Monitoring Moose from the Skies

April 21, 2021 at 3:56 pm

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If you spent any time snowmobiling in certain areas of northern Maine this winter, you may have looked up to see a low flying helicopter scouting over the trees. This helicopter carried one Forest Pilot Ranger of the Maine Forest Service and three of Maine’s wildlife biologists, including the moose biologist, Lee Kantar on their annual aerial moose counts. From late December to mid-February, having snow on the ground allows greater contrast of moose on the landscape, making it easier to spot them while flying. The helicopter flies over specific sections in districts that best represent Maine’s core moose range and habitat.
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Turkey Hunting: The Shot and Next Steps

April 15, 2021 at 9:46 am

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The Department concluded a three-part spring turkey hunting panel discussion series on April 7, 2021. In the final episode of this series, three MDIFW staff members and avid turkey hunters retired Rec Safety Coordinator Reggie Read, Wildlife Special Projects Coordinator Bob Cordes, and current Rec Safety Coordinator Jasmine Pomerleau discussed the key features of the shot and after the shot.
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Turkey Hunting Gear

April 14, 2021 at 1:47 pm

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As part of a panel discussion series concluding April 7, 2021, the Department hosted a live panel discussion on March 31 with three MDIFW staff members and avid turkey hunters: Fisheries Resource Supervisor Liz Thorndike, retired Rec Safety Coordinator Reggie Read, and Wildlife Special Projects Coordinator Bob Cordes. This conversation focused on turkey hunting gear and calls.
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2021 Season Kickoff Meeting

ArrayApril 13, 2021 at 9:39 am

By Doug Hitchcox

We’re kicking off the 2021 breeding season and 4th year of the Maine Bird Atlas with an evening volunteer extravaganza and you’re invited!

Understanding Spring Turkey Behavior + Scouting Tips

April 2, 2021 at 5:34 pm

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Spring turkey hunting is an excellent way to celebrate the end of winter. It’s a fun, interactive hunt, providing plenty of opportunity across the state. On March 24, the Department hosted a live panel discussion with three MDIFW staff members and avid turkey hunters: Turkey + Other Game Bird Biologist Kelsey Sullivan, Fisheries Resource Supervisor Liz Thorndike, and retired Rec Safety Coordinator Reggie Read.
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Heron Observation Network Volunteers Didn’t Skip a Beat in 2020

April 1, 2021 at 12:27 pm

Despite the many challenges that 2020 placed on the world, the Heron Observation Network’s volunteers didn’t skip a beat. Thankfully, outside is the safest place to be during the pandemic, and thus our usual heron colony monitoring efforts carried on in a similar fashion as in past years. For the twelfth year in a row, volunteers trekked to great blue heron colonies in all corners of the state to collect nesting data that is providing a clearer picture of the population’s status. Sixty-eight volunteers and staff monitored 112 great blue heron colonies.

Winter Severity Index

April 1, 2021 at 11:53 am

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Extended periods of deep snow and cold temperatures during winter can have a significant effect on the survival of white-tailed deer in Maine, especially in the northern part of the state. MDIFW has long recognized this relationship and has spent, and continues to spend, considerable resources in terms of workforce hours to collect information that helps us better understand this dynamic.
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