7 huge bucks tagged in the first days of Maine’s firearms season. One is a monster. 2

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • November 5, 2025

Maine’s deer season is off to a strong start, with thousands of hunters already tagging deer in the first few days of the firearms season. The residents-only day for rifle hunters took place Saturday, followed by the official statewide opener on Monday. Alex Duguay shot a 250-pound buck while sitting on a ridge north of Eustis at 6:30 a.m. Monday. Jillian Jermyn took a 204-pound buck in Washington on opening day. In the Millinocket area, Eric Childs capped off the day with a 205-pound, 8-point buck. Eric Peltier tagged a 208-pound buck with 11 or 12 points in Franklin on Monday. In Aroostook County, 13-year-old Jacob Cote of Connor Township shot a 247-pound, 8-point buck Monday. On Saturday, Teanna Woodman tagged a 9-point, 208-pound buck, while her father, Dewey Sproul, took an 8-point, 153-pound deer. Brandon Burnell also joined the 200-pound club, tagging a 201-pound buck early in the week.

This fatal deer disease is moving toward Maine like a wildfire

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • November 5, 2025

Chronic wasting disease has been on wildlife biologists’ radar for about 60 years. CWD is one of a group of diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. It is neurological, highly contagious and causes severe brain damage, ultimately leading to emaciation and death. No cases have been reported of CWD infecting humans, livestock or other species. Wildlife agencies advise hunters to avoid eating any part of a deer’s nervous system, eyes, spleen or tonsils — and to steer clear of any deer that appears sick. CWD prions resist inactivation — the process of destroying pathogens with heat, chemicals or radiation. There is no one. CWD has a 100% mortality rate. Resources on CWD are available from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the U.S. Geological Survey and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

Column: Maine hunters face shrinking access to private land

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • November 4, 2025

This spring while turkey hunting on what I thought was unposted land, I got a dismissive email from the landowner advising me to “stay off his land.” And this fall, while bow hunting for deer, I had two different landowner encounters at a patch of unposted woods that I have hunted for 50 years. A woman stopped her car, rolled down the window and advised that it was her land on which I was hunting. “I’d rather that you not hunt my land,” she said matter-of-factly. Maine’s fabled hunting legacy is in dire peril. In Maine, land access is the key to preserving our hunting legacy. So whatever it takes, whether it is more funding or staffing for Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s landowner relations program, and more aggressive outreach to the public and the hunting community, more needs to be done in this regard. We are losing ground. ~ V. Paul Reynolds

South Portland voters approve natural grass field for athletic complex renovation

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • November 4, 2025

South Portland High School’s new athletic complex will have a natural grass field. Voters approved a $4.6 million bond for a new field, a new track, new lighting and permanent bathrooms. South Portland residents had the option to vote for a grass option, a turf option, both or neither. 4,936 of the 9,910 voters supported a stadium revamp with a natural grass option, with 4,269 votes against — a difference of 667 votes. The turf question was defeated by a wide margin: 6,718 voters rejected that option, while 2,475 supported it. Opponents of the synthetic turf field were concerned about the health effects of toxic chemicals in synthetic turf, the environmental impact of plastics and the higher cost.

Falmouth votes to keep its pesticide ordinance

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • November 4, 2025

Ending its years-long journey, amendments to Falmouth’s contentious pesticide and fertilizer ordinance will remain in place. Falmouth voters decided not to repeal the regulations at the polls on Tuesday. There were 3,344 votes cast to keep the regulations and 2,727 votes to repeal them. The ordinance expands on a 2020 pesticide and fertilizer ordinance that required licensed commercial pesticide and fertilizers applicators to register annually with the town. The ordinance prohibited the application of fertilizer between December and March. Additionally, the new ordinance bans the use of neonicotinoid pesticides and any non-synthetic substance listed as “prohibited” on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances.

Maine lawmaker files to challenge Chellie Pingree in 2026 Democratic primary

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • November 4, 2025

State Rep. Tiffany Roberts, D-South Berwick, is challenging U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree to a 2026 primary in Maine’s 1st Congressional District. Roberts, who represents parts of South Berwick and North Berwick by the New Hampshire border, chairs the Legislature’s Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee. Roberts’ entrance means the state’s two Democratic incumbents in the U.S. House will each face primaries in 2026. U.S. Rep. Jared Golden, a 2nd District centrist from Lewiston, must beat Maine State Auditor Matt Dunlap of Old Town in the June primary for the chance to take on former Republican Gov. Paul LePage in the November election.

