Carrying Momentum into Autumn
The September, 2015 issue of The Maine Sportsman continues the energy and momentum outdoor enthusiasts developed over an excellent spring and summer:
Want to learn about black bear and Canada geese in Aroostook? Check out “The County,” by Bill Graves, starting on page 72. “Mr. Big,” a huge boar, did not stand a chance against Graves’ Smith & Wesson .500 revolver. The .500 is a hand-cannon, as seen in the photo of Bill on page 74.
Speaking of cannons, Colonel J.C. Allard is celebrating his 10th anniversary as our “Shooter’s Bench” columnist and describes his all-time favorite sporting weapon – a Winchester 71 in .348 caliber.
Having owned and fired this model, I concur with Allard’s assessment. This is a rifle suitable for moose – and anything smaller – so long as you can avoid developing a flinch (by the laws of physics, sending 2,800 foot-pounds of energy in one direction results in an “equal and opposite” force directly into the soft part of the shooter’s shoulder. Leading to subsequent soreness. Or so I’ve heard.).
In “Jackman Region,” William Sheldon introduces readers to “Kennebec Gold,” a/k/a monster brown trout that frequent the Kennebec River from Solon to North Anson.
If a casted trout fly misses its mark and hooks an angler in the nose or another sensitive area, it pays to know the “shank and yank” method of barb removal described in David Van Wie’s “Danger in the Outdoors” column.
Speaking of foreign locations, Val Marquez tells readers where to find bears, sea-run brown trout and bucks in York County, way down south in Maine’s lowest tip.
In September’s “New Hampshire” by Ethan Emerson, he provides informational commentary and photos from Phillips Brook and Nash Stream.
William Clunie, registered Maine guide, reveals how to make good use of the next ATV ride through the “Western Maine Mountains” preparing for fall hunts by scouting for moose and deer.
Curious about fabled trout waters Little Lyford and Long Pond (which produces hefty togue)? Review prolific writer Tom Seymour’s “Moosehead Report.”
Danielle Hinkley, a Miss Maine Sportsman finalist profiled on page 48, is in fact “living the dream”: Hunting Lead at Cabela’s, enjoying her new status as a registered Maine guide, and making appearances at this summer’s Moose Festival in Bethel, promoting Operation Game Thief.
Chris Smith emphasizes the patience required of archers in this month’s “Bowhunting” column, while Val Marquez, a renowned bowhunter himself, details in a special section the secrets of using game cameras to determine how whitetail deer establish patterns – and how the presence of a coyote in the deer’s range will alter the whitetail’s travel routes.
Lou Zambello propels himself (and his camera) around Jackman by bike in “Maine Bicycling,” and speaking of being self-propelled, Jim Andrews contributes another informative piece this month discussing how GoPro cameras and other technological advances have enhanced – and at the same time detracted from – the Maine outdoors experience.
In this month’s Sporting Dogs Special Section, Marc Turgeon reveals his choices for the “Best Hunting Dogs in Maine,” selections that were already drawing praise and condemnation from advocates for all breeds, starting the day the issue hit the newsstands.
And King Montgomery pays tribute to everyone who lost loved ones or were otherwise affected by the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. King was stationed in the Washington, DC area at the time and his friend Chuck died in the Pentagon crash that killed 184 people. He mourns the impact on our nation, as well as regretting that he and his friend never had the opportunity to take that fishing trip they always talked about. It’s been 14 years since 9/11; we will never, ever forget.
Many letters to the editor (keep them coming, readers!), and a stunning upland game photo on the cover, taken by our own King Montgomery and featuring Bill Pierce of the Rangeley Outdoor Sporting Heritage Museum, complete this issue.
Do you already miss summer? Don’t. September and October are the most exciting months of the year – at least, until deer season spent upta’ camp in November. We here at the Sportsman are glad you’re along for the ride.
– Will Lund, editor
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