Wilton Fish and Game Association member Bruce Dyke and caretaker of the Wilson Lake Ice out is organizing the ice-out contest again this year. The first original recording of ice out on Wilson Lake was documented in 1889 with only two years missed since then.
Dyke, a life-long resident of Wilton, decided to bring the event back to life and said there have been very few caretakers of the event. Last year, Lew Yeaton of Wilton, won with the date of April 20, 9:09 a.m. There have been a variety of winning dates over previous years from 2000 to 2009 such as: April 14, May 1, April 15, April 26, April 23, April 22, May 4, and April 18. The ice is considered out when a boat can travel from the boat launch to the island without touching ice.
Dyke stated, “Wilson Lake has 17 inches of ice!! When will it be out? Help the Wilton Fish & Game fund raiser by taking a chance! Submit a $5 entry with the month, day, hour and minute of ice out and if it’s the closest entry you’ll win a cash prize of $100.”
The Wilton Fish & Game Association members promote good sportsmanship and conservation of wildlife and natural resources. Wilson Lake is one of the area’s focal points for year-round activity.
Dyke is accepting entries for the 2014 ice-out contest. Forms may be mailed to Bruce Dyke, PO Box 605, Wilton, Maine 04294 with the $5 entry fee or he can be contacted at 207-645-2131 or at jdmosher@hotmail.com.
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