vgom february 2013

GREAT OUTDOORSVermont’s MagazineFebruary 2013

Volume 1 Number 2

● New Bear Strategy in Place● Winter irruptive birds● Trophy buck shot late● Crosby tract conserved

● Long Trail footbridge nears● Think You Know Champlain?● Cross-Country Skiing● News, Calendar, More …

Big game results announcedTracking a wounded buck

Vermont derby time

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February 2013 • Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine •

Features13 Day Late BuckA hunter killed a record-book whitetail but itwas killed one day after the season closed.

16 Honoring MeeriGMP seeks nominees for fourth annualGMP-Ketterstrom Environmental Award.

22 ‘Saturday’A wounded buck turns into a family trackingeffort in the woods of Searsburg.

32 Derby TimeDie-hard ice anglers know that Februarybrings hard-water fishing tournaments.

5. Editor’s Note6. Photo of the Month7. Calendar10. Outdoor News48. Out & About

18. Conservation42. The Outside Story38. LCI40. Vt. State Parks46. Bird of Vermont

More Inside

Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazinewww.VtGreatOutdoorsMag.com

February 2013 • Volume 1 • Number 2© Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine 2013

Publisher & EditorDarren Marcy

News/Marketing AssistantsMaya Marcy & Camilla Marcy

ContributorsJeremy Baker, Bradley Carleton,Erin Talmage, Megan Davin,Tom Best, Steve Costello,Eric LaMontagne, Lilian Shen

Article & Photo [email protected]

Press Releases, Letters, [email protected]

[email protected]

Phone(802) 331-0130

Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine is publishedmonthly as a free digital publication. This publicationis protected by copyright and each individual storyand photo is protected by copyright owned by therespective contributors. All opinions belong to therespective writers and do not necessarily reflect thatof Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine.

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Editor’s Note:


Good peopleI’ve long said that outdoor enthusiasts are among

my favorite people anywhere. I’ve always thoughtso. I’m not sure if spending time in the outdoors builds character inpeople, or if it attracts quality folks to start with. But I recently readanother story about an outdoorsman doing the right thing at an ice-fishing tournament. That tale is in my column this month. I hope youagree, this guy is deserving of some praise.

There’s a lot of cameraderie in the outdoors. In fact, that’s a bigpart about what draws a lot of us to the woods. Getting to hang outwith good people – family and friends – is a strong draw. That bondis shown in great ways in this months features by Jeremy Baker andBradley Carleton. Jeremy’s story on Page 22 about a tough deer huntends with the group helping track a wounded buck shot by hisbrother. And Bradley takes us back to the ice for an ice-fishingderby. The story on Page 32 is from a past year, but the crew will befishing the same derby this year.

There some great information in this issue. Take a look as EricLaMontagne shares some information on Page 38 about other fishspecies in Lake Champlain you may not know about. Megan Davintalks about cross-country skiing on Page 40, Lilian Shen details howanimals digestive systems transform to deal with limited food duringthe winter on Page 42 and Erin Talmage introduces us to some birdsthat sometimes show up in great numbers in Vermont during thewinter on Page 46.

This issue is also packed with news. Don’t miss information in thisissue about changes to the black bear season, a film coming toManchester that should be of interest to Vermont fly-anglers, abridge over the Winooski River that has the Green Mountain Cluband hikers of the Long Trail excited, and a newly conserved piece ofland that has been a long time in the making.

If that’s not enough, take a look at the rack on Page 13 from a hugewhitetail and read why the hunter isn’t being celebrated.

And then check out Page 16 and read the story about MeeriZetterstrom and her efforts at restoring the osprey in Vermont. Takea moment and see if you don’t know a Meeri who deserves to behonored for his or her efforts to make the great outdoors a betterplace. Trust me, there are a lot out there.

On the Cover

Fishing buddiesThere’s something special

about kids and dogs. Add afishing rod and it gets evenbetter.

Above, Evan Norton and hisfishing buddy Carlos intentlywatch the hole in the ice whilejigging on Lake St. Catherinerecently.

When I saw this photo I wastaken by the classic image of aboy and his dog in the outdoors.

And I knew immediately Iwanted the photo on the coverof February’s Vermont’s GreatOutdoors Magazine.

Fortunately, the photo-grapher was willing and wemade it happen.

This photo was taken by TomBest during a successfulfishing trip, which, based onTom’s photos, is a regularthing. We’ll share some ofthose photos in an upcomingissue of VGOM.

We’d like to run your photostoo. Have a nice shot, or a few?Send them to us at:

[email protected]’t wait to see them.

Photo of the Month:


A mess of perch from Chittenden Reservoir are ready for the fish fry.

Outdoor Calendar:


● Island Pond Winter Carnival, Feb 1-3, funevents for all ages including: ice skating, sleighrides, snowmobile tours, kids fishing derby,snow sculpture competition, cardboard sledraces, bluff mountain snowshoe, intro to icefishing, and more, infowww.islandpondchamber.org/events.html

● Predator Hunting Seminar, Feb 2 R&LArchery, inc, 70 Smith St, Barre, 1-3 p.m., JoeJudd, Quaker Boy prostaff will discuss huntingand calling techniques. free, information 479-9151, www.randlarchery.com.

● 17th Annual Snowshoe Festival & WinterParty, Feb 2, GMC Headquarters in WaterburyCenter, all ages, beat cabin fever with a varietyof hikes, workshops and talks on dog sledding,bird-on-glove handling, wintercooking/camping, animal tracking, dressing inlayers, and having outdoor fun with kids,events include children's activities, bonfire,s'mores, cocoa, music, refreshments, raffle, $8members, $10 nonmembers, kids free,www.greenmountainclub.org

● Adirondack Outing, Feb 2, location to bedecided, count on 7-8 miles round trip, grouplimit 10. contact leader Robynn Albert, 878-4036 or [email protected].

● Hiking and sledding, Feb. 2, Mount Philo inCharlotte, 9 a.m. GMC Young AdventurersClub, contact leader Andrea Kane at 877-6597or [email protected].

● Hike/Snowshoe, Feb. 2, Merck Forest andFarmland Center in Rupert, bring snowshoesfor a moderate 4 to 5 mile trek on old woodroads and trails, Steve Williams, 645-9529.

● Snowshoe up Nebraska Notch, Feb. 3, with theGMC Burlington Section, snowshoe 7.6 milesto Taylor Lodge, then descend to LakeMansfield and return, moderate hike with1,600 feet elevation gain, farm, group limit 10,contact leader David Hathaway, 899-9982 [email protected]

● Cross-Country Ski, Feb. 5, GMC, StoweMountain Resort, 1:30 p.m., moderate withvarious distances, pass or trail fee required,contact leader for meeting time and place.

● Bobcat hunting season ends, Feb. 7.

● Sixth Annual Great Ice in Grand Isle, Feb. 8-10 and 16-17, City Bay in North Hero, icemarathon, timed skating events, Christmas treebonfire, Nordic skating demos, kids’ fishingderby, human-powered races, more,information at www.champlainislands.com.

● Family Snowshoe, Feb. 9, GMC YoungAdventurers Club, Montpelier, easy, contactMike Wetherell, 223-8493 or Lexi Shear, 229-9810 for information, www.gmcmontpelier.org

● Lakes Region Winter Carnival, Feb 9-10, LakeHouse Restaurant in Bomoseen on Saturday,Prospect Point Golf Course on Sunday, noonboth days, family winter activities like skating,sledding and horse drawn sleigh ride, all agesinvited, free,www.lakebomoseen.mylaketown.com.

● Camel’s Hump Challenge, Feb. 10, NordicSkier Association Center in Huntington, 7:30a.m., benefit for Vermont Alzheimer’s

Calendar of Events

Association, a 25k ski over ungroomed trail tothe summit of one of Vermont’s highestpeaks, great views, a food stop halfwaythrough and homemade chicken noodle soupat the finish, info:camelshumpchallenge.com/index.html.

● Red and gray fox hunting season ends, Feb. 10.● Where The Yellowstone Goes, Feb. 10,

Village Picture Shows in Manchester, noon,an inspiring film about a 30-day float tripdown the Lower 48’s longest undammedriver, benefit for the American Museum ofFly Fishing, trailer atwww.wheretheyellowstonegoes.com.

● Cross-Country Ski, Feb. 16, Craftsbury withGMC, Craftsbury Outdoor Center, moderatedifficulty, length depends on interest andsnow conditions, pass or trail fee required,bring lunch to eat indoors, meet at MontpelierHigh School, contact leaders for meetingtime, 223-3550, information:www.gmcmontpelier.org/events.

● Cross-Country Ski, Feb. 16, Trapps withGMC, Trapp Family Touring Center inStowe, moderate difficulty, various distances,pass or trail fee required, contact leaders formeeting time and place, Charlene Bohl, 229-9908.

● VINS Owl Prowl, Feb. 16, Noises in theNighttime, VINS Nature Center, 6565Woodstock Road in Quechee, 6:30 to 8:30p.m., join a VINS educator to discover theamazing life of our wild nocturnal residentswhile snowshoeing through the woods of theVINS Nature Center, dress warmly, aheadlamp is also recommended, $10nonmembers, $8 members, preregister by Feb.17 at 359-5000, www.vinsweb.org.

● Fourth Annual Bolton to the Barns Ski Tour,Feb. 16, Bolton Valley Nordic Center, ahealthy challenge and fun day of adventure,the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps isteaming up with theVermont Land Trust toraise funds for the Bolton backcountryconservation effort, information:www.vlt.org/initiatives/bolton.

● VAST Groomer Rodeo, Feb. 16, The BeeHive, 253 Sunset Road in Barre, or betweenintersections WN4 and WN5, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.,VAST is working with The Sno Bees to holda groomer rodeo, information:www.vtvast.org.

