# 20 - Maine Winter Stories: Snowmobiles, Bobcat Hunting | The True North Lifestyle

What part of winter in Maine are you living for right now — snowmobiling, ice fishing, bobcat hunting, grooming trails, or scouting for spring?

The boys are finally back behind the mics.

In Episode 20 of The True North Lifestyle Podcast, Joe sits down with Rick Labbe and Lee Libby for a long-overdue winter catch-up that covers everything from western bowhunts to Maine cat season to the future of outdoor access in our state.

Rick shares the story behind his Arizona buck and why this year’s rut timing had everyone guessing. The guys break down Maine’s bobcat season — what conditions matter most, how hounds are progressing (including pup “Patches”), and how to recognize a big, clean cat track… even when you’re spotting them at 40–50 mph from a moving truck.

From there, the conversation shifts to trail grooming realities — breakdowns, bony sections, rider responsibility, and the kind of winter mileage goals that leave your throttle hand numb. If you’ve been logging miles or running a groomer this winter, you’ll relate.

We also take time to remember Dave Jones and what he meant to the Jackman snowmobile community and the people who ride those trails every winter.

The discussion eventually turns toward land access, dams, energy, outdoor recreation, and the changes that could impact how we live and hunt in Maine. It leads into politics — but no matter where you stand, our shared love for the outdoors is what brings us together. That’s what The True North Lifestyle is all about.

And of course, we wrap with what’s ahead: Allagash and St. John trips, the Spider Lake True North ride, the Maine Sportsman’s Show, new gear, seminars, and more guests lined up.

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In This Episode:

• The podcast is back (and the boys get called out for missing meetings 😅)

• Rick’s Arizona buck & why the rut was late

• Maine bobcat season recap & reading clean cat tracks

• Bobcat hunting with hounds & pup “Patches” coming along

• Trail grooming realities: breakdowns, bony stretches & rider responsibility

• Big winter mileage goals & remote ride plans

• Remembering Dave Jones and his impact on the Jackman community

• Real talk: dams, land access & Maine’s outdoor future

• Maine Sportsman’s Show & upcoming True North projects

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Chapters:

0:00 Intro – The crew is back

2:30 Arizona buck story

10:30 Cat season recap + reading tracks

22:30 Grooming talk + trail realities

34:30 Big miles + winter ride plans

51:00 Remembering Dave Jones

1:02:00 Outdoors & Maine access discussion

1:18:00 Sportsman’s Show + upcoming projects

1:27:00 Wrap-up

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Sponsors & Shoutouts

Maine Sportsman’s Show 2026

Come see us, catch the seminars, and stop by to say hello.

🔗 https://mainesportsman.com/sportsmans-show/

Lake Parlin Lodge

Weekly deer season cabin rentals in November + Sunday & Friday night happy hour included.

🔗 https://lakeparlinlodge.com

STAGR Gear

Save 10% and gear up for hunting season using our exclusive affiliate link:

🔗 https://stagrgear.com/?sca_ref=9797309.KPojGto3e6m

💥 Use promo code TTN at checkout and double-check it’s applied.

Gary Williamson – Western Maine Real Estate Guide

Land, homes, and camps across Western Maine.

📞 (207) 364-5326

🔗 https://www.cassiemason.com/about/julia-gary-williamson

🏕️ Four Seasons Rentals: https://www.fourseasonsrealtymaine.com

Walker Knife Co.

Handcrafted knives & tools.

🔗 https://walkerknifeco.com

🎯 Sponsorship Opportunities

Interested in being featured in a future podcast episode or YouTube video?

📧 info@thetruenorthlifestyle.com

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