Red River Camps Owner Jen Brophy - Interview

Nestled deep within the northern Maine forest, in the low-lying, rugged mountains of Aroostook County, Red River Camps provides visitors with the perfect base of operations for those looking to fish, hunt or simply explore this beautiful wilderness area. 

To better understand the unique history surrounding the camps and the wide variety of activities available, I conducted the following interview with Red River Camps owner and operator Jen Brophy . . . enjoy!

Jen Brophy - Owner, Red River Camps

Rabid - How long have the camps been in your family? Are you the 3rd generation of ownership? 

Jen - I’m the second generation of the Brophy family to own Red River. Before I was born, my father worked as a guide for the previous owner, and he agreed to “take care of the camps for a year” while the previous owner offered it for sale. My mom agreed to accompany him, and the rest is history. I was less than a year old when we moved in, so it’s always been a very special part of my world.

Rabid - What for you would be a perfect day spent at Red River Camps? Do you make picnic lunches for guests to take on their various adventures? 

Jen - I’m an avid hiker, so a perfect day in the Deboullie Township for me includes a ten-mile hike that takes in nine different ponds, three mountains, sheer rocky cliffs, and a waterfall or two. (The State of Maine has expanded the trail network around Red River to include almost thirty miles of trails, and many of them are accessible as loops directly from Red River.) After working up a good sweat while hiking, a quick dip in Island Pond (and a swim out to the rock pile) make a great cool-down, and then it’s time to enjoy Gloria’s home cooking and get back out on Island pond for some evening fishing while the sun sets over Whitman Ridge.

Rabid -  Any funny outdoor stories you would like to share? 

Jen - When I was twelve, my grandmother visited Red River, which was a treat for all of us. To show her around, we decided to take a hike to the rock slide at the base of Deboullie Mountain. Back then, the trails were quite rough, and the two- to three-mile walk from Camp took a while, especially when it was a family affair. My grandmother was from suburban Rhode Island (a state one-fifth the size of Aroostook County!), and we had just passed the ice caves, about three-quarters of the way to the rock slide, when she turned to my mom and very innocently asked: “Am I going to need my passport?”

Rabid -  Favorite evening meal served at Red River? Do you have any “signature” dishes? 

Jen - Everything we serve is homemade, and Gloria’s salmon dinner is a favorite among guests. We usually serve it with roasted mix of potatoes, sweet potatoes, and summer squash, peas in basil cream sauce, and honey brown bread. I, myself, enjoy baking desserts, so I love discovering that guests are having a birthday at Camp and surprising them with a personalized birthday cake. Chocolate with my secret-recipe peanut butter fondant is a perennial favorite. (Last year, we surprised a long-time lobsternan with a lobster-trap cake, and we created an edible map of Island Pond for the family reunion of a previous owner.)

Rabid -  Provide a little background about yourself…who is Jen Brophy? 

Jen - I’m a Jen-of-All-Trades who focuses a lot of my time and energy on lots of things related to water and the woods. In addition to running Red River (which includes marketing, public relations, cooking, cleaning, plumbing, electrical work, gas work, and carpentry), I’m also a registered Maine guide and a professional engineer. As an engineer, I specialize in solving designing stream and wetland restoration projects through my consulting firm, Water’s Edge Ecological Engineering, and I also teach an engineering class at the Maine School of Science and Mathematics during the winter months. Guests often ask me how often I get out fishing. I’m always sad to respond, “when I have time.” Time is often short for fishing in between running Red River, practicing engineering, hiking, trail running, paddling, and practicing photography. Having so many hobbies has been a great benefit, though, as we’ve noticed that our clientele has been subtly shifting to include more and more families, hikers, and other vacationers. Guiding photographers to capture great sunrises, for instance, is something we can offer to folks who want to supplement their fishing vacation.

Rabid - Where can you go to see moose? 

