Hunting Seasons in Maine 2023-2024

Hunting season in Maine is an important and highly anticipated time of year for outdoor enthusiasts and sportsmen alike. Located in the northeastern United States, Maine offers a diverse range of wildlife and outdoor landscapes that make it a popular destination for hunters. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a novice looking to experience the thrill of the hunt for the first time, Maine’s hunting seasons provide ample opportunities to connect with nature and pursue various game species.

Maine’s hunting seasons are carefully regulated to ensure the conservation of wildlife populations and to maintain a sustainable balance between humans and nature. The state’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IFW) plays a crucial role in setting the rules and regulations for hunting, including specific season dates, bag limits, and weapon restrictions.

The hunting seasons in Maine vary depending on the species you wish to pursue, and they are typically organized into categories such as big game, small game, upland birds, waterfowl, and trapping. Each season has its own unique charm and challenges, making it essential for hunters to familiarize themselves with the specific regulations and requirements for their chosen game.

In this series of articles, we will delve into the various hunting seasons, offering insights into the different types of games available, the regulations you need to be aware of, and tips for a successful and responsible hunting experience. Whether you’re interested in tracking down white-tailed deer, flushing out ruffed grouse, or setting up decoys for waterfowl, Maine has something to offer every hunter. So, gear up, grab your hunting license, and join us as we explore the thrilling world of hunting in the beautiful state of Maine.

When Does Hunting Season Begin?

There are open and closed hunting seasons. There are open and closed seasons for game animals, depending on whether it is permitted to hunt them.

Deer seasons: Deer may be hunted from October 29 to December 3 and then again from December 15 to December 24 during the 2023–2024 hunting season. A hunter is only allowed to take two deer in a season, but they are allowed to take one per day. The next bear season will take place from August 29 to November 24, 2023. The cap is one bear per hunter every season. The Maine hunting schedule is listed below.

