Hi there, I'm not sure this is the most appropriate place to ask, but I know you're all helpful and I need some local knowledge!

Me and the good lady are off on a camping & photography trip to Maine in a fortnight; we're doing the coastal tourist stuff but also planning on heading into the interior to get some moose on film.

If anyone could share any advice on finding moose at this time of year, that would be great. I'd also appreciate any information on likely weather patterns in the mountains at this time of year, especially night time temperatures.

Many thanks in advance

Alex

quote:

Originally posted by 63:

If anyone could share any advice on finding moose at this time of year, that would be great. I'd also appreciate any information on likely weather patterns in the mountains at this time of year, especially night time temperatures.

A local coffee shop might be the best bet for finding moose. I have the impression that moose wander a bit but there are a couple of bogs in particular around Island Falls where moose tend to be found on a regular basis. The people who live there, know to drive slowly at the bog to avoid hitting one.

I have to pass on weather, just don't know much about the coast this time of year. Inland it is probably still chilly at night, sweatshirt-and-vest weather with a fair amount of variation.

63: My wife and I just returned from Maine last week - we have spent many vacations there, primarily during May and October. The weather last week was comfortable inland - no need for a jacket or such. It was cool right along the coast, as the cold ocean waters keep things chilly, and the wind was roaring on top of Cadillac mountain at Acadia National Park. If you plan on doing the Acadia park loop road trip or taking a boat ride, definitely have a jacket handy for the cool breeze.

Suggestions on things to do/see:

- Lobster boat trip out of Bar Harbor.
http://www.barharborwhales.com/lobster-fishing.php

- Park Loop Road trip through Acadia National Park, with a stop at the Jordan Pond House for popovers and a beverage.
http://www.nps.gov/acad/

- A visit to the Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery, located just outside of Bucksport - they propagate Atlantic Salmon here for release into Maine rivers and there is a very nice visitor center.
http://www.go-maine.com/Craig-Brook-National-Fish-Hatchery

-For a great view, visit the Penobscot Narrows Observatory just across the river from Bucksport.
http://fortknox.maineguide.com/

- Visit any of the lighthouses which dot the coast of Maine.

Don't forget to try the lobster (whole ones are a pain to eat, IMO - try a lobster roll) and anything with Maine blueberries in it. And, if you happen to visit southern Maine, stop at the Maine Diner right on Route 1 in Wells, where everything is delicious.

As far as Moose go, I have only observed them at Baxter State Park, which is located in north-central Maine. There is a pond there called Togue Pond that is a relatively easy hike to get to. It is a popular place for Moose (and photographers) to come to. A few years ago, my wife and I had a cow moose "graze" for 30 minutes in the pond shallows not more than 30 feet from us. The staff at the park entrance will be glad to provide with ideas on where to see them. Just be prepared for mosquitoes and black flies.

http://www.baxterstateparkauthority.com/index.html

Lastly, I can highly recommend a great book about visiting Maine:

http://www.amazon.com/Moon-Maine-Handbooks-Hilary-Nangl...id=1213983239&sr=1-3

This is the latest edition, but earlier editions are also excellent.

Have a great trip!

Thanks all, this was very timely for me as I am planning a trip out the last week of September- first week of October. I have not been to Maine yet and am looking forward to the sights, sounds and people.

BTW- Is it possible to do a spot and stalk bear sans guide?

Ann,

In my very humble opinion spot and stalk for bear here in New England is VERY tough. The problem is that the woods are so thick that you can't achieve the "spot" part of the equation. Besides baiting and behind hounds, I think the best method for hunting them here is to ask around and find out where they've been seen and be there first.

Slug,

I wondered if you had any fairly open wild blueberry fields but agree a baited or hound hunt is best. We are not allowed to bait in Vermont.

For the folks from SE England coming over, you can certainly see moose anywhere, but inland is the best idea. My friend, Gloria, runs a nice little operation in the interior where many moose roam - www.enchantedoutfitters.com and the same can be said for you, Ann. They apparently shoot some nice bears in those woods over bait. However, regarding spot and stalk near blueberry country, check out the area near Cherryfield, ME (Downeast).

How long is the black fly season? It just ended here in VT. Now the deer flies are circling my head.

quote:

Originally posted by Aspen Hill Adventures:
Slug,

I wondered if you had any fairly open wild blueberry fields but agree a baited or hound hunt is best. We are not allowed to bait in Vermont.

Affirmative on the blueberry fields. The problem is that there are usually people out picking the berries during the day and the bears do their thing at night.

The best spot and stalk in my area is watching the neighbor's bird feeders!

Thanks for all the help and advice guys. I've loaded up on 95% DEET spray, and dug out the head nets, so hopefully we'll be keeping the blackfly at bay.

We own a place in dover-foxcroft maine. If you head north to moosehead lake/greenville region moose sightings are almost a guarantee. There are a couple places along the road where DOT have there salt deposits and the moose have created mud pits because the water and plants are salty. We see moose %95 of the time we go during these months. Have fun.

haha, good call nugman!!!

Many thanks for all the help guys, we had a wonderful time in an absolutely brilliant location, and we even saw a couple of moose!

Moosehead lake at dawn:


Moose, of course:


The coast:


Even better, we were totally untroubled by Blackfly!

Glad you enjoyed our state! The summer here is special. Come back soon.