According to officials from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, preliminary 2009 deer harvest figures show a decrease of 14 percent from 2008, with an initial figure of 18,045. This represents some of the lowest harvest numbers in the past 30 years. To those of us who were in the woods last fall these numbers are certainly no big surprise a mere reflection of what we saw.
Officials stated it was important to note that the winters of 2007-09 were the most severe since 1970-72. The lower deer harvest numbers are by in large a reflection of this as severe winters have the greatest impact on northern deer herds. This coupled with less any-deer permits, lower license sales, and warmer than average recent winters are seen as the reason for the figures being lower. Severe winters affect our northern deer herd’s ability to find winter forage and make coyote predation far easier.
There is a real concern among hunters about the lack of healthy deer numbers in this state especially the farther north you go, and hunters are looking for ways to combat the coyote issues and the loss of wintering yards. Reopening the snaring program and a bounty program on coyote kill are now all issues that hunters are bringing to the Legislature.
On a positive note this year’s winter kill is expected to be far less due to the reduced snow levels and warmer than average temperatures.
I have heard from hunters all session on this issue and having hunted all my life I fully recognize these problems. The fixes are not all easy and Mother Nature has as much to say as any law we may pass. Stay tuned to this issue because after the session is over Rep. Tom Saviello and I intend to have a forum on this issue that is so important to many here in rural Maine.
It will be interesting to hear some thoughts on this subject. Winters should be Less harsh on the herd then years ago when there was much more snow. I am sure that coyotes and poaching play a big role.
Hi Lance,
I’m glad to hear you say that you have genuine concern for this issue. It saddens me to think that our Deer Population has dwindled to the levels we currently have. Without question, there are more than one reason for this demise. Thw winters of 2007 & 2008 certianlly took it’s toll on the deer herd. Very simular to the 1957/1958 winter. Way to much snow for animals to move in. I too have hunted the Maine woods for many years and I live where the Cyotes are out and howling every night. I see them in the fields at dusk and listen to them train thier young all hours of the day and night. I also find the reminants of many kills.They are a major problem when it comes to the food chain. I believe some form of Bounty system as we once had with the Bobcat, would provide an incentive for Hunters to reduce them considerably. But Honestly, in looking at the surrounding hillsides, I wonder why a Deer would stay in the area period. Ther is no Habitat left for them to winter in. The vast majority of our Deer Wintering Yards have been allowed to be harvested, so where can they live using the least amount of energy possiable to survive the long winters? I seriously think that the Maine Forest Service and the Maine Legislature needs to move quickly to reduce the cutting practices that are currently allowed so Wildlife has a reasonable chance to survive in what we have left of the Maine Woods. In moste instances, ther are no tops that remain in the woods anymore as it all gets chipped. I understand the method and as a woodland owner accreciate whats going on but you can’t have it both ways. The Deer are going to suffer without good cover and a good food source.
where is Dennis blaming republican greed?
Didnt you guys know why the deer herd is down? Come on! Its a plain as the nose on your face……………………………….ITS BUSH’S FAULT!