Maine's shark specialist wants the public to help state decide how to manage sharks

MAINE PUBLIC • October x4, 2025

The state Department of Marine Resources says that for the first time, recent research reveals that multiple white sharks have been found in the same place, at the same time, off Scarborough Beach. The findings were revealed at a public forum in Saco on Monday, November 3, where state science and policy experts began a public conversation about the future of shark management in Maine. About 25 people turned out to Saco City Hall to find out what the state's lone shark researcher has been learning about shark activity, especially that of federally protected white sharks, in Maine's coastal waters. Matt Davis runs the state's white shark monitoring program, which was created in 2020 after Maine's first recorded fatal shark attack occurred near Bailey's Island, and is still in its early days. Davis says not all the data from this season are available yet, but "2025 has been an interesting year so far."

Tens of thousands lose power as strong winds bring down branches, power lines in Maine

WMTW-TV8 • November 4, 2025

Strong, gusty winds were blowing across much of Maine Tuesday, bringing down branches and power lines and even causing fires. As of noon, Central Maine Power was reporting 5,681 customers without power. At 3:25 p.m., that was up to 27,271 customers without power. More than 9,000 of those outages were in York County and more than 8,000 were in Cumberland County. More than 3,500 customers in Oxford County were without power.

Meteorologist Keith Carson leaving WCSH to focus on climate change in Maine

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • November 3, 2025

After nearly two decades reporting the weather on television, News Center Maine meteorologist Keith Carson announced he’s leaving the station to work with the Maine Conservation Voters on science and climate communications. Carson announced on Monday that his last newscast for WCSH will be on Friday. Carson expressed excitement for his new role at Maine Conservation Voters, where he will be aiding in science and climate communications. His passion for weather is only rivaled by that of climate, and he said he has at times taken issue with climate advocates and conservationists’ messaging on the issue of climate change. Carson said, “It’s not the same answer for everyone as to what makes them care about conservation.”

UNE launches buoy off Camp Ellis to collect local storm and climate data

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • November 3, 2025

On Monday morning, the waters of Saco Bay were so calm it was difficult to imagine why a group of University of New England students were about to launch a souped-up oceanographic buoy dedicated to documenting storm waves. Within minutes of splashdown, however, the buoy had already begun answering that question as it began transmitting wave, wind, temperature, ocean current and dissolved oxygen levels back to the university laboratory for analysis and sharing with the public. The goal? To help increase coastal resilience in one of the most vulnerable parts of Maine’s coast.

Bold Coast Wilderness Preserve established in Downeast Maine

MAINE PUBLIC • October 3, 2025

The Vermont-based Northeast Wilderness Trust, in partnership with the Maine Coast Heritage Trust, Monday announced the creation of the 2036-acre Bold Coast Wilderness Preserve in Downeast Maine. The parcel, which includes parts of Trescott, Whiting and Cutler, is adjacent to the state-owned Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land. It was heavily logged for decades and Northeast Wilderness Trust President and CEO Jon Leibowitz says the goal is "rewilding" of the preserve. That's a "hands off" management strategy associated with ecological complexity and carbon retention. Over time, Leibowitz says it will become a refuge to support wildlife such as brook trout, bear and moose.

Opinion: Maine realizes heat pumps cut heating bills, pollution

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • November x3, 2025

After we installed a heat pump heating and cooling system in the three-story home, there was a pleasant surprise: We’d made a clean, quiet choice that kept us warm in the winter and cool in the summer — and saved us money. I’m proud of the fact that Maine has emerged as a national leader in the switch from oil and gas to electric heat pumps. Unfortunately, just as oil and gas prices could potentially soar, the federal tax incentive for heat pumps will come to an end. The Trump administration is killing the $2,000 federal tax credit on Dec. 31. ~ Johanna Thomas, a long career in environmental conservation, Kittery and Meddybemps

Maine renews push for Aroostook County wind development

MAINE PUBLIC • October 2, 2025

Maine's utility regulators have restarted the process of selecting contractors to build a massive wind power development and extensive electric transmission line in Aroostook County. The Public Utilities Commission is considering comments it received on a draft request for proposals it filed for the project last month. The state wants to develop 1,200 megawatts of renewable power and connect it to the New England electric grid with a power line that could stretch more than 100 miles. The commission intends to put the project out to bid for contractors by the end of 2025.

Popham Beach is eroding faster than any other stretch of sand in Maine

MAINE PUBLIC • October 2, 2025

Maine's beach dunes are slowly recovering from devastation during back-to-back coastal storms almost two years ago. But according to the latest state beach mapping data, Popham Beach is eroding faster than any other stretch of sand in Maine. "It kind of eats away and erodes all of the dunes that have accreted say in the last 5-10 years, and this process happens about every 10-15 years," Slovinsky said. Erosion is likely to continue until the river resumes its normal course, he added.

