Maine Fish and Wildlife Magazine, Winter 2003

IBRARY USE ONLY

L.L.Bean's New Hunting and Fishing Store Join us for the 13th Annual Fly Fishing Expo and Grand Opening of our new Hunting and Fishing Store in Freeport-completely dedicated to the sporting heritage of LL.Bean.

• Fishing and shooting experts and personalities from all over the country • Outdoor Discovery Schools clinics and experiences • Fly-tying and casting demonstrations

• The latest sporting apparel and gear from top manufacturers • Sporting-clays shooting clinics and demonstrations • Contests and competitions • Activities for all ages

L.L.Bean Main Street, Freeport, Maine • 800-559-0747, ext. 37222 • llbean.com Page 2 MAINE Fish and Wildlife

Winter 2003

Governor John Baldacci Department of Inland Fisheries and WIidiife Lee E. Perry, Commissioner Frederick B. Hurley, Jr., Deputy Commissioner Kenneth H. Elowe, Director, Bureau of Resource Management Richard Record, Director, Bureau of Administrative Services Tim Peabody, Colonel, Bureau of Warden Service Andrea Erskine Assistant to the Commissioner

Advisory Council Matt Libby, Ashland Chairman Ken Bailey, Camden, Vice Chairman Harold Brown, Bangor Robert Savage, Limington Sally Dyer, New Gloucester David A. Wardwell, Penobscot Ray Poulin, Ripley Tenley Meara, Topsham Don Palmer, Rangeley Lance Wheaton, Forest City

Editorial Employees of the Year

(ISSN 0360-005X) MAINE Fish and Wildlife is published quarterly by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, 284 State St., Station 41, Augusta, Maine 04333, under appropriation 010-09A-0529. Subscription rate is $14.95 per year.

Permission to reprint text material is granted, provided proper credit is given to the author and to the Department. Clearance must be obtained from artists, photographers and non-staff authors to reproduce credited work. Š Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, 2002.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Send both old and new addresses to P.O. Box 1457, Yarmouth, Maine 04096.

POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to MAINE Fish and Wildlife, P.O. Box 1457, Yarmouth, Maine 04096.

QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR SUBSCRIPTION? Call 1-800-276-0883 Out of state call 207-846-9501 Periodical Postage Paid at Portland, Maine The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife receives federal funds from the U.S. Department of Interior.

Accordingly, all department programs and activities must be operated free from discrimination with regard to race, color, national origin, age or handicap. Any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against should write to the Office of Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240 Design and Prepress by Harry Vanderweide

Comm. Lee Perry

5

These outstanding employees contributed greatly to success.

Rebuilding Whitetails

7

Tom Seymour

Deer of the Northern, Eastern and Mountain regions of Maine.

Feeding Birds

11

Lisa Kane

Backyard feeders make a great winter hobby.

Refuges

13

Ed Henry

National Wildlife Refuge System celebrates a century.

Kidbits

16

Lisa Kane

Do you have a bird brain?

Readership Survey Don Kleiner, Editor

4

Reviewing a year of significant accomplishments.

18

A chance for yo u to help make this magazine better.

Fisheries Di vision

20

Bob Humphrey

An independent study checks to make sure efficiency is high.

Quest

22

The Department plays a significant role in new Maine PBC show.

Managing Martens

23

Cathy Genthner

Biologists study this forest-dwelling member of the weasel clan.

Casting for Recovery

26

Lisa Price

A special women's fly fishing program comes to Maine.

Drought and Fish

28

Kendall Warner

Drought will have lasting effects on Maine fish

About the Cover: Male northern cardinal, courtesy Ornithology Lab Winter 2003 Page 3

Editorial

By Lee E. Perry, Commissioner Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

2002: A Year of Accomplishments -Thank You I am writing this to express my appreciation to you and others who support fish and wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation in Maine. We recognize that you and others like you - who buy a license to hunt or fish, register a snowmobile, watercraft or an all terrain vehicle, or donate to the Department by buying a loon plate for your car or truck, checking off on your income tax form or joining WE CARE - pay our salaries. Without your confidence and support, we could not be effective in implementing or sustaining Department programs.

It is difficult to think about our accomplishments during 2002, without remembering what occurred on September 11, 200 I and realizing that the terrorist attacks continue to affect us all.

While those events still affect us and present many challenges to us in the work we routinely do, we realize that our work is extremely important to you. Opportunities to be outside, whether to simply enjoy the feel of fresh air; see the glitter of sunlight on clean water; hear the call of a loon; smell the dampness of a fa! I day or to actively engage in hunting, fishing, trapping, snowmobiling, boating, wildlife photography or other fish and wildlife related activities help us all to put aside the difficulties we all face as co-inhabitants of this great state. While the value of these activities can and have been described in terms of economic contributions, their full contribution to our quality of life is incalculable.

During the past year, we have continued working to provide for the welfare of fish and wildlife resources and the people we serve. This includes numerous studies to monitor the condition of fish and wildlife populations as well as programs to protect them; proactive and effective law enforcement; successful apprehension of numerous intentional game violators; expanded hunting and fishing opportunities; expanded outdoor programs for youth; securing more public access to land and water; improved public communication and marketing through a variety of media. In addition , we provide for your safety while you enjoy your favorite outdoor pastime and have found and rescued several people who have been lost.

Any reflection on 2002 would not be complete without mention of three significant events in the history of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

The first was passage of a bill supported by Governor Angus King and the Legislature that recognized the value or Maine's fish and wildlife management programs to all Maine people and pledged funding from general tax revenues in the amount of 18 % of the Department's overall budget. This would not have been possible without broad public appreciation and support for the work that the Department does.

The second was marked by recognition of the Department's conservation information program as best in the nation. The Ernest Thompson Seton Award was presented during the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Resources Agencies I00th anniversary meeting. The award acknowledged the Department's accomplishments in promoting the need for scientific management of wildlife resources to the public and commended our "progressive promotion of sound resource management". This would not have been possible without teamwork and the cooperation of many people, conservation organizations and private businesses throughout the state. Hundreds of volunteers support this effort through their involvement in hunter education, hooked on fishing events and outdoor youth activities.

The third was passage of the hatchery bond in November. Funds provided by this bond will allow us to protect and improve water quality at our hatcheries and increase production of brook trout. The fact that a similar measure had failed in the past, yet passed during a period of economic uncertainty is testimony to the trust and support that you and other Maine people have for the Department and our work.

For the past four years we have been asking Maine people to rate our performance and the condition of the resources we manage. Our 2002 urvey was recently completed. We continue to receive high marks. The survey continues to show that Maine people recognize the work we do and feel that we have been highly successful managing Maine's natural resources and providing opportunities for people to enjoy the Maine outdoors.

Thank you for your contribution and support. Success would be impossible without you.

Page 4 MAI E Fish and Wildlife

Winter 2003

Department Employees of the Year This past August, the Department honored several people from divisions throughout the Department for their outstanding work and effort.

The Wildlife Division honoree is Gene Dumont. Gene successfully administers a demanding and complex regional work program for the Department. He also willingly undertakes additional, major division responsibilities. In particular, he established a lands management account and staff position within the WMS; and he coordinated the Division's involvement in the Penjajawoc Marsh environmental review process. Gene successfully accomplished all this with professionalism, polish, grace, and humor.

Jim Pellerin was honored in the Fisheries Division . Jim has proven to be an outstanding fishery biologist and a valuable asset to the Fisheries Division and this Department. He is extremely well organized, and his computer skills have enabled Region A to manage the fisheries resources much more effectively. Jim has assumed the responsibility of Rainbow Smelt Species author and has done an exceptional job. Jim is also a member of the Fisheries Division Dive team.

The Hatcheries Division employee of the year is Thomas F. McLaughlin.

Tom's dedication and commitment to the Governor Hill Hatchery and our hatchery program in general has been more evident than ever this year. The Governor Hill Hatchery is undergoing a major renovation and Tom has taken over the responsibility of overseeing this project, along with supervising normal hatchery operations. Under Tom's guidance the hatchery has successfully made the transition to a modern, more productive facility that has resulted in great benefit to the hatchery system and the sportsmen across Maine.

Licensing and Registration is honoring Sandra M. Bodge. Sandra starting working for the Department on September 11, 1989, more than 14 years ago, as a low key, very fast data entry operator. She has kept her head down and worked hard for all 14 of those years. When MOSES development was ready for testing, Sandra was assigned to our test team . As a member of that team she became a leader. She had extensive knowledge of the registration process two years ago, but as a MOSES team member she has develQped an extensive understanding of the overall licensing and reg-

istration processes. When Sue Connors was out for surgery for six weeks, Sandra filled in as Supervisor of Data Entry and did an outstanding job under extremely adverse conditions. Sandra has become a critical member of our MOSES team.

She has faced all the challenges we have placed before her, conquered them, and still keeps a smile on her face. Her commitment to our MOSES effort and the Department in general makes her an exceptional employee.

Kelly Colby is honored for her work in Administrative Support. Kelly is a valuable employee to the Bureau of Administrative Services and the Department. She is very personable and helpful to all who come in contact with her. While her primary responsibilities are the administrative related tasks of the Bureau, she frequently assists other divisions and bureaus when they are behind in their work. She maintains her composure while dealing with a diverse group downstairs. Finally, she has done a tremendous job as our Department's MSECCA representative. This is a task that most people run from. Kelly has taken it on and, year after year, under her leadership, the Department has exceeded

Jim Pellerin

Thomas F. McLaughlin

Gene Dumont

MAINE Fish and Wildlife

Winter 2003 Page 5

its goals.

