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Wardens Report a Rise in Illegal Deer Hunting

November 19, 2008 - AUGUSTA — Maine game wardens say they are seeing an increase in deer poaching, including night hunting, in a trend that has been noticed in other states as well.

The Maine Warden Service said it has received more than 80 complaints about night hunting this year. They come at a time when there are fewer deer to legally shoot, because the state has cut the number of any-deer permits in an effort to rebuild the herd following last winter's high mortality count.

Biologists expect 4,000 to 5,000 fewer harvested deer this year.

Warden Sgt. Kevin Adam said the wet weather may be playing a role in the poaching activity.

"The deer haven't been moving too good because of the weather. So (hunters) get frustrated, and they start baiting or they feel they need that confidence boost," Adam said.

Poachers are getting trickier too.

"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," Adam said.

In October, six men in western Maine pleaded guilty to charges that included night hunting, hunting in a closed season, exceeding the deer limit, theft of traps and trapping without a license. Their arrests followed a two-year investigation.

In Vermont, game officials said a growing deer population is luring poachers. Vermont wardens arrested 14 people in three poaching incidents last month.

Night hunting in Maine is punishable by three days in jail, a $1,000 fine, loss of hunting privileges for the season and the loss of a firearm.

The Associated Press November 17, 2008


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