By this point in the hunting season, Dennis Beaulier has typically registered around 100 deer at his Ashland general store.
This year, he may not even hit 50 for the entire season.
“I have 31 tagged right now,” said Beaulier, owner of Gateway Variety Store. “We took a real bad beating last winter.”
Winter is never an easy season for most of Maine’s deer population. But by all accounts, last winter was especially deadly for the relatively short-legged whitetails, which struggle in 2 feet of snow, much less than the 5 or 6 feet that piled up in the forests around Ashland and everywhere else in northern Maine.
Exactly how many deer died last winter is impossible to tell. But according to anecdotal evidence from deer registration or “tagging” stations throughout central and northern Maine, biologists’ dire predictions of massive die-offs were not exaggerated and actually may have been understated.
Indian Hill Trading Post in Greenville had tagged about half as many deer as during a typical season. While more hunters appear to be coming in with larger deer — weighing in at 200 pounds or above — the reports from the field are that hunters are lucky even to spot a deer these days.
“We had a group of hunters that said they were here for 16 days and they saw one deer track,” said Brandon Lavigne, who tags deer at Indian Hill.
Other tagging stations are also reporting lower numbers. Tagging figures were down more than 30 percent at McK’s Variety in Hampden, and Roger’s Market in Hudson had tagged just 38 deer by Saturday. The market usually would have tagged between 60 and 70 by this time in November, according to owner Roger Collins.
Collins said 200-pounders used to be common at the Hudson store about a decade ago, whereas now a 180-pound deer is considered good-sized. Collins said he hopes the cooler weather will help hunters as the bucks begin to rut, although he didn’t sound overly optimistic about the season.
“The deer aren’t there,” he said.
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is partly behind the reduced harvest. With such high mortality last winter, the department issued 14,425 fewer antlerless deer permits that would allow hunters to take either a buck or a doe. That was a 21 percent reduction from 2007.
Hunters also are restricted to shooting bucks in roughly two-thirds of the state under DIF&W’s rules. As a result of the winter kills and reduced antlerless deer permits, the department anticipates that about 24,000 deer will be killed by hunters this season — the lowest figure in more than two decades.
By contrast, hunters tagged 28,884 last year.
Tom Gilbert, owner of Herring Bros. Meat Cutters in the Piscataquis County town of Guilford, said he has processed only three or four does out of the 150 deer that have come into his shop so far. And like many of the tagging stations, Gilbert said his overall count for the year is down about 50 percent.
On Sunday, Gilbert only had two deer waiting to be cut. Normally, there would be 15 to 20 hanging outside.
“I’ve done some good bucks, don’t get me wrong, but not many numbers,” Gilbert said.
DIF&W estimates that 200,000 hunters normally take to the woods during hunting season in Maine. Those hunters are critical contributors to the economy of many rural Maine towns as big-game hunting in Maine generates an estimated $400 million in revenue.
Some tagging station owners said they have heard hunters say they planned to take the year off — from deer hunting, at least — because of last year’s harsh winter. Others said they planned to stick to their beloved fall tradition even if their chances of getting a buck are lower.
Ben LeBlanc, owner of Ben’s Trading Post in Presque Isle, said some sportsmen who are always hoping for an easy hunt get frustrated when they come back empty-handed. But LeBlanc, who also has tagged about 50 percent fewer deer so far this year, said that’s why they call it hunting and not killing.
“A hunter goes out to relax and have a good time and enjoy hunting … with family and friends,” LeBlanc said. “And if you should happen to get a deer, it’s a bonus.”
On 11/24/08 at 4:44 AM,
Pisscuttah2 wrote:
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Though last winter was hard on the deer, this expanded archery season that the state came up with as just another way to aid our illustrious Governor's poor budget handling techniques certainly has hurt the deer population at least in this area. Perhaps it is time todo away with the EAS altogether.
On 11/24/08 at 6:48 AM,
thekingofmaine wrote:
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Maybe there are less deer because they're all being killed? Anybody think about it. Well...maybe the weather is killing them. Obviously its time to blame Hollywood Slots for this disgraceful disrepectful pile of bullhockey thats here
On 11/24/08 at 6:49 AM,
MDIROB wrote:
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archers don't put that big a dent in the population. not that many of them and even harder to get the deer in to a killing shot compared to hunting with modern firearms or muzzle loaders.