Bill Pierce of the Information and Education Division was honored for his professional and technical expertise.

Bill 's positive attitude and continuous supply of ideas make him a valuable part of the information and education team.

Department displays are constantly improved and updated to improve the focus and better deliver information and promotion, e.g., new fisheries display at the Maine Wildlife Park. Our marketing material changes frequently to keep it fresh in the marketplace and improve its effectiveness. Bill has also been the lead in the merchandise program, which has been a financial success while increasing awareness of the Department through branding.

Philip Bozenhard was honored with the Kenneth Anderson Award in appreciation of his outstanding commitment and dedication to the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and his efforts on behalf of Maine's fish and wildlife resources. Headquartered in Region A where 50% of the state's population resides, Phil has done a masterful job balancing the demands of a burgeoning suburban population with the needs of Maine's fish and wildlife.

This year, the team award was graciously accepted by the Information Center which is comprised of Wendy L. Bolduc, Jennifer M. Dalbeck, and Becky S. Orff. The information center averages over 100 phone calls each day; they serve as the "front of the house" at

the Augusta Headquarters. They maintain the Department's web site, averaging over I ,000 hits per day. Wendy, Becky, and Jenny work together as a team and accomplish these tasks with cooperation and an excellent attitude.

Steve Wilson received the William Twarog Manager of the Year award.

Steve, the superintendent of hatcheries, does an outstanding job managing the Department's fish culture operations.

This involves the annual production of over 1.2 million fish at nine facilities and distribution of these fish to over 700 waters in support of the Department's fisheries management programs. Steve's knowledge, skills, managerial and leadership abi Ii ties play a vital role in addressing the many administrative, human resources , technical and logistical challenges that commonly impact this program. He works very effectively with his staff and resources to produce a very high quality product at a very reasonable cost. He is truly dedicated to making his program and staff the best that it possibly can be.

This year, the employee distinguished service award goes to Dr. Phillip deMaynadier. During his career at IFW, Phillip deMaynadier has become the state's expert in amphibian, reptile, and invertebrate conservation, and has made significant contributions to biodiversity and forest practices. Few people in Maine have his breadth of natural history knowledge. Phillip is highly regarded by his peers, and his expertise is sought by

forest industry, state agencies, and conservation groups. In the last year, he led I FW through several difficult issues, and all required bringing government employees, landowners, and environmentalists to the table to seek common ground. The department is a better organization because of his talents, skills and dedication Rick Stone of Poland, a Maine Game Warden of 16 years, was named 200 I Maine Warden of the Year earlier this year. Rick is assigned to the Poland area where he balances a high complaint district with pro-active conservation law enforcement that focuses on both the apprehension of intentional fish and wildlife violators along with community outreach. He also is a member of the Dive Team and is a Field Training Officer. l-fe has been involved in countless recoveries that provide closure to families in crisis. Warden Stone has also been able to offer compassionate support to the families as well. As a Field Training Officer, Warden Stone is dedicated to providing essential field training and on the job knowledge to the new wardens. Stone was honored by the ational Wild Turkey Federation, in the spring of 2000 as the Maine Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. He also was recognized by Operation Game Thief due to the high percentage of Operation Game Thief investigations that he works on that result man apprehension.

Phil Bozenhard

Rick Stone

Kelly Colby

Page 6 MAI E Fish and Wildlife

Winter 2003

Maine's Northern, Eastern and Mountain Deer Herd

By Tom Seymour Maine's deer herd may represent one of the best-ever examples of cause and effect. Causes, natural and manmade ' come and go and their effects may be immediate or may take decades to manifest themselves.

Currently, deer numbers are high in southern, central and mid-coast Maine ' including the off hore islands.

Beginning around 1960, though, a series of bad winters, coupled with malnutrition problems, brought pressure on deer populations in eastern and northern Maine and in the state's western mountains. Today, despite reductions in any-deer pennits, populations remain low in those areas.

To put the present distribution of whitetailed deer into the proper perspective, it is necessary to consider where deer lived at the time of European colonization and the effect of colonization in the interven111g years.

When European explorers first set foot on what is now Maine, the indigenous peoples depended heavily on deer and other big-game animals. Native Americans lived and hunted all over Maine. The Penobscots, for instance, were divided into 12 bands, each with a well-defined territory. The northernmost band lived in the Allagash Region. They spent summers' on the coast and in winter returned to the inland regions to hunt and trap. Even so, according to Don C.

Stanton, in his Game Division Bulletin No. 8, "Most of them were concentrated along the coastal belt and in the larger river valleys where the climate was milder and fish and game more readily available than in the deep interior."

Note, however, that Maine Indians were few in numbers. Again citing Stanton, the population was only 2,000-3,000 around 1600 A.D. Because of this small number, it is believed their hunting efforts had little effect on the deer population.

Colonial Times Until European colonization, deer distribution in Maine was limited according to land use, climate, and predation.

In his White-Tailed Deer Assessment and Strategic Plan 1997, deer biologist Gerald Lavigne said, "It is unlikely that deer were very abundant during early colonial times in Maine. Restricted to coastal and riparian habitats at a time when winter climate was severe, deer populations may have been limited by predation from aboriginal man wolves ' bobcats, black bears, and mou~tain lions."

With the coming of the colonists, agriculture and lumbering created favorable conditions for deer. The colonists also enacted bounties on wolve .

Surprisingly, Maine's early settlers were, by and large, not hunter . The bounties were needed to protect domestic cattle,

Past, Present, Future The_ early settlers in Maine didn 't hunt deer often, but they improved the habitat, so deer could thrive . •

•

•

Winter 2003 Page 7

try experienced balmy temsheep and hogs. Deer prospered as a byperatures. Vikings, in fact, product of the bounty system. The timonce operated dairy farms in ber wolf bounty remained in effect until Greenland. The little ice the early 19th century.

Natural events occurring in northern, , age put an end to that, eastern and western areas, such as forest though. fires, could have had a profound effect Predators upon deer numbers, had it not been for Getting back to predaunrelenting predation by timber wolves. tors, timber wolves were not For instance, around 1795 , 130,000 acres the only threats to deer surjust south of Mt. Katahdin went up in vival. Cougars, or mountain flames, probably the result of a lightning lions, took their toll too. strike. The pioneer plant species that folWith the expansion of low in the wake of any fire would have humans throughout the state, made prime deer browse. The deer, though, could not capitalize on what the cougars went the way of the wolf, preparing the way might otherwise have been an excellent for an increased deer poputurn of events because wolves were too lation. Combine the warmer numerous.

Deer would not become firmly estab- climate with the virtual eradication of major predalished in northern and mountain areas of tors and it is easy to see why Maine until the late 1800s when what deer prospered . was known as "the little ice age" ended.

From the mid- I 800s to However, because of a more moderate the mid- l 900s, man was the climate along the immediate coast, espeonly predator of adult deer. cially in Washington County, deer were present in good numbers since the early High-quality winter habitat 1800s. was widely distributed in mountainous, northern and According to Lavigne, deer flourished when the climate moderated. From eastern areas and the deer around the year 800 until the late 1800s, population in those areas average temperatures were considerably was at an all-time high. That lower in Maine and the Northeast. changed around 1960.

Interestingly, before then, the north counLavigne cites the Mountain lions were serious predators of Maine

whitetails back in colonial times.

Until the colonists eliminated them, wolves were a major predator of Maine whitetailed deer.

Page 8 MAJNE Fish and Wildlife

Department's Winter Severity Index (WSI) as a way to get a grasp on how climate changes first benefited Maine's whitetailed deer and then imperiled them.

Deer numbers are directly linked to winter weather.

Maine is near the northernmost limit of whitetailed deer range. As a result, the balance between a healthy population and a minimal population is and always will be dependent upon the right mix of weather conditions. If winters are too severe, deer of all ages die and the population is not able to maintain itself. Hard winters take an especially high toll on young deer. When the high-quality food of summer and autumn are not available and deer are limited to dormant browse (twigs and buds of shrubs and trees) for a significant part of their diet, deer weights decline. According Lo Lavigne's WhiteTai led Deer Assessment and Strategic Winter 2003

Plan 1997, fawns restricted to diets of dormant browse for more than 100 days are vulnerable to death by malnutrition.

Larger deer can subsist longer, but they too have limits to the weight loss that they can sustain.

Changing Success Rates The WSI takes into account snow depth, deer sinking depth and temperature. Together, they provide a good index to deer mobility, ability to escape predators and potential for starvation.

When combined, the severity of any given winter can be chaited and compared to other years. Given that, remember that the middle of the 20th Century was when the deer harvest reached record numbers. The hunter success rate between 1930 and 1960 fluctuated between 17 and 30 percent statewide, except that in more remote parts of Maine, reported hunter success exceeded 50 percent, a succe s ratio that has never been repeated.

Part of this was related to the lack of roads in the 1101th, east and west.

Hunters had to either walk long distances or go by canoe. Railroads, where they existed, were another avenue to good deer hunting. But the world was soon to turn upside-down.

