Rangeley Region Guides and Sport

Article as it appears in the Rangeley Highlander dated 12/30/10 written by Kirby Holcombe

Warren Cook of Saddleback Maine ski area, will be the speaker at the January meeting of the Rangeley Region Guides’ & Sportsmen’s Association. This is your chance to hear about the extensive and fast moving plans of Saddleback.
Improvements to the ski area have continued all summer and Saddleback is looking forward to a successful year following some great national press coverage this fall. Work is finished on Casablanca and Kennebago Station. New or continuing programs include the Meisters Programs, the Peak Program, and the Blue Star Pass.
Saddleback is also continuing to enhance their 4 season status. They have opened an office in downtown Rangeley and purchased the Oquossoc marina.
Join us at the RRG&SA January meeting on Thursday the 14th at the Oquossoc clubhouse. This is one week earlier than usual due to Snowdeo the next week. The meeting starts at 5:30 with a pot luck supper and the public are invited.
Raffle Winners
The drawing for the huge RRG&SA 8 gun raffle was held on Sunday December 27. For the first time ever an entrant won two guns on separate tickets. Ven Johnson of Fredericksburg, Virginia, won two of the 8 guns, with his ticket being drawn both first and last. Other winners were Lewis Kelsey, Nantucket, MA. Dan Moody, Wolcott, VT.; Wesley Jackson, Kennebunk, ME.; Glenn Scott, Auburn, ME.; Mary Hembrow, Rangeley, ME.; and John Dugan, Nantucket, MA. Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to all who entered.

