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My Life in the Maine Woods: A Game Warden's Wife in the Allagash Country
My Life in the Maine Woods recounts Annette Jackson's North Woods experiences during the 1930s when she, her husband, and their children lived in a small cabin on the shore of Umsaskis Lake. Jackson, an avid sportswoman and nature lover, writes of hunting, fishing, campfire cooking, and the sounds of the wilderness through the seasons. She visits trappers and woodsmen, and tells what it's like to sleep on a bed of pine boughs under the stars that shine on the legendary Allagash. This new edition expands on Jackson's original, including not only new photographs, author biography, and foreword, but also new material from Jackson and revisions she made following its original publication.
216 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 29, 2021
Interesting book that I’ve been want to read for awhile. It’s crazy how different everything was, including the mindsets. Not really an easy book to review but it’s a different but interesting type of book.
November 17, 2022
An interesting, pleasantly written, somewhat sentimental memoir of a game warden's wife looking back on their early years living in the Maine woods.
I had kept a copy of this book in my own game warden husband's patrol truck, as an "emergency book" to read in case I ever got stuck with nothing to do. Several years ago we had to run a quick errand, but he was on call so we took his patrol truck. And of course he got a report of a fatal ATV accident. I ended up sitting in the truck for six hours while he investigated the incident. This was pre-smartphone days for me, and I hadn't thought to bring a book.... So, I learned from that incident to keep a book in the truck, just in case. This one felt like an appropriate choice.
I hadn't had to use my "emergency book" quite yet, but this has also been on my to-read shelf so long that it's now at the bottom of the list. Time to read it, and then put it back in the truck if I feel like it's worth rereading again someday.
I really enjoyed this account of life in 1930's Maine. It was fascinating to see how times have changes, both for a warden's role and just life in general. I ended up reading bits out loud to my husband, such as the parts when the game warden had to arrest someone, and then he and the arrestee would have to snowshoe 70 miles to the nearest court to see a judge. And then snowshoe back home! I can't even imagine how he managed to convince someone to do that. Were people just really compliant, or did he basically march them the whole way at gunpoint?
The other part I had to read out loud was when Annette said that she wanted to get a groundhog to raise since groundhogs "make better pets than cats". Then, a gruff old woodsman who lived nearby heard of this, and brought her a groundhog in a burlap sack. When Annette exclaimed that she meant that she wanted a baby groundhog to raise up, not a FULL GROWN one, the man had turned and left. Awww... she'd unintentionally hurt his feelings for not wanting the groundhog that he'd brought her. Men trying to do something nice for women and just not getting it *quite* right has apparently been a problem forever.
Annette's love for the outdoors is very apparent in this book. Those uninterested in descriptions of seasons, trees, animals, canoeing, hunting, fishing, etc may find this book a bit tedious. I thought her enthusiasm for all of the above was charming and her descriptions lovely. "To me there is something almost comical about the first flakes of snow that come usually in late September. It's the way the big clumsy flakes float down, dipping and rising as if they were afraid to hit the ground. But they are not timid very long. In another month the snow has gained experience and the flakes, small and solid, dive down in close slanting lines, sure of where they are going and the job they have to do in the winter months ahead."
Now, this book was published in 1954, and the time period described is about 1930 to then. Obviously, some sensibilities have changes since then, so some readers may be disturbed by some of the harsher elements of this book. There were a few animal deaths that feel callous by today's standards (or by the standards of those not accustomed to hunting), so be warned. In those days and in the deep woods with small children, a bobcat near the home could be a real danger, and there was a scene where the warden kills one near their home in a manner that was more savage than he probably intended. Later, he also shoots two dogs (I assume this meant domestic dogs, not coyotes) who were chasing deer, which was standard practice in those days (and is still the law today). A bear cub's death is also mentioned, somewhat grimly and regretfully. At the end of the day, game wardens have to deal with wild animals, and that often leads to some ends that the more sensitive public might not want to hear about. So, fair warning.
Overall, I found this to be a generally pleasant read, and I'll happily reread it should I find myself stuck in the truck again. If anything, it's a good reminder that "You think being bored in a truck is bad? How about snowshoeing into the woods in the middle of winter to live in a tiny cabin with your new game warden husband and no running water..."
