tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54950654471901916522024-03-08T14:57:48.999-05:00The Maine OutdoorsmanRabid Outdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620678221540593118noreply@blogger.comBlogger731125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5495065447190191652.post-4566565811179273112023-11-09T13:42:00.004-05:002023-11-09T13:42:59.637-05:00Trap Bait and Save Money<p><i>Once the snow starts flying, my mind turns to ice fishing season as I know that soon the lakes will once again freeze and we will return to the hardwater for winter fun. Here is an article to get your thoughts on the approaching ice fishing season!</i></p><p><br />The state of Maine allows anyone who holds a valid fishing license permission to take live bait for their own use with hook and line or bait trap. Baitfish traps must be marked with the name and address of the person who is taking or holding the baitfish, and must be checked at least once every 7 calendar days by the person who set them. It is also important to note that not all bait sized fish are legal to possess only; Smelt, Lake chub, Eastern silvery minnow, Golden shiner, Emerald shiner, Bridle shiner, Common shiner, Blacknose shiner, Spottail shiner, Northern redbelly dace, Finescale dace, Fathead minnow, Blacknose dace, Longnose dace, Creek chub, Fallfish, Pearl dace, Banded killifish, Mummichog, Longnose sucker, White sucker, Creek chubsucker, and American eel. To ensure anglers harvest only legal baitfish, IFW maintains a website (www.maine.gov/ifw/fishing/species/identification/baitfish.htm) listing most of the above species along with full color pictures.</p><p>To trap bait in the winter, it helps to have both an auger, ice scoop and chisel. The auger quickly drills the large hole needed to accept the bait trap, the ice scoop cleans slush from the hole and the chisel chips out ice on future visits, when the hole is frozen over. The best place to locate baitfish is on weed edgings in close proximity to the shore where small fish tend to feed and hide from larger fish. Start by drilling a single hole and using sounder to check the depth. I prefer bait fishing in 4 feet of water or less. If the depth seems right, drill three more holes (for a total of four) all touching each other, then use the chisel to connect the four holes thus creating the one large hole needed to accept the bait trap. Lastly, use the ice scoop to clean out the slush and large ice chunks so the bait trap can be easily lowered through the hole. Always start out with a larger hole, than seems necessary as it helps immensely later as in Maine’s extremely cold weather the edging of the hole closes in quickly with ice, becoming rapidly smaller with every visit.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIiCVLJD32j0d8HbiwmhTErTCj-nE_51JfITAbmcUybGNiR3asjdjRjThP0Ilz3kaKF0OAfkwmD0KVOdqjmDWnDxr_DbbUKMNoyjbVB5DqxnXk3AO5vMUgLVX2Bn8PLxedtAKsxbqKKsajYnvLewgG_giqQFw1FsKlpkzEKbio8dNFnXyW7jthpkYHN1yZ" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIiCVLJD32j0d8HbiwmhTErTCj-nE_51JfITAbmcUybGNiR3asjdjRjThP0Ilz3kaKF0OAfkwmD0KVOdqjmDWnDxr_DbbUKMNoyjbVB5DqxnXk3AO5vMUgLVX2Bn8PLxedtAKsxbqKKsajYnvLewgG_giqQFw1FsKlpkzEKbio8dNFnXyW7jthpkYHN1yZ" width="180" /></a></div>I bait my Gees minnow traps with a cup of dog food and a slice of bread. The two choices seem to encourage more baitfish to enter the trap than just the one choice. Other anglers swear by Cheetos, spearmint gum, hotdogs, corn, dry cat food and even Styrofoam! Half of the fun with bait trapping is working to find that perfect combination that will lead to big hauls. Once baited, the traps are lowered down the ice hole on a rope until the trap rests about a foot off the bottom. The other end of the rope is then tied to a long straight branch suspended above the hole using two forked sticks. The sticks help keep the rope and the branch from freezing into the ice directly above the hole. I then mark the opening with a small spruce tree, warning people of the large opening in the ice and also ensuring that in even after the deepest snowfall it can still be easily found.<p></p><p><b>Pike Fishing Messalonskee</b></p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This summer while trolling the waters of Messalonskee Lake, the kids and I succeeded in hauling in several sizeable Northern Pike. This success has me very excited about fishing Messalonskee again this winter season. Winter access to the lake, and some of the best pike fishing, is via the Sidney boat landing. The landing is well plowed during the winter season and when the ice is safe, trucks typically plow roads up and down the lake to some of the popular fishing locations.</span></p><p><b><br />Vexilar Transforms Fishing</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNQFhn83MfTsUK2Ip-uA_Wdg_nFjqrJgOYKEPrOPEDvnzUmDiNBlDCWyUJ0iGGQvW_CHzgWsVfswEKy8A-K8LOs0zyKv5Jex1DDoma5GkYmhqdD8LBgOoOJ-BhzMIBbQcIM9lPwCfFObUqOQzDCZcUm8ZDWLwxO3YXCnbHF7dDpuD7Y3t6D88AM1YfS83Q" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3081" data-original-width="2311" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNQFhn83MfTsUK2Ip-uA_Wdg_nFjqrJgOYKEPrOPEDvnzUmDiNBlDCWyUJ0iGGQvW_CHzgWsVfswEKy8A-K8LOs0zyKv5Jex1DDoma5GkYmhqdD8LBgOoOJ-BhzMIBbQcIM9lPwCfFObUqOQzDCZcUm8ZDWLwxO3YXCnbHF7dDpuD7Y3t6D88AM1YfS83Q" width="180" /></a></div>At the beginning of the 2019 ice fishing season, I purchased the Vexilar FL-18. At a whopping $400, it was a decision that I did not make lightly. For years, I had read about the effectiveness of these units but had never had an opportunity to actually physically see one in operation. After checking out all of the positive reviews on Amazon, I finally came to the conclusion that I simply had to buy a Vexilar. I’m not saying I’m cheap, however, forking over the money hurt a little and I really hoped that this little unit was as good if not better than the reviews. <p></p><p>After receiving the unit, I watched a few YouTube videos on how to use the device effectively. I strongly encourage others to do the same. The unit isn’t excessively complicated but fine tunings the unit to properly identify lure, fish, bottom, etc. takes a little practice. Plus the videos showed how not only how to find fish but also how to catch fish. One of the best pointers, I learned, was to slowly raise the lure, as a fish swims by, this creates a situation where the fish believes dinner is swimming away and a strike almost always occurs. </p><p>If you want to hook kids into ice fishing, a Vexilar is the ticket. Watching the small screen is almost like participating in a video game. It’s quite honestly mesmerizing, and the kids and I enjoyed many, many hours staring intently at the small screen and catching perch after perch. </p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Last February, my son and I rented a shack at Bakers smelt shacks in Pittston. Next to us were my brother, dad and two friends that they had brought along to participate in the fun. I brought along my Vexilar and thought maybe it would be as effective smelt fishing as it was ice fishing. Boy was I right! My son and I out fished my brother, dad and friends 30 to 1! The biggest advantages with the Vexilar are first, determining the correct depth where the smelts are located and second, exactly when the fish are schooling under the shack. Once, during the evening, when my son was about to eat a handful of pretzels, I noted the Vexilar was indicating a large school of smelts right under the shack. I told my son to wait on his snack and to immediately grab his jig pole, seconds later he felt a strong tug and pulled up three! </span></p><div><br /></div>Rabid Outdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620678221540593118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5495065447190191652.post-62410937767983332952023-11-02T12:51:00.002-04:002023-11-02T12:51:32.452-04:00Time Slips Slowly<p>November 2, 2020 was the last time I posted to blogger. Today marks exactly three years since I have written for the blog. Not only have I been absent, from what used to be regular posting, I haven't even looked at the site much over the last 3 years. </p><p>Since I started the blog in 2008, over 1,744,726 have visited the site to read tall tales, find information on hunting and fishing in Maine or see my posted photos and videos depicting Vacationland. </p><p>Thanks to my dedicated readership for following me all of these years, I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the emails and I have been happy to help facilitate your trips to Maine when able. </p><p>Though this may sound a bit like a goodbye, it's not, I'm looking forward to hopefully becoming more active on the blog in the future and look forward to restarting what has been a great writing adventure. </p><p>As they say the most difficult journey starts with a single step and mountains aren't climbed by the faint of heart. Maybe this first post will lead to greater things. </p><p>Take care all and thanks again for following!</p>Rabid Outdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620678221540593118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5495065447190191652.post-77557966544575611722020-11-02T13:49:00.001-05:002020-11-02T13:49:02.255-05:00 Game Cameras, Laws Rules and the Ethics of Fair Chase<p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; text-indent: 27px;">For the sportsman who regularly uses game cameras, to track the movements of deer and other game animals, there is no arguing that they are extremely effective tools. Proper positioning and use of these devices have over the years put me in front of deer time and time again. As deer tend to be creatures of habit, frequently their movements can be predictable. It certainly isn’t an exact science, however, these devices can take the guess work out of when to hunt and when not to hunt a particular location. A few years ago, I noted that a large doe was walking through a section of my property in the afternoon around 5-6:00 pm about every two to three days. The camera showed no sign of the deer moving through at any other time other than this narrow window. Positioning my climbing stand in a tree about 20 yards from this thoroughfare, I was not entirely surprised when the doe walked right past my stand at 5:45 pm on the second day of my sit. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; text-indent: 27px;">When hunting with youth hunters, many of whom lack the ability to sit for more than a few hours, game cameras become invaluable. Why sit in a stand in the morning, if the deer are only being seen on camera in the evening or vice versa. If deer are only coming through at 9:00 am why get up at the crack of dawn and sit for hours in the cold. Using modern game cameras to precisely pinpoint deer movements really allows hunters the ability to put deer in the crosshairs much more effectively than any previous scouting technology.</span></p><p class="p1" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Remotely Monitored Game Cameras</b></p><p class="p1" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-indent: 36px;">One of the biggest advances in game cameras has occurred over the last few years with the invention of remotely monitored game cameras. These devices allow sportsman to receive instant notification to their cell phone when the camera is triggered. Hunters no longer have to disrupt an area with scent or sound to alert deer or other game animals to their presence. Instead, camera settings can be changed, battery life monitored and photographs received in real-time from the comfort of your easy chair. While this “real time” data, can provide a distinct advantage for sportsmen, some states are making the use of these devices illegal for hunting.</span></p><p class="p1" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="p1" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Laws, Other States</b></p><p class="p1" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #0e0f10; text-indent: 27px;">Some state lawmakers believe game cameras give hunters an unfair advantage. The state of Montana, for example, has made scouting camera use illegal during the hunting season. A Montana wildlife law enforcement official confirmed that the driving force behind the law was “for fair chase reasons, not game management reasons.” And, their regulations state the following: “It is illegal for a person to possess or use in the field any electronic or camera device whose purpose is to scout the location of game animals or relay the information on a game animal’s location or movement during any Commission-adopted hunting season.”</span></p><p class="p5" style="background-color: white; color: #0e0f10; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="p5" style="background-color: white; color: #0e0f10; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Fair Chase and Ethics</b></p><p class="p5" style="background-color: white; color: #0e0f10; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-indent: 27px;">Probably no one spends more time on deciding what is fair chase and what is not than the Boone and Crockett Club and the Pope and Young Club. According to the presidents of both B&C and P&Y, neither have any issue with the use of traditional trail cameras that require hunters to visit the camera site to retrieve data cards or film (as far as fair chase goes). But, both oppose the use of cameras that transmit images directly to a location where they may be viewed by a hunter. Animals taken with the use of a direct transmit camera are not eligible for inclusion in their record books. B&C provided this statement: “Trophies taken with the use of trail cameras, including scouting, are eligible for entry in B&C, but only if the hunter has to manually remove film and/or a card from the trail camera itself to retrieve the images. Trophies taken with the use of trail cameras, including scouting, that transmit images to a computer/base station for viewing are not eligible for entry in B&C.”</span></p><p class="p5" style="background-color: white; color: #0e0f10; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-indent: 27px;"><br /></span></p><p class="p5" style="background-color: white; color: #0e0f10; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>High Tech Remotely Monitored Game Cameras</b></p><p class="p1" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">No question, properly used, game cameras put more deer on the ground. A sportsman’s chances of success increase even more dramatically, when hunters employ the use of some of the latest remotely monitored game camera technology. The CreativeXP 3G Cellular Trail Camera ($299.27 on Amazon) ranks as one of the highest rated remote game cameras on the market. The camera operates on the AT&T data network and provides a data plan allowing 1,500 photos for only $8.00. </p>Rabid Outdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620678221540593118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5495065447190191652.post-27012206253172327002020-10-21T13:30:00.002-04:002020-10-21T13:45:34.321-04:00 Hunting Teaches Valuable Life Lessons<p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4VAAWnBd9jk/X5BvlWj63dI/AAAAAAAAOus/4H0NVecphu8TPR-A0OjBVZhsmF9KFX-6ACLcBGAsYHQ/DF20EE95-8056-44EC-BB62-26AAFD050E4D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4VAAWnBd9jk/X5BvlWj63dI/AAAAAAAAOus/4H0NVecphu8TPR-A0OjBVZhsmF9KFX-6ACLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h320/DF20EE95-8056-44EC-BB62-26AAFD050E4D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><span style="font-family: times;">The Duck Hunting Fiasco of 2019</span></b><div><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="text-indent: 36px;">With early goose season starting this month and duck hunting right around the corner, I am reminded of my duck hunting fiasco of 2019. I suppose, more accurately, I should say the NON-duck hunting fiasco of 2019.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="text-indent: 36px;"> </span></span></div><div><span style="text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-family: times;">October 2019 marked my first missed opening day of duck hunting in 20 years. The reason for my non-participation wasn’t sickness, lack of motivation, foul weather or any other of the standard reasons a typical sportsman might encounter to force such a dire circumstance. No, I didn’t go hunting because I didn’t have the required federal migratory waterfowl stamp. Now of course, here come the story. . .</span></span></div><div><span style="text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="text-indent: 36px;">Two days before the waterfowl opener, I realize that I had forgotten to purchase my waterfowl stamp from my local post office. While this is a task that I typically accomplished much, much earlier, the demands of job, a dog and a family sometimes force me to push to the back burner tasks that aren’t critical till they become critical. Well, after visiting four local post offices and calling two others, I realized that things had suddenly become critical. Time and time again, I was given the same story, every postal office was sold out of stamps and none knew even when a new supply of stamps would arrive. Discouraged, I simply didn’t go hunting and didn’t bother to check back in for the remainder of the season.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="text-indent: 36px;"> </span></span><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zkEiz5zLPzY/X5Bv79n7pfI/AAAAAAAAOu4/WcD9flzbCvcroxsmONzfZwm1niKEtR-4gCLcBGAsYHQ/9D6C0AEC-07B6-47F0-A20A-D5CD6C2A7B0A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zkEiz5zLPzY/X5Bv79n7pfI/AAAAAAAAOu4/WcD9flzbCvcroxsmONzfZwm1niKEtR-4gCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h320/9D6C0AEC-07B6-47F0-A20A-D5CD6C2A7B0A.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times;"><br />Weeks after the end of the 2019 duck hunting season I was talking about the entire fiasco with a (much younger) hunting friend and he asked why I didn’t go online to purchase my waterfowl stamp?? I’m guessing that by the dumbfounded look on my face he could immediately see that I was noticeably confused, so he elaborated. Pulling out his fancy phone, he “Googled”, “migratory waterfowl stamp” and several links immediately appeared where stamps can be purchased online. Hunters can simply print off proof of payment or save it to their phone and voila, instant waterfowl stamp! In my sheer state of absolute disbelief, I wove a web of obscenities that likely still hangs like a dark cloud over the north end of Messalonskee Lake. What gets me most about this entire ordeal, is that in contacting 6 different postal offices, not ONE postal worker knew enough to help direct me to this online service. In a day and age where nationally we are trying to attract youth into our outdoor traditions and retain the hunters we currently have, it seems to me these individuals need to be better educated in their own internal processes.</span><p></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: times;">Bella’s First Year Hunting<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;">This October will be the first season of duck hunting for my new Labrador retriever, Bella. Bella is my second dog, my first being Onyx who survived 15 great hunting seasons, before finally succumbing to an aggressive form of nasal cancer. After Onyx passed, I swore that I would never get another dog, the heartache had been too great, watching her sicken and finally needing to be euthanized. Time, however, heals all wounds and after a few months, I was on the phone with our breeder asking when the next litter would be available. I’m a dog person, my wife’s a dog person and my kids are dog people, being without a dog feels like some critical component of life is missing.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="text-indent: 36px;">Training Bella has been fun, frustrating, easy and difficult. There has been good, there has been bad. I’ve had days where I felt like a complete failure as a dog trainer and other days when I felt we could compete at Westminster. This month will be the litmus test to all the time and effort we have spent together training and I can’t wait for the day she brings that first duck to hand.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="text-indent: 36px;"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="text-indent: 36px;">Dogs teach sportsmen patience and unconditional love . . . even when they chew a hole through your brand new waders, it is still no wonder why through the ages, the dog has been and always will be, man’s best friend.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="text-indent: 36px;"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-weTFaSZmWHA/X5Bv2-7rDYI/AAAAAAAAOu0/53WgNdXgcwQudh5MLHwIboJ_ISq42LQuQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1466.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-weTFaSZmWHA/X5Bv2-7rDYI/AAAAAAAAOu0/53WgNdXgcwQudh5MLHwIboJ_ISq42LQuQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1466.JPG" width="180" /></span></a></div><b><span style="font-family: times;"><br />Hunting Accidents</span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: times;">Last November, at our annual deer camp, I was at camp busily preparing a feast for the guys, who I knew would be ravenous after a long day in the woods. As I prepared to transfer a boiling pot of moose stew from the stove top to the crockpot, the entire cauldron of scorching hot fluid slipped out of my gloved hands and spilled all down the front of my pants. At first, the shock of what had happened had me temporarily paralyzed and all I could think was, “Damn! I just ruined a perfectly good pot of stew”! Seconds later, however, the pain hit and I realized that I had done some real damage.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div><div><span style="text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-family: times;">A few friends were fortunately already at camp and I was ordered to immediately remove my pants and socks. Fumbling to remove them, I then sat down and was provided wet towels to place over my legs and feet. It is likely the quick action of my buddies that assured even more harm did not befall me. Over the next few hours, my legs and feet turned red and the skin on my right foot started to peel away. Though the pain in my foot was intense, the actual damage appeared minor. After soaking my foot for about an hour, the pain seemed to subside and I put on a loose fitting pair of slippers and proceeded to carry on for the remainder of the evening like everything was fine.