On the occasion of his retirement, the western mountain community of Maine honored their local game warden, Blaine Holding, who epitomizes what a Maine Game Warden should be.
Warden Holding spent 25 years with the Warden Service serving most of that time as warden for Eustis – Stratton and the surrounding area. At a young age, he was immersed in these small communities by the Service and given a huge territory with many square miles of forest and countless streams and remote ponds to patrol. He conducted his job with integrity and professionalism and soon had the respect of the local people and his fellow wardens alike. Warden Holding was named warden of the year by the Warden Service in 2003.
A warden’s job can be a lonely one. His primary area is generally enormous and remote and there is virtually no backup. The decisions he makes on the job are his own and reflect his character, personality and training. Coupled with this is the large range of warden responsibilities. Wardens are charged with enforcement of wildlife and fisheries laws and regulations; snowmobile, watercraft, and ATV vehicle enforcement; and coordination and implementation of all search and rescue operations. They also assist with safety education programs, collect field data as the Department may require, and perform other duties as assigned.
Warden Blaine Holding has spent his career diligently pursuing the mission of the Warden Service. On Sunday, October 4, members of the local community, sportsmen’s clubs, family and his fellow wardens gathered at Sugarloaf Mountain to honor his service and give testimony to the professional manner in which he conducted his duties. Those attending included individuals he had cited for violations, rescued from peril, and with whom he worked side by side, all thanking him for a job well done.
Donald Palmer, President of the RRG&SA, said, “Warden Holding was always a gentleman with a friendly smile. He was the type of warden that if he ticketed you in the woods you would respectfully say ‘thank you sir’.”
Master Maine Guide Roger Lambert said, “Warden Holding is what a Maine Game Warden should be. He is an ambassador for the state. There is no better mentor for young wardens than Blaine.”
“He would always take the time to answer your questions, to teach and educate,” said Master Maine Guide Carol Harvey.
Master Maine Guide Heather Targett said, “He looked at things through the eyes of a sportsmen and genuinely wanted you to succeed out there, but also to do it right. He was always ready to help kids.”
And from Retired Warden Charlie Atkins, “Blaine was always ready to help his fellow wardens, whether it was to assist in a search and rescue or to help sheetrock their kitchen.”
A recurring theme from those attending was the strong relationship between Warden Holding and his wife Bonney, who is a Master Maine Guide of many years. Bonnie was honored by Outdoor Life as a top woman guide in 2008. Both have donated many hours to charitable organizations. Bonnie has been very much involved with Casting for Recovery, a national program for women recovering from breast cancer. The program allows these women to meet in a remote setting and learn about flyfishing. Blaine participated in the Special Olympics programs held at Sugarloaf Mountain. Both Bonnie and Blaine have assisted the RRG&SA with their youth programs over the years and we are very appreciative of their time.
It was a toss-up as to who the attending wardens were most sorry to see leave, Blaine or Bonnie, since Bonnie had fed them well on occasion over the years. But she assured the there would still be plenty of cookies and whoopy pies available whenever they were in the area.
Whenever the sporting community finds a warden that does an exceptional job, they should celebrate him. Warden Blaine Holding was such a warden and we wish him the very best in his retirement. Article as it appears in the Rangeley Highlander dated 8/14/09 written by Kirby HolcombeFingers were crossed as the date for the RRG&SA Outdoor Sporting Heritage Day approached. Would it rain as it seemed to do every day of the summer so far? No! The day started foggy but soon the sun broke through to a beautiful morning. There were smiles all around as the exhibitors set up the bee hive, custom art work, hand tied flies, snowshoes and nets, solar art glass, canvas products, and other sporting items. The Oquossoc Lady was secured in the parking lot and a restored Rangeley boat was nearby alongside a wood craftsman specializing in wood boat and canoe restoration. Charley Chalk walked to the end of the pond and set up his 1830’s encampment complete with a campfire and animal skins. Joan Katz and Mary Jane Clark of Rangeley Seat Weaving began recaining some antique camp chairs.
Worms flew out of the canisters at the start of the kids fishing contest. The winner was Eli Hanschka with a fine 9” brook trout.
Adults and youngsters signed up for trap shooting and rode the bus up Bald Mountain to the Rangeley Trap and Skeet range. Youngsters lined up to try shooting a bow as Mac “Fletch” Dudley instructed them in archery techniques. Dick Moore’s two retrievers were busy fetching floats hurled into the pond by wide eyed youngsters.
Dave Borman and crew busily cooked up elk and bison burgers along with fries. The bison was from the Beech Hill Farm and Bison Ranch in North Waterford, Maine. Owners Ted and Doretta Colburn spoke to the crowd over lunch about their bison farming experience.
However it did rain about noon, much to no one’s surprise. But that didn’t stop Rusty Harvey from operating the laser shot in the club house for the enjoyment of many youngsters, which he did all day. It also didn’t bother the canoe racers. They were too busy dodging corks from the fishermen and dogs swimming by. Many youngsters took the opportunity to visit the critter cave in the clubhouse, to create their own imaginary insect. The sun soon broke through and everyone got back to the events of the day.
The main contest of the day is always the fly casting contest diabolically organized by Carl Dodge. The adult long cast contest was won for the second year in a row by Bill Pierce. The flycasting contest for accuracy was a tie between perennial champion John Latlin and Adam Landis. A sudden death castoff was won by Adam. Next year’s contest should be a doozy.
RRG&SA organizer of the event Elaine Holcombe would like to thank all those volunteers who worked so hard to make the day a success. Elaine said, “Without the great volunteers who moved picnic tables, lugged soda, cooked the food, untangled fish lines, put up the tent, signed people up for the events, instructed youngsters in flycasting, archery and shooting and generally pitched in, there could be no event. Thank you to the Ecoventure camp leaders for sheparding their charges around the activities. And thank you also to the exhibitors, demonstrators, and local organizations for participating. See you all next year.”

Article as it appears in the Rangeley Highlander dated 8/05/09 written by Kirby Holcombe

Handmade snowshoes, animal mounts, antique coleman stoves, wildlife art, fishing flies, walking sticks, hunting dogs, clay shooting, archery, bagpipes, mountain men, and Native Americans all in the same day. Where? At the RRG&SA Outdoor Sporting Heritage Day of course, to be held Tuesday, August 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Modeled after an old time Maine sportsmen’s rendezvous, it features fishing, hunting and trapping with over 20 sporting and conservation exhibitors, educational lectures, demonstrations, contests, and games for youngsters. There is no charge for admission to the event or for parking.

Devotees of flyfishing will enjoy many activities and displays related to their sport. Flycasting contests are scheduled for both youth and adults. Cash prizes will be awarded with several winners possible. Some of the best flycasters in the region have exhibited their skills in the past. Flycasting lessons will also be offered during the day.

Demonstrations and hands-on instruction in both archery and shot gunning will be available. The Rangeley Trap and Skeet Club will host a demonstration of trap and sporting clay shooting at their nearby range. Qualified club members will provide hands-on instruction for youngsters in gun handling and safety. The new Laser Shot simulated gun handling and safety program will be available for use in the clubhouse. RRG&SA archery director “Fletch” Dudley will demonstrate current archery and bow hunting techniques as well as hands-on instruction for youngsters.

