VGOM July 2013 by Vermont's Great Outdoors Magazine

Vermont’s

Volume 1 Number 7

Magazine

GREAT OUTDOORS

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Fishing the hex hatch The forbidden (Berlin) pond It takes a team to bag a buck How the trout got its spots

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Eels returning to Champlain Father, son on the Long Trail Friends forgive our foul-ups Cooper’s Hawk or Sharpie?

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

Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine www.VtGreatOutdoorsMag.com July 2013 • Volume 1 • Number 7

Features 32 Hitting

the Trail

A father and son continue their Long Trail quest in the middle of Vermont.

44 Friends

Forgive

An angler’s friends forgive him long before he forgives himself after a slip up on the net.

49 Forbidden

Pond

The long saga of Berlin Pond is detailed by an angler who has fought to open the water.

Publisher & Editor Darren Marcy News/Marketing Assistants Maya Marcy & Camilla Marcy Contributors Jeremy Baker, Bradley Carleton, Bob Shannon, Evan Chismark, Zachary McNaughton, Dalton Harben, Shelley Lutz, Catherine Griset, Nathan Smead, Wayne Laroche, Tim Traver. Article & Photo Submissions editor@VtGreatOutdoorsMag.com Press Releases, Letters news@VtGreatOutdoorsMag.com

71 Cooper’s

or Sharpie

Distinguishing between these two similar looking raptors is harder than it looks.

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More Inside 5. Photo of the Month 6. Editor’s Note 7. Readers Sound Off 10. Outdoor News 40. Fly Fishing 60. Shed Antlers

71. Birds of Vermont 73. Conservation 76. The Outside Story 79. LCI 81. The Great Artdoors 84. Out and About

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

Page 4 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • July 2013

Photo of the Month:

Liam Ricketts, 3, of Tinmouth wears his Papa's Fishing Vest while fishing in the Otter Creek in Wallingford on June 5. Liam caught a nice rainbow trout and he is all set with a lifetime Vermont hunting and fishing license.

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

Editor’s Note:

Together

On the Cover

ne of the things I take pride in with this publication is its dedication to all outdoor recreation. That's not easy to do these days given the political climate our country is in, and has been in for the last decade or more. We're an angry country. But I'm a firm believer in the outdoors as a healing power – a type of therapy for the soul. That's one of the reasons this magazine isn't focused just on hunting and fishing, or hiking, biking and paddling. I firmly believe we are better together than we are apart. And in this state, it's not such a stretch. While some users' groups don't like others, for the most part there is a level of respect. I've been to a public hearing in another place that nearly ended in fisticuffs as a land-management agency took public comment on a long-term management plan. As Robert Earl Keen sings, “The hard words were flying by like punches in a barroom brawl.” And it nearly turned into one before calmer heads prevailed. Which is why I was initially really torn about a column that's in this issue. Nathan Smead has written a roundup of the ongoing battle over Berlin Pond and he includes some “hard words.” Mr. Smead has skin in the game. He's been going to the meetings. He's been called names in print. For him, it's personal. And he's passionate about the issue of allowing access to Berlin Pond and has put himself in the line of fire to make that happen. He sees a definite “good guy” and “bad guy” in this battle clearly believes his side is right. And, he writes with passion and conviction. And that, in the end, is what led me not to send this piece back to him and ask him to tone it down. He's passionate about something that's dear to him. We've all been there. Had this column been written by one of the “antis” he refers to, it would likely have been just as passionate from the other side of the issue. And remember, we do print letters to the editor, whether you agree or disagree. One thing I do believe, however, is that we can get more accomplished by working together. It's clear all birdwatchers in the state didn't agree with those who have been trying to keep anglers and paddlers off Berlin Pond, or there would have been hundreds of them at the last meeting. Birdwatchers form the single largest user group in the state. And many of those birdwatchers, also hunt, fish, kayak, camp, bike … We have to be careful about painting with too broad a brush. That public hearing I attended that almost ended in a couple of fat lips turned into a partnership of sorts as the mountain bikers and four-wheelers – the two groups at odds – found a way to work together on a weekend cleanup program. In the end, they saw each other as partners in protecting something that was worth protecting. They still didn't like each other much, but they developed respect. And they ended up accomplishing a lot more together than they ever could have separately.

Big Smallie This month’s cover shot was submitted by Zachary McNaughton of iFishVT.com and shows Alicia Ostrom holding a very nice smallmouth bass she had just caught. McNaughton runs a video production company and is willing to barter video services for fishing trips. Contact him at the address above and through Facebook. Have a great photo you want to share? Whether it’s a fish, a summit, a sunset or just a little family time. Please send it in. You might find it on the cover of the next Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine.

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

Sound Off:

Readers Sound Off People respond to cell phone photo of what appears to be a big cat The Issue

Sound Off

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● A fuzzy cell phone photo of what appears to be a large cat was posted to Facebook. It was never made clear where the photo was taken and described as taken by a “friend of a friend.” Still, the issue peaked the interest of people. As people checked in, the debate began about whether it was indeed a photo of a catamount in Vermont, or just another shot of a bobcat or overgrown housecat. What do you think. Send your comments to news@vtgreatoutdoorsmag.com.

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That's a Catamount! Where was that taken? Catamount, for sure. Big cat, near Rutland? Sasquatch! What is that? Large house cat. Tail is too fuzzy and neck is too short for mountain lion. Looks like a lion to me! I am a bit of a cat person. Totally believe that we do have a few lions in the northeast but that does not look like one to me. Hard to tell though with such a bad photo. Look at the nose. It's too long to be a house cat's. And the ears aren't right for a house cat. I could be mistaken. Wouldn't be the first time. I'd have to see the spot to reference against the size of the trees and the height of the weeds. Looks like the cat I saw in Tinmouth/Wallingford in 2001. Fisher cat? I had a catamount walk across the road in front of me at 4 a.m. in March of 2001 in Wallingford. Waist high, exact color of pic above, same ears and long tail. I'm going with a cougar, aka catamount. Looking at the bushy tail and hind legs doesn't look to be domestic house cat. Google images "cougar" to compare. Kind of sweet! Where was this taken? Saw a similar photo taken on a game camera from Middle Road. There are catamounts around for sure, but hard to tell from this photo without perspective. Need to put a baited game camera there. Tail looks too bushy to me? Lion tail long and sleek. Not bushy. The dark on the tail looks like the catamount I saw ... tail was sleeker. I am definitely a mountain lion believer just need to see a better photo.

Page 7 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • July 2013

Outdoor News: that will last a lifetime, according to the release. McDonald grew up on the Rangeley Lakes of Maine where his grandfather was a guide and has spent a lifetime in the outdoors. New fly-fishing business In his spare time, McDonald enjoys tying flies, opens in Jonesville fishing, hiking, reading, writing and exploring the local JONESVILLE -- A new fly-fishing business has back roads of Vermont on his bicycle. opened in Vermont. For more information, www.finnutility.com. Ryan McDonald announced the creation of Finn Utility, a fly-fishing product company based in Vermont moose hunting Jonesville, according to a press release. application deadline is July 5 According to the release, Finn Utility is focused on using the highest quality U.S.-sourced natural materials Don’t forget to get your moose hunting permit including waxed canvas, leather and brass, which are applications in by July 5. locally handcrafted. The best course of action might be to apply online at The product line includes fly wallets and duffel bags. this point. Finn Utility is dedicated to respecting the traditional The application is quick and easy to fill out on the aesthetic with a touch of modern. The company’s Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s website mission is to create classic, durable and useful products (www.vtfishandwildlife.com). Under “Hunting and

Outdoor News

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

Outdoor News: Trapping,” click on Lottery Applications. “It’s a really quick process that ensures your entry is immediately entered into the lottery,” said Director of Wildlife Mark Scott. “Plus, it saves postage. Printed moose applications are available at license agents, but we really encourage you to use the online application. It is more efficient for you and for us.” Lottery permit applications are $10 for residents and $25 for nonresidents. Winners of the permit lottery must purchase a resident moose hunting permit for $100, or a nonresident moose hunting permit for $350. The Fish & Wildlife Department is issuing 355 moose hunting permits by lottery for the regular October 19-24 moose season and 50 permits for an archery moose season October 1-7.

The 2012 Vermont Moose Harvest Report with details on last year’s hunt, including the towns where moose were taken, is on Fish & Wildlife’s website. Look under “Hunting and Trapping” and then “Big Game.”

Police say fishing gear reported stolen WOODBURY -- Vermont State Police said a Woodbury man reported having his fishing gear stolen from residence in June. Rods, reels, tackle boxes and life vests were reported stolen from the home on Route 14. The majority of them Fenwick and St. Croix rods, and the majority of

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

Outdoor News: the reels were made by Shimano. Anybody who has any information on the stolen fishing gear can contact State Police in Middlesex at 229-9191.

Man hits bear with his car on Route 7 in Salisbury Vermont State Police say a driver hit a bear while driving on Route 7 in Salisbury the night June 12. Police say David A. Paquette, 57, of Middlebury was driving south on Route 7 when a bear ran in front of his 2011 Chevrolet about 9:30 p.m. Paquette couldn’t avoid the bear and hit. His vehicle sustained moderate front-end damage, but he was not injured. Moderate front end damage. The news release did not mention the bear.

Some anglers upset at walleye stocking plans The Caledonian-Record is reporting that some anglers are upset at plans to stock walleyes in Moore Reservoir. Vermont and New Hampshire have begun discussions about the idea of stocking the walleye and a meeting is scheduled for July 22 in Littleton. Opposition comes from anglers, including the Ammonoosuc Chapter of Trout Unlimited, who fear the walleye will hurt the trout and salmon populations in the lake. The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department believes the lake would support a self-sustaining walleye population without affecting the other fish, and the trout in the lake are stocked trout that are too large when stocked to be preyed upon by walleye except in extreme cases.

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

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

Outdoor News: The salmon that are in the lake are there as a result 10 in Camel’s Hump State Park. of a stocking effort that ended two years ago and the Vermont State Police said Adrianne Wheeler, 29, of salmon are not expected to be around long anyway. Colchester, and her 2-year-old daughter and 6-year-old son were in good shape after getting lost on the Long Trail south of Duxbury Road in the town of Duxbury. Two mountain bikes stolen Police said Wheeler called for help on her cell phone from home in Addison about 10 p.m. and said she did not have a flashlight. Vermont State Police were called to investigate the But police lost the connection and did not hear back theft of a pair of mountain bikes in Addison. from her. Andrew Kepes, 46, said the bikes were taken Police said the woman was able to start a fire to stay sometime between 8 p.m. June 9 and 8 a.m. June 10 warm. The three were found the next morning and from his address on Mountain Street. assisted in hiking out of the woods. Anyone with information about the stolen bikes is encouraged to call the State Police at 388.4919.

Woman, two children found after night in the woods

Audubon Vermont names new leader, Ross

Peter Ross has been named executive director and vice president of Audubon Vermont. Searchers were able to locate a woman and her two Ross was named the leader of the statewide young kids after they spent the night in the woods June conservation group May 20 in a press release.

