Hunting
The Duck Hunters
By Dave O’Connor Duck season was due to open the following morning. We were late getting out of work and slightly tired when we got to Home Base, the hunting camp in the backwaters of Merrymeeting Bay. That something was wrong was easy to see, the door was open, the lock smashed. The old … Continued
Hunting Winter Coyotes
By Justin Merrill In the event you do venture out to howl in a coyote this January or February be prepared to sit at least an hour or longer. Dress for the occasion. Pick your spot carefully. Contrary to what some people believe, coyotes are extremely social animals. Anyone that spends over 460 hours … Continued
Why Try Brand
By Dave O’Connor “So you’re trying to be like Herself, just a bit of downright cussedness that runs to your core?” He was ugly. I suppose in looking back on it that he was probably right to think that I was selling him down the drain. It wasn’t that I made a practice of it, … 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
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
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
Moose Hunting: Lessons to Be Learned
A north wind was blowing snow sideways across the lake. I was hunkered down close to the woodstove, its warmth and the monochromatic view from my window provided little inspiration for moving to my computer to complete my on-line moose permit application…for the 30th time. I, like many of you, have unsuccessfully played the moose … Continued
Last Chance Buck
As another deer season comes to a close, it is time to sit back and reflect on all the places hunted and sights that were seen. For me, the memories created during the deer season are as important as the hunt itself. I can do my Monday morning quarterbacking and think about what I should … Continued
Maine Mountain Man
He had just one shot, and he had to make it count. The wounded grizzly roared out of the willows. His enormous jaws extended and eyes flashing fire. Oh Heavens! Was ever anything so hideous? We could not retain sufficient presence of mind to shoot at him but took to our heels separating as we … Continued
Moose Calling
By Matt Laroche One of the best moose callers I know is Trevor O’Leary, the Allagash Ranger at Michaud Farm. He does some guiding on his time off for one of the guide services in the Town of Allagash. Trevor is very good at calling moose. Calling in a big bull moose during the … Continued
My name is Cody Fish. I enjoy reading the Northwoods Sporting Journal while out on my fishing trips aboard the two 80-90 foot offshore scallop boats I work on. Our trips are typically a week to two weeks long. As we steam out to the fishing grounds, or even home, I frequently find myself reading the whole journal cover to cover. Wonderful advice, tips, and stories to help me remember just how beautiful the state I call home is. I reside in the town of Union, Maine and am an avid deer Hunter and trout fisherman. I am attaching a picture of me holding the journal as I steam the boat towards Cape Cod.
- Cody Fish"