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Listen to loons cry at night
Maine Wildlife Viewing
You never know what kinds of critters
you might encounter during your daily activities
near your cabin. Unfortunately the presence of
people usually tends to diminish what you’ll see a
bit. To some peoples’ thinking this is a good
thing…even a real good thing! But to
the rest of us seeing wildlife is fun…so much fun in
fact that you might even take steps to increase
your chances of seeing and photographing animals in
their natural habitat. To this end there are
several things you can do. First and most
obvious, you can walk, bike, or drive down the many
sparsely traveled trails or woods roads in our area.
Second, you can spend a day at our local wildlife
refuge and see the animals “up close and
personal”.
And lastly you can often see a great variety of
wildlife when taking part in one of our great river
canoe trips. Each of these wildlife viewing
methods has it’s advantages and is described in more
detail below.
Nature Photography
When traveling into the deep dark
Maine woods to do what many locals refer to as “mooselookin”,
the forests can be swampy and thick, trails unmarked
and overgrown, and roads uneven, muddy, and wet.
In addition the animals may be elusive and even
feisty. For these reasons we always recommend
that you hire a Maine guide who’s job it is to
ensure that you see our critters in safety.
That being said, you can trek out on foot, by bike,
or by car on hiking trails, snowmobile trails, or
long abandoned woods roads in search of wildlife.
Many trails pass through deep pine forest, by
streams, or through swampland which can be
especially good habitat for viewing
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A baby red Fox
animals…especially moose. At
some point your guide may also recommend that you
travel along some active logging roads. When
doing so they will tell you which roads you may
travel and which may be subject to local safety
codes….some require extra caution as logging
vehicles have been know to travel at high speeds
with little visibility. Most animals are best
seen in the early morning, early evening, or night,
so you should plan your trips accordingly.
Also, many of the best trails and roads are shown in
the Maine Atlas which can be studied before your
arrival and then preferred trip options explored
with your guide after your arrival. Animals
likely to be encountered include moose, bear, deer,
a great variety of birds and many other woods
creatures like raccoons, skunks, beaver, otters, and
muskrat. Also, fly fishing on remote streams
can be combined with your wildlife viewing trip if
you desire.
Ecotourism
A second and considerably easier way
to view our animals is to visit our local wildlife
refuge center. This can be especially appropriate
if you’ve never ventured out on your own, or are new
to Maine. The A.E Howell Wildlife Conservation
Center is located off Rt. 1 south of Houlton on
Lycette Road in North Amity. It was established to
rehabilitate injured wildlife and return them to
their habitat. In so doing a variety of animals may
be seen in the process of rehabilitation including
black bears, fox, and over 60 species of birds.
Also there are many permanent residents to be seen
that cannot be returned to the wild including bald
eagles, owls, hawks, coyotes, deer, a moose, a
timber wolf, and a bobcat. A guided tour for the
family can be arranged by contacting the Center at
(207) 532-6880. The center is open May 15 - Oct 30,
Tuesday through Friday from 10-4, and Saturday from
10-3. This tour is especially fun for kids!
Note: The Conservation Center receives no financial
support from federal or state agencies so a donation
from visitors will help support their ongoing
wildlife recovery efforts.
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Moose can be seen on logging roads in the area if
you are patient
Finally, you can always view wildlife when taking
part in our river canoe trips. Over the past three
years the Lodge has hosted many of these canoe (or
kayak) “float” trips down nearby pristine rivers
where there are abundant wildlife along the
shorelines and in the wetlands. Animals likely to
be encountered include moose, deer, beaver, raccoon,
skunk, otters, and muskrat. Waterfowl and birds are
very numerous also, including common loons, Canada
geese, black ducks, mallards and various types of
mergansers… not to mention osprey, kingfishers, bald
eagles, chickadees (the State bird), colorful grossbeaks, and even owls. These trips are also led
by registered Maine guides with experience in
identifying Maine’s unique flora and fauna. These
experienced teachers will lend an educational
component to your trip by answering your questions,
helping you to understand each animal’s distinctive
features, and describing their place in this unique
and complex ecosystem. Trips vary in length from
1/2 day to full day excursions. Paddling is slow
and easy…and the rivers, which include the
Baskahegan, Mattawamkeag and the Crooked Brook
Flowage, are all incredibly pristine and beautiful.
And don’t forget our rugged mixed forests as
photography subjects! Our trees, in
particular birch, pine, and cedar, are wonderful to
photograph…not to mention our hundreds of water
plants, driftwood, natural sand beaches, moss
covered granite boulders, and crystal clear waters.
In addition, you can get “up close and personal”
with several fish species on your trip if the whole
party is agreeable to fishing in advance. All trips
are made in high quality “Old Town” canoes
(or kayaks). Required safety instruction will be
conducted by your guide prior to departure. Because
watercraft and guide availability is limited, please
contact the Lodge early to make advance reservations.
Our river trips are arranged for Rideout’s guests
only. Waterfront lodging is available with
your choice of Housekeeping or American plan
accommodations.
more on housekeeping plans
more on summer American plan
Outfitting costs for the trips can be
found at the following link:
river trip expenses
We’re sure you’ll love this
relaxing and wonderful wilderness activity…
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