Maine Hunting Seasons 2023 New Dates & Limits

During the Maine hunting season 2023-2024, resident and non-resident hunters may take multiple game species. Some of the types of wildlife that are legal to pursue in this state are deer, moose, bear, and even small game. Bagging a Game in the Pine Tree State is a fun and convenient way to discover the state’s natural environment thanks to the state’s several open seasons, bag restrictions, and online license and permit purchasing options. Outdoor Partners and Hunters for the Hungry encourage sportsmen to give their game to state-wide needy families, allowing access to privately owned regions.

We’ll go through the game laws, bag restrictions, and this page will cover all the details you need to know about different game species under MDIFW hunting seasons.

Maine Hunting Seasons 2023-2024

The state has both open and closed hunting seasons. Game animals have open seasons when they are legal to pursue, and closed seasons when they are off-limits.

Deer hunting in Maine 2023 is allowed from October 29th to December 3rd and December 15th to December 24th. Sportsman may bag one deer every day, but no more than two per season. One bear per year is allowed for the August 29–November 24, 2023 bear season.

Maine deer season 2023

Maine Deer Season	Hunting Start Date	Hunting End Date	Note
Deer (Expanded Archery)	9-Sep-23	9-Dec-23	Only Designated areas. 1 Antlered Deer Per Year*
Deer (Archery & Crossbow)	30-Sep-23	27-Oct-23	All WMDs. 1 Antlered Deer Per Year*
Deer (Maine Resident only Day)	28-Oct-23		All WMDs. 1 Antlered Deer Per Year*
Deer (Firearms)	30-Oct-23	25-Nov-23	All WMDs. 1 Antlered Deer Per Year*
Deer (Muzzleloader Statewide)	27-Nov-23	2-Dec-23	All WMDs. 1 Antlered Deer Per Year*
Deer (Late Muzzleloader)	4-Dec-23	9-Dec-23	District 12, 13, 15-18, 20-26, 29 1 Antlered Deer Per Year*
Youth Deer Hunting Day	21-Oct-23		1 Antlered Deer Per Year*

ME Moose season 2023 (By Permit only).

Maine Moose Season	Hunting Start Date	Hunting End Date	Note
Moose (4A - Adaptive Unit Hunt)	16-Oct-23	21-Oct-23	Antlerless only. (1 Moose Per Year by either permittee or sub-permittee)
	23-Oct-23	28-Oct-23	Antlerless only (1 Moose Per Year by either permittee or sub-permittee)
	30-Oct-23	4-Nov-23	Antlerless only (1 Moose Per Year by either permittee or sub-permittee)
Moose (Bull-Only)	25-Sep-23	30-Sep-23	District 1-6, 10, 11, 18, 19, 27, 28. (1 Moose Per Year by either permittee or sub-permittee)
Moose (Bull-Only)	9-Oct-23	14-Oct-23	District 1-14, 17-19, 27, 28. (1 Moose Per Year by either permittee or sub-permittee)
Moose (Antlerless-Only)	23-Oct-23	28-Oct-23	District 1-6, 8. By permit only. (1 Moose Per Year by either permittee or sub-permittee)
Moose (Maine Resident Only Day**)	28-Oct-23		District 15, 16. (1 Moose Per Year by either permittee or sub-permittee)
Moose (Any Moose)	30-Oct-23	25-Nov-23	Districts 15 and 16. (1 Moose Per Year by either permittee or sub-permittee)

• The application period for permits is from February through May each year.
• Note:
• From October 29, through December 10, hunters with antlerless deer permits may only take deer with antlers that are at least 3 inches long in designated WMDs/subunits. For more details, please read Antlerless Deer Permits.
• **A non-resident may shoot deer on the resident-only day anywhere in the state if they own 25 or more acres of land that they leave open to hunting, have a valid license, and are not otherwise forbidden by the law. You can fill out a verification form on the page with information about different licenses.

