Region A- Southwestern Maine

Region A is on the southern extreme of the moose hunting zone with several towns in Wildlife Management District (WMD) 12 within the region. The two moose registration stations tagged a total of 14 moose; a small increase over last year. WMD 15, stretching from Lovell down to Newfield, is scheduled to open to moose hunting in 2008 with a conservative allocation of 35 permits. This WMD will deviate from the rest of the zone in that moose hunting will coincide with the November deer hunt. Though this WMD does not have vast acreage of industrial forest, there are many sparsely settled towns with mixed agricultural land and meadows interspersed with large blocks of managed forest.

The fall turkey season continues in WMDs 21, 22 and 23 until Friday with archery only. The first fall shotgun season on Turkey ended this past week. A look at the registration stations in the region indicates many hunters have taken advantage of this new hunting opportunity. Hens and toms are usually in separate flocks this time of year. Hunting with a shotgun in the fall will usually require breaking up the flock and targeting a bird as they reassemble. Just as in the spring, fall turkey hunting is limited to one bird, though that bird may be a hen or a tom.

I recently spent a day on the Libby River within Scarborough Marsh. This is a site being considered for future restoration work as part of a collaborative effort of MDIF&W, USF&WS, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Duck’s Unlimited and Friends of Scarborough Marsh. During the site visit we evaluated the extent of man-made ditches from the early 1900’s and noted any occurrences of Phragmites australis, a prolific invasive plant that can have a negative impact on native marsh plants and wildlife. A local field researcher from Cornell University is investigating the potential use of biological control using insects rather than herbicides in the management of phragmites. During this rainy Friday on the lower Libby, we observed dozens of ducks in the pannes and creeks of this vast wetland. There were blacks, mallards and teal taking to wing.

On the wildlife management areas, regional staff followed up on a couple ATV/Snowmobile access issues. Use of the management areas for these purposes must occur on designated trails only. We also met with our forester at Morgan Meadow WMA in Raymond where we evaluated timber stands proposed for harvest in the near future. Management on these properties is done using the best forest management practices with much consideration given to improving stand quality and wildlife habitat.

-Scott Lindsay, Regional Wildlife Biologist

Region B – Central Maine

This time of year biologists spend a lot of time looking at deer and moose and giving our thoughts on the age and weight of the animal. Quite often we are asked to compare the harvested animal with others we have seen either this season or in previous ones. At the same time we hear of the hunter’s pasts successes and failures. It is a familiar routine that is predictable but enjoyable as we share our observations of our time in the outdoors.

Lately we have been challenged at guessing the weight of something different. At the same time we are on a pace for a record of our own. Unfortunately the weight and the record are not of a fabulous trophy, but a new scourge that threatens Maine’s tradition of open access to the outdoors. So far this year on Region B Wildlife Management Areas we have cleaned up 33,360 pounds of trash; 3,560 pounds of lumber; and 5,080 pounds of tires. This has cost several thousand dollars to dispose of properly. In fact, this year’s trash pick up will become the second ranked management activity, in terms of expenditures carried out in this Region.

Recently we spent 2 days with 3 people, 2 trucks, a 40 yard dumpster and an excavator cleaning up demolition debris dumped on IF&W land. What does this mean to you the user of IF&W lands? First, we have to protect certain areas that are hot spots for dumping by eliminating vehicle access. Second, we are spending a significant portion of the Regional budget in terms of time and money to handle this problem. This limits the amount of money and time available to do legitimate wildlife management of the 4-legged or winged kind. This has been a problem for IF&W, municipalities and a significant number of private landowners for years. Illegal dumping has reached epidemic proportions. Over the past summer Maine Warden Service summonsed three individuals for illegal dumping on IF&W lands. In these three cases it turned out to be individuals working for contractors who took the money they were paid to properly dispose of the materials, pocketed the money and dumped the trash down the nearest woods road. Part of their punishment was to clean up the trash they had dumped. Unfortunately, within less than two weeks someone else had refilled the site. This time it was obviously homeowners who had gotten new furniture and appliances and decided to dump their old ones on our site.

Equally disturbing is the fact that many of the materials illegally dumped can be recycled if taken to a well-run transfer station or landfill. Here in the Augusta area we use the Hatch Hill facility run by the City of Augusta. When these tires, shingles, and boards are disposed of properly and recycled they save landfill space and can be turned into beneficial products. Also, the rates for disposing of boards, shingles, and metal that can be recycled are lower than stuff that has to be placed in the landfill.

Here are a few suggestions for those who appreciate the outdoors. First, dispose of your own materials properly after researching all of the ways you can recycle some of these items. You can also work with a responsible company like Riverside Disposal who worked with us on special projects like the last one. Second, when you hire someone to work for you doing a building project or hauling off trash, make sure they have a legitimate place and method of disposing waste materials. On my many trips to Hatch Hill, I see many contractors who have permits and are busy recycling materials from job sites. Superior workmanship, materials, and proper job cleanup all have costs that pay off in the long run. Remember to take these facts into account when hiring someone. Also, when you see someone dumping illegally, or headed in to the woods with a truckload of trash, take note and report it. Lastly, if you use someone else’s land for recreating, after securing permission of course, pick up that tire or bag of trash you might find dumped illegally on the roadside. The opportunity for open public access you save may be your own.

-James M. Conolly, Regional Wildlife Biologist

Region C – Downeast

Probably most of us have been subjected to a spell or two of daydreaming; letting ones mind wander and visualizing other places, other times, and other things. Perhaps you are one that truly admires the craftsmanship that goes into manufacturing the classic upland bird gun. You might just find yourself daydreaming about all the various options available to you should all the obstacles, realities, and “buts” in your life disappear. First, you would have to decide on style (probably a classic two barreled firearm). Then you would consider your personal preference of a stacked barrel (over and under) versus a side by side. Another internal deliberation would be the choice of gauge. The options then become even more involved; barrel length for example, as well as preferred chokes and choke types … whether fixed or screw-in tubes. Or, if you are truly a purist, a second set of barrels would be the ultimate classic (and costly) approach. Under the barrels you have a choice: splinter forend or beavertail … two variables that depend on your hand size and arm length. And then there is the trigger. Consider the classic double trigger, or a single selective, or perhaps a single non-selective trigger. Moving to the rear half of the gun, stock length and grip style … whether pistol or straight English style. Also consider checkering and the number of lines per inch. At the very end of the stock is the buttplate, and whether your preference would lean towards hard rubber, recoil pad or just a plain grooved. It almost goes without saying that for the wood, you want the best burly walnut, deep Prussian rust bluing on the barrels and fire bright case hardening on the frame. You can really get lost in debating on whether the frame is engraved with a portrait of your best dog, your favorite quarry, or some idealistic wildlife scene. And of course, one might consider a fitted case for your prize, including the typical English cased accessories of a brass oil bottle, ivory handled screw driver, etc.

You are convinced that this weapon should be nicknamed the “exterminator” because you would never miss with this custom designed masterpiece. But for just an instant, you check yourself … remembering the days long ago of shooting trap … when the kid nearly shot a perfect round with an old single barrel with such vivid credentials as armory steel and a choke-bored barrel. The real icing on the gun was the half roll of electrical tape; part of which was wound around the tang to tighten up the buttstock and the rest wrapped around the forend to hold it in place as the screw had long since been stripped. Also, too was the hatchet-fitted butt plate made in desperation out of a flooring tile. The bluing and varnish finish had long disappeared since your parents were in high school.

Then you hear a familiar voice … your daughter has just come out of the orthodontist office with those memorable words, “I need braces.” Those fantasy visions of the perfectly crafted bird gun flush away as you open your check book. Maybe another year you think.

-James Hall, Assistant Regional Wildlife Biologist

Region D – Western Mountains

Several experiences over the past week reminded me that both people and wildlife alike are busy getting ready for winter. At home I’ve been working steady to get a garage and breezeway sided and shingled before the snow flies. Next on the list is to gather up a load of firewood from my woodlot for my brother.

