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Wildlife Conservation

Wildlife Conservation

Dec 2025 13

Maine Guides have an identity problem

By Erin M | Hunting in Maine, Maine Hunters, Maine Outdoors, Wildlife Conservation | 1 Comment | 3 min read

One of the most famous outdoorspeople from Maine is Cornelia Crosby. She was the first registered Maine Guide and was an expert, avid fisherman, earning her the nickname ‘Flyrod.’ She also had some of the best skills and knowledge of camping, bird identification, hiking, hunting and canoeing. Men and woman were drawn to her because of the steep knowledge and experience she had participating in these activities. It was easy for her to be guiding others through the woods and waters of Maine because she was an active participant herself. We have come a long way since 1897 when “Flyrod’ became the first registered Maine Guide. Now, hundreds of people sign up for classes that teach them how to take the Guide test. We see posts on social...

Aug 2025 12

Why do coyotes polarize us?

By Erin M | Adventures in the Woods, Conservation, Coyote Hunting, Hunting in Maine, Landowner relations, Maine Hunters, Maine Outdoors, Trail Camera Views, Wildlife Conservation, Women Who Hunt | 0 Comments | 3 min read

I had a pit in my stomach when I first saw the photo. I was ok with the bobcat behind my house. I loved having the fox around. But that coyote was an unwelcomed sight. To make matters worse, it was walking past my camera every night and every morning. Sometimes even during daylight hours. What is it about coyotes that causes us to have such polarizing gut reactions? I have hunted coyotes and I have seen them in the woods while I have been deer hunting. There are few things more unnerving than walking into your stand in the dark and hearing a coyote howl close by. The coyote on my trail camera was just too close to my house and looked too comfortable coming and going. I am not the only one who feels like this. The fur bearer management...

Aug 2024 30

Welcome to Hunt & Harvest

By Erin M | Adventures in the Woods, Conservation, Hunting in Maine, Hunting Tips and Tricks, Maine Hunters, Maine Outdoors, Wildlife Conservation, Women Who Hunt | 6 Comments | 2 min read

When George Smith died three years ago, I lost one of my biggest cheerleaders. He was always trying to figure out how I could advance my outdoor writing career. He connected me with the editor at Downeast Magazine when they produced an issue all about hunting. My article was featured on the cover, and I was the center article. George published his book, "Maine Sporting Camps," one year before he was diagnosed. He asked me to write a chapter so that I could say that I was a published author. He was forever promoting me and encouraging me. When George died, the voice of the Maine's outdoors became quieter. Until now. It is with some emotion and excitement that I announce the launch of Hunt & Harvest. My monthly column will appear...

Jul 2024 24

Black bear hunting on Vancouver Island

By Erin M | Bear Hunting, Wildlife Conservation, Women Who Hunt | 1 Comment | 6 min read

In October 2023, I met Jim Shockey during his stop at Cabela’s on his book tour. We talked writing, the outdoors and hunting. He invited me to come up to Pacific Rim Outfitters on Vancouver Island and hunt spring black bears. I couldn’t say no. When I stepped off the small plane at the Port Hardy airport, the weather had turned gray and rainy. I rented a car and made my way to camp. Dave met me when I arrived, showed me to my cabin, and told me that I could drop my bags and change before my guide R.J and cameraman Ryan, would whisked me off to sight in the rifle that I would be using. It was Jim’s father’s Remington 700 300 Win Mag with a Leopold scope. We arrived at a gravel pit that was frequently visited. Empty shells littered...

Jul 2024 18

A decade of hunting bears

By Erin M | Bear Hunting, Hunting in Maine, Maine Black Bear, Maine Hunters, Maine Outdoors, Maine Trapping, Wildlife Conservation, Women Who Hunt | 0 Comments | 4 min read

As the 2024 hunting season kicks off, I can not believe that it has been a decade of hunting bears in Maine! I remember planning the initial meeting at Cabela’s and inviting every hunter I knew in the greater Portland area. I wanted to prove that there were plenty of people who were passionate about bear hunting in Southern Maine. If I remember correctly, the room was close to packed when James Cote started talking about the bear referendum and what the plan was to win at the ballot box. I look back now and cannot believe it was 10 years ago! I had never hunted a bear. I knew how to talk about the various methods but I had not experienced a hunt. When that meeting ended, a bear hunter named Steve offered to teach me how to bear...

