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

Archery:
- Early Season: September 7 – December 14 (1 antlered deer)
- Regular Season: October 5 – November 1
Youth Hunt: October 25-26
Resident Only Day: November 2
Firearms: November 4-30
Muzzleloader:
- December 2-7 (statewide)
- December 9-14 (specific WMDs 12, 13, 15-18, 20-26, 29)

Bear

Youth Bear Hunt: August 24
General Season: August 26 – November 30
Baiting:
- Placement allowed: July 27 – August 25
- With bait allowed: August 26 – September 21
Trapping: September 1 – October 31
With Dogs: September 9 – November 1pen_spark

Bag:

2 bears per year: 1 by hunting, 1 by trapping

Moose

First season: September 23-28
Second season: October 14-19

Bull Moose:

September 23-28 (WMDs 1-6, 10, 11, 18, 19, 27, 28)
October 14-19 (WMDs 1-15, 17-19, 27, 28)

Antlerless Moose:

October 28-November 2 (WMDs 1-6, 8)

Wild Turkey

Plan your Maine turkey hunt with these key dates for spring and fall seasons:

Spring:

All Hunters:
- WMDs 7 & 9-29: April 29 – June 1 (2 bearded turkeys)
- WMDs 1-6 & 8: April 29 – June 1 (1 bearded turkey)
Youth Day: April 27 (variable bag limit based on WMD)

Fall:

General Season:
- September 16 – November 7 (closed in WMDs 1-5 & 9)
- Bag limit varies by WMD:
  - 5 turkeys (max 2 per day) in WMDs 15-17, 20-25
  - 3 turkeys in WMD 26
  - 2 turkeys in WMD 28
  - 1 turkey in WMDs 6-8, 10-14, 18, 19, 27 & 29
Youth Day: September 14

Small Games

Migratory Birds

Ruffed Grouse & Bobwhite Quail

September 28 – December 31
Daily: 4 birds
Possession: 8 birds

Pheasant

September 28 – December 31
Daily: 2 birds
Possession: 4 birds

Waterfowls

Ducks

North Zone: Sept 23 – Nov 30
South Zone: Oct 1-12 & Oct 30-Dec 25
Coastal Zone: Oct 5-12 & Nov 7-Jan 7

American Coots, Mergansers

Same dates as ducks, with special bag/possession limits.

Brants

North Zone: Sept 23 – Oct 26
South Zone: Oct 1-12 & Oct 30-Nov 20
Coastal Zone: Oct 5-12 & Dec 12-Jan 7

Canada Geese

Early Season: Sept 2-25
North Zone: Oct 1-Dec 9
South Zone: Oct 1-12 & Oct 30-Dec 25
Coastal Zone: Oct 5-12 & Oct 26-Jan 7

Snow Geese

Oct 1 – Jan 31 (all zones)

Woodcock

Sept 28 – Nov 19

Wilson’s Snipe

Sept 2 – Jan 3 (all zones)

Rails

Sept 2 – Nov 21 (all zones)

Gallinules

Closed

Special Falconry

North Zone: Dec 16 – Feb 5
South & Coastal Zones: Jan 8-Feb 28

Youth Waterfowl Hunt Days

Varied dates by zone (check for specific dates)

Crows

WMDs 1-29: Aug 1 – Sept 21 & Feb 6-April 15
WMDs 1-6: Aug 1-Sept 20
WMDs 7-29: Jan 22-Mar 31 & Aug 1-Sept 20

Furbearers

Gray Squirrel

Sept 30, 2023 – Dec 30, 2023 (firearms)
Sept 30, 2023 – Feb 28, 2024 (falconry)

Snowshoe Hare

Sept 30, 2023 – Mar 30, 2024 (with variations on Vinalhaven Island)

Bobcat

Dec 1, 2023 – Feb 21, 2024

Fox

Oct 16, 2023 – Feb 28, 2024

Raccoon

Oct 1, 2024 – Dec 31, 2024

Skunk & Opossum

Oct 21, 2024 – Dec 31, 2024

Coyote

Allowed during daylight hours year-round (no closed season)
Night pursuit allowed from Dec 16, 2023 – Aug 31, 2024

Woodchuck, Porcupine, Red Squirrel

Jan 1 – Dec 31

Spruce Grouse, Lynx, Cottontail Rabbit:

Closed

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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Eric Hale

Author & Chief Editor at AskHunting.com

Eric Hale, a veteran hunter with more than a decade of experience, imparts his knowledge via AskHunting.com. He offers guidance for hunting, adding strategies, and delivers in-depth guides for the novice and the old hand. He loves family camping sessions, watching Marvel films with his spouse, and going on thrilling road journeys.

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