Articles
The Free Press
By Bob Cram ( T.J. Coongate) Angus Dealman muttered angrily under his breath. “What’s that, yer say Angus?” Joe looked up from his plate of bacon and eggs. Angus was taking breakfast with me and Joe at the Five N’ Diner in beautiful downtown Mooseleuk. Now he picked up a copy of the local paper, … Continued
Nature’s Ornery Ways
By V. Paul Reynolds Whether hunting in Colorado High Country or the Maine North Woods fir forests, you always keep a close eye on the weather. In some cases weather vigilance can make the difference between being comfortable or uncomfortable – or downright miserable, or even in harm’s way. There is a mountain road in … Continued
The Motorsickle
By Bob Cram ( T.J. Coongate) On the front, between the handlebars, was bolted an ancient carbide miner’s lamp, its yellow flickering glow scarcely visible in the bright afternoon light. And over the rear, a ratty racoon tail waved at the end of a rusted whip antenna. The whole contraption tilted dangerously against a kickstand … Continued
A Good Tracking Day
By Hal Blood As I write this column, we just wrapped up the first week of deer season. Like many years we had some tracking snow up here in the Jackman area. Most of it came in the form of heavy squalls on Wednesday that weren’t predicted in any forecast, quite common here as the … Continued
Best Venison Recipes
By V. Paul Reynolds When the winter winds come blowing in and temperatures hover in the single digits, cooking and consuming great food warms the tummy and the soul. These venison recipes are sure to please. Seboeis Stew This recipe has been a time-tested favorite at a Maine North Woods deer camp frequented by … Continued
Awesome Alder Flies
By Joe Bertolaccini When fishing slow moving streams and ponds, I have frequently seen a black caddis like fly hatching from the shorelines. I was not aware that there was any such thing as a black caddis but what I found in reality was that I was looking at adult alderflies. In their life cycle, … Continued
This Old Gun
By Mark McCollough While writing this little essay, my father slipped the bonds of this Earth in the glow of a pumpkin-orange harvest moon. He once told me that he planned to go to the “happy hunting grounds.” No eternity of singing in heavenly choirs for Dad. It was Christmas morning 1971, and I … Continued
Salesman Angler
By Bob Leeman Maine’s favorite fishing writer, Bob Leeman, proudly presents his biggest, boldest and best book, “Salesman Angler.” A collection of heartfelt memories from the journal of a die-hard angler who spent a better part of his life on the road – but fished every chance he got. Send a check for $21.95 plus … Continued
Backtrack
From Islandport Press, a seasoned Maine outdoorsman retraces his steps with precision, poignancy and pluck. “Backtrack” will deepen your connection with the outdoors, bring a smile, and may even stir your soul. Send a check for $16.95, plus $2.00 for postage to: Maine Outdoor Publications, 51 Branchview N., Ellsworth, ME 04605. For more articles and … Continued
Young Hunters: Bringing Them Along
Giving talks to Rod and Gun clubs around the state is enjoyable for me. It’s a good chance to rub elbows with good people who share a common interest. I learn a lot and always come away with new insights and topics to write about. Most of the time, the food is good, too. During … Continued