Outside ✔️ Fishing ✔️ FLAGS ✔️ Who's ready for a weekend full of adventure? Check out our Beginner's Guide to Ice Fishing in Maine at mefishwildlife.com/icefishing Photo by Chris Bennett 
Interested in learning to hunt? Hunter safety is now online in addition to traditional in-person classes. Take hunter safety online now so you are ready to try turkey hunting this May! Learn more at mefishwildlife.com/safetycourses 
Maine is home to over 15,000 species of nonmarine invertebrates, from beetles and butterflies to mayflies and mussels. Some, such as the Katahdin arctic butterfly and Roaring Brook mayfly, are state or regional endemics – found nowhere else in the world but in Maine or a small area of the Northeast. Other species, including the cobblestone tiger beetle and the short-tailed swallowtail butterfly (both pictured), have only recently been discovered in Maine by our own biologists. The Department’s work with these lesser known, but ecologically important species is dependent on dedicated, non-general fund sources of revenue, such as the “Loon License Plate” and “Chickadee Check-off.” This tax season please consider donating to the “Chickadee Check-off” and consider yourself as integral to our work with non-game, endangered, and threatened species. Learn more at mefishwildlife.com/chickadeecheckoff Photo 1: cobblestone tiger beetle by Jonathan Mays Photo 2: short-tailed swallowtail butterfly 
Share your memories from Free Fishing License Week for a chance to win an L.L. Bean gift card and MDIFW swag! Whether it was your first time ice fishing, or your first time back on the ice in several years, we hope you enjoyed the fresh air, time spent with family and friends, and created memories for years to come. After all, fishing is about so much more than the "catch" and we can't wait to hear about the memories you caught! How to enter: 1. Post a photo from Free Fishing License Week, February 13-21, 2021 2. Tag us @mefishwildlife and include hashtag #FishME (if your account is private, be sure to send your post as a direct message) 3. Include a caption about what made your day memorable 4. Make sure you are following us on Instagram @mefishwildlife We will randomly select a winner from all valid photos that have been submitted by February 25, 2021 at 11:59 pm. See comments for contest rules. 
Do turkeys spread ticks? Why don't we put tick collars on moose? Listen in to the finale of our Maine’s Moose podcast series at mefishwildlife.com/changers or search “Fish and Game Changers” on your favorite podcast app to find out. 
No matter how you are enjoying your winter days in Maine, remember to always be a good land user. After all, more than 94% of Maine’s forest land is privately owned, and more than half of that is area is open to the public – we all need to help keep this privilege for generations to come: • Leave no trace – Carry out all that you carry in. • Park in public or designated areas - Don't block paths or other roads. • Respect private property – Utilize public access sites or areas where you have permission to park or access. If on a frozen body of water, remember that islands may be private property. • Be prepared – Check the weather, bring what you need for the day, and let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. • Stick to established trails and roads – More than 94% of Maine’s forest land is privately owned. Respect private landowners by sticking to the trail to help continue access in the future. • Be courteous of others – Snowmobilers, hikers, bird watchers, anglers, cross-country skiers, and other outdoor enthusiasts are all enjoying time outside. Be aware of others and remember, there is plenty of space for everyone! Thanks for doing your part to protect Maine’s natural resources and to continue recreation opportunities for future generations. Learn more at mefishwildlife.com/outdoorpartners or visitmaine.com/look-out-for-me 
Northern black racers were listed as Endangered in Maine in 1987. These agile snakes favor open woods or shrubby areas with sandy soils. MDIFW staff have implanted radio transmitters to better improve our understanding of these snakes’ movements and their overall habitat requirements. In the Kennebunk Plains Wildlife Management Area, we have initiated habitat restoration to help improve black racer habitat conditions. This habitat management work also benefits a range of other species of greatest conservation need, especially shrubland and grassland birds such as the brown thrasher, whip-poor-will, eastern towhee, prairie warbler, and field sparrow. Help continue this important work with Maine’s non-game, endangered, and threatened species by donating to the “Chickadee Check-off” when you file your State of Maine income taxes. Learn more at mefishwildlife.com/chickadeecheckoff Photo by MDIFW Wildlife Biologist Derek Yorks 
Didn’t have a chance to go ice fishing this weekend? No problem! Free Fishing License Week is now through Sunday, February 21! During this time any person (except those whose license has been suspended or revoked) who registers with the Department may fish without a license. All other laws and regulations apply on these days. Nonresidents and residents may participate. Ages 15 and younger do not need to register. Learn more about ice fishing and register today at mefishwildlife.com/icefishing 
Maine’s moose: Episode 3 – Winter tick Maine’s moose population is stable in its core habitat range. However, the proliferation of winter tick due to climate change is impacting the health and reproduction of the moose population. In this week’s podcast episode, MDIFW Moose Biologist Lee Kantar reviews all things winter tick including how they differ from other ticks you may be familiar with and how they impact moose. Lee also introduces the Adaptative Management Study, an ongoing study to determine if lowering the moose population density can lessen the impacts of winter tick. Visit mefishwildlife.com/changers to listen now or search “Fish and Game Changers” on your favorite podcast app. 
