In 1947, L.L. Bean published a book titled “Hunting in Maine”, written by Henry Milliken. Milliken was a lifelong Mainer and avid hunter. The book is a collection of stories written by Milliken about his hunting experiences going as far back as childhood. The stories range from a description of his first lessons in ruffed grouse hunting all the way to pursuing deer in the deep woods of Maine as an experienced hunter.
In addition to publishing “Hunting in Maine”, Leon Leonwood Bean wrote the introduction to the book. An introduction by the founder of the outdoor giant L.L. Bean alone adds value to the book as a collector’s item.
Not much is known about Henry Milliken aside from what’s presented in the text of the book. It appears that “Hunting in Maine” is the only book he wrote. He was born and raised in the Hancock County area of Downeast Maine. His father was a farmer and woodsman, as well as an avid hunter. It appears that Milliken spent much of his adult life in the Freeport, Maine area, taking regular forays into the woods to hunt. He hunted grouse, woodcock, pheasants, deer, bear, bobcats, raccoons and other game.
The writing style in this book is unique. It’s obvious that Milliken was not a writer by trade. He had an interesting way of weaving a story into the form of dialogue. Unfortunately, the dialogue just isn’t all that realistic or reflective of the individuals it’s attributed to. Still, Milliken paid attention to detail in describing a story, and had a great way of entertaining the reader while educating them about the different aspects of the hunt. Illustrations were provided by E.H. Pike. I’ve never heard of Pike before, and from the drawings I’m guessing he was a local artist without much national appeal. The art is interesting and adds a unique touch to the book.
While it probably wasn’t a goal of the book back in 1947, it provides a great historical perspective to what Maine hunting was like in the first half of the 20th century. The various species covered adds a fullness to the book. I was particularly interested in the high deer densities and hunter success rates Milliken and his friends enjoyed back in those days. While overall I was a bit skeptical of the book at first, it was easy to read it all the way through once I got started. In fact, when I was finished I kind of wished there were more of Milliken’s stories to read. “Hunting in Maine” was a great read that I think most Maine hunters would appreciate.
Here’s some detailed information on the stories:
First You Must Creep! – This story takes place during Milliken’s childhood. His father is teaching the fundamentals of hunting. After being initiated on woodchucks and crows, he begins ruffed grouse hunting with his little .22 rifle. He gradually advances to shotgunning, but not without a struggle!
Good Old Beagle Music – Somehow a beagle shows up around the family farm and Henry and his schoolboy friend decide they are going to take the dog hunting. The enjoy one afternoon of incredible rabbit hunting before the beagle’s owner returns for his dog.
Scatter-Gun Initiation – In the transition from hunting with his .22 to using a shotgun for partridge, Henry has a tough go of it. He finds, like most of us have, that those fast birds are tough to shoot on the fly. One particular hunt takes an exciting turn when Henry meets up with his friend who has just killed a nice whitetail buck. Deer hunting becomes the focus.
Timber-Doodle Introduction – To a Maine farm boy, woodcock aren’t much to shake a stick at. The birds are numerous in Henry’s father back pasture because none of the locals care to waste lead shooting at a bird that provides such little meat. After a visit from a gentleman from Boston, however, Henry soon learns that shooting woodcock over a good bird dog is one heck of a sport.
The Scales Will Tell – Dick, the childhood friend who shot the buck in an earlier story, is at deer camp with Milliken. The story describes their hunt and the shooting of bucks that turned out to weigh less than the hunters suspected.
Elmer and Lady Luck – Sometimes the new guy at deer camp gets all the luck! Elmer does everything wrong, but finds a way to connect with a nice deer.
Don’t Forget the Pillows! – Milliken is battling illness as deer season approaches. He gets the go-ahead from the doctor to go to camp, but must take it easy. Most of his hunting is spent sitting on pillows in the forest, waiting for deer. Does it work out?
Scare ’em, Mister, Scare ’em – The author tries a tricky scheme that leads to a successful deer drive for his partners. You’ll be surprised by how it works!
Don’t Lose Your Buck! – In the form of a long dialogue, Milliken explains to hunters the importance of making and using landmarks to keep from getting lost and from losing a buck after it’s killed. In Maine’s thick forests and relatively flat terrain, this is especially important.
Nora Knows Her Thunder-Wings – While she’s just a pet dog for the children, Nora proves to be worth her weight in gold once bird season comes along!
Three – County Coon Hunt – The author is skeptical of coon hunting early in the story, but after an exciting night of chasing ringtails with hounds, he’s soon hooked on the sport! I can see how it would be fun.
Fox Hunting – Down East Style – Milliken goes on a hunt with Sun-Up, a dog that’s rumored to be the best fox hound in Downeast Maine. Sun-Up’s methods are extremely unorthodox, but they sure do work! You’ll love this story.
Chase ’em up a Tree! – Dick and Henry head to Aroostook County in northern Maine to hunt bobcats (unlike 50-100 years ago, this area is mostly inhabited by Canada lynx today). The weather doesn’t cooperate, but it lets up enough for the hunters to have some real action chasing bobcats with their hound.
Little Joe and Big Ben – Add this to the long list of black bear tales from the backwoods Maine. Little Joe is a woodsman and guide who one day decides it would be a good idea to tame a yearling bear. Things don’t go as planned, but Joe straightens it out in the end.
Where’s the Camp? – Milliken uses a personal experience of his to educate Maine hunters of the importance of preparation when hunting in unfamiliar territory.
Some are Tame and Some are Wild – Pheasant hunting in southern Maine is briefly described, along with recollections of hunting the bird in other parts of the state where it was once introduced.
These 16 stories complete a Maine hunting book that most folks have never even heard of. I’m continually amazed at the vast amount of hunting and fishing literature that has come out of Maine over the past century. It truly is unique.
Only one edition of “Hunting in Maine” was ever published. Despite this, numerous copies are available at online bookstores for a reasonable price. If you’re an avid Maine hunter, collector of Maine books, or just want to learn more about the state’s hunting history and early hunting practices, “Hunting in Maine” is well worth the read. Check it out.
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