Jul 2024 2

Trail cameras bring early season excitement

By Erin M | Adventures in the Woods, Conservation, Hunting in Maine, Maine Outdoors, Trail Camera Views, Wildlife Conservation | 0 Comments | 1 min read

I leave my trail cameras out all year long. Photos of coyotes, deer, porcupines and racoons show up on my phone. But in the spring, those first trail camera photos of babies, cast off yearlings and bucks bring early season excitement to all of us. There is a fun uncertainty of what animals will show up in the photos. You don't have to be a hunter to enjoy getting a sneak peak into the woods around us. I think we can all enjoy the start of new life and new adventures.

Jun 2024 5

Will constitutional amendments protect hunting?

By Erin M | Conservation, Hunting in Maine, Maine Hunters, Maine Outdoors, Wildlife Conservation, Women Who Hunt | 0 Comments | 3 min read

When the International Order of Theodore Roosevelt met this spring in Arizona, they spoke about the need for constitutional amendments to help protect our hunting rights. They were focused on Florida and a few other states. I thought of New Jersey and their on again, off again bear hunt. And I thought of a conversation that I was a part of following Maine’s win in the 2014 election to save our bear hunting methods. We wondered if a constitutional amendment would make sense to ensure we didn’t have to continually fight ballot initiatives. The answer we were told was no. A no because it would be too expensive and it wouldn’t actually protect anything. A constitutional right to hunting and fishing means just that; we can participate in...

Sep 2023 10

Should trail cameras be illegal?

By Erin M | Hunting in Maine, Maine Deer hunting, Maine Hunters, Maine Outdoors, Trail Camera Views, Wildlife Conservation | 2 Comments | 3 min read

Seven trail cameras with my name on them are strategically placed on our property. Most I keep out year round to track which animals are moving through. Once deer hunting season gets closer, Dad puts his cameras up and we have a pretty good idea of which animals are around and who thinks they can trespass on our land and not get caught. But in recent months, more states have banned the use of trail cameras questioning their use and wondering if trail cameras should be illegal? The cameras have helped us know which animals are around but, they have not helped me shoot an animal. It doesn’t guarantee me a successful hunt. It can be more frustrating knowing which deer are around that I am not seeing. However, in some states, the use of...

Aug 2023 22

What you want to know but are afraid to ask your guide

By Erin M | Conservation, Hunting in Maine, Hunting Tips and Tricks, Maine Moose, Maine Outdoors, Wildlife Conservation | 1 Comment | 8 min read

When I was drawn for my moose permit, I hired a guide to help. My friend John Floyd is a Registered Maine Guide and the owner of Tucker Ridge Outdoors in Webster Plantation, Maine. After talking about what I wish I had known and what he wished his clients knew, we decided to publishour conversation. Here we discuss thoughts, questions and concerns about hiring a guide. EM: A moose hunt can be an expensive hunt. There are a lot of things that can factor into the week you spend in the woods. I didn’t realize how much the entire hunt would be. Do you think a lot of hunters understand the costs? JF: Winning a Maine moose permit for most is a once in a lifetime experience, most hunters do not understand the costs and situations that arise...

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Dec 2025 13

Maine Guides have an identity problem

By Erin M | Hunting in Maine, Maine Hunters, Maine Outdoors, Wildlife Conservation | 1 Comment | 3 min read

One of the most famous outdoorspeople from Maine is Cornelia Crosby. She was the first registered Maine Guide and was an expert, avid fisherman, earning her the nickname ‘Flyrod.’ She also had some of the best skills and knowledge of camping, bird identification, hiking, hunting and canoeing. Men and woman were drawn to her because of the steep knowledge and experience she had participating in these activities. It was easy for her to be guiding others through the woods and waters of Maine because she was an active participant herself. We have come a long way since 1897 when “Flyrod’ became the first registered Maine Guide. Now, hundreds of people sign up for classes that teach them how to take the Guide test. We see posts on social...

Aug 2025 12

Why do coyotes polarize us?

By Erin M | Adventures in the Woods, Conservation, Coyote Hunting, Hunting in Maine, Landowner relations, Maine Hunters, Maine Outdoors, Trail Camera Views, Wildlife Conservation, Women Who Hunt | 0 Comments | 3 min read

I had a pit in my stomach when I first saw the photo. I was ok with the bobcat behind my house. I loved having the fox around. But that coyote was an unwelcomed sight. To make matters worse, it was walking past my camera every night and every morning. Sometimes even during daylight hours. What is it about coyotes that causes us to have such polarizing gut reactions? I have hunted coyotes and I have seen them in the woods while I have been deer hunting. There are few things more unnerving than walking into your stand in the dark and hearing a coyote howl close by. The coyote on my trail camera was just too close to my house and looked too comfortable coming and going. I am not the only one who feels like this. The fur bearer management...

