Both resident and non-resident hunters in Maine have a wide selection of game species to choose from throughout the hunting seasons for 2023-2024. Some of the types of wildlife that are legal to hunt in this state are deer, moose, bear, and even small game. Hunting in Maine 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. Hunting access to privately maintained areas is made possible by programs like Outdoor Partners and Hunters for the Hungry, which both urge hunters to donate their game to state-wide needy families.
We’ll go through the hunting laws, bag restrictions, and seasons for the different game species in Maine. This page will cover all the details you need to know about hunting in Maine, including seasons and rules.
Maine Hunting Seasons 2023-2024
Maine has both open and closed hunting seasons. Game animals have open seasons when they are legal to hunt, and closed seasons when they are off-limits.
In the 2023-2024 hunting season, deer may be hunted from October 29th to December 3rd, then again from December 15th to December 24th. A maximum of two deer may be taken by a hunter in a season, however hunters can take one every day. The dates for the next 2023 bear hunting season are August 29th to November 24th. One bear per hunter every season is the limit. Find below complete hunting schedule in Maine.
Deer Seasons
| Maine Deer Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deer (Expanded Archery) | Saturday, September 09, 2023 | Saturday, December 09, 2023 | Only Designated areas. 1 Antlered Deer Per Year* |
| Deer (Archery & Crossbow) | Saturday, September 30, 2023 | Friday, October 27, 2023 | All WMDs. 1 Antlered Deer Per Year* |
| Deer (Maine Resident only Day) | Saturday, October 28, 2023 | All WMDs. 1 Antlered Deer Per Year* | |
| Deer (Firearms) | Monday, October 30, 2023 | Saturday, November 25, 2023 | All WMDs. 1 Antlered Deer Per Year* |
| Deer (Muzzleloader Statewide) | Monday, November 27, 2023 | Saturday, December 02, 2023 | All WMDs. 1 Antlered Deer Per Year* |
| Deer (Late Muzzleloader) | Monday, December 04, 2023 | Saturday, December 09, 2023 | District 12, 13, 15-18, 20-26, 29 1 Antlered Deer Per Year* |
| Youth Deer Hunting Day | Saturday, October 21, 2023 | 1 Antlered Deer Per Year* |
- 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 hunting license, and are not otherwise forbidden by the law. You can fill out a verification form on the page with information about hunting licenses.
Maine Seasons for Moose Hunting (By Permit only).
| Maine Moose Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moose (4A - Adaptive Unit Hunt) | Monday, October 16, 2023 | Saturday, October 21, 2023 | Antlerless only. (1 Moose Per Year by either permittee or sub-permittee) |
| Monday, October 23, 2023 | Saturday, October 28, 2023 | Antlerless only (1 Moose Per Year by either permittee or sub-permittee) |
|
| Monday, October 30, 2023 | Saturday, November 04, 2023 | Antlerless only (1 Moose Per Year by either permittee or sub-permittee) |
|
| Moose (Bull-Only) | Monday, September 25, 2023 | Saturday, September 30, 2023 | District 1-6, 10, 11, 18, 19, 27, 28. (1 Moose Per Year by either permittee or sub-permittee) |
| Moose (Bull-Only) | Monday, October 09, 2023 | Saturday, October 14, 2023 | District 1-14, 17-19, 27, 28. (1 Moose Per Year by either permittee or sub-permittee) |
| Moose (Antlerless-Only) | Monday, October 23, 2023 | Saturday, October 28, 2023 | District 1-6, 8. By permit only. (1 Moose Per Year by either permittee or sub-permittee) |
| Moose (Maine Resident Only Day**) | Saturday, October 28, 2023 | District 15, 16. (1 Moose Per Year by either permittee or sub-permittee) |
|
| Moose (Any Moose) | Monday, October 30, 2023 | Saturday, November 25, 2023 | 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.
- **A non-resident may shoot deer on the resident-only day, anywhere in the state, if they own 25 or more acres of land in Maine that they leave open to hunting, they have a valid hunting license, and they are not otherwise barred by the law. You can fill out a verification form on the page with information about hunting licenses.