Slow down and enjoy the view! There are more people on Maine's snowmobile trails than usual, and we know why... Maine's views and trails are a wonderful winter escape. For the safety of yourself and everyone on the trail, always make sure you are in control of your snowmobile. Ride safe, ride responsible: • Drive to the right and at an appropriate speed for your experience and the conditions. • Stay alert and be aware of other riders, recreators, and wildlife on the trail. • Never drink and ride. • Stay on marked snowmobile trails. • Remember that modified exhausts are illegal. • Pick up any trash. • Register your snowmobile and support a local club. • Follow the rules and ride safe. 
Next week, February 13-21, 2021, is Free Fishing License Week* and is a perfect time to introduce someone to the sport of ice fishing. For beginners, it is all about making sure they stay comfortable and keeping the day fun! Here are a few tips: • Target warmwater species such as bass, pickerel, and perch for an action-filled day! 🐟 • Cook a warm meal and bring a hot drink such as hot cocoa. ☕️ • Pick a sunny, low-wind day. ☀️ • Pack extra, dry pairs of socks, mittens, and a hat and make sure your new fishing partner dresses warm. 🧦 • Bring other activities to keep the group engaged between flags such as ice skates, binoculars, or a football. ⛸ • Choose an easily accessible location. 🗺 • Keep the day short - save your more adventurous trips for another day. ✅ • Enjoy! For many outdoor enthusiasts, the thrill of sharing knowledge with a novice is as exciting as the hobby itself. ❄️ For additional tips, visit mefishwildlife.com/icefishing *During Free Fishing License Week, any person (except those whose license has been suspended or revoked) who registers with the Department may fish without a license. All other laws and regulations apply on these days. Register at mefishwildlife.com/icefishing Photo by Chris Bennett 
Did someone say Free Fishing License Week AND a chance to win an @llbean gift certificate and MDIFW swag?! We did! Free Fishing License Week is February 13-21, 2021 and is a great opportunity to try ice fishing for the first time! For experienced anglers, it is an excellent time to introduce someone to the sport. TO ENTER: 1. Take someone ice fishing for their first time (or try it yourself!) during Free Fishing License Week 2. Take a picture of your day 3. Post your photo on Instagram tagging us @mefishwildlife and including hashtag #FishME (if your account is private, be sure to send your post as a direct message) 4. Include a caption about what made your day memorable 5. Make sure you are following us on Instagram @mefishwildlife We will randomly select a winner from all valid photos that have been submitted by February 25, 2021 at 11:59 pm. See comments for contest rules. What is Free Fishing License Week? During Free Fishing License Week, any person (except those whose license has been suspended or revoked) may fish without a license if they register at mefishwildlife.com/icefishing All other laws and regulations apply on these days. Open to residents and nonresidents. Photo by @chrisbennettphoto 
Interested in trying ice fishing for the first time? Has it been a while since you have set a trap? Free Fishing License Week, February 13-21, 2021, was created to give everyone a chance to enjoy ice fishing! On these days, any person (except those whose license has been suspended or revoked) who registers with the Department may fish without a license. All other laws and regulations apply on these days. Nonresidents and residents may participate. If you plan to participate in the Free Fishing License Week you must register online at mefishwildlife.com/icefishing Ages 15 and younger do not need to register. Wondering how to get started ice fishing or where to go? Visit the link above for the new Beginner’s Guide to Ice Fishing in Maine. We hope you have a memorable day on the ice! #fishme #allinforthemaineoutdoors 
Intensive management of piping plovers over the years has yielded record numbers of this endangered species on Maine’s southern beaches: 98 nesting pairs fledged 197 fledgling plovers in 2020. These statistics greatly surpass even the all-time records set in 2019! More than 60% of this year’s plover nests were at locations where the Department has established beach management agreements for plover stewardship. We thank the towns of Ogunquit, Old Orchard Beach, Scarborough, and Wells, as well as the Maine state parks and the Prouts Neck Association. Help continue this important work with Maine’s non-game, endangered, and threatened species by donating to the “Chickadee Check-off” when you file your State of Maine income taxes. Learn more at mefishwildlife.com/chickadeecheckoff Photo by Missy Mans 
With 10 million acres of moose habitat in Maine, MDIFW Moose Biologist Lee Kantar has found helicopters essential to monitoring the state's moose population. In this week’s podcast episode, Lee explains the three different studies from the air: the aerial survey to count moose, another aerial survey to determine the distribution of bulls, cows, and calves, and a third study where GPS collars are placed on cows and calves to track them. Visit mefishwildlife.com/changers to listen now or search “Fish and Game Changers” on your favorite podcast app. 
