Why did you not express him.” you displeasure to the of-

Northwoods Sporting Journal

October 2022

Remember (Cont. from pg 50)

So this place where I sit and write is also a hallowed place, a place of great memories, on the wall and along the shelves. And the best thing about all of this memorabilia and these treasured photos is that they take me back to the days I spent with each of my three sons.

I guess you could say that I am truly blessed.

Choices (Cont. from pg 45)

ing, but squirmed inside. It was gut-level response for me. It just didn’t feel right.

This young man eventually arrowed an 8-pointer, which he proudly sent me a photo on his I-phone.

The question, of course, is: Would he have killed that deer without the hightech assistance? Maybe; maybe not. It would matter to some hunters, others not Dennis Jensen is the so much.

John Koleszar had outdoor editor for the Rutland Herald and Barre some insightful thoughts Times Argus and a freelance writer. Contact him old thing everyday. You’ll at d.jensen62@yahoo.com surely become a more well rounded and successful hunter.

Versatile (Cont. from pg 51)

downwind side of it.

This fall make a point to hunt everyday you have a chance, regardless of the conditions, but adapt your approach to maximize your chances for that particular day and habitat. Use the method that will compliment the weather conditions, terrain, and even the particular deer in the area, rather than doing the same

Ben Wilcox is owner of Maple Country Anglers, located in Northwest Vermont. He is a current member of the USA Fly Fishing Team. He is a registered Maine Guide and graduate of University of Maine. He also owns a large Maple Sugaring Business, Amber Ridge Maple. These occupations allow him to be in the woods or water nearly every day of the year.

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on all of this, worth sharing with you.

To this day, I simply cannot fathom why anyone would want to cheat or shortcut one of the most fundamental reasons we go afield. At one of its most basic levels, the point of the hunt is that it is difficult, challenging and the outcome in uncertain. Enter our old friends, ego and technology. When ego requires one to get the trophy at all cost, the sanctity of the hunt is forfeited. When one is willing to forego the effort, manipulate the odds or change the circumstance, the end product is a fake. So, where is the line?

Each of us has to make our own determination and live with it…

It is telling that Boone & Crockett will not allow an entry of a trophy animal that was taken with the help of a wireless trail cam.

B&C minces no words: “If a technology decreases the game animal’s opportunity to elude or escape detection (think trail cams with live time, cellular capability), you are over the line.”

Beyond the hunter’s own conscience, there is always public opinion that must be included in the fair chase equation. As Posewitz said,”...and behaves in a way that will satisfy

Page 53 what society expects of him or her as a hunter.”

High-tech hunting, if we are not careful and circumspect, has the potential to poison our hunting heritage in profound ways.

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

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 54

Big Salmon Caught

Green Mountain Report

by Bradley Carleton, Charlotte, VT Finally, it’s here! “Our time” of the year! The ridiculously hot days of summer are over, and we can breathe more easily. I leave the windows open at night and revel in the North breeze. The greenwing teal and the “little flight” which Gordon MacQuarrie refers to in his stories of “The Old Duck Hunter’s Association” (ODHA) are the first flight of migratory birds on a cold rainy night. If you haven’t read MacQuarrie, I would strongly suggest you do. Even though water levels are at record lows as of the time of this writing, we will forge forth into the primordial ooze, and wrestle our way into the canoes stashed in the cattails and wild rice. We will navigate the wall of buckbrush like a bull moose in rut. Come

October 2022

hell or low water, we will be in the swamp and once again, witness the silhouetted avian rockets tearing down the channel with that inimitable sound of whistling wings over the spread of decoys in front of us.

spread in the narrow pool.

We hear splashes and can barely make out ripples in the water mirrored by the sky’s brightening. Moments pass with agonizing slowness. Finally, it is time.

“Ready?” I whisper. “Yeppers!” my partner whispers back. Gunpowder ignites and the big guns speak.

“Two birds down!” I say excitedly. Happy October!

This column would not be complete if I didn’t mention what is quite possibly the new record Atlantic landlocked salmon caught in Lake Champlain on Saturday, August 25.

The “whoo-eeek” of wood ducks and the “peeeep” of teal split the darkness. The dawn is creeping up and, without saying a word we reach for our guns and load them with the 12 gauge 3” 6 shot. These are “summer ducks” mixed with a few big birds. They hug the treeline up the channel and scream into the

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the new leader. Capt. Mike and Matt left Port Douglas on a half-day charter from 9-2pm and were “about 1-1 ½ miles off the access and were jigging in 113’ feet of water, bouncing the spoon about 10’ off the bottom.

I asked politely if Matt would tell me what lure he had been using, but all I got was “silver.” The party of four consisting of Matt’s brother, Kyle, and Taylor and Lydia West were on

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board to witness. Matt said “the initial bite bent the pole down hard” with the drag running quickly and, without ever jumping, he was able to pull up the silvery beauty within a few minutes. Matt has fished the LCI Father’s Day Derby for the last five years and is hooked.

Finally, and one of the most beautiful things I’ve witnessed this summer, was the formation of the Vergennes School’s Bass Fishing Team. Comprised of coaches Paul Norris, Jack McGuire, Meddie Perry, Chris Davis, Bill Eckels, and James Bennett, the team is composed of 10 young people in 7th and 8th grade and 5 more in grades 9-12. I was privileged to be asked aboard James’ boat with his daughter, Lizi and a fish-obsessed young man named Felipe Sanchez. You may remember Felipe for having taken second place in the LCI salmon category in 2020 with a 10.33lb fish.