R
On 11/24/08 at 7:08 AM,
joethehunter wrote:
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With record snow fall and record cold spell last year, and the deer yards being cut out the deer are having a hard time for sure. The state then does a real stupid thing by cutting trees and brush along the I -95 from Sherman to Bangor. The There are deer yards all along 95 and with the deep snow and downed trees it made for great spot for the deer to feed. They where being killed by cars and trucks buy the dozen all winter long, I know that because is seen it. Who was the fool to think that was a good choice.
On 11/24/08 at 7:12 AM,
safedman wrote:
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The places you can take another deer in the expanded areas need the heard controlled. As MDIROB stated the archery percentage isn't high enough to make a dent.
This state much to the shagrin to the natives needs to put deer season on hold for a few years. If you want to know what is hurting the deer in this state talk to a rep of one of the major logging companys.
Oh yes, KingofMaine....may want to change that to jesterofmaine.
On 11/24/08 at 7:17 AM,
SteveyDee wrote:
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To me having deer yards along I 95 doesn't sound very smart to me. Cars and deer don't mix well.
On 11/24/08 at 7:28 AM,
Bangorian wrote:
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Gee, if there aren't many deer around this year, perhaps people should stop shooting them for a bit.
On 11/24/08 at 7:37 AM,
joethehunter wrote:
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SteveyDee. The deer have no choice but to yard near 95, It was the only place the woodcutters where not cutting because of buffers along the interstate. The rest of the deer yards that used to be are being cut out, they have to go somewhere.
On 11/24/08 at 7:56 AM,
canon1 wrote:
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Our conservation techniques have got to be changed.better management of the numbers of deer we have,better management of our forestry
resources and getting a handle on predation . We also need to get a handle on state government ,the almighty dollar is controlling what good
land and game stewardship programs should be providing,sound management practices.
On 11/24/08 at 8:05 AM,
thekingofmaine wrote:
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safedman I like your advice. I use kingofmaine as a joke sort of...everyone should lighten up, and its just amazing to me that BDN has so man piddle stories on the main page... like OMG the deaah areahnt comin' up around heah no morah
On 11/24/08 at 8:20 AM,
movethen wrote:
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I would rather have a few deer yards thinned out along 95 then have someones family destroyed by a car/deer collision. I cannot imagine "Sorry Sir, your family has been in a car deer collision because we did not want to thin the trees back due to a few deer yards."
Also, they did not remove that much width if you really stop and think about it. If we have another bad winter, the state should cancel anterless deer permits, and maybe even a year of hunting. I guess we would have to ask the experts if and how much that would help
On 11/24/08 at 8:31 AM,
ryanrrobbins wrote:
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"The state then does a real stupid thing by cutting trees and brush along the I -95 from Sherman to Bangor."
That was anything but stupid, because in the long run the cuts along the interstate will protect both motorists and deer. This is also why DOT mows the median and along the the travel lanes, to cut down on inviting spots for wildlife to hang out and ultimately cause vehicle crashes.
On 11/24/08 at 8:34 AM,
joethehunter wrote:
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The thinning of the woods along the 95 needs to be done no question, the timeing is the point when such a hard winter the deer population increased alot during the cutting. Should be done earlier or during the summer.
On 11/24/08 at 8:41 AM,
Forbes wrote:
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The readers of this article need to look at the big picture. I am a hunter from Aroostook County, with zero antlerless permits given out in this area this year, we are left to only hunt our breeding stock. Our deer are getting smaller because of the reduction of bucks, resulting in more close breeding hese animals. The doe population is high, let any-sex law back into effect, and give our breeding stock a chance to gow. I also am in agreement to shut down the season for a year or two to allow the whole population to increase. I went to Montana this year to do some real hunting, maybe our biologists need to consult other States for advice, it would be good for the sport, and the State revenue.
On 11/24/08 at 9:11 AM,
kateindfcity wrote:
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thekingofmaine- it's not a small story for people, hunting deer is a huge part of Maine's livelihood. Some people count on having a deer for the sole purpose of having food to get through the winter with. I do agree that maybe they do need to give the population a year or two to get back up in the numbers, but with obvious advance warning to those that depend on deer meat for food. No doubt the winter was very harsh on them, and this one's not starting to look too great either.
