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March 21, 2013

2012 Deer Harvest Up 13% in Maine

AUGUSTA, Maine - The third annual Landowner Appreciation Cleanup Day is Saturday, September 15, and you can help.

Landowner Appreciation Cleanup Day is a way for all who enjoy the outdoors to say thank you by helping clean up unwanted trash and dumpsites on private property throughout the state. You can get involved by calling 1-800-750-9777.

Last year, volunteers helped clean up over 130 sites, collecting 95 tons of refuse and nearly 1,000 discarded tires.

This year, the Maine Department of Conservation, Forestry and Agriculture along with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife are working with outdoor groups such as the Maine Snowmobile Association, the Maine Professional Guides Association, the Maine Trappers Association and other volunteers to help clean up private land.

Public access is the key to enjoying Maine?s outdoors, yet each year, access and the environment is threatened by illegal dumping. Landowner Appreciation Cleanup Day is one way for those who enjoy the outdoors to say thank you to the landowners who allow them on their property.

Maine Forest Service Forest Protection Division is utilizing their incident command system to identify and prioritize illegal dumping sites throughout the state. They have compiled a database of illegal dump sites and they are utilizing their dispatching system to direct volunteers to different sites to help clean up.

You can also see if there are sites near you by viewing this Google Map link: https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=209039316182295407160.0004c908f263fb412c5d9

Maine Forest Rangers and Maine Game Wardens will be at dumpsites assisting volunteers, and the Maine Forest Service is providing equipment to haul away trash, and dispose of it properly.

Landowner Appreciation is one way for those who utilize private land for outdoor recreation to say thank you to landowners who provide that access.

Access is the key to Maine?s outdoor traditions. Over 90 percent of Maine is privately owned. Without public access to private land, there would be few opportunities to hike, hunt, fish, trap, boat, watch wildlife, snowmobile, mountain bike and ATV.

Get involved, and this year, help those landowners who help you enjoy the outdoors. It?s a great way to say thank you, and help ensure that future generations will have access to Maine?s vast outdoors.

For More information, contact mark.latti@maine.gov; or to find a site near you call 1-800-750-9777.

April 1, 2013

Maine Wildlife Park Opening for 2013 Season

Augusta, Maine - The Maine Wildlife Park, located on Route 26 in Gray, will open for the 2013 season on Saturday, April 13th at 9:30am ? just in time for school vacation! Even though there is still some snow on the ground, it?s a bit muddy, and our new bathroom building project is in full swing (and may temporarily disrupt some activities in the picnic area), the wildlife park will welcome visitors the second Saturday in April this year.

So many families cannot wait to visit their favorite animals after a long winter, but close to 10,000 fans have ?kept in touch? with our wildlife via Facebook over the winter, ?liking? and commenting on photos posted of wildlife individuals as they adapted to winter snow and cold. But they are ready to see them again in person!

The Wildlife Park has a variety of NEW events planned for weekends beginning Saturday May 4, with a live wildlife exhibit and demonstration from the W.I.L.D. Center of NE; bringing an interesting menagerie of exotic wildlife related to our very own Park critters. Learn about, see and photograph unusual animals like a Serval Cat, Crested Porcupine, Arctic Fox, Indigo Snake or Alligator Snapper ? and many more!

Other new programs throughout the summer will include Falcons, Lobsters, a Mad Science Fire and Ice Show, Outdoor Safety and Survival, the Dry Mills Hatchery Display Building Dedication and park wide Open House, an evening Table Tour featuring local specialty foods, a night visit with Northern Stars Planetarium, a Maine Authors Day, an all-new Pow Wow and a meet and greet with the stars of Northwoods Law! Plan to purchase your family pass now so you don?t miss any of the fun; and be sure to pick up an Event Calendar!

The Maine Wildlife Park is owned and operated by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. The park exists to promote an understanding and awareness of the wildlife, conservation and habitat protection programs and projects of MDIFW.

Remember that Family Passes make a great gift; and are available for purchase in the Department of Fish & Wildlife?s online store @ www.mefishwildlife.com. For more information about any of these programs, please call the Maine Wildlife Park at 207-657-4977; or visit us online at www.mainewildlifepark.com, www.mefishwildlife.com or on Facebook!

Visitors are encouraged to go and experience the park, as well as five other unique sites -- all less than an hour from each other on the picturesque Route 26 in Western Maine. Route 26 connects Western Maine to the rest of the State via Maine Turnpike?s exit 63 in Gray; meandering through gorgeous countryside and boasting culturally, historically, and ecologically significant attractions. Just thirty minutes north of Portland, a family can spend a day or several days visiting all five important and interesting destinations for very little money ? a true value. www.gemsof26.com

March 19, 2013

Warden Service Holding Fur Tagging Event on Saturday

Augusta, Maine - On Saturday, March 23, the Maine Warden Service and the Northeast Trapping Supply store of Oakland will be holding a fur tagging event in Sidney.

The event will run from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m at the Warden Service?s Sidney Regional Headquarters, located at 270 Lyons Road.

Wardens from Section 5 will be on hand to tag fur for trappers.

For more information on trapping in Maine, go to www.mefishwildlife.com.

March 15, 2013

Missing Man Found Deceased by Game Wardens

T3 ND, Maine - Today, Maine game wardens assisted with search efforts for a missing man from Old Town. Troy Crawford, age 41, had been missing since Wednesday, March 13. Crawford?s vehicle was found by Down East Emergency Medical Institute (DEEMI) earlier today near Nicatous Maine. Search efforts were then concentrated in that area.

Crawford was located deceased at 3:30 PM today by game wardens. A game warden canine team air scented Crawford from the road near an area where clothing evidence had been left behind by Crawford. He was located about 300 yards from the vehicle and about 60 yards off the road. Crawford was located in T3 ND in Hancock County on a locally known road named Oxbow Road and is shown on topographic maps as ?The Horseback?.

Five game wardens, a Warden Service aircraft, and members of the DEEMI Search and Rescue group participated in the search.

June 12, 2013

When Dealing With Young Wildlife: If You Care, Leave Them There

As the weather continues to get warmer and more people are enjoying the outdoors, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is reminding everyone to follow this motto when encountering wildlife, especially young animals: If you care, leave them there.

Wildlife is active during this time of the year and it isn?t unusual for people to come across baby fawns, moose calves, robins, raccoons and other young wildlife in woodlands or in their backyards, but that doesn?t mean it?s a good idea for people to intervene.

?Well-meaning people sometimes take in young wildlife in the mistaken belief that they have been abandoned,? said Governor Paul R. LePage. ?But they often put the young animal in more risk. Wild animals and birds do not make good pets, and it?s against the law to possess them without the proper state and federal permits.?

A deer may leave its fawn hidden in the leaves on the forest floor if it?s too young to come along to forage for food. The mother-young bond is very strong in mammals and birds and deer will return to its fawn as long as humans don?t interfere.

?Too often people see a young animal alone and assume it has been abandoned by its mother, when in fact the mother has likely just left temporarily to search for food,? said IFW Biologist Scott Lindsay. ?In most cases, it?s best to leave the animal alone because wildlife has a much better chance at survival when they aren?t disrupted by humans.? .

If you come across a healthy young animal or bird, leave it alone. If you have pets, put them inside your home or on a leash so they don?t disturb the young wildlings.

If you do think an animal may be orphaned, please call an IFW regional biologist to alert them to it.

Here are other tips on what to do if you see young wildlife:

Fawns: It is always best to leave fawns alone. The nutrient profile of a mother?s milk enables fawns to be left for many hours as mothers feed on their own to help maintain the high energy demands of nursing the fawn. Adult does will return two or three times a day to nurse fawns but otherwise leave them in a safe place and rely on the fawn?s camouflage and lack of scent to protect them from predators. As soon as a fawn is able to keep up with its mother, it will travel more with the mother.

Repeated visits to a fawn can draw the attention of predators and could discourage its mother from returning. Under no circumstances should anyone attempt to feed a fawn.

Moose calves: Treat moose calves similar to fawns, but also be aware that approaching or handling a moose calf is likely to elicit a defensive response from a mother moose if it is nearby.

Squirrels or Raccoons: If a nest of squirrels or raccoons must be disturbed, (for example if a tree has been cut down or fallen) leave the young in the den part of the tree and move them nearby to a protected place. The mother will in all likelihood come back and transport them to a new location.

Birds: The same is true for a bird?s nest. Put the nest and nestlings into a nearby tree, supported in a basket or other container that has drainage. The mother robin or blue jay is probably right around the corner, and will return to feed the young and care for them until they can fly on their own.

Be aware that direct contact with wildlife can expose you to a variety of diseases. Human contact with wildlife may lead to an animal being euthanized in order to test for rabies.

June 11, 2013

Media Event at Maine Wildlife Park on Dealing With Young Wildlife

The Maine Wildlife Park will host a media event on Thursday, June 13 to remind everyone of the importance of leaving young wildlife alone.

The event will run from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Wildlife Park, located at 56 Game Farm Road off Route 26 in Gray.

Three fawns and many other young animals have already been brought to the park this spring and summer.

?The general public can become very concerned when they happen across young wildlife that appear to be alone or in trouble, and often want to help them,? said IFW Wildlife Education Coordinator Lisa Kane. ?We want to remind everyone that wild parents cannot hire babysitters, and have to leave their youngsters for periods of time to find food. It?s very important to leave young birds or wildlife alone because trying to help wild animals can often put them at greater risk.?

While it is often well-intentioned people who take in young animals, the animals are safer in the wild than with someone who doesn?t have proper training on how to care for them.

During the event, media members will be able to interview an IFW representative about what people should do if they do encounter baby animals or birds in the wild. Media members will also be able to photograph or get video of the three fawns at the park.

The Maine Wildlife Park is managed by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and is home to more than 30 wildlife species.

For more information on wildlife in Maine, go to www.mefishwildlife.com.

June 26, 2013

IFW, Maine Audubon Seek Bat-Counting Volunteers

White Nose Syndrome has severely impacted bat populations throughout the northeast, and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IFW), along with Maine Audubon, is looking for volunteers to help determine the effect of the fungus on Maine?s bat population.

The recent introduction of White Nose Syndrome (WNS), a cold-tolerant fungus, has wiped out entire bat hibernating colonies and has had a dramatic impact on the bat population in the northeast. Experts estimate that to date, more than five million bats have died because of WNS.

?White Nose Syndrome is impacting little brown bat and big brown bat colonies throughout the northeast,? notes IFW wildlife biologist John DePue, ?Many historic bat colonies throughout Maine did not even have roosting bats last year.?

IFW and Maine Audubon are in the second year of a two-year study to determine the impact of WNS in Maine. The research is funded in part by the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund. IFW is also conducting bat acoustic surveys this summer as well.

?Of the 45 historic colonies identified by citizen scientists last year, only 12 had bats actually roosting ? and none of them raised any pups,? noted Susan Gallo, Maine Audubon wildlife biologist.

Little brown bat and big brown bat colonies can be found in attics, barns, church eaves, old theaters, abandoned buildings, homes, garages and other structures. The rapid decline of these bats has many scientists and citizens concerned. Peak localized bat activity takes place now through the end of July. Bats migrate in the spring and fall.

Maine Audubon and IFW seek the help of Maine residents to identify the location of maternal bat colonies throughout the state (where female bats group together to raise their young). Information from citizen scientists will help establish a baseline for breeding bats.

Interested volunteers can follow an established protocol for estimating colony size by counting the number of bats emerging at dusk. ?Because of the devastation of WNS on bat colonies, we are even looking for historical information ? if you know of a bat colony that has not seen activity this year, we still want to hear about it,? noted Gallo.

Bat colony observations can be submitted at www.maineaudubon.org/bats.

For questions or further information about the Bat Conservation Project, please email Susan Gallo at sgallo@maineaudubon.org or call (207) 781-2330 x216.

June 28, 2013

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR MAINE GAME WARDEN

**To download an application, please visit mainegamewarden.com...good luck!

Career Opportunity Bulletin

GAME WARDEN

CODE: 951100 PAY GRADE: 20 ($17.51 ? 23.21/hr.)* Value of State?s share of Employee?s Retirement: 17.26% of pay Value of State-paid Dental Insurance: $13.69 biweekly Value* of State-paid Health Insurance: Level 1: 100% State Contribution (employee pays nothing): $363.77 biweekly Level 2: 95% State Contribution (employee pays 5%): $345.58 biweekly Level 3: 90% State Contribution (employee pays 10%): $327.39 biweekly Level 4: 85% State Contribution (employee pays 15%): $309.20 biweekly

*Salary includes a $0.85 per hour Market Pay Adjustment.

OPENING DATE: June 12, 2013 CLOSING DATE: August 9, 2013

The Maine Warden Service has a proud history that dates back to 1880. At the core of our bureau?s history stand the men and women who perform our important work. It is of critical importance that we continue to take great care in selecting new game wardens. We must select an individual who can take on the inherent dangers of the job while representing the State of Maine as a courteous, genuine, consummate professional. In the coming months, we will again be looking for that candidate who has the appropriate skill sets, practical experience, and attitude to be a positive, productive employee. What are the skill sets and experience required?

The foundation by which a good candidate is built can be summed up quickly; a hardworking, positive, good person with a will to succeed in all he/she does. Beyond that is the need to find candidates who have good life experience, sound judgment, and a strong moral character. Peel back the layers further and that person must have a strong understanding of the outdoors to include hunting and fishing, recreational vehicles, and the desire to work outdoors in a law enforcement role. Although not a requirement, some candidates chose to go to college. Degree types range from law enforcement to more generic studies such as business, biology, or psychology.

As sworn, trained police officers we must identify those well suited for law enforcement work. No different than any other police agency, we cannot employ those with extensive or prohibitive criminal backgrounds. The hiring process itself can take as long as six months from initial application submission to becoming hired. We include a very comprehensive oral board exam that covers a wide spectrum of relevant topics. This exam tests a candidates practical knowledge of outdoor related items, provides an opportunity to sell themselves in a traditional style interview, and engages them with ?what if?? scenarios to see first-hand how they process complicated, real life situations. Additionally, all candidates submit a typed essay on a topic provided on test day. It is then reviewed by the Maine Department of Education to be sure the candidate has adequate writing skills and computer knowledge. Those who successfully complete the oral board exam will undergo a comprehensive background investigation as well as polygraph, psychological, and physical exams.

After careful consideration, those who rise to the top are provided with an offer of employment and must then complete both the 18-week Basic Law Enforcement Training Program (BLETP) ant the Advanced Warden Academy (12-weeks) in Vassalboro. You must be age 21 to apply. If you have 60 college credits, you are eligible to apply at age 20. We have no age limit restrictions. You do NOT need to be a Maine resident to apply.

Why all this? In order for us to carry out the important role of game warden, we must have the respect and trust of the public. Our success comes from the relationships we have built and the trust we have earned. We take great measures to ensure this is not compromised.