This kid is a beast! He casts (Salmon cont. pg 62)

Northwoods Sporting Journal

October 2022

October’s Feeding Frenzy Best Bassin’

Bass fishing in October offers anglers a wide variety of technique options. Cooler nights and shorter days kick start falling water temperatures, which in turn trigger seasonal migration changes within the aquatic world of the black bass (Micropterus Salmoides).

Water temperatures will dictate the water depth

‘Feeding Frenzy’!

According to Connecticut’s Pro Angler and well-known Lake Candlewood Guide Terry Baksay, “It’s imperative anglers cover a lot of water fast and they need to keep moving! I like to actually ‘Back Track’ during the fall transition. I’ll concentrate on the same areas I target during the springtime.

months.

Elaborating further Baksay suggested, “There are many forms of cover fall bass will relate to; wood stumps, laydowns, isolated rocks, stone walls and never rule out docks. A key factor to success is to contact the cover!” When working tapering points or shoreline docks with deeper contours, the Con-

Black bass migrate within individual schools as baitfish seeks warmer shallow areas. When the bass locate the baitfish, they start a ‘Feeding Frenzy’!

black bass migrate to as they follow the baitfish.

However, just as in the spring spawn whereas all black bass on a body of water, do not spawn at the same time. The same holds true during the fall migration, all black bass do not suddenly migrate to shallower depths following baitfish.

The Ole Cliché...’Find the Baitfish and Find the Bass’, rings loud and clear during the fall transition. black bass migrate within individual schools as baitfish seeks warmer shallow areas. When the bass locate the baitfish, they start a

Remember the bass are seeking warmer water temperatures and their natural instinct suggests feeding and fatting up before the cold winter water temperatures has them in a lethargic condition.”

Baksay’s analogy makes total angling sense!

In the spring the black bass move shallow to warm-up after a long cold winter to replenish their bodies and fatten up for the spawn, which is forth coming.

Their circle of life repeats in the fall as the black bass move shallow to fatten up in preparation for the forth coming cold winter

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necticut Pro/Guide will rig two identical rods/reels with the same Rapala DT10 crankbaits. However, one reel is spooled with 17 lb. line to keep the ten-

Page 55

by Bill Decoteau, Hampden, MA foot diving DT-10 within the 6-8 foot water column.

While the other reel is spooled with 10 lb. line allowing the Rapala DT-10 to reach it’s maximum diving depth Pro/Guide Tip: Know what the forage is on your particular body of water; match the size of your bait to the size of the forage and then utilize colors that mimic those of the baitfish.

With the black bass holding in a wide variety of water depths and relating to structure changes, such as humps, tapering points,

creek channels sudden contour changes including tapering points, it’s easier to visualize how wide spread out the bass population can be. Then add to the equation cover such as various forms of vegetation, wood in forms of stumps, down trees, gravel, rocks, boulders, road beds and anything else laying on the bottom.... And, now you have your target areas where bass and baitfish will gather together!

Baksay preaches the importance of moving (Frenzy cont. pg 56)

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 56

Cameras

(Cont. from pg 40) new technology and have a valid argument that the cameras help guides make informed decisions of which bears to harvest.

Some say it is just not feasible to use the real-time info then chase the bear using dogs.

Of the many old-style hunters and some of those who love the new technology I have interviewed, I can see both sides of their

Frenzy (Cont. from pg 55) fast dissecting as many areas as possible during your search for fall bass with fast moving baits.

His baits of choice range from deep-diving crankbaits to shallow square bill crankbaits, Carolina rigs to target specific drop-shot rigs, chatterbaits, spinnerbaits (Especially when you find green vegetation!)

use.

October 2022

Then there are the lone wolf hunters (like me) who sit for hours on a freezing runway, waiting for game to come along.

Compare the technology to fishing; some anglers still use leadcore lines instead of downriggers and other don’t believe in the use of sonar. I rode with a deep water lake trout angler who had a fish finder that showed the lure going down, the fish hitting the

lure. Good technology or bad? You decide.

As a former State Game Warden (Vermont) and life-long conservationist I seek to punish the abusers not the curious.

Personally I enjoy watching a yearling buck grow antlers and mature bucks using their headgear to knock apples from a tree.

There is much good in each of the new technology I’ve mentioned over the years and then there are

the abusers.

Hal Blood said it best, I think, “New technology is changing the way hunters and anglers enjoy their sports. No matter the laws or regulations of bans, there will always be abusers, those who take the easy road.”

I agree, those who break the law and take unfair advantage of fish and game don’t need a license and any amount of bans will usually only hurt or

hinder the fair chase enthusiasts.

as well as top water baits.

“I monitor my side imagining sonar, looking for baitfish and bass that may be staging on specific structure contours or holding tight to cover. I’ll work my baits fast dissecting these areas, once I entice them to take my baits, I’ll slow down catching them until they stop biting then move on continuing my search.”

Pro/Guide Tip: Remember yellow and white

perch as well as bluegills are also forage the black bass preys on! Catch one of these and most likely the black bass will be in the same area. Always be alert to surface activity and have large topwater baits ready at all times. Surface feeding frenzies occur fast and usually don’t last long.

Terry’s topwater bait of choice is a 5 1/4 in.

Rapala Skitter Walk V-13 color chrome. It allows for

longer cast, makes excellent surface commotion and catches larger bass.

Anglers interested in partaking in the ‘Fall Feeding Frenzy’ on Connecticut’s famed Candlewood Lake may contact Pro/Guide Terry Baksay directly at 1.203.209.1686.

