Refuge staff plan to expand hunting opportunities at the Baring and Edmunds units of Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge, Maine, for the 2005-2006 hunting seasons. The draft hunt plan, an environmental assessment and a compatibility determination were released for public comment on December 16.

During the 2005 hunting season, less than five deer were taken on the refuge. In the coming season, hunting will be open in new areas and will be expanded to include most state game species.

Hunting will be restricted at the Baring Unit in areas where long term woodcock studies are performed. The new plan requires hunters to obtain a self-serve daily permit, which will provide information for refuge managers on this important public use.