Proposed moose hunt changes would harm local economy
By Jennifer M. Whitlow
Dear members of the Joint Standing Committee on Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, I am writing as a small business owner and supporter of Greenville’s hospitality and tourism economy to express serious concern over the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife’s decision to revisit proposed moose hunt changes in Zones 8, 9 and 14 through a newly formed “working group” after the formal public rule-making process already received overwhelming opposition.
The public comment process earlier this year showed substantial resistance to these changes, with roughly 275 comments opposed and only 75 in support. Attempting to advance the proposal through a less transparent working group undermines public trust and raises concerns that the voices of local businesses and residents are being sidelined.
The proposed hunt changes would directly impact the Moosehead Lake region during peak fall foliage season, one of the most important economic periods of the year for Greenville-area hotels, restaurants, guides, and small businesses. For businesses like mine the fall season represents a critical portion of annual revenue, driven largely by wildlife tourism and moose safaris.
Expanding the hunt to a second week and moving up the current week into peak fall season would effectively eliminate safe access to the northwoods for hiking, wildlife tours and guided excursions during two of the busiest tourism weeks of the year. This threatens jobs, local revenue and the economic stability in Maine’s most economically challenged regions.
I am also concerned about the lack of transparency surrounding the composition of the new working group. If IF&W intends this process to fairly represent all stakeholders, the membership and decision-making process should be fully public and balanced, including meaningful representation from the hospitality and tourism sectors that sustain the Moosehead region.
I respectfully urge you to oppose efforts to circumvent the public rule-making process and to advocate for maintaining the current moose hunt schedule for 2026. Maine’s outdoor economy depends on balancing hunting traditions with the broader tourism industry that supports thousands of jobs and small businesses across the state.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Whitlow is the owner & innkeeper of Blair Hill Inn LLC in Greenville.