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MAINE - Hunters wishing to hunt deer of either sex this season are reminded that their any-deer permit applications must be postmarked no later than August 1, or received at the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife headquarters by 5:00 p.m. on August 1. Hunters can also apply online at www.mefishwildlife.com by 5:00 p.m. on August 1. To apply, you must have a current hunting license and you can apply just once. Applications are available from most license agents and all regional headquarters and offices of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Applications were also mailed to those who applied last year. The free any-deer permit allows hunting of deer of either sex in one of the 22 of 30 wildlife management districts that have permits available this year. Permits are chosen through a random drawing for each of the districts. An any-deer permit may be transferred to a junior hunter or a person over 65 years of age by completing the necessary transfer sections on the any-deer permit and returning the permit to the Department for validation by November 1, 2002. The Any-Deer Permit system plays a vital role in the management of deer in Maine. Since this system was implemented in 1986, the statewide population of deer has increased from 150,000 to over 300,000. This permit system used in conjunction with the 30 wildlife management districts throughout the state provides biologists the flexibility needed to closely regulate the take of female deer throughout the state and achieve desired population levels. There are 76,000 Any-Deer permits available this year in 22 of 30 Wildlife management districts. |