VGOM August 2013 by Vermont's Great Outdoors Magazine

Vermont’s

Volume 1 Number 8

Magazine

GREAT OUTDOORS

● Fishing the hopper-dropper ● A four-legged outdoor buddy ● A new idea and another buck ● Let the bass teach you

● ● ● ●

Kids and fish photos Father, son on the Long Trail Preparing for hunting season Coffee’s impact on birds

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Page 3 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • August 2013

Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine www.VtGreatOutdoorsMag.com August 2013 • Volume 1 • Number 8

Features 28 The

Journey’s End

Our father and son duo complete their Long Trail quest reaching Canada.

Publisher & Editor Darren Marcy News/Marketing Assistants Maya Marcy & Camilla Marcy

45 Kids

& Fish

Kids showing off some of their summer catches and learning to love the sport.

63 A

New Plan

Trying something a little different ends up in yet another trophy for the wall.

Contributors Jeremy Baker, Bradley Carleton, Bob Shannon, Evan Chismark, Wayne Laroche, Matthew Trombley, Emile Willett, Chris Adams, Kir Talmage. Article & Photo Submissions editor@VtGreatOutdoorsMag.com Press Releases, Letters news@VtGreatOutdoorsMag.com

76 Tomorrow’s

Promise

Sometimes that great little outdoor companion will come unexpectantly.

Phone (802) 331-0130

More Inside 5. Photo of the Month 6. Editor’s Note 7. Readers Sound Off 10. Outdoor News 36. Fly Fishing 40. The Next Cast 59 Sacred Hunter

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63. Shed Antlers 68. Birds of Vermont 71. The Outside Story 74. LCI 76. The Great Artdoors 83. Family Outdoors 84. Out and About

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Follow us on Twitter @VGOMag Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine is published monthly as a free digital publication by Coyote Communications LLC. This publication is protected by copyright and each individual story and photo is protected by copyright owned by the respective contributors. All opinions belong to the respective writers and do not necessarily reflect that of Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine.

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Photos of the Month:

Among the many reasons we love the outdoors in Vermont is for views like these. You won’t find these sitting in front of your television. So get outside and take your camera. And when you capture a photo like one of these two stunning shots, send it to us here at Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine.

Page 5 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • August 2013

Editor’s Note:

Kids outdoors If you haven’t already figured it out, we have a little thing for kids and the outdoors around here. I’m a huge advocate of getting kids outdoors as often as possible. Not only is there the problem of too much TV, computer, iPod, etc., there’s also the appreciation of nature and love for conservation that isn’t learned anywhere but in the woods or on the water. This month, we feature a few pages of some kids and their fish. Some of these fish are bag-worthy. But they’re all trophies as measured in smiles. It’s not too late. There’s still a month of summer and a couple of months of fall that will provide some great outdoor opportunity. Take you kid out and cast a line, scout a trail or just wander around for a while. But don’t forget the camera. You might get a chance to see a big smile on your kid’s face. And we need more of that in this world. When you’re through looking at the photos, check out the rest of our content this month. We’re full of good outdoor news, photos and stories again this month. Check out the third, and final, installment of the inspirational father-son Long Trail thru-hike. Learn about fishing the hopper-dropper fly tandem for Vermont trout in Bob Shannon’s Fly Fishing column. Chris Adams writes about how to let the bass teach you how to catch them when the bite becomes difficult, rather than trying to force your method on them. Bradley Carleton writes about the special time before the hunting seasons begin and how the anticipation builds as you get your gear ready for another season in the woods and on the water. Jeremy Baker takes us on another hunt for a big white-tailed buck. Kir Talmage teaches us about how our coffee drinking choices could be having an impact on the birds we see in Vermont every year. Steve Faccio writes about the decline of aerial insectivores. Wayne Laroche tells us about a bird-banding exercise he went on to study cormorants, an invasive species on Lake Champlain. Evan Chismark tells the story about how one of his four-legged outdoor companions came into his life and spawned another piece of stunning art. And Emile Willett says that having a teenage driver in the house isn’t all bad – especially now that he can ride the back roads and look for deer while letting his daughter drive. All this along with tons of Vermont outdoor news and some really great photos and, well, I kind of feel like we’ve done it again. So, click on through and enjoy. As always, we’d love to hear from you if you have any comments – positive or constructive. Thank you for reading.

On the Cover

Vermont Brookies This month’s cover shot was submitted by Jeremy Baker. Baker spends more time hunting, fishing and tromping through the woods than most anybody else I know. I always joke to my wife that if I die and come back I either want to be my old, lazy hound or Jeremy Baker’s kid. They’re in the outdoors more than I could ever hope to be. To prove it, Jeremy also has a couple of photos in our kids and fish feature and a nice shot on the previous page. Have a great photo you want to share? Whether it’s a fish, a summit, a sunset or just a little family time. Please send it in. You might find it on the cover of the next Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine.

Page 6 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • August 2013

Sound Off:

Readers Sound Off People respond to question about managing Vermont’s deer herd The Issue On Facebook, Vermont Deer Hunters, posted a question: As F&W work on the Comprehensive Deer Management Plan Review, if you could snap your fingers and make an honest to goodness policy change to improve the herd, the hunting experience, etc., what would it be and how would you accomplish it? We stuck with “improve the herd” for the most part. What do you think. Send your comments to news@vtgreatoutdoorsmag.com.

Sound Off

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●

● Back to spikehorns, just like it always was. There never was a biological reason to do it in the first place. ● We need more state land. In New York it seems We need to have two/three seasons where there like there is state land in every town to include is a one buck limit state forests, wild forests, town forests, WMAs One deer limit (buck or doe) for five years than and about 3 million acres of the Adirondack after that three points on one side limit. Make a Park open for public use. second deer tag lottery instead of doe tag lottery. ● Two deer a year and make doe permits for rifle I think Fish and Wildlife does a really good job season instead of muzzleloader. already. I hunt in four different counties and I ● Active habitat management. see deer every time I go out. ● The three deer limit simply doesn't matter. There are more deer in areas of Vermont than Statistically very few hunters shoot multiple most people think. Don't penalize the hunter deer. It's biologically insignificant. People seem who puts the extra effort in to scout. Don't limit to view it as "selling deer," it's not. It's selling to one. We lose enough great deer hunters to out opportunity. of state or Canada already! ● Make it a one deer limit with antlerless permits. The deer are fine, it's the habitat that needs help. Muzzleloader season should be before rifle Increase cutting of mature forest while at the season and youth hunters should get one deer same time protecting and working to increase and then they can hunt with the grownups. usable winter deer yards, winter is the ● One buck per year and bring back the spikes. The department has set up an email address for comments: bottleneck that impacts our deer to the most vtregionalworkinggroups@gmail.com detriment. Page 7 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • August 2013

Outdoor News:

Vermont

Waterfowl hunting seminar to be held at Missisquoi NWR The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department will host a free seminar titled “Introduction to Waterfowl Hunting” at the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge on August 24. The seminar follows the curriculum of the popular Junior Waterfowl Hunter Training Program and will provide hunters of all ages with the opportunity to learn about waterfowl hunting. Fish & Wildlife Warden Dan Swainbank and retired waterfowl biologist Bill Crenshaw will present on

waterfowl hunting regulations, waterfowl identification, safety and ethics, and where to waterfowl hunt. They will demonstrate the use of decoys and blinds, and will give advice on guns and ammunition used for waterfowl hunting. Additionally, the Lake Champlain Retriever Club will demonstrate the advantages of using a retriever on waterfowl hunts. The seminar will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and lunch will be provided. Registration is required by calling Mary Childs at (802) 241-3720 or by emailing mary.childs@state.vt.us. Please provide your full name, address, and phone number. You will receive a confirmation letter, including directions, following registration.

Check out our website at: www.vtgreatoutdoorsmag.com

Page 10 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • August 2013

Outdoor News:

Vermont’s 2013 moose Auction is open for bids Always wanted a moose hunting permit but never won one in a state lottery? Here’s your opportunity to bid on a permit and potentially win a hunt for Vermont’s largest big game animal. Vermont’s auction for five moose hunting permits is open until August 21 with a minimum bid amount of $1,500. Sealed bids on forms provided by Fish & Wildlife must be received by 4:30 p.m. that day. Auction winners will choose to hunt in one of several wildlife management units open to moose hunting and choose to hunt during the Oct. 1-7 archery season, or in the Oct. 19-24 regular season.

Vermont’s 2012 Moose Harvest Report with details on last year’s hunt, including the towns where moose were taken, is on Fish & Wildlife’s website. Look under “Hunting and Trapping” and then “Big Game.” Bids do not include the cost of a hunting license (residents $22, nonresidents $100) or moose hunting permit fee ($100 for residents and $350 for nonresidents). Contact the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department to receive a moose permit bid packet. Telephone (802) 828-1190 or email at fwinformation@state.vt.us. Information about the auction is posted on Fish & Wildlife’s website www.vtfishandwildlife.com. Proceeds from the moose hunting permit auction help fund Vermont Fish and Wildlife educational programs. Winning bids are typically at least $4,000.

Want to see your news in VGOM? Email it to news@vtgreatoutdoorsmag.com

Page 11 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • August 2013

Outdoor News:

Man drowns while swimming at Lake Willoughby

F&W license services are at National Life, in Montpelier

Vermont State Police say an 83-year-old man drowned June 19 while swimming at Lake Willoughby in Westmore. Detective Sgt. Darren Annis of the Vermont State Police Derby Barracks said Joseph F. Anestasia of East Burke was swimming about 30 yards off South Beach when other swimmers noticed he was unconscious in the water about 3:55 p.m. Family and bystanders pulled Anestasia to shore, started CPR and called 911. He was taken to North Country Hospital in Newport where he was pronounced dead. Cause of death was determined to be drowning with a coronary medical event as a contributing factor. The death is not considered suspicious.

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s main license services office is now located in the Dewey Building adjacent to the National Life Building in Montpelier. Since the Irene flood, Vermont Fish & Wildlife personnel formerly located in Waterbury have been temporarily stationed in several communities. “We want to remind people that our license services center is now located at the National Life complex in Montpelier,” said Fish & Wildlife Commissioner Patrick Berry. “Our licensing personnel are available at National Life to help people who want to purchase licenses and to assist license agents from all over the state who need information and supplies.”

Want to reach us? Email: news@vtgreatoutdoorsmag.com Phone: (802) 331-0130

Page 12 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • August 2013

Outdoor News: Most Vermont hunting, fishing and trapping licenses also can be quickly and easily purchased on Fish & Wildlife Department’s website at www.vtfishandwildlife.com. For more information, contact Fish & Wildlife’s licensing staff by telephoning (802) 828-1190 or emailing them at cheri.waters@state.vt.us. They are located in the Dewey Building at 1 National Life Drive, Montpelier, VT 05620-3208. The Dewey Building is located at the far end of the parking lot.