● Great Backyard Bird Count, Feb. 17, put yourbirdwatching skills to use at VINS tocelebrate the GBBC, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., VINSNature Center, 6565 Woodstock Road,Quechee, activities, crafts, games. 359-5000,www.vinsweb.org.

● Cross-Country Ski, Feb. 17, Marshfield withGMC, 10 a.m., Beaver Brook Ski Area inMarshfield, moderate difficulty, meet atMontpelier High School at 10 a.m.,information George Longenecker or CynthiaMartin, 229-9787 [email protected].

● Fish & Wildlife Board meeting, Feb. 20, St.Leo’s Hall, Waterbury, 5 p.m.

● Cross-Country Ski, Feb. 21, Stowe with GMC,10 a.m., Stowe Mountain Resort in Stowe,moderate difficulty, various distances, pass ortrail fee required, meet at 10 a.m. at the Dept. ofLabor parking lot in Montpelier, informationGeorge Longenecker or Cynthia Martin, 229-9787 or [email protected],www.gmcmontpelier.org.

Outdoor Calendar:


Calendar of Events

● Snowshoe Mt. Mansfield's Chin with GMC,Feb. 23, Stowe, difficult, cramponsnecessary, Long Trail to Taft Lodge then onto the Chin, contact leader for meeting timeand place, Paul DeLuca at 476-7987 [email protected],www.gmcmontpelier.org.

● Bolton Backcountry Tour, Feb. 23, BoltonValley Resort, 1 p.m., Friends of the BoltonNordic and Backcountry group leads toursof the 1,100-acre area they are working toconserve, available for intermediate andadvanced backcountry Nordic skiers andsnowshoers, tours begin and end at NordicCenter, pass or day ticket required, spacelimited, to register or for more informationcontact [email protected] or 802-262-1241.

● Harriman Reservoir Ice Fishing Derby, Feb.23, Harriman Reservoir, check in at

Fairview Avenue Boat Landing inWilmington, for more information call PaulTobits at 855-7495 [email protected].

● VAST Winterfest, Feb. 23, Island Pond, aride-in event for all VAST members,www.vtvast.org.

● Snowshoe Duxbury with GMC, Stowe, Feb.24, moderate 5 miles round trip, snowshoeto Montclair Glen Lodge from CouchingLion parking lot, meet at Montpelier HighSchool, contact leader Michael Chernick formeeting time, 249-0520 [email protected].

● Otter trapping season ends, Feb 28.To have your organization’s meeting or activity

listed in the outdoor calendar, [email protected].

Outdoor Calendar:


Calendar of Events

Advertising RatesBusiness Card...........(3½ x 2)...............$20Strip..........................(7½ x 2)...............$30Quarter Page.............(3¾ x 5)...............$35Half Page..................(7½ x 5)...............$60Full Page..................(7½ x 10)..............$100

These introductory rates are intended to introduce your organization to VGOM. Despite the demand andexcitement generated by the publication, we have chosen to keep rates low enough to allow everyone

to get in on the ground floor.

Enjoy the added advantage that each monthly issue of VGOM will continue to be available through thedigital reading platform and for download at the end of each month. Long after a printed magazine is

pulled from the shelves or tossed in the recycle bin, people will continue to run across these old issuesas they discover the magazine or find interesting articles during Internet searches.

[email protected]

Want to see your event in the calendar? Email it to [email protected]

Outdoor News:


VermontGuided tours offered

to benefit Bolton backcountryThe Friends of Bolton Nordic and Backcountry will

lead a free guided tour of the Bolton backcountry Feb.8, Feb. 23, and March 8. Tours will begin at 1 p.m.

Tours are available for intermediate and advancedbackcountry and Nordic skiers or snowshoers. All tourswill begin and end at the Nordic Center.

The Feb. 8 and March 8 tours will be free. The Feb.23 tour will require a pass or day ticket.

For more information email [email protected] or call262-1241.

Man faces charges Mount Philoattendant's booth vandalized

Vermont State Police charged a Hinesburg man afternumerous cases of vandalism were reported includingtipping over the park attendant's booth at Mount PhiloState Park in Charlotte.

According to a news release, police arrested JakeClark, 21, of Hinesburg after investigating a string ofdamaged mailboxes and stolen street signs thatallegedly occurred between 3:30 and 9 a.m. Jan. 16 inHinesburg and Charlotte.

Also, the attendant's booth was tipped over with apickup, causing about $1,000 in damage.

Evidence found at the scene led them to Clark, whoadmitted to committing the acts.

He faces a felony charge of unlawful mischief andwas issued a citation to appear in court to face thecharge.

State Parks holds bottlelogo design contest

The Vermont State Parks wants to create a fresh, newlook for its water bottles sold parks and on the Weband is holding a contest to choose the new design.

Anyone interested in contributing a design to thecontest should submit a high-resolution design that is3 inches by 3 inches in a digital format.

The design should embrace the personality or feelingof Vermont State Parks. The design can use up to threecolors and should look good on a variety of materials(plastic, stainless, fabric), and colors (green, blue).

Entries will be posted on the State Parks' Facebookpage so fans can vote for their favorite designs.

Three prizes will be awarded:Third prize will be a punch card good for 10 park

visits.Second prize will be an individual pass that will get

one person into the parks for day use all season.The first place winner will receive a season pass good

for free day entry for up to eight people at a time, inany park, all season long. Plus, of a course, a few waterbottles to share with your family and friends.

All winners will become instantly famous and willreceive accolades and adulation on the Vermont StateParks website and Facebook pages.

Entries must be received by Feb. 28 to qualify. Emailyour entries to [email protected] or Vermont StateParks, 81 River Street, Montpelier, VT 05602.

For more information, see www.vtstateparks.com

Police investigating theftof snowmobile trailer

Vermont State Police are investigating the theft of asnowmobile trailer in Coventry.

According to a press release, Matthew Baughman,34, of Coventry, reported his 11x6 aluminum 2002utility trailer made for two snowmobiles was stolenfrom Al’s Snowmobile in [email protected]

Outdoor News:


The trailer was taken sometime between Jan. 7 andJan. 29.

It bears the Vermont registration plate B54385.Anyone with information is asked to ball State Police

334-8881.

NationNew ATV videos

offer safety lessonsInstructors who teach ATV safety in the classroom

can supplement their lessons with new ATV videosproduced by Kalkomey Enterprises, Inc.

“These new safety videos are a fun way for ATVriders to learn how to stay safe,” said Kurt Kalkomey,president of Kalkomey Enterprises, Inc. “Each of thesix new videos are about 5 minutes long, so instructorscan plug them into their lesson plans, whether they'reteaching 4-H youth, Boy Scouts or students at an ATVsafety class.”

The new ATV safety videos feature professionalactors that students can easily relate to and attention-getting graphics. The videos are created to entertainstudents while delivering need-to-know safetyinformation. Topics covered in this series of six videosinclude ATV safety gear, matching the rider to the ride,

how to conduct a pre-ride inspection, basic ridingskills, riding smart and reducing risks, and loading andunloading an ATV.

Youth leaders who teach ATV safety can order thenew videos on a menu-driven DVD. For pricinginformation and to place orders, [email protected] or call (800) 830-2268.

Can-Am Commandersrecalled due to fire hazard

About 25,000 Can-Am Commanders side-by-side offroad vehicles have been recalled due to a fire hazardthat can be caused when leaves, hay and grass in wetterrain collect in the exhaust pipe area. A hot exhaustpipe can ignite the material and cause a fire.

There have been 18 reported fires related to thedebris in the exhaust pipe area, including one thatcaused minor injuries.

Model years 2011, 2012 and early 2013 gas-poweredCommander side-by-sides are part of the recall.

Owners should stop using the vehicles, check theirexhaust for debris and contact a BRP dealer to schedulea free update kit repair.

The issue can be repaired.Owners should call BRP at (888) 638-5397, from 8

a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, or log on towww.can-am.brp.com and click on recall informationunder the owner center for more information.

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Outdoor News:


A Vermont man killed the buckof a lifetime.

It was likely the biggest buckanybody had seen in Vermont thatwasn't alive long enough to havelived through the “good old days”of deer hunting.

But then, it all came crashingdown.

The Vermont Fish & WildlifeDepartment says that a tip led themto a buck shot by a Jim Smith, 47,of Stamford.

The deer, which was later scoredand determined it could qualify forthe Boone and Crockett Club recordbook, would most assuredly be thelargest deer killed in Vermont inseveral decades.

But there was one problem.One 24-hour problem.Conservation officers investi-

gating the report of the enormousbuck found Smith had allegedlyshot it the day after the seasonclosed.

Deer rifle season ends the Sundayafter Thanksgiving.

Smith told officers he killed thebig buck Monday although he saidhe believed the season was stillopen.

It all started with a tip after Smithwas seen removing the deer fromthe woods Nov. 26, the day after theseason ended.

Wardens Richard Watkin, KellyPrice and David Taddei went toSmith's house in December tointerview the hunter.

He admitted killing the buck theday after the season closed.

Smith was charged with “takingdeer in closed season,” whichcarries a potential 60-day jail termfor the first offense if convicted,and he would also lose his right tohunt, fish and trap in Vermont forthree years and face up to $3,000 infines and restitution.

Wardens seized the antlers, meatand hide.

Smith is due to be arraignmentFeb. 11 in Bennington DistrictCourt.

Curtis Smiley, president of theVermont Big Game Trophy Club,said the buck is one of the largestdeer killed in Vermont in more than20 years and boasted a Boone andCrockett score of 165 2/8 gross.

