A Passamaquoddy hunter this week killed a deer with a spear on tribal land, using a special permit.
Killing a deer with a spear is rare in Maine. Spears are not recognized in the state deer regulations and are therefore excluded under Title 12, section 11214, which allows hunting only by firearm, archery or falconry. Lt. McKenney of the Maine Warden Service said he is not aware of any instances in which spear use is permitted.
An outdated law from 1942 explicitly forbade spears — along with trawls, nets and other gear — for taking wildlife.
But the Passamaquoddy Tribe, like the other Maine tribes, has authority to set its own hunting and fishing rules on tribal lands, which can differ from state regulations.
Justin Socobasin obtained what’s known as a tribal 704 permit from the chief game warden, allowing him to hunt with the weapon. It was the first deer he had ever speared, and he doesn’t know of anyone else in the community who has tried it.
The tribe’s chief game warden, William Nicholas, confirmed the permit had been issued. He said no other such permits have been granted so far, and added that the Warden Service is working on new hunting regulations. Tribal members are expected to discuss spear use during upcoming public hearings.
Socobasin said he was inspired after seeing a hunting show where someone used a spear to take wild pigs. Having already been successful with a rifle and bow, he wanted a new challenge.
“Growing up on the Passamaquoddy reservation, it was always wild to think our ancestors used it as an effective hunting tool. So I had to give it a try,” he added.
Several years ago, Socobasin bought a Cold Steel Samburu spear and practiced regularly, becoming proficient with the two-and-a-half-pound throwing weapon.
He said the spear was highly effective, causing more damage than any broadhead he had used from a bow, but emphasized that like any weapon, it requires practice and understanding of its limitations.