Christmas may have passed, but if you’re still looking for a good last-minute (make that a later-than-last-minute gift) for an outdoors enthusiast, the state’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has an option for you. The DIFW is offering a definitive book on Maine’s wildlife… Read More
While many people are focusing on seasonal commitments at the moment, it’s not too soon to begin thinking about possible weekend junkets in the year to come. Sportsmen and women have plenty of options available, as outdoor shows provide weekend diversions to fit many tastes. Read More
Avid archers looking to do a bit of shooting for a good cause may want to check out an event scheduled for Sunday. The fourth annual Christmas is for Kids Charity Archery Shoot is on tap at two locations – The Archer’s Arrows in Hermon… Read More
Slots are filling up rapidly for the Penobscot Fly Fishers’ popular beginning fly-tying class. The class, co-sponsored by the Bangor Parks and Recreation Department, begins Jan. 8 and runs eight consecutive Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Classes will be held at the community center… Read More
Muzzleloading enthusiasts may want to head to Stetson on Sunday for the Penobscot Longrifles’ monthly black-powder shoot. The games begin at 10 a.m. and a hot lunch is provided. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner… Read More
A few weeks ago organizers announced an ambitious environmental plan for the Penobscot River. The Penobscot River Restoration project will eliminate dams, improve fish habitat, and allow spawning opportunities in sections of the watershed that have been impassable. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
Sportsmen and women from across the state will head to the Elks Lodge in Augusta on Dec. 5 for the 9th annual Sportsman’s Congress. The Sportsman’s Congress, which is sponsored and organized by the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine, is open to the public and is… Read More
A bit more warm weather this week probably kept people from planning for winter, but Maine’s foremost outdoor outfitter has an event planned today that might put you in the right mood. The L.L. Bean Winter Sports Expo will take place from 9 a.m. to… Read More
While the state’s youngsters will get a one-day head start on the deer-hunting season today, most hunters will wait until next Saturday to head into the woods. But before they do so, many will look to pack away some hearty chow. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
Junior hunters across the state will head into the woods on Oct. 25 for the state’s second Youth Deer Day. Hunters who are between 10 and 16 years old and possess a junior hunting license (either resident or non-resident) can hunt deer on this day… Read More
The mornings are getting chillier, and even though we may not see snow for a bit longer, it’s not too soon to start planning. The seventh annual Maine Snowmobile Show at the Augusta Civic Center this weekend gives sledders the chance to do just that. Read More
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. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
This week is a big one for avid hunters, as the opening of moose season coincides with another big lottery. Moose hunters head into the woods in Monday for the first of two six-day sessions. This first moose season is open only in Wildlife Management… Read More
Adults looking to introduce children to waterfowl hunting will want to take note of the Youth Waterfowl Hunt, which is set for Sept. 20. This one-day, kids-only hunt is a great opportunity to introduce young people to the sport. The weather is warm, the ducks… Read More
While school is back in session and the lazy days of summer are quickly vanishing, there’s plenty of good weather left before snow flies – and plenty of outdoor options available. One interesting event is taking place this weekend, and it may prove of interest… Read More
Plane enthusiasts from all over the country will head to Greenville next week for the 30th annual International Seaplane Fly-In on Moosehead Lake. The fly-in takes place from Sept. 4-7. On Thursday, pilots begin arriving. On Friday, the main event is a public supper at… Read More
Shooters, hunters and collectors may want to make plans to head for Bangor on Sept. 6-7 for the 26th annual Bangor Gun Show. A wide array of firearms, from antiques to the latest in rifles, pistols and shotguns will be featured at the show, which… Read More
VASSALBORO – The state added seven game wardens to its ranks at a graduation ceremony at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy Friday. The game wardens will fill seven vacant districts across the state. The newest Maine game wardens, and the district they are assigned to… Read More
Anglers around the state spend plenty of time pondering a single age-old question when it comes to their own favorite lake or pond: I wonder how big the biggest fish in here really is? Of course, there’s no way to really tell, and even if… Read More
A number of proposed regulatory changes that would affect Down East fisheries will be discussed at an upcoming Ellsworth hearing. The public hearing begins at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 12. It will be held at the Ellsworth City Hall auditorium. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
On May 8, a group of outdoors enthusiasts met in Augusta to form a state chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America. The group, which supports a diverse range of outdoor interests within its membership, believes in finding common ground within the extensive variety… Read More
