Ashland correspondent welcomes fall
ASHLAND NEWS
Though we can all agree the summer of 2010 was one of the best this area has seen in years, I think we can also agree it’s nice to see autumn arrive, or as we locals call it, moose and bird season … not to mention the arrival of the crispy, cool days and spectacular foliage we all anticipate and visitors flock to. The arrival of fall also means we are kept busy getting our lives prepared for winter. I, for one, am looking forward to fastening on my skis and hitting the local cross-country trails! I know that four-letter word is one people don’t want to hear, but for those of us who enjoy winter sports, “snow” is a welcome sight.
I am happy to report there have been many deer sightings as of late. Not a lot of bucks, but without a doubt the number of does and fawns seem to be on the rise, especially compared to the last several years. They are being seen in small herds from fields and yards in the towns to areas in the deep woods. This is something we have seldom seen over the past few years. It brings a glimmer of hope and relief to know these critters are seemingly surviving and thriving. I am sure they are nowhere near safe yet, but seeing them is certainly a good sign. So folks, be on the look out while driving! We want to keep those deer and ourselves safe so we can begin to enjoy (without concern) productive deer hunts once again. Just goes to show, our deer are like our people – resourceful and strong!
Word out of Danforth is a new black bear with bow state record may have been taken. A first time out-of-state hunter (beginners luck!) harvested a bruin weighing in at 497 and one-half pounds (this being the highest weight of the three taken upon harvest). Trouble is, because it was dressed, the official live weight is obviously not available. With the professional calculations, it is thought a bear weighing in with a dressed weight of 400-plus pounds, can add an additional 20-25 percent of body weight to estimate the live weight. Therefore, this bear could have tipped the scales at over 620 pounds! That’s a big bear and Maine has plenty of them … as does Aroostook County. Walk softly and carry a big stick. Actually, make that walk loudly and carry a big gun!
Some of us lucky locals were fortunate to score moose tags this year. Me being one of them – a first time permit holder. The first week of the annual hunt was a productive one with the Ashland Gateway checking in 217 moose with the heaviest weighing in at a monstrous 1,040 pounds! As usual, there were a few really nice looking bulls checked in. I have included a few pictures to share with you.
As was predicted, the opening bird season has been phenomenal! Reports from local hunters, along with my own practice and word from the Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, indicate the birds and hunters are/were abundant. Hunters have had good luck on the woods roads, as well as with the employ of dogs. Regardless, there is just something so peaceful about the bird hunt even if I don’t bring any home. Everywhere you look, you’re enveloped by the rich colors of the season, the silence of woods as you kick through the brush and leaves, the smell of autumn in the air. There is nothing like the rush that comes from hearing the thump of partridge wings as they take flight. Gets me every time. I think most hunters and outdoors people would unanimously agree being in wild places has a way of lifting your spirit and healing your soul. Nature never fails me. Mother Nature. How can I ever repay her?
ASHLAND CORRESPONDENT Susan Feeney-Hopkins with her first (cow) moose weighing in at 571 pounds (dressed).
PORTAGE LAKE RESIDENTS Dave Farnum and Judy Drissel each scored impressive bulls during the first week of the annual moose hunt. Farnum’s weighed in at an outstanding 804 pounds (dressed) with a 50-inch spread, while Drissel’s bull was equally awesome with a dressed weight of 720 pounds sporting a 47-inch spread.
Due to the overwhelming success and spookiness of last year’s party, the Portage Lake Recreation Department will be hosting what is shaping up to be an annual Pumpkin Party.
Scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 23 starting at 2 p.m., the party will be held at the Portage Lake Town Hall. Admission is by donation, and all donations are greatly appreciated and will benefit the recreation department’s endeavors.
Once again there will be five costume awards given – so be sure to come dressed in your best costume! There will also be crafts for the making, a game room, a dance room and the very chilling Spooky Room. Enter if you dare! The Bat Café will be selling snacks throughout the party and a Halloween movie will be shown to wind down the afternoon.
Come on out and enjoy this very exciting fun time!
Susan Feeney-Hopkins is the correspondent for Ashland, Portage Lake, Oxbow, Masardis, Garfield, Nashville Plantation and surrounding townships. She can be reached at 435-8232 or feenhop@aol.com.
