The days are getting shorter and summer is winding down, although recent temperatures have admittedly been deceiving. The end of sandy days at the beach, bug bites and camping adventures also mean the beginning of one of our state’s most cherished traditions – deer hunting season.

While folks often associate October and November with hunting in Maine, this year, Sept. 9 marked the start of the special early archery season. In 1997, the Legislature passed a law giving the Maine Department of Inland, Fisheries and Wildlife (IF&W) the authority to create this expanded archery season ahead of the traditional hunting season.

The extended archery season opens every year on the first Saturday following Labor Day. During this time, hunters with a valid archery license can purchase multiple special archery-specific antlerless deer permits for $12 each, and one expanded archery either-sex permit for $32. If you already have a Maine Junior Hunting License, a Maine Resident Over 70 Lifetime License, a Maine Complimentary Disabled Veterans License or a Maine Native American License, the expanded archery antlerless deer permit, and one expanded archery either-sex permit, is already included as part of your license.

The expanded archery program was established to provide additional deer hunting opportunities in areas of the state where deer populations are abundant without violating local ordinances that prohibit firearm use. As the whitetail deer population has moved further south in recent decades, managing the shifting herd has been challenging, particularly on island communities and in parts of the state that are more densely populated. By including this expanded and more thoughtful special archery period, we can help manage the herd where it’s most needed while respecting the safety and peace of our communities.

Typically, these areas include coastal island communities or mainland residential neighborhoods that are interspersed with small wooded lots. You can find the entire list of areas that are included in this program on the Maine IF&W website. Areas that participate in the program closest to us include parts of Cumberland, Falmouth, North Yarmouth, Portland, Scarborough, South Portland, Westbrook, Windham and Yarmouth. For more detailed descriptions go to https://www.maine.gov/ifw/hunting-trapping/hunting/species/deer/expanded-archery/portland.html.

There are also great fishing resources right in our backyard in the Sebago Lakes region. For more information about what fish can be found in this region, check out this webpage: https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fishing-boating/fishing/maine-fishing-guide/regions/sebago-lake-region.html.

Hunters that are not interested in or able to keep all of the meat they harvest are also welcome to donate the excess through the Maine Hunters for the Hungry Program, which has been helping feed Mainers since 1996. This program, established through a partnership between IF&W and the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, facilitates the coordination of food donation to local food pantries, shelters and soup kitchens to help address food insecurity in Maine. For years, this program has been an important way for hunters to contribute to the wellbeing of Mainers most in need. For more information about how to get involved, visit https://www.maine.gov/dacf/ard/tefap/hunters_for_hungry.shtml.

This upcoming weekend, Sept. 16, is fall youth wild turkey day. With lots of new hunters out in the woods, I hope everyone stays safe and has a wonderful time.

For additional information about the most up-to-date laws and guidance on hunting and fishing in Maine, the 2023-2024 edition of the Maine Hunting Laws guide is now available. IF&W also provides information about season dates and bag limits for bear, moose, turkey and more.

Rep. Maureen “Mo” Terry, D-Gorham, is serving her fourth term in the Maine House of Representatives. She is the House Majority Leader, where she serves as head of the Democratic caucus. Outside of her legislative work, Rep. Terry is a chef and small business owner. Contact her at maureen.terry@legislature.maine.gov.