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Moose Hunt Healthy, but Bird Season's Robust

October 26, 2009 - All across the state, moose bagged by hunters look healthy, and state biologists said the hunt went off without issue. Up north, the wildlife story continues to be bird hunting.

REGION B: CENTRAL MAINE

Bears appear to be going to den early this season. That is the report from the study area where the bruins are trapped and collared for the state's radio telemetery study.

"The food availability is getting in short supply," said biologist Kendall Marden.

REGION C: DOWN EAST

The overall success rate of the moose hunt here appears to be up a little. It probably doesn't mean anything more than good hunting conditions, said biologist Jim Hall.

REGION D: WESTERN MAINE

The hunter survey biologists conduct during moose season has Chuck Hulsey thinking hunters are seeing more moose this year, which may be due to good, crisp hunting conditions.

But the regional biologist said hunters still are seeing far fewer than a decade ago.

"Of course, we didn't do those surveys 10 years ago, so I'm relying on my memory when I say yes, the number of moose are harder to see on the landscape than 10 years ago. Of course, the moose have been hunted for nearly 30 years. That may have some effect on them after they've been hunted a while. They are a little more wary," Hulsey said.

REGION E: MOOSEHEAD LAKE

There were 70 moose tagged in this area, a few more than last year. And there was a variety of age classes of bulls, which is good, said biologist Doug Kane. The biggest moose was a 970-pound bull with a 62.5-inch rack.

"Anything over 60 inches is nice," Kane said. "And we did have one family tag a moose who showed you shouldn't give up. They shot it half an hour before closing Saturday."

REGION F: EASTERN MAINE

This time of year, biologists here are busy fielding complaints about beavers that plug up culverts and flood roadways.

"Their activity has picked up, and we always have a flurry of late-season problems," said biologist Marc Caron in Enfield.

But everywhere, biologists are commenting on the moose hunt. And with the hunt looking again like it will show a success rate between 60 and 70 percent, Caron said the way to hunt moose may be evolving.

"The (clear) cuts have grown up, and sitting by the road is not enough," Caron said. "You almost need to approach it more like a deer hunt. Get out and about and do some walking."

REGION G: NORTHERN MAINE

Bird hunting is turning into a banner year in Aroostook County, said biologist Richard Hoppe. Unlike the rest of the state, grouse hunters up north are having "phenomenal success," he said.

Moose hunters in northern Maine also appear to have had more success this year, Hoppe said.

"All stations but one are up from 10 to 20 moose," Hoppe said.

DEIRDRE FLEMING / WILDLIFE REPORT, Portland Press Herald, October 22, 2009


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