During a recent video-taped interview I did with a filming company working on a documentary on the Maine moose, this question was posed to me: “What does the Maine moose mean to you?”
Interesting question, right? And one that really deserves some careful thought.
Aside from the fact that our moose is a much sought after big game critter by hunters and moose watchers alike, I see the moose as a Maine icon, or totem, not unlike our lobsters and blueberries.
Ungainly but majestic, this massive North Woods critter is always fascinating to observe whether it is navigating the edge of a bog in August or stepping out into a clear-cut in the morning mist on an October morning.
Maine, with a moose population of 60,000 or more is blessed with the largest moose population of any state in the lower 48. This means that there are enough moose to go around — for the viewers as well as the hunters.
Once again the Maine moose lottery opened on April 1, as thousands of permit applicants, residents and nonresidents alike, apply and cross their fingers. Last year, 72, 126 hunters applied for a permit.
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is proposing to offer 4,105 moose hunting permits for next fall, which is the same number as last season. There will be two bull seasons, Sept. 22-27 and Oct. 13-18.
There will be three seasons in the Adaptive Hunt for cows, which is held in WMD 4A. This hunt takes place Oct. 20-25, Oct. 27-Nov. 1 and Nov. 3-8.
The department also sets aside 25 moose permits for disabled veterans and 10 permits that are auctioned off to the highest bidder. The auctioned permits have been sold for as much as $30,000 with the proceeds earmarked to fund conservation camps for deserving youngsters.
So make sure that you mark your calendar. There are no longer mailed applications and you can apply online only. The application period ends on May 15. Those who skip a year and fail to apply lose precious preference points. And those who got a permit within the last three years can apply for points only.
This year the June moose lottery drawing, which is one of Maine’s most well-attended and exciting annual events, will take place in Farmington on Saturday, June 21.
Word to the wise. If you are the lucky one and get drawn for a 2025 moose permit, don’t waste any time. If you plan to hire an outfitter or a guide, shop early. And the more scouting you do in advance in your selected hunt zone, the higher the odds are that you will put a moose in the family freezer.
Good luck in the draw.
V. Paul Reynolds is editor of the Northwoods Sporting Journal. He is also a Maine Guide and host of a weekly radio program “Maine Outdoors” heard Sundays at 7 p.m. on The Voice of Maine News-Talk Network. He has written three books. Online purchase information is available at sportingjournal.com.
