Dock Disaster...

One of my more "not much is going on in the spring" posts, but nevertheless a happening in my life... In the works are the BB Gun Blast and the Skunk at Tunk... stay tuned...


There are things in life we don't realize and I took my father-in-law for granted.  It's been almost two years since he passed, but often I get reminded about how much he did around the house, yard, and camp.  Taking over some of the responsibilities in order to help out my mother-in-law is not the problem, I would say the time on top of my already loaded schedule forces the hardship.  Needless to say that I won't whine or refuse assistance to the mom-in-law, but Papa's shoes aren't necessarily easy to fill...

The dock which has served so well met a fate fostered by neglect and nature...

The first weekend of vacation put my family further down east as I took advantage of some decent weather to accomplish some mini-tasks for Nana.  In addition, a ride to the camp was on the docket for I knew that the dock had been smoked during the winter season.  My hope was to reset, repair, and catch a trout before sundown.  Yep, I knew better...
 

With the dock came down the steps and if you look closer, the porch had dropped some...

In the past, it would be brought out in the fall and returned in the spring.  However, illness & time available prohibited any action these past few years and the dock weathered the ice season, especially last year's early ice out.  Intention and planning were not friendly in terms of the dock while mother nature took steadfast action on the aging dock.  To make matters worse, it was not intended to be a permanent dock.  Plans had always been discussed about dropping in a more durable structure.

To no surprise, the dock put in place when I first met my wife begged for demolition.  So I donned the 1600 Cabelas waders with a hammer and jumped into the 38 degree water.  After several hours of patience and no fish on for my oldest, we agreed that it was time to get back to Nana's.  The dock officially was no more but the waders earned a gold star approval.

The basic frame with a quick deck alignment, leveling still needed...

That following Monday, I purchased the necessary materials and built the frame at home.  The next day earned a delivery and prompt set up.  Two days later, I returned to level the frame, secure the posts, and repair the steps.  Then I decided while I had time, the north porch needed to be jacked up and new posts added.  The vacation was getting by me, but with no dock there would be no fun this summer once lobstering takes over every spare second.  Finally, I ordered the planking which waits for this weekend where camp, trout, and relaxation are the items on the list.

The porch, steps, and dock all leveled.  Planking and rails on the next trip...

The dock should have been taken out; I know that but after investing time, money, and energy into this one, I will not forget Papa's dedication to the camp and be sure this dock doesn't become the next victim in the war against time.


Thanks for reading,


The Downeast Duck Hunter

A challenge and a BB gun...

During my April vacation, I was chatting with my friend Trey Luckie of Brave Eagles Hunt with Antique Brownings about writing topics.  It would be fair to say that I told him that my daughter who had never shot a BB gun in her life would be a natural marksman.  After all, she is the future Downeast Duck Girl and an excited participant in all of life's good adventures.

This bold statement's fruition came after reading his post about going on a camping retreat with his son which included target competition with BB guns.  I decided that the old Red Rider needed to be pulled out of the box, oiled, and loaded up for for some practice.  This topic will be more inclusive in a few days once I get my laptop back, but for now here's my daughter showing Trey Luckie how it's done. 

Have a great day
The Downeast Duck Hunter

You have reached the blog of the Downeast Duck Hunter...

He is not available at this time and will return shortly after vacation...

Guest Column: Dennis Perry of Rising Sun Outfitters

 One of the key players in my efforts to become a Registered Maine Guide just happens to be an accomplished guide himself.  Dennis Perry of Rising Sun Outfitters deserves much credit for his leadership, tutoring, and support in an almost daily correspondence of question & answer, preparation, and perspective.  Although we have only accompanied each other in the field sparingly, I do look forward to the days ahead chasing down a brook trout or dropping a committed black duck.  The most impressive quality I've determined is that Dennis might be one of the most passionate sportsmen I've ever encountered with an outdoor aptitude that will certainly impress.  Spend an hour with this guy, you'll know what I mean. 

Dennis Perry, Registered Maine Guide

This column is in response to my previous two post concerning DIFW commissioner Chandler Woodcook's visit to Washington County.


Please comment on your thoughts concerning the meeting.

I had a pretty good feeling when I left last night and that Chandler Woodcock has sparked some positive "new life" within the department.  I believe that he will be a man that will listen to someone if they call and return a call if he is unavailable.  It’s nice that he is a fellow sportsman as well and understands the thoughts and wants of sportsmen.


There was a lot of talk about the deer population crash.

In the end, yes we have a deer problem in Washington County.  I think that the season should be shortened so the deer don't have to look over their shoulders from October 1st until the 2nd week of December.

I think that the state needs to continue the fight and get coyote snaring back with firm rules on this practice.  However, this needs to be limited to trained Animal Damage Control agents or appropriate state authorities.  No one wants to hear about snaring coyotes, but it is the most effective means to control or stabilize a population.  Coyotes are like mosquitoes, we will never be able to get rid of them but my mosquito magnet makes things a lot better at my house.  I have noticed in 3 years of running the mosquito magnet, my mosquito population has significantly decreased. I think that the coyote population would have a similar effect if we increase our efforts to control the coyote.


Do we put too much expectation on DIFW?

I don't think that we as sportsman can shoulder or push all the blame on the department, and that each and every sportsman has a choice right now to lay off the younger bucks during deer season.  Again, it is a conscious decision that each one of us has to make until there are some new regulations. 


What can we as sportsmen do to help the problem?

