Maine Fish and Wildlife Magazine, Fall / Winter 2007

JAN 2 ~ 2008

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Page 2 MAINE Fish and Wildlife

Fall/Winter 2007

lVIAINE Fish and Wildlife Governor John E. Baldacci Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Roland D. Martin, Commissioner Paul F. Jacques, Deputy Commissioner Kenneth H. Elowe, Director, Bureau of Resource Management Chris Campbell, Financial Analyist Bureau of Administrative Services Thomas Santaguida, Colonel, Bureau of Warden Service Andrea Erskine, Assistant to the Commissioner

Fall/Winter 2007 Editorial

4

Vol. 49, No. 3 Marc Michaud

A fond farewell from the I&E Division director.

5

New Warden

Tom Seymour

It's the fulfillment of a life-long dream for this new recruit.

Public Lands

6

Cathy Genthner

A task force is studying how to best use public lands.

Wiggie

9

Paul Jacques

A remembrance of outdoor personality Wilmot Robinson.

Advisory Council Robert. S. Savage, Limington Ron Usher, Westbrook R. Leo Keiffer, Caribou Sheridan Oldham, Waterville Stephen Philbrick, Oquossoc Frank Dunbar, Bucksport Joseph E. Clark, Millinocket Ray Poulin Jr., Ripley Albion Goodwin, Pembroke Mike Witte, New Harbor Deborah Turcotte, Editor Lisa Kane, Copy Editor Mark Latti, Copy Editor (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 $9.95 per year.

Ralph W. Tyler WMA

11

Lisa Kane

A look at the Weskeag Marsh Wildlife Management Area.

Kidbits

14

Lisa Kane

How much do you know about the wildlife adaptations?

Muzzle loading

16

Cathy Genthner

Over the past dozen years the number of muzzleloader hunters has tripled.

B.O.W. Hunt

19

Emily Jones

Six novice women hunters take to the November woods.

Trapping

21

Wally Jakubas

A report on Maine's trapping heritage and forbearer management.

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 Augusta, 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

Square tails

26

Forrest Bonney

A Department fisheries biologist authors a new book.

MyOutdoorTV.com 27 Lisa Kane & Sherry Kerr The Department's video productions go worldwide over the Internet.

About the Cover: Pam Richardson, of the Maine Wildlife Park staff, took this photo of one of the mature whitetail bucks at the park.

Fall/Winter 2007 Page 3

Editorial

A Fond Farewell

to DIF&W

It seems like only yesterday when I first assumed the position of Director of Public Information and Education, and with it Editor of Maine Fish and Wildlife magazine, but here it is, already four years later.

ing completion with an April 1, 2008 date set for the opening of the facility to the public. Lastly, the API lawsuit was settled, and recreational trapping still can go on while the incidental take permit process gets finalized.

When Commissioner Roland "Danny" Martin asked me to join his team, it was to be for "a couple of years," but he didn't have to twist my arm to stay longer. I really enjoyed the work, especially the interaction with the rest of the IF&W family. The passion and commitment of the staff to the agency was really evident as we struggled to get the work done with less funding, and sometimes less staff, but we still managed to make improvements.

At the Division level, we assumed the publication of all the law books and completely redesigned the Department Web page. We successfully launched programs on YouTube and MyOutdoorTV, opened our own AM Radio station on the Maine Turnpike. We got the public to use our online licensing services with our Warden Truck and Rangeley Boat raffles. Every daily newspaper in the state has dedicated outdoor pages that are filled with information provided by the department. Our hunter safety program now has surpassed 200,000 students. Youth activities and the Becoming an Outdoors Woman programs are going strong. The Maine Wildlife Park continues to make unprecedented improvements and hosted more than 105,000 visitors this year. All of this was made possible by a small, but very dedicated staff.

We faced some tough issues: Sunday hunting, the bear referendum, coyote snaring, Katahdin Lake, the Mere Point Boat Launch, and the Animal Protection Institute (API) lawsuit over the protection of lynx.

Sunday hunting never passed, but the bear referendum was defeated. The coyote snaring program was suspended while we attempted to get an incidental take permit, a process that is still ongoing. The Katahdin Lake purchase was successful but not without some fallout. And the Mere Point Boat Launch is nearPage 4 MAINE Fish and Wildlife

New challenges are on the horizon. Consolidation and efficiencies are now the fashionable buzzwords. With the creation of the Natural Resources Service

Center and the consolidation of all technology services (OIT) a reality, the focus now is moving into additional areas that, for me, raise some serious reservations.

It's one thing to centralize some operations like technology, payroll processing, human resources, and bulk purchases of supplies and equipment, but it's another to combine departments and rearrange their respective missions.

Well, the fifth wheel is packed with all essentials: fishing rods, shotgun, mountain bikes and golf clubs, of course. The road beckons and so a very special "Thank you" to all for a very memorable four years.

-Marc Michaud Editor, and Director of Information and Education Emeritus Fall/Winter 2007

Fulfilling a Life- Long Dream Becoming A Maine Game Warden

By Tom Seymour Fishing and hunting were not part of Anthony Gray's early family life. And yet, outdoor sports appealed to the youngster. Young Anthony spent time boating on Thompson Lake, and that brought him into contact with people who were out fishing. That was all it took to kindle a deep fascination with the outdoors, the results of which were to affect the course of his adult life.

By the time he reached middle school, Anthony had set his mind upon a career in the outdoors, specifically that of a Maine Game Warden. To that end, he made an appointment to visit the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife's (DIF&W) Gray Regional Headquarters. There, Anthony met with a Warden Lieutenant who gave the youngster support and direction. Along with other solid advice, this warden told Anthony to immerse himself in outdoor recreation, specifically hunting and fishing.

Outdoor Buddies After the interview, Anthony told his father what that warden had told him. At that point, the senior Gray decided to do whatever he needed to in order to help his son learn everything he could about the outdoors. From that point on, the two became outdoor buddies, going on trips and sharing quality time together in Maine's great outdoors.

In time, Anthony graduated from high school and then headed for college.

Since no openings existed for new wardens at that time, Anthony enrolled in forestry courses at University of Maine in Orono. After three years, he transferred to University of Maine in Augusta and spent the next 1 - _ years in criminal justice studies. Both these pursuits seemed beneficial to his long hoped-for, eventual employment as a Maine Game Warden.

After graduation, Anthony married Maine Fish and Wildlife

and about that same time, applied for a position as a police officer with the City of Auburn. He was hired, and served for 1- _ years as a police officer. Then came the news that DIF&W was hiring wardens.

Anthony applied, made it through the physical, oral boards and final interview process, and soon after was enrolled in a 14-week course of Advanced Warden School hosted by DIF&W. The first section of the course was held at the former Naval Base at Winter Harbor, and the balance of training was completed at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy in Vassalboro.

Upon completion of training, Anthony Gray became a Maine Warden, fulfilling his life-long dream. Thus far, Anthony has served as district warden for the South Paris area for approximately New Game Warden Anthony Gray one year. When asked how he likes with the Maine Warden Service. He's his job, he said, "I love it." here to stay, he says. For him, there is no other or better job. Gray attributes his becoming a warden to that initial meeting Varied Duties with the kindly warden lieutenant who Warden Gray's duties are many and helped him to set his goals and to work varied. In summer, Gray logs his hours toward them. And of course, he thanks on the water, enforcing fishing and boathis father for supporting him in his ing laws. In winter, Warden Gray moniendeavor. tors snowmobile activity. Checking ATV Anthony Gray has some advice to riders, a year-round task, occupies part of others who may aspire to a career as a Gray's time as well.

Warden Gray says that typically war- Maine Game Warden. Gray says to immerse yourself in the outdoors. dens from all around the state are Become active in fishing and hunting, detailed to northern and eastern regions and learn all you can from everyone you to assist the wardens there during meet. Gray also mentioned that it is stanMaine's moose hunt. This past season, dard procedure for young people to 'jobGray spent two days working the hunt in shadow', and "ride-along" with a Maine Monticello, with the district warden in Warden. The two requirement for this that region.

