2018 19 Maine Hunting Laws

S U M M A R Y O F
HUNTING
L AWS
MAINE 2018-19
MAINE DEPARTMENT OF INLAND FISHERIES & WILDLIFE

Season dates for hunting are revised annually.
Information appearing in this book may not be valid after July 2019.
3
1
2
6
5
4
10 11
9
8
14
18 19
7 17
13 28 27
26
12 16 23
22 25
15
21 29
20
24 MAINE’S WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS
For a more detailed map and information on WMDs, please visit mefishwildlife.com
DIGITAL
VERSION AVAILABLE
Download a PDF copy
of this book at
mefishwildlife.com/huntinglaws
S U M M A R Y O F H U N T I N G L AW S to easily reference from your
TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S computer or mobile device.
LAWS OF THE MAINE OUTDOORS...... 2 Deer Population Monitoring Project............18 TAGGING, TRANSPORTATION &
2018-19 MAINE HUNTING SEASONS... 4 Reporting Accidents & Aiding Victims........19 REGISTRATION..................................... 27
Tagging Requirements..................................27
LICENSING INFORMATION................... 6 Harassment of Hunters................................19
Who Needs a License?....................................6 Transporting Harvested Animals.................27
Hunters for The Hungry...............................19
What Are the Requirements?.........................6 Registration Requirements...........................27
2018 Deer Seasons & Bag Limits.................19
How Are Licenses Obtained?..........................6 Hunting with Dogs and Dog Training..........27
CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE............20
Definitions......................................................6 Time Limits for Registering.........................28
What is CWD?...............................................20
Special Licenses...............................................7 Condition of Animal Presented for
Regulations on Feeding Deer........................20
Registration...................................................28
Outdoor Safety Courses..................................7 Waste of Game..............................................20
Possession of Gift Bear, Deer, Moose,
Apprentice Hunter License.............................7 MDIFW Check Stations................................20 or Wild Turkey...............................................28
2018-19 Apprentice Hunter License and
MOOSE HUNTING.................................. 21 HUNTING AREAS.................................. 29
Permit Fees......................................................7
Moose Hunting Permit.................................21 State Parks and Historic Sites......................29
2018-19 License and Permit Fees..................8
2018 Moose Permit Hunt Seasons & Wildlife Management District Map.............29
Lifetime License Fees......................................9 Bag Limits......................................................21
Public Reserved Lands..................................29
Maine Lifetime License...................................9
WILD TURKEY HUNTING..................... 22 Wildlife Management Areas ........................29
Superpack License...........................................9 Landowner Privileges...................................22 National Wildlife Refuges (NWR)................29
License Revocation Information..................10 Wild Turkey to Be Tagged.............................22 White Mountain National Forest.................30
GENERAL HUNTING LAWS..................10 Wild Turkey Transportation.........................22 National Park Service....................................30
Prohibition Regarding Selling Wild Turkey Registration.............................22
of Wild Animals.............................................10 Closed and Special Regulation Areas...........30
Wild Turkey Hunting Prohibitions..............22 Railroad Tracks..............................................30
Night Hunting ..............................................11
Questionnaires..............................................22 Native American Territory...........................31
Raccoon Hunting..........................................11
Wild Turkey Legal Hunting Hours...............22
Placement of Bait..........................................11 HUNTING/TRAPPING ON PRIVATE
Wild Turkey Licensing, Permit, General
Minimum Shooting Distances......................11 PROPERTY.............................................. 31
Bag Limits & Who May Hunt........................22
Commercial Shooting Areas.........................32
Target Identification While Hunting...........11 Spring Wild Turkey Hunting........................23
LEGAL HUNTING HOURS.................... 33
LAWS PERTAINING TO HUNTING Fall Wild Turkey Hunting.............................23
EQUIPMENT............................................ 13 2018–19 Wild Turkey Seasons & Bag MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS................... 34
General Laws.................................................13 Limits.............................................................23 Summary of Federal Regulations.................35
Firearms Laws...............................................13 Phone Numbers You Might Need.................35
OTHER SPECIES HUNTING................. 24
Archery Information.....................................14 Maine Migratory Hunting Zones Map.........35
Other Species Permits & Licenses................24
Hunter Orange Clothing Requirements......14 2018-19 Migratory Game Birds Seasons
2018-19 Other Species Seasons & Bag
Releasing Dogs from Traps...........................15 & Bag Limits..................................................36
Limits.............................................................24
Observation Stands......................................15 Laws Specific to Merrymeeting Bay.............38
BEAR HUNTING.................................... 25
Crossbow Information..................................15 Duck Stamp Art Contest...............................38
Bear Hunting Permit.....................................25
Trail/Game Cameras Law..............................15 Harvest Information Program.....................38
Landowner Privileges...................................25
Stamp Requirements....................................38
JUNIOR HUNTERS.................................16 Bait.................................................................25
Field Possession Limit..................................39
Junior Hunting Licenses..............................16 Legal Hunting Equipment............................25
Importation...................................................39
Supervision of Junior Hunters.....................16 Bear Hunting Prohibitions...........................25
Band Recovery Reports.................................39
Youth Hunting Days.....................................16 Bear Hunting with a Maine Guide...............26
Barrow’s Goldeneye.......................................39
DEER HUNTING..................................... 17 Laws Regarding Registration........................26
2018-19 Migratory Bird Hunter’s Time
Deer Hunting Prohibitions...........................17 2018 Bear Seasons & Bag Limits..................26
& Tide Table...................................................40
Areas Closed to Deer Hunting......................17 BEAR TRAPPING.................................. 26
MAINE IF&W CONTACTS......................41
Areas Open to Deer Hunting........................17 Bear Trapping Permit....................................26
Deer Permits & Licenses...............................18 Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration
Program.........................................................26
2 LAWS OF THE MAINE OUTDOORS - D IGITAL
LAWS OF THE
MAINE OUTDOORS
Being a responsible user of the Maine outdoors means staying
informed of, and complying with, the current laws and rules.
This book, published by the Maine Department WHY DIGITAL LAW BOOKS?
of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW), is In 2016, we printed over 700,000 law books. That’s a
designed to help you quickly find and understand lot of paper and a lot of money diverted from Maine’s
fish and wildlife.
the hunting rules that apply to you. We’ve also
included handy tools to help you stay in compliance,
like charts of legal hunting hours already adjusted
for sunrise and sunset. And in the back, you’ll find
MDIFW contact info, including regional game
With 77% of the U.S. population using smartphones
warden communication centers.
in 2017, our agency’s mission clearly directed us to
Our popular summary guides make it easy to find make a shift. And while we are still printing some
and follow the laws and rules that apply to you, books (available at license agent locations), we’re
asking you to do your part and make use of the
no matter what outdoor activity you’re interested
convenient and responsible digital options.
in. And now, our NEW digital formats allow you
As a bonus, the digital options are searchable and
to quickly check a technical rule, confirm legal
always on hand, as long as you have your mobile
hunting hours, look up best practices and more— device. If you always keep it on you (and charged) to
from anywhere, anytime. take photos or use the GPS, this is a no-brainer.
2 0 1 8 - 1 9 S TAT E O F M A I N E S U M M A R Y O F L AW S & R U L E S H U N T I N G Q U E STI O N S? C A L L 2 07 2 87-8 000

LAWS OF THE MAINE OUTDOORS - DIGITAL 3
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Q UESTION S? CALL 207 287-8 000 2 0 1 8 - 1 9 S TAT E O F M A I N E S U M M A R Y O F L AW S & R U L E S H U N T I N G

4 2018-19 MAINE HUNTING SEASONS
2018-19 MAINE HUNTING SEASONS

2018-2019 MAINE HUNTING SEASONS
SEASONS LIMITS
DEER WMDs
FIRST DAY LAST DAY DAILY BAG & POSSESSION
Firearms Season All October 29, 2018 November 24, 2018
Maine Resident Only Day* All October 27, 2018
Youth Deer Day All October 20, 2018

1 Deer Per Year**
Archery All September 29, 2018 October 26, 2018
Muzzleloader Statewide All November 26, 2018 December 1, 2018
Muzzleloader 12, 13, 15-18, 20-26, 29 December 3, 2018 December 8, 2018
Expanded Archery Designated areas only September 8, 2018 December 8, 2018
**Only deer with antlers at least 3 inches long may be taken from October 29-December 8, except that any deer may be taken in desig-
nated WMDs by hunters with any-deer permits. Exceptions: Additional deer may be taken by participating in the Expanded Archery
Season, or by anyone possessing a bonus antlerless deer permit or superpack antlerless deer permit. Note: In WMDs where no any-deer
permits are issued, it is bucks only for youth hunters on youth deer day and also bucks only for archers during the archery season on deer.
SEASONS LIMITS
BEAR WMDs
FIRST DAY LAST DAY DAILY BAG & POSSESSION
General Hunting Season All August 27, 2018 November 24, 2018
Youth Bear Day All August 25, 2018

2 Bear Per Year
1 by hunting, 1 by trapping
Hunting with Dogs All September 10, 2018 October 26, 2018
Hunting with Bait
All August 27, 2018 September 22, 2018
Bait can be placed July 28, 2018
MOOSE SEASONS LIMITS

WMDs
BY PERMIT ONLY FIRST DAY LAST DAY DAILY BAG & POSSESSION
1- 6, 10, 11, 18, 19,
September 24, 2018 September 29, 2018
27, 28
1-14, 17-19, 27, 28 October 8, 2018 October 13, 2018
1 Moose Per Year
15, 16 October 29, 2018 November 24, 2018 by either permittee or
sub-permittee
Maine Resident Only Day* 15, 16 October 27, 2018
1-6 October 22, 2018 October 27, 2018
Permit application period: January through April 1
*A non-resident who owns 25 or more acres of land in Maine and leaves land open to hunting, holds a valid hunting license, and is not otherwise prohibit-
ed by law, may hunt deer on the Resident only day, anywhere in the state. A verification form must be completed and can be located on our website.