Season	Start Date	End Date
Bear – Youth Day	Aug 26, 2023	Aug 26, 2023
Bear – General All WMDs.	Aug 28, 2023	Nov 25, 2023
Bear – Hunting with Bait Bait can be placed July 30th, 2022.	Aug 28, 2023	Sep 23, 2023
Bear – Trapping All WMDs	Sep 1, 2023	Oct 31, 2023
Bear – Hunting with Dogs	Sep 11, 2023	Oct 27, 2023
Bobcat Statewide. No limit.	Dec 1, 2023	Feb 21, 2024
Coyote – Night Hunting Statewide. No limit.	Dec 16, 2022	Aug 31, 2023
Coyote – During Daylight Hours Statewide. No limit.	Jan 1, 2023	Dec 31, 2023
Deer – Expanded Archery Designated areas only.	Sep 9, 2023	Dec 9, 2023
Deer – Archery & Crossbow All WMDs.	Sep 30, 2023	Oct 27, 2023
Deer – Youth All WMDs	Oct 20, 2023	Oct 21, 2023
Deer – Maine Resident only Day All WMDs.	Oct 28, 2023	Oct 28, 2023
Deer – Firearms All WMDs.	Oct 30, 2023	Nov 25, 2023
Deer – Muzzleloader Statewide All WMDs.	Nov 27, 2023	Dec 2, 2023
Deer – Late Muzzleloader District 12, 13, 15-18, 20-26, 29.	Dec 4, 2023	Dec 9, 2023
Duck – North Zone Daily bag limit of 6.	Sep 25, 2023	Dec 2, 2023
Duck – South Zone 1 Daily bag limit of 6, Species-specific bag limits may differ, see regulations for more details.	Sep 30, 2023	Oct 14, 2023
Duck – Coastal Zone 1 Daily bag limit of 6, Species-specific bag limits may differ, see regulations for more details.	Sep 30, 2023	Oct 7, 2023
Duck – South Zone 2 Daily bag limit of 6, Species-specific bag limits may differ, see regulations for more details.	Nov 1, 2023	Dec 25, 2023
Duck – Coastal Zone 2 Daily bag limit of 6, Species-specific bag limits may differ, see regulations for more details.	Nov 9, 2023	Jan 9, 2024
Fox Statewide. No limit.	Oct 16, 2023	Feb 28, 2024
Goose – Early Canada Goose Statewide. Bag limits vary by zone. Please check regulations to ensure accurate bag limits.	Sep 1, 2023	Sep 25, 2023
Goose – North Brant Bag limit: 1	Sep 25, 2023	Nov 28, 2023
Goose – North Canada Goose Daily bag limit of 2.	Oct 2, 2023	Dec 9, 2023
Goose – South Canada Goose 1 Daily bag limit of 2.	Oct 2, 2023	Oct 14, 2023
Goose – Coastal Canada Goose 1 Daily bag limit of 2.	Oct 2, 2023	Oct 7, 2023
Goose – Snow Goose Statewide. Daily bag limit of 25.	Oct 2, 2023	Jan 31, 2024
Goose – South Brant 1 Bag Limit: 1 Oct 2, 2023 Oct 14, 2023	Oct 2, 2023	Oct 14, 2023
Goose – Coastal Brant 1 Bag Limit: 1	Oct 2, 2023	Oct 7, 2023
Goose – Coastal Canada Goose 2 Daily bag limit of 2.	Oct 27, 2023	Jan 9, 2024
Goose – South Brant 2 Bag Limit: 1	Oct 31, 2023	Nov 20, 2023
Goose – South Canada Goose 2 Daily bag limit of 2.	Nov 1, 2023	Dec 25, 2023
Goose – Coastal Brant 2 Bag Limit: 1	Dec 13, 2023	Jan 9, 2024
Ruffed Grouse Statewide. Daily bag limit of 4.	Sep 30, 2023	Dec 30, 2023
Moose 1 District 1-6, 10, 11, 18, 19, 27, 28. By permit only. Bull only	Sep 25, 2023	Sep 30, 2023
Moose 2 District 1-15, 17-19, 27, 28. By permit only. Bull only.	Oct 9, 2023	Oct 14, 2023
Moose – Adaptive Unit Hunt District 4A. Antlerless only	Oct 16, 2023	Oct 21, 2023
Moose – Adaptive Unit Hunt 2 District 4A. Antlerless only	Oct 23, 2023	Oct 28, 2023
Moose 3 District 1-6, 8. By permit only. Antlerless only.	Oct 23, 2023	Oct 28, 2023
Bobwhite Quail Statewide. Daily bag limit of 4.	Sep 30, 2023	Dec 30, 2023
Rabbit – Snowshoe Hare Daily bag limit of 4. Vinalhaven Island season closes on Feb 28th.	Sep 30, 2023	Mar 30, 2024
Turkey – Youth Fall Wild turkey Day	Sep 16, 2023	Sep 16, 2023
Turkey – Fall General Districts 6-8 and 10-29. Bag limits vary by district. Please Check Regulations to ensure proper bag limit.	Sep 18, 2023	Nov 7, 2023
Turkey – Spring Youth Day May take up to 2 bearded Wild Turkeys from WMDs that have a 2 bird limit.	Apr 27, 2024	Apr 27, 2024
Turkey – Spring District 7, 9-29 2 bearded turkeys.	Apr 29, 2024	Jun 1, 2024
Turkey – Spring District 1-6, 8 1 bearded turkey.	Apr 29, 2024	Jun 12, 2024

Hunting Rules In Maine

The state’s hunting laws must be followed by all hunters in Maine. The most important guidelines that every hunter in the state is required to follow are listed below.

General Hunting Regulations

• A current and valid hunting license is a requirement for all hunters in the state of Maine.
• Hunters must dress in bright orange while hunting huge game like deer and bear.
• Baiting big game is not permitted in the state of Maine.
• Gun hunting is banned within 100 yards of a residence or other inhabited structure without the owner’s permission.
• However, there are some hunting situations in which a dog cannot be used, such as while attempting to catch a bear.
• Coyotes, foxes, and raccoons are among the creatures that can be legally caught and snared hunted under certain conditions.
• It is forbidden to go hunting from or with the use of a car.
• Baiting or using artificial light in a hunting context is prohibited.

