fall

Over the years I have become aware of the contributions that hunters have made to the conservation of our wildlife and open spaces. Over a hundred years ago now it was hunters who recognized that wildlife was diminishing and that something needed to be done. The current system of wildlife management funded by hunters has resulted in an amazing turnaround in wildlife abundance in this country. Granted there are still species that we all are concerned about, and things to work on; but overall things are much better today than they were at the turn of the last century.

This week is marked by some pretty dramatic changes in the weather. This morning the ground is covered with snow. Not a huge amount but enough to remind us all of what is coming. The temperatures have followed suit we were having highs in the 50’s last week and now are looking at highs near 40 degrees. Many of the smaller water bodies have a skim of ice and I had to change the dog’s water bucket to the heated ones for winter on Monday. All of this may not last (we normally have a warm spell in early December) but clearly winter is on its way.

One job that needs to be done every fall is getting the winter supply of firewood stacked in the garage. It is not an especially hard job to complete but it takes a fair amount of time with the cutting, splitting and stacking. I have always liked to have it all done in September but for the last several years it seems to be finished in November. As the fall has become a busier season it seems like there is always some other priority. As of suppertime yesterday though I am finished with firewood for this fall.

Yesterday I guided a couple of fisherman from Texas. I decided to try Megunticook because of the recent stockings of rainbow trout and the fact that it would be less affected by the recent rains and high water. We started around 11:30 and launched at Bog Brook with no problem plenty of water for the 20’ Lund.

I finished my upland bird hunting season at Libby Camps on Saturday. Luckily my hunter wanted to finish early that afternoon which allowed me to leave by three in the afternoon. The forecast was for snow up there and I am sure that they got some; the precipitation was a mixture of rain and snow as I drove south until Medway. I drove through wind and rain but made it home safe and sound by eight.
 

This fall has been outstanding in terms of weather. Granted there were a few days that were warmer than I like still though overall it has been beautiful. The last few falls have been marked by big rain storms that have created flood conditions and made everything soggy. We have had a couple of big rains but they were one day events that only brought water levels up to normal. I stopped by the St. George early this week and noted that the water level is almost perfect for late fall trout fishing.
 

During my time at Libby Camps both Matt Libby and I had a meeting of the task force on the deer herd in northern and eastern Maine to attend. We were able to schedule the meeting on a day when we were both off from guiding and were could travel together. Matt needed to take one of his floatplanes to the sea plan base near Bangor where the meeting was being held and was kind enough to offer to fly us down. A return ride to northern Maine was arranged.

This week started my month of guiding upland bird hunters. The dogs and I are spending most of October at Libby Camps chasing grouse and woodcock. So far the season is off to a pretty slow start due to the incredibly warm weather. Thursday it was 82 degrees on the thermometer in the Yukon when I checked at about 2 in the afternoon. Yesterday was a little cooler but not what you would consider fall temperatures. This morning is very cool and windy.

This is one of the times of year when change is very noticeable to me. I have guided my last striper fishing party for the season and no longer need to get up and out by 5:15 AM, which makes it possible for Argy and I to walk each morning. Our morning walks are now in the near darkness marking the noticeable shortening of the day. I still have fishing parties at the end of the month and into November but the focus changes to mid day to take advantage of slightly warmer water temperatures.

Yesterday afternoon was spent scouting the Saint George River here in Union. I have a learn to fly fish trip on Monday and the ladies are very interested in wading the river. I usually recommend against it because wading and moving water add additional elements to fly fishing that are a lot for a beginner to grasp all at once. I also find it easier to coach when we are all standing in the boat. But the river is very low since it has been so dry and I though I might check out the possibilities.