Entertaining events for youth will include a canoe race, a fishing contest held on the Club’s stocked fish pond and a hands-on pond safari where youngsters capture and observe insects. Youngsters will also have the opportunity to help stock the fish pond.

Jonathan Yellowbear, an Abenaki Native American, will demonstrate and discuss the Native way of life in the 1600’s. Two “mountain men” will set up a camp and demonstrate fire starting techniques.

Many vendors of outdoor related products will be present offering fishing flies, rods and nets, snowshoes, decoys, walking sticks, blackpowder, canvas products, and more. Exhibits will include DIF&W’s Operation Game Thief trailer, Harold Porter’s antique Coleman collection, Fred Turner’s “Critter Gitta”, turkey calling, and a working hunting dog demonstration on land and water.

Continuing the Day’s theme, game meals will be on sale by the RRG&SA cooked to perfection by Dave Borman and crew. Buffalo and elk burgers will be offered as well as sausage sandwiches and Canadian bacon egg muffins.

The RRG&SA’s huge silent auction will conclude the following evening August 12 at the high school after the Historical Society’s annual August program at 7:00 p.m. Some auction items include great lodging and meal offerings, clothing, area gift certificates, LL Bean outdoor items, and much more.

The Historical Society’s program will be a presentation by Peter Mehegan. Peter was co-anchor of the Boston Channel 5 Chronicle News Magazine for 23 years. His “on the road again” featured travel on the back roads of Maine often stopping at Rangeley.

The next meeting of the RRG&SA will be the annual steak and salmon cook out on Thursday August 20.

Article as it appears in the Rangeley Highlander dated 5/26/09 written by Kirby Holcombe

The lynx is a mystical creature of the deep snowy forest. It looks similar to the bobcat but is larger and has tufted pointed ears and large furry feet which assist it in deep snow. Maine has the largest U.S. lynx population east of the Mississippi River. We have more lynx in Maine now than ever before.
At the May meeting of the RRG&SA, William B. Krohn, USGS Biological Resources Div., Maine Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Maine, spoke about the history, status and future of the lynx in Maine.
Mr. Krohn explained the factors affecting lynx populations including clear cuts and partial harvest; the new dynamics of land ownership; the little ice age, global warming and snow depths; and the relationship between bobcats, coyotes and lynx.
The popular view would be that lynx live in mature northern forests of large spruce and pine. But in fact lynx are better adapted to snowy regrowing clear-cuts. What attracts lynx to these areas is the snowshoe hare which flourishes in these areas. Lynx prey on red squirrel and grouse but their primary food is the snowshoe hare.
The spruce budworm infestation of about 30 years ago resulted in the forest industry clear-cutting large areas of northern Maine. This has been good for snowshoe hare and lynx. However, many Maine residents hate clear-cuts. The public reacted strongly to all the clear-cuts of the 70’s and 80’s. In response the state legislature enacted the Forest Practices Act of 1989 which limited clear cuts to 250 acres. This act changed the way logging was done in Maine. That year timber companies clear cut about 150,000 acres, equal to 45 percent of the land logged. Partial harvest or selective harvest accounted for the remaining 55 percent. By 1999 clear-cuts were down to only 3 percent and partial harvest was 96 percent of the total harvest.
The future then does not look sunny for the hare or the lynx. In 2000 the lynx was listed by the FWS as a threatened species in Maine. Presently there may be as many as 500 lynx in the state predominately in northwestern Maine above Moosehead Lake. If these population levels continue at this healthy rate it may be possible to delist the lynx. However land ownership trends, the needs of other forest species, and the type of timber management practices the public will accept are all working against the lynx.
These are not the only factors affecting lynx. Lynx populations have fluctuated over the years as their environment has changed. The Little Ice Age which occurred from 1500 to the 1800’s drove down the temperature and increased snow fall in the northeast. The weather was perfect for lynx and they prospered. The ending of the Little Ice Age drove the lynx northward until today it is limited to parts of Maine. If the climate continues to warm the lynx will be driven further north.
The presence of bobcats also greatly affects lynx populations. Bobcats and lynx do not overlap in most of their range. Bobcat moved into Maine when wolves were wiped out in the early 1900’s. The bobcat, even though smaller than a lynx, is more aggressive. They fed on the large deer population and pushed lynx northward. But during the spruce budworm outbreak when large areas were clear cut, deer numbers dropped. Bobcat, denied deer to eat in the deep snows of winter and unable to compete with lynx for the snowshoe hare, retreated southward. The lynx again took over much of northern Maine.
NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of the RRG&SA will be on Thursday June 18. The meeting topic will be land preservation. The meeting begins at 5:30 with a potluck supper and the public is invited. Rangeleyguidesandsportsmen.org

