In an outdoors career that spanned more than 40 years, Gil Gilpatrick learned plenty of valuable lessons in the Maine woods.

Over the years, Gilpatrick hasn’t been averse to sharing those lessons with others, as he has written several books on the topic.

The Skowhegan guide’s latest writing venture will be of interest to anyone who has been asked – formally or informally – to act as a group leader in the wilderness.

The book, “The Outdoor Leader’s Handbook,” has returned from the printer, and promises to eliminate much of the guess-work involved in planning and leading a trip afield.

The book’s subtitle explains Gilpatrick’s goal: “How to plan, supply and guide an outdoor expedition for two to 12 people.”

The reader learns about planning, packing and expected conduct of a trip leader, and Gilpatrick spends plenty of time focusing on safety issues.

Among the topics covered: putting together shopping lists and menus, camping, canoeing, land navigation, and dealing with inclement weather or medical concerns.

Gilpatrick’s new book is available in selected stores, or directly from him. To receive an autographed copy send $11.95 plus $2.50 shipping and handling to Gil Gilpatrick, P.O. Box 461, Skowhegan, 04976. The books are also available at www.gilgilpatrick.com.

Maine DIF&W earns award

An international group of fish and wildlife agencies honored the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife on Saturday for the impact it has made in increasing public awareness of the department and its fish and wildlife management practices.

The International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies presented the Ernest Thompson Seton Award to the Maine DIF&W at a function in Big Sky, Mont. The awardd is presented to an agency that has best promoted a public awareness of the need to support the science and practice of fish and wildlife management.

In addition, Don Kleiner, the director of information and education for the DIF&W won a companion award as the individual deemed to have been most responsible for the award-winning program.

“Through our staff’s efforts, we are now considered the model in North America,” Kleiner said. “It is quite an honor to be recognized for what we have accomplished in the time we have been together as a team.”

The information and education division of the DIF&W includes the agency’s information center, the Maine Wildlife Park, recreational safety education, youth activities, natural science education, public relations and marketing.

Safety courses set

While most Mainers are aware that they’re required to take a hunter safety course before becoming licensed, they may not know that other safety courses can benefit those who spend time outdoors.

Among those that parents may want to consider are the ATV courses, which are required for those under the age of 16, but are optional for those older than that.

With ATV’s becoming an increasingly popular wilderness transportation option, a six-hour course would be valuable for most riders.

Among the combination ATV/snowmobile courses being offered in the area:

Bangor, at Wal-Mart from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Oct. 26.

Old Town, at the VFW Hall on Water Street from 9-3 on Nov. 18.

Hermon, at the high school from 6-9 p.m. on Nov. 18-19.

Greenville, at the high school from 6-9 p.m. on Dec. 2-3.

Unity, at Koons Hall from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Oct. 5.

Contact information for these and other courses is available at the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s Web site.

There are also ATV Safety Institute riders courses planned. These courses may be taken as a substitute for the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife courses. Call Robert Higgins at 800-887-2887 for more information.

To submit an item for publication in the Outdoor Notebook, send e-mail to jholyoke@bangordailynews.net, fax to 990-8092 or mail information to Outdoor Notebook, Bangor Daily News, PO Box 1329, Bangor, Maine, 04402-1329.