Corporal John MacDonald Maine Warden Service

Questions? Please contact: john.macdonald@maine.gov

July 2, 2013

Any-Deer Lottery Application Period Open

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is now accepting applications for the 2013 Any-Deer(Antlerless) Permit Lottery.

Paper applications must be postmarked by July 26 or delivered in person to 284 State Street in Augusta before 5 p.m. on that date.

Online applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on August 15 and can be found by visiting www.mefishwildlife.com.

Residents applying to hunt on their own land without a license and applicants with a legal residence outside the U.S. or Canada must use the paper application and may not apply for an any-deer permit online.

It is free to apply for the any-deer permit lottery. The lottery drawing will be held on Sept. 9 and results will be posted on the Department?s web site after 2 p.m.

A total of 46,710 any-deer permits will be issued in these 16 wildlife management districts: 3, 6, 7, 12, 13, 15-17, 20-26 and 29. It is bucks only in all other wildlife management districts.

Deer hunting season (firearms) begins with Youth Deer Hunting Day on Oct. 26. Youth hunters may take a buck statewide or an antlerless deer only in the wildlife management districts where any-deer permits will be issued this fall.

Maine Resident Only Day will be held on Nov. 2 this year.

Deer hunting season (firearms) runs from Nov. 4 to Nov. 30.

For more information on deer hunting in Maine, visit www.mefishwildlife.com.

July 7, 2013

MAINE GAME WARDENS RECEIVE TWO PERSONAL WATERCRAFT

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Maine Warden Service

--For Immediate Release--

JULY 5, 2013: Today, the Maine Warden Service acquired two new pieces of equipment under the Kawasaki Customer Relations Loaner Program. Two personal watercrafts (PWC?s) are being used for patrol by game wardens and are on loan from Reggie?s Kawasaki/Ski-Doo located on Route 202 in Leeds. Upon application, the nationwide program operates through Kawasaki dealers, who loan JET SKI watercraft at no cost to public agencies responsible for boating law enforcement, recreational boating education, safety, and search and rescue operations.

?The Kawasaki loaner program provided the Warden Service with an opportunity to add two additional tools to our fleet. They are an essential piece of equipment used to maintain safety and boating law compliance on some of Maine?s busiest boating waters? stated Game Warden Lieutenant Adam Gormely. Gormely is out of the Gray Regional Headquarters and manages Division A; home to Maine?s most visited and congested water bodies for recreational boating.

Craig Caron, general manager of Reggie?s Kawasaki-Ski-doo stated today that he was ?happy to help the Maine Warden Service with its recreational boating safety efforts this summer season.? The PWC and trailer package on loan ordinarily cost about $11,000 each. With today?s financial challenges in State government, the PWC?s came at a particularly good time. The two Kawasaki Jet Ski STX-15F?s will be utilized by game wardens in the Cumberland and Oxford county regions.

(The attached photo courtesy of the Maine Warden Service. Pictured (left) are Lieutenant Adam Gormely and General Manager of Reggie?s, Craig Caron.)

No further information is available at this time.

Please direct media related calls to Corporal John MacDonald by calling: Public Safety Dispatch in Gray at 207-657-3030 Email at: john.macdonald@maine.gov

July 7, 2013

FATAL ATV CRASH - AMHERST, MAINE

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Maine Warden Service

--For Immediate Release--

AMHERST, MAINE: On July 6, 2013 at approximately 7:20 PM, Kevin Clements (46) of Allen Road in Amherst (about 25 miles east of Orono) was operating a Polaris 6-wheel ATV near his residence. The machine rolled over and he became pinned under the machine. He was found by his wife a short time later. EMS personnel arrived and determined that Clements was deceased. Game wardens investigated the scene and aided family members of the victim. His body was transported to Brookings Smith Funeral home in Bangor. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

No further information is available at this time.

Please direct media related calls to Corporal John MacDonald by calling: Public Safety Dispatch in Gray at 207-657-3030 Email at: john.macdonald@maine.gov

July 26, 2013

IFW Freshwater Fishing Report ? July 26, 2013

For Immediate Release July 26, 2013

IFW Freshwater Fishing Report ? July 26, 2013

Sebago Lakes Region

Thanks to last week?s scorching weather, surface water temperatures in the Sebago Lake area are unusually warm, according to regional fisheries biologist Francis Brautigam, a full two to three weeks ahead of where we usually are.

?I was on Sebago Lake earlier this week, and at 10:30 a.m., the surface water temperature was 79.8 degrees. I have never seen it that warm,? said Brautigam, who added that a local angler fishing Norway Lake reported that waterway reached the 80 degree mark.

Coldwater fish such as trout and salmon don?t stand much of a chance with prolonged exposure in water temps near 80, so Brautigam reminds anglers to play and release fish as quickly as possible, keep the fish in the water as you release it, and be careful handling and releasing the fish.

With lake and pond temperatures above average, now is a good time for brook and stream fishing for trout. Recent rains mean flows are good for fishing, as fish will move when water levels increase. Since many of these small streams are fed by groundwater, they also are not heavily influenced by the temperatures spikes we experienced last week.

Central Maine Region

IFW fisheries biologists are busy on the upper Kennebec River, taking a closer look at the section of river between Harris Station Dam and Wyman Dam.

?We are up there getting a better understanding of the fish population in that section, looking at the age and growth of fish in that segment of the river,? said IFW fisheries biologist Jason Seiders. To capture fish, biologists use an electro-fishing boat that sends pulses of electricity into the water, temporarily stunning fish, which allows biologists to net them. They are weighed and measured, then released.

Seiders said they saw several anglers fishing that section, and that the fishing was ?fantastic.? The fish surveys revealed quite a few salmon in the 16?-19? range.

?Unfortunately, bass numbers are also relatively high,? said Seiders, who reminds anglers that there is no size or bag limit on bass in that section, and anglers can keep as many bass as they want. Removal of bass from that section will help salmon and trout populations, and anglers who like to keep bass to eat would be wise to try this section of river as well.

Anglers may want to float that section of river in a canoe. Put in at the ball field just over the Route 201 bridge in The Forks and you can take out at the Hole in the Wall near Northern Outdoors on Route 201. This segment is approximately 5 miles in length.

Downeast Region

This time of year, anglers will have the most success chasing warmwater fish such as pickerel, bass, and white perch, according to Greg Burr, IFW fisheries biologist in Jonesboro. He recommends fishing the edges of weed beds and lily pads for pickerel and largemouth bass, and the drop-offs and deep rocks for smallmouth bass.

White perch are schooling and anglers may find them nearly any time of day. If you are looking for some perch waters for a fish fry, in Washington county try Second Gardner Lake in Marion, Rocky Lake in Township 19, Third Machias Lake in Township 43, Big Lake in Greenlaw Chopping Township, and the Grand Falls Flowage in Princeton. In Hancock county, head out to Toddy Pond in Orland, Georges Pond in Franklin, and Webb Pond and Abrams Pond in Eastbrook.

This time of year, fishing for salmon and trout is a little more difficult, but the fish are still there, just deeper. Burr recommends using use lead line, downriggers, or still fishing to get down below the thermocline, somewhere between 25 and 40 feet.

Rangeley Lakes Region

IFW Fisheries biologist Bobby Van Riper has noticed more anglers on the region?s rivers this year, and said he is receiving good reports about the fishing in these rivers.

?Fishing pressure seems to be up, and we are getting rave reviews on the fishing. The Rapid, Magalloway, and Kennebago have been superb at times, but with the warm-up we?ve had it, it is starting to slow down,? said Van Riper.

For those willing to hike or bike a bit to access a fishing spot, Van Riper suggests a trip into Upper Dam on Richardson Lake. As the weather warms up, trout seek out the deep pool at Upper Dam. Anglers should be aware that there is a different water flow pattern at the dam as repairs continue on the dam.

Rangeley Region Fisheries biologists will be visiting Moxie pond next week to do a bass evaluation. Bass were illegally introduced into the pond in 1998, and have now spread into other ponds in the watershed.

?It?s one of the unintended consequences of illegal introductions. There are a bunch of little ponds that were nice brook trout ponds, but now have bass,? said Van Riper, who noted that bass have moved through tributaries and have colonized other ponds that flow into Moxie.

Moosehead Region

Last week?s hot weather has cooled down trout and salmon fishing in the Moosehead Lake area. Early July generally means a big hex hatch, but IFW fisheries biologist Tim Obrey said that this year the hex hatch seemed a little off according to reports from area anglers. Obrey suggested trying local rivers for trout and salmon.

?Water levels are good, and the fishing is still pretty good. The East Outlet and the West Branch should still have some good fishing,? said Obrey. Obrey noted that the caddis hatch has been strong on the West Branch, with anglers having the most luck in the evening.

Moosehead Lake experienced an excellent spring with good catches of trout and salmon, and several large brook trout. Right now, however, if you want to fish the lake, you need the equipment to get down deep. According to Obrey, trout and salmon are cooling off in deeper depths between 35 and 65 feet.

Penobscot Region

While some anglers are experiencing the mid-summer doldrums, IFW Fisheries Biologist Nels Kramer says anglers on East Grand Lake are still experiencing a lot of success.

?I?ve talked with the district wardens there, and for those who are fishing deep, they are still catching quite a few salmon in the 18-20? range,? said Kramer. Kramer added that they are even catching some salmon up to 23 inches.

Bass fishing on the Penobscot is picking up, but anglers need to be aware of changing water levels. The Veazie Dam was breached on Monday, lowering water levels in that section, and water levels behind the Mattaseunk Dam in Medway have been lowered to facilitate repairs on the dam.

?There?s a lot of water downstream ? The bass may be confused but they still need to eat,? said Kramer.

Aroostook Region

While the green drake hatch is over, recent rains and cooler weather have dropped water temperatures in the region, and according to IFW fisheries biologist Frank Frost, trout are biting again.

?On Monday, we had one river that dropped 16 degrees,? said Frost, who added that with two nights of predicted nighttime lows in the 40s, river fishing should bounce right back.

Cooler tributaries will hold the most fish, and Frost recommended streams such that flow into the Aroostook such as the Mooseleuk and Munsungan as possible fishing destinations.

?Trout hold in the cooler water, but once it cools off, they will spread out,? says Frost, who added that water levels have been high much of the summer, and with the midweek rain, that trend will continue. ?It looks like a good weekend, the trout should be pretty active with nights in the 40s.?

July 27, 2013

UPDATE: SEARCH FOR GERALDINE LARGAY

SEARCH FOR GERALDINE LARGAY ? July 26, 2013: This morning, approximately 60 searchers to include game wardens and searchers associated with Maine Association of Search and Rescue (MASAR see below) are looking for Geraldine Largay. A Maine Forest Service helicopter is also being utilized today. Maine Warden Service fixed-wing aircraft are not being used today due to low cloud cover. A command post has been established at the Sugarloaf Mountain Resort. Search efforts are concentrated on the AT north of the Spaulding lean-to in Mount Abram TWP toward the Route 27 crossing in Wyman TWP. Between those two points are numerous overlapping roads and trails. Wardens continue to seek more information as to the identity of the female hiker who reported staying at the Spaulding lean-to with Geraldine Tuesday night.

Geraldine Anita Largay started her hike on the AT in April at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Her destination was Baxter State Park. Her husband George keeps track of her along the way and makes pre-determined stops to resupply her. On Sunday morning, she departed from the Route 4 AT crossing in Sandy River Plantation near Rangeley. Later that day she texted her husband and advised she was on top of Saddleback Mountain. Her plan was to stay at the Poplar Ridge lean-to in Redington TWP Sunday night. On Monday morning she texted again indicating she was headed north on the AT. Her next stop would have been the Spaulding Mountain lean-to. Largay is an experienced hiker who was prepared with supplies. She had no previous incidents up to this point on her hike.

Yesterday, wardens learned that an unidentified female hiker called the Stratton Motel on Wednesday, July 24. The caller indicated she was travelling south (opposite direction of Geraldine) on the Appalachian Trail and spent Tuesday night (23rd) with Geraldine Largay at the Spaulding lean-to. Rain was heavy on Tuesday so it is suspected that Geraldine waited out the rain in the Spaulding lean-to for the day. It is believed she continued on her way north Wednesday morning.

The Maine Warden Service needs to talk with the unknown female hiker about this incident. Anyone with information regarding either Geraldine or the unknown female hiker is asked to call Augusta Public Safety Dispatch at 1-800-452-4664.

(The Maine Association for Search and Rescue (MASAR) is a non-profit organization that promotes and develops search and rescue resources for the state of Maine. MASAR provides training and certification for search and rescue volunteers using nationally-recognized standards. See mainesearchandrescue.org for more information.)

No further information is available at this time.

Please direct media related calls to Corporal John MacDonald by calling: Public Safety Dispatch in Gray at 207-657-3030 Email at: john.macdonald@maine.gov

July 27, 2013

LARGAY SEARCH CONTINUES

There is no new information this evening regarding Geraldine Largays location. Today, approximately 60 searchers to include game wardens and members from the Association of Search and Rescue (MASAR* see below) searched for Geraldine. A Maine Forest Service helicopter was utilized today as well. Maine Warden Service fixed-wing aircraft we not used as weather did not permit their use. A command post has been established at the Sugarloaf Mountain Resort and will be utilized tomorrow.

Search efforts continue to concentrate on the Appalachian Trail north of the Spaulding lean-to in Mount Abram TWP toward the Route 27 crossing in Wyman TWP. Between those two points are numerous overlapping roads and trails. Search efforts will resume tomorrow morning. Information gathering and logistical planning will occur this evening.

Wardens continue to seek information as to the identity of the female hiker who reported staying at the Spaulding lean-to with Geraldine Tuesday night. Anyone with information regarding either Geraldine or the unknown female hiker is asked to call Augusta Public Safety Dispatch at 1-800-452-4664.

Attached photo courtesy of the Maine Warden Service and Maine Forest Service. Shown is Ranger Shane Nichols during today?s search operation.

*The Maine Association for Search and Rescue (MASAR) is a non-profit organization that promotes and develops search and rescue resources for the state of Maine. MASAR provides training and certification for search and rescue volunteers using nationally-recognized standards. See mainesearchandrescue.org for more information.

July 27, 2013

LARGAY SEARCH UPDATE 3

SATURDAY, July 27, 2013: Maine game wardens are seeking information concerning missing AT hiker Geraldine Largay who uses the trail name ?inchworm? from the following hikers using the trail names: ?Cowboy?, ?Marathon?, ?Postman?, ?Breeze?, ?Paranoid?, ?Crunchmaster?, ?Harpo/Groucho?, ?Ice Pack/SOBO ?13?,? Luke 11:9?, ?Sandman?, ?BBTGR?, and ?.com/Queen?.

Warden investigators need to speak with the listed hikers to determine and verify if the Geraldine was seen between the Poplar Ridge Lean-To and the Spaulding Mountain Lean-To on the Appalachian Trail. Warden investigators also need to verify if Geraldine stayed overnight at the Spaulding Mtn. Lean-To Monday night July 22 into Tuesday morning July 23. The Warden Service also wants to inform bear baiters baiting in the search area to be on the lookout for Mrs. Largay.