"It's a great job, with lots of variety," opportunity are that you must be at least 18 years old, and have a serious interest Warden Gray said. For him, some of that in becoming a warden. So if you, too, variety includes working on search-anddream of becoming a Maine Warden, call rescue details. Gray said that last fall, he the nearest DIF&W regional headquarters spent an entire night in the field, searchand ask to link up with a warden. After ing for a missing person. Finally, another member of Gray's team located that indi- that, the rest will be up to you. vidual.

Warden Gray plans to make a career Fall/Winter 2007 Page 5

Finding Common Ground for Recreation and Preservation A newly created public lands task force is looking at ways to provide opportunities for a diverse group of recreational users

By Cathy Genthner If you ask someone what his or her favorite thing to do in the Maine outdoors is - you '11 get a wide variety of answers - fishing, hunting, canoeing, hiking, snowmobiling, ATVing, bird watching, skiing, snowshoeing, camping - the list is almost endless. However, there are controversies concerning where some of these activities should be allowed, causing special interest groups and traditional recreational users to butt heads and lose tempers. One of the latest examples of turbulent talks was during the acquisition of the Katahdin Lake project at Baxter State Park. In an effort to avoid future conflicts, a Governor's Task Force Regarding the Management of Public Lands and Publicly-Held Easements has been formed. This group will determine the present and future acquisition, uses and management of Maine's public lands in a fair manner that meets the full array of recreational interests in Maine.

"This task force came out of the Katahdin Lake deal, where people made claims that the state was going to own the land and hutout hunters, a trend occurring too often," said Paul Jacques, the Chair of the task force and the Deputy Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. "I think once we get a handle on this whole thing, we will find that most of our public lands are open for many uses. We will also be deciding in what direction we go from this day forward. We will be looking at issues, uch as recognizing land purchases may include limitation ; and as a matter of tate policy, we will examine if that land is open to everything all the time."

Page 6 MAINE Fish and Wildlife

Hundreds of thousands of acres around Mount Katahdin have been protected from development and are considered public lands. A newly-created Public Lands Task Force is looking at ways lands such as these will be utilized and maintained (Photo courtesy Nature Conservancy of Maine).

The Task Force has been directed to do the following: 1) Create an inventory of the existing uses and management of public lands.

2) Review and document the statutes, rules and guidelines that direct decisions regarding the management and recreational uses of the lands.

3) Collect information on the trends of recreational uses on public lands and examine supply and demand of these uses, as well as look at the gain or loss of access from recreational use on private land that would impact uses on public land.

4) Identify strategies and resources necessary to reduce conflicts regarding recreational use on and access to public lands to target future needs.

Fall/Winter 2007

Senate President Beth Edmonds had been working on legislation to create the task force with the Sportsman's Alliance of Maine. However, Governor John Baldacci, who signed the executive order earlier this year since there was an immediate need for action, created the task force.

It is estimated that the people of Maine own more than one million acres of state parks, public reserved and nonreserved land and wildlife areas. The Department of Conservation and the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife manage those lands for multipleuse. There are nearly 500 miles of multiuse trails and shared-use roads on the Bureau of Parks and Lands holdings that are open to snowmobiles and ATV users; more than 13 ,400 miles of snowmobile trails, 4,414 miles of ATV trails, 294 miles of state park and public reserved lands hiking trails, 279 campsites on public reserved lands with motorized access, 42 campsites with non-motorized access, and 453 boat launch sites.

Broad Representation The task force is comprised of members representing a wide group of organizations, including sportsmen's groups,

environmental groups, landowners, state agencies Member and Maine legPatrick McGowan islators - all Paul Jacques who meet Thomas Watson roughly on a Donald Marean monthly basis.

Jacqueline Lundeen A face-to-face Kevin Raye meeting with Bruce Bryant representatives Al Cowperthwaite from all the Jon Fitzgerald groups is a good Walter Graff way to open up Mac Hunter the lines of Al Hutchinson communication. Bruce Kidman "I think we Jon Lund need to get all Marcia McKeague the players Bob Meyers together that are Dan Mitchell using the public John Rust land in Maine.

Greg Shute I don't think George Smith they are all in Sally Stockwell agreementKaren Woodsum especially with Ray Wotton the stress after Tim Glidden the Katahdin Lake area acquisition," said Al Cowperthwaite, a task force

Task Force Membership Organization Maine Department of Conservation Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Maine House of Representatives Maine House of Representatives Maine House of Representatives Maine Senate Maine Senate North Maine Woods Bath Iron Works Appalachian Mountain Club U Maine, Department of Ecology Forest Society of Maine The Nature Conservancy The Maine Sportsman Katahdin Timberlands Group Maine Snowmobile Association ATV Maine Maine Professional Guides Assoc.

Chewonki Foundation Sportsman's Alliance of Maine Maine Audubon Society Maine Sierra Club Littleton, Maine Land for Maine's Future

member and the executive director of the North Maine Woods.

"No one wants to be excluded. The hunters don't want to be excluded - the snowmobilers don't want to be excluded.

Right now we are in the hashing-out stage."

Working Hard

This view of Mount Katahdin has been protected through the work of many indivua/s, agencies and organizations. (Photo courtesy Nature Conservancy of Maine MAINE Fish and Wildlife

The task force has met only a few times, and is still gathering information about public lands and the desires of recreational users.

"So far, it seems that the state is working hard to really get the facts on the table - what lands they own and what activities are allowed. Basically, one of the major tasks is to find out what is out there and where people can do the activities, then balance the two out," said Walter Graff, a member of the task force and Deputy Director of the Appalachian Mountain Club.

"If this works well, people will realize we are all after the same thing - to protect recreation and outdoor resources for all the people from Maine, as well as Fall/Winter 2007 Page 7

from out of state to enjoy. People will realize that Maine is a pretty big place, and if we work together we can figure out a way for everyone to have a piece of that pie. I think there are groups that want to be protective of the backcountry, non-motorized experience and there are groups that want to use motorized vehicles to get to their places. The question we need to ask ourselves is, 'What do the people really want? What is the kind of experience they want?' Not everything has to happen on every piece of land, and I think people understand that."

Snowmobilers' View Those who support allowing motorized use on public lands feel there has been a big change in attitude and policy during the past several years.

"In our opinion, there has clearly been a shift in policy regarding public access on public lands over the past several years. In some cases, they have been subtle shifts, but shifts none the less," said Bob Meyers, a task force member and the executive director of the Maine Snowmobile Association. "It seems like this whole new generation - the naturebased tourism crowd - seems to require tremendous amounts of lands where no other activity can take place."

This is a feeling shared by many sportsmen, such as snowmobilers, hunters, anglers, and ATVers, who feel that tax money used to purchase public land should be available for the public to use in a variety of ways. Establishing areas in creative ways where motorized use can take place is one thing the task force will be looking at.

Room for Everyone "I think we need to be at the table with those groups that don't want ATVs around. What is an adequate zone for motorized use? Hiking groups can't have it all for themselves, and they are going to have to share. If we do it right, there is room for everyone," said Dan Mitchell, the executive director of ATV Maine.

Mitchell says hi group is looking at establishing an interconnected trail system, similar to the nowmobile trail system, con i ting of more than 13,000 miles on a combination of private and public lands. Mitchell says that ATVers Page 8 MAINE Fish and Wildlife

Can hikers share the woods with motorized vehicles? Finding and answer to that is one of the task force's primary jobs. Cathy Genthner photo are often misunderstood because of the negative actions of a minority of ATVers.

"As ATVers, it is not about riding the machine, it is about the same thing that people hike for - to get to a vista, or to a destination to hunt or fish," said Mitchell.

"When we look at a piece of land that the state is going to purchase, we should consider if there is an opportunity for a motorized trail as well as a hiking trail.

They can be done together. If motorized groups have a well-managed trail to the summit of the area, it can be done without damage to the area."

The task force realizes there is much work to be done to meet the desires and needs of all recreational users, while protecting habitat and wildlife for future generations.

Inclusive Vision "There is a vision for the state that is truly inclusive. What we envision is appropriate and adequate recreational opportunitie for every user group. If you are a bird watcher or an ATV rider, or want to go out and not even think about another human being, we hould have resources and trail ," said Bruce Kidman,

a member of the task force and the Director of Government Relations and Communications for the Nature Conservancy.

