End of the Season

Shared by Sam B.

As the calendar year comes to an end, so does the deer hunting season in Maine. Rifle season ended on Saturday, November 28th and the less popular muzzle loader season ended on Saturday, December 13th. Final results won’t be released until February, but preliminary data from the Maine Inland Fish and Wildlife (IFW) reported by Sarah Bard from the Bangor Daily News indicates that 2025 was a record season. 52,000 deer were taken through the end of rifle season and another 1,000 to 2,000 expected for muzzle loader season. This greatly surpasses the previous record of 42,000 achieved in 2024.

While the deer herd is generally strong and healthy, most of the increased harvest in 2025 can be attributed to IFW rule changes and related permits that now allow hunters to take 2 deer during the season. Since 1986 the IFW has been changing deer hunting regulations and increasing the availability of deer tags. In 2025 the cumulative and new changes allowed 123,000 hunters with Antlerless permits to take one antlerless deer (doe or immature buck) with antlers less than three inches and also one antlered deer (buck) with antlers of three inches or more.

In addition to an increased number of deer taken, Bard also reports harvest of a surprising number of “above average” size bucks weighing more than 200 pounds. Deer are typically measured in what is known as “field dressed” weights with the intestines and organs removed. Field dressed deer weighing more than 200 pounds are considered exceptional and are eligible to be recognized by the Maine “Biggest Bucks” Club.

One of the deer reported by Bard was an 11 point and 291 pounds buck taken near Presque Isle. Live weight is estimated to be 20% higher, so this 291pounder was close to 350 pounds on the hoof.

Locally, Lovell Hardware estimates that 50 deer were tagged at their official tagging and weighing station with one weighing 215 pounds and four others weighing greater than 200.

One of the Lovell 200-pounders was taken by a member of our hunting group. His buck weighed 207 pounds with 9 points. My brother-in-law and I assisted with the field dressing and dragging out for this deer. The drag can be the most difficult part of the hunt, especially with a deer that weighs more than the hunter and antlers that seem to grab onto every stick, rock or root. Fortunately, the 500-yard trail back to the truck was mostly downhill.

I wasn't one of the 54,000 who tagged a deer this year, but spent many days in the woods enjoying the outdoors and watching other forms of wildlife. My best wildlife experience of the season turned out to be a visit from a barred owl. Some might call it a “Close Encounter of the Bird Kind.”

There was about half an hour left in shooting light, the twilight time when deer generally begin moving. I sat facing north with my back against a tree. The wind was in my face to reduce the chance that any deer coming in my direction from the north would catch my scent.

Suddenly movement and a whooshing noise came from behind me. A barred owl flew over me and landed in a tree about 10 feet up 15 yards away. It was looking to the north away from me. I watched for a minute trying to decide whether it was worth trying to take a photo with my phone. It seemed to be too dark for a photograph, so I figured that since it was so close I’d tease it a little.

I began to make some squeaking noises with my lips like a mouse. The owl turned its head back to look at me and I squeaked again. Then it quickly turned and flapped its wings swooping down at me with its talons out. Surprised, I raised both arms and my rifle and shouted “Hey!” The owl quickly changed its course and landed in a tree behind me. It stayed there and looked at me for a few minutes before flying off. I laughed thinking of the viral headline “Hunter attacked by owl, Loses lips.”

The end of hunting season brings holidays and family events where hunters will be asked if they were successful. Most hunters that I know will happily respond, because possibly like golf, talking about hunting is enjoyed as much as the actual event. Some hunters will even have their best story at the ready, polished up, and rehearsed.

Many hunters I know will discuss their success or failure with equal enthusiasm. This posting is a prime example of that trait.

Over the years I‘ve noticed that questions about your hunting season seem to come in three forms:

“How’d you do hunting this year?” or “Did you get anything?”

“Did you get your deer?” or if during the season, “Did you get your deer yet?” and

“Did you catch anything?”

My preferred version is number 1 because it’s the simplest, but as I’ve mentioned, to many hunters any question is a good question if they get to tell their hunting story.

The second version of “Did you get your deer?” or “Did you get your deer yet?” seems to be asked by veteran hunters and longtime Mainers. It implies a vote of confidence in your hunting ability almost as if they know something you don’t. I find this comment strange as I wonder how they know?

Also, I struggle with the idea that there's a deer out there that’s destined for me or with my name on it. If there is, in many years we miss connections.

Finally, I've seen many deer processed through the years and I've never seen any deer with my name or another hunter’s name on it. While it’s positive and complimentary, I prefer not to use this version.

The third version, “Did you catch anything?” seems to be the least appropriate. It’s generally innocently asked by those with the least familiarity with hunting.

It gives the idea that deer hunting is like fishing where you have a catch and release option.

“Well, I caught a 6 pointer but I let it go because I was hoping for an 8.”

Unfortunately, hunting doesn’t work that way. Once you take the shot or release the arrow you own the results. There’s no going back.

In the end, any question is a good question if we get to tell our hunting stories and if you have time, I have a few more.