• If you’re not after crows, Sundays are not the day to go hunting.
• It is forbidden to hunt geese or ducks, which are migratory birds game, over areas that have been baited.
• Hunting is banned in all locations designated as such without the express written consent of the landowner.
• It is illegal to move or own wildlife that has been the victim of poaching.
• It is forbidden to possess or use any bows or firearms that do not adhere to applicable municipal, state, and federal laws.
• It’s against the law to shoot ducks using lead ammunition.
• It is illegal to use or even own an automatic or semiautomatic weapon while hunting large animals.
• The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife in Maine must receive a fast report of any deer, bear, or moose killed in the state.

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 (Wildlife Management Districts).

• Using a quieter or suppressor while hunting is prohibited.

• Hunting is prohibited within 500 yards of any residence or camping area.
• Hunting on a landowner’s or a lessee’s property is prohibited without their permission.

Night Hunting Regulations

• In Maine, there is a 30-minute no-hunting window between dusk and dawn, when it is forbidden to shoot wild birds and other animals.
• Raccoon hunting at night is permitted during the open season.
• A hunting dog must accompany the hunter and they must use a.22 caliber or smaller hunting rifle or handgun.
• A hunter can load his firearm while using a flashlight and fire at a raccoon that is perched in a tree or that is being held by a hunting dog.

Baiting Regulations

• When hunting in Maine, any animal, plant, or component thereof may be used as “bait” to entice game animals and other species. In Maine, there are regulations that must be adhered to in order to lawfully bait game animals.
• The landowner or other relevant party must provide their permission before any bait is set.
• A 24-inch tag with the name and address of the person who put the bait must be attached to the bait.
• The bait must be removed as soon as possible, but no later than 20 days after the final day of hunting on the property, if the landowner requests it.
• Hunting on another person’s baiting site without that person’s permission is prohibited.
• Poison, drugs, or other drugs cannot be used to entice game animals.
• Deer feeding and attraction are prohibited between June 1 and December 15.
• Baiting or feeding moose, turkeys, or other wildlife is prohibited from December 1 through December 15.
• It’s against the law to feed or entice wild turkeys during the spring shooting season.
• To hunt game animals, artificial illumination is not permitted above baited areas.
• It is forbidden to hunt large game animals in the area within 10 days of baiting.

Hunting License

• In Maine, everyone older than 16 must get a hunting license before engaging in any form of hunting or trapping activity.
• Licenses are issued by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and they can be obtained either in person or online through authorized agents, such as sporting goods stores and municipal offices.
• Hunting licenses for specific Maine hunting seasons or species, lifetime hunting permits, and annual hunting licenses are all options.
• It may be essential to have a permit or a stamp for certain seasons or species, such as a migrating bird stamp or a moose hunting license.

• For individuals who reside outside of the state, Maine hunting licenses are sometimes more expensive.
• An authorized hunter education and safety course may be necessary for novice hunters or those under the age of 18 who wish to obtain a hunting license.
• Check the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website for the most recent details on hunting license prices and regulations before making travel arrangements to Maine for a hunting trip.

Gear Information

You may get away with taking a pistol, a pair of waders, and possibly a caller on a quick morning hunt. However, you need the appropriate equipment if you intend to spend several days outside or if you want to take things more seriously.

Equipment you might need for duck hunting:

• Shotgun: a 12 gauge or 20 gauge
• bear your rifle dry by storing it in a case; bear in mind the muddy, rainy circumstances of duck shooting.
• Depending on the kind of duck you are after, use 3′′ shells.
• There are several types of blinds, such as an A-frame, layout, or pit blind. You need to be aware of the species you plan to hunt as well as the environment. You may either hunt from a fixed blind or from a canoe, kayak, or duck boat that is moored. The essential concern is keeping your blind well-camouflaged.
• If you are hunting from a floating platform, make sure you have a life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD).
• Decoys: Pick the lightest, most lifelike decoys you can manage. At least six decoys should be included in your spread, however, 12 are more typical. You could have up to 36 people if you’re looking for a party. A dozen North Canada goose decoys added to the area to make it appear more natural is something that some hunters swear by.
• Always keep in mind that you want to “blend in your blind.” You want to blend in as much as you can. Your whole outfit must have a camouflage pattern, and you must also conceal your face.