2018-19 MAINE HUNTING SEASONS 5
SPRING WILD TURKEY SEASONS LIMITS

WMDs
Bow & arrow, crossbow or shotgun FIRST DAY LAST DAY DAILY BAG & POSSESSION
7, 9-29 April 29, 2019 June 1, 2019 2 bearded Wild Turkeys
General Hunting Season
8 April 29, 2019 June 1, 2019
Season A Week 1 (odd year birth) 1-6 April 29, 2019 May 4, 2019
Season A Week 2 (odd year birth) 1-6 May 13, 2019 May 18, 2019
Season B Week 3 (even year birth) 1-6 May 6, 2019 May 11, 2019 1 bearded Wild Turkey*
Season B Week 4 (even year birth) 1-6 May 20, 2019 May 25, 2019
All Hunters 1-6 May 27, 2019 June 1, 2019
Youth Spring Wild Turkey Day April 27, 2019
FALL WILD TURKEY SEASONS LIMITS

WMDs
Bow & arrow or shotgun FIRST DAY LAST DAY DAILY BAG & POSSESSION
15-17,
October 1, 2018 November 7, 2018 2 Wild Turkeys either sex, any age
20-25, 28
General Hunting Season 10-13, 18, 19,
October 1, 2018 November 7, 2018 1 Wild Turkey either sex, any age*
26, 27, 29
1-9, 14 Closed to Fall Turkey hunting
*May take up to 2 turkeys for the season, but the second turkey must come from a WMD listed as having a two bird limit.
SEASONS LIMITS
UPLAND AND MIGRATORY BIRDS WMDs
FIRST DAY LAST DAY DAILY BAG POSSESSION
Ruffed Grouse & Bobwhite Quail All October 1, 2018 December 31, 2018 4 8
Pheasant All October 1, 2018 December 31, 2018 2 4
Woodcock All
Common Snipe All
Ducks, Geese, Sea Ducks More detailed season info on page 36.
(Scoter, Eider, Long-Tailed Duck)
Sora & Virginia Rails (and Gallinules) All
February 2, 2019 April 15, 2019
1-6
August 1, 2018 September 22, 2018
Crows No Limit
January 17, 2019 March 30, 2019
7-29
SEASONS LIMITS
OTHER SPECIES WMDs
Gray Squirrel All October 1, 2018 December 31, 2018 4 8
Gray Squirrel (Falconry) All October 1, 2018 February 28, 2019 4 8
Snowshoe Hare All October 1, 2018 March 31, 2019 4 8
Vinalhaven Island,
Snowshoe Hare October 1, 2018 February 28, 2019 4 8
Knox County
Bobcat All December 1, 2018 February 21, 2019 No Limit
Fox All October 15, 2018 February 28, 2019 No Limit
Raccoon All October 1, 2018 December 31, 2018 No Limit
Skunk, Opossum All October 15, 2018 December 31, 2018 No Limit
Coyote Night Hunt All December 17, 2018 August 31, 2019 No Limit
Coyote, Woodchuck,
All No Closed Season for Hunting
Porcupine, Red Squirrel
Spruce Grouse, Lynx,
No Open Season for Hunting
Cottontail Rabbit
Note: Except for migratory game birds, there is no hunting season on any species of bird or animal which is not listed above.

6 LICENSING INFORMATION
LICENSING INFORMATION
Read on to learn how Maine law defines the major hunting license types, what they allow, and how to obtain one.
WHO NEEDS A LICENSE? WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS? HOW ARE LICENSES OBTAINED?
In general, anyone who hunts wild birds or To obtain a hunting license in Maine, you From MDIFW: Residents and non-residents
animals in Maine needs a hunting license. generally need to show that you have either may obtain hunting licenses from the
The type of license you need depends upon (1) held that license in a prior year, or (2) MDIFW office in Augusta, either in person,
your age, resident status, and other factors, taken a hunter safety course. License-spe- online at mainefishwildlife.com, or (for
and there are some exceptions. See the cific requirements and exceptions follow. non-residents) by mail.
charts on pages 7 and 8 for all available
Firearms Licenses: When applying for an From Agents: Licenses can also be pur-
hunting licenses and fees.
adult firearms hunting license in Maine, chased from agents throughout the state
In addition to a license, most hunting you must show proof of residency, and (sporting good stores, many convenience
activities also require a permit. See individ- that you have either possessed an adult stores, town clerks, and turnpike service
ual species pages for details. license to hunt with firearms in any prior centers). Agents who process applications
Junior and Adult Hunters: Hunters year beginning with 1976, or successfully online for moose and antlerless deer permits
under age 16 must possess a junior license, completed an approved hunter safety may charge a fee of $2.00.
course in any U.S. state. Convicted felons
and those 16 and up need an adult license. Note: Not all town clerks issue non-resident
cannot purchase or possess a firearms
Note: a junior license holder who turns 16 licenses.
hunting license in Maine unless they have
may hunt with that junior license for the been issued a permit to carry a firearm. All trapping licenses are issued by the
remainder of the calendar year. MDIFW office in Augusta and cannot be
Archery Licenses: To obtain an adult
Exception for Assisting in a Hunt: purchased online.
archery hunting license, you must show
A person may assist in a hunt without a proof of having held an adult license to It is unlawful to obtain a license or permit
license or permit for that activity, as long hunt with bow and arrow in any year through misstatement or misrepresenta-
as they do not carry hunting equipment after 1979, or successful completion of an tion, or to possess a license or permit that
(means to kill) or drive deer. archery education course. has been altered or tampered with in any
Landowner Privilege: Maine resident way.
Exceptions to Safety Course Requirement
landowners and their immediate family Native American Exception: Native
members may hunt without a license Americans are exempt from the safety
using firearms, archery, crossbow or course requirement for archery, crossbow,
muzzleloader on land they own and reside and trapping.
upon, provided the land exceeds 10 acres
in size and is used exclusively for agricul- Military Exception: An active-duty
tural purposes. The landowner privilege member of the U.S. Armed Forces who is
is not available to hunters with revoked permanently stationed outside of the U.S.
or suspended licenses, and does not apply and home on leave is exempt from hunter,
to moose hunting, for which a license is archery, and crossbow safety course re-
still required. See page 22 for information quirements if they can show proof at time
about landowner privilege for turkey of license application that their home state
hunting. of record is Maine.
KEEP YOUR LICENSE WITH YOU DEFINITIONS

You are required to keep an electronic RESIDENT means a (1) U.S. citizen, • Has registered in Maine any motor
and/or paper copy of your hunting (2) an alien who has lived in Maine vehicles they own that are located
license and any necessary permits for at least one year, or (3) a student within the state.
with you while hunting or transport- at a Maine college or university
• is in compliance with Maine
who has been enrolled for at least
ing wild birds and wild animals and, income tax laws.
one full semester, and also:
if requested to do so, must present it ALIEN means a person who is not
• if registered to vote, is registered
for inspection to any warden, law en- in Maine. a U.S. citizen.
forcement officer, MDIFW employee,
• if licensed to drive a motor NON-RESIDENT means a U.S.
guide or landowner upon whose land vehicle, has applied for or pos- citizen who does not fall within
you are hunting. sesses a Maine driver’s license. the definition of alien or resident.

LICENSING INFORMATION 7
SPECIAL LICENSES
OUTDOOR SAFETY COURSES
Special Privilege Licenses
Military Currently Stationed in Maine:
Anyone serving in the U.S. Armed Forces Maine law requires all firearms, archery, Courses are scheduled based on
and permanently stationed at a military crossbow, or trapping license applicants instructor availability, with pre-registra-
base in Maine (including spouse and to complete an outdoor safety course, tion typically required. To view course
dependent children if they permanently unless they have previously held an listings, visit mefishwildlife.com.
reside with that person) may purchase a adult license.
For information on becoming a
resident license to hunt, trap, or fish. These 6 to 12-hour courses (depending volunteer instructor, contact your local
Maine Resident Military Currently on the subject) are sponsored by school Regional Safety Coordinator or the
Stationed Anywhere: Residents who are districts, sports clubs, civic groups, Recreational Safety Division Office.
on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and others, and are taught statewide
by volunteer instructors certified by
Recreational Safety Division
and permanently stationed outside of
MDIFW. (207) 287-5220
Maine may purchase either a hunting,
fishing, trapping, or combination hunting
and fishing license for the Maine Resident
Serviceman combination price upon verifi- coyote night hunt, crossbow, one expanded • Hide Dealers License: See prohibition
cation that Maine is their home of record. archery antlerless and one either sex. regarding selling of wild animals section
Their spouse and any dependent children Veterans must still apply for any-deer and on pages 10 & 11.
residing with them are also entitled to moose permits each year. These licenses • Seasonal Hide Dealers License: Required
discounted rates (see pg. 8). may only be obtained from MDIFW’s main for any place of business that butchers
office in Augusta. wild animals and commercially sells or
Exchange Students: Any citizen of a
barters the heads or untanned hides of
foreign nation under age 21 who is living Native Americans: The commissioner deer or moose that they have butchered.
with a family in Maine for a cultural or shall issue a complimentary lifetime hunt- • Taxidermist License: Allows a place
educational exchange program may ing, archery, trapping and fishing license, of business to lawfully possess fish or
purchase a resident license to hunt or fish. including permits and other permissions wildlife for the sole purpose of preparing
Complimentary Licenses needed to hunt, trap and fish, to a person, and mounting them and to also buy, sell
who is an enrolled member of the Passam- or barter raw, untanned hides or heads
Disabled Veterans: Maine resident
aquoddy Tribe, the Penobscot Nation, the of wild animals. This includes skull and
and non-resident veterans (if reciprocal bone mounts, commonly referred to as
Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, or the
privileges exist in their home state) who European mounts.
Aroostook Band of Micmacs, if the person
have been honorably discharged from the
presents certification from the respective • Guides License: Required for anyone who
U.S. Armed Forces or the National Guard receives any form of remuneration for
reservation governor or the Aroostook
and have a service-connected disability their services in accompanying or assist-
Micmac Council stating that they are an
of 50% or more will be issued, upon ing others while hunting, fishing, trap-
enrolled member of that federally recog-
application, a complimentary license that ping, boating, snowmobiling, ATVing, or
nized nation, band or tribe.
entitles the holder to all privileges they camping at a primitive camping area.
are qualified to receive including hunting, Other Licenses
trapping, archery, and fishing. The license Available at the Augusta Office only. For
also includes the following permits: bear detailed information on the following li-
hunt, bear trap, muzzleloader, migratory censes, contact MDIFW at (207) 287-5232.
waterfowl, pheasant, spring and fall turkey,
APPRENTICE HUNTER LICENSE 2018-19 APPRENTICE HUNTER LICENSE AND PERMIT FEES
An apprentice hunter license is available
to a resident or non-resident 16 years or
LICENSE FEE
older who has never held a valid adult
hunting license. A person may not obtain Resident Hunting (includes bear and turkey permits) $26.00
an apprentice hunter license more than
five times. A person holding this license Resident Crossbow Permit $26.00
may not hunt other than in the presence
of an adult supervisor at least 18 years Resident Archery $26.00
of age who has held a valid hunting license Non-resident Hunting (includes bear & turkey permits) $115.00
for the prior three consecutive years.
The supervisor is responsible for ensuring Non-resident Small Game (includes turkey permit) $75.00
that the holder of an apprentice hunter
license follows safe hunting protocol as Non-resident Crossbow Permit $56.00
well as all hunting laws. Non-resident Archery $75.00
Fees listed do not include agent fee.

