Whether you’re a pro hunter or a newbie, knowing Maine’s game rules is key. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) direct when and what animals you can hunt. Such rules help keep the animals healthy. They also promote good hunting habits and keep people safe.
For a smooth drive during Maine’s outdoor season, it’s crucial to know the MDIFW’s hunting laws. This article will simplify key rules for you. But, don’t forget to check the official MDIFW website. That place has the latest data and specific instructions for different species.
ME Hunting Calendar
Big Games
Deer
- Expanded Archery (Designated areas only):
- Starts: September 7, 2024
- Ends: December 14, 2024
- Limit: 1 antlered deer per year*
- Regular Archery (All areas):
- Begins: October 5, 2024
- Closes: November 1, 2024
- Youth Deer Hunt (All areas):
- Opens: October 25, 2024
- Concludes: October 26, 2024
- Maine Resident Only Day (All areas):
- Single day: November 2, 2024
- Firearms Season (All areas):
- Runs from November 4, 2024
- Until November 30, 2024
- Muzzleloader Statewide:
- Active: December 2–7, 2024
- Muzzleloader (WMDs 12, 13, 15-18, 20-26, 29):
- Begins: December 9, 2024
- Ends: December 14, 2024
Bear
◈ Youth Bear Hunt (Statewide)
• Single day: August 24
• Annual allowance: 2 bears (max 1 taken by firearm/bow, 1 by trap)
◈ General Season
• Active: August 26 – November 30
• Valid in all permitted zones
◈ Bait-Assisted Takes
• Bait placement begins: July 27
• Legal pursuit: August 26 – September 21
◈ Trapping Period
• Runs: September 1 – October 31
◈ Canine-Assisted Pursuit
• Permitted: September 9 – November 1
Key Notes:
- Annual bag limit: 2 bears (max 1 by hunting, 1 by trapping).
- Baiting has specific start dates before hunting begins.
Moose
◈ Antlerless-Only (WMD 4A)
- Oct 21-26
- Oct 28-Nov 2
- Nov 4-9
- Limit: 1 animal per permit group
◈ Bull-Only (WMDs 1-6,10,11,18,19,27,28)
- Sept 23-28
◈ Bull-Only (WMDs 1-15,17-19,27,28)
- Oct 14-19
◈ Antlerless-Only (WMDs 1-6,8)
- Oct 28-Nov 2
Important Notes:
• Strictly permit-only
• Annual limit: 1 moose per hunter
• Applications accepted April-May
• Sub-permittees count toward limit
Wild Turkey
◈ SPRING SEASON
- *General Season (WMDs 7,9-29):*
• Apr 28 – May 31
• Limit: 2 bearded birds - *Restricted Zones (WMDs 1-6,8):*
• Apr 28 – May 31
• Limit: 1 bearded bird - Youth Day:
• Apr 26
• Follows zone limits
◈ FALL SEASON
- *High-Count Zones (WMDs 15-17,20-25):*
• Sep 16 – Nov 7
• 5 birds total (max 2/day) - Moderate Zones (WMD 26):
• Sep 16 – Nov 7
• 3 birds total - Limited Zones (WMD 28):
• Sep 16 – Nov 7
• 2 birds total - *Restrictive Zones (WMDs 6-8,10-14,18,19,27,29):*
• Sep 16 – Nov 7
• 1 bird only - Closed Areas: WMDs 1-5,9
- Youth Day: Sep 14
Key Notes:
• Spring limits: 2 birds max (zone restrictions apply)
• Fall limits: 5 birds max (daily/zone rules enforced)
• All dates inclusive
• Youth days have special allowances
Small Games
- Gray Squirrel
- Standard: Sep 28 – Dec 31 (4 daily / 8 possession)
- Falconry: Sep 28 – Feb 28, 2025 (same limits)
- Snowshoe Hare
- Mainland: Sep 28 – Mar 31, 2025
- Vinalhaven Island: Sep 28 – Feb 28, 2025
- Woodchuck / Porcupine / Red Squirrel
- Open year-round (no limits)
Migratory Birds
◈ Ruffed Grouse & Bobwhite Quail
• Sep 28 – Dec 31
• Daily: 4 | Possession: 8
◈ Pheasant
• Sep 28 – Dec 31
• Daily: 2 | Possession: 4
◈ Crows
• WMDs 1-6:
– Aug 1 – Feb 6, 2025
– Sep 21 – Apr 15, 2025
• WMDs 7-29:
– Aug 1 – Jan 22, 2025
– Sep 21 – Mar 31, 2025
• No bag limits
Waterfowls
◈ Woodcock
• Sep 28 – Nov 19
• Daily: 3 | Possession: 9
◈ Snipe
• Sep 2 – Jan 3, 2025
• Daily: 8 | Possession: 24
◈ Rails/Gallinules
• Sep 2 – Nov 21
• Daily/Possession: 25
◈ Early Canada Goose
- North Zone: Sep 2-25 (8 daily / 24 possession)
- South/Coastal Zones: Sep 2-25 (10 daily / 30 possession)
◈ Regular Canada & White-Fronted Geese
- North Zone: Oct 1 – Dec 9 (2 daily / 6 possession)
- South Zone:
- Oct 1-12
- Oct 30 – Dec 25
- Coastal Zone:
- Oct 5-12 (3 daily / 9 possession)
- Oct 26 – Jan 7, 2025
◈ Snow Geese
- Statewide: Oct 1 – Jan 31, 2025 (25 daily, no possession limit)
◈ Ducks
- North Zone: Sep 23 – Nov 30 (6 daily / 18 possession)
- South Zone:
- Oct 1-12
- Oct 30 – Dec 25
- Coastal Zone:
- Oct 5-12
- Nov 7 – Jan 7, 2025
◈ Brant
- North Zone: Sep 23 – Oct 26 (1 daily / 3 possession)
- South Zone:
- Oct 1-12
- Oct 30 – Nov 20