Two calls were received this week relative to recent beaver activity causing road problems and access to camps and agricultural fields. Every year we see a spike in this activity as beaver work overtime to impound water, to access and store more food for the coming winter months. Beaver are active all winter but remain in their lodges or swimming under the ice to access the feed piles they created in the summer and fall. Unfortunately, these nuisance activities coincide when biologists and wardens are very busy with the start of several hunting and trapping seasons.

I had my own mini nuisance wildlife problem this weekend while I was putting cedar clapboards on a new garage. While on a ladder, thousands of ladybugs swarmed around me, getting in my hair, ears, and behind my glasses. I vaguely recalled from Entomology 101 that they were predatory so I couldn’t understand why they were so interested in the very wall that I was trying to clapboard. So I called an expert.

Charlene Donahue is an entomologist with the Maine Forest Service. I could tell right off that mine was not nearly the first ladybug call she has handled lately. According to Charlene, these are an exotic (not native) insect, introduced to the southern United States decades ago in order to eat insect pests that attacked pecan trees and other crops. The accurate name for this insect is the Asian Multicolored Lady Beetle. They are predatory, feeding heavily on aphids and scale insects. Though some were released in Maine in the early 1970s, Charlene believes they made their way to Maine from the first introduction down south. In Asia these beetles huddle together in great numbers on cliff faces in order to stay warm. In Maine, large, light colored walls provide the same shelter values as cliffs. Apparently my tall garage wall was just right. Ironically, if they go inside homes, the warmth speeds up their metabolism to the point where they consume their bodily food reserves and die.

So like I, beavers and many other wildlife species, these also are busy times for “ladybugs” in preparing for another cold and snowy winter.

– Chuck Hulsey, Regional Wildlife Biologist

Region E – Moosehead Region

Last spring I was out harvesting moose lungs again, this time on Toe-of-the -Boot. Say what? In recent years quite a few young moose have died of heavy tick infestations and/or lung worms, which is a rather new and very important development for moose “managers.” Those moose are generally approaching age 1. Bigger moose are much better able to handle tick loads. The speculation is that the tick populations grew following the build up of the moose population. If recruitment into the population of older animals is down, “allowable harvest,” as a percentage of the population at large, may be changing downward.

We need to investigate, but how? It is nigh impossible to get good information on the magnitude of this loss. And we aren’t sure whether the loss is constant or periodic. These moose tend to die in late winter when not many people are in the woods to notice and when getting around is difficult due to rutted and/or soft roads, high water, and patchy snow cover. Aerial composition counts which could be compared to herd composition counts done in the 80s are out because yearlings aren’t too readily distinguished from older animals. What to do?

NH has taken the approach of radio-equipping calf moose & monitoring their survival. Preliminary results don’t look good for the moose. We could follow suit except for the expense. And even then, it is doubtful sample size would be sufficiently large to be sure the rates obtained are representative. The only practical answer appears to be to follow trend information such as hunter success rates, reported sighting rates, incidence of road kill, and possibly age structure of the harvest.

We are roughly quantifying the degree of hair loss (Moose try to scrape off the ticks), and examining lungs to check for necrosis, i.e. lung capacity lost due to lung worms. It isn’t bad once you get past the flies & ticks. You lift the front leg, skin out the front of the thorax, snip a few ribs, and the lungs are right there. I think I’ll put in for a Tyvex suit. Fortunately, I remembered to bring along a bar of soap & a towel. Before I arrived the warden had passed a metal detector over the moose. I think the most plausible cause is that maybe that moose was trying to live in habitat which had gone by, which could mean this isn’t happening everywhere.

- Bill Noble, Assistant Regional Wildlife Biologist

Region F, Penobscot Region

The fall turkey season appears to be quite a success, at least in the portion of the turkey hunting zone that falls within Region F (eastern part of WMD 17). Turkey registration stations in East Corinth, Old Town, and Milo tagged 36, 11, and 14 birds respectively. These numbers include birds taken in the first fall shotgun season and turkeys taken by bow and arrow.

Waterfowl hunting in the area continues to be productive. While duck numbers do not seem to be bolstered by incoming migrants, migrating geese are starting to come through the area. It’s a very unpredictable situation though; one morning you may observe hundreds of birds, and the next day it seems as if only a couple of flocks are in the area. The key is to keep scouting and when birds are in your area – take advantage of it!

A couple of friends of mine came up from Pensylvania to do some upland bird and waterfowl hunting. The grouse hunting was very good. We hunted reverting farmland in the central and northern parts of the Region and were not disappointed. Most areas yielded 5-6 flushes on grouse, but some areas provided upwards of 15 flushes. The woodcock hunting in the central part of the Region was also very good. I believe we were still hunting mostly resident birds, but this is usually the time of year that the migrants will be making their way through the area. If you have ever gotten into a “flight” of woodcock, you’ll know what I mean when I say the action can be fast and furious!

Good reports are coming in about the Youth Deer Hunting Day. One party reported seeing 15 deer in the southern portion of the Region on Saturday. In my travels on Saturday, I observed several successful hunters with their deer in the back of the pick-up. The youth deer hunt is a great way to initiate young people to the required skills, excitement, and the experience of hunting. It is also a great chance to impart to them the importance of safety and ethics of the sport.

Deer hunters should be optimistic after the encouraging reports from the youth day hunt. Although last year’s winter ended up slightly on the severe side for deer, which resulted in a reduction of Any-Deer permits in some WMDs in the Region, hunters should still have plenty of opportunities to pursue their quarry. Remember: get landowner permission, do some scouting, and make sure that your weapon is working properly.

Have an enjoyable, safe and hopefully successful deer hunting season!

-Allen Starr, Regional Wildlife Biologist

Region G – Aroostook County

Saturday, October 20, was youth deer hunting day. It provided a great opportunity for Regional Biologists to interact and talk with hunters as well as collect deer biological information on northern Maine’s deer herd. This special deer hunt for junior hunting license holders (ages 10-15 years) is very popular in Aroostook County and we see a lot of young hunters taking advantage of this hunting opportunity.

Northern Maine had unusually warm temperatures with very heavy rain and wind last Saturday morning . Generally, this is not the best of deer hunting conditions, but many hunters did report seeing deer, and a few youth hunters were successful in tagging one. I checked a couple of nice bucks at Northstar Variety in New Sweden, the largest a 9 pointer weighing 148 pounds field dressed. Regardless of the outcome, everyone seemed to be enjoying this hunting opportunity and the commaraderie of being outdoors together. Certainly, a successful deer hunt shouldn’t be measured solely on whether a deer is harvested, but as a great opportunity to get out with young hunters and educate them on hunting safety, outdoor skills, hunting laws and etiquette. Most importantly, this is a chance to spend some valuable time with a young relative or friend.

Hunters are now reporting fewer bear sightings. We still have a high bear population in northern Maine but because fall bear foods, particularly beechnuts, are not abundant, bears have started to den early. Because of this behavior November deer hunters will have very few opportunities to harvest a bear.

The warm weather this fall seems to have delayed some of the fall flights for migratory waterfowl. I’m still seeing many wood ducks along the Aroostook River which is late in the season for this early migratory duck. I was also on Hodgdon Mill Pond within the Lt. Gordon Manuel Wildlife Management Area last week and observed numerous flocks of waterfowl, the most common species being black ducks and mallards. When it comes to waterfowl hunting in northern Maine there are lots of places to go and generally very light hunting pressure.

-Arlen Lovewell, Assistant Regional Wildlife Biologist

Posted by Tom Remington

Before some of you think I’ve flipped my lid and jumped on the global warming bandwagon, read on. There are other dangers that are beginning to surface because our society has too eagerly accepted one man’s theory about global warming and in particular the effects of carbon dioxide.