Maine Bear Season

Maine Bear Season	Hunting Start Date	Hunting End Date	Note
Bear (Youth Day)	26-Aug-23		2 Bear annually 1 by hunting, 1 by trapping
Bear (General)	28-Aug-23	25-Nov-23	All WMDs. 2 Bear annually 1 by hunting, 1 by trapping
Bear (Hunting with Bait)	28-Aug-23	23-Sep-23	Bait can be placed July 29, 2023. 2 Bear annually 1 by hunting, 1 by trapping
Bear (Hunting with Dogs)	11-Sep-23	27-Oct-23	2 Bear annually 1 by hunting, 1 by trapping
Bear (Trapping)	1-Sep-23	31-Oct-23	2 Bear annually 1 by hunting, 1 by trapping

Turkey

Maine Turkey Season	Hunting Start Date	Hunting End Date	Note
Spring Turkey Season
Turkey (All Hunters)	29-Apr-24	1-Jun-24	Districts 7 and 9-29. 2 bearded Wild Turkeys*
Turkey (Fall General)	29-Apr-24	1-Jun-24	Districts 1-6 and 8. 1 bearded Wild Turkey*
Turkey (Spring Youth Day)	29-Apr-23	29-Apr-23	Statewide.
Youth Spring Wild Turkey Day	27-Apr-24		May take up to 2 bearded Wild Turkeys from WMDs that have a 2 bird limit.
Fall Turkey Season
Fall General	18-Sep-23	7-Nov-23	District: 15-17, 20-25 Permit holders are limited to taking two wild turkeys per day, (eithersex, any age) . This number cannot exceed the WMD bag limit. 5 Wild Turkeys for the fall season,
	18-Sep-23	7-Nov-23	District: 26. 3 Wild Turkeys for the fall season,
	18-Sep-23	7-Nov-23	District: 28. 2 Wild Turkeys for the fall season,
	18-Sep-23	7-Nov-23	District: 6-8, 10-14, 18, 19, 27 & 29. One Wild Turkeys for the fall season,
	Closed to taking of Wild Turkeys	Closed to taking of Wild Turkeys	District: 1-5, 9
Youth Fall Wild turkey Day	16-Sep-23

Maine small game and Furbearer Season

Bobcat

Season	Dates	Daily Bag Limit	Possession Limit
Bobcat	December 1, 2023 - February 21, 2024	No Limit	No Limit

Coyote

Coyote Season	Dates	Daily Bag Limit	Possession Limit
During daylight hunting hours	No Closed Season for Hunting	No Limit	No Limit
Night hunting	December 16, 2023 - August 31, 2024	No Limit	No Limit

Fox

Season	Dates	Daily Bag Limit	Possession Limit
Fox	October 16, 2023 - February 28, 2024	No Limit	No Limit

Racoon

Season	Dates	Daily Bag Limit	Possession Limit
Raccoon	October 2, 2023 - December 30, 2023	No Limit	No Limit

Skunk

Season	Dates	Daily Bag Limit	Possession Limit
Skunk	October 16, 2023 - December 30, 2023	No Limit	No Limit

Opossum

Season	Dates	Daily Bag Limit	Possession Limit
Opossum Season	October 16, 2023 - December 30, 2023	No Limit	No Limit

Woodchuck

Species	Dates	Daily Bag Limit	Possession Limit
Woodchuck	No Closed Season	No Limit	No Limit

Porcupine

Species	Dates	Daily Bag Limit	Possession Limit
Porcupine Season	No Closed Season	No Limit	No Limit

Squirrel

Season	Dates	Daily Bag Limit	Possession Limit
Gray Squirrel	September 30, 2023 - December 30, 2023	4	8
Gray Squirrel (Falconry)	September 30, 2023 - February 28, 2024	4	8
Red Squirrel	No Closed Season	No Limit	No Limit