Jen - Often, the best place to find moose in the Deboullie Township is right behind the island on our home pond! Every summer, we have at least one cow and calf who feed on the back side of our pond regularly. Most years, they also like to feed in the shallow water right in front of the lodge. Even after living here for so long, it’s still thrilling to sit on the deck and take photos of them from only ten feet away.

Rabid - Unique events at the Camps? 

Jen - Every year, we host at least one “big event” that takes over the entire facility, such as a family reunion, wedding, or company retreat. We love planning special meals (and desserts, of course) for big events. As a side note, I also play the Celtic harp, and I’ve had the pleasure of not only making wedding cakes but also providing music for wedding ceremonies. Every season at Red River brings something unique!

Rabid - When is your favorite time of year?

Jen - I’m always looking toward the future, so my favorite time of year is “whichever comes next”! In January, I’m dreaming about my first trip in to Red River (which usually happens in May and ends up with me snowshoeing the last mile or so). In May, I look forward to gardening, hiking, and swimming. In July, I start dreaming about fall color and brisk nights. And in October, I’m exhausted and ready for a little bit of a break. Red River has always been my favorite place in the world, and when you get to live a life you love, it’s easy to find the good in every season and all but the worst situations.

Rabid - What is your plan for the future for the camps? 

Jen - Since I took over Red River in 2009, we’ve built a brand new main lodge, and we’ve been renovating our cabins to preserve and enhance their rustic charm. I’d like to finish the cabin and landscaping renovations in the next few years and then focus on bringing the best North Maine Woods experience to as many people as I can. If I could dream big, I’d love for Red River to help remove “nature deficit disorder” from the list of ailments we see in both children and adults nowadays.

Rabid - What is your favorite cabin to stay in? 

Jen - Our pond is home to a one-acre island, and our Island cabin is a favorite of everyone, including me. Built in 1886, the cabin is the original building on the Red River complex, and it’s been wonderfully preserved over the years. The cabin includes a large main room with a two-story cathedral ceiling and a two-story stone fireplace that takes up the majority of one wall and cost $1,500 when the cabin was built. The main room is so impressive that the cabin was historically used as a dance hall (complete with piano) instead of a sleeping cabin. The Island cabin, which has its own kitchen and bathroom, can sleep eight guests in a master bedroom, a set of bunkbeds, and a sleeping loft with four beds. The loft, tucked at the top of a set of stairs almost as steep as a ladder, is reminiscent of a treehouse as the sunlight filters through tall spruce and pine before hitting the windows. Porches on the front and back of the cabin and renovations throughout make it one of our coziest and most popular. The lodge (a 5- to 10-minute paddle from the island) is visible through the trees from the front porch, and only woods and wildlife are visible from the back. I often joke that I’m going to move out to the island and rent out my house (originally the camp’s schoolhouse) instead. In a perfect world, we’d all have our own private island.

For more information or to organize your stay at Red River Camps please call 207-554-2402 or email jen@redrivercamps.com. Also check them out on Facebook!

Interview with Musket Creek

I was recently interviewed for a post featured on THE MUSKET. It is a great blog that has a ton of help and useful information on hunting, fishing and a huge variety of outdoor pursuits. Stop by and check them out!

Here is a few highlights from the interview. For a a full version of the interview w/ pictures please link to The Musket. 

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The Interview With Musket Creek:

The Maine Outdoorsman is a very cool hunting, fishing, and outdoors blog.  Our friend Steve has some really great stuff, so be sure to check out him out!  Click on one of the links in this article for a sample of his stuff.

MC: Describe your first experience with hunting.

Steve: My very first memory of hunting was with my Dad when I was about 5 years old. He was hunting and I was walking in back of him excitedly following his every footstep. Suddenly a partridge flushed and screamed down through the woods like a rocket. I remember Dad calmly raising his Ithaca featherlight 12 gauge pump, shooting once and watching the bird fall. His actions were amazing to my young mind and ‘wow’ was the only word I was able to utter as I ran down into the woods to find the downed bird. From that moment on I was hooked on hunting.