Just yesterday I shared with readers about the Global Warming Wildlife Survival Act, a bill proposed by some members of the U.S. Senate that would have far reaching affects on all citizens but more importantly for us hunters, trappers and fishermen. This act would give the federal government far too much authority over state’s fish and game management programs, strip you and I of our property rights and further put a cramping on business, development and industry dependent on natural resources.

We can add one more thing this morning to this growing list of threats to citizens as the result of something we’ve decided to call global warming. Whether we believe in global warming as is being pushed by the doom and gloom bunch, we have to at least consider the side effects of such.

In Kansas, the Department of Health and Environment has rejected a permit application by a cooperative that is seeking to build two 700-megawatt coal-fired power plants (New York Times article). The DHE rejected that permit based solely on a Supreme Court ruling in Massachusetts vs. the Environmental Protection Agency in which the court ruled that carbon dioxide was a pollutant that could be regulated. This is the first time any regulatory agency has denied a permit of this kind based solely on the premise of global warming.

Granted there are many people who applaud such a rejection because of their concerns over pollution but at least consider the precedent that is being set here. A permit is being denied strictly on the premise that a theory – I’m sorry but there is just as much scientific evidence to disprove global warming as defined as there is to support it – about the effects of carbon dioxide is causing the end of the world.

Is this the beginning of a domino effect? Are we going to destroy our own society, our economies and livelihoods over global warming? If you are a promoter of global warming at least use some sense and sensibility about what steps we are taking to combat it. Yanking the rug out from under everything in the name of global warming is as irresponsible as doing nothing at all about cleaning up our atmosphere and environment.

We should all keep a close eye on every action that is being taken in the name of global warming. This could have devastating affects on us all.

Tom Remington

Since 1996, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has recognized private and corporate landowners for their generosity in providing access to their land for all forms of recreation. Last night, at the annual banquet at the August Civic Center, the Landowner of the Year Awards were issued to seven individuals or corporations.

The annual awards are part of the MDIFW landowner relations program in which they strive to bring together landowners and organized recreation groups to find ways of working together so that users will continue to have access to land for recreation.

“These individuals and nominating associations are a model of the strong landowner-user relationships needed to ensure public access to private land. The users are responsible outdoor enthusiasts that believe in “asking first” and then conducting themselves in a manner that reflects stewardship of the land they are provided the privilege to access,” said Maine Warden Service Captain Joel Wilkinson. “The landowner in return recognizes they have responsible user groups and individuals utilizing, maintaining and providing extra care and watch over their land against unlawful abuse and misuse. These partnerships benefit all of us who engage in these outdoor activities and care about the future of our recreation.”

The following landowners where honored last night for their generosity:

Private Landowner ~ 100 acres or less
David & Betsey White nominated by: Snow Valley Sno-Goers
Andover, Maine

Private Landowner ~ 100 acres or more
Alden Mingo of Robbinston
Nominated by: Robbinston Bushwackers ATV Club

Robert Wilson of Lee
Nominated by: Lee Mogul Pounders, Inc.

Downeast Lakes Land Trust of Grand Lake Stream
Nominated by: Grand Lake Snowmobile Club

Corporate Landowner
Aroostook Centre LLC of Presque Isle
Nominated by: Presque Isle Snowmobile Club

Robbins Lumber, Incorporated of Searsmont
nominated by: Mid Coast ATV Club

River Bank Capitol, Jeff Albert, President, of Madawaska
Nominated by: Madawaska Snowmobile Club

Congratulations to the recipients and we all thank you for your generosity.

Tom Remington

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) along with co-sponsor Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) have introduced their own version of the House’s bill called, Global Warming Wildlife Survival Act. According to a press release by Sen. Whitehouse, the Act will accomplish three things.

The bill would direct the federal government to develop coordinated national strategies to identify, monitor, and protect or restore wildlife populations and habitats that are likely to be harmed by global warming;

It would also create a panel to advise us on what we should do.

The bill would create Advisory Boards, with members appointed by the President of the National Academy of Sciences, and a new National Global Warming and Wildlife Science Center within the U.S. Geological Survey, to conduct research and provide scientific and technical advice on strategies to help wildlife, oceans, and coastal ecosystems adapt to global warming. A special panel would also be convened to look specifically at the impacts of climate change on endangered species (emboldening is added).

The bill would also provide funding in order to further study wildlife, oceans and habitat that are being affected by global warming. This money would also be used to implement programs to protect wildlife and habitat that are being affected by global warming.

We have certainly pressed the panic button in this society over global warming which is being proven time and again, day after day that it is just not scientifically supported. This is a hoax that is sure to bring billions of dollars into the pockets of scientific research and with this new proposed act would also distribute money to organizations to “implement programs” to counter global warming. And just where do you think that money will go?

I’ll give you one hint. The Defenders of Wildlife think this Act is a terrific idea and I’m sure other extreme environmental groups and animal rights groups will be jumping on this bandwagon.

This act is troubling in other ways as well. First of all, this appears to be another back door attempt to get federal government in control over state’s wildlife management programs. For decades the feds have, for the most part, recognized the 10th Amendment when it comes to managing wildlife programs and has butted out of allowing state sovereignty to prevail, with one exception being the Endangered Species Act.

Now all of a sudden because we have a group of emotionally charged people jumping on the global warming train ride, the state’s wildlife management programs are not good enough to deal with changes? State’s wildlife officials should be insulted as well as concerned. The feds want to take control over their wildlife and lands that provide the habitat.

The Endangered Species Act, as much as I think it is now outdated and in dire need of being revamped or axed, has sufficed lawmakers to this point in protecting threatened species. This act sounds like another way to put more power into the hands of the feds to further reduce hunting and fishing opportunities as well as outdoor pursuits all in the name of establishing habitat they claim is disappearing because of global warming.

Along with this grabbing up of more land for habitat protection comes the loss of individual property rights, say nothing of the millions of dollars that will be lost because of restrictions put on logging, mining and other businesses that rely on these lands.

Climateatrisk.com writes of the introduction of Whitehouse’s bill and describes the powers that would be granted to the appointed, not elected but appointed panel that would be in control.

The national strategy identifies specific goals and methods to protect, acquire and restore wildlife habitat in order to build resilience to global warming, and provide habitat linkages to facilitate wildlife movements in response to global warming. The National Strategy would also protect natural communities most vulnerable to global warming, and restore and protect ecological processes that sustain wildlife populations.

Does this language sound at all familiar? The Wildlands Project is an organization whose goals are to take land away from private landowners in order to create vast areas of land closed to humans and left for the “natural” use of wildlife at the expense of human productivity and freedom. The want wildlife to have the freedom to move about unimpaired by you and I owning land.

The Wildlands Project’s work to reconnect the continent begins with “MegaLinkages”–vast pathways that tie natural places together.

Within each continental MegaLinkage we propose regional systems of core protected areas connected to one another by “wildlife linkages,” mosaics of public and private lands that provide safe passageways for wildlife to travel freely from place to place.

Private land owners within proposed conservation planning areas are not bound in any way by our recommendations, but are encouraged to participate in voluntary actions to protect landscape linkages and native species.

It is not coincidental that the use of the word “linkages” is used in describing both goals by the Wildlands Project and the Global Warming Wildlife Survival Act.

But it doesn’t stop here. Rocker Carole King, a wildlands/wilderness advocate, who I am told is friends with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, got her chance to meet with the U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands, to promote her agenda of creating more wilderness – described as the biggest wilderness creation act since the Alaska Land Act.

King is pushing the Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act.

The bill, sponsored by New York Democrat Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Connecticut Republican Christopher Shays would designate as wilderness nearly 7 million acres in Montana, 9.5 million acres in Idaho, 5 million acres in Wyoming, 750,000 acres in eastern Oregon, and 500,000 acres in eastern Washington.

Another three million acres in Yellowstone, Glacier and Grand Teton National Parks also would become wilderness, where no logging, road-building, motorized use, and new oil and gas drilling or new mining could take place.

Now that the Democrats, notorious for being environmentalists with little concern for economic welfare and property rights, are in charge, this is the kind of legislation they are trying to push through and it all goes hand in hand.