I remember last year seeing literally half a dozen every night going to and from work and such. Now I have seen maybe six since the early fall weather.
On 11/24/08 at 9:24 AM,
Chris1943 wrote:
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There seem to be lots of deer in Washington County. I have pics this spring of a herd 15 or 20 strong at the edge of a blueberry field . I see deer along Rte one every night when I come home from work.
On 11/24/08 at 9:29 AM,
Inland wrote:
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Hey kate - where do those deer work that you saw going to work?
On 11/24/08 at 9:58 AM,
unlockautism wrote:
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Years ago we had winters like last year and the deer survived . I think that we need to have a major massive hunt for the coyotes , that is what is taking the herd down.....way too many coyotes !!
On 11/24/08 at 10:00 AM,
Mainah wrote:
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One bad year doesn't constitute a radical change in management. The no doe permit policy up north was a good move and I see populations stabilizing over the next few years. Nature has a way of working these things out over time and a little help from us goes a long way. But the deer are out there, and by having one bad hunting season, I think the deer will recover. If all else fails though I think we should live trap from Marsh Island and transplant them in other places!
On 11/24/08 at 10:14 AM,
SteveyDee wrote:
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Too bad bucks are not like human males. During the rut human males would be dropping trowel and nailing all the does in sight getting them all pregnant. I guess bucks are only good for one shot.
On 11/24/08 at 10:21 AM,
anne_of_mdi wrote:
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Steveydee you made me laugh. It's "drop trou," ou pronounced as in "ouch," as in "drop trousers."
On 11/24/08 at 10:27 AM,
robertg222 wrote:
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I wish somebody could find a way to trap and ship the thousands of deer we have around Washington DC up to Maine so they could be shot. We aren't allow to shoot them here.
On 11/24/08 at 10:36 AM,
SteveyDee wrote:
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Thanks for the spelling lesson Anne. I will admit that I can’t spell.
On 11/24/08 at 10:53 AM,
Cherry wrote:
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Dropping a trowel? that is funny, take a break from building a brick wall and drop your trowel..... SteveyDee's way is way funnier!
On 11/24/08 at 11:01 AM,
cowgirl wrote:
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I can not believe the controvery on this subject. Like it's the MOST important worry at this time. I am also a hunter, as is my brother, my Uncle and many others in my family. I do agree with joethehunter that :With record snow fall and record cold spell last year, and the deer yards being cut out the deer are having a hard time for sure. The state then does a real stupid thing by cutting trees and brush along the I -95 from Sherman to Bangor. The There are deer yards all along 95 and with the deep snow and downed trees it made for great spot for the deer to feed. They where being killed by cars and trucks buy the dozen all winter long, I know that because is seen it. Who was the fool to think that was a good choice.
Because I witnessed all the deer along the interstate as I drove to work everyday. One day 95 were killed. It was bad timing, but clearing the brush back was also necessary. I guess my point is, this is one year. The herd needs time to replenish itself. The department appears to be doing what it can. The rest is up to nature. Also I would like to know where those deer were going to work because I need a new job.
On 11/24/08 at 11:17 AM,
thekingofmaine wrote:
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Time to load up my pick-up-truck and get ah some beerah, get the rifle and the kids, maybe the wife and go out to da camp and shooot some deerah - - - scratch that! - - - run em on over save the bulluts in this hare recession yo.
On 11/24/08 at 11:51 AM,
David889327 wrote:
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Descrption of maine for outsidas thinkin about movin hear:
Hey! I live in Maine, nd Tha povity is so that the powa fogot wat bein powa is. Thaya is all kinda industry hea . Yah got the job a unloadin the stuff outa the summa camps when the flatlandas all go home fu tha winta, nd thays nut checks that go out betwwn tha fist an tha therd. nd as fa as I kin see the edjewkashon is ok too. I was jist little wen I leand ta roll a fattie in skool. Then thes the art a runnin ova tha deea with the truk. Is Legel to keep as many as ya kin run ova, the trick is giten em tyed down fist. Fiddleheaden, shrimp peelin, bluebrees ta rake, tippin, wood cuttin, the list goes on an on. But if ya got some standad a livin thayt is diffrent, nd yah git hea an deside yoo gonna change it, than ya run inta problems. As fa as waqes gos I no lots peple tha liv on les ten $500 bucks a month. Wonda how? come on and find out!
