With a thick covering of snow on the ground in most places and forecasts for arctic cold air to move into the area, snowmobile clubs across the state are holding events that folks may find interesting.

One popular event is “The Poker Run,” during which sledders travel to predetermined locations to collect a playing card, hoping to parlay the resulting poker hand into a prize.

John Monk, the president of the Penobscot Snowmobile Club in Hermon, checked in this week to say his club, in conjunction with four others, will hold its annual event on Jan. 18.

The participating clubs are in Hermon, Hampden, Carmel, Levant and Glenburn, and riders will pick up a card at each clubhouse, Monk said.

But even if you’re not a snowmobiler, you can get involved, he said.

“It can be done by car as well,” Monk said. “A lot of people don’t have sleds, but if they want to take a jaunt through the countryside, they can do it. And it’s the warmer way to do it.”

The event begins at 8 a.m., and riders must turn in their poker hands by 4 p.m. at the club they started at.

Monk said the round trip is about 70 miles by sled, and around 50 miles by auto. He said faster riders will make the circuit in about 31/2 hours, while a more leisurely trip will take about six hours.

The entry fee is $5, and proceeds will benefit the Pine Tree Camp.

Other area poker runs on tap:

. The Narraguagus Snowmobile Club will hold its poker run on Sunday, Feb. 2. Registration and instruction will be given at the Harry Rolfe camp on Schoodic Lake, off the blueberry barrens in Cherryfield.

Registration hours are from 9:30-11 a.m., and each run costs $10. First prize is $100, second is worth $50 and third is $25. Lunch is available for $4, and includes beef stew, hot dogs, a beverage and dessert. Families of four can eat for $10.

Velma Orcutt, the club treasurer, cautions that riding on marked trails is important, as abuses of the privilege may result in landowners closing their land.

. The Molunkus Valley Sno-Drifters will hold their poker run on Saturday, Feb. 8, with a top cash prize of between $300 and $500.

Each hand is $10.

Riders can sign up at the Sherman Gym between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., and prizes will be awarded after a supper.

Millinocket pickerel feed set

The Millinocket Fin and Feather Club has a treat for sports (or just eager eaters) who want to sample some fresh water fish.

On Thursday, the club will host its annual pickerel feed, with at least three different entrees being offered. The feed is open the public, and is (this is the best part) free.

The feed begins at 6 p.m. at the VFW Hall in Millinocket.

In addition to the pickerel feed, an auction will be held on Thursday, with members donating items to the cause. The auction may offer sports enthusiasts the chance to get their hands on some quality second-hand goods from other avid hunters and fishermen.

Final turkey hunt reminder

If you’re planning to take a chance in the state’s lottery for the privilege of hunting for wild turkeys, your time is running out.

The deadline for applications is Jan. 15. Interested hunters can apply on-line at DIF&W’s Web site.

This year 12,000 lucky hunters will get the chance to hunt for wild turkeys in the state.

Moose permits online

Moose hunters can now apply for their permits online at www.mefishwildlife.com. Printed applications will be mailed the week of Jan. 13 to those who applied last year.

It takes just minutes, and you can print your confirmation number at the end of the application. Make sure you use your DIF&W ID number or your social security number in order to retain your bonus points. All you need is to apply online is a credit card, and a hunting license to purchase multiple chances

This year there will be 2,585 permits, and hunters will be issued an antlerless moose permit or a bull-only permit. This past year there were 85,275 applicants who wanted to hunt moose in Maine – 63,266 of these applicants were residents, and the other 22,009 were non-residents.

More than one million dollars is generated through the moose lottery, allowing hunting and fishing licenses to stay at the same price since 1996.

Plymouth radar run scrapped

Organizers of the Plymouth Snowmobile Club’s Speedfest Radar Run have announced that today’s event has been cancelled due to a lack of manpower.

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.