AUGUSTA – The annual Moose Lottery will be held today at the Scarborough Downs Club House in Scarborough.

“At 5:30 p.m., we will commence the drawing and announce the name of the first hunter fortunate enough to be selected,” said Roland “Dan” Martin, Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner.

Since 1999, the Department has rotated the lottery throughout the state. Previously, it was held only in Augusta. This is the second time it is being held in southern Maine. Previous lotteries were held in Millinocket, Wiscasset, Old Town, Bucksport, Scarborough, Presque Isle and Rumford.

“We’ve moved the drawing to all parts of the state so that people can have the opportunity to be a part of it first hand,” said Martin. “Nothing pleases us more than to have members in the audience react to being selected.”

This year, 2,895 names will be drawn in the random chance lottery. Last year, over 70,000 people applied to hunt moose in Maine. Martin said that staff from Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, including local biologists and game wardens, will be on hand.

“This is an opportunity for sports enthusiasts and the general public to interact with IF&W personnel,” Martin added.

Admission to the event is free. In the past, the event has lasted approximately 3-4 hours.