Fall Trap Netting in Maine
POV: You’re a fish in Maine’s inland waters during the fall trap netting season. 🐟
↪️ There you are just cruising along the shallows on your way to spawn when you stumble across a net. It’s anchored at the shore and runs perpendicular into deeper water, so you figure, what the heck, I’ll just swim out there and go around.
⬅️ Unknowingly you’ve now begun swimming between the first net and a second “wing” net running at a 45-degree angle. Before you know it, you find yourself funneled to the tip of an arrow-shaped trap net pointing away from shore. The only place to go is into a large holding area, so in you go.
🔄 Once in the holding area you just swim about with your friends for the day until you get scooped up by one of those MDIFW fisheries biologists who is a real sucker for solid fisheries data.
▶️ After a few minutes of discussing your body condition (so much for it being rude to ask someone their weight), they release you back in the water, away from the net, so you can pick up where you left off on your plan for the day. Back on course for spawning!
#TrapNetting #Fisheries #FishME #Maine #FisheriesBiologists #Salmon #Trout #Science #Fall
Maine Wildlife Management Area Public Access
Wildlife habitat AND endless outdoor rec opportunities? We're here for it!
We manage more than 110,000 acres of Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) to protect and enhance important wildlife habitat and to provide opportunities for public outdoor recreation including hunting, fishing, trapping, wildlife watching, paddling, foraging, hiking, and more. Maine's WMAs have it all, and there's no better time to enjoy it than fall! 🍁
🦌 Are WMAs open to hunting?
Yes! Nearly all Maine WMAs are open for general law hunting and trapping. Time to start scouting! Bear trapping and the placing or hunting over bait for any species is authorized by permit only. Discover opportunities available at each WMA at mefishwildlife.com/wma
🌲 Are treestands allowed on WMAs?
Yes! Permanent structures are prohibited but temporary stands and blinds removed daily are allowed and do not require a permit. Blinds and fixed treestands left up for more than a day require a permit from a regional wildlife biologist. Be sure to use a label with your name and address.
📸 Are game cameras allowed on WMAs?
Yes! Game cameras deployed on WMAs do not require a permit, but please clearly label your camera with your name and address.
The above guidelines are for hunting on state-owned Wildlife Management Areas. When hunting on private property, landowner permission is required before placing game cameras and treestands. To review laws regarding the use of treestands and game cameras on private property, visit mefishwildlife.com/huntinglaws.
Visit mefishwildlife.com/wma to start exploring Wildlife Management Areas near you!
#WildlifeManagementArea #Maine #HuntME #FishME #MaineWildlife #ExploreOutdoors
Maine Game Warden Emergency Vehicle Operation Course
Fueled up, buckled in, and ready for full throttle for the EVOC. Maine’s Game Wardens have got some wheels! 🚙🚗🚓
To successfully carry out their duties in law enforcement, investigation, search and rescue, and data collection, Maine Game Wardens must have knowledge and skills in an incredibly wide variety of areas, not the least of which is safe vehicle operation.
During their extensive training, Maine Game Wardens learn and practice safe operation and maintenance of several vehicles including ATVs, snowmobiles, boats, and trucks. Last week, our newest Game Wardens tackled the challenge of the Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC), which is designed to test each driver’s precision in different scenarios.
On the runway of the Norridgewock airport, engines raced, and tires squealed as each driver navigated multifaceted obstacle courses at high speeds, sometimes in reverse! Time penalties were incurred for each cone hit, so drivers aimed for a clean run to earn a passing score.
At the other end of the airstrip, the Wardens got in some trailer backing practice, preparing them for a smooth launch into Maine’s pristine waters and their dream careers.
Launch your career with the Maine Warden Service at mainegamewarden.com/gethired or at one of our upcoming career information sessions: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/maine-game-warden-career-information-sessions-1906519
#EVOC #ObstacleCourse #NeedForSpeed #LightsAndSirens #LawEnforcement #JobTraining #DreamJob #GameWarden #Maine #WardenService
Recognizing Aquatic Invasive Species
⚠️Beware of more than milfoil!⚠️
Aquatic invasive species come in many forms and sizes. Invasive plants, wildlife, and fish all pose a threat to Maine's clean waters. Some are more difficult to detect than others.
Even tiny invasives that easily go unnoticed on boat inspections can have huge consequences. Zebra mussels, for example, are most likely to be transported during their microscopic larval stage. Whether or not your boat comes out covered in weeds, it's important to follow clean, drain, dry laws and guidelines!
Fishing with live baitfish? Don't dump your bait! Properly dispose of unused baitfish on land or in the trash. Once an aquatic invasive species has established in a body of water, it is extremely difficult for it to be eradicated. These efforts are costly, often risky, and not always successful. Introductions have the potential to change our natural places and the way we enjoy them forever.
