Hunters, Anglers Advised of Changes, Maine IF&W Initiatives
October 6, 2008
Augusta - Hunting and fall fishing seasons are underway in Maine, and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife wants hunters and anglers to be aware of rules and agency initiatives in order to have a safe season.
Hunters and anglers are reminded to read and carry with them their appropriate law books. The law books are available at any licensing agent and at the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. For more information, call 287-8000.
IMPORTANT: Hunters Must Write Down Their Any-Deer Permit Number
IF&W will no longer be mailing Any-Deer permits to permit winners, as part of a cost saving initiative. Instead, permit winners will need to record their permit number and report the permit number to the registration station when tagging their deer. The Department suggests that permit winners write down their permit number and keep the number with their hunting license so it is readily available when needed at the registration station. Hunters can find their Any-Deer permit number by visiting our web site at http://deer.informe.org/index.htm
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This year the Department granted 51,850 permits to current hunting license holders. The permit allocation is as follows: Resident: 39,578; Non-Resident: 3,579; Landowner: 8,421; Superpack: 272.
Also, IF&W will not be distributing paper applications for the moose and any-deer lotteries next year, but will be accepting online applications on our web site, www.mefishwildlife.com, during the respective lottery dates.
Any-Deer Permit Swap Available
An Any-Deer, Landowner or Superpack deer permit winner may swap their permit with another same-type permit winner in order to switch hunting districts.
The permits must be the same type, and residents can swap only with residents and non-residents can swap only with non-residents.
IF&W does not maintain a list of individuals wishing to swap permits. Permit winners who wish to swap will need to locate and contact other permit winners on their own.
One sportsman, Jeff W. Zimba, is maintaining a non-IF&W-affiliated swap site - www.DoeTagSwap.com. For a small fee, permit winners can locate and potentially swap with other same-type permit winners. However, IF&W still needs to be notified of the swap, and the proper Department paperwork still must be completed.
The site also allows permit winners to download for free and print a business card-sized Any Deer Permit/Transportation Tag on their home computer. IF&W is not mailing Any Deer Permits this year, and winners are responsible for bringing their permit number to the registration station.
The IF&W permit swap fee is $7 (one fee covers both winners.) The swap can be done in person at our main office in Augusta or by mail with the required “swap request form” that’s available on our web site. The Department will assign a new permit number and mail back the form.
The swap can be done online until 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 31, 2008. Mail-in requests must be received by Oct. 31. Please allow at least one week for processing.
Hunters: Keep Chronic Wasting Disease Out of Maine
The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, along with other state agencies, is working to keep Chronic Wasting Disease out of Maine.
To prevent the introduction of CWD into Maine, recently passed laws now make it illegal for hunters who hunt and kill a deer, caribou, elk or moose in another state or province to transport any carcass parts that pose a risk of containing CWD prions back into Maine. Hunters may return to Maine only with boned-out meat, hardened antlers (with or without skull caps), hides without the head portion, and finished taxidermy mounts. If still attached, skull caps must be cleaned free of brain and other tissues.
It is legal for individuals to transport cervid carcasses or parts through the State of Maine if they are destined for other states, provinces, and countries. Transportation is to occur without undue delay and must use the most reasonably direct route through Maine to the final destination. Cervid carcasses or parts must be transported in a manner that is both leak-proof and that prevents their exposure to the environment.
The laws are a result of the fact that no state or province can claim to be free of CWD.
If it emerges in Maine, CWD could seriously reduce infected deer populations by lowering adult survival and de-stabilizing populations. Monitoring and control of CWD is extremely costly and would divert already scarce funding and staff resources away from other much-needed programs.
If you plan to hunt deer, caribou, moose or elk in a state/province known or suspected to harbor CWD, there are some commonsense precautions you should take to avoid handling, transporting, or consuming potentially CWD-infected specimens. You can go to our website at www.mefishwildlife.com to view these precautions.
CWD causes irreversible damage to brain tissues in affected animals and ultimately leads to death. CWD is one of a group of diseases known as Transmissable Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs). Other TSEs include Scrapie in sheep, Mad Cow Disease in cattle, and Creuzfeldt Jacob Disease in humans. CWD had been found several western and midwestern states, as well as parts of Canada.
