Here are more questions and (my) answers to the recent survey hosted by a prominent outdoor magazine:

Q. Would you favor the state buying northern Maine deeryards so they could be managed for the long term?
A. Not really. Close to 90 percent of land in the state is in private hands. Rather than purchase, the state should look into a plan to obtain access from large corporate owners.

Q. Should brook trout fishing in lakes, ponds and rivers be limited to artifical lures?
A. No. That smacks of bureaucracy, and an unnecessary limitation.

Q. Should there be an ATV speed limit on state-sponsored ATV trails?
A. Yes. Don't look for consistency in my answers, especially after reading the previous sentiment about bureaucracy. But injuries and even deaths are common in the ATV world, and a cautionary speed limit might make people slow down (a little).

Q. Does the importance of catching coyotes in deeryards outweigh the risk of killing lynx?
A. They say it's a sign of humility to respond "I don't know." Well, meet Mr. Humble Hendrickson. I don't know the issues here.

Q. In order to provide funds for enforcement of boating laws, should the state charge a license fee for floats and docks on great ponds?
A. Terrible idea. Please see my complaints about bureaucracy above.

Q. Do you believe Maine game wardens are generally doing a good job?
A. They haven't charged me with anything, so yes, they are doing fine.

Q. Should nonresidents be allowed to hunt on the first day of deer season?
A. Yes. Hosting sportsmen in Maine is a huge industry for middle-income guides, vendors and hotel operators. Visitors should feel welcome.

Q. Do you feel like the deer herd is increasing in the area where you are?
A. I might be the only (small) landowner in central Maine to think the herd is diminishing, but I don't see as many as I saw a half-dozen years ago.

Q. Should the state use its eminent domain powers to acquire more boat access sites?
A. No. It sounds like a good idea, but the fact is that most launch sites are used only a few weekends a year. Plus, legal wrangling with abutters can cost dearly since rare is the waterfront landowner who welcomes public access nearby.

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