</span></span><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;">Awakening the next morning, I felt an odd sensation in my right foot, it felt as though it was badly swollen. Swinging my foot out from beneath the covers, I was a little shocked at the amount and size of the blisters that had formed overnight. Showing my friends and family, I was instructed to go immediately to the hospital. At first I refused, but after a few hours of hobbling around, I decided that maybe they were right. At Urgent Care, I was told I had suffered second and potentially third degree burns on my right foot. My foot was swabbed in sanitizing ointment, bandaged and I was instructed to keep it extremely clean. Despite doctor’s orders, I still woke up early the next morning, crammed my badly swollen foot into a boot and helped my friend Dave haul his deer out . . . I’m a horrible patient.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-family: times;">So what does all this have to do with hunting, everything! After the accident, I began thinking of how inadequate my first aid kit was at camp, how I needed to make sure to use my safety harness each and every time I climb into a deer stand and I even ordered a wound sealing powder called Celox, a product designed to stop bleeding almost immediately if a person suffers a traumatic injury. The life lesson here, is the same as it was when I was in the scouts, always be prepared!</span></span></p></div>Rabid Outdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620678221540593118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5495065447190191652.post-35291212907975809332020-09-01T13:35:00.007-04:002020-10-21T13:43:40.735-04:00Maine Expanded Archery<div class="separator"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7kqfyovtGic/X5BzIHdVKXI/AAAAAAAAOvs/AMCpVTD0XOAE_SYNzvyORQXXtw937_AOgCLcBGAsYHQ/CFB08F03-F6DC-4E17-8890-B0884020F8E8.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1638" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7kqfyovtGic/X5BzIHdVKXI/AAAAAAAAOvs/AMCpVTD0XOAE_SYNzvyORQXXtw937_AOgCLcBGAsYHQ/w256-h320/CFB08F03-F6DC-4E17-8890-B0884020F8E8.jpeg" width="256" /></a></div><span style="font-family: times;">Expanded Archery Opener… Done In 15 minutes!</span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: times;">Arriving at my hunting blind about an hour before legal, I settled in for what I anticipated would be a fairly uneventful morning.</span><div><span style="font-family: times;"><span>Though I had scouted out and picked a spot that I felt would be productive, upon arriving at the parking lot, in the wee hours of the morning, I was surprised to see that several other vehicles were also parked and several other archers were also preparing to hunt the property. After talking with the other hunters, a game plan was formulated so that we wouldn’t interfere with each other’s hunt. Barely had I sat down and I noted multiple headlights headed in my direction. Apparently, nobody listened. Well, it’s easy to get worked up about things and much harder to let things go . . . I opted to have a great morning regardless and just let things go. Both hunters walked by my blind casually chatting, neither had any clue I was sitting there.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Staring at my phone, I impatiently counted down the minutes till legal, trying to remain optimistic. Unknown to me, at the time, was that the two hunters, that had previously passed, bumped a doe that slowly walked by my stand only 15 minutes into legal shooting. Taking careful aim, I fired and had my first deer down of the expanded season.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Friends of mine were also hunting the property and assisted me in hauling the deer back to the truck. Through these friends, I later found out I was the only hunter on the property to shoot a deer on the first day. It just goes to show, that even when the odds don’t seem to be in your favor, sometimes they actually are and sweating the small stuff never does any good. When hunting this season, stay positive, be considerate, be kind, help others whenever you can, be ethical and if necessary even turn the other cheek.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: times;">No Crossbows in Expanded Archery</span></b></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Governor Janet Mills expanded hunting opportunities by signing into law Legislative Document 27 (LD 27), "An Act to Allow the Use of a Crossbow for a Limited Duration during the October Archery Season on Deer and the Fall Season on Wild Turkey.” The purpose of LD 27 is to provide additional opportunities for hunters to pursue deer. Currently, the archery season on deer is four weeks long, and the average whitetail take during a season is 500 deer taken by approximately 10,000 hunters. This is obviously an abysmal success rate. IFW feels that the use of crossbows during the October archery season will not markedly increase harvest rates on bucks or result in negative consequences for the deer population. Additionally, research studies, conducted by states who have implemented similar laws, have shown that allowing more crossbow hunting would increase hunter recruitment numbers, adding more new hunters to the sport. Overall, more crossbow hunting is good for our wildlife, our hunters and our state.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s1" style="color: #012087;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span>The new crossbow law officially began on January 1, 2020 and will last for 3 years and then be re-evaluated. The law expands crossbow hunting to the regular October archery season on deer and the fall wild turkey hunting season. The law specifies, however, that, “a person using a crossbow during the open archery season may not harvest an antlerless deer unless that person possesses an antlerless deer permit. Also, by Maine law, a crossbow is not considered a firearm. A person may hunt any wild bird or animal with a crossbow during any open season on that bird or animal while still following all the other laws pertinent to that species, except that a licensed crossbow hunter 64 years of age or younger may not hunt wild turkey during the fall turkey season or hunt deer during the expanded archery, special October archery or muzzleloader seasons. Hunters 65 years or older, or who have a special handicap permit to use a crossbow, may use a crossbow for any species in season with the appropriate permits.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Unfortunately, even though this law certainly is progressive and a step in the right direction for the sportsmen in this state, it still comes up short, first in its limited duration or “test” implementation and second in not allowing sportsmen to hunt with crossbows in the September expanded archery season.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: times; letter-spacing: -0.2px;"><b>Trackable Nock</b></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.2px; text-indent: 36px;"><span> </span><span> </span>Those sportsmen who can’t seem to get enough of technology, will love the Breadcrumb Bluetooth Trackable Nock. This nock enables hunters to track their arrow or crossbow bolt right from their smart phone. Using the Breadcrumb Tracking App, hunters can accurately locate arrows or bolts from distances of 50+ yards away. Once in range, simply follow the signal strength indicator on the App to lead directly to the arrow or bolt. Hunters may also use their phone to activate the nock’s sound beacon in order to reveal an arrow’s or bolt’s hidden location. MSRP: Three Nocks for $119.99.</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span></span></p></div></div>Rabid Outdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620678221540593118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5495065447190191652.post-16456013840209455512020-08-01T13:14:00.027-04:002020-10-21T13:47:35.032-04:00 A Big Hole in the Water into Which is Poured Money<p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uhBWVjAIiLs/X5Bud3vvAkI/AAAAAAAAOug/u8f6I7hoZ5sk09CZ8wBRElH23S34DSNUACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2237.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uhBWVjAIiLs/X5Bud3vvAkI/AAAAAAAAOug/u8f6I7hoZ5sk09CZ8wBRElH23S34DSNUACLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_2237.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><span style="font-family: times;">In the summer of 2019, I acquired a new to me 16 foot Lund with a 30 hp Honda 4 stroke. This was of course a huge upgrade from my previous boat, a 14 foot “Portaboat” propelled by a 3.5 hp Nissan. What I soon came to find out about owning a big boat is that with it comes big problems. Now I am not saying that I don’t enjoy the new boat, but whenever more complexity is added to any situation, the higher the degree of chance that something will ultimately go wrong.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: times;">Plan for the Worst</span></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></b>When I inherited this boat, I also inherited a sizeable trailer. For those unaccustomed to towing a long trailer with a heavy boat, this is not a task that should be entered into lightly. Backing up such a rig and navigating around town is enough to make a novice queasy. I attempted to address my many and varied worst case scenarios and in the end, determined that I needed a spare tire. I had after all seen through the years many a boat owner stranded on the side of the road, an unfortunate victim of the “flat tire”.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: times;">Hope for the Best</span></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It was weeks before I finally managed to get all of the boat’s critical parts operational but ultimately, the day came when I was prepared to take it out on its maiden voyage. I make sure I didn’t encounter any issues, that I couldn’t effectively handle, I even invited along two friends to make sure that if I need additional horsepower (help paddling home) I would be ready. Unfortunately, the boat didn’t even make it to the water before I encountered my first issue. Remember, my innate fear of towing a trailer. As my friends and I motored into the boat launch, I have to admit I was excited. In moments I would be enjoying a relaxing day of fishing, in my new boat with my good friends. In my brief few seconds of inattention, I neglected to properly negotiate the sharp turn into the landing and the trailer tire tapped the edge of a large granite boulder. After the large “bang”, the next sound I heard was the rapid high pitch squeal of air escaping through the tires sidewall. Thankfully, the day was saved due to my forethought at having purchased a spare, but the tire was a total loss.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: times;">Get Back on that Horse</span></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I determined that this little set back wasn’t going to ruin my excitement about being a new boat owner and through the course of the summer, my boating experiences were relatively free of drama. Sometimes you can’t sweat the small stuff and it’s all small stuff.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: times;">Great Pond, Belgrade</span></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Great Pond is the largest body of water in the famed Belgrade Chain of Lakes. For a new boat owner its grand size can be intimidating. On my first outing on the lake, however, all of these initial fears were dispelled. The boat launch located on Boat Way Lane off of Sahagian Road in Belgrade is fantastic. The launch has ample parking, a beautiful dock and a great place to launch a boat. The launch can get very busy during the summer but most of the traffic can be avoided if anglers get an early start. What also impressed me about Great Pond is that almost every single rock, submerged point and potential boating hazard is well labeled with buoys. As long as even a novice boater, new to the pond, navigates with caution, it would be very difficult to encounter issues.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: times;">Three Mile Pond, Vassalboro</span></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Three Mile Pond is another of my favorite drama free boating destinations. The Pond’s boat launch, located off Route 202 in South Vassalboro is well maintained, has a large concrete launch, ample parking and a sizeable dock. Though the pond’s hazards are not quite as well marked as Great Pond, as long as the lake is edging is navigated at slow speeds, boaters shouldn’t have any rocky encounters. The center of the lake has between 25-37 feet of water so if you feel the need to “open’r up”, go right ahead.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: times;">Sheepscot Pond, Palermo</span></b></p><p class="p4" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-family: times;">Sheepscot Pond in Palermo is an expansive (1,193 acre) pond situated among the rolling, wooded hills of southeastern Waldo County. A moderately developed lake (unusual for Central Maine!) it remains an attractive setting for anglers and boaters alike. A state-owned boat ramp, located off Rt. 3 on the lake's north shore, provides access for anglers and other recreational users. For the angler who believes that variety is the spice of life, they will find no better thrill than a day spent fishing Sheepscot Pond. On previous trips to the lake I managed to pull up 7 different species of fish including, salmon, largemouth bass, pickerel, white perch, yellow perch, lake trout and brook trout. According to the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the lake additionally contains, brown trout, smallmouth bass and even splake, which were originally introduced to the lake in 1993. While we were unsuccessful in catching any of these additional species, the possibility of going to a lake and catching 10 different species of fish is exciting!</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: times;">Other Suggestions for New Boaters</span></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Something that helped me immensely in increasing my confidence in navigating new bodies of water was a good quality depth finder. I also carry a lake/pond survey map (available through the maine.gov website) of the bodies of water I am navigating. As long as I am always sure of my position, these simple maps can really take the guess work out of navigating unfamiliar bodies of water.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p>Rabid Outdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620678221540593118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5495065447190191652.post-18235298006277120522020-07-01T13:11:00.006-04:002020-10-21T13:46:30.502-04:00Katahdin 2019<p class="p3" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bdQ-eR6Lf0w/X5BsRGUllUI/AAAAAAAAOt8/t1F_QEuQdbATBWwIPEtXD1lGyjTqbCBbACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6599.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2028" data-original-width="2048" height="397" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bdQ-eR6Lf0w/X5BsRGUllUI/AAAAAAAAOt8/t1F_QEuQdbATBWwIPEtXD1lGyjTqbCBbACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h397/IMG_6599.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: times;">In 2019, I succeeded in climbing the Hunt trail on Mt. Katahdin, reaching the summit with my eldest son, the Wildman, on what can only be described as a truly epic day. On that same hike, my younger son was forced to retreat at tree line due to feelings of acrophobia. Having his brother reach the summit and not him, only ignited my younger son’s desire to hike to the Mt. Katahdin summit and a year later he had his second chance.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><p></p><p class="p4" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: times;">Calculated Risk</span></b></p><p class="p3" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-family: times;">After not reaching the summit, I understood that I had one year to help my younger son gain more control over his fear of heights. Having also been afraid of heights as a child, I well understood his trepidation. I also understood that in order for him to conquer his fears, he would need to hike in progressively more challenging situations so that he was capable of seeing heights as a calculated risk. Meaning that in life there are thousands of things that can potentially kill you everyday . . . car crashes, ticks, crossing the road, riding a bike but it is unhealthy to live in a constant state of fear of what “could” be. Instead by managing and rationalizing your fears you can learn to overcome them. Except fear of spiders, of course, nothing can help with that.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: times;">Progressive Hike 1: Ragged Mountain (1,300 ft.)</span></b></p><p class="p4" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Maine has some truly great hikes for beginners, looking to train for bigger mountains. One of my favorites is Ragged Mountain which is accessible through the Camden Snowbowl, small community-owned ski area in Camden. The two primary trailheads are on the right side of the A-frame lodge, and at the pond end of the main parking lot, beyond the double chairlift. There is also a set of kiosks with information and maps available near the boat launch, just before entering the main parking lot. The Ragged Mountain trails have no real “height” exposure, only the summit has a steep edge where hikers should exhibit caution.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: times;">Progressive Hike 2: French Mountain (716 ft.)</span></b></p><p class="p3" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-family: times;">A short climb leads hikers up French Mountain which provides gorgeous, expansive view over small Whittier Pond. The trailhead is off Watson Pond Road, which leaves from the west side of ME Route 27 about a mile north of the intersection of ME Routes 27 and 225 in Rome. Continue down Watson Pond road 0.7 miles from ME route 27 and look for a paved pullout for parking on the eastern (left) side of the road.</span></p><p class="p4" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: times;">Progressive Hike 3: Mt. Phillip (755 ft.)</span></b></p><p class="p3" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-family: times;">The Mount Phillip Trail is a loop trail. The trail, marked with blue blazes, leaves from the northeast corner of the parking lot heading east and in less than 0.1 miles splits. Bear right to follow the trail counterclockwise. The trail passes through a grove of tall mature pines then heads northwest gently climbing upward through a mixed forest of hardwoods and evergreens. It continues up to a rocky ledge on Mount Phillip’s eastern side at 0.6 miles and crosses the ledge westward to a rocky, partial summit clearing (755'). After enjoying views of Great Pond to the south and the Kennebec Highlands to the west, continue the loop trail by descending to the west, then turning in a southerly direction and dropping down into a stand of mature hemlock and back to the junction and parking lot. The trailhead and parking lot for the trail are located on the north side of Route 225, directly across from Starbird Lane, 1.5 miles east of the Rome Corner (the junction of Routes 27 and 225).</span></p><p class="p4" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: times;">Three Mountain Overview</span></b></p><p class="p4" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></b>All three mountains each have cliffs and overlooks that could be potentially dangerous if conditions were slippery or a hiker was not attentive to their footing. These areas were mostly located on the mountain summits and overlooks. A hiker, like my son, was able to only get as close to the edge as he felt comfortable and so was able to see drops and hazards without having to be immersed in them like during our 2018 Katahdin hike. We spent a good part of the spring and early summer hiking and by August I felt my younger son was ready for his second Katahdin attempt. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: times;">A Better Plan for Katahdin Success</span></b></p><p class="p3" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-family: times;">In 2018 my younger so had attempted the Hunt trail, which I would classify as “airy”. In several spots, a single misstep would leave a hiker severely injured or dead. Knowing that my younger son had not yet completely overcome his fear of heights, in 2019 we decided to hike the Saddle Trail to the summit. Additionally to get a super early start, we also reserved a spot at Roaring Brook. I have to admit the training and planning worked out perfect and by 10:00 AM (about 5.5 hours of hiking) the four of us, my brother, his daughter and my two sons were at the summit of Katahdin. Only at one spot on the Saddle trail, did I see that my youngest son was getting “sketched” but a quick pep talk got his head back in the game and he never had any other problems. We ended the hike back at Roaring Brook campground at about 2:30 PM a total of about 11 miles which we covered in 10 hours. I have hiked Mt. Katahdin, in every season, via every trail and touched the summit over 30 times. During all those hikes, I have on many occasions seen adults not perform as well as my 11 and 13 year old sons and my 12 year old niece. Upon settling into our campsite, my brother and I collapsed into our zero G lounge chairs and watched the kid play tag, hide and seek and swim in the stream until it was time for bed. To be that young again and have just an ounce of that vigor!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p>Rabid Outdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620678221540593118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5495065447190191652.post-34396860863195302782020-06-01T13:44:00.000-04:002020-06-01T13:44:07.538-04:00Canadian Bear Hunt Spring 2019<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6z34ZJ4RRJs/XkL2SDqDiWI/AAAAAAAAOpg/Re4Sv9HOwdUm0edZMjf9RP_66-3SM88qACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/My%2BBear.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6z34ZJ4RRJs/XkL2SDqDiWI/AAAAAAAAOpg/Re4Sv9HOwdUm0edZMjf9RP_66-3SM88qACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/My%2BBear.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;">One of my favorite hunts is the spring bear hunt in Canada.