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

Outdoor News: “Peter is a proven and experienced leader with a strong conservation ethic,” said Audubon President and CEO David Yarnold, in the release. Audubon Vermont has 3,000 members and seven affiliated chapters and employs 12 biologists, educators and advocates with an annual budget of $820,000. “Peter grew up in Vermont, knows the state well, and is a strong environmental advocate and a proven leader,” said Audubon Vermont Board Chair Debby Bergh. “He is excited about the Atlantic Flyway vision and Vermont's leadership role, our education programs, and the work we do with landowners 'keeping birds and people on common ground.'” The release describes Ross as a native Vermonter and believes in promoting environmental sensitivity and awareness and educating future generations about maintaining diverse and healthy ecosystems, which underlie healthy communities and a healthy economy. “I grew up hiking, camping and swimming in

Vermont's magical outdoors spaces, and from my father, I learned it's important to leave the world a better place for our children,” Ross said. “I believe in Audubon's mission and values, and I'm excited to support and expand the great conservation work Audubon does here in Vermont and across the hemisphere.” Ross has a master's degree in environmental science education from the University of Michigan. He will work out of the organization's headquarters at the Green Mountain Audubon Center in Huntington.

Woman suffering asthma attack located in woods Authorities were called when a woman reported she was lost and suffering an asthma attack just before 8 p.m. June 6. Vermont State Police said Bethanne Marshall, 45, of Milton had to be located off Chester A. Arthur Road in

Page 14 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • July 2013

Outdoor News: Fairfield with the aid of a State Police dog, along with All-terrain vehicle reported stolen Fish & Wildlife wardens and fire and rescue personnel. Lindsey Rogers reported an all-terrain vehicle stolen Marshall was treated by treated by medical crews in Chittenden on June 4. and was then able to walk out of the woods where she Rogers said it is believed the gray/green Polaris was taken to an area hospital to be evaluated. Sportsman 700 was taken between noon June 3 and 6 a.m. June 4 from 213 Holden Road in Chittenden. Two vehicles vandalized in If anyone witnessed the theft or has any information, they are encouraged to contact the Vermont State parking area at Camel’s Hump Vermont State Police investigated the vandalism of Police at Rutland, 773-9101. a pair of vehicle at the Camel’s Hump parking area in Huntington on May 28. Man dies after crashing ATV Police said two vehicles had their windows smashed A Massachusetts man died after losing control of the but nothing was reported stolen from either vehicle. ATV he was driving and crashing May 23. The vandalism most likely happened between 11 a.m. Vermont State Police said Frank T. Baker Jr., 42, of and 4 p.m. May 28. Acushnet, Mass., was riding a Yamaha Grizzly 660 on Anyone with information about the vandalism is a gravel and dirt trail near Leonard Hill Road in Concord encouraged to call the State Police at 388-4919. at about 10 p.m. when he reportedly lost control and

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

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

Outdoor News: rode off the trail, according to a State Police report. Baker, who was not wearing a helmet, was thrown from the ATV, police said. CPR was attempted but Baker could not be resuscitated, according to the report. Police said alcohol appears to have been a factor.

Two recalls on outdoor recreation products could affect enthusiasts Outdoor enthusiasts should know of two recalls of outdoor gear. One is for Salsa Vaya and Salsa La Cruz bike forks and the other is for Cedar Lake propane heater/cooker. The Salsa Vaya and La Cruz bike forks involved are made of tubular chromoly steel and were sold from February 2011 through June 2012. The forks are were sold individually and as original equipment on Salsa Vaya bicycles and framesets. There have been eight reports of the bicycle fork bending above the disc brake mount, posing a fall

hazard to the rider. Nobody has been seriously injured. There have been about 1,700 forks sold. For more information, call Salsa Cycles at 877-7746208 or visit www.salsacycles.com and click on the Fork Recall button for more information. The Cedar Lake heater/cooker is a dual use product that consists of a single large ceramic burner with a metal stand. It measures 9 inches by 10.25 inches by 4.5 inches. It has a product number of #14219 that is printed on the packaging The manufacturer says the regulator on the heater/cooker malfunctions when a user switches from a cooking to heating option, or vice versa, and the gas propane turns to liquid, which can flare easily and pose a fire hazard. There was one fire reported but no injuries. About 325 of these units were sold. For more information, call Texsport at 800-231-1402 or visit www.texsport.com and click on RECALL link.

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

Outdoor News:

A nice northern Vermont rainbow caught by Rhine Hullfish while fishing a Lamoille River tributary in mid-June.

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Outdoor News:

Fish & Wildlife, VEC partner on osprey recovery The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department and Vermont Electric Cooperative have partnered to provide nesting platforms for osprey in Vermont. The team recently created two new nesting platforms for the birds at the Eagle Point Wildlife Management Area in Derby. Osprey are large, fish-eating raptors that were once nearly extinct in Vermont due to loss of nesting habitat, declines in fish populations, and the effects of the pesticide DDT. Following a nationwide ban of DDT in the 1970s, osprey have made a dramatic recovery. They were removed from Vermont’s threatened and endangered species list in 2005. Osprey prefer to nest on standing dead trees, but many landowners remove these trees. The birds frequently turn to utility poles as an alternative nesting site, often with negative consequences, according to Jeffery Wright, chief operating officer for VEC. “One of our biggest fears was that osprey would roost or nest on our utility poles, which can damage the poles and harm the osprey,” Wright said. “After a nest caught on fire on one of our poles, we knew we had to start making some changes.” VEC began collaborating with

An osprey perches next to a nest platform placed by the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department and Vermont Electric Cooperative at Eagle Point Wildlife Management Area in Derby.

Fish & Wildlife in 2008 to create osprey nesting platforms throughout northern Vermont. The platforms are placed on the top of a telephone pole near open water. Osprey frequently use the platforms to build nests and fledge their young. “What began as a strategy aimed at mitigating accidents has turned into a rewarding conservation effort,” Wright said. “Our line workers spend a lot of time in the outdoors and have a close connection to the land and to

wildlife. This is a great way for our utility to give back to the environment and is something we can all be proud of.” Wright added that he has a picture of a nesting platform from Sandbar WMA behind his desk at his office. “This is truly a collaborative effort,” said Paul Hamelin, habitat biologist for Vermont Fish & Wildlife. “Partnerships like these really strengthen our conservation efforts on our wildlife management areas.”

What is your club, group or organization up to? Share you news. Submit news about Vermont’s Outdoors to VGOM. news@vtgreatoutdoorsmag.com Page 18 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • July 2013

Outdoor News:

Vermont Fish & Wildlife course for educators Vermont’s popular fish and wildlife summer course for teachers and other educators will be held July 14-19. The hands-on field course that gets educators out into Vermont’s streams, forests and wetlands with some of the state’s leading experts takes place at the Buck Lake Conservation Camp in Woodbury. Now in its 28th year, “Fish and Wildlife Management for Educators,” is a one-week, three-credit graduate course taught by Vermont Fish & Wildlife and other Agency of Natural Resources staff through the University of Vermont. “Wildlife resources are important to

all Vermonters in one way or another,” said Alison Thomas, Fish & Wildlife’s education coordinator. “If teachers can get connected with the outdoors and in turn expose their students, then many of these youngsters will be able to make informed decisions about Vermont wildlife and their habitat needs when they become adults.” And you don’t have to be a teacher in a science discipline. “This course is unique in that it helps teachers from any discipline, whether it is math, language arts, physical education, or history, to improve their instructional strategies and make their lesson plans more relevant to their

students,” Thomas said. Tuition is $700 for the week, which includes books, food and overnight facilities. A limited number of partial scholarships are available. A course description and schedule of activities are available from the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s website at www.vtfishandwildlife.com under “general education.” You can also contact them by calling (802) 371-9975 or emailing Alison.Thomas@state.vt.us. Buck Lake Conservation Camp in located east of Route 14, north of Woodbury Village.

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

Outdoor News:

2013 LCI Father's Day Derby Tournament pays more than $180,000 in cash and prizes More than 450 people filled the ball room at the DoubleTree Hotel in South Burlington Friday night, there to celebrate another successful LCI Father's Day Derby presented by Yamaha. The event was attended by not only those receiving an award, but also by those there to show their support, share in the more than $2,500 in raffle prizes available, and to hear the words of Sens. Patrick Leahy and Bernie Sanders. “We are extremely happy with both the derby and the following awards ceremony,” said LCI Outreach Director and Tournament Coordinator Eric LaMontagne. “We saw record-breaking fish, heard many wonderful stories, and made great strides in our mission of a swimmable, drinkable, fishable Lake Champlain. We are extremely thankful to all those who spent their weekend fishing with us, and to those companies who helped make this event possible.” This year LCI awarded more than $92,000 in cash and more than $180,000 in cash and prizes. This included cash payouts for first through tenth in each of the seven species categories, with $3,000 going to each of the first-place winners. Three of those luck first-place winners won an additional $7,500 in Super Bonus Cash. Each of the three T.E.A.M. winners left with more than $3400 in cash and a new Smokercraft/Yamaha boat package valued at nearly

Sen. Patrick Leahy presents the LCI Lake Champlain Heritage Award, on behalf of the Lake Champlain International, Inc. Board of Directors, to Capt. Mickey Maynard of Lake Champlain Angler Fishing Charters for his tireless and selfless devotion to the Lake Champlain community and its angling heritage.

$20,000. The ceremony also acknowledged the fantastic year had by all of the Junior Anglers. Each child 12 years old and younger left with a new fishing pole, while 32 other youngsters received a prize bag and a big trophy for their catches. The LCI Father's Day Derby presented by Yamaha is a celebration of family, friends and fishing. It is a major fundraiser for Lake Champlain International's successful conservation efforts to maintain a swimmable, drinkable, fishable Lake Champlain. All entrance fees go directly into Lake Champlain conservation,

fisheries restoration, youth outreach and education, and Derby prizes. In a letter read by one of his close staff members, Sanders summed up the 2013 event succinctly. “The Father's Day Derby is a wonderful tradition that grows stronger each year, bringing people from across the Northeast to enjoy our community and beautiful natural resource, Lake Champlain. Congratulations to the award winners and everyone who participated in the 32nd annual derby.” For complete results, visit Lake Champlain International on the web at www.lciderby.com. You can also visit our Facebook Page for event photos.

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

Outdoor News:

New state law to address bear problems MONTPELIER – A new state law goes into effect July 1 that is intended to help reduce the problems that occur when bears are attracted to foods provided by people. The new Vermont law prohibits feeding bears. It also requires that, under most circumstances, anyone taking a nuisance bear must first attempt reasonable nonlethal measures to protect their own property. And, it repeals a requirement that the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department reimburse a claimant who is not a farmer for damage by bears to livestock or bees. Farmers will still be reimbursed as long as his or her land is not posted against hunting. An existing law also prohibits a person from killing a bear that has been attracted to any artificial bait or food such as bird seed. “We are receiving reports from all across the state of bears seeking food at bird feeders, bee hives, chicken

coops and other sources,” said state wildlife biologist Forrest Hammond. “People can help by removing any food sources that may tempt the bears. We also recommend using electrical fencing to protect bee hives and chickens from hungry bears and using noise-making devices to scare off bears that come near houses.” “These animals are smart and are easily attracted to birdfeeders. Bears can gradually lose their fear of people and begin going from house to house looking for more goodies,” added Hammond. “It doesn’t take long in these situations before a bear gets so comfortable around people that it causes property damage or begins to be seen as a potential threat to people in surprise encounters. When the department has to choose between the safety of people and the safety of bears, bears will always lose.” There are some simple things as person can do to help protect bears from becoming a nuisance. “Don't leave pet food outside,

wash down your barbecues after using them, and secure your garbage containers,” he said. Hammond says that although rare, there have been incidents in which people were injured by bears that lost their fear of people while finding food near homes. “We care about these bears as much as anyone,” he said. “Having to destroy one that has become a threat to human safety is heart rending, and yet we know that moving them to another location doesn't change their behavior. They continue to seek food near people because they have learned that it works. Vermont has a healthy, wild population of black bears. People can help keep bears and other wildlife from becoming a problem by making sure there are no food sources that will tempt bears.” To learn more, check out the “Living with Black Bears” section of Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department's website www.vtfishandwildlife.com.