Aug 2024 30

Welcome to Hunt & Harvest

By Erin M | Adventures in the Woods, Conservation, Hunting in Maine, Hunting Tips and Tricks, Maine Hunters, Maine Outdoors, Wildlife Conservation, Women Who Hunt | 6 Comments | 2 min read

When George Smith died three years ago, I lost one of my biggest cheerleaders. He was always trying to figure out how I could advance my outdoor writing career. He connected me with the editor at Downeast Magazine when they produced an issue all about hunting. My article was featured on the cover, and I was the center article. George published his book, "Maine Sporting Camps," one year before he was diagnosed. He asked me to write a chapter so that I could say that I was a published author. He was forever promoting me and encouraging me. When George died, the voice of the Maine's outdoors became quieter. Until now. It is with some emotion and excitement that I announce the launch of Hunt & Harvest. My monthly column will appear...

Jul 2024 24

Black bear hunting on Vancouver Island

By Erin M | Bear Hunting, Wildlife Conservation, Women Who Hunt | 1 Comment | 6 min read

In October 2023, I met Jim Shockey during his stop at Cabela’s on his book tour. We talked writing, the outdoors and hunting. He invited me to come up to Pacific Rim Outfitters on Vancouver Island and hunt spring black bears. I couldn’t say no. When I stepped off the small plane at the Port Hardy airport, the weather had turned gray and rainy. I rented a car and made my way to camp. Dave met me when I arrived, showed me to my cabin, and told me that I could drop my bags and change before my guide R.J and cameraman Ryan, would whisked me off to sight in the rifle that I would be using. It was Jim’s father’s Remington 700 300 Win Mag with a Leopold scope. We arrived at a gravel pit that was frequently visited. Empty shells littered...

Jul 2024 18

A decade of hunting bears

By Erin M | Bear Hunting, Hunting in Maine, Maine Black Bear, Maine Hunters, Maine Outdoors, Maine Trapping, Wildlife Conservation, Women Who Hunt | 0 Comments | 4 min read

As the 2024 hunting season kicks off, I can not believe that it has been a decade of hunting bears in Maine! I remember planning the initial meeting at Cabela’s and inviting every hunter I knew in the greater Portland area. I wanted to prove that there were plenty of people who were passionate about bear hunting in Southern Maine. If I remember correctly, the room was close to packed when James Cote started talking about the bear referendum and what the plan was to win at the ballot box. I look back now and cannot believe it was 10 years ago! I had never hunted a bear. I knew how to talk about the various methods but I had not experienced a hunt. When that meeting ended, a bear hunter named Steve offered to teach me how to bear...

Jul 2024 2

Trail cameras bring early season excitement

By Erin M | Adventures in the Woods, Conservation, Hunting in Maine, Maine Outdoors, Trail Camera Views, Wildlife Conservation | 0 Comments | 1 min read

I leave my trail cameras out all year long. Photos of coyotes, deer, porcupines and racoons show up on my phone. But in the spring, those first trail camera photos of babies, cast off yearlings and bucks bring early season excitement to all of us. There is a fun uncertainty of what animals will show up in the photos. You don't have to be a hunter to enjoy getting a sneak peak into the woods around us. I think we can all enjoy the start of new life and new adventures.

Jun 2024 5

Will constitutional amendments protect hunting?

By Erin M | Conservation, Hunting in Maine, Maine Hunters, Maine Outdoors, Wildlife Conservation, Women Who Hunt | 0 Comments | 3 min read

When the International Order of Theodore Roosevelt met this spring in Arizona, they spoke about the need for constitutional amendments to help protect our hunting rights. They were focused on Florida and a few other states. I thought of New Jersey and their on again, off again bear hunt. And I thought of a conversation that I was a part of following Maine’s win in the 2014 election to save our bear hunting methods. We wondered if a constitutional amendment would make sense to ensure we didn’t have to continually fight ballot initiatives. The answer we were told was no. A no because it would be too expensive and it wouldn’t actually protect anything. A constitutional right to hunting and fishing means just that; we can participate in...

Sep 2023 10

Should trail cameras be illegal?