Rabbit

Maine Rabbit Season	Hunting Start Date	Hunting End Date	Note
Snowshoe Hare (All)	September 30, 2023 - March 30, 2024	4	8
Snowshoe Hare (Season on Island of Vinalhaven)	September 30, 2023 - February 28, 2024	4	8
Cottontail Rabbit	No Open Season for Hunting	No Open Season for Hunting

Lynx

Season	Dates	Daily Bag Limit	Possession Limit
Lynx	No Open Season for Hunting	No Open Season for Hunting	N/A

Upland and Migratory Bird hunting season Maine 2023

Quail

Maine Quail Season	Hunting Start Date	Hunting End Date	Note
Bobwhite Quail	30-Sep-23	30-Dec-23	Statewide. A bag limit of 4 per day

Grouse

Maine Grouse Season	Hunting Start Date	Hunting End Date	Note
Ruffed Grouse	30-Sep-23	30-Dec-23	Statewide. A bag limit of 4 per day
Spruce Grouse	No Open Season for Hunting	No Open Season for Hunting

Pheasant

Maine Pheasant Season	Hunting Start Date	Hunting End Date	Note
Pheasant	30-Sep-23	30-Dec-23	Statewide. A bag limit of 2 per day

Woodcock

Season	Hunting Start Dates	Hunting End Dates	Daily Bag Limit	Possession Limit
Woodcock Season	1-Sep-23	3-Jan-24	8	24

Snipe

Snipe Season	Season Start Dates	Season End Dates	Daily Bag Limit	Possession Limit
Common Snipe	1-Sep-23	3-Jan-24	8	24

Rail

Rail Season	Hunting Start Dates	Hunting End Dates	Daily Bag Limit	Possession Limit
Sora Rails	1-Sep-23	21-Nov-23	25 Single or combined	25 Single or combined
Virginia Rails	1-Sep-23	21-Nov-23	25 Single or combined	25 Single or combined

Crow

Crow Season	Hunting Start Dates	Hunting End Dates	Daily Bag Limit	Possession Limit
Wildlife Management Districts 7-29	1-Aug-23	23-Sep-23	No Limit	No Limit
	5-Feb-24	15-Apr-24	No Limit	No Limit
	1-Aug-24	21-Sep-24	No Limit	No Limit

Waterfowl Season

Special Youth Waterfowl Hunts

Special Youth Waterfowl Hunts	Hunting Dates
North Zone	16-Sep-23
North Zone	9-Dec-23
South Zone	23-Sep-23
South Zone	21-Oct-23
Coastal Zone	23-Sep-23
Coastal Zone	28-Oct-23

Special Falconry

Special Falconry Season	Season Start	Season End	Daily Bag Limit	Possession Limit
North Zone	18-Dec-23	7-Feb-24	3	9
South Zone	10-Jan-24	1-Mar-24	3	9
Coastal Zone	10-Jan-24	1-Mar-24	3	9

Goose

Maine Goose Season	Zone	Hunting Start Date	Hunting End Date	Daily Bag Limit	Possession Limit
Early Canada Goose	North Zone	1-Sep-23	25-Sep-23	8	24
Early Canada Goose	South Zone	1-Sep-23	25-Sep-23	10	30
Early Canada Goose	Coastal Zone	1-Sep-23	25-Sep-23	10	30
Canada Goose (Regular, White-Fronted Geese)	North Zone	2-Oct-23	9-Dec-23	2	6
Canada Goose (Regular, White-Fronted Geese)	South Zone	2-Oct-23	14-Oct-23	10	30
Canada Goose (Regular, White-Fronted Geese)	South Zone	1-Nov-23	25-Dec-23	10	30
Canada Goose (Regular, White-Fronted Geese)	Coastal Zone	2-Oct-23	7-Oct-23	3	9
Canada Goose (Regular, White-Fronted Geese)	Coastal Zone	27-Oct-23	9-Jan-24	3	9
Snow Geese (Including Blue Geese)		2-Oct-23	31-Jan-24	25