The kayak was orange with a mottled yellow effect to it. Anyone with information about the theft of the kayak is asked to contact the Vermont State Police in Rockingham at (802) 875-2112.

Two public meetings slated on waterfowl seasons

Two public meetings on the status of waterfowl populations and waterfowl hunting seasons for the State of Vermont and Lake Champlain zone in New York will be held Aug. 6 in Whitehall, N.Y., and Aug. 7 in Man reports Old Town kayak Burlington. stolen in early July The annual meetings are being held by the New York A resident of the Village of Saxtons River told police State Department of Environmental Conservation and his Old Town kayak had been stolen sometime between Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. July 3 and July 9. The New York meeting will be held at the The Old Town Otter was taken from a residence on Skenesborough Rescue Squad building in Whitehall on Academy Avenue in the village of Saxtons River. Aug. 6.

Page 13 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • August 2013

Outdoor News: The Vermont meeting will be held at the University of Vermont’s Billings Lecture Hall on Aug. 7. Both meetings will run from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Those attending the Burlington meeting should park off Colchester Avenue. Vermont and New York waterfowl hunters are encouraged to attend one of these meetings and share their preferences and opinions with other waterfowl hunters and Vermont and New York wildlife personnel. Under Federal regulations, waterfowl seasons, bag limits and shooting hours in the Lake Champlain Zone must be uniform throughout the entire zone. Therefore, waterfowl seasons in New York’s portion of the Lake Champlain Zone must be identical to the waterfowl season in Vermont’s portion of the Zone. Comments received at the August meetings, as well as input and recommendations from the Vermont Fish

& Wildlife Department and the New York Department of Environmental Conservation, will be reviewed by the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Board.

Club reports four-wheeler stolen from property in Washington The Washington Sno Flyers Club reported a four-wheeler stolen from their property. Vermont State Police said Robert L. Blanchard, president of the club, reported the club’s 2006 Polaris four-wheeler stolen from its property on Lowery Road in Washington sometime between 3 p.m. July 19 and 7 a.m. July 22. Police said someone forced entry into the club and took the ATV. It was described as having green camouflage paint with a black bed on the back. The Washington Sno Flyers Club is offering a $300 reward to anyone with information that leads

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Outdoor News: to an arrest. Police are asking that anyone with information about the missing ATV contact Central Vermont Crime Stoppers Tip Line at (800) 5299998 or the Vermont State Police in Middlesex at (802) 229-9191.

Vermont State Police troopers, U.S. Forest Service personnel, State Police K9 teams, Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department wardens, and members of Brandon Rescue began searching the woods from before noon until they located Swahn near the campground at about 2 p.m.

Man found after search near campground

Man reports ATV stolen from front yard overnight

Searchers believing a man was missing went looking for, and found, a camper near the Moosalamoo Campground in Goshen in early July. U.S. Forest Service personnel and the campground host at the campground reported to authorities on July 5 that Nathan R. Swahn, 26, of Pittsford had not been seen at his campsite since the previous evening.

A West Pawlet man told police someone stole his all-terrain vehicle out of his front yard. Vermont State Police said Mark Prevost reported his gray 1995 Yamaha Kodiak 400 ATV had disappeared from his yard at 2648 Route 153 in West Pawlet between 10:30 p.m. July 13 and 6 a.m. July 14. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Vermont State Police at 442-5421.

Want to reach us? Email: news@vtgreatoutdoorsmag.com Phone: (802) 331-0130

Page 15 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • August 2013

Outdoor News:

A backcountry retreat for adventurous women planned Vermont Outdoors Woman is sponsoring a weekend retreat for adventurous women 18 years and older in Canaan on Sept. 27-29. Stay at Jackson's Lodge & Log Cabins, a 54 year family tradition providing heated lakefront cabins on Lake Wallace. Located in Vermont's moose country, Jackson's Cafe is a local favorite for homemade breakfast and baked goods (including gluten free). With more than 35 different classes taught by passionate and experienced instructors, campers choose from a list of popular classes that include: Mountain Biking, Firearms (Muzzleloader, Handgun, Rifle and Shotgun) Marksmanship & Safety, Fly Fishing, Wild Edibles, Archery, Kayaking, Birding, Wilderness Survival, Nature and Personal Self Defense. New this year are Self Defense, Pickling & Making

Wild Game Meat Pies, Hunter Ed, Turkey Hunting & Calling, Panning for Gold, Maple Sugaring, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Introduction to Primitive Biathlon, Identification & Healing Capacity of Trees and a nine-hour Handgun Personal Defense Course. Between classes there will be ample free time to explore or just relax on the sandy beach and the evening campfire is always popular. Early morning classes include yoga and birding. Don't miss the opportunity to receive affordable outdoor education in a stress-free, supportive environment. Cost for the weekend program is $349. Discounts are available for daily drive ins, camping, mother/daughter teams and girlfriend groups of three or more. Sponsored in part by Jackson's Lodge, Vermont Fish & Wildlife, Vermont Outdoor Guide Association and Waitsfield Telecom. For information: www.voga.org/fall_doe_camp.htm.

Page 16 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • August 2013

Outdoor News:

Police cite two men after rifle reported stolen

Man reports Mad River Canoe stolen in Newbury

Police were called June 18 to a residence in Bethel where a man said his rifle had been stolen. Donald Lewis, 57, of Bethel told Vermont State Police he had arrived home to find his Winchester Model 70 in .30-06 stolen. The rifle was located at Mid State Sports in Randolph where police were told it had just been sold by two men. Police were able to locate the men and have cited Michael White, 24, of Randolph, and Kelsey Tracy, 19 of Braintree, to appear into Windsor Superior Court, Criminal Division to answer to the charge of grand larceny.

Vermont State Police are looking for a missing Mad River Canoe. Marc Krulewitz, 66, of Newbury told police July 29 that his green Mad River canoe along with a Glenwood Model C wood-burning cook stove had been stolen from his property. Krulewitz said the items went missing sometime in the previous two weeks from Fish Pond Road in Newbury. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Trooper Richard Ostrout with the Vermont State Police at (802) 222-4680.

What is your club, group or organization up to? Share you news. Submit news about Vermont’s Outdoors to VGOM. news@vtgreatoutdoorsmag.com

Page 17 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • August 2013

Outdoor News:

Region

New Hampshire woman injured in ATV rollover accident WEST STEWARTSTOWN, N.H. – A West Stewartstown woman was injured after the all-terrain vehicle she was driving rolled over on her, according to the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. Jessica Green, 26, suffered injuries to her leg and foot when she crashed the ATV. Authorities said she was riding on a private gravel road where ATV use is permitted. She told authorities she unexpectedly backed into a ditch while trying to turn around and the ATV rolled over her leg. Green was treated at a nearby hospital and released.

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Man suffers head injury after tripping during hike in N.H. LINCOLN, N.H. – A man from North Carolina was treated for a head injury in early July after he fell while hiking near Mount Lafayette. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department says 54-year-old James Page, 54, of Yadkinville, N.C., tripped and fell on the Garfield Ridge Trail on July 3 and hit his head on a rock. An Appalachian Mountain Club member called for help and took him to a nearby hut to wait for medical personnel. Wardens with the Fish and Game Department and volunteers hiked three miles to the hut but Page was able to walk to a parking area where he was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

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Page 18 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • August 2013

Outdoor News:

Vermont turkey brood survey online How many broods of wild turkeys are you seeing in Vermont, and how many young turkeys, or poults, are roaming with their mothers? The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is asking people who see turkeys during August to report their sightings in the state’s seventh annual online turkey brood survey. The turkey brood survey can be found on the department’s website (www.vtfishandwildlife.com). The survey allows entry of the numbers of adult males, adult females and poults as well as the date, time and location of the observations. The data you report will help establish long-term trends in turkey reproduction and recruitment. This information will be extremely useful in the management of the wild turkey population. It will help answer questions concerning the impacts of spring and winter weather on the survival of poults and adult turkeys. It will help with the setting of turkey

seasons and harvest limits that are designed to manage the Vermont’s turkey population. Vermont has excellent turkey hunting across most of the state that benefits the people of Vermont by providing hunting opportunity, economic activity and carefully regulated control of turkey numbers. Over abundant turkey populations can result in nuisance situations when crops or properties are damaged by turkeys. Management of wild turkeys seeks to maximize the benefits of having turkeys while minimizing the liabilities. More than 6,200 wild turkeys were harvested in Vermont this past spring -- the highest harvest to date by Vermont hunters in both the May spring season and the youth turkey hunting weekend during the last weekend in April. Despite the high harvest numbers, the Fish & Wildlife Department is concerned with turkey nesting

success this year due to record amounts of precipitation. “Turkey poults are very susceptible to mortality during their first two weeks of life from extended periods of rain,” says turkey biologist Forrest Hammond. “Although hen turkeys will often renest if they lose their first clutch of eggs, nest success is usually lower for the second attempt, especially if wet conditions persist as they did this year.” Hammond reports that nesting conditions were good the last two years which helped boost overall turkey numbers but he says that he wouldn’t be surprised if numbers are lower in 2014. “Results of the August online turkey brood survey helps track the population fluctuations,” added Hammond. “Please help us scientifically manage the turkey population by reporting your turkey sightings during the month of August. Your help is appreciated.”

Fish & Wildlife holds bear hunting seminar The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department will hold a free seminar titled “Getting Started in Bear Hunting” in St. Johnsbury on Aug. 17. The department hopes to increase interest in bear hunting and to teach bear hunters how to become more successful. “Bears can be challenging to hunt, but hunters who know where to look and how to hunt them can improve their success rate,” said John Pellegrini, hunter education training

coordinator for the Fish & Wildlife Department. Forrest Hammond, bear biologist for the Fish & Wildlife Department, will lead topics on bear biology, hunting tactics, rules and regulations, field dressing, and trophy and game aftercare. He will even share a few bear recipes. Members of the Vermont Bearhounds Association will also be on hand to demonstrate how hounds can be used in bear hunting. “Now is an excellent time to learn

how to bear hunt,” said Hammond. “Vermont’s bear population is high which means that the opportunity for success is very good.” The seminar will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and participants are encouraged to bring a lunch. Registration at (802) 272-2909 or john.pellegrini@state.vt.us. Please include your full name, address, and a daytime phone number in the message. A confirmation letter with directions will follow.

