Maine Posts Record Moose Harvest for 2012
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is announcing a record year for moose hunting in 2012, as more moose were harvested than ever before. With a total of 3,725 permits allocated by the Department, hunters bagged 2,895 moose across the state for a total success rate of 78 percent. That is an 12 percent increase from the 2011 success rate.
Traditional moose hunting areas saw a success rate of 81 percent while the Wildlife Management Districts that comprise the southern Maine moose hunting area (15, 16, 22, 23, 25 and 26) had an 18 percent success rate.
Outstanding fall conditions made the hunt one to remember with cool temperatures that were a stark contrast to the 2011 hunt.
Overall 11 bulls, all taken in the far north, weighed in at more than 1,000 pounds, including one that sported antlers measuring 66 inches. A total of 17 bulls recorded antler spreads in excess of 60 inches.
Biologists have posted all known moose ages on the Department’s web site for hunters to view. These can be found at:http://www.maine.gov/ifw/hunting_trapping/hunting/moose_age.htm
The Department is also reminding hunters the importance of assisting with the collection of biological data each fall. This includes collection of female moose ovaries in some WMDs as well as various measurements that are taken at registration stations. This biological data is critical to providing MDIF&W Biologists with the information necessary to further understand the moose population.
In addition, with our increased ability to determine moose population numbers through aerial surveys, biologists are better equipped to meet publicly derived management objectives.
For more information on moose hunting in Maine, go to www.mefishwildlife.com.
