The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is asking residents to report sightings of white-tailed deer across the state.

The department says the information will be used to help determine the deer population, which will affect the number deer permits issued to hunters.

Residents are being encouraged to join the Deer Spy program by reporting deer spotted anywhere in their communities now through the end of September.

Instructions for deer spotting include taking note of:
• Where and when you saw it
• Number of does
• Number of bucks
• Number of fawns

The data can be submitted online or through the mail. Find out how to participate here.

Inland Fisheries and Wildlife say every observation helps inform white-tailed deer management in Maine.

They say observations can help their wildlife biologists better understand reproduction rates and population trends across Maine.