Chronic Wasting Disease is known to occur in mule deer, elk, and white-tailed deer, although other cervids such as red deer, fallow deer, sika deer as well as moose, and caribou may also be susceptible. CWD is thought to be caused by an infectious protein called a prion that upon entering the body; causes the host’s normal proteins to take on a diseased form. These prions accumulate in the brain and spinal cords, as well as lymph nodes, spleen, eye tissues, bone marrow, saliva, feces and urine in diseased deer.
Hunting In Maine Is Big Business
Approximately 204,000 people hunt in Maine each year, and those hunters generate more than $241 million in economic activity in Maine. Approximately 83 percent of the hunters are Maine residents.
Each hunter spends an average of $1,359 in equipment, licenses, memberships and trip-related expenses, and spends approximately 13 days engaging in the sport, according to the 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, the most recent information from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The economic impact from hunting season is tremendous, supporting thousands of jobs and bringing millions in state sales and income tax revenue.
Make Sure Your Deer Hunt Is A Safe Hunt
The Department offers the following safety tips:
- Be sure that someone knows where you are headed, and when you plan to return.
- Carry emergency survival gear, a flashlight, map and compass, matches and water.
- Stop periodically to eat and re-hydrate yourself.
- Wear two pieces of hunter orange that are in good condition.
- Be sure of your target, and what is beyond it.
- Always keep the muzzle of your firearm pointed in a safe direction.
- Unload your firearm before entering a dwelling, before entering a vehicle, or before storing it.
Know the Difference Between Common and Barrow’s Goldeneye
IF&W would like to remind Maine waterfowl hunters about the need to differentiate between a Common and Barrow’s Goldeneye during waterfowl season, which opens today (Oct. 1).
In May 2007, the Maine Legislature listed the Barrow’s Goldeneye as a Threatened Species because they are potentially vulnerable to extirpation from the state due to their very small wintering population (believed to be less than 250 birds.) Because it is a Threatened Species, the law prohibits their “take.”
Barrow’s Goldeneyes are found in low numbers on certain large lakes, rivers and coastal areas throughout Maine, normally from November to March. Among those areas are the Kennebec River, from Skowhegan to Richmond; the Penobscot River, from Old Town to Bucksport; Englishman Bay; Belfast Bay; Mount Desert Narrows, from Trenton to Lamoine Beach; Carver’s Harbor in Vinalhaven; the St. George River below Thomaston; the Harraseeket River in Freeport.
Barrow’s and Common Goldeneyes look very similar, with a white body, black back and black-appearing head. The Barrow’s, however, has a crescent-shaped spot in front of its eye (while the Common has a round white spot). A Barrow’s head is more black on its side and has a stubbier bill. A Barrow’s female has most of the same characteristics as the male, but she has an orange-yellow bill.
Because the two look so similar, the harvest of Common Goldeneyes may result in the unintentional taking of Barrow’s Goldeneyes, according to Wildlife Biologist Sandy Ritchie, who manages habitat conservation and special projects at IF&W. By improving the duck hunter’s ability to distinguish Barrow’s from Common Goldeneyes and by alerting hunters that Barrow’s Goldeneyes are known to congregate in certain areas, IF&W and hunter will minimize the unintentional take of Barrow’s Goldeneyes.
Despite our efforts, a few Barrow’s Goldeneyes may be unintentionally shot. In these cases, hunters are required to surrender any Barrow’s Goldeneye taken incidentally to legal waterfowl hunting activities. The bird must be surrendered to the Department within one month of when it was shot by contacting a local game warden or calling the Wildlife Division in Bangor to coordinate a pick-up. There will be no penalty for killing a Barrow’s and reporting it to the Department.
Moose Hunting Moves to Southern Maine
This November, four Wildlife Management Districts will be opened to moose hunting for the first time - an area of the state that has not experienced moose hunting since 1935.
The southern Maine moose hunt will occur during the regular firearms deer season, from Nov. 3 to Nov. 29 with a resident’s only day on Nov. 1 in WMD 15, 16, 23 and 26.
