Tag Archives: hunting

Bear baiting opens July 27

Bear baiting opens this Saturday. I started thinking last winter about where I wanted to put the bait barrel. It seems like somewhere on this 45 acres we own there would be a good spot. There isn’t. For the sake of the dogs and bears, who should never meet, it needs to be far from […]

How to Clean a Partridge in Two Minutes or Less

The partridge (ruffed grouse) crossed the road in front of me and hid in the dead ferns lining the road. It was too far ahead of me for a good shot so I picked up the pace and got closer. I hadn’t taken my eyes off the ferns so I knew the exact location of […]

Opening Day Eve

It’s Opening Day Eve. My clothes have been washed in scent-free detergent and hung outside to dry, and the pretty smelling shampoo, conditioner and soap have been pushed aside for unscented products. My rifle is sighted in. I have my fluorescent orange out, my boots are on the heater, and I know what I’m having […]

Scott and McKenna Harriman Got Their Moose

Message from Tammy last night: Do you want to go hunting in the morning? Does a bear… Reply: Absolutely! I knew where I wanted to hunt for partridge this morning. It’s a place in Waite I was sure Tammy, who is new to the area, hadn’t been. There’s a clear cut that’s in the process […]

I Really Need a Moose Permit

I wanted a moose permit this year. “You’ll get it this year,” they said. “Your odds are better this year.” As much as I wanted the moose permit, I didn’t expect to be drawn, and I wasn’t. Moose is one of my favorite meats. I’d like to have an ample supply in the freezer. Around […]

Yes, I Bait Bears

Bear baiting. It’s probably the most controversial topic out there regarding hunting in Maine. I hated it passionately. How can anyone sit over a bait bucket and shoot an animal? How unfair. It made me furious. I wasn’t a hunter at the time. I had no personal knowledge, only hearsay, but that was good enough […]

Why Do You Hunt?

Why do you hunt? It’s a question I’m often asked. I sometimes give a well rehearsed, detailed explanation of why I hunt. Other times, when I know there’s nothing “right” I can say to the person asking, I give a brief answer. I’d rather not get into a heated discussion about hunting but will if […]