"Our central goal is to protect the plants and animals that are native to Maine, so that those things we enjoy today are here for future generations.

This calls for a lot of good communication and looking out for each other."

Unification of the task force is important in reaching its final goal of meeting the diverse needs of all recreational user as fairly as pos ible. Proposed legislation may also come out of this task force, since there are tate representatives and senators on the board as well.

"The thing we have to do is stop pitting portsmen against sportsmen. We have enough forces from the out ide tearing away at us," said Jacques.

"My goal is to get these different groups to realize that they have a lot in common. There i land available for all kind of recreation and we are going to have to share it. That means we mu t be more tolerant of each other," said Cowperthwaite.

Fall/Winter 2007

IGGIE'1 A Friend

of Many

~-~~--~

By Paul Jacques He was dubbed the "Baron of the West Branch," one of Maine's greatest outdoorsmen; a legendary guide and one of Maine's most prolific outdoor writers.

But to me, he was my friend Wiggie.

Wilmot "Wiggie" Robinson was for sure one of a kind. I don't believe he ever met someone that didn't end up on his enormous list of friends.

I first met Wiggie back in the very early 1980's when he, myself I and the current Commissioner of the Department of Conservation, Patrick McGowan, all ended up on the Whitewater Advisory Committee established by the Maine Legislature. For Wiggie and Ime, that

chance meeting set up a friendship that grew for over 25 years. A short friendship in the litany of many of Wiggies other friends I know, but what a ride.

Wiggie, you see, was a virtual windmill, a man of perpetual motion, many handshakes, always smiling and glad to see you. He was a friend that you might not see for months or even years, and but when you met again it was just like you had seen him yesterday. His love for the Katahdin area was only surpassed by his love for his wife Joyce, his family and his friends. He was the ambassador of Mt. Katahdin and all the lands within its shadow. The West Branch region was his home turf, and he wanted to share it with everyone he met. He wanted to share convey every tidbit of knowledge and

Wiggie at a favorite place, catching a favorite quarry his favorite way Mark Kingsbury

MAINE Fish and Wildlife

Photo by

wonder that he had collected over his entire lifetime. That was his highest goal; to share, teach, learn, live and do all that he could do.

Mr. Whirlwind Wiggie never was done with his projects, many of which I became involved with. An addition to his real home (his camp on the West Branch); adding a bathroom, metal roof, new porches, or a new storage building ... they never stopped. He was not one to sit idly by and watch everyone else do the work. He was going when his feet hit the floor in the morning and he did not stop until he took them off the floor that night. He watched everything you did, for he always wanted to learn. He asked countless questions and favored people's opinions. He was just that way.

He was a man of the earth, for no one that ever met this man ever escaped without vegetables or flowers. His gardens were huge, both vegetables and flowers. He always grew much more than he and his family could ever use.

Therein lies the true essence of this man, small in stature yet huge in heart.

Everyone, and I mean everyone he knew, shared in his garden's bounty. It was a price you paid for being his friend.

He knew how I loved com on the cob. Every visit during com season he would tell me, "I picked two for me, two for Joyce and ten for you ... is that enough?" He loved to share everything that he had with his friends; a laugh, a handshake, his mushrooms or vegetables and always a hug for the ladies! His mushrooms were special, people that grimaced at the thought of eating those Fall/Winter 2007 Page 9

always memorable. I remember once he invited me for supper on my way to camp at Moosehead Lake. He said, "I have someone else coming tonight.

You two need to meet.

I believe you will be working together some day." Tums out, that the other diner was Sergeant Gregg Sanborn of the Warden Service.

We met, ate supper and, talked and got to know each other. True to Wiggie's premonition, I now serve as Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Wilmot Robinson at left sharing a laugh with Scott and Sergeant Gregg Davis and Mark Latti at a sportsman's show. Wiggie Sanborn is now Major was often found at events involving the Department.

Gregg Sanborn, and actHe worked his magic on anyone who ing colonel of the Maine Warden Service. would listen, selling folks on his home Somehow Wiggie knew that this might state and all that it had to offer. He was happen;hejustknew indeed one of this Department's greatest Wiggie's dedication to our Always Memorable cheerleaders. But don't be fooled, when Department was unequaled. His dedicaHis love for his state and its people this man thought we hadn't done sometion to the Maine Guide's Licensing was true and honest; it had no boundthing just right, he let us know. Just like Board spanned decades. We asked and aries. He always found some area of every other family, we would be forgiven he was there. He attended countless outcommon interest with all he met. My and he would look to the next project. door shows as part of Bill Pierce's team. many hours spent with Wiggie were Wiggie had shared with me on many occasions that when his time came, he wanted to be at this camp on the river with that pectacular view of his mountain. Many of us would wish the same for ourselves; few of us would actually have it happen. I am told that on that fateful day (his wife Joyce's birthday) he was working in the gardens. He had picked some flowers and gave them to Joyce with a birthday wish and a big hug.

He went back to his chores working in the flower garden. I believe he looked up toward his beloved mountain and that big, well-used heart just stopped working. And with that, one of the toughest, strongest, most capable yet mo t caring, kindest, giving and sharing people that I have ever come to know said goodbye. I believe that the Lord heard Wiggie' wish on that day, and with that, Wiggie left us in the way and in the place that he had hoped for, at his piece of heaven here on Wiggie loved to hunt. Here he is shown with son Jay and the results of a earth. recent successful moose hunt. things were delighted after trying them; they always wanted more. Wiggie was quick to point out you really had to know what you were doing to pick and cook mushrooms to eat. This was no place for amateurs, only those skilled in proper identification of Maine's mushrooms should do this When Wiggie visited us at the Department he usually bore gifts, and how he loved doing it. It might be homemade preserves, a jar of honey or a gift that he had picked up at one of his many out-of-state shows. With each gift, he always had someone in mind that this gift would be just right for. I have some scattered around my house that go back years.

Now Wiggie loved to hunt and fish.

Oh, how he loved it! I think he loved to guide folks to hunt and fish most of all.

In that, his smile was its broadest and his steps would be the bounciest. Once again, he was able to share all he had learned and all he knew with people who loved what he did ... the outdoors of Maine.

Page 10 MAINE Fish and Wildlife

Fall/Winter 2007

Located in the towns of S. Thomaston, Rockland and Owl's Head and on the Weskeag River, this 617-acre Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is primarily a tidal salt marsh, with some upland fields and forested lands on either side of the tidal river. The Weskeag Marsh meets IFW's minimum criteria for designation as both a Coastal Waterfowl and Wading Bird Habitat and a Shorebird Feeding and Roosting Habitat; thus it is considered Significant Wildlife Habitat under the Natural Resources Protection Act. Acquisition by the MDIFW began in the late 1960s and continued into the 1970s; with funding for purchase provided by Federal Aid to Fish and Wildlife Restoration Funds. In 1998, an additional 88 acre parcel was purchased with fund-

ing from a National Coastal Wetlands Grant, Ducks Unlimited and Georges River Land Trust funds. Acquisition of additional, adjacent wetlands and uplands are anticipated as mitigation for future local development projects.

Several habitat management techniques have been implemented on this property over the years to enhance it for shorebirds, wading birds, waterfowl and other wildlife. Some of these activities include creating impoundments (to maintain water levels at mid and low tides), plugging ditches (originally created to drain the marsh so salt hay could be harvested) and constructing additional small depressions (sumps) in the existing salt marsh landscape. This work has increased overall biodiversity, improved habitat for fish, primarily mummichogs

A set of decoys set out on the Ralph Waldo Tyler WMA. MAINE Fish and Wildlife

Fall/Winter 2007 Page 11

R. Waldo Tyler WMA

A view of both the uplands and wetlands at the Ralph Waldo Tyler WMA and other small minnows, eliminated upland plant encroachment onto the salt marsh and provided habitat for valuable aquatic wildlife plants. It has also restored the high water table typical of unditched marshes, and prevented excessive freshwater intrusion into the salt marsh.

Phragmites, (an aggressive invasive salt marsh plant) has been identified, controlled and eliminated on the marsh.

