Vermont To Issue Moose Hunting Permits To Help Control Ticks

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — The Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife is going to be issuing 55 moose hunting permits for the October season, the department announced Thursday.

All the permits will be for hunting in an area of the Northeast Kingdom that borders New Hampshire and Quebec.

Moose biologist Nick Fortin says the moose density in the area is more than one animal per square mile, a density that supports a higher number of winter ticks.

"Research has shown that lower moose densities, like in the rest of Vermont, support relatively few winter ticks that do not impact moose populations," Fortin said in a statement.

The goal is to reduce the moose population in hopes of improving the health of the remaining moose.

The permits will be issued by lottery. Five permits will be available to Vermont military veterans, three permits will be available for hunters with life-threatening illness and three will be auctioned off. Details are on the department's website.

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