If you’re not a Maine resident, you’ll want to do research on the animals within the woods that are protected. For example, if you’re
hunting grouse, make sure you’re shooting ruffed grouse and not
spruce grouse. The spruce grouse is a protected species. If you
can’t tell, then don’t fire your weapon. This is also another good reason why you should enlist the help of a guide.
When it comes to hunting big game in Maine, such as moose or
bears, you’ll need to obtain a big game hunting license and for both
non-residents and residents, these can be quite pricey depending
on the particular animal you’re interested in tagging. Check with the
wildlife and conservation departments for details on how to conduct
a big game hunt in the northern wilderness.
The Badlands of Montana and South Dakota
He stands on a large butte overlooking the prairie. His chestnut
skin and long, dark hair tell us he is a vision, a remnant soul from an
early era, a warrior. He is a protector of the plains, and he runs with
the bison. He stands with pride, noting the vastness of the land.
The sky goes on for miles and the gusts and warm breezes caress
the grass and then move into the mane of his pinto that is grazing
nearby. Weathered hands hold a weapon, carefully crafted and
elegant, yet worn from battle and many hunts. His features are
fierce, and his brows narrow as he spots a bighorn. He does
not smile with his mouth, but his heart is open and free. A bead
of sweat rolls down his sharp nose, and he shrieks to the faded
stars, calling his comrades. The creams, oranges, and beiges of
the spires and buttes swirl together under his feet, and he makes
his way back to his pony. The prairie is wide and the mountains are
like tall buildings. He jumps onto the pinto and, gripping the mane,
he whispers into its ear. The pony moves faster. His comrades
follow. Into the Badlands they ride.
Now, unlike in the early days, hunting is regulated differently
throughout each state, and bighorns, as well as moose and mountain goats, are sometimes on a 7-year wait period, so you’ll want
to plan far in advance for those trophies. If you’re hoping for the
ultimate hunting adventure across the Midwest and Western regions, you may want to aim for smaller targets, such as waterfowl
or predators and non-game species. But if you absolutely must
add an Elk or Antelope skull to your collection, you will need to do
some serious research.
Obtaining a non-resident Elk permit/General Elk hunting license will
cost you between $250-$1,000, depending on which permit you’re
applying for. You’ll need to remember to apply in advance for these
big-game hunts, as permits are done at random drawing and not
everyone can be selected. If your birth year falls after 1985, you’ll
need to apply for and take the Hunter’s Safety course. These, along
with many other rules, are regulated state by state, so you must
check on 2016-2017 regulations if you’re planning a hunt in the near
future. Remember that non-residents may need to show proof of
prior general hunting and fishing licenses, and may be subject to
inspections, etc.
32 Summer 2016 Adventure Outdoors
by:
Photo
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e Veaz
Georg