This past season makes my third consecutive year chasing the elusive black
bruins of St. Stephen, New Brunswick. Bear densities here are high, in 2019, my
guide had his clients shoot 18 bears, 4 shy of his highest total season of 22.
This year, that translated to a success rate of over 90%. This of course
excludes the clients (like me), who passed on smaller bears that could have
been shot.</span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Spring Bear vs Fall Bear Weights</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Spring bears will be 30% heavier come fall, meaning a bear
weighing 150 pounds in the spring will be close to 200 pounds come fall. Because
of this, spring bears, fresh out of hibernation, are notoriously hard to judge
weigh. Two hunting seasons ago, I pulled the trigger on a 170 pound bear that’s
back was even with the top of a 55 gallon drum. I was positive the bruin would
be over 200 pounds, I was wrong. The bear had the apparent high, gait, nose and
ears that lead me to believe he was bigger, of course by fall that same bear
would have weighed close to 220 pounds. </span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #222222;">Crossing the Border<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;">While some my cringe at the prospect of making the border
crossing with a firearm, I have found that with a passport and proper
paperwork, this to be an extremely simple endeavor. Local guides provide
licenses and provide the single page of paperwork required to bring a firearm
into Canada. Upon return to the US, the American customs will require you to
have a declaration form, so before entering Canada be sure to stop by the U.S. customs
office and get one. Hunters who wish to hunt with crossbow have an even easier
entry into Canada as crossbows require no declaration paperwork. Clients have
the option of staying in Canada throughout the entirety of the hunt to
eliminate the necessity of crossing the border each day. Personally, I stayed
with family in Calais and crossed the border everyday with my firearm and never
encountered any issue.</span><span style="color: #222222;"><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Picking the Right Guide Service</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;">What I like best about the guide service I used for my hunt
was the meticulous care he employs in prepping bait sites, monitoring bear
activity and especially the comfortable wooden blinds he has constructed to
better hide hunters and protect them from the elements. While tree stands are
available, I always request a blind as they are extremely comfortable. As a
matter of fact, I am sitting here in the blind writing this story!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Bait Sites</span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Sites are baited with a huge assortment of goodies (not just doughnuts)
that seem to appeal to the tastes of hunger roaming bears fresh out of
hibernation. The food stuffs include, mixed nuts, confectionary sugar, fry oil,
candy and yes, even Tim Horton doughnuts. The guide also sprays down the site
every night with Liquid Smoke. This strong smelling product seems to serve the
dual purpose of attracting bears and also covering up any human odors.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Cameras</span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;">The guide has cameras on every bait site and when I arrive he
asks me, “Do you want to shoot “a” bear or “the” bear?” What he means to say,
is he has sites where he is seeing smaller bears (110-130 lbs) almost every
evening and other sites where larger bears (175-300) are being seen
occasionally. This really blew my mind, the guide had such close tabs on the
bear population, he could practically tailor a hunt to each hunter. I opted for
the “the” bear hunt and saw a massive bruin creep in from the shadows on
Tuesday night about 5 minutes past legal but offer no ethical shot. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Have a Seat</span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;">When picking out a guide service for a bear hunt it is
important to ask a lot of questions. I have been on multiple bear hunts over
the years and seen it all. Perhaps the worst was in two occasions, when I went
with outfitters who sat me in a chair 20 yards from the bait site in minimal
cover and told me not to move a muscle for 5 hours. Now, I’m sure there are
some amazingly talented hunters out there who could accomplish this feat but
not me. I always have a tickle in my throat and need a drink, have to pee or
just get plain bored and fidgety. If an outfitter puts a sport in a blind or
tree stand with minimal cover and their answer to this inadequacy is “don’t
move”, you are with the wrong guide service.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;">I’m sitting here writing this story on my cell phone, in a
high back plastic lawn chair with a padded seat, my gun hangs from a piece of
string from the ceiling and all I need to do to shoot is lean forward, aim,
turn off the safety and pull the trigger. The front window is covered in a
screen, to partially protect me from the ravenous hordes of mosquitoes (thought
I also have brought a Thermacell). It’s currently raining buckets, but inside
the blind I am warm and dry. In the 10 bear hunts I have been on, with 7
different guides, this is certainly the most enjoyable. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Meat Processing</span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Another important consideration when choosing a guide is how
will the best be processed after the shot? A majority of guided simply quarter
or debone the animal and leave everything else up to the hunter. Are you
prepared with coolers, vacuum packing supplies, knives, ice, etc. to make sure
your meat doesn’t go to waste? Make sure you understand in very clear terms
what the guide provides and cannot provide. Local butchers maybe available, if
hunters are looking for an easier alternative, it pays to ask ahead and even
call them to make sure they are operating.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #222222;">Care for that Hide</span></b><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;">When skinning, the guide will ask the hunter what he/she is
planning to do with the hide as the skinning cuts will be determined by the
choice. What about that beautiful bear hide? Will it become a piece of
taxidermy? If yes, what specifically? Rug? Shoulder mount? Full body mount? The
hunter should be aware if the costs associated with each and plan accordingly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Rabid Outdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620678221540593118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5495065447190191652.post-23537966913704428542020-05-04T13:43:00.000-04:002020-05-04T13:43:09.198-04:00<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JGZIV6q0t0U/XkL1wodckUI/AAAAAAAAOpY/7qL0rB-nwwQ51PsObMnCyhd79uoI1UR9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Ethan%2BTurkey%2B2018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JGZIV6q0t0U/XkL1wodckUI/AAAAAAAAOpY/7qL0rB-nwwQ51PsObMnCyhd79uoI1UR9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Ethan%2BTurkey%2B2018.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Turkey Talk<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The opening day of deer season used
to get me excited more than any other hunting pursuit, however, after having
kids, youth day of the spring turkey season is truly what I live for. Unbridled
excitement is how to best describe my children as turkey season approaches. The
kids and I bring out the calls and talk turkey just about every night, music to
our ears, the dog … not so much. We all talk tactics and weeks before the
opener, they accompany me on scouting trips and mornings are spent walking the
woods and driving dirt roads in anticipation of spotting a truly giant beard
dragger. Our hunts have also grown increasingly more fun over the years, as the
kids have gained enough strength and knowledge to spot and stalk, a hunting
technique infinitely more enjoyable for them than sitting over a decoy and
playing the waiting game. During the 2018 season, both boys were able to shoot
birds by stalking, hunts that will remain cherished memories for years to come.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sleep In, Shoot More
Birds<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>One of the
things that I had to be more flexible about when hunting with kids is that they
don’t tend to want to get up super early and as they have crept into the teen
years this has become a less and less enjoyable experience for them. Often
these days we sleep in till about 8-9:00 and then hunt. By this time of morning
the gobbles have typically gone silent but big birds are still on the prowl for
love and the hunting can be excellent. As the hens head for their nest and the
early morning crowd of hunters heads home for breakfast, the woods become the
perfect place to ambush old Tom. By patrolling the wood line paralleling small
fields, small groups of birds can readily be spotted. Often by creeping in
close and employing light yelps and purrs and scratching in the leaves toms and
jakes alike will make the mistake of crossing into the danger zone. This is
where knowing yardage is important to ensuring a lethal shot. I carry a range
finder so when a bird enters 30 yards, I know the kids can effectively hit
their target. My rule, however, is if the turkey is coming let him come, it’s
always better to have a slam dunk at 10-15 yards, if the bird is going to be
corporative. This isn’t just good advice for kids though as I have hunted with
many friends who have missed birds at 40 yards that were practically running
into a decoy. Always wait for a better shot, if you anticipate a better shot. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Augila Mini Shells<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Aguila
Ammunition Company recently released a new 1 ¾ inch 12 gauge shot shell. I
picked up a box to check their effectiveness thinking they might be perfect for
a youth hunter wanting to make the transition from a 20 gauge pump to a 12
gauge automatic, without having to invest in a brand new firearm. After testing
them in my 12 gauge automatic, I encountered feed problems and ultimately
decided against their use. I then began to think that maybe if an adult hunter
wanted to introduce their son or daughter to turkey hunting and only had a
single shot 12 gauge available for use, the mini shells would enable a youth
hunter to use the firearm with less recoil and again without having to purchase
a new firearm. DO NOT DO THIS!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mini Shells ARE NOT Legal
for Turkey Hunting<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #141414;">Maine law states that for turkey hunting: A person can use
shotgun gauges 10 through 20, using shot sizes 4 through 6 or mixed loads that
include shot sizes 4 through 7. In addition, shotgun gauges 10 through 28,
including .410, may be used with shot sizes 7 through 9 in Tungsten Super Shot
(TSS). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #141414;">I found this verbiage slightly confusing since mini shells
don’t fit perfectly within this description. To clarify, I contacted the Maine
Warden Service and asked if mini shells were legal for turkey hunting. The
reply from the Maine warden service was that mini shells can NOT be used for
turkey hunting, since at this time of this writing, Augila is only loading mini
shells with </span><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">slugs, #4
buckshot or shells filled with 7 1/2s, 8s and 9s. Unfortunately, all of those
loads are outside of what is allowed to hunt turkey, Augila Mini Shells cannot
be used legally.</span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #141414;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Rabid Outdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620678221540593118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5495065447190191652.post-6837788912568674342020-04-01T13:41:00.000-04:002020-04-01T13:41:01.010-04:00The Phantom Brook Trout of the Union River<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Last spring, I was visiting with
some old college buddies in Mariaville and staying in a rustic camp, a stone’s
throw from the Union River. I had been lured to this area by sweet promises of
12-14 inch brook trout, so plentiful that they had to be practically beaten off
an angler’s line with a canoe paddle. Upon arriving at camp, however, I was
greeted by my good friend Pat who proclaimed, “Watahs too high and there ain’t
nuf blackflies, fish jus won’t bite.” Apparently, I had been inadvertently
bamboozled. According to Pat, a spring flood of unusually high water and an
uncharacteristically poor blackfly mating season, had combined to extinguish my
plans of landing numerous brook trout. Unfazed by the dreary forecast, my
companions and I, over the next two days, threw just about every conceivable
lure into the Union River, in an all-out effort to perhaps entice one brook
trout to bite. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No Trout, Try Turkeys<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
After two days fishing, I grew
tired of the drudgery and asked my friend Pat if he would like to try turkey
hunting. Pat, a dyed in the wool deer hunter, had never hunted turkeys and he
was excited to give the sport a try. One thing that I quickly learned, however,
was that chasing old Tom around the blueberry fields of Mariaville is VERY
different than chasing turkeys in Central Maine. While we did manage with
several hours of effort to see a few hens, the lack of gobbles sent us back to
camp well before lunch time. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Unlike Pat
and me, my other friends decided that despite days of not catching fish, today
was THE day and their glass half full philosophy could not be challenged. Their
plan was to travel several miles upstream, on the Union, and try a couple
untouched pools, Pat’s only warning to my friends was, “Do not attempt to cross
the river, it’s treacherous.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A Cryptic Txt Message<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Pat and I
were returning to camp, when I received a cryptic txt message asking if Pat had
a come-along or if he knew where we could get one. A few minutes later, I
received another txt message asking if Pat had rope. We both grew concerned
that my friends had not heeded Pat’s warning, so I immediately called my friend
Dave to find out what had happened. Dave answered his phone and relayed that he
and another friend had buried one of the vehicles in the Union river and it was
in danger of being washed downstream. I hung up the phone, concerned that we
would now all soon be involved in what could potentially be a dangerous
extraction of an ATV or potentially a truck (it was still unclear) from a
hazardous section of the Union River. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Missing Wheeler!?!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we pulled into camp, I quickly scanned Pats
camp yard and counted trucks and ATVs. I looked at Pat and said, “Odd, all the
vehicles are here.” Pat replied, “Not all the vehicles Bub, where’s your ATV?”
I immediately looked into the woods where I had parked my ATV and it was in
fact gone. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Apology<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dave
immediately came apologetically groveling out of the camp, spewing out comments
like, “Thought I put it in neutral.”, “I shouldn’t have parked it on a hill.”,
“I think the four of us can extract it.”, “There really isn’t much damage.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this point, it’s pouring buckets, so while
Pat was digging through the woodshed for rope and a come-along, I proceeded to
go into the camp to don my rain gear. This was also my chance to take a few
calming breaths, so as not to choke my friend Dave to death. Dave, unable to
contain his guilt, followed me into camp and continued his barrage of
apologies. At that point, I was honestly kind of beyond it, the wheeler was
insured and replaceable/repairable if necessary. Instead, I grew increasingly
concerned that someone could potentially get seriously injured trying to
extract it from the rushing water. Seeing the concerned look on my face, Dave
told me to look out the camp window as a deer was walking by, as I looked up,
there was my ATV safe and sound parked right next to the woodpile in back of
the camp. It might not have been “April Fool’s Day”, but that was one fantastic
practical joke. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The four of
us proceeded to retell this story over the next two days, to anyone who would
listen and laugh hysterically every time and with each retelling, the story
grew more and more outlandish, as all great stories do. I feel extremely
fortunate that I have such good friends who are willing to invest their
precious time in making sure my days on this earth are as exhilarating as
possible. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Rabid Outdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620678221540593118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5495065447190191652.post-77289529264142632572020-03-02T13:40:00.000-05:002020-03-02T13:40:05.604-05:00Kill More Coyotes with the Right Light<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g5Uw3b54pf4/XkL1JB-7yQI/AAAAAAAAOpQ/nfdNXtc0Ws44NiLvb5PVuqnGRzk72dtSgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g5Uw3b54pf4/XkL1JB-7yQI/AAAAAAAAOpQ/nfdNXtc0Ws44NiLvb5PVuqnGRzk72dtSgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0230.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Spotlight Right</b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;">By
mid-March, the ice on many of Maine’s lakes and ponds begins to grow thin. For
those who don’t enjoy the possibility of taking an icy plunge, we begin to
think of other outdoor pursuits. One of my favorite March activities is chasing
coyotes. As with deer hunting, there always seems to be something new to learn
about hunting these wily creatures.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Red, Green or White Light<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>One
of the latest discussions is around the use of spotlights. Basically,
spotlights for night hunting come in three basics colors, red, green and white.