2018-19 LICENSE AND PERMIT FEES

LICENSE FEE
Big Game Hunting (16 and older) $26.00
Junior Hunting (0 to 15 years old) $8.00
Small Game* Hunting (16 and older) $15.00
Combination Hunting & Fishing (16 and older) $43.00
Combination Fishing & Archery (16 and older) $43.00
Serviceman (resident) Combination Hunting & Fishing $3.00
MAINE RESIDENTS
Serviceman (dependent) Combination Hunting & Fishing $20.00
Serviceman (dependent) Hunting $10.00
Disabled War Veteran (resident) FREE
Archery Hunting (16 and older) $26.00
Apprentice Hunter License (16 and older) See info on page 7
Superpack $201.00
Small Game* Hunting (16 and older) $75.00
3-Day Small Game* Hunting (valid for 3 consecutive days) $50.00
NON- RESIDENTS
Junior Hunting (0 to 15 years) $35.00
6-Day Archery Hunting (16 and older) $26.00
Apprentice Hunter License (16 and older) See info on page 7
ALIEN**** Small Game* Hunting (16 and older) $80.00
Junior Hunting (0 to 15 years) $35.00
Bear Permits See page 25 & 26
Coyote Night Hunting Permit $4.00
Maine Resident $26.00
Crossbow Hunting Permit
Non-resident $56.00
(16 and older)**
Alien $80.00
Deer, Moose, and Bear Registration $5.00
Duplicate License $2.00
Expanded Archery Permits Antlerless Deer $12.00
(See page 18) Either Sex $32.00
PERMIT AND OTHER FEES Falconry Permit $26.00
Moose Permit See page 21
Maine Resident $13.00
Muzzleloader Permit
Non-resident $69.00
(16 and older)**
Alien $79.00
Pheasant Permit (Cumberland and York Counties) $17.00
State Migratory Waterfowl Permit (16 and older)*** $7.50
Outdoor Partners Program $15.00
Taxidermist, Hide Dealer, and Guide Licenses See info on page 7
Wild Turkey Permit $20.00
Fees listed do not include the agent fee.
The commissioner may revoke all licenses and permits issued to any person who fails to pay the fees due and may recover fees associated with insufficient funds.
*Small game license permits hunting of all legal species except deer, bear, moose, raccoon, and bobcat.
**A resident, non-resident, or alien under 16 years of age may hunt with a crossbow or muzzleloader if that person holds a valid junior hunting license.
***In addition to the State Migratory Waterfowl Permit, a Federal Migratory Waterfowl Permit is required.
****Effective January 1, 2019 Alien Licenses will no longer be available, a person who resides outside of the country will purchase a non-resident license at the
non-resident license fees.
LICENSING INFORMATION 9
LIFETIME LICENSE FEES
COMBINATION COMBINATION
RESIDENTS FISHING HUNTING ARCHERY TRAPPING
OF ANY TWO* OF ANY THREE*
5 years & under $150 $150 $150 $150 $250 $400
6-15 years of age $300 $300 $300 $300 $500 $800
65 years of age $50 $50 $50 $50 $80 $110
66 years of age $40 $40 $40 $40 $64 $94
67 years of age $30 $30 $30 $30 $48 $78
68 years of age $20 $20 $20 $20 $32 $52
69 years of age $10 $10 $10 $10 $16 $26
70 and older $8.00— Covers all authorities that you are qualified to receive, see below.
COMBINATION COMBINATION
NON RESIDENTS FISHING HUNTING ARCHERY TRAPPING
OF ANY TWO* OF ANY THREE*
5 years & under $450 $450 $450 $450 $750 $1,200
6-15 years of age $900 $900 $900 $900 $1,500 $2,400
*Hunting, fishing, archery

These fees are subject to change. Please check with the Department for current fees.
MAINE LIFETIME LICENSE pheasant, spring and fall turkey, coyote SUPERPACK LICENSE
A Maine Tradition and night hunt, crossbow, one expanded ar-
chery antlerless and one expanded archery This license, available to Maine
a Gift that Lasts a Lifetime residents only, permits an eligible
A lifetime license, purchased for yourself either sex. (Must still apply for any deer
and moose permits each year). person to hunt and fish for all legal
or as a gift, allows the bearer to fish, trap, game and fish species, subject
and/or hunt for their lifetime, regardless Note: If you purchased a senior lifetime to all of the laws governing fishing,
of where they live in the future. Revenues license before age 70, you do NOT have to hunting, and archery. The Super-
generated by these licenses are deposited pay the $8.00 fee, and the permits listed in pack license includes muzzleloader,
in a special trust fund that provides long- the previous paragraph are included with crossbow, migratory waterfowl,
term financial support for Maine’s fish your lifetime license anytime during the
pheasant, spring/fall turkey, bear,
and wildlife. calendar year you turn 70 years of age.
coyote night hunt, and three ex-
Applicants 70+ Years of Age A lifetime license holder who turns 16 panded archery antlerless permits.
For a one-time fee of $8.00, a senior years of age is able to hunt with their It also includes one free chance in
lifetime license entitles the holder to all lifetime license as an adult big game license the moose lottery and entry into
privileges they are qualified to receive upon showing proof of having completed a special category in the annual
including hunting, trapping, archery, and the required safety course. Contact MDIFW any-deer permit lottery. Person
fishing. The license also includes the to upgrade to an adult license, and obtain must meet all respective safety
following permits: bear hunt, bear trap, all necessary permits. See page 16 for more course requirements to hunt with
muzzleloader, migratory waterfowl, information on Junior Hunters. ■ individual methods (i.e. crossbow,
archery, etc.).

LICENSE REVOCATION INFORMATION
The MDIFW Commissioner may, at his Minimum Mandatory Two Year exceeding the bag limit.
discretion, revoke the hunting privi- Revocation of ALL MDIFW Licenses • First offense of placing or hunting over
leges of anyone convicted of a hunting • Burglary or criminal trespass of a build- bait for deer.
violation, or any violation of fish and ing located within any unorganized • Destroying or tearing down a property
wildlife laws. This is in addition to any township. posting sign (loss of hunting and
penalties imposed by a court of law. • Theft of any equipment used for fishing license).
Some violations result in mandatory hunting, fishing and trapping. • Hunting over another person’s bear
• Theft of any animal which has been bait without written permission from
revocation (summarized below):
obtained by hunting or trapping and that person.
Minimum Mandatory Ten Year which was in the possession or control Littering on WMAs
Revocation of Hunting Licenses of the person who hunted or trapped
the animal. In addition to penalties provided
If a person is convicted of Assault While
by Maine’s littering laws, a person
Hunting [17A MRSA §208(A)] and Minimum Mandatory Two Year
convicted of littering on a state owned
the offense occurred in the context of Revocation of Hunting Licenses
wildlife management area or sanctuary
hunting activity, and if, through failure • Second offense of placing or hunting as defined in Title 12 shall surrender
of the hunter to make proper target over bait for deer.
their hunting and/or fishing licenses for
identification, the offense resulted in the Hunting Violations with a Minimum a period of up to one year.
injury or death of another person. One Year License Revocation
• Illegally hunting and/or possessing Interstate Violations/Suspensions
Minimum Mandatory Five Year
Revocation of Hunting Licenses deer, bear, or moose during closed Maine is a participating member of the
season. Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, an
• Shooting a domestic animal while
hunting. • Night hunting. agreement that recognizes suspension of
• Discharging a firearm within 100 yards hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses
• Hunting under the influence of
of a building or residential dwelling across member states. This means that
intoxicating liquor or drugs.
without permission of the owner, or in illegal activities in one state can affect
• Conviction of violation of 17A MRSA the owner’s absence, an adult occupant a person’s hunting, fishing, or trapping
while on a hunting or fishing trip or who dwells in that location.
in the pursuit of wild animals, birds or privileges in all participating states as
fish and when the wounding or killing • Illegally buying and/or selling deer, well. If a person plans to hunt, fish, or
of a human being has occurred. bear, moose or wild turkeys. trap in another state, and they have a
• Illegally hunting/possessing wild license suspension in Maine, it is their
Minimum Mandatory Three Year turkeys including using illegal hunting responsibility to contact the other state
Revocation of ALL MDIFW Licenses methods. to see if they can legally hunt, fish, or
• Disturbing traps. • Hunting deer, bear, moose, or wild trap in that state.
turkey after having killed one and/or
GENERAL HUNTING LAWS
To hunt means to pursue, catch,

take, kill or harvest
wild birds and wild animals (wild by also unlawful to take, possess, or needlessly
nature, whether or not bred or reared in destroy the nest or eggs of any wild bird.
captivity), including any physical part of
that species of mammal or bird. PROHIBITION REGARDING
Unlawful Conduct: The hunting, posses- SELLING OF WILD ANIMALS
sion, transporting of any species of wild Wild Birds: A person may not sell or
animal or wild bird, or parts thereof, for possess for sale a wild bird, except for the
which an open hunting season is not spe- plumage of lawfully taken wild birds, and
cifically provided, and except as provided in only if that sale does not violate regulations
the fish and wildlife laws, is unlawful. It is of the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

GENERAL HUNTING LAWS 11
Finished Wildlife Products: A person Exceptions: migratory game bird, (see page
may buy, sell, barter or trade legally ob- 39), raccoon (see below), and coyote (see
tained finished wildlife products, excluding page 24).
federally protected wild animals and birds.
RACCOON HUNTING
Deer, Bear, or Moose: A person may,
Raccoons may be hunted at night during
without a hide dealer’s license, buy or sell
the open season only when the hunter:
naturally shed deer or moose antlers.
• Is accompanied by a dog.
A person who has lawfully killed and regis-
• Uses a rifle or handgun of no greater
tered a deer, bear or moose may, without a
power than one which uses .22 caliber
hide dealer’s license, sell: long rifle ammunition.
• The head, hide, antlers* and feet of that • Loads the rifle or handgun only when
deer. dispatching a raccoon that is treed or
• The head, hide, antlers*, feet and bones held at bay by a dog or dogs and has been
of that moose. identified by flashlight.
• The head, hide, teeth, gallbladder* and
claws (not attached to the paws) of that PLACEMENT OF BAIT
bear. As used in this section, “bait” means an an-
imal, plant, or part thereof used to attract
*R aw antlers and bear gallbladders may only
wild animals for the purpose of hunting.
be sold (including for money, barter, or trade)
to a licensed hide dealer, and they must be A Person Placing Bait for Hunting
tagged or accompanied with documentation Purposes Must: SUNDAY HUNTING IS
containing the name and address of the • Obtain oral or written permission from
person who legally killed the animal. the landowner or landowner’s agent. ILLEGAL IN MAINE
• Plainly label the bait with a 2-inch by
You Need a Hide Dealer’s License To:
4-inch tag containing the name and
Commercially buy, sell, barter, or trade address of the baiter.
any raw, untanned animal hides (including • Baiting and feeding turkey is prohibited
• Clean up the bait site immediately upon during the spring wild turkey season.
fur-bearing animals) or parts of wild landowner request; or if not requested,
animals or birds not prohibited above. • Further restrictions apply to bear baiting,
within 20 days of the last day the site is
see page 25.
Any parts bought or sold may not be hunted.
attached to wild animal or wild bird parts A Person May NOT: MINIMUM SHOOTING DISTANCES
that are prohibited from being sold. • Hunt over another person’s bait site Shooting within 100 Yards of Dwelling
without the baiter’s permission. or State Owned Boat Launch: It is
Please refer to mefishwildlife.com for the
• Place any medicinal, poisonous, or stupe- unlawful to discharge any firearm, muzzle-
latest changes to this license and the new
fying substance to entice any animal. loader, or crossbow, or cause a projectile to
reporting requirements.
Species-specific Baiting Laws: pass as a result of that discharge, within
NIGHT HUNTING • Baiting or feeding of deer is prohibited 100 yards (300 feet) of a building without
Except as otherwise provided, wild birds from June 1-December 15. See page 17 permission from the owner or, in the
and wild animals may not be hunted from for more information. owner’s absence, an adult occupant who
½ hour after sunset until ½ hour before • Baiting and feeding moose and turkey is dwells in that building. This provision also
sunrise the following day. prohibited from September 1 to Decem- applies to state-owned boat launches that
ber 15. are posted accordingly.
Definitions, as Used in This Section:
TARGET IDENTIFICATION WHILE HUNTING Building means any residential, commer-
cial, retail, educational, religious or farm
(Summary of 12 MRSA §11222) alone, or even upon sound combined structure that is designed to be occupied by
A hunter may not shoot at a target with what appears to be an appendage people or domesticated animals or is being
without at that point in time being of the wild animal or wild bird sought. used to shelter machines or harvested
certain that the target is the wild animal • Bases identification upon an crops.
or wild bird sought. essentially unobstructed view of the
“Projectile” means a bullet, pellet, shot,
potential target’s head and torso.
shell, ball, bolt or other object propelled or
A reasonable and prudent hunter: • Recognizes that sound and sight tar- launched from a firearm or crossbow.
• Risks losing legitimate prey so as not get-determining factors are affected
to risk destruction of human life. by a number of other considerations Exception
• Neither disregards, nor fails to be including, but not limited to, the Persons target practicing on land that
aware of, the risk of causing the death distance to the target, surrounding or they own or have permission to use may
of another human being as a conse- intervening terrain and cover, lighting discharge a crossbow within 100 yards of a
quence of misidentification. and weather conditions, the hunter’s dwelling, provided the projectile does not
• Never bases identification upon sound hearing, eyesight, and experience enter another person’s property.
level, and other people nearby.