Decoteau is an outdoor journalist with a strong passion for pursuing the Black Bass. His activities include; emceeing The Bass University weekend educational seminar programs, as well as emceeing benefit tournaments such as the Annual Ike Foundation Pro-Am, Fishing For Freedom, and working with the USO.

God Bless and Best Bassin’

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

Billy “Hawkeye”

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October 2022

By Alicia Cram After reminiscing over our many past experiences on Mt. Katahdin, my sister Cynthia and I decided to tackle it together again and hike a couple trails we hadn’t done. We agreed on doing Cathedral to Baxter Peak, and then over to and down Hamlin Ridge. While researching these trails, I found that Cathedral is considered one of the most challenging, as it’s the shortest route to the peak, therefore the steepest. I’m not 20 years old anymore, but I thought I was in pretty decent shape so I figured, “Why not?”

Joining us were my sister’s friend Tara, who had climbed Katahdin once before, and Tara’s 16-yearold daughter Rochelle who had never climbed the mountain. After speaking with the ranger at the

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 57

What Were We Thinking?

check-in station and determining that the round trip would take us roughly 10 hours, we hit the trail to Chimney Pond promptly at 6:50am, laughing and chatting about what food we may want to eat when we get home later. I had no way of knowing my appetite would be little to non-existent for the next 13 hours.

The 3.3-mile trek from Roaring Brook Campground to Chimney Pond went off without a hitch. We took in the sights of the basin and had a little snack before following the sign to Cathedral trail and Baxter Peak. Now, to those who are not familiar with this particular trail, plainly put, it’s basically non-stop boulder climbing with no rungs or ladders to aid you. You must rely on your grip, arm, and leg strength

alone to haul you up over these boulders, and it takes hours. It was advised to us not to carry a heavy pack up this trail, and my sister’s weighed 20lbs at least.

Even though we all carried our own packs, the nurse in her felt responsible for all of our well beings, so she carried enough for herself as well as us. She

ing down another trail that was unfamiliar to us, so after a few quick photos with the Baxter Peak sign and some longing glances at the yummy lunches and adult beverages being enjoyed by other hikers, we choked down some trail mix with zero appetite and took back off towards Hamlin Ridge; what we thought was a

Why are we going UP? Aren’t we supposed to be going down?” After taking a look at our map it came to our attention that we were headed for Hamlin Peak. That would make two peaks in one day. How we did not come to this realization before we agreed on descending Hamlin Ridge remains to be seen. How

quickly realized why it was advised to not carry a large pack on this trail, as she frequently had to take it off and toss it up boulders in order to proceed. It also didn’t help matters that she and her coworker are both slightly afraid of heights.

“Slow and steady wins the race,” we told ourselves.

“No need to hurry up this mountain.” Little did we know….

After a couple of hiccups, panic attacks, injuries (my sister left some flesh on one of the boulders up there), pulled muscles, much needed pep talks and water breaks, we made it to the peak a little over one hour later than originally intended. We knew we had to move, since we were go-

quick and easy way down.

Every other hiker we had the pleasure of sharing the trail with broke off and took a right down what’s called Saddleback Trail to make their way back down the mountain.

Us four, however, kept on going straight to what we thought was the juncture to Hamlin Ridge. After almost an hour, Tara and I almost simultaneously said, “What’s with the boulders?

could we not have seen on the map that we first had to climb to Hamlin Peak?

Granted, Hamlin Peak did turn into Hamlin Ridge, which would indeed lead us off of the mountain, but we needed to climb to this peak before we could descend. We were already running behind schedule and knew we had to hoof it.

After making it to the Hamlin Peak sign, still (Thinking cont. pg 65)

After finally making my way to tree-line I could no longer see Cynthia and Tara behind me and Rochelle was long gone.

I put my faith in their capabilities, kept telling myself “Not much longer now to Chimney Pond trail.

Come on legs, you can do this," and trudged along.

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The Singing Maine Guide

Northwoods Sporting Journal

by Randy Spencer, Grand Lake Stream, ME The first thing Tim noticed was the earlier sunsets. Next was the later sunrises. Six o’clock was now the new four o’clock.

Back in June, he’d gotten used to waking up and still having four hours to go before he had to leave for work. Now, mornings were more of a hustle.

What it all meant was that his favorite time of year was fast approaching.

The die-back of goldenrod and other wild flowers had already begun to occur on the trails where he’d been running the dogs. Maple leaves were already tipping into what would become resplendent fall colors in another few weeks. Tim loved all of it, but not half as much as those two dogs of his. They knew what time it was! Bird season.

They’d “taken on some water” over the summer. That was Tim’s nice way of saying they

were too fat for what was ahead. But it was difficult to keep the weight off them while he was busy guiding, and they were busy lying around the camp. It was too hot to run them much of the time, and it wasn’t that they really ate that much

Praying for Daylight

A couple of times, they ran into a whole family of turkey poults and they clearly thought they’d slipped into bird dog heaven. Tim had to use the Garmin to get them back and sighted in on the true targets of what would be his fall hunts: woodcock and grouse. There was a lot of speculation that there

The last of the season’s fly fishing sports were coming for a “cast ’n blast” weekend, something they’d been booking for the last few years. “Salmon in the morning, and birds in the afternoon,” they said, was something like winning the lottery. And speaking of which, Tim’s sports had gotten to see a couple

Grouse were another story. Everything was pointing toward a peaking of the grouse cycle. He (and the dogs) were coming across them everywhere. And not just in places where they should be. Everywhere! more. They just didn’t get the exercise to burn it off.

