And A Strong Cup of Coffee

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Erin M
Erin M

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My first fishing trip… help!

This weekend, hubby and I are heading to Jackman to go fishing. This will be the first time that I have actually gone somewhere to go fishing. I have all of the equipment that I need (I think) but what suggestions can all of you offer to me about the trip??? Is there anything I MUST have? What should I know? This is the first time for me, so any and all info is more than welcomed. I leave Friday = ) This is where I am staying and thisis the link to their fishing page.

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I can’t escape them!

There I was, morning mug of coffee and the newspaper. Enjoy some quiet before the day started. I turned the page and there it was – another article about ticks. I shuttered and as I read the article, I was informed that I am basically doomed. My hatred of those little disease-filled creepy crawlies has been chronicled twice before (1 and 2) but this brought it to a whole new level: babesiosis. And apparently its on track to rival Lyme disease in the tick-borne illness category. *Shutters* This is what did me in. Jane Brody writes: It has been said that Lyme disease moves on the wings of birds, which some experts believe carry the bacteria causing the condition. Babesiosis, however, moves on the backs of mice and deer. Birds do not...

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Kim Rhode is my new hero!

I had no idea who she was. I was stuck watching the bike racing, some volleyball, maybe a little swimming and gymnastics. I would have had the TV on the entire time if the TV station had skeet shooting on. Especially since Kim Rhode became the 5th individual of all time to win a medal in 5 consecutive Olympics. And she won them shooting a gun! She is my new hero. I have never shot skeet. I have never tried. But, Dad and I have decided that I am much better in a stand, 16 feet up a tree than I am on the ground. Perfect example: 3 years ago, I drew a doe permit. Dad and I decided that I would stand against a large tree in the woods while he went into a small chopping to see if he could jump any deer that, in turn, would run towards me. I...

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The Interview!

(From left, John Ford, me, Paul Fournier) Thank you to all who listened, called in, tweet'd and left me questions for the show! We had a blast and you can listen to it here. I swapped some great stories with these guys and they were so gracious and kind - they even gave me a copy of their book and signed it for me. Yes - I geeked out! I have said it before and I will say it again - hunters/fishers/outdoors people are the best people...

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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...

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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

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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...

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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...

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