I had kept a copy of this book in my own game warden husband's patrol truck, as an "emergency book" to read in case I ever got stuck with nothing to do. Several years ago we had to run a quick errand, but he was on call so we took his patrol truck. And of course he got a report of a fatal ATV accident. I ended up sitting in the truck for six hours while he investigated the incident. This was pre-smartphone days for me, and I hadn't thought to bring a book.... So, I learned from that incident to keep a book in the truck, just in case. This one felt like an appropriate choice.
I hadn't had to use my "emergency book" quite yet, but this has also been on my to-read shelf so long that it's now at the bottom of the list. Time to read it, and then put it back in the truck if I feel like it's worth rereading again someday.
I really enjoyed this account of life in 1930's Maine. It was fascinating to see how times have changes, both for a warden's role and just life in general. I ended up reading bits out loud to my husband, such as the parts when the game warden had to arrest someone, and then he and the arrestee would have to snowshoe 70 miles to the nearest court to see a judge. And then snowshoe back home! I can't even imagine how he managed to convince someone to do that. Were people just really compliant, or did he basically march them the whole way at gunpoint?
The other part I had to read out loud was when Annette said that she wanted to get a groundhog to raise since groundhogs "make better pets than cats". Then, a gruff old woodsman who lived nearby heard of this, and brought her a groundhog in a burlap sack. When Annette exclaimed that she meant that she wanted a baby groundhog to raise up, not a FULL GROWN one, the man had turned and left. Awww... she'd unintentionally hurt his feelings for not wanting the groundhog that he'd brought her. Men trying to do something nice for women and just not getting it *quite* right has apparently been a problem forever.
Annette's love for the outdoors is very apparent in this book. Those uninterested in descriptions of seasons, trees, animals, canoeing, hunting, fishing, etc may find this book a bit tedious. I thought her enthusiasm for all of the above was charming and her descriptions lovely. "To me there is something almost comical about the first flakes of snow that come usually in late September. It's the way the big clumsy flakes float down, dipping and rising as if they were afraid to hit the ground. But they are not timid very long. In another month the snow has gained experience and the flakes, small and solid, dive down in close slanting lines, sure of where they are going and the job they have to do in the winter months ahead."
Now, this book was published in 1954, and the time period described is about 1930 to then. Obviously, some sensibilities have changes since then, so some readers may be disturbed by some of the harsher elements of this book. There were a few animal deaths that feel callous by today's standards (or by the standards of those not accustomed to hunting), so be warned. In those days and in the deep woods with small children, a bobcat near the home could be a real danger, and there was a scene where the warden kills one near their home in a manner that was more savage than he probably intended. Later, he also shoots two dogs (I assume this meant domestic dogs, not coyotes) who were chasing deer, which was standard practice in those days (and is still the law today). A bear cub's death is also mentioned, somewhat grimly and regretfully. At the end of the day, game wardens have to deal with wild animals, and that often leads to some ends that the more sensitive public might not want to hear about. So, fair warning.
Overall, I found this to be a generally pleasant read, and I'll happily reread it should I find myself stuck in the truck again. If anything, it's a good reminder that "You think being bored in a truck is bad? How about snowshoeing into the woods in the middle of winter to live in a tiny cabin with your new game warden husband and no running water..."
February 21, 2011
I wanted to read a book dealing with life in the Maine woods, especially around the Allagash area because of the canoeing trips relatives of ours took several years ago. This book did a nice job of describing life in these woods from the 30's to the 60's. The narrative is told by Annette Jackson who becomes the wife of a game warden. If this story was nothing more than how Ms. Jackson became a mother and housewife under tough Maine conditions it would still be interesting. But this lady accoplished far more. She became a very competent woodsman,fisherman and hunter who often accompanied her husband on his rounds thoughout his districts.
While I enjoyed the book and its learnings, there were some things that disappointed me. There were several omissions which bothered me. She mentions a dark period in their lives but does not explain it. There was no conclusion to their story line;the book just ends at the completion of a guiding trip with no detail about their later lives.
