A historic moment for Mount Desert Island's wildlife management occurred on Monday, Nov. 2, when Tremont resident David "Trusty" Trust tagged the first deer legally harvested on MDI in nearly a century, as The Ellsworth American reported. The event took place at 6:40 a.m. at Gott’s Store in Southwest Harbor, following the opening of a special deer hunt in Tremont.
Trust expressed his excitement about the hunt, explaining he had stayed awake all night in anticipation. He told the outlet he was determined to secure the first tag, stating his ambition to tag "the first deer on MDI in over 90 years." After first light, around 5:45 a.m., Trust observed six deer pass his hunting spot before successfully taking the seventh. He described the animal as a 99-pound deer, which he later displayed hanging from his orange tractor.
Prior to entering the woods, Trust meticulously prepared, measuring distances from his chosen spot and adhering to all guidelines established by the town and the state. He emphasized ensuring every detail was in order. He made a clean kill with a crossbow from approximately 15 yards, hitting the deer directly in the heart. Trust later recovered the crossbow bolt, considering it a potentially significant piece of MDI history. After the shot, he tracked the deer for about 30 yards before dragging it to his ATV and transporting it to Gott’s Store for tagging. Trust stated that "everything happened perfectly" and shared plans to process the meat for family and friends in Otis. A carpenter specializing in staircases, Trust intends to return to the woods to claim his second tag for the season.
At Gott’s Store, Shelby Parsons tagged Trust’s deer, having already processed three of the four deer brought in on the hunt's opening day. Game Warden Will Nichols was also present, reminding hunters to strictly follow all established guidelines to ensure safety and the hunt's success. Nichols cautioned against shooting over bait or too close to residences without permission, stressing that the special hunting area does not negate existing regulations. He urged hunters to consult the law book and remain aware of all rules. Nichols also advised hunters who make mistakes to contact game wardens, noting that self-reporting typically leads to better outcomes than being tracked down for a violation. Wardens will maintain a presence in the area to ensure compliance and address questions. Residents or hunters observing illegal activity are encouraged to report it via Operation Game Thief.
The special hunt permits a total of 200 deer to be harvested throughout November, with individual hunters allowed two tags.
The hunt, however, has drawn differing opinions within the community. Corey Walker, a Tremont resident and supporter of the hunt, acknowledged it as a "touchy subject." Walker, who attempted to hunt himself on Monday morning but only sighted bucks, which are not permitted for this hunt, believes the deer population contributes to issues like vehicle accidents and the spread of Lyme disease. He stated to The Ellsworth American that "Deer are wild animals, not pets," recognizing the emotional aspect for many residents who appreciate seeing deer but asserting that an excessive population can negatively impact both the animals and the community. Conversely, George Sanker, a critic who spoke at a past public hearing in Tremont, voiced strong opposition to the hunt, stating, "I love white-tailed deer and pretty much all wildlife." Sanker referenced a 1931 law that banned deer hunting across Mount Desert Island, suggesting the founders of Acadia National Park envisioned a safe environment for wildlife free from fear, and arguing the law applied island-wide.