Huge Buck Taken a Day Too Late


Long Trail:

Long Trail Bridge Close to Reality

WATERBURY CENTER– The Green MountainClub released the first

visual mockup of its planned LongTrail footbridge over the WinooskiRiver and announced a $50,000challenge match donation.

“It is very exciting to actually see,for the first time, a vision of thishistoric project,” said Will Wiquist,GMC executive director. “Aftermore than 100 years of dreamingand striving, the Green MountainClub is very close to finallycompleting a footbridge for the

Long Trail over the Winooski River.But, first, the final amount of

money that needs to be raised.The Green Mountain Club has

raised more than $550,000 fromprivate donors to support the

project. This, in addition to thelong-standing support for thisproject and land protection effortsfrom the state of Vermont, hasbrought the club to within $115,000of its fundraising goal.

“In order to complete this project,we need to raise the remainingnecessary funds and this dollar-for-dollar challenge donation will helpus reach these goals and, literally,cross that bridge soon,” Wiquistsaid.

An anonymous donor has offeredto match every project donation

Visualization model of Long Trail bridge in Bolton near Camel’s Hump.

between Feb. 1 and the end ofAugust, up to $50,000.

In making the pledge, the donorsaid, “Getting a permanent bridgeacross the Winooski has been adream of the club for decades, asit will both reduce the longestremaining road walk and fill thelast major gap in the Long Trail.Realizing that dream, by providingthe necessary funding to acquirethe trail heads on both sides of theriver, has been a personalchallenge of mine for almost 25years, and I am excited that the endis now in sight.”

The Green Mountain Club hassought to establish a safe,appropriate and permanent route forthe Long Trail over the WinooskiRiver in Bolton since 1912 whenthe club established the first stretch

of the trail from Mt. Mansfield tothe river.

At that time the Vermont GeneralAssembly appropriated $500 for theproject. While that did not result ina bridge, the club has continued thiseffort into the present day.

Over the years, the Long Trail hasutilized a farmer’s row boat as aferry, the railroad bridge, and,today, a 3-mile road walk and a busyroad bridge in Jonesville.

The Green Mountain Club’s LongTrail Protection campaign haspurchased land and secured foureasements from landowners toassure a permanent right of way forthe trail between Camels HumpState Park on the south side of theriver and Mount Mansfield StateForest to the north.

The club’s partnership with the

Vermont Department of Forests,Parks, and Recreation has played akey role in this conservationachievement.

The Green Mountain Clubexpects to have shovels in theground on this project by this Junewith completion in autumn.

The club has hired a professionalengineering firm, Vanasse HangenBrustlin, Inc. of Ferrisburg to buildoff of excellent preliminary designwork done by civil engineeringstudents from Norwich University.

The more than 220-foot bridgewill be built by the special projectsteam of the club Long Trail Patrol.

Donations can be made online orby sending a contribution to GreenMountain Club, 4711 Waterbury-Stowe Road, Waterbury Center, VT05677, memo Winooski.


Long Trail:

Conceptual Drawing of Long Trail Bridge by Green Mountain Club Engineering firm VHB, Inc. of Ferrisburg.

Environment:


Meeri Zetterstrom probablyhad no intention ofbecoming a standard

bearer for conservation work whenshe took up the plight of her belovedosprey at Lake Arrowhead on theborder of Milton and Georgia.

But after Vermont’s osprey hadnearly been extirpated from the statenearly a half century earlier,Zetterstrom was among the first towatch the osprey return to

Arrowhead.And she knew they needed help.So she started poking and

prodding the Fish & WildlifeDepartment.

By 1988 the state wildlifedepartment had partnered withCentral Vermont Public Service toinstall artificial nesting platformsand create buffer zones to protectthe nesting efforts. Green MountainPower started similar efforts.

They also started working toeducate the public about the plight

of the osprey and producededucational materials.

One of those early converts wasSteve Costello, who at the timeworked for CVPS, who worked withZetterstrom on osprey conservation.

Today, after the two companiesmerged, Costello is a vice presidentwith GMP and still a fan of theosprey. During warmer months, hecan often be found floating in hiskayak hoping for another photo ofan osprey to add to his growingcollection of spectacular shots.

Honoring MeeriGMP seeks nominees for 2013 Zetterstrom Award

Environment:


“Meeri had an innate ability toconnect people with nature andexplain the importance ofconservation and wildlifepreservation,” Costello said. “Sheinspired me personally and helpedstart and lead a statewideconversation that led directly to thepreservation and recovery ofospreys, and ultimately theirremoval from Vermont’sendangered species list.”

Zetterstrom's dogged pursuit ofosprey recovery paid off. About adecade after the Fish & WildlifeDepartment and CVPS and GMPbegan their efforts, the first ospreychick in memory hatched andfledged at Lake Arrowhead.

Seven years after that, the ospreywas removed from the VermontEndangered Species List.

Zetterstrom died in 2010, but herlegacy lives on and GMP honorsthat legacy every year by rewardingsomeone in her name.

Three Vermonters have beenhonored and a fourth will be namedthis year as Green Mountain Powerawards the 2013 GMP-ZetterstromEnvironmental Award.

Nominations are being taken foran individual, business, group ornonprofit that has made asignificant contribution toVermont's environment.

The winner will receive a $2,500donation to the winner's cause.

“The award highlights theongoing efforts of some ofVermont’s most forward-thinkingenvironmentalists,” said GMPPresident and CEO Mary Powell.“We will continue to solicitnominations and honor a specialVermonter each year to highlight

Meeri’s legacy as part of ourongoing commitment to Vermont’sair, land and water.”

Zetterstrom inspired countlessVermonters through her doggedefforts to protect and restoreVermont’s osprey population.

Past award recipients includeSally Laughlin, a leading wildlifeadvocate and scientist whose workwas instrumental in restoring threespecies of endangered birds inVermont; Michael Smith, thefounder and driving force behindRutland’s Pine Hill Park; andMargaret Fowle, who has long ledVermont’s peregrine falconrestoration program, which isresponsible for their return from thebrink of extinction.

Nominations for the GMP-Zetterstrom Environmental Awardwill be accepted through March 15,and the winner announced in thespring.

The winner will be chosen by a

panel of GMP employees withresponsibilities related to landmanagement, resource protection,community relations andeducation, and environmentalcompliance.

Nominations may be made by thenominee or by any other entity, andshould demonstrate a commitmentof the nominee to benefit Vermont,its land, air or water, wildlife, orthe enjoyment of the outdoors byothers.

This may be through educationalefforts, environmental stewardship,resource rehabilitation, protectionor preservation, or conservation.

The award is intended to supportenvironmental protection andinspire individuals to benefitVermont’s environment.

Vermonters of any age may benominated.

For a nomination application andmore information, visitwww.greenmountainpower.com.

Steve Costello of GMP shot this photo of an osprey chick on the nest.

Conservation:


The Vermont Fish & WildlifeDepartment and The NatureConservancy have partnered toconserve a parcel of land thatconnects two separate units of theMud Creek Wildlife ManagementArea and protects a 4-milecontiguous stretch of wetland fromRansoms Bay of Lake Champlainto the Canadian border.

The tract also connects with1,000 acres of conserved land on

the Quebec side of the border.The purchase of the 148.9-acre

parcel follows a longterm effort toconserve the tract by Fish &Wildlife’s Bill Crenshaw and TheNature Conservancy’s JonBinhammer.

“What makes the Crosby tractspecial is that Bill Crenshaw andJon Binhammer worked on theconservation of this land for 17years with two differentlandowners,” said Jane Lazorchak,

land acquisition coordinator for theVermont Fish & WildlifeDepartment. “Bill and Jon’sperseverance to see that this landwas conserved and available to thepublic, in addition to their manyother conservation projectsthroughout Vermont, represent alegacy that will last forgenerations.”

Crenshaw retired in Decemberfollowing a 39-year career with theFish & Wildlife Department.

Crosby tract put into conservation

Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department's Bill Crenshaw places a marker on the newly conserved Crosby tract in Alburgh.

Conservation:


“We have finally achieved ourdesired result – permanent publicaccess to about 30 acres of uplands,120 acres of wetlands, and 1,800feet of frontage on LakeChamplain, including a natural lakesand beach and rock outcrop calledBlue Rock” Binhammer said.

The Crosby tract and Mud Creekarea is well known for its waterfowland other wetland-associatedwildlife.

“These forested wetlands are thepreferred habitat for wood ducks,

and the rocky outcrop is a baskinghabitat for the spiny softshell turtle,a state-threatened species,”Binhammer said.

Crenshaw lauded the property.“This is an outstanding piece of

fish and wildlife habitat,”Crenshaw said. “About 75 percentof it is Lake Champlain-influencedwetlands, which are naturallyproductive.”

Funding for this purchase camefrom the North American WetlandsConservation Act, passed by

Congress in 1989 to conservewetlands throughout NorthAmerica for waterfowl and otherwetland-dependent species.

Vermont Duck Stamp Fundswere used in part to help match theNAWCA grant.

The Vermont Duck StampProgram started in 1985 byLegislative action and to date hascompleted 82 projects in the statewith approximately 11,000 acres ofwetlands and adjacent uplandsprotected or enhanced.

Only tracks in the snow show that anybody has been at Chittenden Reservoir near Rutland at all.

“Where the Yellowstone Goes,” a feature-lengthdocumentary film from award-winning filmmakerHunter Weeks will be screened Feb. 10 in Manchesteras a fundraiser for The American Museum of FlyFishing.

The film will be shown atnoon at the Village PictureShows in Manchester Center.

The documentary followsthe exploits of a group asthey float the Yellowstonefrom Gardiner, Mont., to theriver’s confluence of theMissouri River in NorthDakota nearly 600 mileslater on a 30-day driftboatjourney.