This Global Warming Wildlife Survival Act is unnecessary and will needlessly cost taxpayers billions of dollars. It will further inflate an already overinflated government that does not need more power over the states. We have brilliant scientists and biologists working all across this land protecting our wildlife and doing a commendable job. Let’s keep big government out.

This act will further tie up land deemed as critical habitat all in the name of global warming, a theory never proven scientifically to be valid. With those in charge fostering ideas that we need millions of square miles of unaccessible wilderness lands for animals is absurd and scientifically unfounded. This is Disney biology at its best.

We as hunters, fishermen and trappers witness first hand how our opportunities are shrinking on a daily basis when governments, pushed by environmental and animal rights groups, tie up land we use to hunt and fish on because of political hard balling.

To some this act may appear to be one that will work toward guaranteeing that we will continue to have game to hunt and fish. It is far from that. We have seen what an abuse of the Endangered Species Act has done for us and this Act will enhance the powers of those who administer the ESA. Is that what we want? Do we want left-wing environmentalists fear mongers further stripping us of hunting and fishing opportunities and taking land out of the hands of private citizens?

This act is not grounded in good scientific reasoning. It’s a means by which power hungry politicians can control the people using the fear of global warming to take away our land, our freedoms and our opportunities to prosper and enjoy the fruits of our labor.

I would encourage everyone to contact their senators and congressmen and tell them the Global Warming Wildlife Survival Act is nothing our country needs. If you believe your state has the ability to handle your wildlife management and that you believe the American dream is to own land and have the rights to use that land, speak up now.

Tom Remington

I just wanted to remind readers that today and every Thursday at 3 p.m. “Open Air With Tom Remington” airs. If you want to tune in, go to the Skinny Moose Radio site and click on the “Listen Now” link in the right-hand menu. If you can’t tune in at 3, you can go here and stream the audio or download it to your computer to listen to at your leisure.

Today’s show gives listeners an update on many new things happening at the Black Bear Blog but the majority of the show is focused on blogging. I share some advice and tips that I think can become a valuable tool to not only the blogger but the blog reader. That’s right, the blog reader.

For the reader, finding a blog that they like requires a certain amount of knowledge to better understand what it is they want. Not all blogs are created equal. The idea of sharing ways for bloggers to make a better blog goes hand in hand with creating a blog that readers want. It’s simple really…….at least when you have the right tools and know how to use them.

So tune in and see how you can become a better blogger and how readers can better educate them on what constitute a good blog.

Tom Remington

From Mark Latti at Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife:

Region A- Southwestern Maine

The first fall wild turkey hunting season with a firearm began this past Saturday in wildlife management districts 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25. The season runs from October 13 thru October 19. A resident or non-resident big game hunting license is required as well as a wild turkey hunting permit ($20.00 for resident, $47.00 for non-resident). One turkey of either sex may be taken and must be registered at an official registration station.

There has been a fall archery season on wild turkey since 2002 in certain parts of the state with hunter success running approximately between 5 and 15 per cent annually. It is anticipated that the success rate with a shotgun will be greater, and the department will be closely monitoring registration stations, as well as gaining insight from the hunter questionnaire issued to a sample of permit holders.

The first day of the shotgun season 15 birds were registered at Sawyer’s Market in Little Falls and 5 registered at Wing’s Market in New Gloucester.

One benefit of having a fall season should be a reduction of nuisance birds around farms. Birds that are allowed to forage where livestock are fed quickly become accustomed to the easy pickings and lose their natural wariness over time. Farmers and their family members will not only remove nuisance birds but will also enjoy wild turkey for dinner.

-Norman Forbes, Wildlife Biologist Specialist

Region B – Central Maine

It always amazes me with wildlife populations, with what goes around comes around. A species can be virtually non-existent one year and thick as thieves the next. That appears to be the case with this year’s ruffed grouse numbers as reported from the County and within central Maine. For the last several years’ upland grouse hunters have complained and quietly prayed for a season like this one. Recruitment and survival of first year birds appears high as reported by those with the inclination for primary wing examination.

Would someone please tell me a year when they can remember the soft mast crop being so abundant? I have never seen the apple trees so laden with fruit. There are enough wild grapes in the woods to consider starting an organic winery. Some folks would say that portends a real winter. I can’t confirm that but it clearly demonstrates that food is rarely a limiting factor for most wildlife populations.

Woodcock appear to be late or their numbers not as abundant. The fall rains appear to be late in arriving and perhaps drier conditions may have dispersed worm doodles from their traditional alder wetlands. I recruited some Pennsylvania hunters to come up this year and hunt Frye Mountain Wildlife Management area. I told them no problem getting woodcock the second week of October. Oops! Hopefully this year’s grouse numbers will convince them to return next year and leave a pocketful of money behind.

Nuisance wildlife complaints coming into the regional office are definitely down. My annual nuisance beaver list, which provides contact information for folks in need of legitimate trapping pressure, has only six entries. Most years it is two pages in length. The exception to this is the nuisance complaints coming in for wild turkeys. I believe the peak has not yet come for turkey populations in central Maine based on the complaints over the phone survey methodology. However, like this years grouse season, what goes around comes around and all too soon you will hear someone say, “There just aren’t the wild turkey’s this year like there has been in the past”.

-Keel Kemper, Assistant Regional Wildlife Biologist

Region C – Downeast

This coming Wednesday evening, October 17 at 6:00 pm, Department representatives will be attending a Sportsman’s Forum hosted by the Bucks Mill Rod & Gun Club in Bucksport. These events are periodically held at different locations around the State; often at the request and invitation of the Commissioner’s Advisory Council Member that represents that geographic area. Normally, the Commissioner as well as some of the administrative heads are there representing the Wildlife, Fisheries, Warden Service, and Public Information & Education bureaus / divisions. Also in attendance are Regional Department staff who cover or work in the general area. This includes district game wardens as well as both wildlife and fisheries biologists. These forums are set up to provide the public an opportunity to bring questions or concerns to the attention of the Department. Over the years, they’ve proven to be a great opportunity for both Department personnel as well as the public to gain new insights as well as get some answers on various issues concerning our wildlife and fishery resources. If you happen to be in the greater Bucksport area come mid-week, consider stopping by … and don’t hesitate to bring along your youngster, as there’s often something included in the program for them.

Speaking of youth … this coming Saturday, October 20, is youth deer hunting day. This is a tremendous opportunity to introduce a young hunter, who holds a valid junior hunting license, to the pursuit of deer hunting. Those licensed hunters who are at least 10 years of age but younger than 16 can participate under the direct supervision of a parent, guardian, or qualified adult. The supervising adult may not possess a firearm while accompanying a participating junior license holder. The junior hunter is allowed to take 1 deer of either sex with either a firearm or bow and arrow; which would constitute their season bag limit unless they were awarded a bonus anterless deer permit for a specific Wildlife Management District, or participate in the expanded archery season in certain designated areas of the State.

After two mild winters, it was expected, and many early reports would seem to indicate, an increase in deer sightings in favored fall locations. This is an excellent opportunity to school young hunters to all of the various aspects of hunting deer before the regular firearm season begins. As with any schooling, some preparation would be helpful in making Saturday’s venture a success … not necessarily defined only by a deer hung in the garage, but by taking the steps in developing a future hunter who knows his quarry (habits, life history, signs, etc.) and is committed to being a safe and ethical hunter. As with any pursuit, if they learn the basics well, with proper coaching and patience the rewards will be forthcoming.

Hopefully scouting exercises which involves the young hunter(s) have already begun. If not, there’s still some time to do some evening cruising to know where Saturday morning will find you. It’s a great time to introduce a junior hunter to respecting the rights of landowners by checking in with landowners and getting permission to scout and/or hunt. I’d be willing to bet that sometimes having a young, anxious hunter next to you isn’t a bad “foot in the door” technique in seeking permission to access private land. Posted property is quickly becoming a way of life in many parts of Maine, so the youngster needs to get in the habit now. And even if not posted, it’s a way to do your part to assure the property remains that way; or at least perhaps your access to it.