The Winter Severity Index during the decade spanning the years 1949 to 1959 attained an average of 63, which is relatively low. Then, through 1969, the m11nber shot up to 72. And between 1969 and 1979, the average winter severity hit a high of 76. Beginning in the late 1960s, clearcuuing took a heavy toll on deer wintering habitat. Much of the clearcutting was attributable to an attempt to salvage spruce/fir forests deva Lated by the spruce budworm epidemic. The resulting roads into what had formerly been wi Id areas allowed increasing numbers of hunters into new hunting territory. The pressure on deer in northern, eastern and western areas mounted.

According to Lavigne, malnutrition became a problem for deer in northern and eastern areas around 1960.

Department biologists suggested a higher deer kill in order to cut down numbers and to maintain the proper number in relation to the available habitat.

The winter of 1962 was the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back for the MAINE Fish and Wildlife

Approximately 50 percent of each year's fawn crop is lost in northern and central Maine each year. deer population in northern Maine and the western mountains. The herd reduction took longer to develop in eastern Maine, but by the mid 1960s, all three areas saw a progressively declining deer population.

What remains now is to use the available tools in order to assist the deer herds in these hreas to grow. This requires a true balancing act.

Fifty years ago, about 12 percent of Maine was prime deer wintering habitat.

Today, only about five pe,~ent remains viable and in some areas, particularly northern, eastern and the western mountains, the figure is only two percent. And today, another predator has assumed the role of the timber wolf and the mountain lion. The eastern coyote is proven to be a major predator of adult deer. Another predator, this one not historically considered to be much of a threat, the black bear takes its toll too. Who would have thought? But as Lavigne ays, much of deer management consists of detective work!

The Pre~ent Current trends that factor into deer numbers in the three targeted areas include diminishing hunter numbers, reforestation of clearcuts, an increase in coyote numbers, and a lessening in the

Winter Severity Index.

First, consider hunter numbers. The World War II generation is gradually dying off and the so-called "Baby Boomers" tend to lose interest in deer hunting, or at least to curtail some of their hunting activity, by age 50. Plu , young people are not being recruited into the fraternity fast enough to fill the void.

The loss of hunters is omewhat compensated by the easier access made possible by the startling number of new logging roads.

Clearculling has declined since the period immediately following the spruce budworm epidemic. Still , the old, huge clearcuts remain. While these areas provide considerable summer browse, they lack the winter protection provided by the tight canopy of a mature forest. But trees grow and in time, the clearcuts will again be forested.

In his Eastern Coyote Assessment 1999, Walter J. Jakuba , Mammal Group Leader with MDIF&W, says "Predation is more likely to suppress deer populations when they are low relative to the carrying capacity of the land. Therefore, deer populations in northern and downeast Maine have a greater likelihood of being limited by predation." It would seem that deer loss to coyotes is greater in northern, eastern and western Maine Winter 2003 Page 9

than in the rest of the state where the population is more stable. Coyote numbers are not expected to change dramatically over the next 15 years.

Hunting and trapping have little effect in determining coyote population levels. Jakubas estimates that coyote populations can withstand mortality rates of over 70 percent before a reduction in the population occurs.

Coyote Solution?

Is there a solution to the coyote problem? The coyote-snaring program may or may not help. Coyotes will continue to be a limiting factor to deer populations in northern, eastern and western Maine for the near future.

Snaring is the subject of current debate. In addition to strong opposition from private groups, Gerry Lavigne, in an interview said , "The coyote snaring program may help improve winter survival, but could it help newborn fawns?

We don't know. Snaring has the potential to reduce coyote numbers, but is the effort and cost worthwhile?" In the end, snaring may be a partial solution to the coyote problem.

Deer production currently averages 132 fawns per I 00 does in early summer.

If no adult or fawn mortality occurred, according to Lavigne, the herd would double in size in less than three years.

However, predation by bears, coyotes, fox, fisher, domestic dogs, bobcats, along with drowning, accidents and illegal summertime kills, cut into fawn numbers in a big way. Additionally, some fawns die at bi1th because the doe lacked adequate nutrition during the previous winter. This type of loss is widespread following severe winters. By fall, net productivity usually runs between 60 and 90 fawns per I 00 does. And if doe losses during the year exceed fall production of female fawns, the deer population declines.

Fawn losses in central and southern areas of Maine average about 30 percent each year. Compare that to a near 50 percent loss in northern and eastern areas.

Regarding this, Lavigne said, "There's a certain level of fawn loss the herd can sustain. Over that, the herd never grows.

We ' re (northern, mountain and eastern areas) in that stage right now."

The decade of the 1980s saw an average Winter Severity Index of only 61 Page 10 MAINE Fish and Wildlife

and the 1990s averaged a solid 63, identical to the 1950s. Currently, then, Maine enjoys a mild, temperate climate. How long this mild trend lasts will help shape the future of the deer herd in Maine, particularly in northern, eastern and western areas.

Right now open areas in northern and eastern Maine and to some extent, the mountains, provide good summer habitat for deer. However, it is winter habitat that counts in terms of long-tenn survival. Until the winter habitat increases, the herd may remain near current size.

Deer yards (thick fir/spruce areas) are critical. With only about 1,000 identified deer yards in northern and eastern Maine, it 's easy to see that the loss of only a few critical areas can spell the difference between a diminishing herd and a healthy, stable one.

The Future What tools, then, can Department personnel employ in order to increase deer populations in the three. troublesome areas? Certainly, the any-deer permit system is of value. Lavigne cites statistics here.

"Two-thirds of deer mortality is out of human hands. This includes predator kill and winter loss. Still, ifwe open certain areas to either-sex hunting, the added mortality will drive the herd down to zero ." That's an unsettling thought and still scarier because that is exactly what happened on the Gaspe Peninsula in Quebec and northern New Brunswick. A closed season barely resulted in a herd increase. Today, not even buck hunting is allowed.

:\ear-Term Plans As for the future, the near-term plan is to work with landowners to locate and identify deer wintering areas. Once a wintering area is located , it is important to enter into a long-term agreement with the landowner to protect the area. This agreement must keep the fir/spruce cover intact while at the same time, it must allow the landowner to maintain a profitable rate of harvest. Lavigne, in his 1997 report, says, "In a large portion of the spruce-fir region , wintering habitat limits oppo1tunities for increasing either deer harvest or viewing opportunities.

Real progress in achieving deer population increases there will depend on our success in increasing the amount and quality of wintering habitat for deer."

Long-Term Objective Armed with the permit system , the long-tenn objective for eastern and northern Maine, and some western areas, is to balance doe mortality and stabilize the population during moderate and easy winters and to reduce the rate of decline during severe winters. So, for the areas in Maine where the population is low, it's a ca e of wait until the deer yards (good wintering habitat) return and in the meantime, be conservative regarding the doe harvest. In the end, time will be the great healer. And some day, in the not-too-distant future, the deer herd in Maine 's north , east and mountain areas will once again be in peak condition.

It 's a long, uphill struggle, though .

It will take time and work, but some day northern and eastern Maine could produce more big bucks like this one.

Winter 2003

Feeding the Birds This Winter?

Photos and Text

By Lisa Kane ird feeding is one of the most popular forms of wildlife watching in Maine and throughout the US - over 65 million people have given it a try, spending half a billion dollars annually on bird seed in the process ! Here in Maine, we have the opportunity to see the "regulars" - blue jays, house finches, chickadees, downy and hairy woodpeckers , nuthatches and goldfinches; yet, depending on the severity of the winter, may have a chance to attract and host more unusual and colorful species such as evening and pine grosbeaks, white crowned sparrows, Carolina wrens, cardinals, pine siskins, redpolls and more! Some commonly asked questions about bird feeding are answered below.

B

When do I start feeding the birds (and/or stop)?

Typically people feed birds during winter months for entertainment, and to "help" the birds out during cold and snow. However, studies have shown that bird may actually use the feeders more intensely during spring - when natural ,;eed supplies have been depleted, and during summer months as a supplemental food source while they are raising young.

Often, people fear that if they leave for a vacation, the birds will starve. Not so, again according to research . Banded birds using one feeder source quickly moved on to others in the neighborhood, or utilized natural food sources, if their favorite feeder was not refilled for a period of time.

What kinds of seeds are the best to feed?

In many different bird feeding studies, black oil sunnower tops most birds' food preference lists. Unfortunately, the bird feedino public has been trained by the bird fo;d indu stry to use mixed wild birdseed. To minimize the waste of seed, get the best value for your money, and MAINE Fi sh and Wildlife

the most preferred by birds, use straight black oil sunflower seed. As you become more familiar with the birds using your feeder, and their feeding preferences, you can begin to include seeds such as white proso millet, thistle, peanut hearts, safflower, striped sunflower or others depending upon the kinds of birds in your neighborhood. A variety of bird feeding books and other publications detail individual species preferences based on thousands of hours of research and observations.

Is one feeder better than another?

Different species prefer different feeders , at varied heights. Some prefer flat low surfaces, others high perching or clinging surfaces. If squirrels or raccoons (or even bears or wild turkeys) are a problem, a flat platform feeder may simply become a giant picnic table for them.

Hanging feeders are used by many different kinds of birds, and present more of an obstacle to the squirrels and 'coons; but they are by no means exclusionary unless you invest in "squirrel-proof' feeders.

