Maine Deer Season and Hunting Information and Regulations

*All information listed below is disclosed based on research we have conducted. We do our best to ensure that all information is up to date and accurate. However, rules and regulations are changing every day. Please make sure to verify your state-specific regulations prior to your hunt.

One of the great things about hunting season in Maine is that there are many different types of hunts to choose from. If you’re looking for a challenging hunt, you can try your hand at moose hunting or bear hunting. Or, if you’re looking for a more relaxed hunt, you can go for deer or small game. There are also many different types of terrain to choose from, so you can find a place that’s perfect for your hunting style. Maine also has an Outdoor Partners Program, which can help you connect with other hunters in the state and get access to exclusive private hunting grounds.

Maine Deer Seasons

Expanded Archery	Sep. 10 – Dec. 10
Regular Archery and Crossbow	Oct. 1 – Oct. 28
Youth Deer Hunting Day	Oct. 22
Maine Resident Only Day	Oct. 29
Firearms Season	Oct. 31 – Nov. 26
Muzzleloader Statewide	Nov. 28 – Dec. 3
Muzzleloader (WMD 12, 13, 15-18, 20-26, 29)	Dec. 5 – Dec. 10

*Maine is home to a variety of different Maine hunting season zones that all have different regulations. Be sure to check the official Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife page.

During firearm and muzzleloader season one can only hunt antlerless deer if he/she obtains an antlerless permit. There are some areas/zones that allow for an additional antlerless permit during the archery season and youth day. Please contact the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife for that information.

Maine Bear Seasons

Youth Bear Day	Aug. 27
General Hunting Season	Aug. 29 – Nov. 26
Hunting with Bait	Aug. 29 – Nov. 24
Bear Trapping	Sep. 1 – Oct. 31
Hunting with Dogs	Sep. 12 – Oct. 28

*Maine is home to a variety of different hunting zones that all have different regulations. Be sure to check the official Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife page.

In Maine bear season 2023, the annual bag limit is two bear per year. One may be taken during a hunt and one by trapping.

Maine Moose Seasons

Maine Residents Only (Zone 15 and 16)	Oct. 29
Zone 1-6, 10, 11, 18, 19, 27, and 28	Sep. 26 – Oct. 1
Zone 1-14,17-19,27, and 28	Oct. 10 – Oct. 15
Zone 1-6, and 8	Oct. 24 – Oct. 29
Zone 15 and 16	Oct. 29, Oct. 31 – Nov. 26

*Maine is home to a variety of different hunting zones that all have different regulations. Be sure to check the official Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife page.

Permit only. Permit application period runs February 30^th through May of each year. Bag limit is one moose per year.

Maine Turkey Seasons

Fall Districts 15-17 and 20-25	Sep. 19 – Nov. 7 (Season limit of 5-any sex)
Fall District 26	Sep. 19 – Nov. 7 (Season Limit of 3-any sex)
Fall District 28	Sep. 19 – Nov. 7 (Season Limit of 2-any sex)
Fall District 6 – 8, 10-14, 18, 19, 27, and 29	Sep. 19 – Nov. 7 (Season Limit of 1-any sex)
Fall District 1-5, 9	No Turkey Hunting
Youth Fall Wild Turkey Day	Sep. 17 (Season Limit-2 wild turkey of any sex unless the zone has a 1 bird limit listed)
Spring District 7 and 9 – 29	May 1 – Jun. 3 (Season limit of 2 bearded turkeys)
Spring Districts 1 – 6 and 8	May 1 – Jun. 3 (Season limit of 1 bearded turkey)
Youth Spring Wild Turkey Day	Apr. 29

*Maine is home to a variety of different hunting zones that all have different regulations. Be sure to check the official Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife page.

Anyone that possesses a big game archery or firearm license may also purchase a combination spring/fall turkey permit. As long as you have the spring/fall permit, a small game license is also acceptable when hunting turkey.

*Note* All turkey taken during the spring season must be registered and tagged before being transported from the location of the kill. No legislation or tagging is required for turkey taken during the fall season.

Maine Upland & Migratory Bird Seasons

Ruffed Grouse & Bobwhite Quail	Sep. 24 – Dec. 31
Pheasant	Sep. 24 – Dec. 31
Woodcock	Sep. 24 – Nov. 15
Common Snipe	Sep. 1 – Jan. 3
Ducks, Geese, Sea Ducks	Oct. 1 – Jan. 31

*Maine is home to a variety of different hunting zones that all have different regulations. Be sure to check the official Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife page.

Maine Small Game Seasons

Gray Squirrel	Sep. 24 – Dec. 31
Snowshoe Hare	Sep. 24 – Mar. 31
Bobcat	Dec. 1 – Feb. 21
Fox	Oct. 17 – Feb. 28
Raccoon	Oct. 1 – Dec. 31
Skunk, Opossum	Oct. 17 – Dec. 31
Coyote (Night Hunting)	Dec. 16 – Aug. 31
Woodchuck, Porcupine, Red Squirrel	Open Season

*Maine is home to a variety of different hunting zones that all have different regulations. Be sure to check the official Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife page.

Maine Crossbow Regulations

Maine allows crossbow hunting for sure, but primarily only during the firearm season. There are also some additional licenses that are necessary.

• A crossbow can only be used for hunting during bear season and open firearm deer season.
• To hunt using a crossbow a hunter must obtain a big game license or an archery license in addition to completing an archery education course and a crossbow course.
• Minimum draw weight is 100 pounds.
• Maximum draw weight is 200 pounds.
• Broadhead diameter must be 7/8”

Maine Hunting License

Maine makes it easy to get a hunting license. You can either submit an application online or at any Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife office. Resident hunting fee is $26, including bear and turkey permits. Non-resident is $115 which also includes bear and turkey permits. There are also a variety of specialized permits that carry varying costs if you are only looking to hunt a particular species or just looking to hunt with a crossbow for example.

If you want to check out the next state on our list, click here to see Maryland.

Or, you can check out the last state on our list, Louisiana.