Regardless of how mild winter temperatures are or how little snow accumulates based on the global warming trend, by mid-March I’ve had enough. I might pick a warm, sunny day to auger a few holes and set tip-ups out one last time. Perhaps I’ll stumble through the firs and around the brambles behind a couple of eager beagles once more as well.
I’m not sure if it’s the aging process or common sense, but enough is enough — I need bare ground and open water. These are both rare during the ides of March throughout Maine, so decades ago some really forward-thinking people figured a way to help persevere a few more weeks. Several well-timed sportsman shows across Maine featuring outdoor options for summer and fall are just the tonic for hope and endurance to beat the winter blahs.
Sportsmen and sportswomen in northern Maine can visit The Forum in Presque Isle on Saturday and Sunday, March 22 and 23, to enjoy the annual outdoor-sports-oriented event put on by the Aroostook Sportsman’s Association. Nick Archer and Candace Madill co-chair the show, and a wide array of attractions should provide a fun chance to participate or just watch and be entertained.
L. L. Bean and Micmac Farms will once again sponsor the popular indoor trout fishing pond for youngsters. Kids have the chance to use one of the bait fishing rods provided to attempt and hook one of the hundreds of 10- to 14-inch brook trout cruising around the fresh water circulating in the large pool. Fresh trout will be stocked each day to assure consistent action for rookie anglers.
An indoor laser rifle range and bow range will also be exciting options for kids and adults alike to test their shooting skills. Thanks To Penobscot McCrum’s sponsorship both target ranges will be available to any show attendees at no charge. If there’s no waiting line, it might be possible to try both target practice skills a couple of times.
Tom Tardiff, a local master fly tier, will be on hand both days demonstrating techniques to create popular patterns and answering questions on dependable flies for regional game fish. Besides dry and wet flies, single and tandem streamers, and Atlantic salmon flies on display and for sale, there will be lines, leaders and fly boxes as well.
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife personnel will have a special tent set up for interested show visitors to sit comfortably for ongoing seminars and programs during both days. Maine Antler, Skull and Trophy Club will man a booth offering to score big game animal heads and horns. These well trained and experienced folks will be happy to answer questions regarding current record book guidelines for archery and firearm hunters.
The Maine Spaniel Club will have two-legged and four-legged members on hand to perform a demo and tout the upland bird hunting skills of these small, versatile dogs. The Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine will also have a booth with knowledgeable members on hand to offer written and verbal information on current outdoor rules, regulations and legislation.
Taylor’s Two River Canoe and Tackle Shop will have their newest Maine Freighter model canoe on display with trailer and motor and the whole outfit will be available at a special price only for the duration of the show. There will also be information available on several other models of canoes they have in stock.
Guides, outfitters and taxidermists, as well as several regional outdoor organizations, will all be set up at the show with displays and info for upcoming seasons. Danny Collins and staff of Riverside Restaurant will be serving tasty food options at their Whitetail Pub as usual; stop by for a snack or sit for a meal and a drink.
The local show will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Just in case the Presque Isle show isn’t quite enough to relieve your cabin fever, the largest outdoor show of the season will take place March 29, 30 and 31 at the Augusta Civic Center. The Maine Sportsman magazine in conjunction with the Maine Sportsman’s Alliance conduct the huge event. Dozens of seminars each day on a wide array of outdoor activities are offered free of charge.
There’s a youth turkey calling contest, the annual Maine duck stamp contest as well as a trail camera photo contest. Daily entertaining and educational hunting dog demos are always a big draw, and the annual state of Maine firearm auction will take place Sunday afternoon.
I faithfully attend one or two of these great get-togethers each March; it’s just the boost my mind and body need to plod through the next few weeks toward the bare ground and open water.
Perhaps a few hours immersing yourself with like- minded outdoor enthusiasts will boost your morale, too. Come join the fun and maybe I’ll see you there.