Article as it appears in the Rangeley Highlander dated 3/14/09 written by Kirby Holcombe

The winter of 2008 was one of the worst winters for Maine’s deer population across the state according to a MDIF&W March press release. Lee Kantar, IF&W deer biologist, reported that the long winter, with record-setting snow packs, created extremely difficult conditions for deer, with deer yarded up on average for over 140 days statewide compared to the normal 84 days. Those additional 56 days resulted in extremely low over winter survival rates for fawns, and left adult does in poor condition prior to fawning season.
Preliminary harvest numbers of 21,062 deer represents a 27% decrease in harvest from 2007 and the lowest deer harvest since the beginning of the any deer permit system in 1986. The drop by method is as follows: youth hunting down 52%; bow hunting down 21%; black powder down 42%; modern firearms down 25%.
“The harsh winter of 2007-08 and its effects on Maine’s deer herd will be felt for a long time,” according to Kantar. “ The current winter of 2008-09 so far looks very similar to last year and will exert additional pressure on the state’s deer herd. If this winter results in conditions similar to last year, we will need to brace ourselves for a further decrease in any-deer permits as well as a reduced harvest in 2009. A reduction in any-deer permits is needed in order to compensate for an expected high rate of winter mortality.”
Wild Turkey
IF&W’s wild turkey management program has been very successful in increasing the turkey population and expanding its range to new habitat. Rangeley now has a huntable population of wild turkey and for the first time last year the spring open season for wild turkey was extended to the Rangeley area (zone 7).
The first spring open season for wild turkey was instituted in 1986 with 500 permits issued in York County by lottery only and a total of 9 turkeys were harvested. In 2006 the lottery permit drawing was abandoned and permits were issued over the counter with 20,089 permits purchased and 5,931 turkeys harvested. In the last several years there has been a split season for permit holders. This year that has been eliminated with one season for all spring permit holders.
This years Spring Wild Turkey Season is May 4, 2009 through June 6, 2009. The Youth Spring Wild Turkey Hunting Day is May 2.
If you are thinking of hunting wild turkey check the IF&W rule book for the Spring Wild Turkey hunt. The regulations are specific to wild turkey and can be different than the limited fall season on turkey. Legal hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise until 12:00 noon. Only bearded wild turkey are allowed to be taken with a limit of one per permit holder. Only shotgun gauges 10 through 20 using shot sizes 4 through 6, or bow and arrow may be used to hunt.
This new spring turkey season has caused many RRG&SA members to ponder over a huge decision. The season coincides with ice out and great early spring fishing. Do they pick up their flyrod or trolling rod and fish for brook trout and salmon today or do they grab their shotgun and try to put a turkey on the table.
Moose Permits
This year MDIF&W will no longer be printing and mailing paper applications for the moose permit lottery. Moose Lottery Permit Applications will now only be accepted online at www.mefishwildlife.com. Due to this change the online application deadline has been extended by six weeks. This year’s online moose lottery application deadline is 11:59 p.m. on May 15.
Next Meeting
The next meeting of the RRG&SA will be Thursday May 21. RRG&SA does not meet in April. Rangeleyguidesandsportsmen.org

Article as it appears in the Rangeley Highlander dated 3/05/09 written by Kirby Holcombe