Start with a feeder you find attractive and easy to hang, refill and clean, and see how the birds' and other critters utilize it.

A simple, clear, tube- shaped hanging feeder may be a good start.

Although birds benefit from the easy access to birdseed and feeders, people are the primary beneficiaries of this popular recreational activity. The opportunity to enjoy the color and activities of a variety of birds at close range provides hours of enjoyment just outside your home. Bird feeding can add diversity to your day and enriches your life. By selecting the right seed for your bird-feeding station, and by landscaping with native plants that furnish cover and additional food, you can join the millions of Americans who invite these colorful and fascinating creatures into their yards.

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Woodpeckers, like this hairy, are attracted to suet feeders.

Where should I put the feeder?

Placement is very important. Many people do not locate feeders where: A. they can see the birds well, or B. the birds are comfortable using the feeder.

Birds prefer feeders close to trees, shrubs , and cover to escape predators (cats , hawks, larger birds) if need be, and for protection from the elements (especially wind, snow and rain). Pick a location that is convenient for you to refill, where the "mess factor" (seed hulls, feathers, and bird droppings) isn ' t an issue, and again, where there is some natural cover.

How close to your window can you put a feeder?

Birds will come right to your window. Sometimes it takes a while for them to overcome their initial reluctance, o be patient. Don 't worry that a feeder on the window will cause birds to fly into it.

Birds fly into windows because they see the reflection of woods and sky. Window feeders and decals placed on the outside of the window can help break up the reflection. If you find a bird that has hit a window, carefully pick it up, put it in a large paper bag, and fold the top over a couple times. Put it in a dark, quiet corner of your house for a couple of hours.

If the bird recover , (you ' ll hear fluttering inside the bag) take the box or bag outside and just let it go. If the bird Winter 2003 Page I I

comes to, but seems injured, call a local veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitation center for help.

Do I have to clean the feeder?

Yes! Plastic feeders begin to look cloudy, platform feeders collect bird droppings, and wet seed becomes moldy.

(Do your best to keep seed as dry as possible.) Birds can also transmit a variety of diseases to one another, especially where they congregate in large numbers.

Several times a year, a scrub with hot soapy water and a couple teaspoons of bleach, then a thorough rinsing, will keep your feeders clean and disease-free.

My feeder is full of seeds but I haven't seen a bird in months. Am I doing something wrong?

When birds don ' t use or desert your feeder for a time, it may be a lot of natural food is available, or there is a more elaborate feeding station with more preferred foods down the road. Or something may be wrong, such as your seeds are spoiled, your feeder contaminated, or a neighborhood cat is staking out the site.

Throw the seeds away and wash the feeder. Use black oil sunflower seed to start

·•· Some bird seed always spills on the ground, but there are plenty of birds like these tree sparrows which are happy to land and eat it. up again. Take a look at where your feeder is placed. Offer a source of water.

Won't birds' feet stick to metal feeders and perches in the freezing wet winter weather?

Birds don't have sweat glands in their feet, so they won't freeze onto metal feeders . There's no need to cover any metal feeder's parts with plastic or wood to protect bird's feet, tongues or eyes.

potential predators. Evergreens offer valuable year-round cover from the weather, in addition to protected nesting sites. A small ornamental pond or birdbath in the area provides water. Outdoor heaters can be installed in bird baths to provide an important source of water during winter months.

Do wild birds need grit?

In the winter, you may see flocks of birds along roadsides after the snowplows have passed. They're after grit.

Birds have no teeth to grind their food.

The dirt, sand, pebbles, and grit they eat sits in their crop and helps grind up their food. Adding clean grit to your feeder is helpful year-round, but particularly in the winter when snow covers the ground.

Crushed eggshells do the same thing, and in the spring have an added benefit, providing extra ca lcium during nesting season.

Although perfectly capable of feeding themselves in winter, chickadees are frequent visitors to feeding stations Page 12 MAINE Fish and Wildlife

Landscaping and Other Tips Besides furnishing the most attractive seed, you can entice birds to your feeders in other ways . A complete feeding program includes establishing trees, shrubs, vines and flowers that not only produce food but also provide cover.

Many attractive native trees and shrubs furnish fruits and berries for birds. Birds need places to perch overnight and van tage points from which they may not only view the feeder, but also watch for

Some times feeding birds has unintended consequences, such as predators like this sharp-shinned hawk.

Winter 2003

ACentury of Refuges

By Ed Henry US Fish and Wildlife Service

As the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) celebrates a century of conservation, this anniversary gives everyone a chance to reflect on the unique and bountiful wildlife that helps make the United States such a great country. Now here is this wild heritage more visible than in Maine. etween its high, rugged mountains and jagged, active coastlines, Maine offers quality habitat for many plants and animals.

During the past century, a few of these special places have been set aside as national wild Iifc refuges, and throughout the year 2003 the nation will be celebrating all of these conservation lands. As the refuge system celebrates J 00 years, it is also a time to celebrate Maine's refuges and their natural and cultural links to our nation and its wildlife. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service, invites everyone to share in the centennial festivities and visit these wild places.

Maine has six national wildlife refuges: Rachel Carson along the southeastern coast, Petit Manan in Downcast Maine, Moosehorn on the St. Croix River near the Canadian border, Lake Umbagog nestled among the White Mountains, Sunkhaze Meadows in the middle of the state, and Aroostook in the northeastern part of the state. Each refuge protects wildlife and habitat, and most refuges provide many wildlife-based recreational

B

opportunities including hunting, fishing, MAINE Fish and Wildlife

wildlife photography, wildlife observation, education, and interpretation.

Key for Wild)ife Even a quick look at the NWRS reveals that it is much more than just the sum of its parts. Migrating birds use these preserved lands to find food and shelter during their annual travels. Along with hundreds of other national wildlife refuges, as well as state and local sites, Maine's refuges are an es ential part of the Atlantic Flyway. With development encroaching on more and more land,

Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge

wildlife has fewer places where it can live and successfully reproduce. The NWRS stands out as a shining example of our nation' commitment to conserving its natural heritage. In addition to providing a series of prime stopovers for migrating birds, these refuges protect habitat for endangered species and preserve key tracts of land for hundreds of other species.

Moosehorn NWR Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge was created in 1937 as part of a series of

USFWS Photo

Winter 2003 Page 13

safe havens for migrating birds. It shares this heritage with the nation's first national wildlife refuge - Pelican Island NWR - which was established in 1903

by President Teddy Roosevelt. Located off the coast of north Florida, this 5-acre island harbors protected nesting and feeding grounds for many birds in an era when their plumage was fueling a booming economy in ladies' head wear.

Woodcock are a signature species at Moosehorn NWR and much of the refuge is managed to benefit this species. Black ducks, wood ducks, ring-necked ducks, Canada geese and loons can be seen on the 50 lakes, marshes, and wetlands scattered about the refuge. In mid-May the refuge hosts many geese and duck broods. Bald eagle sightings are common occurrence and ospreys nest in several refuge marshes.

Rachel Carson NWR Rachel Carson was the namesake for the national wildlife refuge that spreads across a series of islands and coastal marshes along Maine's southern coast.

The famed naturalist and long-time Service employee is best known for her book Silent Spring. In the book she warns of the danger some chemicals (DDT in particular) can have on wi ldlife, and in turn, the ecosystems that all life, including humans, depend on to survive.

In Carson's words, "Refuges resist this trend [urbanization and industrialization] by saving some areas from encroach-

Pitcher plant flowers at Sunkhaze National Wildlife Refuge. usFws photo Page 14 MAINE Fish and Wi ldlife

Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge usFws photo ment, and by preserving in them, or restoring where necessary, the conditions that wild things need in order to live."

The refuge now bearing her name is a consummate example of this statement.

The refuge was established to pre erve 10 important estuaries along migratory bird migration routes. Expansive wetlands bring the land to the sea, mixing fresh with saltwater where the lanJ dances with the shifting tides. During harsh winters, the marshes provide food and cover for birds when inland waters are frozen. Notable species on the refuge include piping plover, least tern, peregrine falcon and bald eagle.

fronts, ensuring our national natural heritage.

Sunkhaze Meadows NWR Sunkhaze Meadows NWR encompasses Maine's second largest peat bog, with peat depths of up to 18 feet. At one time, the area was poi ed for development, but its inclusion in the National Wildlife Refuge System now protect unique habitat for more than 200 bird and

Aroostook NWR Aroostook NWR ne t ies against the Canadian border and spreads over 4,700 acres of the fonner Loring Air Force Base. The refuge protects wetland, grassland, and northern forest habitats for Spruce grouse find good habitat at migratory birds and endangered species.

Sunkhaze National Wildife Refuge.

As a recyc led refuge. Aroostook embodNFWS photo ies the idea that land can be reclaimed for wildlife and when managed correctly, can become prime living space for many species.

Land that once was used to help defend our nation are now busy on other Snowy egret at a national wildli lfe refuge usFws Photo Winter 2003

30 mammal species, along with numerous types of amphibians, reptiles and invertebrates. Peat bogs are known for their acidity and the plants and animals adjusted to living in such difficult conditions. Sundews, pitcher plants and black spruce are examples of well-adjusted organisms. Through the efforts of scientists and land managers, small impoundments are helping restore the wetland habitats lost during the past.