- Coastal Zone:
- Oct 5-12
- Dec 12 – Jan 7, 2025
Furbearers
- Bobcat: Dec 2 – Feb 21
- Fox: Oct 21 – Feb 28
- Raccoon: Oct 1 – Dec 31
- Skunk & Opossum: Oct 21 – Dec 31
- Coyote:
- Daylight: No closed season
- Night: Dec 16 – Aug 30, 2025
Closed Species
- No hunting allowed for:
- Spruce grouse
- Lynx
- Cottontail rabbit
Hunting License
| Residency | Age | License Type | Fee |
| Resident | 16+ | Big Game | $26 |
| 16+ | Small Game | $15 | |
| 16+ | Archery | $26 | |
| 65+ | All Hunting & Fishing | $8 | |
| Non-Resident | 16+ | Big Game | $115 |
| 16+ | Archery | $75 | |
| 16+ | Small Game | $75 | |
| 15-Jun | Junior | $35 | |
| All | 16+ | Apprentice | $26 – $75 |
For complete list of licenses visit eregulations
Maine Wild Game Regulations
Maine offers different rules for various game like deer, turkey, and migratory birds.
Deer:
- Permits: Permits are necessary for antlerless deer during firearms or muzzleloader season, with requirement handled by a lottery system.
- Seasons: Archery (regular & expanded), firearms, muzzleloader, and youth deer hunt.
- Bag Limits: Varies by season and permit; generally one deer per season, except for expanded archery or antlerless permits.
- Prohibitions: Baiting (except for specific conditions), artificial lights, snares, .17 or .22 caliber rimfire cartridges (except .22 magnum), driving deer, hunting after registering a deer (except with permits).
Turkey:
- Licenses/Permits: Big game firearm/archery license plus spring/fall turkey certificates ($20, waivers available for some). Landowners (under specific criteria) do not require a permit.
- Restrictions: Canines (only for spring), bait, devices set to catch animals, shooting turkeys while perched, group hunting events, trading/selling turkeys.
Migratory Game Birds:
- Species: Ducks, geese, swans, cranes, rails, snipe, and woodcock.
- Licenses/Permits: Required state permit (for adults), plus federal stamp (16+).
- Seasons: Hunting is allowed only in open seasons, and under certain limits.
- Methods: Using shotguns, bow & arrow, crossbows (only in fall for elderly/disabled), falconry.
- Prohibitions: Several gametechniques, baiting, vehicles/planes (with exceptions)
- Reporting: Report ring recovery or accidental capture of Barrow’s Goldeneye.
Top Maine Hunting Locations by Species
If you love being outdoor, Maine is a treasure, hosting a bunch of different animals. Yet, finding the best spots to hunt specific game might seem tough. This guide shines a light on some famous hunting areas in Maine, grouped by the target species:
Big Game (Deer, Moose, Bear)
- Aroostook County: Up north in Maine, you’ll find Aroostook County. It’s known for its big game hunting—a must-see for hunters. Think about it: untouched forests spreading for miles, hills that roll like waves. Ideal for moose, deer, and bear to live. Now, two places stand out: Aroostook State Park and North Maine Woods. Both are ripe with chances to see these awe-inspiring creatures.
- Western Maine Mountains: The mountainous areas in western Maine, including Franklin, Somerset, and Piscataquis counties, are a top choice for big games. The mountain zones around Baxter State Park and the Bigelow Range offer tricky landscapes loaded with ample big game.
Upland Birds (Grouse, Woodcock)
- Eastern and Central Maine: In Maine’s east and center, you’ll find a variety of landscapes perfect for bird hunting. From forests to fields, wetlands to valleys, you’ve got plenty of top-notch spots. Washington County and Kennebec Valley are star locations. There, hunters can find ruffed grouse, woodcock, and wild turkeys aplenty.
- Southern Maine: Though the north reigns supreme in area, southern Maine still nurtures birds that prefer higher grounds. Concentrate on regions blending forests with farmlands, typical in York County and Cumberland County.
Waterfowl (Ducks, Geese)
- Coastal Maine: Maine’s large shoreline is a safe place for travelling birds. Locations near saltwater areas like Casco Bay and Machias Bay, are excellent places for duck and goose hunting during their travel seasons.
- Inland Rivers and Lakes: There are lots and lots of places in Maine where you can find ducks, geese, and other water birds! Rivers and lakes are everywhere. Three great spots? Kennebec River, Penobscot River, and Grand Lake.
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