PORTLAND, Maine — The first session of Maine's annual moose hunt is drawing to a close.
The moose season started Monday in eight of the state's 29 wildlife management districts. The season is all in northern Maine and ends Saturday. The state cut down moose permits from 4,110 last year to 3,095 this year. Officials say winter ticks were among factors that culled the moose herd.
The next moose hunting sessions run from Oct. 13 to 18, Nov. 3 to 8, and Nov. 3 to 29. There is also a resident-only day on Nov. 1. The different hunts take place in different parts of the state, but some overlap.
More than 50,000 people applied for moose permits. State officials say the state had 76,000 moose in 2012 and is now closer to 65,000.