Bethel, Maine Has the Blues

When it comes to mountains, Vermont has the Greens, New Hampshire has the Whites and Maine has the Blues. The Blues, better known as the Longfellow Range after Maine’s most famous poet, extend northeast from Bethel to 5,268 foot Mt. Katahdin, the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. The section of the Blues from the Androscoggin River to the Bear River in Grafton Notch is called the Mahoosucs, likely an anglicized Abenaki Indian term for “land that is hard to hunt in” or “abode of hungry animals”. Some historians believe the term means pinnacle or mountain peak.

Since the 1870’s travelers have visited the Bethel area to hike the peaks and neighboring foothills, breathe the clean mountain air, spark their creative spirits and cure their blues. Not to be over-shadowed by the more publicized and well-known Presidential Range and White Mountains, the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce is reaching out to visitors of all ages and abilities to hike, walk and backpack the variety of trails found in the western Maine region.

There are over two dozen day hikes in the area including the Mt. Will Trail, Step Falls Nature Preserve, Table Rock Trail and Wright Trail leading up Goose Eye Mountain. The Grafton Loop Trail provides a three night backpacking trip for the adventuresome. In town, the Bethel Pathway along the Androscoggin River, Paradise Road and self-guided walking tours of the town’s historic district satisfy the casual, exercise walker.

Recently rebuilt, Table Rock Trail is a favorite with families. The 2.4 mile loop follows the Appalachian Trail’s white blaze to the blue-blazed trail. It rises gradually to a height of 900 feet above the trail head. An alternate route takes a steep ascent with minor case that challenge and enchant the youngsters. From aptly named “Table Rock”, the vista includes 4, 180’ Old Speck Mountain, the third highest mountain in Maine. Step Falls near Grafton Notch was the Nature Conservancy’s first preserve in Maine. The 24 acre preserve trail follows Wright Brook, a braided stream of steeply cascading pools dropping over 250 ft-making this one of Maine’s highest waterfalls. This is an ideal hike for nature photographers. The Mt. Will Trail, developed by the Bethel Conservation Commission, climbs 730 feet through the Bethel Town Forest. The North Ledges Section is highlighted by a descriptive nature trail, followed by a hike to south facing ledges that afford views of the Androscoggin valley and Bethel village. The final rocky descent completes the 3.25 mile loop. The Wright Trail is a full day’s loop hike up to the 3860 foot summit of Goose Eye Mountain. This trail is part of the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands’ Mahoosuc Unit.

For its hiking visitors, Bethel offers a variety of lodging from restored Bed& Breakfasts, historic Inns, to resorts with swimming pools and golf courses, motels and campgrounds. Dining options range from a half dozen pizza places to Chinese, Korean, BBQ, vegetarian, English pub, microbrewery and fine dining. Day hikers can pick up a pack lunch at the local supermarket or specialty food stores. There is an outdoor outfitter right in town for those in need of hiking, backpacking and camping gear. The Bethel Chamber of Commerce office has trails maps for day hikes in the area and the staff will provide direction to the trail heads. For information on walking, hiking and backpacking contact the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-442-5826 or on-line at www.bethelmaine.com.

Recently a misleading letter, signed by what was described as “scientists with expertise in biological systems”, was sent to members of the United States Senate asking that they not pass any legislation that would disrupt administration of the Endangered Species Act in its current form. Aside from not wanting to put an end to their federal “cash cow”, it is apparent that those drafting the letter and in particular those signing the letter, are clueless as to what is going on in Yellowstone National Park and prefer their own “best available science” rather than looking outside their comfort zones. That is made clear from this statement:

In the northern Rocky Mountains the return of wolves has restored key predator-prey dynamics in and around Yellowstone National Park that have resulted in changes throughout the entire ecosystem. To remove protections for wolves before the best available science tells us recovery is ensured would place one of our country’s greatest conservation success stories at risk.

It may be for that very statement alone, “Yellowstone is Dead” was created. There have been “changes throughout the entire ecosystem” alright but not all are changes for the good and it is far from this country’s “greatest conservation success stories”. In addition, even those responsible for the wolf experiment admit wolves are recovered.

Our world is infiltrated with wildlife propaganda put out by environmentalists and agenda-driven “scientists” whose goals all too often resemble those of someone seeking financial security rather than truth in science. “Yellowstone is Dead” is a 2-hour documentary that crushes all the other misguided reports about wolves and other predators in Yellowstone National Park.