The Yellowstone, at 692miles long (althoughdifferent sources give itdifferent lengths) is thelongest undammed river inthe lower 48.

From Gardiner, Mont., toLivingston, Mont., the riveris a “Blue Ribbon” classifiedwater. It begins inYellowstone National Parkand is the primary watershedfor the Yellowstone ecosystem, ultimately reachinga significant portion of the United States through itstributaries.

In the West, rivers are the lifeblood of communitiesand historical development was almost alwaysconnected to a river long before wells could be boredthousands of feet into aquifers.

Today, those rivers are still critical to communitiesand in this film you’ll meet many of the people wholove the Yellowstone for one reason or another aswell as look at the impact people have on the riverand each other.

“People are becoming more aware of howimportant our nation’s waterways are,” Weeks saidin a news release. “I think this film will reallyresonate and help people understand that they can dosomething. This isn’t just about fly fishing and

conservation, this is a realstory of life.”

But one of the biggeststars of the show, and onethat is present throughout theentire film, is the scenery ofMontana, the Big Sky State.

The crew is led on thejourney by fourth-generationMontanan and fly-fishingguide Robert Hawkins. Thecrew tackles a variety oftopics as they float down theriver

According to the release,“‘Where the YellowstoneGoes,’ is more than a simplejourney. It’s about people,our environment, and theharmony that exists betweenthem.”

Advance tickets to theFeb. 10 screening are $10and are available at TheVillage Picture Shows or

online at www.villagepictureshows.com. Tickets willbe available the day of the show for $12 while theylast and screenings often sale out.

As a fundraiser, the film presentation will raisemoney for The American Museum of Fly Fishing,which is also in Manchester.

The AMFF is the steward of the history, traditionsand practices of the sport of fly fishing and promotesthe conservation of its waters. Learn more atwww.amff.com.

For more information, or to view the trailer, go towww.WhereTheYellowstoneGoes.com.

Film to raise money for AMFF

Film:



Like that special tree stand from which you always see deer, orthat stretch of river where the trout always rise, there are justsome places that are unique. A spot that holds a place in your

heart so special that you keep it to yourself.

If you’re looking for an advertising opportunity to share yourmessage, this can be your special place.

This prime spot can be yours next month.By advertising in Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine, you’ll

not only be supporting a growing publication that is generating alot of excitement in the Green Mountain State, but you’ll also

place your message in front of avid and dedicated outdoorenthusiasts.

And you won’t believe how affordable this space is.There are other publications that cover some of the outdoor

experience in Vermont and this little slice of Heaven they callnorthern New England. They do a good job, but none of themcover the depth and breadth of the topics you’ll read about in

Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine.

So contact us today to ensure we can get your advertisement inthe next monthly issue of a growing and exciting publication that

covers the topics that are important to you and your business.

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (802) 331-0130

Hunting:


‘Saturday’

Hunting:


Seven degrees. That was thetemperature as we began ourtrek up heart attack hill

(fondly named after the heartpounding ascent to its peak). If webreak a sweat during our climb,sitting will be nearly impossible.

My son Tommy, 7 years old atthe time, isn’t going to last long.Brother Chris, Uncle Tom, Jeff andHarry all disappear into the 600 acreBetit property. Their headlampsfade into the frozen forest.

This tract of land located inSearsburg, VT has been in mymother’s family for generations.The property, approximately one(not so) square mile, is engulfed bythe Green Mountain NationalForest.

An hour after reaching ourdestination I radio Brother Chrisand Uncle Tom informing them we

are headed back to our truck. Myboy is cold and a warm wood stoveawaits us back at camp. As hard asit may be for parents of potentialhunters, you have to know when toback off, allowing your childrenopportunities to participate, ratherthan pressure to do so. Otherwise,

they may not join you once theyapproach their decision makingyears.

Camp is located across theSearsburg town line in Somerset, adesolate uninhabited expanse ofmature timber and beaver swampssituated between Bennington andBrattleboro just north of Route 9.

Uncle Tom’s cabin is a structuraldisplay of his appreciation fornature. In the kitchen stands a “pan-tree”. The tree, a white birch saplingharvested for utilitarian purposes,extends from floor to ceiling withpans of all shapes and sizes hanginglike leaves from its many branches.

The rails along the stairway to oursleeping quarters are constructed ofbeaver chewed logs that have beencollected during brook trout fishingexcursions over the years. LikeUncle Tom, beavers are masterful

Hunting:


craftsmen utilizing wood as theirmedium.

From every angle inside thesewalls, regardless of where you sitor stand, nature surrounds you. Deerheads, moose sheds and deerantlers, old fly-rods re-purposed ascurtain rods, historical photographsand topographic maps, a coat rackmade from an apple tree stripped ofits bark and laden with urethane, avacated paper wasps nest; camp isoutside-in.

Tommy and I are soon joined byUncle Tom and Harry, a good friendof Uncle Tom’s from Bennington.Harry, a jovial, physically fit man

sporting a well trimmed grayingbeard, spent his morning walkingeffortlessly along the many loggingroads traversing the Betit property.

Harry was not hunting thismorning, he was simply observingnature, getting some exercise andalthough not likely, but possibly,nudging unsuspecting deer towardsthe hunters in our party whoremained hunkered down, battlingthe single digit temperatures.

Harry’s report echoed decades ofreports that have been sharedamong this dedicated group ofhunters. His morning walk did notinclude any deer sightings or signs

of deer for that matter.After a hearty lunch that

consisted of Uncle Tom’s venisonstew, Tommy, Uncle Tom and Iprep for the afternoon hunt feelingwarm and rested.

My cell phone rings and it isBrother Chris. He has wounded adeer. This is BIG news. Deer inthese parts are few and farbetween...divided by 10. Weanxiously say our goodbyes andleave Harry at camp with a dinnerto prepare and wood stove to feed.Both will be equally appreciatedonce darkness arrives.

After parking my truck at the log

Hunting:


landing back at the Betit propertyand before climbing heart attack hill(again), I radio Brother Chris. UncleTom, Brother Chris, Tommy and Iagree to meet at the chain on therock (named after the rock that hasa chain on it).

When we gather, Brother Chrisshares his tale. I observe Tommylistening intently. Hopefully, thiswill be the first of many “kills”Tommy and I share.

Brother Chris guides us to thelocation he left the wounded deer’strack in the inch or so of snow,before deciding it would be best toback out, give the buck some timeto bed and call in reinforcements.Sure enough, just as we expected,an empty bed full of blood.

We devise a plan and quietlyspread out, staying within sight ofeach other. Brother Chris takes thetrack while Uncle Tom, and Tommyand I flank him.

“There he goes...” I shout. Notlong after we spread out and beginour pursuit of the buck, it jumpsfrom its bed and bounds off.Brother Chris buries a shot into thebounding animal and we think fora moment it may be over. The deersomehow continues on, out of sight.

I turn to see Tommy’s reaction;he is wide eyed after getting his firstglimpse of the deer and quicklygives me two thumbs up.

We regroup, give the deer time tosettle down, hopefully die, and thencontinue our pursuit. Sure enough,the same result, only this timeseveral shots ring out ... and theyaren’t ours.

Brother Chris is visibly upset andI attempt to convince him that hemust have mortally wounded thedeer. Once we approach the

unsuspecting hunter, we should beable to talk reasonably with him/herand place my brother’s tag on thebuck. Fortunately we don’t have to.

The shots were fired by a distantrelative, Andy Betit, who wasposted in a pop up blind not farfrom his camp adjacent to thisproperty. When we reach Andy, heis wielding his pistol excitedly,claiming he missed the buck cleanly.

“He came charging over the hilland I got a couple of shots off but henever flinched, I know I missed him.Good luck to you fellas, I gotta getback to camp and start dinner, he’sa fine buck, I hope you get him...”

And he was off, leaving us to ourchase with darkness looming.

An uninvited sense of urgencyhas joined us. We decide to push onand shortly after splitting up one

Hunting:


final time, we all catch glimpses ofthe buck. He is at the base of the hillwalking slowly among thesoftwoods.

I don’t recall who shot first orhow many shots were fired; I justknow it wasn’t me squeezing thetrigger. Tommy and I quicklybecome observing participants ofthe hunt.

We continue down the hill afterthe deer and hunters, listening toUncle Tom and Brother Chris’sbrief exchange on the radio.Apparently Brother Chris hasaccompanied the deer during itsfinal moments.

As Tommy and I arrive, wewitness one last shot required to end

the animal’s life. Fortunately for us,as the deer attempted his escape, hebrought us within 20 yards of theold log road that leads to the landingwhere our trucks are parked.

This buck is one of only a handfultaken on the property over the past20 plus years. Congratulations inthe form of high fives and hugs areexchanged.

Brother Chris stands over thebuck with a boiling sense of relief.

The prospects of chasing a woundeddeer Sunday morning will not keephim awake tonight. A fine 4-pointbuck, most likely a year and a halfold weighing approximately 120pounds will hang from anunemployed buck pole back atUncle Tom’s Cabin.

Spirits are high and glasses willsoon be raised in appreciation andcelebration of the day’s events.

Get some rest. Sunday will behere next month...

Jeremy Baker chases whitetailspassionately with friends and familythroughout the Green Mountainsand Adirondacks of New York State.Feel free to send him an email:[email protected].

Don’t miss Part II of thisstory, next month when

Jeremy Baker continues thestory with “Sunday.”

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[email protected]


Hunting:


Hunters who chase black bears inVermont are getting more optionsas the Vermont Fish & WildlifeDepartment looks to get a handle ona burgeoning bear population.

State game officials say theVermont bear population isestimated to be 6,000 animals,which is at the top end of the

department's 10-year big gamemanagement objective set for thespecies in the Green Mountain State.