MC: What types of hunting do you prefer?

Steve: I go through cycles of HIGH interest. It used to be deer, then ducks, next turkeys. While I still like to hunt those species, currently I am hot on the predator (coyote, fox, bobcat) and bear hunting.

MC: Is there any type of hunting that you have always dreamed of trying?

Steve: My dream hunt would be chasing something across the plains of Africa BUT I could be almost as happy chasing antelope on the plains or caribou across the tundra. Anything that breaks from the ordinary and allows me to pursue a different species is a dream.

MC: Give us a breakdown of the gear you use.

Steve: Love Polyfleece; hate wool.  Love heavily insulated boots and mitts. Hate budget climbing stands. Love ATVs, Hate scent killer clothing and Love ice fishing. Hate Steel Shot. Love the 30-06 cartridge. So with those statements . . . Patagonia R3 Jackets, Lacrosse Boots, Black Diamond Gauntlet Mitts, Viper SD Climbing Stand, Yamaha Grizzly 550, Baking Soda and non-scent soap and deodorant, Clam 2000 and Jack Traps, Heavishot, 1985 Browning 30-06 Semi-Auto. and Marlin XL7 30-06 Bolt Action.

MC: Favorite place to fish?

Steve: My backyard pond. It’s a 10 minute walk and filled with HUGE large mouth bass!

MC: Coolest fishing story?

Please visit Musket Creek for the remainder of the interview. 

Women Gone Wild - Interview

Erin and Her Dad with a Nice 6 Pointer She Harvested

Question and Answer Interview Session with Erin From: http://andastrongcupofcoffee.blogspot.com

1. ME - Do you just hunt deer?

ERIN - Dad got a moose permit last year. I did not get drawn this year, but I concentrate purely on deer and moose.

2. ME - What do you think about the "women’s" hunting clothes? Would you ever wear pink camo?

ERIN - No. Maybe I am a little too much of a feminist, but in my mind, if you are going to hunt, wear hunting clothes.  They don't label its 'men's hunting gear' and 'women's hunting gear' its just hunting gear.  I would rather wear my red plaid wool hunting jacket than a pink camo hat.

ME - Erin isn’t that pink your wearing in the picture you sent me?

ERIN - I know, I’m busted for wearing pink, but my love of monkey thumbs acknowledges no color.

ME - Ah so there is a little know clause in the annuals of hunting, allowing you to wear pink if monkey thumbs are involved?

ERIN – This line of questioning is what is going to lead you to a broken nose.

ME - GULP! Moving on to question three.

3. ME - Do you ever blog about your hunting experiences?

ERIN - On my blog: http://andastrongcupofcoffee.blogspot.com, I have written about hunting and there are pics when I went moose hunting.  Then I abandoned my blog and skipped writing about deer season.

4. ME – Do you have siblings that hunt?

ERIN - Nope.  My sister hates the outdoors.  My brother in law hunts.  My husband hunts (its he and his dad vs me and my dad – team Merrill is ahead!!)

ME - Why didn’t your sister get into hunting? Did you shoot-up all of her Barbies?

ERIN - Funny thing is I had all of the Barbies.  I loved them.  I had the Townhouses, convertibles, the whole deal. 

5. ME - Are you part of any of the online hunting communities?

ERIN - I use to follow some hunting blogs on Twitter but nothing was relevant to me and/or interested me.

6. ME - Ever hunt out of state?

ERIN - No, but Dad and I are going to go Elk hunting at some point in our lives.

7. ME - How do people react when they hear you’re a hunter?

ERIN – It’s very interesting to look at the reactions of people when they find out I hunt.  It has been my experience that women are stunned and always say "how can you kill something like that" (my reply is usually "with my gun") while men are impressed.  I had probably 5 or 6 guys check with details, pictures... one Red Cross volunteer bought me a cheesy plastic deer magnet which I love and keep in my office.