By Erin M | Hunting in Maine, Maine Deer hunting, Maine Hunters, Maine Outdoors, Trail Camera Views, Wildlife Conservation | 2 Comments | 3 min read

Seven trail cameras with my name on them are strategically placed on our property. Most I keep out year round to track which animals are moving through. Once deer hunting season gets closer, Dad puts his cameras up and we have a pretty good idea of which animals are around and who thinks they can trespass on our land and not get caught. But in recent months, more states have banned the use of trail cameras questioning their use and wondering if trail cameras should be illegal? The cameras have helped us know which animals are around but, they have not helped me shoot an animal. It doesn’t guarantee me a successful hunt. It can be more frustrating knowing which deer are around that I am not seeing. However, in some states, the use of...

Aug 2023 22

What you want to know but are afraid to ask your guide

By Erin M | Conservation, Hunting in Maine, Hunting Tips and Tricks, Maine Moose, Maine Outdoors, Wildlife Conservation | 1 Comment | 8 min read

When I was drawn for my moose permit, I hired a guide to help. My friend John Floyd is a Registered Maine Guide and the owner of Tucker Ridge Outdoors in Webster Plantation, Maine. After talking about what I wish I had known and what he wished his clients knew, we decided to publishour conversation. Here we discuss thoughts, questions and concerns about hiring a guide. EM: A moose hunt can be an expensive hunt. There are a lot of things that can factor into the week you spend in the woods. I didn’t realize how much the entire hunt would be. Do you think a lot of hunters understand the costs? JF: Winning a Maine moose permit for most is a once in a lifetime experience, most hunters do not understand the costs and situations that arise...

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Enjoy these Wildlife Conservation articles

Dec 2025 13

Maine Guides have an identity problem

By Erin M | Hunting in Maine, Maine Hunters, Maine Outdoors, Wildlife Conservation | 1 Comment | 3 min read

One of the most famous outdoorspeople from Maine is Cornelia Crosby. She was the first registered Maine Guide and was an expert, avid fisherman, earning her the nickname ‘Flyrod.’ She also had some of the best skills and knowledge of camping, bird identification, hiking, hunting and canoeing. Men and woman were drawn to her because of the steep knowledge and experience she had participating in these activities. It was easy for her to be guiding others through the woods and waters of Maine because she was an active participant herself. We have come a long way since 1897 when “Flyrod’ became the first registered Maine Guide. Now, hundreds of people sign up for classes that teach them how to take the Guide test. We see posts on social...

Aug 2025 12

Why do coyotes polarize us?

By Erin M | Adventures in the Woods, Conservation, Coyote Hunting, Hunting in Maine, Landowner relations, Maine Hunters, Maine Outdoors, Trail Camera Views, Wildlife Conservation, Women Who Hunt | 0 Comments | 3 min read

I had a pit in my stomach when I first saw the photo. I was ok with the bobcat behind my house. I loved having the fox around. But that coyote was an unwelcomed sight. To make matters worse, it was walking past my camera every night and every morning. Sometimes even during daylight hours. What is it about coyotes that causes us to have such polarizing gut reactions? I have hunted coyotes and I have seen them in the woods while I have been deer hunting. There are few things more unnerving than walking into your stand in the dark and hearing a coyote howl close by. The coyote on my trail camera was just too close to my house and looked too comfortable coming and going. I am not the only one who feels like this. The fur bearer management...

Aug 2024 30

Welcome to Hunt & Harvest

By Erin M | Adventures in the Woods, Conservation, Hunting in Maine, Hunting Tips and Tricks, Maine Hunters, Maine Outdoors, Wildlife Conservation, Women Who Hunt | 6 Comments | 2 min read

When George Smith died three years ago, I lost one of my biggest cheerleaders. He was always trying to figure out how I could advance my outdoor writing career. He connected me with the editor at Downeast Magazine when they produced an issue all about hunting. My article was featured on the cover, and I was the center article. George published his book, "Maine Sporting Camps," one year before he was diagnosed. He asked me to write a chapter so that I could say that I was a published author. He was forever promoting me and encouraging me. When George died, the voice of the Maine's outdoors became quieter. Until now. It is with some emotion and excitement that I announce the launch of Hunt & Harvest. My monthly column will appear...