Scaup

Scaup Season	Hunting Start Date	Hunting End Date
North Zone	25-Sep-23	2-Dec-23
South Zone	30-Sep-23	14-Oct-23
South Zone	1-Nov-23	25-Dec-23
Coastal Zone	30-Sep-23	7-Oct-23
Coastal Zone	9-Nov-23	9-Jan-24

Teal

Teal Season	Hunting Start Date	Hunting End Date
North Zone	25-Sep-23	2-Dec-23
South Zone	30-Sep-23	14-Oct-23
South Zone	1-Nov-23	25-Dec-23
Coastal Zone	30-Sep-23	7-Oct-23
Coastal Zone	9-Nov-23	9-Jan-24

Mergansers

Mergansers Season	Hunting Start Date	Hunting End Date
North Zone	25-Sep-23	2-Dec-23
South Zone	30-Sep-23	14-Oct-23
South Zone	1-Nov-23	25-Dec-23
Coastal Zone	30-Sep-23	7-Oct-23
Coastal Zone	9-Nov-23	9-Jan-24

Brant

Brant Season	Hunting Start Date	Hunting End Dates	Daily Bag	Possession
North Zone	Monday, September 25, 2023	Saturday, October 28, 2023	1	3
South Zone	Monday, October 02, 2023	Saturday, October 14, 2023	1	3
	Tuesday, October 31, 2023	Monday, November 20, 2023	1	3
Coastal Zone	Monday, October 02, 2023	Saturday, October 07, 2023	1	3
	Wednesday, December 13, 2023	Tuesday, January 09, 2024	1	3

Duck

Maine Duck Season	Zones	Hunting Start Date	Hunting End Date
Black Ducks	North Zone	25-Sep-23	2-Dec-23
	South Zone	30-Sep-23	14-Oct-23
	South Zone	1-Nov-23	25-Dec-23
	Coastal Zone	30-Sep-23	7-Oct-23
	Coastal Zone	9-Nov-23	9-Jan-24
American Coot	North Zone	25-Sep-23	2-Dec-23
	South Zone	30-Sep-23	14-Oct-23
	South Zone	1-Nov-23	25-Dec-23
	Coastal Zone	30-Sep-23	7-Oct-23
	Coastal Zone	9-Nov-23	9-Jan-24
American Wigeon	North Zone	25-Sep-23	2-Dec-23
	South Zone	30-Sep-23	14-Oct-23
	South Zone	1-Nov-23	25-Dec-23
	Coastal Zone	30-Sep-23	7-Oct-23
	Coastal Zone	9-Nov-23	9-Jan-24
Common Goldeneye	North Zone	25-Sep-23	2-Dec-23
	South Zone	30-Sep-23	14-Oct-23
	South Zone	1-Nov-23	25-Dec-23
	Coastal Zone	30-Sep-23	7-Oct-23
	Coastal Zone	9-Nov-23	9-Jan-24
Pintails	North Zone	25-Sep-23	2-Dec-23
	South Zone	30-Sep-23	14-Oct-23
	South Zone	1-Nov-23	25-Dec-23
	Coastal Zone	30-Sep-23	7-Oct-23
	Coastal Zone	9-Nov-23	9-Jan-24
Ring-Necked Duck	North Zone	25-Sep-23	2-Dec-23
	South Zone	30-Sep-23	14-Oct-23
	South Zone	1-Nov-23	25-Dec-23
	Coastal Zone	30-Sep-23	7-Oct-23
	Coastal Zone	9-Nov-23	9-Jan-24
Sea Ducks	North Zone	25-Sep-23	2-Dec-23
	South Zone	30-Sep-23	14-Oct-23
	South Zone	1-Nov-23	25-Dec-23
	Coastal Zone	30-Sep-23	7-Oct-23
	Coastal Zone	9-Nov-23	9-Jan-24