While red is more traditional, green appears to be increasingly more popular
and the new kid on the black is white. A search online will yield testimonials
singing the praises of each of these lighting systems. So how does a hunter
choose? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In
my experience and from what I have read about the experiences of other hunters,
green lights, though exceedingly popular, seem to be the poorest choice for
predator hunting. Red and white lights tie for second, with a slightly higher
number of hunters preferring red, including me. There is even scientific
research indicating most manufactured “red” spotlights emit visible light in
the 620 nm wavelength but a true red and the best “red” for predator hunting
are spotlights that emit light in the 660 nm wavelength. White lights have
gained a lot of popularity over the past several years and more and more
hunters are using them, especially those who enjoy videotaping their hunts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Quick Scan<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;">Ultimately,
despite the color employed, hunter success in the field is dependent more on
how the spotlight is used and less on the chosen color. For example, <span style="background: white;">coyotes can't see red light but that doesn't mean a
direct blast with a spotlight (of any color) won't send them running. When
scanning fields for coyotes, </span>quickly scan back and forth looking for
eyes. Red lights are extremely effective in picking up a coyotes eyes. This is
because coyotes have a “mirror”, called a tapetum lucidum, beneath their retina
that collects and focuses light back into the retina, enhancing their ability
to see in low light conditions. Looking for that eye reflection is the key to
success and all that is required to do so is a 3-4 second sweep of a field.
Scanning is of course much easier, if it is done with two people, with one
person operating the spotlight and the other operating the firearm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Properly Identify
Target<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">After identifying a
reflection, it is critical that hunters properly identify their target, a task
that is exceedingly difficult when only an animals eyes are identified. Most
coyotes will spook, if hit with the direct beam of a spotlight for more than a
few seconds. Instead, use the softer light on the edge of the spotlight beam to
identify the target without sending it running off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Shooting at Night<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></strong><strong><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">For those
unaccustomed to shooting at night, it is critical that one is extremely
familiar with the area. Houses, domesticated animals, non-target wild animals,
other hunters, etc. can quickly turn a fun night in the woods into a nightmare.
I prefer to hunt coyotes at night with a shotgun rather than a rifle as shots
tend to lose velocity quickly, limiting the lethal range which a bullet can
fly. Also, a majority of the successful hunting at night is up close and
personal with a most shots occurring at 30-40 yards. A cardinal rule of all
hunting but especially night hunting is if you aren’t 100% sure of your target
don’t shoot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Full
Moon<em><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></span></em></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">My
favorite time to hunt coyotes is under a full moon. The moon illuminates the
night better than any spotlight ever made and it’s completely natural. Placing
an electronic call on the edging of a small frozen pond and sitting back in the
woods 10-20 yards creates a fantastic ambush location. When things work
perfectly, a coyote will creep down the woods edging, exposing itself against
the ponds snow covered surface, just as a hunter has a perfect shot. More often
than not, however, the coyote winds the hunter or spooks but that is the
challenge of hunting coyotes, close range at night. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black;">Light, light, light!</span><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When
the full moon isn’t shining, a hunter’s best friend is a spotlight. My best
advice when selecting a quality light is don’t penny pinch. A good quality
spotlight, that will perform well in Maine’s cold climate and won’t easily
break, is somewhat pricy. Good spotlights include the Orion H30 ($129.95), the
Predator Tactics Reaper ($199) and the Wicked Lights W403IC ($219.95). All of
these models also have the ability to throw light well over 100 yards, a
feature that will come in handy as a coyote hunter’s knowledge of an area and
skill level increases and they decided to transition to using a rifle. Also,
these high power light systems are incredibly helpful in picking out coyotes on
bait sites where extended range is likely to be needed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Rabid Outdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620678221540593118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5495065447190191652.post-23786371526754550942020-02-11T13:38:00.001-05:002020-02-11T13:39:32.034-05:00Northern Pike The Scourge of Maine<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YPp6Sqjiidg/XkL0rIaVO7I/AAAAAAAAOpI/bf8PpiHGAVAkvAm2f4LkosY689meZHJjQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Pike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YPp6Sqjiidg/XkL0rIaVO7I/AAAAAAAAOpI/bf8PpiHGAVAkvAm2f4LkosY689meZHJjQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Pike.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: medium; text-align: start; text-indent: 48px;"><span style="background: white;">Photo – 44” Northern Pike caught by Chris Stevens on 1/1/19 on 6-lb test while crappie jigging on Unity Pond, Photo taken by Michael Dubois.</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Northern Pike The Scourge of Maine <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">According to the 2008 NORTHERN PIKE ASSESSMENT Prepared
by Francis Brautigam Regional Fisheries Biologist Region A of the Maine
Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, Division of Fisheries &
Hatcheries, “Northern Pike were initially introduced into Maine during the
1970’s, as a result of an illegal introduction to the Belgrade Chain of Lakes.
Pike became well established and subsequently colonized other lakes within the
Belgrade Lakes drainage. Early spawning, early utilization of fish forage and
subsequent rapid growth, opportunistic foraging habits, and large size
potential are qualities that enabled pike to successfully establish as a
dominant predator in the Belgrades, where habitat is not limiting. The
recreational fisheries that initially developed were characterized by large
size quality. Pike averaged over 30 inches long and exceeded 7 pounds. This
exciting new fishery was producing fish of larger average size than that
offered by more traditional existing fisheries and the popularity of this
sportfish grew. The perceived success of the Belgrade Lakes pike fisheries
likely contributed to numerous subsequent illegal pike introductions to new
waters within central and southern Maine.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Pike Continue to Expand Distribution<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">In the 2008 assessment, IFW listed 28 lakes and ponds
that held viable populations of Northern Pike. Currently, IFW has since revised
this distribution to now include 3 additional lakes and ponds, with many more
first-hand reports being submitted by ice fishermen, yet to be confirmed by
IFW. These new bodies of water, include,<span style="background: white;"> the
Saint George drainage, Round Pond, White Oak Pond, Sennebec Lake and Unity Pond
(see photo). In order to confirm a species presence, IFW biologists/wardens
must actually collect the fish.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">The Belgrade Lakes Region is one of
Maine’s top fishing destinations for anglers looking to catch big pike. Of the
Belgrade Lakes, </span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "PT Sans Caption",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">Great Pond, (Map 20, E-4)
Messalonskee Lake, (Map 21, E-1) Long Pond, (Map 20, E-4) North Pond, (Map 20,
D-4)</span><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"> all
contain trophy pike upwards of 20 plus pounds. </span><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Northern Pike enthusiasts enjoy
fishing for this toothy and aggressive species in late February and March, when
trophy size adult pike concentrate in shallow water areas with the approach of
the spawning season. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">North Bay on Great Pond<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Late season typically finds me fishing the shallow waters
of North Bay on Great Pond. The area of the large bay in and around Snake Point
are typically my favorite spots. Access to this location can best be made by
parking at the “Sweet Dreams” convenience store located at <span style="background: white;">164 Village Road in Smithfield (362-2010</span>), just
make sure you buy something at the store before heading out, to help support
the continued use of this gracious access point. North Bay is accessible by a
1.25 mile snowmobile trail leading directly from the store to the lake. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Jigging for Pike<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Pike will eat almost anything and as
such, have been caught by anglers on almost every type of fishing lure
imaginable, including the apparently new hot bait, red hot dogs (Google it!).
With that said, however, there are certain lures that tend to work better than
others when in pursuit of big, wall hanger Pike. Vertical Spoons like the
Swedish Pimple and Acme Kastmaster, are favorites and their performance can be
improved by adding a piece of cut bait on one of the hooks, a killer
combination. Drop the lure to the bottom, lift, drop and lift 5-6 more times
then hold it still. Pike often hit the lure when it stops moving. Often I let
the lure sit for a couple seconds, then proceed to give it a slight twitch
before jigging again. Often that little twitch is all it takes to elicit a
brutal strike. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">The
Story of the Unity Pond Pike as Told by Michael Dubois</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">While jigging for Crappie with a 24 in
rod and 6 lb test line, Chris Stevens from Waterville hooked a massive Northern
Pike (see photo).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">The day before we
caught the Pike, Chris Stevens and I were on Unity Pond fishing and spoke with
the local IFW biologist Scott Davis. We specifically asked him if there
were Pike in the pond to which he replied, not to his knowledge. He also
has a shack on the pond and fishes there quite often, so we figured he was
accurate. We would have large schools of Crappie on our flasher and
suddenly they would disappear only to reappear a few minutes later, so we had
surmised that a large fish like a Pike was moving the school around. This
happens to us on Messalonskee and quite often we get bit off by Pike.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Suddenly, all of the Crappie disappeared,
a large image appeared on the flasher and then Chris’s pole folded in
half. When he set the hook, we knew that Scott Davis was wrong! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Chris had just had carpal tunnel
surgery and after 10 minutes or so, he asked me to take the rod as his hand was
getting sore. I fought the fish for about 10 minutes and gave the rod back
to Chris, as his hand felt better and it was in fact his fish. Again, Chis
fought the fish for some amount of time and then relinquished the rod back to
me for the same sore hand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">The first time I brought the fish to
the hole, we both agreed that there was no way for us to land it and that no
one was going to believe us. We could see the lure hooked on the furthest
tip of the upper jaw thus preventing the line from getting near any of the
teeth. I gave Chris a pair of rubber insulated gloves and told him that he
would need to reach into the hole and grab the pike. He did just that,
lifting the pike out of the water about 2 feet, then with one shake the Pike
was back down the hole and ran out most of the line on the reel yet
again. We then decided to use the ice scoop to try and scoop the Pike out.
Same deal except this time Chris had the pike 2 feet out of the hole a second
time, the scoop broke and away went the pike for another lengthy fight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">I gave Chris the pole back and said,
“I would show him how it’s done”. I too grabbed the pike with the gloves
and lifted it 2 feet out of the hole and it shook and I too dropped it back in
the hole. One last fight for Chris and this time, I was able to grab the
fish and drag it out onto the ice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">We walked over to the biologists shack
and took a picture in front of his name tag as we figured no one would believe
that it came out of Unity Pond. We also contacted Scott who did pick-up
the head and aged the Pike at 9-11 years old. We estimated it at about
20-25 lbs and she was carrying about 4 lbs of eggs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<br />Rabid Outdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620678221540593118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5495065447190191652.post-21541044346590558502020-01-01T13:35:00.000-05:002020-02-11T13:36:53.834-05:00Maine's New Crossbow Law<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">New Crossbow Law<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #141414;">There seems to be a fair amount of confusion around the
recently passed crossbow legislation, which allows for the use of crossbows
during the October archery season and the fall season on wild turkey. To help
answer some of these questions, here are the facts as provided by a review of
the legislation and feedback from Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #141414;">Background Information on the Law<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #141414;">Governor Janet Mills expanded hunting opportunities by
signing into law Legislative Document 27 (LD 27), "An Act to Allow the Use
of a Crossbow for a Limited Duration during the October Archery Season on Deer
and the Fall Season on Wild Turkey." Sponsored by Rep. Tim Theriault
(R-79), the bills intent is to expand crossbow hunting opportunities during
archery season for three years beginning in 2020. There is currently some
uncertainty as to whether the law will allow the use of crossbows during the
expanded archery seasons. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #141414;">In my discussion with IFW, it was explained that there are
still some aspects of the law that will require clarification before fall 2020.
In fact, the legislature may make modifications to the current legislation language
when they reconvene in January. Possible changes include clarifying whether crossbows
can be used in expanded archery zones during the September season and a
discussion on whether some crossbow hunters would be allowed to shoot an
antlerless deer during the October archery season without an any-deer permit.
From my conversation with IFW, it appears that hunters may want to wait before
running out to invest in a crossbow until they realize exactly what the state
is selling us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #141414;">New Laws Purpose<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #141414;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The purpose of LD 27 is to provide
additional opportunities for hunters to pursue deer. Currently, the archery
season on deer is four weeks long, and the average whitetail take during a
season is 500 deer taken by approximately 10,000 hunters. This is obviously an abysmal
success rate. IFW feels that the use of crossbows during the October archery
season will not markedly increase harvest rates on bucks or result in negative
consequences for the deer population. Additionally, research studies, conducted
by states who have implemented similar laws, have shown that allowing more
crossbow hunting would increase hunter recruitment numbers, adding more new
hunters to the sport. Overall, more crossbow hunting is good for our wildlife,
our hunters and our state.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #141414;">Law Not Popular with Everyone<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #141414;">Despite the positive impact this law could potentially have,
not all of the state’s sporting groups were willing to support the bill and it
was opposed by the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine, the Maine Professional Guides
Association and the Maine Bowhunters Association. Fortunately, the hunters of
this state rallied, during the legislative hearing, to assist in making the
bill a law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #141414;">The Dilemma<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I feel that this new
law is a step in the right direction, with <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">crossbows</span> having full inclusion in the firearm seasons in
26 <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">states</span> and <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">legal</span> during archery and firearms
seasons, in some capacity, in 23 other <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">states, the time for Maine to progressively move forward and allow the
use of crossbows during </span></span><span style="background: white; color: #141414;">the October archery season and the fall season on wild turkey makes
sense. What does not make sense to me is that the law is only, at this point,
valid for three years and that some aspects of the law still require
clarification. Given that a crossbow is a sizeable investment and that IFW
requires a special course to use this weapon during hunting season and that
sportsmen will need to practice to operate this weapon safely and effectively
to harvest game, limiting the law to three years is badly flawed logic. It is
my belief that because of the current three year limitation, few hunters will
take up the crossbow until the law is finalized and implemented to last for
good. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #141414;">Currently Allowed Crossbow Special Usage
in Maine<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #141414;">Only those hunters 65 years of age or older or hunters with a
permanent disability, who have been issued a special handicap permit, may use a
crossbow to hunt deer during the archery season. This is of course as long as
they have the required permit, license and have successfully completed the
required crossbow safety education courses. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">I Own a Crossbow<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Despite my reservation
with the new law, I am a crossbow owner. Though I have only had my crossbow for
two years, I have been thoroughly impressed with the capabilities of this
impressive weapon. The TenPoint Turbo GT ($999) fires a bolt at 360 feet per
second and comes with almost everything needed (bolts, scope and quiver) to
start hunting immediately. My model also includes the Accudraw which allows the
shooter to pull back the bow limbs with a hand crank mechanism instead of
having to pull back the draw string by hand or by using a special pulley device.