Jul 2024 24

Black bear hunting on Vancouver Island

By Erin M | Bear Hunting, Wildlife Conservation, Women Who Hunt | 1 Comment | 6 min read

In October 2023, I met Jim Shockey during his stop at Cabela’s on his book tour. We talked writing, the outdoors and hunting. He invited me to come up to Pacific Rim Outfitters on Vancouver Island and hunt spring black bears. I couldn’t say no. When I stepped off the small plane at the Port Hardy airport, the weather had turned gray and rainy. I rented a car and made my way to camp. Dave met me when I arrived, showed me to my cabin, and told me that I could drop my bags and change before my guide R.J and cameraman Ryan, would whisked me off to sight in the rifle that I would be using. It was Jim’s father’s Remington 700 300 Win Mag with a Leopold scope. We arrived at a gravel pit that was frequently visited. Empty shells littered...

Jul 2024 18

A decade of hunting bears

By Erin M | Bear Hunting, Hunting in Maine, Maine Black Bear, Maine Hunters, Maine Outdoors, Maine Trapping, Wildlife Conservation, Women Who Hunt | 0 Comments | 4 min read

As the 2024 hunting season kicks off, I can not believe that it has been a decade of hunting bears in Maine! I remember planning the initial meeting at Cabela’s and inviting every hunter I knew in the greater Portland area. I wanted to prove that there were plenty of people who were passionate about bear hunting in Southern Maine. If I remember correctly, the room was close to packed when James Cote started talking about the bear referendum and what the plan was to win at the ballot box. I look back now and cannot believe it was 10 years ago! I had never hunted a bear. I knew how to talk about the various methods but I had not experienced a hunt. When that meeting ended, a bear hunter named Steve offered to teach me how to bear...

Jul 2024 2

Trail cameras bring early season excitement

By Erin M | Adventures in the Woods, Conservation, Hunting in Maine, Maine Outdoors, Trail Camera Views, Wildlife Conservation | 0 Comments | 1 min read

I leave my trail cameras out all year long. Photos of coyotes, deer, porcupines and racoons show up on my phone. But in the spring, those first trail camera photos of babies, cast off yearlings and bucks bring early season excitement to all of us. There is a fun uncertainty of what animals will show up in the photos. You don't have to be a hunter to enjoy getting a sneak peak into the woods around us. I think we can all enjoy the start of new life and new adventures.

Jun 2024 5

Will constitutional amendments protect hunting?

By Erin M | Conservation, Hunting in Maine, Maine Hunters, Maine Outdoors, Wildlife Conservation, Women Who Hunt | 0 Comments | 3 min read

When the International Order of Theodore Roosevelt met this spring in Arizona, they spoke about the need for constitutional amendments to help protect our hunting rights. They were focused on Florida and a few other states. I thought of New Jersey and their on again, off again bear hunt. And I thought of a conversation that I was a part of following Maine’s win in the 2014 election to save our bear hunting methods. We wondered if a constitutional amendment would make sense to ensure we didn’t have to continually fight ballot initiatives. The answer we were told was no. A no because it would be too expensive and it wouldn’t actually protect anything. A constitutional right to hunting and fishing means just that; we can participate in...

Sep 2023 10

Should trail cameras be illegal?

By Erin M | Hunting in Maine, Maine Deer hunting, Maine Hunters, Maine Outdoors, Trail Camera Views, Wildlife Conservation | 2 Comments | 3 min read

Seven trail cameras with my name on them are strategically placed on our property. Most I keep out year round to track which animals are moving through. Once deer hunting season gets closer, Dad puts his cameras up and we have a pretty good idea of which animals are around and who thinks they can trespass on our land and not get caught. But in recent months, more states have banned the use of trail cameras questioning their use and wondering if trail cameras should be illegal? The cameras have helped us know which animals are around but, they have not helped me shoot an animal. It doesn’t guarantee me a successful hunt. It can be more frustrating knowing which deer are around that I am not seeing. However, in some states, the use of...

Checking trail cameras

Aug 2023 22

What you want to know but are afraid to ask your guide

By Erin M | Conservation, Hunting in Maine, Hunting Tips and Tricks, Maine Moose, Maine Outdoors, Wildlife Conservation | 1 Comment | 8 min read

When I was drawn for my moose permit, I hired a guide to help. My friend John Floyd is a Registered Maine Guide and the owner of Tucker Ridge Outdoors in Webster Plantation, Maine. After talking about what I wish I had known and what he wished his clients knew, we decided to publishour conversation. Here we discuss thoughts, questions and concerns about hiring a guide. EM: A moose hunt can be an expensive hunt. There are a lot of things that can factor into the week you spend in the woods. I didn’t realize how much the entire hunt would be. Do you think a lot of hunters understand the costs? JF: Winning a Maine moose permit for most is a once in a lifetime experience, most hunters do not understand the costs and situations that arise...

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