Contributing Writers and Photographers We have had some interest by people who would like to write or submit photos to Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine. We welcome submissions by writers and photographers but keep three things in mind: ● Understand our budget doesn’t allow for payment. If you want to write because you love it, we can afford that, but we’re not paying any writers or photographers right away. ● You will be edited. The best writers still need editors – some more than others. If it makes you feel better, I’ve been writing and editing professionally for 20 years. I won’t hack your work to death. ● Query with an idea. Don’t write 1,000 words only to find VGOM doesn’t publish vampire fiction, even if the vampire sucks the blood of an 8-pointer. Let’s talk about your idea and decide if it’s right for this magazine. Then we’ll do it. Page 21 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • July 2013

Outdoor News:

This hard-working crew from Youth Works was in the Rutland area doing volunteer work in June and spent some time working on the trails in Pine Hill Park, the Rutland City hiking, biking and skiing trail system. The crew was not blessed with good weather, but they brought a good spirit and worked through torrential downpours and muddy conditions. The kids are from Pennsylvania and Virginia and according to Pine Hill Park’s leaders, did an outstanding job working on the trails.

Learn s’more about camping workshops Join the outdoor experts from Eastern Mountain Sports and Vermont State Parks for a free “Learn S’more About Camping” workshop. Workshop topics include “What to Pack for your Camping Trip,” “Gear 101: From Simple to Swanky,” “How to set up Your Campsite,” “How to Build a Campfire,” “How to Cook on a Campfire,” “How to Cook on a

Camp Stove” and “Fun Activities for Families.” These workshops are fun, interactive and hands-on, giving you a chance to learn and try out new skills with experienced staff. All workshop materials are provided. You can also enter to win a prize package that includes a camping package from Eastern Mountain Sports and a free weekend of camping in the Vermont State Park

of your choice. Park entry is free for the workshop, so bring the whole family and make a day of it! No pre-registration is required and workshops take place rain or shine. One workshop was held in June with three more coming up: July 13: Ascutney Resort Vermont Mountain Bike Festival July 27: Mt. Philo State Park August 3: Quechee State Park

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

Outdoor News:

Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department staffer Chris Saunders caught and released this rainbow trout while fly-fishing on the Lamoille River in late June. The department says this is the time of year to fish Vermont's streams for trout.

Rivers recommended for scenic designation

The Upper Missisquoi and Trout rivers in northern Vermont would be added to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System under legislation introduced at the end of June by the U.S. Congressional delegation. The legislation was announced in a joint press release issued by Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.). The system managed by the Department of the Interior was established in 1968 to recognize and preserve rivers with remarkable scenic and recreational value. Today, 40 other states have rivers listed under the Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The legislation was recommended by a committee created by Congress in 2009 to evaluate the rivers' potential for

wild and scenic designation. That committee, earlier this year, unanimously recommended that the Upper Missisquoi and Trout rivers become Vermont's first in the Wild and Scenic System. The designation was supported at Town Meeting Day votes in Berkshire, Enosburg Falls, Enosburgh, Montgomery, North Troy, Richford, Troy and Westfield. “We're excited about the introduction of this bill, which, if passed, will recognize the gems that the Missisquoi and Trout Rivers really are,” said Shana Deeds, study coordinator of the Upper Missisquoi and Trout Rivers Wild and Scenic Study Committee. “This bill comes out of the work and dedication of local community members and with the support of the

eight municipalities which voted for designation at their town meetings. This Wild and Scenic status can help us promote the use of the rivers for recreation while not taking anything away from the landowners who make their homes and livings along the banks of these waters. We are looking forward to designation and thank Vermont's Congressional Delegation for introducing this bill.” Designation under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act will protect the natural, cultural and recreational qualities of the Upper Missisquoi and Trout rivers; enabling continued enjoyment of the rivers by fishermen, hunters and paddlers. It will also help maintain good water quality within the rivers, as well as in Lake Champlain, which the Missisquoi River flows into.

Page 23 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • July 2013

Outdoor News:

Shumlin Signs Sportsmen’s Act of 2013 BARRE – Joined by sportsmen and women at the Barre Fish and Game Club, Gov. Peter Shumlin signed the Sportsmen’s Act of 2013, legislation spearheaded by the Fish & Wildlife Department in coordination with members of the Legislature and many hunting, fishing, trapping and other traditional interest groups. “This law represents the important working relationship between the Fish & Wildlife Department, the administration, legislators and key fish and wildlife partners,” Shumlin said. “It will protect our fish and wildlife resources, provide additional recreational opportunities, and support improved administration for the department and the Fish and Gov. Peter Shumlin signs the Sportsmen’s act of 2013 during the ceremony at the Barre Fish Wildlife Board.” “I want to thank all of you who and Game Club. Wildlife Department is no longer which can carry various diseases worked together to shepherd this required to reimburse a claimant and are extremely destructive to comprehensive bill through the for damage to crops, fruit trees or wildlife habitat. legislative process,” the governor crop bearing plants by deer; and said. “The Sportsmen’s Act of 2013 ● Requires that any person taking a for damage to livestock and bees nuisance bear must first attempt will benefit Vermont’s fish and by black bear unless the claimant reasonable nonlethal measures to wildlife resources, as well as those of derives at least 50 percent of their protect his or her own property. us who enjoy them. It seems fitting income from farming. Under current law, there is no that we are adopting it shortly after landowners the requirement for property owners ● Allows Vermont was recognized in a federal opportunity to legally post their to create an aversion for bears survey as the state with the second property so that hunting, fishing who may threaten property. In the highest participation rate in fish and and trapping would be allowed law, there is an exemption for wildlife-based recreation, second only only by permission. Previously, exigent circumstances or damage to Alaska.” landowners wanting to control to corn fields. access for these activities were The bill includes the following ● Prohibits the intentional feeding forced to post against trespass by of black bears. Previously, there provisions: anyone, which led to an increase was no prohibition for feeding ● Prohibits the importation and in the amount of inaccessible land black bears in Vermont, which has possession of feral hogs in in Vermont. increased the number of nuisance Vermont. Many state fish and ● Defines posting for landowners bear problems in the state. wildlife agencies are fully wishing to receive a landowner engaged in attempts to reduce or ● Repeals reimbursement for deer antlerless deer hunting permit to and bear damage. The Fish & eradicate wild hog populations, Page 24 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • July 2013

Outdoor News:

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mean any signage that would lead a reasonable person to believe that hunting is restricted on the land. Previously, some landowners were posting their land against hunting, but not registering with the town clerk according to Fish & Wildlife law – and then applying for priority landowner antlerless deer hunting permits. The bill makes it clear that these landowners would not be allowed to receive landowner antlerless permits. Clarifies that a person who is under suspension for the right to hunt, fish and trap may not hunt on their own property during the period of suspension. Increases the distance a hunter can shoot from the road from 10 feet to 25 feet, prohibits shooting across a public highway, and creates a working group to address the taking of game from motor vehicles or public highways in Vermont. The working group will consist of the Commissioner or a designee, two members of the Fish and Wildlife Board, two State Game Wardens, and two people who hold a valid Vermont hunting license. The group must report back to legislative committees with recommendations by December 15, 2013. Allows for possession of handguns during archery season and while training hunting dogs. Creates more consistency with rights currently afforded to hikers, wildlife watchers and others. Authorizes the Commissioner to designate an additional Free Fishing Day during ice fishing

season. One of Fish & Wildlife’s goals is to enhance opportunities for wildlife-based recreational opportunities such as hunting, fishing, trapping and wildlife viewing. This would encourage people to try ice fishing. ● Grants authority to the Fish and Wildlife Board to regulate the use of crossbows during hunting seasons. Under current statute, there is ambiguity as to whether the Board has authority to regulate the use of crossbows. ● Authorizes the Fish and Wildlife Board to set the annual number of antlerless deer and moose permits through a shorter procedure, rather than through a lengthy rule-making process. It also requires public participation in that process and requires permit numbers to be incorporated into the department’s annual deer report to the Legislature. Previously, when Fish & Wildlife proposed annual antlerless deer and moose permit numbers to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Board, the permit numbers were authorized through a rule-making process that took at least four months. By allowing the permit numbers to be approved through a shorter procedure, hunters will receive their permits earlier. ● Authorizes the Fish and Wildlife Board to set Wildlife Management Unit boundaries no more frequently than every 10 years without approval of the Legislature. Previously, any wildlife management unit boundary change had to be approved by Legislature. Transferring authority to the Fish

●

and Wildlife Board to periodically alter unit boundaries will maintain consistency in wildlife management programs, yet still allow for public input into unit boundaries. Transfers permitting authority from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to the State of Vermont for falconry permits. A federal regulation change requires falconers to obtain a single state permit that needs to comply with the general federal regulations. Vermont has until Sept. 1, 2013, to submit compliance documentation. Allows the Commissioner to issue three no-cost moose permits for individuals with a life-threatening illness provided that at least one permit is awarded to an individual under the age of 22. Statute currently authorizes the department to issue up to three no-cost moose hunting licenses only to youths age 21 years or younger who have lifethreatening illnesses. Authorizes the department to raffle off promotional prizes in an effort to increase public involvement and participation in department activities. Sets a minimum amount of $1,500 for a winning bid to receive a moose permit in the moose hunting permit auction. Allows the Commissioner to issue an annual therapeutic group fishing license to a health professional for up to four people for $50. The fee is waived if the applicant providing care is a certified “Let’s Go Fishing” instructor.

