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Come On Out, But Dress in Orange

November 12, 2008 - Stop. Take a look. The canopy cover right now is brilliant. Lots of leaves. Lots of lingering colors.

Unfortunately, some hikers don't recognize hunting season is also a part of hiking season.

"I've noticed that. A lot of people are not hunters, and so it`s probably not on their radar. It's not the first thing they think about when they go for a hike or ride in the woods," said Robin Stanley, land steward at Mount Agamenticus in York.

A week ago, I was roaming the woods around Mount Agamenticus. The trail was a kaleidoscope of changing color. The people hiking it were scary.

On the first Saturday of November with the parking lot full, the woods were full of hikers in every color but blaze orange.

If you live in Maine, you've got to know what November means: Bucks are in the rut, does are moving, hunters are in the mix.

Wear orange. And if you have dogs, have them wear it too. November in Maine is no fashion statement.

The Mount Agamenticus area has 10,000 acres that are open to traditional uses, including hunting and trapping. At the top of the mountain where there is a parking lot, hikers tend to congregate. But follow the miles of trails that lead away and it's easy to be alone here. It's easy, too, to forget that other users are in the woods as well.

"We've posted signs. Now we've got them at all the trail boxes and kiosks, (saying) that it is hunting and trapping season," Stanley said. "A couple of times in the last couple of years, dogs have gotten (stuck in) traps. People are not as aware as perhaps they should be about the land they are accessing."

In Kennebunkport, Tom Bradbury said he sees two types on the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust's 1,600 acres of protected lands: people in orange and people taking a chance.

"People take for granted because they are walking on a public road (that) they are safe. That's not necessarily the case," Bradbury said. "Most hunters are very reasonable. But you want to guard yourself from that circumstance that is the exception, rather than the rule."

Nobody should avoid the woods. Just avoid taking unnecessary risks. In many ways, hunters get the best of autumn. Don't be left behind.

So, the primary message in our third installment of the Get Out series is: Be safe. Wear orange.

And hike happy.

UP AND AWAY

For those who do not hike, your time in the mountains has come: the chance to take in far-reaching mountain views.

More ski resorts are opening their chairlifts to non-skiers in the summer and some are moving in that direction in the winter.

At Sunday River, a $14 million upgrade includes a new gondola ride, which will offer a unique mountain experience to skiers and riders this winter, and eventually perhaps to all.

And at Wildcat ski area just over the border in New Hampshire, the vantage points from the year-old ZipRider are unreal. Soon, it will be open on weekends and holidays for everyone.

There will be four chairs sailing through the air, which cuts down on the wait. And the cost of $20 for the first ride and $10 for the second is made cheaper by special promotions -- like the mountain's two-for-one deal for skiers.

To be sure, winter is cold in the White Mountains, but those dressed for it get an even better view than ZipRiders in the summer.

"To me, personally, it is more unique in the winter because there are people skiing underneath," said Thomas Prindle, Wildcat spokesman.

GUN CLUBS

Fall in most rural areas brings sounds of gunshots as hunters practice. But even those who don`t hunt can enjoy the art of target practice and learn firearm safety.

While most rod and gun clubs are private, many open their doors to the public and teach shooting skills and firearm safety. The state's hunter safety courses teach gun safety as well as wilderness skills.

Clubs with large public programs include the Scarborough Fish and Game Association and the Falmouth Rod and Gun Club, which offers shooting practice to the public year-round.

"All year, on Sunday mornings at 10 a.m., there is trap shooting. It`s a great way to meet club members and get a tour of the (shooting ranges). Club members, we love to give tours to prospective new members," said Tom Judd, the club's vice president. "Anyone can learn to do these activities. The club is a great place to learn to safely handle a firearm."

SEA GLASS

If the mountains, woods and required attire are too much for some, go see glass. With crowds gone, it's the perfect season to hunt along the coast -- hunt for sea glass, that is.

There are a few beaches known for the smoky green and white bits of brightness found near Maine's salty coast. Many require a drive, hike or ferry trip. But there are no crowds, and the beaches are free.

Great Chebeague Island is one treasure trove. Beaches up the coast often offer more caches of rich, water-hewn jewels.

Locals will keep the bountiful beaches to themselves. Just use common sense. Anywhere you see Maine`s popular sea glass jewelry sold, chances are good there's a cache somewhere close.

By DEIRDRE FLEMING Staff Writer, Portland Press Herald, November 6, 2008


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