Given the power of this weapon, I find the Accudraws mechanical assistance
mandatory. In future articles, I plan to talk more about using a crossbow for
hunting in Maine to support others who are looking to explore the capabilities
of this weapon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">I would like to thank Nate Webb of
Inland Fisheries and Wildlife for his assistance in helping to make sure that
the information provided in this article was as accurate as possible.</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />Rabid Outdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620678221540593118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5495065447190191652.post-37238177508099939932019-12-01T13:35:00.000-05:002020-02-11T13:37:13.709-05:00On Thin Ice<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aZ4iaav3LxU/UReiI2AvcwI/AAAAAAAANkI/uOOeACk_jhYUnixSG1bHmxfZBwC0a4rogCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/DSC00900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="961" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aZ4iaav3LxU/UReiI2AvcwI/AAAAAAAANkI/uOOeACk_jhYUnixSG1bHmxfZBwC0a4rogCPcBGAYYCw/s320/DSC00900.JPG" width="192" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">On Thin Ice<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>On December 7<sup>th</sup> 2018, I
was fishing with a friend on Togus Pond. A car drove by and asked us, “How much
ice?” When I replied, “Three and a half inches.” The driver responded, “You
guys are $%&* nuts!” Likely unknown to the driver was that we were only
fishing in water less than 2 feet deep and ventured no further than a dozen
feet from shore. When ice fishing during the early season, there is no reason
to risk life and limb when brook trout are frequently found in shallow water
only a few feet from shore. </span><span style="background: white;">While nobody
wants to take an icy plunge through the ice in December, if it happens in two
feet of water, it’s an inconvenience and not a tragedy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white;">Spud Light<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Thin early season ice means little effort is required to
pop in holes. Typically this task can be easily accomplished without the use of
an ice auger. Ice fishermen can instead use an ice chisel or a “spud” to punch
the necessary hole in the ice. This means that it’s not necessary to lug around
a heavy auger, a task that as I grow older has less and less appeal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white;">Keep it Light</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; color: black;">When ice fishing brookies, it pays to
modify fishing outfits to match the intended target species. Success often is
easier won when heavier “pike”, “salmon” or “togue” sized fishing rigs are
replaced with lightweight tackle such as 4-pound leaders, BB sized split shot
and miniscule number 10 sized hooks. Also using alternate baits can entice
finicky brookies into tripping flags. Last season while fishing Savade Pond
(MAP 13, C-3) three of us caught our limit of trout using Northern Redbelly
Dace while our closest neighbors caught nothing using Common Shiners. Also, when
baitfish fail to do the job, try using a small piece of earthworm an inch long,
it is sometimes the light snack trout are looking for. In freezing
temperatures, keep worms inside a jacket pocket to keep them from becoming
unusable. Be sure to check lines frequently, keeping ice build up to a minimum
and ensure bait remains fresh and active. Often the act of slowly lifting and
lowering lines will “stir the bait” and elicit a strike. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">A Bit of the Measure<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">One handy tip I picked up this ice fishing season is
using a 25 foot tape measure to determine water depth. In shallow water (less
than 25 ft.) this method is much faster and more accurate than the standard
practice of tying a weight to the line. Additionally, by gently tapping the end
of the ruler on bottom, anglers can quickly determine if the bottom is rocky,
sandy or muddy. Using this method, I found that by taking along a notepad and
paper I was able to drill, measure hole depths, record the information and map
the entire fishing area in minutes. If wishing to set lines at a specific
depth, I lay the tape measure on the ice and stretch out the fishing line along
its length, this makes dropping the lines to correct depth extremely accurate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Deeper PRO<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Individuals preferring a more
technical method of measuring ice hole depth would be impressed by the <span class="a-size-large"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Deeper PRO Smart
Sonar ($189) portable wireless fish finder. This cool hi-tech piece of
equipment is a must for ever avid ice fisherman. The device wirelessly </span></span><span class="a-list-item">generates its own Wi-Fi signal, syncing with smartphones and
pairing with the companies free Deeper App. The Deep PRO dual beam sonar is
capable of scanning down to 260ft.</span> <span class="a-list-item">Find fish,
their size, suspended depth as well as underwater structure, vegetation, bottom
contour, hardness, water depth and temperature.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Stocking Reports<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Several
lakes and pond in the central Maine area receive generous stockings of 10 inch
brook trout. As mention previously, my favorite spots include Togus Pond in
Augusta and Savade Pond in Windsor. As of this printing, the stocking reports
had not yet been posted, however, both these ponds historically receive
hundreds of brook trout in October and November ranging from 7-18 inches. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Overcast Skies and
Flags Will Fly!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; color: black;">Brook trout, do not bite exceptionally well for 48 hours
after a low pressure system. However, fish do tend to feed
aggressively 24 to 36 hours before a low pressure moves through. When the
weatherman predicts temperatures in the 30’s, overcast skies and flurries, it’s
going to be a good day to fish!</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "pt sans caption" , serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></span></div>
Rabid Outdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620678221540593118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5495065447190191652.post-71342614084328091152019-10-31T12:22:00.002-04:002019-10-31T12:30:51.781-04:00Oh DEER!<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fUeSMQ5ztLw/XbsMLe9JJrI/AAAAAAAAOgY/fenYc3ZfCb4KH1wyoXRWCJoZU9au4tS3QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2018%2Bdeer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fUeSMQ5ztLw/XbsMLe9JJrI/AAAAAAAAOgY/fenYc3ZfCb4KH1wyoXRWCJoZU9au4tS3QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2018%2Bdeer.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
I’m
not a great hunter, I just have an extremely high tolerance for pain and
suffering. Because of this physical malfunction, I am capable of spending hours
in the extreme cold and freezing rain that would typically sends other hunters
running for shelter. Statistics alone predict that the longer a person spends
outside, actively hunting, the greater the chance of success. When the going
gets tough, I put on a heavily insulated jacket, expedition boots and fill up
my pockets with heater packs. Equipped as described, I can shiver in a tree stand
for hours, bordering on the very edges of hypothermia, without actually teetering
into the necessity of heading for home. No greater test of this ability was
more apparent than my time spent hunting during the 2018 deer season.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After
shooting a 125 lb doe during the first week of expanded archery season, I got
cocky. In my brash and boastful confidence, I had momentarily neglected to
remember that deer hunting in Maine is seriously hard work. Success in the
woods does not come easy, but in my quick harvest, I had mocked this critical
detail. I was however soon to learn this harsh lesson and learn it well. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
remainder of September flew by with multiple deer sightings but nothing that
approached to within effective bow range. October also flew by and then came
November. By November, I had given up my bow and picked up my rifle, despite
the technological advantage of hunting with a firearm, the deer continued to
evade me. November also rushed by too quickly and with just three days left in
the season, a brutal cold front dropped temperatures into the single digits,
encouraging many hunters to end their season early. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Undeterred by the low temperatures,
I spent 8 hours outside on each of the two days leading up to the final day of
the 2018 deer hunting rife season. On the final day, I climbed into my stand at
5:00 am. There was a chilly breeze blowing off the lake and the forest floor
was covered with about 5 inches of newly fallen snow, the wind chill pushed the
morning temperature to -10F. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
carpeting of snow allowed visibility for hundreds of yards through the mixed
hardwoods, the white contrasting sharply with any animals that scampered past.
After about two hours of carefully scanning the woods for deer, I was shocked
when 50 yards away a deer stood up on the edge of the lake, after having been
bedded there all morning. I swung the rifle, placed the cross hairs on the
forward shoulder, exhaled an icy breath, paused and fired. The deer ran 50
yards and collapsed. Walking to the original spot of impact a bed was melted
down to bare ground and still warm. The blood trail was scant, having been almost
completely absorbed by the dry, powdery snow. As I approached, I realized that
the deer was much bigger than I had originally estimated, with a crown of 7
points, the deer became the second biggest of my hunting career.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What did I learn?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></b>A Maine hunter’s single biggest
ally is patience. Deer hunting in Maine is an excruciatingly frustrating
experience. Hours of stalking or sitting are typically rewarded with noisy red
squirrels, rain, snow and freezing temperatures. Why I continue to hunt can
only be explained by those few flickers of success that sometimes seem to occur
more based on luck than skill. Most Maine hunters seem to have the innate
ability to harness a high level of patience and in my experience, the best
hunters always seem to be the most patience. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Consistency
kills almost as many deer as patience. Washing clothes regularly in scent
eliminators, checking the rifle or bow aim point a couple times during the
season, scouting on Sundays and hunting no matter what the weather conditions.
The only time I have seem consistency fail is when hunters consistently sit in
a stand or stalk a section of woods over and over with no viable deer
sightings. Deer cannot be shot where no deer exist. If hunters are not seeing
fresh sign they need to move on and change up the game plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Below Freezing Deer
Hunting Tactics<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></b>When
temperatures dip below freezing, regular scent wicks freeze and scent dispersal
becomes limited. To keep scents working, when temperatures plummet, hunters
should check out the esterous scented candles by www.hottrails.com. Their <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Hot Scent Candle Starter Kit comes
with 1 black lantern and 4 Doe-N-Heat candles for the bargain price of </span><span class="woocommerce-price-currencysymbol"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; mso-themecolor: text1;">$</span></span><span class="woocommerce-price-amount"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">31.58. Last season even as the temps
dipped to single digits and the wind blew, this kit continued to pump out scent
for hours.</span></span><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Rabid Outdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620678221540593118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5495065447190191652.post-76555556371947047232019-10-31T12:18:00.003-04:002019-10-31T12:34:14.039-04:00Mom's Moose<div class="m-7235780849911001265gmail-p1" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R3tL2FD2c4M/XbsMUe3KKFI/AAAAAAAAOgc/qzNqIQeLrhYmkkzTkYg4EByZC-_5upBQACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Moose.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1032" data-original-width="1032" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R3tL2FD2c4M/XbsMUe3KKFI/AAAAAAAAOgc/qzNqIQeLrhYmkkzTkYg4EByZC-_5upBQACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Moose.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="m-7235780849911001265gmail-s1"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">The 2018 moose hunt was marked by a
roller coaster ride of unfortunate lows mixed with the highs of success. This
story starts in January of 2018, with the tragic news that my step dad Lenny
Lloyd of Calais being diagnosed with bladder cancer. Though the original
prognosis was good, and we all remained hopeful that he would beat the cancer,
it was not meant to be.</span></span><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="m-7235780849911001265gmail-p1" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="m-7235780849911001265gmail-s1"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">In June, at the annual moose lottery, my
Mom (Kathy Lloyd) and my Dad (Steve Vose) were both pulled for the exact same week
of the September moose hunt. This obviously set-up a challenging scenario, as I
wanted to join both Mom and Dad for their respective hunts. Adding further complication
to the task, Mom and Dad had been picked to hunt wildlife management districts (WMD)
over five hours apart. For Dads hunt, we were assigned WMD 2, and would be
hunting near Portage, Mom’s hunt was WMD 19, located in the heart of Down East.
This quandary forced me to decide, that as Dad had no additional support, I
would join him for the beginning of the week and hopefully help him harvest a
moose and then join Mom for the end of the week, if she had not yet encountered
success. Mom had planned to hunt the beginning of the week with her husband Lenny
and a close family friend and Maine Guide, Tim Daley of Calais.</span></span><span class="m-7235780849911001265gmail-apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"> As the months passed, however, these plans rapidly changed,
as Lenny’s health continued to decline. </span></span><span class="m-7235780849911001265gmail-s1"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Tragically at 4:00 am on September 21st, I received an emotional phone
call from Mom saying that Lenny, at just 60 years old, had succumb to the
cancer and passed away.</span></span><span class="m-7235780849911001265gmail-apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="m-7235780849911001265gmail-p1" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="m-7235780849911001265gmail-s1"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">My initial plan had been to leave that
next morning to join Dad in Portage and scout for moose, so my truck was already
packed full of camping equipment and hunting gear. Instead of going through the
laborious task of unpacking, I threw my suit jacket, dress shoes and necktie into
the truck and headed north from Augusta to Calais.</span></span><span class="m-7235780849911001265gmail-apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="m-7235780849911001265gmail-p1" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="m-7235780849911001265gmail-s1"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">I arrived in Calais at Mom’s house early
Friday morning where I was met by Mom and almost a dozen other family members.
To say the scene was somber, would be the worst of understatements. I assisted
Mom with </span><span style="color: black;">funeral arrangements, cooked for
guests, made general house repairs and generally attempted to make myself
“useful”, a task that I think most bereaved would easily understand. An active
mind and body has less time to become idle, think too much and become
overwhelmed by grief.</span></span><span class="m-7235780849911001265gmail-apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="m-7235780849911001265gmail-p1" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wMc74JWjGZ0/XbsMyHrM2FI/AAAAAAAAOgs/v3cJLt10QFgFOyp9oOOsOJYUbVJL5BcbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_3301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wMc74JWjGZ0/XbsMyHrM2FI/AAAAAAAAOgs/v3cJLt10QFgFOyp9oOOsOJYUbVJL5BcbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3301.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span class="m-7235780849911001265gmail-s1"><span style="color: black;">Saturday morning, Mom’s household was joined by my wife and
kids, as well as my brother and his family. Having this added emotional
support, Mom pulled me aside and said that she wanted me to go and help my Dad.
This left me in a quandary, wanting to stay and provide support but also wanting
to help Dad on his moose hunt. While even at 68 years old, I knew Dad extremely
capable, disassembling a moose is not an easy task for one person to handle and
it gave me an uneasy feeling. Upon Mom’s continued encouragement, Sunday
morning, I headed out to meet Dad in Portage.</span></span><span class="m-7235780849911001265gmail-apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="m-7235780849911001265gmail-p1" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="m-7235780849911001265gmail-s1"><span style="color: black;">Sunday afternoon, I arrived in Portage, met Dad and headed to
our camping spot in the Deboullie Public Reserved Lands. On the way to our campsite,
a large bull moose slowly waltzed across the road. A good sign, so we thought.
The next two days were dreadful for moose hunting, high winds blew our scent in
every conceivable direction and made calling a unique challenge. To further
complicate matters, our inability to scout earlier in the week, lead us to
expend a considerable amount of time hunting in areas that lacked fresh sign.
Still undeterred by these challenging events, Dad and I gave it our all,
hunting from sunrise to sunset Monday and Tuesday. By Tuesday evening, however,
Dad told me he had done what he came to do and moose or no moose, I need to
drive back to be with Mom. </span><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="m-7235780849911001265gmail-p1" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="m-7235780849911001265gmail-s1"><span style="color: black;">Early Wednesday afternoon, I was headed back to Calais. The
5.5 hour ride from Portage to Down East, had me arriving at Moms only an hour
and a half before Lenny’s wake on Wednesday evening at 6:30 pm. The somber
event left not a dry eye in the house and at the evenings conclusion everyone
was emotionally and physically drained.</span></span><span style="color: black;">
<span class="m-7235780849911001265gmail-s1">The Wednesday wake was followed by
Lenny’s funeral on Thursday, which was attended by half of Down East, Maine. It
was an overwhelming show of support for our family and a high honor paid to a
man who had meant so much to his friends, family, co-workers and community. </span><span class="m-7235780849911001265gmail-apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="m-7235780849911001265gmail-p1" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="m-7235780849911001265gmail-s1"><span style="color: black;">Thursday night, Mom’s house was packed with family. During
dinner, Mom mentioned that she felt Lenny, an avid outdoorsman, would have
wanted her to go on her moose hunt. Mom’s strength in the situation surprised
me, however, I felt that if she was really interested in going, there was
likely no other task that would be more cathartic. Mom’s assurance, after
dinner, that she was deadly serious about moose hunting, lead to my brother,
step brother and I to begin organizing a plan for a hunt early the next
morning. All three of us growing up Down East, we had a fairly good lay of the
land but still consulted with a local Maine guide to determine where we might
find fresh sign.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="m-7235780849911001265gmail-p1" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="m-7235780849911001265gmail-s1"><span style="color: black;">While my brothers were checking Google maps, I helped Mom organize
her hunting gear. Obviously my biggest concern, was Mom’s ability to safely and
accurately discharge her firearm. While she was very familiar with her hunting
rifle, complicating the situation was her current state of obvious emotional
distress. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="m-7235780849911001265gmail-p1" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span class="m-7235780849911001265gmail-s1"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So to
ensure safety, I had Mom show me her TC Encore in .308 and walk me through the
operation of the firearm. I then had her practice standing up, looking through
the scope and bringing it into firing position. Evaluating Mom, she appeared
relaxed, an emotional state easy to maintain not under duress, less so when
being stared down by a 1,000 pound wild animal. Ultimately, I felt that with the
support of the three of us, she would be capable of safely killing a moose, if
the opportunity presented itself. Besides, I figured our chances of actually
shooting a moose were somewhere close to zero. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="m-7235780849911001265gmail-p1" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span class="m-7235780849911001265gmail-s1"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="m-7235780849911001265gmail-s1"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nr9Pbq8oo0U/XbsM4Sd-3WI/AAAAAAAAOg0/Qyps6eURGmEzBBXSSzsHJQvtD7vBrOz_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_3339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nr9Pbq8oo0U/XbsM4Sd-3WI/AAAAAAAAOg0/Qyps6eURGmEzBBXSSzsHJQvtD7vBrOz_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3339.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<span class="m-7235780849911001265gmail-s1"><span style="color: black;">I awoke
early the next morning and woke everyone up. After plenty of black coffee and a
hearty breakfast, we were driving two trucks down Route 9, headed for our first
choice of hunting spots. Turning off Route 9, we traveled dirt roads for about
15 minutes before arriving at the edge of a large clear cut. We parked the
trucks, Mom loaded her rifle and the four of us started slowly walking toward
the edge of the clear cut. After about 20 yards, Mom noticed a decent sized
fresh bull track but she bemoaned that it was headed in the opposite direction
we were now headed. I explained to her, that bulls in heat are wanderers, looking
for love and there was as much of a chance that he was now in front of us as
behind us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="m-7235780849911001265gmail-p1" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="m-7235780849911001265gmail-s1"><span style="color: black;">Before entering the clear cut, I let out a long mournful
cow mating call on my electronic game call. After 10 minutes of waiting with no
response, we eased into the cut. A long dirt road divided the massive clear cut
in half and large gravel berms on both sides of the road partially hid our
approach through the mostly open area. Every 50 yards or so, I would stop,
glass the area with my binoculars and let out another soft cow in heat call.
