You know, it's a big, big state out there. I know because I went to the State of Maine Sportsman's Show on Friday at the Augusta Civic Center — and there were a lot more exhibitors than people there.

Crazy, huh?

Snow likely kept some people away. Long hours on Saturday — from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. — probably did, too. Why go on Friday after work when you can pick and choose your time over the weekend?

Besides, you've got me to fill you in on what went down on Day 1...

* News flash: The economy's bad. We know this because all indications are that people aren't booking as many trips for next year with guide and lodge services.

One local outfitter told me Friday that where he usually fields some 2 dozen inquries at the Pine Tree State Sportsman and Gun Show in Wilton prior to the Augusta stop, he had less than a half-dozen this year.

"Fuel prices," he said, dejectedly. "People are finally starting to figure out that it's getting out of hand."

* Taxidermy interests me for reasons that I myself do not understand.

* Denise Murchison of Silverton Sporting Ranch in Canaan gave me a great piece of info.

We always say that central Maine is a great place to live, and apparently people on the outside agree. Skowhegan ranks No. 122 on "Outdoor Life" magazine's list of the 200 best towns in America for the outdoorsman.

Cumberland led Maine at No. 37, while Presque Isle was No. 77.

* Don't throw out your ice fishing lawbooks from this year.

They're good for 2 years, and the state plans on printing fewer (or none at all!) next year.

-- TB