Portions of the Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge will be open to trapping during the 2003 season, refuge manager Bob Peyton announced.

This year’s regular trapping season runs from Nov. 2 through Dec. 31. The early fox and coyote season will run Oct. 19-Nov. 1.

Trapping has been used as a management tool since 1986 in certain areas of the refuge to reduce predation on locally produced waterfowl and other wildlife, and to reduce damage in areas where muskrats are impacting dikes and water control structures.

The refuge will accept applications for trapping from all qualified, interested, and eligible people.

Interested trappers may contact the Moosehorn Refuge office at 454-7161 for more information.

Permits for each of the three trapping units will be awarded on a bid basis. Individuals may bid on all three units, but will only be awarded one. A public opening of bids will be held at 4 p.m. on Oct. 9 at the refuge office in Baring.

Trapping will be restricted to the area within 50 feet of dikes, water control structures, and wetland, marsh, and stream edges. Land sets must be at lest 35 feet from edges of interior roadways and public use trails.

All trapping will be conducted in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations. Successful applicants must begin trapping within three days of the beginning of the season or their permits will be revoked and bids forfeited.

The visiting public should be aware that trapping will be occurring on both divisions of the refuge during October, November, and December. Refuge regulations require that pets be kept on a leash at all times when on refuge lands.

BASS sets paralyzed vet tourney

The Maine BASS Federation is sponsoring the first Paralyzed Veterans of America Bass Fishing Tournament in Maine on Oct. 4.

The event will be held at Pine Tree Camp on North Pond in Rome.

The tourney will begin at 8 a.m. and the weigh-in will start at 2 p.m.

The Paralyzed Veterans of America have been sponsoring bass-fishing tournaments for veterans in wheelchairs for a number of years. This year’s Maine event is a trial run. Beginning in 2004, the Maine tourney will be included in the national standings, with competitors having an opportunity to compete at regional and national tournament championships.

The Maine BASS Federation views the tourney as a special opportunity to give back to those who have served our country. Maine BASS members will assist with all phases of the event, including acting as boat captains and guides for the competitors.

The Pine Tree Society has donated the use of their facilities for the event. The 250-acre camp is fully adapted to meet the special needs of the veterans. Founded in 1945, the camp offers a traditional summer camp experience for children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities.

Penobscot Longrifles plan event

The Penobscot Longrifles will kick off their slate of black powder shoots in Stetson on Sunday. The shoots will continue on the last Sunday of each month.

The event will begin at 10 a.m., with a $20 entry fee. Members pay only $15. To find the Penobscot Longrifles shoot, take Exit 42 off Interstate 95 and head north on Route 143. After crossing Route 2/100 in Etna, proceed about 11/2 miles and turn left on the New Sweden Road. Follow signs to the shoot.

For more information, call Evelyn Chase at 672-9210 or Arthur Richardson at 342-4649.

Ellsworth canoe race on tap

The ninth annual Mussel Man/Woman Canoe Race will be held on Sunday, beginning at the Ellsworth town dock.

Registration is 10-11:30 a.m., and the races begin at noon. The race will benefit the Knowlton School Library for children in kindergarten through second grade. The entry fee is the cost of a book.

The race will be held on a tidal river course. Recreational boaters will paddle a five-mile course, while racing hulls will travel 10 miles.

The first 70 paddlers will receive a T-shirt.

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