Matters of safety and ethical behavior in pursuing game cannot be overstressed. Both the future of hunting and the enjoyment and rewards that hunting and days afield offer your junior hunter are at stake. Make it a safe, rewarding, and enjoyable outing …

-Tom Schaeffer, Regional Wildlife Biologist

Region D – Western Mountains

The October portion of the 2007 Maine moose hunt ended this past Saturday. Once again, we had registration stations in Rangeley, Eustis, Solon, and Andover. This year we added a station in Strong for the convenience of people hunting in the southern portion of Wildlife Management District (WMD) 7. The addition of a fifth station will also accommodate moose hunters in 2008 when WMD 16 (includes Farmington) is opened.

Biologists from Region A (Gray), B (Sidney), D (Strong), and Bangor (Resource Assessment Section) aided in the collection of biological data again this year. I was able to visit each of the stations for the first time. When I arrived at the Eustis station on Wednesday, District Game Warden Blaine Holding introduced me to a father, daughter, and step-mother moose hunting group who were registering a second moose. Both women drew permits, one for WMD 7 and the other for WMD 8. Dad was the sub-permittee for both. Here is their story.

Dawn Hatch and Frank Guptill of Friendship, Maine were hunting with Frank’s daughter Jennifer. Jennifer took an adult bull in Adamstown Township (just west of Rangeley) the day before and Frank was there weighing and registering a second bull which he took off the Gold Brook Road north of Eustis that morning. Frank has been applying for a moose permit every year, but has never drawn one. Either the person drawing the permit, or the designated sub-permittee, which Frank was, can shoot the moose. They must hunt together. Dawn drew her first permit this year after applying for 10 straight years. Jennifer drew her first permit after applying for five years. The lesson is: if you aren’t lucky enough to draw a permit, be close to someone who is.

For a look at their moose, please visit: http://www.maine.gov/ifw/hunting_trapping/weekly_reports/photos_regiond/index.htm

In the course of my work, I encounter people who on multiple occasions have either drawn a moose permit, or have been the sub-permittee. While others have applied year after year with no success. So what are the odds of getting a permit?

It’s a little complicated because of many variables. The number of permits, applicants, and chances purchased per applicant weigh heavily in one’s odds. Residents can purchase one, three, or six chances each year. Plus applicants earn one chance for each consecutive year they apply and are unsuccessful. Non-residents have that opportunity as well however there isn’t a limit on the number of chances they can purchase. While that sounds like a big advantage, a non-resident’s chance is limited by the fact that only 10% of the permits go to non-residents. There have been just under 3,000 total permits issued each year in recent years.

So what are your chances of drawing a permit next year? Here are some interesting statistics provided to me by Mark Ostermann who is in the forefront of collecting and managing a lot of these data for Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

Number of permit applications in 2007: 65,090
Resident applications: 46,570
Non-resident applications: 18,520

Odds of getting a permit if you are resident, applying for the first time, buying one chance: 1 in 107

Odds of getting a permit if you are resident, applying since 1998 (getting preference chances), and buying 6 chances: 1 in 10.

Odds of getting a permit if you are non-resident: 1 in 700 for every chance. Chances can be purchased and/or earned for every consecutive unsuccessful year of purchasing a chance.

One-third of all applications have the same address, meaning multiple household members apply. One hundred permits go to more than one person at the same address.

One-third of the permits go to persons who have applied each year since 1998.

Though it takes work and skill to fill out a moose tag, it is still better to be lucky than good when it comes to drawing a moose tag. Good luck in 2008.

- Chuck Hulsey, Regional Wildlife Biologist

Region E – Moosehead Region

When are deer numbers optimum? Farmers (and others) know that you don’t want to stock too many animals on a pasture of a given size. Competition for food would affect their well-being. At extreme levels, more and more starvation occurs. And where there are effective predators, they can cash in on weakened animals.

In winter our deer are on a “pasture” of limited size. What we call WMD 9, approximately 950 square miles east of Moosehead Lake has only approximately 25 square miles of winter range in 3 major deer wintering areas today. (We have a pretty good knowledge of where deer winter in 9, I think, compiled through years of research. Probably 90 percent of WMD 9 deer winter in those 3 wintering areas.) The deer found throughout WMD 9 in spring/summer/fall must subsist on the plant life within reach, and their fat reserves, for approximately four-plus months each winter. Other potential foods are too far from their shelter needs & in areas where the snow is generally too deep (landscape level).

Our official management plan for deer calls for us to get the population up to, & keep it at 50-60% of K carrying capacity, a theoretical level where productivity (production of young, thus potential harvest) is maximized. Our management system says the average beam diameter of the antlers of bucks in the yearling age class, YABD, when it equals 15-16 mm, will tell us we are at 50-60% of K (and when we are above or below). This notion is untested.

There is a hitch however; in parts of the State where not too many deer are taken by hunters, we don’t measure the antlers of enough yearling bucks to say that we really know what the average diameter of all is. And there are questions about whether YABD measures numbers are relative to summer carrying capacity rather than winter.

A more direct approach is to go to the woods and in the spring, measure actual use of the previous years growth, sampling in and near the areas deer resort to when the snow is at least moderately deep. It is possible to identify last year’s growth on a woody plant because the point from which growth occurred is marked by a terminal bud scale scar.

This was the approach taken last spring for WMD 9. Eleven miles of transects were run thru Deer Wintering areas in locations chosen at random with observations of food availability and use made every 40 ft.

This exercise yielded an estimate of 54% of available browse taken by deer, moose, & rabbits within the height range deer can use during the prior winter. Fifty percent use during an average winter is regarded by experts as about the maximum use level a manager should allow to occur since some winters may be considerably longer than average, and beyond some point, maybe 75%, browsing can cause the deaths of plants which may be needed in future years. The few moose that situate next to Deer Wintering Areas may to some slight extent reduce available browse for deer.

At the moment deer numbers in WMD 9 are limited by the amount of appropriate habitat (shelter) and close at hand food, not hunting or predators. Deer are rather scarce, but we should not expect to have more.

More cautious people might qualify some conclusions based on the same Data. Most analyses you hear of are based on less, and never qualified with words such as maybe.

- Bill Noble, Assistant Regional Wildlife Biologist

Region F, Penobscot Region

A better week weather-wise greeted moose hunters for the second of the two six-day seasons. The one-day exception being Friday, and that was a major rain event. Still, temps were cooler than the unusually warm first week two weeks prior. An early Saturday morning call to our nine tagging stations monitored by Region F suggested that results were quite varied throughout the Region. As with the first week, some stations were registering moose within the average number they usually tag, while others were significantly less. Once the data is analyzed, it will be interesting to see what the success rates were by season, WMD, and bull vs. anterless-only permits. While being selected to hunt moose is always a special opportunity for hunters, monitoring the hunt has changed over the years. As mentioned, Region F contracts with 9 tagging stations to collect biological data for us. This leaves us with the opportunity to not only visit several stations, and take part in some data collection, but more importantly to talk with moose hunters or perhaps bird or deer hunters. It is important for us to be out and about, listening to, and discussing the views and opinions of our public. Visiting the many tagging stations throughout the week affords us that opportunity to listen to folks who are in many ways our “eyes and ears” in the field. It also affords us the opportunity to continue work on other important initiatives that are not associated with the moose hunt. Region F is very grateful for the quality of work our tagging stations perform during both the moose and deer seasons. Thanks to all.

Reports from the field suggest a rosier picture for grouse hunters. A good nesting year for a change this past spring has translated into plenty of action early in the bird season. Reports of hunters getting into birds throughout the Region have been commonplace thus far. A nice change after poor hunting seasons (for the most part) the previous two years.