Page 19 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • August 2013

Outdoor News:

Antlerless deer permit applications available Vermont’s muzzleloader antlerless deer hunting permit applications are now available on the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s website at www.vtfishandwildlife.com. “It’s a really quick and easy process that ensures your entry is immediately entered into the lottery,” said Deer Project Leader Adam Murkowski. “Plus, it saves postage. We encourage you to use the online application because it is more efficient for you and for us. Be sure to apply before the August 29

deadline.” The Fish and Wildlife Board met June 19 and approved the number of December muzzleloader permits at 14,400 for 20 of the state’s 24 Wildlife Management Units, to allow antlerless hunting during the archery season in all WMUs except WMU-E, and to allow any deer to be taken during youth deer hunting weekend. Biologists expect hunters who receive the permits will take about 2,469 antlerless deer in the

muzzleloader season and an estimated additional 3,333 antlerless deer in youth and archery seasons. “The past two winters have been below average in severity, and these conditions are beneficial to Vermont’s deer herd. Therefore, it is important that hunters continue to harvest antlerless deer to ensure the number of deer remains appropriate for the available habitat in each of Vermont’s 24 Wildlife Management Units,” Murkowski said.

ANR seeks comment on West Mountain WMA Agency of Natural Resources of Natural Resources has managed encourages public comments on West Mountain WMA and has managed a public access easement West Mountain WMA on adjacent lands now belonging to The Vermont Agency of Natural the Plum Creek Timber Company. This complex project has Resources is updating the management plan for West involved collaboration with partner Mountain Wildlife Management organizations including The Nature Conservancy, Vermont Housing and Area in Essex County. The agency will rely on input Conservation Board, Vermont Land from the public to help guide this Trust, and Plum Creek, as well as process and encourages all who may numerous local and state constituent be interested in these lands to attend groups. West Mountain is the largest a meeting or provide written wildlife management area in comments. The Agency of Natural Resources Vermont, a vast land of bogs and has hosted two public forums and evergreens hosting a large moose numerous meetings with constituent population. It is part of one of Vermont’s groups to gather ideas before greatest conservation success drafting its plan updates. The agency will host additional stories, which has perpetually public meetings late in the fall to devoted more than 130,000 acres of land to public access, working review and refine its draft plans. Since 1999, the Vermont Agency forestry, and ecological protection.

Doug Morin, state lands biologist for the Fish & Wildlife Department, is coordinating the effort for the agency. He encourages users to submit comments from now until Aug. 15. “We rely on input from the public to guide this process,” Morin said. “We’d like to hear from the public about what’s working, what could be improved, and what people value most about these lands.” Please send comments to ANR.FWwmaComments@state.v t.us, or mail them to Doug Morin, Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, 1229 Portland Street, Suite 210, St Johnsbury, VT 05819. For more information on the update process, West Mountain WMA, and public access on the private timberlands, visit www.vtfishandwildlife.com/wildlif e_WestMtnWMAReview.cfm.

Page 20 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • August 2013

VGOM:

Page 22 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • August 2013

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Page 27 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • August 2013

Long Trail:

A Long Trail Adventure

The Danner Mount Defiance boots Spencer and Mason McCuin wore on their 280-mile Long Trail journey were provided by Lenny’s Shoe & Apparel, which has sponsored this three-part travelogue of their epic hike. Their Massachusetts to Canada hike in June and July of 2012 will appear in three consecutive Months of VGOM — June, July and August. Congratulations on their achievement.

www.lennyshoe.com | Williston 879-6640 | St. Albans 527-0532 | Barre 476-7446 Page 28 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • August 2013

Long Trail:

Last month, Spencer and his son Mason, the father and son hikers, had tackled some of the highest peaks in Vermont as they closed in on their goal of hiking Vermont’s Long Trail from Massachusetts to Canada. The Danner Mount Defiance boots Spencer and Mason McCuin wore on their 280-mile Long Trail journey were provided by Lenny’s Shoe & Apparel, which has sponsored this three-part travelogue of their epic hike. Their Massachusetts to Canada hike in June and July of 2012 will appear in three consecutive Months of VGOM — June, July and August. Congratulations on their achievement.

www.lennyshoe.com | Williston 879-6640 | St. Albans 527-0532 | Barre 476-7446 Page 29 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • August 2013

Long Trail:

he afternoon of July 12th brought temperatures well into the 90s as the pair headed off on their push for the end of their thru-hike of the Long Trail. Spencer McCuin and his son, Mason McCuin had left Williamstown, Mass., June 22 with the goal of thru-hiking the 278-mile Long Trail, which runs from Canada south to Massachusetts through Vermont. Or, as the McCuins were tackling it, from Massachusetts to Canada. After a rendezvous with family near Johnson to resupply and gather themselves, the pair strode off toward the northern terminus with a conviction and high spirits.

They had more than 220 miles behind then and only about 50 left to go. Spencer and Mason had conquered some of the state’s highest peaks including Glastenbury, Stratton, Killington, Mount Abraham, Mount Ellen, Camel's Hump and Mount Mansfield. By comparison, the final stretch of their three-week long trek should be easier. Of course, Mother Nature can always find a way to make life more difficult.

www.lennyshoe.com | Williston 879-6640 | St. Albans 527-0532 | Barre 476-7446 Page 30 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • August 2013

Long Trail:

As they headed out on the final leg of their journey, they had bright sun and dry weather. That led to great hiking, spectacular sunsets and gorgeous views around every corner. As they climbed Belvidere Fire Tower they caught a glimpse of their goal – Journeyʼs End.

Unfortunately, the sunny days and beautiful sunsets gave way to thunder and lightning, and torrential downpours. The McCuins hiked when they could and sought shelter when they had to. But they pushed on. On July 15, some 23 days after they started their trip, they reached their goal and completed the Long Trail. It’s 273 miles – and a few extra miles here and there for side trips – and brought adventures and created memories that will last a lifetime for this father and son.

www.lennyshoe.com | Williston 879-6640 | St. Albans 527-0532 | Barre 476-7446 Page 31 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • August 2013

Long Trail:

June 22 - Williamstown, Mass.

July 15 - Vermont/Canadian Border

www.lennyshoe.com | Williston 879-6640 | St. Albans 527-0532 | Barre 476-7446 Page 32 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • August 2013

VGOM:

Like that special tree stand from which you always see deer, or that stretch of river where the trout always rise, there are just some places that are unique. A spot that holds a place in your heart so special that you keep it to yourself. If you’re looking for an advertising opportunity to share your message, this can be your special place. This prime spot can be yours next month. By advertising in Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine, you’ll not only be supporting a growing publication that is generating a lot of excitement in the Green Mountain State, but you’ll also place your message in front of avid and dedicated outdoor enthusiasts. And you won’t believe how affordable this space is. There are other publications that cover some of the outdoor experience in Vermont and this little slice of Heaven they call northern New England. They do a good job, but none of them cover the depth and breadth of the topics you’ll read about in Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine. So contact us today to ensure we can get your advertisement in the next monthly issue of a growing and exciting publication that covers the topics that are important to you and your business. Email: ads@vtgreatoutdoorsmag.com Phone: (802) 331-0130 Page 35 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • August 2013

Fly Fishing:

Hopper/Dropper Time

A wild 24-inch brown trout that fell for a No. 4 Bullethead Hopper.

hen it comes to fly fishing, nothing beats the anticipation of the surface strike. Most anglers in my circle would give up three subsurface strikes for the opportunity for one fish to take a meaty morsel off the surface of the water. both opportunities? So in this case why not experience Over the next six to ten weeks

(depending on the first heavy frost of the season) grasshopper activity is in full swing. Even during mid-day, nonhatch periods, few trout can resist the twitching movement of a grasshopper. The second benefit to using the hopper is its buoyancy, which allows it to serve as a strike indicator.

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Fly Fishing: Yes, that’s correct. We’re using our grasshopper pattern as a bobber. Most hopper patterns are on larger hook sizes ranging from No. 2 to No. 12 and are tied on 2x and 3x long shanks, making the flies easily visible to the fish and the fishermen. Now here comes the fun part, attaching a second fly to your hopper pattern is a very popular technique referred to as dropper fishing. The dropper is usually a weighted or unweighted wet fly pattern that is fished between 1 and 3 feet behind the hopper fly. This doubles your chances of catching fish by using a two fly method. The challenge is in casting to not

twist or tangle the flies. There are a few methods used in rigging dropper flies that will significantly reduce the fly spinning and tangling during casting. In choosing hopper patterns most Vermont anglers use Stimulator patterns that represent either large caddis, stonefly or, in this case, hopper patterns during the later weeks of July through September. Another good fly choice would be to use hopper flies that are tied with foam bodies to add buoyancy to the fly. That allows it to float even with some of the larger wet fly patterns that will be hanging off your hopper imitation. In choosing wet fly patterns to

suspend below your hopper during mid-day periods, it is best to use bead-headed nymph patterns to allow the fly to sink deeper into the water column. Fish that may not be tempted to rise to the meaty morsel will be more inclined to strike at the wet fly pattern that is weighted and more likely in the strike zone. The guides here at The Fly Rod Shop, typically use Copper Johns in No. 14, No. 16 or No. 18 during the summer periods. But don’t be afraid to go with the old standbys like the Hares Ear, Pheasant Tail or caddis pupa imitations to increase your opportunity of finding feeding fish.

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Fly Fishing:

The total length from the hopper to the fly line, anywhere between 6 and 8 feet, with an additional 12 to 36 inches off the hopper to the dropper.

Rigging your dropper system is not as complex as it may sound and most beginner and novice fly anglers often come into the shop and express their concerns about fishing a two fly method. “I can hardly fish one fly, how could I with two?” A lot has to do with how you rig the dropper fly. There are two methods for rigging two flies on a single leader, one is called the inline dropper and the other is referred to as the offline dropper. For the purposes of the simpler method we’ll tackle the inline dropper rig. First secure your hopper imitation to your leader with an improved clinch knot. I generally use a shorter leader to my first fly of between 6 feet and 7½ feet maximum. Keeping the leader to your first fly shorter allows for less twisting

while false casting your flies. Now take a small section of 4X (6-pound test), 5X (4-pound), or 6X (3-pound) tippet material in lengths of 12-36 inches. Attach the end piece to the bend of the hopper imitation with an improved clinch knot and attach your wet fly to the opposite end with an improved clinch knot as well. This system of having the leaderto-fly-to-dropper is referred to as the inline dropper method. It makes casting much more tangle free than other methods used, which require more precision casting. Alright, so now we’ll tackle the drifting methods of fishing your dropper rig. This is the part that makes even the beginner and novice anglers successful with this method. The flies can be fished with a natural dead drift or can be skittered

or swung across the current allowing the hopper pattern to move across the surface looking like it’s trying to get to shore. Using these hopper patterns with a slight twitch will capture any trout’s curiosity within 1 to 4 feet of the fly pattern. I have found over the years of teaching anglers how to become dropper system fishermen, it’s a little less intimidating to break the river up into three sections. By breaking the river up into three short sections it allows for better drifting and more opportunities for strikes. Shorter drift lengths also allows for less twisting and tangles. When fishing the upstream section above your standing position, cast the flies up river and allow the hopper-dropper to drift naturally with the speed of the current.

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Fly Fishing:

An assortment of productive nymphs for the dropper.

An assortment of grasshopper imitations.

