If Christmas left your holiday spirit somewhat tarnished, perhaps this letter from Ron Kelley of Princeton will brighten it enough to prime you for New Year’s:

“Season’s greetings from Washington County. Just a note to let you know we made it through another hunting season. I didn’t hear too many stories of people getting trampled or hooked by deer, scared to death by grouse, or beheaded by flushed woodcock. Most of us had a real quiet season.

“Deer weren’t very plentiful. In fact, they were scarcer than native salmon in the Dennys River. But I think I know the reason why – MOOSE! They are everywhere, big, nasty and mean! I think the critters have `et up’ our deer. The decline of deer has been blamed on coyotes, winter, clear cutting, poachers, etc. But the only thing on the increase down here is moose, so it has to be them.

“Partridges were more plentiful this fall. Of course, I got me a bird dog and spent some time in the woods instead of getting ready for winter. Say, can’t those `road roosters’ do a job on a young dog. But, naturally, when the dog did just right, guess who goofed up? My excuse was `those moose worried me.’ They made me lose my concentration when shooting. It got so bad my dog wasn’t speaking to me any more than my wife. Did you ever notice how the better half doesn’t enjoy being deserted for two months?

“Woodcock! Salvation at last! I found something that would hold for the dog. And believe it or not, I actually hit one once in a while. They were scarce early, but near the end of the season quite a few came through. I was beginning to think those damned moose weren’t letting the flight birds land or were maybe eating them, too.

“My final observation from the fall of ’94 was the absence of out-of-staters. The moose must of et them or driven them off. Hardly a one was found afield Down East during deer season. Enough news from the `Sunrise County.’ Better get in the wood and get on the banking while the weather still holds. Maybe I can get my chores done before the ice fishing starts. Moose don’t like togue do they?

“Have a happy holiday season and in ’95 may you have just half the energy and enthusiasm of a Brittany pup.”

And a Happy New Year to you, Ron. A breed apart, those Down Easters, but all Maine from stem to stern.

Mention of ice fishing reminds me game wardens report that people already are driving pickup trucks onto the ice. Unbelievable. Granted, the ice that formed a couple of weeks ago made clear and hard, but there were only a few inches of it. Then came last weekend’s rains and soft weather.

Consequently, ice, at the moment, is not 100 percent safe for people on foot, let alone vehicles. Accordingly, the Maine Warden Service urges ice fishermen and other outdoors addicts to leave their vehicles on terra firma and exercise extreme caution when walking the icy pavements of lakes and ponds.

Although the season for fishing on frozen water is at hand, fishing on open water isn’t out of mind. It’s my profound pleasure to inform you that the Eddington Salmon Club’s annual fly-tying classes will begin Jan. 4 in the clubhouse at Eddington Bend. Tying time is 7-9 p.m. The classes will continue on Wednesday evenings for 13 consecutive weeks and won’t cost a nickel.

Instructors include some of the finest fly tiers in the area. In the spirit of good sportsmanship, they will offer their expertise to beginners as well as experienced tiers who realize there’s always a trick or two to be learned from one’s peers.

For those focused on producing classic, feather-wing Atlantic salmon flies, Dorothy Douglass will conduct classes on tying traditional patterns that are considered the epitome of the fly tier’s art. And you may know that when it comes to matching and marrying feathers, Dorothy is among North America’s best.

Coffee and doughnuts will be provided courtesy of the club. For further information contact Dave Worcester, 989-5429, or Jim Belling, 884-8890.

Come Jan. 2, the Sunkhaze Stream Chapter of Trout Unlimited will cast the first of its 10 weeks of free fly-tying classes for novice and advanced tiers. Instructions in winding, wrapping, twisting, trimming and whip-finishing will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Penobscot County Conservation Association’s main lodge off North Main Street in Brewer. TU will provide a limited amount of equipment and materials, so, if possible, bring your own.

Believe me, there are no false casters among the instructors conducting these classes, so you can rest assured that in 10 weeks time you’ll be turning out fish-taker flies created from furs, feathers and tinsels.

Coffee and doughnuts will be available to calm you in case you snip the tying thread while trimming a hackle. No registration is required. If you have a question or two, contact Paul Thibault, 941-9501, or Andy Anderson, 285-7833.