Region D

MDIF&W Regional Office
689 Farmington Road
Strong, ME 04983-9419
(207) 778-3322

Weekly Outdoor Reports by Wildlife Biologists

The Rangeley Region

by Sandy Ritchie, Regional Wildlife Biologist

Physical Characteristics

Framed by the New Hampshire border to the west and the Kennebec River to the east, the Rangeley Region (See map, Region D) is a mountainous transition zone between central coastal Maine and the northern "big woods." It is a region noted for its extraordinary vistas as well as its contribution to Maine's reputation for unparalleled fish and wildlife resources in New England.

The Rangeley Region is a diverse region that embraces 4,232 square miles and contains more than 106,000 acres of lakes and ponds, 4,800 miles of rivers and streams, and nearly 150 miles of the rugged Appalachian Trail. Industrial timberlands comprised of spruce and fir and northern hardwoods dominate the northern two-thirds of the region, while the southern portion is characterized by a blend of wooded tracts, agricultural land, and small townships where most of the region's population resides.

Wildlife Management Areas

Within an hour's drive of Farmington, hunters can access any one of six properties, comprising more than 3000 acres, managed by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife as waterfowl production areas.

If a quiet canoe trip and the excitement of jump shooting appeal to you, consider the Chesterville WMA located in Franklin County. Chesterville is a long narrow marsh that follows the winding course of Little Norridgewock Stream. Narrow tracts of forested upland parallel to the marsh complete the 1340 acre area. Gunning is best early in the season when woodies, black ducks, and hooded mergansers are plentiful, or maximize your hunting experience by visiting Chesterville in November and bag a deer and a limit of ducks in one outing.

If you crave a more remote hunting experience, check out a relatively new acquisition, Black Brook Flowage WMA in Pierce Pond Township. Three main tributaries feed the flowage creating irregular shorelines, islands, coves, and backwaters. This wetland is unique in this part of the state because it is not affected by water level manipulations for hydropower storage as are nearby Flagstaff Lake and Dead River Flowage. Consequently, it is highly attractive to waterfowl; in fact, anecdotal evidence suggests the use of this area by waterfowl rivals more traditionally renowned wetlands.

Hunting Opportunities

White-tailed deer: Maine provides some of the finest trophy quality deer hunting around, and the Rangeley Region is no exception. In spite of its moderate-to-severe winters, poorer quality habitat, and lower deer numbers when compared with central and southern Maine, the Rangeley Region can hold its own in providing trophy quality animals. In fact, the state record buck (355 pounds) and doe (255 pounds and antlered!) taken during the firearms season were bagged in this region.

Deer are more abundant in the southern portion of the region where winters are milder and forests are interspersed with agricultural lands and small towns. Hunters seeking a more remote hunting experience generally opt for the Rangeley and Stratten/Eustis areas. Both offer plenty of big woods hunting and the opportunity to track deer on early November snow which can last throughout the season!

Black Bear: If bear hunting is your forte, give the Bethel/Newry/Andover area a shot. This southwest corner of the region consistently produces the highest harvest levels in the area. The Rangeley Region certainly has no shortage of bears, and bear hunting has increased over the last several years. The mountainous terrain, however, can make for a challenging hunt.

Moose: When it comes to moose hunting, the Rangeley Region is second to none, consistently recording some of the highest success rates (98-100%!) among moose hunters. The region's industrial forests are easily accessed by an extensive network of haul roads; but the more adventuresome hunter will occasionally pursue his or her quarry by canoe along many of the region's rivers and wetlands. Come prepared; your work begins after the animal is down!

Waterfowl and Upland Birds: In addition to big game hunting, the region offers plenty of opportunity for the waterfowl and upland bird enthusiast as well. Whether it be goose hunting on Flagstaff Lake, gunning the many coves and backwaters of the Androscoggin and Kennebec Rivers, poking the nose of your canoe into a small fresh marsh, or working a dog in search of a "biddy",the Rangeley Region is noteworthy because of the wide variety of hunting experiences it offers.

Accessible from Errol, New Hampshire from the west, Bethel and Farmington to the south, and Greenville from the north and east, the Rangeley Region offers a wide variety of businesses catering to hunters. Accommodations vary from motels and inns, to sporting camps, to campgrounds and individual remote campsites. For those unfamiliar with the territory, it might be worthwhile hiring a guide Guide services are available throughout the region. Whatever your hunting pleasure, the Rangeley Region will fill the bill.

DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

Region D

The Rangeley Region