Water flow has been enhanced through the installation of a box culvert in cooperation with DOT. An agreement with an adjacent landowner to plant crops helps maintain habitat diversity and provides a cultivated field component for waterfowl.

This particular WMA is a great example of a multi-use property - which is exactly the intent of wildlife management areas collectively. Duck hunters utilize the area extensively during fall and winter hunting seasons - as long as cold weather allows for open water. Because of the extraordinary numbers and variety of birds, including several species identified as rare, of special concern, or considered 'at risk'; bird watchers can be found on the site year 'round. The WMA is considered the premier pot for watching migrating shorebirds in central coastal Maine. Many common and rare shorebirds are sighted on the marsh annu-

Page 12 MAINE Fish and Wildlife

ally. Bait fishing, primarily for mummichogs, does occur here. Limited deer hunting and forbearer trapping are also available on the WMA. Both consumptive and non consumptive users alike find this parcel a quality example of productive wildlife habitat. It can be found on the southwest side of Buttermilk Lane in S. Thomaston, Maine Atlas & Gazetteer Map 8, A3. Next time you're driving down Route 1, consider a short detour to the R. Tyler WMA for a

look around with binoculars or spotting scope. You won't be disappointed.

Wildlife Management Areas are lands for public use, acquired with an amazing and resourceful variety of funding, donations, easements and mitigation; and are found statewide. For a complete listing of WMAs, go to http://www.maine.gov/ifw/wildlife/management/wma/index.htm.

Fall/Winter 2007

kilAs Love to • <f,__;-"".,. "fie/Jer .J,.''"·--

•

• •• • • •• • • •• • •

MAINE Fish and Wildlife

* * • * •* • * • * •

• •••• •

Fall/Winter 2007 Page 13

ANIMAL ADAPTATIONS Wildlife have a variety of physical adaptations that help them do their jobs in their habitats, or the places in which they live. Maine has many different kinds of habitats, including forests, fields, mountaintops, beaches, oceans, wetlands, lakes, rivers, marshes, streams and more!

All animals cannot survive in all kinds of habitat. Many have special equipment, or physical features, that are a part of their bodies and that specifically help them survive in a particular type of habitat. Study the following photographs. You mar.y not know the exact name of each critter, but you certainly can tell that they live in different types of habitats, have different physical 'equipment', and do different jobs!

Draw an arrow from the list of adaptations between each picture that points to the animal that displays that 'equipment' (some may even share an adaptation). Then see if you can identify the critter; for extra help, unscramble the name below each photo. (Answers on page 28) Short, flat bill for eating plants ..._ .....,.. Sharp bills and talons for capturing prey Webbed feet for swimming Soft feathers for silent flight Short, sharp wings for flying through forests and swamps Camouflaged to blend into the habitat Bright colors to attract a mate

OWOD CUKD

Lisa Kane photo

Long, sleek shape for fast gliding

RAEDBR WOL

Hard shel I for protection Webbed feet for swimming Jaws that 'unhinge' to open wide to eat prey A 'beak' to crush prey before swallowing Philip deMaynadier photo

CLKAB RCARE Page 14 MAINE Fish and Wildlife

Nate Barnes photo

Camouflaged to blend into habitat

INDAPTE RTULET Fall/Winter 2007

Long, sharp bill for stabbing fish Long legs for wading in shallow water Sharp, curved bill for ripping prey Strong, sharp talons for grasping prey Long, widely spaced toes for walking on top of mud Great eyesight for spotting prey Tom Merriam photo Tom Merriam

DALB GEELA

photo

ERATG ULEB RNOEH Long, sharp claws for digging 'Warning' colors that indicate STAY

BACK! Large, powerful body that travels long distances Great sense of smel I Nate Barnes photo

SDTERIP KKUSN

Omnivore to eat a variety of insects, plants and meat

Mark Latti photo

KBLAC RBAE No scent for first few weeks after birth to escape being eaten Sharp teeth for ripping and tearing prey Spotted coat for camouflage until strong enough to run Long legs and slender body for running Flat molars for grinding up leaves and twigs Tom Merriam photo Pam Richardson photo

NMOAUINAT NIOL

Retractible claws to stay sharp

THIEWILDEAT WNFA

Next time you observe an unknown creature in the wild, look closely at its adaptations. They will give you all kinds of clues about its job, its habitat and its identityl MAINE Fish and Wildlife

Fall/Winter 2007 Page 15

Don Pummill, the manager of the Hunting Proshop at LL Bean, is shown here with a Thompson/Center Prohunter .50 caliber muzzleloading rifle. Cathy Genthner photo

Synthetic powders, which are less corrosive than traditional black powder, contribute to the increase in popularity of hunting with muzzleloading firearms. cathy

Bill Gorman of LL Bean with a trophy buck he took while hunting with a muzzleloader. Photo courtesy LL Bean

By Cathy Genthner During the past twelve years, the number of people hunting with muzzleloaders in Maine has more than tripled. The reasons for the increase are varied. Some people who have participated in Revolutionary and Civil War re-enactments have started hunting with the gun.

Expanded muzzleloader seasons have given people greater hunting opportunities. Also, there have been great improvements in the manufacturing of the gun and ammunition, making it easier to use and more accurate while out on the range or in the field.

"In addition to the weapons being more reliable, it is a fun hunt. I think that people are still learning about those two things so that is why our numbers are increasing," said Bill Swan, the director of licensing for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and an avid muzzleloader hunter. "I don't think there are many people that muzzleloader hunt that don't hunt in some other fashion. It is increasing hunting opportunities for sure. In a lot of the areas of the state there are two additional weeks

Genthner photo

I Muzzle loader Page 16 MAINE Fish and Wildlife

Hunting is Hot!

I

Fall/Winter 2007

to deer hunt, which is great."

Going Strong Sean Lizotte, the owner of Allagash Guide Service has seen an increase among his clientele of hunters who use a muzzleloader.

"During the past four or five years, I've seen an increase in clients and I've also seen more local residents doing black powder hunting," said Lizotte. "It expands the hunting season and it is more of a challenge. People like to hunt on the snow and it is more prevalent in December. We offer it because it is another resource for me to tap into and it is popular. I have some customers who specifically want to come that time of the season. It is a way for me to increase my business and tap into different ways of hunting."

Back in 1969 before there was a special muzzleloader season, Lt. Doug Tibbetts began his work as a district game warden in the Houlton area.

"There was no black powder season when I started. Then as the years went by we started it and it wasn't very popular at first. People didn't kill many deer," said. Lt. Tibbetts. "Over the years, the guns have progressed and they've gotten better and the sport has become more popular."

Late Season

r

J

The muzzleloader season begins after the regular firearms season has ended and lasts for a week. In certain areas of the state where the deer population is high, the muzzleloader season can lasts two weeks.

"The muzzle loading season has got people looking at black powder guns.

In the past, we've been intrigued because the country was founded on flint locks - they're incredible firearms," said Evelyn Chase, the secretary and past president of Penobscot Long Rifles Black Powder Club in Stetson. "I grew up with modern firearms but one day I went to a black powder shoot and fell in love with the whole idea of muzzleloading."

Chase's club hosts a number of shoots throughout the year, attracting muzzleloader lovers from all around the MAINE Fish and Wildlife

This Encore 12-gauge turkey shotgun has a more sophisticated firing system than the traditional flint lock muzzleloaders. Cathy Genthner photo state. Those at the shoots do line shoots and woods walks where participants shoot at different targets.

"We will shoot at match sticks to make things more challenging. We also have a target where we tack nails into a board and you have set the nail all the way into the wood. We will shoot at a gong hanging between two trees," said Chase. "We have a club member named Bruce Jones who is 85 years old and he can out shoot all of us."

Another reason for the increase in the interest in muzzleloading guns is the number of Revolutionary and Civil War Reenactment groups across the country.

"We do reenactments pre-1840 from the French and Indian War (1754-1763) up to the American Revolution," said Chase. "Everything from the clothing, to the guns right down to how we camp has to be time appropriate."

More Space in the Woods Many people have been attracted to muzzleloader hunting because there are fewer hunters during the expanded sea-

son.

"I muzzleload and there aren't as many people in the woods when you are doing it," said Swan. "In southern and central Maine where a lot of times we don't get snow in November, we are more likely to get snow in December so there is the greater opportunity to hunt on snow."