On top of that, the bear populationhas been growing at about 4 percentper year despite increased harvestand the result is more nuisance bears.

The Vermont Fish & WildlifeDepartment is unveiling a newstrategy to manage the state's bears,

which includes extending the bearhunting season and implementing alow-cost early season bear tag tocollect additional data on bearharvest success rates and huntereffort.

“The fall 2012 black bear harvestwas up 20 percent from the averageharvest due in part to a decrease infoods such as apples and beechnuts,

Bear Management Plan

Hunting:


but also due to the large, healthybear population in Vermont,” saidForrest Hammond, bear projectleader for the Vermont Fish &Wildlife Department. “With theincreased bear population, we’veseen an increased number of damageand nuisance complaints comingfrom farmers and residents. We’rehoping this new managementstrategy will address some of thosecomplaints by allowing morehunting days to help stabilize thepopulation.”

The 20-percent increase in harvestis over the previous three-yearaverage. Vermont hunters killed 621bears in 2012, including two of thebiggest bears tagged in a while. Twohunters killed bruins that surpassed500 pounds during the season.

Part of the reason was theincreased bear population, but

Hammond also said it was becauseof changes in the food availability.This past year, bears were pusheddown into the fields and grass wherehunters were more likely to run intothem. The year prior, bears wereable to stay at higher elevations inremote country thanks to a greatcrop of nuts and seeds.

Beginning this fall, the regularbear hunting season will extend anadditional four days in theNovember deer rifle season. Thenine-day bear tag that overlaps withdeer rifle season will still beprovided at no additional cost withthe purchase of a regular huntinglicense.

A hunter may still only take onebear in a calendar year.

Hunters who want to hunt bearsbefore deer rifle season will nowneed to purchase a $5 early season

bear tag. Biologists are hoping togain a better understanding of thenumber of hunters who pursue bearbefore deer rifle season, the amountof time they spend hunting, and theirsuccess rates in order to developeffective management strategies.

“The additional early-season beartag is something that dedicated bearhunters have been asking us toimplement for years,” Hammondsaid.

Hunters 65 and older whopurchase a permanent license do notneed the early season tag to huntbear during the early season.

Their license is valid during theearly and late bear seasons. However,five-year and lifetime license holderswhose license is valid starting in2013 will need to purchase theadditional tag to hunt bear before theNovember deer rifle season.

Hunting:


It was a good year to be a big-game hunter in Vermont in2012. In particular, populations

of wild turkeys and black bears areat very high levels, offering huntersof those species excellentopportunities. The whitetail harvestalso saw several positive trends in2012, with the totals for all huntingseasons within the statewidemanagement goals.

Perhaps of greater note, 2012marked the first year in which therewere no hunting-related shootingincidents in Vermont.

Hunters harvested 13,850 white-tailed deer during Vermont’sarchery, youth, rifle, andmuzzleloader deer hunting seasonsin 2012, which is commensuratewith the previous three-year averageof 13,977 deer.

Following last year’s mild winter,the Fish & Wildlife Board issuedmore antlerless permits in 2012resulting in a 16 percent increase inmuzzleloader harvest over theprevious season.

“While the number of antlerlesspermits rose slightly in 2012, theystill allowed for slow growth of theherd in most regions” said AdamMurkowski, deer project leader forthe Vermont Fish & WildlifeDepartment. “The number ofantlerless permits changes annuallyto meet our management objectivesfor the deer herd. However, rifleseason harvest totals increased fromlast year and from the three-year

average, and there were manyreports from hunters that they wereharvesting larger and healthierbucks.”

Vermont hunters were verysuccessful during the 2012 bearseason and fall turkey huntingseasons. Turkey hunters harvested1,365 birds in the fall 2012 seasons,up 53 percent from the previousthree-year average and nearlytripling last year’s total.

Vermont hunters harvested 621bears in 2012, which represents a 20percent increase from the previousthree-year average.

“The high turkey and bearharvests this year are due to largepopulation sizes and to changes infood availability,” said ForrestHammond, wild turkey and blackbear project leader for Vermont Fish& Wildlife. “In 2011, there was ahigh production of nut and seeds, soturkeys and especially bears werestaying put in high remote placesaway from hunters. This year, thelow production of nuts and seedsdrew the animals out in the open, tocorn crops and grass fields, wherethey’re more easily harvested byhunters.”

Moose harvest numbers fluctuateannually based on the number ofmoose permits issued in order tomeet management objectives.

Hunters harvested 222 moose in2012 and had a 52 percent successrate among permit holders, downslightly from 58 percent in 2011.

This was likely due to unseasonablywarm temperatures during mooseseason and lower moose densitiesoverall.

“Moose hunters did quite well inthe Northeast Kingdom this year,”said Fish & Wildlife moose projectleader Cedric Alexander. “Wereached our target harvest in theKingdom’s management zone E1,which was the last zone where westill needed to bring the populationdown a bit to meet moose densityobjectives.”

“The department’s ability tomanage game herds is only possiblebecause of the sportsmen andsportswomen of Vermont,” addedMurkowski. “Every Vermont hunteris involved in the research andmanagement process, in addition toproviding the information needed toassess and manage game herdsthroughout the state.”

All harvest totals are subject toseveral rounds of recounts, whichmay change the totals slightly beforethe final report is issued in March.

Vermont is also celebrating itsfirst hunting season with no hunting-related shootings.

“Vermont hunters should beproud,” said hunter educationcoordinator Chris Saunders. “Thisyear’s record defies the commonmisperception that hunting isdangerous.”

The 2010 hunting season waspreviously the lowest year, with twominor incidents.

Big Game Success

Hunting:


Since 2009 hunters have had theopportunity to pursue snow geeseduring the spring as a result of aspecial management action referredto as a “Conservation Order”allowed by the U.S. Fish andWildlife Service and adopted by theVermont Fish and Wildlife Board.

The measure was adopted at therecommendation of federal and statewildlife scientists in response toconcerns about a growing numberof snow geese across NorthAmerica. Eight states in the AtlanticFlyway (Delaware, Maryland, NewJersey, New York, North Carolina,Pennsylvania, Virginia, andVermont) will hold a Spring SnowGoose Conservation Order in 2013.

The Vermont 2013 Spring SnowGoose Conservation Order willoccur statewide from March 11through April 26.

The daily bag limit is 15 snowgeese, and there is no possessionlimit.

Waterfowl hunting regulations ineffect last fall will apply during the2013 Spring Snow GooseConservation Order with theexception that unplugged shotgunsand electronic calls may be used,and shooting hours will be extendeduntil one-half hour after sunset.

A 2013 Spring Snow GooseHarvest Permit is required and isavailable at no charge on theVermont Fish & WildlifeDepartment’s website(vtfishandwildlife.com).

Hunters may also call the EssexJunction Office (878-1564) torequest a permit.

In addition to this permit, hunterswill need a 2013 Vermont huntinglicense (residents $22, nonresidents$50), 2013 Harvest InformationProgram certification, a 2012federal migratory hunting stamp($15), and a 2013 Vermontmigratory waterfowl stamp ($7.50).

Hunters can register with theHarvest Information Program bygoing to the department website orcalling toll free (877) 306-7091during normal business hours.

The populations of snow geese,blue geese and Ross’s geese inNorth America, collectively referredto as “light geese,” have grown torecord levels over the past threedecades.

According to the U. S. Fish andWildlife Service, the overabundanceof light geese, which nest in farnorthern regions of North America,is harming their fragile arcticbreeding habitat.

The damage to the habitat is, inturn, harming the health of the lightgeese and other bird species thatdepend on the tundra habitat.Returning the light goose populationto sustainable levels is necessary toprotect this delicate habitat andevery species dependent on it.

Greater snow geese make up alarge share of the light goosepopulation in the Atlantic Flyway.

“The population of greater snow

geese has grown fromapproximately 50,000 birds in themid-1960s to 1 million today,” saidDavid Sausville, Vermont’swaterfowl project biologist. “Thisincrease has resulted in damage toagricultural crops and marshvegetation in staging and winteringareas from Quebec to NorthCarolina. The Atlantic Flyway hasestablished a goal of 500,000 greatersnow geese to bring populations inbalance with their habitat and reducecrop depredation.”

Hunters who obtain a permit willbe required to complete an onlinesurvey after April 26 and prior toMay 16, 2013, whether they huntedor not. Hunters without access to theInternet may obtain a copy of thesurvey by calling 878-1564.

The Spring Snow Goose huntoccurs annually from March 11 untilthe Friday before Youth TurkeyWeekend.

During spring migration, snowgeese typically move through theChamplain Valley in late March andearly April.

They usually pass throughVermont fairly quickly in route totheir spring staging areas along theSt. Lawrence River Valley.

Here they remain for about amonth before moving on to theirnesting areas in the EasternCanadian Arctic.

About 100 snow geese are takenby Vermont hunters during thespring seasons.

Special snow goose harvest opportunity

Fishing:


Derby Time

Fishing:


Vermont has a plethora ofice-fishing derbies, many ofthem very competitive, and

yet some are more oriented towardfun and frolic than others.

There are large high stakesderbies like the Islands Derby inNorth Hero, Feb. 9-10. Prizesusually range in the $6,000 overalltotals. This derby gets a lot of

publicity and commonly posts somemonster pike and healthy salmonand lakers.

For more information on thisderby call Todd Sudol at (802) 233-7613.

But derbies aren’t all aboutmoney.

Take the Lake Dunmore Derbyfor example. It’s not a big derby, but

February is Tourney Time

http://www.SacredHunter.org

those who have participated in itcome back year after year for thecamaraderie and excitement.

This year it will be held Feb. 2-3and I can’t wait for the party.

