AUGUSTA (AP) – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has cleared Maine Conservation Commissioner Patrick McGowan of an accusation that he used a plane to spot prey.

Special Agent in Charge Thomas Healy says there was “no credible evidence of wrongdoing.”

McGowan says a disgruntled former state worker was the source of an allegation that he broke the law by using his personal float plane to help moose hunters last fall. The Airborne Hunting Act prohibits using aircraft to hunt or harass wildlife.

McGowan says the Sept. 23 flight in his Cessna 180 was made on a Sunday when hunting is prohibited in Maine. He says he was checking out the fall foliage.

AP-ES-06-20-08 1633EDT