"Without the rifle hunters around it is quiet and we don't see nearly as many people in the woods and that is nice too," said Lizotte. "We can hunt anywhere we want to hunt."

That is with the landowner's permission. While there are fewer hunters in the woods, there are other challenges.

"I've hunted black powder three or four years and I found it is very difficult hunting," said Lt. Tibbetts. "It is tough for a number of reasons. The deer have changed their habits as winter comes on, plus they've been chased all fall. The weather is against you because it is cold and hard to sit. You get snow that is crusty and it is really noisy so you can't move. The deer have a better chance than the hunter. You only have one shot Fall/Winter 2007 Page 17

tionalists that still shoot black powder," said Pummill.

Building Better Guns "The increase There have been improvements in I've noticed is the muzzleloader gun during the past in the more several years, making it more usermodern guns. friendly. In addition to the traditional Thompson/ flint lock gun, there are inline muzzleCenter builds loader rifles and shotguns, which have Prohunter, a incredible accuracy and power with some bullets traveling at over 2,000 feet Triumph and an Omega per second. There have also been models. Those This Knight Disc Extreme Muzzleloading Rifle was made improvements in the ammunition and guns are very specifically for LL Bean and is an inline muzzleloading firearm, black powder. Most people use a synpopular thetic black powder, which makes the popular with many people who are getting into muzzleloading because they hunting. Cathy Genthner photo gun easier to clean and is less corrosive use a primer than the traditional black powder. The most and you can get it in pellet form cap and you powder also comes in pellets. Don instead of having to measure it out." can remove the breech very easily for Pummill, the manager of the Hunting If you think you would like to try cleaning.

The old guns wouldn't always ProShop at L.L. Bean's in Freeport says hunting with a muzzleloading firearm, fire when they were supposed to.

There all those improvements are reflected in you should seek instruction from a local have been a tremendous amount of the sales. fish and game club or other organization advancements made.

Some of these "We have seen an increase in the that has a qualified instructor. You guns actually have an electronic ignition sales of the gun. There are true tradishould know the muzzleloading firearm system." before attempting to use it because the functioning and safety features of a Interchangeable muzzleloading firearm are different Barrels from modern center fire rifles, shotguns Some guns have interand pistols. Modern cartridge firearms changeable barrels and can depend on the strength of the cartridge be used as regular firearms. and the barrel with the ability to safely Other guns feature fiber contain expanding gases. In contrast, optic sights and are the muzzleloading charge rests directly equipped to mount a scope. against the barrel's steel chamber walls Muzzleloading shotguns are and the face of the breech plug, thus equipped for chokes to lacking the protection supplied by a increase accuracy. You can modern cartridge case. The ignition port also prepare your loads ahead of time by using what in a cap lock or flint lock is a hole leading directly into the chamber. Also, the are called "quick shots," design of the muzzleloader will not tolwhich are small containers erate high pressure. Basically, the firing into which you can place of a muzzleloader is primitive compared you primer, powder and bulto modern day firearms but it is this prilets. This makes reloading mordial quality that attracts some people much faster. to the sport.

"I grew up in the Ozarks "There are some people who like the where some of the traditionold style muzzleloader and then there al muzzleloaders were used are some who want it as convenient as it and they were difficult to can be. It is a mix. The new guns, the keep clean because there inlines are more similar to the guns we was a lot of corrosion. Now have today," said Pummill. "Other peowe have Pyrodex and the ple are attracted to the history and the synthetic powder doesn't earlier types of guns."

Modern muzzleloading firearms can include corrode the gun as much. We both rifles and shotguns. (Cathy Genthner photo sell Triple Seven powder the so you don't waste it either and you aren't going to take a bad shot."

Page 18

MAINE Fish and Wildlife

Fall/Winter 2007

BOW: A Deer Hunting Adventure

The six BOW Deer Hunting Workshop participants gathered on the front porch at Northern Hideaway Lodge in T15 R 15. Emily Jones photo out to TIS Rl5 near the St. Pamphile

By Emily Jones checkpoint, where they spent four days learning and about what it takes to sucNow in its tenth year of cessfully harvest a whitetail. operation here in Maine, the Becoming an Outdoors The workshop was designed to provide Woman Program (BOW) the participants, none of whom had any continues to introduce experience deer hunting in the big women to new adventures woods, with the opportunity to learn all in the outdoors. This fall, of the basics of deer hunting; including BOW sponsored an inaugu- orienteering skills, identifying deer sign, ral deer hunting trip for six tree stand safety, how to sight in their women, hosted by Northern rifles and so on. Although they had all Hideaway Guide Service completed their hunter safety courses and most of them had attended other BOW out of Fort Kent. The parworkshops in the past, this was their first ticipants, who hailed from throughout Maine, traveled opportunity to gain a real "deer camp" to St. Francis to meet their experience. guides. The group then Georgia Woodbury with her first deer. Emily Jones photo embarked on the long drive Although none of the ladies were sueMAINE Fish and Wildlife

Fall/Winter 2007 Page 19

cessful in getting their deer, they all still considered the trip a huge success.

On her first morning out in the woods, Amy Douglas walked a ridge with her guide Dave. As they walked Dave taught Amy how to look for sign and what type of behavior to expect from deer. Amy learned how to quietly and slowly move through the woods until she found an area to stop and sit. Dave left her to go check on the other participants while she sat quietly near a downed tree overlooking a clear cut.

guides had to share. All would recommend the workshop for any woman who is interested in learning more about moving around in the woods, even if they are not interested in hunting.

BOW strives to provide opportunities for women to learn more about hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation in a comfortable and safe environment. A three-day Introductory Skills Weekend is held each fall at Camp Caribou in Winslow; and

Beyond BOW workshops like the Deer Hunting Trip are held throughout the year on various topics. A Turkey Hunting and Upland Bird Hunting trip are in the works for 2008, along with a Fly Fishing Weekend and Ice Fishing Trip.

To learn more about BOW or to get involved, visit our website at www.mainebow.com or contact Emily Jones at (207) 287-8069 or emily.jones@maine.gov.

"I waited for about 30 minutes and them closed my eyes. A few minutes later I heard leaves rustling. My eyes popped open and I saw the deer about 20 yards away." Amy later wrote about her first time spotting a deer. Unfortunately there wasn't a clear shot and Amy wasn't able to identify if the deer was a doe or buck so she had to just sit and watch as it disappeared into the woods.

Madeline Poulin summed up her experience by stating, "The weather was great.

The food was delicious. The stories of the guides and other hunters were both funny and educational. Our individual experiences were all very positive."

One thing is for certain, the women who participated in the workshop all left with a greater sense of confidence and new skills that inspired them to continue to hunt on their own after they arrived home.

A week after her trip, using the skills she learned at the workshop, Georgia Woodbury shot her very first deer. She described the experience as amazing, and was thankful to her guides from Northern Hideaway who had provided her with tips on how to line up her sights and wait patiently for a clear shot.

Despite a difficult, snowy drive out of the woods, all of the participants enjoyed themselves tremendously and appreciated all of the experience and knowledge their

Page 20 MAINE Fish and Wildlife

Madeline Poulin of North Vassalboro smiles from her tree stand.

Emily Jones

photo

Fall/Winter 2007

Maine's Trapping Heritage & Furbearer Management

By Wally Jakubuas Wildlife Resource Assessment Section The trapping of furbearers, or animals that have been traditionally harvested for their fur, has been an enduring part of human culture ever since our prehistoric hunter-gatherer ancestors devised the first deadfalls and pit traps to capture animals. Our ancestors depended upon furbearers for the basic necessities - meat for sustenance, and fur for clothing, bedding, and shelter.

In New England, beaver were considered the staff of life for Indians. In addition to providing the necessities of food and clothing, beaver products were used as gifts and in traditional medicines.

Beaver robes were given as marriage dowries, and castor, the secretion from the scent gland of a beaver, was used as a curative for everything from earaches to mental illness.

In addition to beaver, Maine's furbearers include muskrat, mink, weasels, fisher, marten, otter, raccoon, skunk, opossum, coyote, red fox, grey fox, bobcat, and red squirrel.