Scott Rockholm, producer of the film, dares to step outside the socially acceptable Mainstream Media, to present a fresh and honest look at the the truth behind wolf recovery. It’s not the huge success story faux scientists are claiming. Covering the history of illegal wolf reintroduction to present day wolf-caused demolition of the largest elk herd in the world, this documentary is nothing like anything that’s ever been available for the public’s education.

Deemed America’s Park, Yellowstone is dead in many aspects and yet is being hidden from the public. Dr. Charles Kay, one who is featured in the documentary, predicted nearly 20 years ago precisely what would happen to Yellowstone with wolves introduced. Jim Beers recounts the theft of millions of sportsman’s excise tax dollars being used to illegally import wolves from Canada into Yellowstone and Central Idaho. Rockholm uses world renowned scientists and the most seasoned of outfitters as well as the “boots on the ground” guys and covers aspects of wolf recovery and predator distruction never before put to the screen.

If truth doesn’t scare you. If you are not frightened to hear things you may not like, then I strongly urge you to watch “Yellowstone is Dead“. There’s nothing quite like it!

Tom Remington

New Hunting and Fishing Website receives major endorsement from Michael Lee, host of Backwoods Life TV.

HuntAndFishGuides.com, the website that matches hunters and fishermen with reputable hunting and fishing guides, announced today that it has engaged in phase one of operations by partnering with guides and outfitters all across North America to assist in the company’s aggressive growth. Steve Remington, Director of Operations, believes this will “substantially change the way sportsmen seek out guides for their upcoming expeditions”.

The website service makes finding guides and outfitters quick and easy by allowing the hunter or fisherman to provide a few details about their trip request, then matches them to the guides that can provide the service, and they receive free quotes by email.

This exciting new venture has been enthusiastically endorsed by Michael Lee, host of Backwoods Life TV (currently airing on the Pursuit Channel). “It’s quick, simple, and easy! HuntAndFishGuides.com takes the guess work out of booking a hunt with an outfitter or guide and provides an exceptional resource for hunters and fishermen alike.”

Kenneth Chesson, Freelance Videographer currently with Tom Miranda Outdoors says, “Kasey and Steve have hit a HOME RUN with HuntAndFishGuides.com! These guys are revolutionizing the way we look for guides!”.

For guides and outfitters looking to find new customers and grow their business, they can contact HuntAndFishGuides.com by emailing them at support@huntandfishguides.com. Right now, they’re running an introductory special where guides and outfitters can try out the service for free for 30 days, plus receive a free directory listing on the HuntAndFishGuides.com website. Looks to be a pretty good deal.

Scott Rockholm’s “Yellowstone is Dead” documentary film on the death and destruction of Yellowstone National Park and surrounding areas by predators, is now available for purchase. Follow this link to buy your copy today.

Tom Remington

I would like to take a few moments from my busy schedule to introduce readers to a brand new and exciting business aimed at bringing together hunters and fishermen with guide services in the United States and Canada. HuntandFishGuides.com provides an easier method to match a hunter or fisherman with the right guide and outfitting business.

HuntandFishGuides.com has a mission statement that is direct and to the point:

“HuntAndFishGuides.com is in the business of CONNECTING hunters and fishermen with reputable guides throughout North America, allowing our website users to receive multiple, competitive, quotes for their upcoming hunting or fishing trip.”

Please visit HuntandFishGuides.com today and discover how simple it is to get connected to the best guides in the business for your dream outdoor experience.

I can personally attest to the quality and authenticity of this website and service business. While not owned by Skinny Moose Media, it is owned by my son. If you are the owner of a guiding and outfitting business anywhere in North America, I encourage you to get listed as a reputable business at HuntandFishGuides.com. It’s very easy to do. And of the many thousands of readers of the Black Bear Blog, before you consider your next hunt or fish excursion, visit HuntandFishGuides.com and get perfectly matched to the service that will best meet your needs.

Tom Remington

Manchester, New Hampshire – January 24, 2011 –

Gray Ghost Productions, a Manchester, New Hampshire outdoor adventure film company unites once again with Maine Public Broadcasting Network with an edited version of the 2009 film “East by North East,” premiering Saturday February 5, 2011 at 11am and re-air on February 10, 2011 at 10pm.