Halfway across the cut, (about 30 min.) we all stopped behind a large berm and
busied ourselves to the task of investigating every rock, stump and tree.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="m-7235780849911001265gmail-p1" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="m-7235780849911001265gmail-s1"><span style="color: black;">About halfway through my third calling sequence, my brother
turned to me and whispered that he had heard a bull grunt but was unsure of the
direction of distance. We continued to scan the clear cut, when suddenly I
heard an odd, rapid, high pitched, squeaking noise directly behind us. Peering
slowly around the edge of the berm, standing only 25 yards away was a hefty 725
pound bull moose. He had appeared so rapidly, I can only assume that he had
been bedded down, out of sight, in the middle of the clear cut and had simply
stood up when he heard the cow call.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="m-7235780849911001265gmail-p1" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="m-7235780849911001265gmail-s1"><span style="color: black;">Wasting no time, I withdrew around the corner of the berm and
began frantically waving to Mom. Giving me a confused look, she mouthed the
word, “What?”. Spreading both my hands wide and putting one on each side of my
head, I whispered, “MOOOOSSSEEE!”. At that point, Mom’s eyes enlarged to the
size of dinner plates and she sauntered over to my side. Mom’s “saunter” on
that day, is now a point I regularly tease her about. When I frantically waved
at her to hurry, she ignored my repeated requests to hurry and instead slowly
walked over so that she would not to trip and fall. Even with a gun in her
hands, a moose in her sights and adrenaline rushing, she still maintained a
“safety first” level of composure. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="m-7235780849911001265gmail-p1" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3LPs4DFq7ko/XbsM9g4WB_I/AAAAAAAAOg8/hmTJiHTg9L0bNoNh3hyjmWg764NYJyXkQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_3327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3LPs4DFq7ko/XbsM9g4WB_I/AAAAAAAAOg8/hmTJiHTg9L0bNoNh3hyjmWg764NYJyXkQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3327.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="m-7235780849911001265gmail-s1"><span style="color: black;">Taking Mom by both shoulders, I told her to mount the rifle,
keep her finger off the trigger and slowly pull back the hammer. Accomplishing
these tasks, I then eased her around the edge of the berm. As soon as Mom saw
the moose, she started shaking and I could feel her entire body vibrating
through my fingertips. Throughout the entire process, I never took my eyes off
Mom, so when the gun went off, I had to ask my step brother if the moose had in
fact went down. He assured me it had dropped in its tracks. I helped Mom reload
the rifle, as her arthritic fingers lacked the strength to extract the bullet.
Reloaded, we both started walking together toward the downed moose. As we got
closer, Mom asked, “I hit it…right?”. I replied that, “In a clear cut of this
size, if you missed, where would it go?”, as I had not seen the moose go down,
this statement was as much to convince myself, as it was Mom. Our fears were
unfounded, however, when after only a few more feet there lie her moose. Upon verifying
that the moose was dead, Mom knelt down beside the beast, looked to the heavens
and said, “That one was for you Lenny.” I cannot justly describe the outpouring
of emotions that then ensued, it certainly was a joyous, yet difficult time for
us all. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="m-7235780849911001265gmail-p1" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span class="m-7235780849911001265gmail-s1"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>They say
once you pull the trigger all the fun is over and after a moose is shot, this
is the understatement of the century. As a light rain began to fall, I started
gutting the moose, while my two brothers walked back to get the trucks. Upon
their return, the rain had picked up considerably and I knew we were in for a
soaking. Using ropes, pulleys, a come along and a little brute strength, the
four of us managed, in just one and a half hours, to drag the moose 35 yards
out of the blueberry barrens and into the back of my Toyota 4x4 Tacoma pickup truck.
After loading the moose, in my tired state, all I could think to say to Mom
was, “Thank God you didn’t shoot a bigger one!”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="m-7235780849911001265gmail-p1" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="m-7235780849911001265gmail-s1"><span style="color: black;">Lenny Lloyd loved hunting, fishing, camping and all manner
of outdoor pursuits, I know that he was up there in the heavens watching over
us that emotional day. The sheer luck involved in all the events that occurred
on September 28<sup>th</sup>, could only have only been preordained by some
higher power. If ever I had any small doubt that there is a God and an ever
after, this day eliminated those doubt and renewed my faith in a power beyond
mere mortal man. </span></span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Rabid Outdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620678221540593118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5495065447190191652.post-51580980475317304412019-10-31T12:17:00.002-04:002019-10-31T12:41:35.352-04:00Alaska, Fish Batter and Late Season Bass Tactics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YJ1Mu-yRIZU/XbsMkCsWOnI/AAAAAAAAOgg/rJm1Y45YYaEHS4CuE9CB1qzB9M42mHyEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Halibut.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YJ1Mu-yRIZU/XbsMkCsWOnI/AAAAAAAAOgg/rJm1Y45YYaEHS4CuE9CB1qzB9M42mHyEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Halibut.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
For
many sportsmen the dream of fishing the crystal clear waters of Alaska is high
on their bucket list. For me, this dream came true last summer, when I was able
to join my Dad and brother on a “Once in a Lifetime” trip to the last frontier.
For the sake of brevity, I won’t go into a half crazed tirade about what an
amazing time was had by all. As a matter of fact, the limits of my skills as a
writer wouldn’t do it justice anyway. Instead, let me share the details of one
simple decadent meal that was enjoyed in the small town of Homer, AK.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Throughout my life, I have eaten a lot of
fresh fish, however, I have never experienced anything quite like the taste of caught
fresh that day, never frozen halibut. Picture an enormous, heaping plate of
halibut, deep fried to golden perfection. Every bite is crispy, salty goodness
filled with delicious, melt in your mouth halibut. Add to the exquisite gourmet
experience an ice cold Alaskan IPA and a restaurant window with a view of mountain
rimed Kachemak bay and well you get the picture. If that was all to this story,
I could simply slip into a gastronomic coma and be perfectly satisfied,
however, there is more. Imagine, convincing one of the waitresses to provide
you with the infamous, family secret batter recipe!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Alaskan Infamous Family Secret Batter Recipe </span></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">- </span></b><span style="color: black;">2 lbs Fish (We were
fortunate enough to return home with over 50 pounds of halibut but any “white”
fish is perfect with this recipe including: Haddock, Northern Pike, Small and
Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, White Perch and Black Crappie and found them all
to be delicious.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">- 12 ounces light beer<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">- ½ teaspoon Baking Soda <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">- ½ teaspoon Baking Powder<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">- ½ teaspoon Salt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">- 1½ cups Flour<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">- 4 tablespoons Cornstarch<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Place fish
gently into deep fat fryer, being careful not to crowd fish. Cook till batter
turns golden brown (about 3 minutes) at 375 degrees. Fish can be removed from
fryer and placed on a paper towel lined plate and placed into the oven at 200
degrees to keep warm, while the remainder of the fish is cooking. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Anyone who grew up with the Schwan’s truck delivering
frozen fish sticks to your front door, is sure to have choked them down with a
heaping smear of Mom’s “homemade” tartar sauce. Typically this less than
culinary concoction was made by combining equal parts relish and mayonnaise. Instead
of relying on this old diehard of a recipe, and trust me it should die. Why not
try this blissful tartar sauce recipe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KOra0LiZB-0/XbsMqABevSI/AAAAAAAAOgo/Ij-1LwOU4TMAdpYnOPqG54Sxes1O6HxKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Hallibut%2BEats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KOra0LiZB-0/XbsMqABevSI/AAAAAAAAOgo/Ij-1LwOU4TMAdpYnOPqG54Sxes1O6HxKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Hallibut%2BEats.jpg" width="320" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Blissful Tartar Sauce<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">- 1 cup mayonnaise<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">- 1/4 cup finely chopped dill pickle<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">- 3 tablespoons chopped green onion<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">- 1 tablespoon drained capers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">- 1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">- 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Whisk all ingredients in medium bowl
to blend. Season with salt and pepper. Cover; chill at least 1 hour, lasts up
to 2 days.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Late Season Bass Tactics</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">If looking for a great local “white fish”, to enjoy in
the above recipe, largemouth bass is one of my favorites. For many anglers,
bass fishing season ends soon after Labor Day. Committed bass fishermen know, however,
that some of the best bass fishing occurs as the leaves change color and the shorter
days of sunlight begin to drop water temperatures. September marks the beginning
</span><span style="color: black;">of the fall turnover, a time of year when the
cooling upper layer of water becomes heavier than the water underneath. This
causes the denser cold water to sink, pushing the warmer water to the surface.
During this change, a majority of the lake's bass population will be drawn into
the shallows to feed. In the fall, bass cover large amounts of territory in
search of food as they fatten up for the long winter season. Once found, fickle
late season bass are highly transitional and anglers must be prepared to move
on once the bite goes cold and target new areas. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;">During
the first part of fall turnover, top water lures like shallow water crank baits
(ex. </span><span style="background: #f4f4f4; color: #181818;">O.S.P </span><span style="background: #f4f4f4; color: black;">Blitz Max in Red
Claw and Bagley Honey B in Baby Bass and Red Crawdad)</span><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">, are king. Hungry bass, patrolling
the shallows, really hammer these lures which mimic creatures of the shallows
like crayfish, minnows and frogs. After the fall turnover, around the time
aquatic plants begin to die, bass begin to transition into deeper water. At
this time, anglers should make the switch to deep diving crank baits. Fished
correctly, deep diving crank baits can break the 20 foot barrier, meaning
anglers can successfully pursue big bass in deep water. Many fall anglers, fish
Carolina rigs or Football jigs. Unfortunately, the biggest bass often prefer a
crankbaits over rigs and jigs, as Bass Master Pro Paul Elias has seen this
first hand. He noted that, while fishing deep water, he would consistently
catch 2 pound fish on a Carolina rig, but nothing larger. After switching to a <span style="background: #F4F4F4;">Mann's E-Z 30+, </span>got fewer bites, but began consistently
catching 3 to 5 pound fish. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">This data is exciting, as it really cements something my
grandfather always said, “If the fish ain’t biting, or you ain’t catching the
fish you want, try something different.” Don’t be afraid to switch it up and
try something new this fall, you may just be surprised by the results!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Rabid Outdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620678221540593118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5495065447190191652.post-32825403145915215532019-10-31T12:16:00.004-04:002019-10-31T12:16:41.059-04:00Tick Troubles, A Helpful Solution<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Tick Troubles<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The twelve states with the highest
incidence of Lyme disease include Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland,
Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania,
Rhode Island and Wisconsin. These 12 states alone account for 95% of all total
cases of Lyme infection in the U.S. <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; color: black;">Ticks become infected with Lyme and other pathogens when
larvae (or nymphs) take a blood meal from infectious animal hosts. Engorged
larvae molt over winter and emerge in May as poppy-seed sized <span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">nymphal deer ticks</span>. <span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Adult-stage deer ticks</span> become
active in October and remain active throughout the winter whenever the ground
is not frozen. Blood-engorged females survive the winter in the forest leaf
litter and begin laying their 1,500 or more eggs around Memorial Day (late
May). These eggs begin hatching in early June, peaking in early July. The risk
of contracting Lyme and other tick-borne diseases is highest during this time because
the nymphs (which are smaller than a sesame seed) are difficult to see and
their bite is painless. In <span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">most
cases, Lyme disease is transmitted from May through July</span>, when
nymphal-stage ticks are active. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;">The name deer tick, tends to cause people to believe that
ticks are infected with Lyme disease after biting deer. </span>However, while
it’s true that deer and other mammals can spread tick populations, they do not
carry the disease. Instead, ticks mainly pick up Lyme pathogens from
white-footed mice. It stands to reason then that by stopping the spread of
ticks to mice to humans, the threat of Lyme disease infection can be decreased.
This line of reasoning, is the science behind “Tick Tubes”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Tick Tubes Explained<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
Basically, <span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">tick tubes</span><span style="background: white;"> are cardboard or plastic <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">tubes</span> filled with permethrin
treated cotton balls. Mice collect the cotton balls to build their nests. The deer <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">ticks</span> that feed on the mice are
exposed to the permethrin and killed. This breaks the life cycle and stops the
spread of Lyme disease to human hosts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tubes are simply placed around your yard in areas with protective
coverage (think like a mouse), such as flowerbeds, bushes, woodpiles, stone
walls and sheds. To provide maximum coverage, tubes should be placed no more
than 10 yards apart. To be most effective, Tick Tubes should be put out twice a
year, once in spring and once in late summer. The first application kills
nymphal ticks that emerge in the spring and the second application kills larval
ticks that hatch in late summer. It is essential to set Tick Tubes out both
times of the year to achieve best results. Spring applications should be made
in May and summer applications made in late July. Scientists studying the
effects of Tick Tubes on treated properties have recorded a 10 fold decrease in
the presence of ticks and the risk of human exposure to an infected tick reduced
by as much as 97%.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Commercially
Available</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Tick Tubes<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Two popular companies manufacture
and sell tick tubes, Thermacell (maker of the popular Portable Mosquito
Repeller) and Damminix. The pricing on both the Thermacell and Damminix Tick
Tube are comparable, with 24 tubes (enough for 1 acre) costing approximately $75.00.
Both the Thermacell (https://www.thermacell.com) and Damminix (http://www.ticktubes.com)
products can be purchased online. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">DIY Tick Tubes<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For the
individual who likes to do it yourself, Tick Tubes can also be made at home
with a few simple materials. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Supplies</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
- Toilet paper rolls and/or
PVC pipe pieces; I used a mix of both.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
- A bottle of <span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Permethrin</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
- Cotton balls or left over
dryer lint<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
- Disposable gloves &
protective eyeglasses<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Instructions<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Put on the gloves and safety glasses, then lay out the cotton or
dryer lint and saturate it with the permethrin spray. I strongly doing
this outside on a day with no wind. Allow the fibers to fully dry and then
spray a second coat, again let it fully dry.</span> <span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Add pieces of the dry fibers to
the tubes. A few pieces in each tube is enough, as you don’t want to
over-stuff them.</span> <span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Place the tubes around your property, every 20-30
feet or so. Ticks are less likely to be in wide open lawns and are not
able to travel/walk far on their own so they require something to move them,
such as the mice and chipmunks they attach to. These animals tend to have
small burrows and nests in sheltered areas, like underbrush and piles of leaves.
Be sure to focus on those areas, along with anywhere you see chipmunks
during the day. Keep I mind that mice are nocturnal, so it is unlikely
you will see mice during the day to know exactly where to put the tubes. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Other Things
Homeowners Can Do to Kill Ticks<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></b>Even with Tick Tubes
successfully deployed, there are still a few other things that homeowners can
do to help stop the spread of ticks. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Helpful Hints<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
- Clear tall grasses and brush around homes and at the edge
of lawns. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
- Place a 3-ft wide barrier of wood chips or gravel between
lawns and wooded areas and around patios and play equipment. This will restrict
tick migration into recreational areas. - Mow the lawn frequently and keep
leaves raked. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
- Stack wood neatly and in a dry area (discourages rodents
that ticks feed on). <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
- Keep playground equipment, decks, and patios away from
yard edges and trees and place them in a sunny location, if possible.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;">The U.S.