Those with any information should call the Public Safety Communications Center in Augusta at (207) 624-6076. or 1-800-452-4664

Please direct media related calls to Corporal John MacDonald by calling: Public Safety Dispatch in Gray at 207-657-3030 Email at: john.macdonald@maine.gov

July 27, 2013

LARGAY SEARCH PHOTO

Search photo taken today courtesy of the Maine Warden Service.

Photo 4: Sergeant Jeff Spencer and Maine State Police Detective Lenny Bolton hiking towards Spaulding Mountain from the summit of Sugarloaf.

July 27, 2013

LARGAY SEARCH UPDATE 4

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Maine Warden Service

--For Immediate Release--

MAINE WARDEN SERVICE ? JULY, 27, 2013: The search continues for Geraldine Largay. Today there are approximately 130 searchers taking part in today?s search effort. Searchers include Maine game wardens, their ATV?s, K9?s, and aircraft, Maine forest rangers, *MASAR members including a horseback search team, US Border Patrol, and members of the Civil Air Patrol with their CAP helicopter.

(Attached: Recent photo of Geraldine Largay courtesy of the Maine Warden Service.)

July 28, 2013

SEARCH - JANET POST - MOUNT DESERT ISLAND_1

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Maine Warden Service

--For Immediate Release--

SEARCH - MOUNT DESERT ISLAND ? JULY 28, 2013: Maine game wardens are conducting a search for a missing woman on Mount Desert Island that began late yesterday. Janet Post, 81, from London England was last seen by two male cousins near their summer home at 5:45 late yesterday afternoon. The Maine Warden Service was called to respond at approximately 7:00 PM. She was last seen wearing a white sun hat, light colored shirt and blouse, and tan capris pants.

Janet and her two cousins (one named Brian Pfieffer) walked the 1/3 mile foot path from their summer home located at 279 Beech Hill Road in the Town of Mount Desert. The path leads to the shore of Long Pond. All three made it to the shore. At approximately 5:45 Janet was last seen walking back toward her home via the wooden path by herself. About five to seven minutes later, the two cousins returned back to the home. When they returned Janet was not there.

The search area is about one mile square, heavily wooded, and contains some steep terrain. Janet is in good health and had recently retired. Today?s search effort consists of eight game wardens, two warden K9 teams, a fixed wing aircraft, and a watercraft. Assisting with search efforts are members of the Mount Desert Island Search and Rescue Team and Acadia National Park Rangers with watercraft.

Maine game wardens are asking anyone with information that might help find Janet Post to please call ORONO PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCH AT 1-207-866-2122.

(Attached photo of Janet Post courtesy of the Maine Warden Service.)

Please direct media related calls to Corporal John MacDonald by calling: Public Safety Dispatch in Gray at 207-657-3030 Email at: john.macdonald@maine.gov

July 29, 2013

LARGAY SEARCH UPDATE:

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Maine Warden Service

--For Immediate Release--

Monday, July 29, 2013: The search continues today for Geraldine Largay. Several search assignments have been completed which are contained within two points on the AT. Several more assignments will be given today as well. The high probability search area is approximately 27 miles on the AT and begins about one-half mile south of the Caribou Valley Road intersection with the AT and extends south to Route 4, near Rangeley. The search area encompasses roughly 81 square miles. Weather conditions are cloudy this morning with a chance of thunderstorms this afternoon. It is unlikely aircraft will be utilized today.

Largay search log to date in miles: Canine teams - 56.2 miles
Hasty/Grid Teams (ground searchers) ? 300.2 Miles Horse Teams ? 26.9 Aircraft/Helicopter ? 338

Approximately 30 searchers will be out today to include Maine game wardens, Mahoosuc SAR, US Border Patrol, and the Maine Forest Service. Those with any information should call the Maine State Police Communications Center in Augusta at (207) 624-7076 or 1-800-452-4664 (Maine only).

Photo 1: Colored lines represent where searchers have been and includes hasty/grid teams, horse teams, and canine teams. Searchers continue to cover many areas not yet colored.

Please direct media related calls to Corporal John MacDonald by calling: Public Safety Dispatch in Gray at 207-657-3030 Email at: john.macdonald@maine.gov

July 29, 2013

GERALDINE LARGAY PHOTO:

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Maine Warden Service

--For Immediate Release--

This photo shows Geraldine Largay in her black rain jacket which she would likely have been wearing in the rain on Tuesday, July 23.

(Photo taken Saturday, July 20, 2013 in Sandy River Plantation at the intersection of Route 4. Courtesy of the Maine Warden Service.)

Please direct media related calls to Corporal John MacDonald by calling: Public Safety Dispatch in Gray at 207-657-3030 Email at: john.macdonald@maine.gov

July 29, 2013

LARGAY SEARCH AREA NARROWED:

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Maine Warden Service

--For Immediate Release--

The search area has been narrowed and now includes a fourteen-mile section of the AT extending between Lone Mountain located in Mount Abram TWP north to Route 27 in Wyman TWP. The Maine Warden Service believes the area of highest probability is even smaller and includes a nine-mile section of the AT between Lone Mountain north to the Caribou Valley Road intersection with the Appalachian Trail.

Those with any information should call the Public Safety Dispatch Center in Augusta at (207) 624-7076 or 1-800-452-4664 (Maine only).

Please direct media related calls to Corporal John MacDonald by calling: Public Safety Dispatch in Gray at 207-657-3030 Email at: john.macdonald@maine.gov

August 1, 2013

Brookfield to Team with Professional Angler Joe Thomas for Free Water Safety and Fishing Clinic

Wear a Life Jacket for Chance to Win $50 Gift Card

THE FORKS, MAINE (July 22, 2013) ? Brookfield Renewable Energy Group recently announced that it is teaming with professional bass angler and Outdoor Channel series television host Joe Thomas to promote water safety. The first event in this national partnership will be a water safety and fishing clinic in The Forks. This free, family-friendly event will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2013 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the Indian Pond Campground in The Forks, Maine.

All attendees who wear a life jacket to the event will be entered into a random raffle drawing to win door prizes, including the $50 Visa gift card grand prize.

According to Shannon Ames, Brookfield?s Director of Community and Stakeholder Relations, ?The water safety and fishing clinic at Indian Pond Campground is a great way for Brookfield and Joe Thomas to promote the national Wear It! campaign. Wear It! raises public awareness about responsible and safe recreation on or near water, and the importance of wearing a life jacket.?

?Through this great family event, we hope to make a difference in how people approach water safety,? said Thomas. ?Having fished professionally for close to 30 years I understand that water safety starts simply by wearing a life jacket.?

Event Specifics

The event will feature a special 30-minute water safety presentation to precede the fishing clinic. The presentation will include an overview of the various types of life jackets and how to determine the proper size and fit. Following the life jacket presentation, Joe Thomas will work with attendees on casting techniques, lure and bait selection and general fishing skills.

There is no pre-registration required for the event. All participants must bring their own life jacket, fishing gear, tackle and lures. Brookfield will provide bait worms, free of charge. The campground is equipped with restrooms. Brookfield encourages people to wear sunscreen and bring cameras.

Event Schedule

8:30-9:00 a.m. ? Life jacket demonstration

9:15-11:15 a.m. ? Joe Thomas fishing clinic

11:30 a.m.-12:00 noon ? Open discussion and photos with Joe Thomas

Noon ? Event concludes

Brookfield and Joe Thomas

Brookfield first collaborated with Joe Thomas in 2012 for its Fish with a Pro sweepstakes, part of the Wear It! Oswego campaign. ?Joe follows many of the same common-sense safety tips Brookfield encourages when he?s fishing or hunting. We believe through this partnership, Joe and Brookfield can maximize our reach to more effectively convey the importance of the Wear It! water safety campaign,? Ames added.

The 2013 season of Thomas? Outdoor Channel series Stihl?s Reel in the Outdoors began in July, and features special public service announcements made possible by Brookfield. The PSAs remind viewers to always wear a life jacket when recreating on and around the water. In addition, Mr. Thomas will also make personal appearances at select Brookfield hydroelectric generating facilities in 2013 and 2014 to promote the Wear It! initiative.

Brookfield Renewable Energy Group operates the renewable generation and power utility portfolios for Brookfield Asset Management, a global alternative asset manager with over $175 billion of assets under management. Brookfield Renewable?s 2,200 employees have responsibility for over 200 generation facilities and 28,000 miles of transmission and distribution in the United States, Canada and Latin America. As a global leader in clean energy, Brookfield?s portfolio totals over 5,900 megawatts of installed capacity, primarily hydroelectric, powering over three million average homes each year in 12 power markets across Canada, the US and Brazil. For more information on our publicly traded entity, Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners, please visit www.brookfieldrenewable.com. In Maine, Brookfield owns and operates 36 hydropower stations on four rivers. Brookfield actively promotes the National Safe Boating Council?s Wear It! Campaign to promote the usage of life jackets.

Stihl?s Reel in the Outdoors with Joe Thomas airs nationally on Outdoor Channel Friday mornings at 10:00 am, Saturday mornings at 7:30 am and Saturday afternoons at 3:00 pm (all times eastern). For more information visit www.reeloutdoorstv.com.

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For more information, please visit www.brookfieldrenewable.com or contact:

July 31, 2013

MDIFW Accepting RFPs for Range Improvement Grant Program

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is accepting request for proposals (RFPs) for its 2013 Maine Range Access Improvement Grant Program.

Small grants will be awarded to private non-profits and municipalities to fund firearm and archery range access improvement projects.

The Department is accepting proposals for projects that do any of the following:

?Improve public access to firearm and archery range facilities.

?Accomplish improvements at existing or develop new firearm and archery range facilities.

?Integrate Best Management Practices into physical facilities and management of ranges.

?Support firearm and archery education to learn safe and responsible practices.

Requests may be for a single project or a portion of staged projects. Requestors can ask for a maximum of $50,000 in grant money, which will serve as 70 percent of allowable costs. Projects must include a minimum of 30 percent match, cash or in-kind donations.

The selection process includes a statewide distribution of awards, which will work as follows: The highest scoring proposal in each of the seven (7) Maine Fisheries and Wildlife Regions (Regions A - G), will be the first 7 proposals selected. A state map with the Maine Fisheries and Wildlife Regions A - G indicated is included in the RFP.

Proposals must be submitted by 2 p.m. on August 14 to the State of Maine Division of Purchases, located at the Burton M. Cross Building, 111 Sewall Street, 4th Floor, 9 State House Station, Augusta.

The Maine Range Access Improvement Grant Program is funded by a $1 million grant ($750,000 federal portion, $250,000 non-federal match) from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and a $14,300 grant from the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund.

To see a copy of the RFP, visit www.maine.gov/ifw/rfp.htm.

August 2, 2013

Man Found Deceased - Jones Pond, Gouldsboro

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and Maine Warden Service

--For Immediate Release--

JONES POND, GOULDSBORO: Early yesterday evening (August 1, 2013) Jon Webber, 82, from Gouldsboro was located deceased by his wife Susan approximately 20 feet from shore on Jones Pond. Webber had gone out for a swim near his home on the north end of Jones Pond in Gouldsboro. His body was transported to the Medical Examiner?s office in Augusta for an autopsy. The incident remains under investigation pending the cause of death, no foul play is suspected. Maine Warden Service was assisted by Gouldsboro Police Department and Gouldsboro Fire Department.

August 4, 2013

SEARCH UPDATE: GERALDINE LARGAY

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Maine Warden Service

--For Immediate Release--

SEARCH UPDATE FOR GERALDINE LARGAY: At the conclusion of today?s search efforts there was no new attributing evidence or information found as to Geraldine?s location. At this point, the search for Geraldine Largay will be extensively scaled back.

Today?s search involved approximately 115 searchers that included Maine game wardens and MASAR* search volunteers. They were concentrated in an area approximately 4.2 miles square. The area is contained within the black search boxes in the attached map. This search area was established based on several pieces of information gathered from hikers.

The search area was intensely covered today and utilized game wardens and K9 teams, MASAR foot searchers and both K9 and horseback teams. Game wardens will continue to investigate all leads. In the event new information becomes available, local wardens and MASAR searchers will be used to search those areas. Those with any information should call the Public Safety Dispatch Center Augusta at (207) 624-7076 or 1-800-452-4664 (Maine only).

(*The Maine Association for Search and Rescue (MASAR) is a non-profit organization that promotes and develops search and rescue resources for the state of Maine. MASAR provides training and certification for search and rescue volunteers using nationally-recognized standards. See mainesearchandrescue.org for more information.)

No further information is available at this time.

Please direct media related calls to Corporal John MacDonald by calling: Public Safety Dispatch in Gray at 207-657-3030 Email at: john.macdonald@maine.gov

August 5, 2013

WOMAN RESCUED - PUSHAW LAKE, GLENGURN

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Maine Warden Service

--For Immediate Release--

PUSHAW LAKE, GLENBURN: Sunday afternoon (August 4) at approximately 2:30 PM, Lizabeth Gleason (54) of Hermon left to go boating in a small watercraft on Pushaw Lake in Glenburn. After not returning for several hours, her friends and family began searching the lake. Gleason?s family searched the area for several hours and did not locate her. Just prior to dark, they called the Maine Warden Service.

Game wardens responded with a boat in an attempt to locate Gleason. The wardens searched the lake until after midnight, but found no sign of Gleason. Search efforts continued Friday morning with two warden service watercraft and an airplane. At approximately 9:00 AM, the warden service air plane spotted Gleason on a remote shore of the lake. She was picked up by game wardens and transported back to a residence in Glenburn.

Gleason said her Craig Cat Boat, http://www.craigcat.com/ suffered mechanical issues preventing Gleason from returning to camp. She said she spent the night on the boat both drifting and tied to a hazard buoy. Early this morning she drifted to the remote shore where she waited at a nearby camp until she was located by the airplane. Although cold, wet and a bit shaken up from her ordeal, Gleason was doing well.

The Maine Warden Service would like to remind boaters to always tell someone where you plan to go and when you plan to be home. When possible, bring a cell phone with you and always wear your life jacket.

No further information is available at this time.

Please direct media related calls to Corporal John MacDonald by calling: Public Safety Dispatch in Gray at 207-657-3030 Email at: john.macdonald@maine.gov

August 8, 2013

IFW Freshwater Fishing Report ? August 8, 2013

For Immediate Release
August 8, 2013

IFW Freshwater Fishing Report ? August 8, 2013

Sebago Lakes Region

On Sebago Lake, fishing has started to pick up, according to IFW Fisheries Biologist Francis Brautigam, who notes that the weather feels more like late August than early August.

?Salmon fishing was really good last week on Sebago,? noted Brautigam, ?Some anglers who were fishing early morning picked up a half dozen salmon. Most successful anglers were using bait and trolling slow. ?