For me, it’s about early morninglaughter ringing across the ice,breakfasts of scrambled eggs andsausage, hot French roast coffee andthe 8 a.m. beer (a silly traditionbased on the old adage that “the bestbeer is the first one of the day.”)

I am not advocating using alcoholto enhance the ice fishingexperience – it’s just a silly traditionenjoyed only by the adults.

For me the joy is the experience,the long walk dragging sleds to thespot we have marked on our GPSs,the gentle clanging of shanties beingset up.

The young guys are responsiblefor the aerobic workout of drillingthe allowed eight holes perfisherman for tip-ups.

Multiplied by the number ofteammates, we are setting out 40jacks.

I love setting up the tip-ups in thepre-dawn darkness and watching thesky’s orange horizon fade to greenand then to purple.

I’m primarily a pan fisherman.Oh, I love to wrestle a toothy

gator through an 8-inch hole, but theconstant jigging and dipping my rodtip to play a finicky yellowbelly iswhat really turns me on.

I change colored bibbits like mostguys change their minds.

Frequently, and with conviction.I weave the fat end of the spikes

onto the hook so that the juices runclear, two or three of them per bibbit.

Sometimes, I’ll really change itup and work a fathead minnow onan ice fly or a Swedish pimpletipped with mousies.

Fishing:


I love sitting in a shanty to startmy day, in the half dark, staringdown a 5-inch hole drilled by myMora auger, and gently jigging myultralight micro rod.

My friend Rudy turned me on tothe ultralights.

Even a medium sized perch feelslike Moby Dick when you’refighting him on a 4-pound test line.

The rod bows in honor and I leanforward with it, peering down thecrystal cylinder into the depths.

My teammates: Eric Champneyof Charlotte, and currently servingin the Marines, Chris Holwager of

Vergennes, Eric Ovitt of Monkton,and Rudy Castro, lately fromWyoming, Michigan (this crazyMexican can out-fish any one of us4 to 1, and I think he wouldn’t missthis derby for anything, just tomaintain the bragging rights byflying all the way in to Vermont sothat no one usurps his crown.)

They all think I’m crazy becauseI would rather deftly maneuver aperch through a 5-inch hole thanarm wrestle a pike.

To each his own.Before long the boys have moved

in toward the shoreline and are

whacking smallmouths and rockbass left and right.

Holwager feels a huge tug on hismedium weight rod and begins toreel in something that getseveryone’s attention.

Ten feet away a flag goes off. Theboys rush to the tip-up and find thatsomething heavy is causing the reelto spin in a wobbly, but not terriblyfast rotation.

Ovitt bends over the jack and letsthe line run through his bare handssensing the big fish hasn’t yetswallowed the bait. He waits to setthe hook.


Fishing:


Fishing:

Next to him, Holwager is steadilyreeling and suddenly pulls up a sagegreen ice line with his hook throughthe braid.

What the heck?! He keeps reelingand we notice that the green line isbeing pulled from the tip-up 10 feetto his left.

We begin to apply our misguidedlogic.

“There’s nothing on that lineHolwager! You’ve got the tip-upline!” laughs Castro.

“No. There’s somethingthrobbing on the end of this line andit’s not Ovitt!” he replies.

Minutes pass. He’s doing battlewith an unknowable opponent.

Ovitt lets the ice line go andHolwager leans back to lift a darkbrownish-black object through the8-inch hole.

The head barely fits.

As the top of it begins to emerge,the tell-tale whiskers shoot out ofthe icy depths. It’s a catfish! And aBIG one!

We’re all crowded aroundHolwager and shouting things thatI won’t repeat in a family magazine.

Suffice it to say, superlativesabound, peppered with exclamationsof utter amazement.

Castro shouts “Woo hoo! We’rein the money boys!”

We drill a series of holes just afew inches into the ice and link themtogether, then drill one hole all theway through the 12 inches ofhardwater and allow the man-made“pool” to fill with water.

We place the fish in the pool andwith a continual dialogue ofcongratulations, we return to fishing.

At the end of the day we keep thelargest fish from the pool and pack

them in the sleds for the long pullback to the trucks, and then to theweigh in station at Kampersville.

Arriving at the station, we arepleased to learn that this is definitelythe largest fish checked in today.

But tomorrow is another day andanything can happen.

We head for home with highhopes and tired bodies. Tomorrowwe will do it all again and pray thatour catfish remains a winning fish.

For now, we dream of sleep andan even bigger promise of tomorrow.

Bradley Carleton is ExecutiveDirector of Sacred Hunter.org, anon-profit organization that is beingformed to educate the public on thespiritual connection of man tonature and raises funds forTraditions Outdoor Mentoring.org,which mentors at-risk young men inoutdoor pursuits.

http://www.SacredHunter.org

http://www.TraditionsOutdoorMentoring.org


Fishing:

First changes introduced since2008 implementation

Vermont regulations for fishingwith live bait will be a little moreaccommodating for anglers startingthis month.

On Jan. 17, the Vermont Fish &Wildlife Board voted to approvechanges to the baitfish regulations,allowing anglers more flexibility ontransporting baitfish and moreoptions for the fish species they canuse as bait. The modifications,which go into effect Feb. 2, willnot significantly reduce theregulation’s protection ofVermont’s fish populations.

The primary changes to theregulation include:● adding pumpkinseed, bluegill,

rock bass and banded killifishto the statewide approvedbaitfish list

● creating a list of approvedbaitfish for Lake Champlainthat includes alewife and whiteperch

● Allowing anglers to transportcommercially purchasedbaitfish away from a waterbodyand bring the same bait back tothe same waterbody within the

96-hour period shown on theirreceipt.

These are the first changes madeto the baitfish regulations since therule was implemented in 2008.

Shawn Good, the Fish & WildlifeDepartment fisheries biologistheading the Aquatic NuisanceSpecies Team, said that whileregulations restricting themovement and use of baitfishremain necessary to control thepotential introduction of fishdiseases and invasive species, thedepartment worked closely with theFish and Wildlife Board to addresssome of the concerns anglers havehad with the existing rule.

“Over the last four years, mostanglers have come to the realizationthat baitfish regulations arenecessary to protect the health ofVermont’s fish populations and thefishing opportunities we arefortunate enough to enjoy in thisstate. The foremost complaint fromanglers was the prohibition onbaitfish transport,” Good said.

Under the previous rule, anglerswere required to dispose of unusedbaitfish at the end of a fishing trip,and couldn’t take them off the ice

or water due to concerns aboutpotential cross-contamination andexposure to fish diseases andinvasive species.

However, anglers noted thatdiscarding baitfish was costingthem a good deal of money, as theyhad to purchase new baitfish thefollowing day, even when returningto the same lake as the day before.

“With this change, anglers willnow have four days to move theirstore-bought baitfish back and forthbetween their home or camp and asingle lake indicated on theirbaitfish receipt when they boughtthem,” Good said. “However, ifthey decide to go to a different lakein that time period, they will haveto buy new baitfish and get a newreceipt.”

Baitfish regulations are designedto prevent the introduction of fishdiseases and invasive species, sothat the health of Vermont’s fishpopulations and the fishingopportunities we value remainsafeguarded for future generations.

The complete text of theregulation is available at:www.vtfishandwildlife.com/fish_baitfish.cfm.

Baitfish rules changed this month

Hunting, Fishing, Hiking, Backpacking, ATVing, Biking, Camping, Skiing, Snowshoeing, Snowmobiling, Bird Watching,Climbing, Photography, Power Boating, Paddling, Skijoring, Conservation, Four Wheeling, Dog Sledding, and … try us!

Most races and competitions. There will be some allowance for fishing tournaments, some shooting events, and a few others,but we’re not interested in 5k, 10k, half marathons, triathlons, bike races, ski races, swim meets, auto/motorcycle races,adventure races and similar events that are already covered by other publications and local newspapers. Also, no golf, Frisbeegames, dog shows (unless they’re bird dogs), gardening, backyard birding, polo, team sports, well you get the idea. We have todraw the line somewhere, and this is a good starting point. Some things will be on a case-by-case basis. It never hurts to ask.

Most people are, to some extent,familiar with the game specieswithin Lake Champlain. Yellowperch, lake trout, salmon, bass,walleye and the other commonlysought after fish are all householdnames.

But what about the others? Thereare 81 species of fish in LakeChamplain, leaving many under theradar of most people. Here are a fewyou may not know are swimmingaround in Lake Champlain.

The only freshwater member ofits family, Lotidae, the burbot is arelative of the popular saltwatersport fish cod.

At first glance, some may confusethis with the bowfin, as they bothhave extended dorsal fins androunded tails.

Burbot, however, will alwayshave a single barbel under their chinand a small primary dorsal beforetheir elongated second dorsal fin.

Additionally, burbot tend to havea more slender body and theirpectoral and anal fins will be fusedand elongated, similar to their dorsal.

The fish spends the daylight hoursdeep in the lake, sheltering underlarge rocks, in crevices, or betweenroots. At night, it moves intoshallow water to feed on insects,larvae, mollusks and crayfish,though some larger individuals mayalso feed on small fish.

While the meat is reported to be

fairly tasty, though a little dry,burbot is not a sought after speciesdue to its movement and behaviorpatterns.

Europeans do salt the fillets, andsmoked burbot liver is a popularitem in some areas. There are somecommercial uses for the fish as anoil source and for fishmeal.

First documented in 1863, thisspecies is now consideredthreatened in Lake Champlain. Thissmall fish, with a maximum lengthof a little over 8 centimeters and acommon length of just over 5centimeters, is in the same family asthe yellow perch.

This fish is expertly camouflagedfor life in sandy sections of the lakeand its tributaries, where it lives atdepth extending as far as thepenetrating light levels allow.

The Eastern Sand darter is

considered by biologists to be anindicator species; it is very sensitiveto water quality.

