In my next life, I want to be like Harry Vanderweide.

You know, the outdoorsman turned regional media hero.

I don't know if Harry owns a cabin, but he does cabin-like things.

He fishes, and catches lunkers.

Harry canoes, and doesn't tip over or get lost.

He romps through the woods with dogs, who seem to love him fiercely.

Judging from his girth, he must engage in cabin-like activities such as cooking out and drinking beer.

Harry Vanderweide is the guy who runs the "The Maine Sportsman," one of the largest monthly outdoor newspapers in the East.

He also hosts outdoor shows picked up by various cable channels. They are very good, and you can't say that about every locally produced TV series (as if there were that many).

Remarkably, he has turned into a robust political figure.

When voters preserved bear hunting last year, it was Harry's publication that led the fight to maintain the gunplay.

And as controversies flare about developing the North Woods preserve or Katahdin Lake, Harry's endorsement is invariably sought.

Most don't realize how hard it is to even sustain a job in the Maine media.

Reporters come and go; anchors, with a few exceptions, either move on to other markets or fade in public relations or political publicity.

But Harry has been out there for three decades, and is stronger than ever.

He is riding the wave of at least two movements: an increasingly political cadre of outdoorsman, and the onging hunger of cable television for new programming.

But that isn't why Harry is a superstar.

He is knowledgeable, persistent, likable and in tune with what his readers care about.

If I want to be like Harry, I better get started on picking up a least a couple of those use winning traits . . . that is, if I can get the "next life" thing worked out.

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