Smelt are a key part of a landlocked salmon?s diet, and it seems salmon are keying in smelt hatched just this year, which are now about the size of a matchstick. Anglers have noted big schools of these smelts up near shoals and bars on the big lake.

Brown and rainbow trout fishing is also picking up in southern Maine. Try the Ranges, Crystal Lake or Norway Lake. Anglers are finding trout in 20-30 feet of water, hovering near the thermocline.

Belgrade Lakes Region

No matter if your passion is bass or trout, river fishing is the answer in the central Maine.

?Anglers are catching lots of smallmouths in the Sebasticook,? says IFW Fisheries Biologist Wes Ashe, ?and anglers are catching large smallmouths, up to three pounds, in the Shawmut section of the Kennebec.?

Trout fishing is near ideal in the tailwater sections of the upper part of the Kennebec. Ashe noted a water temperature of 65 degrees in one section of the river.

?It?s a great time to fish those upper stretches of the Kennebec, it?s near ideal conditions now, with lots of insects and ideal temperatures,? says Ashe. Despite the rains this summer, flow levels for fishing are still good on the upper stretches.

Downeast Region

If you are fishing for trout, togue or salmon this time of year, you know you need to get a little deeper in the water column if you want to have success, but just how deep you need to get depends on the species.

?The sweet spot for salmon is between 25 and 40 feet, togue are generally between 40-100 feet and brook trout in small ponds can be found at depths between 10 and 15 feet,? says IFW Fisheries Biologist Greg Burr.

If you are trolling with downriggers and lead line, not only do you need to get deep, but according to Burr, you want to get in that temperature range that fish find comfortable. Look for 55-60 degree water for salmon, trout like temps in the 55-68 degree range and togue enjoy temps that are below 50 degrees.

Biologists use this temperature scale and dissolved oxygen levels to set the depths of their nets while sampling.

In Washington County, try Cathance Lake for salmon, and West Grand Lake for togue and salmon. In Hancock county, head to Tunk Lake and Green Lake for togue and salmon, and Branch, Phillips and Long Pond on MDI for salmon.

Rangeley Lakes Region

Anglers are still experiencing some caddis fly hatches and a few hex emergences in the northern section of this region. IFW Fisheries Biologist Bobby Van Riper recommends heading north of the Forks to areas such as Chase Stream Township to try some stream and pond fishing.

?There are a whole bunch of small ponds with fabulous wild brook trout populations in that area,? says Van Riper, who mentioned Round Pond off the Capital Road as a good destination.

Not too long ago, Round Pond had very restrictive regulations including a one trout, over 18? limit. However, an illegal introduction of golden shiners has impacted the fishery. There?s still a lot of trout and some big trout there, but the regulations have been changed on this fly fishing only pond to allow anglers to keep five trout between 6 and 12 inches, all other sizes must be released. Removing trout of this size from the pond will allow some of these smaller fish to grow, and allow larger trout to continue to feed on the shiner population.

Moosehead Region

If you are looking to fish the trout ponds in the Moosehead Region, according to IFW Fisheries Biologist Tim Obrey, there still are a few caddis hatches going on, but with water temps what they are, your best bet will be finding the springholes where the trout are congregating in the cooler water.

On Moosehead, anglers are getting respectable catches of togue, but Obrey says ?the togue are down deep ? try between 35 and 65 feet. People are catching them using dead bait and Mooselook Wobblers.?

?I was able to do a little trout pond fishing this week and found some action with Rapalas down around 25 feet,? said Obrey.

Penobscot Region

IFW Fisheries Biologist Nels Kramer is working with other IFW staff in Baxter State Park this week assessing both wild and stocked brook trout populations in the park. IFW Staff will be examining a number of ponds including Frost Pond, Hudson Pond, Lower Fowler Pond and Billfish Pond. Look for more on that in our next report.

Salmon and togue fishing is still quite good on Schoodic Lake with numerous reports of large salmon, some even in the six to seven pound range, and togue have tipped the scales up to nine pounds. A new IFW boat launch on the south shore of the lake in Lakeview provides wonderful access to this fishery.

August means white perch fishing for many anglers throughout the region, and anglers heading out Nicatous, West Lake, Pemadumcook, Milllinocket Lake, Pushaw, Saponac and Escutasis ought to find plenty of perch.

Fish River Lakes Region

Up north, the story still is high water, as the summer rains continue to soak the region.

?It rained all weekend up here, and the flows still are high,? says IFW Fisheries Biologist Frank Frost, who says the Fish River was flowing at 400 cubic feet per second already, and he expected that flow to go up.

One bonus of the higher flows, more people are out canoeing and catching fish on many of the region?s rivers. As of last week, even the St. John River was canoeable, which is unusual for this time of the year.

The Fish River, as many know, is known for its excellent salmon and trout fisheries during the fall. The Fish River Chain of Lakes just upstream of this popular river reach support brook trout, salmon, and lake trout fisheries that have been world renowned for more than a century.

These fisheries and populations are all in jeopardy from the threat of two invasive fishes, smallmouth bass and muskellunge, both of which are now well established in the St. John River.

The Fish River Falls, located in Fort Kent approximately 4 miles upstream from the St. John River, is a prominent obstruction to upstream fish passage. Fisheries staff in northern Maine are sampling the Fish River this summer to determine just how abundant bass and muskie are downstream of the Falls and to what extent the trout and salmon populations have been impacted.

So far this summer, biologists have found bass and muskie downstream of Fish River Falls but more importantly they have not been found upstream of the Falls.

August 12, 2013

FATAL ATV INCIDENT - CARTHAGE

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Maine Warden Service

--For Immediate Release--

CARTHAGE, MAINE: Sunday evening (August 11) just after 8:00 PM, game wardens responded to Smith Road in Carthage regarding a fatal ATV incident. Tyla J. Thibodeau, age 15, from Carthage was staying with friends and was killed while operating a small, motorized, two-wheel dirt bike/mini bike. Motorized dirt bikes/mini bikes are considered ATV?s by Maine standards. Thibodeau was carrying a coil of rope while riding the machine and the rope became entangled in the rear wheel. Thibodeau then became entangled in the rope as well. He was pronounced dead at the scene by EMS personnel. The body was transported to Meador and Son Funeral Home in Rumford for examination by the Medical Examiner?s Office to determine cause of death. The cause of death will be released as soon as it becomes available. This case is currently being reviewed by the Franklin County District Attorney?s Office and remains under investigation by the Maine Warden Service.

No further information is available at this time.

Please direct media related calls to Corporal John MacDonald by calling: Public Safety Dispatch in Gray at 207-657-3030 Email at: john.macdonald@maine.gov

August 15, 2013

MDIFW Clarifies Junior Hunter/Anterless Deer Law

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife would like to clarify a law having to do with junior hunters and antlerless deer after the law was incorrectly reported in the media.

According to law, junior hunters without an antlerless deer permit are only able to take a doe during Youth Hunting Day in October. They are not permitted to take a doe during the regular season on deer without an antlerless deer permit.

The original bill having to do with this, LD 101, intended to allow a junior hunter to take an antlerless deer without an antlerless deer permit, but that part of the bill was removed.

The section of the bill that did pass instructs the Commissioner to provide at least 25 percent of the available antlerless deer permits in a WMD to persons with a valid junior hunting license who apply for an antlerless deer permit in that district. The bill is now Public Law 2013 Chapter 213 and can be found in the Summary of New Laws on the Department?s web site at www.mefishwildlife.com.

August 23, 2013

IFW Freshwater Fishing Report ? August 23, 2013

Sebago Lakes Region

As the summer?s sun starts to fade earlier and earlier, it?s a great time bass for fishing in the Sebago Lakes region.

Periods of warm weather tend to have bass laying low during the day, but as the sun starts to set, bass fishing is picking up as fish start to cruise shallower areas searching for food.

Anglers in the Sebago Lakes region have a variety of bass waters to choose from. Look for shoals around drop offs, rock outcroppings, ledges and gravel bars to target hungry fish. Try Moose Pond in Bridgton, Kezar Lake in Lovell and Upper Range Pond in Poland.

Use topwater lures such as jitterbugs, hula poppers, devil horses and others to attract savage strikes from bass lurking below.

Central Maine Region

?This is a great time of year to catch bass in the evening,? says IFW Fisheries Biologist Scott Davis, ?With the nearly full moon, plugs on the surface can be a lot of fun.?

Late summer rains will have juvenile alewives are staging for their fall migration, and bass will key in on the small baitfish.

Davis has seen a lot of anglers out on the Kennebec and Sebasticook bass fishing, but don?t forget area ponds. With cooler nights and nearly full moon, bass are cruising the shallows and shoals in search of food. Davis recommends using anything that resembles an alewife, such as a Rapala.

Anglers are also reeling in a lot of white perch this time of year. Perch school up and can be concentrated in areas of a lake where there is a lot of oxygen. Anglers interested in catching white perch may want to try China Lake, Sheepscott Lake and Salmon Pond for white perch.

Downeast Region

For Anglers who like to fish for white perch, now is the time Downeast.

?Perch are really schooled up this time of year,? says IFW Fisheries Biologist Greg Burr who recommended lakes such as Second Gardner Lake in Marion, Third Machias Lake in Township 43, Toddy Pond in Orland, Georges Pond in Franklin, Big Lake in Greenlaw Chopping Township, and the Grand Falls Flowage in Princeton.

If perch are not your passion, there is still plenty of action on area streams.

?I?ve been directing a lot of people to small streams. These streams hold a lot of trout this time of year,? says Burr. ?Even Acadia, with over a million visitors a year, has a lot of trout streams.?

While not offering specific locations, Burr advises not to overlook small local streams.

?A lot of times, people cross these streams all the time, and don?t realize they are loaded with trout,? says Burr, who suggests bringing a thermometer and checking water temperatures. Look for streams that are in the mid-60s or cooler.

Rangeley Lakes Region

With the warmer temperatures, fishing has slowed in the Rangeley Lakes Region according to IFW Fisheries Biologist Bobby Van Riper, but regional biologists are busy preparing to remove an old log driving dam in the Sunday River in Riley Township.

?The dam has probably been there close to 100 years. It?s half-rotted and collapsing, and is a significant barrier for trout moving upstream or downstream,? says Van Riper, who added that the buildup of sediment is also forcing the stream channel to move around the dam.

Region D is enlisting the help of Project SHARE (Salmon Habitat and River Enhancement) to help with the project, and plans are to remove the dam early this fall.

Moosehead Region

Warmer temperatures this week have extended summer fishing opportunities in the Moosehead region, but fall is just around the corner.

?Everyone seems to be waiting for September,? remarks IFW Fisheries Biologist Tim Obrey, who noted that there is plenty of water for good fishing flows this fall in area rivers.

Obrey took advantage of the warmer weather to do some bass fishing with a group of local kids from the Natural Resources Education Center in Greenville and Danny Legere from the Maine Guide Fly Shop.

?We took 11 kids to Indian Pond below the East Outlet and they caught a bunch of bass and even a salmon,? remarked Obrey.

Penobscot Region Summer rains are keeping Katahdin area waters cool, and the trout fishing hot.

?I stopped by and talked with a local pilot who runs a regional air service,? said IFW Fisheries Biologist Nels Kramer, ?and he says this has been one of the best summers for trout fishing in recent memory.? Kramer added that Martin and Twin ponds have been fishing well.

Kramer was working at Katahdin Lake earlier this week, trap netting and electrofishing to gather data on the brook trout population.

?Katahdin Lake has good wild brook trout population, and it looks as though it is improving as far as abundance,? said Kramer. While in the area, Kramer, along with IFW Fisheries Biologist Merry Gallagher, toured several streams in the area to see if there was potential for trout habitat enhancements.

Aroostook Region

Up in Aroostook county, this is a fine time to go brook trout fishing. Brooks and streams are at good fishing flows, and water temperatures are excellent.

?This is the perfect time to head for the North Maine Woods for brook trout fishing,? remarks IFW Fisheries Biologist Frank Frost. Frost reminds anglers that on rivers, brooks and streams after August 15, it?s artificial lures only and a one trout bag limit.

Frost recommends fishing the smaller streams, and using small spinners with darker colors which imitate leeches and sculpins. Fly casters would be well served with nymphs, hoppers, ant and beetle patterns.

Anglers who enjoy fishing on Long Lake should mark their calendar for Tuesday night, September 10, as IFW fisheries biologists will hold an informational meeting to discuss the fisheries and management of Long Lake.

The public meeting starts at 6:30 p.m., at the Knights of Columbus Hall in St. Agatha. There will be a presentation focused on the current status of Long Lake salmon and brook trout, how and why biological data is collected, and then an interactive question and answer period.

August 28, 2013

IFW To Host Long Lake Informational Meeting

ST. AGATHA, Maine -- Anglers who enjoy fishing on Long Lake should mark their calendar for Tuesday night, September 10, as Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife fisheries biologists will hold an informational meeting to discuss the fisheries and management of Long Lake. The public meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall in St. Agathe.

IFW Regional Fisheries Biologist Frank Frost will lead a presentation focused on the current status of the Long Lake salmon and brook trout fishery. Frost will share biological data collected over the years, and explain how and why the data is collected. Frost is the lead fisheries biologist in the IFW Region G Ashland office.

After the presentation, there will be a question and answer period in an open forum. Along with Frost, other IFW fisheries biologists will be on hand to discuss questions about the Long Lake fisheries.

August 24, 2013

4-YEAR-OLD STRUCK AND KILLED BY UTILITY ATV

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Maine Warden Service

--For Immediate Release--

EAST MACHIAS, MAINE ? AUGUST, 24, 2012: At approximately 10:00 this morning, a four-year-old boy was struck and killed by a side-by-side utility ATV. The incident occurred off the Cutler Road in East Machias. Troy Denison, 37, from Cutler Road was operating his 2007 Yamaha Rhino 660 UTV (two-seater) with his eight-year-old son. As they were driving around their home, an eight-year-old nephew who lived next door ran to Denison and asked for a ride. The nephew did get in and they began riding around the Denison home once again.

While riding, the nephew accidently stepped on the accelerator of the UTV. The machine accelerated and encountered an embankment, causing the machine to roll over. All three passengers in the Rhino walked away although Troy Denison received lacerations to his head. When they assessed the scene they quickly realized they had rolled over four-year-old Wesley Keeton, a younger brother to the eight-year-old passenger and nephew to Troy Denison. Wesley had been playing nearby and was in the path of the UTV. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Game Warden Sergeant Dave Craven who responded and helped investigate the scene stated ?this was a tragic incident brought about by very unfortunate circumstances. Our deepest sympathy goes out the both families involved.? A team of several game wardens, Machias EMS, East Machias Fire, and Cutler Navy Fire Department assisted in this incident. Both the Medical Examiner?s Office and Washington County District Attorney?s Office have been notified. This incident remains under investigation.

No further information is available at this time.