The early fox and coyote trapping season began on the 14th. Trappers are reminded of the additional trapping restrictions and guidelines for the northern WMDs that were part of the lynx lawsuit settlement agreement. And don’t forget that this coming Saturday (20th), is Youth Deer Hunting Day. Junior hunters may take a deer of either sex during this one-day opportunity.

Waterfowl hunting is progressing along, although I myself have not observed the flocks of migrants coming thru as yet. Perhaps now that the temps are cooling down and the cold fronts move thru our area we will see the northern birds coming in. Still, I have enjoyed some early-season gunning for both ducks and geese. This past Saturday after working our moose tagging station at our Enfield office for the AM, I headed out and put the canoe in for some jump shooting. A nice slow moving stream, plenty of color yet on the trees, and lots of robins flying back and forth as they get ready for the long trip south. Jump shooting solo while trying to paddle can sometimes be a challenge and this trip was no exception. Getting caught with your gun down and paddle up or watching a flock of mallards take off downstream and out of gun range is all part of it. So no ducks that trip, but I enjoyed it none-the-less, and just being out is a wonderful part of the hunting experience too.

-Mark Caron, Regional Wildlife Biologist

Region G – Aroostook County

With the second week of moose season over, hunter success was much better than the first week with registration numbers slightly lower than last year. The Ashland station registered a total of 319 moose for both weeks, while it recorded 323 last year. In short the second week was excellent in the north making up the deficit from the first week. An issue brought to my attention by the warden service were numerous cases of moose hunters having antlerless permits where they were shooting bulls with antlers less then ear length (which is legal with antlerless permit) but leaving the animal thinking antlerless means “cow only”. This may be a case of not understanding the law or perhaps not reading the “Moose Hunters Guide”

Grouse are numerous this year with success stories from the majority of hunters. When birds are this numerous violations seem to escalate due to selfish and unethical law braking hunters taking over their limits and stealing from the sportsman. In a three-day period last week two warden sections under Sgt. Ward and Sgt. Gray had 10 over-the-limit cases with one party of 4 hunters having in possession 69 birds.

This coming Saturday is Youth Day for deer season and the biologists will be out collecting deer biological data to track the deer herd and collect samples for Chronic Wasting Disease Due to the hunting and fishing laws mandating the number of day’s deer season will run, this year will be one of the earliest.

With mild weather still up north many migratory birds particularly Canada Geese and Woodcock are in good numbers and have yet to arrive. This should put a smile on the wing-shooters since they should have an extended season this year.

-Rich Hoppe, Regional Wildlife Biologist

Posted by Tom Remington

My good friend and colleague, George Dovel, has put together one of the most eye opening articles I have read in a long time. The article contains information that deals with anti-hunting issues, land loss, property rights, the abuse by some states to illegally use money from hunting and fishing license to fund programs outside of fish and game, the Wildlands Project, Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act and an entire host of other topics.

This article is long but is worth the read. I would highly suggest that anyone who cares at all about hunting, trapping, fishing and the outdoors, read this article. Much of the topics discussed are centered in the state of Idaho but I don’t want you to think for one second that you couldn’t just as easily insert the state you live in. All of these things happening can and are taking place right in your back yard. It’s time to open our eyes.

I am going to provide you with a couple of different ways you can obtain it. You can begin the story here and follow the link to read the rest. On that page you can copy and paste the article into a word processor program and print it out. Also at the bottom of this page is a link to a pdf version of the story for your convenience.

I want to take a moment and thank George for granting me permission to republish this article in its entirety at the Black Bear Blog and other Skinny Moose Media websites.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

News and Comment by George Dovel

About George Dovel: Following several decades of close association with state and federal wildlife mangers as a helicopter and fixed-wing pilot, a qualified volunteer on assorted wildlife research projects and a member of several fish and game advisory committees, George Dovel offers a unique perspective on what has happened to wildlife resource management. With record low big game and upland bird populations existing throughout the U.S. in 1969-1973 he edited and published The Outdoorsman which is credited with helping to restore scientific game management. The new crisis in game management throughout the West resulted in resurrecting The Outdoorsman in March 2004 to provide factual information for outdoorsmen and their elected officials.

On July 3, 2007, a public meeting of an ad hoc committee formed to discuss future funding for IDFG took place at F&G Headquarters in Boise. Chaired by Senate Resource Committee Chairman Gary Schroeder, the members included House Resource Committee Chairman John A. “Bert” Stevenson, Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) Co-Chair Senator Dean Cameron and former F&G Commissioner Representative Fred Wood. <<<<<Continue to the rest of this Article>>>>>

Click here to download a pdf version of this article.

Tom Remington

From the New Hampshire Department of Fish and Game

CONTACT:
Kristine Rines, (603) 744-5470
Linda Verville, (603) 271-2461
Jane Vachon, (603) 271-3211
October 15, 2007

CONCORD, N.H. — For nine days, from October 20 to 28, 2007, a lucky 675 moose permit holders and their hunting partners will have the experience of a lifetime taking part in New Hampshire’s 20th annual moose hunt. A total of 85 of these permits will be for taking antlerless-only moose in Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) in the northern part of the state, and the remaining 590 permits will be for any moose in specific WMUs across the state.

Each hunter with a moose permit is assigned to hunt in one of 22 wildlife management units throughout the state; most have spent the past several weeks or months scouting out potential hunting spots.Each moose hunter may be accompanied by one partner.Last fall, hunters took a total of 449 moose (168 cows and 281 bulls), for a statewide success rate of 67%. Hunters assigned to northern units typically have the greatest success, because of higher moose densities and excellent access to hunting lands in the North Country. The regional success rate for moose hunters last year ranged from 80% in the North Region to 26% in southeastern N.H.

A record 16,779 people applied for New Hampshire moose hunt permits this year, about two-thirds of them New Hampshire residents. The odds of winning a permit were about 1 in 18 for residents and 1 in 57 for out-of-staters, among the best odds in the nation for moose hunting. Those who are not selected can improve their chances by applying in consecutive years to gain bonus points.

After taking a moose, hunters must have the animals weighed and inspected at one of seven check stations around the state.There, wildlife biologists check each moose to glean information about the overall health of the moose herd.Many of these check stations draw crowds of onlookers, a reminder of the economic and symbolic importance of moose in New Hampshire, particularly in the North Country.

Hunters are reminded to avoid consuming moose liver and kidney.Studies conducted by Fish and Game and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have revealed high levels of cadmium in some of the moose livers and kidneys sampled.As a result, officials from the Environmental Health Program at the N.H. Department of Environmental Services recommend that no moose kidney be eaten, and preferably no liver.If individuals do choose to eat moose liver, it should be from moose no older than 1.5 years.If the moose is older than that, consumption should be limited to a maximum of two meals (assuming six ounces per meal) of moose liver per year.Biologists at the moose check stations can determine the age of the animal for hunters.Further questions about the issue of cadmium in moose organs may be directed to David Gordon, DES Environmental Health Program: (603) 271-4608.

As part of a sound management strategy, the moose hunt has been an annual event in New Hampshire since 1988.The moose population was only about 50 animals in 1950; it had grown to over 4,100 by the time of the first moose hunt in 1988, when 75 permits were issued.Today New Hampshire’s moose population is estimated at 7,000.

License and permit fees paid by hunters support Fish and Game’s moose research and management programs, including a recently completed study on moose mortality and habitat.Hunting activity also has a positive impact on the state’s economy; according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, more than 60,000 people hunted in New Hampshire in 2006, generating more than $80 million of hunting-related expenditures in the state.

If you’re interested in applying for next year’s moose hunt, visit Fish and Game’s website at http://www.HuntNH.com between February and mid-May 2008, or pick up a moose lottery application during that time wherever fishing and hunting licenses are sold.

Visit a photo gallery from the 2006 N.H. moose hunt — and find out more about moose hunting in New Hampshire — at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Hunting/Hunt_species/hunt_moose.htm

Posted by Tom Remington

Posted by Tom Remington

This photo came to me from Milt Inman, chief photographer for Skinny Moose Media.

