Maine has a split moose season that opens different districts at different times. The first season runs September 24-29, 2007, during which hunting will be open in Wildlife Management Districts 1 through 6, 11 and 19. The second season is October 8-13 and includes districts 1 through 14, 17, 18, 19, 27 and 28. The second season is more likely to offer hunting during the height of the rut, but hunters in both seasons do well, with the overall success in 2006 running at 82 percent. You can select a specific season on the application form or leave it open for either one, which may increase your odds of getting a permit.
The Department provides a list of how many permits it is issuing in each district for each season and a list of harvest rates for the last year. You'll need to study both figures to puzzle out which districts receive the most permits and have the highest success rates. Playing the numbers game may be the best way to go, giving you the highest chances of drawing and getting a moose.
Another way to select a district and season is to speak with an outfitter you want to use and get his recommendations. The Hunting Report database contains a number of subscriber reports on outfitters, including two very positive ones for Guy Randlett of Maine Trophy Moose. Subscriber Art Johnson hunted with him this past September and took a 56-inch bull moose with a muzzleloader. (Read about Johnson's hunt in the box, Two Recommendable Northeast Moose Guides. Another source for........(continued)