Another surprising learning was their unconservationist attitude towards animals. Her game warden husband killed a bobcat because he had not done so yet. She traps and cages a squirrel for the amusement of her children. Her husband trapped and killed a three month old bear cub because it would grow up to be a full sized bear. I guess I can see why the conservation movement has always had an uphill battle. I'm not against hunting, but the unnecessary killing or imprisonment of animals angers me. Yet these same people saw all the beauty the Maine weather,culture and environment had to offer.
Inspite of the shortfalls the book still provided excellent insights into what it took to survive harsh and minimal living conditions in the northwest sector of Maine during its lumber heydays.
While I enjoyed the book and its learnings, there were some things that disappointed me. There were several omissions which bothered me. She mentions a dark period in their lives but does not explain it. There was no conclusion to their story line;the book just ends at the completion of a guiding trip with no detail about their later lives.
Another surprising learning was their unconservationist attitude towards animals. Her game warden husband killed a bobcat because he had not done so yet. She traps and cages a squirrel for the amusement of her children. Her husband trapped and killed a three month old bear cub because it would grow up to be a full sized bear. I guess I can see why the conservation movement has always had an uphill battle. I'm not against hunting, but the unnecessary killing or imprisonment of animals angers me. Yet these same people saw all the beauty the Maine weather,culture and environment had to offer.
Inspite of the shortfalls the book still provided excellent insights into what it took to survive harsh and minimal living conditions in the northwest sector of Maine during its lumber heydays.
May 14, 2023
2023 bk 165 This is the third book I've run across describing the life of women living in the woods of far northeast Maine. Annette Jackson was born into a French-Canadian family that moved south. As a result of that move, she met and then married the new game warden to the area, Dave Jackson. An avid hunter, fisher, and enjoyer of the outdoors, this was a match made in heaven. The book covers the 1930's through the 1950's. For many years they lived in a small cabin. Annette would go along with her husband on his route trips via canoe and boat, even after their children came along. It seemed easy at the time to hire live in house help which permitted Annette the opportunities to be outdoors. She said what made the life possible was that she kept up with housework and every time a deer was shot or garden harvested, half would be prepared for current eating and the rest put up for use when they came home tired from trips. This is a book with many recipes, rather directions, for foods of the northeast. Well done story that I enjoyed.
February 19, 2021
For the most part, I enjoyed this book. I learned about an area of Maine I only had a sketchy idea of -- the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. I had never even heard of Umsaskis Lake although I grew up in Maine. Reading this felt like the closest thing to being outdoors in the woods, especially during COVID. The author had a very enjoyable way of describing her joy of nature. However, when this joy extended to killing animals for no good reason, it was disturbing. Hunting for food I get, but killing two dogs because they chased a deer? Her husband killed a bear cub because it would grow up to be a pest? Gee whiz.
March 3, 2022
While I originally hoped this book was more instructional, it ended up feeling like a good conversation with your grandmother. It was full of stories that clearly meant something special to the author, but is a touch disconnected to the reader. While the writing in places is beautiful - especially in regards to the landscape - the stories of hunting wildlife was shocking and shows how far nature conservation has come over the years.
All in all, this was a lovely, slow read for me. I enjoyed reading it for what it is!
All in all, this was a lovely, slow read for me. I enjoyed reading it for what it is!
May 16, 2017
I usually love this type of book (true stories of life in relative seclusion with Day to day hardships borne in a matter-of-fact spirit). However this felt as if the writer was immature and unskilled in story-telling. She obviously lived an interesting life but should have had someone else write about it
March 15, 2018
Very earnest, a good depiction of Maine woods life in the 1930. The writing is a little dry.
Read
December 25, 2020Interesting stories from an earlier era in the Maine wilderness. The writing seemed to serve more to communicate facts vs. evoke particular feelings.
October 23, 2024
This is a good non-fiction book, one that was originally published in 1954. It has more recently been updated and republished in 2007. I first read this book before the changes and liked it very much.
The new parts include a short biography of Annette Jackson; a forward by bestselling Maine novelist Cathie Pelletier; and a final chapter informing us of a trip that Annette and her husband Dave made into the Allagash region 32 years later.