Additional Gear

• Duck callers: Perfection comes with practice. A good hunt may actually be made or broken by having a solid call.
• Waders: Given how frigid Maine’s fall may get, especially later in the season, it is important to remain comfortable and dry while wading in the icy waters off the coast or in any of the state’s lakes, rivers, or marshes. Investing in a warm, comfortable pair of waders makes a significant impact. If you want to do a lot of trekking or scouting, you could choose a pair with separate boots; otherwise, overalls and boots that are one piece work nicely.
• Dog: Teaching your dog to retrieve may be a wonderful way to strengthen your relationship with your pet and enjoy extra companionship. Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers are the most often used dog breeds for hunting dog.
• A first aid kit should always be accessible. Just in case something goes wrong, tuck one in your backpack or blind bag.

Where Are The Public Hunting Areas In Maine?

Location	Acres	Zip	Game
Penobscot	703	04969	Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Duck, Exotics
Cumberland	3908	04074	Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Dove, Duck, Predator, Exotics
Penobscot	1025	04473	Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Dove, Duck, Predator, Exotics
Oxford	5841	04010	Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Dove, Duck, Predator, Exotics
York	5617	04056	Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Duck, Exotics
Cumberland	4013	04085	Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Duck, Exotics
York	3280	03909	Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Exotics
Cumberland	1251	04071	Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Predator, Exotics
York	1176	04049	Whitetail Deer, Duck, Exotics
York	1758	04043	Whitetail Deer, Duck, Exotics

Best Public Hunting Lands in Maine:

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is in charge of overseeing public hunting grounds in this state. Every hunting area in this state has unique laws and restrictions that every hunter is required to abide by. Failure to do so results in the termination of a hunter’s license. It is forbidden to use poisons, chemicals, or sedatives on hunting grounds. Additionally, bicycles may be used for hunting even if motor vehicles are not permitted inside the hunting grounds.

In this state, hunters may employ dogs to pursue prey, but not Muskrats, Turkey, Mink, Deer, River Otters, or Beaver. In order to be recognized, hunters must also wear their oranges while hunting. Additionally, this state offers several hunting opportunities throughout the year throughout various seasons.

Maine Hunting Seasons:

Large and small game, such as deer, bear, moose, wild turkey, upland migratory birds, and other species, are abundant in Maine and can be hunted there. Firearms season is from October 29 to November 24. Youth Deer Day is on October 20. Archery is from September 29 to October 26. Muzzleloader statewide is from December 3 to December 8. Expand archery is from September 8 to December 8. The general season for bears is from August 27 to November 24, Youth Bear Day is on August 25, bear hunting with dogs runs from September 10 to October 26, and hunting with bait runs from August 27 to September 22.

Additionally, the general season runs from April 29 to June 1 during the spring wild turkey season and from October 1 to November 7 during the fall wild turkey season. In addition, the hunting seasons for grey squirrels run from October 1 to December 31, snowshoe hares from October 1 to February 28, foxes from October 15 to February 28, raccoons from October 15 to December 31, opossums from October 15 to December 31, and coyotes from December 18 to August 31. These are the Maine hunting seasons during which hunters can pursue their preferred prey.

Public Hunting Lands in Northern Maine:

Maine is a tiny state, and Northern Maine’s open public hunting grounds cover 442,000 acres in total. This is roughly 2.8% of the state’s total area. In this area, hunters can pursue a variety of big- and small-game animals, including deer, bear, bobcat, grouse, moose, woodcock, and many others. This state’s constant moderate temperature makes it a fantastic location for folks who wish to go out into the fields and go hunting for their preferred animals. In Maine, 18 is the minimum age to hunt, and those under this age do not need a license. However, when they are hunting animals, an adult should keep a close eye on them.

For those who are physically unable to hunt, there are designated locations on the hunting grounds where they can successfully pursue their prey. Additionally, in Maine, hunters are permitted to bring their dogs onto hunting grounds, but they must be leashed and the most recent proof of pet immunization must be carried on hand. Dogs are permitted on the hunting grounds, but they shouldn’t be employed for only deer and elk shooting. Dogs can, however, be employed to locate injured deer and elk. Additionally, it is forbidden to use narcotics and drink alcohol on hunting grounds. Additionally, Maine permits hunters to camp on hunting grounds for a maximum of 21 consecutive days.