Maine turkey hunters enjoyed a banner season this spring, as a record number of turkeys were bagged. Maine’s wild turkey season ran from April 28 through May 31, and during that span 3,994 turkeys were registered at tagging stations. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
Some anglers and hunters choose to give up on their golf games and focus on their other passions. For those outdoors enthusiasts who still enjoy swinging the sticks on occasion, there’s an upcoming tournament that may be of interest. Maine’s Youth Fish and Game Association… Read More
Children from all over central Maine flocked to a pair of private ponds last weekend for the Dexter Fish & Game Association’s Kids Fishing Derby. In all, 178 children tried their luck on angling for 200 stocked trout in ponds owned by Mike Roderka and… Read More
The Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge will celebrate the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Centennial with a youth fishing outing on June 14. The event will take place at the Maine Youth Fish and Game Association’s clubhouse on Pickerel Pond outside of Milford. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
Two hundred paddlers will take to the Kennebec River on June 7 in support of Pine Tree Camp, a camp for Maine children and adults with disabilities. The Paddle for Pine Tree Camp will span sections of the Kennebec River from Solon to Augusta. All… Read More
A pair of local organizations are planning a busy and informative day for young fishing enthusiasts – or for those who may want to find out more about the sport. The Sunkhaze Stream Chapter of Trout Unlimited and Maine’s Youth Fish and Game Association will… Read More
Mainers spend plenty of time fishing for all kinds of finned species each year, but an event being held today may provide an opportunity many haven’t thought of. The Kennebec Valley Alewife Festival will run from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Fort Halifax Dam in… Read More
To many, spring means grass getting green, ice leaving lakes and ponds, and outdoor recreational opportunities becoming more varied. The Maine Department of Transportation warns motorists that as temperatures warn, they ought to pay more attention to their own safety. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
Each year, thousands of people head to Maine to enjoy top-notch snowmobiling. Often ignored by occasional visitors is the cooperation of many people that makes that winter recreation possible. The Maine Snowmobile Association makes a point to recognize some of those helpful folks every year… Read More
For paddlers who’ve always wanted to stand up in a canoe – and not get a lot of verbal abuse while doing so – an upcoming event may be perfect. On May 4, a canoe-poling workshop will be held in conjunction with the Maine Canoe… Read More
Each year the state’s fisheries biologists toil in relative obscurity, making decisions that will affect fishing opportunities for years to come. On one day each year, one biologist is recognized for his efforts by the Sunkhaze Stream Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Last week, Frank O. Read More
With the weather generally warming – gradually – it’s not too soon to start thinking about some warmer pursuits. With that in mind, folks may want to think about heading to Greenville in June for the Fly Fishing Spring Conclave. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
37th Kenduskeag race set April 19 Jeannine Staples winner of Maine Migratory Waterfowl Stamp Contest
The race itself is still a couple of weeks away, but it’s not too early to start planning for the 37th annual Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race. If the race provides your yearly allotment of paddling you want to get out on the water (if you… Read More
‘Tis the season for trade shows, and the sporting community can set its sights on Presque Isle next week. The Presque Isle Fish and Game Club Sportsman’s Show is set for April 5-6, with doors opening at 9 a.m. each day. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
Perhaps your old, reliable fishing boat has seen better days. Maybe you’re just looking to upgrade to a new, larger fishing or recreating platform. Or maybe you just want to dream a bit. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
As winter draws to a close and outdoors enthusiasts begin (or continue) planning for spring and summer pursuits, trade shows offer a good opportunity to browse, dream and learn a few things. As reported in past issues, the Eastern Maine Sportsman’s Show is scheduled for… Read More
The Penobscot County Friends of NRA is planning its fourth annual banquet and auction for May 10. The event will take place at 6 p.m. at the Bangor Convention Center on Hogan Road. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
Coyote snaring is getting a lot of publicity lately, and concerned parties on both sides of the issue will head to Augusta on Tuesday for a public hearing. Discussion at the hearing will revolve around LD 237, a bill which would prohibit coyote snaring and… Read More
For six weeks, ice anglers at Moosehead Lake have set up their shacks and spent plenty of time dredging Maine’s largest lake in search of togue. Beginning today, their focus may well change: Salmon fishing becomes legal, and many people will begin to set their… Read More