After celebrating the release of their third fly-fishing film in three years, Carter Davidson, creative director and president of Gray Ghost report’s “It is both an honor and a pleasure to have our 2009 release of ExNE be a part of the MPBN line-up. If you are looking to escape the normalcy of everyday life and in need of a cabin fever reliever, this film is a solution. East by North East presents something more than the typical fly-fishing film. I think what it does is extend an invitation to anyone with even a small interest in the outdoors to take a closer look at the addiction that is fly fishing on the East Coast.”

East by North East was filmed in locations from the British Virgin Island’s to New Brunswick and throughout New England, with everything from fresh to saltwater, trout to bonefish. ExNE examines the motives of a wide range of anglers who fish in areas ranging from urban such as downtown Lewiston Maine to the remote waters of Maine’s Magalloway River, and seeks to explain the unknown element that drives the fly fisherman to distraction between outings.

“There is an unexplained element to fly fishing – I don’t know if you’d call it obsession, or addiction, but whatever it is, there is an interesting cast of characters for whom fishing is more than a hobby. It becomes a way of life. That’s what we wanted to focus on. Its even sweeter to share these experiences with the larger audience that Maine Public Broadcasting Network has to offer,” Davidson adds.

As with most of Gray Ghost Productions offerings, East By North East makes a point to examine the current state of conservation with a closer look at the Androscoggin River Watershed, ponders where fishing is going and where it’s been, and introduces the viewer to some of the sport’s biggest stars.

*Editor’s Note* – The following is a product review and guest blog by a fellow member of the Skinny Moose Media Blog Network, “Dusty Varmint“, a.k.a. Jerry Long.

dv Gear Review – Victorinox Hunter Camo Knife

This week I review Victorinox’s Hunter Camo knife they graciously sent me for dv’s African Archery Safari.

Overall Rating:  *** (3 stars of 5) 

Specifications:
 
*Large lock blade with side, slide-button release
*Philips screwdriver
*Wood saw
*Gutting blade
*Cap lifter with can opener
*Flat screwdriver
*Wire stripper
*Reamer with sewing eye
*Key Ring
*Tweezers
*Toothpick

Model# 54641 
    
Cost:  ** (2 stars of 5).  $52.00 MSRP, around $43.00 street price.
  
Performance:  **** (4 stars of 5). 

The knife was sharp out of the box and maintained its edge, which has been my experience with Victorinox knives. This was my first exposure to the combination cap-lifter-can-opener and I admit to being skeptical, but it worked like charm. I carried the Camo Hunter during late whitetail season 2009 and for turkey season, whitetail scouting, my African Archery Safari and whitetail season this year. I’ve cut shooting lanes with the saw blade, tweezed splinters, tightened screws, opened cans as previously mentioned and cut things with it. Whatever I asked of it, it did well.

Pros:

*The tweezers and toothpick are handy, especially for outdoors use
*Came sharp and maintained its edge
*Locking blade
*Gutting blade is scary sharp
*A multitude of handy tools

Cons:
 
*Bulky for a pocket, but it does fit. Excellent for a back or fanny pack tool.

Manufacturer’s Customer Service:  Not rated, but they provided this knife in response to an inquiry from me so that is pretty nice customer support.
 
Source:  Victorinox USA

General notes:  I’ve carried a Victorinox Tinker knife almost daily since my deployment to the first Gulf War. Properly maintained the blades hold an outstanding edge. The innovative designs provide a multi-use tool for nearly everyone. Additionally, Mrs. dustyvarmint and I own six of the outstanding Victorinox-Forschner, see Forschner Knives – Buy Now, Thank Me Later knives. I don’t see how one can go wrong with a Victorinox Knife.

happy hunting, dv 

MISSOULA, Mont. – A new bow sight with exclusive features for improving low-light accuracy and pin durability is the latest product tabbed to support habitat conservation in elk country. Bowhunting company Archer Xtreme (AXT) has committed a percentage of all 2011 sales to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

AXT’s new PRIMAL X5 series bow sight with RMEF logo will be available this year at retailers nationwide. Each sale will generate funds for wildlife habitat enhancement and protection, elk restoration projects, securing public access and more.

Mark Garcia, founder and president of AXT, said, “If you’re a serious bowhunter, you have to love what RMEF is doing to protect the future of our sport. Like elk, hunters also depend on great habitat. That’s why we’re dedicating one of our new, flagship products for a very worthy organization and cause.”