Lake Umbagog NWR Lake Umbagog NWR straddles the Maine-New Hampshire border. The lake, once used to float timber and still used to generate power, is home to many northeastern forest species including osprey, bald eagle, moose and loon. It is also prime habitat for many species of ducks.

The lake adjoins the starting point for the Androscoggin River, which forms as the Magalloway and Rapid rivers merge. The Androscoggin River flows south into the Gulf of Maine. Lake Umbagog i a major recreation area for many people who flock to the Great North Woods each summer. Recreational boating, especially kayaking and canoeing, are the best ways to access this refuge and its wildlife.

Petit Manan NWR Petit Manan NWR lies along Downeast Maine's rocky coastline.

Strung like a strand of pearls, the islands of Petit Manan protect habitat for nesting seabirds, wading birds, and bald eagles.

The Service's primary focus at the refuge

Even insects like this white admiral butterfly thrive on national widlife refuge lands. USFWS photo is to restore and manage colonies of nesting seabirds. The refuge 's mainland units complement this offshore necklace by providing habitat for migratory songbirds, shorebirds, and waterfowl. In total, Petit Manan has 42 offshore islands and three coastal areas. The complex spans along more than 150 miles of Maine's coastline. Refuge islands provide habitat for common, Arctic, and endangered roseate terns;' Atlantic puffins; razorbills; black guillemots; Leach's storm-petrels; laughing gulls; and common eiders.

During the last quarter century, management has reversed the dt!.::line in these birds' populations. As a result, many

A mink on a beaver dam at Willard Brook. usFws Photo MAINE Fish and Wildlife

species have returned to their historic habitat.

Special Events Planned Throughout 2003 look for special events at these special places. Fishing, birdwatching and other interpretive programs are all great ways to experience Maine's refuges. Also the week of March 14th will be filled with special celebrations including a nationwide ceremony sealing 100-year time capsules at most every national wildlife refuge. At these special event items embodying the spirit and condition of the refuge system will be sealed away to share with the future.

All of the time cap ules will be buried or interred during public ceremonies please join us.

Whether experienced from a distance, up close or never seen at all, one of the refuge system's greatest benefits to everyone is that they are there. The plants, animals and habitats they protect are linked to everyone. The water we drink. the air we breathe, the food we eat, the recreation we enjoy - all of these can be directly or indirectly connected to wildlife and natural habitats. So remember to take a moment to acknowledge these special place by coming to visit during this centennial year. or just by taking an extra moment to think about our great nation and it national wildlife refuge system the next time you drive by one these protected places.

Winter 2003 Page 15

Do you ha

a bird brain?

Match the picture of the bird to its name and then to its favorite food on the chart below. a. goldfinch # _ _

beef suet

b. cardinal #

black oil sunflower

--

c. chickadee # - d. hairy woodpecker # _ _

fruit

e. tree sparrow # _ _

safflower seed

f . cedar waxwing#_ _

white proso millet

thistle seed

0

0 Page 16 MAINE Fish and Wildlife

ÂŽ Winter 2003

bird • • See if you .,, answer the questions by choosing the correct ones from the list.

1. What is the most common bird in the world?

2. What is the bird with the longest wingspan?

3. What is the fastest bird ever clocked ?

4. Approximately how many feathers does a pintail duck have?

5. What is the largest bird in the world?

6. What is the smallest bird in the world?

7. What is the heaviest bird that can still fly?

8. Whcit are the two rarest birds in the world?

9. How many adult birds are estimated to be on the planet at any moment?

10. How many different bird species are there?

11. Which bird actually impales its prey on barbed wire or thorns?

12. Which bir-d has been observed dropping insects, berries or other objects on the water to attract fish, which it then captures for food? e. Kori Bustard a. Ostrich f. Bee Hummingbird b. Albatross g. Red Junglefowl c. Peregrine Falcon d. Pintail Dock (All Answers on Page 30) MAINE Fish and Wildlife

h. Green Heron i. 14,000 j. 9703

k. Shrike I. 100,000-200,000 million m. Sudanese Red Sea Cliff Swallow n. Orange-necked pheasant Winter 2003 Page 17

Maine Fish & Wildlife Magazine Reader Survey At Maine Fish and Wildlife, we are constantly seeking to improve our publication and make it more interesting and informative. And, we need your thoughts and opinions on how we might better do this.

As a way to show our appreciation for your efforts, we are making five duck stamp prints available to five lucky survey participants whose names are submitted with this survey and drawn at the conclusion.

How do you put your name in the drawing? Simple. Just complete the survey below (both sides), cut out along the dotted line, and mail it to the address listed at the end of the survey.

Remember, participating in our reader survey will give you a chance to win a beautiful duck stamp print for your home or office, and help us to bring you an even better MAINE Fish and Wildlife Magazine.

Your opinion matters to us, so don't delay!

1. What outdoor activities do you pursue? (Please check all that apply) Hunt Motor boat Fish Bird Watch ATV _ Trap Feed Wildlife Hike _ Camp _ Canoe/Kayak Watch Wildlife _ Snowmobile _ Manage my land for wildlife Other- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2. Which of these outdoor activities are you most interested in? (Please circle up to three in the above list) 3. How many years have you been reading Maine Fish and Wildlife Magazine? _ 1-5 years _ 5-10 years _ 10-15 years 15 or more years 4. How did you first find out about MAINE Fish and Wildlife Magazine? _ Waiting area of a barber shop, doctor's office, etc. _From a gift subscription _ From a friend _Newspaper, or on the TV or radio _Complimentary copy given out by the Department _ Other 5. What type of information would you like to see more of in the magazine? (Please check up to 4 types of information that you are most interested in.) _ Fisheries Management _ How to articles on other activities (camping, canoeing, etc.) _ Wildlife Management _ Current events involving fish, wildlife, hunting, fishing, etc.

Warden Service Activities _ Information on Maine's fish/ wildlife species Wildlife Education _ Department employee retirements, promotions, etc. _ Features on outdoor places, activities, people _ Department financial information _ How to articles on hunting, fishing, trapping _ Information about Depatiment organization, funding _ How to articles on snowmobiling, boating, ATV's _ How to manage land for fish and wildlife Other (Please specify) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ 6. Do you or any other members of your family read the "KID-BITS" section of the magazine?

No Yes 7. In general, I think the magazine . .. (Please check the answers with which you agree) _ provides too much technical information _ contains too few pictures and graphics _provides too little technical information _ provides the right mix of information , pictures, etc. _ contains too many articles requiring lengthy reading Other- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Page 18 MAI E Fish and Wildlife

Winter 2003

8. Overall, how satisfied are you with the magazine?

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Very

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Not satisfied.

9. What, if anything, do you dislike about the magazine? Is there something that you would like to see changed or improved?_ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ __ 10. What would be the best way the Department could provide you with information about fish and wildlife related matters? (Please check one choice) _ Articles in daily newspapers _ Department newsletter _ Department-sponsored TV programs _ Public torums and meetings _ Department-sponsored radio programs _ Internet (Department homepage) Magazine a1iicles _ TY and radio news reports _ Other (Please specify) _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ 11. What is your age?

12. Where do you live? _

Sex? Large City _

M

F

Moderate/Small City

Small Town

13 . If the magazine were replaced by a new publication, would you continue to subscribe?

Yes No _ Maybe 14. I subscribe to Main e Fish and Wildlife Magazine because_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Please fill in your name, address and telephone number so we may submit your entry into the drawing for the Maine sporting art.

Name- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - Address- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - City/State/Zip_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _~ - - - - - - - - - - - - Telephone_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Mail this survey to: Reader Survey/Information Division, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, 284 State Street, 41 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333

Keep Your Eye on Every Issue

MAINE Fish and Wildlife Sign me up for my subscription today _ One year (4 issues) $14.95_Two Years (10 issues) $24.95 Name'------------------------~ Address_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ ___________________Zip _______

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MAIN E Fi sh and Wildli fe

Winter 2003 Page 19

By Bob Humphrey The theme of last year's Northeast Fish and Wildlife Conference, held in Portland, Maine, was the public trust.

Fisheries and wildlife biologists and administrators from around the northeastern U.S. and Canada explored the dual issue of the public's trust in their fisheries and wildlife professionals to manage their respective fish and wildlife resources - a public trust.

Maine was a particularly appropriate place for the con Ference for, at the time, the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife was involved in an assessment of their own fisheries management program.

Prompted by recent concerns among constituent groups about whether the division was making the best u e of organization, people and operations to manage the State's fisheries resources, the Maine Legislature requested a comprehensive internal review of the division.

The first task was finding funds. Once the Department had secured a $50,000 grant from the Maine Outdoor I leritage Fund, they put together a team of cooperating agencies and organizations, whose charge was to develop ome direction for the project. Representatives from Trout Unlimited, The Maine Audubon Society, The Sportsmen's Alliance of Maine, the Page 20 MAI E Fish and Wildlife

Ensuring that wild brook trout strains continue to have good spawning habitat is one of the important concerns of the Fisheries Division. Robert F. Bukaty photo Maine Professional Guides Association and the Department were invited to serve on the team. "We held several meetings to hash out the scope of the review, and came to a consensus on what we wanted the reviewers to accomplish, and what we wanted from them - what we would expect in terms of scope and products" said Resource Management Bureau Director Ken Elowe.