For the past several years, all-terrain vehicles have proven to be one of the most popular “new” forms of transportation around. In the last five years, the number of ATV registrations in Maine has jumped more than 90 percent, to 55,000 in 2001. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
If the warm weather (OK, these things are all relative … but remember how sore your ears were getting during the cold snap?) has you thinking spring, there’s an event going on that you might want to check out. It’s the Down East Camping and… Read More
Climbers from across the country will head to New Hampshire in February for the 10th annual Mt. Washington Valley Ice Climbing Festival. The festival runs Feb. 20-23 and will offer opportunities for climbers of all ability levels. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
With a thick covering of snow on the ground in most places and forecasts for arctic cold air to move into the area, snowmobile clubs across the state are holding events that folks may find interesting. One popular event is “The Poker Run,” during which… Read More
The Maine Campground Owners Association has announced the availability of a $500 scholarship for a Maine resident studying for a career in outdoor recreation. This year marks the ninth year of the MECOA scholarship. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var… Read More
Elsewhere in this section, you’ll find the account of two Maine men who lived a winter nightmare and survived. Each year in this state, there are plenty of similar stories of sportsmen and women plunging through the ice and into a lake or pond. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
Winter’s here. Your fishing gear is either safely stowed or haphazardly tossed in a corner somewhere. And you’ve still got the fishing bug. Well, help’s on the way. If you’ve ever played the “this is the winter I’m going to learn …” game, the Penobscot… Read More
While there are plenty of outdoors pursuits to occupy our winter time, enthusiasts can also fulfill state requirements by taking a variety of safety courses during the cold months. Among the courses being offered are safety sessions for hunters, snowmobilers, trappers, ATV riders, and bowhunters. Read More
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… Read More
If you spend much time outdoors in Maine, you’re undoubtedly familiar with the name “DeLorme.” The Yarmouth-based map company has been in business for 25 years, and is responsible for the popular “Atlas and Gazetteer” series. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
Each year for the past seven, sportsmen and political leaders have shared center stage at an event that serves to illuminate plenty of issues affecting Maine’s outdoor community. That event – the Sportsman’s Congress – returns for its eighth edition on Dec. 6, with a… Read More
Though it hasn’t been detected in Maine, Chronic Wasting Disease is a hot topic among the state’s deer hunters, and has made some sportsmen leery. While state officials say no evidence of CWD has been found in Maine’s deer herd, the Department of Inland Fisheries… Read More
Much of the time, hunters and fishermen only find out about regulations that affect them when they head to the town office, buy a license, and scan the new law book when they get home. Sometimes, the reaction to the new laws they find is… Read More
For years – 52 of them, to be exact – plenty of Penobscot Valley hunters have greeted the start of deer season the same way. They roll out of bed in the middle of the night, load up their rifle and a bunch of warm… Read More
People interested in getting involved in the sport of orienteering will get that chance today, as Orienteering Maine holds its second Halloween meet at Byard’s Point in Sedgwick. The general public is invited to the event, and can arrive at Byard’s Point any time between… Read More
For many, firing up the chainsaw is a simple way to trim fallen trees or put up a cord or two of firewood in preparation for the harsh winter months. For 16 college students heading to Orono this weekend, it’s more than that: It’s competition. Read More
For the past seven years, interested sportsmen have spent a few valuable hours talking about issues of outdoors interest with some of the state’s outdoor leaders. That time is approaching again, as the eighth annual Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine Sportsman’s Congress is scheduled for Dec. Read More
Sportsmen spend plenty of time sitting around in deer camp sharing their opinions on various issues. Every so often, they get the chance to share those opinions – and ask questions – of the people directly involved in the decision-making process. One such opportunity will… Read More
In an outdoors career that spanned more than 40 years, Gil Gilpatrick learned plenty of valuable lessons in the Maine woods. Over the years, Gilpatrick hasn’t been averse to sharing those lessons with others, as he has written several books on the topic. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
OLD TOWN – On Monday morning, lucky hunters will head into the woods in search of Maine’s largest game animal. And when those hunters emerge – sometimes after figuring out inventive ways to get an 800-pound beast through a clear-cut and into the back of… Read More
With deer season approaching, prospective hunters who are looking to get into the sport ought to do a bit of advance planning so they’ll be eligible to head into the woods this fall. According to state law, in order to obtain a license for firearms,… Read More