Please direct media related calls to Corporal John MacDonald by calling: Public Safety Dispatch in Gray at 207-657-3030 Email at: john.macdonald@maine.gov

August 25, 2013

MAN INJURED IN DIRT BIKE CRASH

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Maine Warden Service

--For Immediate Release--

SEBAGO, MAINE ? AUGUST 25, 2013: At approximately 10:00 this morning, a man was impaled by a small tree when he was ejected from his dirt bike. In the vicinity of 575 Hancock Pond Road in Sebago on the narrow gauge railroad (exempt) ATV trial system, Scott Killton (age 32 from Naples) was riding his Yamaha dirt bike with four other friends, also on dirt bikes.

While riding, Killton struck a small stump in the trail and was ejected. He landed on a small one-inch wooden stick and it became impaled in his lower back/abdomen. Killton was treated at the scene by Sebago EMS and was then transported by LifeFlight to Maine Medical Center in Portland. All riders were in compliance and riding with full safety gear including helmets. No prosecution is expected in this incident.

(Photo courtesy of the Maine Warden Service. Unidentified LifeFlight employee and rescue personnel. Killton shown in the helicopter.)

No further information is available at this time.

Please direct media related calls to Corporal John MacDonald by calling: Public Safety Dispatch in Gray at 207-657-3030 Email at: john.macdonald@maine.gov

August 28, 2013

THREE SURVIVE SCHOODIC LAKE BOATING INCIDENT

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Maine Warden Service

--For Immediate Release--

SCHOODIC LAKE, LAKEVIEW PLANTATION, ME - August 29, 2013: Late yesterday afternoon at approximately 5:00 PM, the Schoodic Lake region experienced a very heavy rain storm with high winds and lightning. During that storm, three people were out boating and their motorboat became filled with water and capsized.

The operator, George Tucker (75 from Medford, Maine) his wife Beverly Tucker (69) and their friend Charles Jenkins (77 also from Medford) were in a 12-foot aluminum boat with a 2.5 horsepower outboard motor. They were at least one mile from any shoreline and approximately two miles north of the Lakeview Boat Landing when they capsized. All three people were able to stay with the boat and they drifted nearly two and one half hours. Fortunately all three were wearing their life jackets.

At 7:25 PM, two bear hunters had pulled over on the Schoodic Lake railroad bed (gravel road) that runs near the shoreline of Schoodic Lake. The bear hunters were Rick Seavey of Sanford, Maine and Mark Aventzen of Pennsylvania. They were changing a flat tire on their truck when they heard the calls for help. The men called 911 and MILO Fire, EMS, police, and Warden Dan Carroll responded. As the boat drifted closer to shore, George and Beverly Tucker chose to swim for shore while Jenkins remained with the boat. Eventually the Tuckers made it to shore. Jenkins was rescued by the Milo Fire Boat while he remained with the overturned watercraft.

George and Beverly Tucker were both taken to Mayo Regional Hospital in Dover and treated for hypothermia. Jenkins was treated and released at the scene. All are doing well at this time. The Maine Warden Service reminds all boaters to wear lifejackets. Had these three people chose not to wear lifejackets, it is likely this incident would have had a tragic ending.

No further information is available at this time.

Please direct media related calls to Corporal John MacDonald by calling: Public Safety Dispatch in Gray at 207-657-3030 Email at: john.macdonald@maine.gov

September 6, 2013

Fall Education Programs at Maine Wildlife Park and Swan Island

FALL 2013 Wildlife/Conservation Education Program Schedules Set for Maine Wildlife Park and Swan Island

Close to 2000 children took part in our popular wildlife and conservation education field trip programming this spring at the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray; and Swan Island in the Kennebec River in Richmond. Both Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife education facilities offer unique perspectives about Maine wildlife, habitats and conservation.

SCHOLARSHIPS ARE NOW AVAILABLE!! This Fall, we are offering 200 $5.00 scholarships for children attending programs at the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray. We are also offering 50 $5.00 scholarships for children attending programming at Swan Island in Richmond. Scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first served basis ? so call 287-5244 today to reserve your fall class trip! Adults, teachers and chaperones attending the programs will be charged the regular $5.00 PP fee.

Reservations are now being accepted for our September and October programs. Children from K-12 learn about eagles, owls, adaptations, predators, beavers, skins/skulls, Maine?s state symbols and much more with 23 different program topics from which to choose!

The Maine Wildlife Park has programs for up to 100 children per session on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 10am and 11am starting September 10th. Swan Island has programs for up to 60 children Monday and Wednesday mornings at 10am only; starting on September 9th.

For more information, please visit www.mainewildlifepark.com or www.maine.gov/swanisland; or www.maine.gov/ifw/education/schoolprograms/ or call directly to make a reservation at 287-5244.

Scholarship money is available for both facilities on a first come, first served basis. However, our regular admission fees, at $5 per person, have not changed for 5 years now ? a fantastic value!

We hope to see you and your students at the Wildlife Park or on the Island this fall!

September 6, 2013

Two MDIFW Projects Awarded Federal Funding

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is pleased to announce that two department projects have been chosen to receive nearly $540,000 of federal funding as part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?s annual Competitive State Wildlife Grant (SWG) program.

One of the grants will allow IFW, along with partners New Hampshire and Massachusetts, to work on filling critical knowledge gaps on the basic ecology, distribution and abundance of 27 species of greatest conservation need along the Gulf of Maine?s coastal marine ecosystem.

As part of this project, IFW and its partners will identify areas of exceptional species diversity and develop digital maps of these important habitats in the Gulf of Maine. The researchers will then develop habitat models and maps which can then be used to predict other important areas with similar habitat features.

Due to its high wind potential, Maine?s coastal region has drawn the interest of many offshore energy developers, meaning this data will be especially useful when trying to minimize the effects of wind turbines on these ecosystems. The data from this survey will allow IFW to provide assistance during the planning stages of energy development projects in the region and assist in the proper siting of these projects with the delicate ecosystems in mind.

The federal funds for this project, which are appropriated annually by Congress, amount to nearly $500,000 with $200,000 in additional non-federal match funding.

The second SWG-funded project will enable IFW to review and update the Maine Wildlife Action Plan to address threats to the state?s species and habitats. The revised plan will provide better guidance at the scale of specific management regions, outline a strategy to achieving goals and provide usable data to non-governmental conservation partners.

The approximately $40,000 SWG grant combined with a non-federal match of $13,200 will fund the project.

SWG provides federal grant funds for developing and implementing programs that benefit wildlife and their habitats. Funds must be used to address conservation needs such as research, surveys, species and habitat management, and monitoring.

September 6, 2013

IFW Freshwater Fishing Report ? September 6, 2013

IFW Freshwater Fishing Report ? September 6, 2013

Sebago Lakes Region

Even though cooler temperatures have arrived, IFW Fisheries Biologist Francis Brautigam says that lake temps are still a bit on the warm side.

?Many area lakes still have surface temperatures that are in the low 70s,? says Brautigam, who said that early bird anglers are still having a lot of success in the wee hours on Sebago.

?There?s some pretty good salmon fishing very early in the morning on Sebago,? says Brautigam who said the peak time for fishing is between 4:00 and 8:00 a.m. Those fishing the early hours have been rewarded with salmon in the 19-21? range that are feasting on juvenile smelt and alewives.

Regional Fisheries staff, along with volunteers and financial assistance from Trout Unlimited, are preparing to reclaim Abbott?s Pond in Sumner in order to eliminate several species of illegally introduced fish including smelt, bullhead and golden shiners. Trout fishing opportunities are at a premium in southern and central Maine, and competing species has severely impacted brook trout at Abbott?s.

Despite efforts to promote trout growth including lower stocking rates and more protective regulations, the trout population has not responded, and reclamation is the next step. The pond will be restocked with brook trout in the spring of 2014. Without completion from other species, this pond should provide southern Maine trout anglers with an excellent brook trout fishery.

Central Maine Region

IFW Fisheries Biologist Jason Seiders says that white perch fishing continues to be top notch at area ponds. If you are looking to catch some larger humpback perch, try Long Pond in Belgrade, North Pond in Smithfield and Biscay Pond in Bremen. If you are looking more for quantity instead of size quality, head to China Lake or Unity Pond.

Bass anglers know that early fall is an excellent time for bass fishing, and the Kennebec River has offered some fantastic bass fishing, particularly near the Shawmut Dam. Anglers are regularly catching bass in the 16-18? range.

Biologists will be busy this fall in the Shawmut portion of the Kennebec as they are getting ready to release a number of radio-tagged brown trout this October.

The brown trout radio telemetry study is part of a multiyear study to assess the brown trout fishery in the Kennebec. Along with the telemetry, there will be public informational meetings, creel surveys and volunteer efforts to help assess and improve the brown trout fishery.

Downeast Region

Cooler temperatures mean the trout are starting to bite, and in the Downeast region, anglers ought to seek out some of the smaller ponds.

?This time of the year, trout will start to feed near the shore and on the surface,? says IFW Fisheries Biologist Greg Burr, ?People start to think about hunting, but it is the perfect time to get out and fish on some of our smaller ponds.?

Burr suggests trying the Hidden Ponds area on Public Reserve Land just off of Route 182 (also known as Black Woods Road) between Franklin and Cherryfield. Anglers can park at the Hidden Ponds trail head and hike into Tilden, Little Long, Salmon and Anderson ponds. These ponds are crystal clear and boast healthy brook trout populations with trout in the 13-15? range, and on Little Long, sometimes fish that exceed 17?.

Pack your float tube for these ponds as fishing from shore is rather limited. The hikes to these ponds can take from 25 minutes up to an hour and a half, but Burr notes that they are well worth the effort.

Moosehead Region

?The good news in the Moosehead region is that flows are up,? says IFW Fisheries Biologist Tim Obrey, who said the gates on the Roach River are now open, and flows are in the 200 cfs range.

On the West Branch of the Penobscot River below Seboomook, flows also have been increased, with water at the 800 cfs level. Flows on the East Outlet and the Moose River have also increased.

?Usually within a week of the flows increasing, the fish start to move in,? says Obrey, who says that by the second week of September, the fishing is usually pretty good.

There also have been some good reports of fishing on Moosehead Lake, with decent catches of both salmon and trout. Anglers still need to fish deep on the big lake to land these fish.

Penobscot Region

?We?ve received a lot of rain lately,? says IFW Fisheries Biologist Nels Kramer, who noted that last week?s rainfall total exceeded three inches, and the flows were fairly high on the Penobscot.

Kramer said it has been an unusual year for fishing on the Penobscot due to the removal of the Veazie Dam and repairs on the Matasseunk Dam. Water levels have been lower than usual most of the time, but are high during rain events.

?The river has been fishing a little strange,? notes Kramer, who fished the Penobscot recently, ?Bass were grouped up in different areas such as bridge abutments and some of the deeper runs. We?d get into an area and get a bunch of hits, then go through an area without a fish.?

White perch are still biting, as area ponds and lakes are still on the warm side. Once lake waters cool, biologists and fish culturists will be marking hatchery fish with a fin-clip as they prepare for the fall stocking season.

Aroostook Region

Up north, it?s more of the same.

?Three inches of rain over the past weekend,? notes IFW Fisheries Jeremiah Wood, ?It doesn?t want to stop.?

Wood stated that fishing in the Aroostook River was fairly good before the recent rains, but water clarity is now an issue and it is tougher fishing now.

Wood suggests fishing some of the lakes in the Fish River chain such as Long Lake, Eagle Lake, and St. Froid Lake.

?A lot of successful fisherman are hooking live smelts and fishing them deep,? says Wood. Wood suggests trying near the mouths of inlets, small brooks and other tributaries. He says generally people are catching fish in spots where you saw clusters of ice shacks last winter.

With the cooler weather late this week, Wood says anglers may want to get ready to fish the thoroughfares between these lakes, as the cooler temperatures will have the fish moving in.

September 11, 2013

BENTON SEARCH - Maine Warden Service

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Maine Warden Service

--For Immediate Release--

BENTON, MAINE ? September 12, 2013: The Maine Warden Service is currently involved in a search in Benton for Arthur Wakeman. He is 86-years-old and left his residence yesterday (September 11) at 344 East Benton Road sometime between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Arthur is wearing blue jeans and a plaid shirt and may have a walking stick with him. If anyone has seen Arthur within the last 24-hours or has information that may help to determine his location please call the Augusta State Police Communication Center at 624-7076.

As of 7:00 AM this morning there are 10 game wardens and several K-9 units on scene. A warden service airplane is also headed to the scene. MASAR search teams have also been called and have provided additional K-9 units and ground search personnel. The Maine State Police are assisting with house to house interviews and searching in the area. A command Post has been established at the Albion Fire Department.

(Attached photo of Arthur Wakeman courtesy of the Maine Warden Service)

Please direct media related calls to Corporal John MacDonald by calling: Public Safety Dispatch in Gray at 207-657-3030 Email at: john.macdonald@maine.gov

September 13, 2013

BENTON SEARCH CONTINUES

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Maine Warden Service

--For Immediate Release--

BENTON, MAINE ? September 13, 2013: The Maine Warden Service continues their search in Benton for Arthur Wakeman. He is 86-years-old and left his residence Wednesday, September 11 located at 344 East Benton Road sometime between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Wardens were notified that he was missing at 8:15 PM on the 11th. Arthur is wearing blue jeans and a plaid shirt and likely has his walking stick with him. Warden Service received two credible sightings of Wakeman on Wednesday the 11th. The first being in the afternoon on East Benton Road and another possible sighting of Wakeman on the Hanscom Road later on in the evening. Both sightings were from area witnesses.

Roadblocks were established late yesterday afternoon to advise area motorists and to distribute literature regarding the search for Wakeman. Maine state troopers and game wardens performed house to house informational interviews in the area yesterday. Canine teams were utilized until about midnight last night with no clues found. The attached photograph of Arthur shows him with a beard which we now know is currently shaved off.

A total of approximately 65 *MASAR (see below) volunteer searchers, State troopers, fire/rescue personnel, and game wardens were utilized in yesterday?s efforts. Today?s efforts will likely have similar numbers. Warden Service aircraft and a Maine First Service helicopter will also be utilized today weather permitting. A command post has been established at the Albion Fire Department. If anyone has seen Arthur within the last 24-hours or has information related to Wakeman?s walking habits please call the Augusta State Police Communication Center at 624-7076.

(Attached photo of Arthur Wakeman courtesy of the Maine Warden Service)

Please direct media related calls to Corporal John MacDonald by calling: Public Safety Dispatch in Gray at 207-657-3030 Email at: john.macdonald@maine.gov

September 20, 2013

IFW Fishing Report ? September 20, 2013

**IFW Fishing Report ? September 20, 2013

Sebago Lakes Region**

A busy week in the Sebago Lakes region with the 2013 B.A.S.S. Nation Eastern Divisional being held at Sebago Lake. Today is the final day, with a live weigh-in scheduled for 2:15 at Point Sebago. This weekend also marks the Sebago Lions Club Togue Derby, with the weigh-in at Jordan?s Store in the town of Sebago.