Decreasing oxygen levels due tosiltation and nutrient load havemade life very difficult for thisspecies. For successfulreproduction, this species requireswarm water, but also needs adequateoxygen levels, a balance thatrequires good water quality.

Once the darter reaches sexualmaturity, usually around age one, itwill mate in the same sandy areas itinhabits.

The males can mate only once perseason, while the females can matetwice. Each mating produces around350 eggs.

The mooneye is similar inappearance to the Gizzard shad,alewife and cisco; it’s a flat, silveryfish with an upturned mouth.


Fishing:

Champlain’s Other Fish

Key identifying marks of this fishare the oversized eye and a lateralline that exists and is completealong the entire length of the fish.

This fish is another indicator ofwater quality, as it is intolerant ofsilt, low oxygen, and turbidity.

The mooneye is a member ofthe toothed-tongue fishes,Osteoglossomorpha.

Only one other toothed-tonguefish exists in North America, thegoldeye.

If you think that the quillbackresembles a cross between a suckerand carp, you would be correct.

Scientifically speaking, thisspecies is a member of the suckerfamily, Catostomidae, which ischaracterized primarily by theirdownward facing mouth andsuction-cup lips.

However, suckers are a memberof the Cypriniformes, the orderwhich also incorporates the carpfamily Cyprinidae.

The carps and the suckers are bothstems from the same branch.

The quillback stands out in beingvery adaptive to its environment.

While it prefers clear, deep, swiftmoving streams and rivers, the fishis able to survive in slow, turbidwater as well.

As a sucker, their primary foodsource is the bottom dwelling,benthic invertebrates found in themuck and ooze at the bottom of thelake.

These fish have been recorded atlengths up to 66 centimeters, with acommon length around 50centimeters.

Fishing:


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Cross-Country Skiing:

Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-country ski skiing can seemlike an exclusive club or restaurantwith a long line to get in.

From the outside, it looks like thehost holds a velvet rope open forthose with the right fitness,technique, genetics and equipment.

Better to just stay home on thecouch watching TV, right?

Wrong.There’s a number of ways to help

a would-be cross-country skier findfitness and enjoyment for the sport.

It has long been known to be oneof the most healthy and beneficialsports. It can be enjoyed by peopleof all ages and fitness levels, andcan be purely recreational or highlyaggressive and competitive.

Nordic skiing combines both alower body and upper bodyworkout, while simultaneouslyworking both the “pulling” and“pushing” muscles of each region.

Every major muscle group isinvolved in propelling the skierforward. It provides a holistic andbalanced workout as getting outside,

into the snow, and onto a pair ofcross-country skis.

Not only is it a full-body workoutbut a great way to tour aroundVermont State Parks this winterseason.

When you are looking for a newway to get out and enjoy nature,give cross-country skiing a whirl.

Some popular parks for cross-country skiing are: Smugglers'Notch, Little River, Seyon Lodge,Woodford, Thetford and Jamaica.

This article provided by theVermont State Parks.


Like that special tree stand from which you always see deer, orthat stretch of river where the trout always rise, there are justsome places that are unique. A spot that holds a place in your

heart so special that you keep it to yourself.

If you’re looking for an advertising opportunity to share yourmessage, this can be your special place.

This prime spot can be yours next month.By advertising in Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine, you’ll

not only be supporting a growing publication that is generating alot of excitement in the Green Mountain State, but you’ll also

place your message in front of avid and dedicated outdoorenthusiasts.

And you won’t believe how affordable this space is.There are other publications that cover some of the outdoor

experience in Vermont and this little slice of Heaven they callnorthern New England. They do a good job, but none of themcover the depth and breadth of the topics you’ll read about in

Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine.

So contact us today to ensure we can get your advertisement inthe next monthly issue of a growing and exciting publication that

covers the topics that are important to you and your business.

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (802) 331-0130


Ecology:

Winter is a hard time forwildlife. It brings deep cold,leafless terrain, and ashortage of food and water.

Animals have fewchoices. Most songbirdsabandon the region via aperilous migration towarmer climates.

Other creatures hunkerdown in hibernation. Butthere are a number ofspecies that remain activeall winter.

This is no easy task.Mammals and birds mustmaintain their body heat byburning (metabolizing) theirbody fat – or perish.

For herbivores like deerand snowshoe hare, winteris especially harsh. Gone arethe nutritious grasses, farmcrops, and tender, growingshoots they relied on allsummer. Forage is reducedto dormant twigs, buds, andevergreens.

Analysis of these foodsindicate that while summerforage typically contains upto 35 percent protein andless than 30 percent fiber,winter forage is only 5percent protein but about 50percent fiber. The rest iswater.

Winter Nutrition

What’s more, woody browse often contains plantdefense compounds that make it indigestible or eventoxic.

No animal can digest cellulose, the main constituentof plant fiber. Yet deer nutrition studies suggest that a100-pound deer is able to extract over 1,000 calories aday from its winter forage. How does it do that?

It relies on microbes, the only organisms that canbreak down fiber. Both deer and hare have evolveddigestive systems that harness microbial power todigest the indigestible through the process offermentation.

Deer are known as foregut fermenters because thefermentation step happens at the beginning of thedigestive process. A deer stomach is divided into fourin-line chambers, the first and largest chamber beingthe fermentation tank or rumen – hence the term“ruminant.”

Unlike a human stomach, the rumen is not veryacidic, which allows bacteria, protozoans, and aprimitive group known as the archaea to thrive there.In this ecosystem, some bacteria break down cellulosewhile others feed on breakdown products and supplynutrients back to the fiber digesters.

The archaea live on wastes like carbon dioxide andhydrogen, turning them into methane gas that isreleased by belching. Most important to the deer arethe so-called short-chain fatty acids made byfermentation, like acetic acid (found in vinegar) andbutyric acid (the hallmark of rancid butter), whichprovide the deer with a good source of energy.

Even with bacterial help, the digestion of fiber is aslow process. To increase its efficiency, deerregurgitate the rumen contents (cud) and re-chew themfor several hours to break up particles, making themeasier to ferment.

The fermented paste passes to the lower stomachchambers where water and fatty acids are absorbed.The forth chamber is a highly acidic “true” stomachthat kills and digests the fermenters themselves.Essentially, deer grow their own food on the fiber inthe rumen and then harvest it.

Different microbes are needed to break downsummer and winter forage as the ecosystem of the


Ecology:

The Outside Story, provided by NorthernWoodlands magazine, is a series of weeklyecology articles that has been appearing innewspapers across New Hampshire and

Vermont since 2002. The series isunderwritten by the Wellborn Ecology Fund

of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation- Upper Valley Region and edited by Dave

Mance at Northern Woodlands.

rumen changes slowly with the seasons. Feeding deerwith corn, potatoes, and the like in winter is damaging.

Such foods disrupt the rumen environment causinga die-off in bacteria that allows dangerous fungi to takehold. This makes them sick and can lead to starvation.

Like deer, snowshoe hare subsist in winter on bark,twigs, and buds. But unlike deer, the hare’sfermentation organ is in the hindgut. Fermentationhappens after nonfibrous food constituents are digestedin the stomach and small bowel.

The fibrous bulk of the food is then shunted into thececum, a blind sac at the junction with the large bowel.The importance of the cecum may be judged by its size:it comprises 60 percent of the digestive tract’s volume.It is populated by an ecosystem of microbes that canbreak down xylem, the other main constituent of wood.

As the microbes digest fiber and make fatty acids,they also multiply prodigiously. The partially-digestedfood in the cecum is about 55 percent bacteria by dryweight; bacteria also account for most of the 24 percentprotein content.

The hare takes full advantage of this, in a processakin to a deer’s rumination. Soft pellets of cecal

contents, called cecotrophs, are passed from the anusand eaten immediately, allowing the hare to digest thewealth of nutrients in the bacteria themselves. What’sleft after re-digestion is passed as hard pellets.

Plants, of course, don’t like to be eaten, and theymake themselves unpalatable with substances liketannin that renders proteins and sugars indigestible. Butfermenting microbes come to the rescue by breakingdown tannin. Interestingly, these tannin-busters areonly found in deer rumen in winter, showing theimportance of the seasonal adaptation of the rumen.

Though deer and hare are totally unrelated, they haveevolved similar ways to take advantage of microbes. Ifthese herbivores did not possess a personalfermentation tank, they would be unable to survive ontheir spartan winter diet.

Li Shen is an adjunct professor at the DartmouthMedical School and the chair of the Thetford, Vermont,Conservation Commission. The illustration for thiscolumn was drawn by Adelaide Tyrol. The Outside Storyis assigned and edited by Northern Woodlands magazineand sponsored by the Wellborn Ecology Fund of NewHampshire Charitable Foundation: [email protected].


Ecology:

Snowshowing is a great way tostay in shape and still enjoywinter. If you’ve never triedsnowshowing, many places willrent them and the Vermont StateParks are a great place to trythem out.

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Snow birds is a term often used todescribe northern people who travelsouth to spend the winter in relativecomfort.

Of course, birders and othernaturalists use those words in adifferent way. They use the phraseto describe birds that come from thenorth and spend the winter inVermont (and surrounding areas).

Some snow birds are fairly

common and some are consideredirruptive species. These irruptivespecies are big news to birders!(And a great reason to be outsideexploring all winter). This winter isturning into a good year for seeinglots of common and uncommonsnow birds.

Many birds show up regularly atour feeders in spring and fall as partof their typical migratory pattern.Winter irruptive bird species are less

predictable but are often a highlightof winter birding.

The reasons for these avianirruptions can yield some debate;although a change in food quantitiesis often cited as the reason to move.

