New England Fisheries and Wildlife News
BackWoods Sportsman OutDoors mission as a fishing guide service as well as a New England fishing informational web site that fishes the great waters of New England. With a focus on freshwater fishing the open waters as well as the hard waters of New England's winter ice. We are in search of and the catching of Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Perch, Sunfish and Crappies as well as being a top leader for fishing information with updated local fishing reports, fishing articles, fishing pictures, fishing videos, fishing tournament schedules, lake maps, outdoor recipes, fishing tips, kids fishing events and outdoor activities and state outdoor news
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7/28/10
Five Disabled Maine Veterans Get Controlled Moose Hunt Permits
Five Disabled Maine Veterans were selected through a lottery to receive permits for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s Controlled Moose Hunt in Aroostook County.
Story
7/27/10
Illegal Pacu Captured in Limestone Brook; Man Charged
A Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife biologist and two game wardens recently captured an exotic Pacu fish from an unnamed brook in Limestone, and a Limestone man has been charged with illegally stocking Maine’s waters and possession of a restricted species of fish without a permit.
Story
7/27/10
Paper Applications for Any-Deer Permit Lottery Due Friday, July 30; Online Entries Due Aug. 16
The deadline for paper applications for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s Any-Deer Permit Lottery is 5 p.m. Friday, July 30.
Story
6/28/10
It's Time to Apply for Any Deer Permit Lottery; It's Easy to Do Online!
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is accepting applications for the annual Any-Deer (Antlerless) Permit Lottery, and hunters will find it easy to enter online.
Story
6/23/10
Maine Warden Service, Maine Marine Patrol to Increase Boating Law Enforcement June 25-27 in Operation Dry Water
Are you looking forward to a relaxing boat ride this weekend with that ice chest full of cold beer? Better think again.
Story
6/23/10
Princeton Man’s Body Recovered from Big Lake This Morning (June 23)
Civilian boaters assisting under the direction of the Maine Warden Service located the body of Scott James, 40, of Princeton, at approximately 7:15 a.m. today, June 23, on Big Lake in Township 27.
Story
6/17/10
MDIFW, L.L.Bean Partner for Annual Moose Permit Lottery Today in Freeport
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is proud to partner with L.L.Bean to celebrate the 2010 Moose Permit Lottery today.
Story
6/14/10
Tim Sample & MDIFW Day: A Special Combination on Saturday, June 19, at Maine Wildlife Park in Gray
New England’s premier native humorist Tim Sample will perform two shows during Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Day this Saturday, June 19, at the Maine Wildlife Park, on Route 26 in Gray.
Story
6/11/10
Dr. Kenneth Elowe, state's lead fish and wildlife biologist, to leave MDIF&W for federal post
Commissioner Roland “Danny” Martin announced today that Dr. Kenneth Elowe will leave the position of Director of the Bureau of Resource Management on July 30, 2010.
Story
6/9/10
Maine Maintains Outdoor Heritage Through License Sales
Over the last 10 years, Maine has maintained its license sales while most other New England states have experienced significant declines in purchases of hunting and fishing licenses.
Story
6/4/10
Latest Maine Fish & Wildlife magazine now online
The spring edition of Maine Fish & Wildlife, the magazine of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, now is available online only.
Story
6/3/10
MDIF&W's Family Free Fishing Days This Weekend -- June 5-6
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s annual spring Family Free Fishing Days are this weekend, June 5-6.
Story
5/24/10
MDIF&W's 2010 Moose Lottery Permit Drawing Set for June 17 at L.L.Bean
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner Roland “Danny” Martin is pleased to announce that the 2010 Moose Permit Lottery Drawing will be held Thursday, June 17, at L.L.Bean in Freeport.
Story
5/19/10
IF&W Free Fishing Days June 5-6; Correction to Dates Listed in New Fishing Rule Book
The new two-year fishing law book released last month by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife incorrectly identifies the state’s spring “Free Family Fishing Days.”
