Watch: MeatEater Crew Visits Maine For A Grouse and Woodcock Hunt

The crew from MeatEater stopped in Maine for a grouse and woodcock hunt. They also looked into a growing issue in Maine, public access to land for recreational use.

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In a new episode of Cal In The Field, the MeatEater cast member visits Maine for a bird hunt. Filmed back in 2020, Ryan Callaghan joined Brent West of the High Peaks Alliance to discuss the complex issue of public recreational land use in Maine. The non-profit organization is comprised of local hunters, hikers, loggers, fishermen, snowmobile and ATV riders, registered guides, cross-country skiers, mountain bikers, among others, that work to ensure continuing public access to western Maine’s High Peaks Region.

Cal, being a western hunter, got a crash course on how Mainers hunt the big woods. The differences of hunting in Maine compared to other states were quickly apparent to Callaghan, as he attempted to line-up snap shots at grouse and woodcock in the thick woods. After a few days in the woods, feathers flew, birds went down, and were shared over a campfire.

A important point made in the episode is no matter the outdoor activity, access is shrinking across the country. Whether it be hunting, fishing, or hiking; recreational space is disappearing nationwide. Groups like the High Peaks Alliance work tirelessly to activate community stewardship of land that remains accessible, hopefully for a long time.

LOOK: Full List of the Best Places to Live in Maine

Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in Maine using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Cities, suburbs, and towns were included. Listings and images are from realtor.com. On the list, there's a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks.

Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.