Tom Remington

Skinny Moose Media offers hosting services. We usually don’t push the service too much and rely mostly on word of mouth. We try to keep our services to related websites and to provide exceptional customer service. We also understand most people are paying a lot for having a website for your business.

So we want to become your hosting company. We will transfer your website for you at no charge (Normally $30 fee for doing the work to switch) and not only that but you can get the first 3 months for only $3. <<<read more about it>>>

Tom Remington

From Marc Michaud of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife:

Region A- Southwestern Maine

Brownfield Bog has always been one my favorite places in southern Maine. With its expansive marsh system and breath- taking views of the Presidential range, it is one of the most peaceful places I know of. It’s also a hotbed of activity for wildlife, and has long been known as a great birding spot. Brownfield bog is one of the Department’s wildlife management areas, and as the new assistant regional wildlife biologist, I’ve had several opportunities to survey this area in more detail. On Monday October 1, Norman Forbes and I spent the afternoon checking waterfowl coming off the bog on opening day for the regular waterfowl-hunting season. Typically, opening day is the busiest day of the season, both in numbers of hunters and ducks, and therefore the best day for us to be in the field. This year, opening day was a bit quieter than normal, but still gave us a good deal of information. As you would expect, the most common duck taken was wood duck, followed by mallard, and black duck. A few ring-necked ducks, and green-winged teal were taken as well. We also had two adult female northern pintail ducks taken; this species is a little less common in Maine, but they do show up every spring and fall.

Northern Pintails don’t breed in Maine; the ones we see now are migrating through to their wintering destinations in the southern United States and the northern portion of South America. In North America they breed throughout Alaska and Canada, south to the Great Plains and in the Great Lakes (there are also populations in northern Eurasia). The vast majority of pintails migrate through the central flyway, which is why we see less of them here.

With their long slender necks, long narrow wings, and long tails, these ducks are an exquisite sight. The males are boldly patterned with a chestnut brown head and throat; a white breast that stretches into a thin stripe that runs up their neck and into the chestnut coloration of the throat. One of the most noticeable features of this duck are the very long, black central tail feathers, which extend beyond the rump and are almost half the length of their body, hence their name. As with most waterfowl, the plumage of the female is not quite a flashy as that of the male; she is overall a mottled brown, or buffy color, but she is beautiful as well, just in a more subtle way.

Northern Pintails are amongst the earliest nesting ducks, and often begin nesting shortly after ice-out. Similar to mallards, they nest in a variety of habitats and usually place their nest in a brushy or grassy area, especially agricultural areas. Each winter new pair bonds are formed, but once on the breeding grounds, the males will often engage in “pursuit flights” in an attempt to mate with as many females as possible. Generally the female lays 3-12 eggs, in a small scrape, and she alone will incubate the eggs for about 25 days. The young are precocial, or pre-feathered and will leave the nest within hours of hatching. It will take them almost two months until to learn to fly. A dabbling duck, pintails pick food up off the surface, or tip upside down in the water to feed. For many reasons, including their relatively small clutch size (among dabbling ducks) and the spread of agricultural fields in the prairie potholes, their populations are declining throughout their range.

Just as interesting as the ducks, were the conversations we had with the hunters and their impressions of opening day. Most of the parties we interviewed were surprised at the relatively few number of people hunting the marsh, and others were disappointed with the number of ducks they encountered. None of the hunters we saw had more than one or two ducks after a full day of hunting. Several people commented on the warm weather and wondered if that were impacting the day. But as one hunter commented, “Just because we didn’t see more ducks, doesn’t mean they weren’t there.” Overall, people were just happy to have spent a day on the water; some with family, other with friends, many with dogs, and most folks were looking forward to few more days.

While waiting for the few remaining hunters to leave, we watched the sun set over the bog, and saw flocks of ducks flying in from every angle to roost for the evening. We stood there silently, watching and listening, as the light grew dim and the silhouettes of the birds got harder and harder to see, and the mountains slowly disappeared from sight, I was reminded once again, what an incredible place Brownfield is.

-Judy Camuso, Regional Wildlife Biologist

Region B – Central Maine

As I watch the multi-colored leaves flutter and fall at my feet, I am gently reminded that mother nature has yet again changed her mind and delivered Fall right to our front door. Summer has come and gone and I find myself poised yet again to provide my seasonal update for the Steve Powell Wildlife Management Area (Swan Island). However, before lunging in, I must linger just a little and recount my annual Fall bird hunting trip “up north” to God’s Country.

All reports indicated that birds were abundant and I was not to be disappointed. Once fueled up in Fort Kent and through the “Little Black Check Point”, the North Maine Woods opened up and cordially welcomed my wife and I…accompanied by Lido the wonder dog. Actually, Lido is an Australian Labradoodle who has developed a distinct fondness for “road chickens”. Over the course of two days, the three of us canvassed the St. John River Valley getting to know new territory, admiring the scenery and changing leaves, and stalking what seemed to be an endless supply of grouse. The birds seemed flighty this year so the usual “road hunting” gave way to the “cat and mouse” tactic of creeping through the thick roadside regeneration and bagging the bird before it vanished back into the North Maine Woods. This tactic suited Lido just fine and we finished the trip with our limit. Ahh, the gourmet taste of partridge and pancakes await us.

Many miles and a world away, Swan Island lay sleeping…having just completed another fine season of its own. Among its achievements for 2007 were hosting Richmond Days and the Junior Maine Guides Testing Camp. These annual events are as time tested as the changing seasons. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IF&W) operates Swan Island as a conservation education center and although Richmond Days fireworks shot from the Swan Island pier does not exactly qualify as conservation education, the booming spectacle does exemplify just how diverse Swan Island has become in its mission. Too often taken for granted, Swan Island is a precious State and community resource that has evolved to become a National Historic Landmark, wildlife management area, recreational campground and public use facility. All this, wrapped up into a 1,700 acre island nestled in the Kennebec River just south of Augusta between the towns of Richmond and Dresden. Purchased as a wildlife management area some 60 years ago, Swan Island is now so much more. We all, collectively, are fortunate to have her in our midst.

While IF&W staff were busy hosting yet another terrific public use season, the Friends Of Swan Island, Inc. (FOSI) were busy fund raising and accomplishing a variety of projects including construction of a new roof on one of Swan Island’s six historic homes. FOSI stands as a model of how private partners can assist in state affairs and achieve great things. Please visit the FOSI website to learn more about this non-profit enterprise and the extraordinary things that they are doing. They and Swan Island will welcome your interest and enthusiasm. http://www.fosigroup.com

In the mean time, the leaves continue to fall, Swan Island begins her seasonal hibernation and I have just been called to dinner…partridge and pancake style.

-Charles D. Dyke, Biology Specialist

Region C – Downeast

No matter which political party you may support, it seems most people endorse some form of property tax reform. The specifics of the “who’s” and “how’s” is where the rub comes. The time is now for those that cherish the outdoors to advocate for landowner incentives at the state and local levels that would preserve and maintain open space for both the public and wildlife. It is a fact the state can’t own enough land to satisfy all the public demands for open space in Maine, much less have a weighted distribution of public areas that reflect the location and demands of population centers. The concept of planning for open space to provide for the needs of wildlife as well as the public is one that is promoted through the Department’s ”Beginning With Habitat” initiative: to plan for anticipated development while making allowances for critical habitat features and adequate space.

Blocks of land that are sufficiently large and have some strategic components of land forms or habitat types are shrinking fast in Maine, and the wave of dividing and selling land seems to increase annually. Various forms of State-owned lands help, to a limited extent, to address the public demand for space and traditional recreation. One of the goals in managing the Department’s Wildlife Management Areas is for public demonstration areas to show how forest and wildlife management can be complimentary land uses. Another goal is to provide for public access and traditional uses to the extent that wildlife management objectives are not compromised.