Learn more about the emerging threat of zebra mussel infestations and how you can protect the future of Maine's waters at mefishwildlife.com/cdd
#InvasiveSpecies #FishME #Maine #CleanWater #StopAquaticHitchhikers #AquaticInvasiveSpecies #CleanDrainDry
Wild Turkey Poults
The Wild Turkey August Production Survey starts today!
Community scientists from all over the state are flocking together to help biologists monitor our wild turkey population.
This month, if you see turkeys, we want to know! Sending your sightings to the annual Wild Turkey August Production Survey helps biologists monitor reproduction, and informs to management decisions.
It only takes a moment to submit information about your observations using the online form at mefishwildlife.com/turkeysurvey.
🗺 Location
📅 Date
☑️The number of hens (adult females)
🦃The number of toms (adult males)
✅The number of poults (young born this year)
🧐The approximate size of the poults (relative to the hens)
#CommunityScience #WildTurkeys #TurkeyPoult #Maine #WildlifeManagement
Delay Mowing to Create Grassland Bird Habitat
The vast majority of Maine is forested, but other habitats, such as grasslands are also critical for an abundance of wildlife in our state, including many Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN). Grassland birds, such as the bobolink seen here, rely on complexes of late-season grasslands for both nesting and foraging habitat.
Careful timing is an important piece of bird-friendly land management. A brief delay in mowing until just after the nesting season is an easy way for farmers and other landowners to be a part of conservation simply by temporarily saving space for grassland birds. The great news is that they and still have their hay day after birds have fledged!
It's all about finding the balance between the needs of landowners and wildlife, and we can help you do just that! MDIFW is proud to partner with Ag Allies an incentivized program which provides technical assistance to landowners looking for guidance through implementation of sustainable, bird-friendly management practices.
Learn more about the services and resources provided by Ag Allies, read stories about some of the grassland heroes who currently participate, and discover small changes you can make today to support biodiversity on your land at agallies.org.
#BirdConservation #Grasslands #GrasslandBirds #LandManagement #Maine #MaineFarms #Bobolink #Birding
Before and After Edes Falls Dam Removal
A coalition of conservation partners is going with the flow on the Crooked River!
After many years of planning, improvements to the natural flow of the Crooked River were accomplished through the removal of the dilapidated Edes Falls Dam. This project will enhance habitat connectivity for fish, restore natural stream hydrology, and mitigate public safety risks. The town of Naples may also revive a community space on the water.
Sebago Lake and the Crooked River drainage are home to one of only four indigenous landlocked Atlantic salmon populations in Maine, making them both historically and genetically important. Impassable dams denied access of Sebago Lake salmon to nearly all the spawning and nursery habitat of the Crooked River for nearly 150 years, forcing the fishery to rely heavily on stocking.
The current Edes Falls project is a continuation of our collaborative long-term efforts to restore connectivity throughout the drainage. Our hatcheries continue to supplement the lake fishery with stocked fish, but projects like this have increased the percentage of wild origin salmon in Sebago Lake to 70-80%.
Learn more:
🐟https://mainelakes.org/news_article/restoring-the-flow-the-removal-of-edes-falls-dam/
�https://www.maine.gov/ifw/docs/Crooked%20Report%20final5_15.pdf
Trout Unlimited - Sebago Chapter Casco Bay Estuary Partnership Lakes Environmental Association Sebago Clean Waters U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service The Nature Conservancy
#HabitatConnectivity #CrookedRiver #LandlockedSalmon #HabitatRestoration
Common Snapping Turtle Underwater
On land or underwater, it's time to find some herpetofauna! Add some science to your summer by including the Maine Amphibian and Reptile Atlas Project (MARAP) in all of your outdoor Maine adventures. 🐢🛶🐸
If the heat of summer draws you to Maine's lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams to cool off, you're bound to spot some of Maine's native reptiles and amphibians!
Common snapping turtles are easy to spot when they haul out to bask on sunny rocks, but when temperatures soar, they too take to the water. The next time you are out for a paddle, look beneath the surface! Maine's clear waters allow observant community scientists to view these submerged dinosaur-like reptiles resting in the shallows.
Anyone can be a MARAP community scientist! Here's how:
🐸 Keep your eye out for turtles, snakes, frogs, and salamanders.
📸 Snap a photo if possible.
🗺 Record the date and location.
🐢 Make note of the species (do your best, it will be reviewed by our biologists)
📲 Fill out the brief online MARAP submission form at mefishwildlife.com/atlas
😎 Be proud of your contribution to amphibian and reptile conservation!
#CommunityScience #Herpetofauna #Frogs #Turtles #Salamanders #Snakes #Reptiles #Amphibians #MaineWildlife #WildlifeConservation
Swan Island
Looking for a holiday weekend adventure? How about a trip to Swan Island?
