Many anglers recognize autumn as a perfect time to head onto the water to enjoy a few final fishing trips before the weather stops cooperating.

If that’s your idea of fun, you may want to consider heading to the Millinocket area next weekend for the Katahdin Fishing Derby.

The derby will be held that Saturday on Dolby Flowage from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m.

The entry fee is $50 for a two-person team, and there is a 50-boat limit. All prospective contestants must complete the official entry form and mail it or take it to registration officials at the boat launch near Goding’s by 7 a.m. on derby day.

The derby is sponsored by Katahdin Time Dollar Exchange.

DU banquet scheduled

Time is running out for those who want to attend the 33rd annual fund-raising banquet of the Downeast Chapter of Ducks Unlimited.

The banquet is set for Thursday at the Bangor Banquet and Conference Center on Hogan Road.

The doors open at 5:30 p.m., and all banquet tickets must be paid for in advance. Tickets cost $45 for a single, $65 for a couple, and $30 for a “greenwing” under age 18.

For more information on tickets, contact Steve Sargent at 989-6789, David Poll at 947-4616, or Tom Duff at 989-6082.

Hunter safety classes on tap

Firearms season on deer is approaching quickly, and first-time hunters may want to consider enrolling in the mandatory hunter safety course.

A few of the local offerings:

. At Trenton, Sept. 19 and 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., American Legion Post 207, call Kenn or Jenn Grant at 667-4381.

. At Trenton and Ellsworth, Oct. 2, 4, and 9 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m., American Legion Post 207 and the Elks Lodge, call Kenn or Jenn Grant at 667-4381.

. At Lincoln, Sept. 20-23 from 6-9 p.m., Mattanawcook Academy, call SAD 67 Adult Education at 794-6712 or Woody Thompson at 876-3497.

. Hermon, Sept. 20-23 from 6-9 p.m., Hermon High School, call the Hermon Superintendent of Schools office at 848-3283 or Woody Thompson at 876-3497.

. At Old Town, Sept. 27-30 from 6-9 p.m., Old Town High School, call Paula Beaudoin at 827-3906 or Woody Thompson at 876-3497.

. At Bangor, Oct. 4-7 from 6-9 p.m., United Technologies Center, call Connie Coffin at 942-5296 or Woody Thompson at 876-3497.

. At Corinth, Oct. 9-10 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Central High School, call SAD 64 Adult Education at 285-3334 or Woody Thompson at 976-3497.

. At Newport, Oct. 11-14 from 6-9 p.m., Nokomis High School, call Newport Adult Education at 368-3290 or Woody Thompson at 876-3497.

. At Old Town, Oct. 16-17 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., VFW Post 3381, call the VFW at 827-5331 or Woody Thompson at 876-3497.