Not to worry. The weight was coming off fast now. Then, after he’d groomed them with his new, self-taught skills (thanks to You Tube) they looked like they’d dropped another ten pounds! Some days, the yipping and barking was so loud when he loaded them into the truck, he wore ear plugs on his way to the areas where he liked to work them.

October 2022

had been a double clutch of grouse this year, since conditions were conducive for this back in the late spring and early summer. Now, at the start of September, he hadn’t seen his first woodcock yet; that would come a little later with the first few cold snaps.

Grouse were another story. Everything was pointing toward a peaking of the grouse cycle.

He (and the dogs) were coming across them everywhere. And not just in places where they should be. Everywhere!

of moose weigh-ins with some lucky moose lottery winners. Clearly, it was their favorite time of year too.

There was one aspect of this period, however, that was very frustrating, and that was foliage. From early signs, Tim knew that this might be one of those years boasting 20-30 wing shots per day. And yet, too often, there was something in the way of many of those shots: leaves! Falls in recent years had been sluggish. Warm temperatures and full foliage seemed to

be hanging on longer than it used to. How exasperating to have the dogs do the job they’d been trained to do so well, and then not be able to see the flushed birds to get a decent shot.

Then, the ultimate humiliation: the dogs would look at him as if to say, “what’s your problem anyway? Try to hold up your end, would you?”

Last year, Tim traveled north with a good result. There, in Aroostook, he’d found that the foliage was thinning out earlier. The dogs rewarded him with several limits on that hunt. Even so, Tim (and the dogs) loved his home haunts, and come what may, they’d be out there this year beating the brush. Hearing the rapidfire chirping of a flushed woodcock, or the thrumming boil of a partridge was music to all three of them.

Before any of that could happen, there was something else that had to happen: daylight. “For the love of God,” Tim thought (Daylight cont. pg 59)

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

October 2022

'Gap'

(Cont. from pg 48) Don and Andrea had one more adventure awaiting me by offering me the ability to hunt a black bear for the hard work I had put in through the season!

This brings us back to the windswept tree stand not far from camp. After Bill left, the observant fisher descended the tree and after a quick glance scurried off into the woods. I sat stone still, Bill had allowed

me to use his bolt action 30-06 and I had it rested over the stands shooting rail so I would only need to raise it to my shoulder when the time came. What felt like moments later, I watched in my peripheral vision as a dark colored blob silently rose out of a large cluster of small evergreen trees. My heartbeat sounded like a battle drum booming in my head as I controlled my excitement through slow breaths.

I raised the rifle to

my shoulder and took up my sight picture as the black bear silently made it to the barrel. When the bear’s head dropped to enter the barrel’s opening, I lined up the crosshairs just behind its left front leg and exhaled as I squeezed off the round. The bear dropped but attempted to roll up onto all fours and I followed up into the same spot. I waited in the tree stand for several minutes before walking up to my first ever big game harvest.

Best Shot!

Sully the dog enjoying the Sporting Journal.

Submitted

by Mike Miner.

Page 59

After several minutes of appreciation, I walked the 200 yards or so to the roadway to await the return of Bill to bring the bear back to camp.

When the truck approached, I could see Don and Andrea as well as Bill’s faces all light up as they knew me being at the road meant I had experienced a successful hunt! In the hours that followed many recounts of the days adventure were told, the black bear was processed, and the next morning everyone said their goodbyes.

I tell this story almost a decade later because Don and Andrea’s time at Ross Lake after a near twen-

(Cont. from pg 58) as he lay awake staring at the blacknesss. “Could I please say a hint of morning?” And if that was true of Tim, it was doubly true for those dogs. Subdued whining gave them away.

They couldn’t wait either.

And that’s when Tim wondered if they were doing what he was doing in those early morning hours– praying for daylight.

Randy Spencer is a working Master Maine guide and author. Reach him at randy31@earthlink. net or through www.randyspencer.com

Matthew Burt calls Presque Isle home. He is currently serving in the US Army.

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Daylight

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 60

October Question Of The Month

October 2022

How Do You Find the Horseshoe Bull?

By Nathan Theriault One day in late April of 2021, Team OMM gathered near the last known location of the Horseshoe Bull with high hopes of locating its unique and large antlers. The bull was named “Horseshoe” because it lived near a road system shaped like a horseshoe.

As team members

had been easy to find from the air using OMM’s Aviat Husky Bush Plane because it was in a group with two other subordinate bulls, but always keeping to itself and within about 50 yards of the others. Our feelings of hope and excitement for spotting the bull that day turned to disappointment because it was not located.

Today the team made

Quietly we maneuvered over to the edge of the harvested area and spotted Horseshoe Bull standing 200 yards away. Brandon anchored his rifle and steadied the shot.

arrived, I reflected on 6 months of following this amazing animal and especially the end of 2020.

Arriving at the hangar in Caribou, weather conditions looked good for locating its sheds. This was to be my seventh flight with aerial photographer Roger, with almost 100 percent sightings. This was the first flight following a snowfall that turned the ground white again and provided favorable conditions for locating moose.

Previously, the bull

up of seven OMM staffers gathered to grid search a three-quarter square mile area for Horseshoe Bull’s antlers. We shared high hopes but again without success. Clearly the bull had moved outside of our search corridor. Today’s search was over due to the deteriorating weather conditions.

Thankfully, during the late summer of 2021, the team again located the healthy giant living exactly where we expected.