This method is referred to as dead drifting. It is very effective in that it is a natural presentation of both flies through the water. After several casts into the upper area next try casting across the river and allow the fly to take the same approach. And lastly, present the flies so it hits the water in the down and across stream position from where you’re standing. A fly presented in this lower

section of water from your standing position gives both the surface fly and subsurface fly more action. Fish that were not looking up for possible food will sense the vibrations and movement of this fly as it skitters and skates across the surface. By allowing the fly to swing across the water it will significantly increase the visual temptation to strike by most fish. The good news about fishing this system is you can be creative and

the bottom line at some point is to let it swing. Bob Shannon is the owner and head guide at The Fly Rod Shop in Stowe. He has more than 25 years of experience teaching fly fishing and is a member of the St. Croix Pro Staff as well as an ambassador for Simms Fishing Products. He currently serves on the board for Lake Champlain International and is on the Vermont Fish & Wildlife board.

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The Next Cast:

The author with two recent winning largemouths caught during a tournament by letting the fish dictate his decision making.

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The Next Cast:

Tough Fishing? I was quickly reminded – for the gazillionth time in my life – that fishing, no matter how long you’ve done it or how much success you’ve had, will always find a way to throw you a curveball and make you feel like you don’t have the first clue in the world as to how to find or catch fish. The reminder came during a recent practice session for an upcoming tournament. For nontournament folks, a “practice session” refers more or less to a scouting trip to a particular body of water to find productive areas, fishing patterns, baits, etc. in advance of a tournament. Sure, most avid anglers have experienced the change of the seasons and the resulting shift in fishing patterns, or days of endless rainfall that have muddied fishing areas, caused a quick rise in water levels and made for challenging fishing. B u t , w h a t happens when you a r e presented with all of t h e optimal conditions and just cannot seem to connect with consistent numbers of quality fish? The easy answer? Load up the boat, head to the Wheel Inn in

Benson for a great homemade lunch and then proceed home to take a nap and watch people on TV who actually know how to catch fish. While that scenario – on a few rainy days here and there – works

out perfectly, more often than not our instinctual drive as anglers pushes us to keep searching – and casting – for the key piece of the puzzle that will unlock the mystery and fill our livewells (or our frying pans) with big fish. After all, don’t we fish because we enjoy the challenge? Well, a little challenge is good, but not too

much. Right? The real (and more difficult, but rewarding) solution, in my humble opinion, is to listen to the fish and

let them tell you what to do. Sounds pretty straightforward ... or not. Let me walk you through what I mean. So, during this particular practice session (or scouting trip), I was presented with a very favorable scenario in terms of the time of year and the weather and water conditions. Nearly all the “key” variables that can impact fish behavior were on my side, yet I struggled for several days to locate any big fish or put together any type of pattern in terms of what type of cover the fish were relating to and what bait, or baits, they were most likely to bite. I fished super shallow water, somewhat shallow water, mid-depth water, a little deeper water, deep water and super deep water. In other words, I covered all of the depth ranges preferred by largemouth bass at various times. I targeted shallow, matted aquatic vegetat i o n , shallow nonmat t e d vegetat i o n , m i d depth vegetat i o n , deep vegetation, underwater rock piles, submerged wood and trees and other manmade underwater objects.

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The Next Cast:

To fish around all For fishing thick Let the cover your fishing dictate the types of cover and depths. Can be jigged vegetation and submerged brush or trees. bait. Stay in contact with the cover and create vertically or cast and steadily retrieved. Completely weedless bait that doesn’t get deflections mimicking an injured baitfish. snagged. Any type of soft-plastic bait can be rigged this way.

I covered all of the different “cover” that bass typically use as habitat, and all of the bass hiding spots that I would expect quality fish to be relating to. Still no luck. Granted I did catch numerous smaller fish scattered about during my unproductive search. I fished areas with varying types of forage for bass to feed on and locales that were both receiving, and not receiving, a large amount of fishing pressure from other anglers. I tried throwing a range of lures that could fill the pages of any Bass Pro Shops magazine – in every size and color as well. Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, floating frogs, topwater plugs, plastic worms, creature baits, jigs, tubes, Carolina rigs and the list goes on and on. Just about the only thing I didn’t try was a deep-diving stick of dynamite on 20-pound test line. I think you get the picture. It was

a frustrating couple of days. After sitting at home thinking about my dilemma – why I couldn't find any areas holding numbers of quality fish – it suddenly hit me that I really needed to simplify, slow down and let the fish dictate my decisions on the water. I said to myself, “I know the fish are there, I just need to figure out how to catch them.” I returned to the lake on the third day with a renewed mindset free of any preconceived notions or assumptions about where the fish “should” be or what lures they “should” bite. I opted to fish in just two specific areas that I traditionally liked to target and chose to really pick them apart with a single lure, rather than scramble all over the lake, throwing a dozen different baits and raising my blood pressure in the process. I figured that if I could really

focus on thoroughly fishing all of the structure, or cover, in these two areas, that I’d be able to catch a few decent fish. And those catches may provide me with clues as to how the fish were biting (aggressively or passively) and what habitat they were relating to – regardless of the location. As some say, I was trying to develop a pattern that could be replicated elsewhere on the lake. I was letting the fish tell me what to do. Two hours into this third day of “practice,” I had boated two bass over four pounds and five bass over three pounds – all from different “spots” within the two areas. Each bite – some fish that I hooked and landed and others that I missed – gave me a little bit of information that I carefully digested and used to formulate an overall understanding of the ecosystem and fish behavior at that moment in time.

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The Next Cast:

For targeting bass in Retrieve around all types of cover matted vegetation, lily pads etc. Be sure to tie anytime there is baitfish activity, current or wind this bait to heavy-test braided line and use a blowing at a particular spot. Can ignite a heavy action rod to haul the fish out of the feeding frenzy. cover. Try various retrieves until you find the one the fish prefer.

For targeting deeper, isolated cover such as rock piles or sparse vegetation. This is a great setup for both smallmouth and largemouth bass and can be used to rig any soft-plastic bait. Particularly effective on suspended fish.

Every little clue helped me to slowly and methodically put the puzzle together and work towards an end result where I could almost call my shots on where I’d catch a fish and what bait I’d catch it on. This painstaking yet successful process told me exactly what type of habitat to target and what cover to ignore, what forage to look for and how to fish different areas with varying underwater features. And to be clear, none of this was easy. It was an excruciating way to fish, but I knew if I picked these areas apart and would “grind” each area, the information I gathered

would lead me in the right direction. And it did. That being said, this approach might not be necessary for all situations. Maybe you have a particular underwater weed bed, dock, tree or off-shore hump that produces for you day in and day out regardless of conditions. If you’re a river or stream angler, maybe you have a “sacred stretch of water,” old-faithful boulder or time-proven eddy that you can always count on to kick out a fish or two. Most passionate anglers I know have a place – or many – like this.

This information then guided my decisions on what water to concentrate on and what specific areas to ignore. I thought to myself, “that bite came from 6.5 feet of water,” or “that missed fish only had the tails of the bait, I need to let them eat it a little longer,” or “that fish hit the bait hard and ran with it, maybe he’s competing with other fish in this spot for food.” I was sure to remind myself, “I’ve caught three fish out of that type of cover, but the two biggest fish came from this other type of cover,” among other key learning points given to me by the fish.

Do you want to reach thousands of outdoor enthusiasts in Vermont? Let’s talk about getting your business into Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine. Email ads@vtgreatoutdoorsmag.com or call 802-331-0130. It’s affordable! Page 43 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • August 2013

The Next Cast:

Vermont tournament angler Tommy Waltz won the inaugural Champlain Bass Series tournament on Lake Champlain in June by discarding his original game plan, keeping an open mind and developing a new pattern as the day went on.

However, I can almost guarantee you that a day will come, hopefully later rather than sooner, where you will feel like you’ve never caught a fish in your life nor do you have even the most basic understanding of how to find or catch fish. We’ve all been there, and I’m sure we’ll continue to face this dilemma for as long as we fish. So, when that day comes, just remember, always listen to the fish. I know I am guilty myself of too frequently relying on the most unimportant information when

heading out on the water: past successes and history on different spots, what the “other guy” did on a certain lake at a certain time of year to catch fish, preconceived notions about what areas or baits “should” be productive, etc. What I have come to realize, after too many of those “let’s head home early days,” is many of my greatest days on the water and favorite spots all originated simply from letting the fish tell me what to do. As long as we, as anglers of all kind, keep an open mind to the day

in front of us, we’ll always be able to pick away at the puzzle that is fishing. Chris Adams of Rutland is an avid bass fisherman who lives to fish Lake Champlain and other small bodies of water in the Green Mountain State. A second-generation tournament angler, Adams has dozens of tournament victories and top finishes to his name. When he’s not on the water, he enjoys deer hunting, coaching hockey and spending time with his family, his fiancée Julia and their black lab, Bauer.

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Fishing Kids:

Kids + Fish = Smiles

Mason Farnham shows off a largemouth bass he caught about 10:30 a.m. July 5 that tipped the scales at a bit more than 4-pounds. The youngster was fishing with his dad, Nick Farnham, in Belvidere Pond where he cast a worm to the edge of a weed line and the big bass hit immediately.

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Fishing Kids:

Tommy Baker of Rutland Town, shows off the 19-inch walleye he caught with a small perch-colored Rapala on Chittenden Reservoir in July while fishing with his dad, Jeremy Baker.

Laurel Baker shows off a 9½-inch sunfish she caught in June on Lake Dunmore while fishing with her dad, Jeremy Baker.

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Fishing Kids:

Isaiah Smith of Morrisville poses with a rainbow trout (held by his father Graig Smith) on Lake Eden in July. The youngster caught the rainbow on a No. 8 Gray Ghost and released it. The pair were fishing with Daniel Gates, who is Isaiah's godfather.

Amara Gates of Morrisville poses with her first rainbow trout (held by Graig Smith) caught on a fly rod. Gates caught the trout at Lake Eden in July on a No. 8 Gray Ghost and released it while fishing with her uncle Daniel Gates.

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Fishing Kids:

A little rain, wind and cold weather couldn't keep Payten Wilcox Murray away from fishing. After four hours of fishing another pond, Payten wasn't done so she and her grandma and grandpa braved the elements to catch this sunfish on Dewey's Pond in Quechee earlier in the summer. Payten is celebrating her fourth birthday this month. Happy birthday Payten.

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Fishing Kids:

Athanasia Boyer, 6, shows off a 3¼-pound smallmouth she caught in Mallets Bay. It was only one of the fish she caught on that fishing trip with her dad, Justin Boyer, who said she's fairly new to fishing, but fought the fish like a natural. “She made her dad proud that day, and I”m sure it won't be the last.”

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Fishing Kids:

Camden Boucher, 10, of Barre caught this bucketmouth while fishing from his kayak on Berlin Pond. This largemouth weighed 2 pounds it was his largest fish ever.

