Maine Government News
MDIFW: Five Disabled Maine Veterans Get Controlled Moose Hunt Permits
July 28, 2010
Inland Fisheries & Wildlife
MAINE DEPARTMENT OF INLAND FISHERIES & WILDLIFE 284 State St., SHS 41, Augusta, ME 04333 www.mefishwildlife.com Main Number: 287-8000
For more information, call IF&W Spokeswoman Deborah Turcotte at 592-1164
LEE, Maine – Five Disabled Maine Veterans were selected through a lottery to receive permits for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s Controlled Moose Hunt in Aroostook County.
Four alternates also were selected during a special lottery drawing barbecue on Friday, July 23 in Lee. The lottery was hosted by Paul and Deanna House, whose son Sgt. Joel House was killed in Iraq in 2007, and Bill Emery, whose son Sgt. Blair Emery also was killed in Iraq in 2007.
“It is a privilege to attend the disabled Maine veterans moose permit lottery drawing at what’s called The House in the Woods, a welcoming place where the Houses bring veterans for outdoor recreational adventures, camaraderie and friendship,” said MDIF&W Commissioner Roland “Danny” Martin. “My appreciation is extended to Mr. and Mrs. House and Mr. Emery for hosting the event. Through your sorrow, you’re helping Maine veterans. The special controlled moose hunt permit for disabled Maine veterans is our way of joining you to say ‘thank you’ to veterans for their service.”
The Controlled Moose Hunt takes place from Aug. 16 through Sept. 25 and is not part of Maine’s annual recreational hunt. It is a targeted and focused effort to respond to farmers’ concerns about crop depredation and to address concerns about high incidences of moose/vehicle collisions along Routes 1 and 161. For several years, MDIF&W has increased the number of moose permits in this area during the recreational hunt to address the same concerns. The controlled hunt, however, provides greater flexibility for MDIF&W to effectively manage moose and reduce the negative impacts from moose in areas that may have “non-traditional” habitat that may not attract hunters.
This year’s controlled hunt will be the second consecutive one approved by the MDIF&W Advisory Council based on the recommendation of Commissioner Martin and the Department’s Wildlife Division. One-hundred permits, with 55 being allotted for landowners and 45 allotted for Maine Registered Guides, are awarded through a separate lottery and NOT as part of the recreational moose lottery.
In a letter that was read at the lottery drawing, Gov. John E. Baldacci said giving the disabled veterans the opportunity to take part in the controlled moose hunt is one way all Mainers can show their appreciation to those who have served in the military.
“Disabled Maine veterans have been able to obtain complementary hunting permits, and this program expands opportunities we offer to disabled veterans to enjoy the beauty of our great state,” Gov. Baldacci said.
This year, five additional permits were designated for Disabled Maine Veterans and the permits were to be drawn through a lottery. The names of four alternates also were drawn. More than 145 disabled Maine veterans entered the lottery, which was coordinated by Peter Ogden of Maine’s Bureau of Veterans Services.
The disabled veterans selected are: • Francis J. Dumas, Augusta;
• Robert E. Blais, Holden;
• Michael A. McArthur, Orrington;
• Darrell C. Grover, Orrington;
• Douglas B. Kulisich, Norridgewock.
The four alternates are: • Larry E. Brooks, Mars Hill;
• Leonard D. Hanson, Crawford;
• Gilbert R. Rossignol, East Millinocket;
• Philip A. Smearer, Waldo.