Sufficient permits will be allocated to allow a slow to moderate decrease in moose number to address highway safety concerns while eliminating or greatly reducing conflicts between moose hunters, landowners and the general public.
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Moose hunting in southern Maine will be very different from moose hunting that occurs in western, northern, and eastern areas of the State because hunters participating in a southern Maine moose hunt will be hunting largely on small, private landholdings, according to Wildlife Biologist Sandy Ritchie, who manages habitat conservation and special projects at IF&W. Success will likely be low, especially for hunters not from the immediate area who do not use a guide. It may also be more difficult to remove moose from private land in southern Maine, and the means required to remove a harvested moose from private land could be of concern to some landowners.
IF&W staff is working with the Small Woodland Owners Association of Maine to ensure that landowners are aware of the hunt. Also, staff is working with hunters who drew permits to hunt in the southern districts to draw attention to a number of things they can do to help ensure a quality hunting experience while maintaining good landowner relations and future public access, according to Ritchie.
Fall Fishing on Sebago Lake
As the fall fishing season approaches, anglers are reminded of the new fall fishing regulations in effect this year on Sebago Lake. In the past the open water fishing season on most of the lake closed on Sept. 30. The single exception was a small area near Sebago Station that permitted fishing from Oct. 1 through Nov. 30.
The new regulations allow anglers to fish the entire lake from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31. From Oct. 1 through Dec. 31 togue (lake trout) may be harvested under the same size and bag limits in place for the rest of the year, but all salmon and trout must be released.Â
These new changes are not printed in the current open water fishing law book because the changes were advanced after the current law book was printed. Also, since the changes represented a liberalization of the existing regulation, providing expanded opportunity, anglers could not be penalized (fined) if they weren’t aware of the change, according to Francis Brautigam, an IF&W Regional Fisheries Biologist based in Gray.
The regulation change was proposed by Sebago Lake Anglers Association and as adopted is consistent with the new salmon management plan recently adopted for Sebago.  The change also is consistent with the Classic Salmon Initiative.
The purpose of the regulation change is to increase lake trout harvest opportunity and further reduce lake trout abundance. Lake trout are a strong competitor with landlocked salmon. The intent of the regulation change is not to allow additional salmon fishing opportunity!
Unfortunately there is no enforceable language that could be adopted making it illegal to fish for salmon. Although the current regulation prevents salmon from being taken from October through December, even catch and release fishing for salmon is expected to increase handling stress and associated salmon mortality, particularly for ripe adult fish.Â
We request that anglers not target salmon after Sept. 30, but take advantage of the opportunity to catch and harvest lake trout during a time of the year when most of the pleasure boat crowd have put their toys to rest, little fishing pressure exists, and the spectacular early fall foliage provides a great back drop to any open water fishing experience.
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Maine Fishing Report For the Week beginning June 23, 2008
June 23, 2008
The Fish Report is written by Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife biologists. Starting this week, the report will begin an alternating weekly schedule throughout the summer. For more fishing information, visit www.maine.gov/ifw.
Region A – Southwestern Maine
This past Sunday I had a ton of chores to do around the house. So I went fishing.
My wife and I loaded some poles and warm water fishing gear into the boat and headed to Worthley Pond in Poland. The choice of pond was perfect for my circumstances. My wife prefers catching to fishing and the large number of smaller-sized largemouth bass at Worthley Pond offers great action for even the most novice of angler. The mostly undeveloped shoreline and light angler use adds a remote atmosphere and provides plenty of opportunity to fish over bass that have not been heavily fished.
We only spent a couple hours on the water and caught a half-dozen bass but we had a great time. Fishing for warm-water fish is a great way to introduce novice anglers to the sport of fishing.Â
Our seasonal creel census clerk Bill Yeo has been collecting some very interesting information from anglers on Sebago Lake. A glance at his data from this past Saturday reveals some very interesting numbers. Bill spoke with 35 parties of anglers on Saturday. These parties reported catching nine legal salmon, four of which were confirmed native fish. Also reported were 46 togue, only one of which was sublegal. One successful party reported catching 14 togue and one salmon in about four hours.