12 GENERAL HUNTING LAWS
Hunting Under the Influence: It is • Persons who are at least 21 years of age, Note: A loaded clip may be carried in a
unlawful to hunt while under the influence or are at least 18 years of age and a mem- motor vehicle, but it must not be inserted
of intoxicating liquor or drugs. ber or honorably discharged veteran of in, or attached to, a firearm; a crossbow
the armed forces or National Guard, may may be carried as long it is not cocked
Possession of Hunting Equipment on carry a loaded pistol or revolver in or on and armed; a muzzleloader is considered
Sunday: Possession of hunting equipment a motor vehicle if they are not otherwise to be loaded only if charged with powder,
in the fields and forests or on the waters prohibited from carrying a firearm. Upon
projectile and a primed ignition device or
or ice of this state on Sunday is prima facie contact with a law enforcement officer,
a person carrying a concealed handgun mechanism.
evidence of a violation of Sunday hunting
law, unless the equipment is securely without a permit must notify the officer Shooting From or Over a Public Paved
wrapped in a complete cover, fastened in immediately. Way: A person may not shoot or discharge
a case, or carried in at least two separate • Paraplegics and leg amputees may shoot any firearm, crossbow, or bow and arrow
pieces in such a way that it cannot be fired from motor vehicles. at any wild animal or bird from any public
without the pieces being joined together • Migratory waterfowl may be hunted from paved way (any road treated with bitumi-
(for the purpose of this paragraph, a a motorboat in accordance with federal nous or concrete material), from within 10
firearm clip, magazine, or cylinder is not regulation. feet of the edge of its pavement, or from
considered a “piece”). • A person who is hunting may rest a the right-of-way of any controlled access
loaded firearm or crossbow that is under highway.
Bows and arrows must be kept in a case or their control on the vehicle to shoot only
cover if broadheads or field points are kept when the vehicle is not in motion and the Shooting of Domestic Animals: It is un-
attached to the arrows. engine is off. lawful for any person, while on a hunting
• A person may shoot from a motorboat trip, to negligently, carelessly, or willfully
Exception: A person may possess hunting
if that boat is not being propelled by the shoot and wound or kill any domestic
equipment on Sunday for legitimate
motor and forward momentum of the animal or bird.
activities such as target practice, sighting
in rifles, etc. boat has stopped. However, the wanton Firearms on School Property: Posses-
waste law allows you to shoot crippled
sion of a firearm or crossbow on public
Airborne Hunting: A person on the waterfowl from a motorboat under power
school property or discharging one within
ground or airborne may not use aircraft on coastal waters and all waters of rivers
and streams lying seaward of the first 500 feet of school property, except as used
(including drones & remote-controlled
upstream bridge. in supervised educational programs or by
aircraft) to aid or assist in hunting deer,
law enforcement officials, is illegal.
bear, or moose. • A person who is hunting who is on but
not within an enclosed area or passenger Harassment of lawful hunter or
Shooting from a Motor Vehicle or
compartment of an ATV or snowmobile trapper: It is unlawful for any person to
Motorboat or Possessing a Loaded
may shoot a firearm or crossbow or rest a willfully interfere with the lawful hunting
Firearm or Crossbow in or on a Motor
loaded firearm or crossbow that is under or trapping of any wild animal or wild
Vehicle: It is unlawful to shoot while in or the person’s control on the ATV or snow- bird, including the willful disturbance of
on a motor vehicle, motorboat, snowmobile mobile to shoot only when the vehicle is wild animals or wild birds with intent to
or ATV or have a loaded firearm or cross not in motion and the engine is off. interfere with their lawful taking.
bow while in or on a motor vehicle, trailer,
or other type of vehicle being hauled by • While target shooting, not hunting, a Disposal of Remains: It is unlawful,
person who is on but not within an en-
a motor vehicle except as specifically except during normal field dressing or for
closed area or passenger compartment of
allowed. a vehicle may shoot a firearm or crossbow baiting purposes, to dispose of the carcass,
or rest a loaded firearm or crossbow that waste parts, or remains of a wild animal,
Exemptions
• A holder of a valid Maine concealed weap- is under their control on the vehicle to unless you are on private property that you
on permit may carry a loaded pistol or shoot only when the vehicle isn’t in mo- own, or property where you have landown-
revolver in a motor vehicle as prescribed tion and the engine is off. er’s permission to do so. ■
by Title 25 sub 2001A.
DISTURBING TRAPS
It is unlawful to take or disturb any

trap, any wildlife animal which is
caught in a trap, without permission
from the owner of the trap. An
individual convicted of a disturbing
traps, will lose any license in effect,
and be ineligible to purchase any
license issued by the Department for
3 years.

LAWS PERTAINING TO HUNTING EQUIPMENT 13
LAWS PERTAINING
TO HUNTING
EQUIPMENT
GENERAL LAWS agents appointed by the commissioner to Cartridges:

Wild animals and wild birds may be hunt coyotes at night during this period • Firearms with .17 or .22 caliber rimfire
hunted only by the use of rifles, handguns, under policies established by MDIFW. cartridges may not be used for deer,
moose, or bear hunting, except that .22
shotguns (not larger than 10-gauge),
muzzleloader, handheld bow and arrow, FIREARMS LAWS magnum can be used for deer hunting.
crossbow, or falconry. It is Unlawful to Hunt with, or Possess • Shotguns using shot loads can not be
for Hunting, Any: used to hunt bear or moose.
Deer and moose decoys are legal, as are • Automatic firearm (a firearm that con- Archery Season Provisions: No firearms
laser sights (red dots or beam) for firearms tinues to fire as long as the trigger is held of any kind may be carried while hunting
and bows. back). deer with a bow and arrow during the
Electronic calling devices are legal for deer, • Auto-loading firearm (a firearm that special or expanded archery seasons on
bear, turkey, moose, and coyote, but are reloads itself after each shot and requires deer, except a person may carry a handgun
illegal for migratory game birds. a separate trigger pull for each shot) in accordance with title 25 section 2001-A;
with a magazine capacity of more than but it cannot be used to shoot a deer or
Illegal Devices: 5 cartridges (plus 1 in the chamber for a dispatch a wounded deer.
• It is unlawful to hunt with the use of total of 6), unless the magazine has been
(or sell or offer for sale for the purpose permanently altered to contain not more Loaded Firearms in Motor Vehicles:
of hunting) a set gun, or any medici- than 5 cartridges. It is unlawful to have a loaded firearm or
nal, poisonous or stupefying substance Note: This provision does not apply to crossbow in or on a motor vehicle (includ-
(except rodenticide for orchard mouse .22 caliber rimfire guns or to auto-loading ing trailer, ATV, aircraft, snowmobile, or
control and gas cartridges for woodchuck railway car), unless otherwise specified.
pistols with barrel lengths of less than 8
control). See page 12 for more information.
inches.
• Drawlocks and set bows are illegal unless
otherwise permitted for disabled hunters. 3-shell Max for Migratory Game Birds: A loaded magazine may be carried in a
It is unlawful to hunt any migratory game motor vehicle, but it must not be inserted
• Crossbows cannot be used to hunt wild
turkeys in the fall season, or deer during bird with a shotgun capable of holding in or attached to a firearm.
the expanded archery, regular October ar- more than 3 shells unless the magazine
Firearms may be transported in a motor
chery, or the muzzleloader season. Please has been cut off, altered, or plugged with
vehicle without a concealed firearms
see exceptions and additional information a one-piece filler (incapable of removal
permit provided they are (1) unloaded
related to crossbow hunting on page 15. without disassembling the gun), so as to
and in plain view, or (2) are unloaded and
reduce the capacity of the gun to not more
Illegal Use of Lights: From September placed in a remote secure area (such as a
than 3 shells in the magazine and chamber
1 to December 15, it is unlawful to use locked trunk) away from the control of the
combined.
artificial lights from ½ hour after sunset occupants of the motor vehicle.
until ½ hour before sunrise to illuminate, Silencers: It is unlawful to hunt with or
For the purpose of this law, a muzzleloader
jack, locate, attempt to locate or show up possess for hunting any firearm fitted or
is considered to be loaded only if charged
wild birds or animals, except raccoons, contrived with any device for deadening
with powder, a projectile, and a primed
which may be hunted at night with electric the sound of the explosion without a
ignition device or mechanism. A crossbow
flashlights during the open season (see permit.
is considered loaded if cocked and armed.
General Hunting Provisions for details). Bullet Types: It is unlawful to hunt with Exceptions apply when carrying a con-
An exception to this may be made for cartridges that contain tracer bullets or cealed pistol or revolver.
explosive bullets.