Regardless of whether you are a wildlife observer, photographer, hiker, or hunter … unless you own enough land to provide adequate space and habitat, it is likely that you rely on the availability of and access to someone else’s land to pursue your passion. Many of us in Maine have probably taken that availability for granted because it seems like it’s always been there. Given current and escalating trends, it is in all of our interest to become active in supporting efforts that will help maintain both critical habitat elements, as well as the space that wildlife and we ourselves need. In other words, how to keep Maine the way Maine has always been.

-James Hall, Assistant Regional Wildlife Biologist

Region D – Western Mountains

Last week, I had my gear all ready and as I started walking into the woods to archery hunt I noticed that the string on my bow was broken in half, right at the nocking point. I was very disappointed to say the least. Like most hunters I have been waiting all year to get out deer hunting. After I calmed down, I realized that during October, most years, I focus on archery hunting and rarely spend time pursuing other animals during their respective open seasons. So while I waited to have my string repaired, I took advantage of the nice weather and spent a couple afternoons hunting partridge and waterfowl.

Over the past few years we have had wet, cold springs in Region D, which has resulting in poor production of young-of-the-year birds. This is mainly because these young birds are very susceptible to hypothermia during their nesting season. Luckily, this year our springs were favorable and most of our game birds should be plentiful. Reports from around the region indicate that grouse numbers are fair, turkeys are very plentiful, and waterfowl have started to move through the area.

This week is moose season for Region D. Our daytime temperatures seem to be slightly above normal, so make sure that you take the necessary precautions when handling your harvested moose. Moose have adapted to survive extremely cold temperatures and have a thick two-layered fur to keep them warm. Even after you have field-dressed your animal, this hide keeps the body temperature elevated. So remember, when you bring your moose to the registration station make sure you buy several blocks of ice, enough to fill the body cavity. This will dissipate the heat from the inside. The hide and hair will serve to retain the cold.

– Bob Cordes, Assistant Regional Wildlife Biologist

Region E – Moosehead Region

At about this time last year, I was tasked with figuring out how many deer from WMD 14 would have to be examined to determine the “yearling frequency.”

We examine the teeth up close to determine age. Somehow I knew the importance of that statistic from something I had read: that yearling frequency = removal rate. Some biologist studying population dynamics had made this determination. By looking at the removal rate, the population can be estimated. I took that assignment home, because statistical inference is a topic I’m not too conversant in. I was going to have to study this issue in a quiet atmosphere. Eventually I cracked open an old text on statistics for inspiration. After considering a variety of approaches, it became apparent that this was not going to be easy.

So it’s back to the drawing board. The determination of yearling frequency for WMD 14 will require much more effort and anaylsis; so stay tuned.

- Bill Noble, Assistant Regional Wildlife Biologist

Region F, Penobscot Region

October! It’s a fantastic time of year to enjoy the outdoors whether you hunt, fish, trap, view wildlife or just look at the beautiful scenery. If you’re a hunter, there are almost limitless ways to participate in some type of hunting activity. Upland bird hunters should find above average numbers of Ruffed grouse. Reports from the northern portions of our region, which is primarily industrial forestland, indicate birds are showing up in solid numbers. My hunting activities in bird coverts in the southern portions of the region have also yielded many more flushes than the last couple of years. On Saturday, hunting an old reverting field, I had over 20 flushes on grouse! I was slightly concerned over the number of woodcock flushes that I was having until I went goose hunting in a cornfield early one morning. While setting-up decoys there were numerous woodcock flushing, flying around and even singing their “peenting” mating call. The very dry conditions that we have been having may be forcing woodcock into slightly wetter areas than the traditional upland coverts that they normally occupy. My recommendation is that until we receive some beneficial rains try hunting wetter areas at lower elevations near water (alder thickets) during your next trip because the birds appear to be quite abundant.

Waterfowl hunting is another intriguing option in October. In the early part of the season, there are good opportunities to harvest wood ducks and teal both blue and green- winged before these early migrants head south. There are also plenty of resident Black ducks and Mallards available for this early part of the season. As the season progresses and migrants arrive, Ring-necked ducks, Black ducks, and Common goldeneyes become more prevalent. As I had mentioned earlier, a couple of us hunted a cornfield for Canada geese early one morning and the action was quite fast. We had several flocks come to our decoys and observed hundreds of other birds looking for places to feed. We took our limit of two birds each before 7:00 am!

Hunters will have an opportunity to harvest a Wild turkey this fall. Only a small portion of Region F lies within the fall turkey hunting zones (northeast portion of District 17), but the warm, dry conditions this spring have produced a bumper crop of poults throughout the Region. In District 17, the archery season for turkeys runs from Oct. 6th through Oct. 20th and the shotgun season runs from Oct. 13th through Oct. 19th.

In addition to the opportunities mentioned above, the second week of Moose season starts on Oct. 8th for hunters lucky enough to have been drawn for a permit. Cooler temperatures forecast for the week should keep the moose more active and aid in maintaining meat quality once the animal has been harvested. The archery season for deer is ongoing as well, an abundant apple crop this year should give hunters plenty of places to try their luck. As you can see there are numerous opportunities to get out and try some sort of hunting activity, you’ve just got to make the effort, take some time and do it – it’s definitely worth it!

-Allen Starr, Regional Wildlife Biologist

Region G – Aroostook County

The first week of October was a great opening week for the ruffed grouse and woodcock hunting season. The weather cooperated with relatively cool mornings and warm sunny days, plus an abundance of grouse and woodcock. Fall leaf foliage in northern Maine is near its peak and offers a welcome diversion between grouse and woodcock sightings.

During the first week of upland bird hunting I talked to quite a few hunters, game wardens, and North Maine Woods gate attendants. Most reports were very positive with the majority of hunters finding an abundance of grouse and many shooting their bag limits of 4 grouse per hunter. The biggest complaint, generally, was not the lack of grouse, but being unable to get good shots at these elusive birds through the thick leaf cover.

Reports of high grouse numbers have come-in throughout most of the Arooostook County. Both the farmland and the “big woods” behind North Maine Woods have reported grouse in abundance. NMW gate attendants have also reported a very busy week with many hunters heading into the vast road system behind NMW gates. Reports of good hunting may cause some congestion between road hunters in the North Maine Woods. Hunters seeking more isolation will have to travel to the far western part of the County, west of the Musquacook Lakes or possibly beyond the Allagash River. There’s also the option of parking the vehicle and going for a long walk on one of the many abandoned roads. The key is to find an old road that has suitable grouse habitat of young poplar and other hardwoods, preferred grouse foods, and plenty of grouse sunning and dusting sites. After many years of walking these abandoned roads hunting grouse, I’ve learned not all roads are the same. Some roads can be great while other roads may lack suitable habitat for grouse. Also, a great road for finding grouse is usually a well-kept secret.

More Canada geese are being reported as flocks from further north start to migrate down through the County. I saw my first snow geese last Saturday in a field just north of Ashland. Large flocks of Canada geese are now being seen in some of the staging or loafing ponds in the farmland communities. These waterfowl numbers should really swell in the next few weeks making for some great field hunting for geese. For hunting geese generally the large open fields in the farmland is the place to go. Make sure, however, to first get hunting permission. Some potato fields have yet to be harvested and any damage to crop fields by careless hunters may result in posted property and loss of these fields for future hunting.

For those waterfowl hunters wanting to try a different goose hunting experience, consider hunting the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. The AWW is open to hunting starting October 1 and many of the large lakes in the AWW have large flocks of Canada geese. Possibly, one of the best is Churchill Lake. During the summer additional water is released into Chase Rapids for canoeists often resulting in Churchill Lake being drawn down by early Fall. This draw down exposes large areas of shallow water vegetation around the lakeshore that is heavily used by geese and other waterfowl. Last week, crossing over John’s Bridge between Churchill Lake and Big Eagle Lake, we observed 3 flocks of geese just from the bridge. Legal access for hunting Churchill Lake is allowed at the Churchill Dam canoe launch site.

-Arlen Lovewell, Assistant Regional Wildlife Biologist

Posted by Tom Remington