Horseshoe Bull lived in

The Horseshoe Bull. a relatively small area, a common characteristic of big bulls. It would leave home for 2-3 months to travel abroad in search of new receptive cows. With an easy winter and early spring, we anticipated large antler growth and on seeing the bull again we were rewarded. Horseshoe Bull had a huge rack.

As fall approached, the OMM Team continued to spend many hours of ground and flight time tracking Horseshoe Bull’s movements and patterns.

It was one of numerous September targets and team member, and guide Tommy Hamilton was ready for the challenge. Here is Tom’s

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story.

It was 4 a.m. Monday morning when Brandon and I left camp for our primary spot. Brandon had hunted moose in Alaska but was unsuccessful. He explained he wanted a bull in the 55-inch range with good palms and points. I assured him we had scouted many which would meet those goals.

Forty-five minutes into the morning hunt I received a response to my cow calls. (A good bet it was the Horseshoe Bull which I knew lived nearby.)

The animal began coming in quickly. But instantly we heard a competing cow call and decided to dash down the winter road to a better calling location. Now, imitating a moose, I started raking and grunting but the Horseshoe Bull would not fire up. It had lost interest in us. What an exciting morning! That afternoon we called in a mid-30-inch bull at a secondary spot since we lacked the proper wind conditions to continue pursuing the Horseshoe Bull.

Tuesday morning, because of the wind direction, we entered our primary spot from a different location than on Monday.

After walking roughly 400

yards we saw 2 cows and 3 smaller bulls. We continued along and saw another small bull. That afternoon it was quiet but not unproductive. All the signs and activity indicated that the big boy was in the vicinity and breeding a cow. For example, when a cow is in heat nearby, small bulls will tend to congregate.

In the days leading up to the last day of the September hunt we had several encounters and passed on 14 bulls, some world-class, but we did not locate the Horseshoe Bull.

Saturday morning arrived and Brandon asked his father, who had earlier in the week harvested a bull, to join us. The wind was perfect, and we began to ease into the neighborhood of the Horseshoe Bull. After walking 75 yards we saw a few cows.

Soon we crested a small hill and froze to the crack of antlers smashing together, like rifle shots!

Slowly we moved toward the sounds, and I could see a moose. While mimicking the motion and sounds of a bull we moved closer.

Suddenly, moose began to scatter in all directions. As I was considering what to do, Brandon put eyes on a bull in a timber cutting to the right. I glassed and could see several bulls and cows. Quietly we maneuvered over to the edge of the harvested area and spotted Horseshoe Bull standing 200 yards away.

Brandon anchored his rifle and steadied the shot. A clean miss! As he racked his bolt the gun jammed.

What seemed like 10-min(Question cont. pg 67)

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 62

Shape

(Cont. from pg 27) throughout the day! Healthy fats including those found in whole milk, avocados and nuts are vitally important to boost your immune system and protect large organs including your heart and lungs. And I can’t leave out vitamins and minerals that are needed to keep everything working properly.

If hunting is a sport, then hunters are athletes.

Like any athlete, a successful season starts with a commitment to preparation before the season begins.

Many of us spend hours fine- tuning our equipment without spending a minute to prepare the body that will be using it. Preparing yourself now can help

give you the endurance to go another mile and the strength to push yourself over one more ridge. It can make your time in the woods more enjoyable, and it may just give you one more opportunity for success. Most important, it can help ensure you return from your hunt safely.

Rich Garini is an athletic trainer for MaineGeneral Sports Medicine with 30 years of healthcare experience. He started hunting and fishing in the mountains of north Georgia as a teenager and quickly gained a passion for the outdoors. Living in Maine for the past 17 years, Rich continues his pursuit of big game and enjoying the vastness of this great state.

Salmon

(Cont. from pg 54) effortlessly sidearm, back cast, overhand, and can skip a hand painted deep diver toward the shore and under a dock like he had been born to do it. And catch fish? This young man pulled up 16 smallies in a matter of 20 minutes!

Lizzie struck gold on a nice pike and had it all the way to the net when Felipe tried to scoop up the toothy critter when it chewed through

the 8lb test line with no leader. All year long this young gal has been piling up Northerns like cordwood. But the most amazing thing of all? Although Lizi didn’t boat any fish, her comment solidified her in my mind as a true fisherperson, when she said “you know, it really doesn’t matter whether I catch fish or not. It’s the experience and sharing time with my dad, friends and family that makes it so much fun.”

October 2022 Wow! This young lady is only 16 years old, and she’s already found the true meaning behind the sport. Perhaps the future of humanity still has a fighting chance.

Bradley Carleton is the founder and Executive Director of www.sacredhunter.org which teaches the public respect and empathy through hunting and fishing.

Ginny’s Gone

To the Editor: Wanted to inform you that your Best Shot fan “Ginny” died June 25th. At the age of 101 she continued to enjoy reading the Northwoods Sporting Journal.

Michael and Robin Corbin, (Ginny’s son in law and daughter)

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October 2022

Northwoods Sporting Journal

The Peacock and Partridge

This month’s fly is an old soft hackled fly that belongs in everyone’s box. Soft hackled flies are and that’s a shame. These flies catch trout and make excellent searching patterns when you don’t know what the fish are hitting.

The ingredient list is short; it’s pretty likely you will already own the materials.

The soft hackle style fly is adaptable to other materials, very handy.

Recipe for the Peacock and Partridge

Thread – Black Hook – Standard wet fly hook, size 6-14 Rib - Gold Mylar very small or gold wire Body – Peacock herl Hackle- Sparse wraps of partridge breast Start with an ordinary wet fly hook and tie in the rib. I usually use very narrow Mylar but you can use gold wire if you prefer.

