And so it starts, Maine 2025/26

[Troy Fields]

We started the upland/duck season up in Rangeley. Terrie, Quill and myself had the opener of both to ourselves. My brother joined us on day two. He finally retired after 37 years in education. It was great to have him at camp for a couple of days. After that, the next hunt was with Delta Waterfowl and their university program, which introduces new hunters to the outdoors. The first group was a puddle duck/upland hunt. Everyone arrived the night before at camp so we could be ready for that 3:30a.m. wakeup alarm. The morning provided a lot of great conversation and a few ducks. We then shifted gears and clothing for the upland part. We ended the day tailgating with duck fajitas. University hunts two and three were sea duck hunts and yielded the same great conversation and some shooting as well. Hope you enjoy.

 

[Don Mintz]

you got my attention with those ruffed grouse, it makes my mouth water.

 

[Troy Fields]

you got my attention with those ruffed grouse, it makes my mouth water.

Thanks Don, but what you couldn't see in those pictures were the flocked decoys I got from you years ago and still use.

 

[Carl]

Your pup looks mighty proud of those birds, especially the grouse!!

 

[Chris Hughes]

Thanks for taking us along.

 

[Todd Duncan Tennyson]

Wow, pass the awesome sauce. It is great to see photos like this and to see so many young folks learning the nuances of hunting and time afield. There is so much more to to it all than freezing in a jon boat. Your photos bring this to the forefront.

Keep doing what you do. It is good and appreciated.

 

[Dani]

This is awesome Troy!!! Those grouse photos especially are getting me super excited for my upcoming trip to MN! Now I am even more wiggly to get the heck out of FL!!!

How did the program to start new hunters get started at the University?

 

[Troy Fields]

This is awesome Troy!!! Those grouse photos especially are getting me super excited for my upcoming trip to MN! Now I am even more wiggly to get the heck out of FL!!!

How did the program to start new hunters get started at the University?

Hi Dani. The program is sponsored by Delta Waterfowl. Here's the link explaining better.

University Hunting Program

Delta Waterfowl launched our new University Hunting Program in August 2017. The program now spans across most of the US and Canada.

deltawaterfowl.org

This is the third year I have been associated with these hunts. It's a great opportunity for students that might not otherwise have the means or outlet to go out with someone. There's great conversation and contacts made during these events.

 

[Eric Patterson]

Well, that was enjoyable as heck. What an incredible start to hunting season. Thanks for sharing those with us. Maine is one of the few states I've not been to. Your pictures are making me want to check it off the list.

 

[Jeff Reardon]

Good collection of hand-powered duck boats in one of those photos! I've long wanted to do a Kennebago Lake cast and blast for ducks, trout, and partridge during the October extended C+R season. Got to admit I'd have a hard time choosing between prime time casting for brook trout vs. ducks in the Logans at dawn, though. Maybe a morning of each--better make it a multi-day trip . . . . . .

 

[greg setter]

Nice pa'tridge

 

[Paul Taylor]

Incredible looking country and photos! I love seeing the Delta college program! I need to see if there is anything like that here in SC. I enjoy mentoring with out Take One Make One program for kids but these college kids need hunting exposure too.

 

[Troy Fields]

Good collection of hand-powered duck boats in one of those photos! I've long wanted to do a Kennebago Lake cast and blast for ducks, trout, and partridge during the October extended C+R season. Got to admit I'd have a hard time choosing between prime time casting for brook trout vs. ducks in the Logans at dawn, though. Maybe a morning of each--better make it a multi-day trip . . . . . .

Thanks Jeff, two Poke Boats, one Radisson canoe and one Radisson boat, both 14'. That length seems to be the magic number for me. It was a full trailer. That Kennebago trip would be fun. The last couple of years we have hit the end of fishing and start of upland/ duck up there. It's a wonderful time to be in that region.

 

[Troy Fields]

Well, that was enjoyable as heck. What an incredible start to hunting season. Thanks for sharing those with us. Maine is one of the few states I've not been to. Your pictures are making me want to check it off the list.

Thanks Eric. You certainly have a few connections here, make the trip.

 

[Troy Fields]

Wow, pass the awesome sauce. It is great to see photos like this and to see so many young folks learning the nuances of hunting and time afield. There is so much more to to it all than freezing in a jon boat. Your photos bring this to the forefront.

Keep doing what you do. It is good and appreciated.

Thanks Todd. The Delta program is really trying to get some of these young folks who will be working in environmental careers, outside the classroom doors and see first hand what hunters do and are involved in for waterfowl protection and their hunting heritage and traditions.

 

[Kris Schaumburg]

This all looks wonderful.