On March 29th, Lance Wheaton and David Wardwell stepped down from their positions on the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Advisory Council. Both these guys often times went up against the grain to stand up for what was best for outdoor enthusiasts here in Maine.

Well you might ask who is this council anyways and what do they mean to me, the average sportsman?

Well the fact that all outdoor regulations that go through the rule-making process must be approved by the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Advisory Council. This seems like a pretty important council to have people in willing to hear from the “average” sportsman.

This council has served Maine’s outdoor community well over the years, as council members are experienced outdoor enthusiasts themselves.

There has been some behind-the-scenes political activity to eliminate the council, and some commissioners made efforts to reduce the council’s authority and effectiveness.

Thankfully for the state’s sportsmen and women, and our valuable fish and wildlife resources, things have worked out in favor and the council has remained strong and effective.

In the early days of this great country there was what we call “blue” laws initiated in order to restrict certain activities on Sundays. Over the past few years many states have taken a look at these and chose to overturn them as to better align themselves with America’s founding principles. Present day bans on Sunday hunting are the last holdouts of these blue laws, and hunters are questioning why they are being treated differently from their fellow citizens.

Two of the main factors that hunters face today in recruiting new members are the lack of access and opportunities for newcomers. This is why the anti hunter groups quickly and loudly oppose the opportunity to open up Sunday hunting in the few states this “blue” law is still in effect. Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Virginia, New Jersey and Connecticut are those states still clenching onto this old time law.

The other day I posted about Sunday hunting in Maine. In that post a list of arguments that support leaving Sunday for non hunting activities. Today I want to flip the coin and give points that would support reversing our current outlook on Sunday hunting in these states that are holding onto this one last “blue” law.

Sunday hunting has no detrimental effect on wildlife populations. The 43 states that allow some form of Sunday hunting have healthy wildlife populations in those areas that can sustain them. In fact the states with the most abundant game populations allow Sunday hunting. Those states that have recently removed prohibitions on Sunday hunting have not seen a negative impact on game populations. Allowing Sunday hunting will give state wildlife agencies more flexibility in managing populations. The extra day a week for hunting will give the agencies the ability to increase hunting in areas of overpopulation by encouraging hunters to go afield.

The most common reason that hunters stop hunting is lack of hunting opportunity. Hunting opportunities are largely decided by two factors: accessible land and available time. Since most hunters work Monday through Friday, a ban on Sunday hunting cuts their available hunting time in half.

Sunday hunting is an excellent way to recruit new hunters. Many young people have school or athletic obligations on Saturday. Allowing Sunday hunting means that parents can spend time hunting with their son or daughter, passing on a heritage that is so important to America. With the myriad of activities that compete for the attention of young people today, a restriction on Sunday hunting means many of them never take up the sport.

Sunday hunting will bring an economic benefit to many rural areas. Every day that hunters are in the field, they spend money on gas, food, lodging and the dozens of other incidentals that go along with a day`s hunt. The ripple effect of this spending can have a major impact on a rural town or county.

Out-of-state license revenue can grow as a result of Sunday hunting. Few hunters will take extended hunting trips to a state that won`t let them hunt one day of the week. These out-of-state hunters pay higher license fees that benefit the game department and also spend even more money on incidentals than in-state hunters.

While searching online I came upon this great posts that talks about PETA and their beliefs based on what the Bible teaches us. If you remember the other day I talked about hunting and God’s perspective. Here is some more data to support my opinion on being a Christian hunter.

On one early Saturday morning this past March 12 college students from Unity College Ideal leadership program gave of their time to introduce the sport of fishing to local youth at Unity Pond. These college students with the help of Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife sponsored this program for the second year.

The event coordinator Josh Beuth and I have been in contact. Josh was gracious enough to send me information on this event as well as some pictures. I have to say this group of students are amazing to me. Here are these young adults who are thinking out of the box and reaching out to youth in order to provide them with such a great opportunity.

This event is part of the hooked on fishing not on drugs program that is set up in several states including Maine.

