Kids start day with archery, flycasting, fishing in Rangeley

Oodles of outdoor sporting contests kicked off the second day of the 2012 Rangeley Lakes Region Moose Lottery Festival, and people of all ages were milling between the towns of Rangeley and Oquossoc to try their hand at flycasting, archery and sporting clays. Many of these events were geared towards children, and plenty of experts and volunteers were on hand to help them try some new outdoor activities. During the three-day festival, if children (under 16 years old) opt to participate in just one of the many events, they become eligible to enter a drawing to win a lifetime fishing and hunting license.

Photo by Aislinn Sarnacki. Natasha Haley, 12, of Rangeley participates in the flycasting contest at the fishing pond behind Rangeley Region Guides’ & Sportsmen’s Association Clubhouse on Saturday, June 23.

Starting at 9 a.m., the pond at the Rangeley Region Guides and Sportsmen’s Association Clubhouse opened for the youth and adult flycasting contest, led by Fly Fishing in Maine (to learn about them, visit flyfishinginmaine.org.) The winner of either division will win a Rio fly line.

Meanwhile, people were out fishing for a total of 15 tagged landlocked salmon and brook trout in Rangely Lake and Mooselookmeguntic Lake for more than $6,000 in prizes, gift certificates from a multitude of local businesses. All day, tagged fish will be presented at River’s Edge in Oquossoc, where people can also gear up and visit booths of local arts and crafts outside.

Photo by Aislinn Sarnacki. Kimberly Parker, 9, of Cape Cod, completes the 3D archery course in Oquossoc, Maine, during the 2012 Rangeley Lakes Region Moose Lottery Festival on Saturday, June 23.

The festival has attracted people from all over. Saturday morning, the Parker family from Cape Cod tromped through the Oquossoc woods on a trail leading through the 3D archery course. Stephanie and David Parker’s four children, eager to try their hand at a youth compound bow, searched for wild turkey and white tailed deer (manequins) with L.L. Cote staff shooters Rick and Sue

Photo by Aislinn Sarnacki. Jonathan Parker, 8, of Cape Cod completes the 3D archery course in Oquossoc, Maine, during the 2012 Rangeley Lakes Region Moose Lottery Festival on Saturday, June 23.

Eastman. The siblings — 9-year old twins Kimberly and Sidney, 8-year-old Jonathan and their big sister Samantha — had a turn at the 15 targets, keeping score along the way.

Jonathan jumped with excitement when he earned 8 points by shooting the turkey target right in the bullseye, and all of the children delighted to see a wild boar about half-way through the course. The L.L. Cote staff shooters walked the entire trail with the family, making sure that each child shot the bow correctly and safely.

For activities, families can also enjoy the Moose Stach Geocache Contest, guided ATV

Photo by Aislinn Sarnacki. John Pottle, 5, of Newmarket, N.H., (left) and his sister, Ella Pottle, 7, jump on trampolines in Oquossoc during the 2012 Rangeley Lakes Region Moose Lottery Festival on Saturday, June 23.

rides, fitness activities at the Rangeley Health and Fitness Pavillon, and the Adventure Climbing Playground with a climbing wall, bounce house, inflatable obstacle course and bungee trampoline. You can’t ask for a better prize at a outdoor sporting festival than a lifetime fishing and hunting license; so let the games begin!

Samantha Parker of Cape Cod completes the 3D archery course with her brother and sisters in Oquossoc, Maine, during the 2012 Rangeley Lakes Region Moose Lottery Festival on Saturday, June 23.

Samantha Parker of Cape Cod completes the 3D archery course with her brother and sisters in Oquossoc, Maine, during the 2012 Rangeley Lakes Region Moose Lottery Festival on Saturday, June 23.

Photo by Aislinn Sarnacki. Sidney Parker, 9, of Cape Cod, completes the 3D archery course with her brother and sisters in Oquossoc, Maine, during the 2012 Rangeley Lakes Region Moose Lottery Festival on Saturday, June 23.

Aislinn Sarnacki

About Aislinn Sarnacki

Aislinn is a Bangor Daily News reporter for the Outdoors pages, focusing on outdoor recreation and Maine wildlife. Visit her main blog at actoutwithaislinn.bangordailynews.com.