Maine turkey hunters enjoyed a banner season this spring, as a record number of turkeys were bagged.

Maine’s wild turkey season ran from April 28 through May 31, and during that span 3,994 turkeys were registered at tagging stations.

This year’s total was an increase from last year’s record of 3,391. In all, there were 2,796 adult males, 1,090 juvenile males and 62 registered birds of unrecorded sex or age.

The state issued 12,000 permits this season, an increase of 3,000 over last year. Hunters enjoyed a 36 percent success rate.

“Hunter success remained high this year – on par with recent years – indicating an abundant turkey population in most areas where they are hunted,” said Andy Weik, a Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife biologist who specializes in turkeys. “The low proportion of jakes [juvenile males] in the kill relative to toms probably reflects generally poor turkey production last year, when we had a greater than average rainfall in May.”

Again this fall, there will be a fall archery hunt for turkeys in Wildlife Management Districts 15, 16 and 20-26. Anyone who possesses an archery license may purchase a permit to hunt wild turkey during this fall season.

Any-deer deadline looms

Hunters wishing to hunt for a deer of either sex this season should be aware that an important deadline is looming.

Hunters must make sure that their any-deer permit applications are postmarked no later than July 15, or received at the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife headquarters by 5 p.m. on July 15.

Hunters who miss those deadlines can still apply on the Internet until Aug. 1. The Web site is accessible at www.mefishwildlife.com.

To apply, you must have a current hunting license. Each hunter is allowed to apply only once.

Paddling expo on tap

The third annual Paddling Expo will give canoeists and kayakers the chance to check out equipment and mingle with others who share their passion for paddling sports.

The expo, which is being run with help from the folks at Old Town Canoe, will be held at Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery in Orland on Saturday, July 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Paddlers will be able to try out a new Old Town canoe or kayak at the picnic area on Alamoosook Lake, and get tips from the experts at Old Town canoe. Paddles and PFDs are provided, and no registration is necessary.

Call 469-7300, extension 206, or e-mail CherylDonina@fws.gov for more information.

Chamberlain Lake forums set

DIFW biologists Paul Johnson and Scott Roy, along with DIFW Advisory Council members Harold Brown and Raymond Poulin, will host a pair of meetings for anglers interested in Chamberlain Lake.

The first meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 14 at the Penobscot County Conservation Association clubhouse in Brewer. The meeting begins at 7 p.m.

The second meeting is set for Thursday, July 17, at the Baxter State Park headquarters in Millinocket.

The meetings provide an opportunity for Chamberlain Lake fishermen to meet, discuss the fishing and offer their opinions on the past, present and future of the fishery.

Safety courses scheduled

While deer season is still months away, it’s not too early to start making necessary plans. Among the requirements: First-time hunters must complete a hunter safety course.

The Maine DIF&W offers courses across the state. Among the upcoming options:

. Caribou, July 24-25 from 6-9 p.m., and July 26 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Solman Building;

. Madawaska, July 28-31, from 6-9 p.m. at the police station;

. Bucksport, July 19-20 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Bucksmills Rod & Gun Club;

. Newport, July 19-20 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Nokomis Regional High School;

. Milford, Aug. 2-3 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at Maine’s Youth Fish & Game Association on Pickerel Pond;

. Mattawamkeag, Aug. 9-10 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m., at the VFW Hall;

. Old Town, Aug. 18-21, 6 p.m., at the American Legion Post;

. Palmyra, Aug. 23-24 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Walmart Sporting Good Department;

. Belfast, July 18-19 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Crossroads Calvary Church;

. Calais, July 19-20 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Washington County Vocational Technical Institute;

Check the DIF&W Web site at www.mefishwildlife.com for contact information on any course.

To submit an item for publication in the Outdoor Notebook, send e-mail to jholyoke@bangordailynews.net, fax to 990-8092 or mail information to Outdoor Notebook, Bangor Daily News, PO Box 1329, Bangor, Maine, 04402-1329.