Page 25 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • July 2013

VGOM:

Page 26 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • July 2013

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Page 31 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • July 2013

Long Trail:

A Long Trail Adventure

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

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

Long Trail:

Last month, our father and son hiking team set out on their epic adventure of hiking from Massachusetts to Canada on Vermont’s Long Trail. This month, the quest continues as they tackle the central part of the state roughly from Middlebury to Stowe. The Danner Mount Defiance boots Spencer and Mason McCuin wore on their 280-mile Long Trail journey were provided by Lenny’s Shoe & Apparel, which has sponsored this three-part travelogue of their epic hike. Their Massachusetts to Canada hike in June and July of 2012 will appear in three consecutive Months of VGOM — June, July and August. Congratulations on their achievement.

www.lennyshoe.com | Williston 879-6640 | St. Albans 527-0532 | Barre 476-7446 Page 33 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • July 2013

Long Trail:

pencer McCuin and his son Mason, are in the middle of a 273-mile end-to-end hike on the Long Trail. The pair started their trek at the Massachusetts state line June 22 and had been on the trail 14 days when their water filter broke forcing them to stop unexpectedly. After spending the night at the Emily Proctor Shelter and hiking 3½ miles into town to get a replacement, they’ve returned to the trail on July 6 ready to continue their trek north. They’re very close to the midway point and already the pair are realizing their time on the trail will have long-lasting benefits. The many miles they put in together have helped them strengthen their father-son bond and forge memories that will last a lifetime. At 8 a.m., they stride off toward their 15th day on the trail ready to tackle the second half of their journey, which includes some of the most challenging terrain including the state’s highest peak. When the pair reached the crest of Mount Abraham, which has an elevation of 4,006 feet, there was a dense cloud cover that obscured the view. But they would have plenty more chances to take in a grand vista from the top of a Vermont mountain The Danner Mount Defiance boots Spencer and Mason McCuin wore on their 280-mile Long Trail journey were provided by Lenny’s Shoe & Apparel, which has sponsored this three-part travelogue of their epic hike. Their Massachusetts to Canada hike in June and July of 2012 will appear in three consecutive Months of VGOM — June, July and August. Congratulations on their achievement.

www.lennyshoe.com | Williston 879-6640 | St. Albans 527-0532 | Barre 476-7446 Page 34 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • July 2013

Long Trail: In fact, just a little bit later that same day, the McCuins got a peak at their next goal. Camel’s Hump, that famous Vermont landmark waited in the distance. There were other mountains to get over first, however, and they’d would tick them off one by one as the continued their trek north. But this is a difficult section of the Long Trail. If you’re not going up, you’re going down and sometimes distances are measured in hours rather than miles. After a nostalgic stop at Birch Glen Camp, one of the oldest on the Long Trail having been built in 1930 and renovated in 1999, they were ready to trek on. Next, they would pose for pictures on top of Burnt Rock Mountain and then Mount Ethan Allen and then had breakfast with a view on top of Camel’s Hump. The duo headed on to tackle Bolton Mountain, which then put Mount Mansfield in their sights. The 4,393-foot peak is Vermont’s highest. The tackled it up the Forehead, over the chin and down Whiteface toward Route 15. Near Johnson, they met family on July 12 to resupply for the final part of their journey to the Canadian border. But, there was more in store for the McCuns before they reached their goal.

www.lennyshoe.com | Williston 879-6640 | St. Albans 527-0532 | Barre 476-7446 Page 35 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • July 2013

Long Trail:

Join us next month as the McCuins continue their end-to-end hike on the Long Trail. Their final push toward the trail’s end at the Canadian border will carry another challenge as the 90-degree days and heat turns into downpours, mud and the threat of lightning. Join us in the August issue to track the their final miles of their epic journey to complete the entire 273mile Long Trail.

www.lennyshoe.com | Williston 879-6640 | St. Albans 527-0532 | Barre 476-7446 Page 36 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • July 2013

VGOM:

Like that special tree stand from which you always see deer, or that stretch of river where the trout always rise, there are just some places that are unique. A spot that holds a place in your heart so special that you keep it to yourself. If you’re looking for an advertising opportunity to share your message, this can be your special place. This prime spot can be yours next month. By advertising in Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine, you’ll not only be supporting a growing publication that is generating a lot of excitement in the Green Mountain State, but you’ll also place your message in front of avid and dedicated outdoor enthusiasts. And you won’t believe how affordable this space is. There are other publications that cover some of the outdoor experience in Vermont and this little slice of Heaven they call northern New England. They do a good job, but none of them cover the depth and breadth of the topics you’ll read about in Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine. So contact us today to ensure we can get your advertisement in the next monthly issue of a growing and exciting publication that covers the topics that are important to you and your business. Email: ads@vtgreatoutdoorsmag.com Phone: (802) 331-0130 Page 39 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • July 2013

Fly Fishing:

The Holy Hex Hatch

From bottom left, clockwise: No. 10 Yellow Orange Stimulator, No. 8 Parachute Hex, No. 6 Green Drake East, No. 10 Hex Yellow, No. 6 Hex Nymph, No. 8 Poxy Back Green Drake Nymph.

s the warmer days of offer. It’s giant size will bring large summer approach in the fish to the surface to feed even month of July, still-water during the warmest days of summer. fly fishermen are in anxious To give the first time still-water anticipation of one of the premier fishermen a chance to succeed hatches of the season. during this still-water hatch you first Many fly fishermen refer to this must break down the cycle into a as the holy hex hatch, whose sheer few easy steps. size leaves anglers in awe of its The hex Mayfly is the largest These steps are key to catching enormity. insect the northeast region has to some of the massive fish found in Page 40 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • July 2013

Fly Fishing: northeastern lakes. The Hexagenia Mayfly is a burrowing aquatic insect that requires soft, sandy lake bottoms in order to thrive. A little pre-hatch research of lake topography to put you in water depths of 25 feet or less will be a HUGE first step in locating the prime areas of the lake to find these hatches and feeding fish. Most river fly anglers find the transition from river to lake and pond fishing to be a trying task due to the lack of readable water that you find in your river fishing scenarios. This May fly is unique to its late evening hatch. These bugs will

break the surface of the lake just a few minutes shy of darkness. Most new hex anglers feel the need to leave the lake just before the hatch really begins, thus missing the prime time of hatch. Here are some of the steps you may want to use for landing the big ones. I begin targeting fish with hex nymphs around 7 p.m., and try to fish them close to the bottom of the water column. I cast with a 10-foot express sink tip leader with 4 to 6 feet of 4X fluorocarbon tippet to retrieve my hex nymph. This targets fish that are preparing for the upcoming evening hatch.

This can seem like a tedious approach at first when targeting lake fish, but is very effective before dusk. As the bugs begin their ascent from the lake bottom I switch flies to a large soft hackle hex emerger. I fish this fly with a 9-foot 4X or 5X fluorocarbon leader and use Henry’s Sinket wet fly paste on the fly. This paste assures that the fly will sink to 4 feet below the water surface. Fishing this fly with a slow 1- to 2-inch at a time retrieve at that depth will produce fish as they move towards the surface to feed on these large bugs as dark approaches.

Page 41 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • July 2013

Fly Fishing:

When fishing the hex hatch on still water having the right leaders, tippet and fly dressing can be the difference between success and not.

As dusk sets in, the giant yellow colored Mayflies flutter on the surface of the water and the sound of slurping fish and rings of surface feeding fish blanket the lake. I continue the fishing with the same leader that was used with the previous fly; however, I change to a hex dry-fly imitation. This fly will need to be prepped with a good dry-fly floatant. Loon Outdoors' Aquel, or Loon's Fly Spritz spray is key for keeping the fly on top. The use of the fluorocarbon leader

will sink the leader just below the surface making the leader less visible to the fish. This will give the dry fly a more realistic look in the flat water. As you fish this hatch it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of seeing great numbers of rising fish. A common mistake made by even a veteran dry-fly fisherman is to chase the rising fish. This will lead to a long night with few if any fish boated. It's different from river dry-fly fishing where fish can hold in a

current and wait for the food to travel to them, still water fish will need to cruise just below the surface in search of their prey. Chasing these rising fish is a difficult task and a guessing game as to the direction they are traveling. I find a much more effective method is to cast and work the fly over as great a distance as your patience will allow. The fish will find your fly if you give it time and work the fly with a slow retrieve for a more realistic look.

Page 42 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • July 2013

Fly Fishing: I have had many frustrated anglers come into the shop with stories of how few if any fish they have landed during a prolific hex hatch with rising fish everywhere and nothing to show for it. My target species of fish to catch during this hatch would be rainbow trout, however depending on the lakes that you intend to fish during

the hex hatch you will find a wide variety of rising fish. Some of my biggest bass, yellow perch and bluegill of the season will be caught at this time of the year. Remember a fly on the water ALWAYS catches more fish than one that’s in the air while you’re casting. Bob Shannon is the owner and

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

Watch as Josh Adams ties this pattern to immitate a Hexagenia Mayfly. Watch the video at http://youtu.be/Qn_Gq1w_8mc.

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

Sacred Hunter:

One for Two on the Fourth

t’s a hot, lazy day in July. The garden is in. The parade has passed and the tractors are still idling in the field preparing to start the second cut. In the distance a child squeals happily and the sound of popping fireworks shatters the late morning air.

The chickens in the back yard run for cover with that silly gait that only chickens can perform. Our horses whinny and bolt into a trot for the lower paddock where the grass is still lush and full. My wife is lounging under the yellow striped umbrella on the terrace, reading the first of many

Page 44 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • July 2013

Sacred Hunter:

summer books written by a friend of ours, Stephen Kiernan, titled “The Curiosity.” The lawn was mowed yesterday and the smell of fresh cut grass languishes in the warm air currents sweeping in from the Southwest. Suddenly I catch a whiff of the lake. Sometimes, when the wind is just right and the lake is turning over its cold sub-surface, I can smell the seaweed and fishy smell that I love so much. It inspires me. I saunter into the house and call my friends, Chris and Rudy to see if they’re busy on this holiday afternoon. Chris affirms that he is just lounging around “like an old log” and Rudy is bored watching children’s shows that his young daughter adores.

I ask them both “How about we head out to the Lake and drag a downrigger ball on the bottom out near “the Bowl” in Whalley Bay?” The question resonates with both of them “Anything is better than sitting around wasting a beautiful afternoon” Rudy replies. “OK. Let’s meet at Chris’ in an hour.” I collect my favorite Norbert Buchmayr Society cooler and grab some smoked salmon spread and cucumbers I’ve made for this lazy holiday. At the corner store, I add a six pack of my favorite adult beverage, a bottle of cooling fruit flavored seltzer and two bags of ice, poured over the contents of the cooler. And then impulsively grab some smoked salami and Cabot cheddar cheese and add that on the top of the ice.

Page 45 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • July 2013

Sacred Hunter:

I am grateful for air conditioning in my truck today as I glance at the temperature on my dash. 84 degrees. Did I remember the sun block? Check. It’s in the backpack. Pulling into Chris’ house I am not sure I want to get out of the truck and step into the sauna of the midday heat emanating from the asphalt driveway. I tell myself that the breeze will keep us cool on the lake. We launch from Converse Bay, where it is obvious that we are not the only sun baked holiday revelers seeking refuge on the cooling waters.

Chris launches the Hawk 18-foot boat with his Volvo and drives the boat off of the trailer. The fragrance of the lake embraces our senses again as we slowly pull away from the docks installed by the Charlotte Sportsman’s Alliance. As Chris pushes the throttle forward on the center console the big-chested boat throws water in an arc from the bow, where the spray catches the sunlight and twinkles like a thousand stars in the summer sky. We head West across the broad lake in silence, wind blowing

through our hair, lost in the transcendent bliss of a July summer day. As we swing past Split Rock we throttle down and Rudy and Chris man the riggers. I grab the wheel. Soon we are at laker speed of 2 mph and the rigger balls are down 90 feet with lines following 20 feet behind the leaden orbs. Gaudy chartreuse and watermelon spoons bump along the bottom and as we slowly troll over the concave depression deep under the surface, the starboard rod releases, springing up from its arc. “Fish On!” I yell.