Since anglers are interviewed while fishing the aforementioned reported catch only reflects what was caught up to the time of the interview. Also, this information reflects anglers that have been fishing for several hours as well as those fishing only for a half- hour. Therefore, the actual total catch for the day was likely much higher than that reported to the clerk. The data also suggests parties that caught fish usually caught more than one, supporting the age-old adage that 10 percent of the anglers catch 90 percent of the fish. Whatever else the numbers have to indicate, they do indicate that there is some good fishing to be had on Sebago Lake. Â
– Brian Lewis, Fisheries Biologist Specialist, Gray
Region B – Central Maine
With the cost of gas these days many anglers may be keeping their fishing expeditions down to a more local approach. With that in mind, anglers should consider some of the great smaller bass waters in your county that are accessible by canoe or kayak. You just may be surprised just how productive some of these smaller bodies of water can be.
There are quite a few ponds in Region B that have been classified as quality-size largemouth or smallmouth fishing.
The ponds with quality-size largemouth bass are Deer Meadow Pond in Jefferson, Grassy Pond in Rockport, Moose Pond in Mt. Vernon, and Nehumkeag Pond in Pittston. For quality-size smallmouth bass, go to Moose Hill Pond in Livermore. Nequasset Lake in Woolwich has both quality-size largemouth and smallmouth bass.
On average one could expect the opportunity to catch three or more bass in a day’s fishing on “quality-size bass waters.” Some of the fish could run between 12 and 18 inches in length. Of course on some days the fishing will prove to be much slower than this and the fish may be a little smaller. On some occasions the fishing may even be better than expected. But then, I guess that’s why the sport is called “fishing” and not “catching”!
– Scott Davis, Fisheries Biology Specialist, Sidney
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Region C — Downeast
Of all Maine’s sport fish, the smallmouth bass rank high in anglers’ minds as the hard-fighting, cooperative, abundant fish species that represents the way fishing should be. While different groups of anglers are always shopping and buying those “new” lures that might catch more fish, there is a big difference between the amount of fishing tackle taken in the boat by landlocked salmon anglers when compared to bass anglers.
For instance, when I fish for landlocked salmon, everything I use fits in one large tackle box. But when I fish for bass, I always take at least four tackle boxes, and one of them is huge! After all, there are topwater lures, crankbaits, stickbaits, and several styles of spinners. Multiply each of those by the various color patterns we possess for each lure type (natural, fire tiger, chartreuse, blaze orange) and you can quickly see why one tackle box must be almost as large as a cooler! The other tackle boxes house jig heads, hooks, and a wide variety of soft plastic lures.
Because of the high importance of smallmouth bass to Maine’s anglers, fisheries biologists in eastern Maine have intensively studied populations in approximately 35 waters over the last 22 years, beginning with the high priority fisheries. Sampling methods have included SCUBA, electrofishing, trapnetting, and angling. We have collected information on lengths, weights, fishing effort, and ages of bass, permitting us to learn about the quality of bass populations from these 35 waters from more than 8,000 individual bass. There’s no guesswork involved in this kind of information.
Our staff biologists are finishing this spring’s sampling at Holbrook Pond and Graham Lake this week with the Department’s electrofishing boat.
Because bass anglers are always interested in the quality of bass fishing in their region, the purpose of this fishing report is to share a summary of the quality of numerous bass fisheries, based on our findings. Studies in Maine have shown that catch and release angling for bass occurs in 97 percent of Maine’s open water fishing trips. This important angler ethic is a primary reason for the excellence of Maine’s bass fishing.
We have compiled a summary of information about the catch rate for smallmouth bass at each water, measured during the spawning season, and the percentage of bass larger than 12 inches and 14 inches. By looking at the catch rate along with the sizes of bass, anglers will gain a perspective of the fishing quality in these waters. Because several lakes have been sampled multiple times, the information represents averages over the years. To view the chart, visit www.maine.gov/ifw and click on fishing.
Some of Maine’s best bass fishing occurs from late June through the end of August. Try top-water fishing on calm hot summer mornings when the dragonflies are flitting over the lily pads. Troll Rapalas and Rebels around offshore boulder shoals on windy days. And fish from twilight into total darkness with surface lures when the only sensations you experience are the glug-glug-glug of your Jitterbug as you reel it three feet, then wait to hear the explosive splash of a large bass grabbing it from the lake surface in the dark.
– Rick Jordan, Regional Fisheries Biologist, Jonesboro
Region D – Western Maine
Summer fishing conditions are upon us. Warming water temperatures in lakes and ponds are forcing coldwater fish species to seek thermal refuge. It’s easy for fish to find these conditions in most large lakes by just going deeper. That’s also what anglers have to do to target trout and salmon. Trolling slow using a downrigger or lead-core fishing line is what it takes to get down into the 40- to 60-foot water where the fish are suspended.
If fishing for brook trout or salmon, the Rangeley area is hard to beat. All the larger lakes contain trout and salmon and have good public access. Togue anglers can go to Clearwater Pond in Industry, Embden Pond in Embden, Jim Pond in Jim Pond Township, or Spring Lake in T3 R4 BKP WKR to find some good action.
Togue anglers looking for a quieter atmosphere might try carrying a small boat or canoe into Lincoln Pond in Parkertown Township. or West Carry Pond in Carrying Place Town Township. All these ponds are deep and contain large lake trout and a few good brookies too. A sewed-on sucker or a streamer fly and dodger are a couple of good techniques to try using.
Last week, the sampling of Androscoggin River smallmouth bass was completed in the 14-mile reach between Rumford and the head of the Riley impoundment in Canton. We fell four bass shy of the hundred fish goal, but are considering that good due to the high water conditions during the sampling period. The bass ranged from 7 to 18½ inches long with over a third of the fish being greater than 15 inches. Also caught were a few brown trout and rainbow trout, as well as many large chubs.
This week we will begin sampling Wesserunsett Lake in Madison and Wilson Pond in Wilton. For these waters we will be using an electrofishing boat. This boat is very effective at collecting fish, but also very noisy, as the power source is an on-board generator. People around these waters should expect to hear this activity, especially since much of this work is done at night.
Although largemouth bass are not common in northwestern Maine, there are a few ponds that have good populations. Norcross, Sand, and Crowell Ponds in Chesterville and Wesserunsett Lake are all excellent places to cast a popper into a weed bed or work a rubber worm along a drop-off. Anglers can catch bass up to five pounds, although the average size fish will be much smaller. Pickerel, perch, and sunfish can also be caught at the same time.
– David Howatt, Fisheries Biologist Specialist, Strong
Region E – Moosehead Lake
We are once again experiencing a wet and rainy month of June, which has kept river flows high and the chance of thunderstorms has been a reoccurring evening event. Due to these wet conditions mayfly and caddis hatches have been off schedule in many of the ponds and rivers I fish in the region.Â
Water temperatures are still relatively cool for this time of year. Hopefully, the warmer, sunnier weather predicted for this coming week will help warm things up and the insect hatches will pick up in time for those anglers looking to take advantage of the last superlative insect hatch of the season, the “Green Drake Hatch”.Â
The Fourth of July is when we begin to see green drake hatches start up in the Moosehead Lake Region. Since many of these ponds are not on the same insect hatching schedule anglers should do a little scouting to ensure they can experience a full blown “Green Drake Hatch.” By checking a pond that you know has a green drake hatch during the day, you can tell if the hatch has begun and see to what extent the hatch has progressed due to the presence or absence of green drake casings floating on the surface of the water. In most cases, green drakes do not begin to come off the water until after dark, so if you did your homework and you have a flashlight, sit back, and be patient.Â
On June 21-22, the Moosehead Lake Fisheries Coalition and Moosehead Lake Region Chamber of Commerce hosted a Moosehead Lake Open Water Togue Fishing Derby. Derby organizers report that the event was a fun and enjoyable weekend of fishing. Cash prizes were awarded to the three largest lake trout and smallest lake trout entered, along with a chance at numerous raffle prizes for each lake trout entered.
Eighty-four tickets were sold during the two-day event. Anglers registered 231 lake trout between 7 and 26 inches. Cash prizes for the three largest and smallest lake trout went to the following anglers: First place- Don Brodeur, 26.25 inches at 6.39 pounds; second place- Mitchell Guerette, 23 inches at 3.12 pounds; third place- Malcolm Batchblder, 21 inches at 3.04 pounds. The smallest lake trout honors went to Walt Guerette for his 7-inch “wall hanger”. John Myatt won the Old Town Predator canoe. Congratulations to all the winners and the anglers that made this event a success.
– Stephen Seeback, Fisheries Biology Specialist, Greenville
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Region F — Penobscot
This past week we received several reports of very good fishing from around the region. The warm water lakes such as East Branch Lake in Seboeis Plt, Mattawamkeag Lake in Island Falls, Baskahegan Lake in Brookton, Mattanawcook Lake in Lincoln and Eskutassis Lake in Burlington are producing nice catches of white perch, smallmouth bass and pickerel. The bass fishing in the Penobscot River is excellent from Millinocket to Bangor.
Reports from our coldwater lakes and ponds are equally as good. Upper Cold Stream Pond in Lincoln is producing some nice brook trout as well as good catches of white perch. Anglers on Cold Stream Pond are reporting lots of action last week, but things started to slow down towards the weekend. The fish they reported were not lunkers but legal, fat and sassy.
The green drake mayflies have started to hatch at Nicatous Lake in T3 ND. A couple that tented out at one of the conservation camp sites reported a few drakes hatching. The fly-fishing for white perch in the evening was GREAT using a large white wolf. They also caught and released 2 brown trout between 12 and 15 inches. The smallmouth bass fishing was slow but they were taking poppers off the surface.
With the start of the drake hatch many of the ponds in Baxter will come alive with trout feeding at around dark. This is the time of year many fly anglers look forward to as they set tying flies during the long winter months. I recommend that you should waste no time getting out and enjoying the Maine Summer. It is far too short.
 Not only are the mayflies hatching, but hoards of midges joined their buddies the black flies and mosquitoes. If you are planning to venture outdoors make sure you have plenty of bug repellent.Â
– Brian Campbell, Fisheries Biologist Specialist, West Enfield
Region G – Aroostook County
For a number of anglers and many special interest groups seeking to improve the fishing in Maine ponds for trophy-size trout, the overwhelming request to fishery managers is for more catch and release fishing. During former Commissioner Owens’ program to establish Blue Ribbon Trout Waters, input from anglers at public meetings in this region favored establishing a one trout daily bag limit and a minimum length limit of 18 inches. The intent was that most of the fishing would be catch and release but should a trophy trout be caught (the public considered an 18-inch trout as being a trophy), they would like the opportunity to keep it.
Subsequently, 1 fish daily bag limits and higher length limits have been established on several ponds in this region. Other fishery regions have established similar regulations and may have several catch and release ponds. New regulations are being evaluated in other ponds for their ability to increase the number of larger trout. The one common denominator in all of these regulations is that a number of trout are generally caught and released by anglers in a day of fishing. The idea being that the fish will survive to grow larger and to be available for other anglers to catch. But in the world of fisheries management things aren’t always as straightforward as they seem.
Consider the common loon, a very attractive bird that is often found on the lakes and ponds in Maine. The cry of the loon is a sound that thrills campers on the lakeshores in the late evening and early morning. It is common knowledge that loons eat fish. What may not be common knowledge is that in some of these trout ponds around the state in which fishery managers have established catch and release or trophy trout pond regulations, loons have acquired a learned behavior that has overcome their wariness toward humans. Devices that have been used to deter loons from this behavior have been ineffective once the behavior has been acquired.Â
Loons on these ponds have associated the splash of a trout being caught and played with an easy meal. They keep their distance while anglers are fishing but upon hearing the sound of splashing water, they swim near to the canoe and wait for the trout to be released, grabbing it almost immediately upon its release. To those who would argue that a loon is a wild bird and remain skeptical that loons would be capable of such brazen behavior, I would offer the following excerpt received from angler Ryan Burton who shared with us his experience on a pond in northern Maine:
“The trout must be taking a beating from loons. They were following me around like seagulls waiting for scraps from a lobster boat. In two hours I caught eight nice fish between 14 and 16 inches but decided to stop fishing because I was afraid every weakened fish I released was becoming loon food.
