The 2017-2018 Summary of Hunting Laws has just been released by IFW.
There is also a new Quick Reference Guide available that includes license & permit needs, legal shooting hours chart and the hunting seasons/limit chart. Migratory Game Bird info is included.
The Summary of Trapping Laws will be released at a later date.
I ran the bait line today and refreshed hit baits and pulled the cards on the trail cameras. This year is shaping up to be a great hunt for our sports coming up to Tucker Ridge…
So far, all the bears hitting the baits are shooters. We haven’t seen any sows with cubs unlike last year when we had a sow and cubs take over a bait. We let them have it and it’s paying dividends this year. I have those yearlings and the now dry sow on camera; they look pretty good!
Here are some highlight photos of what you are going to be hunting this fall…As the weather starts to cool in coming weeks, these bruins should start feeding more frequently, and in daylight.
Just finished today’s bait run and am happy to say we have two sites getting hit so far. The first has two different good bear and the other a decent yearling. Here are some cam pics…
Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry sent this bulletin at 05/11/2017 08:17 AM EDT
One Trail Now Open: The Downeast Sunrise Multi-Use Rail Trail (DEST) from Ellsworth to Ayers Junction is the open for ATVs and other summer uses.
Continue reading The Downeast Sunrise Multi-Use Rail Trail Now Open
Imagine an area that could provide an opportunity to hunt or view any of Maine’s big game species, pursue a variety of small game (including waterfowl), search for a plethora of songbirds, access a large, scenic river for boating and fishing or visit rare and exemplary natural communities and ecosystems. The Mattawamkeag River WMA, located in Drew Plantation, Kingman, Webster Plantation and Prentiss Township, is just such an area.
By Scott Lindsay, IFW Wildlife Biologist
In southern Maine, winter rules for about one third of the year. To the north and west, due to latitude, elevation and distance from the moderating effects of the ocean, it can prevail for nearly half the year. We all know the challenges and benefits winter can provide. When the stoves are cranked, the wind is howling and darkness comes at 4:00 p.m., I often think about how tough wild animals must be to make it to the next day. The animals have evolved one or more of three strategies to respond to winter; leave, hibernate or remain active.
Continue reading Maine’s Wildlife Uses Different Strategies To Deal With Winter
The new Maine 2017 hunting seasons chart is now available for download…
The chart lists game seasons and bag limits. Waterfowl seasons will be released in late August or early September.
Download the chart here……2017 Hunting seasons chart
From the Maine Dept of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
December 9, 2016 at 4:30 pm by Mark Latti
Stocking season is nearly complete! With snow on the ground, and ice skimming over many ponds and lake, some might say not a moment too soon.
This season, our crew of over 30 hatchery staff from our eight state hatcheries have been extremely busy, stocking hundreds of locations with hundreds of thousands of fish.
Our Stand #1 location is prime black bear and whitetail deer country. Numerous heavily used game trails network through this site.
Continue reading An overview of Stand #1 site – Southeastern Tucker Ridge
Applications must be completed by 11:59 pm (ET) on August 15, 2016.
A chance drawing will be held on September 9, 2016.
How to Apply for an Any-Deer Permit
There is no application fee to apply for an any-deer permit.
To apply for an any-deer permit, you must possess a valid Maine license to hunt big game. Exceptions: See Maine resident landowners. You may enter up to three (3) Wildlife Management District choices in order of preference.
Everyone is strongly encouraged to help the Department in its efforts to save money by applying for the any-deer permit lottery using the online application. The online application process is quick and easy. Applicants will get instant confirmation of their entry into the lottery.
Bonus Deer Permits
Bonus deer permits will only be awarded in WMD’s where there are more permits available than applications received. If you do not want to apply for an any-deer permit but would like to apply for a bonus deer permit should bonus permits be available, make sure you designate a WMD choice for a bonus deer permit. No WMD changes can be made after the drawing.
- A bonus deer permit entitles a hunter to an additional antlerless deer.
- Bonus deer permits are for antlerless deer only. An applicant may choose to apply for a bonus deer permit and not apply for an any-deer permit.
- Bonus deer permits will be distributed to hunters who applied for a bonus deer permit in the WMD where any-deer permits went unused. If selected to receive a bonus deer permit you will be notified by mail and there will be a $12.00 fee. Bonus deer permits can be paid for right up to the last day of the muzzleloading season on deer.
- Successful bonus deer permit applicants will be listed online with the any-deer permit and superpack deer permit winners.
- Bonus deer permits may be used at any time during the archery, expanded archery (designated areas only), firearm, or muzzle-loading seasons on deer, but only in the assigned WMD. Hunters are not required to fill their any-deer permit prior to using a bonus deer permit.
- Bonus deer permits are available to residents and nonresidents and will be allocated in the same proportion of residents to nonresidents as the regular any-deer permit drawing.
- Bonus deer permits may be transferred in the same manner as any-deer permits. The deadline for the bonus deer permit is the same as the any-deer permit.
Source: Maine.gov, Dept of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
