The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has announced the winners of this year’s moose lottery, a coveted draw that grants a limited number of antlered moose hunting permits each October. Among the 3,700 permits available, the name of the late NASCAR driver Kyle Busch appeared on the list, a surprising outcome that has drawn attention from both racing fans and wildlife officials.
Busch, who passed away in May at the age of 41 after complications from severe pneumonia and sepsis, maintained a connection to Maine through his racing history. He competed in Oxford, Maine, during the 2011 and 2024 seasons, forging a relationship with the state’s motorsport community that appears to have extended to its outdoor traditions.
A posthumous permit
Under Maine law, a permit awarded through the lottery may be transferred to a family member, giving the Busch family the option to pursue the hunt in the coming season. The transfer provision is designed to honor the original winner’s intent while allowing continued participation by those closely associated with the permit holder.
The announcement underscores the unique ways in which public lotteries can intersect with personal legacies. While the moose population management program remains focused on sustainable hunting practices, the inclusion of a high‑profile figure like Busch highlights the broader cultural imprint of motorsport in New England.
State officials have reminded participants that the lottery is conducted randomly, and the selection of any individual does not imply special treatment. Instead, it reflects the random nature of the draw that aims to distribute hunting opportunities fairly across the state’s resident and non‑resident applicants.