Story
5/11/10
LaGrange Man Suffers Serious Injuries While Turkey Hunting
Adam Jewell, 30, of LaGrange, suffered serious injuries to his face, neck and the left side of his torso today (May 11, 2010) when he was hit by pellets while turkey hunting at approximately 7 a.m. in Chester, off the west side of North Chester Road.
Story
5/11/10
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Director Honored by The Wildlife Society
Dr. Kenneth Elowe, Director of the Bureau of Resource Management of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, recently was honored by the Northeast Section of The Wildlife Society for his outstanding professional accomplishments in landscape-level habitat conservation benefiting wildlife in Maine and the Northeast.
Story
5/10/10
Online Applications for MDIF&W's 2010 Moose Permit Lottery Due Friday, May 14; Drawing is June 17
Online applications for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s 2010 Moose Permit Lottery are due by 11:59 p.m. this Friday, May 14. The only applications still being accepted are those filed online at www.mefishwildlife.com.
Story
4/28/10
IF&W: 2010 Spring Wild Turkey Hunting Season Begins May 3; Youth Day is May 1
Spring wild turkey hunting season is upon us with a significant change in the spring bag limit.
Story
4/28/10
Damariscotta Resident Catches Record Yellow Perch, confirms Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
Eric York of Damariscotta caught a record-setting yellow perch on Damariscotta Lake on Feb. 28, 2010.
Story
4/12/10
IF&W Presents Legendary Maine Guide Awards; Names Honor After Wilmot "Wiggie" Robinson
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife presented its first legendary Maine Guide awards at the Maine Professional Guides Association annual banquet on Saturday, April 10, in Brewer.
Story
4/12/10
Maine "Lake and River Protection Sticker" Now Required on Seaplanes
In an effort to help bring attention to the threat and prevention of invasive plants in Maine’s nearly 6,000 lakes and ponds, the Maine Legislature last year passed a law requiring seaplanes – owned by residents or non-residents landing in Maine – to carry a “Lake and River Protection Sticker.”
Story
4/9/10
Maine Wildlife Park in Gray Opens Thursday, April 15
The Maine Wildlife Park on Route 26 in Gray will be opening for the 2010 season on Thursday, April 15 this year. With over 104,000 visitors during 2009, we are looking forward to welcoming both returning and new folks this year.
Story
4/5/10
"The Maine Fishing Guide" a New Online Tool for Planning Fishing Trips
Designed by the Fisheries Division of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, “The Maine Fishing Guide” is an online tool to assist anglers with locating Maine’s sportfish locations, and to give them ideas to plan their next outdoor fishing adventure. This tool is unique among the states and makes Maine a leader in providing information to anglers in a unique, useable format.
Story
3/25/10
Open Water Fishing Season Opens Early
Open water fishing season is now open under an emergency law signed by Gov. John E. Baldacci today, Thursday, March 25, 2010.
Story
3/23/10
Old Orchard Beach Man Faces Two State Charges In Gaboon Viper Incident
An Old Orchard Beach man was issued two summonses last week in connection with the discovery of a Gaboon Viper behind a movie theater complex in Saco on Monday, March 8.
Story
3/19/10
Paper Applications for 2010 Moose Permit Lottery Due by April 1 at Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
Paper applications for the 2010 Moose Permit Lottery are due by 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 1, at the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife in Augusta.
Story
3/7/10
Four Injured, Two Seriously, in Separate Snowmobile Incidents
Two snowmobilers seriously injured at Rangeley Lake; One snowmobiler seriously hurt at Moosehead Lake; One snowmobiler hurt in head-on collision in Bradstreet Township
Story
3/6/10
Maine Warden Service: Snowmobiler Dies at The Forks; Fire Chief En Route to Scene Dies
A 37-year-old West Gardner man died Friday night in a head-on snowmobile crash with a 9-inch fir tree on a groomed trail in The Forks.
Story
3/3/10
Maine Warden Service: Ice Continues to Thin Throughout Maine; Statewide Ice Fishing Derby for March 6-7 is Cancelled
The Maine Warden Service continues to warn people about thin ice conditions on many of the state’s waterways.
