[kenton6]

Also being proposed in the Legislature for archery hunters. A proposal that would allow for the taking of a deer with firearm too.
This too is not law but has been referred to committee. No work session scheduled as of yet.

Bill Sponsors:Representative CLEARY of Houlton Cosponsored By: Representative FISCHER of Presque Isle
Representative JACKSON of Allagash
Representative JOY of Crystal
Senator MARTIN of Aroostook
Representative PRATT of Eddington
Senator SHERMAN of Aroostook
Representative SOCTOMAH of the Passamaquoddy Tribe
Representative SUTHERLAND of Chapman

An Act To Permit Archery Hunters the Opportunity To Take an Additional Deer​

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. [FONT=Times New Roman,Times,Georgia,serif]12 MRSA §11403, sub-§2, ¶C, [/FONT] as enacted by PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 and as affected by c. 614, §9, is amended to read:
C. If Notwithstanding section 11501, subsection 2, a person who takes a deer with bow and arrow during the special archery season on deer , that person is not precluded from further hunting for deer and may take an additional deer that year with a firearm during that year the regular firearm season on deer.

summary​

This bill allows a person who takes a deer with a bow and arrow during the special archery season to take one additional deer with a firearm during the regular firearm deer hunting season.

 

[aroostookbasser]

Sounds good for the areas that take the pressure........

 

[strings54]

this would be a much needed change. not only would we as sportsman benefit but license sales should also rise in the archery category. and i think the impact on the herd would be minimal. strings

 

[kenton6]

All things are relative - well, they're supposed to be. The provision allows the MDIFW to establish that law. It doesn't dictate where it will be enforced, etc.
Maine still has a deer management plan that includes target densities, etc. for each WMD. If adding more "opportunity" results in too many deer harvested in certain WMD's, fewer Any-Deer permits will be issued which equals a reduction in opportunity.
Having said that, it is my understanding that passing the ruling would have virtually zero effect on the deer population. I'm not sure I can concur a blanket statement like that. Too many variables.
I asked biologists at MDIFW a while back what effect Sunday hunting would have on deer harvest, providing the season remained the same, plus the added 3 or 4 Sundays. Their response was none. Much of their analysis is based on hunter participation and not length of season. Biologists believe by looking at their stats that even if Sunday hunting were allowed, participation would remain relatively unchanged.
I think Strings has it right. I believe this proposal is based on economic benefits to many and not a need for deer population reduction.

 

[aroostookbasser]

Will be interesting to see what happens........

 

[kenton6]

For anyone interested in this proposed bill, I blogged about it today at the Black Bear Blog. I also sent a copy of my blog to all members of the legislative committee to the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

I encourage any and all of you to do the same. I'm sure you all have thoughts. The squeaky wheel gets the grease. Mine is just one opinion.

 

[aroostookbasser]

Took your advise....

 

[kenton6]

Good deal!

 

[mefishme]

i would be for it BUT have it so hunters can take 1 buck and 1 antlerless

 

[ccobbett]

please god let this pass!!!!!!!

 

[badfisherman]

it would definetly be a motivation to take up hunting. But i already hunt the expanded archery so if it doesnt get me another buck then it doesnt matter to me. would vote for it either way since i know alot of people dont have an expanded archery season close by.
________
Dongfeng honda automobile company

 

[swany]

so whats the story with this?