Come the first of October, many Maine hunters will turn their attention to ruffed grouse — or, as many call ’em, “partridge.” Interesting fact: Maine hasn’t done a whole lot of research on the iconic game bird, focusing instead on species that are less plentiful, and in more jeopardy. That’s changing. Last week, I spent an evening in midcoast Maine with wildlife biologist Kelsey Sullivan, who was busy live-trapping grouse as part of a long-term research project that is being run by the University of Maine and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. The grouse were plentiful, and BDN visuals editor Brian Feulner and I had a great time learning about grouse. The study will continue for at least three years, and we look forward to telling you more about the findings as the data becomes available.
— John Holyoke
UMaine, state biologists embark upon ambitious grouse research project
At a semi-secret site deep in the woods, wildlife biologist Kelsey Sullivan spent Wednesday evening helping to gather data he expects will eventually provide the first clear picture of the life, death and breeding habits of one of state’s iconic game birds, the ruffed grouse.
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has teamed up with the University of Maine on the study, thanks in part to a $190,000 federal grant and matching UMaine funding, in order to trap, tag and fit radio collars on grouse that will be released and followed for a year.
Islesboro considers hiring sharpshooter to cull deer, reduce Lyme disease risk
The island of Islesboro has long been known for its booming deer population, making it a popular place for hunters. But in recent years, residents have become concerned that the high number of deer — more specifically, the ticks the deer carry — are the cause for a spike in Lyme disease cases on the island.
On Sept. 30, at a special town meeting, Islesboro voters will decide whether to hire a sharpshooter to reduce the deer population, a method that has been used on other Maine islands.
Taking care of 36,000 acres no easy task
Learn what it’s like to be an environmental steward living in western Maine’s Bigelow Preserve. This story first appeared in the summer 2014 issue of the BDN Maine Outdoorsmagazine, available for free on select newsstands throughout Maine.
Blog log
State and Capitol: Famous talk show host Bill Maher endorses referendum to ban bear baiting
“While visiting Portland to perform his stand-up act at Merrill Auditorium this weekend, famous comedian and television host Bill Maher issued a statement in support of the referendum to ban the use of bait, dogs and traps to hunt black bear in Maine, according to a press release issued today by Mainers for Fair Bear Hunting, the group leading the pro-referendum campaign.”
Act Out with Aislinn: 1-minute hike: Essex Woods in Bangor
You don’t have to travel far to find an enjoyable hike. This week, Aislinn takes readers to an in-town spot where you’re likely to find all kinds of wildlife.
On the horizon
Bright and early Monday morning, 1,050 hunters in eight Wildlife Management Districts will head into the woods during the first week of the state’s moose-hunting season. The BDN will be on the scene in Ashland, where many lucky hunters will head to Gateway Variety to tag their moose and share their hunting tales. Outdoors editor John Holyoke and visuals editor Brian Feulner will stop by Gateway Variety for a bit, and if past experience is any indication, they’ll end up with some great stories to tell. You can expect a from-the-field update at bangordailynews.com by early afternoon. And if you’re in the neighborhood, be sure to stop by the tagging station and say “Hi.”
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