MDIF&W is forging ahead at a rapid pace with the Brook Trout Initiative that was described in our column in the last issue of the Highlander. The main focus of the initiative is a marketing plan to attract more trout fishermen to Maine. With the economy what it is today, MDIF&W is vigorously pursuing this initiative.
MDIF&W is currently looking for funding to design a web site for the initiative. The website would be designed to inform trout anglers about Maine’s many wild brook trout lakes and ponds and thousands of miles of streams containing wild brook trout. The site would then show anglers how to access these waters with an emphasis on accommodations, guides, and local fishing equipment suppliers.
Forrest Bonney, Regional Fisheries Biologist, is one of the lead organizers of the initiative. Forrest said, “We would also like to use the website to encourage anglers to fish these waters, many of which are remote and currently receive little fishing pressure. We have imposed restrictive regulations on these waters and are confident that they could sustain additional angling without harming the trout populations. The website will have a map and details for individual brook trout waters, information on lodging and guiding services, and much more.”
In addition Forrest also said, “We envision working with local Chambers of Commerce to develop ‘packages’ of lodging, Registered Guides, and other amenities that anglers would need to visit these areas. We believe that this proposal makes sense from an ecotourism standpoint, and would bring significant economic benefit to rural parts of the state.”
In response to a request by Forrest Bonney for support to assist him in applying for funding to create the website, RRG&SA has “fast tracked” a formal statement of support for the Brook Trout Initiative and contributed to the effort.
In the letter to Mr. Bonney, RRG&SA stated it was pleased to support the Brook Trout Initiative as it is presently envisioned and enclosed a small donation to help fund the effort. RRG&SA members felt that today’s angler in searching for a destination fishing trip is increasingly relying on the web. A strong interactive web site would help draw visitors to Rangeley’s fishing related businesses.
RRG&SA did express their concern however, that we not exploit our wild brook trout populations. The initiative must be responsibly planned to allow our wild brook trout to remain at these high levels. Along with increased economic opportunity must come improved management plans to sustain current wild brook trout populations. This includes more than just additional regulations which deprive some anglers of an enjoyable aspect of fishing and in themselves may discourage some fishermen from fishing. These management plans should include such things as expanding stream restoration efforts, improving spawning areas, increasing the number of forage fish, improving habitat and water quality, and improving access to area waters.
RRG&SA also stated that as an area which contains a high percentage of wild brook trout waters, they also felt that Rangeley’s fishing related businesses should be prominently featured on the proposed web site. For over 150 years Rangeley has been a mecca for wild brook trout fishermen.
Bosebuck
On Wednesday, March 25^th RRG&SA members will be traveling to Bosebuck Mountain Camps on Aziscohos Lake for dinner. Bosebuck has a new proprietor, Wendy Yates, and we will be looking forward to a meal of prime rib or sword fish. We will carpool from Oquossoc or you may wish to go by snowmobile. There are plenty of cross-country and snowshoe trails available for those who want to go early in the afternoon. For reservations call Marcia or Rick Baker at 864-3351.
Next Meeting
The theme for our next meeting in March will be backcountry rescue and emergency medical response. Both Northstar’s Backcountry Medical Response Team and Franklin Search & Rescue will be in attendance.
Northstar’s team was formed just last year. Team members are required to be EMTs or be paramedics with wilderness training and certification. They hold monthly training exercises and meetings with Franklin Search & Rescue.
Franklin Search & Rescue (FSAR) was formed 4 years ago in response to the increasing numbers of “wilderness” calls in the region. FSAR was founded by Franklin County firefighters and the teams core remains firefighter based. Recently they have enlisted other volunteers such as foresters, school teachers, biologists and others. Several team members are trained in search and rescue, high angle rescue, swift water rescue and other techniques.
These two groups are incredible resources for the region and are consistently getting more calls for assistance. For anyone traveling in the backcountry or responsible for the where-a-bouts or safety of someone in the backcountry, it is important to know what these two organizations do and how to contact them.
Our meeting will be on Thursday, March 19 starting with a pot luck supper at 5:30 p.m.
at the club house on Old Skiway Road in Oquossoc. The public is invited and RRG&SA has made a special effort to invite other organizations in Rangeley to the meeting. rangeleyguidesandsportsmen.org

Article as it appears in the Rangeley Highlander dated 2/20/09 written by Kirby Holcombe