Here is what Josh had to say about this program “The Hooked on Fishing, Not Drugs program aimed to bring kids outside and introduce them to an activity that they would not normally participate in. In the future, as these kids grow older and mature, we hope that when they face drugs and have to make a choice, they will choose fishing or another activity over the use/experimentation with drugs.

Mother nature helped out with the event on this Saturday after dumping 12″ of snow the night before. Saturday brought crystal clear skies with minimal winds.

This year showed an incredible increase of youth involvement growing from 6 kids the first year to 37 kids this year. Not only did 37 kids show up but estimated 40+ parents were there to enjoy this great day also. There were toddlers to teenagers who participated. Along with the excitement from running to flags kids took the time to throw snowballs, eat burgers, and hot dogs. Their were several prizes awarded to participants, these prizes donated by Unity House of Pizza, School Street Market and Video, Newport/Moosehead Trading Post and Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Each kid walked away with a prize. Also wanted to mention that all the bait used for event was donated by the Albion Bait Shop.

The Ideal team hopes to increase the kids involved to over 50 kids at next years event.

As a big supporter of teaching our kids the love of fishing, hunting, and the great outdoors I tip my hat to these young adults who organized such a great event. Thank you for taking time on a Saturday from your busy schedules to teach life lessons to others.

Josh thank you for sending me this information. I look forward to talking with you more about what you and this group participates in throughout the year. My son, Kolten and I will be chasing them flags with you next year and covering your third annual event.

Forrest Hammond, a Fish & Wildlife biologist sure had his patience tested during last weeks meeting in Rutland, Vermont. This was the State’s fourth of five scheduled meetings in order to talk about management of deer herd.

Hammond seemed to take the blunt of the hunters outlash at the Department in several issues. Coyote effect on deer herd was a main concern for many of those in attendance, turkey/deer fighting over food sources another, wardens took a hit at being called “lazy” as hunters described the lack of seeing them in their area, and lack of deer in certain areas was also a concern.

Hammond managed to keep his cool throughout the entire meeting. Hammond mentioned that he was impressed with talk about improving deer habitat and working with landowners.

This meeting appeared to be no touchy feel good meeting. From reading articles and talking with people it seemed as though a few hunters with high opinions and big mouths turned this positive event into one that quickly became focused on negative aspects.

Public meetings and hearings about wildlife and wildlife issues say a great deal about how open our society is. It speaks to our freedom to assemble and to discuss matters, whether we agree or disagree. Let those who are quick to point the finger realize the State is attempting to get your opinions, listen to your concerns, and include you in this process.

In the March edition of the Maine Sportsman publication they have a opinion poll. There are 41 questions in all. I wanted to take a look at a few of these and give my opinion on the matter. I am in hopes that whether we agree or not this will bring up some discussions on these matters.

1. Should we lengthen the deer-hunting season into December in the southern part of the state?
Yes, I believe that this will help control the rising population of the deer in this area of the state. This is also a great compromise to those in the northern part of the state that opposed a statewide extension of the deer season.

2. Should there be a speed limit for motorboats at night?
I would have argued there was no need for this a couple years ago. As a dad to a two year old son though my opinions in many areas have changed. Due to the amount of people on lakes and ponds these days enjoying a variety of activities I believe speed limit enforcement would be a positive change.

3. Should there be year round fishing?
In my opinion this would be a great thing for the people of Maine. Fishing is a great tradition that has been and will continue to be enjoyed for many residents and visitors in the state.

4. Should crossbows be allowed for use wherever compound bows are allowed for use?
This is certainly a heated debate among a lot of people. Those who hold true to the tradition involved in bow hunting are strongly against this. Even those that allow compound bows are against the use of crossbows. Here is my take on the matter: the draw to bow hunting is the fact that you have to get in close with the animal. Drawing the bow and releasing a clean kill shot is difficult. The biggest reason I oppose the use of crossbows during regular archery season would be that fact. With a crossbow you can set it once in stand and only have to release safety as with a firearm. A bow you spot the deer the excitement is just starting. Drawing the bow without the deer seeing you is a challenge. Releasing a clear kill shot is the climax.

5. Should there be a fall shotgun for turkeys?
I believe as with the extension of deer hunting in certain areas there should be an extension of turkey hunting in certain areas of the state. Those areas that are seeing a high number of turkeys that can support a shotgun season without hurting the number of turkeys in the area, I say go for it.

