People honor their lost loved ones in many different ways. Some plant trees or dedicate a bench or plaque.
For Julie Carlow and her family, the tribute took a more appropriate turn — one that reflects their shared love of Maine’s woods and wildlife.
This moose season, hunters exploring Wildlife Management District 8 might stumble upon an unexpected find: an orange hunting hat tucked inside a small bag, waiting in the woods between Capital Road and Moose River (Jackman area).
If they do, they’ve discovered one of 30 “David Gammon Honor/Memory Bags,” placed by four generations of the Gammon family in tribute to a man who spent decades sharing his passion for hunting with those he loved most.
David Gammon, of Maine, passed away unexpectedly this summer. A lifelong outdoorsman, he participated in more than 25 moose hunts, many of them in Zone 8 — the same region where his family is now inviting hunters to share in his legacy and where his favorite hunts took place.
“For our family, things are a little different this year,” his daughter, Julie Carlow, wrote in a post to the Maine Moose Hunting Facebook group. “Instead of loading up the camper, trucks, hunting gear and side-by-sides to head out moose hunting, we’re honoring my dad, David Gammon, who we sadly lost this past summer.”
Each hidden bag contains one of the bright orange moose hunting hats made by Brenda, David’s wife of 48 years. Each includes David’s initials, “DG,” between a set of moose antlers — a design the family says represents angel wings.
Also inside each bag is a letter explaining the tribute and inviting hunters to take part by sharing photos and stories from their own hunts while wearing the hat.
Julie said she hopes the project will help keep her father’s spirit alive in the Maine woods he loved so much.
“This small gesture helps us carry on a tradition that meant so much to him,” she wrote.
Gammon grew up hunting with his father and brother and later shared that same passion with his wife, daughters, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren. Safety, respect for the animals harvested and family time outdoors were at the heart of his hunting philosophy.
One of his proudest moments came on Nov. 23, 2012, when his wife, daughter and granddaughter each harvested a deer on the same day. The story drew the attention of Maine outdoorsman and broadcaster Bill Green, who later visited the family. Gammon celebrated by cooking Green a hunter’s breakfast on their old wood stove in the kitchen.
Now, as other hunters roam the same ridges and logging roads he once did, the Gammons hope they’ll pause for a moment to share in that connection and carry forward the tradition David cherished.
“From our family to yours,” Julie wrote, “best of luck, have a great hunt, and stay safe out there.”
Hunters who find one of the memory bags are encouraged to send photos and stories to Julie via email or through Facebook Messenger.
As of Tuesday at 5 p.m., Julie heard from five groups that found a tribute bag.