Fly Rod Crosby would say it’s about time. It’s about time we started to market Maine’s premier wild brook trout fishery.
George Shepard Page got the ball rolling in the early 1860’s when he caught eight brook trout whose combined weight was 52 pounds. When word of this catch reached New York, sportsmen flocked to Rangeley and the area grew into a premier brook trout destination. Guides flourished, hotels were built and other angler based infrastructure grew.
Recently MDIF&W, spearheaded by Regional Biologist Forrest Bonney and Director of Fisheries Operations John Boland, have envisioned a new brook trout marketing plan for Maine’s wild brook trout. They have gathered a group of Maine Guides, sporting camp owners, and others along with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension to investigate how to effectively market Maine’s wild brook fishery and manage them as a world class fishery. They are calling this effort the Brook Trout Initiative.
The impetus for this new marketing effort is the results of a study by the Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture, released in 2006. The joint venture participants included Federal, and State agencies along with Trout Unlimited. The objective of the study was to determine the present status and threats to brook trout in the Eastern U.S.. What they found was that Maine stands alone in having large populations of wild brook trout. It is the only state with extensive intact populations of wild, self-reproducing brook trout in lakes and ponds.
Wild brook trout waters are ones where hatchery brook trout have never been stocked. When foreign trout are introduced to a wild brook trout water the genetics of the trout are altered and it results in trout with a different genetic makeup. Wild brook trout are sought by many anglers because of their more brilliant colors and distinctive shape.
The group involved with the Brook Trout Initiative hope to develop a plan to attract non-resident anglers to the region to fish for wild brook trout. It would be designed to promote nationally Maine’s high quality brook trout fishing and to provide the angler with a complete trip package.
Within the initiative members there is a feeling that anglers in searching for a destination trip, more and more are relying on the web for information. A strong interactive web site would be an important part of the plan.

Catch and Release Changes
MDIF&W reports increasing interest from some anglers in adding a few catch and release ponds to fish. Catch and release regulations can increase the number and size of fish in some ponds. By leaving the larger, older trout in a pond they can pass along their genes to future generations and allow for greater genetic variation in the pond which is good. These catch and release ponds could also be a draw to non-resident anglers and would contribute to the Brook Trout Initiative.
Forrest Bonney has proposed a total of 11 new catch and release ponds around the region including 5 in the Rangeley Area. All of the five ponds in our area are presently fly fishing only and would remain that way but only allow catch and release fishing. Forrest Bonney said, “ When I chose the waters (all wild brook trout ponds), I considered only those waters with relatively low rates of reproduction (so that they wouldn’t stockpile and stunt if they weren’t harvested) and ponds that had a history of growing good size fish”.
The ponds proposed for change to catch and release only are:
Big Beaver Pond, Magalloway
Mountain Pond, Rangeley Plantation
Quill Pond, Dallas
Sabbath Day Pond, Twp. E
Little Swift River Pond, Twp.E
The present plan is to formally propose these catch and release changes this spring, hold hearings this summer, and if adopted they would be in effect next year for the 2010 season.
It you have comments or concerns about these changes contact MDIF&W in Strong.
Rangeleyguidesandsportsmen.org.

Article as it appears in the Rangeley Highlander dated 1/30/09 written by Kirby Holcombe

Winter travelers in the back country of the Rangeley area have probably found moose beds and hoof prints with blood in them. Their first thought is the blood is from an injury. Most likely, however, it was from winter ticks attached to the moose. The blood can be from open wounds where ticks have just dropped off, dried blood in tick feces, and from live ticks crushed as the moose moves.

The unkempt, and blotchy coat of moose observed in the Spring can also be due to ticks. Although moose shed their winter coats in May and June, during the winter the constant grooming and rubbing of their coat in an attempt to dislodge ticks can result in substantial hair loss. In some cases the hair loss is so extreme the moose appears white, so much so that it is referred to as a “ghost moose”.

The loss of blood and the moose’s winter coat from tick infestation can lead to malnutrition and leave them open to other diseases and death. Winter tick infestation occurs throughout the range of moose except in Alaska and far northern areas of Canada. Most of the research on this tick problem has been done in Canada, most notably by Bill Samuel, Federation of Alberta Naturalists, who wrote a book on this phenomena, WHITE AS A GHOST.

Canada has a severe problem with winter ticks which have caused periodic large die offs of moose. The first die off associated with winter ticks occurred as early as 1916 in Saskatchewan. Other early die offs occurred in Ontario in the 1920s and in New Brunswick in the early 1930s. The Northeast experienced a large die off in 2002 and New Hampshire has had high moose death rates recently, particularly in calves.

Minnesota recently reported a decrease in the number of moose in the northeastern part of the state from 4,000 moose in the early 1990s to an estimated total of only 84 moose today. Biologists in that state cite global warming as the biggest factor in that drop. Warmer temperatures in fall and spring lead to a greater number of ticks on moose. Higher summer temperatures affect the moose directly. Moose are a northern animal particularly adapted to cold temperatures. Moose can develop heat stress when temperatures reach about 57 degrees F and may start to pant at 68 degrees. This stress leads to decreased feeding, loss of weight, and lessened ability to cope with winter. Couple that with the added stress from winter ticks and you have a lethal mix.