Story
3/1/10
Maine Warden Service: Four Snowboarders Rescued from Sugarloaf Mountain
Four snowboarders were rescued from Sugarloaf Mountain after getting lost in steep terrain off a marked trail at approximately 5:35 p.m. on Sunday.
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2/26/10 On Saturday, Feb. 13 and Sunday, Feb. 14, people can fish for free on Maine’s waterways. This free fishing event is open to any person except those whose license has been revoked or suspended. All fishing regulations apply.
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Forest Landowners Endorse Deer Wintering Area Management Guidelines
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW), along with Maine’s two leading associations representing forest landowners, have recently endorsed a set of Deer Wintering Area (DWA) Management Guidelines aimed at assisting forest landowners to enhance the quality of deer wintering area on their properties.
Story
2/12/10
Free Fishing Days This Weekend
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is promoting Free Fishing Days this weekend.
Story
2/12/10
Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Releases Preliminary 2009 Deer Harvest Numbers
Preliminary deer harvest numbers show a decrease of 14% from the 2008 harvest with an initial tally of 18,045 deer taken by hunters.
Story
2/5/10
"Chickadee Check-Off" on State Tax Forms Supports Endangered, Nongame Wildlife Fund
While filling out their 2009 tax forms, Maine residents are encouraged to make a donation to the state’s Endangered and Nongame Wildlife Fund by marking the “Chickadee Check-Off” box.
Story
2/5/10
Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Promotes Free Fishing Days Feb. 13-14
Want to get your kids on the ice to experience the joy of hooking a fish? Want to show your friends and neighbors how much fun it is to fish?
Story
2/3/10
IF&W's Maine Wildlife Park Earns Governor's "Commitment to Tourism Growth" Award
The Maine Wildlife Park in Gray, owned and operated by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, received the “Commitment to Tourism Growth” Award from Gov. John E. Baldacci on Monday evening during the 2010 Governor’s Conference on Tourism.
Story
2/2/10
VIDEO: Never dump unused bait into the water!
Story
2/1/10
Your Source for News and Information About The Natural Resources
Promoting the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife “brand” and our role in protecting, preserving, and enhancing Maine’s natural resources is the mission of the Public Information and Education Division within IF&W.
Story
1/29/10
Burying Island, a Heronry of the Past
The following was written by Steve Perrin, a long-time observer of one of Maine’s largest great blue heron colonies…
Story
1/28/10
CLAY TARGETS: Taking aim at the skeet floating through my head
I’m not saying I always make sense. Heck, no! That being said, I’ve had a few things rattling around in the cavernous expanse my head likes to call its brain. Had some interesting thoughts from readers, fielded some interesting questions from people I’ve met with and even found time to catch a fish or two on the ice.
Story
1/27/10
PHOTO OF THE WEEK: Little Boy, Big Fish
If there’s anything we admire here at IT, it’s a big fish photo. Bonus points for any fish that’s bigger than the angler himself.
Story
1/25/10
ROAD WARRIORS: Watching the Maine Warden Service in action
Even from the passenger seat, I feel the rear wheels of the pickup truck step out to the right.
Story
1/25/10
HITTING THE LINKS: Teeing off on a rainy Monday morning
What better to do on a rainy day than catch up on some reading?
Story
1/21/10
NOW HEAR THIS: Hearing scheduled today regarding e-mail lists
Courtesy of colleague Deb Turcotte, some interesting info for those of you who have expressed concern over the past couple of days about the state of your e-mail addresses:
Story
1/20/10
LASSO UP! Rangeley Lakes ‘Snodeo’ on tap for the weekend
Register that sled. Get it on the trails. Point it over toward Rangeley.
Snowmobile enthusiasts will be lining up by the thousands – literally – for the 2010 Snodeo hosted by the Rangeley Lakes Snowmobile Club this weekend, Jan. 22-24.
Story
1/20/10
KILLING FIELDS: Feeding deer a risky proposition
The story of “Herbie” this morning got me thinking about something that – at least on the surface – seems completely unrelated.
Story
1/19/10
Coming Your Way Soon: One Book. Two Years!
Some time around the first of March a new-look fishing law book will begin showing up at licensing agents all over the state. Anglers will notice three significant changes in the new Fishing Law Book.