Expert \ssistanc The Department then solicited proposals. "We wanted a group that could do a professional review," Elowe said. "That meant folk who are familiar with fish and wildlife agencies, their internal organization and decision-making process." After scoring six applicants on the basis of capability, experience and cost, they selected Management A sistance Team (MAT), which is part of the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (IAFWA).

Referring to MAT, Elowe said: "This is what they do for a living. They look at fish and wildlife agencie in terms of their mission, what the public expects and how they go about filling those expectations, and then make recommendations for future expansion or changes. They al o have the experti e, through Winter 2003

subcontractors they bring in for each project, in terms of a biological perspective." This latter qualification was an important criterion in the team's selection process.

MAT's first task was to take stock of existing circumstances, in terms of policy and internal management. This meant a comprehensive review of the scope of documents that guide the Department, including legislative mandates, enabling legislation, rules, regulations and policies. MAT also examined the Department's and the division's internal structure - how many people they have to do the work they're supposed to do, and how those people are used.

MAT then formed several focus groups, consisting of 15 - 20 people each , whose charge was to raise important issues and "to come to some kind of focus for how to look at the program," aid Elowe. MAT came in with no bias, but let the focus groups bring up the important issues. Separate groups consisted of outside constituents, internal fisheries department personnel, staff across the agency and management or supervisors across the agency.

Getting A Sharp Focus Armed with a list of important issues generated by the focus groups, MAT then conducted interviews with people within and outside the Department. To do this they contracted with outside experts, people who were ramiliar with running fisheries programs for other states.

Interviewers were divided into two groups of experiise - one was organizational , one was biological. The first pha e con isted of the organizational group interviewing outside constituents and everyone involved in administration within the fisheries division . Next, the biological group spent time with Department admini trators, the fisheries research group and fisheries staff from each region , talking about how they did their work, what kind of decisions they made, and how information was transferred from idea to management. Both interview group ¡ concentrated on i sues the focus groups had brought to light, and all responses remained anonymous.

Taking results from these interviews, MAT then tried to come up with common MAINE Fish and Wildlife

answers to the issues raised by the focus groups, and to develop a synthesis of how those is ues were viewed by both staff and constituents. "They tried to dig to the bottom of those issues," said Elowe.

Since then, MAT has left the State, and they are now in the process of looking at existing policies and procedures, what wa supposed to happen, compared to their impressions and observations of what actually happens. In other words, is the Department's fisheries management program honoring the public's trust in them by efficiently and effectively managing the state's fisheries resources?

Results of MAT's assessment arc expected this winter. They will be making recommendations on two tiers.

The first tier will involve how to improve management and operations at current levels of staff and funding. The second tier involves recommendations on how to best utilize additional staff or money, were they to become available. That would include everything from communication, management style, organiProducing high-quality fishing experiences for Maine zation and how funds anglers will continue to be a top priority for the arc allocated to how Department's Fisheries Division. Mark Latti photo the Department assessinvolve implementing recommendation c and responds to what the public wants. from the a sessment. Given the current Conducting this a sessment is the budgetary constraints however, it is likely Department's first step in acknowledging those changes will be limited to what can the importance they place on the public's be accomplished under present levels of trust in them to manage the state's fishstaff and funding. eries resources. The next step will Winter 2003

Page 21

Explore Northern New England-and More!

Coming in January: the return of the most-watched local series ever on Maine PBS - QUEST: Investigating Our World - with six new episodes! With its first premier in 1995, the series now covers all of northern New England. Best-selling writer and Maine fisherman Linda Greenlaw hosts the series.

Major funding for QUEST is provided by the ational Science Foundation with additional funding by the Maine Forest Products Council and the Department.

This Emmy award-winning series will appeal to anyone interested in the natural world of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. QUEST will tell the most intriguing and entertaining stones about science in this region.

The QUEST experience continues after the credits roll.

There are components for the entire family, with specially designed family activity pages that will generate discussion and investigation into young people's own neighborhoods. There is also a community resource guide that ofTers science-related events, activities, and resources in all three states. For educators, there are comprehensive lesson plans to use in the classroom with middle and high school students.

QUEST is produced by Maine Public Broadcasting Corporation that began airing on Maine PBS, Vermont Public Television, and New Hampshire Public Television, Tuesday evenings at 8 p.m. - beginning January 7. (check your local listing for program schedule).

Here's what you can discover on the upcoming season.

Wilderness ls there such a thing as true wilderness anymore in northern ew England? If so, would we know it if we saw it? Not everyone defines wilderness the same way. With a relatively new science, conservation biology, we have even more options.

Experience the region's most wild and stunning places as QUEST seeks out wilderne s, old growth forests, and ecological reserves in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.

Linda Greenlaw is the host of Quest on Maine PBS. Page 22 MAI

Autumn Long before the first leaf turns red or most wild berries are ripe for eating, the natural world is busy getting ready for winter. So if fall starts that early for plants and animals, how do they know the seasons are changing? Witness the incredible communication that goes on with biochemicals that "tells" the natural world when to prepare for colder weather.

E Fish and Wildlife

Winter For those plants and a11imals that don't migrate south for winter, a lot of preparation goes into getting ready for winter.

B~t it takes more than that to make it through our Jong cold wmters. Creating their own anti-freeze and re-directing blood flow are just a few of the amazing adaptations the natural world has come up with that we will explore on QUEST. This is just one of manyexamples of what many plants and animals know that we humans do not when it comes to dealing with winter.

Remote Sensing It was not until manned space missions that we learned how seeing a bigger picture gave us a whole new appreciation of our world. ow we routinely gather and interpret data from a distance. See for yourself how remote sensing helped secure emergency relief funds in the wake of the 1998 ice storm in northern New England forests. Take a look at how satellite images of microscopic phytoplankton in the Gulf of Maine may help solve some global warming problems.

Managing Wildlife Wildlife is always surprising us even when pushed to the brink of extinction. Animals we once tried to get rid of are now literally at our backdoors. Marvel at the triumphant return of black bear, moose, fisher, and perhaps the cougar.

Find out how we are just beginning to learn about other species. Discover how it took DNA testing to figure out that some songbird chicks have three or more parents. QUEST explores how the n~ysteries of our wildlife are being solved.

Food How is it that we are always dieting yet we still face an epidemic of obesity and diabete ? We are what we eat, nutritionists tell us, but there eems to be mass confusion about what we hould be eating. QUEST explores how the government's food pyramid and many of the latest diet plans only make it more confusing. Get the skinny on what you should know about food.

Log on to www.mainepbs.org or call Maine PBS Audience Services at 1-800-884-1717 for more information about QUEST, program ~escriptions, and available resources.

Winter 2003

Managing Maine's Martens

By Cathy Genthner The results of the recently completed Marten Landscape Project, involving the work of nearly 80 biologists and researchers, reveal that the American Marten (pine marten) population in Maine is very healthy. Maine has the largest population of martens south of the US-Canadian border with habitat to support roughly 15,000 martens. Conversely, the marten is on the endangered species list in Vermont, and Newfoundland and was recently declared endangered in Nova Scotia.

Dr. Daniel Harrison, a professor of Wildlife Ecology at the University of Maine, headed up the Marten Landscape Project. The project, which began in the spring of 2000, consisted of studying martens and their habitat at Baxter State Park and two sites in the Chesuncook Lake area.

"Dr. Harrison has worked with us for a number of years and his work is central to the development of our marten management system which is generated from a species assessment," said Wally Jakubas, the mammal group leader at the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. "The management system is used to set trapping regulations. I would say the marten is in pretty good shape."

A thriving matien population i indicative of healthy populations of other animals that the matten depends on for prey uch as mice, red-backed voles and snowshoe hares, as well as animals that depend on the matien for their prey, including fishers, coyotes, owls and hawks. The success of the marten also serves as a barometer to tell u the condition of our forests.

Parallel Planning "ln Northern Maine we came up with a parallel planning process to use the marten like the 'canary in the coal mine' to give us an indication as to just how healthy our forest landscapes arc," said llarrison , who has been studying martens since 1989. "We think the marten is a really good indicator of fore t health. We started with the marien for the marten's MAINE Fish and Wildlife

Through wise conservation practices, this member of the weasel family is thriving in Maine, while it is on the endangered species list in other Northeastern states and Canadian provinces. How we manage forest cutting practices and trapping is key to its continued success in Maine.

sake, because they were endangered in other states. We were trying to avoid the controversy over a species like the spotted owl in the western states where logging was taking place."

The Forest Practices Act of 1987 put restrictions on the size of clear cut and as a re ult, many logging companies opted for small checkerboards of clear cuts or partial harvests. While a large clear cut may be unsightly to some of us, an old clear cut on which trees were harve ted 20 years ago and has grown back offers martens the large expanses of the forest that they need as habitat.

"Through clear cutting referendums, we have said we don't like clear cuts.

Partial harvesting means that to get the same amount of wood, we have to impact a greater number of acres," said Harrison.

"ln some ways, the best way to keep martens around is to have large areas of clear cuts together and large areas of uncut forests together. A big block of clear cut is future habitat. A big block of forest is current habitat.

Small checkerboards of clear cuts or partial harvests below the threshold look good to people, but not to marten ."

When it comes to how they like their forests, ma11ens can be pretty fussy.