By the time the maples start to change color, Bangor-area kids will have a place all their own to explore nature and learn about Maine’s wildlife. Construction began this week on the Maine Youth Fish and Game Association clubhouse, located on the shore of Pickerel… Read More
It’s hard to find an advocate for milfoil. Boaters, fishermen and camp owners all fear the noxious weed. But when state regulators start considering the problem of invasive fish, the issue becomes as muddled and snarled as that infamous plant. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
Boaters complain that their rights to use Maine’s lakes and ponds should not be taken away because of a single plant or fish. The controversial invasive aquatic plants boat sticker may overshadow the state’s plans for educating the public about troublesome species at a series… Read More
As the nights grow cold and dusk begins its slow creep toward the mid-afternoon hours, bird hunters are cleaning their rifles and checking out the new equipment in anticipation of fall. When the first V-trail of Canada geese sprawls across the sky, they’ll be ready. Read More
Maine’s fish hatchery system will ask voters to approve a multi-million dollar bond to improve recreational fishing opportunities this November. It’s up to the public whether to grant the money. However, state fisheries biologists are already drafting management plans that will determine how fish funds might be spent. Read More
While most Mainers are sipping their first cup of coffee, hundreds of loon-lovers will be paddling the state’s lakes and ponds this morning, conducting the 19th Audubon Society Loon Count. Maine, with an estimated 4,300 birds, has the largest loon population in New England. And… Read More
Crossing a bog is like walking on the moon. The ground is alive with mosses and strange carnivorous plants, and it gently undulates with every footfall. In a moment, the spongy land can open up and suck a hiker’s foot into eons-old muck – an equal tragedy for… Read More
In recent years, the number of Mainers who die of drowning has been on the rise and above national averages. So with the summer boating season under way, doctors and law enforcement officials alike are urging boaters to be extra careful. Alcohol, a lack of… Read More
Two Aroostook County communities have been singled out for their importance to a 740-mile canoe trail stretching from New York to the New Brunswick border. The Northern Forest Canoe Trail begins in Old Forage, N.Y., and stretches to Fort Kent, following historic native American travel… Read More
More Mainers are spending their time watching wildlife, while fewer are hunting and fishing, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. A report released this month by the 2001 Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation found that Maine ties with Montana for the… Read More
Turkey hunters enjoyed a record season this spring, according to preliminary harvest totals released this week by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Between April 29 and June 1, turkey hunters registered 3,391 turkeys, beating last year’s record harvest by more than 700 birds. Read More
Two hundred tiny Atlantic salmon fry will be released into Kenduskeag Stream this week. The one-inch fish, which are stocked in Maine’s rivers and streams, are the best hope for the state’s battered Atlantic salmon fishery. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
AUGUSTA – Young deer hunters will get a day of their own, archers will get their shot at a fall turkey, and there will be 76,575 any-deer permits available to deer hunters this year. The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife commissioner’s advisory council adopted… Read More
Each week, the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife issues fishing updates on its Web site. Brian Campbell and Paul Johnson, fishery biology specialists for DIF&W, have compiled the following reports on the Penobscot Valley and Moosehead Lake regions. Penobscot Valley googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
The next generation of Aroostook River anglers could have a better chance of landing a brook trout, because local sportsmen took matters into their own hands. Volunteers from the Aroostook River Advisory Council are literally rebuilding portions of the river to create better access for… Read More
Fishing made the Moosehead Lake region famous. But in recent years, anglers haven’t always been happy with the opportunities for quality brook trout fishing in western Maine. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false;… Read More
The loon’s giddy cry is as much a symbol of the brief Maine summer as black flies or lobster bakes. But as glossy black loons make their way north to nest along thousands of Maine lakes and ponds this spring, Maine Audubon is worried about… Read More
Fly fishing is more than a sport. It’s an art. But according to local fisherman Donald Corey, with just a couple of casts, a novice can learn the basics – how a rod feels in your hand, and how to cast the line out over… Read More
A panel comprised of five people has started its work to assist the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife in conducting an assessment of Maine’s inland fisheries management program. The panel will evaluate prospective contractors to assess and evaluate all aspects of the inland fisheries management program. Read More