All of Maine's Wildlife Management Areas provide a wide variety of opportunities for outdoor recreation and wildlife viewing, but Swan Island is particularly unique place in part because every adventure begins with a short scenic paddle to the island.
It's also unique because it is open for public access for both day use and camping withous fees or reservations. Adirondack shelters are available on a first come, first served basis.
The island offers seven miles of hiking trails that guide visitors past historic homesteads and carefully managed wildlife habitat. Bring your binoculars and climb up the viewing tower for a better view, and don't forget your fishing gear and supplies for a campfire-cooked meal.
Plan your visit at maine.gov/swanisland
#SwanIsland #WildlifeManagementArea #Kayak #Canoe #OptOutside #KeeperOfME #Camping #MaineWildlife #MaineBirding #Island #FishME
Summer Fireflies in Maine
Have you been thinking, where's the blinking?
If your summer evenings haven't included the clap-on, clap-off dance of fireflies since you were a kid, follow these tips to support the return of nature's flash mob to your backyard.
💡 Dark skies for fireflies!
Fireflies communicate and find mates using bioluminescence. Turn off your lights to avoid disrupting their conversations. It will also give you the best view of the glow show!
☘️ Fireflies aren't glowing? Time to do some growing!
You can't support fireflies without firefly habitat. Mow less frequently, or allow some areas to grow wild. Try planting native plants of varying heights.
🍁 Leave the leaves!
Fallen leaves provide essential winter shelter for fireflies as well as habitat and moisture for invertebrate prey of larval fireflies.
🐌 Keep the blink from the brink by minimizing reliance on pesticides.
This simple decision is an important step in protecting fireflies, their habitat, and their prey. Did you know that firefly larvae eat snails, slugs, earthworms, and other invertebrates?
💛 Illuminate your neighbors!
Share this information among your community. If we work together, we can support these valuable species within our ecodsystem, and bring back the nostalgic summer evenings that will help the next generation of Mainers connect with nature. Are you #AllInForTheMaineOutdoors?
#InvertebrateConservation #MaineWildlife #LightningBugs #Fireflies #Bioluminescence #Habitat #BackyardHabitat
Supporting Pollinators in your Own Backyard
Supporting Pollinators in your Own Backyard FAQs:
❓ Do I have to get rid of all of my non-native plants in my ornamental garden?
No! You can either start incorporating more native plants into your existing garden, or create a designated pollinator garden. Do remove any invasive plants you find on your property.
❓ Do i need a lot of land to manage for pollinators?
No! If everyone creates even a small space for pollinators, the positive impact on pollinator habitat will be amazing!
❓ I see pollinators visit my non-native plants all the time. Why do they need native plants?
A wide variety of native plants is best for providing good nutrition and beneficial habitat for all life stages of insect pollinators throughout the entire season.
❓ I want to support pollinators but I still want to maintain a lawn. Can I do both?
Yes! Mowing less frequently, at higher heights, and in smaller areas helps protect pollinator habitat. If you can't leave the whole yard wild, consider leaving a specific area or border to your lawn unmowed.
#PollinatorWeek #Pollinators #PollinatorHabitat #Butterflies #KeeperOfME #AllInForTheMaineOutdoors #Garden #MaineWildlife #SaveTheBees #BackYardHabitat
How to Help Turtles Cross the Road
Turtle Crossing Guard 101 🐢
Turtles are on the move for nesting season, crossing roads to get to prime spots for laying eggs. They're tough, but their shells are still no match for our cars. You can help by becoming an expert turtle crossing guard! Here are a few tips:
🚘 Safety first!
Watch out for oncoming vehicles, signal properly when pulling over and recognize your surroundings first before approaching the turtle.
➡️ Follow their lead!
Turtles have their plan mapped out, so always move them in the same direction they were traveling. If you turn them around they'll just make a U-turn back into the road. Never move a turtle anywhere except the other side of the road where they were found.
✋ Go hands free!
When possible, simply standing guard as a turtle crosses the road on its own is the best way to help without disturbing or putting stress on the turtle.
🐢 Support the shell!
If you do have to pick up a turtle, avoid causing injury by holding onto the shell, not the tail. Avoid injury to yourself by keeping your hands far away from the long reach of a snapping turtle, holding only the rear of the shell. Moving snapping turtles with a car mat is another safe option.
📸 Contribute data!
Once out of the road, snap a photo, note the location, and report sightings to the Maine Amphibian and Reptile Atlas Project at mefishwildlife.com/atlas to provide MDIFW biologists with data to better understand turtle distribution and abundance.
Thank you for caring about turtles! 💚 Stay safe out there!
#WildTurtleWeek #EveryTurtleCounts #AllInForTheMaineOutdoors #KeeperOfME #TurtleCrossing #MaineWildlife #Turtles #CommunityScience #ProtectWildlife
