Maine’s annual bear hunt begins next week

Maine’s annual bear hunt will look slightly different when it begins in a week.

The hunt begins on Aug. 31. The state is continuing to recommend that hunters observe social distancing practices in the woods. 

Maine wildlife officials have asked hunters to follow social distancing protocols since the spring turkey hunt. The falls hunts, including the bear hunt, are some of the most popular in the state.

The hunts for deer and moose are also coming up this fall. The Mills administration has encouraged people to participate in outdoor activities such as hunting as long as they can practice social distancing while doing so.

The bear hunt usually attracts hunters from out of state, and they will be expected to comply with the Maine lodging guidelines that apply to everyone, Gov. Janet Mills said. The state requires a negative coronavirus test or a two week quarantine period for visitors from states other than New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Connecticut and New Jersey.