Credit where credit is due As we head toward the tail end of summer, the kids on these pages will be returning to school with the math, science, history, reading and writing that comes along with it. But as these photos show, Vermont’s youth is already wellschooled when it comes to fishing. More than educated, they have had great teachers – folks who care

enough to take them to the water, put rod in their hands and help them figure out what to do with it. Those moms, dads, grandparents and other family members and friends are giving these youngsters a gift that will last a lifetime. And while they’re developing a passion for fishing, they’re also developing an innate need to protect habitat and conserve our wild critters and wild spaces.

We need these kids to join our ranks and to recruit their friends, and, later, their kids. So, let’s give credit where credit is due. The adults in these kids' lives who have taken the time to share the outdoors with them – to teach them to love nature. It's a lesson they likely will learn nowhere else and it’s a lesson they will teach others.

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VGOM:

This prime spot can be yours next month. By advertising in Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine, you’ll not only be supporting a growing publication that is generating a lot of excitement in the Green Mountain State, but you’ll also place your message in front of avid and dedicated outdoor enthusiasts.

And you won’t believe how affordable this space is. There are other publications that cover some of the outdoor experience in Vermont and this little slice of Heaven they call northern New England. They do a good job, but none of them cover the depth and breadth of the topics you’ll read about in Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine. So contact us today to ensure we can get your advertisement in the next monthly issue of a growing and exciting publication that covers the topics that are important to you and your business. Email: ads@vtgreatoutdoorsmag.com Phone: (802) 331-0130

Sacred Hunter:

August Ramblings

hen I first started duck hunting, a friend of mine, a stockbroker (yes I did that too), told me that if I was considering taking up duck hunting as a primary passion, that I would need to love maintaining things. Tools, boats, engines, decoys, blinds, dogs, calls, guns, even the properties I would hunt on.

And so, after choosing this path 30 years ago, I plunged into the deep end of the pool. I have accumulated an enormous amount of gear over three decades and I am not good at selling old equipment. I just keep adding new stuff. So now, the month of August is all about the race to Opening Day. And I love it.

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Sacred Hunter:

Whenever a cool northwest breeze fluffs the curtains in my bedroom window, and my toes, sticking out of the bottom sheet, seek the warmth of my dog’s belly, I awaken early. Inhaling deeply the first breath of the morning, I cannot stay in bed. It may only be 5 a.m. but the full moon is lighting up the yard and confused robins are singing in the old maple tree on the lawn. I am wide awake. I strain my ears to hear every sound and from a long distance across the fields, near the pond, I hear geese. The long lonely Her-onk of a gander calling to his mate in the moonlit sky to come sit with him and watch the eastern sky turn from black to dark blue, purple and sage green. I shuffle down the steps to the kitchen. The floor is cool and my feet seek the warmth of the throw rug in front of the coffee maker. The fragrance of fresh coffee has a mesmerizingly comforting aroma. I pour the brew into my favorite mug, the one with the Canada goose on it and gingerly

raise the hot liquid to my mouth. Life is good and the day is full of promise. It’s a Saturday and the To Do list is long and pleasurable. About 12 years ago, with no woodworking experience at all, I built a boat. A Barnegat sneakboat variation called an Arthur Armstrong Broadbill. It took me 18 months to complete. I often feel waves of pride when I work on her. This month, I took out the floor and added a new drain plug, patched a few cracks in the transom and created a drain system through the ribs. New fastgrass will be ordered shortly and the custom David Clark canvas blind has had new zippers put in. A segment of the grass rail along the gunwhale will get replaced. The stern and bow light will be rewired with fresh connectors. The fire extinguisher will be replaced and the PFDs will be checked for tears. The layout blinds have been sewn along the edges and winter wheat raffia has been purchased. We will be tying hanks of the raffia with the new plastic snap

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Sacred Hunter: swivels that affix the raffia to the stubble straps of the blinds. This will allow us to lie in a field of cut wheat or hay and blend in like a small hump in the surface. Less than 30 days from now we will be lying in a field surrounded by newly flocked full body goose decoys, calling to distant flocks and flagging them with our new flag. In the mean time I am busy preparing all our equipment for “The Season,” which starts September 1. I practice shooting my bow every night from the tree stand in my back yard. I have pictures on my game camera that drive me to perfect my skills. There has been a large bear in the back field recently and I really want a crack at him with my bow. My merry band of gentlemen and young mentees and I have been practicing shooting our .22s at the range in anticipation for some squirrel hunts next month. Duck decoys need to be washed and anchor lines checked. A new batch of greenwing teal will be procured through one of the online catalogs (somehow a half dozen of these vanished last year amidst decoy exchanges between friends). Old anchors need to be replaced on some of the Greenhead Gear mallards. Black duck decoys will be checked for keel cracks and Mojo spinning ducks have new 9 volt batteries. Electric motors must be checked and lubed, every nut, bolt, swivel, screw and clip must be checked for sturdiness. In hunting situations a loose bolt or screw on a tree stand, a stressed shear pin on a boat, or a loosely tied

anchor line can mean the difference between a safe hunt, a night in the hospital or worse. Guns are checked and re-checked. Cleaned and re-cleaned. Spit shined and polished. Preparations for a hunt, in my opinion, should be up to military specs. If not out of respect for the equipment, then for safety. I have some harrowing stories to tell of my early duck hunting days. There were days when I had no mentor and little understanding of the dangers that lurked from Mother Nature’s wrath. One of the first lessons I learned was to respect the earth and nature. She could embrace us in warmth and beauty or she could treat us with ruthless indifference to our desire to survive. A French philosopher once said “Nature cares not for the individual, but for the survival of a species.” I have learned this lesson firsthand and am lucky to be alive. Now,

Hunting Film Festival

On Saturday, Sept. 28, at 5 p.m., Sacred Hunter will be hosting a Hunting Film Festival at the Film House in Burlington at 60 Lake Street. Tickets will be $15 and there will be a Game Chili Cook Off with prizes given at Intermission. There will be $100 First Prize. To enter the Chili Cook Off or to purchase tickets please go to the website: www.sacredhunter.org. On the bottom of the page is a “Donate” button. Click this button to pay for your tickets. Any questions, please direct them to Bradley Carleton at 802-238-6176. For a view of the film trailers or to buy tickets, please visit www.huntingfilmtour.com. when the outdoors calls to me I listen but heed the lessons I’ve learned. Don’t use climber tree stands in the rain on wet bark, don’t try to cross an open bay in a small lowprofile boat when you haven’t heard the marine forecast, don’t leave

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Sacred Hunter:

camp without a compass or GPS, always check your drain plug before you unload the boat into the water, always have a game plan if weather changes, and last but not least, the Boy Scout motto: Be Prepared! Even with the level of respect I have learned, I truly do love August, because of the anticipation. There is so much to do. I dream every night about opening days. Opening day of bear season. Opening day of squirrel season, opening day of resident goose season, opening day of rabbit season, the last Saturday of September. And the glorious opening day of partridge (I like to call 'em partridge

instead of by their correct name – ruffed grouse – just to irritate the snobs). And sometimes just to pretend I’m fancy, I’ll call 'em by their Latin name, Bonasa Umbellus. People who refer to them by this name usually carry shotguns far more expensive than anything I own. Then there is opening day of the first half of duck season, which usually sends me into a conflict about the overlapping days with opening day of archery season. The opening day of the second half of duck season, opening day of migratory goose season, the hallowed opening day of rifle season for deer and one of these years, if the great spirit blesses me with the right lottery ticket number, opening day

of moose season. I may seem to be rambling, but forgive me, it’s August, and next month begins the most beloved and sacred time of the year. From here on in, I will find myself waking up in the middle of the night when the curtains blow over the windowsill and that haunting ethereal sound of geese in the moonlight penetrates my semiconscious soul. Bradley Carleton is executive director of Sacred Hunter.org, a nonprofit formed to educate the public on the spiritual connection of man to nature and raise funds for Traditions Outdoor Mentoring.org, which mentors at-risk young men in outdoor pursuits.

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Shed Antlers:

Howe Mountain Monarch

ost hunting camps have boundaries, physical boundaries that define the outer reaches of their traditional and familiar hunting grounds. A river, stream, stone wall … an old logging road and in some instances, posted signs. Fortunately the only boundary that cannot be easily expanded is a line of posted property. Camp Rocky Top located in the southern Adirondacks has such

boundaries and in the fall of 2008 we decided it was time to expand one of them. It was camp week and hunters from five states had congregated to continue this three decade tradition. After a lackluster beginning to our rifle season, we began considering any and all options. The old standby’s weren’t producing and we just couldn’t catch a break. Late one afternoon we were dispersing in order to make the last of a

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Shed Antlers:

Left to right: Chris Beaudet, Jeremy Baker, Marc Porter Jr. and Ted Beaudet.

series of drives on Patent Line Mountain. This specific drive produced one of the finest bucks ever harvested at Rocky Top. A long-tined 9-pointer tried to escape through the watch line but Ted Beaudet, camp owner and deer drive guru, made sure that didn’t happen. Eleven years later, we were hoping for a similar outcome. While walking along a logging road that served as the southwesterly boundary of the 10,000 plus acres we roam, I made note of a well used runway headed into the drive. Moments later, one of our “options” just about ran me over. Big Bob (yes he is Big and his name is Bob, hence Big Bob) and I were

walking and talking as we made our way to the far end of Patent Line Mountain. We were two of the three designated drivers (young and, well … young). Our rifles were loaded and ready for action but our minds weren’t. Suddenly a doe bolted from the woods on our left with her tongue dangling. As she crossed the log road in front of us, her suitor, a small basket racked buck, also eluded us before our rifles could be shouldered. She was definitely in heat and that little guy wasn’t the only buck that would be looking for love. After we completed that drive, unsuccessfully, I decided it was time to

make Ted a proposal. Based on the well used runway we crossed combined with our near collision, I couldn’t help but wonder what was beyond that boundary. Before pitching this idea to Ted I bounced it off his son, and my best friend, Chris Beaudet. We were always thinking of different ways to execute drives so why not start with a blank canvas. Although we hadn’t hunted that specific mountain, Ted was familiar with its layout and topography. After dinner that evening, we took a long look at the big topo map on the wall at camp. Ted graciously allowed me to

