Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire experienced a mild winter last year, which led to fewer deer kills, but this winter likely won’t be the same.
The Associated Press is reporting the deer-laden states of northern New England are issuing more hunting permits this year because of last year’s results.
The AP reports the decision is appeasing to not only hunters but also environmentally, with the opportunity of more deer being taken this winter being used as a conservation method.
“Permits are up this year, which is a good thing for the hunters, and it’s a better thing for the deer population,” David Trahan, executive director of the Sportsmen’s Alliance of Maine, told the AP.
For Maine, up to more than 45,000 permits could be issued — an increase by as much as 60 percent — the AP reports. The expansion of permits would be marginally in the southern part of the state.
The AP reports Vermont is issues nearly 19,000 permits for does, which is nearly twice as many as a year ago. Officials are expecting an exceeding number of last year’s deer harvest of 10,895, the AP says.
The main firearms hunting season for deer in Maine begins Oct. 31. The permits the state is issuing are “any deer” permits that allow hunters to harvest deer of either sex, the AP reports. A committee is expected to approve the final number of permits next month.
