07/29/16 George Smith, Maine Outdoor Life - Then & Now

Posted by Tom Talbott
 
(Photo: Rusty Atwood, George Smith, and President Laura Young.)
 
This week we welcomed George Smith, former Executive Director of the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine, author, blogger, and a purveyor of knowledge for all things outdoors in Maine. His 2014 book, “A Life Lived Outdoors” was the setting for his talk, which felt like an afternoon stroll in the woods.
 
“How many of you have been to Maine?” he asked. “Remember, we don’t consider Portland to be Maine!” he added, to a round of laughs. He then asked, “How many of you hunt?" Turns out only two in the audience, a number that somewhat surprised George, and yet a number that he would circle back to later to make a key point. “How many of you fish?” recorded a much stronger number, much to his satisfaction.
 
George spoke at some length about the Maine he remembers growing up in, enjoying the woods, fields, and streams, and the simple way of life. He worked at Wilson’s Dollar Store roastin’ peanuts and eatin’ the profits. He knew everyone, and everyone knew him.  Sunday church, afternoon drives, and a picnic. Wilderness was just a short walk from his home. He spent most of his time at the brook, catching 6-7 inch trout. Fine living for a young boy.
 
What’s become of it? The brook now runs through a busy development. The fields that were used to train English setters for pheasant hunting now host a neighborhood of houses. He hasn’t seen a kid on a bike with a fishing pole for years. You can’t go back.
 
There have been many changes in the “outdoor life” of Maine, and we’re not just talking about urban sprawl. George elaborated, noting that we have lost many of the hunters and anglers who used to populate, as well as visit our state. The reasons are interesting.
 
Ticks with Lyme disease, the scourge of the woods, have cut into the moose population, killing young calves as well as adults. Moose hunting permits are down. The question being debated is whether there should be an increase in deer hunting permits, to reduce the influx of deer ticks, carriers of Lyme. Weigh in online: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QSXM92J
 
George was particularly irked at the state’s management of brook trout. Invasive species like pike and bass, and other non-native species do not coexist readily with trout. Maine is not on the map for many anglers who travel.
 
That brought up the subject of Maine Sporting Camps. It was a bustling industry in our state’s history, hosting hunters and fisherman for typically a week at a time. Now the camps that remain primarily service those interested in coming in for a long weekend, content to just hike, bird watch, snow shoe, or X-country ski. He also noted that today’s “outdoorsman” wants services like cell phones to keep in touch, even while in the woods. Alas, noted George, they’re not getting in touch with nature.
 
George thought it was a sobering fact that the large state newspapers no longer dedicate any column space to Maine ‘s outdoors. His blog is in the category of “Sports Blog” right there with football and baseball. “We love our coast,” says George. “We love our restaurants. But spend time in-land. Experience the really good life. I’ve lived as a Mainer, and I’ll die as a Mainer, with a smile on my face, knowing how blessed I’ve been.”
 
On the topic of access to the woods, a question pertained to the increase in posted land, off limits to hunters without permission.  George said that hunters and fisherman need to treat the landowner right, with respect. Many problems over the years are the hunter’s fault, for not taking the time to reach out to land owners and are guilty of trespassing.    
 
Asked for his opinion on a Maine Woods National Park, he thinks it is the right thing to do. It's not the whole solution to reviving the Maine outdoorsman’s economy, but it will help. He believes that Senators Collins and King will come on board to support the initiative.
 
George commended our club for our “Maine Outdoor Challenge” event, and vowed to participate next year. He joked that he better start practicing. Moving quickly, Kris Rosado picked him up as a free agent for his team, with a signing bonus – no charge to participate. Looks like Kris has a ringer, and we’ve got a great new advocate for our program!
 
Read more about George and his enthusiasm for the great Maine outdoors on his blog, http://www.georgesmithmaine.com/