14 LAWS PERTAINING TO HUNTING EQUIPMENT
Carrying Concealed Firearms: A person ARCHERY INFORMATION American) and junior hunting license hold-
may carry a concealed handgun without Seasons: The regular archery license allows ers may hunt with those licenses during
a permit and may have that concealed, bow and arrow hunting for all legal game the expanded archery deer season.
loaded pistol or revolver in, or on, a motor throughout the year, except for deer during Obtaining an Archery License: Appli-
vehicle or trailer if: the muzzleloader season. cants for the regular archery license must
• The person is 21 years of age or older and Licenses: You must have an archery show proof of having successfully com-
is not otherwise prohibited from possess- license to hunt during the regular and pleted an archery hunter education course
ing a firearm or; or of having held a Maine adult archery
expanded archery deer seasons, or hunt
• The person is 18 years of age or older and with a bow and arrow in general. license in any year after 1979. When
under 21 years of age and on active duty proof or evidence cannot be provided, the
in the Armed Forces of the United States Permits: In addition to an archery license, applicant may substitute a signed affidavit.
or the National Guard or is an honorably hunters participating in the expanded Native Americans are exempt from safety
discharged veteran of the Armed Forces archery deer season (designated areas course requirements for archery, crossbow,
of the United States or the National only) must also purchase permits. Multiple and trapping.
Guard and is not otherwise prohibited antlerless deer permits may be purchased
from carrying a firearm. for $12 each, and an either-sex permit for • Junior hunters who hold a valid Junior
Upon contact with a law enforcement offi- the expanded archery deer season is $32. Hunting License are allowed to hunt with
cer, a person carrying a concealed handgun bow and arrow when accompanied by an
Exceptions: Complimentary archery adult supervisor (see page 16).
without a permit is required to notify them
license holders (Disabled Veteran, Native • A hunter may carry a handgun while
immediately.
bowhunting, but it may NOT be used
to dispatch deer. See page 13 for more
information.
HUNTER ORANGE CLOTHING REQUIREMENT • Laws that allow you to hunt without a
license on your own land under certain
Hunter orange is defined as a day- Moose Hunting Season conditions apply to archery hunting (see
light fluorescent orange color with a Anyone who hunts any species with page 6).
dominant wave length between 595 a firearm or crossbow in a Wildlife • Deer & bear may be taken under the
and 605 nanometers, excitation purity Management District that is open to archery provisions only by means of
of at least 85% and luminance factor moose hunting must wear one article hand-held bow with a minimum draw
of at least 40%. A decal on an article of of solid-colored hunter orange clothing weight of 35 pounds (for moose a
clothing that is otherwise solid hunter (hats count). When moose season minimum draw weight of 45 pounds is
orange is permissible. Articles of hunter overlaps the firearms season on deer, required), and broad-head arrow. Arrow
orange clothing must be in good and then two pieces must be worn. All laws heads (including expandable mechanical
broadheads) must be at least ⅞ inch in
serviceable condition and visible from pertaining to deer hunting apply to
width. It is unlawful to use a set bow, or
all sides. moose hunters during these seasons. to use arrows with poisonous or explosive
Firearms and Muzzleloader Bear, Turkey, and Upland Game tips. Hunters 65 years of age or older may
Seasons on Deer Bird Hunters hunt any wild bird or wild animal with a
Anyone who hunts any species with crossbow during any open season on that
When hunting bears, turkeys, and
wild bird or wild animal.
a firearm, muzzleloader, or crossbow upland game birds, hunter orange
during any firearms or muzzleloader • Hunter orange clothing is NOT required
clothing is only required when hunting
when hunting with bow and arrow.
season on deer (also on Youth Deer Day) with a firearm or crossbow during the
Anyone who hunts with a firearm or
must wear two articles of hunter orange firearms hunting season on deer, the crossbow must wear hunter orange (see
clothing. One article must be a sol- muzzleloader season on deer, or within more information on the left).
id-colored hunter orange hat; the other an open moose hunting district during • All deer killed by bow and arrow during
must cover a major portion of the torso, moose hunting season. the archery seasons must be inspected
such as a jacket, vest, coat or poncho and registered at the first open deer
and must be a minimum of 50% hunter Waterfowl Hunters
registration station.
orange in color (camouflage). are not affected by the provisions above
while hunting from a boat, blind, or in • It is legal to hunt until ½ hour after sun-
Archery Seasons on Deer conjunction with waterfowl decoys. set during both archery deer seasons.
Hunter orange clothing is not required • In WMDs where no any-deer permits are
while hunting with a bow and arrow Exception issued, archers and junior hunters are not
Any hunter whose religion prohibits allowed to harvest antlerless deer during
during the archery seasons.
wearing hunter orange may wear red the archery season on deer. (Deer taken
instead. All minimum wear require- during the expanded archery deer season
ments for hunter orange still apply are by appropriate permit as described
when hunter red is substituted for above.)
hunter orange. In addition, all other laws pertaining to
deer hunting apply to archery hunting.

LAWS PERTAINING TO HUNTING EQUIPMENT 15
RELEASING DOGS FROM TRAPS
A dog’s reaction to being caught in a foothold trap can vary from

calm to frightened, but upon being released they do not normally
sustain injury. The most common trap type used in Maine is the
coilspring variety (shown here), and other types that you might
come across operate by similar mechanisms. If your dog gets
caught in one of them, follow these steps:
Get Help: If available, get a second release tension on the jaws and allow
person to assist you. you to remove the dog’s foot.
Protect Yourself: Some dogs may Respect the Trapper, and Obey the
attempt to bite, especially as the trap Law: It is unlawful to take or destroy
is removed from their foot. Protect a trap without permission from the
yourself by securing the dog’s muzzle owner.
using a jacket or vest, or by placing a
Prevent Future Incidents: Trappers
barrier between you and the dog.
commonly use lures and urine to
Open the Trap: If possible, put the attract furbearers such as foxes and
trap flat on the ground. To open the coyotes. You can train your dog to
trap, push down on the levers located avoid trap locations by utilizing these
at either end of the jaws. This will scents in mock trap sets.
CROSSBOW INFORMATION season with the appropriate permits.

OBSERVATION STANDS
Crossbow Permits For Native Americans, see page 19.
To purchase a crossbow hunting permit,
It is unlawful to insert any metallic Crossbow Equipment Laws
you must first a valid hunting license (big
or ceramic object into a tree on Required Features
game license for big game species or small • Only crossbows with a shoulder-type
another person’s land for the purpose game license for turkey and small game
of erecting a ladder or observation stock may be used.
species), and must submit proof of having
stand, unless you have permission • Draw weight must be at least 100 pounds
successfully completed an archery hunting (there is no max).
from the landowner. You must obtain education course and a crossbow hunting
verbal or written permission of the • Arrowheads, including mechanical broad-
course or satisfactory evidence of having heads when open, must be at least ⅞ inch
landowner (or representative) to previously held adult archery and crossbow wide.
erect or use a portable or permanent hunting permits in any year after 1979.
ladder or observation stand, and the • Crossbows must be equipped with a me-
If you cannot provide proof or evidence, a chanical trigger safety device in working
ladder or observation stand must signed affidavit can be substituted. condition.
be plainly labeled with a 2-inch
by 4-inch tag with the names and Valid junior hunting license holders may Prohibited Features
addresses of everyone the landowner hunt with a crossbow without purchasing • Hand-held pistol-type crossbows are
has authorized to use it. permits. prohibited
Crossbow Seasons • Arrows with explosive or poisonous tips
Exception: Portable ladders or are prohibited
observation stands used on land By Maine State Law, a crossbow is not
within the jurisdiction of the Maine considered a firearm. A person may hunt Optional, but Allowed Features
Land Use Regulation Commission any wild bird or animal with a crossbow • Crossbows equipped with scopes or sights
during any open season on that bird or may be used. ■
and attended by the person who
owns the ladder or observation stand animal while still following all the other
do not require landowner permission laws pertinent to that species, except that a TRAIL/GAME CAMERAS LAW
or labeling, but permanent ones do. licensed crossbow hunter 64 years of age or
younger may not hunt wild turkey during
Note: For more information on People using trail and game cameras
the fall turkey season or hunt deer during
private property use, see page 31. may not place a camera upon an-
the expanded archery, special October
Observation stands do not include other person’s private land without
archery or muzzleloader seasons.
portable blinds utilized at ground written permission. All cameras
level that remain in the hunter’s Hunters 65 years or older, or who have a must be labeled with the person’s
physical possession. special handicap permit to use a crossbow, name and contact information.
may use a crossbow for any species in

16 JUNI OR HUNTERS
Junior Hunters
JUNIOR HUNTING LICENSES in the presence of, and under the effective If a person is continuing to hunt on a
Children 16 and under must have a junior control of, an adult supervisor. junior hunting license and has turned 16
hunting license to hunt. There is no • Hunters under the age of 10 must be in they may hunt on youth hunting days.
minimum age to purchase a junior hunting the presence of, and under the effective If that 16 year old who is hunting with a
license. control of, an adult supervisor who junior hunting license has completed their
remains at all times within 20 feet of the hunter safety course they still must have
After a junior hunter’s 16th birthday, hunter. adult supervision on the youth hunting
they may continue to hunt on their junior days only.
A. “Adult Supervisor” Means:
license for the remainder of the calendar
1. The parent or guardian of the junior On these days, all laws pertaining to
year, or take the hunter safety course and hunter who holds or has held a valid
upgrade to an adult license. Upgrading will hunting deer, bear, spring wild turkey
Maine hunting license or successfully
allow them to hunt without supervision; and waterfowl apply. The accompanying
completed a hunter safety course.
but if they do so, they must also purchase parent, guardian or qualified adult, shall
2. A person 18 years of age or older who:
necessary permits. not possess a firearm, bow and arrow or
a. I s approved by the parent or guardian crossbow, except on youth waterfowl days*.
Junior license holders can hunt with a of the junior hunter; and On youth deer, bear and spring turkey
firearm, bow and arrow, or crossbow (see b. Holds or has held a valid Maine hunt- days the parent, guardian or qualified adult
pg. 15 for more crossbow information). ing license or successfully completed may carry a handgun pursuant to Title 25
The license includes hunting permits for a hunter safety course.
M.R.S. SS 2001-A, but the handgun may
muzzleloader, spring and fall turkey, bear, B. “In the Presence of” Means: not be used for the purpose of hunting.
coyote night hunt, pheasant, state mi- in visual and voice contact without the
gratory waterfowl, one expanded archery 16-year-olds still hunting on valid junior
use of visual or audio enhancement
antlerless deer permit, and one expanded devices, including but not limited to hunting licenses may hunt on youth
archery either sex permit. binoculars and citizen band radios. hunt days without purchasing additional
permits, except for migratory waterfowl
Note: A lifetime license purchased for a
YOUTH HUNTING DAYS youth hunt days, which require anyone 16
hunter under 16 years of age is considered or older to obtain a valid Federal Migratory
Junior hunters who hold a valid junior
a junior license until upgraded to an adult Bird Hunting Stamp. ■
hunting license (including a lifetime
license by contacting MDIFW.
license) can participate in special youth
hunting days for bear, deer, spring wild
SUPERVISION OF JUNIOR HUNTERS
turkey, and migratory waterfowl.
• Hunters from 10–15 years of age must be
YOUTH HUNTING
SPECIES YOUTH HUNTING DAY(S) REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO JUNIOR HUNTERS
A licensed junior hunter may hunt bear with a firearm, bow and arrow, or crossbow during
Bear August 25, 2018 the youth bear hunting day. Use of dogs is prohibited; hunting over bait or
still hunting is permitted.
Participants are allowed to take one deer of either sex (in WMD’s where antlerless deer per-
mits are issued) with a firearm, bow and arrow, or crossbow. If a junior hunter shoots a deer
Deer October 20, 2018 on the youth deer hunting day, they are prohibited from taking any additional deer, unless
they have been awarded a bonus antlerless-deer permit or participate in the expanded
archery season (designated areas only) with appropriate expanded archery permits.
Spring Participants may take up to two bearded wild turkeys with a shotgun, bow and arrow, or
April 27, 2019
Wild Turkey crossbow, but cannot exceed an individual WMD bag limit. See wild turkey, pages 22-23.
North Zone:
September 15, 2018 ALL duck species - except Harlequins, Barrow’s Goldeneye, Moorhens and Gallinules - may
& December 8, 2018 be hunted on these days, including geese. For the October 20, November 3, and December 8
youth days, the goose limit is under the Regular Season limit. On September 15,
South Zone: September 22, October 20, November 3, and December 8, scoters, eiders, and long-tailed
Waterfowl September 22, 2018 ducks may be taken as part of the 6 bird daily limit on regular ducks. Also on these dates,
& October 20, 2018 2 Black Ducks may be taken.) Must follow regular season bag limits and exceptions.
*The supervisor may not carry a firearm, bow and arrow, or crossbow while accompanying
Coastal Zone: a youth hunter on a youth hunt day except when it occurs during the early goose season the
September 22, 2018 accompanying adult may hunt for geese only.
& November 3, 2018