The main book is about the years that the couple spent in northwestern Maine, where Dave was a game warden for 25 years. Annette related to us how she became not only a wife to her husband, but a partner in some aspects of his career.
While they were in the Allagash region of rural Maine, Annette learned how to hunt, fish, and dogsled, along with many, traditional wifely chores. She frequently accompanied Dave on his official trips. Additionally, Annette bore three children in three years (later she had a fourth).
The writing was sparse in some aspects. I realize, however, that she was attempting to hit the highlights of a rugged life in the wilderness during the first half of the 20th century.
If readers enjoyed this book, I recommend Nine Mile Bridge, another narrative of life in the same region. This author, Helen Hamlin, was another game warden' s wife during the same era.
The new parts include a short biography of Annette Jackson; a forward by bestselling Maine novelist Cathie Pelletier; and a final chapter informing us of a trip that Annette and her husband Dave made into the Allagash region 32 years later.
The main book is about the years that the couple spent in northwestern Maine, where Dave was a game warden for 25 years. Annette related to us how she became not only a wife to her husband, but a partner in some aspects of his career.
While they were in the Allagash region of rural Maine, Annette learned how to hunt, fish, and dogsled, along with many, traditional wifely chores. She frequently accompanied Dave on his official trips. Additionally, Annette bore three children in three years (later she had a fourth).
The writing was sparse in some aspects. I realize, however, that she was attempting to hit the highlights of a rugged life in the wilderness during the first half of the 20th century.
If readers enjoyed this book, I recommend Nine Mile Bridge, another narrative of life in the same region. This author, Helen Hamlin, was another game warden' s wife during the same era.
December 27, 2021
After reading Helen Hamlin's Nine Mile Bridge and Louise Dickinson Rich's We Took to the Woods, this book has been something of a white whale for me in terms of tracking down. I love stories of women in the wilderness and was delighted to see it sitting on the shelf of a local bookstore, because it felt like completing the trifecta of outdoorsy women in a certain time period.
In terms of storytelling, Annette isn't the greatest. I can't decide if it's because her native tongue was French-Canadian or if she's just a better storyteller in person.
What I did like was the recipes that intersperse the book, and her play-by-play of river and lake travel. It felt a little bit like sitting the canoe beside her as she pointed out the sights (the way friends do when they bring you to their hometown).
I was prepared to write the book off entirely, but then, when her husband gets transferred, I could relate to that indescribable feeling of leaving a place and knowing it's gotten into your blood and you'll miss it for as long as you live.
In terms of storytelling, Annette isn't the greatest. I can't decide if it's because her native tongue was French-Canadian or if she's just a better storyteller in person.
What I did like was the recipes that intersperse the book, and her play-by-play of river and lake travel. It felt a little bit like sitting the canoe beside her as she pointed out the sights (the way friends do when they bring you to their hometown).
I was prepared to write the book off entirely, but then, when her husband gets transferred, I could relate to that indescribable feeling of leaving a place and knowing it's gotten into your blood and you'll miss it for as long as you live.
August 13, 2021
I loved this. Some of the prose isn't great but by the end you'll find some of the most wonderful reflections on living with the natural world you're likely to find. Full of fun observations about life in the forests for man and beast and fowl alike. You'll find some interesting recipes (maple syrup poached dumplings!) and some wonderful descriptions of family life. This is a delightful read. Get after it. You know what? I originally rated this four stars but I'm going back right now to give it five. I have many dog eared pages I plan to revisit and Annette Jackson deserves a five star review, dammit.
October 29, 2024
This is a sweet book about a simpler time. I enjoyed reading the author’s stories and realized at some point her definition of excitement is different than mine! Nonetheless, I could appreciate her tales of rides on the rivers, hunting, and tracking. I especially liked reading about ways the author was resourceful - using what she had available- during years of building a home and raising children in the Maine woods. These themes of resilience and simplicity inspire me to find the resolve to welcome peace, nature, and preservation into my own Maine life.
January 8, 2025
Such a good book on a cold day
This book is a step back in time. The writer’s depiction of life in Maine is written with love and detail that only someone that lived it could describe. Having traveled to Maine and knowledgeable of some of the places, this story feels very real and makes me want to go back.