Even if you are not fishing in either of these events, Sebago Lake is fantastic fall fishing destination.

?Most of the salmon and togue on Sebago are quite fat,? says IFW Fisheries Biologist Francis Brautigam, ?They are feasting on juvenile baitfish.?

Salmon fishing has been mostly good, but has turned off at times with the weather systems that have passed through. Anglers are catching salmon measuring in the low 20?s, but location seems to be the key as they are following baitfish, and starting to stage for spawning. Togue catches have been inconsistent. Find the bait and you will find the togue.

Brautigam is gearing up for a brown trout project that will start in October. Biologists will be placing radio telemetry tags in a number of brown trout that will be released in the river below the Skelton Dam between Dayton and Hollis. Biologists will be monitoring the trout?s movements and habits in order to gain a better understanding of behavior and mortality.

Central Maine Region

?Area ponds are still pretty warm, so there is not a lot of pond fishing for trout, but if you head north to the upper Kennebec, there?s some pretty decent trout and salmon fishing there,? says IFW Fisheries Biologist Jason Seiders. ?The water is starting to cool down with the cool nights and the fish are feeding.?

If trout and salmon are not your passion, or if you just need to stay a little closer to home, ?The bass fishing in the lower Kennebec has been fantastic, and the Sebasticook has been really, really good,? according to Seiders.

Juvenile alewives are beginning their seaward migration, and bass are feasting on these fish. Seiders recommends anything that resembles a small alewife such as a rapala, yozuri or rebel stick bait. Twitch the lure on or just below the surface, making it look like an injured minnow.

Downeast Region

Downeast, the nights and days are getting cooler, and according to IFW Fisheries Biologist Greg Burr, ?Surface water temps have dropped about ten degrees in the last week.?

Burr says that trout, and particularly salmon are moving out of the depths, and throughout lakes and ponds. Anglers should have luck fishing on or just below the surface with brightly colored streamers and lures. This time of year, salmon can be found from the surface down to ten feet.

Burr suggests trying any of the following waters: West Grand Lake in Grand Lake Stream, Nash Lake in Calais, Cathance Lake in Cooper, Mopang Lake in Devereaux Township, Alligator Lake in Township 34, Tunk Lake in Township 10, Schoodic Lake in Cherryfield, Beech Hill Pond in Otis, Green Lake in Ellsworth, Phillips Lake in Dedham, Branch Lake in Ellsworth, Donnell Pond in Franklin and Long Pond on MDI.

?It?s a great time of the year for salmon fishing. A lot of times, you have the place all to yourself, surrounded by fall colors, cool air and no bugs,? says Burr.

Rangeley Lakes Region

?Water is cooling down in the northern part of the region, and as these lakes destratify, fish start moving from the deeper depths to a variety of depths, and the action starts to pick up,? says IFW Fisheries Biologist Bobby Van Riper. Van Riper suggests trying waters in The Forks and the Chain of Ponds area.

Aerial angler counts by the Warden Service show that even though the fish may be more active, angler activity has yet to pick up in the region. Van Riper thinks that will change shortly up north.

Trout and salmon are starting to stage as they get ready to spawn. A big rain storm and some cooler temperatures will get them moving into area rivers and streams.

Even though it is artificial lures only in brooks and streams, Van Riper says anglers can have some of the best fishing of the year in these waters. While not mentioning any brooks or streams by name, he suggests taking a look at a map and finding your own. His suggestion? The further north you go, the better off you will be.

Moosehead Region

If you are looking to fish some of Maine?s big rivers, now is the time in the Moosehead region.

?The rivers are all in their prime right now,? says IFW Fisheries Biologist Tim Obrey. ?The recent rains have brought flows up and the fish are moving in. Temps continue to cool off, and this is the time to be out if you want to catch trout and salmon.?

Anglers are getting good numbers of fish on the Roach. Most salmon are in the 16?-18? range, but there are a few up to 20. Most trout you catch are in the 14?-16? range, with a few larger ones as well.

Flows continue to remain good for fishing as they just bumped up the flows on the East Outlet which should bring in more fish, and it should be the same on the Moose River below Brassua too.

Penobscot Region

Up in the Katahdin area, trout fishing is heating up.

?Mitchell Pond has a very healthy trout population. It?s somewhat underutilized and has great access,? says IFW Fisheries Biologist Kevin Dunham. Mitchell Pond is right of the Huber Road in T7 R9, and getting your canoe from the road to the water is just a hundred feet or so.

?We trapnet that pond every five years, and when we did it this summer, the trout showed really good growth rates,? added Dunham, ?The trout looked phenomenal.?

Bass fisherman ought to check out Chemo Pond in Bradley where they have been catching some sizeable largemouth. Dunham received a picture of one largemouth that tipped the scales at 6.5 pounds. There?s a town landing at the public beach on the Eddington side of the pond for access.

Dunham has also received scattered reports of the fishing picking up in Cold Stream Pond as the salmon bite is starting to turn on.

Aroostook Region

Up north, ?It?s a great time to go fishing,? says IFW Fisheries Biologist Frank Frost, ?it?s been tremendous on some of our smaller ponds.?

?It?s going to be a good couple of weeks,? adds Frost who says the recent cold weather has the fish spread out and actively feeding. ?Overcast days with a low wind are the ideal days.?

While Frost didn?t mention any particular ponds, if you are looking for some excellent trout fishing, scan the law book for ponds with high length limits and low bag limits.

Rivers are still a little high in the region, so anglers are waiting for flows to settle down. Anglers trolling the shore on area lakes and ponds are having good luck.

?Square, Cross and Eagle are all good salmon lakes, and activity is starting to pick up,? says Frost, ?Any of those are good places to go these last two weeks of the season. Anglers are getting fish right near shore in water 8-10 feet deep.?

September 20, 2013

Moose Season Set To Begin Monday In Northern, Eastern Areas Of Maine

AUGUSTA, Maine -- After a record season for moose hunters last year, moose season begins Monday in the northern and eastern part of the state. But even though there are more permits this year than ever before, permit numbers are increasing in one area of the state, and decreasing in others.

?The increase in permit numbers may be deceiving," said IFW moose biologist Lee Kantar, "We have increased the number of permits in the northern section of the state where the moose population is above our population goal, and have lowered the number of permits in other parts of the state where we are at or below our moose population goals."

In all, permits have increased in five northern wildlife management districts that can support additional harvest, and permits have decreased in 12 wildlife management districts. There are 25 out of 29 wildlife management districts in the state that are open for moose hunting.

"By adjusting the number and type of permits available to hunters, we can control the moose harvest and manage population growth," says Kantar.

Maine's moose population is estimated at under 70,000 animals, reduced intentionally from the 76,000 it was two years ago through increased permits to hunt moose. Maine's moose population is a valued resource, due to the high demands for both viewing and hunting. Moose population goals are derived through a public process, and different areas of the state are classified for recreational opportunity (hunting and viewing), road safety, or a compromise between the two.

Maine's moose hunting season is divided into four separate segments. The first segment runs from September 23-28; the second from October 14-19; the third segment from November 4-9; and the fourth from November 2 through 30. This week there are 950 hunters who have permits for northern and eastern Maine during the initial week of the season.

In order to assess and monitor moose population health and growth, the department is once again asking cow moose hunters during the November season who are hunting in Northern Maine (WMDs 1-5, 7, 8) to bring the ovaries to the registration station where they tag their moose. IFW is examining the ovaries to help determine rates of pregnancy.

This information, coupled with the information on harvested bull and cow age structure obtained from moose teeth that are collected at moose registration stations are combined with our aerial surveys to give the department a more complete picture of the status of the moose population.

#

September 24, 2013

MEET GAME WARDEN STARS OF NORTH WOODS LAW AT THE MAINE WILDLIFE PARK THIS SATURDAY!

?A great place to see that moose!?

MAINE WILDLIFE PARK Route 26, Gray
www.mainewildlifepark.com

For immediate release

Meet the Maine Game Wardens featured on the popular Animal Planet TV show North Woods Law at the Maine Wildlife Park, off Route 26 in Gray; on Saturday, September 28th, National Hunting and Fishing Day, from 9:30am ? 11:30am and 1:00pm-3:00pm!

Saturday?s North Woods Law SCHEDULE

9:30-11:30am Meet Maine Game Wardens: Tim Spahr Jonathan Parker Dan Carroll Scott Thrasher Kris MacCabe with K9 Morgan Pete Herring

1:00pm-3:00pm Meet Maine Game Wardens: Rick LaFlamme Dan Carroll Alan Curtis with K9 Cruizer Kris MacCabe

Make sure to bring your cameras to have photos taken with the stars! The Warden Service Operation Game Thief ?Wall of Shame?, Dive Trailer, Airboat and other special equipment and displays will also be available for viewing.

There is no extra fee for this special event, however regular wildlife park admission will apply. Adults $7, 4-12 $5, Seniors $5, 3/under free.

Animal Planet is currently filming a 3rd season of North Woods Law here in Maine, featuring both current and new Maine Game Wardens, for exciting new shows about Maine and the dangerous jobs of our Game Wardens.

Don?t forget to watch the 2nd season?s opener on October 3rd on Animal Planet!

BASIC PARK INFORMATION

The Maine Wildlife Park has over 30 species of native wildlife on display, plus wildlife gardens, nature trails, a fish hatchery and other interactive exhibits and displays. The park is open daily from April 15 through November 11th from 9:30am-4:30pm; visitors must exit the premises by 6:00pm. Admission to the park is free for ages 3 and under; $5.00 ages 5-12; $7.00 for adults, and $5.00 for seniors. Groups of 15 or more are $3.50 per person. Bring a picnic and spend the day! Family and Community Season Passes are available, and are an incredible bargain for families and groups that visit the park several times over the course of the summer. The Maine Wildlife Park is owned and operated by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. The park exists to promote an understanding and awareness of the wildlife, conservation and habitat protection programs and projects of MDIFW. The ever growing and very popular ?Halloween Fest? will run on both Friday and Saturday nights this year, October 19 and 20, from 6-9pm. The Wildlife Park Nature Store is full of new wildlife and nature merchandise for all ages; and the Friends of the Maine Wildlife Park ?Snack Shack? sells ice cream, soda and light snacks, with all monies raised donated to the Wildlife Park for wildlife exhibit improvements and new construction. For more information about any of these programs, please call the Maine Wildlife Park at
207-657-4977; or visit us out online at www.mainewildlifepark.com , www.mefishwildlife.com or on Facebook!

GEMS OF ROUTE 26
Rich in culture, ecology and history, the Maine Wildlife Park, Shaker Village, Poland Spring Inn and Resort, Poland Spring Preservation Society, Poland Spring Preservation Park, Harvest Hill Farm and the grounds of McLaughlin Garden truly are ?The Gems of 26.? Visitors are encouraged to go and experience the park, as well as five other unique sites -- all less than an hour from each other on the picturesque Route 26 in Western Maine. Route 26 connects Western Maine to the rest of the State via Maine Turnpike?s exit 63 in Gray; meandering through gorgeous countryside and boasting culturally, historically, and ecologically significant attractions. Just thirty minutes north of Portland, a family can spend a day or several days visiting all five important and interesting destinations for very little money ? a true value. www.gemsof26.com

September 25, 2013

IFW, Plum Creek Team Up To Restore Brook Trout Habitat

September 25, 2013

IFW, Plum Creek Team Up To Restore Brook Trout Habitat

Please Note: To view a short video on the project, please visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdrvwXUNaDg

AUGUSTA, Maine -- The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is assisting Plum Creek in the brook trout habitat restoration of Intervale Brook, an important tributary of First Roach Pond in Frenchtown Township.

Intervale Brook bears the scars of a long history of log driving. Streams like Intervale were straightened, instream boulders and trees were removed, and banks were heightened in order to ease log driving.

However, these changes have negatively impacted brook trout in Intervale Brook, as well as other streams and brooks. Despite excellent water quality, the loss of brook trout habitat in this stream has negatively impacted the number of brook trout in the stream.

The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, along with willing landowners, has looked for opportunities to restore trout habitat in streams such as Intervale.

?Intervale Brook has great water quality, but we need to provide more habitat diversity,? said Merry Gallagher, a fisheries biologist with the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife who is assisting (overseeing) the project. ?By adding woody material, we can provide habitat and help diversify the stream substrate, which enhances the food supply and provides protection for fish.?

Restoration generally means recreating habitat, and Plum Creek has placed boulders back in the stream, removed certain berms to restore flood plain dynamics, restored disconnected stream channels and added trees to the stream to add protective cover for fish. In all, Plum Creek is restoring a total of four miles of the stream.

Restoring the flood plain helps dissipate hydrologic energy during high-water events, protecting trout and not flushing them out of the river. Placing large boulders back into the stream creates habitat diversity, as does placing dropped trees in the channel. This ?chop and drop? method of strategically adding fallen trees to the stream improves overall habitat quality by providing cover, increasing insect population density, creating or enhancing pools, varying the streambed floor through scour and slowing flows during high water events.

Chop and drop, which is becoming more widespread in Maine and other states, offers encouraging signs of improved trout densities or sizes in brooks where this technique is utilized.

On Monday, one of the final steps in restoration was completed when Plum Creek removed the old log driving dam in the headwaters of the stream. These logging dams were installed at the headwaters to ease the movement of logs. Currently, dams such as this fragment habitat for brook trout. With the dam now removed, the main stem of the stream is now reconnected with the additional headwaters of the stream.

Stream restoration, chop and drop habitat enhancement and dam removal are activities that are beneficial to trout and other aquatic life when done properly. These restoration techniques are conducted by trained professionals and require proper planning, a variety of potential environmental permits and approval of the landowner in order to alter the stream.

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September 27, 2013

IFW Hunting Report for September 27, 2013

Southern Lakes Region

In the southern region of the state, hunters are gearing up for pheasant season. Pheasant season begins on October 1, and over 2,300 pheasants will be released at 22 different sites in York and Cumberland County.

?If you are looking for an area to hunt, we have a list of release sites on our website,? said IFW Wildlife Biologist Cory Stearns, who recommended the Vern Walker and Scarborough Marsh Wildlife Management areas as good locations to hunt.

Hunters are reminded that you need to purchase a pheasant permit before going out to hunt pheasants in York and Cumberland Counties. The permit is available on the department?s website or wherever you purchase your license. Proceeds from the sale fund the pheasant program.

Turkey hunters are also looking forward to a successful season, new rules allow for a longer season (October 3 ? November 1), and up to two turkeys this fall.

?The turkey population is doing really well throughout southern Maine, and I expect hunters to do very well this fall,? added Stearns.

Central and Midcoast Maine

In Central Maine, upland bird hunting means Frye Mountain Wildlife Management Area, a destination for many bird hunters.

?People fly in all the way from Germany to hunt Frye Mountain,? said IFW Wildlife Biologist Keel Kemper, ?It should be a pretty good year at Frye because there are always birds there.?