DOAN FORGET FEEDING TURIST DOUBLE DIPT CLAMS CRAM CHOWDER THICK AS CEMENT AN XPLAIN Y THEM HOT DAWGS ARE SO DANG RED AYUH N WORKIN IN BAH HARBOR FOR 5.5 MONTHS JUST LONG ENOUGH TO NOT GET UNENJOYMENT
Come on up an join us!
On 11/24/08 at 11:54 AM,
stategirl wrote:
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I agree with Forbes. Lets face it our rights are slowly being taken away. Why do you suppose you can only hunt doe. Further more the real experts are never consulted. They have an agender and its not to protect the rights of hunters.
On 11/24/08 at 11:55 AM,
Bangorian wrote:
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Ok unlockautism so what you're saying is: -Let's kill the coyotes so that there will be more deer for us to kill? Do you even hear yourself? I think what's taking both herds down (coyotes & deer) is too many people running around shooting at things. Maybe the herd of hunters should be reduced in size.
On 11/24/08 at 12:06 PM,
dbaker wrote:
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For what it's worth, my opinion: Yes, the deer population in Northern Maine was hurt by a harsh winter and the D.O.T. project along I-95 didn’t help those local herds. I can also agree with cutting back the number of any deer permits issued for the 2008 season...I didn't get one. I do not agree, as one person stated, that the Expanded Archery season played a part in the reduced numbers of deer. I personally bow hunt on a 150 acre parcel of land within Zone 26 and can testify the expanded zone herd numbers are way down this fall as well, and the coyote population is not helping any. I have witnessed this fall, coyote chasing the deer and have found the occasional carcass and skeletal remains a day or two later. I do believe the coyote packs are stronger than ever after last winter’s easy meal tickets in the deep snow. I also take issue with the MDIFW’s issue of nuisance permits this year and I feel strongly that this program is being abused. In District 17 alone I have heard numerous stories this fall about particular farmers who, under the pretence if controlling deer populations on their farmlands, have killed dozens of deer in their fields long after their crops were harvested. Why, because they can…..day and night with spotlight and weapon of choice. I personally believe nuisance permits allow for the legalized jacking of deer and this program needs to be more closely monitored!! With that said, I’ll be out there until December 10th doing my best to reduce the local herd by one more deer.
On 11/24/08 at 12:09 PM,
opinionated wrote:
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Forbes is right, Does are plentiful for sure all over the state and they are huge. Chris 1943 is also right, Washington County has a surplus and there are herds all along Route 9. Robertg222 too funny. But, here is an idea.........since I see at least 6 on a daily basis let's invite all these hunters into Eastport for the day so they will stop crossing the road by the dozens.
On 11/24/08 at 12:20 PM,
mariahstorm wrote:
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Hollywood slots were probably the fools the ranger was allowing to kill moose and? Deer and Bear etc. with their flying air planes...
400,000 million state brings in for Deer Season? Why is this state so desperate for money then? Someone needs to take a really close look at the books then!
On 11/24/08 at 12:21 PM,
mariahstorm wrote:
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Hollywood slots were probably the fools the ranger was allowing to kill moose and? Deer and Bear etc. with their flying air planes...
400,000 million state brings in for Deer Season? Why is this state so desperate for money then? Someone needs to take a really close look at the books then!
On 11/24/08 at 1:04 PM,
duckwa wrote:
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Steveydee, at least you have all the ladies talking about your "trou".
On 11/24/08 at 1:27 PM,
DowneastFF wrote:
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Maybe they should close hunting for a year, and allow the deer to multiply.
On 11/24/08 at 2:10 PM,
SteveyDee wrote:
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Last year a biologist counted over 300 deer in 1 herd at an undisclosed location on RT 9 somewhere between Calais and Bangor. :) Happy hunting. I use to be a brick layer until I lost my trowel, now I’m a pipe layer.
