By Patrick Whittle, The Associated Press
AUGUSTA, Maine - Maine wildlife regulators are recommending a cut of 23 percent to Maine's deer hunting permits after a harsh winter may have resulted in increased winter mortality rates for the animals.
State Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife biologists are recommending the state issue 28,770 "any deer'' permits, which allow hunters to harvest bucks or does. The cut would come a year after the state reduced permits from 46,710 to 37,185. Regulators say that cut was also motivated in part by winter die-offs.
Maine's deer herd was about 200,000 a year ago. State biologist Kyle Ravana says this year's estimate should be ready soon. He says winter mortality appears higher than average.
The Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Advisory Council is expected to vote on the recommendations this spring or summer.