Kemper did remind hunters that there was quite a lot of rain this spring and in early summer which has impacted grouse broods. There will be birds, but perhaps just not as many.

Of course, Central Maine is also ?ground zero for wild turkeys? says Kemper. Central Maine and its robust turkey population supplied birds for much of the state?s reintroduction program, and hunters should have no problems finding birds this fall season.

Kemper said that waterfowl hunters may want to try Madawaska Bog in Palmyra. A strong wild rice year has that wildlife management area brimming with ducks.

?It?s socked with wild rice. There are lots of hiding spots for hunters, and lots of birds,? said Kemper, who said Ruffingham Meadow in Searsmont is also a good destination.

?I was pretty impressed with the quantity of teal and the quality of the rice,? said Kemper, ?Wild rice is an annual, and it can be boom or bust, and this year seems to be exceptional.?

Downeast Region

Downeast, it looks like a good year for waterfowl and turkeys, but not quite as good for upland birds. IFW Wildlife Biologist Tom Schaeffer thinks it is going to be an average year for grouse hunters in the area.

?We had a cold and wet spring just about the time that birds would be hatching,? said Schaeffer, ?Expectations for grouse season should be about average.?

However, Schaeffer noted that there has been spring conditions on rivers and streams right through the summer, creating favorable conditions for waterfowl hunters who like to jump shoot. There have also been quite a few hunters who are taking advantage of the early goose season, since there are ?a favorable number of geese around.?

Turkey hunters will be able to hunt Wildlife Management District 28 this fall, and next spring, District 27 will be open.

?This time of year, we are seeing some small turkeys, which means they re-nested, most likely because the first nest failed,? said Schaeffer.

If you are looking for areas to hunt this fall, Schaeffer said to check out the Cobscook Wildlife Management area. There are ten units that make up the Cobscook WMA, and there are some really nice upland areas. Waterfowl hunters will want to check out the Lyle Frost WMA in Eastbrook, which has a nice, canoeable flowage.

Rangeley Lakes/Western Mountains Region

Up in the Western mountains area, things are looking good for the turkey season this fall.

?We have lots of turkeys, and plenty of excellent turkey hunting opportunities in our region,? said Hulsey, ?I would grade it an ?A??

Hulsey added that brood counts were normal for waterfowl, and that while he doesn?t have a good feel for grouse, he has heard some encouraging news from others.

?I was out all day with a forester in the Rangeley area, and he said that he?s seen some pretty good numbers of birds,? said Hulsey. ?Overall, I think it will be an average year for grouse, with some areas a little better than others.

Waterfowl hunters may want to check out Mercer Bog. While Hulsey said the middle of the day can be hit or miss, get there early or late for more action.

Moosehead Region

In the Moosehead region, leaves are starting to drop, which bodes well for upland hunters

?Even with what looks like below average nesting success, there are still a lot of grouse around,? said IFW wildlife biologist Doug Kane.

?People are seeing more grouse, which is more of a trend due to a growing grouse population,? said Kane. ?We had a higher than average number going into the winter last year, and last year?s mild winter helped. Even with below average production this spring, there still are a lot of grouse around.?

Kane also noted that he has seen quite a few turkeys in the southern part of the region, and just as in other parts of the state, he is seeing a variety of sizes with the poults.

?There are several age classes of turkeys,? said Kane. ?They have been re-nesting throughout the summer, and we have seen some real little ones.? Turkey hunters should concentrate their efforts in the southern part of the region, said Kane.

Penobscot Region

In the Penobscot region, even though you may have not seen many grouse, it may not be a cause for concern.

?Grouse numbers can be hard to determine,? said Mark Caron. ?I haven?t seen much for broods, but that?s not uncommon, it?s a good food year, and I have been flushing birds now and then.?

?I have heard from foresters and others who haven?t been seeing many, but I have heard that in past years too, and then once the leaves drop, the grouse appear and it turns out to be a good year,? says Caron.

If you are interested in turkey hunting, WMD 18 will be open for turkey hunting this fall, and Caron says there are plenty of turkeys around.

Turkey hunters should try the Page Farm unit of the Mattawamkeag River System WMA. Caron says the department has done a lot of work in that WMA such as creating early successional forest areas, planting food plots, freeing apple trees, cutting habitat strips and improving three miles of roads.

Duck hunters may want to try the Mud Pond WMA or the Pond Farm WMA. Still a little early for good goose hunting in the region as there is still standing corn in many fields.

Aroostook Region

It?s moose season up north, and this week?s cool weather has moose moving around, and hunters are happy.

IFW wildlife biologist Rich Hoppe said one hunter downed a very large bull, tipping the scales at 1,070 pounds, and had a spread of 62 inches. Hoppe said the Gateway check station in Ashland had two or three other moose that were over 1,000 pounds. Business has been brisk, with hunters registering 75 moose on Tuesday.

Goose hunters are doing well this early season up north. Hoppe notes that waterfowl hunting in the county ?is one of the gems of the county. Very few people take part in it, but it can be outstanding.? Hoppe suggests hunting at Lake Josephine or the Christina Reservoir in Easton.

As for upland birds, Hoppe says ?It has rained a lot, but I think it is going to be above average. I have seen a few birds while I was out, and I have seen good numbers of woodcock already.? Hoppe suggests the North Maine Woods as a destination for upland hunters.

?I don?t know if there is any place that has as good a habitat as the North Maine Woods,? says Hoppe. ?The stewardship is excellent for upland birds, and there are a couple of million acres open to bird hunting. There is nothing else like it in the country.?

October 1, 2013

Turkey Season Starts October 3

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Today marks the start of the upland bird season in much of the state, and this fall, turkey hunters have an expanded season that starts October 3 and can take up to two birds this fall season. Wild turkeys are a wildlife success story in Maine. Once gone from Maine landscapes, they are now a familiar sight in all Maine?s 16 counties, thanks to a reintroduction and management plan started in the 1970s by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. With a turkey population that continues to grow, turkey hunters are seeing the benefit as this fall they will see a longer season, higher bag limit, and more areas open to hunting than ever before. Successful hunters will be happy to know that there is a reduced registration fee, now only $2.00, down from $5.00. ?Maine has some of the finest turkey hunting opportunities in the eastern United States,? said Brad Allen, IFW?s game bird biologist, ?Success rates are high, the birds are lightly hunted compared to other states, and there are a variety of areas to hunt turkeys in the state.? The fall turkey season now spans four weeks starting October 3 and continuing through November 1, running concurrently with the archery season for deer. Hunters can hunt the entire day from ? hour before sunrise to ? hour after sunset. Hunters can take up to two turkeys this fall, but should note where they are hunting. In some western and eastern wildlife management districts (12, 13, 18, 26 and 29), hunters can only harvest one turkey of either sex or age but in southern and central Maine (WMDs 15-17, 20-25, and 28), hunters can take two turkeys of either sex or age. Wildlife Management Districts 1-11, 14, 19, and 27 are closed to fall turkey hunting, but are open for spring turkey hunting. Today marks the beginning of the grouse and woodcock seasons, and the waterfowl season in the southern and coastal zones. Grouse hunters who hunt in unorganized territories should take note of a new law that requires grouse hunters that are in or travelling through unorganized territories to label their harvested birds with their name and the date taken before the next calendar day. An Unorganized Territory is defined by the state as the area of Maine having no local, incorporated municipal government. Unorganized territories in Maine consist of over 400 townships, plus many coastal islands that do not lie within municipal bounds.

October 11, 2013

IFW To Host Three Meetings Concerning Kennebec River Fisheries

MAINE DEPARTMENT OF INLAND FISHERIES & WILDLIFE 284 State St., SHS 41, Augusta, ME 04333 www.mefishwildlife.com Main Number: (207) 287-8000

For Immediate Release October 11, 2013 Media Contact: Doug Rafferty 287-5248

IFW To Host Three Meetings Concerning Kennebec River Fisheries

AUGUSTA, ME -- The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is hosting three public meetings that will focus on the current status, ongoing research, and future of the Kennebec River freshwater fisheries. The public is encouraged to attend and participate at these meetings in Bingham, Madison and Fairfield.

Each meeting will focus on a different segment of the Kennebec River, and will be held near the fishery it represents. Meetings will open with a brief presentation concerning that segment of the river, and will be followed with a question and answer period. Each meeting will focus on two segments of the river.

?This is an opportunity for the public to discuss the future of these fisheries, and to learn about the research and management of this important river,? said Chandler E. Woodcock, Commissioner, Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

Presentations will include topics such as recent history of the Kennebec fisheries, the current status, management strategies and options available moving forward, and other items such as brown trout strains, historical catch rates, and growth rates.

Department fishery Biologists will also discuss current research on the rivers including radio telemetry studies, stocking rates and strain evaluations.

?There is a lot of research concerning these segments we are eager to share, and look forward to hearing from anglers concerning what they have experienced with these fisheries,? said IFW Regional Fisheries Biologist Jason Seiders, who oversees the freshwater fisheries on much of the Kennebec.

Meeting locations and dates are as follows. All meetings are scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m.

Monday, October 21 ? Quimby Middle School, 263 Main St., Bingham. Meeting will focus on the section from Harris Station down to Wyman Lake including the Kennebec Gorge, The Forks and the Bingham reach below Wyman. Meeting begins at 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, October 24 ? Madison Area Memorial High School, 486 Maine St., Madison. Meeting will focus on the Solon and Madison river sections from the Williams dam in Solon down past the Madison Dam. Meeting begins at 6:00 p.m.

Monday, October 28 ? Lawrence Junior High School, 7 School St., Fairfield, Maine. Meeting will focus on the Shawmut section and the Skowhegan Reach below Weston Dam. Meeting begins at 6:00 p.m.

Among the topics to be discussed will be summaries of volunteer log books which are instrumental in much of the data collected.

?The data collected by a group of dedicated volunteers is invaluable,? said Seiders, ?Without this data, it would be difficult to analyze these fisheries.?

October 15, 2013

IFW Opens Two New Access Sites

AUGUSTA, Maine -- The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife opened two new boating access facilities recently, providing anglers and boaters with expanded recreational opportunities in northern and Downeast Maine.

?Access to the waters of this magnificent state is a priority for Governor LePage and this department,? said Chandler E. Woodcock, Commissioner, Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. ?Maine is blessed with thousands of waterways, yet access is limited on many of them. We are pleased to restore access Downeast and provide another option for access along the 420-mile long St. John River.?

The two new locations include Bog Lake in Northfield (Washington County) and the St. John River in Grand Isle (Aroostook County).

Bog Lake provides a warm water fishery for bass, and until recently, also provided a very good cold water fishery for landlocked salmon and brown trout. Anglers used to access Bog Lake via a private gravel launch area, but when that property was sold, the new owners closed the launch in 2000. With no public access to Bog Lake, the salmon and brown trout stocking program was discontinued.

Due to the fisheries potential and access inequities (lakeside camp owners had access through private launches on the lake), restoring access to Bog Lake became a priority for IFW regional staff down east.

Crews broke ground this spring, and the launch opened on September 26. IFW stocked Bog Lake with landlocked salmon this spring.

?The town is very supportive, and is a welcome partner in this access project,? said Commissioner Woodcock.

Bog Lake is 826 acres in size, and has a maximum depth of 46 feet. The launch is located right off Route 192 just north of Frenning Point in Northfield.

Funds for the project came from the US Fish and Wildlife Service Sport Fish Restoration Act, as well as funds from the Maine Sportsman?s license plate and the state gasoline sales tax.

Boaters and anglers will also enjoy the new launch site on the St. John River in Grand Isle.

October 16, 2013

Landowner Appreciation Awards

Augusta, Maine ? 2013 Landowner appreciation awards were handed out last night at a banquet and ceremony at the Augusta Civic Center. The awards, hosted for the 12th time by the Maine Snowmobile Association, honor landowners who make a significant contribution not only to snowmobile clubs, but also to the entire State of Maine.

?Over 95 percent of Maine's snowmobile trails are on private property, so snowmobilers have a great responsibility to the landowners,? said Governor Paul R. LePage. ?These landowners are our neighbors, employers and friends. We appreciate their willingness to let snowmobilers and others enjoy access to their property.?

?Maine would not be the state it is without private landowners stepping up and allowing us to use their property,? said Chandler Woodcock, Commissioner of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. ?We owe them both our gratitude and respect.?

Winners of 2013 Landowner Appreciation Awards include: Private Landowners ? 100 Acres or Less Thomas and Sharon Webster ? Nominated by the Bog Hooters Snowmobile Club Allen Hill ? nominated by the Palmyra Snowmobile Club

Private Landowner ? 100 Acres or More: Lyle ?Chi? Guptil ? Nominated by Maine Game Warden Sgt. Dave Craven Elmer and Beatrice Littlefield ? Nominated by Smokey?s Angels Snowmobile Club

Corporate Landowners: Prentiss and Carlisle ? Nominated by Bowlin Matagamon Snowmobile Club Treeline, Incorporated ? Nominated by Lee Mogul Pounders Snowmobile Club

Land User Group Awards: Penobscot Valley 4WD Nominated by David Evans, Private Landowner Presque Isle Fish and Game Club ? Nominated by North Maine Woods, Inc.

?We look for any way we can to honor landowners who are so generous and give so much to the State of Maine,? said Bob Meyers, President of the Maine Snowmobile Association.

October 15, 2013

EAGLE KILLED - HERMON, MAINE

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Maine Warden Service

--For Immediate Release--

October 16, 2013: The Maine Warden Service is seeking information from the public regarding a Bald Eagle which was shot in Hermon earlier this week. The Eagle was located in the area of Hermon Pond near the Souadabscook Stream. Anyone with information regarding the incident can report information online here or call the Operation Game Thief Hotline at 1-800-ALERT US. Operation Game Thief (OGT) is offering a $1000.00 reward for information leading to an arrest of the person responsible for shooting the eagle.

Operation Game Thief is a poaching hotline which offers rewards for information leading to arrests for illegal hunting and fishing activities. Callers are able to remain anonymous while still reporting their information and collecting reward money. As we enter into another busy fall hunting season, people are encouraged to report illegal hunting activity that is known to them. The fish and wildlife resources of Maine belong to the people of Maine and poachers are stealing from all citizens who enjoy our unique natural resources. Do your part to ensure those resources are abundant for your children and your children?s children and report illegal hunting today.

No further information is available at this time.

Please direct media related calls to Corporal John MacDonald by calling: Public Safety Dispatch in Gray at 207-657-3030 Email at: john.macdonald@maine.gov

October 21, 2013

Reward Increased/Eagle Killing

October 21, 2013: The Maine Warden Service was contacted this weekend by John Banks of the Penobscot Nation. Banks indicated that the Penobscot Nation is extremely concerned about Bald Eagles in the State of Maine and they wanted to do what they could to assist with the apprehension of the person who killed the eagle last week in Hermon. Subsequently, he Penobscot Nation has offered to increase the reward by $1000.00 making the total of a $2000.00 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person who shot the Bald Eagle in Hermon last week.