Duck Hunting in Maine: Location

Maine’s shoreline is where most ducks travel through since it has 3,500 miles of coastline and 90% of the state is covered in forest. You would assume there would be less hunting land available given that 94% of Maine’s wooded area is privately held. Nevertheless, a lot of landowners let hunters utilize their property during the season. Duck hunting is permitted in 69 Wildlife Management Areas and a few State Parks. Mallard or black duck hunters frequently visit Casco Bay in search of sea ducks. For those kind of ducks, head to the Basin or the Androscoggin River.

What Guns And Equipment Can I Use During Hunting Season?

Illegal Devices

• The use of a set gun, as well as the sale or offer for sale of any medication, poison, or sedative with the exception of rodenticide for the management of orchard mice and gas cartridges for the control of woodchucks, is prohibited when hunting.
• Unless specifically approved for hunters with disabilities, draw locks and set bows are prohibited.
• A person may hunt deer (in deer seasons) )with a crossbow in an expanded archery area while hunting during the regular archery and crossbow season or while hunting on deer under the authority of their archery license or firearms hunting license. Crossbows cannot be used to hunt deer during the muzzleloader season or when hunting under the authority of an expanded archery permit. Please review the crossbow hunting exclusions and accompanying information.

Illegal Use of Lights

The use of artificial lights to illuminate, jack, locate, attempt to locate, or show up wild animals or wild birds is prohibited from September 1 through December 15 with the exception of raccoons, which can be hunted at night with flashlights during the open season.

Agents assigned by the commissioner to hunt coyotes at night during this time may be an exception to this rule based on Department-established procedures.

Firearms Laws

It is Unlawful to Hunt with, or Possess for Hunting, Any:

• Automatic weapon (a weapon that fires continuously as long as the trigger is depressed.)
• Unless the magazine has been permanently modified to hold no more than 5 cartridges, an auto-loading firearm (a weapon that reloads itself after each shot and needs a separate trigger pull for each shot) cannot have a magazine capacity of more than 5 cartridges (plus 1 in the chamber for a total of 6).
  Note: This provision does not apply to .22 caliber rimfire or smaller caliber guns or to auto-loading pistols with barrel lengths of less than 8 inches.

3-shell Max for Migratory Game Birds:

Any shotgun that can hold more than three shells cannot be used to hunt migratory game birds unless the magazine has been removed, altered, or plugged with a one-piece filler that cannot be removed without disassembling the gun, reducing the shotgun’s capacity to no more than three shells in the chamber and magazine combined.

Silencers:

While there is no longer a requirement for a Warden Service permit to hunt with a suppressor, it is still necessary to obtain the proper tax stamp from The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in order to own a firearm fitted or constructed with any device for deadening the sound of the explosion.

Bullet Types:

Using ammunition loaded with explosive or tracer rounds while hunting is prohibited.

Cartridges:

• Except for.22 magnum, which may be used for deer hunting,.17 or.22 caliber rimfire firearms may not be used for hunting moose, bear, or deer.
• Bear and moose hunting is prohibited while using shotguns with shot loads.

Archery Season Provisions:

Except for a person who is allowed to carry a handgun in accordance with Title 25 section 2001-A, no firearms of any kind are allowed to be carried while bow and arrow deer hunting during the regular archery and crossbow or expanded archery seasons on deer.

Loaded Firearms in Motor Vehicles

Unless otherwise stated, it is illegal to have a loaded weapon or crossbow in or on a motor vehicle (including a trailer, ATV, airplane, snowmobile, or railroad car).

A loaded magazine is allowed to be transported in a car, but it cannot be put inside of or connected to a gun.

Without a concealed carry permit, weapons may be transported in a car as long as they are either (1) empty and visible, or (2) unloaded and stored in a distant, safe location (such the lockable trunk) where they are out of reach of the car’s passengers.

A muzzleloader is only deemed loaded for the purposes of this legislation if it is loaded with powder, a projectile, and a primed igniting mechanism. If cocked and equipped, a crossbow is regarded as loaded. When carrying a hidden firearm or revolver, there are limitations.

