AUGUSTA, Maine - The state Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife has decided to approve an increase in "any deer'' hunting permits. There will be more than 45,000 of the permits issued this year.
"Any deer'' permits allow hunters to harvest deer of either sex with the use of firearms. The permits are used by the state to control the hunt and ensure the health of the population in the future.
State regulators say Maine can afford to hand out more permits this fall because so many deer survived the mild winter.
The deer permits are subject to a lottery on Sept. 9. The firearms season begins on Halloween and lasts until Nov. 26. There is also a three-month archery season.