Hunting
Sea ducks in Maine consist of the American Eider, Old Squaw, and three species of Scoter: the Surf, White-winged and American.
The Scoters are primarily early to mid season birds, while the Old Squaw usually don't arrive til mid-season. The Eider are abundant
throughout the season, but the mature drakes are more common from mid-season on.
The snow goose, white-fronted goose, Canada goose, and Atlantic brant occur in Maine. The white-fronted goose, snow
goose and Atlantic brant are only observed in Maine as they migrate through. The Canada goose is the only goose that
breeds, winters, and migrates through Maine. Unlike ducks, a goose's plumage does not differ between males and
females and subadult and adult geese. Canada geese have a black bill, black legs, black feet, and black neck. Their head
is also black with a white cheek patch, and their wings and back are brown.
Moose prefer ponds surrounded by marsh during
the summer months because of the plentiful food
supply and relief from insects. During September
and October they are  commonly seen along the
perimeter road
hunters was 84.8 percent.  Hunters killed 2,545 moose out of a possible 3,000 permits issued.  Yearling and older bulls typically account
for 75-80 percent (of the "any-moose permit holders") of the harvest. Even in prime age classes, bulls account for about 80% of the
"any-moose permit holders". Every year, several moose exceed 1,000 lbs. Dressed weight. Trophy racks are not uncommon. Preliminary
investigations indicate a new Boone-Crockett state record may have been set in the 2000 hunt with a score of 219. In past years, 10
moose have scored from 190 to 217 to make the Boone and Crockett record books. The highest score for a moose taken in Maine
during the past 5 years was 217.
Grouse
Ruffed grouse are the most widely distributed
game bird in North America. They rank among
the smallest of the 10 species of grouse native
to North America with weights ranging from 17
to 25 oz. The subspecies that inhabits Maine is
the St. Lawrence or Canada ruffed grouse.
Did You Know...

Grouse practice snow-roosting?  If snow is at least 10 inches deep, they burrow into it and stay in their "snow caves" until they
are ready to feed.   Snow-roosting makes them less visible to predators, protects them from wind, and helps insulate them from
cold.  This conserves their energy during bitter Maine winters.  When they leave their caves, they stick their head out, look
around; if the coast is clear, they explode out and into the air.
Bear
A Maine black bear is a
formidable animal and a coveted
trophy. This creature is swift,
elusive, powerful and has a
remarkably keen sense of
hearing. Seeing your first black
bear in its natural environment is
an unforgettable experience!
Turkey
Turkey population on Deer Isle has largely picked up.  
They Recently are seen in groups simply in peoples back
yards.  They are very common in the area now.
Bobcat & Coyote
Coyote & Bobcat  hunting is a
real challenge They are a very
wily predator and luck-as well as
skill-is necessary to bag one.
The bobcat is one of the smartest and most sought after predators of all. They're rarely seen -- about the only time they're seen is when a lucky hunter is looking up
at them in a tree that hounds have put him in.
Deer
Maine's unspoiled woods, pristine
waters, and abundant game make
it a popular hunting destination.
From moose and whitetail deer to
grouse, turkey, and waterfowl,
there's something for every type of
sportsman with a shotgun or bow
and arrow.
Photo taken in front of Dry Cove
Cottage of four deer.  Two Deer
Stay and eat under an apple tree,
while the other two deer run from
the camera.
There are numerous hunting camps in remote forests, or you can drive just a few miles from
the nearest town and be in the woods.
If you're not a resident of Maine,
you might want to consider
hiring a Registered Maine
Guide, who have extensive
knowledge of the region they
operate in.  Click  on Dave's
Guide Service for more
information.
CONTACT US
DryCoveCottages@aol.com  Phone: 207-348-2277 Fax:  207-433-1000
Maine's bear population
has increased by nearly
30 percent since 1990
Wild turkey hunting is a relatively new sport for the state of Maine. Thanks to conservation and management efforts, the
flock has made a tremendous comeback in recent years. Although sightings are now quite common, seeing a flock of wild
turkeys is very exciting. For many hunters, nothing matches the sights and sounds of a flock of turkeys at daybreak, or the
thrill of successfully calling in and bagging a huge gobbler.
Duck & Goose
Gunning for sea ducks along the coast of Maine is an
experience not to be missed in a  hunter's lifetime. It offers a
unique opportunity to visit and hunt one of the most beautiful
parts of the country at a time of year when it is rarely seen.
Moose
Photo taken in Hancock county in the early 1900's
Interesting Maine Deer Facts:

*Pre-Hunt population in 1998 was 338,000 deer: 90,000 of these were antlered bucks. 1 in 5  antlered bucks (18,000) was
trophy-age 4 1/2 to 15 1/2 years.

*Buck-to-doe ratios over most of Maine are among the best in the Northeast. There are 65  antlered bucks for every 100 does in
the statewide pre-hunt herd.

*Mild winter prevailed in 1999. Over-all population and antlered bucks both will be higher in '99 as a result.

*Record buck harvests occurred in Maine during the past 3 years (17,925 to 19,660); antlered buck harvest in up 40% compared
to the early 80's.

*Statewide buck harvest may break 20,000 this year; harvest of trophy-age bucks may also break all-time records (=4,000).

*During the past 10 years, the number of bucks entered into the 200 lb club have consistently ranged from 600 to 700. This is
higher than during the "good ole days" in the 50's, 60's and 70's. Every year, several bucks in the 280 to 300 LB range are taken in
Maine.

*Long hunting seasons, relatively low hunting pressure, and large tracts of open hunting land plenty of "elbow room".
There is no upland game pursuit quite like a day of good partridge hunting behind an enthusiastic bird dog.  
Ruffed grouse are abundant throughout Maine, but their density varies across the state.
With the Maine bear population being at a record high and steadily climbing, there are great opportunities for the hunter wishing to
harvest the elusive black bear.
The coyote is considered intelligent, elusive and vicious if cornered and as a
game animal is definitely in a class by itself.  Maine has no closed season for coyote, so you can double your hunting adventure while on another hunt or night
hunting