DEER HUNTING 17
Deer Hunting
Hunting of antlerless deer
(a deer that has no antlers or
has antlers less than 3 inches in
length measured from the skull)
is prohibited except by special
permit during both the firearms
and muzzleloader seasons.
In WMDs where no any-deer permits are
issued, archers and junior hunters are also
not allowed to harvest antlerless deer.
Multiple deer may be taken during the
expanded archery season, and one may be
taken during any one of the remaining sea-
sons (with appropriate licenses or permits).
DEER HUNTING PROHIBITIONS

Baiting deer by placing salt, grain, fruit,
nuts or other foods or bait known to be
attractive to deer, or hunting from an
observation stand or blind overlooking
such bait, is prohibited from June 1 to
December 15. This does not apply to
hunting from an observation stand or
blind overlooking:
• Standing crops
• Foods that have been left as a result of a address of the person who registered the • Islesboro, Waldo County, is open to
natural occurrence or normal agricultural animal, and the year it was registered. deer hunting with bow and arrow only
operations Buying, Selling, and Bartering Deer: during the archery, expanded archery, or
• Bear bait that has been placed at a bear firearms seasons on deer.
see pages 10 & 11.
hunting stand or blind in accordance with • Prout’s Neck; Richmond’s Island; Cape
bear baiting laws AREAS CLOSED TO DEER HUNTING Elizabeth Sanctuary contains approxi-
• Mt. Desert Island in Hancock County; mately 1,600 acres open to deer hunting,
Illegal Equipment: Deer may not be hunted with bow and arrow only, during the open
with the use of dogs, artificial lights, • Cross and Scotch Islands, located in special archery season and the firearms
snares, traps, set guns or any firearm using Washington County; season on deer.
.17 or .22 caliber rimfire cartridges, except • The town of Isle au Haut and islands with-
Note: Landowner permission required.
that .22 caliber rimfire magnum cartridges in that town, located in Knox County; and
are permitted. Deer decoys are legal. • Wildlife sanctuaries, with exceptions • Southport: In the town of Southport,
listed below. Lincoln County, and on all islands within
Driving Deer: A person may not partic- its confines, it is lawful to hunt deer
ipate in a hunt for deer during which an AREAS OPEN TO DEER HUNTING with shotguns only, during the firearms
organized or planned effort is made to But with these Special Restrictions: season.
drive deer. Four or more persons working • Beauchamp Point Sanctuary in Camden Municipal Ordinances: Several Maine cit-
together to move deer constitutes such an and Rockport, Knox County, is open to ies and towns have adopted local ordinanc-
effort. archery hunting for deer during any open es that restrict or prohibit the discharge of
One and Done: It is unlawful to hunt hunting season that allows archery equip- certain projectiles (e.g., arrows, bullets).
deer after having killed or registered one ment to be used to hunt deer. Prior to hunting near densely populated
during the open season of that calendar • Cranberry Isles in Hancock County is communities, hunters should check with
year, unless you are participating in the open to bow and arrow hunting for deer local authorities regarding such ordinances.
expanded archery season on deer (see page only during the archery and firearms
seasons on deer and to shotgun hunting Towns may regulate the discharge of fire-
18) or possess a valid bonus or superpack arms as provided by Title 30-A; however,
during the firearms season on deer.
antlerless deer permit. they cannot regulate or charge fees to
• The island of Frenchboro is open to deer
Gift deer: Gift deer may not be possessed hunting with shotgun only during the hunt, fish or trap.
unless clearly labeled with the name and firearms season on deer.

18 DEER HUNTING
DEER PERMITS & LICENSES Expanded Archery Permit deer permits are not issued. Any-deer
• Restricted to designated areas (contact permits are acquired by lottery only and
Muzzleloader Permit applications are available mid-June.
• Muzzleloader means a firearm that is MDIFW, or see our website, for maps of
capable of being loaded only through the areas). • In several WMDs, there may be more any-
muzzle; is ignited by a matchlock, wheel • Archery hunting only. deer permits available than applicants.
lock, flintlock, or caplock, including an • Hunters who have a valid archery license Unclaimed bonus antlerless deer permits
in-line caplock or shotgun or rifle primer can purchase multiple antlerless deer will be allocated in a chance drawing until
mechanism; has a rifled or smooth-bored permits and one either-sex permit. all permits in that district have been
barrel capable of firing only a single issued.
• Deer must be legally transported and reg-
charge; propels a ball, bullet, or charge istered as required for other deer seasons. • Maine’s antlerless deer (firearms) hunt
of shot; and may have any type of sights, is a “permit only” hunt. ■
• All other archery deer hunting laws apply.
including scopes. • Junior hunters may hunt during this
• A muzzleloader permit, in addition to a season with their junior hunting license.
valid adult big game hunting license that The junior hunting license includes one
allows the use of firearms, is required for expanded archery antlerless deer permit
hunters 16 years of age or older prior to and one either sex permit. If the hunter
hunting deer during the muzzleloader wants to take additional deer, unlimited
deer season. The muzzleloader permit is expanded archery antlerless deer permits
included in the junior hunting license and may be purchased.
the senior (age 70+) lifetime license.
Antlerless Deer Permit
• Hunter orange clothing is required during
• Hunting of antlerless deer during the
this season (see page 14).
firearms season and muzzleloader season
• Hunting hours are from ½ hour before is restricted to those hunters who possess
sunrise to ½ hour after sunset. a valid any-deer permit, bonus antlerless
• Except as specified, all other laws relating deer permit, or superpack antlerless deer
to the taking of deer with firearms shall permit.
apply to the taking of deer with muzzle- • Antlerless deer may be taken by hunt-
loaders. ers during the expanded (September
• Only muzzleloaders that are 40 caliber or – December) and regular (October)
greater and capable of firing only a single archery seasons. Archers may not take
charge and crossbows by persons 65 years antlerless deer in WMDs where any-
of age or older may be used to hunt deer
during this season.
DEER POPULATION MONITORING PROJECT
MDIFW biologists annually collect To that end, MDIFW has initiated a

weather-related data (i.e., temperature, 5-year population monitoring project
snow depth, and deer sinking depth) that uses GPS Satellite collar technology
from 27 representative sites across to track survival/mortality trends
Maine to calculate a weather severity among Maine’s antlerless deer popula-
index (WSI). tions. The project’s primary goals are to:
This index has been used since 1973 1. Reevaluate the correlation between
at the statewide and WMD levels to WSI and WMR for white-tailed deer NOTICE TO DOG
estimate an all-inclusive annual
over-winter mortality rate (WMR)
2. Assess seasonal survival rates for the OWNERS
adult female (≥1.5 years) and fawn
of white-tailed deer, which accounts
segments of the population It is unlawful to allow any dog to
for predation, malnutrition, physical
limitations of deer, etc. run at large at any time, except
3. Assess cause-specific mortality of
adult female and fawn populations when used for hunting. (“AT
Since the correlation between WSI and LARGE” means off the premises
WMR was identified, it has become a 4. Reassess the current winter severity of the owner and not under the
cornerstone of Maine’s deer manage- index and try to identify a new, more
control of any person by means of
ment system. simplistic, metric
personal presence or attention.)
But because the metric derives from 5. Begin to understand predator-prey It is unlawful to allow any dog to
an ecological relationship, which may dynamics for white-tailed deer in chase, wound, or kill a deer or
change over time, our high wildlife Maine moose at any time or any other
management standards require that
wild animal in closed season.
we continue to monitor its efficacy.

DEER HUNTING 19
REPORTING ACCIDENTS
& AIDING VICTIMS
Any person who knows or has reason

to believe that they have inflicted
injury to another person by the use
of firearms, crossbow or bow and
arrow is required to make themselves
known to the victim and render such
first aid and assistance as they are
capable of under the circumstances.
The incident must be reported by the
quickest means, to a game warden or
other law enforcement officer.
HARASSMENT OF HUNTERS
It is illegal for any person to willfully

interfere with the lawful hunting
of any wild animal or wild bird,
including the willful disturbance of HUNTERS FOR THE HUNGRY
wild animals or wild birds with intent
to interfere with their lawful taking. Attention hunters! Some Maine citizens lack adequate nutrition.
Note: This law does not limit the A gift of meat from your hunt can help reduce hunger in Maine.
ownership, use, access, or control of Hunters for the Hungry is a program for donating wild game meat to food
property rights otherwise provided kitchens, shelters, and charitable organizations statewide.
by law. To find out how you can help call (207) 287-7513.
2018 DEER SEASONS & BAG LIMITS
SEASON DATES DAILY BAG & POSSESSION LIMIT
Expanded Archery
September 8, 2018 - December 8, 2018
(limited area/permit required)
Regular Archery (Statewide) September 29, 2018 - October 26, 2018*
Maine Residents Only:

Firearms October 27, 2018 Only 1 may be taken annually.
(allows use of bow and arrow, Exception: Additional deer may be
crossbows**, firearms, or muzzleloaders) All Hunters: taken by participants in the Expanded
October 29, 2018 - November 24, 2018 Archery Season within the expanded
archery zones or by anyone possess-
ing a bonus antlerless deer permit or
Youth Deer Hunting Day October 20, 2018 superpack antlerless deer permit.
Week 1:
All Wildlife Management Districts (WMD’s)
November 26, 2018 - December 1, 2018
Muzzleloader
Week 2:
WMD’s 12, 13, 15-18, 20-26, 29
December 3, 2018 - December 8, 2018
All dates are inclusive except that hunting is prohibited on Sunday.
*During the regular archery season, participants may take a deer of either sex if hunting in a WMD where antlerless deer permits are issued.
**See page 15 for information on the use of crossbows.

