Mars Hill man named alternate for hunt
LEE – Five Disabled Maine Veterans were selected through a lottery to receive permits for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s Controlled Moose Hunt in Aroostook County.
Four alternates also were selected during a special lottery drawing barbecue on Friday, July 23 in Lee. One was Larry E. Brooks of Mars Hill.
The disabled veterans selected are: Francis J. Dumas, Augusta; Robert E. Blais, Holden; Michael A. McArthur, Orrington; Darrell C. Grover, Orrington; and Douglas B. Kulisich, Norridgewock.
The other three alternates are Leonard D. Hanson, Crawford; Gilbert R. Rossignol, East Millinocket; and Philip A. Smearer, Waldo.
The Controlled Moose Hunt takes place from Aug. 16 through Sept. 25 and is not part of Maine’s annual recreational hunt. It is a targeted and focused effort to respond to farmers’ concerns about crop depredation and to address concerns about high incidences of moose/vehicle collisions along Routes 1 and 161.
For several years, the department has increased the number of moose permits in this area during the recreational hunt to address the same concerns. The controlled hunt, however, provides greater flexibility for the department to effectively manage moose and reduce the negative impacts from moose in areas that may have “non-traditional” habitat that may not attract hunters.
This year’s controlled hunt will be the second consecutive one approved by the department’s Advisory Council based on the recommendation of Commissioner Martin and the Department’s Wildlife Division. One-hundred permits, with 55 being allotted for landowners and 45 allotted for Maine Registered Guides, are awarded through a separate lottery and not as part of the recreational moose lottery.
In a letter that was read at the lottery drawing, Gov. John E. Baldacci said giving the disabled veterans the opportunity to take part in the controlled moose hunt is one way all Mainers can show their appreciation to those who have served in the military.
“Disabled Maine veterans have been able to obtain complementary hunting permits, and this program expands opportunities we offer to disabled veterans to enjoy the beauty of our great state,” Gov. Baldacci said.
This year, five additional permits were designated for Disabled Maine Veterans and the permits were to be drawn through a lottery. The names of four alternates also were drawn. More than 145 disabled Maine veterans entered the lottery, which was coordinated by Peter Ogden of Maine’s Bureau of Veterans Services.