Story
1/19/10
TAKE THE BAIT: Reminder that it’s illegal to dump it down the hole
Been busy over the last couple of days, working on a project with the fine gill-brained folks over in the fisheries department here snowy at IF&W headquarters.
Story
1/19/10
Summary of 2009 Aerial and Ground Efforts
I recently finished a 28-page summary report for the 2009 Colonial Wading Bird census effort. I will be periodically posting segments of that report here for all to see. I’ll start today by posting the “Summary” that gives you a quick overview of the effort and results…
Story
12/20/09
Maine Warden Service: Bowdoin Teen Seriously Injured in Snowmobile Incident
A 19-year-old Bowdoin man suffered serious neck injuries in a snowmobile incident Saturday evening (December 19) in Bowdoin.
Story
12/18/09
Maine 2010 Hunting and Fishing Licenses Now Available
Maine 2010 hunting and fishing licenses now are available for purchase just in time for holiday gift giving.
Story
12/17/09
Maine Warden Service Says ‘Stay Off The Ice’
The Maine Warden Service is urging people to not venture out onto any ice that may be covering Maine’s waterways.
Story
12/9/09
Foxcroft Man Fined Nearly $3,000 for Illegal Fishing Violations
A Dover-Foxcroft has pleaded guilty to four charges of possessing and selling fish over the legal limit and has been fined $2,960.
Story
12/1/09
Maine’s Hunting Season Still Underway
While hunting season may have ended for big game such as moose and bear, the season continues for bird hunting and deer hunting with a muzzleloader.
Deer hunting with a firearm season and bear season ended on Nov. 28 as did moose season in parts of southern Maine. Moose season ended in October in other parts of the state.
Story
11/25/09
Sidney Woman Shoots Self in Foot While Hunting
A 35-year-old Sidney woman shot herself in the right foot Wednesday afternoon while hunting in the Sidney area.
Story
11/20/09
Hunters Reminded To Keep Chronic Wasting Disease Out of Maine
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is reminding hunters who harvest deer, caribou, elk or moose in another state or province to do their part to prevent the introduction of Chronic Wasting Disease in Maine.
Story
11/16/09
Maine Warden Service Promotes Two to Rank of Lieutenant
Two Maine Warden Service sergeants were promoted to the rank of lieutenant during a brief ceremony today at the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
Story
11/12/09
United States District Court Upholds Maine’s Trapping Regulations
United States District Court Chief Judge John Woodcock this week upheld Maine’s trapping regulations by denying a request from two organizations for a permanent injunction because they failed to prove that Canada lynx as a species are irreparably harmed under the regulations.
Story
11/5/09
81-year-old Sangerville Man Located at Hospital
A Sangerville man reported missing this morning was located at approximately 2:15 p.m. today at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor.
Story
11/1/09
Old Town teen located after night in woods
A 15-year-old Old Town boy who became separated from his uncle while hunting Saturday afternoon in Enfield was located this morning (Sunday, November 1) after a night-long search.
Story
10/27/09
Four Men Rescued from Moosehead Lake
Four men were rescued from Moosehead Lake this morning after the pontoon boat they were on capsized, dumping them into the rough, choppy waters.
Story
10/26/09
IF&W Names Marketing, Promotions Representative
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has named Travis Barrett of Oakland at its Marketing and Promotions Representative.
Story
10/23/09
Deer Hunting and EEE
The greatest Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) risk facing hunters is exposure to mosquitoes, not handling or consuming healthy deer. Although other mammals and birds have been exposed to the EEE virus for decades, there is no evidence that direct contact with these species can infect humans. While human infection is rare, hunters should take extra precautions against EEE by using insect repellents for personal protection from bites until mosquitoes are no longer active and using protective clothing.
Story
10/21/09
Maine Fish and Wildlife magazine fall edition now available online
The fall edition of Maine Fish & Wildlife, the magazine of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, now is available online only.
Story
10/1/09
Pheasant Hunter Hit by Shotgun Pellet
A 59-year-old Yarmouth-area man was hit in the chest area by a shotgun shell pellet while pheasant hunting with friends at approximately 9 a.m. today on Chebeague Island.