20 CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE
Chronic Wasting Disease

WHAT IS CWD?
• CWD is a fatal brain disease of white-
tailed deer, mule deer, caribou, moose,
and elk. It is similar to mad cow disease
which occurs in cattle.
• CWD occurs in wild deer populations in
18 U.S. states and two Canadian provinc-
es, including states as close as Pennsylva-
nia and New York.
• CWD has not yet been recorded as being
transmissible to people. However, a hu-
man variant of the disease does exist.
• CWD can persist in the environment • MDIFW prohibits the transportation
outside of a host for many years. of unprocessed deer carcasses, and/or
parts, into Maine from states that are
• CWD has a 100% mortality rate in deer. not directly adjacent to our state.
CWD Monitoring and Prevention Note: Cervid carcasses or parts from • Refrain from feeding deer during the
in Maine New Hampshire and provinces of New winter months, as high densities of deer
• Maine has actively monitored for CWD Brunswick, Labrador, Newfoundland, and within a small area can increase disease
each year since 1999, and since that time Quebec are exempt from this transporta- transmission.
screened approximately 9,000 wild deer. tion restriction. • Do not use urine-based lures, as CWD has
Thus far, Maine proudly remains CWD • MDIFW will not transplant deer from been shown to be spread via bodily fluids.
free. To the best of our knowledge, commercial
other states into Maine.
• It is illegal for individuals to bring into lures are not currently monitored for
Maine cervid carcasses or parts, except MDIFW Recommends that Individuals: CWD. If you choose to utilize a urine-
that the following carcass parts may • Contact their regional wildlife biologist, based lure, be certain to place it in a
be imported and possessed: boned-out or warden, if an animal shows clinical location that deer cannot come in contact
meat, hardened antlers, skull caps that signs of illness, such as loss of fear of with. ■
have been cleaned free of brain and other humans, drooling, and/or excessive
tissues, capes and hides with no skull weight loss.
attached, teeth, and finished taxidermy • Take precautionary steps such as using
mounts. latex gloves while processing a harvested CAUTION ON LIVER
deer, and sterilizing their equipment fol-
lowing processing. These steps will help & KIDNEY
REGULATIONS ON FEEDING DEER to reduce potential transmission of the CONSUMPTION
disease to humans. Again, thus far CWD
Feeding deer is prohibited from June has not been identified in a person. The Maine Department of Inland
1 to December 15. The Commission- • Avoid consumption of the brain and Fisheries and Wildlife and the
er can stop anyone from feeding deer spinal tissues. Maine Center for Disease Control
at any time if there is a public safety and Prevention recommend that
hazard or if it is harmful to the deer the liver and kidneys of moose
population. not be eaten because of possible
MDIFW CHECK STATIONS contamination with the heavy
metal cadmium. Also, recent stud-
Our wildlife biologists annually ies have shown smaller amounts
WASTE OF GAME collect information that allows
of cadmium in liver tissues from
Maine deer, and deer, elk and
MDIFW to assess the condition and antelope from other states. Maine
A person may not waste a wild productivity of Maine’s deer popu- health officials recommend
bird or wild animal that has been lation. Much of the information we limiting deer liver consumption
wounded or killed while hunting. collect comes from hunter-harvest- to 0.8 pounds in one sitting and
For purposes of this section “waste” ed deer. As such, the information 1 to 1 1⁄3 pounds per week. Human
means to intentionally leave a you provide us with is used directly symptoms of acute cadmium
wounded or killed animal in the for deer management purposes, in poisoning include severe nausea,
field or forest without making a Maine. A summary of the infor- vomiting, diarrhea, muscle cramps
reasonable effort to retrieve and mation we collect from you can be and salivation. There is no known
render it for consumption or use. found within our Annual Research health risk from eating moose
This law does not apply to coyotes. and Management Reports. meat or deer meat.

MOOSE HUNTING 21
Moose Hunting
MOOSE HUNTING PERMIT moose hunt is eligible to apply for a moose Permits for Sporting Camp Owners:
Maine’s moose hunt is a “permit only” hunting permit in that calendar year. A Beginning in 2019, the Commissioner may
hunt. 2,500 permits were issued for the person under the age of 10 on the opening allocate up to 2% of the moose hunting
2018 moose hunt. Each permittee may day of the moose hunting season may permits for a special chance lottery that is
select a subpermittee to hunt with them. apply to earn a point in the lottery system, separate from the regular moose permit
Applications are available by January 31. but cannot receive a permit. lottery, to hunting outfitters who meet
A person may not hunt moose with an the specific requirements defined in the
Permits for 65 Years Old and Older:
apprentice hunter license. The bag limit is law. If a qualified applicant is drawn in the
A resident 65 years of age or older with 30
one moose per year, by either permittee lottery, the cost to purchase the permit is
points or more in the moose lottery system
or subpermittee. A person 10 years of $1,500. ■
who applies for a moose permit is guaran-
age or older on the opening day of the teed a permit.
2018 MOOSE PERMIT HUNT SEASONS & BAG LIMITS
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT DATES DAILY BAG & POSSESSION LIMIT
1-6, 10, 11, 18, 19, 27, 28 September 24, 2018 - September 29, 2018
1–14, 17–19, 27, 28 October 9, 2018 - October 13, 2018
1-6 October 22, 2018 - October 27, 2018 Only 1 may be taken
annually with permit.
15, 16 October 29, 2018 to November 24, 2018
15, 16
October 27, 2018
Maine Resident Permit Holders Only
See page 15 for information on the use of crossbows.

22 WILD TURKEY HUNTING
Wild Turkey Hunting

Anyone who possesses a big game WILD TURKEY TRANSPORTATION QUESTIONNAIRES
or small game firearms license or Any wild turkey being moved or transport- A sample of wild turkey permit holders,
archery license may obtain a combina- ed in any manner must have a tag securely including those who did not hunt or were
attached, and it must be accompanied by unsuccessful, will be asked by MDIFW to
tion spring/fall wild turkey permit. the person who killed it. Unless the wild complete a questionnaire and return it
turkey has been legally registered, no within 10 days of the close of the wild tur-
LANDOWNER PRIVILEGES person shall keep a wild turkey at his/her key hunting season. Information provided
The following laws and regulations are spe-
home or at any place of storage (except at by hunters is an important part of our wild
cific to spring and fall wild turkey hunting
the official registration station or at the turkey management program.
seasons. Hunters must also comply with all
office of a Maine Game Warden) for more
other applicable fish and wildlife laws. WILD TURKEY LEGAL HUNTING HOURS
than eighteen (18) hours without first
Any private landowner is eligible to hunt notifying a game warden. Legal hunting time is from ½ hour before
wild turkeys on their own land without a sunrise to ½ hour after sunset.
turkey hunting permit if: WILD TURKEY REGISTRATION
1. That person owns a particular piece of All wild turkeys taken by hunters shall be WILD TURKEY LICENSING, PERMIT,
land that is 25 or more contiguous acres presented for registration within 18 hours GENERAL BAG LIMITS & WHO MAY HUNT
in size and is located within the turkey at one of the registration stations estab- License & Permit
hunting zone designated for the season lished for that purpose. At registration, the The spring and fall wild turkey hunting
that they wish to hunt; entire turkey, except the viscera, must be seasons are open to all hunters with valid
2. That person is permanently domiciled on presented, and all radio transmitters, leg big or small game hunting licenses. A
that land; bands and wing tags must be submitted to combination spring/fall wild turkey permit
3. The land is managed for the raising and MDIFW. The fee to register a wild turkey is is also required and available for $20, plus
selling of dairy cattle, dairy products, or $2.00. agent fee.
beef cattle; and
4. The land is open to hunting including WILD TURKEY HUNTING PROHIBITIONS General Bag Limits
hunting by permission only. No Person May: The spring/fall turkey permit allows the
1. Employ the use of a dog or dogs in any taking of two (2) bearded wild turkeys
Any family member permanently domiciled in the spring and two (2) wild turkeys of
manner while hunting turkey except
on that land is also eligible to hunt wild either sex in the fall, but an individual
during the fall season;
turkeys on that land without a permit. WMD bag limit cannot be exceeded.
2. Engage in an organized drive of any
(Family member means any family mem-
manner; Who May Hunt
ber, including spouse, grandchildren, etc.
who resides on the property). A landowner 3. Use bait; The turkey hunter must possess the spring/
must provide proof of eligibility if request- 4. Use a trap or other device intended or fall wild turkey permit and their hunting
ed by an agent of the commissioner. designed to capture or ensnare wild license at all times while hunting. A person
turkeys; may assist in a hunt without a license or
All other standard reporting and tagging 5. Shoot a turkey while it is in a tree; permit for that activity as long as that
procedures are required. Turkey may be 6. Present for registration, or allow to be person does not carry a firearm, archery or
taken during any open week of the season. registered in his or her name, a wild crossbow equipment (means to kill).
Landowners are allowed a bag limit of 2 turkey that he/she did not lawfully kill;
bearded wild turkeys in the spring season 7. Hunt wild turkeys within a WMD that is
and 2 turkeys of either sex in the fall closed to hunting wild turkeys.
season. Please check the WMD in which 8. Possess any part or parts of a wild turkey
you are hunting as some are closed, some unless each part is plainly labeled with
are open with a bag limit of one turkey, the name and address of the person who
and some are open with a bag limit of registered the turkey, and the year it was
two turkeys. registered;
9. Buy, sell, offer for sale or barter, or aid
WILD TURKEY TO BE TAGGED someone in buying, selling, or offering
Any person killing a wild turkey shall for sale or barter, any wild turkey (except
immediately and securely attach to it, the plumage of legally taken turkeys).
a plainly visible tag bearing his/her full 10. Hunt or register a wild turkey during
name, address and license number. A gift the spring or fall turkey season after
turkey must be labeled with the name and having killed or registered two turkeys
address of the person who registered it and already during the same season.
the year the turkey was registered.

WILD TURKEY HUNTING 23
crossbow hunting education course or • Crossbow: Only hunters 65 years of age

SPRING WILD TURKEY HUNTING show proof that they have previously and older and those with a crossbow dis-
The spring wild turkey hunting season is held an archery and crossbow hunting ability permit may use a crossbow (valid
open statewide. license prior to purchasing their crossbow hunting license and turkey permit also
Equipment permit). required).
• Shotgun: A person can use shotgun • Dogs: It is unlawful to hunt with dogs • Electronic Calling Devices: The use of
gauges 10 through 20, using shot sizes during the spring wild turkey season. electronic calling devices is legal.
4 through 6 or mixed loads that include • Electronic Calling Devices: The use of • Dogs: Use of dogs is legal to hunt wild
shot sizes 4 through 7. A person must electronic calling devices is legal. turkey during the fall season.
possess a valid big or small game hunting Note: The fall shotgun wild turkey season
license and a turkey permit. FALL WILD TURKEY HUNTING involves tactics that are different from
• Bow & Arrow: A person must possess a Equipment the “sit and call” approach, and hunters
valid archery license, and a turkey permit. • Shotgun: A person can use shotgun are reminded to use extreme caution
• Crossbow: A crossbow may be used to gauges 10 through 20, using shot sizes while hunting. ■
hunt wild turkeys during the spring wild 4 through 6 or mixed loads that include
turkey hunting season. A person hunting shot sizes 4 through 7. A person must
with a crossbow must possess either a possess a valid big game or small game
valid big or small game firearms hunting hunting license and a turkey permit.
license or an archery license as well as a • Bow & Arrow: A person must possess a
turkey permit and crossbow permit. (A valid archery license, and a turkey permit.
person must have taken an archery and
2018–19 WILD TURKEY SEASONS & BAG LIMITS
SEASON DATES BAG LIMIT
Wildlife Management Districts

15-17, 20-25, 28 2 Wild Turkeys, either sex, any age
October 1 - November 7, 2018
Fall Wild Turkey Wildlife Management Districts
(bow and arrow or shotgun) 10-13, 18-19, 26, 27, and 29 1 Wild Turkey, either sex, any age*
October 1 - November 7, 2018
Wildlife Management Districts 1-9, 14 Closed to Hunting
Wildlife Management Districts 7, 9-29

2 bearded Wild Turkeys
April 29 - June 1, 2019
Wildlife Management District 8

1 bearded Wild Turkey*
April 29 - June 1, 2019
Wildlife Management Districts 1-6

Season A**, Week 1: April 29-May 4, 2019 1 bearded Wild Turkey*
Spring Wild Turkey and May 13 - May 18, 2019
(bow and arrow, crossbow or shotgun) Wildlife Management Districts 1-6
Season B**, May 6 - May 11, 2019 and May 1 bearded Wild Turkey*
20-May 25, 2019
Wildlife Management Districts 1-6

1 bearded Wild Turkey*
All hunters: May 27 - June 1, 2019
Youth Spring Wild Turkey Hunting Day May take up to 2 bearded Wild Turkeys
April 27, 2019 from WMD’s that have a 2 bird limit.

