Maine Hunters and Biologists Team

Drew Farney is a student and athlete who plays football and basketball at Hyde Academy in Maine. In his free time, Drew Farney is a hunting enthusiast.

In Maine, keeping track of the moose population has become more important than ever as Moose numbers decline. Some hunters are joining crews to capture and collar young moose to help harvest data on them. Last year, 59 percent of the collared moose calves died, most likely due to the outbreak of winter ticks in the area.

Biologists and hunters have worked together using specialized equipment to catch calves in nets with lead weights on the corners. In just ten minutes, the team can immobilize a moose, blindfold it, and attach a GPS-capable collar. Blood and tick samples are also taken, and the calf is released back into the wild. Researchers are conducting experiments alongside local hunters to see if reducing the moose population will also lead to a decrease in the deadly ticks.

Hunting - Successfully a Shot Animal

Drew Farney is a Hyde Academy athlete who participates in football and basketball on the academy’s official teams. Aside from sport, Drew Farney maintains an interest in animal hunting both for food and the great outdoors experience.

When hunting for food, it is essential to remember that the hunt does not always end once you take your shot, even if you hit your target. Whether you are using a bow and arrow or a rifle, there is always a strong chance that your prey will survive the initial shot. Even if the animal’s death is inevitable, it can still flee and make your recovery of the meat difficult. Aiming for the heart or lungs of a deer or bull, for example, is best if you want to be maximally quick and ethical, but even the best shots will sometimes go awry and hit a less-than-lethal area.

When the shot is made, make a note of your location and the approximate location of the animal at the time of the kill. Do not move in immediately to collect the animal because a sudden noise could cause the struggling animal to flee. Once you are sure you made the kill, find the blood trail and recover the dead animal.