Then tie in two strands of peacock herl and wind forward. Tie off and trim. Now counter wrap the ribbing to the tie off point behind the eye. Counter wrapping is winding the rib in the opposite direction that you wound the herl. This prevents the rib from sinking

Send your letters to the Editor to: NWSJ P.O. Box 195 W. Enfield ME 04493

in between the herl wraps and disappearing. After you tie off and trim the rib, choose a partridge breast feather. Tie it in and wrap a hack of only two wraps. No

more. You can over tie this fly with too much material and you don’t want that.

Each of the three ingredients of this fly has a job to do. The peacock herl

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Page 63

The Tyer’s Corner

by Hugh Kelly, Detroit, ME

is a well-respected body material that looks like nothing else and makes for a very buggy fly. The gold rib is a classic choice and if you remember to use narrow Mylar or wire, it will be all you need. Finally, the partridge feather hackle.

When you remember to keep this sparse, the hackle fibers move with the twitch of the fly and look like insect legs trying to swim.

Very effective.

This simple fly can be tied by the youngest of tiers and it works well on pan fish. This is a good one.

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 writes a fly tying blog at puckerbrushflies.com

Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 64

Marsh Island Chronicles

by Matthew Dunlap, Old Town, ME It seems like a very long time ago that one of the mid-winter duties of a committed sportsman was to submit an application for a turkey permit, which was drawn in a lottery system.

In fact, Maine’s first modern turkey hunt—a drawing of 500 permits—was held in 1986. Today, the turkey

experience with a friend of mine, who is an ardent sportsman, about their luck this spring. “No, I gave it up,” he allowed when we turned to turkey hunting. “I got Lyme disease a couple of years back, and last year I got bit a couple of times and managed to head it off with some quick antibiot-

Opportunity Ticking

aged by Griffin Dill, and I asked him about what sportsmen should do to protect themselves. “It’s really about being prepared, which sportsmen are already pretty good at,” he said. “You wouldn’t hunt in an unfamiliar area without a topographic map and a compass, for example, so by taking similar precautions, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy the outdoors like you always have.”

Ticks do pose a rela-

Chemical insect repellents are a first line of defense. I use the best I can find, and before I dress for an outing, I apply it around my ankles and calves, my waist and wrists, and on my head, neck, and shoulders.

population has grown so fast that not only did the lottery end nearly twenty years ago, hunters can take up to two bearded turkeys in the spring, and an additional two turkeys (and depending on the zone, as many as five) in the fall.

Something like 18,000 hunters head out into Maine edge covers and along farm fields to take a crack at harvesting a turkey. But a troubling number of turkey hunters aren’t, and on the face of it, it doesn’t seem like a really bad reason.

This summer, I was debriefing the early season

ics. I’m not interested in that anymore.”

Frankly, the possibility of contracting Lyme disease or some of the even more ferocious tick-borne diseases has caused me to change my own outdoor routine over the years, which now begins with a thorough dousing of bug repellant before I put on my gear. How much do I have to worry?

Over the summer, I had the chance to tour the University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s Diagnostic and Research Laboratory in Orono. The Tick Lab there is man-

tively new threat, he told me, but we should keep our perspective when we hear that a bite from a Lone Star tick could leave someone allergic to red meat. “Yes, the Alpha-Gal allergy could be caused by a bite from that tick, but it’s very uncommon in Maine. When preparing for the outdoors, it is still good to keep in mind that careful preparation can and will protect you from some nasty diseases, such as Lyme and anaplasmosis.”

Chemical insect repellents are a first line of defense. I use the best I can find, and before I dress for

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an outing, I apply it around my ankles and calves, my waist and wrists, and on my head, neck, and shoulders.

“It’s also not a bad idea, especially when the weather calls for it anyway, to tuck your pants into your boots and your shirt into your pants,” he said. “After you return, check yourself thoroughly for ticks. As you do this a few times and make it a part of your routine, it becomes second nature, and it really works to keep ticks off you.”

Sportsmen, during hunting season, tend to keep their hunting clothes separated from other gear, and they use it day after day. “For that person, it’s really effective to spray your hunting clothes with anything that has permethrin; repellents keep ticks away, but permethrin will kill them, so spraying your leaf suit with it will keep ticks from hanging around, waiting for you to forget to use your repellent.”

At least we know what ticks can do to us, and how to thwart those diseases. In terms of world history, it wasn’t all that

October 2022

long ago that we didn’t understand where diseases like bubonic plague came from. Long before microscopes, personal hygiene, antibiotics and all the other wonders of modern medicine, bubonic plague killed an estimated 25 million people in Europe during the 14th century. Fleas that picked up the bacteria Yersinia pestis from rats then transferred it to humans who shared the same living spaces, with devastating results.

Today, we can share the outdoors with lots of critters, including ticks, and if we take care, the only devastating results we’ll see are from the patterns produced by our shotgun chokes. My goal now is to get my friend back into the woods to take advantage of the great opportunities out there—without fear.

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 WRKD 95.1 FM in Rockland.

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October 2022

Thinking

(Cont. from pg 57) with very little appetite, I forced myself to have some banana, took a quick and unenthusiastic selfie with my sister, and started down the unfamiliar territory of Hamlin Ridge. As beautiful and peaceful (and buggy) as it was, we had been on the mountain a little over 7 hours at this point before starting down, and hearing the echoes of the ranger telling us our round trip would take about 10 hours, I started to feel the pressure, and was unable to truly enjoy the sights.

“We will all laugh about this later!” My sister said.

