Flags to fly at Maine ice fishing derbies

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Most of the state’s lakes are as iced-in as they’re going to get, the weather seems to be getting a bit warmer, and ice-fishing derbies are on tap across Maine.

Here’s a partial list of derbies on tap in the near future, along with the sponsoring organization and the lakes covered. Sponsoring organizations may or may not be the same as the official name of each derby:

. Lake George Corporation derby, Feb. 7 on Lake George in Canaan, call 474-1292 for information.

. First Congregational Church derby, Feb. 7 on Sabbathday Lake in New Gloucester, call 784-4009.

. Sons of American Legion derby, Feb. 7 on all legal waters of Hancock County, call 342-3098.

. Hill & Gully Riders Snowmobile Club derby, Feb. 7 on Washington Pond in Washington, call 845-2719.

. Damariscotta Police Department Benevolent Association derby, Feb. 7-8 on lakes statewide, call 563-5442.

. Pushaw Snowmobile Club derby, Feb. 7-8 on Big Pushaw Lake in Orono, Old Town, Glenburn and Hudson, call 327-2226.

. Orrington Rod & Gun Club derby, Feb. 7-8 on Brewer Lake and Fields Pond in Orrington, Brewer and Holden, call 825-4125.

. Hartland Volunteer Fire Department derby, Feb. 7-8 on Moose Pond in Hartland and St. Albans, Big and Little Indian ponds in St. Albans, and Morrell Pond in Hartland, call 938-4696.

. West Gardiner Rod & Gun Club derby, Feb. 7-8 on lakes statewide, call 724-3302.

. Vassalboro Fire Department derby, Feb. 8 on lakes statewide, call 872-2826.

. Knox County Fish & Game Association derby, Feb. 8, waters within a 25-mile radius of Beaver Lodge on Alford Lake in Hope, call 785-4145.

. Hancock Memorial Post 207 derby, Feb. 8 on all legal waters of Hancock County, call 565-2210.

. Lincoln Firefighters IAAF Local 3038 derby, Feb. 13-15 on Mattanawcook Lake in Lincoln, call 794-2610.

. K-9’s for Kids Anah Shrine derby, Feb. 14 at Pleasant Lake in Stetson, call 564-8520.

. Eastern Maine Snowriders derby, Feb. 14 at Molunkus Lake, call 765-2360.

. Milo Fire Department derby, Feb. 14-15 on Schoodic Lake, Seboeis Lake and Ebeemee Lake, call 943-7326.

. Aurora Volunteer Fire Department derby, Feb. 14-15 on Great Pond, call 584-2037.

. MDI Rod & Gun Club derby, Feb. 15 on all lakes of Hancock County, call 288-5457, 288-2767 or 288-9572.

. Calais Rod & Gun Club derby, Feb. 15 on Round Pond in Charlotte, call 454-1041.

. Bucks Mills Rod & Gun Club derby, Feb. 15 on Silver Lake in Bucksport, call 469-8905.

. Belgrade Lions Club derby, Feb. 15 on lakes statewide, call 495-2503.

. Farmington/Wilton Chamber of Commerce derby, Feb. 15 on Wilson Pond in Wilton, call 778-5282.

Hunter safety courses set

Prospective hunters who haven’t taken the required Hunter Safety Course, many are being offered in the months ahead.

Bow-hunting safety courses on tap in the coming months:

. At Hermon, April 14, 15 and 17, call Woody Thompson at 876-3497.

. At Greenville, April 14, 15 and 17, call Woody Thompson at 876-3497 or Debbie Ward at 695-2125.

Firearms-based hunter safety courses are also planned:

. At Old Town, March 8-11, call Woody Thompson at 876-3497.

. At Glenburn, March 29 through April 1, call Woody Thompson at 876-3497.

. At Greenville, Feb. 14-15, call Debbie Ward at 695-2125 or Woody Thompson at 876-3497.

. At Guilford, March 22-25, call Woody Thompson at 876-3497.

. At Skowhegan, March 16, 18 and 20, call Don Perrine at 474-6829.

Sebago derby to draw thousands

A year ago the Windham Rotary’s Derby Fest drew more than 5,000 anglers to Sebago Lake, and organizers expect additions to this year’s event to draw even more ice-fishing enthusiasts.

This year’s derby, which will be held Feb. 21-22, will feature an air show, a polar ice dip, and the ice fisherman of the year competition.

In addition, snow sculptures will be on exhibit, a free skate area will be available, and live reggae and rock bands will play.

If you’re a bit more competitive, you may want to know that $25,000 in cash and prizes will also be up for grabs.

The air show, which will feature civilian aerobatic acts, parachute jumps, experimental aircraft and may include military fly-overs, will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday.

The Maine Children’s Cancer Program Polar Ice Dip is set for 1 p.m. on Sunday, while the Ice Fisherman of the Year competition begins at 3 p.m. on Saturday.

All special events will take place at Raymond Beach on Route 302.

Tickets for the derby cost $30 for an individual and $50 for a family. Air show tickets are $5 for adults, with free admission for children and derby entrants. A jet ride raffle costs $5 for one ticket and $20 for five.

For more information or to register call 1-888-ICE-FLAG or visit www.icefishingderby.com.

Film festival on tap

Maine Sport Outfitters will be hosting the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour on Feb. 13.

From ice-climbing in the Canadian Rockies to paragliding in the Himalayas, the festival captures the sport of mountain adventure.

The film festival will be held from 7-9 p.m. at the Camden Hills High School auditorium.

Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door. Children age 12 and under get in for $6. Tickets are available at Maine Sport in Rockport. Call 236-7120 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.