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Shed Antlers: determine where the watchers would be It was a classic four on four Adirondack up for my error just moments ago. deer drive. placed. I shot and he dropped, straight down. Ted relayed word around the And yet another buck, size unknown, I would assign them to their posts and Ted would be responsible for the mountain via radio that they were followed right on his tail. drivers. All that remained was the starting. I turned down the volume on I stood up to get a look at him but he my radio and waited ... anxiously. execution. was gone. It wasn’t long before the action Not only were we trying something I was anticipating a shot from for the first time but Ted accepted my started. Four does thread the needle someone else in our party but mine was proposal and even let me play a role in between Marc Porter Sr. and me. the last. After seeing them I felt compelled to devising the plan. I didn’t leave my post to go see the Regardless of the outcome, I relocate slightly to my right giving me buck I had killed and since it all considered this drive a success before it what I thought was a better vantage happened so fast I really didn’t know point covering additional ground. started. how big he was. Ted's acknowledgment of I debriefed everyone on the my hard work and radio and Chris, one of the “Once again movement caught my eye. A determination meant a lot to drivers, was headed my way. doe was being followed by a beautifully me. As he approached he symmetrical six point buck. They had no As I lay on the top bunk hollered out “Holy ___ … you idea I was there and ambled along thinking with a full belly and tired legs, shot another wall hanger. Get they had eluded danger. I watched them I imagined what might be over here Bake, you gotta see waiting for us on Howe this thing!” close in on me and I decided it was time to Mountain come morning. He didn’t need to tell me squeeze off a shot.” They say the first time in a twice. tree stand usually provides the For the third time in four best opportunity to bag a buck. Would Once again movement caught my years I was fortunate enough to take a the same apply to a deer drive? eye. A doe was being followed by a buck at Rocky Top that would end up In a few sleepless hours, we were beautifully symmetrical six point buck. on my wall. going to find out. A beautiful mature 180-pound, eightThey had no idea I was there and Bacon ... Rocky Top’s silent alarm. ambled along thinking they had eluded point buck with 11-inch tines was Dawn was approaching and the danger. headed back to camp and on to the anticipation was building. With I watched them close in on me and I taxidermist. breakfast out of our way it was on to decided it was time to squeeze off a shot. It worked. Howe Mountain. I was noticeably more My idea was accepted and executed. It was a gimme. nervous than usual. This drive meant Years from now my hope is that my The problem was … it was me something, it was an idea that I started shooting. I missed. children, Tommy and Laurel or even a and would soon be tested. I let everyone down and this whole friend of theirs will make a suggestion Ted took the drivers around the thing was my idea. that we try something new and northeastern corner of the mountain Marc Porter Sr. alerted me that more hopefully I will have the wisdom and dropping them off along the log road. deer were headed my way. “All I can willingness to do so. I positioned the first two watchers see is antlers and he is coming right to On second thought, why wait? then placed myself in the proximity of you.” Jeremy Baker chases whitetails the buck and doe encounter I had the I didn’t have time to start feeling passionately with friends and family day before. sorry for myself or even alert the others throughout the Green Mountains and Michael Beaudet would continue on that I had missed. Adirondacks of New York State. Feel another 150-200 yards around the bend Head down and legs moving he was free to send him an email: and find a spot, awaiting the unknown. broadside and I was determined to make jeremyrbaker@comcast.net. Page 65 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • August 2013

Shed Antlers:

Ted Beaudet with the 9-point deer he killed during the 1997 New York rifle season.

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Page 67 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • August 2013

Bird Watching:

Guilt free coffee

A wood carving by Bob Spear, the founder and the Master Wood Carver for the Birds of Vermont Museum, show a pair of cerulean warblers.

Your morning cuppa joe. A porch. Dawn sifting through the trees. The sounds of birds. Or not. Not? Sure – because coffee production affects so many of “our” migratory birds. It’s one of many factors of course, but coffee is one of the ones more intimately intertwined with many of our lives. My grandfather – an economic analyst from the 1950s through the

1980s – told me that coffee is second only to oil in its impact on our lives. The research papers I’ve been reading seem to back this up. I drink coffee. I love coffee. I bet you do too – or know someone who does. You probably know someone who loves birds, too. Like me. Time to pay attention. Coffee grows wild and in production across the neotropics, in a band around the world. The berry (yes) shrub that is domesticated for production is a shade-loving, understory plant in the

mid- to high-elevation tropical forests. There are several varieties, which is part of what gives us the different coffees, Colombian, Tipica, and so on (roasting is another part of that variety to the taste). You won’t be surprised to discover that the habits of the “Green Revolution” have come to apply to coffee-growing: plant just one crop, get rid of other stuff that might compete for nutrients and/or decrease the efficiency of harvest, plant the crop more densely, apply pesticides, apply fertilizer.

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Bird Watching: For coffee, that means putting it in the sun, often on hillsides. As we’ve seen everywhere, this type of crop production can increase yield (sometimes only temporarily), will decrease habitat for other species (how much depends on the amount grown), will increase runoff and erosion, and will send toxins and/or excess nutrients to unintended places and organisms. At a small scale, this would be unlikely to put much pressure on birds – but coffee is not a smallscale crop. Coffee is serious business. In northern Latin America, up to 42 percent of dedicated cropland is coffee. In some places, it’s big coffee plantations. In others, it’s a complex of smaller growers, many of whom are selling to big companies like Nestle or Kraft, which owns Maxwell House. So what happens? Birds (among others) lose out. Some of the affected birds include both those that pass through tropics and those that overwinter there. For “our” birds, that means Mexico and Central America, although I’m sure some of us adore the coffees from Sumatra, Vietnam, and Ethiopia as well. Warblers, tanagers, flycatchers, thrushes (do you know your state bird?), vireos, as well as some raptors are among those harmed by habitat loss or habitat quality decline in their migration and wintering grounds. Which are your favorites? I’m rather fond of the Cerulean Warbler myself. It prefers the high canopy (upper

layers) of a forest, where it forages for insects. It migrates through coffee-growing regions in Central America. The Vermont Breeding Bird Atlas suggests promoting shade-grown coffee on its wintering grounds as a factor in its conservation. Shade-grown? Like most of the bad environmental news, there’s always something that can be changed at both large-scale (corporate) level and individual scale. It turns out – and don’t take my word for it – there’s scientific research about coffee, birds, habitat, nutrients, biodiversity, insects, pollination and more going back five or six decades at least. Of course there is. We like to know how to grow better and more coffee. The data consistently show that “our” birds that overwinter in coffee growing regions, and thus often on coffee plantations, do better when the growers: ● Grow in the shade, specifically by either planting within intact forest or by practicing agroforestry. Integrating a diversity of taller trees with coffee, as well as raising additional forest crops like fruit, timber and medicinal plants. This is even more successful for birds where these crops are more widely spaced and less of the intact forest is replaced by crop shrubs and trees of various kinds. ● Use less pesticides. A mixed crop or shaded coffee plants can require more targeted effort but much less pesticide; plantations with more bird species also have

significantly more insect predation which partially compensates. ● Allow epiphytes to remain in the trees. As habitat for prey species, nesting material, and additional shade. ● Grow fruit trees among their crops. Extra food for birds as well as additional crops. Some research has found that shaded coffee has significantly more birds – in some places, more than 90 percent more as compared to sun-coffee areas. These practices also benefit additional inhabitants of the ecosystem and expand the resiliency and robustness of the ecosystem services in tropical regions: water cycling balance, water filtration, runoff mitigation, erosion prevention, biodiversity conservation, and so on. Furthermore, plantations involved in multiple crops are more resistant to damage from coffee rust, are better for pollinators (leading to more coffee berries), and often have increased flexibility in changing markets. This mixed-farming is actually easier to do for coffee than for many other crops because many varieties of coffee are shade-loving shrubs that do well in diverse growing conditions. On the other hand, that can take extra time (and cost extra money) for small growers – not always, but sometimes. It requires less-mechanized labor to get in and among the trees to harvest, but the coffee shrubs can be further apart and the berries higher off the ground.

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Bird Watching: No big companies, like Nestle, Kraft, or Smuckers – with the apparent exception of Starbucks – want much to do with changing coffee growing practices away from the last several decades of habit: intense, crowded, full-sun farming. Still you can find shade-grown coffee. Is even that good enough? Maybe. There are debates over labeling as always: whether the grower’s practices are being checked up on, whether it’s really helping. Some argue that the shade-grown label needs to couple with Fair Trade label. Some say the Starbucks’ CAFE standards are the way to go: they incorporate a wide variety of criteria including biodiversity. However, at present there are only two certifications that are relevant to birds. Certification involves actual onlocation support to growers and review of coffee growing practices to check compliance with the label requirements. The “shade-grown” label may or may not indicate other beneficial practices.

The two relevant to birds are the Rainforest Alliance’s certification (a green-and-white label with a frog) and the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center “Birdfriendly” seal (green and brown on cream with birds), both of which are specific enough in their criteria to benefit birds. The Rainforest Alliance certification does not specifically look at birds, but does look at general biodiversity. You won’t be surprised to hear that it sometimes costs extra to maintain these kinds of programs, which can raise the price of your coffee (although it doesn’t always). I briefly checked some of our (excellent) local coffee roasters websites. Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Artisans in Waterbury, Vermont Coffee Company in Bristol, Speeder and Earl’s in Burlington, Uncommon Grounds in Burlington, Capitol Grounds in Montpelier, offer Fair Trade coffees. A few, but not all, mention “shade-grown” or “Rainforest Alliance certified.” Only one (in my research so far)

explicitly mentions “Songbird Friendly.” That’s at Capitol Grounds. And the Birds of Vermont Museum sells coffee with the SMBC Bird-friendly seal as do several co-ops and cafes. Do you know what’s at your local roaster? It’s my mission now to check the offerings in the actual coffee shops, but that’ll take me a while yet. There are thousands of ways to harm or help birds. I can’t individually redirect, say, the habits of Nestle. I can’t single-handedly prevent the extinction of the Cerulean Warbler. But I can drink better coffee. And if sometimes I pay a little more, either I’ll drink a bit less (which might be good for me) or I’ll spread a little more financial security out toward decent certification, good farming practices, and bird habitat. I’m good with that. What about you? Kir Talmage is an avid coffee drinker. In her spare time she is also the Outreach and IT Coordinator at the Birds of Vermont Museum in Huntington.

Contributing Writers and Photographers We have had some interest by people who would like to write or submit photos to Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine. We welcome submissions by writers and photographers but keep three things in mind: ● Understand our budget doesn’t allow for payment. If you want to write because you love it, we can afford that, but we’re not paying any writers or photographers right away. ● You will be edited. The best writers still need editors – some more than others. If it makes you feel better, I’ve been writing and editing professionally for 20 years. I won’t hack your work to death. ● Query with an idea. Don’t write 1,000 words only to find VGOM doesn’t publish vampire fiction, even if the vampire sucks the blood of an 8-pointer. Let’s talk about your idea and decide if it’s right for this magazine. Then we’ll do it.