On 11/24/08 at 3:04 PM,
listenup wrote:
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SteveyDee wrote:
Last year a biologist counted over 300 deer in 1 herd at an undisclosed location on RT 9 somewhere between Calais and Bangor. :) Happy hunting. I use to be a brick layer until I lost my trowel, now I’m a pipe layer.
It was on DAY HILL............ SEEN EM MYSELF...........
On 11/24/08 at 4:44 PM,
Pisscuttah2 wrote:
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The expanded archery season may work fine in some spots, but not all areas. I have personally seen deer carcasses with arrows sticking out of them...it seems that some bowhunters will not chase a deer after it has been shot if it doesn't fall within sight of their deer stand....i know several bowhunters that put a great deal of effort into their passion of bowhunting, but I also know several who treat it as just a passing fad, go to Wally's to pick up their bow and just go out and let the arrows fly where they may.....it is quite obvious that the coyote is a serious problem in the State and hopefully our biologists can come up with some solution to this problem before it sends the herd numbers spiraling even further downward.....
On 11/24/08 at 4:57 PM,
safedman wrote:
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Rodger that KingofMaine
On 2/19/09 at 1:27 PM,
RealDeerHunter wrote:
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AS AN AVID NORTHERN MAINE HUNTER I HAVE HEARD EVERY EXCUSE IN THE BOOK ON WHY OUR DEER POPULATION IS DECLINEING. I HAVE HUNTED THE ALLAGASH ,ST.FRANCIS AREA WITH MY DAD AND BROTHERS SINCE I WAS OLD ENOUGH TO CARRY A GUN. TWO FOOT SNOW STORMS WERE NOT UNCOMMIN AROUND THANKSGIVING. WERE WE LIVE, YOU WOULD SEE DEER IN YOUR BACK YARD DAILY. SO WHAT HAPPENED? (LOGGING GREED) THE STATE OF MAINE SHOULD HAVE NEVER ALLOWED THE LOGGING COMPANIES TO HARVEST WOOD IN THE DEER YARDS WICH HAVE BEEN USED BYOLD AND YOUNG DEER FOR MANY GENERATIONS. I HAVE SEEN THIS FOR MYSELF FOLKS. I ASKED A GAME WARDEN WHY THE STATE ALLOWS LOGGING THE DEER YARDS AND HIS RESPONSE WAS (THE DEER WILL FIND ANOTHER PLACE TO YARD). WELL MR. GAME WARDEN LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING. DEER ARE LIKE SALM0N. THEY WILL RETURN TO THE SAME PLACE EVERY YEAR AS SALMON DO IN THE RIVERS TO SPAWN. SO WHAT HAPPENS TO THE DEER WHEN THEY RETURN TO THIER YARDS WERE THEY WERE BORN? THEY STARVE. NO FOOD, NO COVER FROM THE ELEMENTS MEANS MANY DEAD DEER. I HAVE WALKED THROUGH CEADER SWAMPS THAT WERE ABUNDENT WITH DEER AND NOW THERE IS NOTHING LEFT STANDING. A FEW YEARS BACK WE TOOK A SNOWMOBILE RIDE UP THE MIGHTY ST. JONN RIVER WITH MY HUNTING FRIENDS TO VISIT A DEER YARD AND GUESS WHAT? WE FOUND 20 PLUS DEAD DEER BECAUSE THE WOOD HARVESTING. SAD ISN'T IT. I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO SEE THE STATE PASS A LAW AGAINST LOGGING WITHIN TWENTY FIVE HUNDRED FEET OF A DEER YARD. THE LOGGING COMPANIES HAVE ALREADY DID THE DAMAGE, IT IS UP TO US AND THE STATE NOW TO STOP THIS.AS FAR AS THE DEER POPULATION GOES IT WILL TAKE MANY MOONS BEFORE IT GETS BETTER. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO SEE OUR STATE PASS A LAW TO ONLY HARVEST BUCKS WITH THREE POINTS ON ONE ANTLER SIDE OR BETTER. WE NEED TO HAVE MORE MATURE BREEDING BUCKS OUT THERE. MANY STATES ARE USEING LAW WITH IMPROVEMENT IN DEER POPULATION. IF EVERYONE PITCHED IN THIS WOULD WORK.
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