Focus on Bears
Maine has a healthy and stable population of black bears – the largest in the eastern United States, according to state biologists. And hunting bears in the late summer gets you out into the woods, where you can scout for deer and other game in advance of the fall hunts.
Whether you decide to still-hunt, hunt with dogs, or over bait, know that by hunting you are helping Maine’s DIF&W reach the goals set forth in its ten-year Big Game Management Plan 2017 – 2027.
We still have too many bears – as many as 35,000 bears, well above the target population of 23,000.
Time to bring back the springtime hunt?
Until that time, let’s celebrate what we’ve got, remembering the seasons and dates. Youth Day: August 26. General season: August 28 through November 25. Hunting with bait: August 28 through September 23.
Bear trapping: September 1 through October 31. Hunting with dogs: September 11 through October 27. Bag limit: two per year – one by hunting, and one by trapping. Resident hunters do not need a bear permit to hunt bear during the regular firearms season for deer; however, out-of-state residents must purchase a permit to hunt bear at all times.
In addition to the outstanding cover photo (check out those claws), The Maine Sportsman’s August issue focuses on several important aspects of bear hunting:
- Scent control, by experienced bear trapper Staci Warren, in her monthly “Getting Out There” column; and
- How to decide between a ground blind and an elevated blind, in a special bear hunting section written by Bill Graves.
We also cover the precise and often elusive art of trailering, whether it’s a boat (see Bob Humphrey’s “Towing and Launching your Boat,” on page 34) or an ATV (covered in Steve Carpenteri’s “ATV Trailering Tips,” starting on page 18). Some of Maine’s best outdoor entertainment takes place at boat ramps, where weekend warriors try to back down the narrow thread of tarmac, often to the delight of large and appreciative audiences.
Want more? We’ve got ten-foot sturgeon in Cobbossee Stream; a photo of the first-ever stand-up ATV; Maine’s original story-telling guide, Ed Grant, founder of Grant’s Camps; and instructions how to build your own walk-in game cooler.
Once again this month, our regular columnists deliver the goods. Check out Joe Saltalamachia’s “Big Bucks Don’t Come Easy,” Big Woods’ story of chasing a buck through seven different beds, trout flies made with foam, and Lou Zambello’s best fly patterns for striped bass.
Want still more? Christi Holmes reveals the secrets of Ladies Hunting Camp, Tom Seymour describes Moosehead Lake’s “best fishing ever,” and William Clunie introduces Andro, a Vizsla puppy, to the world.
The writers also let loose with some humor in this issue. Doug Tibbetts offers “The Great Outhouse Race,” while both Val Marquez and Randy Randall offer dubious, unlicensed marriage counseling hints.
So pick up a copy of The Sportsman’s August issue – from your mailbox, at your favorite store, or by calling our friendly office staff at 207 622-4242, and enjoy a full 80 pages packed with content, including informative columns and articles, great letters to the editor, and the best cartoons in print.
Questions? Contact the editor at Will@MaineSportsman.com or the office manager at Carol@MaineSportsman.com.
Enjoy the warm weather, and join us in counting down to the fall hunting seasons!
Will Lund, Editor
The Maine Sportsman magazine
