On Saturday afternoon, I finally called it quits on the deer season of 2011. The sun wasn’t setting. I still had plenty of time (theoretically) to fill my tag. But after spending far too many hours in the woods (if that’s possible), I just called it quits.It was time. If I’d had a white flag […]
Last week, as I shoveled out the brick of hard slush that a daylong parade of plow trucks had deposited at the end of my driveway, I managed a wry grin. At least, I think I was grinning … come to think of it, I may have been grimacing. Tomorrow, I thought. Tomorrow will be […]
Over the past few weeks, I’ve shared a couple of stories about things I’ve found during my frequent trips into the woods. Among those: A recliner that someone decided to dump, and the carcasses of two deer that I suspected had been killed illegally. Some of you sounded off via Facebook, others chose to send […]
For years, Virginia Mattson-Tracy enjoyed spending autumn days in the woods in search of whitetail deer. She began target shooting about 70 years ago. She tagged her first deer seven or eight years later. As years passed, the Hermon woman’s passion for hunting didn’t wane, but age did begin to take a toll. And in […]
At the end of a day of deer hunting, the question is simple and constant. And whether in front of a blazing wood stove at a remote hunting camp or while leaning on the tailgate of a buddy’s pickup, the day’s not complete until it’s answered. “See anything?” We ask that question, and we answer […]
You may be tired of talking about it, but I’ve just got to ask: How’s your deer season going? I know, I know. The deer herd’s down. In fact, state biologists have predicted that fewer than 17,000 deer will be tagged by hunters this year. We’ve all heard about the reasons for this: Habitat issues. […]
On the surface, it seemed a simple task: I was looking for a ground blind. A large ground blind. My hunting buddy, Chris, had erected it a week before in the woods where we meet up to chase non-existent deer, and like the good Mainer he is, he left the welcome mat out for me […]
We’ve all got questions. If yours tend to revolve around fish, deer, bears, turkeys or the great outdoors, you’re in luck. You’ll have to act fast, though. Cancel your evening plans. Hop in the car. Head to Bucksport’s Bucks Mills Rod and Gun Club. When? Well … tonight. But you’ll be glad you did. Department […]
Before I start, I ought to warn you: There’s a pretty graphic photo attached to this blog post. If that troubles you, you might want to stop reading now. I’ve included the photo not to gross anyone out, but to illustrate a nasty little problem … or big problem, if you prefer. And if the […]
You never know what you’re going to find in the Maine woods. Most of the time, that’s a good thing. Sometimes, it’s downright depressing. It doesn’t take much to keep me entertained on those frequent trips afield. Spying various critters is always a highlight. So, too, is finding a path I was formerly unaware of, […]