Anyone with information should call Operation Game Thief Hotline at 1-800-ALERT-US.

Please direct media related calls to Corporal John MacDonald by calling: Public Safety Dispatch in Gray at 207-657-3030 Email at: john.macdonald@maine.gov

October 28, 2013

Peregrine Falcon Set Free Along Kennebec River

A young male peregrine falcon returned to the wild today along the banks of the Kennebec River, thanks to the efforts of the Maine Warden Service, the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and Avian Haven.

The bird, estimated at about a year old, immediately took flight and was soon out of sight.

The bird was captured by Warden Kris MacCabe after it was spotted hopping on the ground in new Sharon in August. MacCabe transported the bird to Avian Haven.

Avian Haven nursed the bird back to health in its raptor facility and today Wildlife Rehabilitator Marc Payne and MDIFW Biologist Erin Call set the bird free.

Peregrine falcons have been federally de-listed from the endangered species list, but breeding pairs of peregrines are still on the state list. There are an estimated 25 pairs in Maine.

October 29, 2013

Hunter Orange Still the Rule for Maine Deer Hunters

Maine hunters who take to the woods this fall are reminded that hunter orange clothing is still the rule when it comes to being safe in the outdoors. Hunter orange has been shown to be the most visible and effective color when it comes to identification in the outdoors. Why hunter orange? During the last 5 years, the Maine Warden Service has averaged 25 citations a year for failure to wear hunter orange clothing. Hunter orange clothing can been seen better than any other color and thus alerts others to your presence. ?See and be seen,? is the rule of thumb. What is hunter orange? An article of hunter orange clothing must be in good and serviceable condition and be visible from all sides. It is a daylight fluorescent orange color, with a dominant wave length between 595 and 605 nanometers, an excitation purity of 85% and a luminance factor of not less than 40%. Who must wear hunter orange? Anyone who hunts any species with a firearm or a crossbow during any firearms season on deer, and on Youth Deer Day, must wear two articles of hunter orange. One must be a hat, the other to cover a major portion of the torso. This also applies to the muzzle-loading season on deer. For moose hunters, one article of hunter orange clothing must be worn except in WMD 15, 16, 22, 23, 25, and 26 during deer season and WMD 1-5, 7,8, and 19, where two pieces must be worn. Who does not have to wear hunter orange? Only waterfowl hunters, while hunting from a boat, blind or over decoys. Also, anyone hunting with bow and arrow during archery season. Hunter orange is just one thing that any hunter can do in the outdoors to be safe. Target identification, being prepared and never being in a hurry can also keep you from taking the shot that you?ll regret. Good luck, good hunting, and be safe!

October 31, 2013

2013 Deer Season Preview

October 31, 2013

For More Information, Please Contact: Kyle Ravana, IFW Deer Biologist, 941-4472, kyle.r.ravana@maine.gov Mark Latti, IFW communications and outreach, 287-5216, mark.latti@maine.gov

In the 2013 Deer Season Preview, you will find the following releases:  Hunters Excited About Deer Season as Deer Population Rebounds  Hunting In Maine Is Big Business  Make Sure Your Deer Hunt Is A Safe Hunt  Hunters Can Help The Hungry  Maine White-tailed Deer Facts

Hunters Excited About Deer Season As Deer Population Rebounds

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Deer hunters are excited about the upcoming season, as deer numbers have rebounded from the back-to-back severe winters of 2008 and 2009. As a result, IFW wildlife biologists are expecting an increased deer harvest for the third straight year.

The firearm season for deer opens on Saturday, November 2 for residents and Monday, November 4 for nonresidents. The firearm season for deer concludes on November 30.

?Through strong management, conservation and some milder winter weather, Maine?s deer herd has rebounded,? said Governor Paul R. LePage. ?Hunters are excited as they are seeing more deer throughout the state. We wish them good luck this season, and as always, we urge everyone to be safe while enjoying Maine?s great outdoors.?

Kyle Ravana, Maine?s deer biologist, estimates that if normal hunting conditions and hunter effort prevail, this year?s dear kill will be in the 25,750 range, nearly a 20 percent increase from last year?s kill. The total deer kill for the last ten years is as follows: 2012 ? 21,553; 2011 ? 18,839; 2010 ? 20,063; 2009 ? 18,092; 2008 ? 21,062; 2007 ? 28,885; 2006 ? 29,918; 2005 ? 28,148; 2004 ? 30,926; 2003 ? 30,313.

?After the severe winters of ?08 and ?09, the department instituted ?Maine?s Game Plan For Deer?, a three-pronged approach to restore Maine?s deer herd,? said Chandler Woodcock, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. ?The three core principles of the game plan for deer include protecting and enhancing deer wintering areas, deer population management and focused predator control.?

At the core of Maine?s deer management program is the any-deer permit system, which regulates the harvest of does. One male deer will breed with multiple does, so by adjusting the number of female deer removed from the population, biologists can manage the deer population.

Maine?s wildlife biologists monitor winter severity throughout the state from December through April to determine the impact that winter weather has on deer survival. Maine is at the northern edge of the white-tailed deer?s population range, and severe winters can negatively impact Maine?s deer population. Recently, northern Maine has experienced four consecutive milder-than-average winters, and southern Maine has experienced two.

Maine?s biologists also examine thousands of deer for disease, analyze deer teeth to determine age structure of the harvest, monitor antler beam and growth for health and conduct hunter surveys to determine hunter effort and sightings. All combine to give department biologists a clearer picture of the health and size of Maine?s deer population.

The deer harvest has increased for the past three out of the last four years since hitting a low point following the severe winters of 2008 and 2009, a strong sign of a growing deer population. More importantly, several other indicators show that the deer herd has rebounded. Maine?s buck (male deer) harvest has increased for four straight years, and there have been record buck harvests in several wildlife management districts.

Harvest trends support the fact that the population has rebounded. Last year, WMD 3 in Eastern Aroostook County had its highest buck harvest ever, and WMD 6, while not a historical high, had one of its highest buck harvests ever. As a result of the increasing deer population in WMDs 3 and 6, the department issued any-deer permits in these WMDs 3 and 6 for 2013. Hunter surveys also show that hunters are seeing more deer.

Most telling is the annual buck kill, an index used by the department to note trends in the population. Maine?s buck kill has increased each of the past four years. Last year?s buck harvest increased 23% from the previous year. In much of the state, the buck kill exceeded the 10-year average, another sign the deer population has rebounded.

Perhaps more noticeable is the anecdotal evidence supporting the biological trends.

?There?s a buzz about the deer season. People are emailing, calling, telling us about the number of deer they are seeing,? said Ravana. ?Now is a good time to be a hunter in Maine.?

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For Immediate Release October 31, 2013

Hunting In Maine Is Big Business

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Over 200,000 people hunt in Maine each year, and those hunters generate over $200 million in direct sales, supporting business such as restaurants, gas stations, sporting goods stores, motels and other small family owned businesses.

According to the 2011 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation conducted by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, hunters in Maine spent $98 million on food, lodging and transportation in Maine.

Hunters spent an additional $60 million on equipment such as firearms, ammunition, hunting clothes, and other items; and $40 million on magazines, membership dues, permits, licenses and other related items.

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For Immediate Release October 31, 2013

Make Sure Your Deer Hunt Is A Safe Hunt:

 Always treat every firearm as if it was loaded  Be sure of your target, and what is beyond it.  Always keep the muzzle of your firearm pointed in a safe direction.  Unload your firearm before entering a dwelling, before entering a vehicle, or before storing it.  Sight in your firearm prior to hunting season.  Be sure that someone knows where you are headed, and when you plan to return.  Carry emergency survival gear, a flashlight, map and compass, matches and water.  Stop periodically to eat and re-hydrate yourself.  Wear two pieces of hunter orange that are in good condition.

For Immediate Release October 31, 2013
Hunters Can Help The Hungry

AUGUSTA, Maine ? Hunters looking to help area food kitchens and pantries can donate game in order to combat hunger in Maine.

Hunters for the Hungry is a cooperative program in Maine sponsored by Maine Sportsmen and Sportswomen who care about the hungry, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Call 888-4DEER-ME for more information.

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For Immediate Release October 31, 2013

Landowner Relations is Important to Hunters, All Who Enjoy the Outdoors

AUGUSTA, Maine ? Deer season is a Maine tradition, with close to 200,000 deer hunters participating throughout the state. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is once again urging hunters and all who enjoy the outdoors this fall to act appropriately while on private land.

?Over 90 percent of the state is privately owned, and it is the generosity of private landowners that sustain Maine?s outdoor traditions,? said Chandler Woodcock, Commissioner, Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. ?These landowners are a vital part of our outdoor community, and we hope that this fall, everyone who enjoys the outdoors on private land acts respectfully and appropriately.?

Hunters, as well as others, who utilize private land for outdoor recreation, are asked to keep these suggestions in mind while out enjoying the outdoors this fall.

Ask First If possible, please obtain permission before accessing private land. While it?s not the law, it?s the right thing to do, as both a courtesy and out of respect for the landowner. Don?t wait until the last minute to ask for permission, and provide the landowner with your name, address and what vehicle you will be driving.

Communicate with the landowner Ask where to park, and if there are certain areas that they would prefer you do not hunt. Remember, you need landowner permission to operate at ATV on the property of another, so make sure you get permission, verbal or written, before utilizing an ATV on someone else?s property. Ask for permission if you plan to use a tree stand or a ground blind, and if you leave a stand on his property, make sure it is appropriately marked with your name and address.

Respect the land and landowner Remember, you are the guest of the landowner, so please act appropriately. Carry out all your trash, and if possible, items left by others. Stay within the boundaries set by the landowner, and be aware of the location of buildings, dwellings, livestock, trails and agricultural or logging operations. Never block roadways or trails, and leave gates and barriers the way you found them.

Thank the landowner After your hunt, make sure you thank the landowner. If possible, offer to share some of your game with the landowner. After the season, follow up with a personal note or a holiday card thanking the landowner. Showing your appreciation go

As always, please obey all signs posted on property. A recent law change also has changed the silver paint stripe ?Access by Permission Only? law. The new rule allows property owners to post their property ?Access by Permission Only? by painting one purple vertical stripe at least one inch in width and at least 8 inches in length placed on trees, posts or stones between three and five feet off the ground. These stripes should be no more than 100 feet apart and the paint markings must be maintained so as to be conspicuous at all times. The vertical purple stripe replaces the two horizontal silver bars.

Without a doubt, public access is one of the biggest challenges facing hunters and others who enjoy the outdoors. Please remember that your actions reflect not only on you, but all who enjoy the outdoors. Please treat the landowner and land with respect.

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Maine White-tailed Deer Facts:

 Maine?s current deer population is approximately 203,000.

 Male white-tailed deer weigh between 100-300 pounds, and females weight between 85-130 pounds.

 White-tailed deer are found throughout the state, but there are more deer in the southern and central part of the state.

 During the summer months, deer will feed on grasses, deciduous vegetation, leaves and crops. In fall and winter, deer will feed on acorns and bark from oak, birch and maple trees, as well as cedar.

 Deer in Maine generally mate in mid- to late November, and females have a gestation period of 7 months. Female deer will produce 1-3 fawns, generally born in May and June.

 Black bear and coyotes are significant predators on fawns.

 In winter when snow depths exceed 16 inches, deer will yard in stands of conifers, forming a central resting area with trails packed through the snow. This dense cover with adequate browse is essential for winter survival.

 Deer hunting success during the 2012 firearms season is estimated to be 14%

 In 2012, Deer hunting success averaged 17%. Moose hunters had an 79% success rate in 2004, turkey hunters had a 38% success rate, and bear hunters a 30% success rate.

 Deer hunters in Maine killed 21,553 deer during the 2012 season.

 Maine?s regular firearm season attracts the most hunters (approximately 175,000) and accounts for the greatest share of the total deer harvest, which includes two archery seasons, the firearm season as well as a muzzleloader season, and stretches from the beginning of September through the middle of December. In 2012, 84% of the total deer harvest was taken during the four-week firearms deer season.

 Maine?s residents registered 92% of the deer harvest in 2012.

 The peak breeding time for deer in Maine is the third week of November, consistent with the peak for deer breeding activity from Nova Scotia to the Carolinas.

October 31, 2013

IFW News -- 2013 Deer Season Preview

For Immediate Release October 31, 2013

In the 2013 Deer Season Preview, you will find the following releases:

 Hunters Excited About Deer Season as Deer Population Rebounds

 Hunting In Maine Is Big Business

 ake Sure Your Deer Hunt Is A Safe Hunt

 Hunters Can Help The Hungry

 Maine White-tailed Deer Facts

Hunters Excited About Deer Season As Deer Population Rebounds

The firearm season for deer opens on Saturday, November 2 for residents and Monday, November 4 for nonresidents. The firearm season for deer concludes on November 30.

Perhaps more noticeable is the anecdotal evidence supporting the biological trends.

?There?s a buzz about the deer season. People are emailing, calling, telling us about the number of deer they are seeing,? said Ravana. ?Now is a good time to be a hunter in Maine.?

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For Immediate Release October 31, 2013

Hunting In Maine Is Big Business

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For Immediate Release October 31, 2013

Make Sure Your Deer Hunt Is A Safe Hunt:

For Immediate Release October 31, 2013
Hunters Can Help The Hungry

AUGUSTA, Maine ? Hunters looking to help area food kitchens and pantries can donate game in order to combat hunger in Maine.

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For Immediate Release October 31, 2013

Landowner Relations is Important to Hunters, All Who Enjoy the Outdoors

Hunters, as well as others, who utilize private land for outdoor recreation, are asked to keep these suggestions in mind while out enjoying the outdoors this fall.

Ask First If possible, please obtain permission before accessing private land. While it?s not the law, it?s the right thing to do, as both a courtesy and out of respect for the landowner. Don?t wait until the last minute to ask for permission, and provide the landowner with your name, address and what vehicle you will be driving.

Communicate with the landowner Ask where to park, and if there are certain areas that they would prefer you do not hunt. Remember, you need landowner permission to operate at ATV on the property of another, so make sure you get permission, verbal or written, before utilizing an ATV on someone else?s property. Ask for permission if you plan to use a tree stand or a ground blind, and if you leave a stand on his property, make sure it is appropriately marked with your name and address.

Respect the land and landowner Remember, you are the guest of the landowner, so please act appropriately. Carry out all your trash, and if possible, items left by others. Stay within the boundaries set by the landowner, and be aware of the location of buildings, dwellings, livestock, trails and agricultural or logging operations. Never block roadways or trails, and leave gates and barriers the way you found them.

Thank the landowner After your hunt, make sure you thank the landowner. If possible, offer to share some of your game with the landowner. After the season, follow up with a personal note or a holiday card thanking the landowner. Showing your appreciation go

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Maine White-tailed Deer Facts: