1 min read

AUGUSTA (AP) — A decision is expected from Maine wildlife regulators about whether the state should bump up the number of deer hunting permits by 60 percent.

The state’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife says more than 45,000 “any deer” permits are proposed for the coming fall hunting season. A mild winter caused more deer to survive, allowing the potential permit hike.

A state advisory council is going to vote on whether to approve the proposal on Wednesday.

Many hunters welcome the increase. Winters in previous years have culled the deer herd and resulted in rules that require less hunting.

The permits would be available in 18 of Maine’s 29 wildlife management districts.

Hunters who don’t have one of the “any deer” permits are only allowed to shoot deer that have antlers.



Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.