Bear Season
| Maine Bear Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bear (Youth Day) | Saturday, August 26, 2023 | 2 Bear annually 1 by hunting, 1 by trapping |
|
| Bear (General) | Monday, August 28, 2023 | Saturday, November 25, 2023 | All WMDs. 2 Bear annually 1 by hunting, 1 by trapping |
| Bear (Hunting with Bait) | Monday, August 28, 2023 | Saturday, September 23, 2023 | 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) | Friday, September 01, 2023 | Tuesday, October 31, 2023 | 2 Bear annually 1 by hunting, 1 by trapping |
Bobcat Season
| Maine Bobcat Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bobcat | Friday, December 01, 2023 | Wednesday, February 21, 2024 | Statewide. There is no limit. |
Coyote Season
| Maine Coyote Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coyote (During Daylight Hours) | No Closed Season for Hunting | No Closed Season for Hunting | Statewide. There is no limit. |
| Coyote (Night Hunting) | Saturday, December 16, 2023 | Saturday, August 31, 2024 | Statewide. There is no limit. |
Fox Season
| Maine Fox Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fox | Monday, October 16, 2023 | Wednesday, February 28, 2024 | Statewide. There is no limit. |
Grouse Season
| Maine Grouse Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ruffed Grouse | Saturday, September 30, 2023 | Saturday, December 30, 2023 | Statewide. A bag limit of 4 per day |
Pheasant Season
| Maine Pheasant Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pheasant | Saturday, September 30, 2023 | Saturday, December 30, 2023 | Statewide. A bag limit of 2 per day |
Quail Season
| Maine Quail Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bobwhite Quail | Saturday, September 30, 2023 | Saturday, December 30, 2023 | Statewide. A bag limit of 4 per day |
Rabbit Season
| Maine Rabbit Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rabbit (Snowshoe Hare) | Saturday, September 30, 2023 | Saturday, March 30, 2024 | A bag limit of 4 and possession limit of 8 |
| Rabbit (Snowshoe Hare) | Saturday, September 30, 2023 | Wednesday, February 28, 2024 | A bag limit of 4 and possession limit of 8 |
Migratory & upland birds
| Upland & Migratory Birds | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ruffed Grouse & Bobwhite Quail | Saturday, September 30, 2023 | Saturday, December 30, 2023 | A bag limit of 4 and possession limit of 8. All WMDs |
| Pheasant | Saturday, September 30, 2023 | Saturday, December 30, 2023 | A bag limit of 2 and possession limit of 4. All WMDs |
| Sora & Virginia Rails | (In all WMDs) | ||
| (and Gallinules) | |||
| Crows | Monday, February 06, 2023 | Saturday, April 15, 2023 | There is no Limit. (In 1-6 WMDs) |
| Tuesday, August 01, 2023 | Saturday, September 23, 2023 | ||
| Saturday, January 21, 2023 | Friday, March 31, 2023 | There is no Limit. (In 7-29 WMDs) | |
| Tuesday, August 01, 2023 | Saturday, September 23, 2023 |
Turkey Season
| Maine Turkey Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey (Youth Fall Wild turkey Day) | Saturday, September 17, 2022 | Saturday, September 17, 2022 | |
| Turkey (Fall General) | Monday, September 19, 2022 | Monday, November 07, 2022 | Districts 6-8 and 10-29. Bag limits may vary by district. |
| Turkey (Spring Youth Day) | Saturday, April 29, 2023 | Saturday, April 29, 2023 | Statewide. |
| Turkey (Spring District 1-6, 8) | Monday, May 01, 2023 | Saturday, June 03, 2023 | Bag limit: 1 bearded turkey. |
| Turkey (Spring District 7, 9-29) | Monday, May 01, 2023 | Saturday, June 03, 2023 | Bag limit: 2 bearded turkeys. |
Other Hunting Species
| Other Hunting Species in Maine | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gray Squirrel | Saturday, September 30, 2023 | Saturday, December 30, 2023 | A bag limit of 4 and possession limit of 8. All WMDs |
| Gray Squirrel (Falconry) | Saturday, September 30, 2023 | Wednesday, February 28, 2024 | A bag limit of 4 and possession limit of 8. All WMDs |
| Raccoon | Monday, October 02, 2023 | Saturday, December 30, 2023 | There is no Limit. |
| Skunk, Opossum | Monday, October 16, 2023 | Saturday, December 30, 2023 | There is no Limit. |
| Woodchuck, Porcupine & Red Squirrel | No Closed Season | ||
| Spruce Grouse, Lynx, Cottontail Rabbit | No Open Season for Hunting |
- There is no hunting season for any kind of bird or mammal that is not specified above, with the exception of migratory game birds.
