Thoughts from a Tree Stand
This is my second blog. Check it out, let me know what I am missing or what I should add to it. And again, THANK YOU!
Jul
2012
18
And A Strong Cup of Coffee
Blog Posts Written
Year: 2012
Year: 2012
Jul
2012
10
With more money comes more possibilities; how IFW will spend the additional $100k
When Maine's Governor LePage signed new legislation that gave Inland Fisheries and Wildlife an additional $100,000 for their predator control program, I wanted to follow up with Mr. Woodcock on how this money will truly impact the program and the State. How do you see this additional money helping IFW this year? We had a plan to target critical deer yards around the State (These are in areas D, E, F, G, C). This additional money will help us by providing another funding source. There are 10 locations covering about 1000 acres that are our top priority. With this additional funding, we are able to increase our efforts without worrying about stretching the budget too thin. We can expand the number of people who can participate and...
Jul
2012
5
Outdoorsy Questions for the Guides/Wardens
Hello All, I am producing a show and interviewing John Ford and Paul J. Fournier about their time as Maine Guides/Wardens. I want your questions... what do you want to know? You have until July 20th to post them here! Then listen to Maine Calling to see if we ask it. I will post the link to the show when it gets closer. Thanks ~E
Jun
2012
27
Joan Root: No Op-Ed can do her justice
A few weeks ago, I got my hands on an Op-Ed piece in the New York Times (thank you Steel!) that talked about the need for armed guards to protect the poaching of wildlife throughout the world, specifically in parts of Asia and Africa. The author, Elizabeth Bennett from the Wildlife Conservation Society describes these places as having seen a significant decrease in poaching once the armed guards were present. The call to action was clear; the more armed guards there are, the more animals will be saved. Clearly, it is the only way to protect them, right? As I read the article, Joan Root flooded into my mind. One of the best books I have read is "Wildflower: An Extraordinary Life and Untimely Death in Africa" By Mark Seal. This woman...
Jun
2012
19
Happy Father’s Day
It was an amazing weekend to be outside and spend it with Dad. After breakfast and grabbing coffee (for me), Dad and I headed out into the woods to put up cameras and to mark off a wood lot that he is cutting. I bathed in deet before I went into the woods and tall grass. I didn't need a repeat of this. This little guy was not happy that we were around. He was chirping at me, would stick his head out of the pipe, duck back in, squeak some more, stick his head out... on and on until I left. Hello decent size track! So many tracks! Its a good sign. We put up three cameras. Dad picked out a new spot for us to put a seat up. All kinds of sign, now with the camera up, we can see how many and how big the deer are. Come on big buck! One more...
Jun
2012
12
Working to restore the fish of the Penobscot
The following is a news story that aired yesterday about the removal of one of two dams along the Penobscot river and the impact that it will have on the fish population. For audio and original publication, please click here. There are "high hopes" for the Penobscot River once the Great Works Dam is completely removed, and dismantling of the Veazie Dam begins next year. That's how Maine Marine Resources Commissioner Pat Keliher framed his remarks at a celebration along the river's banks today. Restoring 11 species of migratory fish is a big part of the dream. Hopeful signs are evident at the Veazie Dam fish trap operated by state biologists every spring and summer. But, there's still a long way to go. ### For endangered Atlantic...
Jun
2012
8
Antler Point Restrictions
Recently, I have been doing some research on this topic and asking my friends on Twitter if they have restrictions like this where they hunt. If so, do they think it is an effective method for growing and creating a healthy herd. Here are some of the comments: Kentucky - No but if it's less than 3 inches, u can check as doe if I remember the regs correctly. Never been as issue for the guys I hunt with. Idaho – No, we don't have any restrictions like this. Georgia - Ga. allows counties to set antler if they desire and those that have service pt. and/or restrictions have much better bucks ! Point & spread restrictions are best. Erin, there are only a couple of Counties that i know of. I'm sure there are some i don't know. Dooly County...
Jun
2012
6
Update on ticks in Maine (and how much I still hate them)
A few weeks ago, I blogged about getting bit by a deer tick and the increase in the sheer number of them across the State. Last week, the BDN ran an article about the increase in illness here in Maine due to those horrible bugs. Here are some scary take aways if you live here: * Lyme sickened about 1,000 Mainers in 2011 and more than 180 so far this year * The deer tick can transmit Lyme, anaplasmosis and babesiosis. * The dog tick can carry Lyme but doesn’t transmit it * On average, 50 percent of Maine deer ticks carry disease * Ticks are less of a problem in northern counties of Maine and at higher elevations...
May
2012
29
Conservation and Common Sense: Working to preserve Yellowstone
When I was 25, I flew into Albuquerque, rented a car and drove for two weeks. I sketched out my route and made sure to hit as many National Parks as possible. I went to Grand Canyon National Park, Zion, the Canyonlands, and Arches (I was there a few months before the big arch fell!). It was breath taking! I would hike and just stop in awe of what an amazing resource we have in our National Parks. Standing in these places and seeing the grandeur of the Parks made me so grateful to live in a country that preserves and protects places like this. I live in Maine and have Acadia National Park in my backyard. I worked on Mount Desert Island for 4 summers and would see thousands of tourists spend time in the Park. So many people use, enjoy...