Duck Bag Limits

Species	Daily Bag Limit	Possession Limit
All duck species	6	18
American Coots	5 (within 6)	15 (within 18)
Northern Pintails, Mottled Ducks, Fulvous Whistling Ducks, and Scaup	1	3
Black Duck, Redhead, Hen Mallards, and Canvasback	2	6
Mallards (including 2 hen mallards)	4	12
Mergansers (Common, Red-breasted, and Hooded)	5 (within 6)	15 (within 18)
Sea Ducks (Scoter, Eider, and Long-Tailed Duck)	3 (per species, not exceeding 1 hen eider)	9 (per species, not exceeding 3 hen eiders)
Wood Ducks	3	9

Note: During the Special Falconry Season, hunters may bag three birds each day, individually or collectively. With the same restrictions, you may only possess nine birds this season. The Special Youth Waterfowl dates are on Sept. 23, Oct. 21, Oct. 28, and Dec. 9 allow all duck species, including geese, except Harlequins, Barrow’s Goldeneye, Moorhens, and Gallinules. These youth hunting days have the same goose quota. Hunters may also catch two black ducks in addition to six regular ducks, scoters, eiders, and long-tailed ducks.

ME trapping season 2023

Game Animal	Trapping Season Dates	Trapping Areas
Beaver	• WMDs 5, 6 & 8-11: Oct 22, 2023 - Apr 30, 2024 • WMDs 7 & 12-29: Oct 22, 2023 - Apr 15, 2024	Varies by Wildlife Management Districts
Bear	• Sep 1, 2023 - Oct 31, 2023	Statewide
General Trapping	• Oct 16, 2023 - Feb 28, 2024	Statewide

ME cast and blast 2023

Event	Details
Cast and Blast Youth Day	Saturday, September 23, 9 am - 2:30 pm EDT
Cast and Adult Day	Sunday, September 24 · 9am - 3pm EDT
Location	744 Buckfield Road, Paris, ME, USA
Age Requirement	For Cast and Blast Youth Day, Participants must be between 10 and 17 years old and accompanied by an adult.
Participation Fee	$10.00 (cash or check only; covers participation and lunch)
Provided Gear	All necessary equipment will be given, but you are welcome to bring your own gear as long as a range safety officer (RSO) inspects it for safety.
Restrooms	Accessible on-site
Bottled water	$1
Indoor/Outdoor Event	The event will take place both indoors and outside, so dress appropriately.
Recommended Items	Snacks, a camp chair or picnic blanket, sunscreen, insect repellent, a water bottle, a hat, sunglasses, and personal safety gear (such as shooting muffs, safety glasses, arm guards, etc.).
Contact Information	Chelsea Lathrop at chelsea.lathrop@maine.gov or 207.446.8692

Maine hunting regulations 2023

All pursuers in ME are expected to abide by the state’s regulations. The following are some of the most critical rules that every hunter in the state must observe.

General Regulations

• All sportsmen in the state of Maine are required to have a current and valid hunting license.

• Hunting large game such as deer and bear requires pursuers to wear brilliant orange clothes.

• The state of Maine does not allow the practice of baiting large game.

• Without the consent of the owner, hunting with guns is prohibited within 100 yards of a dwelling or inhabited structure.

• On the other hand, there are times when you can’t use a dog to hunt, such as when you’re trying to bag a bear.

• Some animals, including the coyote, fox, and raccoon, are legal to catch and snare hunt with restrictions.

• Hunting from or with the help of a motor vehicle is prohibited.

• Baiting or using artificial light in a hunting context is prohibited.

• Sundays are no day for hunting, unless you’re after crows.

• Hunting ducks or geese, which are considered migratory game birds, over baited regions is prohibited.

• Without the landowner’s express written permission, hunting is prohibited on all areas marked as such.

• Transporting or possessing poached wildlife is against the law.

• Any firearm or bow that does not conform to local, state, and federal law is unlawful to own or use.

• Using lead shot when shooting ducks is against the law.

• When hunting large game, it is against the law to use or even have in your possession an automatic or semiautomatic rifle.