Page 46 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • July 2013

Sacred Hunter:

Rudy grabs the rod before Chris can even adjust his feet to turn toward it. The rod bends downward to the surface. Rudy lifts it up to his shoulders and proclaims “It’s a Hogger! It feels like a giant throbbing tree down there!” We laugh and watch Rudy deftly play the big fish. We know its good sized by the way the rod continues to bend toward the surface. The reel clicks out line as the drag slows down the monolith of the deep. He is on a slow run 90 feet

below us. The battle rages on for 10 minutes before the fish begins to slowly tire. Then, out of the clear blue, the port side rod pops toward the sky. “Fish On!” I yell again. This time Chris is on it like Mercury racing to the sun. He lifts the rod skyward and the Penn reel begins to scream against the pressure. “Let him run!” Rudy exclaims. “It’s doubles!” I proclaim. We all start laughing and giggling like children playing in the sandbox.

We cajole one another and the fight for both fish continues. Chris and Rudy have to change sides of the boat several times, lifting their rods over one another as one crosses behind the other. The laughter and teasing goes on for another five minutes until Rudy’s laker breaks the surface 20 feet behind the stern. I grab the net with the rubber mesh and thrust it under the rolling laker. The rod on the net bends and the weight of the fish strains my wrists,

Page 47 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • July 2013

Sacred Hunter: extended well beyond my shoulders. We boat him and admire his girth. Next we turn to Chris. We are trying to land another behemoth, which seems as large as the first. The net is extended again and the fish lands squarely in the mesh. Suddenly, he thrashes and the spoon flies out of the basket. The laker is still in the net, but it’s extended precariously over the stern, 4 feet out over the water, and bending. Chris yells “Don’t lose him!” and as quickly as Chris can command us, the fish lurches skyward and rolls off of the rim of the net. He plunges into the depths and is gone in a heartbeat. Several expletives are employed with considerable exclamation and gesticulations. “How can I have done this?” I ask myself. I apologize profusely and repeatedly. It was just too heavy to hold up when the net was extended that far out over the boat. A mistake I will remember for the rest of my life. Silence falls and after several minutes forgiveness is acquired. I know that I have broken one of the rules of all accomplished fishermen: Do not extend the net beyond the stern so far that the weight of the fish is magnified. Wait for him to get closer to the boat before slipping the net under him. I tell myself I will never do that again. Several more minutes pass and then Chris says “Alright boys! Bring up the riggers and turn the boat

around. We’re going back for another pass!” That’s what friends do, forgive and persist. The rest of the day is a blur. We boat several more lakers, all of them beautiful, but not quite the size of the first two. As the sun begins to slide behind the Adirondacks, the breeze drops the temperature about 10 degrees in less than 30 seconds. The water has a gentle chop now. Our arms are red, even through the sun block. Our faces are weathered and dry. We are exhausted and hungry. It’s been an adventurous afternoon. Chris turns the boat east and heads to the home port. Although the cooler is full of beautiful specimens, one stands out above the others. Rudy says “Not a bad day! We

went 6 for 7.” But for me it will be remembered as one for two. As I grin, my face feels a little cracked from the July sun and wind. Skimming across the lake, the familiar aroma of seaweed and fish returns to grace my senses. And in that moment I am able to forgive myself and laugh at our good fortune. The sun sets over the New York skyline and another holiday is punctuated by the distant percussion of children’s firecrackers. Bradley Carleton is Executive Director of Sacred Hunter.org, a non-profit organization that is being formed to educate the public on the spiritual connection of man to nature and raises funds for Traditions Outdoor Mentoring.org, which mentors at-risk young men in outdoor pursuits.

Page 48 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • July 2013

Berlin Pond:

The Forbidden Pond

Berlin Pond.

Since 1884, the City of Montpelier has been tapping into Berlin Pond to extract its drinking water. The pond covers 260 acres, has a maximum depth of 56 feet, and lies entirely within the town of Berlin. In the beginning, water was

gravity fed directly from the pond to the faucet. In the early 1900s, the Health Department determined that cattle, sheep and other agricultural activities along the shoreline could contaminate the drinking water. As a result, the City began a methodical effort to purchase all of the land around the pond.

Pasture land was left untouched to eventually become heavily forested. At the end of the land grab, the City owned more than 99 percent of the shoreline. In 1903, the Dept. of Health enacted rules that prohibited bathing in Berlin Pond. In 1926 boating and fishing were added to the “what you can’t do” list.

Page 49 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • July 2013

Berlin Pond:

A posted sign warns people away near the Brick Pump house at the northern part of the pond. The sign is a Montpelier sign and is posted on that municipality's land.

In the early years (1911 & 1926) there were two pioneers who challenged the strict law by swimming and boating in the pond. Both men subsequently lost their legal battles at the Supreme Court level.

In 1989, the governing authority for drinking water switched from the Dept. of Health to the Agency of Natural Resources. The 1926 law forbidding fishing, swimming and boating became “null and void.” Nevertheless, the general public continued to “respect” the intimidating signs that the City left posted around the pond, even though in 2000 the City had constructed a $14,000,000 “state of the art” water

filtration plant. In 2009, three new pioneers decided to challenge the City. They launched their kayaks from a culvert that was within the public “right of way” alongside Mirror Lake Road. Local landowners alerted Montpelier Police, who subsequently arrested the three, citing the 1926 ordinance. A lengthy court battle ensued. The three “scofflaws” lost at the County Court level, but appealed to the Supreme Court of Vermont. After a lengthy deliberation, in May of 2012 the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the three pioneers. The once forbidden pond was no longer forbidden! The SCOV cited Vermont’s Constitution and the Public Trust Doctrine in its ruling. Both are very

interesting subjects, but too lengthy for this article. The Court found that Montpelier did not own the pond, only the land around the pond. The entire ruling can be found online.

Once the news of the court ruling became widespread, excited anglers flocked to the pond in hopes of catching a state record bass. Many were remiss in the fact that the City still owned nearly all of the shoreline and soon the City began to patrol the area citing anglers with trespass warnings. The only legal access was at the culvert on Mirror Lake Road. Shoreline fishing was scant, but that culvert provided access for people with kayaks and small boats.

Page 50 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • July 2013

Berlin Pond:

The author with a 4-pound, 10-ounce largemouth bass caught at Berlin Pond.

Shortly after the court ruling, Berlin residents and bird watchers from nearby towns became outraged at the sudden intrusion onto their beloved pond. “Do something!!” one local birdwatcher shouted at the Berlin Select Board meeting. “My sights and my sounds have been disturbed by seeing them dragging their boats down the bank.” complained another local. Yet another local pleaded “there are plenty of places to fish, there are plenty of places to boat, there’s no need to allow them on Berlin Pond.” At first, it seemed that the antiaccess people were in the majority. The Berlin Select Board and the Montpelier City Council began considering ways to block legal access at Mirror Lake Road. It appeared that the “once

forbidden pond” was about to become forbidden once again. News of the outcry from the antis began to spread. The second meeting in Berlin was scheduled and warned by the town. Anglers and outdoor enthusiasts began to network and spread the word. At that second meeting, the tide began to turn. The “good guys” showed up in full force! It was standing room only and the Antis were outnumbered 4 to 1! Representatives from The Vermont Traditions Coalition spoke out for anglers all across Vermont. Other outdoor sports organizations were represented. Passionate citizens came out and spoke eloquently in favor of access. A relatively small group of local landowners continued to petition the

Berlin Select Board. They demanded that the town close off the access at Mirror Lake Road. The Montpelier City Council also petitioned the town of Berlin to try anything to keep people off the pond. They advised installing a tall fence and even suggested adding several feet of rip rap to extend the “land” beyond the right of way to keep people from legally accessing state owned waters. The antis spread their talking points, mostly through letters to the editor of the Times Argus. Most of the speech was about the terrible affect anglers would have on wildlife and water quality. “The loons have left the pond” cried one bird watcher. During the summer of 2012, while several landowners were trying to

Page 51 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • July 2013

Berlin Pond: organize an “anti-access” coalition, another group of “pro-access” individuals was forming. This group became known as “Friends of Berlin Pond.” They established a presence through letters to the editor, newspaper columns, a Facebook page, YouTube videos, and vocal presentations at public meetings. “Friends of Berlin Pond” Facebook page has become a great source of information involving Berlin Pond. At the time of this article, the board has voted to pursue the legal requirements to verify that the town owns a parcel of land around the northern part of the pond. Once ownership has been established, they will move forward with an agreement between the town and the State of Vermont to provide a State sponsored Fish and Wildlife access for boating and fishing. The battle isn’t quite over yet, but “No Trespassing” signs like this one were scattered around the perimeter of the pond for years. In April, the City of Montpelier finally took down all those white signs. we are pretty close. This experience has brought It’s been a real bonding experience with some antis to rejuvenate our together many outdoor enthusiasts love of the outdoors. that otherwise wouldn’t have known among local anglers. Happy fishing everybody. There’s nothing like a good battle each other.

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ads@vtgreatoutdoorsmag.com

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

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

Hunting:

‘Mission Accomplished’

t will remain frozen in my memory forever, as clear as the moment I saw it. Rays of sunlight filtered through the canopy and illuminated the antlers of a gorgeous, almost mythical buck. He stood tall with long legs and an impressive frame. His antlers were tall and wide. Much wider than his body. I had stumbled onto this monarch as he was scanning the horizon, sensing that something wasn't right. Page 60 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • July 2013

Shed Antlers:

ust two short years after tagging my first GIANT whitetail, I was poised to make another memorable deer drive on Strawberry Mountain. It was the first week of December – New York’s late muzzloader season, which runs for one week immediately following the rifle season. Having young legs, I was once again a designated driver for the upcoming hunt. The sky was blue and there was a fresh dumping of snow from the previous night. Unlike the traditional rifle season, antlerless deer were fair game. We established our game plan and were ready to take the mountain. Some deer drives just have a “feel” to them and this was a drive full of anticipation. Once you kill a big buck, the location where it occurred conjures up memories each time you return, providing additional hopes that you may once again be so lucky. With fresh tracks headed into the drive, we felt confident that by the time we were done, something would be hanging from the buck pole back at Camp Rocky Top. The watchers were in place and we received word to get started. Shortly into the drive I spotted what appeared to be two doe’s so I shouldered my Thompson Center Omega and lined up the open sights on the larger of the two deer. Once I was confident that I was anchored, I pulled the trigger and let the PowerBelt fly. Tails waved and the smoke slowly dissipated.

Before I had a chance to reload, chatter began on the radio. Who shot? What was it? Where is it headed? I provided a quick explanation to everyone and was quickly joined by Tootie, a member of our hunting party. Together we approached the location where the deer was standing as I shot and started

looking for signs of a direct hit. I was able to locate very small drops of blood in the snow that were not indicative of a well placed shot. Lacking confidence, Tootie and I spread out and proceeded to follow what little blood there was. It was slow going and Tootie wasn’t far behind and uphill from me. We wanted to continue the drive and track this deer keeping our watchers in place. As I was curling around the Oak laden ridge a population of mature hemlocks began to weave their way into the hardwoods. Awaiting me in this classic Adirondack forest was a sight I will never forget. It will remain frozen

in my memory forever, as clear as the moment I saw it. Rays of sunlight filtered through the canopy and illuminated the antlers of a gorgeous, almost mythical buck. He stood tall with long legs and an impressive frame. His antlers were tall and wide. Much wider than his body. I had stumbled onto this monarch as he was scanning the horizon, sensing that something wasn't right. There was only one problem with this scenario. He was quartering away from me and time was not on my side. He was going to bolt at any minute so I decided to take my chances and try and thread the needle. This may not sound ethical, but if you don’t shoot, you can’t hit 'em and I am a shooter. With snow on the ground and an experienced hunting party accompanying me, I had nothing to lose. Being close to the watch line, I waited for additional shots but there were none. I immediately reloaded and headed for what I was hoping would be signs of a good solid hit or better yet, an expired animal. Sure enough, blood and lots of it. Radio traffic increased. We learned that Ted, the camp owner who waited anxiously on watch, caught a glimpse of the buck but it did not offer him a shot. At the time he couldn’t get a real good look at the buck so I remained the only one entranced by his magnificent antlers.

