Also, Commissioner Martin said today that the 2010 Moose Lottery will be held at the L.L. Bean Hunt and Fish Store in Freeport.

The times and dates will be announced as soon as they become available.

"It is with great pleasure that I announce that this long-standing annual tradition is returning to Aroostook County," said Commissioner Martin. "I would like to thank Sen. John Martin and Rep. Troy Jackson for suggesting Fort Kent as a place to hold this popular event."

With the scheduling of L.L. Bean as the location for the 2010 Moose Lottery drawing, the popularity of this time-honored event continues.

"L.L. Bean is a valued friend of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife," Commissioner Martin said. "We're thrilled to accept the invitation to bring the 2010 Moose Lottery to Freeport."

Commissioner Martin's announcement today comes as the Department prepares for this year's moose permit drawing. The 2008 Moose Lottery will begin at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, at the Kittery Trading Post on Route 1 in Kittery, the southernmost location in the state.

And next year it's Fort Kent, the northernmost location.

"Fort Kent is the perfect location because we have so many more moose in the County than anywhere else and we have a high percentage of people from Aroostook County who hunt moose," said Sen. John Martin. "We are looking forward to hosting people from southern Maine and the region at next year's Annual Moose Lottery. It also will be an economic boon for the area."

Rep. Jackson agrees.

"We are really excited about hosting the 2009 Moose Lottery in Fort Kent," Rep. Jackson said. "The last time it was up in the County was four or five years ago in Presque Isle. We are looking forward to it coming back because it was so popular and well attended."

Commissioner Martin said that staff from IF&W including local biologists and game wardens will be on hand at the event.

"This is an opportunity for sports enthusiasts and the general public to interact with IF&W personnel", said Martin

Admission to the event is free. In the past, the event has lasted approximately three hours.

Since 1999, the Department has rotated the lottery throughout the state. Prior to 1999, it was always in Augusta. Over the past nine years, lotteries were held in Millinocket, Boothbay Harbor, Old Town, Bucksport, Scarborough (twice), Presque Isle, Rumford, and Phippsburg.