I think that it is important to take a look at the future of deer hunting in Maine and there is a lack of young hunters getting hooked on deer hunting.  You can't go and shoot what we don't have right now.  I think that kids get discouraged and eventually lose interest.

There was a lot of talk about coyote predation from game management, increased seasons, and reinstating old practices to reduce the coyote population.  What’s you mind on the issue?

I think that one of the people had a good thought with delisting the coyote as a fur bearing animal. That's a good start. We should be able to trap them year round and be able to shoot them year round at night.  I believe that a bounty on them complicates issues and would probably stir more strife from anti-hunters. That is something that we don't need.

It was said several times that the bear population is one species that has increased in population and also that bear prey on newborn deer.  In addition, it was suggested to increase the bear limit to 2 bear per fall season.  Any thoughts?

I like the idea being tossed around with 2 bears per hunter. I believe that a lot of people will see the benefits from this. The State will see it from increased fees and guides will certainly see the benefit with hunters knowing that they can come to Maine for an opportunity to hunt two bears. Gas stations, grocery stores, sporting goods stores, restaurants and others will see a greater economic benefit. It is quite likely that this will be a win-win for everyone.


Throughout the meeting, what stood out most for you?

In the end, I was most impressed with the local guides and sportsmen in the Grand Lake Stream area that took the bull by the horns and locked up thousands of acres of habitat for sportsman through the Downeast Lakes Land Trust.  That certainly was not easy, but if 14 dedicated people can do it than I think that leaders in Augusta could and should learn from this model plan and expand from there.


It was suggested that firms such as Old Town Canoe, L.L. Bean, and Cabelas could play key roles in addressing the problems cited during the meeting.  Is it feasible to consider this and what may be ways for these companies to contribute especially within the realm of predator control?

I believe that L.L. Bean and Cabelas may be in a position to assist the state of Maine in promoting predator control through effective hunting practices. These companies are the "Big Two" in Maine and it seems that maybe they could put on seminars for the general public by professional predator hunters.  It may be possible that the two companies could give a donation of some sort towards predator control.

A Positive Experience...

My truest intentions did not collaborate with my actions last night when I attended the Pleasant River Rod & Gun Conservation Association annual meeting in Columbia Falls.  Although a camera, notebook, pen, and an inspired attitude towards a feeble attempt at journalism were on the docket, the night became more of a learning experience.  Simply put, if I were to try to document anything during the two hour discussion then I would be forfeiting one fine learning opportunity.  So without one picture and some worthwhile notes, the following narrative highlights my experience with the Commissioner of DIF&W Chandler Woodcock, Executive Director of the Sportsman's Alliance of Maine Matthew Dunlap, and the fifty or so people of broad experience and influence.

Captain Dennis Perry of RSO

As I entered the gym I caught up with Dennis Perry, a fellow Maine Guide who is a top gun for Rising Sun Outfitters.  After some prodding, Dennis has agreed to submit a guest column about his thoughts about the meeting.  In addition, I wrote a post on the DEDH blog a few years ago when he invited me to attend a duck hunt which became a fine opportunity to honor his fine retriever, Lexi.  Click Here

We shot the bull for a few minutes and was introduced to another guide Matt Whitegiver who you may have read about over at the Maine Outdoorsman.  Matt owns the Wilderness Lodge and runs the Eagle Mountain Guide Service.  Shortly thereafter, we took our seats and the meeting began.

Rather than receive two coordinated speeches, the men after being introduced quickly brought the conversation to the audience.  They filtered throughout the crowd and took every question cast with the intent to merge the ideas at the state level into the reasoning of the crowd.  It became quite apparent that much needs to be done but without input, effort, and reflection no progress can be made.  So here's the talking points from my perspective...

The bulk of the meeting focused primarily on the deer population including coyote, bear, and habitat management. 

Talk dominated the night ranging from the fathoming of why the stock is in the state of collapse, plans to address the problem, and efforts to support a greater whitetailed deer population.

Within the forum, ideas such as a deer stamp to fund greater action for deer research, habitat protection (wintering yards), and predator control were weighed against the stance that asserting yet another fee without clearly allocating the funds with a distinct purpose had the sportsmen wary.  Other topics raised were a shorter or closed season, year round trapping for coyote, a second bear permit within the scope of the regular season, spring bear hunting season, and limiting the harvest of quality deer yards that land owners may not even know exists albeit the massive cutting of the woods.

The conversation went in a variety of ways as both the commissioner and executive director handled each and every comment or question with a forthright and committed demeanor.

In terms of my participation, I felt compelled to seriously learn more about the coyote issue.  Having lived on an island my entire life and never once seeing a coyote, I became a passive observer.  With no input on this heavy issue, I sat back and appreciated the ideas, comments, and questions all offered within the two hour time frame.

My only contribution was in closure as I inquired whether or not the commissioner would be marketing his trademark bow tie with DIF&W logos.  I feel it got quite a chuckle out of the audience, but I also took the time to publicly thank everyone for what I considered a highly worthwhile evening.

Much thanks goes out to the PRRGCA for hosting this event, and I appreciate the willingness of all parties to partake in the forum.

As the commissioner so well stated, "The natural resources of Maine are precious and we (meaning each and every person) must do something meaningful for the future generations of Maine." and I feel that no one left the meeting without a sense of betterment and anticipation of a positive effort to ensure the great outdoors remains just that.

Stay tuned for my next installment on this meeting featuring Dennis Perry of Rising Sun Outfitters.