Monthly Review from the Maine Dept of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife

ISSUE NUMBER THREE • MAY 2016

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife

Monthly Review

A look back at some of our most notable news!

Installing Better Stream Crossing Structures Benefits Fisheries and Wildlife

streamcrossing

By Joe Wiley, IFW Wildlife BiologistLandowners, both large and small often need to create access or upgrade existing access to their lands. In order to limit impacts to habitat, landowners should try to avoid crossing streams if it is possible.  If a crossing over a stream is unavoidable, it makes sense to limit crossings to only areas where they are essential. READ MORE

Maine Warden Service: 136th Annual Awards Ceremony

wardenoftheyear
Game Warden of the Year: Warden Tom McKenney

The work of Maine’s game wardens is diverse and challenging and takes place during the best and worst of weather conditions. Some of the achievements that were recognized at this year's ceremony included lifesaving events in which game wardens clearly saved human lives. Examples ranged from preventing a heroin overdose, saving a lost person from hypothermia, and placing a convicted murderer back in prison. A canine team search and rescue case was honored for tracking a missing man and saving his life while another canine team case brought an intentional fish and wildlife violator to justice by detecting crucial evidence. The Maine Warden Service is proud to be able to honor game wardens who made a distinct difference in people’s lives and for conserving Maine’s natural resources in 2015. READ MORE

Big Fish and Kids Opportunities Highlight Rangeley Area Ice Fishing Season

fisheries

The 2016 winter fishing season started off slow statewide with warm weather and thin ice conditions. Ice thickness varied greatly from pond to pond and even from cove to cove. It was one of the most dangerous January’s that we had seen in recent years. READ MORE

2016 Maine Migratory Waterfowl Stamp Contest Winner Announced

duckstamp

Congratulations to Richard Alley, Jr., of Isleford, the winner of the 2016 Maine Migratory Waterfowl Stamp Contest! Rick was one of 24 Maine Artists who submitted work in the contest, which was judged on Friday, April 1, 2106 at the State of Maine Sportsman’s Show in Augusta. READ MORE

Well-planned Timber Harvests Can Provide Food and Habitat For Wildlife

raptornest

By Eric Hoar, IFW Lands Management BiologistInland Fisheries and Wildlife manages for all wildlife, both game and non-game species.  One of the tools the Lands Program employs to create or enhance wildlife habitat is timber harvesting. READ MORE

Commisioner's Corner

CommissionerWoodcock

Commissioner Woodcock had the opportunity to get out and do a little spring fishing recently. He says he caught this one by accident! 

CLICK HERE for the latest fishing report from IFW. 

CLICK HERE for the current stocking report. 

Maine Wildlife Park Open for the Season!

Maine Wildlife Park Grey Maine

The Maine Wildlife Park in Gray is now open for the season! Visit www.mainewildlifepark.com for a current schedule of events!

Avoid Conflicts with Black Bears this Spring

blackbear

Black bears emerge hungry from their dens after losing between 15-40% of their weight during winter and they immediately start looking for food. Bears will often turn to suburban attractants such as bird feeders, pet food, and unsecured garbage bins when natural foods are not available. READ MORE

Moose Lottery Application Deadline is May 16

moose

There is still time to apply online for the 2016 Maine Moose Permit Lottery! CLICK HERE to apply by May 16, 2016. The drawing will be held on June 11, 2016 at Kittery Trading Post. 

Dave Craven Recognized by Maine Guide's Board

DaveCraven

Dave Craven, who recently retired as a Sergeant from the Maine Warden Service, was recongized for his 5 years of service as the Chair Person for the Maine Guide's Board by his fellow board members at the last monthly meeting. Wishing Dave a very happy retirement!