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Peaks and valleys: A year in the life on Tucker Ridge

We all seem to reflect this time of year on things past while looking forward to a fresh start. Triumphs and achievements are warmly regarded, while our defeats and setbacks continue to needle us. From Tucker Ridge, I’ve observed and in some instances been involved in some of the major issues Mainers have battled for […]

Living sub-zero: The toughest aspects of winter homesteading

As the mercury plunges and the cracking of frozen tree branches echo down the ridge, my trepidation returns along with winter. I can’t help but wonder, sometimes to the point of minor hysteria, if I’ve made all of the necessary preparations around the homestead for the coming freeze. There is no end to the number of […]

Calling all predators

It’s no secret that the deer population in Maine has been on a downward trend for several years. While pockets of the state hold decent whitetail numbers, many rural and remote regions continue to see a decline in mature deer. A mild winter and abundant food sources this past year hasn’t changed that as far […]

Autumn hunting in Maine can’t be beat

This time of year there is a lot going on for the Maine hunter. Black bear is still open, archery season for deer is open and firearm season is right around the corner. Ruffed grouse, wild turkey and snowshoe hare are all open right now too. Some of the folks who were lucky enough to […]

How to put more grouse in the bag this month

By now most bird hunters have made their way into the logging roads and field edges in pursuit of that ever elusive, fighter jet of a game bird, the ruffed grouse. Similarly, most have found we are a bit rusty at wing shooting and have had our serving of humble pie. Getting back to these […]

How Trump’s visit to Bangor could turn a blue state red.

How Trump's visit to Bangor could turn a blue state red

When Donald Trump hits the stage at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor on Wednesday afternoon, he will be attempting to do what no other presidential candidate has done in Maine since Richard Nixon in 1972, turning the Pine Tree state from blue to red.

5 reasons why the proposed Katahdin region national monument is a bad idea

The proposed national monument in the Katahdin region east of Baxter State Park is a bad idea. It’s bad for sportsmen, bad for recreation, bad for timber and bad for Maine. Here are my top 5 reasons to back it up. 1. Federal land use restrictions There are many differences when hunting on federal land […]

It’s wheeler time! Here are some trails already open and tips to get you started

With winter behind us and mud season not nearly as sloppy as it usually is, the time to roll out your ATV and hit the trails is here! Opportunities for ATV riding throughout Maine have exploded in recent years with many folks, clubs and government organizations coming together to promote this fast growing hobby. Here’s […]

Why Maine is a true sportsman’s paradise

Opening day of the Spring Gobbler season found a way to sneak up on me this year. Usually, I’m well planned and have my spots scouted and prepared. My gear is sorted through, replacing deer hunting equipment with turkey tools. My slate call is well roughed up and some practice calling has already taken place. […]

Why Maine’s silent majority must make their stand, again.

Once again, Maine’s citizen ballot initiative process is being corrupted by outside influences. The state chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense, a spin off of the former New York City billionaire mayor Michael Bloomberg’s Everytown for Gun Safety lobby, saw it’s anti-gun proposal LD 1662 clear the final hurdle last week in anticipation […]