Comments on: Maine’s Deer Harvest Dismal. Harsh Winter To Blame But What About Predation?

By: Rich Oicles

Rich Oicles — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 16:14:12 +0000

All the statment made are good and we all have to work with fish and game to work on this problem ,to get the deer herds back for us and future hunters. I think we all should keep purchasing the big game licenses even if you are not going to hunt that year and if you do ,hunt like you are going to harvest a deer farm only shoot a monster buck or if you have a doe permit look to shoot an older doe that can not produce like that younger deer.Turn the deer hunt into a coyote hunt or do a late season bear hunt ,then head back to camp and talk about the one you couldn’t get a shoot at.

By: Tom Remington

Tom Remington — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:57:33 +0000

Nate – I have heard that argument before. To be honest I am not informed enough on that subject to make any kind of personal determination. I have heard arguments both in support of your suggestion and against it.
If you have any links to other information that would support your claim, I’m very interested to read it, or in opposition.

By: nate

nate — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 02:16:28 +0000

I know the coyote is a big problem but I also feel that turkeys also play a big part in the drop in numbers. Were I hunt its nothing to see 25 turkeys everyday eating up everything in sight. There are a number of things that contribute but if nothing is done now out kids and grand kids won’t be able to enjoy a deer harvest like we have.

By: Emery

Emery — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 00:29:11 +0000

I’m originally from Limestone Maine. Even though hunting Maine whitetails is very tough it has always been my favorite place to hunt. There is always the possibility of bagging a monster. However, I will not be buying a Maine hunting license until the deer population recovers, and I know many people who feel the same way. How can you spend so much time, cover so much ground and not find a deer, after spending so much money? I feel that a big part of hunting camp is comradery, but you don’t need Maine for that. The revenue from hunting licenses will surely diminish if they don’t do something soon. What will people think when the Benoits stop hunting in Maine? Increase the odds of bagging a nice buck; increase revenue.

By: Tom Remington

Tom Remington — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 12:02:18 +0000

Coyote hunting season in Maine is pretty liberal however it’s more about generating the interest in hunters to want to do it. What little gets done has no real affect on the population.

By: Deer Tracking Cameras

Deer Tracking Cameras — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 02:13:40 +0000

Wow, that’s pretty depressing. I hope the deer population can turn around. I pray for a mild winter in 2009.

So what are the laws in Maine for harvesting coyotes? In my state, they can be killed year-round. With that said, the coyote population is as strong as it has ever been here and they are thriving. Years ago, I can remember never seeing coyotes. I see them frequently now and have culled my share of them.

When you have avid hunters considering skipping the coming season, it definitely sounds like a crisis. Hopefully the fish and wildlife department can step up and do something about it before it is too late. Best of luck, sounds like you need it.

By: Tom Remington

Tom Remington — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 17:27:54 +0000

Pete – Thanks for you comments. I wanted to clarify to readers that this one article is not intended as “the only problem” with whitetail deer numbers. Talking of predator management is only one part of the whole picture, albeit an important one.

I agree with you that the destruction of deer yards is a problem. I know some efforts are being made to find ways of convincing landowners to not cut down existing deer yards without trampling all over their rights as landowners. I hope the efforts aren’t too little and too late.

By: Pete

Pete — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 17:22:30 +0000

I just wanted to add to Tom Remingtons piece by saying that Western Mts region of Maine (at least in the Flagstaff lake region) is also an area that is quickly losing its deer herd.I have hunted there for 25 yrs and can clearly see a decline in population.Destruction of wintering areas in my opinion are the main cause, followed closely by coyote predation.I have not decided yet but am considering skipping camp this year, especially with increased cost for my non-resident license.