• Any deer, bear, or moose killed in Maine must be reported promptly to the state’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

• Using a quieter or suppressor while hunting is prohibited.

• Within 500 yards of a home or camping is a no-hunting zone.

• Without the consent of the landowner or lessee, it is unlawful to hunt on their property.

ME legal hunting hours 2023

Maine 2023 hunting hours
• In Bangor, Maine (Eastern Standard Time), the legal hunting season is based on dawn and sunset.
Exceptions
·         Coyote and raccoon hunt throughout the day.
·         Coyote night hunting is permitted from half an hour after dusk to half an hour before dawn, with the season ending every Saturday at midnight and starting again at 12:01 AM on Monday.
·         Hunting hours for migratory game birds are from one-half hour before dawn till dusk.
Deer Hunting Hours in Maine
• The acceptable hunting window is from one-half hour before dawn to one-half hour after dusk.

Night regulations

• There is a 30-minute no-hunting period between sunset and daybreak in Maine, during which time it is illegal to take wild birds and other animals.

• During the open season, nighttime hunts for raccoons are allowed.

• Must use a.22 caliber or smaller hunting rifle or pistol and be accompanied by a dog.

• When using a flashlight, a hunter may load his rifle or pistol and fire at a raccoon perched in a tree or in the jaws of a dog.

Baiting Regulations

Any animal, plant, or portion thereof may be used to attract game animals and other species when hunting in Maine, and this term is known as “bait.” There are rules that must be followed in order to legally bait game animals in Maine.

• Bait placement requires authorization from the landowner or appropriate person.

• The bait must include a 2×4 inch tag clearly labeled with the name and address of the person who placed the bait.

• If the landowner asks for the bait to be removed, it must be done so promptly, or at the latest, 20 days following the last day of hunting on the property.

• It is illegal to go hunting on someone else’s baiting site without their consent.

• It is unlawful to lure game animals with poison, medicines, or other medications.

• After June 1st and before December 15th, it is illegal to feed or attract deer.

• Between December 1 and December 15, it is illegal to bait or feed moose or turkeys.

• During the spring season, it is illegal to feed or lure wild turkeys.

• No artificial lighting is allowed above baited areas for the purpose of game animals.

• Within 10 days following baiting, it is unlawful to hunt large game animals over that region.

North Maine Woods Hunting Regulations

Important Information for Hunting in North Maine Woods
• On the roadways, trucks and harvesting machinery have the right-of-way. Please slow down to 45 mph and give way to logging trucks.
• To keep an eye on activities and communicate with loggers, use MURS radios.
• ATVs are not permitted; hunters must have access to their automobiles in order to remove animals.
• Only vehicles that are under 28 feet long or under 44 feet overall (with a trailer) are allowed.
• Only permitted steel fire rings may be used to build flames; other fires need written authorization.
• The campgrounds are kept up, and camping is permitted in gravel pits and other open spaces away from the road without disturbing construction workers.
• Do not obstruct vehicles or block roadways.
• From September 13 until October 1st, the Ross Stream bridge at Mile 63 on Realty Road is closed

Access Fees for North Maine Woods

Visitor Type	Daily Use Fee	Camping Fee (Per Night)
Maine Residents	$11	$12 (Residents)
Nonresidents	$16	$15 (Nonresidents)
Children (Under 18)	Free	Free
Seniors (Age 70 and over)	Free	Free
Payment Method	Cash and Checks Only

For Complete regulations in Maine Click here.

ME Hunting Seasons PDF Guide

#PDF Guide courtesy maine.gov

Hunting License

• Those above the age of 16 in Maine need a license to go on any kind of hunting or trapping expedition.

• The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife issues licenses, which may be acquired either online via their website or in person through approved agents including sporting good shops and municipal offices.

• Annual permits, lifetime licenses, and licenses for particular hunting seasons or species are all on the table.

• Permits and stamps, such as a migratory bird stamp or a moose license, may be necessary during certain hunting seasons or for specific species.