Centers for Disease Control estimates that each year there are about <a href="http://entomologytoday.org/2013/08/19/cdc-estimates-300000-lyme-disease-cases-in-u-s-each-year/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">300,000 cases of Lyme disease</span></a>,
which is vectored by deer ticks. Do your part to keep yourself and your family
safe this season with Tick Tubes and these preventative hints!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Rabid Outdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620678221540593118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5495065447190191652.post-50661561659505064182019-10-31T12:15:00.002-04:002019-10-31T12:35:02.103-04:00Turkeys in Central Maine as Thick as the Ticks!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vsoJk9gEAew/XbsNKIHlTtI/AAAAAAAAOhI/DmFgwHwoM68FwxwNN51hdqouCOi53W-DQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Ethan%2BTurkey%2B2018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vsoJk9gEAew/XbsNKIHlTtI/AAAAAAAAOhI/DmFgwHwoM68FwxwNN51hdqouCOi53W-DQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Ethan%2BTurkey%2B2018.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
Last season, my son dropped the hammer on his biggest tom
turkey to date, a 20.2 pound bruiser of a bird shot during the first week. It
was a long morning hunt and we had almost given up for the promise of McDonald’s
breakfast sandwiches, when the woods were rocked by his impressively loud gobble.
My son barely had a chance to collect his composure and get his shotgun into
position before the behemoth strolled into range. Thankfully, old Tom was too
transfixed and ready to pick a fight with our Avian X Strutter to worry about
our erratic movements. Well, a deep breath later, my son took the shot and old
tom was meat. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I have to say, after an entire
season of using the Avian X Strutter this large bulky decoy is well worth the
extra effort and weight and I am absolutely hooked on its effectiveness and
wouldn’t dream of hunting without it. Last season, I guided my son and a family
friend in harvesting two toms over 20 pounds and 18 and 19 pound birds for
myself. In an open field, this decoy has the size and realism to pull in big
Toms and even curious jakes (early season) from long distances. Basically if
they see it, they’re coming in for a closer look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Turkeys Thick as Ticks!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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On the heels of last year’s
impressive season, now a full year later, the final hours are ticking down to
one of the most productive spring turkey hunt I have ever seen. I don’t
remember the last time I walked into the woods and had turkeys gobbling on
every cardinal point of the compass...and them some! I had a premonition that
this season was going to be great, as I watched the fields last fall and saw
dozens of hens with huge broods numbering 6-7 poults. In addition to the
healthy brood sizes, I also noted large flocks of turkeys inhabiting almost
every field I passed. I felt at times, I would have a difficult time stepping
in the woods without stepping on a turkey! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Turkey Troubles</b> <o:p></o:p></div>
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All of the sightings and the
excellent spring hunt, seem in direct contrast to the turkey numbers being
reported throughout the eastern United States. Decreasing turkey populations
seem to be growing to record proportions, as reported in such states as
Missouri (down 30%), Mississippi (down 34%), New York (down 40%) and Arkansas (down
65%). The National Wild Turkey Federation reports that in<span style="color: black;"> 1973, there were approximately 1.5 million wild turkeys in
North America. After 40 years of effort, that number reached a historic high of
about 6.7 million turkeys. Today turkey numbers are creeping downward and are currently
estimated at between 6 million birds. Wildlife biologists say these recent
declines may not be long-term, but they do warrant close monitoring. Among the
listed concerns, scientists feel that in some areas birds have reached carrying
capacity and have declined as the capacity of the habitat to support a certain
number of birds has declined. If the habitat conditions decline across multiple
counties and states, then birds have no choice but to decline with it. Another
factor, in the mix, is that turkeys are extremely susceptible to diseases
including blackhead, avian pox and West Nile. To avoid any fears of disease
transmission to humans, turkeys should be cleaned using rubber gloves and all
instruments used in butchering thoroughly cleaned. Also when cooking turkey
meat, the USDA recommends cooking it to an internal temperature of 165 F. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Tough Turkey</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Now I like
to shoot big tom turkeys just as much as the next guy but when it comes to
eating big birds they tend to be on the tough side. To combat this issue,
grinding the meat before meal preparation is immensely helpful. Ground turkey
meat can be used in soups, tacos, made into meatballs or my children’s
favorite, ground turkey nuggets. To try them for yourself, try this simple
recipe. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ground Turkey Nuggets<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black;">1/4 cup
white flour<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black;">2 eggs,
beaten <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black;">1
cup <a href="http://realfitrealfoodmom.com/2013/11/14/chicken-parmesan-wheels/" target="_blank" title="Chicken Parmesan Wheels"><span style="color: black;">
breadcrumbs</span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">1 pound
ground turkey<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black;">1/2 tsp
salt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black;">2 tsp Parmesan
cheese, freshly grated<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black;">1/4 cup
olive oil<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 3.0pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;">1/2 cup mayonnaise<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 3.0pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;">3 tablespoons <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">honey</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 3.0pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;">2 tablespoons yellow <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">mustard</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 3.0pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;">1 tablespoon Dijon <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">mustard</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;">1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;">Take out three small bowls and add the flour to the first
bowl. Crack the eggs into the second one. Add the breadcrumbs to the third
bowl. Put the ground turkey in a large bowl and mix in the salt and Parmesan
cheese. Put some flour on your hands and make a ping-pong sized ball. Set the
ball on a cookie sheet and continue until all of the turkey has been made into
small balls. Roll each ball in the flour, dip in the egg, and then roll in the
breadcrumbs. Place back on the cookie sheet and then flatten gently. Repeat
until done.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;">Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low. Place
the turkey pieces in the skillet and cook for 2 minutes. Flip over and
cook the other side for an additional 2 minutes. After they have been slightly
browned on each side, place back on the cookie sheet and bake at 375 degrees for
about 8 minutes or until cooked all the way through. Serve hot with honey
mustard (see recipe above) for dipping!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Rabid Outdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620678221540593118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5495065447190191652.post-18605735811184128202019-10-31T12:12:00.000-04:002019-10-31T12:12:09.263-04:00Winslow Park Fun For All<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Winslow Memorial Park<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></b>Just 6.1 miles away from the
busy and crowed streets of downtown Freeport, exists a hidden gem, beautiful Winslow
Memorial Park and Campground. I have been camping here with my friends and
family for the past several years and each and every year, I can’t wait to
return. The reason for my exuberance is that the facility is so well maintained
and that there exists dozens of fun activities for grown-ups and kids to enjoy.
As an added bonus, they even accept dogs, for the fee of only $1.00 each! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
campgrounds facilities include a tidal beach and boat launch (perfect for anything
from trailered boats to canoes & kayaks), picnic tables and grills, a
fishing pier, a playground, and a volley ball court. There also exists a small
cottage onsite called the “Tea House” that is loaded with games and books,
perfect for entertaining the kids on those rainy days! The campground
additionally hosts a Summer concert series with local bands on weekends so be
sure to check out the schedule out on their website (http://freeportmaine.com,
see Winslow Park and Campground under the “Quick Links” on the right hand side
of the page).<o:p></o:p></div>
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The campground itself has 23
waterfront tent sites, boasting expansive views of Casco Bay that can be
reserved for the budget price of only $14 for Maine residents and $30 for
non-residents. Visitors looking for RV hookups or more secluded wooded
campsites, can choose from 100 different camping locations, all uniquely
beautiful. Just be warned, campsite fill up FAST! To ensure visitors secure the
campsite location and dates they prefer, reservations must be made by the first
week of May. (Looking at their website recently, I noted that they are
switching to a new online system this year!) Additional details related to the
reservation policy, application and mailing address are all available on the
website (see above). <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Directions to the
Campground:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="color: black;">From the South:<br />
* Take I-295 North and get off at Exit 17 (Yarmouth/Freeport Exit)<br />
* At the exit ramp take Route One North. You will pass the Muddy Rudder
Restaurant, Freeport Inn and Café on your right. At the top of the hill after
the Casco Bay Motel, take a right at the blinking light onto South Freeport
Road (if you pass the Big Indian, you've gone too far).<br />
* Take a right onto Staples Point Road (there is a wooden sign for Winslow Park
at the corner of South Freeport Road and Staples Point Road).<br />
* Stay on Staples Point Road all the way to the end and you will come into
Winslow Park.<br />
<br />
From the North:<br />
* Take I-295 South and get off at Exit 20 (formerly exit 19). Take a left at
the end of the exit ramp. At the first traffic light after the overpass take a
right onto Route One South. Stay on Route One South until you come to South
Freeport Road. Take a left onto South Freeport Road (at the blinking light).
Take a right onto Staples Point Road (there is a wooden sign for Winslow Park
at the corner of South Freeport Road and Staples Point Road). Stay on Staples
Point Road all the way to the end and you will come into Winslow Park.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Great Local Eats<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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It never fails that even the most
beautiful summer day can quickly turn miserable with an unrelenting afternoon thunder
shower. When this happens at dinner time, the ravenous hordes can get angry. Have
no fear, however, only eight minutes away from Winslow Park is the Harraseeket
Lunch and Lobster Company (www.harraseeketlunchandlobster.com) located at 36
Main Street, South Freeport. Here customers will find a tantalizing assortment
of fresh seafood that can be enjoyed inside their dining room or outside on picnic
tables. Also remember that patrons are welcome to bring along their favorite
beer or wine to enjoy with their meal! If looking to take live lobsters home or
back to the campground, HLCC offers packing boxes and gel packs to suit all
traveling needs. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Haraseeket River
Striper Fishing in Kayaks<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>One of the
pursuits I find most enjoyable during my stay at Winslow Park are morning
paddles in my kayak fishing for Striped bass. With a watchful eye on weather
and tides, kayakers can safely navigate from the Winslow Park boat ramp down to
the mouth of the Harraseeket River. A few years ago, I caught the largest striper
of my fishing career off the small rock island at the mouth of the Harraseeket
River. If camping without a boat, still bring your salt water pole! Excellent
fishing for striped bass can be had either by tossing plugs or chucking bait
off the campgrounds rock pier, located by the playground, or at the boat launch
on Stockbridge Point. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Squid Fishing<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Anglers who just can’t get enough
of fishing, can also fish these spots in the evening for squid! All that is
needed to fish for squid at night is a light, regular fishing pole and a squid
jig. Squid jigs can be ordered on Amazon from such popular companies as Zak
Tackle, Fishcm, Croch and Toasis. All that needs to be done to fish for squid
is to shine the light on the water and jig the shrimp lure at various depths.
When the shrimp corporate, anglers can harvest more calamari, in just a few
short hours, than they likely care to eat! <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Rabid Outdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620678221540593118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5495065447190191652.post-71908810347491246262019-10-31T12:10:00.003-04:002019-10-31T12:10:33.232-04:00ATV Troubles<br />
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black;">Flats
the Pits <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;">Last spring while ATV riding, my left front tire suffered a
puncture. While the hole wasn’t major, it did cause the tire to rapidly loose air
pressure and the only way I was able to make it back to camp was by repeatedly
re-inflating the tire with a hand pump. Examining the tire at camp, I noted
that a large nail was causing the issue. Unfortunately, it was a long drive to
a repair shop and I had no tools available to fix the issue, so the rest of the
long Patriots day weekend, I had to sit at camp while the rest of my friends
enjoyed epic trail riding. Shame on me, for not having the knowledge and tools
that would have allowed me to make this super easy tire repair. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Under Pressure<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;">One of the most common breakdowns an ATV can have is a flat
tire. Preventing this from happening starts even before hitting the trail, by
checking tire pressures. Choosing the right ATV tire pressure is based on a
combination of the manufacturer’s recommendation, terrain and load. <strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">For example,</span></strong>
when riding on hard surfaces, such as pavement, packed dirt and hard snow,
stick with recommended pressures of 7 to 8 PSI for best traction and ride
comfort. On soft surfaces, such as gravel, mud or soft snow, tire pressures can
be reduced to 3 to 4 PSI which improves overall traction. When transporting heavy
loads, such as an additional passenger, tools or gear, tire pressures can be
increased to 8 to 9 PSI (just never exceed the pressure listed on the sidewall).
If readers find all of this confusing, most ATV manuals reference 5 to 6 PSI as
a good compromise for normal trail riding and also a safe PSI for avoiding most
tire troubles. As always, reference the owner’s manual, as with all the
different designs of ATVs, these general guidelines may not work for your
particular machine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Be Proactive<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;">Several products exist that allow ATV tires to continue to
function even if they receive damage. The least expensive of these options is
Slime tire sealant (https://www.slime.com). This fantastic product can be added
to leaky ATV tires or simply added to tires as a preventative measure. Small
tire punctures, like nails, are instantly sealed by the “slime” product and it
is likely that ATV riders won’t even realize they have received damage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of this, ATV riders who “slime” their
tires should thoroughly inspect their tires after each ride. “Sliming” costs
approximately $12 per tire. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;">A more expensive but ultimately more aggressive option, to
protect ATV tires, are Tire Balls. This product consists of many small tough
rubber balls that are placed inside each tire during the mounting process. The balls
allow an ATV tire to continue to function, at nearly full speed, even with a
large hole and no air pressure in the tire. Tire Balls retail for around $200
per tire and are available for most sport quads, 4x4s and UTV tire sizes.
Contact Tire Balls (https://www.tireballs.com) for ordering information.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Trail Side Repair<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;">Having the proper tools and knowledge will fix most tire
troubles. Most critical is never leave home without a tire repair kit. While
several companies make these repair kits, my favorite is made by Slime. This
simple kit is comprised of only four components, a reamer for cleaning out the puncture
hole, rope plugs and rubber cement for sealing the hole and a plug driver for
inserting the rope plug into the hole. With this simple kit, tires even with
significantly large punctures can be repaired with multiple rope plugs stacked
on top of each other and sealed with rubber cement. At the very least, a big leak
can be slowed enough to get home. Make sure to add to the Slime kit, a set of pliers
for pulling the nail out of the tire and wire cutters for trimming the rope
plug. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black;">Central
Maine Trail Riding<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; color: black;">Despite the posting of large parcels of
land in Central Maine, local ATV clubs do an excellent job of working with landowners
to keep trails open. The three clubs in the general area of Central Maine,
include the Central Maine ATV Club in Fairfield, the Messalonskee Trail Riders
in Oakland and the China Four Seasons Club in China. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;">I recently had a chance to talk with Tom Rumpf, president
of the China Four Seasons Club.<span style="background: white;"> </span>Tom told
me that due to decrease in volunteerism, dwindling land and landowner relations
there has never been a more critical time for sportsmen to join an ATV club. <span style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;">The China Four Season Club is an impressive facility,
boasting a sizable club house, ample parking and a beautiful sand beach located
on the shores of China Lake. All 40+ miles of club maintained trails are
easily accessible via the club house.<span style="background: white;"> </span>Tom
outlined that the club has a large number of exciting activities and events
scheduled to occur throughout the summer months for club members, including a
club ride with a date to be determined, club booth at “China Days” the first
weekend in August and a club raffle for an AR10 rifle. <span style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;">If interested in learning more about the Four Season Club
please call 207-416-2070, email rrrumpf@cinabro.com or join one of their club
meetings, held on the 2nd Thursday of every month at 7 pm at their clubhouse
located across from the town office in South China, ME 04358.</span> <span style="background: white; color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Rabid Outdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620678221540593118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5495065447190191652.post-69724320402848473222019-03-29T12:14:00.002-04:002019-03-29T12:14:53.435-04:00Hiking Central Maine <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GmJyiBIqRAw/XJ5EWkARJ4I/AAAAAAAAOYM/8uQjmDpZcLgM3hnNxmDuOt21sN4Q6jLhQCLcBGAs/s1600/Katahdin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1596" data-original-width="1596" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GmJyiBIqRAw/XJ5EWkARJ4I/AAAAAAAAOYM/8uQjmDpZcLgM3hnNxmDuOt21sN4Q6jLhQCLcBGAs/s320/Katahdin.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Last spring, my two sons informed me that it was my fatherly duty to take them up Maine’s highest peak, Katahdin. While in my 20s and 30s I had climbed Katahdin over 30 times, including 7 winter ascents, old knees, a bad back and a 47 year old cardiovascular system had me realizing that before attempting the mountain, I needed to train. (*Side note, before starting the Katahdin hike last summer, I packed a small container of Bayer aspirin in my backpack in case I had a heart attack, LOL! When I later told my wife, she didn’t find it nearly as funny as I did!)<br />
<br />
While millions of people head to the gym to prepare their bodies for a wide variety of outdoor pursuits, I have always found that the best way to train to climb mountains is to well…climb mountains. No elliptical runner, stair stepper or tread mill ever created, can prepare muscles, ligaments and tendons to handle slippery, unstable rocks, adverse weather, airy heights and the full body workout that is required to drag oneself up Katahdin Stream Trail. Because I knew this to be true, my training regimen consisted of hiking some of the “larger” mountains in the central Maine area.<br />
<br />
<b>Bond Brook </b><br />
Anyone starting out on a new exercise program should first consult a doctor. It’s also a good idea that if you have not exercised in a long time to start out with something relatively easy. In Augusta, the Bond Brook Recreation Area (Map 12, C-5) is a 270 acre urban wilderness area owned by the City of Augusta. At only 270 acres individuals will be pleasantly surprised to discover a network of over 12 miles of trails here. These trails are popular during the summer with mountain bikers and hikers and in the winter enjoyed by snowshoers and Nordic skiers.