Page 70 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • August 2013

The Outside Story:

On the Wing and a Prayer Some catch their prey while in flight; others sit and wait for prey to come near. They’re a group of birds known as aerial insectivores, and they’re in trouble. In our region, this diverse group consists of 19 species that, as their name implies, feed almost exclusively on flying insects. Some, such as the barn swallow and eastern phoebe, are quite common and well-known, while others, such as the olive-sided flycatcher and eastern wood-pewee, are relatively unknown to nonbirders. Unfortunately, as a group, aerial insectivores have been declining steadily across northeastern North America for the last 25 years or so. Flycatchers, swallows and nightjars (the whip-poor-will and common nighthawk) have been particularly affected. While declines in some groups of birds can be attributed to the loss of a specific habitat type (such as grassland), aerial insectivores occupy a wide variety of habitats. For example, within the flycatcher group alone there are species that nest in montane and boreal forests, wetlands, deciduous woodlands and conifer-dominated forests. They also have a range of life history traits, from ground-nesting nocturnal species, to colonial cavitynesters, to those that rely primarily on human structures for nest sites.

The common feature of these birds is that they all feed on insects captured in flight, suggesting that declines are more likely connected to broad-scale changes in insect

populations or the timing of when insects become available as a food source. When we look at which aerial insectivores are declining based on

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The Outside Story: how they capture their prey and how far they migrate, interesting patterns emerge. Aerial insectivores can be divided into two groups, hawkers and salliers. Hawkers are those that fly while feeding, and include all the swallows, the chimney swift, purple martin and common nighthawk. Salliers, on the other hand, sally out from a perch, nab a flying insect, and immediately return to their perch. This large group includes all the flycatchers, the cedar waxwing, eastern kingbird, and whip-poor-will. Overall, salliers seem to be in less trouble, with some flycatchers showing modest increases in Vermont and New Hampshire bird surveys. Hawkers, however, appear to be experiencing widespread problems, so much so that both the chimney swift and barn swallow have been listed as “threatened” in Canada. Although the reasons for these declines are unknown, many speculate they are related to changes in food supply specific to hawkers, possibly driven by climate change.

Results from the recently published, “Second Atlas of Breeding Birds of Vermont,” show that 13 of 18 aerial insectivore species have declined when compared to results from the first Vermont bird atlas 25 years ago. The biggest losses were for common nighthawk and whip-poor-will, the only nocturnal foragers in the group. Some suggest the loss of these two species is due to a decline in giant silk moth populations, which in turn is the result of a parasitic fly brought in from Europe to control gypsy moths (another non-native species). Unfortunately, the fly not only kills gypsy moth caterpillars, but other native moth species as well. Others suggest that our burgeoning human population has resulted in an ever-increasing amount of artificial lighting at night, disrupting nocturnal insect behavior. For light-sensitive insects, life is too short to spend much of it flying aimlessly around a porch light. Aerial insectivores can also be divided based on their migratory strategy – some overwinter in South America, while the majority overwinter in Central America. The species that travel to South America are faring worse than those that travel shorter distances.

Hunting, Fishing, Hiking, Backpacking, ATVing, Biking, Camping, Skiing, Snowshoeing, Snowmobiling, Bird Watching, Climbing, Photography, Power Boating, Paddling, Skijoring, Conservation, Four Wheeling, Dog Sledding, and … try us!

Most races and competitions. There will be some allowance for fishing tournaments, some shooting events, and a few others, but we’re not interested in 5k, 10k, half marathons, triathlons, bike races, ski races, swim meets, auto/motorcycle races, adventure races and similar events that are already covered by other publications and local newspapers. Also, no golf, Frisbee games, dog shows (unless they’re bird dogs), gardening, backyard birding, polo, team sports, well you get the idea. We have to draw the line somewhere,

Page 72 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • August 2013

The Outside Story: Again, this difference could have something to do with the food supply on wintering grounds, combined with the increased energetic demands of long-distance migration. It may also be related to pesticide use, habitat loss, or changes in agricultural practices on wintering grounds or along migratory routes. Fortunately, population sizes of most aerial insectivores are sufficiently large so that meaningful scientific studies can be conducted. However, at the current rate of decline, populations will be greatly reduced over the next decade or two, so time is critical. According to ornithologist Jon McCracken, if research shows that changes in food supply is the driving force behind aerial insectivore decline, “there are potentially very large ecological and socio-economic ramifications, particularly if pollinators are part of the picture. All in all, the plight of aerial insectivores is not

only food for thought, but a call to action.” Steven D. Faccio is a conservation biologist at the Vermont Center for Ecostudies. The illustration for this column was drawn by Adelaide Tyrol. The Outside Story is assigned and edited by Northern Woodlands magazine and sponsored by the Wellborn Ecology Fund of New Hampshire Charitable Foundation: wellborn@nhcf.org.

The Outside Story, provided by Northern Woodlands magazine, is a series of weekly ecology articles that has been appearing in newspapers across New Hampshire and Vermont since 2002. The series is underwritten by the Wellborn Ecology Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation - Upper Valley Region and edited by Dave Mance at Northern Woodlands.

Page 73 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • August 2013

Lake Champlain International:

Banding Cormorants

Cormorants are seen on Four Brother Island in this photo taken from UVM’s research vessel, the Melosira during an invasive species educational trip for the public. There are three “What Lies Beneath” trips on the Melosira remaining this year on Aug. 15 (high school students), Aug. 22 (adults) and Sept. 12 (adults). For details about the trips, go to www.mychamplain.net/melosira.

spent the night of July 11-12 with a bird banding crew on Lake Champlain’s Four Brothers Islands. The crew was led by retired University of Vermont professor David Capen, and New York DEC biologist, Ken Tabor.

The crew captured, banded and released 110 double-crested cormorants that night. Banding is one of the most important tools used by biologists to assess and monitor the size, distribution and age structure of bird populations. Banding data is critical to informed, science based management

of game and nongame species of wild birds. Lake Champlain’s islands are home to noisy, complex and dynamic colonies of nesting waterbirds. The double-crested cormorant and ring-billed gull have become overabundant and threaten habitat that supports other less abundant species including common and black terns

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Lake Champlain International: that are listed as in New York and/or Vermont. A management plan is currently being drafted by a committee made up of representatives from Vermont Fish and Wildlife, N.Y. DEC, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA APHIS and other stake-holders. When finalized this plan is expected to set target population levels for cormorants and Ring-billed Gulls as well as identifying management actions that will lead to restoration of nesting habitat that may

lead to restoration of populations of colonial nesting waterbird species that exist currently at low population levels on Lake Champlain. Approval and adoption of an official management plan is a critical step that is necessary to cormorant and gull control efforts. It will also be a critical step enabling effective actions towards restoration of endangered and other species having low population levels. Wayne Laroche is the staff scientist Lake Champlain International (LCI) is a for Lake Champlain International. federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit

Send story pitches, photos, news releases, and other items, including letters to the editor, and other submissions to: Send correspondence about advertising to:

organization actively involved in shaping the future of Lake Champlain's water and fisheries health for the well-being of the people who depend on it today and tomorrow. To protect, restore, and revitalize Lake Champlain and its communities, LCI educates, advocates, and motivates to ensure that Lake Champlain is swimmable, drinkable, and fishable, understanding that healthy water resources are essential for a healthy economy and a healthy community.

We have some of the most affordable ads available. This strip ad would help you reach our average monthly readership of more than 3,000 outdoor enthusiasts for only $35. Ask about our discounts for six-month commitments with additional discounts for prepaying your ad.

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The Great Artdoors:

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The Great Artdoors:

‘Genetic Alchemy’

spend a lot of time in the woods – sometimes it’s an exploratory mission, sometimes it’s a focused and lung-searing race to a nearby summit after work, other times it’s just a lazy saunter to clear my head. The consistent thread that runs through all of my walks, hikes and runs is the company of one or both of my loyal hounds. They are both a rare, specialized, hybridized, seldom duplicated, incredibly common strain of dog known as the North American mutt. We got our first dog right before we got married. He was actually in our wedding party. Didn’t play a real active role, but he was there. He was drafted by pure happenstance – our first-round pick was snatched from the pound by another family due to a misinterpretation of the following sentence: “On hold – couple will be in to pick up this dog tomorrow.” The crux of that sentence is “tomorrow.” (Reminds me of that ubiquitous bar sign that reads, “Free beer tomorrow.”) So not knowing if tomorrow was yesterday, today or, well, tomorrow, the pup we had chosen was sent home with someone else where he assumed his rightful place in the universe. Needless to say, we were a bit crestfallen.

EvanChismark.com Facebook.com/EvanChismarkArt We made weekly trips to the pound looking for another ablebodied canine that would fill the void left in our house by the lack of hair on our furniture and absence of fecal matter to be picked up in the back yard. Enter the lunker that is the subject of this month’s column. He, along with a cardboard box full of his brothers and sisters, sauntered into the shelter on one of our weekly visits. He was approximately the size of my shoe at this point in his career (size 10 to be precise) and was technically too young for adoption. But due to the shelter’s concern for his health, they let us take him the next day (“tomorrow”) to avoid the risk of him contracting kennel cough. He and I quickly took to exploring the hills around our home in Colorado. We saw our first rattlesnake together (not cool). We hiked our first 14,000 foot peaks together.

Backcountry snowboarding? Check. How about mountain biking in Moab? Yeah, did that too. This dog’s been around the block. I sometimes wish I could have been there to witness the confluence of amorous canine events that led to the creation of this specimen. Well, maybe not for the conception, at least for the courtship though. We’re not sure what breed he is. My guess is half grizzly bear, half house cat – otherwise I can’t see why any animal this size would want to sit in someone’s lap as much as he does. He’s as protective as he is docile, as playful as he is lazy, and as loyal as he is hungry. As a guy who used to do a fair bit of traveling for work, it was always comforting to know that I had a 24 hour security detail patrolling the home front in my absence. These days, our lunker is slowing down a bit. The gray hair on his chin is starting to match the gray hair on my temples. But he’s still as dependable as ever when it comes to mucking around in the woods. His willingness to venture out on the really hot and humid days like we had last month is pretty much on par with mine, but the promise of a swim at some point in the walk is still enough to get him out there.

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The Great Artdoors: So, as an ode to our first “child,” I drew this piece – he’s a constant reminder that the sound of a dog’s panting far outweighs even the richest conversation when exploring the outdoors. He’s also a reminder that when things don’t go your way and someone snags your dog from the pound, that’s just because the time

wasn’t right. There’s a cardboard box full of puppies with your name on it that’s just around the corner… Evan Chismark is an artist, environmentalist, and overly opinionated lover of the outdoors. He holds a master’s degree in environmental law from Vermont Law School, has a hard time sitting

still, and is a sucker for a good IPA. He and his wife and their two hairy, four-legged children live in Stowe. To purchase any of the work featured in this column, check out www.EvanChismark.com, or email the artist at info@evanchismark.com Or if you just want to prove your social media savvy, like him at Facebook.com/EvanChismarkArt.

