A few thoughts while pondering the delightful notion that spring begins next month (despite the lingering snow and ice):

- A reading of The Maine Sportsman magazine indicates that a state biologist has declared that Maine has 60,000 moose, rather than the 25,000 that has been the population estimate for many years. The scientist, Dr. Vaughn Anthony, suggests that "we harvest three to four times more moose as we are now."

- Other "men of the woods" are declaring that the bear population is growing so rapidly that it is endangering young deer. So the addition of a spring bear hunt is being considered in Augusta. I guess I am not a hard-nosed woodsman on issues relating to "harvesting" our native wild animals: Just because moose, bear and turkey are returning in encouraging numbers, we have to legislate new and longer seasons to kill them?

- Do hunters hiring guides on private game ranches really get elk, buffalo, red stag and Russian boar? No value judgment here - I just didn't know we had buffalo and Russian boar in these parts. I am referencing Hillside Guide Service and Game Ranch in Aurora, 207-584-2004. Also, Peaslee Mountain Hunt Park in Jefferson, 207-549-3221. Or check it out at, www.peasleehuntpark.com.

- Is there a collector's market for restored canoes? I've seen ads for a 1927 16-foot Old Town Yankee model for $2,700 (207-435-7017). And there was a classified for an 8 foot Classic Old Town, "cedar over oak, canvas covered, professionally restored in Maine. $1,500." (410-348-5163). These craft seem to be holding their value - and more!

- I notice that the 10th annual Gene and Lucille Letourneau fishing derby is Sunday, Feb. 24, with headquarters at the Muskie Center in Waterville. For years (the late) Gene Letourneau was the outdoors writer for the Portland Press Herald and the Maine Sunday Telegram. He was also a favorite of the Gannett family, which owned the newspapers. For more than four decades he wrote the well-read column, "Chips from the Blazed Trail," and many who love the outdoors must have thought that had the best job in Maine. For more info on the derby, you can call 207-873-4745.

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