In 2010, RMEF passed the 5.8 million-acre mark in habitat conserved and helped launch elk restoration initiatives in Missouri and Virginia.

Steve Decker, vice president of marketing for RMEF, said, “Mark Garcia has been a leader in the archery industry for years and we are proud to partner with his new company, Archer Xtreme. Mark aims to provide bowhunters with the highest quality accessories and the PRIMAL X5 is a great example of this effort.”

Select features of the PRIMAL X5:

* Center Core Pin stainless steel tube-pins for superior strength and protection
* Fiber Harness (patent pending) bracket system allows maximum light for each pin
* Rubberized vibration absorbing coat
* 2-inch sight housing for maximum field of view in low light conditions
* Easy-set micro adjusts with tool-less locking knobs
* RH/LH adjustable
* Rear LED deployment for easy access
* Full lifetime warranty on all manufacturer defects
* Fully machined 6061T6 aluminum construction from solid billet

For more information, visit www.archerxtreme.com or look for RMEF licensed gear wherever bowhunting products are sold.

Who says it isn’t any fun to be a blogger? I’ve been at this long enough that I recall getting frustrated every time someone would ask, “What’s a blog?” That’s water under the bridge. Now the question is, “Who’s got the best blog?”

Many of you know that Skinny Moose Media runs a network for bloggers. With a focus on hunting, fishing, trapping, outdoor recreation, environment, etc., Skinny Moose will provide those interested in becoming and/or sharing their writing adventures a free platform on which to get that done. However, Skinny Moose blog network isn’t just your average, everyday, run-of-the-mill free blogging platform.

Aside from having the opportunity to link up with the largest outdoor oriented blogging network on the Web, bloggers will receive a customized website, tech support and many other amenities no other network offers. The more successful your blog becomes, the more the benefits pile up.

Dan “Moose” McLaughlin, owner and administrator of his Skinny Moose Media blog, “Moose Droppings“, has been with Skinny Moose Media since very early on in its inception. Dan has been earmarked by RAM Trucks to test out a brand spanking new RAM Outdoorsman model of truck for two weeks.

Dan had some concerns about how he might use the truck but was reassured by RAM Trucks that they want him to use the truck as he would any other truck. McLaughlin is headed east from his home in North Carolina and will be hooking up with an outfitting and guide company. That might provide some tests for the RAM.

Needless to say, Dan is thrilled to have been selected by the RAM Truck promotional company. In response to this opportunity, McLaughlin says, “There is no doubt my association with Skinny Moose has given me the creditability to get this opportunity.”

There is no doubt that Skinny Moose helped launch “Moose” and his web site and while Skinny Moose provides writers with many opportunities, it is the dedicated, hard work of the individual that renders this kind of attention and success.

Skinny Moose Media CEO Steven Remington heaped praise and recognition on McLaughlin’s work saying, “At Skinny Moose our goal has always been to provide a cutting edge, support driven platform for writers like Dan to excel and reach their writing goals but it is ultimately the effort of the individual that reaps the rewards.”

As part of Dan’s test drive, he and RAM Trucks are running a contest. Prizes include $100 gas gift card, gift cards to Gander Mountain and Ram Truck Gift Packs. Visit his site for rules and how to become eligible.

Now the fun begins and it can for readers too. Participant in “Moose’s” contest and keep track of where he goes and what he does with this RAM Truck. And if you think this is pretty cool, consider your blogging opportunities with Skinny Moose Media.

Bradley Smokers www.bradleysmoker.com-November 2010, Turkey Recipes (will work with other fowl). These are offered for your use or reproduction free of any copyrights.

First a quick sales pitch (your recipes follow closely)
It is all about great flavor, but convenience does not hurt either and in fact in the first two following recipe ideas you can see how easy it is to do a normally time consuming operation.

The Bradley will smoke and or cook up to a 26 pound turkey and the best news is it can be smoking in less than 3-minutes. Just plug it in, set smoker time, set cooking time and temperature and put in the flavor of wood you want and you are under way. No muss, no fuss, just great flavor. Every 20 minutes the Bradley will automatically feed a fresh low cost wood bisquette (looks like a small hockey puck) into the smoker.

You can easily mix the wood smoke flavors (impossible with other smokers and techniques) to your taste from 12 different available wood flavors. You also get to decide how much smoke you want to apply to the food and this smoke is not burned smoke so it is not bitter and packed with tars and creosotes like smoke that comes from burning wood.