I have also found it to be an incredible networking/fundraising tool.  If I can get people talking about hunting of any kind or being outdoors, once they know I hunt, they seem to listen to me more and they will try to test me "what model is your gun 700 or 702?" (it’s a 700) "what grain bullet do you use?" (180) Once I answer them, they know I know what I am talking about, its like I gain more credibility.  Its weird but definitely something I have noticed in my fundraising career.

Its also really interesting how different hunting is for men and women - or how it’s viewed.  Guys can't get over the hunting thing with women.  I don't know if they are the ones who did not grow up with women hunting or hunting in general or if they just can't picture a woman cutting open and gutting a deer or if its the idea of a woman killing something.  I'm not sure.

8. ME - Can you pee in a deer stand?

ERIN - I don't pee in a tree and I schedule my peeing.  No liquids before I leave in the morning.  Pee break at lunch and then again when its dark. I can't pee in a tree so if desperate I climb down and pee in the woods.

9. ME - Do you host an all girl deer camp?

ERIN - I have no idea if there is an all girl deer camp.  I learned everything from my dad.

10. ME - Is you gun bigger than mine?

ERIN - I shoot a Winchester 30-06 with a Sterling scope and yes I can guarantee it is much bigger than yours.

ME – Why do I suddenly feel so inadequate . . .

11. ME - Are their unique challenges to being a female hunter?

ERIN - I don't really know what unique challenges there are as far as hunting goes - maybe the emotional aspect.  I can do everything in the woods a guy could do (minus pee from the tree stand).

12. ME - Any funny outdoor stories you would like to share?

ERIN - I once had my hair dyed in the morning and went out hunting in the afternoon.  It was hot out and I reeked of dye. Dad was about 20 feet from me and we heard the all might snap of a branch.  Then, we heard a blow, and then another and then what sounded like sneezing, as the deer smelled me ran in the opposite direction.  Dad just started laughing and we decided that I am only allowed to dye my hair before the season starts and then after the season is over, or after we get a deer.  I’m dedicated to the sport like that!

Also, when I bought my hunting license the first time, I went after I had a manicure/pedicure and the full on hair styling for my best friend's wedding. All dolled up, went in and asked to buy a license in a small country store I proclaimed to the woman behind the counter that "I wanted to sign the paperwork to allow me to kill Bambi's dad"! She looked at me really weird and I am fairly sure my comment blew her mind!

13. ME - So understanding you live in a big city and according to our previous conversations, can’t stand the heat and would most likely die if it wasn’t for AC, all things considered you seem kinda girly to me, would you like to refute this claim?

ERIN - I picked out my wedding ring based on hunting; nothing I would want to risk loosing while gutting a deer and something that would not catch on my glove going on/off my hand.

ME - Point taken, I retract my previous statement. You are much tougher than I am. Please don’t punch me in the face.

14. ME - What interest you related to the outdoors?

ERIN - I would like to find more women's hunting blogs or Maine hunting blogs. I definitely printed and read the Deer Plan from IF&W.  Chandler Woodcock was also my English teacher in Skowhegan.  I have met with him to find out about getting on a board or committee through IF&W.  If you know of any, please let me know.  I would love to be able to give a voice to young female hunters.

15. ME - Can you please supply me with a brief history of how you started hunting?

ERIN - I started going hunting with my dad when I was 20.  He has hunted forever so it was something I was use to.  We have about 400 acres that we hunt on. I know, the first season I went, I was so loud.  I snapped branches, crunched leaves, tripped... I also did not carry a gun.  I can't remember if it was the first year or second that Dad shot one when I was with him.  I rattled the horns, gave myself a blood blister and called in a 4 pointer. Dad asked if I wanted him to shoot it and I, of course said yes!  It was 112 pounds, but I was so excited. 