In the winter, survival for birds isall about food. If there is a poor seedcrop they need to move on. Thefruiting of certain boreal trees:spruce, fir, tamarack and birch,appears to be synchronized.


Bird Watching:

Winter Birds

A Common Redpoll is an irruptive species that has made an appearance in Vermont this winter.


Bird Watching:

So one year there will beabundance of seeds and the nextalmost none. Coniferous andhardwood tree seed crops weregenerally poor this past seasonacross northeastern Ontario eastthrough the Maritime Provinces, andin northern New York and NewEngland States, causing manyspecies to move south in search offood

Common Redpoll, Pine Sisken,Purple Finch, Evening Grosbeak,Pine Grosbeak, Red Crossbill,White-winged Crossbill, and Red-breasted Nuthatch are consideredirruptive species.

Here in Vermont a few of theaforementioned species are foundyear-round so they may not top thelist as exciting winter birds butfarther south they may.

One species that often tops theexcitement list is the Pine Grosbeak,a species that has been seen acrossVermont this winter. PineGrosbeaks are slightly larger thanEvening Grosbeaks and the maleslook like they have been dipped ina rosy – colored paint.

The females (which have beenseen in greater abundance this year)

are a grayish bird with dingy yellowon head and along the back and topof the tail, and prominent wing bars.Pine Grosbeaks are more often seenin large flocks on fruit bearing treesin busy urban areas, collegecampuses, or backyards.

The winter is a great time to seeother birds that are usually only seenin the winter. These includeAmerican Tree Sparrows, NorthernShrikes, Bohemian Waxwings,Snow Buntings, Lapland Longspurs,and Horned Larks.

Some years an abundance ofNorthern Owls are seen as their foodsources dwindle in their northernterritories.

A lucky winter birder might catcha glimpse of a Great Gray Owl, aSnowy Owl or even a NorthernHawk Owl.

Great Gray Owls were seen in lateJanuary in and around both Ottawaand Montreal. There is a chance theywill move into northern Vermontbefore winter is over. The GreatGray is a large owl with a wingspanstretching to almost 4½ feet. Formany, seeing a Great Gray owl is aonce in a life-time event.

Dramatic irruptions are being

tracked and studied in a variety ofways. Scientists can use datacollected during the Christmas BirdCount, Project Feeder Watch, andthe Great Backyard Bird Count tosee when birds arrive and wherethey go.

The Great Backyard Bird Countoccurs from Feb. 15 to 18 and isopen to everyone! For moreinformation about how to participatesee www.birdsource.org/gbbc.

If you are near Huntington onFeb. 16 there will be a bird walk atthe Green Mountain Nature Centerfrom 8-10 a.m. (see vt.audubon.orgfor more details), The Birds ofVermont Museum will be open from10 a.m. to 3 p.m. so visitors canview the bird feeding station,explore the museum exhibits, drinkbird friendly coffee, and learn moreabout the Great Backyard BirdCount.

Winter is a great time to enjoybirds!

Erin Talmage is executivedirector of the Birds of VermontMuseum in Huntington. Contact herat (802) 434-2167 or visitwww.birdsofvermont.org for moreinformation.

Contributing Writers and Photographers

We have had some interest by people who would like to write or submit photos to Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine. Wewelcome submissions by writers and photographers but keep three things in mind:

● Understand our budget doesn’t allow for payment. If you want to write because you love it, we can afford that, but we’re not paying anywriters or photographers right away.

● You will be edited. The best writers still need editors – some more than others. If it makes you feel better, I’ve been writing and editingprofessionally for 20 years. I won’t hack your work to death.

● Query with an idea. Don’t write 1,000 words only to find VGOM doesn’t publish vampire fiction, even if the vampire sucks the blood ofan 8-pointer. Let’s talk about your idea and decide if it’s right for this magazine. Then we’ll do it.

I’ve long known that outdoorenthusiasts were among the bestpeople out there and the actions

of an angler at a recent fishing derbyshowed one more time that doingright is expected among outdoorenthusiasts.

A lifetime of watching hunters,anglers, campers, skiers and othershelping each other out of toughsituations or showing kindness andcompassion has shown me that ifyou’re going to have trouble ofsome sort, you want one of thesefolks to be the next vehicle down theroad.

And if you’re in a rough spot inlife, hopefully you have some ofthese same folks in your family orcircle of friends. They’ll be thepeople who come over at 1 a.m. tolend a hand.

Every time I’ve been stranded,invariably, the vehicle that ends upstopping to help or see if we needhelp sent will be full of anglerscoming back from a day at the lake,a family returning from a campingtrip, or a group of folks with skis inthe rack.

I’ve seen it enough times toexpect it.

I’ve also come to realize thatwhen faced with a difficult choice,an outdoor enthusiast will, moreoften than not, do the right thing.

One story from my past helps setup the recent story of the ice angler.

I had a friend who found himselfin a pickle after illegally killing acow elk during the bull-only season.He was bowhunting when a nicebull presented itself broadsideuphill.

Despite being a seasoned hunterwho followed the rules and huntedethically, his excitement got the bestof him.

He quickly came to full draw andexpecting the bull, which hadalready busted him was about tobolt, he hurriedly loosed an arrow.

Unfortunately, he misjudged thedistance and shot under the bull.Because of the angle, the arrow wentunder the bull’s belly and skippedoff some sandstone and buried itselfin the boiler room of a cow he hadnever seen.

He saw the cow running off anda sick feeling entered his stomachas he walked to the spot where thetwo were standing. There was noblood where the bull was, but adozen or so yards farther uphill,there was blood where the cow was.

He tracked her and found her a

short distance away.Some people would look around

and realize that being two hoursfrom the nearest paved road andanother half hour to the nearest townfrom there, the likelihood of beingcaught was low.

But my buddy knew he wouldn’tbe able to live with himself. So hewalked to the top of a hill until hecould get a cell signal and calledhimself in.

After a conservation officer toldhim he was on the way, my friendset to gutting the elk to make sureshe wouldn’t go bad in the heat.

The game warden arrived to findthe cow’s quarters in game bags.

After having my friend run himthrough what happened and how themistaken kill shot had occurred, thepair packed the quarters back to thetruck.

Once the meat was in coolers, heturned to face my buddy.

To this point my friend beensweating the fact he was likelygoing to be a convicted game lawviolator and was facing the loss ofhis hunting and fishing privilegesfor three years. But he asked forleniency.

The officer, however, was swayedby the fact the hunter had reportedhimself and took care of the meat soit wouldn’t go to waste.

He took my buddies’ huntinglicense and voided it, ending his elkseason in a unit that was tough to

Out & About:


Doing the Right Thing

draw a bull tag in.The unit had a population

reduction cow season later in theyear and the conservation officerchose not to further punish a manwho held himself to such a highstandard he was willing to give upwhat was most dear to him in orderto do what was right.

It was likely a similar highstandard and rock-solid integritythat led an angler at an ice fishingtournament in Vermont to choose todo the right thing as well.

This story is second hand, butconfirmed by at least two otherswho saw the events unfold.

As the story was told, anglerswere spread out on the hard waterof Dillenbeck Bay in Alburg for thesecond stop of the 2013 VermontSportsman Hardwater TournamentSeries.

A young angler was fishing withhis uncle and the boy likely had aheavy heart.

The boy’s father had died in thelast year and, as you can imagine,memories are everywhere. Fishing

his first tournament, an importanttournament rule was missed thatallowed no more than one angler pershanty.

When discovered, the pair weredisqualified.

Apparently, the organizers of theevent are working hard to clean upthe series after some allegedcheating in past years. Because ofthat they have instituted very strictrules.

When told they had beendisqualified, the boy and his unclewere disappointed because theywere doing well. But, nonetheless,they understood the rules andpacked up their gear.

They were not accused ofcheating, but they missed the ruleand when informed of it, theyunderstood and accepted the rulesas true sportsmen do.

But they stuck around for theawards ceremony and there were alot of folks glad they did.

When the tournament’s winner,Ricky Doyle, was announced heasked if the youngster would step tothe front with him. The boy cameforward.

Doyle then admitted to the boythat he was the one who had turnedhim and his uncle in to thetournament officials. He said that assportsmen, there is a responsibilityto police ourselves on the ice tomake sure everyone is playing bythe rules.

According to those who werethere, he then commended the boyfor his sportsmanship and his effort,and he handed his first-place plaqueto the boy and gave him half hisfirst-place money.

By all accounts, the ice was silent.The youngster didn’t know what

to say and tried, at first, to refuse theoffer, but ended up offering sincerethanks for the generous gesture.

It’s a lesson and a gesture fewwho were there will ever forget.And that boy learned a lifelonglesson. There are rules thatsportsman hold themselves to – evenwhen nobody is looking. Andsportsmanship, fairness, ethics anddoing the right thing matter to us.

Darren Marcy is the editor &publisher of Vermont’s GreatOutdoors Magazine.


Out & About:

Hunting, Fishing, Hiking, Backpacking, ATVing, Biking, Camping, Skiing, Snowshoeing, Snowmobiling, Bird Watching, Climbing,Photography, Power Boating, Paddling, Skijoring, Conservation, Four Wheeling, Dog Sledding, and … try us!

Most races and competitions. There will be some allowance for fishing tournaments, some shooting events, and a few others, but we’renot interested in 5k, 10k, half marathons, triathlons, bike races, ski races, swim meets, auto/motorcycle races, adventure races andsimilar events that are already covered by other publications and local newspapers. Also, no golf, Frisbee games, dog shows (unlessthey’re bird dogs), gardening, backyard birding, polo, team sports, well you get the idea. We have to draw the line somewhere, and thisis a good starting point. Some things will be on a case-by-case basis. It never hurts to ask.

Vermont’s Great Outdoors Magazine:


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vgom february 2013

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