Your wildlife questions are answered by Maine Audubon Staff Naturalist Doug Hitchcox.
Outdoors
Hunting: See me, hear me, smell me … a deer does it better than you
The average success rate for deer hunters is less than 25%, and many can do better by knowing the strengths of an often-underestimated opponent.
What’s up in November: Conditions will be good for the Leonid meteor shower
Jupiter will shine brightest early in the month, and a new comet will pass through the Beehive star cluster in Cancer the Crab.
Outdoors in Maine: Hunters needn’t be overwhelmed by black bear jitters
V, Paul Reynolds writes that black bears aren’t as dangerous as portrayed in Hollywood, so overcoming the fear of them while on a hunt is a case of mind over matter.
Birding: The fight against species extinction can start in your own yard
Improving our yards to benefit birds and other wildlife is a huge opportunity that we should be embracing.
Hunting: Antler restrictions, mandatory or personal, can benefit deer and hunter
Of course, the goal is to get a deer, but greater restrictions can lead to a stronger herd and a larger quarry for a hunter.
Canoeing in Maine: At Hancock Pond, enjoy the views, wildlife and a peaceful paddle
Hancock Pond, in Sebago and Denmark, has secluded coves with views of Pleasant Mountain and the Presidential Range in New Hampshire.
Birding: Cha-ching! The Steller’s sea eagle made a tangible economic impact on Maine
Researchers estimate the economic impact of birders who traveled to the Georgetown/Boothbay region in the winter of 2021-22 to see the rare bird.
Hunting: Whatever you call it, the ruffed grouse makes for a popular hunt
Maybe you call it a partridge, but it can be hunted in a variety of ways, whether you’re new to the game or merely looking for a change of pace.
Grazer easily wins popular ‘Fat Bear Week’ contest at Alaska national park
When it comes to packing on the pounds to survive an Alaska winter, this year’s undisputed champ is Grazer, aka Bear 128.