Maine Guide Update (Hunting)

With all of the activity of 2010 turkey season, I had yet to inform the blogosphere that before April ended I successfully completed my final licensure and testing requirements for my Maine Guide “HUNTING” registration. I can now lead and get paid for hunting related activities in the state of Maine, as well as “RECREATIONAL” activities of which I was previously registered. All that remains now, for me to complete to fulfill my Maine Guide dream, is to complete the “FISHING” portion of the examination. I currently have not set a specific date for this to occur but am interested in completing before the spring of 2011. Knowing my passion for the outdoors I will probably grow wrestles and complete well before that date!

I also have paid my dues to the Maine Professional Guides Association to be part of their membership. If there are any Maine Guides out there and/or members of MPGA please drop a comment, as I would be interested to see if there are others Guides or association members out there reading!

In the hurricane of my excitement, I purchased several items through IFW and Maine Guide Supply. Both these locations sell some VERY cool guide related equipment and supplies, including patches, hats, vests, tie tacks, packet knives, coffee cups, shirts, etc. If you are in the market to get some new guiding gear they have all the stuff, including very cool hats (with green patches) in Mossy Oak and “green” guide patches, perfect for adding to your turkey vest!

Turkey 2010 (Game Camera Video)

Finally managed to catch my first turkey on my Moultrie Game Camera and what a BEAUTY!. After investing 5 weeks monitoring the camera, this mature tom finally walked by and tripped the 4 sec. video segment. Even though it is a short video and the bird quickly moves out of frame, you are still able to clearly see that this is a truly magnificent turkey. Thanks for watching and good luck turkey hunting!

Turkey 2010 Updates

The 2010 Maine turkey season is currently underway! So far, several family and friends have stopped by the house to try their luck at shooting the majestic eastern wild turkey. Despite hearing many birds on the opener, yesterday was eerily quite. Huge crowds of sportsman hit the fields in droves for the opener, causing a sizeable disturbance in the patterns and behavior of the flocks. This obviously made for difficult hunting yesterday for the visiting New Hampshire cru and that old curmudgeon Lenny who watched several birds run screaming away from his decoys. For the turkey hunter, looking to bag a bird, Thursday and Friday promise to be great days to get into the woods. Typically, there is a huge drop off in the number of people in the woods near the end of the first week as many try to get some much needed sleep after day early mornings getting up at 3:00 AM.

I have seen some beautiful mature birds during my scouting outings, including an absolutely HUGE double bearded bird that I will be pursuing on Thursday and Friday morning. Saturday will be my first full day (till 12:00pm) in the woods and will be joined by family on this outing. Depending on how Thursday and Friday go, I may even be talked into pulling out the bow, as long as the weather conditions and birds corporate. The Old Man will be attempting to take his first turkey with his new compound bow and to assist him with this endeavor I have patterned several birds working the property along fairly regular travel corridors.

New this season is a chance to shoot an additional bearded bird if you purchase a “2nd turkey tag” for $20 dollars. For many, this change in the law that provides a great chance to shoot a turkey for the table and then hunt, if you desire, for a truly trophy class bird. For those looking to spend some time glassing fields and likely spots, it is quickly apparent that there are some really nice birds out there strutting around. If I had to give one word of advise, it would be “walk”. By putting some miles between you and the “road hunters” you will quickly find unpressured birds. We continue to be fortunate in this state, that much of our property continues to be largely unposted. For both the resident and non-resident hunter, please make sure to respect landowner property by continuing to be considerate and asking permission when and where possible.

Turkey season has only just begun, so if you don’t yet have your bird you soon will! Just remember to remain positive, get off the beaten path and bring PLENTY of bug dope! Good luck everyone!