Press Releases

October 30, 2008

November 1 Marks Beginning of Firearms Deer Season

Augusta – One of Maine’s oldest traditions gets underway Saturday, Nov. 1, with the start of the 2008 Deer Season. And, in several locations in southern Maine, including WMDs 15, 16, 23 and 26, Saturday marks the start of a limited Moose hunt.

Hunters are a vital part of Maine’s economy. Not only do they purchase licenses – approximately 209,000 were sold last year – but they also buy gear, book motel rooms, and visit restaurants and shops. According to a federal government estimate, hunting leaves a $214 million impact on Maine’s economy.

“From hunters’ breakfasts to meeting old friends at tagging stations, deer season is a tradition that is deeply rooted within the state,” said Roland “Danny” Martin, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. “When you see someone in blaze orange, thank them for keeping the heritage alive and for supporting Maine’s economy.”

The 25-day regular firearms deer season opens for Maine residents on Saturday, Nov. 1, and for non-residents on Monday, Nov. 3, and it ends on Nov. 29. Muzzleloader season will begin in all Wildlife Management Districts on Dec. 1, and will end on Dec. 6 in WMDS 1-11, 14, 19, 27 and 28. Elsewhere, the muzzleloader season will continue until Dec. 13. Crossbow archery season will coincide with modern firearms.

The regular archery season for deer is currently ongoing, having started on Oct. 2. It ends on Friday, Oct. 31. The expanded archery season for deer started Sept. 6 and ends Dec. 13. The expanded season takes place in a limited area and requires a permit.

According to IF&W Wildlife Biologist Lee Kantar, who specializes in deer and moose, this week’s weather will bring favorable hunting conditions for the start of the season.

“In much of the state they are forecasting high winds this week and some potential snowfall on the ground,” Kantar said. “This is setting up for excellent hunting conditions. In other words, leaves will be off the trees, cold temperatures will be setting in, and some areas may even have snow tracking conditions. Keep in mind that good acorn crops in south-central Maine may hold deer in cover. Apple trees produced a lot of fruit this year and deer may key into these areas as well. Look for old orchards.”

FORECAST

This year’s harvest “should be in the vicinity” of 24,000 deer, which represents the lowest harvest since 1987, according to Kantar. The 20-year harvest average is 28,704 – since the Any Deer Permit regulations were put into effect. Last year, 28,884 deer were harvested.

“Last winter’s harsh weather conditions took their toll on the state’s deer population, and this reduced doe quota reflects the significant winter mortality rate that last year’s winter conditions had on deer populations throughout the state,” Kantar said.

To accomplish deer management objectives, the Department has set doe harvest quotas ranging from zero to 1,045 among the state’s 29 Wildlife Management Districts. The doe harvest quota this year is approximately 6,280, which is 28 percent below the 2007 doe harvest, according to Kantar.

The allocation of 51,850 Any Deer permits, along with the archery and youth seasons, should result in a statewide harvest of 6,280 does and an additional 3,579 fawns. Antlered buck harvests should be approximately 14,355, an 11 percent decrease from the 2007 buck kill of 16,103.

A total of 51,850 Any Deer Permits were issued statewide this season, ranging from 600 permits in WMS 29 to 9,925 in WMD 23. No Any Deer Permits were allocated in Wildlife Management Districts 1-14, 18, 19, 27 and 28 this year. An Any Deer permit allows a hunter to harvest a deer of either sex. By controlling the number of female deer in a population, the Department can manage deer population trends. Any Deer Permits are issued through a lottery.

Any Deer Permit winners are reminded that they need to carry their permit number with them. IF&W did not mail out Any Deer Permits this year as a cost-saving measure. Permit winners will need to record their permit number and report it to the registration station when tagging their deer. Hunters can find their Any Deer Permit number by visiting our web site at http://deer.informe.org/index.htm.

BE SAFE

The Maine Warden Service wants to remind hunters that by taking the proper precautions they can have a safe and successful season.

“First and foremost, properly identify your target and what is beyond it before shooting,” said Major Gregory Sanborn of the Maine Warden Service. “Don’t let the emotion of seeing a deer within range lead to another family’s tragedy.”

Sanborn also advises hunters to be safe.

“Wear two pieces of blaze orange clothing, let a loved one or friend know where you are going and when you expect to return, and have the proper gear in case you might have to spend the night in the woods due to injury or because you got lost,” according to Major Sanborn.

The Maine Warden Service shares the following safety tips:

Wear two pieces of blaze orange clothing; one must be a hat;
Properly identify your target and what is beyond it before shooting;
Let someone know where you are and when you expect to return. Also, if you are not going to make it back by the expected time and there is nothing wrong with you, notify your contacts so they don’t call law enforcement and start an unnecessary search;
Make sure you have proper safety equipment with you – a map, an operable compass, waterproof matches, emergency survival gear, a flashlight, and water;
Stop periodically to eat and re-hydrate yourself;
Always keep the muzzle of your firearm pointed in a safe direction;
Unload your firearm before entering a dwelling, before entering a vehicle, or before storing it.

“Ask First,” Respect Private Landowners

Maine’s hunting tradition lives on because of the generosity of private landowners who allow access to their lands. They deserve respect.

“The willingness of private landowners to allow the public on their land to hunt is as much of a part of our heritage as the harvest itself,” Commissioner Martin said. “To maintain this cooperative relationship with landowners, hunters should always seek permission first even if the land is not posted. If the land is posted, be mindful of the landowners’ wishes and don’t trespass.”

DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

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