Carrying Concealed Firearms

Without a permit, a person may possess a loaded pistol or revolver that is concealed in a car or trailer if they meet the following conditions:

• The person is at least 21 years old and isn’t otherwise forbidden from owning a gun;
• The person is 18 years of age or older, under the age of 21, serving on active duty in the US military or the National Guard, or is a veteran of the US military or National Guard who was honorably discharged, and they are not otherwise prohibited from carrying a firearm.

A person carrying a concealed firearm without a permit must alert police authorities when they come into contact with them.

Hunter Orange Clothing Requirements

Hunter orange is described as a fluorescent orange hue that is visible in daylight, with an excitation purity of at least 85%, a brightness factor of at least 40%, and a dominating wavelength between 595 and 605 nanometers. It’s OK to put a decal on a piece of clothing that is otherwise plain hunter orange. Items of hunter-orange apparel must be presentable from all sides, in good working order.

Firearms and Muzzleloader Seasons on Deer

During any guns or muzzleloader season on deer (including during Youth Deer Hunt), anybody who hunts any species with a firearm, muzzleloader, or crossbow is required to wear two items of hunter-orange apparel. One garment must be a hunter-orange hat in its entirety, and the other must cover the majority of the body (such as a coat, jacket, vest, or poncho) and be at least 50% hunter-orange in hue (camouflage).

Archery Seasons on Deer

During the archery seasons, wearing hunter-orange apparel is not necessary while using a bow and arrow to conduct a hunt. Unless guns or muzzleloader hunting for deer is permitted in that WMD (Wildlife Management Districts), a moose hunt is underway, the November firearms season for deer is open, or the muzzleloader season is open, wearing hunter orange apparel is not required when using a crossbow during the archery season. The normal season for crossbow and archery as well as the enlarged archery ranges can overlap with these three seasons.

Moose Hunting Season

In a Wildlife Management District that is available to moose hunting, anybody using a rifle or crossbow must wear one piece of hunter-orange apparel (hats count). Two pieces must be worn when the moose season and the deer firearms season coincide. During these seasons, moose hunters must abide by all regulations governing deer hunting.

Bear, Turkey, and Upland Game Bird Hunters

Hunter orange gear is only necessary while using a rifle or crossbow during the firearms hunting season on deer, the muzzleloader season on deer, or inside an open moose hunting area during the moose season when hunting bears, turkeys, and upland game birds.

Waterfowl Hunters

Are not impacted by the aforementioned rules whether using a blind, a boat, or waterfowl decoys.

Religious Exemption

Red should be worn by any hunter whose faith forbids wearing hunter orange. When hunter red is used instead of hunter orange, the minimum wear criteria still apply.

What Are The Limits For Maine Counties?

Prohibition Regarding Selling of Wild Animals

Wild Birds: A person may not possess or sell a wild bird, with the exception of the feathers of wild birds that have been properly caught, and only if the sale does not contravene the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act’s rules.

Finished Wildlife Products: With the exception of wild animals and birds that are legally protected by the government, finished wildlife goods may be purchased, sold, bartered, or traded.

Deer, Bear, or Moose: Deer or moose antlers that have naturally shed may be purchased or sold without a license for hide dealers.

Without a license from a hide dealer, a person who has legally killed and registered a deer, bear, or moose may sell:

• The head, hide antlers* and feet of that deer.
• The head, hide, antlers*, feet, and bones of that moose.
• The head, hide, teeth, gallbladder,* fat not attached to the meat, and claws (not attached to the paws) of that bear.

*Raw antlers, bear fat that is not connected to the flesh, and bear gallbladders may only be traded, bartered, or sold to a licensed hide dealer, and they must be marked with a tag or come with paperwork that lists the name and address of the person who killed the bear lawfully.

Any commercial purchase, sale, bartering, or exchange of raw, untanned animal hides (including those of fur-bearing animals) or parts of wild animals or birds that is not expressly forbidden above requires a license for hide dealers. Any purchased or sold components may not be coupled with forbidden from sale wild animal or wild bird components.

Night hunting:

Hunting is prohibited from half an hour after dusk to half an hour before sunrise the next day, unless otherwise specified. Raccoons, coyotes, and migrating game birds are exceptions.