Wildlife and habitat will be the subject of a moonlight educational excursion Saturday at A Fierce Chase Ski Trails in Monson. The guided nature tour will meet at 7 p.m. at the ski center. Following an introductory talk by biologist John Chase, participants will hit… Read More
AUGUSTA – Those who want to hunt moose in the state of Maine are reminded that the deadline for moose permit applications is April 1. Completed applications must be postmarked no later than midnight April 1 or delivered to Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife… Read More
My editor Wayne Reilly calls this the column that’s not a column. It’s an outdoor notebook filled with the odds and ends of news that didn’t make it into the paper during the week. Well, not today. Today it’s a column. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
Last week, Maine’s top wardens spent a day learning how to implement their new community policing program, which will be aimed at finding ways to stop reckless snowmobile riders. Now they will take the first step in implementing that program. Next week in Presque Isle,… Read More
Fisheries biologist Jim Stahlnecker oversees central Maine inland waters from Topsham to Dexter. Because there are so few cold-water fisheries in his region, he pays special attention to those under his charge, like Wassookeag Lake in Dexter. At the 1,000-acre lake off Route 7, the… Read More
Hunters who receive an antlerless-only moose permit in the annual lottery are known for being a sad group. But that’s about to change – if things don’t go awry with a new application form. In the past, these hunters could wait years for the chance… Read More
Legislators working on a bill aimed at increasing sportsmen’s license fees have said repeatedly that any resulting legislation will look vastly different from the original bill. Wednesday at the first work session on that bill, LD 1929, it became clear why. Legislator’s views on that… Read More
When the Fourth Annual East Grand Areas Ice Fishing Derby takes place next weekend, there will be fewer door prizes because of the recession, but the same plethora of cash prizes totaling about $1,200 will be given out, said derby director Buck Plummer. The question… Read More
Moose, bruin permits voted out DIF&W bill to increase hunting licensing fees to be considered Monday
Three hunting bills that were carried over from the last legislative session have been voted out of committee with little enthusiasm. One of them would have limited opportunities in the moose hunt, while a second would have increased them. A third would have created a second bear permit… Read More
A hearing on a bill that proposes to raise hunting and fishing license fees by as much as 50 percent will be held Monday, Jan. 14, in a bigger room than the one normally used by the Joint Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, because of the large… Read More
For the second half of the last century, the Moosehead Trail led people to Maine’s largest lake. In recent years, funds for signs pointing folks toward the scenic trail and famous fishery were raised by Piscataquis County Economic Development, helping to increase knowledge about the rural roadway. Read More
Buck Plummer, who holds the annual East Grand Area Ice Fishing Derby in Danforth, says East Grand Lake looks on schedule to ice over and the fishing should be just as good as ever despite the state’s historic drought. Fisheries biologists around the state are saying much the… Read More
Much has been said of the present drought, which has made this the driest year Maine has seen since records were first kept in 1894, but it doesn’t have fisheries biologists fearing for the future of the state’s freshwater fish. In front of a crowd… Read More
The general feeling among sportsmen at a legislative hearing Wednesday in Presque Isle on a license fee increase was “if you raise our fees, we want more.” Here are some of the things they asked for during the meeting, which was attended by five head… Read More
After getting the authority to establish a youth deer day and holding some round-table discussions, the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has settled upon a possible day, Sept. 28, 2002 – and it will likely be approved if the department finds no evidence of public dissent. Read More
Of all the people offering explanations as to why the deer season is off to a slow start, Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife biologist Tom Schaeffer offers the most comprehensive and compelling. Schaeffer said country store philosophers have offered up such reasons as: the… Read More
Brentley of Bradford is a true underdog, a chocolate Lab, and the kind of rare show champion to make hunting dogs proud. Two weeks ago, at age 9 and on the brink of retirement, Brentley won the overall title at the Labrador Retriever Club’s 2001… Read More
Kathy Scott had been fishing 15 years before she ever thought about instructing others in the art of fly fishing, or writing a book about it, for that matter. Yet when the Lawrence Junior High librarian began a journal about her husband’s bamboo fly rod making craft, it… Read More
Deer watching in Maine is as popular as hunting. But many of those who stop to gaze at Maine’s whitetails probably aren’t even aware of the super size of the critter they see. The particular subspecies in Maine is a giant among whitetails. Called the… Read More
As a Registered Maine Guide for 35 years, Jim Stepp didn’t set out to change the way people hunt, but if the inquiries coming from Scotland and England are any indication, his newest invention could do just that. Stepp said the simple joint he created… Read More