The Bond Brook parking lot is located directly behind the Augusta airport. To get there from Downtown Augusta, head north on Mt Vernon Avenue and turn left onto Bond Brook Road. From Civic Center Drive, head south and turn right on Bond Brook Road. Turn left on Tall Pines Way; there is parking located before and after the bridge and more parking is available at the stadium. Follow Tall Pines Way up the hill to the Stadium Parking Lot. Parking is also available at Mt. Hope Cemetery off Winthrop Street.<br />
<br />
<b>Mt. Pisgah Conservation Area </b><br />
Once a new exercise program is started, it’s helpful to slowly increase the intensity of your workouts to continue to strengthen muscles and cardiovascular systems. Mt. Pisgah (Map 12, C-2) is a perfectly “moderate” hiking trail. The 0.7mile trail to the summit is up a steady grade but not oppressive. The forested summit of Mount Pisgah features the former Maine Forest Service fire tower, which was in use from 1949 to 1991. The tower provides spectacular 360 degree views and on a clear day, Mt. Washington can be seen looming on the western horizon.
To get to the Mt. Pisgah Trailhead from Route 133 in Wayne, turn south onto Fairbanks Road. At the end, turn left onto the Mt. Pisgah Road. Travel south about 1.7 miles, the parking lot is on the left. From Route 202, turn onto North Main Street and go into North Monmouth. After about 0.7 mile, turn right on New Road, which becomes Mt. Pisgah Road. Continue for approximately 1.6 miles, the parking lot is on the right.<br />
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<b>Kennebec Highlands, Hiking Kennebec County’s Highest Peak </b><br />
After maintaining a fairly steady hiking program for a couple months, most individuals will be ready to take on more challenging mountains. The Kennebec Highlands are comprised about 6,400 acres in the town of Vienna, Rome, Mount Vernon and New Sharon and is the largest contiguous block of conserved land in central Maine.
Fantastic hiking opportunities, exist in the Kennebec Highlands, including Kennebec counties highest peak, McGaffey Mountain (Map 20, E-3). The summit of McGaffey Mountain (1,310 ft.) is accessible via the “A” trail, a “moderate” hike which follows a gradual uphill grade. After 3.3 miles of hiking, the trail opens up onto a beautiful overlook. Following the trail another 1.2 miles across a rocky ridge line and it terminates at the view less summit of McGaffey Mountain.
The McGaffey Mountain Trail starts off Watson Pond Road, which branches from the west side of Route 27 about a mile north of the intersection of Routes 27 and 225.
Several other small mountains, exceptional for hiking and well worth exploring include: the 2.9 mile loop trail up 854ft. Sanders Hill, the 4.5 mile loop trail up 1,133 ft. Round Top Mountain, the 1.3 mile loop trail up 755 ft. Mt. Phillip and the 1.5 mile trail up 665 ft. The Mountain. Rabid Outdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620678221540593118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5495065447190191652.post-70776178447343165942019-02-13T09:02:00.000-05:002019-02-13T09:02:00.346-05:00Wildlife Quiz - Gray SquirrelThe Eastern Gray Squirrel’s (Sciurus carolinensis) native range stretches from northern Canada, all the way into sections of Texas and Florida. A species well adapted to survive in a wide variety of rural as well as urban environments, the gray squirrel has rapidly spread across the country, largely displacing native red squirrel populations.<br />
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Highly prolific, gray squirrels breed twice a year, once in the spring and again in late summer. Gray squirrels construct nests comprised of dry leaves and twigs called a drey, usually constructed in the crotch of a tree. Litters range in size from 1-8 young, with only one in four managing to evade predators, avoid sickness and starvation to survive to one year of age. Of those individuals fortunate enough to survive the first year, about half perish in the follow year.<br />
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In preparation for winter, gray squirrels hoard tremendous amounts of tree buds, berries, seeds, acorns and even some types of fungi in small caches for later consumption. Scientists studying the behaviors of gray squirrels have estimated a single squirrel make thousands of caches each season. To prevent other animals from retrieving cached food, squirrels will sometimes pretend to bury a food item, if they feel they are being watched.
Those who have spent time watching the antics of the gray squirrel in woodlands and parks across the country will surely note this species amazing ability to descend a tree head-first.<br />
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Gray squirrels rank as one of few mammalian species that can accomplish this amazing acrobatic feat. The squirrel does so by turning its hind paws so that the claws point backwards, allowing the squirrel to easily grip the tree bark.<br />
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<b>Wildlife Quiz Questions: </b><br />
1. What is the native range of the gray squirrel?<br />
2. How often does the gray squirrel breed?<br />
3. What are the nests of gray squirrels called?<br />
4. How big are gray squirrel litters? <br />
5. What percentage of gray squirrel young survive the first year?<br />
6. What do gray squirrels eat?<br />
7. How many caches do scientists estimates gray squirrels make in a season?<br />
8. What amazing acrobatic feat can gray squirrels accomplish?<br />
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<b>Wildlife Quiz Answers: </b><br />
1. The native range of the gray squirrel stretches from northern Canada, all the way into sections of Texas and Florida.<br />
2. Gray squirrels breed twice a year, once in the spring and again in late summer<br />
3. The nests of gray squirrels are called drey.<br />
4. Gray squirrel litters range in size from 1-8 young.<br />
5. Only one in four managing to evade predators, avoid sickness and starvation to survive to one year of age.<br />
6. Gray squirrels eat tree buds, berries, seeds, acorns and even some types of fungi.<br />
7. Scientists studying the behaviors of gray squirrels have estimated a single squirrel make thousands of caches each season. <br />
8. Gray squirrels are one of the few mammals that can descend a tree head-first.Rabid Outdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620678221540593118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5495065447190191652.post-69221989148019901082019-01-18T11:02:00.000-05:002019-01-19T13:29:59.967-05:00Ice Fishing Trout on Sheepscot Pond<style type="text/css">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Authors Son "Wildman" with a nice Sheepscot Brookie</td></tr>
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Sheepscot Pond in Palermo (Map 13, B-4) is an expansive (1,193 acre) pond situated among the rolling, wooded hills of southeastern Waldo County. A moderately developed lake (unusual for Central Maine!) it remains an attractive setting for ice anglers. A state-owned boat ramp, located off Rt. 3 on the lake's north shore, provides access for anglers and other recreational users. While individuals can fish just off the landing, this area is typically hammered hard throughout the season. Better ice fishing is found further away, from this highly pressured area, on the western shore of Leeman Arm or eastern shore of Bald Head. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
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<span class="s1"><b>Ice Fishing Variety</b></span></div>
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<span class="s1">For the ice Angler who believes that variety is the spice of life, they will find no better thrill than a day spent ice fishing Sheepscot Pond. On an expedition to the lake in 2018, family, friends and I managed to pull up 7 different species of fish including, salmon, largemouth bass, pickerel, white perch, yellow perch, lake trout and brook trout. According to the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the lake additionally contains, brown trout, smallmouth bass and even splake, which were originally introduced to the lake in 1993. While we were unsuccessful in catching any of these additional species, the possibility of going to a lake and catching 10 different species of fish is exciting! As an angler who typically targets big northern pike, Sheepscot Pond is a refreshing change and a great place to take kids. It was a lot of fun showing the kids (and some adults) how to identify the different fish species pulled out of the ice holes.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>Stocked With Trout</b></span></div>
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<span class="s1">Sheepscot Pond is part of the state’s fish stocking program and received a stocking of 500, 10 inch brook trout in April of 2018 and 500, 13 inch brook trout in November of 2018. On our outing last season, we were successful in catching a total of 5 brook trout, all were within a range of 10-14 inches.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1">If specifically targeting brook trout on Sheepscot Pond, targeting points and inlets are both prime ice fishing spots. Points provide structure and hiding places for small bait fish and inlets flush nutrients into the lake attracting the small baitfish trout target. The ideal bait fish for trout is a 2 inch shiner or dace, any bigger decreases catch rate. Shiners work great as long as they stay lively. Replace any bait not actively swimming around, lifeless bait does not attract trout.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>Patience Puts Trout On the Ice </b></span></div>
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<span class="s1">When a flag pops up but the spool is not turning, reset the flag without checking the bait. Finicky brook trout will often take the bait, trigger the flag, but then spit out the bait and swim around it. Jigging the ice hole can also help hook the bait stealer.</span></div>
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<span class="s2"><b>Heavy Metal</b></span></div>
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<span class="s1">Winter brook trout anglers typically fish with either worms or minnows but there are times when the fish are just not interested in either. Jigging spoons can often trigger a bite response, on days when bait fishing slows. My favorite spoon is the blue/silver Little Cleo. Adding a small piece of bait to the jig hook will greatly increase scent thereby helping increase the catch rate. Also, when jigging for brook trout, don’t make big jerking movements, instead employ a smaller 6-10 inch jigging motion. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>Target Brook Trout When Most Active</b></span></div>
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<span class="s1">Trout activity under the ice peeks early and drops off two or three hours after sunrise. This is because sunshine tends to push brook trout into deeper water. To extend the bite, place tip-ups along the eastern shoreline. This causes the rising sun to stay hidden behind the trees creating a shadow line that will last till late morning. Most fish species do not bite exceptionally well for 48 hours after a low pressure system. However, fish tend to feed aggressively 24 to 36 hours before a low pressure moves through. When the weatherman predicts temperatures in the 30’s, overcast skies and flurries, it’s going to be a good day to fish.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>The Secret Weapon</b></span></div>
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<span class="s1">On days when the brook trout are refusing to eat everything an angler can imagine to throw at them, a highly effective tip-up rig can be made using a blue/silver Little Cleo or Dardevel. To rig the spoon, first remove the treble hook. Next attach 12 inches of 6-8 pound fluorocarbon leader to the O-ring and tie on a #1 baitholder hook. To the hook, thread on a large night crawler so that the entire hook is covered. Set the worm about a foot off bottom. While the spoon sparkles and reflects light, the worm triggers fish to bite.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>Sheepscot Pond Regulations, Know Before You Go!</b></span></div>
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<span class="s1">Sheepscot Pond is regulated by general fishing laws with the exception of S-22 (Daily bag limit on landlocked salmon: 1 fish.) and S-25 (Daily bag limit on togue: 1 fish). Also, the minimum length limit on landlocked salmon is 16 inches. One confusing regulation reads “the holding of any live baitfish not taken in Sheepscot Pond is prohibited”. I found this particularly confusing and so I dropped an email to IFW for clarification. The response I received from one of the state fisheries biologists was, that “anglers can use outside bait for ice fishing, but individuals can’t store outside bait in the pond. If an individual wants to store bait under the ice of Sheepscot Pond, it must be fishes that were collected in Sheepscot Pond.” The regulation was put in place as a biosecurity measure, to help limit the amount of pathogens in the Palermo Hatchery water supply.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<br />Rabid Outdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620678221540593118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5495065447190191652.post-64809570569279301422019-01-09T11:02:00.000-05:002019-01-19T12:27:09.044-05:00Coyote Night Hunt<style type="text/css">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Author's son with his first coyote</td></tr>
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<span class="s1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">December 17</span><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><sup>th</sup></span><span class="s1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">, the coyote night hunting season begins and it remains open until August 31</span><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><sup>st</sup></span><span class="s1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">. For those who have access to heated hunting shacks, the cold nights can be spent in relative comfort, peacefully reading, listening through ear buds to a ball game or playing video games on your cell phone. Whatever the choice, hunting from a heated shack isn’t nearly as physically challenging as pursuing coyotes at night, without the protection of some form of enclosure.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
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<span class="s1">I rather enjoy the extreme nature of setting up on the evening of a full moon, on the edge of a desolate and deserted frozen pond and attempting to call a coyote in close enough for a shot opportunity. Don’t expect however to see one of our crafty Maine coyotes recklessly charging into a call across the empty white expanse of ice. Instead, coyotes will creep in, 15-20 feet inside of the timber, exposing themselves to the barren lake surface only after closing to within easy striking distance of the perceived “prey”. Hunters who set-up back from the lake surface 20-30 yards in the woods will frequently enjoy more success than hunters who sit right on the lake edging. Coyotes are crafty and unwilling to give away their position unless it is absolutely necessary.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1">This is where a motion decoy and remote controlled calls work wonders as they can be set out on the lake surface to draw coyotes into the open for a shot opportunity. For those using handheld calls, once a coyote is spotted working the tree edging, the hunter stops calling and allow the motion decoy to do the rest of the work. A motion decoy can be something as simple as a piece of fur or feathers tied to a stick with a short length of cordage and allowed to blow in the breeze.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1">Predator hunting experts will tell beginners that the most important piece of equipment they can bring on a coyote hunt is a length of thread tied to the end of their rifle barrel. The thread moves in the slightest breeze and serves as a reminder to hunters to always be extremely cognizant of wind direction. This simple device is so helpful, I tied a short length of string on my son’s rifle, so he can visually see how the wind is blowing and know how that might affect his hunting chances.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1">Hunters fail to succeed in shooting coyotes because they simply have not taken the proper measures need to adequately control their scent profile. When the stakes are high and we are chasing whitetails, it is easy to invest the time and energy required to control our scent. When hunting coyotes, however, maintaining that same level of discipline can be difficult. Even a basic level of scent control, when hunting coyotes, will often go a long way in allowing hunters to put more fur on the ground. No-scent soaps and deodorants are effective but should be used each day 3-4 days before hunting to ensure that residual smells from scented shampoos and body washes are eliminated. Also, wear hunting clothes no more than two outings before rewashing in no-scent laundry soap, drying and then storing in sealed plastic bags with spruce or pine boughs. Done right, more coyotes will see their last Maine winter.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1">Experts say to call for 30 minutes maximum then move on but I have enjoyed success on shooting coyotes and fox in calling sessions lasting over an hour. I prefer these longer calling sessions, especially during the legal hunting hours between sunrise and sunset, as on several occasions these longer calling sessions have convinced a tentative bobcat to investigate. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1">The upcoming full moons for December-March include: 12/22, 1/21, 2/19, 3/20. Hunters can improve on their night sight by understanding that our eyes adjust to the dark at intervals. After just 2 minutes our eyes partially adapt to the dark but take fully 20-30 minutes to reach 80% visual capacity, the remaining 20% can take up to 2 hours to obtain. This means, that when hunting at night, it is critically important to maintain light adaptation because once lost it takes a long time to reobtain. If having to turn on a flashlight or predator flood light, be sure to close one eye to maintain light adaptation.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1">If a coyote steps out onto the snow white surface of a frozen lake with a full moon shinning down, his silhouette will be immediately apparent and a good shot opportunity possible. However, if that coyote sticks to the wood line, hiding in the shadows, shots become much more tricky. Predator flood lights are a handy tool that allow hunters to take shots that would normally be exceedingly difficult in low light situations. High powered predator lights like the “Wicked Hunting Lights” are durable and relatively cost effective, with scope mounted models starting at around $150.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Hunting coyotes is an exciting sport. To get in on the action, check out Dresden Bog (Map 13, E-1) off Route 22 in Dresden Mills. The bog is part of the 862 acre Erle R. Kelley Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and includes a nice mixture of wetlands and woodlands.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
Rabid Outdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620678221540593118noreply@blogger.com0