THE MUNSUNGUN MUSE 2020

(...excerpt from study... full results available, just ask...)  

BASED ON SAMPLE OF:

Sample Size: 60 LLS

Average Length: 14.6”

Average Weight: 0.92 lbs

In general, Munsungan Lake LLS grow at a much slower rate than in the past (1955 study), but appear to experience a higher growth rate than other northern Maine waters with wild LLS.

Improvements to LLS growth rate in Munsungan Lake (to 1955 levels, for instance) would require a substantial shift in the abundance of rainbow smelt, meaning significant reductions in lake trout numbers and increased smelt reproduction. Recent regulation changes have aimed to increase angler harvest of both lake trout and salmon, but with low levels of angler use and high rates of voluntary catch and release, it is uncertain whether significant progress can be made in changing the composition of this fishery. 

IN OTHER WORDS:  THE GATES ARE STILL OPEN FOR EATING OUR FRESH FISH!

Reed Pond blueback trout health continues to improve.  We have unlocked some of the codes needed to catch these deep living fish.  Quite a few people enjoyed some amazing fishing.   

A survey was performed this year, showing that all age classes of fish were successful, and the health of the fish looks good.  Evidence shows the fish are utilizing many different food types, from dace bait fish present, to filter feeding for zooplankton.  The pond has a rich diversity and quantity of good feed,  which leaves me quite optimistic for its future.

We continue to work in unison with the Fisheries Department of Maine to support this success.

SIKORSKY WEEKEND

July 10, 11, 12

Friday and Saturday Nights

Cost is $489 pp including everything except taxes and tips.

A great way to spend time with likewise minded airplane geeks.  Its a great American success story: a life with many troubles and worries, overcome by genius and determination and humility.

Hope you can make it!

FIBER TREK WOOL SCOUTS

August 9-13

August 13-17

Come play in the sticks with the sticks!

 hand stitching ,    embroidery ,    

knitting ,    basketry 

This will be our fourth year and it is different every year,  come join the tribe!

BRADFORD BIRDERS

Dates to be determined, but all birders should come for a visit, especially in June.  Last year we have a black-backed woodpecker right in front of the lodge.  (Sorry, no picture, you will have to trust me on that.  I did have a birder book in hand)

Bear season resulted in 16 bear taken, for 24 hunters, with many bear passed up.  The second week we had one very busy night with 6 bear taken.  I am not sure why there always seems to be one or two nights when a lot of action happens,  this remains one the mysteries.  

We were challenged by a huge amount of wild food: hazelnuts and beechnuts, raspberries, and wet ground for ants and grubs.  This is a big factor we often have to contend with.

Bird Season was slower than in year's past, particularly due to the wet spring we experienced.  We still had many limit-days,  and good hunting for those who roamed off into the woods and worked for it.  The bird population in Northern Maine is as strong as always in general.  At ice cutting this winter we noticed a fair number of birds wintering over, seeing tracks and flights.

I always keep a running list of projects that we will do, want to do, must do, wish I had time to do.  Here they are for 2020:

• Re shingle guides, #7, #4, Chad's, and Cook's cabins.  Shingles are already here, no excuses now!
• New flotation under the last dock.  Hey you,  with the wet sneakers... YOU know why!!
• Finish kitchen floor and backroom, including new counters and cabinets in back room.  I might get to that this winter in March.
• New CULVERT in driveway road.  Time to get rid of the pond that you have to drive through to get here!

WISH ME LUCK!!

There are quite a few ways to save during your visit at Bradford, and here they are:

• Be wise:  5% off lodging for 70+.
• Pay greenbacks:  $11 off per night per adult.
• Be good to the environment:  All NRCM members delete $33 per night off their bill. (You need an NRCM voucher online beforehand).
• NRCM = Natural Resources Council of Maine
• Book Early: All people depositing before year end pay the previous year's price for their stay.