I then took Hunters Safety and Dad and I built a tree stand in the winter of 2006-2007. Dad said I was in charge of bringing home the meat - no pressure.  I had never shot the 30-06 before and Mom said it would kick so hard I would fall out of the stand.  So, I shot it twice out behind their house.  Dead deer target both times. 

On Nov 17th at 6:30am, I spotted a small buck coming down through some trees towards the stand.  Shaking, I got into position and did what Dad told me.  Line up the sights and never lift your head. I remember asking Dad if I could shoot it, pulling the trigger, seeing the back leg come up and then asking Dad if I shot it.  Ha! My first deer 115lb, 4 pointer, dead with 1 shot. 

I was so excited, called my Mom, she didn’t answer so I called my Grammie.  She answered and now, whenever I get a deer, I call Grammie first.  Gotta love family traditions. My Grampa gave me his gun, another 30-06 after that.  

In 2009, we built our Sky Condo.  It’s huge - 12 feet off the ground and could handle 3 grown men, its fantastic.  Again, only Dad and me are allowed.  The first year, we saw triplets with their mom and in total, probably 17 deer throughout the season. I was walking around one afternoon in 2009 and shot my doe with a 30-30 open sites.  I dropped her, but didn't kill her.  The sound she made was terrible.  Dad had told me that once you shoot a deer, do not chase it because it will keep going - stop and let it lie down and die.  So I did, but my doe got up and left.  She stumbled, wobbled and walked off.  I assumed she would die out of sight. 

Once Dad arrived, having heard the shots, we started to track her.  The biggest blood trail ever!  Then it stopped.  Disappeared along with my deer.  We searched and searched and never found her.  I felt horrible.  I hated the idea that I had wounded an animal.  I was 27 at the time.  It was haunting.  (Maybe other women hunters deal with this more then men, I dunno).  But

The next season, last season, I was ready.  I also went back to my scope and my 30-06.  I was so excited we had put up the trail camera and were seeing many deer.  Plus, after loosing the doe, we needed to get some meat in the freezer. 

Opening day, 7:45 AM, I spotted something moving across the field.  I lifted my gun to look through the scope, Dad looked through the binocs and said "its a deer!" I tried to find it, but all I saw was a tree.  Dad lifted his gun and told me to shoot.  I said I didn't have a shot and if he did...boom!  He dropped it and then went scurrying down the ladder and across the field.  He shot it one more time in the head.  It was a beautiful 150lb, 6 pointer.  Again, I took pictures, I have them from every deer I have killed with Dad.

So, that’s my hunting history up to this point.  It’s so much fun, the anticipation, and the build up, the never knowing if a deer will step out in front of you.  And being with my Dad.  Even though we don't talk much while we are out there, it’s an amazing experience to share with him.  I love it!

ME - Thanks a Ton Erin for Providing me with a little perspective on what it is like to be an outdoor woman. Look forward to reading about more of your adventures on your blog!

Next I will be posting some additional links and information on Women and the Outdoors on 10/7/11

Maine Magazine Interview

The October 2011 edition of Maine Magazine (http://www.themainemag.com) will be featuring an interview they conducted with me a few months ago. I suppose you could say it is my guaranteed 15 minutes of fame. The entire process, meeting with the writer and then trying to act natural for the photography session was VERY interesting and a great learning opportunity. I hope that ultimately my interview, which centers on educating youth about the natural world, inspires a few more kids (and adults) to live a life a bit more “wild”.

Over the next several days, additional traffic may pass thorough the blog, as a result of the Maine Magazine interview. Because of this, I wanted to welcome new readers to my blog! Thanks for stopping by, I appreciate your interest and hope you will feel free to add comments when and where appropriate. If you have specific questions and wish to contact me directly, my e-mail address is: rabidoutdoorsman@yahoo.com.

Background:

If you are wondering, “who in heck is this guy”, access my “About Me” section as it provides a brief synopsis on who I am and what I am all about.