This book is a step back in time. The writer’s depiction of life in Maine is written with love and detail that only someone that lived it could describe. Having traveled to Maine and knowledgeable of some of the places, this story feels very real and makes me want to go back.
August 3, 2021
This is a wonderful first-hand account of a woman who lived in the Maine woods in the 1930s. I especially liked her descriptions of the meals she prepared using what she had on hand. I also enjoyed her uniquely 30s-40s outlook on certain matters (hermits, hunting, child rearing, etc.)
August 4, 2021
I bought this on a whim while visiting a friend in Maine. Being able to picture the landscape Annette writes about probably took it to another level for me. This was a great read about a woman living an outdoor life. I did wonder where her four kids were most of the time, haha.
January 23, 2022
Delightful and Nostalgic
I enjoyed the authors first person account as if I was hearing her tell it round her kitchen table over tea. It made me want to go and visit the places she lived so I could experience a taste of the way she lived.
I enjoyed the authors first person account as if I was hearing her tell it round her kitchen table over tea. It made me want to go and visit the places she lived so I could experience a taste of the way she lived.
February 26, 2022
I live in Maine and have my entire life. I am fascinated by the woods and the ways of the past. Reading this book brought me into those woods! So enjoyed becoming a part of Annette's adventures. I would consider this book a must read!
August 4, 2018
A long book but worth the read
April 11, 2024
A pleasant, relaxing read. This is one of those books that takes you somewhere else. A perfect lakeside read.
September 20, 2024
What a life! I enjoyed this so much I made reservations for Baxter State Park vacation with hubby and the dog. I really want to see the area.
January 2, 2025
Beautifully written and dreamy! Makes you want to go back to that time, even though some parts of life seem more difficult, the book made me long for the simpler times.
June 18, 2025
Couldn't put it down because I wanted what happened next
August 7, 2025
i love maine
January 13, 2022
During my recent sojourn through northern Maine I wished to get a glimpse of the solitude and isolation of years past.
This is a memoir of a game warden’s wife in Allagash Country during the 1930’s in very remote northern Maine. Early on the nearest neighbor was 3 miles away and if the warden arrested a person the trek to the judge covered 65 miles of wilderness. There is no mention of this being the depression era as needs and wants were simple. To live in this setting one has a great affinity for nature’s beauty, the crystal clear streams, rivers, ponds and lakes along with the lush woods and changing seasons. Wild animals were creatures to behold, predators to fear and food for subsistence.
This is a memoir of a game warden’s wife in Allagash Country during the 1930’s in very remote northern Maine. Early on the nearest neighbor was 3 miles away and if the warden arrested a person the trek to the judge covered 65 miles of wilderness. There is no mention of this being the depression era as needs and wants were simple. To live in this setting one has a great affinity for nature’s beauty, the crystal clear streams, rivers, ponds and lakes along with the lush woods and changing seasons. Wild animals were creatures to behold, predators to fear and food for subsistence.
January 2, 2019
I did enjoy reading this book. Parts of it were amusing and she did give some good recipes, if you like backwoods cooking. Although she loved the outdoors, she had 4 children and would leave them with a girl, so she could go into the woods with her husband. Her husband, a game warden, took her with him many, many times. I don't think she should have gone with him. She appears very selfish, when she does this. Her writing style is a bit difficult to understand in places, but all in all, the book is about real life in the woods and how people at that time survive. I agree with another Goodreads member that this book isn't as good Helen Hamlin's book, but I did enjoy reading it.
January 24, 2023
Excellent
This was a lovely memoir, a way of living so different, of logging and hunting, raising a family, mostly beautiful imagery of northern most Maine. Enjoyed her stor telling very much.
This was a lovely memoir, a way of living so different, of logging and hunting, raising a family, mostly beautiful imagery of northern most Maine. Enjoyed her stor telling very much.
January 6, 2012
I liked the book, but I felt that Helen Hamlin's "Nine Mile Bridge" was the better read for learning about being a woman living in Maine's wilderness.
August 10, 2011
A unique look into the life of a self-sufficient woman before women were liberated. Maine history presented in a wonderful fashion.
September 3, 2011
Engaging, if old-fashioned, account of the wilderness life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews