Show raises $4,000 for summer camp

    PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Sports enthusiasts of all ages and levels of expertise were on hand for the annual Sportsman’s Show, held in April at the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Gentile Hall and sponsored by the Presque Isle Fish & Game Club.    Organizers were pleased with the outcome, especially the number of children in attendance again this year.
“We had a great turnout, with lots of families. There were a number of activities designed for area youth to try their hand at fishing, archery and more,” said Nick Archer, event organizer.
Archer said money raised each year helps local children attend special camps.
“This year we raised about $4,000 for scholarships. This will allow about 10-13 kids to attend Conservation Camp. It’s averaging about $600 per child now, so the more we raise, the more children can attend,” Archer said.
For many, the show provided a first-time opportunity to try something different.
“I’ve been fly fishing before but this is my first time tying flies,” said Andrew Adams, 11, from New Brunswick.
Martin Biggs and his son, 11-year-old Colin Biggs, of Limestone, enjoyed a father-and-son outing, spending time checking out the many vendors.
“We recently moved here. We like to fish together and have seen a lot of great exhibits,” said Martin Biggs.
“This is our first time to this show but I like it,” added Colin Biggs.
Wildlife Biologist Rich Hoppe, with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife based in Ashland, was one of several officials on hand to answer wildlife questions and provide information to attendees.
“The show gets better every year. This is a great opportunity to educate the public about wildlife issues and laws,” said Hoppe.
Curtis Lewin, who helped organize the trout pond again this year, was pleased with its continued success.
“It’s a good draw. The fish were biting good this year,” said Lewin. “It’s one of the most popular spots in the show.”
“The Presque Isle Fish & Game Club continues to seek ways to get more children actively involved in sporting activities, such as fishing and hunting. These are great opportunities for families to spend time together,” said Lewin.
New this year was Larry Barnes, a Maine master falconer and his birds of prey. Barnes and two of his peregrine falcons garnered a great deal of attention, as visitors stopped to inquire about his use of birds for hunting other birds.
“I’ve been a practicing falconer for 15 years. We average more than 10 ducks a year,” said Barnes, of Wiscasset, and one of only about 12 falconers in the state.
Barnes said he shares with his birds as a form of reward.
“I share with my falcons, as a form of positive reinforcement. By doing so, it encourages them to hunt. I usually keep the duck breasts and give much of what’s left to the birds,” he said.
Falcons are typically used for smaller prey, according to Barnes.
“Falcons are fine for hunting ducks but a larger bird, such as a goose, could injure a falcon. Sometimes that happens; if they get attacked by a larger bird — for example, an eagle — the hunter can become the hunted,” said Barnes. “That’s one of the dangers of the sport.”
Barnes said this was his first time attending the Sportsman’s Show. He’d like to return to Aroostook County to do some hunting.
“I’d like to come back with my birds — try duck hunting in Aroostook with them. They need open space to hunt and there’s plenty of that here,” said Barnes.
Archer said organizers are busy planning for next year.
“As soon as we tear things down, the process for planning the next year begins,” said Archer. “We can’t wait to see what next year’s event will be like. We’re constantly adding new exhibits and welcome anyone interested in taking part to contact us.”
Anyone interested in learning more can call Archer at 764-0477.