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

<p>What part of winter in Maine are you living for right now — snowmobiling, ice fishing, bobcat hunting, grooming trails, or scouting for spring?</p><p><br></p><p>The boys are finally back behind the mics.</p><p><br></p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>⸻</p><p><br></p><p><strong>In This Episode:</strong></p><p> • The podcast is back (and the boys get called out for missing meetings 😅)</p><p> • Rick’s Arizona buck &amp; why the rut was late</p><p> • Maine bobcat season recap &amp; reading clean cat tracks</p><p> • Bobcat hunting with hounds &amp; pup “Patches” coming along</p><p> • Trail grooming realities: breakdowns, bony stretches &amp; rider responsibility</p><p> • Big winter mileage goals &amp; remote ride plans</p><p> • Remembering Dave Jones and his impact on the Jackman community</p><p> • Real talk: dams, land access &amp; Maine’s outdoor future</p><p> • Maine Sportsman’s Show &amp; upcoming True North projects</p><p><br></p><p>⸻</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Chapters:</strong></p><p><br></p><p>0:00 Intro – The crew is back</p><p>2:30 Arizona buck story</p><p>10:30 Cat season recap + reading tracks</p><p>22:30 Grooming talk + trail realities</p><p>34:30 Big miles + winter ride plans</p><p>51:00 Remembering Dave Jones</p><p>1:02:00 Outdoors &amp; Maine access discussion</p><p>1:18:00 Sportsman’s Show + upcoming projects</p><p>1:27:00 Wrap-up</p><p>⸻</p><p>If you enjoy the episode, it genuinely helps when you subscribe, like, and share.</p><p>⸻</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Sponsors &amp; Shoutouts</strong></p><p><br></p><p><a href="chatgpt://generic-entity?number=0"><strong>Maine Sportsman’s Show</strong></a><strong> 2026</strong></p><p><br></p><p>Come see us, catch the seminars, and stop by to say hello.</p><p>🔗 https://mainesportsman.com/sportsmans-show/</p><p><br></p><p><a href="chatgpt://generic-entity?number=1"><strong>Lake Parlin Lodge</strong></a></p><p><br></p><p>Weekly deer season cabin rentals in November + Sunday &amp; Friday night happy hour included.</p><p>🔗 https://lakeparlinlodge.com</p><p><br></p><p><a href="chatgpt://generic-entity?number=2"><strong>STAGR Gear</strong></a></p><p><br></p><p>Save 10% and gear up for hunting season using our exclusive affiliate link:</p><p>🔗 https://stagrgear.com/?sca_ref=9797309.KPojGto3e6m</p><p>💥 Use promo code <strong>TTN</strong> at checkout and double-check it’s applied.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Gary Williamson – Western Maine Real Estate Guid