Outdoors

Published
December 26, 2010

Hunting: Problems of northern deer getting attention

As we enter another Maine winter, deer hunters and biologists will be holding their collective breath. Already in poor shape, one more tough winter could push Maine’s deer herd over an ecological precipice from which it might take decades to recover. Even with a mild winter, there isn’t much promise for the immediate future, but […]
Published
December 26, 2010

Skiing in Maine: Skiers try to keep Ullr happy

We’re finally into ski season, and there’s no greater tradition among hard-core skiers and snowboarders than praying to the snow gods for a white winter. Chief among these gods is the mighty Ullr. Ullr — pronounced “Ooh-ler” — is a member of the pantheon of Norse gods, son of Thor and grandson of Odin. Historically, […]
Published
December 26, 2010

Birding: Turkeys built to be good walkers, short fliers

Many of you have eaten turkey during the holiday season. Some people prefer white meat while others prefer dark meat. What is the difference? Dark meat is composed of red muscle fibers (cells). The red color comes from a high concentration of myoglobin in the fibers. Myoglobin, like the hemoglobin in our red blood cells, […]
Published
December 26, 2010

What’s Up in JanuaryYear begins with good views of giant stars and planets

The full beauty of the brilliant stars in the winter hexagon become evident in January, as the entire group is well above the southeastern horizon and perfectly placed for viewing by 8 p.m. Although they may look somewhat alike at first glance, the eight stars tell unique and astounding stories. Beginning at the top of […]
Published
December 20, 2010

Guide to winter festivals

Correction: This guide was revised at 12:59 p.m. Dec. 21, 2010, to correct the dates for the Pond Hockey Festival in Rangeley. The correct dates are Feb. 4-6.

Published
December 19, 2010

Hunting: Ideas for the hunters on your shopping list

When it comes to Christmas shopping, hunters can be especially tough to buy for, particularly if the person doing the shopping doesn’t hunt. There are so many forms of hunting, each often requiring very specific equipment. Fortunately, there are also some items, more general in nature, that apply to a broader range of outdoor applications. […]
Published
December 19, 2010

Skiing in Maine: Naming of trails inspired by history and colorful characters

Question: What’s a widowmaker? Or a blue devil? Or a spinnaker? Answer: A tree or a branch blown down by the wind and a trail at Sugarloaf; a hand-tied dry fly and a trail at Saddleback; a large, triangular, baggy headsail and a trail at the Camden Snow Bowl. The story of the naming of […]
Published
December 19, 2010

Outdoors Dispatches

PORTLAND Ski areas offer chances to learn on the slopes in January January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month across the United States, and Maine is among 34 states participating in this celebration. Ski areas will be participating from Jan. 3 to 9 in Maine include Bigrock, Camden Snow Bowl, Lost Valley, Mt. Abram, […]
Published
December 19, 2010

Allen Afield: Stable resources key to tourism strategy

A few years ago on “Wildfire,” a television show hosted by George Smith and Harry Vanderweide, the manager of a restaurant and inn in Freeport highlighted the risky nature of tourism strategies developed around an unstable fish or wildlife resource. In a polite but no-nonsense manner, the innkeeper criticized Maine Guides and outfitters for pushing […]
Published
December 19, 2010

Hiking: Enhancing the explorations

Now I can’t rightly say if you’ve been naughty or nice this year. So whether or not you get some nice presents versus a stocking full of coal and clothespins this holiday season is going to depend on Santa and his elves. What I can do, however, is suggest a few gift ideas for my […]

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