June 12, 2017

MDIFW NEWS - - Moose Permit Lottery is June 17, 2017 at Caribou Wellness Center

The annual lottery event attracts hundreds of hopeful hunters, anxious to see if they will be one of 2,080 selected from a pool of over 54,000 people who will get the chance at the hunt of a lifetime.

AUGUSTA, Maine ? The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is pleased to announce that the drawing for Maine?s moose permit lottery will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2017 at the Caribou Wellness Center in Caribou, Maine.

This year, 2,080 names will be drawn in the random chance lottery from a pool of over 54,000 applicants.

Maine?s moose hunt is designed to manage the moose population. By modifying the number and type of moose permits available to hunters, the department can manage the moose population in order to provide for hunting and viewing opportunities, maintain a healthy moose population, and limit the number of moose/vehicle accidents.

Festivities kick off at 9:30 a.m. An expo is planned with a variety of local vendors offering everything from guided hunting trips to handmade crafts and goods. Food and fun activities for the whole family will also be available throughout the day. Staff from the Department including local biologists and game wardens will be on hand at the event as well.

?At 2:00 p.m., we will commence the drawing and announce the name of the first hunter fortunate enough to be selected,? said Commissioner Chandler Woodcock.

Since 1999, the Department has rotated the lottery throughout the state. Prior to 1999, it was always held in Augusta. In more recent years, lotteries have been held in Oquossoc, Greenville, Presque Isle, Bethel and Kittery.

"We hold the drawing in different areas of the state so that people can have the opportunity to be part of it first hand," stated Commissioner Woodcock. "Nothing pleases us more than to have members in the audience react to being selected," he said.

For those prospective moose hunters who can?t make it to the lottery drawing, the names of permit winners will be posted on the Department?s web site starting at 6:00 p.m. on the day of the event. Visit mefishwildlife.com to access the list once it has been posted.

There is no charge to attend the event in Caribou. In the past, the reading of names has lasted approximately 3-4 hours. The Caribou Wellness Center is located at 55 Bennett Drive in Caribou, Maine.

For more information on moose hunting in Maine, visit mefishwildlife.com For more information about the lottery event, visit www.cariboumaine.org/index.php/event/maine-mosse-hunt-lottery/