ALLEN AFIELD: Browns are a great fish Mainers often ignore

Outdoors

Published
April 21, 2012

ALLEN AFIELD: Browns are a great fish Mainers often ignore

Recently, a friend told me that he has problems catching brown trout consistently, so he preferred targeting brookies, rainbows and landlocks. This fellow said that the last three species may occasionally offer fishless days, but on most outings, he found them much easier to fool.
Published
April 21, 2012

OUTDOORS: Another big challenge

LINCOLNVILLE -- Andy Hazen is used to embarking on big adventures. He did it 20 years ago when he opened the fifth microbrewery in Maine.
Published
April 21, 2012

ON HUNTING: Savoring the right turkey call

The long-awaited opening day of spring turkey season has finally arrived. You've scouted, patterned your gun and practiced your calling, all to improve your chances of a successful hunt. But experience has taught you there are no sure things in turkey hunting.
Published
April 21, 2012

FOR THE BIRDS: A book to add to shelves

A new book on birding with a strong Maine flavor has arrived in bookstores. The book is "How to Be a Better Birder," and the author is our own Derek Lovitch. Lovitch is a professional bird guide and, with his wife, Jeannette, runs Freeport Wild Bird Supply. Many of the photographs in the book were taken in Maine, and many of the examples Derek uses to illustrate particular points were based on Maine observations.
Published
April 19, 2012

OUTDOORS: Swan Island a place to explore

Swan Island offers one of the most beautiful early-season paddling/hiking outings in southern Maine. Easy access onto the Kennebec River from the downtown Richmond boat launch provides a half-mile paddle across to the boat landing on the northwestern end of the island. From there, a vast network of woods roads and trails lead through forest and meadows to the southern end of the island. Deer, coyote and fox are often seen early and late in the day, as well as wild turkeys and a wide variety of songbirds and ducks.

Published
April 19, 2012

OUTDOORS — Deirdre Fleming: Educating an island about Lyme disease

The news last week that the Maine Center for Disease Control predicts 2012 will be the worst year for Lyme disease in Maine did not shock the people of Long Island.
Published
April 14, 2012

OUTDOORS: Birding festivals flourish

In the past 14 years, Maine's spring birding season has grown from having one festival to five. And birders from Maine and beyond say there is plenty of room for growth.
Published
April 14, 2012

OUTDOORS: April is great for outdoor adventures

April activities in Maine vary with each outdoor adventurer, but five options attract myriad participants -- fishing, picking fiddleheads, digging dandelion, hiking and bicycling.
Published
April 12, 2012

ON HIKING: Hiking guide leads to many happy trails

The Maine Mountain Guide, published by the Appalachian Mountain Club, has served as the comprehensive hiker's reference to the trails of the state since 1961. A new edition of the book, due out this month, promises to carry on the long tradition as a trusted pathfinder for hikers seeking outdoor pleasure and healthful exercise in the woods and mountains of Maine.
Published
April 12, 2012

KID TRACKS: A family-friendly climb

Sabattus Mountain in Lovell is a gem of a place that offers an easy, family-friendly hiking adventure with spectacular views.