11

on the landscape. There are 49 different Beaver Pond(s) and Beaver Brook (s) in Maine.

Today, in the United States and Canada, the tradition of trapping continues, although the proportion of people whose livelihood depends on the income they receive from selling furs is far smaller than in historical times. In today's society, most trapping is done by people who look to the land, and the utilization of wildlife, as part of their lifestyle. Unfortunately, this lifestyle is

not understood by a the large segment of society who do not hunt or trap, and is are less inclined to look to the land to provide for their households.

Misconceptions about trapping and forbearer management have led to lawsuits and legislation that threaten the long tradition of trapping. State and federal agencies were created to apply science to protect, maintain, and restore wildlife populations. Today, the harvest of furbearers is a highly regulated, scientifically monitored activity. In Maine,

11

Valuable Beaver Fur was the chief article of commerce that spurred and funded European colonization of the continent during the 17th and 18th centuries. Between 1631 and 1636, the beaver trade for the Plymouth Plantation alone was estimated to be worth 10 ,000 pounds sterling, which more than paid the debt of the colony. Colonists annually sent beaver skins to England to pay their debts, instead of gold.

The names of Maine's ponds and brooks attest to the importance of beaver MAINE Fish and Wildlife

Dana Johnson, president of the Maine Trappers Association, shows one model of body gripper trap.

Photo by Mark Latti

Fall/Winter 2007 Page 21

forbearer populations have expanded and flourished under the modern science of forbearer management and the tradition of trapping.

Trapping Training People who participate in trapping do so for many reasons; including as a life style, for nature appreciation, wildlife management, affiliation with other people, self-sufficiency, and income. These people often cut their own firewood, raise vegetables, hunt, and fish. They also tend to have strong support for conservation programs and environmental protection. For these people, the opportunity to harvest fish and wildlife contributes to a sense of self-reliance, independence and the ability to provide for one's self. They consider the land and the utilization of wildlife as part of their lifestyle.

In Maine, before Before a person can obtain a trapping license in Maine,, they need tomust show proof of having attended a state approved trapper training course or proof that they have held an adult trapping license from another state.

In Maine's trapper education course, would-be-trappers cover a wide array of topics; including the ecological and economic values of furbearers, forbearer management, trapping safety, trapping laws, and humane trapping techniques.

An integral part of trapping education in Maine is the Best Management Practices (BMP) recommendations on trap performance. These recommendations come from research our Department did in conjunction with Maine trappers, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, other state agencies in a national trap testing program.

site on topics such as law changes, land owner relations, and how to avoid catching rare animals (e.g., lynx).

Maine's Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, like other states fish and wildlife agencies, has the legal authority to pass regulations governing wildlife resources, and enforce these regulations. The laws and rules that regulate trapping by various means include: • Mandatory licensing of trappers • Mandatory daily checking of foothold traps • Mandatory trapper education • Restricted seasons for trapping certain species • Restrictions on the size of traps • Restricted areas for trapping certain species • Restrictions on the types of traps used for certain species <Mandatory tagging of traps to identify the trapper • Mandatory tagging of certain

forbearer pelts to track the forbearer harvest

Highly Regulated As you can see, trapping is a highly regulated activity. These regulations ensure that forbearing animals will be around for many generations of trappers and wildlife watchers in the future, and they maintain the a public trust in the scientific management of our forbearer populations.

Regulations and their enforcement, however, are only one part of forbearer management. Professional biologists use information from harvest trends, trapper observations, and biological information to monitor annual trends in forbearer populations. In Maine, we use wildlife management systems that have been reviewed by biologists from both within and outside of our agency to make management decisions affecting forbearer populations. For example, in 2007 the

Humane Traps Through the BMP program, trappers now have information on which traps are the most humane at for capturing forbearing animals, and yet are efficient and safe to use. The Maine Trappers Association, worked closely with the Department in developing this program and in disseminating the results. Trapping education does not stop with the Department's trapper education course. Learning is a life long process; and as such, our Department continues to annually update trappers through mailings and our web Page 22 MAINE Fish and Wildlife

Dana Johnson, president of the Maine Trappers Association, sets a steel-jawed foothold trap.

Photo by Mark Latti

Fall/Winter 2007

fisher trapping season was shortened to one month, to allow the fisher population to rebuild and stabilize.

This decision followed the management system recommendations for fisher;, this was reviewed and discussed by biologists within the Department, it was was discussed with trappers, and finally was approved by the Commissioner's Advisory Council.

Furbearer Research Occasionally, wildlife biologists need to conduct research to find the answer to management questions that are not available from existing information.

Department biologists have worked closely with researchers at the University of Maine, such as Drs. Dan Harrison and Bill Krohn, to learn critical information about marten, fisher, coyote, and bobcat.

Their studies have guided public working groups in the formulation of management goals for furbearers, and their research results are eventually incorporated into the Department's forbearer management systems.

Increasingly, wildlife biologists must devote more of their time to the controversy over trapping and the use of fur.

The use of foothold and killer-type traps (e.g., conibears) has been prohibited in a number of states, and certain groups continue to press for more trapping restrictions.

MAINE Fish and Wildlife

The recent lawsuit by the Animal Protection Institute against our Department over the (2) incidental captures of lynx, is just one recent example of the desire of some people to curtail trapping.

Fortunately, biologists can point to many examples where trapping has been used in wildlife management for the betterment of wildlife. Foothold traps have been - and continue to be - used successfully to capture a wide variety of wildlife species - unharmed - in order to study the characteristics of individuals and populations.

Wildlife biologists typically use these traps to capture animals that are then carefully monitored, revealing information on their movements, habitat requirements, and reproduction that can be acquired no other way. In Maine, foothold traps have been used for 8 years on the Department's lynx study to capture - and then release - Canada lynx.

Biologists certainly want to use a capture device that minimizes the probability possibility of injury to the study animals, and we have had no injuries from our foothold traps.

Other examples of the use of foothold traps in wildlife man- The following is a partial agement include the capture and restoration of river otters in Pennsy 1 vania, New York, West Virginia, Missouri, and other Midwestern states.

Foothold traps are generally the only effective traps for catching canid species such as wolves, coyotes, and foxes. As a result, they are almost

always the trap of choice when any of these wary species are targeted for capture by either the public or wildlife researchers.

An example is the ongoing, important role foothold traps played in the restoration of several endangered wolf populations. Red wolves were captured, examined and relocated to reestablish new populations, and Mexican wolves were captured for a captive breeding program that will provide healthy animals for a reintroduction program. Finally, foothold traps also play an important role in protecting the health and viability of many established or newly reestablished populations of rare and endangered species. Foothold traps are particularly important management tools for protecting rare and endangered species from undesirable levels of predation.

Portions of this article were taken from the website Conservewildlife .org which is sponsored by the Northeast Furbearer Resources Technical Committee, the Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife is a member of this organization. http://www.conserve

wildlife .org/

list of endangered or threatened plant, reptile, bird and mammal species in the U.S. which are being protected and managed through the use of foothold traps:

Rare Species Under Restoration/Protection Pink Lady Slipper Pitcher Plant Desert Tortise Sea Turtle Aleutian Canada Goose Attwater's Prairie Chicken Brown Pelican Mississippi Sandhill Crane Alabama Beach Mouse Col. White-tailed Deer San Joaquin Kit Fox Whooping Crane Least Tern Black-footed Ferret Piping Plover Spiny Soft Shell Turtle

Species Trapped to Aid Restoration Beaver Beaver Coyote Raccoon Arctic Fox Coyote Coyote Coyote Red Fox Coyote Coyote Coyote, Red Fox Red Fox, Raccoon Coyote Red Fox, Raccoon Raccoon Fall/Winter 2007 Page 23

Squaretails many un-surveyed backcountry ponds in Maine, even though mechanized logging had been underway for several decades.

In the absence of roads, we accessed these ponds by hiking, helicopter, or airplane, often with a canoe lashed onto the float frame. We determined pond depths and fish species, analyzed water quality, and mapped the quantity and quality of habitat suitable for natural reproduction.

