Now that we’ve got Thanksgiving in the rearview mirror and we’re officially into Christmas season, it seems appropriate to pass along some information from your friends at the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

The DIF&W has several gift ideas that anglers, hunters, or wildlife watchers might like, and all proceeds from the sales are used in the management of Maine’s fish and wildlife resources.

First, the obvious: Every hunter and angler needs new licenses at the beginning of each calendar year, and all 2003 licenses are on sale. All licenses will cost the same as they have since 1996, and they’re readily available.

Hunting and fishing licenses are available online at www.mefishwildlife.com, at DIF&W headquarters in Augusta, or through any of 1,000 agents statewide.

For certain sports, there are even more options available. Young hunters and senior sportsmen are eligible for lifetime licenses.

These licenses are available in different combinations for different ages, and are for Maine residents only. The special licenses are good even if, as the state points out, “you make the mistake of moving out of Maine.”

Applications for lifetime licenses are available at town offices and at DIF&W headquarters.

The department also has a line of quality DIF&W logo merchandise, including fleece vests, T-shirts, hats, jackets, and travel mugs.

For wildlife watchers, the DIF&W encourages a gift that shows you care. You can sign someone up as a W.E. C.A.R.E supporter.

The Wildlife Enthusiast’s Conservation Appreciation Recreation and Enjoyment program is designed to give everyone the opportunity to help protect Maine’s wildlife.

All funds received through the program go directly to the protection of Maine’s non-game, endangered, and threatened species.

A person can become a member of the W.E. C.A.R.E. program for only $19. In appreciation of their support, the DIF&W will send them a 2003 calendar that features Maine’s wildlife, as well as a decal that shows they are a steward for Maine’s wildlife.

The Maine Wildlife Park offers family season passes and individual tickets as gifts. The 200-acre park has 25 different species of wildlife on exhibit, including moose, black bear, fisher, lynx, mountain lions, deer, wild turkeys, bald eagles, owls, and trout.

The season pass is $30 for individuals and $45 for families.

Finally, subscriptions to Maine’s Fish and Wildlife Magazine are available for $14.95 for a year, and books such as “Critters of Maine” and “Fishes of Maine” are also available.

Also, the state produces a number of informative and attractive posters that are available at DIF&W headquarters between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., and at the online store.

Charity bow shoot set

Area archers will gather on Sunday at The Archer’s Edge in Old Town for a charity bow shoot.

The event will benefit Christmas for Kids and the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and some of the area’s top shooters are expected to participate.

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, ME 04402-1329.