Among the three seasons Maine has to offer–summer, winter and mud–lies November. Hunting season is quite a deal for many residents of Aroostook County. Our northern woods and bounteous fields are home to great game for hunters. Whether it’s an interest in large game such as moose or bear, to deer and coyotes, or maybe you’re a bird person–the county offers it all. In the county people cherish the chilly fall mornings, the bright orange hats, and of course everyone stops in at the local hunter’s breakfast opening day. Hunting has this beautiful ability to connect one with nature, with family and with the community.
Wade Quinton could relate a few memories of hunting in the county himself. “It’s an exciting time for me and the boys. We go out to my buddy’s camp in Haynesville the first week of partridge hunting. Our wives don’t see us much again until Thanksgiving dinner.” He laughed as he recalled one of his favorite hunting excursions. “We were on our way to dinner with my wife’s parents. We’re about two miles from Grammy’s Country Inn when I saw my big boy. I thought he was an eight-pointer. I pulled over and pulled my rifle out. I ran back to the truck with the biggest grin on my face when he fell. Carolyn rolled her eyes. We didn’t make it to Grammy’s but we had some good jerky later that week.” You never know what you’ll come across in this neck of the woods or when you’ll come across your big chance. “That deer ended up being 10 points. The biggest fella I’ve ever hit.” Quinton reminds us that, “Even when you’re not hunting, in November, you’re freaking hunting.”
Sean Thompson, a native of central Maine, moved to southern Aroostook County almost six years ago. “There is a bit more solitude up here than there was where I grew up. I like that! There is no pressure from too many people all looking to get the same spot.” Thompson was a first-time father almost three years ago. “I’m really happy that I’ll be able to take my boy out with me in a few years. We’ll go for walks in the woods, which is relaxing, but I’m looking forward to adventures.” Thompson recalls one of his more favorable adventures in Mars Hill that resulted in no shots with hundreds of opportunities. “We were field hunting in Mars Hill. I had reached my limit, so I was along with my buddy for the ride. We had been looking for ducks for maybe a half hour, then all of the sudden, literally at least 100 geese and ducks were swarming the field. It was the realest circle of life I’d ever seen. My bud Andy was too nonchalant on our little walk and left his ammo in the vehicle. It was by no means a serious hunt, but we could’ve been feeding for a good month.”
Whatever your particular fancy is, hunting in rural communities of northern Maine is a treat. Whether it’s the excitement of the wildlife you find on the way to family dinner, the moose you spent hours tracking or the trillions of geese you stumble upon unprepared; there is fun to be had. There are rich memories to be made and there is fresh meat to be served.