If you are short on time and overwhelmed by the shear volume of blather I have manage to create, since I started the blog in February of 2008. Check out my “Popular Blog Posts” and “Published Stories” section as they highlight what I consider some of my favorite and best postings.

The Inside Scoop on the Maine Magazine “Interview”:

If you can believe it, an interview isn’t half as bad as you might originally want to imagine. It was actually relatively painless and not nearly as invasive as I had feared. I suppose, I was very fortunate to have the entire session conducted by one of Maine Magazine’s skilled editorial staffers as well as freelance photographer Ben Krebs (http://benkrebs.com). Both individuals possessed style, grace and class vastly superior to my own, just the type of people you want on your side to make you look good!

Provided below is the photograph chosen for the magazine interview, my top 10 suggestions for a photograph title and the extended version of the magazine interview. I hope you enjoy!

Kicking Bass and Taking Names

 My Top 10 List of Possible Photograph Titles:

   1. Photographer Ben Krebs and I wondering what the poor people are doing.

   2. Photographer Ben Krebs and I kicking bass and taking names.

   3. Photographer Ben Krebs and I doing what rednecks do best.

   4. Photographer Ben Krebs and I wondering why this fish I am holding is so damn small.

   5. Photographer Ben Krebs and I both glad I am wearing briefs and not boxers.

   6. Photographer Ben Krebs and I thinking that I might want to consider getting a gym membership.

   7. Photographer Ben Krebs and I very intoxicated and playing rock, paper, scissors to determine who drives to beer store.

   8. Photographer Ben Krebs and I hopelessly lost and hoping that someone will eventually find our bodies.

   9. Photographer Ben Krebs and I thinking we hear banjos and preparing to paddle faster.

  10. I Can Plainly See Your Nuts

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Maine Magazine Q and A – Extended Version not Available in the Magazine Interview

How did you get started hunting?

For me starting to hunt was a relatively easy endeavor, having grandfathers, a father, and an uncle who were all registered Maine guides and passionate about the outdoors. From a time shortly after I began walking, they helped me take the formal and informal steps in my outdoors training that eventually led me to become interested in hunting.

What most don’t understand is that hunting, is much more then handing a young man a rifle and pointing him in the direction of the woods. A hunter is someone who has undergone years of instruction and guidance in understanding a large number of individual skills, eventually building to the mastery of a diverse tool kit of abilities.

Most importantly, before venturing forth into the wilds, to be safe and comfortable in the woods a hunter must know how to use a map and compass and what to do in a situation should they become lost or injured. A hunter should also know how to dress for the bitter north winds and blowing snow and how to start a fire in the wettest and direst of circumstances. These are fundamental skills that should be learned early and by all outdoorsmen, regardless if they someday intend to hunt.

To hunt game ethically and well one must understand the animal he is pursuing, know its tracks, behaviors and where it is likely to live and feed. A hunter must know how to accurately shoot from a variety of stances, understand the inner workings of firearms and how to clean and care for them.

To humanely kill game, a hunter must know the animal’s anatomy and where to place a shot to quickly dispatch it. A hunter must also know what to do should that bullet not be perfectly placed and an animal need to be tracked. A hunter must also understand how to field dress, butcher and properly care for a killed animal, so the meat is not wasted. Lastly, it is the best of hunters who also know how to properly cook game and prepare it for the dinner table.

Do you make an effort to get young people outside?

The education side of introducing kids and people who haven’t had a chance to get outside has really come full circle for me now that I have kids. I have a three- and a five-year-old—two little boys, and they are amazing. We started identifying animal tracks, going out in the winter and chasing rabbits through the underbrush and stuff like that. I don’t take them out hunting—I’m not killing anything in front of them because I think they’re too young to understand that. We do have a garden, though. They dig little holes and water the tomato plants and they understand that things need to be cared for and nurtured in order to grow. I think that all of those lessons are really important. They’re the basic building blocks of their understanding of the outdoors.