“I had a crazy experience. The last fish I hooked, I grabbed my camera to try to get a picture of it in the water. As soon as it was right next to the canoe I went to snap the picture and the water erupted soaking me and camera both. It took a second to realize that the fish had just got hammered by a loon! I don’t even remember snapping the picture, but somehow it sort of came out OK. I’ve never seen anything like it! For a second or two I was fighting with a 14-inch trout and a loon on my fly rod with about six feet of 6-pound leader out! The loon came off without breaking the line and the trout was pretty beat, but I had to let it go (too short for this pond). Soon after, that loon torpedoed from under the canoe and the brookie disappeared. It was crazy!
The fishing was great, but I wish the loons would relocate! It seems they are eating all of next year’s 18 inchers.”Â
Still have the opinion that all fishermen lie or maybe stretch the truth? See the photo on our Web site, www.maine.gof/ifw and click on fishing.
So I think you now can understand our dilemma, as one charged to improve the sport fishery for larger brook trout, how do we manage around this conundrum?
– Dave Basley, Regional Fisheries Biologist, Ashland
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Family Fishing Days Are This Weekend
May 29, 2008
Augusta – Want to try your hand at fishing to see if you’ll like it? Want to get your kids on the water or at the rivers and streams to experience the joy of hooking a fish?
This weekend is the time to do it as the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife promotes Family Fishing Days.
On Saturday, May 31, and Sunday, June 1, people can fish for free on waterways throughout the state of Maine. This free fishing opportunity is open to any person except those whose license has been revoked or suspended. All other fishing regulations apply.
“We all remember the first time we caught a fish, and the fun we had going out as a child with a family member on a spring or summer day to see if the fish were biting,” said Commissioner Roland “Dan” Martin. “Family Fishing Days provides adults a chance to give children the same enjoyment they had as a youngster, and for free. If they find they love it, we hope that children and adults will be encouraged to buy a fishing license and spend more time on Maine’s waterways throughout the year.”
Fishing is one of the most popular activities in Maine, drawing thousands upon thousands of residents and out-of-state visitors to the state’s nearly 6,000 lakes and ponds and almost 32,000 miles of rivers and streams.
Because of this sport’s popularity, the Maine Office of Tourism, along with the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and the Department of Marine Resources, is promoting fishing on its Web site, www.visitmaine.com.
“Maine is blessed with a wide diversity of fishing opportunities, including some of the best trout fishing in the country,” said John Boland, Director of Fisheries at the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. “Whether you’re interested in fishing for trout, bass or panfish, there’s no better time than now to experience what Maine has to offer.”
This weekend is the second of two free fishing weekends offered this year. Every year in February another free fishing weekend occurs the Saturday and Sunday preceding Presidents Day.
Want to continue the fishing experience throughout the year? Fishing licenses are available for purchase on IF&W’s Web site, www.maine.gov/ifw using the MOSES online licensing system, at any of the more than 250 MOSES licensing agents statewide, or at town offices and other locations.
For a complete list of fishing regulations, including limits and sizes, visit www.maine.gov/ifw and click on “fishing.”
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2009 Moose Lottery To Be Held in Fort Kent; 2010 Event At L.L. Bean
May 27, 2008
Augusta, Maine – Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner, Roland “Dan” Martin announced today that the 2009 Moose Lottery will be held in Fort Kent. Also, Commissioner Martin said today that the 2010 Moose Lottery will be held at the L.L. Bean Hunt and Fish Store in Freeport. The times and dates will be announced as soon as they become available.
“It is with great pleasure that I announce that this long-standing annual tradition is returning to Aroostook County,” said Commissioner Martin. “I would like to thank Senator John Martin and Representative Troy Jackson for suggesting Fort Kent as a place to hold this popular event.” With the scheduling of L.L. Bean as the location for the 2010 Moose Lottery drawing, the popularity of this time-honored event continues.“L.L. Bean is a valued friend of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife,” Commissioner Martin said. “We’re thrilled to accept the invitation to bring the 2010 Moose Lottery to Freeport.”