These ponds almost invariably contained brook trout, and - almost as invariably - had indications that anglers had been there long before us, as evidenced by the remains of canoes, boats, rafts, or perhaps a telltale cedar pole stuck in the spring hole. It is likely that these ponds had been fished during the first cut of timber (accomplished by axe and handsaw), then left to recover after the crews moved on. So despite our best efforts, we probably do not have detailed biological information on unexploited brook trout populations, and we can only speculate about how large, old, or abundant the fish originally were in many of the state's waters.

Biology and Management of Maines Brook Trout

~ Forrest Bonney

Long Decline Many of these backcountry ponds were fished anonymously, with no written record of catches. In other waters, however, catches of large brook trout were public and social events, with results reported in the newspapers and magazines of the late 1800s and early 1900s. Large fish were regarded as trophies, with little thought given to the effect of their harvest on native brook trout populations. Some of those records, which report brook trout up to 12.5 pounds in weight, are included in the book. Unfortunately, their harvest began a long decline in the quality of brook trout fishing in Maine. Today, we are in the position of rebuilding these populations to their former abundance and size quality. In many cases, we are stymied in

Page 24 MAINE Fish and Wildlife

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

these efforts because of habitat degradation, introduced competing fish species, and-increasingly-by global climate change. Nonetheless, we have demonstrated the basic principle that restrictive regulations result in larger brook trout. It remains to be seen whether we can produce fish as large a those that populated our waters before European exploration and exploitation.

Maine Is Number One No other freshwater fish species is more closely associated with Maine than the brook trout. With a statewide distri-

bution in lakes, rivers, and estuaries, brook trout have provided food and recreation since the earliest days of settlement. Brook trout are a symbol of clean, cold waters and pristine habitat.

Although brook trout still occupy much of their historic range in Maine, they have declined in part of the coastal plain due to development and habitat degradation. Neverthele s, Maine has the most significant brook trout resource in the northeastern United States.

For a small fish, the brook trout gets a lot of attention, and no just from the tandpoint of fishing. Much has been Fall/Winter 2007

written about fishing for, and the biology of, Maine brook trout. The two categories are not exclusive, because most people who are interested in brook trout are interested, to some extent, in all aspects of the fish. There is an abundance of literature on fishing for Maine brook trout.

This directs anglers to brook trout waters and provides information on catching them.

There is less information available on brook trout biology, particularly in Maine. This book emphasizes the biology and management of Maine brook trout and purports to answer questions about its origins, history, distribution, biology, ecology, and from a management perspective - th es port fishery.

Many people, including state biologists, university researchers, and other scientists and resource managers, have contributed to brook trout research and management in Maine.

Information about Maine brook trout exists as peer-reviewed journal articles, reports, datasets, and experiences of professionals who dedicated their careers to fisheries science. Given the vast number of contributors spanning more than a half century, I saw a need to consolidate information about Maine brook trout

MAINE Fish and Wildlife

under one cover as a history and reference to anglers and managers alike.

Through this process, I came to better appreciate the extent of work that has been done on Maine's brook trout population, as well as document the need for additional work.

More Research Needed The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) has worked toward preserving and enhancing brook trout populations through resource inventories, regulatory restrictions, fish culture, and habitat manipulations for years. Maine has a small staff dedicated to fisheries management and research. Since the 1970s, the research staff of the Fisheries Division, never large to begin with, has declined in numbers due to lack of funding. For that reason, many of the research conclusions used in this document were derived from research conducted outside of Maine, and the relevance of the research from other areas is assumed proportional to its proximity to Maine. Reliance on studies from other areas highlights the need to further document Maine's native brook trout resource.

Information in this book is organized

by a variety of geographic and political groupings, including county, river drainage, and region, depending on the format that seemed most appropriate.

'Region' refers to the seven administrative management units of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, with headquarters at the following locations: Region A, Gray; Region B, Sidney; Region C, Jonesboro; Region D, Strong; Region E, Greenville; Region F, Enfield; and Region G, Ashland.

Regions A, B, and C are coastal, which for reasons described in the book have less brook trout habitat and a greater amounts of stocking than inland regions.

For the inland regions, Region E (the Moosehead Lake area) has the greatest concentration of brook trout waters.

To order this informative book, please contact: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Attn: Information Center, 41 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-004 Tel207287-8000 Or our online store @ www.mefishwildlife.com Fall/Winter 2007 Page 25

Maine Fish and Wildlife on MyOutdoorTV.com

By Lisa Kane and Sherry G. Kerr

l\J.

l~!;+1 MY( H ' f

0( )( HffV.com

~--

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has become one of the nation's first state wildlife agencies, and the first in the northeast, to begin offering an archive of video topics to a worldwide audience. The department is partnering with a powerful new forum, MyOutdoorTV.com, to promote hunting, fishing, boating, wildlife-watching, and other natural resource enjoyment opportunities in Maine.

MyOutdoorTV.com features the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife in videos covering a wide range of outdoors and conservation topics via links to this new website. Videos cover various department programs, as well as interesting fish and wildlife resources and outdoor experiences. All are available on demand at MyOutdoorTV.com, the world's largest internet video network for outdoor television shows, radio, video, and conservation information.

A video project conceived by Department District Game Wardens Dan Scott and Game Warden Sergeant Pat Devlin, and produced in conjunction with the New England School of Communications - through Husson College in Bangor - was not only the most-watched single video on MyOutdoorTV.com in October, but it led all show titles in number of streams for the month on the online outdoor television network. Titled Irrevocable Decision, the video is a look at the accidental fatal shooting of a hunter in Maine in 2004.

Chris Moise, CEO ofMyOutdoorTV .com, states that "Maine's 'Irrevocable Decision' is compelling to watch, not only because it's true and relevant, but also because every hunter can relate to the hunters in the video. This is one of the best hunter safety stories ever produced, and MyOutdoorTV.com is proud to host the video."

"Maine's Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has been a leader with MyOutdoorTV.com since the site's Page 26 MAINE Fish and Wildlife

launch. It was one of the first state agencies to join our State Explorer section, and its 'Irrevocable Decision' documentary is the most-watched single video on the site."

MyOutdoorTV.com has created a special section within its site called "State Explorer," which will provide video from various states and links to each state wildlife agency. The section will include weekly programming, educational videos, safety instruction, wildlife and waterways law enforcement information, and other useful materials. Hunters, fishermen, and boaters will even be able to purchase licenses through MyOutdoorTV.com or make donations to the Department of Wildlife.

Shows and materials provided by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife are included and available to via a site search engine from topical sections on the MyOutdoorTV.com site.

Maine's portion of the site features video subjects from whitetail deer and turkey hunting, to brook trout or bass fishing.

Topics will also include wildlife watching, wildlife management, and other Warden Service topics.

MyOutdoorTV.com also includes the department in marketing activities for the site, including TV, radio, print and online advertising and promotions. The department provides a link on our website,

~

OUTFITTING YOU FOR

SEASONS OF SUCCESS ~

www.cabelas.com

www.mefishwildlife.com, to view programming at MyOutdoorTV.com.

"More and more people get their news and information via the web.

Therefore, we are thrilled to partner with the team at MyOutdoorTV.com," stated Bill Pierce, Public Relations Representative for Maine's wildlife agency. "Outdoor enthusiasts will find great videos and information covering the numerous fish and wildlife stories and outdoor experiences that we have to offer. This partnership provides a cutting edge tool for our department to reach a larger and more diverse audience with information that will enhance their knowledge and appreciation for Maine's fantastic fish and wildlife resources."

"Maine is an outdoorsman 's paradise, and we're pleased to be the forum for the world to see what it has to offer," said Chris Moise, "We congratulate Maine for their progressive wildlife agency that was quick to come on board with us."

Use of MyOutdoorTV.com is always FREE to viewers, 24/7, with no registration required. The site streams shows featuring ome of the leading names in the outdoors, including Hank Parker, Roland Martin, Mark Sos in, Larry Czonka and Babe Winkelman.

Fall/Winter 2007

PROTECT

YOURSELF

MAINE GUN SELLERS PROTECT

YOUR

GUNS

FEDERAL LAW provides severe penalties for persons who knowingly sell guns to prohibited persons.