Do plan to take your kids hunting when they’re older?

Eventually? Definitely. If they get into hunting and fishing, that’s great. And if they don’t, well I’ve always said it’s their choice. I’d never force it on them. I will provide all of the entry points, but if they don’t want to take it up, that’s up to them.

While spending time growing things and hunting, you’re brushing up against some really important concepts. This seems to connect to your interest in teaching.

We go to a supermarket and pick something off of the shelf and we don’t think: “Where did this animal come from? Did it suffer? Was it raised in captivity?” When a hunter goes out and shoots a deer, he has a pretty good idea that that deer probably had a pretty nice life. And then we have to actually take that deer and butcher it ourselves and package it. Hunters understand what hard work it is to take an animal from the field, clean it, and put it on the dinner table. We as a society aren’t passing these things on. We’re not teaching. I don’t know what’s going on with out society, if we’re doing more inside with videogames, movies, the Internet, smart phones. I mean—we’re always connected. There are so many things pulling us out of the natural world.

Right! And it’s so easy to take up something that’s merely entertaining, but these things don’t engage any critical parts of you.

Kids aren’t bored anymore. They’re always entertained. And then you take those kids and put them in an educational setting. Unless the teacher is jumping on the desk and standing on their head and showing the kids movies everyday, they just can’t hold the students’ attention long enough to teach them anything. I think that that’s really hard.

What particularly about hunting do you feel is getting lost?

I think the first one is the connection to people. The tradition of being able to bring everyone together is really important. The second would be the connections to food and what you eat, and having respect for animals. And then—I think there’s a certain amount of tradition and heritage, too, that’s really important. I guess what I’d like to dump is the negative view of the hunter—the big fat redneck drinking a Busch and riding around on a four-wheeler killing whatever he sees and not caring if animals suffer. I like to promote the idea that that’s a small population of hunters. Hunting is only 10 percent about harvesting an animal. The remaining 90 percent is about hanging out with your family and friends, spending time afield enjoying mother nature, and the frequent quiet, self-reflective moments.

Rabid Outdoorsman Interview on the BIRDIST

The following is a recent interview I was asked to participate in by Nick Lund of the Birdist Blog. More on this blog at the following URL. http://birdist.blogspot.com/

When did you start bird hunting? What birds do you currently hunt?
I suppose mine is a classic tale of being introduced into hunting from a very young age. First following along behind Dad as he hunted for grouse and woodcock and then progressing to using a BB gun to learn proper gun handling techniques. As I aged, I progressed to more powerful gauge firearms and finally began going out on my own by the age of 14. In my current phase of hunting, I have incorporated the use of a dog that adds an entirely new level of hunting enjoyment. Not only is she a loving and faithful companion but she also aids in the discovery and recovery of game. I currently hunt or have hunted all legal game birds.

Were you interested in birds before you started hunting them, or did hunting lead you to birds?
I have always been interested in all animals big and small. I remember as a kid my brother and I had an old TV that was gutted and fitted with a Plexiglas front that we filled with bird nests, animal skulls and small fake birds we would buy in craft stores. Hunting to me is another outlet used for enjoying the outdoors as much as the other pursuits I enjoy such as fishing, rock climbing/mountaineering, photography, hiking or kayaking.

Can you briefly describe some different hunting techniques for hunting different birds?
Volumes of books have been written concerning this question. A majority of the fun associated with hunting is that you are constantly trying to outsmart the game animals you are pursuing. I currently hunt turkeys, grouse, snipe, woodcock, sea and puddle ducks. Each of these endeavors requires a completely different skill set. Just hunting turkey will vary in technique depending if it is spring or fall, hunted with bow or gun, from a blind or by actively stalking. If there is one “technique” that not enough hunters understand it is that one must thoroughly scout outside of hunting seasons to determine where game animals are in the highest densities. Unfortunately most hunters do not invest enough time in this most critical of steps and seriously negatively impacts their success rate.

