It’s been a dry summer for all but the largemouth bass

Out and About: The only thing I know of that flies faster than a vacation is a flock of teal winging downwind. Speaking of teal, while poking around in a canoe during last week’s hiatus, I flushed a flock of bluewings from a bog. The sight of the ducks bursting from a sprawl of bullrush and the feel of the clear, cool air were unmistakable signs that the arrival of autumn was at hand.

The low water conditions, however, reminded me that, hereabouts, we needed rain in the worst way. All the bones of the bog I frogged around in were showing, which meant I did as much pushing, dragging, and pulling as I did paddling – which later reminded me I ain’t what I used to be.

Pray for rain. Aside from the woods being powder dry, the ground is as hard as pavement and that, you may know, affects the whereabouts of woodcock. Right now the long-billed birds would be hard pressed to drill for earthworms in the dehydrated alder bottoms. I’m willing to bet my best double barrel, though, that, come October, woodcock hunters will bear the clammy weight of rain-drenched clothing as they slog behind sodden dogs in soggy covers.

Congratulations are in order for Paul Reynolds of Hampden, who recently was named Director of Public Information and Education for the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. The former NEWS managing editor replaces Tom Shoener who recently retired from the position after 30-odd years of service.

An avid hunter and fisherman, Paul is profoundly concerned about Maine’s fisheries and wildlife resources and the many issues facing sportsmen in these changing times. That, plus his varied news media experience and public relations skills will serve the DIFW and Maine sportsmen well. Good luck, Sport.

Perhaps you recall mention here of Dan Mitchell’s comments regarding the stocking of largemouth bass in Gouldsboro’s Lily Pond. In response, DIFW fisheries technician Gregg Burr of Machias wrote: “To address Mr. Mitchell’s comments in one of your recent columns, we did not stock largemouth bass into Lily Pond in Gouldsboro. It was stocked illegally and is irreversible. Consequently, we are not managing this population because it is beyond our control.”

Burr’s letter called attention, however, to an introduction of largemouth bass into Great Pond in Franklin on August 2. The stocking involved biologists from the Region C fisheries office in Machias and 12 members of the Bar Harbor YMCA Outdoor Youth Camp. Under the guidance of camp instructor Eric Hansen, the youngsters ranging from 9-12 years old assisted the biologists in angling the bass from a pond in Hancock County.

Before approving the introduction, the biologists provided the DIFW’s pathology laboratory with samples of the bass from the donor pond. After examination certified the fish were free of parasites and diseases, 55 bass ranging from 4-12 inches in length and 1 1/2-4 1/2 years old were transferred to Great Pond. Permission for the project was granted after review by the DIFW’s Fisheries Division, including biologists statewide.

By involving the Bar Harbor Youth Camp in the project, the Region C biologists provided an opportunity for youngsters to participate in an outdoors experience that was educational as well as enjoyable. Included were fish-handling techniques, canoe handling, and the possible negative impacts of transferring fish from one body of water to another without the involvement of DIFW professionals.

The biologists believe the introduction of largemouth bass into Great Pond not only will augment the existing fisheries of white perch and pickerel but will enhance the social and economic environment of the surrounding communities.

If you plan to hunt deer on Monhegan Island this fall, you’ll do well to set your sights on another gunning ground. The reason is that the DIFW is proposing to close the island to all deer hunting in 1994. A release from the department explains: “An experiment to be conducted on Monhegan Island by the Maine Medical Center Lyme Disease Laboratory during the fall and winter of 1994-95 requires that the deer population be treated with a medication, through supplemental feeding, which temporarily renders the meat unsafe for human consumption.” The proposed closure of the island to deer hunting includes the special archery and muzzleloader seasons.

No question, this summer’s weather was a godsend. Remember it well, though; come Thursday the calendar turns to the months ending with “ber-rrrrr.”