All Outdoor
Mysteries of Survival
By V. Paul Reynolds In America today a once respectable word has taken on negative connotations. The word “survivalist,” to the average contemporary news consumer, conjures a vision of a bearded, wild-eyed anarchist who shoots at FBI agents from his mountain cabin. Yet there are other kinds of survivalists, from mountain climbers and … Continued
Hillary: The Horse with Attitude
Maine Deer Hunter’s Logbook By V. Paul Reynolds Half way down the mountain a creek crosses the road. Approaching the creek, I could tell that the dirt-covered ice was making this horse skittish. At the creek’s edge, Hillary put on the brakes. Not until I took some lessons in riding and horse handling from Nichole … Continued
Corn Not Meant for Man
By Dave O’Connor In states where dairy farming is important the corn crop is often tied to a lot of small farms. The acreage devoted to this valuable crop is some of the best on the farm. In New England, and many other locales, the raccoon is the number one pest to keep under control. … Continued
Bad Roads
By V. Paul Reynolds Most sportsman who have spent much time trying to find good places to hunt or fish have experienced bad roads. I mean really bad roads. I have seen my fair share. Their memory doesn’t keep me awake at night, but some of the worst roads left an impression. Back in the … Continued
Lost Near Second Musquacook
By Dave O’Connor Cousin Raymond and Uncle Harry arrived on the 6:30 flight. They were routed via New York’s JFK, Boston’s Logan and our home air field. The local facility didn’t impress them much, but they were polite about it. Both men, relatives of the Ole Man, were here to do some fishing in the … Continued
The Smell of Fried Fish
By Dave O’Connor When you stop to think about it, there are very few things that use the free air space around us as a method of transportation. Birds use the air. Planes, rockets, bullets, arrows and the rest are ways mankind uses the air. We all breathe air to get life sustaining oxygen. We … Continued
Hermits to the Woods
By V. Paul Reynolds In re-reading “The Maine Woods” by Henry David Thoreau, I got to thinking about hermits. They fascinate me. Let’s face it.There is not a Maine outdoorsman worth his salt who hasn’t at least entertained a fantasy about pulling the societal plug and really getting off the grid. It’s one thing to … Continued
The Free Press
By Bob Cram ( T.J. Coongate) Angus Dealman muttered angrily under his breath. “What’s that, yer say Angus?” Joe looked up from his plate of bacon and eggs. Angus was taking breakfast with me and Joe at the Five N’ Diner in beautiful downtown Mooseleuk. Now he picked up a copy of the local paper, … Continued
Nature’s Ornery Ways
By V. Paul Reynolds Whether hunting in Colorado High Country or the Maine North Woods fir forests, you always keep a close eye on the weather. In some cases weather vigilance can make the difference between being comfortable or uncomfortable – or downright miserable, or even in harm’s way. There is a mountain road in … Continued
The Motorsickle
By Bob Cram ( T.J. Coongate) On the front, between the handlebars, was bolted an ancient carbide miner’s lamp, its yellow flickering glow scarcely visible in the bright afternoon light. And over the rear, a ratty racoon tail waved at the end of a rusted whip antenna. The whole contraption tilted dangerously against a kickstand … Continued