According to Harrison, martens prefer mature, but not necessarily old, tree growth forests. They need fairly dense forests consisting of roughly I 00 trees that are at least six inches in diameter per acre and they need large connected tracts of sustainable fore t because they have fairly large territories.

"Martens need the most area of any Winter 2003 Page 23

forest-dependent wildlife species that has been well-studied," said Harrison. "We are trying to use the marten as the 'um brella species.' What we are trying to do is set up a parachute, so to speak, so that if we conserve martens we will bring along other species that also need mature forests.

Protection from predators is also crucial to the survival of the marten. They require at least 40 percent canopy closure of trees overhead to protect them from predators in the air. Trees also have to be at least 20 feet tall to give martens a way to escape from predators on the ground.

"Martens are more agile in trees than on the ground," said Harrison.

"They feel more confident when they can go from tree to tree to escape from predators. Everything that eats them can go faster than they can."

Managing for Martens Information obtained by studying martens is being used by land management and paper companies across Maine as a way to determine how to harvest timber. Huber Resources is responsible for managing nearly a half-million acres in Maine that is owned by the J.M. Huber Corporation and the Nature Conservancy.

The company began discussions with Dr. Harrison over three years ago after reviewing some of the research papers that he and his colleagues had written concerning using the marten as a landscape planning tool.

"We needed some tool to plan the landscape scale of our timber harvest, to describe how you lay out your harvest blocks in time and space," said Barry Burgason, a Wildlife Biologist for Huber Resources. "Dr. Harrison's work really demonstrates that the marten is an appropriate landscape planning tool for our company."

Huber Resources is one of the top ten largest land owners in Maine. Much of the land Huber manages is in the size of township blocks.

"Before we used the marten as a landscape tool, we tried to scatter our clear cuts across the landscape in small blocks of less than 100 acres," said Burgason.

"Basically the study says don't do that, clump your harvest areas together and that is what we are doing, in areas of Page 24 MAINE Fish and Wildlife

about 1,200 acres. This allows for larger blocks of mature forests to be left alone.

Our goal is to maintain the marten population. We want to have four to five marten territories in an area the size of a township at any one time."

The marten can be long gone, long before it is perceived by humans that too much of the habitat has been compromised.

"In our landscape project, we identified the tolerance levels of our martens.

We found that by the time you've removed 40-45 percent of the suitable landscape, you've lost I 00 percent of your martens," said Harrison. "The marten is extinct from a particular forest long before the habitat is gone because they are responding to fragmentation.

They want big blocks of forest."

Trapping History Loss of habitat contributes to a decline in the marten population, as does over-trapping. While trapping isn 't allowed in states or provinces where the marten is endangered, it is allowed in Maine. In 1990, the present 25 marten per season bag limit was imposed on trapping. From 1935-1972 the trapping of marten had been banned in Maine. In some states, the marten was extinct and states had to actually import martens in order to re-establish populations. ln 1972, trapping resumed again in Maine until the marten population experienced a decline in the 1980s.

Marten Trapping Statistics in Maine Year 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000

Harvest 1961 2130 1165 1820 1394 2578 1228 2810 1151 2414 1166

"In the 1980s, the price for martens was getting pretty high," said Jakubas .

On the average, between 1,500 and 3,000 marten are trapped each year. The nwnber varies greatly from year to year, possibly as the result of the bi-annual beechnut production. Beechnuts are generally produced only on even-numbered years, accounting for a lower marten harvest on

Marten need big woods to thrive, but they are curious.

Winter 2003

odd-numbered years.

"One of the hypotheses is that on even-numbered years, it is difficult to attract maitens to baited traps because martens will go after prey that is eating the beechnuts or they will eat the beechnuts themselves. On the other hand, there could be something else going on here. If there is a high beechnut production, it would increase marten survival over the winter, more young born are in the spring, and that creates more martens for trapping the following fall on the odd-numbered years," said Jakubas.

"Obviously, the beechnuts are important to marten and the general ecology of Maine. Beechnuts are also important to bears. Our bear production goes up during beechnut years and down during poor beechnut years."

As a result, the Depattment is working with large landowners to ensure that an adequate supply of mature, nut-producing beech trees remain on the landscape. Although the beech tree is viewed by some as a weed species, it is the only mast producing tree in Northern Maine and is important for the survival of

marten, bear, deer and fisher.

It is a tough balancing act ensuring that the marten has suitable habitat, while at the same time, managing woodlands in a way to sustain a viable, functioning and profitable forest industry. "I think we are at a crossroads," said Harrison. "With some foresight and planning we can avoid the issues that have occurred in surrounding states and provinces. We can have a forest harvesting economy while still maintaining viable populations of martens. l am convinced that if we plan ahead, we can have both."

About the "WE CARE" Program Maine's wildlife is priceless. Yet funding for the nearly 400 species of mammals, birds, reptiles amphibians, mollusks and fish that call Maine home is severely limited. While many of these species are abundant, some populations are vulnerable, and it is the Department's responsibility to protect all these species for generations to come.

The "WE CARE" program is designed to give you the opportunity to help protect Maine's precious wildlife. The "WE CARE" program provides a way for the public to directly contribute to the protection of Maine's fish and wildlife. All funds received through this program go directly to the protection of Maine's endangered and non-game wildlife fund.

You can become a member of the "WE CARE" program for just$ I 9.00. In appreciation of your support, we will send you a 2003 calendar that features Maine's wildlife in vivid color, and also a "WE CARE" decal that shows others you are a steward of Maine's precious wildlife.

Invest now in Maine's fish and wildlife future, your help can make an impact that will be seen for generations.

Visit our online store to order, or call the Information Center at 207-287-8000.

MAINE Fish and Wildlife

Winter 2003 Page 25

o w ¡th peace, tentment, and oul satisfaction, and the or a moment, at east, nothin

The connection happened partly by chance, much like the connection tbat happens when an angler offers a fly, and a fisb rises to it. Fly-fishing is not pure chance, although chance is a factor.

People are not successful at the sport with any regularity until they have spent hours practicing their cast and studying related sciences such as entomology.

Master Guide Bonnie Holding, of Coplin Plantation, has been teaching flyfishing and guiding anglers for many years. About five years ago, she attended a women's health symposium at Bowdoin College where she gave demonstrations on fly-casting. While at the symposium, she also sat in on a talk about the Casting for Recovery program.

Casting for Recovery, a non-profit organization established since 1996, offers free fly-fishing retreats to women Page 26 MAINE Fish and Wildlife

recovering from breast cancer. The retreats offer women the opportunity to relax in a natural setting and learn fly-fishing. The program has been featured in the national media, including ABC World News Tonight with Peter Jennings.

"Some convincing evidence tells us that fly- fishing can play an important role in the physical and emotional recovery of women with breast cancer," the Casting for Recovery program description asserts.

"The sport of fly-fishing draws people to nature and places of solace where emotional well-being can nourish."

So far, retreats have been held in Alask,a,

Wisconsin, Canada, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Michigan, and now, Maine, with new locations planned every year.

"They are a national program, and they needed someone to help them bring the program to Maine," said Holding, who has been volunteering her time al the Casting for Recovery program in Maine, now headed into its fourth year. "lt sounded like a great program and I started looking into how to get it started."

Last year's Cast ing for Recovery Winter 2003

program was held August 2-4 at Libby Camps, owned and run by Matt and Ellen Libby, (Matt also serves as the Chair of the Advisory Council) which are l 50 miles north of Bangor on 2,700-acre Millinocket Lake.

Participants arrive Friday, and spend Saturday learning casting techniques, knot tying, fishing gear basics and stream biology. On Sunday, they put their new skills to use on the water with actual catch and release fishing. The Orvis Company supplies fly rods and related fishing equipment.

Students are encouraged to participate to whatever degree they find most comfortable. Fly-fishing is not an extreme sport. l f students feel like relaxing in the lodge or on the banks of a stream with a book, they are welcome to do so.

Yet, the Casting for Recovery program is not just about fly-fishing, Holding explained.

"Some of the physical motions that you use in fly-fishing are mimicking the therapy motions (that have been recommended to the women), and that's an important part of helping restore mobility," she said. "But it's more an emotional benefit - just being able to go away for a good reason and be with other women who know exactly how they feel."

During the retreat, "fireside chats" are a popular evening gathering.

Although participants are encouraged to talk about issues in breast cancer recovery, the discussions are facilitated, so that the nature ol"the gathering focuses on the sha ring of information and suggestions about coping techniques.

The group size is limited to fourteen participants, which means that the ratio of participant to instructor is low. ln addition to Holding, instructors include other registered Maine guides and an instructor from the Casting for Recovery organization. Beth Hinman, from the Porter I louse Restaurant in Eustis, has been a key to organizing the details of the event, l lolding said. In addition, a doctor or nurse is on the premises.

The program is offered free to participants, who are only responsible for their own transportation to and from the event.

Casting for Recovery relies on local fundraising, grants and donations to supMAINE Fish and Wildlife

Maine guide Bonnie Holding gives fly casting instruction Teri Champagne during the Casting for Recovery session. port their efforts.

In addition to volunteering her time at the actual program, Holding also works on fundraising throughout the year. Her main event is a gathering called Fishtails and Cocktails, held annually in February at her Gallery shop at Sugarloaf Ski Area. Last winter's event raised $3,000 for Casting for Recovery.