Commissioner Martin’s announcement today comes as the Department prepares for this year’s moose permit drawing. The 2008 Moose Lottery will begin at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, at the Kittery Trading Post on Route 1 in Kittery, the southernmost location in the state. Next year it’s Fort Kent, the northernmost location. “Fort Kent is the perfect location because we have so many more moose in the County than anywhere else and we have a high percentage of people from Aroostook County who hunt moose,” said Senator John Martin. “We are looking forward to hosting people from southern Maine and the region at next year’s Annual Moose Lottery. It also will be an economic boon for the area.” Representative Jackson agrees.
“We are really excited about hosting the 2009 Moose Lottery in Fort Kent,” Representative Jackson said. “The last time it was up in the County was four or five years ago in Presque Isle. We are looking forward to it coming back because it was so popular and well attended.” Commissioner Martin said that staff from IF&W including local biologists and game wardens will be on hand at the event. “This is an opportunity for sports enthusiasts and the general public to interact with IF&W personnel”, said Martin. Admission to the event is free. In the past, the event has lasted approximately three hours.
Since 1999, the Department has rotated the lottery throughout the state. Prior to 1999, it was always in Augusta. Over the past nine years, lotteries were held in Millinocket, Boothbay Harbor, Old Town, Bucksport, Scarborough (twice), Presque Isle, Rumford, and Phippsburg.
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Spring Wild Turkey Season Opens April 28; Youth Only Day April 26
April 26, 2008
AUGUSTA, Maine – Maine’s spring Wild Turkey hunting season opens Saturday (April 26) with a Youth Only Day to encourage young people to learn about the sport, and for adults it opens on Monday (April 28).
“Wild turkeys now are found in every county in the State because of a well-instituted restoration program,” said Roland “Dan” Martin, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. “Their presence is an amazing success story.”
Hunters must have a valid Spring Wild Turkey Permit and a valid Maine resident hunting license, or a valid nonresident or alien big game hunting license in order to hunt turkey. A valid archery license also permits hunting of wild turkey with bow and arrow in Maine.
Hunters can purchase their permit to harvest online using MOSES at www.maine.gov/ifw, at any of the more than 250 MOSES agents statewide, at IF&W headquarters in Augusta, or at manual license agents.
Maine’s wild turkey season is split into two seasons over a five-week period. It’s broken down like this:
·      Season A: April 28-May 3; May 19-May 24; May 26-May 31. Hunters with even-numbered birth years (years ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8) will be authorized to hunt during Season A.
·      Season B: May 5-May 10; May 12-May 17; May 26-May 31. Hunters with odd-numbered birth years (years ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, 9) will be authorized to hunt during Season B.
·      Spring Legal Hours: One-half hour before sunrise until noon (12 p.m.)  local time.
·      Spring Areas Open to Hunting: Wildlife Management Districts 7, 10-18, and 20-26.
·      Spring Bag Limit: One bearded wild turkey per permit holder per season.
·      Spring Legal Method for Taking: Only shotgun gauges 10 through 20 using shot sizes 4 through 6, or bow and arrow may be used.
·      Calling devices: Electronic calling devices are legal.
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In spring 2007, 19,079 people carried a wild turkey permit and 6,083 bagged a turkey.
Youth Day: Once again this year, junior hunters who are interested in wild turkey hunting will have their own day this Saturday, April 26, before the regular season starts. Â The rules are:
·      Age: Youth hunters who are 10 years of age or older and under 16 years of age;
·      Permit and License Needed: Eligible youth hunters must possess a junior hunting license and a Spring Wild Turkey Permit;
·      Adult Supervision is Required and Rules:  The qualified adult must be a person 18 or older who has been approved by the youth’s parent or guardian and must hold a valid Maine hunting license or have completed a hunter safety course. The accompanying adult cannot possess a firearm during Youth Hunting Day.
·      Bag Limit: Junior hunters may bag one bearded wild turkey with a firearm or a bow and arrow.
·      Other Options: Eligible youth are allowed to hunt during Season A or Season B if they meet the birth year requirements and are under the supervision of an eligible adult. Also, junior hunters are allowed to hunt on any Saturday during the season.
