Maine reduces number of fall moose permits

AUGUSTA — The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is reducing the number of moose permits by 90 because of the impact of winter ticks.

The department’s advisory council on Friday accepted a recommendation to issue 3,095 permits, down from a previously projected 4,085. The department also changed the mix by reducing the number of permits for antlerless moose because of high female mortality blamed on ticks.

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A moose keeps an eye on passing motorists on Route 11 just north of Patten in this June 2013 file photo. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is reducing the number of 2014 fall moose permits by 90 because of the impact of winter ticks. 2013 Press Herald File Photo/Gabe Souza

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Commissioner Chandler Woodcock said reducing the number of hunting permits will help the moose population after a tough winter.

Winter ticks have been documented in Maine since the 1930s. In some years, their numbers are higher than others.

Last season, Maine’s moose hunters set a record for the second consecutive year. Officials said 2,971 moose were taken out of 4,110 hunting permits.

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