While working in the heavy equipment industry for 12 years Tyler was continually reminded of his dream to become a Maine Game Warden. Like many others who have already established a career, Tyler had concerns about the process and giving up the security of his existing career. After discussing it with his wife and coming up with every possible excuse, she made it clear he was the only thing standing in the way of pursuing his dream. With support from friends and family, Tyler pursued his true passion. He now patrols the East Grand Lake region and considers every day a new adventure. For those interested in joining the Maine Warden Service, Tyler believes there is no better time than the present and it will never get any easier than today. Learn more about how to become a Maine Game Warden at mainegamewarden.com/gethired 
Introducing Season FIVE of our Fish + Game Changers podcast: Maine’s Moose! In this season Katie meets with MDIFW Moose Biologist Lee Kantar and Wildlife Division Director Nate Webb to learn about Maine’s moose through the years, moose myths and facts, and how winter tick is impacting the population. The series will also explore the ongoing management study and next steps to help keep Maine’s moose population healthy and stable for the future. Visit mefishwildlife.com/changers to listen now or search “Fish and Game Changers” on your favorite podcast app. New episodes released every Monday. 
The key to a fun day outside in the winter is staying warm and being prepared. Here are a few tips from Maine Game Wardens, biologists, and staff to make sure you (and your children) stay warm and dry this winter: 1. Wait to put your socks and boots on until you arrive at your destination. – Sarah Spencer, Wildlife Biologist 2. Regulate body temperature, keep yourself dry from the inside out, and pack multiple pairs of mittens, especially when venturing with children. – Dan Scott, Game Warden Colonel 3. Pack hand and toe warmers, and don’t forget to drink water. –Carl Tugend, Assistant Regional Wildlife Biologist 4. Dress in layers (avoid cotton). If winter hiking, gaiters, trekking poles, and crampons are very helpful. – Cynthia Rego, Office Associate II 5. Rubber insulated boots and layers are key! But one pair of wool socks is plenty – layering socks is not recommended. – Connor White, Wildlife Management Institute Contract Wildlife Biologist 6. One of the best ways to stay warm is actually to keep from getting overheated at times when you can avoid it. Bring a warm snack and keep the kids engaged for a fun day. – Eric Rudolph, District Game Warden 7. Pay attention to the weather and dress for the activity. – Laura Craver-Rogers, Education & Outreach Supervisor Visit the blog at mefishwildlife.com to learn more! 
Love Maine's wildlife? When doing your Maine State Income taxes, consider making a donation to the "Chickadee Check-off" and think of yourself as part of the ongoing success in our work with non-game, threatened, or endangered species in Maine. Download your Schedule - CP Form or let your tax accountant know you would like to support the fund. Learn more at mefishwildlife.com/chickadeecheckoff 
Introducing Next Step Hunting Workshops! No matter if you are just starting out or have been hunting for years, there is always something to learn. These Next Step virtual and in-person workshops were designed to help all hunters take their skills to the next level. Classes are offered in the following three main areas: outdoor skills + safety, firearm handling + care, and hunting guidance. Sign up for a class today: mefishwildlife.com/nextstephunt Looking for a class closer to you or a different topic? We will continue to add courses across the state and cover additional topics as new hunting seasons approach. #huntme Photo by @chrisbennettphoto