Region C - Downeast

Except for this week’s attempts at muzzleloading, another deer season has gone by. Most deer hunters are likely pondering their collection of mental notes as to what to do, where to go, what to try, etc., for next season. We had another snow-less season this year in coastal eastern Maine, but the deer kill is up and most hunters are in agreement that before and during the season they saw more deer than previous years. Hunter effort is hard to measure and harder to anticipate; and is always a wild card in predicting and interpreting the results of the deer harvest when it’s all said and done. Likewise, so is trying to gauge what effect high priced fuel has … everyone talks about it but does it change a person’s plans and driving habits? One fact is that the closer to coastal Route 1 you are in this Region, the greater the density of deer. That is also where most of the human population is. By hunting closer to home, you are hunting a larger deer population and the projected deer kill and success rate will increase. But there is a downside … you don’t have the free open expanses of ground to hunt like you do on paper company lands. Instead, you have to deal with posted land, safety zones in residential areas, and more contact with humans, both hunters and non-hunters alike.

Who would of thought twenty years ago that driving around and observing various fields of Washington County would get you observations of Canada geese by the hundreds and wild turkeys in flocks of 10 or more … and even some fields with both. What you don’t usually see are deer, but you may see them on people’s lawns, gardens and under apple trees in the yard. Like the geese and turkeys, the deer have found where the good food is and where there is a relatively safe haven from both two and four-legged predators. Unfortunately, this assumption doesn’t always hold, and often places them in more contact with traffic and its associated dangers.

There is still time to work your bird dog and chase grouse. The birds have changed their habits from early fall and now often utilize the cover of mixed wood stands. So now, instead of leaf cover to contend with you have evergreens. But unlike the early fall, when the bird breaks above or beyond the cover, you may actually have a truly visible target. As the hunting conditions change, so too should the hunter’s armament for best results. Retire that open bored 20 gauge for the year and dig out the old trusty tight bored duck gun for those 35 yard shots with larger shot sizes.

-James Hall, Assistant Regional Wildlife Biologist

I was reading in the Ellsworth American this week that police responded to ten deer/vehicle accidents.  Of course the deer season has just ended accept the few faithfuls that are out there with muzzleloader in hand. 

My question: where were all these deer when I was sitting in the woods in hopes of a glimpse.  Granted some of these happen at night, but due to the “rut” starting to kick in the deer are moving a lot more then even a few days ago during rifle season.

So all you downeasterners, beware out there.  Don’t make the mistake that many people do.  That is, don’t swerve and hit the trees, guard rail or another vehicle over hitting a deer.  Sure there will be some damage, but far less hitting a deer then one of the other options.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone from the downeast sportsman crew.  I sit here and think of the many things that I have to be thankful for.  We wish you the best throughout the holiday season and hope that whatever outdoor activity you are doing it goes well for you.

The great thing about living in Downeast Maine is the amazing opportunities it presents to those who enjoy being outdoors.  These activities range from hiking to hunting and everything in between.  You have the mountains, the beach, fields and woods.  There are many bodies of water that offer some great fishing from trout to bass.  Unlike most of the United States and many parts of Maine there are still loads of land to hunt on.  We however do see more and more land being posted.  There are many reasons for this in my mind.  One being the trend of people “from away” moving in and posting their land up.  The other being the enormous amount of buildings going up throughout this area.  My little haven of land around my house could at this point almost be considered a “shotgun” only area due to so many new places being put up.  One of the other reasons, which is sad in my mind is due to us….the sportsmen and women.  Whether this be due to using and “abusing” the land…ruining it for everyone.  Or people making poor choices.  I heard an old guy talking the other day.  He said a gun shot very close to his house sounded off.  The next thing he knew an outbuilding was hit by a stray bullet.  He has a significant amount land and said his family has allowed “free” use of the land for many generations.  He told me that he was sad to do it, but he was going to post his land.  I spent some time talking with him over a cup of coffee and told him he had every right.  I know I immediately just made some enemies right there.  This guy is not posting his land because he’s some animal rights activists.  He is concerned for his wife’s and his well being.  He also told me that he would allow people to use the land if they asked for permission.  He just wanted to know who was there and to let them know the “safe” areas to hunt and shoot.  This is a hot topic amongst many sportsmen right now.  Whether we like it or not this is the trend.  So, what do you and I do.  I figure there’s two options.  We can sit back and complain about it and watch the land disappear.  Or we can secure land for our use and future use.  You see I have a son that is almost three.  My main concern at this point in life is to make sure he has places to fish and hunt.  That is what I’m doing.  Guys like I talked about that posted their land but are more then willing to let me and my son hunt there.  Take the time to get to know the landowner.  Respect their wishes, after all it is their land.

The other way of securing that future for our kids is another touchy subject in the outdoor world.  The fact that “leasing” land is a major option.  You see this throughout many states, Texas being the major one.  I remember living in  Texas and some of those ranches that “lease” out their land make some big money off that.  I am not saying that I want to see that happen in Maine.  I don’t want to have to pay several thousand dollars to hunt.  I do however have no problem paying someone a few hundred bucks to secure acres to hunt, fish, atv, snowmobile, etc…  There’s lots of people in this region of Maine who struggle financially.  I figure it’s a win/win situation.  I get a certain amount of acres that I’m guaranteed to use.  In return the owner gets to know who is hunting on their land.  They get a say in where and what I use for a weapon.  Plus, maybe the “lease” amount is enough to cover their taxes that they struggle with at the end of each year.

Like it or not this is the future for Maine.  I also realize most of us don’t have loads of money to drop into leases.  That is one of the reasons why I am in the foundational stages of starting a downeast Maine “outdoors club”.  This will allow a bunch of us to gather together and secure land for our use but more importantly, the use of land for our kids.

What are your thoughts on this matter?

Welcome to Downeast Sportsman. We are in the foundational stages of starting up an outdoor club where outdoor enthusiasts can come and share stories, experiences, knowledge and outdoor adventures with others. We are based out of Hancock County, Maine.  We will be focused on Hancock and Washington Counties but will offer an invite to anyone interested.

I hope that you will come on board with us and help us grow into a strong sportsman’s group. One that honors the great traditions the outdoors has to offer. A major focus of the group will be to pass on these great traditions to the youth of today. It is a well known fact that the average age of the outdoor enthusiasts continues to grow older each time you and I have a birthday. We need to offer up outdoor experiences that will catch our young people at an early age. If we do not, you can rest assured that tv and video games will.

I look forward to meeting and developing friendships through this blog as well as getting together to enjoy the great outdoors with each other.

Stay tuned for things to come and hop on board with me as this thing unfolds before our very eyes.