Anyone who would like to make a tax-deductible donation to Casting for Recovery can write them at 946 Great Plain Avenue, Needham, MA 02492. The

phone number is toll-free, 888-553-3500.

On the web, check www.castingforrecovery.org, or email the organization at cfrprogram@aol.com Holding plans to instruct at the program for many years to come. She enjoys it as much as the participants do.

"I like to watch the progression, as they relax and have fun, share with the others," she said. "It's like they become lighter, as if their burdens have been lifted."

Finding fly fishing is healing and fun are, from left, Kathleen Strickland, Teri Champagne and Carol Ann Parker.

Winter 2003 Page 27

Drought and Fish

By Kendall Warner Since I wrote the first article in Maine Fish and Wildlife, the state has continued to experience severe drought conditions, which have and will affect fish populations. According to the Drought Task Force, stream flows in 2001 were the lowest since 1995.

Records in 2002 continued to show the entire state in severe to extreme drought, despite early April rains.

The year 2001 was the driest on record (29.58 inches of precipitation) since 1895, when the first records were kept. Since 1990, the driest years were 2001, 1992 (35.54 inches), 1997 (38.52 inches), and 1995 (39.54 inches) in that order. These are well below the average annual precipitation of about 43 inches.

Ground-water levels in March 2002 were still below normal for the entire state. Early rains and premature runoff from the snowpack, before the ground has thawed enough to allow for significant recharge of the groundwater may have a negative effect in late spring and summer. Heavy April rains gave us a much-needed "boost", but the long-term effects are not yet known.

Groundwater is vital in maintaining trout populations in both streams and lakes. This water is the source of springs, which maintain stream flows and lake levels in summer.

In our shallow and warnier ponds and streams, trout seek these "thermal refugia" to survive. In fall, trout seek spring influences to spawn, and their eggs incubate in the gravel until they hatch the next spring.

Drought conditions affect fish populations in several other ways. Typically, salmon and trout enter tributaries or outlets to spawn in the fall. Without suffi-

Page 28 MAJNE Fish and Wildlife

Drought has affected Maine fisheries, but the ancient rituals of spawning brook trout continued even with the drier conditions. Photo by Robert F Bukaty

cient flow, movement into spawning areas may be physically blocked or impeded, or flow may be insufficient for attraction. Given denied access, fish may be forced to use less suitable areas or not spawn at all.

Even if these fish were able to spawn, without heavy fall rains and significant recharging of ground water, urvival of salmon id eggs buried in gravel could be adversely affected. Insufficient percolation of water through the gravel could result in egg mortality by suffocation or freezing.

Salmonids in brooks, rivers and streams may be pennanent residents or they may be progeny of spawning adults from lakes or rivers. Young usually spend I to 3 years in nursery areas before moving to parental waters.

De-watering of streams resu Its in reduction of avai Iable habitat. This results in decreased production of aquatic insects, the main food source of young salmon ids. Crowding and loss of food causes both decreased growth and mortality. This holds true for both summer and winter, but in winter there is also the risk or streams freezing to near bottom cau ing additional mortality.

Low water in ummer causes another problem. 1n open streams with Iittle cover, fish become increasingly vulnerable to animal predation . Fish-eating birds

such as ospreys, kingfishers, and cormorants can take their toll. Crowded and exposed fish are also easy prey for mink, raccoons and otter. Don't forget; twolegged predators can be a problem too.

In early 2002, both natural and impounded water levels were critically low. Lowered lake and pond levels during critically dry periods also mean decreased fish production. Shoreline (littoral) habitat is left "bigh and dry" forcing young game and forage fish into confined areas resulting in increased mortality through competition and predation.

Food production in dry areas is also lost.

Unregulated lake levels sometimes reduce outlet flows to a mere trickle, causing further reductions in fish and other aquatic life. During drought periods, there is increased use of pond and stream waters to irrigate agricultural land.

Excessive use can and has lowered water levels to a critical point for aquatic Ii re.

Increased development of alternative sources, such as man-made ponds, should be encouraged .

Extensive rains would alleviate the stress on fish and other aquatic life, but some damage has already been done.

Fish populations will recover, but it will take time. So, gird yourscl r to the possibility that fi hing might not be quite "up to snufT'' in some waters in the next few years. And pray for rain!

Winter 2003

Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation 1. Publication title 2. Publ ication No. 3. Filing Date Maine Fish and Willdife 326280 10/3/2002

4. Issue Frequency Quarterly

5. No Issues Annually 6. Ann. Sub. Price $14.95 Four

?.Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication 284 State St. , 341, Augusta, Maine 04333-0041 8. Contact Person: Don Kleiner Telephone: 207-287-5248

9. Publisher: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, 284 State St., #41 , Augusta, Maine 04333-0041 Editor: Don Kleiner, Address as above 10. Owner: Maine Department of Inland Fishieries and Wilidlife, 284 State Street, Augusta, Maine 04333-0041

11. Known bondholders, mortgagees and other security holders owning or holding 1 percent or more of totalamount of bonds, mortgages or other secu rities: None 12. Tax Status: Has not changed in the preceding 12 months 13. Publication Title: Maine Fish and Wildlife 14. Issue Date for Circulation data Below: Summer 2002 15. Extent and nature Ave. No Copies of Circulation (Net each issue during Press Ru6J preceeding 12 months

No. Copies Single Issue Published nearest to t1l1ng date

Total No. Copies

13,000

13,000

Paid/Requested outside -county mail subscriptions Stated on form 3541

10,000

10,000

Total Paid or requested Circulation 10,000

10,000

Free Distribution by Mail Outside-county as stated on Form 3451 350 350 Free Distribution Outside the Mail (carriers or other means) 1,000 1,000 Total Free Distribution 1,350

1,350

Total Distribution

11 ,350

11 ,350

Copies not Distributed 1,650

1,650

Total 13,000 Percent Paid and/or requested circulation 88% Signed by Editor Don Kleiner

13,000 88%

Moxie the Moose at Head Start Over 150 Head Start children were delighted by visits from Santa Claus and Moxie the Moose at the annual Head Start Christmas Party at the Augusta Armory this past December.

At the center of attention along with Santa and Moxie, is the Christmas tree, which is decorated with hand-knit mittens. Each child attending receives a pair of mittens from the tree, along with a gift bag and gift. This past year, the department gathered nearly $100 in donations from employees that went towards the purchase of gifts for the Head Start kids .

Kids got a chance to chat with Santa, who gave each girl a doll, and each boy a Spiderman car/boat. The kids then ran to Moxie and Game Warden Terry Hughes. Hughes gave each child a Beanie Babie moose, while the children were entertained by Moxie's antics. After that, the kids were treated to a Happy Meal lunch with Moxie, Santa and Governor Angus King;ill present.

For the past five years, Andrea Erskine has led the Department's efforts with the Head Start Christmas Party. Cecile Sibley has also been instrumental in gathering donations from Deartrnent employees, which helps benefit 4-5-year-old year Head Start kids from Kennebec County.

Over that time, thousands of local children have benefited from the time and money that has been donated by numerous people throughout Maine state government.

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Page 29

Kidbits Answers

9. E. 100,000-200,000 million

Match the Birds 10. J. 9,703 a. goldfinch #2 - thistle seed 11. F. Shrike 12. C. Green Heron b. card inal #1 - safflower seed c. chickadee #5 - black oil sunflower d. hairy woodpecker #3 - beef suet e. tree sparrow #4 - white prose millet f. cedar waxwing #6 - fruit Do You Know 1. G. Red Jungle fowl (chicken) 2. B. Albatross (11' 6") 3. H. Peregrine Falcon (217 mph) 4. I . (14,000) 5. A. Ostrich (9 ft ., 353 lbs.)

6. K. Bee Hummingbird (.056 oz.)

7. L. Kori Bustard (42 lbs.)

8. M. D. Orange-Necked Partridge & Sudanese Red Sea Cliff Swallow

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Vickers' Pools The Main Southwest Miramichi River

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Since 1946, we have provided superb, personalized service to anglers of Atlantic salmon , brook trout, and shad. We are located 25 miles SW of Miramichi City and 70 miles NE of Fredericton , NB.

• Salmon Pools (Beats) Our four privately owned pools provide five star wet and dry fly fishing. Anglers have the option of wading or fishing from a boat. We have stocked our private, spring-fed pond with brook trout. ·

• Accommodations The main lodge and cottages overlook our private pools. Each building has been meticulously finished and maintained .

• Reservations PLEASE CALL OR WRITE:

Martyn Vickers 122 Winthrop Street Augusta, ME 04330 207-623-4879 vickers @gwi.net

Satellite TV, phone , fax and e-mail are available

• Rates Our package includes lodging, meals, housekeeping, use of fou r private pools, guide services, and day canoe trips. The charge is $175 US/day/angler from April 15th - September 7th ; $250 US/day/angler from September 8th - October 15th.

The refundable Canadian tax is 15% of the daily charge .

There is a 10% discount for bookings of five or more days.

Please visit our website at www.miramichisalmon.com MA INE Fish and Wildli fe

Winter 2002 Page 31

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In addition to our diverse selection of rods, reels and lures, we stock dowmiggers, electric motors, electronic Ash finders, canoes and all the accessories.

EVERYTHING FOR THE OUTDOORS!

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