Featured Articles

  BY Hal Blood Winter is in full swing, but telling deer stories keeps us hunters warm and cozy. Last month, I wrote about the first two weeks of my deer season, and this month, I’ll finish up the season. When the third week rolled around, there was still no tracking snow to be found. … Continued

  By Kale O’Leary   The following article is the strangest encounter with a wild animal that I have ever had in my life. People often ask me if I have ever had any “close calls” with bears when talking with them as Game Warden. I have always told people the same lines, “they are … Continued

Editor’s note: This ice fishing report was prepared by state fisheries biologists and technicians listed below who oversee fisheries management throughout the state. The Sporting Journal is indebted to these dedicated men and women who oversee and manage Maine’s fabled and valuable sport fishery. Tight lines and check the ice before you venture forth! Sebago … Continued

BY Al Swett Snowmobiling in Maine started back in the 1950’s and 1960’s without a trail system. Today out Maine Trail Network is a destination point for riders from all over the United States and Canada. Our Interconnecting Trail System, or ITS as we call it, stretches from the deep South to the North Maine woods. … Continued

BY V. Paul Reynolds       Donn Fendler was a 12-year-old boy who became famous for surviving a harrowing nine-day ordeal in 1939 when he got lost on Mount Katahdin. His story of survival captivated the nation. Fendler grew to manhood, distinguished himself as military warrior and during his later years came back to … Continued

  By Ken Baer This is something that I have pondered before. With the recent happenings at the statehouse and after reading in V. Paul’s article last month, Paul asked this specific question. I decided it was time for me to answer it. There are many reasons why we hunt, but only so many can … Continued

By Tom Kelly   Personally, I would not spend a lot of money on a new hunter’s first rifle. Many start out with a hand me down from grandpa or Uncle Zeke and that is great. However, today, many new hunters do not come from hunting families. I frequently share my opinions in this column, … Continued

By Paul Fuller Although October is often thought of as the absolute prime month for grouse and woodcock hunting, November should not be overlooked. For your author, the big advantage of November is less foliage.  You can see the birds in flight much easier than in October.  Every year, I hear of more upland hunters … Continued

By Hal Blood   The long wait is over. Deer season is upon us once again. Bow hunters have been at it for a while, but the majority of hunters hit the woods during the firearms season. Deer hunters hit the woods for a variety of reasons. For some it’s just about getting out in … Continued