Press Releases

October 23, 2008

A Recent e-mail sent to all MOSES License Holders

Dear Friend of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife:

Here’s some important information from the Department we’d like you to know about.

HUNTING, TRAPPING AND FALL FISHING:
Any-Deer Permits: Please write down your number and keep with your hunting license. IF&W will not be sending out permits this year in an effort to conserve funds. For more information, see http://deer.informe.org/index.htm

State Migratory Waterfowl Permit: Is required for all hunters 16 years of age or older to hunt waterfowl. In addition to the permit, these hunters also are required to have either a small game or big game hunting license as well as a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp. The State Migratory Waterfowl Permit is available at all license agents or online at http://www.mefishwildlife.com

Sebago Lake Fall Fishing Rules: Anglers can fish the entire lake (excluding tributaries) from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31 for togue but must release salmon and trout. View all of the rule changes at http://www.maine.gov/ifw/fishing/reports/weekly_biologist/9-2-08.htm#regioina and read “Region A.”

The 2008 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Schedule is available at http://www.maine.gov/ifw/laws_rules/hunting_trapping/mig_birdlaws.htm

Barrow’s and Common Goldeneyes: Barrow’s is a Threatened Species and is illegal to hunt. Learn the difference at http://www.maine.gov/ifw/hunting_trapping/hunting/alert_waterfowl_hunters.htm

Keep Chronic Wasting Disease out of Maine: It is illegal for hunters who travel to other states and provinces to hunt deer, elk, moose or caribou to transport into Maine any carcass parts that pose a risk of containing CWD prions. This disease could seriously reduce deer populations. Read about it, the laws and how you can prevent it at http://www.maine.gov/ifw/wildlife/disease/cwd.htm

The 2008-09 Trapping Information Booklet is available online at http://www.maine.gov/ifw/hunting_trapping/trapping/index.htm. Click on “pdf.”

VIDEOS:
“Irrevocable Decisions”: In this video, IF&W takes a look at the accidental shooting of a hunter, which serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of taking every safety precaution possible while hunting. http://www.myoutdoortv.com/explorer-the-u.s./maine.html

Moose Hunt video: View this one and other IF&W videos at http://www.myoutdoortv.com/explorer-the-u.s./maine.html

REPORTS & INITIATIVES:
2008 Wildlife Management Report: This year’s report includes articles on successful wildlife habitat protection, management and conservation efforts. Visit http://www.maine.gov/ifw/wildlife/surveys_reports/research_management/index.htm and click on the “pdf.” A separate report on deer also is available on this link.

Delisting of the Bald Eagle: The Bald Eagle has made a remarkable recovery in Maine, from fewer than 10 nesting pairs in the early 1970s to more than 475 pairs now. While the Bald Eagle still will be protected under law, the Commissioner in January will recommend to the Legislature that it be delisted as a Threatened Species in Maine. Read about this national symbol’s recovery at http://www.maine.gov/ifw/wildlife/species/endangered_species/baldeagle_delisting.htm

LAW BOOKS:
Do you still have your 2008 Ice Fishing Law Book? And your 2008-10 Open Water Fishing Law Book? KEEP THEM! Ice Fishing regulations are in effect through March 31, 2009, and open water regulations are in effect through March 31, 2010.

The 2008-09 Hunting and Trapping Law Book is available at any MOSES or licensing agent or can be viewed at http://www.maine.gov/ifw/laws_rules/hunting_trapping/hunt_traplaws.htm

LICENSE PLATES & MERCHANDISE:
Outdoor enthusiasts have two choices to support valuable Department programs:

Maine Sportsman License Plate: Is now available at Bureau of Motor Vehicle offices and designated town offices. Proceeds from the sale of the plate go to improving fish hatcheries, developing a stronger landowner relations programs, building public access docks, and conserving endangered species.
For information and to view the design, visit http://www.maine.gov/ifw/wildlife/sportsman_plate.html. To order a vanity plate, go to www.sosonline.org. Thank you for your support!

“Loon” Conservation License Plate: It’s still loved by many! And it continues to support Maine’s Endangered and Nongame Wildlife Fund and state parks. For information and to view the design, visit:
http://www.maine.gov/ifw/licenseplates/loon_plate.htm

IF&W MERCHANDISE: Shop for hats, shirts, posters, mugs – even belt buckles! Go to http://www10.informe.org/webshop_ifw/index.php?storeID=2 and view the list on the left.

“Big Bucks” Lottery Tickets: Available now to benefit the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund, which awards grants to programs that work to promote recreation as well as conservation of Maine’s special places, endangered species, and important fish and wildlife habitat. For information, visit http://www.maine.gov/ifw/grants/outdoorheritagefund/index.htm and see “featured links” on the right.

Please pass this e-mail on to your hunting and fishing friends. Have a safe and happy fall in Maine’s great outdoors.

Best wishes,
Your Friends at the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife

We are the Stewards of Maine’s fish and wildlife, preserving and protecting our natural resources, quality of place and economic future!

DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

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