Each year, many heavy-racked and heavy-bodied bucks are taken by Maine's hunters, and it's a generally safe bet that most of them are taken during the November rifle season.

Occasionally, Maine's blackpowder hunters connect on some whoppers during the December muzzleloader season as well.

But Pine Tree State bowhunters shoot comparatively few trophy bucks in the region, partly due to the challenging hunting conditions.

The 2005 season brought us a great bow buck -- Rick Roy's 165 3/8-inch Kennebec County 13-pointer. But no significant bucks have surfaced (yet) from this state's 2006 archery season.

OUTLOOK FOR 2007
The 2006 archery season in the Northeast was one that we won't soon forget. It seems that each year brings new state-record bucks to the archery category as more hunters take advantage of extended seasons and liberal bag limits.

To help hunters in their quest, bowhunting technology and equipment are constantly improving. Yet we are seeing greater success by traditional bowhunters as well.

Given the growing numbers of bowhunter across the region and the success they've been experiencing in recent years, it's safe to assume that the 2007 seasons will likely produce one or more new state-record bucks.

In any case, we can certainly expect to see bowhunters taking some of the most impressive bucks in each state during the coming season.

To learn more about the big bucks taken in 2006 throughout New England, visit the Northeast Big Buck Club at www.bigbuckclub.com. Or phone them at (508) 752-8762, or e-mail them at jbhunts@aol.com.

The NBBC's fifth annual record book, Northeast Trophy Whitetails V, is available for purchase through the mail or via www.bigbuckclub.com.

Interested hunters may purchase a copy of the 339-page hardcover book through the mail by sending $39 plus $5.60 shipping to NBBC Book V, 390 Marshall Street, Paxton, MA 01612.

Find more about New England fishing and hunting at NewEnglandGameandFish.com