Mainers look to hunting for stable, affordable food source

MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • November 2, 2025

Prices for meat, poultry, fish and eggs have increased by about 34% since January 2018 — an increase many Mainers simply can’t afford. A family of four in Maine on a “survival budget” needs to spend a minimum of $933 per month on food, a 2023 study from United Way found. Costs to have deer meat processed range closer to $100–$150. Now, with food-related benefits potentially lapsing for about 13% of Mainers and deer season opening this month, hunting could become an even more important source for rural Maine families.

Opinion: Cruise ships profit by polluting Portland

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • November 1, 2025

For seven months, massive cruise ships have dominated our port. These ships pollute our air. We can see and smell the billowing exhaust. They are also polluting our water, the result of “scrubbing” sulfur from the ships’ exhaust. This scrubbing causes a witches’ brew of chemical discharge directly into Casco Bay. Why is air pollution being traded for water pollution? A flow of sulfuric acid and contaminants is dumped into our pristine water. A cruise ship can discharge up to 8 million gallons worth of acidic scrubber wash every day. Cruise ships are floating cities, burning fuel 24/7 to generate their own power. Scientific studies have proven the extensive environmental damage of scrubber wash discharge. More than 50 countries have banned or restricted scrubber wash discharge in their ports and territorial waters, Portland needs to ban scrubber wash discharge. ~ JoAnn Locktov, co-founder, Portland Cruise Control

Maine can be a strategic gateway to the Arctic and Europe

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • November 1, 2025

Maine stands at the front line of a new frontier. Its ports are the closest U.S. gateway to Europe and the Arctic. Its economy depends on Canadian trade. And its universities are pioneering research that could define blue-economy innovation. Maine isn’t just a coastal state anymore, it’s a strategic state. Canada accounts for nearly 40% of Maine’s exports and supports over 5,000 jobs through Canadian-owned businesses. Maine’s geography provides an unmatched advantage: the Port of Portland is the closest deep-water U.S. port to Greenland and Iceland. Maine has an opportunity to become a hub of discovery and innovation. ~ Tyler Lissy, graduate student, UMaine School of Policy and International Affairs

Column: Why Maine land trusts are actually a good thing for hunters and anglers

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • November 1, 2025

Only 6.5% of Maine is classified as public land, and the state ranks last among the six New England states. For decades, land trusts have stepped up to provide outdoor access, including support for traditional land uses such as hunting, fishing and trapping. Maine land trusts have built and maintained over 3,450 miles of trails. This improves access to long-cherished properties that might have otherwise been lost to development or posted signs. There is a misconception that land trust lands are only for non-consumptive recreation. Not true. Maine land trusts allow hunting on more than 2.7 million acres. In addition, they manage more than 200 boat launches, which provide critical access for anglers and allow hunters and trappers to reach remote areas. We wish everyone good luck for the hunting season and encourage all users of publicly accessible lands, hunters and non-hunters alike, to stay safe. ~ Colin Brown, Downeast Coastal Conservancy

Maine hunters encouraged to ditch lead ammo

MAINE PUBLIC • October 31, 2025

Decades after the U.S. got rid of toxic lead in gasoline, paint and water pipes, lead core bullets are still the most common form of ammo on the market. The debris a bullet leaves behind when it's shot can taint wild game meat and poison wildlife such as bald eagles. Wildlife officials and volunteers in Maine are ramping up efforts to convince hunters to switch to nontoxic bullets. When an animal is shot with a lead bullet, the projectile shatters. Toxic slivers can sicken or kill wild scavengers looking for a meal at one of the piles of entrails hunters sometimes leave after field dressing a deer or other large game. There also has been some research that there can be health concerns for people. In recent years, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has increased outreach efforts to convince hunters to try out copper ammunition instead.

Invasive emerald ash borer forces North Yarmouth to remove ash trees from park

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • October 31, 2025

This week, North Yarmouth downed approximately 80 ash trees in Baston Park that were infected with the emerald ash borer, a highly invasive wood-boring beetle that was killing the trees. The park was created in 2002 when Clark Baston’s parents Richard and Rosalyn Baston donated the land to the town. A small parcel located between the town’s larger Old Town House Park and Chandler Brook Preserve, it has been used by the public for fishing on the Royal River and picnicking in the shade of the ash trees. Now, stumps cover what is mostly an empty patch of grass. The town decided to act quickly both for the safety of the public and surrounding ash trees. “They’re dying, and the quicker you can get rid of it in one spot, the more chance you might have of the trees across the river still being okay.”