What is the process in Maine for someone to become a bird hunter?
An individual who wishes to begin bird hunting should first take a “Hunter Safety Course”. Bottom line is that attendance at these now mandatory courses have saved countless lives since their inception. Interested individuals should also hunt for their intended species with a licensed Maine guide or a competent and safe hunting companion that knows how to successfully hunt for that game animal. Scheduled youth hunting days are also a great option for kids under 16 as they allow kids to hunt in the woods during periods of time when adults are unable. In theory this allows game animals to be much more plentiful, available and less pressured.

What does a hunter do with his killed birds? If he eats them, does he eat ALL of them?
Ethically killing for the sake of killing is not hunting. For many individuals outside of the hunting world I think this is an extremely difficult concept to grasp. Hunting is much more than pulling a trigger it is about an individuals primal connection back to the woods and waters as a source of sustenance that dates back a million years. Legally Maine has a “Wanton Waste” law that requires hunters to consume all reasonable parts of every game animal. Additionally, hunters legally can only be in possession of a certain number of game birds (same as daily bag limit) so they must be immediately eaten. Aside from the “law” a good hunter has an obligation to eat what he kills.

I almost hate to ask this as a birder, but what do they taste like (and you can't just say "like chicken!")? What are the different tastes between categories of game birds (i.e., grouse v. ducks)? Do freshwater ducks taste different than sea ducks? Do, say, Green-winged Teal taste different than Blue-winged Teal?

The tastes are unique and varied with every species having different and unique textures, tastes and aromas. As an “outdoor” chef you need to maximize the positives and minimize the negatives. Obviously some species are more desirable to eat than others. Sea ducks and mergansers (fish and mussel eaters) are at the low end while wood ducks (acorn eaters) and teal are at the higher end.

I personally have different recipes for every different game animal depending on its specific culinary qualities. Turkey is typically deep fried in peanut oil, sea ducks and mergansers are combined with pork and beef and made into sausage links that I then hickory smoke, grouse are slow cooked in a dutch oven with bacon and baked beans over the coals of a campfire and puddle ducks are plucked and roasted with apple or honey glaze.

Do you ever run into birders while you're hunting? What do you see as the differences between birders and bird-hunters, and what do you think about those differences?
Sadly, I rarely see others out and enjoying the great outdoors like I have seen in decades past. It is unfortunate that a high percentage of kids these days do not seem connected with the outdoor like they used to. If you get a chance read “Last Child in the Woods” by Louv it is a wake-up call.

There are many similarities; both sets of individuals are “hunters” one group simply uses a camera and the other a gun. Both are serious about their respective sports and both are searching for opportunities to experience nature and the great outdoors in their own unique way. Unfortunately, both groups also have individuals that poorly represent their peers. I have meet inconsiderate hunters in the woods and I have also met inconsiderate nature watchers.

Do you ever feel guilty for killing birds?
If anyone says that while hunting they are never disturbed or “guilty” I would wonder if they are telling the whole truth. No ethical hunter ever wants an animal to suffer needlessly, however, there is nothing “planned” or “perfect” in the hunting world. Whether I get my steak wrapped in plastic and resting on Styrofoam from a slaughterhouse or direct from nature something ultimately had to die for me to eat it and no matter how you cut it this is not a “pretty” process. Eventually, if you hunt long enough something will disturb you and it is how you handle this pressure as a human being that will ultimately determine how and if you develop as a hunter.

What was your most memorable bird hunt?
I literally have gigs of photos and video from different bird hunts from present back several decades. Certainly tops on my list are times spent hunting with family. I remember back in 2001 hunting with my brother for 4 days in Washington County on a productive grouse hunting trip. The weather was beautiful and the birds plentiful but even more importantly was the quality time I was able to spend with my brother. Hunting is only about 10% about pulling the trigger the other 90% is about the family and friends you spend quality time with and the memories shared.