A Tremont hunter made history Monday, harvesting the first deer legally taken on Mount Desert Island in nearly 100 years, according to the Ellsworth American.
David “Trusty” Trust tagged the 99-pound deer at Gott’s Store in Southwest Harbor at 6:40 a.m. Nov. 2, opening day of a special November hunting season.
Trust said he stayed awake all night in anticipation of the hunt. Shortly before 6 a.m., he watched six deer pass his location before taking aim at the seventh with a crossbow from about 15 yards away.
The bolt struck the deer in the heart, and Trust tracked it about 30 yards before recovering it. He later brought the animal to Gott’s Store, where Shelby Parsons tagged it.
Trust plans to share the meat with family and friends before returning to the woods to fill his second tag.
Maine Game Warden Will Nichols was at the store Monday, reminding hunters to follow state and local regulations. Wardens will remain in the area throughout the season to monitor compliance and answer questions.
The special hunt has divided Mount Desert Island residents. Opponents, including Tremont resident George Sanker, argue that a 1931 law prohibits deer hunting on the island and that wildlife should be protected.
Supporters such as Corey Walker say the hunt could help address problems associated with a growing deer population, including vehicle collisions and Lyme disease.
The November season allows up to 200 deer to be harvested, with each hunter permitted to take two.
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