Monthly Archives: February 2017

Anti-trapping and anti-hunting groups lose Lynx lawsuit

U.S. District Court Judge Jon Levy has ruled against a lawsuit that sought to revoke the incidental take permits that protect trappers from prosecution under the Endangered Species Act if they accidentally capture a Canadian lynx, now on the ESA protected list. Judge Levy granted a motion by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for […]

Lots of opposition to simplifying Maine’s fishing rules

The legislative hearing on my proposal to organize a Commission to simplify Maine’s complicated fishing rules drew very little support, although five members of the IFW legislative committee cosponsored the bill. Most disappointing was the opposition of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and the “neither for nor against” testimony of the Sportsman’s Alliance […]

You must go north to find excellent brook trout fishing

“Brook Trout,” an amazing book written by Nick Karas and published in 1997, is an entertaining, informative, and at times discouraging book about North America’s brook trout. I recently re-read Nick’s book, to prepare for public hearings on a couple of important brook trout bills at the legislature. There’s a lot of truth in the […]

From deer antler restrictions to life jackets, lots of bills are ready for action

Nearly 1/3 of the legislature’s 1900 bills have been drafted, and there are lots of outdoor issues on the agenda for hearings in the next month or so. Here are a few of the more interesting bills for those of us who enjoy the outdoors in Maine. LD 61, sponsored by Rep. McCrea of Fort […]

My father’s wisdom on Sunday hunting, moose, beaver and more

My Dad, Ezra Smith, was a life-long sportsmen with strong opinions on fish and wildlife issues which he often shared in letters to the editor of our state’s newspapers. From time to time I like to share Dad’s thoughts with you. They are often remarkably timely. Here are a few. Sunday Hunting The recent news […]

Legislature considers bill to simplify fishing rules

My proposal to establish a commission to simplify Maine’s complicated fishing rules is scheduled for a public hearing by the legislature’s Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee on Tuesday, February 14, at 1 pm in Room 206 of the Cross Building next to the Capitol. LD 187, sponsored by Representative Michelle Dunphy of Old Town, would […]

Controversial quotes from Maine sportsmen and others

For many years I’ve been writing a monthly Quotable Sportsman column for The Maine Sportsman. These quotes are often controversial, usually informative, and sometimes entertaining. Occasionally in this Outdoor News column I’m going to look back and give you some of those quotes. While hunting, fishing, camping and other venerable outdoor recreation activities will continue […]

Maine aggressively fights invasive plants but not fish and wildlife.

Maine is aggressively fighting invasive plants and insects, but not wild animals and fish, like this northern pike. And I think that’s too bad. This recent quote from Doug Denico, Director of Maine’s Forestry Bureau, got my attention: “The Maine Forest Service, Public Lands and the Natural Areas Program have joined with the Bureau of […]