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Shed Antlers: All I could think about was the prospect of getting my hands on that incredible rack. A few members of our party volunteered to continue on the track of the slightly hit doe knowing that I was hypnotized with one thing in mind. I was off … With each bound the buck left considerable amounts of blood behind. He was circling the mountain, back to where we started the drive and I was almost running, unconsciously. I could hear voices on my radio, but I wasn’t taking part in the discussion. “He has to be just up ahead, in a pile, waiting for my tag” I thought. While crossing a partially frozen brook I could see that he had fallen and recovered, another sign that he was in trouble. When I reached the other side of the brook I caught motion above me and sure enough, it was him. He had bedded and was licking his wound watching his back track. Amazed and bewildered I couldn’t believe my eyes. Finally, I can put an end to this. I didn’t have much of a target so I decided if I could get him to stand, that would be my best option. As that thought left my mind, my presence entered his. He saw me and while he stood, I fired my second shot at this giant. I climbed up the hill expecting to find him and was quickly disappointed. A broken sapling was evidence that the bullet may have been misdirected prior to arrival. The radio was really hopping now and I was being ordered to stop my

pursuit. As much as I wanted to continue, I knew they were right. We gathered ourselves and headed back to camp for a hot lunch and well needed strategy session. The doe that I had hit stopped bleeding and her tracks were soon tangled with many others so we were left to chase the buck. Ted regretfully left for work. We finished lunch, and then proceeded to put our plan into action. Four men would take ATVs around the base of the mountain

below camp and spread out strategically while the Beaudet brothers (Chris and Mike) and I would pick up the track and proceed, all the while communicating via radio in order to make the necessary adjustments to the watch line. By now, it felt like weeks had passed since I fired my last shot. We made our way down to my last offering at the buck, waited for the drivers to get into position and began an adventure that we will

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never duplicate or forget. The blood and tracks were easily followed. It wasn’t long before we found an empty bed full of blood, then another and another and suddenly the buck jumped out from behind a clump of small softwoods and was gone. We just looked at each other in amazement. None of us raised our weapons and I remember Chris hollering “There he goes, there he goes, HOLY S---! He’s huge!” and we just stood there like The Three Stooges, with our guns loaded and safeties on. We quickly got on the radio and

gave the watch line instruction to relocate before we pressed on. As we waited we exchanged “I can’t believe its” until we were blue in the face. We were so amazed at the number of times the buck had bedded and gotten up just to bed again in such a small area that we totally lost our focus. But wait ... a shot in the distance. Based on the location, it had to be Mark Porter Sr. We waited for word on the radio and when it came it wasn’t good. Mark shot and the deer kept running. We hadn’t even pushed the buck since jumping him last and the

watchers weren’t in position yet. This buck was doing things most of us had not witnessed. Rather than bed, he would lay on his side with his legs extended leaving behind a “deer angel” in the snow. His antlers perfectly imprinted along with signs that he appeared to be hit towards the hind quarters. He did this several times and as I look back on the event, he was probably in that position expecting to stay there. Now that others have seen this animal, they have an appreciation for my anxiety. It was time to regroup and talk this over. It was now early afternoon and we all agreed that this buck was due to expire but since we had the manpower and more daylight, we would continue on, making one final drive, hoping to expedite the process. The watch line was now located as far down the mountain as we ever ventured, almost at its base. This would be our last effort prior to nightfall. The knot in my stomach grew tighter and concern was growing regarding a successful outcome. If we had to leave him overnight, we were certain that we would find parts of him the following morning after the coyotes finished our job. Chris Mike and I jumped him two more times without getting off a shot. Each time he was leaving behind his now infamous “deer angel.” As we crested a steep hill that led to a sizable stream, we spread out and knew that he was down there waiting for us and sure enough, he was.

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Shed Antlers:

I saw him first as he tried to escape and fired, then Michael and of course Chris wasn’t going to be left out so he gave it a Hail Mary. We all missed and not surprisingly. Our adrenaline combined with fatigue and this determined and elusive buck was getting the best of us. A muffled shot rang out and our hopes were immediately revived. Nobody spoke until finally Tootie got on the radio and said two words … “Mission Accomplished.” Those words summarized the entire day’s adventure. We were elated! Like kids on a ball field after their teammate hit the game-winning home run in extra innings.

We ran so fast that the buck hadn’t expired upon our arrival. I hugged Tootie so tight I thought he was going to pass out, as was I. It wasn’t until days later that Mark Porter Sr. finally had to tell us his little secret. As the watch line was spreading out along a four wheeler trail he stopped and let everyone by him so he could get into position. After turning off his machine and capping his muzzloader he looked around for the perfect spot to sit and ambush the buck. As he walked toward that spot, he saw what he thought was a dead deer. The deer we were after. It was lying on its side showing no signs of life.

Being the prankster he is, he decided to shoot one bullet into the air and then get on the radio and claim that he had killed the buck. The plan was a good one ... had the buck been dead. After squeezing the trigger, it jumped up, found new life and ran off while he watched with a sinking feeling in his stomach. Needless to say, this was a true team effort that we all participated in and continue to talk about to this day. Jeremy Baker chases whitetails passionately with friends and family throughout the Green Mountains and Adirondacks of New York State. Feel free to send him an email: jeremyrbaker@comcast.net.

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Shed Antlers:

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Shed Antlers:

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

VGOM:

Ticks Coming home from a day in the woods and finding a tick attached to your skin is a very real possibility these days in Vermont. It's not just your imagination, there are more ticks than ever before in the Green Mountains. But more than just an annoyance, a tick bite can prove to be a serious health risk. The dangers of contracting Lyme disease are real, with more cases of the ailment diagnosed every year. According to the Vermont Department of Health, Vermont only had a few cases reported per year until about 2005. That's when the numbers st arted going up. In 2011, there were more than 500 reports of people with Lyme disease in people who were likely exposed in Vermont. Most of those cases have been reported from the southern half of the state, but Lyme disease has been reported from all areas of Vermont. The spread of the black-legged tick, also known as the deer tick, which can carry the bacterium that causes Lyme disease could be a result of climate change according to some experts. But no matter what the cause, the facts are that more ticks are being found in Vermont than ever before and with that increase in ticks has come an increase in the number of Lyme disease cases diagnosed in

Vermont by health care professionals. More people are examining themselves after being outdoors and parents are more vigilant about checking their children. Some experts say that knowledge has also resulted in a higher number of reported cases. More doctors are checking for the disease as part of routine screenings when the symptoms match, and people are more aware of what those symptoms

are. Fortunately, not everybody who gets a tick bite will contract Lyme disease. And people can take precautions to reduce their chances of being infected with the illness. A person contracts Lyme disease after being bitten by a tick that carries the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Quickly removing the tick from the body reduces the chance that the pathogen will be conveyed to the

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VGOM:

person. It takes 24 hours or more for the disease to be transmitted as the tick feeds. So if the tick is removed the same day it attaches, the chances of contracting the illness or suffer any ill consequences is reduced, according to health officials. The best way to remove a tick is to grab the head of the tick with tweezers and slowly pull it out, without twisting. Twisting can force more bacteria to be passed from the

tick into the person. For the same reason, it’s not a good idea to crush or irritate the tick by using heat or chemicals to take it off. After the tick body has been removed, Lyme disease can no longer be transmitted — even if the mouthparts break off and remain in the skin. In any case, it’s important to treat the bite site with an antibacterial cream. But better than spotting and

A Vermont company has produced a tick repellent that is developing a name for itself as an all-natural product that works. Victoria diMonda, co-founder of Green Mountain Tick Repellent based in Dorset, said she created her all-natural formula about four years ago after finding several ticks on her daughter and 8-week-old puppy. As a registered nurse who is certified in skin and wound care, diMonda said the idea of putting DEET on her kids skin, with all the warnings it comes with “makes me cringe, as I know it does for many other parents out there.” Green Mountain Tick Repellent’s active ingredients are essential oils of rose geranium, lemongrass and

removing a tick is to never get bit in the first place. Ticks can live just about anywhere, but woody and bushy areas with high grass and leaf litter on the ground are prime tick areas. Just like the places most outdoor enthusiasts hang out, which makes preventing tick bites as important as other preparation for the outdoors. Typically the peak season for ticks is during the months of June and July.

cedarwood – all of which are known for their insect repelling properties. The success of GMTR this year shows many in Vermont are looking for a natural repellent that works. GMTR has sold close to 2,000 bottles since April of this year. It is available in more than 40 locations throughout Vermont as well as locations in California, Ohio, Rhode Island, New York and Massachusetts. One order was shipped to France. “We are growing at a rapid pace,” diMonda said. “The demand and response to our product has been overwhelming. We have received emails from people all over the world who state they are looking for a product like ours.” For more information, log on to www.gmtick.com

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VGOM: Preventing a tick bite in the first place is the best way to avoid problems. Start with a defensive layer of clothing. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and tall socks. Tuck your pant legs into your socks to prevent ticks from crawling up your legs inside your pants. Light-colored clothing can help you spot ticks that get on you. Next, use an insect repellent. Using bug repellent to help keep ticks away is necessary for anyone

who will be spending any time outdoors. Most experts recommend a repellent with DEET, which can be applied to skin or clothing. Be sure to use repellents with no more than 30 percent DEET on children. Repellents with Permethrin, should only be used on clothing, and clothes should be dry before wearing. Natural products are available to repel ticks and growing in popularity as people worry about

using chemicals on their body and their children’s body. Finally, if you do find a tick, know the signs of Lyme disease. The tell-tale bullseye rash doesn't always appear, and not everybody gets flu-like symptoms. Many health care professionals are recommending anybody who gets bit by a tick see their doctor. In many cases, the doctor may choose to put you on a course of antibiotics as a precautionary measure, rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.

“I grew up hiking, camping and swimming in Vermont's magical outdoors spaces, and from my father, I learned it's important to leave the world a better place for our children,” Ross said. “I believe in Audubon's mission and values, and I'm excited to support and expand the great conservation work Audubon does here in Vermont and across the hemisphere.” Peter Ross

Peter Ross was been named executive director and vice president of Audubon Vermont earlier this year.

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Bird Watching:

Cooper’s or Sharpie?

A Sharp-shinned Hawk wood carving by Bob Spear, the founder and the Master Wood Carver for the Birds of Vermont Museum.