These are only a few of the questions involved in this poll. If you have not yet taken the time to submit this poll now is the time. It will be interesting to hear from other outdoor enthusiasts opinions on the state and activities.

Let me know of your thoughts and opinions on these matters and if you want to bring up others please do.

Today while my wife and son took a nap I took off for the woods behind my house in hopes of finding some sheds. I did not find any antlers, however it was a great time out in the woods.

I found loads of deer sign including tracks and droppings.

After searching through a section of my own property I crossed over to an adjacent piece of property that I often hunt. I knew that a guy who lives down the road had put a tree stand up there two years ago. I had run across this stand in my wandering around down back.

Much to my surprise though I found a stand I had not seen before. It was where I shot a huge buck two seasons ago. I told the guy about this deer. It was real close in proximity to his stand. So I am guessing that Timmy built this new stand in my spot.

Upon finding these stands it refreshed my memory of a self climbing stand I had discovered last year during bow season. This stand is further down the edge of the swamp that the other two stands are. So as I followed the edge of the swamp I knew I was approaching the place I had seen this stand last year. Much to my surprise the stand was still there. Whoever hunts from this stand apparently thought it would be a good idea just to leave it there in the woods. Last year I stayed clear of the stand because of being during season. Today I thought I would go over and investigate a little more. This is when I began to chuckle to myself. Now I know I have a lot to learn about hunting and I am not a know it all kind of person. I just found this to tickle my funny bone. First off this stand is in a great tree that is well hidden. The stand is light in color fading right into the cedar tree it sits in. The seat is camo patterned in order to enhance the chances of not being seen. Then the safety straps that hold it on the tree are BRIGHT RED…..!!!! I thought this was funny and if no one else gets a chuckle, I sure had a good one right in the middle of the woods.

What a great way to get the message of Jesus Christ out to people that would be completely opposed to going to a ‘traditional’ Church service. You see these events popping up more and more all across the country. With lots of outdoor ministries starting up and attempting to reach to outdoor enthusiasts with the message of God’s love you don’t have to search hard to find such event.

The Summerton Baptist Church in South Carolina recently had great success with one of these dinners. With guest speaker Chuck McAlister from the outdoor show Adventure Bound Outdoors.

During this event 58 people decided to accept Jesus Christ into their life. 62 others came forward and let their request to rededicate their lives to Christ. What a great event for the Kingdom of God.

You can read more about this great event in a story found in ClarendonToday.com

Here we are just finished up Winter. Spring is now officially upon us and today it really feels as that is an accurate statement. The sun is shining brightly, my thermometer reads 54 degrees, and there is more bare ground than snow covered currently around the house. As we reflect back to this past winter season it started off very slow. Then we had some snow and real cold temperatures. Of course each of these temps and the amount of snow can vary greatly depending on where you live.

With parts of Maine appearing over run with deer, it is hard to believe that there are also parts that the herd is diminishing. This is the case in the millions of acres in the north woods part of Maine. Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife since the early 90′s have worked on getting landowners to hold pieces of land known as “deer yards” to help protect the whitetail in that part of State due to the inclement weather and snow depths. Of course these landowners would be losing money by choosing not to harvest trees (money) standing on the land.

So a good question is, where do our deer yards stand? What will happen to the deer, forest, and hunting in these parts?

Hopefully landowners will work with the State as Plum Creek did in “saving” certain parts to keep these deer yards open. I am in hopes that there will be more constructive discussions between the State and landowners dealing with this issue.

The State’s wildlife officials may turn to zoning laws in order to protect these whitetails.

Starting today, March 23rd the Pine Tree Sportsman Show will be taking place in Wilton, Maine. There will be 55,000 square feet of space covered by many great exhibitors, teachers, and information sources for those who love the outdoors.

You can find out more about who will be represented there as well as times and general information at http://www.pinetreesportsmanshow.com/ptss.html

I know it is supposed to be a decent weekend weather wise. In between cleaning up the mess winter has left us, getting our fishing gear ready, and just enjoying some warm weather stop by this great show.