PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Hunters weren’t the only ones hoping to have their name drawn during June’s moose hunting lottery held in Greenville; representatives from communities — including Presque Isle — were keeping their fingers crossed too, hoping they’d be the site selected for the next lottery.
Star City officials were pleased when Presque Isle was selected for next year’s event.
“Commissioner Chandler Woodcock Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife) made the announcement that next year on June 14 Presque Isle will host the drawing. This will be a day-long event held at Gentile Hall at the University of Maine at Presque Isle,” said Nick Archer, of the Presque Isle Fish & Game Club, who said the event will be held in partnership with UMPI.
A number of activities, in addition to the moose lottery, are being planned.
“There’ll be a bluegrass concert, the drawing, a moose calling event and many other activities,” said Archer.
UMPI was selected due to the size of the crowd the event typically attracts.
“There’s plenty of seating. This draws people from all over Maine and New England,” he said.
According to the DIFW, more than 52,000 applications were submitted for the record 4,110 permits this year. The lottery is held to help control the state’s moose population, which is estimated at 76,000 animals. Last year, hunters took a total of 3,000 animals.
Most of the permits go to Maine residents, with 10 percent set aside for out-of-state hunters. This year’s lottery saw winners from as far away as Virginia, Louisiana and Texas. The moose hunting season runs mid-September to mid-November, with hunters allowed to bag one animal each — some cows, some bulls, depending on the permit.
A list of this year’s winners can be found at hppt://moose.informe.org/.
Archer said the moose lottery is good for the host community and surrounding towns.
“The drawing is good business for the region. It attracts participants from all over New England. You can expect lots of people in town for this day,” said Archer. “I’m excited for the community. It’s a great opportunity for the community and local businesses to host such an event.”
