On this episode of Maine Knows How, we welcome Randy Cross, retired Maine Bear Biologist, for a fascinating conversation about Maine’s black bear population, wildlife management, conservation, and decades of field experience in the North Woods.

Randy shares stories from his career studying and managing one of Maine’s most iconic animals while offering insight into bear behavior, habitat, hunting, and the future of wildlife conservation in our state.

If you enjoy Maine outdoors, wildlife, hunting, fishing, and conservation, you won’t want to miss this episode.

Be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share to support local Maine outdoor content!

What happens when lifelong friends sit down and start telling stories?

On this episode of Maine Knows Howe, Bob Howe is joined by his longtime friend Jeff Zimba — and nothing is off the table.

From the world of machine guns…
to high-end auctions (including Babe Ruth’s shotgun)…
to fishing in the middle of a hurricane…

These aren’t polished stories — they’re the kind that only come out when old friends get talking.

Jeff Zimba has spent decades around firearms, outdoor life, and guiding here in Maine — but it’s the experiences behind it all that make this episode one you don’t want to miss.

🎯 If you like authentic conversations, wild real-life moments, and classic Maine storytelling — this one delivers.

Jason Smith from Maine Underwater Freshwater Exploration joins Maine Knows Howe to explore Maine’s lakes using an underwater drone—revealing brook trout, lake trout, cusk, and more.

This March on Maine Knows Howe…
We’re talking trophy brook trout — the kind that make grown anglers shake.
How did Maine turn Moosehead Lake into one of the most talked-about brook trout fisheries in the country? It didn’t happen by accident. We break down the science, the strategy, and the decades of work by the biologists at the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife who helped make it happen. If you love big water, wild fish, and the story behind the success — you don’t want to miss this one.

#BrookTrout #TrophyTrout #MooseheadLake

This February, Maine Knows Howe brings you a powerful episode rooted in purpose, perseverance, and service.

Bob Howe sits down with David Giampetruzzi—retired veteran, Registered Maine Guide, and original founding board member of Pine Grove Programs—for an unforgettable conversation about what it truly took to get the program off the ground.

Together, Bob and David share the early stories: the doubts, the hard work, the faith, and the commitment it took to build something that would go on to impact thousands of lives. From veterans to first responders and law enforcement officers, this episode explores how Pine Grove Programs has helped men and women recover from PTSD through mentorship, the outdoors, and genuine human connection.

🎙️ In this episode, you’ll hear:
• The origin story of Pine Grove Programs
• What motivated the founders to say “yes”
• How outdoor experiences help heal invisible wounds
• The real impact on veterans, first responders, and LEOs

This isn’t just a podcast episode—it’s a testimony to what happens when people step up, serve others, and refuse to quit.

👉 Subscribe now and don’t miss this February release.

🦌 Coyotes, Winter, and the Future of Maine’s Deer 🌲

In this powerful new episode of Maine Knows Howe, host Bob Howe sits down with Gerry Lavigne, retired Maine deer biologist, to tackle one of the most controversial and critical topics facing our woods today.

Gerry breaks down the real impact coyotes have on Maine’s deer population, why winter conditions make deer especially vulnerable, and why active predator control is essential to protecting the future of whitetails in the Pine Tree State. Backed by decades of field experience, biology, and hard-earned insight, this conversation cuts through opinion and gets to the facts.

Whether you’re a hunter, conservationist, outdoorsman, or someone who simply cares about Maine’s wildlife heritage, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Full show drop Jan 1st !

🎯 Topics include:
• How coyotes affect deer survival in winter
• Why deer yards matter more than ever
• The science behind predator control
• What happens if we do nothing

👉 Subscribe, like, and join the conversation as we explore how knowledge, stewardship, and action can help protect Maine’s deer for generations to come.

Check out our YouTube channel MaineKnowsHowe - subscribe & like

Our guest this month is Carroll Ware, Master Maine Guide and holder of over 50 Fly Fishing World records ! Join us as we discover how Carroll took his love of fly fishing and turned it into a career spanning 40 years sharing the love of the woods & waters with others.

Tune in this week as we go to the heart of the matter with Matthew Landis on how Pine Grove Programs is “Making a Difference.”

If you are a Veteran, First Responder, LEO or know someone who is – we dig deep to share why we do what do and how Pine Grove Programs helps to change lives.