Raccoon hunting:

During the open season, raccoons may only be hunted at night if the hunter:

• A dog is accompanying them.
• Uses a pistol or rifle with no more power than the one that utilizes.ammo for a 22-caliber long rifle.
• Only load the rifle or handgun when shooting a raccoon that has been detected by flashlight and is tethered to a tree or being kept at bay by a dog or dogs.

Placement of bait for hunting purposes:

In this section, the term “bait” refers to any animal, plant, or component thereof that is used to entice wild animals for the purpose of hunting.

A Person Placing Bait for Hunting Purposes Must:

• Obtain the landowner’s or the landowner’s representative’s consent in writing or verbally.
• Put a 2-inch by 4-inch tag on the bait with the name and address clearly written on it.
• If the landowner requests it, clean up the bait site right away. If not, do it within 20 days of the last day the spot was used for hunting.

A Person May Not:

• Without the consent of the bait, hunt over another person’s location.
• Any medication, poison, or sedative should be used to lure animals.

Species-specific Baiting Laws:

• Deer baiting and feeding are forbidden from June 1 through December 15.
• From September 1 to December 15, moose and turkey baiting and feeding are forbidden.
• During the spring wild turkey season, both baiting and feeding of turkeys are forbidden.
• There are other limitations on bear baiting.

Minimum Shooting Distances

Shooting within 100 Yards of Dwelling or State Owned Boat Launch: Without the owner’s consent, or in the absence of the owner, an adult occupant who resides in the building, it is illegal to discharge any weapon, muzzleloader, or crossbow, or cause a projectile to pass as a result of such discharge, within 100 yards (300 feet) of a structure. Additionally covered by this clause are state-owned boat launches that have the appropriate signage.

Discharge of Bow and Arrow: Without the owner’s permission (or, in the absence of the owner, the permission of an adult occupant), it is illegal to shoot an arrow from a bow while on another person’s property and within 100 yards of a building on that property. It is also illegal to cause an arrow from a bow and arrow to cross another person’s property while within 100 yards of a building on that property without the owner’s permission (or, in the absence of the owner, the permission of an adult occupant).

FAQs

Is duck hunting legal in Maine?

Duck hunting is legal in Maine. A State Migratory Waterfowl Permit, a Federal Duck Stamp, and a HIP certification are required for waterfowl hunting.

In Maine, when does the bear hunting season begin and conclude in 2023?

Bear hunting season in Maine typically lasts from August 28 to November 25, 2023. Prior to this, on August 26, 2023, there is a Youth Bear Day with a two-bear yearly restriction on bear hunting and trapping. Beginning on July 29, 2023, bait may be set, and between August 28 and September 23, 2023, bait hunting is allowed. Bear trapping season is from September 1 to October 31, 2023, while dog hunting is authorized from September 11 to October 27, 2023.

What duck species are most prevalent in Maine?

In Maine, mallards, wood ducks, and common eiders are the most frequently taken duck species.

What kinds of hunting seasons are there in Maine in 2023?

Maine will provide a number of hunting seasons in 2023 for various animal species, including deer, bear, wild turkey, bobcat, small game, and waterfowl.

What is the Mallard duck bag limit in Maine?

For Mallard ducks, the daily bag limit is 6.

How many ducks were harvested in Maine last year?

Based on a 10-year average, Maine is rated 42nd in the world for duck harvest.

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

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

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

In 2023, non-residents will be permitted to hunt in Maine. A moose permit lottery ticket is $55, a deer hunting license is $140, and a hunting bear license is $74.

What species of ducks can you find in Maine?

Waterfowlers typically have favorite species and like to gravitate toward them, so discover your approach and go for it! Diverse sea duck species, including eiders, scoters, and long-tailed ducks, may be found along the coast of Maine, along with dabblers and dives. On lakes, rivers, and ponds, you may also see common ducks like mallards and wood ducks. In Maine, a few of the most prevalent duck species are:

• Mallard
• Wood Duck
• Common Eider
• Black Duck
• American Coot
• American Widgeon
• Common Goldeneye
• Scaup
• Sea Ducks (eiders, scoters, long-tailed)
• Teal
• Mergansers
• Pintail
• Ring-necked duck