• The cost of a hunting license in Maine is often more expensive for those who live outside the state.

• First-timers or those under the age of 18 who want to purchase a pursue license may be required to complete an approved hunter education and safety course.

Maine Hunting License Type	Age	Resident Cost	Non-Resident Cost
Infant Lifetime Fishing	<6	$150	$450
Infant Lifetime Hunting	<6	$150	$450
Infant Lifetime Archery Hunting	<6	$150	$450
Infant Lifetime Trapping	<6	$150	$450
Infant Combination of any 2 Lifetime Licenses	<6	$250	$750
Infant Combination of any 3 Lifetime Licenses	<6	$400	$1,200
Junior Lifetime Fishing	6 to 15	$300	$900
Junior Lifetime Hunting	6 to 15	$300	$900
Junior Lifetime Archery Hunting	6 to 15	$300	$900
Junior Lifetime Trapping	6 to 15	$300	$900
Junior Combination of any 2 Lifetime Licenses	6 to 15	$500	$1,500
Junior Combination of any 3 Lifetime Licenses	6 to 15	$800	$2,400
Senior Resident Lifetime Fishing	65-69	$50 (65), $40 (66), $30 (67), $20 (68), $10 (69)	N/A
Senior Resident Lifetime Hunting	65-69	$50 (65), $40 (66), $30 (67), $20 (68), $10 (69)	N/A
Senior Resident Lifetime Archery Hunting	65-69	$50 (65), $40 (66), $30 (67), $20 (68), $10 (69)	N/A
Senior Resident Lifetime Trapping	65-69	$50 (65), $40 (66), $30 (67), $20 (68), $10 (69)	N/A

For Complete license details read on eregulation website and here.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is bear season in ME?

Normal bear season runs from August 28 to November 25, 2023. Before this, on August 26, 2023, there is a Youth Bear Day with an annual bear hunting and trapping limit of two bears. Bait may be positioned beginning on July 29, 2023, and baiting is permitted between August 28 and September 23, 2023. While chasing with dog is permitted from September 11, 2023, to October 27, 2023, bear trapping lasts from September 1 to October 31, 2023.

What are the different types of hunting seasons in Maine in 2023?

In 2023, there will be many different kinds of hunting opportunities, including Muzzleloader, Firearms, and Expanded Archery for Deer, Youth Deer days, and Regular Archery and Crossbow Seasons. The four bear seasons are Youth Bear Day, General, Bait and Dog Hunting. The dates for shooting moose are location-specific and need a permit. All hunters may participate in the spring wild turkey hunt in certain Wildlife Management Districts. There are schedules for taking gray squirrels, snowshoe hares, and bobcats.

When is fall turkey season Maine?

The Maine general hunting and the youth fall wild turkey day are when the fall turkey will be open for 2023. There is a general schedule for fall wild turkeys in a number of Wildlife Management Districts (WMDs) from September 18, 2023, to November 7, 2023. This season allows for hunting with a bow and arrow, crossbow, or shotgun. Up to five wild turkeys may be taken throughout the fall period, but there are individual WMD bag limitations that cannot be surpassed. On September 16, 2023, there will also be a Youth Fall Wild Turkey Day.

What are the details for any deer permit Maine 2023?

An annual lottery is conducted in Maine called “Any Deer Permit Maine 2023,” commonly referred to as the Antlerless Deer Permit Lottery. June 27, 2023, until August 1, 2023, was the application period for 2023. Except for landowners who live in Maine and license holders who are paraplegic, large game is only eligible to hunters with a current hunting license. The $12 permit + $2 agent charge goes toward the purchase and administration of deer wintering habitats in northern zone. The deadline for claiming and purchasing permits was September 12, 2023, and lottery winners were notified on August 15, 2023. Permits that were not claimed on September 19, 2023, might be bought.

When is Maine archery season 2023?