Katie Andrle , a fourth year student at the University of Maine at Orono, spoke about winter ticks and moose at the January meeting of the RRG&SA. She has taken up the challenge to learn more about winter ticks in Maine and to assist DIF&W in their research about the effects of winter ticks on Maine’s moose herd. She stated that winter ticks are one host specific, feeding on blood from a single moose during all of the tick’s life stages. The life stages of winter ticks on moose are shown in the accompanying chart.

Tick densities are affected by Fall and Spring weather. In September and October the tick larvae ascend grass and shrubs allowing them to brush off onto moose as they pass by. Tick larvae are sluggish when temperatures are below freezing, so cold temperatures during this season can greatly decrease the number of ticks successfully attaching to a moose. Deep snow and high winds can also decrease the transmission rate.

In the Spring, when engorged females drop from moose, deep snow can prevent the ticks from reaching the ground. In general, Katie explained, warmer Fall and Spring seasons will result in higher densities of ticks on moose. A moose can tolerate 10,000 to 30,000 ticks over winter without serious health effects. But tick loads of over 50,000 cause lethal health effects leading to probable death.

Katie assisted DIF&W in counting ticks on moose in the Eustis area during this past Fall’s hunt. They found the numbers of ticks to be on the low side probably due to last year’s hard winter. She is pursuing a project with DIF&W’s moose biologist Lee Kantar to look at weather patterns and other factors which could affect tick populations and moose mortality. Their goal is to be able to predict tick densities on moose and to estimate moose mortality for the following year.

This is an excellent example of an energetic college student volunteering time and talent to help a cash strapped State agency (DIF&W) to pursue its goals and serve the public. Thank you Katie Andrle for your contribution to wildlife management and to Lee Kantar for accepting this assistance and effectively using it.

The next meeting of the RRG&SA will be on Thursday February 19. Our speaker will be William B. Krohn, USGS Biological Resources Division, Maine Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Maine. He will be talking about the Canada Lynx. Bill will explain the factors affecting lynx populations including clearcuts and partial harvest; the new dynamics of land ownership; the little ice age, global warming and snow depths; and the relationship between bobcats, coyotes and lynx. The meeting will start at the RRG&SA clubhouse in Oquossoc at 5:30 with a pot luck supper. The public is always invited. For further info visit rangeleyguidesandsportsmen.org

Article as it appears in the Rangeley Highlander dated 1/08/09 written by Kirby Holcombe

Moose are well adapted to survive the long hard winters of the North Country and are found above the Arctic Circle in northern Canada and Alaska. The Rangeley area is near the southern limit of its home range. In Maine recently, however, winter ticks have become a threat to the survival of this majestic animal.
Biologists have found large concentrations of winter ticks on some moose. Ticks at high levels can weaken moose at their most vulnerable time - winter.
Wally Jacubas, mammal group leader for DIF&W told John Holyoke of the Bangor Daily News in October that a young moose with thousands of ticks on it can struggle during harsh Maine winters.
“The moose they don’t try to get rid of the ticks until it is too late,” Jacubas said. “They start rubbing on trees and rubbing a lot of their hair off. Of course the hair of a moose is a great insulator, and with that gone, they’re going to expend a lot more energy than they would trying to keep warm.”
Jacubas also said that if a moose has lost a lot of blood, or is ill or old, it can end up dying.
Jacubas said moose are affected by winter ticks, not deer ticks that sometimes carry Lyme disease. The winter ticks are not know to cause health problems in humans.
Karen Morris, DIF&W moose specialist, also told the Bangor Daily News, “We’re thinking ( a certain density of moose) may just be something that we can’t attain, or we can attain only briefly, and then the ticks would reduce ( the herd size ). That’s the real thing: To evaluate whether or not the goals for the moose population make sense.”
“If (ticks are reducing the herd size and keeping it from reaching the State’s goals), we’re restricting hunting opportunity for no reason, to try to allow a moose herd to increase,” Morris said.
Presently, there is not much known about winter ticks. Research programs are just beginning to investigate the winter tick’s life cycle and its health effects on moose.
One Maine college student has taken up the challenge to learn more. She will be the speaker at the coming January 15th meeting of the RRG&SA.
Katie Andrle is a fourth year wildlife ecology major at the University of Maine at Orono. She grew up in Clifton, Maine on Chemo Pond, hunting, fishing, hiking, and canoeing and generally enjoying the outdoors. This summer she hopes to be in Alaska working with water fowl and seabirds. Next fall, she will be furthering her education in ecology at Umea University in Sweden.
Katie will be talking about the general life cycle of the winter tick on moose. She will discuss the factors affecting fall transmission of tick larvae onto moose, which is dependent on temperature and snow depth.
She is also pursuing a project with DIF&W’s moose biologist Lee Kantar. She has counted ticks during the past moose hunt and this spring she and Kantar will look at weather patterns and other factors which could affect tick populations and moose mortality.
This should be a very interesting talk about an emerging problem which may be having a substantial impact on our moose population.
Snowmobiling
The large December snowfalls have RRG&SA members preparing for the snowmobile season. Rangeley generally has a long snowmobile season and miles of carefully groomed trails.
Snowmobiling itself is a pleasant winter sport but it is also useful to sportsmen pursuing other winter sports. Ice fishermen use snowmobiles to transport their traps and gear over the ice. Snowmobiles are also a big advantage in reaching remote areas to look for moose antler drops. The season to look for antler drops begins in January and it is becoming an enjoyable pastime for many.
Rangeley’s trails are well marked and there are many local trails to access homes, accommodations, and area businesses. If you are unfamiliar with the area or just want to explore some of the vast wildlands around Rangeley, consider hiring a guide. Three Registered Maine Guides that presently are guiding snowmobile outings include John Soucie and Chic Hembrow who guide out of Rivers Edge Spot Shop, 207.864.5582 . “Mac” Dudley, of Mountain High Backcountry Adventures, guides snowmobile trips and she also guides other winter sports such as snowshoeing and backcountry skiing, 207.864.5919.
Next Meeting
The next meeting of the RRG&SA will be held on Thursday January 15, 2009. The meeting will begin at 5:30 with a pot luck supper. The public is invited to attend.
rangeleyguidesandsportsmen.org