A small hawk hunts quietly from a perch. Looking for smaller birds, it waits until just the right moment to dive down and attack. As it flies back to its post you notice a charcoal gray back, orange barring below, and a long tail. (Or maybe a brown back, with streaking

down the front.) What kind of hawk is this? From that description, we could be talking about either a Sharp-shinned Hawk or a Cooper’s Hawk. Regardless of age both hawks have long, barred tails. Adults of these species are gray and orange, with red eyes; immature birds (first year) are brown and white, with

brown streaking on the chest and yellow eyes. Differentiating between these similar birds is a notorious ID challenge, puzzling new and seasoned birders alike. While at first it can be frustrating, addressing their similarities and differences is a good place to start. Sharp-shinned (Accipiter striatus)

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Bird Watching: and Cooper’s (Accipiter cooperii) are both small, raptors that feed on songbirds – maybe you’ve seen one hunting at your feeder. Along with the Northern Goshawk, these are the only members of the genus Accipiter in North America. Accipiters are typically forestdwelling hawks that prey on smaller birds, though recently Cooper’s and Sharp-shinned Hawks have ventured into more developed areas. While both are relatively small, there is usually a noticeable difference in size between the two. This field mark alone isn’t always reliable. With these birds, one trait alone never is. If the bird is remarkably small you are probably seeing a male Sharpie. Sharp-shinned Hawks (10 to 14 inches) are about the size of a Blue Jay, while Cooper’s Hawks (14 to 20 inches) are about the size of an American Crow. Like other raptors, these species show reverse sexual dimorphism, which may compound confusion about size. Reverse sexual dimorphism is a technical way of saying that the females are larger than the males. A small male Cooper’s is quite often about the same size as a large female Sharp-shinned. Furthermore, size can be surprisingly hard to judge in the field or from a photograph. When trying to make an identification, look to the surroundings for comparison, such as the size of its perch. If the bird had a successful hunt, take a look at what they’ve caught and go from there to estimate size. The overall body shape of a Sharpshinned is distinctly different from that

of a Cooper’s. Sharp-shinned Hawks are widest at the shoulders, tapering in toward the waist. Cooper’s Hawks are longer and more barrel-shaped. On a perched Accipiter, the shape and size of the head are good marks to look at. Sharpies have a small, rounded head with barely any visible neck. This sometimes gives them a stout appearance. Cooper’s heads are proportionally larger and flat-topped rather than rounded. Head size and projection are also great clues when identifying a bird in flight. A Cooper’s Hawk’s head projects farther out from the wings when seen in flight, along with the varied angle of the wings (held straighter on a Cooper’s, bent slightly at the wrists on a Sharp-shinned). Oftentimes, these hawks are seen as blurs diving at a feeder area or crashing into a bush. If you’re lucky enough to get good, up-close looks at the bird in question, there are several smaller features you can examine. Does the bird have a small bill, with large eyes centered in the middle (front to back) of its head (Sharpie)? Or is the bill mid-sized, with the eyes closer to the front (Cooper’s)? When visible, the nape or back of the neck is a good indicator. A pale nape that contrasts with a dark cap points to a Cooper’s Hawk. This is why some say that a Cooper’s is “capped.” If the bird has a nape that is the same color as the rest of the head, it is a Sharp-shinned. This gives them a

“hooded” appearance. The legs and feet of these two species are also quite different, seen best when the hawk is perched. Sharpshinned Hawks have long, very skinny legs, with small feet. Cooper’s Hawks’ have thicker legs and larger, more powerful feet. This difference appears to affect prey choices. Accipiters hunt with their feet and talons out, using them as their primary weapon. Finally, the tail can offer several distinguishing features. The tail of a Sharp-shinned Hawk often looks squared at the edges and/or notched in the middle. This is because the tail feathers are equal lengths. A Cooper’s Hawk typically has a rounded tail, tipped with white. This can be affected by wear, so be sure to use it in conjunction with other field marks. Unlike those of a Sharpie, the tail feathers of a Cooper’s Hawk are not even. The outer feathers are slightly shorter than the rest. The best times to use this field mark are when the bird has its tail either spread out or folded. In this second position, the outer tail feathers are actually folded into the middle with the longer feathers behind them. One further resource deserves mention: explore several field guides to prepare your mind with examples. Both detailed paintings (some with live bird models and some from study skin references) and photographs provide at home practice. So go out, go birding, and watch for hawks! Catherine Griset was an intern at the Birds of Vermont during the 2013 spring semester, while she was a student at the University of Vermont.

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Conservation:

Rattlesnakes in Vermont?

Vermont has rattle snakes although not many know about them. The native timber rattlesnakes exists two small populations on isolated ridgetops in western Rutland County. The snakes are nonaggressive and are rarely seen by people

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Conservation:

Fish & Wildlife Department biologist Doug Blodgett captured this rattler and inspected the animal for snake fungal disease, which has infected several species of Vermont's snakes recently. The snake did not show any signs of the disease.

he Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department has been working with researchers at The Nature Conservancy and the Orianne Society to conserve a piece of Vermont’s unique natural heritage, the timber rattlesnake. They have captured rattlesnakes from the wild and implanted radio transmitters under their skin as part of a two-year study of timber rattlesnake habitat and movements in western Rutland County. The researchers have also been working to determine the extent and severity of a condition referred to as “snake fungal disease” that has recently begun afflicting Vermont’s

timber rattlesnakes. Snake fungal disease causes blisters or brown, crusty lesions on the face and neck of infected individuals. Biologist Doug Blodgett leads the timber rattlesnake project for the Fish & Wildlife Department. “We first documented the lesions on timber rattlesnakes in 2012,” Blodgett said. “Since then, the condition has been observed in several species of snakes throughout Vermont. It’s difficult to assess the effects of this disease on individuals, but it does appear to be associated with population declines in neighboring

states.” Timber rattlesnakes are one of 11 species of native snakes in Vermont They once ranged throughout the Champlain Valley, but are now found only in two isolated populations in western Rutland County. The fate of timber rattlesnakes in Vermont is uncertain. The loss of critical habitat, collection for the black market pet trade, and indiscriminate killing have depressed populations to stateendangered status, and snake fungal disease may exacerbate these problems. Together with other snake species,

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Conservation:

Timber rattlers care for their young for the first few weeks of their life. This female is thought to be pregnant.

timber rattlesnakes help control rodent populations, which would cause crop damage and spread diseases such as Lyme without limits from predators. “There’s always been a strong cultural bias against rattlesnakes due to sensationalized Hollywood depictions of these animals as highly aggressive, stalking menaces of the forest,” Blodgett said. “Nothing could be further from the truth. In my dozen years of experience working with rattlesnakes in Vermont, I’ve been most impressed with how docile, tolerant and secretive these

animals are. They do just about anything to avoid confrontation with people.” Public perception of rattlesnakes is changing as people gain a better understanding of this species. Fear and hatred are giving way to interest and curiosity, as people begin to appreciate the important role that rattlesnakes play in the ecosystem. While most rattlesnakes in Vermont remain in remote areas, they are occasionally found near people. The Fish & Wildlife Department

urges Vermonters who find a rattlesnake in their yard to avoid handling the snake and to contact the Rattlesnake Removal Program by calling 241-3700 to have the snake safely relocated by a trained expert. “These animals are the original native Vermonters. They’ve been here for thousands of years and are an intergral part of our ecosystem and our wildlife heritage,” Blodgett said. “I see them as a symbol of something still untamed and wild in a fairly tame landscape. They deserve our protection and stewardship.”

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The Outside Story:

How the Trout Got Its Spots

When I was 10, I carried a tin can of worms and a battered fishing rod to the wild shores of Brickyard Pond, in the woods behind our subdivision. We caught mostly scrappy sunfish and white perch, with the occasional bass thrown in. There were alewives in some of the brooks, too, and we caught them with nets. As for the pretty trout that came

from the hatchery truck, I never caught one. The fish I caught were mostly round, dark green or gray, and mottled like the mud and sandy bottom of the pond. Then one day a friend’s older brother, a real fisherman with a green fishing vest, caught a large brown trout. I couldn’t believe my eyes. The fish, shaped like a torpedo, was a yellowish gold and it had big red spots on its sides.

Years later, I caught my first brook trout on a fly rod at Shoal Pond in the White Mountains. Again, I was mesmerized by the intense colors: the yellow and red spots, some with bluish halos, the fins that were bright red with white and black trim. It all begs the question: why the trout’s fancy colors when so many other fish are dishwater dull? Part of the answer can be found in the biological record.

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The Outside Story: Trout are part of the salmon family, which diverged from other bony fishes at the end of the Oligocene, about 30 million years ago. This was a time of global cooling, which suited the trout just fine. They were coldwater pioneers, who pushed into higher elevation watersheds to spawn and sometimes reside. Brook trout, our native trout, are part of the char genus (Salvelinus) and among the most cold-tolerant fish, able to live in glacial meltwater and isolated mountain lakes that stay frozen much of the year. As the last glacier melted and receded from the Northeast – about 10,000 years ago – brook trout migrated along the edge of the retreating ice, occupying enormous glacial bays, dammed glacial lakes, and northern rivers and streams. Where the water is clear and cold, bright colors can be seen. There is an advantage to this. Trout are territorial, and males and females aggressively defend feeding stations. They flash their colors in lateral and frontal threat displays, and if that doesn’t work to push off an intruder, they nip and chase each other to defend their position in a stream. Color and pigment patterns seem to matter during fall spawning, too. The fins and bellies of brook trout, like the maple leaves above, turn orange in the fall. While shortened day length triggers spawning behavior, it’s the trout’s heightened color that brings on the aggression as males vie for the opportunity to be closest to an egg-laying female.

The largest, most brightly colored males will most effectively fend off the peripheral males. These males are not just rivals, they also cannibalize the eggs. Bright color can be a disadvantage, of course, especially to an animal that must be constantly wary of predation from above. So trout have evolved a two-toned skin. The bright threatening flash of their silvery sides – in rainbow trout the silver is superimposed by a brushwork of red – contrasts with a dark back, engraved with ornate markings called vermiculations. These speckled patterns break up reflected light, merging trout with the gravely substrate below. In moving water, trout are nearly invisible from above. Environmental factors also influence a trout’s colors. Food supply, for example, can have a major effect. Whether a brook trout has a pale or a pink belly is partly a function of how many crustaceans – small crayfish and shrimp – it eats. Brook trout that spend part of the year in the ocean take on a bluish hue, while trout living in the acidified waters of isolated beaver ponds are often deep yellow, closer to the tannin leachates that turn such waters brown. Chemical pollution may influence trout pigmentation, too. Chemicals found in certain anti-fouling-boat-bottompaint turn rainbow trout paler. Hybridization adds to the puzzle of fish pigmentation. The High Sierra’s golden trout, arguably the prettiest trout in the world, hybridize with west slope cutthroats

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

Most races and competitions. There will be some allowance for fishing tournaments, some shooting events, and a few others, but we’re not interested in 5k, 10k, half marathons, triathlons, bike races, ski races, swim meets, auto/motorcycle races, adventure races and similar events that are already covered by other publications and local newspapers. Also, no golf, Frisbee games, dog shows (unless they’re bird dogs), gardening, backyard birding, polo, team sports, well you get the idea. We have to draw the line somewhere, Page 77 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • July 2013

The Outside Story: to make a fish that fishermen call “cutgolds.” multi-hued gravels of the places they call home. The fact that we’ve been busy introducing trout to They’re a sentinel species: as goes the cold, clean waters everywhere since the 1850s muddies the color water, so go the trout. palette even more. Looks can be deceiving, and maybe we put too much stock in beauty. But there’s an ecological lesson in a trout’s good looks. These fish are decked out in sky, sunshine, and the .

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

Page 78 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • July 2013

Lake Champlain International:

American Eel

An American eel caught in Lake Champlain during a U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service study.