“Start thinking about what you want to eat when we get home!!”

What happened next is in every hiker’s “Not to Do” list; we separated. Rochelle, with her young legs, took off ahead, followed about 30 minutes behind by myself, with Cynthia and Tara a little way behind me but within eyesight. We

Northwoods Sporting Journal

were still making our way slowly down the ridge at 4:00pm with tree-line nowhere in sight. My sister and Tara had headlamps, I did not. Nor did Rochelle, hence why we decided to move on ahead as quickly and safely as possible with sunset quickly approaching. I had never needed one before, and I would say that I will never make that mistake again if I ever had any intention of climbing this mountain again, which I do not.

After finally making my way to tree-line I could no longer see Cynthia and Tara behind me and Rochelle was long gone. I put my faith in their capabilities, kept telling myself “Not much longer now to Chimney Pond trail.

Come on legs, you can do this,” and trudged along.

When we first discussed doing these trails we were under the impression that the Hamlin Ridge trail cut halfway into the Chimney Pond trail, which I quickly found it did not. Yet an-

other thing we were wrong about. After what seemed like an eternity, I eventually came to a sign that pointed me left, saying 3 miles to Roaring Brook Campground! “Three miles?!” I said out loud to nobody. “What happened to this trail being cut in half?” It was 5:25pm, and after a few choice words to a very curious red squirrel, I picked up my speed with very shaky legs and prayed to Pamola that I’d make it off the mountain by dark.

At 6:30pm, somewhere between Chimney Pond and Roaring Brook Campground, my cell phone somehow had service. I managed to text my mother who expected me to be home by this point to tell her I was still alive, my boyfriend who stressed that I needed to “hoof it faster” because sunset was quickly approaching, and to call my boss here at the Northwoods Sporting Journal who could only make out through a scratchy reception that I was still

on the mountain and that I probably wouldn’t be in the next day. At the very moment I was convinced I was at the end of this god forsaken trail, I ran into a man coming back up the trail.

After asking me if I was having fun, and receiving a grumble in response, he hesitated before telling me that I still had a mile and a quarter left to go. So, with no longer any feeling left in my feet and cramping legs, I continued onward.

My sister and Tara were so far behind me at this point that I could only pray they were okay, and that I would hear their alert whistle if anything should happen.

A half an hour later I stumbled in to Roaring Brook Campground with very little light to spare, and with Rochelle nowhere in sight. Because of my current negative mental state, I was convinced that she must have made a wrong turn somewhere and was lost back up the mountain. I spent the next ten minutes wandering

Page 65 around aimlessly and yelling her name. Finally, I look up towards my car and she had materialized out of what seemed like thin air.

“There you are!!” She said.

“Where’s my Mom?” After sitting in the car for an hour and watching several pairs of headlamps come off the mountain, Rochelle and I started to get more and more worried. Nearing 8:30pm my sister and Tara finally made their way off the mountain, with ripped up clothes from sliding down rocks and a bloody shin from Cathedral. As aggravated as I was about the whole situation and how we could have miscalculated this so badly, I was never so happy to see my sister and wrapped her in a sweaty hug.

“Anyone have any cravings?” Rochelle asked us on our way back through Millinocket towards home.

“Spaghetti sounds really good right about now,” my sister said. And I agreed.

Northwoods Sporting Journal Offers A FREE DIGITAL COPY to All Active Duty Military Personnel Worldwide!

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

Anticosti

by Mark Cote, Rumford, ME I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Serge Lariviere, the new Director of Sepaq Anticosti. I had been looking forward to hearing his vision for the organization. Whenever there is new blood, there is new enthusiasm. Let me tell you, there is no shortage of that with Serge. His excitement is infectious.

His resume is very impressive; notably his PHD from the University of Saskatoon in wildlife biology, a Masters Degree in Business Administration, and a Certificate in Corporate Management. He jok-

ingly said he was in school forever, with 20 years of research in the field.

When the opportunity to become the Director of Sepaq Anticosti presented itself, he jumped at the chance.

When I asked what attracted him to Anticosti,

Anticosti: New Leadership!

season is completely sold out. In any sales organization occupancy can be a troubling factor. Here, there is a very large waiting list. That is an asset all in itself. To me, it is a sign of a thriving business. Hunting here is in high demand.”

“Second, the deer population promises to be healthy this year.” He

When the opportunity to become the Director of Sepaq Anticosti presented itself, he jumped at the chance. he enthusiastically began his list.

“There are three major assets with Anticosti.”

He counted.

“First of all, the 2022

October 2022

continued. “The winter last year was a normal winter, not severe. Winter kill can make a huge impact on the herd numbers, but this spring, when we sent our

Waltham Eastbrook Youth Association Eleventh Annual Turkey Shoots

The Waltham Eastbrook Youth Association will be holding its first turkey shoot of the season on Sunday October 2 nd Their primary fund raiser has been the turkey shoots which are held every Sunday in October from 10 til noon.

There are events for .22 rifles, 12 & 20 gauge shotguns with ammo provided, and an open category that has seen everything from bows and arrows to hunting caliber rifles.

The local 4H club provides refreshments, and spectators are always welome The shooting range is located off Route 200 in Waltham. Signs direct the way.

For more info call Chris at 584-3000

Serge Lariviere, the new Director of Sepaq Anticosti. people out to the various territories to scout the deer yarding areas, there were very few casualties found.

They were mostly fawns and small does, but very few bucks. We should see a lot of deer this season.”