Story
9/28/09
Eastern Equine Encephalitis Confirmed in Second Pheasant Flock
The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Maine Department of Agriculture and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife announced today that a second pheasant flock in York County has been confirmed with the disease Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).
Story
9/14/09
IF&W Surveying Anglers on Wild Brook Trout
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) is asking anglers to give us their opinions on Maine’s wild brook trout fishing opportunities.
Story
8/28/09
2010 Moose Hunt Informational Meeting Set in Ashland
The Wildlife Division for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife will be conducting a public informational meeting to discuss the 2010 moose hunting season and moose management options for Wildlife Management Districts (WMDs) 2, 3, 6, and 11.
Story
8/11/09
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife Updates List of Unrestricted Fish and Wildlife Species
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner Roland D. Martin announced today that the Department has completed an update and revision to the list of “unrestricted fish and wildlife species”.
Story
8/11/09
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife to Conduct Public Meeting on 2010 Moose Hunting Season In Wildlife Management Districts 2, 3, 6 and 11
The Wildlife Division of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife will conduct a public informational meeting to discuss the 2010 moose hunting season and moose management options for Wildlife Management Districts 2, 3, 6, and 11. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 9, at the Department’s regional office on Station Street in Ashland, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Story
8/10/09
Deadline Nears for Online Any-Deer Permit Applications
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife currently is accepting applications online only for the Any-Deer Permit Lottery, and the deadline for online applicants is 11:59 p.m. on Monday, August 17.
Story
7/29/09
IF&W: Maine Fish & Wildlife magazine summer edition now available online
The summer edition of Maine Fish & Wildlife, the magazine of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, now is available online.
Story
7/19/09
Woman, 5-Year-Old Seriously Injured in ATV Incident
A 27-year-old Island Falls woman and a 5-year-old boy were seriously injured in an ATV incident before 7 tonight (Sunday July 19) on an old logging road in Township 3, Range 4.
Story
7/17/09
Deadlines Set for Any-Deer Permit Applications
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife currently is accepting applications online for the Any-Deer Permit Lottery.
Story
7/13/09
88-Year-Old Brewer Man Safe Near Byron
An 88-year-old Brewer man is safe after getting lost in the woods after fishing along the Swift River on Sunday in Township E near Byron.
Story
7/12/09
Portland Man Dies in Swimming Incident
A 39-year-old Portland man died today (July 12, 2009) while swimming with his fiancée and their dog on the Presumpscot River on the Windham-Standish town line.
Story
7/11/09
16-Year-Old Pennsylvania Girl Safe After Traveling Down Penobscot River
A 16-year-old Pittsburgh, Penn., girl who was reported missing on the west branch of the Penobscot River on Friday evening (July 10, 2009) was found safe after traveling 2.5 miles down the river.
Story
7/10/09
New road signs to help Maine’s endangered turtles
Late May through early July in southern Maine is a critical period when female turtles undertake risky overland forays to reach nesting areas. During this time, turtles often cross roads, sometimes with fatal consequences. In response, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIF&W) and The Nature Conservancy are cooperating to install new road signs warning motorists of endangered turtle road crossing locations in the towns of Wells, South Berwick and York with the hope of reducing collisions with two of the state’s rarest species.
Story
7/10/09
Baileyville Woman Seriously Hurt in ATV Incident
A 44-year-old Baileyville woman was seriously hurt at approximately 8 p.m. Thursday when an ATV she was riding – and which was being driven by an 8-year-old girl – apparently went into reverse and went down an embankment at an Alexander gravel pit.
Story
7/2/09
Gorham Man Dies from ATV Incident
A 79-year-old Gorham man died Tuesday night a short period of time after he was involved in an ATV incident in Standish.
Story
7/2/09
Critical Time for Beachgoers to Help Assure Endangered Birds Survive
As the summer rush of beachgoers begins this holiday weekend the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, and Maine Audubon would like to remind people to be considerate of fellow beachgoers: piping plovers and least terns.
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