BE AWARE. ASK QUESTIONS. DON'T LET YOUR GUNS BE USED IN A CRIME. Sell your guns only to someone you know can legally possess them or directly to a federally licensed gun dealer.

CONTACT US FOR A GUN SELLER'S SAFETY KIT (207) 771-3294 OR 262-4694

Gun Sellars Awareness C.upaign Project Safa Neighborhoods Task Force

United States Attorney - District of Maine â&#x20AC;¢ Portland/Bangor, Maine usame. psn@usdoj. gov MAINE Fish and Wildlife

Fall/Winter 2007 Page 27

Answers to Kibits

United State Postal Service Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation 1. Publication Title: MAINE Fish and Wildlife 2. Publication number: 0369-005X 3. Filing Date: Dec. 13, 2007 4. Issue frequency: Quarterly 5. Number of issues published annually: 4 6. Annual subscription price: $14.95 7. Complete mailing address of known office of publication: 284 State St., 41 SHS, Augusta, Maine 04333-0041. Contact person: Marc Michaud. Tel. 207-287-5248 8. Complete mailing address of headquarters: 284 State St., SHS 41, Augusta, Maine 04333-0041 9. Full names ands complete mailing addresses of publisher, editor and managing editor: Publisher: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, 284 State Street, Augusta, Maine 04330 Editor: Marc Michaud, 284 State Street, Augusta, Maine 04330 Managing Editor: Harry Vanderweide, P.O. Box 351, Augusta, Maine 04332.

1 O. Owner: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Widlife, 284 State, St. Augusta, Maine 04333.

11. Known bondholders, mortagees and other security holders owning or holding 1 percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages or other securities: None.

12. Tax status: Has not changed during preceeding 12 months.

13. Publication title: MAINE Fish and Wildlife 14. Issue date for circulation data below: Summer 2007 15. Extent and nature of circulation: Avge. No. copies each issue during preceding 12 months 4,500 No. copies of single issue pub.nearest to filing date 4,500 a. Total number of copies 4,500 b. Paid and/or requested circulation: 3,816 Paid/requested outside3,816 county mail subscriptions stated on form 3541.

(Includes advertiser's proof and exchange copies): 3,816 c. Total paid and/or 3,816

requested circulation 675 4,491

f. Total free distribution: g. Total distribution: h. Copies not distrib.: 9 Total j. Percent paid and/or

675 4,491 4,500

4,500

requested circulation

74

74

Quiz on Page 15 1. Barred Owl 2. Wood Duck 3. Black Racer 4. Painted Turtle 5. Great Blue Heron 6. Bald Eagle 7. Striped Skunk 8. Black Bear 9. Mountain Lion 10. Whitetail Fawn

9

Dead River Hatchery

All sizes Rainbow Trout available Brook Trout available in 4-6

IF&W permit required

207-628-2816

State certified Page 28 MAINE Fish and Wildlife

Fall/Winter 2007

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Gildan T-shirts 100% cotton pre-shrunk

Green Waxcloth

Canvas wl Suede Bill

Cotton LED wl Trout

Price Ea.

Quantity Item Hane' s Beefy T's (*If ordering XXL please add $2.50 per item) Pine Green De er Olive Trout Jade Moose

Pine Green Deer

'

-

-

M ---M M

L L L

Deer

Moose

Green LED Green Waxcloth Green Suede Bill

N/A -

N/A ----

-

(please calculate tm shipping cost, by the number of items per category)

- $1.35 each x Qty.__

Hats

-

I T-shirts - $2.31 each x Qty. __

I

=$

--

In-stock items are shipped within 5 business days.

Items that are out-of-stock may take four to six weeks for delivery.

$20.00 $16.00 $16.00

$ $ $

Subtotal

$

(Maine residents add 5%) Sales

State:

Phone:

$ $ $

Trout

Postage Total$

City: Jade Moose

$15.00 $15.00 $15.00

---

=$

*XXL *XXL *XXL

XL XL XL

Hats

Postage Rates Olive Trout

---

-

Total

Tax

Postage

$

TOTAL DUE

$

Zip:

-

_

---------------------~ Method of Payment

(Please make check payable to: Treasurer, State of Maine) DCheck/Money Card#:

Order

DVisa

DMastercard

D Discover

-----

Shipping costs on returned items are non-refundable.

Expiration Date: Signature:

/

_

---------------------

Mail order. with payment. to: Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife Information Center 284 State St. 41 SHS Augusta, ME 04333-0041 207 -287 -8000

MAINE Fish and Wildlife

Check out our online store:

www.mefishwildlife.com .... .for these items and more.

Fall/Winter 2007 Page 29

Special Introductory Off er Yes, I want to subscribe to

MAINE Fish and Wildlife

Official Publication ofThe Maine Department oflnland Fisheries and Wildlife

---------------------------------------------------------------_One Year (Four Issues) $9.95

. =« '~ Published four times a year, ~ MAINE Fish and Wildlife Magazine is your best source of accurate, up-to-date fish and wildlife information.

Vividlyillustrated with color photos, this is the authoritative publication on Maine's wildlife and natural resources.

_Two Years (Eight Issues) $15 .95 Name Address City

_ _

State_ Zip _ _Mastercard Card No. Exp. Date __ Make checks to: Maine Fish and Wildlife Magazine Send to: P.O. Box 1457, Yarmouth, ME 04096 1-8 00-2 7 6-088 3 (In-State) 1-207-846-950 I (Out-of-State) www.mefishwildlife.com Bill my _''isa

---------------------------------------- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---·

Weekly Fishing and Hunting Reports From Maine's Fishery and Wildlife Biologists T

T

T

T Page 30 MAINE Fish and Wildlife

Fishing Hotspot of the Week Maine's Best Waters Fish and Wildlife Trophy Gallery Send Us Your Trophy Photos Maine's Best Outdoor Almanac Fall/Winter 2007

Maine Fish & Wildlife

OUTDOOR

ROSTER 1

.·IKENNEBAGO RIVER KAMPS North of Rangeley between Kennebago Lake and Little Kennebago Lake • Fly Fish for native Salmon & Brook Trout in Kennebago's rivers & lakes • Excellent Deer and Grouse Hunting • Snowmobiling on ITS 84 and 89 • 3 Housekeeping Camps • Gated Access • Reasonable Rates

I

Write: Kennebago River Kamps, R. Hammond PO Box 677, Rangeley 04970 207-864-2402

Need to know about Maine Outdoors?

Check the DIF&W Website: www.mefishwildlife.com

on FISH RIVER LAKE Northern Maine's Last Frontier P.O. Box 140 Portage, Maine 04768 Phone 207-435-6156

• FAMILY VACATIONS • MoosE,

LOON, WILDFLOWER FIELD TRIPS

• HUNTING, FISHING • ICE FISHING, CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING

Located in Allagash Lakes Region north of Baxter State Park. Full-service lodge, seven log cabins on Haymock, Spider and Cliff Lakes (T8R11, T9R11, T9R12). American Plan or Housekeeping. Indoor plumbing available. ~

SP~~1~X'CAMPASSOCIATION

MAINE Fish and Wildlife

OPEN YEAR ROUND

P.O. Box 598FG, Millinocket, ME 04462 207-757-7097 (LET IT RING!)

(MAILING ADDRESS ONLY)

Fall/Winter 2007 Page 31

Birds of .Maine Posters Now Available Three new full-color posters focusing on 60 common birds of Maine wetlands, backyards and forest and field habitats are now available from MDIFW. Each 29" X 32" poster, printed on heavy, glossy paper, features an original habitat painting by popular Maine wildlife and landscape artist Tom Merriam, with 20 photographs of common bird species superimposed. The back of each poster, in black and white, has individual habitat and bird species information specific to Maine.

BIRDS OF MAINE

,t..:._ .l-N E

1

BACKYARDS

;,..-

BIRDS

OF MAINE

WETLANDS

Price is $3.00 each, or the et of 3 for $8.00. (Maine re ident add 5% ales tax.)

To purchase directly, stop into MDIFW Headquarters, 284 State treet, Augusta To order, call the MDIFW Information Center at 207-287-8000 or visit the MDIFW Online tore at www.mcfishwildlife.com