BRADFORD CAMPS NEWSLETTER FROM OUR 2019 SEASON
"Many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view."
The Camps' equipment ran well, the fishing was great for the whole season, bear hunting was very successful, and our grouse season was...ok...and sometimes GREAT. It was a very fun and very busy season.
Most importantly, our illustrious and intrepid staff instinctively performed flawlessly this year! The amazing what-would-we-do-without-you CHAD at the helm, Tiffany stirring the pot on the Garland, Jude bouncing down Bradford Boulevard, Jorja bopping happily from one job to the next, Charlie entertaining anyone within earshot, Tamia happily saying yes with a smile to everything, Josh wryly smiling about it all, Dave kicking up dust on his way to the next fishing hole, Lewis always thinking of some exciting adventure for guests, Mark chuckling at our whole circus, Kathryn unfazed by all the shenanigans, Danny steady as a rock keeping us all in line, and TJ taking it all in. All of these wonderful people who have spent day after day together, enduring the rain and bugs, and finding the good humor in it all, and performing their hard work while always sharing their lives with Bradford's guests.... well .... they ALL are the finest people we could ever hope to work with. Perhaps it is simply that Bradford Camps brings out the best in people....
Point is, these are the people that make Bradford so very special. A large part of the Bradford Experience is WHERE it is, sited on Munsungan Lake with the most exquisite view, in the most relaxing environment. But the PEOPLE define the Bradford personality. Karen and I give them all a warm hug of gratitude for devoting such a large part of their lives to this place and to all the people who visit.
SO WHAT HAPPENED IN 2019?
In this issue we will go over a few of the important events and milestones that happened. Namely:
(...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.
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!
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:
WISH ME LUCK!!
There are quite a few ways to save during your visit at Bradford, and here they are:
10 Below Zero, 20 mph winds
Tools of the trade
12 inches thick with 4" snow layer
Bare hands needed to work on the saws
Loading Sleds
Gallamander Crane
Windblock made from cut off snow ice
Team Shot, NOTE KAREN!! Trip Leader!
Also present:
Larry, Tom, Brooks, Chas, Ethan, Brett, Igor, Richard, Charley, (Pete took picture)
Get ready for your trip by purchasing your fishing and hunting licenses right now. We also have them available at camp - same price. All hunters need to bring a previous hunting license, any state, any year.
Our floatplane received a new power plant this winter. It is part of its normal maintenance program. This will ensure the same reliable service as always. We can't wait to take you where you want to go, and bring you back!
Pickett Mountain – located just north of Patten, and near Shin Pond - is the new site targeted by a mining company in Canada called Wolfden Resources. DON'T WORRY!! We will dispose of this proposal PROPERLY, like we did at Bald Mountain!
The plan afoot to string wires through one of Maine's wildest and most scenic areas is stumbling. Canada wants to sell its excess power to Massachusetts, scraping the line through a very special area in Maine.
For more, search: "CMP CORRIDOR NO"
Time to Apply for your moose permit. Keep it up year after year and you add up points (don't skip a year). Check Zone 5, 4
VISIT: MOOSE ME
or call me for more information.
BRADFORD CAMPS has a moose permit available for PURCHASE for the first time ever. This all-inclusive hunt will include guiding, fly-scouting prior to the hunt week, all meals and lodging for two people, everything but getting here, and tips. Please call to go over. It is a very exciting hunt, and you won't have to wait years to win a permit. Please email or call for details....
Our Bradford Family Member Tiffany has decided to move onto another chapter of her life and we are happy for her and wishing her all the luck in the world. She has been a big part of Munsungan Lake for 6 years, and has made us all laugh and have fun while feeding us her wonderful creations. Her role will be a big one to fill, rest assured we will fill it!