Duck Season
| Maine Duck Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duck (North Zone) | Monday, September 26, 2022 | Saturday, December 03, 2022 | A bag limit of 6 per day. Including Black Ducks, Scaup, Pintails, Mergansers and American Coots. |
| Duck (Coastal Zone-1) | Saturday, October 01, 2022 | Saturday, October 08, 2022 | A bag limit of 6 per day, All Species-specific bag limits may differ,view regulations for more details. |
| Duck (South Zone-1) | Saturday, October 01, 2022 | Saturday, October 15, 2022 | A bag limit of 6 per day, All Species-specific bag limits may differ,view regulations for more details. |
| Duck (South Zone-2) | Tuesday, November 01, 2022 | Saturday, December 24, 2022 | A bag limit of 6 per day, All Species-specific bag limits may differ,view regulations for more details. |
| Duck (Coastal Zone-2) | Tuesday, November 08, 2022 | Saturday, January 07, 2023 | A bag limit of 6 per day, All Species-specific bag limits may differ,view regulations for more details. |
Goose Season
| Maine Goose Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goose (Early Canada Goose) | Thursday, September 01, 2022 | Saturday, September 24, 2022 | Statewide. |
| Goose (North Brant) | Monday, September 26, 2022 | Tuesday, November 22, 2022 | A bag limit of 2 per day |
| Goose (Coastal Brant-1) | Saturday, October 01, 2022 | Saturday, October 08, 2022 | A bag limit of 2 per day |
| Goose (Coastal Canada Goose-1) | Saturday, October 01, 2022 | Saturday, October 08, 2022 | A bag limit of 2 per day |
| Goose (Snow Goose) | Saturday, October 01, 2022 | Tuesday, January 31, 2023 | Statewide. A bag limit of 25 per day |
| Goose (South Brant-1) | Saturday, October 01, 2022 | Saturday, October 15, 2022 | A bag limit of 2 per day |
| Goose (North Canada Goose) | Saturday, October 01, 2022 | Friday, December 09, 2022 | A bag limit of 2 per day |
| Goose (South Canada Goose-1) | Saturday, October 01, 2022 | Saturday, October 15, 2022 | A bag limit of 2 per day |
| Goose (Coastal Canada Goose-2) | Thursday, October 27, 2022 | Saturday, January 07, 2023 | A bag limit of 2 per day |
| Goose (South Brant-2) | Tuesday, November 01, 2022 | Tuesday, December 13, 2022 | A bag limit of 2 per day |
| Goose (South Canada Goose-2) | Tuesday, November 01, 2022 | Saturday, December 24, 2022 | A bag limit of 2 per day |
| Goose (Coastal Brant-2) | Saturday, November 19, 2022 | Saturday, January 07, 2023 | A bag limit of 2 per day |
Hunting Regulations in Maine
All hunters in Maine are expected to abide by the state’s hunting regulations. The following are some of the most critical rules that every hunter in the state must observe.
General Hunting Regulations
- All hunters in the state of Maine are required to have a current and valid hunting license.
- Hunting large game such as deer and bear requires hunters 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.
Night hunting regulations
- There is a 30-minute no-hunting period between sunset and daybreak in Maine, during which time it is illegal to hunt wild birds and other animals.
- During the open season, nighttime hunts for raccoons are allowed.
- The hunter must use a.22 caliber or smaller hunting rifle or pistol and be accompanied by a hunting 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 hunting 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 hunting season, it is illegal to feed or lure wild turkeys.
- No artificial lighting is allowed above baited areas for the purpose of hunting game animals.
- Within 10 days following baiting, it is unlawful to hunt large game animals over that region.
For Complete hunting regulations in Maine Click here.
Maine Hunting Seasons PDF Guide
#PDF Guide courtesy maine.gov
Hunting License
- Those above the age of 16 in Maine need a hunting 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 hunting permits, lifetime hunting 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 hunting 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-time hunters or those under the age of 18 who want to purchase a hunting license may be required to complete an approved hunter education and safety course.
- When planning a hunting trip to Maine, be sure to check the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s website for the most up-to-date information on hunting license costs and rules.
| 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.
FAQs related to MA Hunting Season
When does the bear hunting season start and end in Maine in 2023?
Maine’s normal bear hunting 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 hunting with bait is permitted between August 28 and September 23, 2023. While dog hunting is permitted from September 11, 2023, to October 27, 2023, bear trapping season lasts from September 1 to October 31, 2023.
What are the different types of hunting seasons in Maine in 2023?
In 2023, Maine will have a variety of hunting seasons available for different species of wildlife, such as deer, bear, wild turkey, bobcat, small game, and waterfowl.
Are there any special hunting days for Maine residents in 2023?
Yes, there will be a Maine 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 hunting license costs $140, a bear hunting license is $74, and a chance at a moose permit lottery is $55.