Someone brought a small American eel to the Chipman’s Point weigh station during the LCI Father’s Day fishing tournament this year. They brought it in to find out what kind of fish it was. For a second, I was taken aback that an angler on Lake Champlain did not recognize an American eel. My guess is that most every angler on Lake Champlain knew what an American eel was when I was a kid some 50 years ago.

There were plenty of eels in the lake back then. I can remember the first one that I caught while fishing for bull pout (Ichthylurus nebulosus …for those that would call them bullhead). The writhing, surging, spinning, slimy, snake-like creature that emerged from the dark water etched an unforgettable experience into my 8-year-old mind. Yup, I definitely know what an American eel is. But, there is a lot more to the story. There became fewer and fewer American eels in Lake Champlain

and tributaries to the lake following alterations to dams at Saint-Ours and Chambly on the Richelieu River between 1965 and 1969. New construction at both sites eliminated eel passage up the river. Commercial fishing for American eels on the Richelieu River has been going on for more than 150 years. A sharp and constant decline in the commercial catch of eels on the Richelieu began in 1981 culminating in closure of the fishery in 1998. In 1997, a fishway for eels was installed at the Chambly dam,

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Lake Champlain International:

For more information ● publications.gc.ca/collections/Collection/CW69-14-458-2006E.pdf? ● www.fws.gov/lcfwro/projects/assistance.html ● www.ieahydro.org/reports/Annex_VIII_CaseStudy0304_Chambly_Canada.pdf

however, eel passage continued to be blocked at the Saint-Ours dam until a fishway was installed in 2003. Between 2005 and 2012, young migrating eels were also stocked into the Richelieu River by the Canadians. Something seems to be working. I talked to a number of anglers at Chipman’s Point during the derby who told me that eels up to 3 feet in length are again being caught at the south end of Lake Champlain. This may be great news for many reasons. Not the least of which is the fact that these fish have an amazing, interesting and complicated life history.

Born in the Sargasso Sea, their ribbon-like larvae spend a year traveling to the coast of North America where they transform into their more familiar form then travel up freshwater streams and into lakes. Nearly all of the eels that travel all the way up into Lake Champlain are females. They live in the lake for 12 to 19 years before reaching sexual maturity and traveling back to sea to spawn. Males don’t usually travel as far upstream, residing in waters closer to the ocean. Wayne Laroche is the staff scientist for Lake Champlain International.

Lake Champlain International (LCI) is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization actively involved in shaping the future of Lake Champlain's water and fisheries health for the well-being of the people who depend on it today and tomorrow. To protect, restore, and revitalize Lake Champlain and its communities, LCI educates, advocates, and motivates to ensure that Lake Champlain is swimmable, drinkable, and fishable, understanding that healthy water resources are essential for a healthy economy and a healthy community.

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www.VtGreatOutdoorsMag.com Page 80 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • July 2013

Why The Long Face? 2013

The Great Artdoors:

Page 81 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • July 2013

The Great Artdoors:

ooking back on my education as an artist, I can say with confidence that some of the most formative lessons I learned came outside the confines of the traditional classroom setting. Actually, let me qualify that – they came outside the confines of the studio. Many lessons learned as an artist did in fact occur in the classroom, it just happened to be the wrong classroom. A short attention span and propensity for daydreaming left me with subpar class notes and well above average margin doodles. I once read somewhere that doodlers actually have a higher rate of information retention. Perhaps that explains my surprisingly not-terrible high school and college GPAs? But I digress. The point is … well, there are two points: the first is that I’ve always allowed the events and passions of my life define who I am as an artist – hence the margins in my TrapperKeeper overflowing with skateboarders and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (not division symbols or renderings of the periodic table of elements). The second is that I truly regret not having had a greater appreciation for education when I was in school. Like most kids I think, I viewed school as a chore. I got decent enough grades, but that was more out of fear of disappointing my parents or keeping pace with my overachieving buddies (seriously—two of my best buddies were class valedictorian and salutatorian in a class of roughly 500). Thankfully, as I’ve grown older, I’ve also grown increasingly curious. These days, I use a lot of my drawing and painting time to educate myself with audiobooks and online lectures. I think that the resurgence of my desire to learn has a lot to do with the

EvanChismark.com Facebook.com/EvanChismarkArt fact that I can choose my subject matter, rather than having it forced upon me and then having my feeble knowledge of a subject tested and measured against my peers. The digital age in which we live has amassed eons of humanity’s accrued knowledge into a few central locations, all of which are easily accessible anytime, and just about anywhere. YouTube gets a bad rap as being the repository of cat videos and drunken celebrities but it – wait for it – is actually filled to overflowing with educational resources on just about any subject imaginable. During the long drive back to Vermont from Wyoming last fall (following an insanely good mountain bike trip – but that’s a story for another time), I listened to a book called “The Omnivore’s Dilemma” by Michael Pollan in an attempt to learn more about where our food comes from. Despite its length, it’s a fairly quick read, simply because it’s so damn interesting. The origins and contents of our foodstuffs fascinate me, and this book does a tremendous job of deconstructing the industrial food chain. “Omnivore’s Dilemma” then led me to a documentary film about the industrial food system to which we have virtually become slaves (“Food, Inc.”) and further opened my eyes to not only the environmental degradation but also

the threat to human and environmental health that factory farms pose. Hence the title of this month’s piece – “Why the Long Face?” It’s definitely a play on words, calling out not just the long face of the cow, but also the miserable lives that many cows on factory farms are forced to live. Certain components of our food system, in an effort to achieve increased efficiency and volume, subject the animals to horribly inhumane living conditions. Moral implications aside, this is a dangerous thing as it ultimately affects the health and wellbeing of our society and our environment. As outdoorsman (outdoorspeople?), I think it’s incumbent on each one of us to take whatever steps we can to understand how our actions affect the world around us and to take the steps necessary to minimize our impact. Thankfully, Vermont is a state that takes great pride in its food culture and in knowing where its food comes from – local farms with grass fed beef, freerange chickens and sustainably raised pork are plentiful. Hunting and fishing opportunities even more so. So I urge you to take note of where your last meal originated and to learn about where your food dollars are going. Do it for the sake of your health, for the health of our environment, and the future of our natural world. Evan Chismark is an artist, environmentalist, and overly opinionated lover of the outdoors. He holds a master’s degree in environmental law from Vermont Law School, has a hard time sitting still, and is a sucker for a good IPA. He and his wife and their two hairy, four-legged children live in Stowe. To purchase his work, check out EvanChismark.com, email info@evanchismark.com or like Facebook.com/EvanChismarkArt.

Page 82 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • July 2013

VGOM:

Like that special tree stand from which you always see deer, or that stretch of river where the trout always rise, there are just some places that are unique. A spot that holds a place in your heart so special that you keep it to yourself. If you’re looking for an advertising opportunity to share your message, this can be your special place. This prime spot can be yours next month. By advertising in Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine, you’ll not only be supporting a growing publication that is generating a lot of excitement in the Green Mountain State, but you’ll also place your message in front of avid and dedicated outdoor enthusiasts. And you won’t believe how affordable this space is. There are other publications that cover some of the outdoor experience in Vermont and this little slice of Heaven they call northern New England. They do a good job, but none of them cover the depth and breadth of the topics you’ll read about in Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine. So contact us today to ensure we can get your advertisement in the next monthly issue of a growing and exciting publication that covers the topics that are important to you and your business. Email: ads@vtgreatoutdoorsmag.com Phone: (802) 331-0130 Page 83 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • July 2013

Out & About:

Rods in the Corner

n the corner of my home office there are three fishing poles. One is a modern rod and reel – an Orvis 8½-foot, 4-weight that has yet to feel the bend of a good trout. But there is potential in the fibers of that rod that keeps me eagerly looking forward to the next trip to a river full of brook trout. That rod is the hope and promise of what’s to come. It’s the other two rods, however, that keep me looking at that corner of my office and dreaming of outdoor adventures – both past and future. One is a Daiwa 6-foot, light-action spincast rod. Its reel long since gave up the ghost with mangled inner workings. The rod is nothing special to anyone else. To me, it’s a piece of who I am. It is light blue, made of fiberglass in the USA. I remember it coming from a bigbox type store – probably somewhere around 1977. Being blue and made in the United States were selling points to me when I got it. I was about 10 years old and I remember being quite taken with the fact the rod had “ceramic guides.” They looked cool and this rod just oozed with fish-catching ability. It was my pride and joy. Nobody was allowed to even carry that rod for fear they would jam the rod tip into something and break it.

And it did catch fish. It accounted for lots of crappie, trout, including my first on a fly. I had become bored with bank fishing – as most kids do. As I sat there, I watched trout surfacing within feet of the bank near an inlet 100 yards uplake. I reeled in and with my dad protesting, snipped off my bait hooks and tied some sort of fuzzy fly to the end of my monofilament and headed off up the lake. There, I sat and watched as the trout slowly began to feed again. I let out a bunch of mono and did my best to flip the fly onto the water’s surface. I couldn’t throw the fly more than about 6 feet, however, so I settled for that and waited. Magic happened. A small trout – probably 6 inches – darted up and sipped the fake bug from the surface. The only problem is I had been fiddling with the drag setting while boredom had overtaken me earlier. Unknowingly, I had loosened the drag until it was impossible to reel the fish in and the little trout took off,

pulling line with almost no resistance. Being a youngster I didn’t know what was wrong, so I set to pulling the line in by hand until I had a wad of monofilament at my feet and a glistening trout in hand. I knew the little rainbow was too small to keep so I let it go. It darted back into the depths of the lake and I started untangling the bird’s nest at my feet. As I walked back toward dad, he smiled and shook his head. I puffed out my chest and went back to bait fishing. That’s just one of the hundreds of stories that rod carries. Each is special and contributed a little piece to who I am. The other rod has fewer stories in it – mainly because I don’t remember them. It was my first rod. The reel is a black plastic Zebco 77. The rod is a little over 4 feet long and solid white except for black wrapping at the eyelets. Whatever writing might have been on the rod has long since disappeared in the 40-plus years since it was first handed to a wide-eyed kid. I remember one fishing trip in particular. We were camping. My family; aunts, uncles and cousins; and my grandparents. And, of course, we were fishing.

Page 84 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine • July 2013

Out & About: Whether the trout was hooked and the rod handed to me, or whether I had much to do with it at all, I remember being attached to electricity through that rod. Every time I was sure the fish was gone, those vibrations shot through the rod, into my hands and straight into my soul. Meanwhile, I was reeling like mad until a trout was flopping on the shore and I was engulfed in a a sea of back slaps and congratulations. It was the first fish I had ever caught and I was hooked for life at that moment.

Something else I remember … people telling me – the earliest such recollection of these words – that they were proud of me. Somehow, among all the thousands of events leading up this point in my middle-aged life, this is one that stands out clearly. These two old rods – one black and white, one blue – hold open the door to my outdoor soul. I hold them in my hands and I’m that 5-year-old boy again, grinning as adults toussel my hair and slap me on the back. And, I’m that gangly, awkward

teen, walking back toward my dad with my chest puffed out as two generations connect for just one of the few times. Standing in the corner, those rods also keep me connected to the Orvis rod that rests next to them. They are my past and my future. Anybody who doesn’t believe in the power of the outdoors and its impact on kids and families ... come over here. I have a couple of fishing rods I want to show you. Darren Marcy is editor and publisher of Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine.

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