Staff Writer
While many hunters are reporting a more difficult time with this year’s deer hunt, blamed on the above-average snowfall last winter thinning the herd due to lack of food and weakness, this year’s moose hunt numbers actually showed an increase over last year’s, with hunters showing marked success at area tagging stations.
Richard Hoppe, wildlife biologist with the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, based in Ashland, indicated increases in tagged animals at five of the six tagging stations in his jurisdiction.
“Ashland had 340 animals this year, compared to 319 in 2007. New Sweden reported 256 for the 2008 season, up from 209 in 2007. Houlton also saw an increase, reporting 127 this year compared to last year’s 114. Presque Isle’s count grew by one-third, with 98 tagged this year, compared to 67 last year. Fort Kent was up by 30; 197 were tagged for 2008 there, compared to 167 in 2007,” said Hoppe.
St. Pamphile – a location one might think would actually see an increase in moose tagged, based on its remote location – was the only site whose numbers dropped from those recorded in 2007.
“St. Pamphile recorded seven moose this year, down five from 2007’s total of 12,” said Hoppe.
Figures reflect the total moose taken during this year’s two-week season.