Conservation:

Agencies partner to improve wildlife crossings When wildlife ventures onto roads and highways, the results can be devastating for people and animals. In addition to creating roadkill, highways act as barriers that can halt animal migration, isolating wildlife and promoting inbreeding among disconnected populations. The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department and VTrans are undergoing a two-year study to learn how to mitigate the effects of highways on wildlife populations and improve highway safety. The study area extends from Waterbury to Bolton Village, where researchers say wildlife populations are divided by Interstate 89, Route 2, a railroad line, local roads, and the Winooski River. The VTrans wildlife transportation committee has been working to improve wildlife migration corridors along roads for nearly a decade. Tropical Storm Irene and other recent flooding events have demonstrated the need for larger

road culverts to improve flood resiliency. Jens Hawkins-Hilke, conservation planning biologist for the Fish & Wildlife Department, sees these larger culverts as an opportunity to give wildlife the chance to cross roads without incident. Hawkins-Hilke works with communities to improve migration corridors for wildlife. He cited this particular stretch of highway as a major roadblock for animal, particularly larger species such as bear, deer and moose. “A bear looking to move from the Mount Mansfield area to Camel’s Hump in search of food or a mate is going to encounter a number of obstacles along the way,” HawkinsHilke said. “When they arrive at the highway, there is low concrete barrier blocking their way. Assuming they find their way around that, they still have to cross the interstate, Route 2, several town roads, and the railroad, any of which could end fatally for them and create

a dangerous situation for drivers.” Vermont’s bear population is higher than it has ever been right now, resulting in an increase of crashes involving bears. And in 2012 Vermont motorists were involved in 98 collisions with moose, which frequently total vehicles and can be fatal to the driver. The study will deploy game cameras to measure the abundance of wildlife species and to determine areas along the road with a high incidence of wildlife crossing. Researchers hope to use this information to assess the current level of use of existing wildlife crossing structures and to prioritize locations for similar structures in the future. “These culvert improvements really are a win-win for people and wildlife,” Hawkins-Hilke said. “They improve the infrastructure, increase flood resiliency, and allow wildlife to migrate safely without creating a hazard for drivers.”

Conservation:

Program Conserves Habitat

The Hicks Conservation Easement in Pawlet conserves 524 acres through a partnership between The Nature Conservancy and the Landowner Incentive Program administered by the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department.

he Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department recently completed an eight-year program that provided federal funding to private landowners to conserve land for imperiled species in Vermont. The Landowner Incentive Program brought nearly 1,600 acres under conservation easement, and helped create habitat and forest management plans for an additional 3,500 acres of

privately owned land. Biologist Jane Lazorchak, who spearheaded the effort for the department, said that many private landowners are unaware that they even have rare species on their property. “Prior to the start of LIP, we were unable to provide targeted assistance to landowners even if they were aware of their rare species and wanted

to enhance the habitat,” Lazorchak said. “The department did not have adequate resources to identify threats on private lands or to monitor changes in ownership.” The LIP program was established by the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund to provide financial assistance and biological expertise to private landowners. Financial assistance in Vermont was

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VGOM: directed at landowners in the Champlain Valley, the region of the state that not only holds the greatest number of rare species but also the greatest concentration of people encroaching on increasingly scarce habitat. “This program provided us with the unique opportunity to protect Vermont’s natural resources and provide public access while keeping land in private ownership,” Lazorchak said. Lazorchak pointed out that one of the goals of the program was to help landowners overcome the financial obstacles associated with land conservation. She cites Jason Bacon from Bristol, who had considered putting his nearly 200-acre parcel on the market for

development. Now that the property is under conservation easement through the LIP program, the land will be protected in perpetuity through a management plan developed with assistance from Fish & Wildlife Department staff. The land will also be open for public access. “Because of the LIP program, I was able to make a minor return on my investment while conserving a great piece of land,” Bacon said. Lazorchak says that the Fish & Wildlife Department partnered with The Nature Conservancy and the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board on the majority of LIP’s conservation easement projects. The department also partnered with local land conservation nonprofits such as the Watershed Center in

Bristol. David Brynn, a board member at the Watershed Center, described LIP as critical to helping add nearly 300 acres to the list of conserved lands they manage. “LIP was absolutely essential in galvanizing public support and coordinating the conservation of this piece of diverse, productive, beautiful land,” Brynn said. The LIP program recently ended as a result of federal budget cuts. “LIP highlighted the important role of private lands in protecting wildlife habitat and public access,” said Lazorchak. “With the conclusion of the program, the Fish & Wildlife Department will be looking for ways to continue to fund this type of work in the future.”

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VGOM:

Like that special tree stand from which you always see deer, or that stretch of river where the trout always rise, there are just some places that are unique. A spot that holds a place in your heart so special that you keep it to yourself. If you’re looking for an advertising opportunity to share your message, this can be your special place. This prime spot can be yours next month. By advertising in Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine, you’ll not only be supporting a growing publication that is generating a lot of excitement in the Green Mountain State, but you’ll also place your message in front of avid and dedicated outdoor enthusiasts. And you won’t believe how affordable this space is. There are other publications that cover some of the outdoor experience in Vermont and this little slice of Heaven they call northern New England. They do a good job, but none of them cover the depth and breadth of the topics you’ll read about in Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine. So contact us today to ensure we can get your advertisement in the next monthly issue of a growing and exciting publication that covers the topics that are important to you and your business. Email: ads@vtgreatoutdoorsmag.com Phone: (802) 331-0130 Page 82 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • August 2013

Family Outdoors:

Raising a Driver

s the father of a teenager, recent events in my home have caused me to stop and reflect on my own teenage years, and how my father (and my mother for that matter) must have felt when this same coming of age event occurred in my life. Now before you all run for your old health text books, rest assured, I am talking about the day I obtained my learners permit to drive a vehicle. This very life affirming event happened for my daughter Brooke in June of this year and the past couple of months have been a learning experience for all of us. Yes we all remember the day well. We were excited, yet a little nervous to take the test. Then, with that new crisp permit in our pocket we were instantly the best driver the free world has ever known. Oozing with confidence, so selfassured and immediately expecting to get our very own set of keys to the “family-truckster.” That day, Brooke made the drive home from Burlington, behind the wheel of my Silverado, complete with company logo and telephone numbers all over the side. I reminded her that, unlike my first trip home, the world can call me and tell me “how is your driving?” So do drive carefully. “Hands at 10 and 2 (who still drives like that?), eyes on the horizon, steady pressure on the accelerator and the

brake, no radio, no cell phone.” “And if there is even so much as a thought of a text, we will see how an iPhone reacts to being duct taped to a tree and shot with Dad’s trusty .308.” “Obey the traffic laws, drive carefully and respectfully. These are the rules, they are simple. Oh yes, and put the seat back when you get out – I hate smashing my knees into the dash.” I am happy to say that the lessons are going well and that Brooke is a careful, cautious and respectful driver. I am heartened by her willingness to drive 5 mph below the posted speed limit, even when every minute riding with me is a lesson in the contrary. Do as I say not as I do, right? I am pleased to see her want to learn and for the most part take constructive criticism well and in stride, even when provided at a somewhat higher decibel than expected. I have also discovered a completely unexpected benefit to a teenage driver, one which caught me totally by surprise. She is a perfect wheel man, or in this case girl, for riding the back roads in search of deer. Consider this for a minute … how many times have you been rolling down a narrow gravel road looking at

the tree line only to glance back and see the ditch, or an oncoming tourist on a bike? No more. Now I armed with my binoculars, and can spend all the time I need looking, and glassing without fear of an unexpected off road ride. So remember, when your teenager says, “Dad can we go driving?” Take them up on it, grab your gear and let them do the heavy lifting while you look for Mr. Big feeding in the field. I do have one thing to ask, as a favor more than anything. If you are traveling the roads of Lamoille County or the surrounding area, and you are following a white Chevy Silverado going perhaps a little slower than you would like, please gesture gently. There may be an innocent teenage girl behind the wheel. An avid hunter and outdoorsman, Emile enjoys spending as much time as possible with his family and friends, and could not think of any better hunting partners than his two children Brooke and Connor. Emile lives in Morrisville with his children, his wife Karen and their German Shorthaired Pointer, Oakley. Emile is co-owner of Beagle Outdoor Wear, manufacturer of the highest quality wool outerwear which is based in the beautiful Green Mountains of Johnson, Vermont. Emile can be reached at 802.635.9200 or by emailing him at ewillett@beaglewear.com.

Page 83 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • August 2013

Out & About:

Saving Fawns

he game warden was telling the story about the day he went looking to capture a wanted fugitive. He had to get his man – dead or alive. He didn't want to have to use lethal force, but was prepared to if he had to. Hanging from a clip attached to his dash, the wildlife cop had a wanted poster complete with a mugshot of the dangerous thug who was wanted for assault and battery. The subject was wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses – a disguise of sorts. But he wouldn't be wearing those items here in the woods. Suddenly, the woods cop saw a suspicious looking character. He stood on a slight knoll, unafraid of being spotted. Like he wanted to be seen. The warden got out of his truck and pulled his scoped rifle from its scabbard, pushed the magazine into its slot, all while keeping a wary eye on the desperado standing a couple hundred yards away – almost taunting the officer to come after him. Raising his binoculars to his eyes, he studied him, looking for clues that he may have been the one involved in attacking a man the previous evening.

It had been a punishing attack that left the man battered and bleeding. He described it as a fight for his life and only after hearing his cries for help did a couple of his friends manage to chase his assailant away. Still, the warden wasn't sure this was his man. Then suddenly, he knew it was. He started running toward the officer. Slowly at first, then full out – leaping over brush as he made a beeline for the officer intent on doing him harm. Quickly, the officer let the binoculars go and raised the rifle to his shoulder while jacking a round into the chamber. He settled on his target, leaned into the rifle and squeezed off a shot. It was over. He walked slowly from the truck, ready, just in case. But it was over. As he approached the deer, he was

saddened. A fine little buck had died because people couldn't leave nature alone. He unloaded the rifle and returned it to his truck. Then went back to drag the deer. This event was the end result of someone who found a fawn, thought it was abandoned and brought it home. The little deer thrived as the family bottle-fed it. It grew up with and played with the family dog and stayed in their backyard for most of a year. They included it in family photos, including the photo in which they had put a baseball cap and sunglasses on it. At some point, the little buck had grown up and become a teenager. It hit the equivalent of puberty and it was all downhill from there. It was all fun and games until someone got hurt. And the buck, which probably wasn't even abandoned, but left while its mother fed nearby, ended up paying the price for these wellmeaning nature lovers. Darren Marcy is editor and publisher of Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine.

Do you want to reach thousands of outdoor enthusiasts in Vermont? Let’s talk about getting your business into Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine. Email ads@vtgreatoutdoorsmag.com or call 802-331-0130. It’s affordable! Page 84 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • August 2013

VGOM: Do you want to reach thousands of outdoor enthusiasts in Vermont? Let’s talk about getting your business into Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine. Email ads@vtgreatoutdoorsmag.com or call 802-331-0130. It’s affordable!

Page 85 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • August 2013