Gov. Paul LePage's nominee won an 11-0 vote of support from the Legislature's fisheries and wildlife committee following a series of questions covering a wide range questions ranging from department finances to Sunday hunting. The committee's strong recommendation puts a virtual lock on his Senate confirmation.

Woodcock said his priorities include restoring the thinning deer herd in northern, western and eastern Maine, where businesses related to the hunt represent significant economic activity in those regions. He also listed preservation and replenishment of the brook trout fishery, and attracting young people to hunting and fishing, which "should be a central focus for all of us," he said.

Read the complete story by the AP at The Boston Globe.