Bradley wood suggestions for turkey or other fowl: Alder, Apple, Cherry, Hickory, Jim Beam, Oak, Maple, Pecan, and Bradley’s special Blend. And, remember, with the Bradley, you can layer on various smoke flavors. Take 80 minutes of total smoking at 20 minutes each beginning (Bradley automatic feed) with pecan then apple, cherry, and finish with pecan again; incredible.

LAST, all of the below recipes will work with any smoker, but when we say work we mean it. All that messy starting up, waiting for the heat to get right, then management of the process and of course the fun filled clean up-all eliminated by the Bradley.

The following two super simple techniques are for smoke flavoring and other method cooking:

Kitchen Oven Simple
This is an incredibly quick ad easy way to put rich smoke flavor on an oven cooked turkey. Put your choice of Bradley wood bisquettes into the Bradley automatic feeder. For most turkeys and chicken benefit from 60-80 minutes (3-4 bisquettes) of heavy smoke and you will get an incredibly rich flavor. Place thawed, washed and dried turkey into the Bradley smoker and allow it to smoke for 60-80 minutes in the Bradley. For this recipe you need not turn on the Bradley cooker unit, just the smoke unit. Once the turkey is smoked prepare and cook it in your kitchen oven as you normally would. The flavor is amazing! Total Bradley cost, about $1.20-$1.50.

Smoke and oil frying
Generally, the only way to add flavor to deep fried turkey is to inject all kinds of stuff into the bird before lowering it (carefully) into the deep fryer. Well, this time try placing the thawed, washed and dried bird into your Bradley smoker for 60-100 minutes (no need to turn on the Bradley cooking unit). After this smoking period then season and deep fry it per your fryer’s directions. What you get is a deep fried bird with rich smoke flavor-life is good and this fried bird is great! Total Bradley cost about $1.20-$1.80 and your fried bird loving friends will beg to learn how you did it.

The following recipes are for both smoking and cooking a 20-26 pound turkey in the Bradley smoker:

Brine Smoked Big Bird
Brining adds flavor and moisture in most any food. This Big Bird recipe will result in an incredibly rich flavored and succulent smoked turkey.

Ingredients:
2 C Bradley Demerara Cure
1C brown sugar
1/4C molasses
2Tbs whole peppercorns
2Tbs allspice berries
1Tbs whole cloves
1ts dried rosemary
1/2ts dried sage
2 bay leaves
11/2 gallon water
1/2 gallon apple cider
11/2 cups Jim Beam Bourbon

Preparation…
In a large pot combine all ingredients and bring to a boil and then remove and cool to 40 degrees F. Place a clean turkey in a large plastic pale or cooler, breast down and completely cover the bird with the brine. If needed add more water and apple cider. Place an ice bag on top of the bird to keep it completely submerged and cover the container and set aside in a refrigerator for 16 hours.

After brining is completed DISCARD ALL OF THE BRINE SOLUTION, dry the bird and place into the smoker preheated to 205-220 degrees F. You will need to cook the turkey a last 30-minutes per pound or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Smoke the bird with Bradley Jim Beam wood bisquettes for about four hours. It is not recommended you have stuffing in the turkey during the smoke cooking period for this recipe.

Brine Injected Tom Turkey
This recipe is a variation on the previous recipe
2C Bradley Demerara Cure
21/4 C Kosher salt
11/2C brown sugar
3 bunches tarragon
3 bunches fresh parsley
6 bay leaves
2 Tbs minced fresh garlic
3 white onions finely chopped
9 Tbs black peppercorns (ground or cracked)
6 lemons (halved and squeezed)

Preparation…
Add all the ingredients to 3 gallons of water heat and bring to a boil until salt and sugar are completely dissolved. Chill down to 40 degrees F. Once cooled and ready for use remove 3- 6 cups of solution and strain through paper coffee filter. Inject this mixture into the bird with a food injector. Then place turkey into the brine and cover completely using a bag of ice to weigh the bird down and place in a refrigerator for 16-24 hours. Remove from brine and discard the brine. Remove the bird and keep refrigerated for 12-24 hours before smoke cooking. Place bird into the 200 degree preheated Bradley and smoke it for about four hours and then continue cooking for at least 30 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature reaches 150 degrees F. Then remove the bird and place it into a conventional oven preheated to 325 degrees F to crisp the skin and finish to at least 165 degrees F.