“Third, the staff is full of seasoned professionals with a clear passion for not just hunting, but the island and all its beauty.” Serge

said with his hand on his heart. “When you have a team of good people, everything clicks. I am so fortunate to have such a great group of like-minded guides, administrative staff, and most of all, our customers.”

“I am coming into a very well-run organization with all the boxes checked.

I have big shoes to fill; past director Robin Plante did a fantastic job on every level.

I am excited to be part of such an exquisite institution.”

Sepaq Anticosti is now the largest outfitter in North America. It hosts more than three thousand hunters annually on it’s twenty-two-hundred square miles of deer-rich territory. The mesmerizing scenery, crystal clear rivers, and abundant wildlife all make it a world class outdoor destination. Now let’s see what Serge does to make it even better.

For more information about a stay on Anticosti, call my friends at the reservation desk at 1-800463-0863. Tell them Mark Sent you!

October 2022

Question

(Cont. from pg 60) utes but was less than 20-seconds, Brandon shot again, this time connecting.

The bull turned and disappeared. After 50 yards it went down.

When we got to the animal, father, son, and guide all stood in silence admiring the 64.5-inch rack that scored 193.5 net.

An OMM Recovery Team soon arrived to celebrate with the hunting party and to pack out the giant bull.

God was 100 percent the guiding source for success for an amazing harvest of a bull that will be admired, appreciated, and respected for many years to come.

Nathan Theriault is the owner of OMM Outfitters and dedicated to helping clients make great memories and meet and exceed their life-time goals.

Northwoods Sporting Journal

OMM is an education, entertainment, and hospitality company providing extraordinary outdoor adventures including great service, world-class outfitter standards, attention to details, high quality, even perfection in every aspect including the food and lodging. All with a smile!

Page 67

REAL ESTATE

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 68

October 2022

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175 Spring Street, Dexter, ME 04930 3444-Embden; Incredible home at the end of a dead end road. Peaceful location on the pond and exceptional views. 2-3BR, 2 baths, computer room, living room with wood stove, cathedral ceilings and library with fireplace. Dock, storage shed, generator, fire-pit and enclosed porch. So much to offer. 5.85 acres. $525,000

8441-North Anson; Beautiful riverfront property. 9.5 acres with a gorgeous, level building site overlooking the Carrabassett River. Build your home back off the road for privacy.

Easy access to the snowmobile trail. $125,000

3431-Madison; Located in beautiful location with western mountain views.

Open 1.03 acre lot has garden area, huge garage and home is expandable. A gem in the rough and definitely worth doing the work to bring this home back to life. $150,000

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

October 2022

207-265-4000 259 Main Street, Kingfield, ME www.csmrealestate.com

Enjoy Maine's Vacation-land!

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Page 69

REAL ESTATE

SELLERS LANE

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LEXINGTON

109 acres in Lexington. Hancock Pond Rd. An amazing custom lodge theme home. A remote area with trails for snowmobiling and outdoor activities. 4+ bed, 6 baths, 2 living rooms, 2 fireplaces. 6 car garage all on a private setting.

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M t C h a s e - Tw o quaint cabins with picturesque trout pond in front.

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Private setting on 5.4 acres at the foot of Mt Chase just off Mountain Rd, great ATV & snowmobile area. $139,000 T4 R7- Looking for re m o te p r i st i n e waterfront? Enjoy seeing a perfect starry night sky? Do you enjoy hunting & fishing? This leased camp on Seboeis River could be just what you are looking for. Call today for your appointment to see. $49,000

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Three bedrooms, the master bedroom has a master bath, & full foundation. Year round home with open concept & 9ft ceilings. Enjoy all this property has to offer. $369,900

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Grand Falls- This cabin was landed on this lot two years ago and ready to finish off and use.

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Lee-4.3 acres lot on hardwood ridge, nice views, snowmobile & ATV trails, fishing & skiing nearby, electricity available, owner financing, sited on Skunk Hill Rd. $18,900 Lincoln- 1.56+/- acres, field, electricity available, 4 lakes in 1 direction, all of Cold Stream Ponds in another, few miles from downtown, corner frontage on Transalpine Rd. & Folsom Pond Rd. $19,900 Lee- Looking for some privacy but still need year round access and electricity? This lot is well wooded, fairly level and ready for you to take a peek at on Old Steamboat Road. It could be the property you have been looking for. $37,500 Lincoln- A nice lot on the high side of Route 6. Surveyed with driveway already in place & electricity available. Plenty of room for a small home or mobile home on the currently cleared driveway. Priced right & ready for you. $12,500

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Northwoods Sporting Journal

Page 70

P.O. Box 628 Main Street Machias, ME 04654

SUNRISE REALTY

Office Tel. & Fax: (207) 255-3039 Email: anitaj@midmaine.com Website: www.sunlist.com Anita Johnson

BERRY TWP: This two-room log cabin is on Balsam Knoll in Berry Twp and is on leased land. The owners put in new windows and doors when they got the property. The cabin has frontage on Round Lake so if you enjoy fishing or just going for a boat ride all you have to do is put your boat in and go for a ride and enjoy. There are bunk beds in the bedroom and a wood stove in the living room. It is a great get away camp and only $70,000.

HARRINGTON: This 4 bedroom 1 1/2 bath home sits on almost 4 acres. If you like to garden, there is plenty of space for it. Home has nice kitchen with dining room, living room, bedroom, bath and a laundry room and then upstairs you have three bedrooms and bath.

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Home is on the Wilson District Road about 1 mile from route 1. Home sits in a very good neighborhood and is only $199,900.

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October 2022

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SELLERS LANE BUYERS ROAD

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