Coyote derby a unique test for winter hunting enthusiasts

Fishing derbies are held across the state each winter. This year, outdoors enthusiasts can look forward to a different type of derby.

The Washington County Fish and Wildlife Conservation Club will hold a coyote derby on Jan. 14 and 15, beginning at two registration points – the Pleasant River Fish and Game Club in Columbia and the Princeton Rod and Gun Club in Princeton.

The derby will run from noon Jan. 14 until one-half hour after sunset on Jan. 15. All lawful means of hunt, including baiting, calling and hunting with dogs, are allowed.

Each team can consist of one to three members, but all teams must pre-register. Pre-registration can be via U.S. Mail or at one of the two registration stations between 10 and 11:45 a.m. on the day of the hunt. The registration fee is $20 per team.

Each successful team must report to the checking stations to register their coyotes no later than 8 p.m. Prizes will be given for the most coyotes taken in each category – calling, stalking, baiting, or with dogs.

Fifty percent of the entry fees will be divided among the winners of each category.

For more information, call 434-2722 or 796-2777.

Wild turkey deadline approaches

The application deadline for hunters interested in hunting wild turkeys is fast approaching.

The state’s application deadline is Jan. 14, and only hunters whose names are drawn will be allowed to hunt.

The 2005 split-session turkey season will run from May 2 through June 4. All juniors hoping to take part in the state’s Youth Turkey Day also should apply, as they must have a permit to take advantage of that opportunity.

For more information, go to www.mefishwildlife.com.

DIF&W has gift ideas

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has a variety of gift ideas for the outdoors enthusiast in your life.

The DIF&W says the gift of a hunting or fishing license – available online – or the gift of a lifetime license for youngsters or seniors, would be ideal.

In addition, the DIF&W sells a book called Maine’s Endangered and Threatened Wildlife for $10. The book is the only comprehensive description of all 49 Maine animals on the state and federal endangered species lists.

Also, the Maine Wildlife Park offers family season passes and individual tickets as gifts, and the DIF&W has a wide selection of shirts, jackets, hats and travel mugs available on line.

For more gift ideas from the DIF&W, go to www.mefishwildlife.com.

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.