Article as it appears in the Rangeley Highlander dated 12/17/08 written by Kirby Holcombe

The RRG&SA has received a grant to purchase a computer based hunting simulation program called Laser Shot. It is felt that this system provides a hands-on teaching tool for youth programs as well as other education programs. RRG&SA Directors Dick Moore and Heather Targett have been researching this system for over a year.
The Laser Shot system provides the basic tools necessary for teaching and understanding the essential safety, ethics, and responsibilities of hunting and gun ownership. The laser based simulation system runs on a PC, LCD projector, and large video projection screen. The system includes an adult laser rifle and shotgun as well as a youth model laser rifle. The software includes a complete hunter education course along with a marksmanship training and field target training unit. The Laser Shot training systems are used by thousands of military and law enforcement agencies around the world.

Laser Shot’s Hunters’ Education motto is : “Youth recruitment is paramount to the survival of our hunting heritage.” The Hunter Education program gives youth a feel for the enjoyment and ethics of hunting and the shooting sports through computer simulation.
RRG&SA will be incorporating the Laser Shot program into our current hunting certification classes as well as having it available at our popular Outdoor Sporting Heritage Day and Junior Guides program in the summer. An archery package can be added in the future to enhance the youth bow program.
The funds for this new and exciting Laser Shot system was made possible with an educational grant from local non-profit group, Tranet.

Christmas Party and Gun Raffle
The December meeting was the RRG&SA annual Christmas party. The highlight of the night, after a stellar comedy routine by acting president Rusty Harvey, was the yankee swap. Much riotous laughter followed the unwrapping and swapping of gifts. The gifts exchanged covered a wide variety from the practical to the absurd. A typical gift exchange was Meg Targett, one of our younger members, swapping her gift for a cedar cooking plank which was taken from her and she ended up with a go-fish card game. A two jug coffee mug was shunned by most but was finally grabbed by Rusty who said it is perfect for his weekly card game.
The winners of the seven gun fall super raffle were drawn at the party. The tickets were sold out thanks to Rusty and Rivers Edge Sport Shop. The winners were: Ben Switser, Vermont; Paul Hood, New Hampshire; Ray Chapman, Oquossoc; Ned Addelson, Massachusetts; Jim Beach, Augusta; Tony Demers, New Hampshire; Don Dumont, Oquossoc.
Several interesting speakers are scheduled for the winter RRG&SA meetings. Topics include the effect of ticks on moose and the history of lynx in Maine. The next meeting of the RRG&SA is Thursday January 15.