Expanded archery and normal archery and crossbow are the two categories of the 2023 Maine archery and bow season. The extended archery, which is only permitted in certain locations, runs from September 9 to December 9 of 2023 and has a yearly deer bag restriction of one antlered animal. The normal archery and crossbow game runs from September 30, 2023, through October 27, 2023, and is open to everyone.

What are the bag limits for deer hunting in Maine in 2023?

Depending on the kind of season and area, different bag limitations apply to deer hunting in Maine in 2023. Areas have different yearly bag limitations, but deer with antlers at least three inches long are legal to take during the general guns season. One antlered deer may be taken annually in Expanded Archery zones; normal archery and crossbow have separate dates and rules. Muzzleloader period, ME Residents Only Day, and Youth Deer Hunt all have their own bag limitations and dates.

When is Maine youth day 2023?

Maine’s youth deer season for 2023 will run from October 20 to October 21, 2023. All regions where deer hunting is authorized are accessible to young hunters under the age of 16 with a valid junior license during this special two-day session. It’s crucial to remember that junior hunters under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult supervisor, and those under the age of 10 must have an adult supervisor within 20 feet of them, with the adult supervisor satisfying any applicable license or hunter education requirements.

When is Maine expanded archery season 2023?

From September 9, 2023, until December 9, 2023, the extended archery in Maine will be allowed in the authorized locations. During this longer time, hunters who take part in this season may pursue one antlered deer every year.

When is Maine deer rifle season 2023?

The deer rifle season for 2023 is part of the firearms season, taking place from October 30, 2023, to November 25, 2023. With few restrictions, hunters with Antlerless Deer licenses and extended archery hunters with the proper licenses may harvest antlerless deer in selected locations throughout this year provided they have antlers that are at least 3 inches long.

When does hunting season start in Maine?

Maine’s 2023 hunting season covers a range of game species, including deer, bear, wild turkey, partridge, and others. Regular Archery and Crossbow begins on September 30, 2023, while Expanded Archery begins on September 9, 2023. On October 20–21, 2023, the Youth Deer Hunt will take place. On October 28, 2023, the Resident Only Day will take place. The 2023 firearms season begins on October 30 and lasts until November 25. Many muzzleloader hunts occur from late November to early December.

When does the partridge season in Maine start?

The partridge season in Maine for 2023 starts on September 30 and ends on December 30. Since this is open to all of the residents, hunters are free to pursue partridges anywhere in the state. The daily bag limit during this period is four partridges.

Are there any special hunting days for Maine residents in 2023?

Yes, there will be a Resident Only Day on October 28 and a Youth Deer Hunting Day on October 21, 2023, respectively.

Can non-residents hunt in Maine in 2023, and what are the fees?

Yes, non-residents will be able to hunt in Maine in 2023. A deer license costs $140, a bear hunting license is $74, and a chance at a moose permit lottery is $55.

How long is Maine hunting season?

From September to December, deer hunting includes extended archery, regular archery and crossbow, youth deer, Maine resident only day, guns, and muzzleloader season. Bear hunting includes youth bear day, regular , baiting, and bear trapping from August to November. Permit-only moose hunting occurs in October and November throughout Pursuit zones. Duck season runs from September to December, with zone-specific dates and bag limitations. Hunters should check the ME Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife for the current calendar, licenses, bag limits, and rules.

What kind of hunting is in Maine?

Moose, black bear, and white-tailed deer are pursued in the state’s diverse geography and wooded regions. Maine’s various environments support turkey, quail, grouse, and snowshoe hare for small game hunting. Marshes, lakes, and rivers provide different duck hunting across the state. Guided outdoor tours and comfortable camps and lodging facilities provide immersive wildlife experiences.

Does Maine have a lifetime hunting license?

Yes, Maine offers a lifetime hunting licenses, which eliminate the need for yearly renewals and let people hunt for the rest of their lives. A a lifetime license’s price is determined by the buyer’s age at the time of purchase. One may get a combo license for $11 if they are over 65.

Dates & Schedule Source: maine.gov