Outdoors
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Maine wildlife officials have approved a special deer hunt in Tremont, allowing the Mount Desert Island town to reopen to deer hunting for the first time since 1931.
Tremont voters approved the hunt by a 314-227 vote in May after years of concerns about deer-related property damage, vehicle collisions and other conflicts.
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife adopted the rule Sept. 16, and it took effect Wednesday, Sept. 30.
The special hunt will take place each November from 2026 through 2028 unless the Tremont Select Board or IFW suspends it after a season. Only antlerless deer may be harvested, and hunters may use shotguns or archery equipment from fixed blinds.
Hunters must obtain permission from the Tremont Town Office and register harvested deer at a tagging station designated by the town. The town will administer permit selection for residents and nonresidents. Deer harvested during the special hunt will be in addition to the statewide bag limit.
The final rule followed a public comment period that drew 21 written comments: 12 opposed, four in support and five that were mixed or unclear. Several opponents called for more study of the deer population before the hunt began.
Tremont is among the most deer-impacted towns in Maine, and IFW estimated the average deer density in Wildlife Management District 26, which includes MDI, at about 30 to 35 deer per square mile over the past three years. IFW noted that studies generally suggest deer densities should be maintained below 15 to 25 deer per square mile when forest health is a priority.