CORINTH
Illegal Deer Hunting On Rise In Maine
(NEWS CENTER) -- Maine Game Wardens said that they are seeing an increase in illegal night hunting for deer and illegal baiting.
Already this year, the Warden Service has received over 80 complaints about night hunting.
"We're starting to see a move where people are night hunting more with bow and arrows. So people don't hear shots at night," Sgt. Kevin Adam said.
Sgt. Adam said he believes the wet weather has made many people desperate.
"The deer haven't been moving too good because of the weather. So they get frustrated, and they start baiting or they feel they need that confidence boost," he said.
This year, state biologists have cut the number of deer permits for does because so many female deer were killed by last year's harsh winter. Biologists expect the number of harvested deer this year to be fewer than last year by 4,000-5,000.
"This is for the overall health of the deer herd and down the road to get it back up to the numbers that we've seen in the past few years," Sgt. Adam said.
Both baiting deer and night hunting have harsh penalties. Sgt. Adam said night hunting can land you in jail for three days and could cost you a $1000 fine. It also means the end of your hunting season and the loss of your firearm.
If you see suspicious hunting activity Sgt. Adam advises you to call 1-800-253-7887.
Visit:
http://www.maineogt.org/ for more information on hunting rules.
