Editor,

The deer season is for the most part over, (excepting muzzleloaders and archery) and I’m able to walk in the woods feeling relaxed.

Recently an unfortunate incident occurred near my house which has left me thinking. A neighbor whom I just met (and who will remain nameless) shot and wounded a deer which then ran into a small parcel of woods across from my house. I aided him in tracking it down twice, its rear leg hanging loosely from a demolished hip, but he was reluctant to kill it because of proximity to several houses which were within the 300-foot no-firing range. If the situation came up again, I’m afraid I would have broken at least two laws — the 300-foot law and the fact I don’t have a hunting license. I believe putting a wounded deer out of its pain takes precedence.

As it was, the deer again managed to take off and crossed the road, heading into a larger piece of the woods, it’s leg leaving an obvious trail in the snow. My neighbor decided not to pursue the animal for reasons which I cannot fathom, so I enlisted the help of my brother who has a hunting license, and together we tracked the deer for over a mile. We passed near to the backyard of nearly a dozen newish houses and crossed several long driveways, finally coming upon the animal laying down, and my brother finished the job.

Two ideas I’d like to impart to the reader. First and foremost is simple. If you are not mentally willing or physically able to track a wounded deer, in my opinion you should stay home and play video games or watch TV.

Second, I was astounded at the number of houses we encountered as we tracked the wounded deer. I had shot a deer in these same woods back in 1973 and they were no houses at all along nearly a mile stretch of road. Southern Maine has changed drastically, in my mind not in a good way. Deer will often run a long distance after being shot and the no firing a weapon within 300 feet of a dwelling law could make finishing the job difficult. It makes me think about where hunting with a firearm should be allowed.

Kenneth Rice
North Saco