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Tis the season, deer season!
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Saturday 10/31/09 marks the start of the 2009 regular deer hunting season here in Maine. This first day will be open only to hunters holding a valid Maine resident hunting license. Non-residents will be allowed to start hunting Monday 11/2/09.
Hunters who have been selected for the antlerless deer permit lottery should be reminded that tags will not be mailed. Hunters are responsible for obtaining their permit number and having that number available when tagging deer at game inspection stations.
For the complete lists of antlerless deer permit winners click here.
Maine officials expect the deer harvest numbers to be down substantially this year, perhaps the worst in more than 25 years. The 2008 season finished at 21,062 deer taken leaving last year's season down 27%. The estimation for this season will be only 19,476.
There are many factors that can be attributed to the decline of Maine's deer herd. The foremost reason being two consecutive severe winters with deep snow and freezing temperatures. Another problem resulting in a poor deer herd is predation from bears and coyotes. Bears are opportunistic feeders that will kill young fawns. Coyotes are a problem for deer of all ages that only compound with winter conditions such as deep snow fall.
What does a bleak deer season mean for Maine? The problem might be more intense than just the reduction of antlerless deer permits issued by Fish and Game and empty freezers. Members of SAM (Sportsman's Alliance of Maine) are warning that with such bleak outlooks many hunters may not take to the woods in search of big game. With a hunting tradition consistently on the decline, such waning seasons only worsen the impact. Aside from the funding lost from the lack of license sales, such industries as restaurants, lodges, guiding, and retail sales will take the economic hit at well.
What should hunters take from this unfortunate series of events?
1) New hunting opportunities are rising against the threat of natural predators. There is a sport growing in the hunting of coyotes. The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife should look ahead into programs and regulations that encourage hunters to pursue harvesting these animals. Many landowners who frown upon the hunting of deer on their lands take a much different approach to the hunting of coyotes. Perhaps promoting the hunting of these predators will lead to more land access throughout the state.
2) Mast production in 2009 has been solid. Acorns are plenty and provide a solid food source during the empty months of winter. This coupled with the hope of a mild winter could help boost the deer herd for the 2010 season. Also, with many less does allowed to be taken this year it should only help the odds of a better hunt for tomorrow.
3) Even though this year's deer season is promising to be challenging, the season is not over until the end of muzzleloading season, as late as December 12th. While there is the prediction of nearly 2,000 less deer to be harvested this year compared to last, there are still 19,000 deer expected. Any one of those deer could belong to any given hunter. A positive approach to deer hunting is the best tactic a hunter can employ in the field!
Maine hunters don't despair. Remember, the most difficult shot to make while deer hunting is from the couch. As always, be safe and good luck hunting!
For the complete laws regarding deer hunting in Maine please click here.
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