Turkey hunters enjoyed a record season this spring, according to preliminary harvest totals released this week by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

Between April 29 and June 1, turkey hunters registered 3,391 turkeys, beating last year’s record harvest by more than 700 birds. This spring’s 9,000 permitted turkey hunters enjoyed a 38 percent success rate as compared to last year when it was 41 percent and 7,000 permits were granted.

“This was just an outstanding season for turkey hunters in Maine … the success rate shows that there is an abundance of wild turkeys,” said wildlife biologist Gene Dumont.

State biologists estimate that the state’s wild turkey population has reached between 15,000 and 20,000 birds, probably the largest in 100 years. Wild turkeys disappeared from Maine and were reintroduced to the state in the 1970s. Flocks have been on the rise in southern and central Maine ever since.

Interest in the turkey hunt has followed suit, with nearly 26,000 hunters vying for the permits this spring.

Turkey hunters were surveyed by DIF&W, and their responses are being reviewed to determine how next spring’s turkey hunt should be run. With large, even nuisance, turkey populations in some areas, many hunters are advocating an open hunt without a lottery – a goal that Dumont said could be realized in the near future.

“That is what we’re working towards,” he said.

Free fishing

DIF&W wants Maine dads to celebrate Fathers’ Day by taking their sons and daughters to the local fishing hole.

On Saturday and Sunday anyone may fish without purchasing a license on any of Maine’s 32,000 miles of rivers and streams or 6,000 lakes and ponds during the state’s biannual Free Fishing Days.

“These two days are a great way to get introduced to a lifetime hobby like fishing,” said fisheries biologist Peter Borque. “We want to encourage people to be outside, enjoying the outdoors, and fishing is a great way to do that.”

All other fishing regulations, including bag limits and catch-and-release restrictions will apply this weekend. Rule books are available at sporting goods stores and municipal offices statewide. Only those fishermen who have had their licenses revoked are exempted from Free Fishing Days.

Some loaner equipment will be available for first-time anglers at regional DIF&W offices. For more information, call the “Hooked on Fishing” program at 287-8069.

Deer hunt news

Hunters hoping to bag a doe this fall can now apply for an any-deer permit online at www.mefishwildlife.com. Paper applications will be available from license agents beginning Monday, June 24. There is no cost, but applicants must hold a Maine hunting license. All applications must be postmarked by Aug. 1 and permittees will be chosen through random drawings shortly thereafter.

Just more than 76,000 any-deer permits will be available this year, an increase over last fall, when the deer population was struggling. The any deer permit system is designed to respond to population changes and guarantee a healthy herd. Biologists estimate Maine’s deer population at about 241,500 animals.

Bike rally

Bicyclists are invited to join their fellow riders from throughout New England and Canada at the 14th annual Bike Rally, scheduled for the weekend of July 12-14 in Bethel.

More than 30 different scenic rides are planned for cyclists of all ages and abilities, said Jeffrey Miller, director of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine. Highlights include stargazing night rides, a covered bridges cruise, and the “Moose and Mountain Mosey.”

Cyclists must register by Monday, June 17 to receive a $10 discount and a free T-shirt. Participants who preregister will be charged $80 for adults, $65 for bicycle coalition members and $30 for youth between the ages of 6-15.

For more information, contact the coalition at 623-4511 or info@BikeMaine.org.