AUGUSTA (AP) – It could be a frustrating fall for Maine deer hunters.

The state game department’s deer biologist, Lee Kantar, says last year’s harsh winter and heavy snowfall took a heavy toll on fawns.

As a result, he says this fall’s deer harvest is expected to decline by about 6,000 – or about 18 percent – from last season.

The deer population outlook is reflected in the number of any-deer permits being issued for this season: a little over 50,000, compared to more than 66,000 issued last fall.

Kantar said he expects about 24,000 deer to be taken this year, compared to just under 30,000 last season.