Biologists want 33 percent increase in turkey hunt permits

AUGUSTA – State biologists have recommended a 33 percent increase in the number of permits to hunt turkey next spring.

State biologists announced at a wildlife meeting Thursday that they want to increase the number of turkey hunters from 9,000 to 12,000 despite some concerns about the turkey population.

Maine’s first fall turkey season is two months away, and hunters worry that turkey numbers could drop as a result of the new hunt.

But biologists say few turkeys are expected to be taken during the fall hunt, which runs from Oct. 21 to Nov. 1, because it will be open to archers only in the first year. Biologists predict a 3 percent success rate.

“I don’t think it will impact it too much,” said bow hunter Dave Wardwell of Penobscot, who was at the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife meeting Thursday in Augusta.

The proposed changes to the spring season will be voted on in October by the department’s advisory council.

If adopted, the increase would be good news for hunters. This year, nearly 26,000 hunters applied for the 9,000 permits.

As long as the turkey population appears to be stable and the woods don’t become crowded, the department will continue to increase the number of permits each year, said Sandra Ritchie, state wildlife planner.

The department previously has estimated the turkey population to be about 15,000. But sightings reported by 5,500 hunters who responded to a state survey added up to 104,000 birds.

“The unknown now is with the fall season, and we will be pressed to open it beyond archery,” Ritchie said. “By continuing to increase the permits in the spring hunt by 30 percent, we’re getting closer to achieving our goal” of an unlimited hunt.

The application fee remains $5 for residents and $10 for non-residents. Starting next year, however, successful applicants will have to pay an additional permit fee of $10 for residents and $40 for nonresidents.