*May take up to 2 turkeys for the season, but the second turkey MUST come from a WMD listed as having a 2 bird limit.
**During “odd” numbered years hunters with “odd” birth years will be authorized to hunt during Season A; hunters with “even” birth years will be authorized to
hunt during Season B. During “even” numbered years, hunters with “even” birth years will be authorized to hunt during season A; hunters with “odd” birth years
will be authorized to hunt during Season B.

24 OTHER SPECIES HUNTING
Other Species Hunting

OTHER SPECIES PERMITS & LICENSES Falconry License Crows
A falconry license, in addition to a regular Crows are neither migratory waterfowl
Pheasant Permit
hunting license, is required of persons who nor migratory game birds. The use of lead
A Pheasant Permit is required for hunters
engage in falconry. Copies of the regula- shot and shotguns capable of holding more
16 years of age or older hunting on an
tions pertaining to this type of hunting are than three shells is permitted. A migratory
adult license, in order to hunt or pos-
available upon request. To obtain a falconry waterfowl stamp is not required.
sess pheasant in Cumberland and York
license, contact MDIFW.
counties. Revenue derived from this permit
is dedicated to the acquisition of pheasants
which are raised and released by private 2018-19 OTHER SPECIES SEASON AND BAG LIMITS
fish and game clubs.
SEASON DATES BAG LIMIT POSSESSION LIMIT
Coyote Night Hunting Permit
A Coyote Night Hunting Permit (valid
Pheasant* October 1 - December 31, 2018 2 4
January 1 to December 31, and available
for $4*) allows the permit holder to hunt Ruffed Grouse
coyote at night (defined as 1/2 hour after October 1 - December 31, 2018 4 8
(Partridge)
sunset until 1/2 hour before sunrise) from
December 17 to August 31. Bobwhite Quail October 1 - December 31, 2018 4 8
Hunters must be in possession of a preda- Wildlife Management Districts 1–6
tor calling device (electronic, hand-held, or August 1 - September 22, 2018
mouth-operated). February 2 - April 15, 2019
Crow No Limit
The use of artificial lights to hunt coyote at Wildlife Management Districts 7–29
night is permitted. The use of dogs to hunt August 1 - September 22, 2018
coyote at night is prohibited. January 17-March 30, 2019
In addition, the commissioner may appoint Gray Squirrel October 1 - December 31, 2018
agents to hunt for coyotes at night using 4 8
artificial lights from September 1 to De- Gray Squirrel
October 1, 2018 - February 28, 2019
cember 15. The commissioner shall make (Falconry)
affected members of the public and law
enforcement officers aware of any night October 1, 2018 - March 31, 2019
hunting operation. Snowshoe Hare 4 8
Season on Island of Vinalhaven
*Plus agent fee. October 1, 2018 - February 28, 2019
Bobcat** December 1, 2018 - February 21, 2019 No Limit
ATTENTION Fox October 15, 2018 - February 28, 2019 No Limit

TURKEY HUNTERS
Raccoon October 1 - December 31, 2018 No Limit
The Department is collaborating
with the University of Maine Skunk & Opossum October 15 - December 31, 2018 No Limit
on a research project to better
understand the population During daylight hunting hours
dynamics of wild turkeys. As January 1 - December 31, 2019
part of this research we will be Coyote No Limit
marking wild turkeys using leg Night hunting (see info to the left)
bands, wing tags and back pack December 17, 2018 - August 31, 2019
style radio transmitters in a Woodchuck,
number of areas throughout the Red Squirrel, No Closed Season for Hunting No Limit
state. If you shoot a turkey with a & Porcupine
band or transmitter, please report
it using the contact information Cottontail
printed on the bird’s leg band or Rabbit, Spruce No Open Season
radio transmitter. Grouse, Lynx
*In York and Cumberland counties, a permit is required to hunt or possess pheasant. Permit is not required
to hunt or possess pheasant throughout the remainder of the State.
**Bobcat taken by hunting must be tagged within 72 hours of harvest.

BEAR HUNTING 25
Bear Hunting
BEAR HUNTING PERMIT
To hunt for bear prior to the firearms
season on deer, a valid hunting license and
a bear permit is required. The fee for this
permit is:
• Residents $27.00* – Non-Residents and
Aliens $74.00*
• If a non-resident or alien wishes to hunt
bear during the regular firearms season
on deer, a late-season beer hunting
permit and a valid hunting license is
required. The fee for the late-season bear
permit is $40.00*
• To trap for bear, a trapping license
and bear trapping permit is required.
See Maine Trapping Laws for more
information.
*Plus agent fee.
LANDOWNER PRIVILEGES
Qualified landowners may hunt bear on
their own land without a big game license,
but are required to have a valid bear plainly labeled with a 2 inch by 4 inch tag only and not larger than 10 gauge), bow
hunting permit. See page 6 for special with the name and address of the baiter. and arrow (with a minimum draw weight of
landowner privileges. • The bait is placed more than 500 yards 35 lbs.) or crossbow (with a minimum draw
from any solid waste disposal site or weight of 100 lbs.). The use of a firearms
BAIT campground. with .17 or .22 caliber rimfire cartridges,
Bait may be placed 30 days prior to the • The bait is placed more than 500 yards or a shotgun with shotloads to hunt bear is
bear hunting with bait season and no from an occupied dwelling, unless written prohibited.
later than October 31. Bait areas must be permission is granted by the owner or
cleaned up by November 10. Bait can be tenant. BEAR HUNTING PROHIBITIONS
used to assist dog hunters and trappers, • The bait areas will be cleaned up by A person cannot, within 50 yards of a bait
but it is illegal to shoot a bear over bait November 10 as defined by the State site and without written permission from
after the close of the hunting with bait litter law. the person who maintains the bait site:
season. • The person hunting from another person’s • hunt, trap, molest, or harass bear
Hunting with the use of bait is defined as stand or blind has the owner’s permission.
• release a dog or dogs to hunt bear
hunting from an observation stand, blind, • The person placing bait on another per-
• train dogs on bear
or other location that overlooks any bait or son’s land has the landowner’s permis-
sion (oral or in writing). It is unlawful to:
food, except standing crops and foods that
have been left as a result of normal agricul- • The bait is placed no sooner than 30 days • disturb or interfere with a bait site using
before opening day of the season and no chemicals or any other method
tural operations or natural occurrence.
later than October 31. • use dogs to hunt bear during the open
Bear bait means any animal, plant, or firearm season on deer
*If placing bait on a wildlife management
derivative thereof, used to attract bear. • use more than 6 dogs at any one time to
area, you need to secure a permit from
This does not include packaging or contain- hunt for bear
MDIFW. To apply for a bear baiting
er materials that fall within the definition • kill or wound a bear that is treed or held
permit, contact the wildlife biologist in
of litter under Title 17, §2263. at bay by another person’s dog or dogs
your administrative region (see p. 41).
A person may not place any medicinal, unless you have permission from the
*If placing bait on Public Reserved Land, person conducting the hunt
poisonous, or stupefying substance to
you need to secure a permit from the • hunt or trap bear, or release dogs for
entice any animal, including bear.
Bureau of Parks and Lands (for info, call that purpose, within 500 yards of a solid
Bait may not be placed to entice, hunt or 207-287-3821). waste disposal site
trap black bear unless:
Baiting of animals is prohibited in State • A person may not hunt bear after having
• The bait is placed at least 50 yards from killed one by hunting and may not trap
any travel way that is accessible by a Parks and Historic Sites.
bear after having killed one by trapping,
conventional 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive during the open season of that calendar
vehicle. LEGAL HUNTING EQUIPMENT
year. A person can kill and register two
• The observation stand, blind, or bait area is Bear may be taken by use of rifle, hand-
bear, one by hunting and one by trapping.
guns, muzzleloader, shotguns (with slugs

26 BEAR TRAPPING
BEAR HUNTING WITH A MAINE GUIDE Hunters will be notified of the age of the For more info on buying, selling or
• Non-residents must employ, and hunt in bear they harvested on the Bear Hunting bartering animals, see pages 10 & 11.
the presence of, a resident Maine guide in page of the MDIFW website prior to the For info on tracking wounded bear, deer
order to hunt bear with dogs. If the non- start of the start of the next bear hunting or moose with a Leashed Dog Tracking
resident is a licensed Maine guide, they season (late August). License, see page 27. ■
may hunt bear with dogs themselves, and
may guide residents, but cannot guide
non-residents. 2018 BEAR SEASONS & BAG LIMITS
• The total number of clients with a li-
censed guide may not exceed five. SEASON DATES DAILY BAG & POSSESSION LIMIT
LAWS REGARDING REGISTRATION General Hunting August 27 - November 24, 2018

• Prior to registration, bears may be cut up
for ease of transportation, but all parts Hunting with Dogs September 10 - October 26, 2018
(except for the viscera and rib cage) must
be presented and in such a manner that Hunting with Bait
the sex of the animal can be determined. Bait can be placed August 27 - September 22, 2018 2 may be taken
• Gift bear must have each part clearly July 28, 2018 annually—1 by
labeled with the name and address of the hunting, 1 by trapping
person who registered the animal and the Trapping September 1 - October 31, 2018
year in which it was registered.
Youth Bear
Note: Hunters are required to remove a Hunting Day
premolar tooth from the bear they har- August 25, 2018
Bait can be placed
vest and provide the tooth at registration July 28, 2018
(instructions available at the registration
stations and online at mefishwildlife.com). All dates are inclusive except that hunting is prohibited on Sunday.
See page 15 for information on the use of crossbows. For information on bear trapping, see page 26.
Bear Trapping
BEAR TRAPPING PERMIT • Each cable trap must be set at or below
A bear trapping permit and a trapping ground level in such a manner as to catch FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE
license are required to set a trap for a bear the animal only by the foot or leg. All bear RESTORATION PROGRAM
traps must be tended at least once a day.
during the annual bear trapping season
(September 1 - October 31). You are • You are not allowed to catch a bear in a
trap and allow another person to kill or The Federal Aid in Wildlife Resto-
allowed to take one bear by trapping and ration Act of 1937, commonly known
register the bear.
one bear by hunting annually (see page 25). as the Pittman- Robertson (PR) Act,
The fee for a bear trapping permit is $27 • You cannot continue to trap for bear after
you have already killed or registered one established a “User Pay/User Benefit”
for residents and $67 for non-resident and philosophy for funding state wildlife
in a trap.
aliens. resource restoration and conservation
• Bears caught in traps must be killed or
If you trap for black bear, you are required released and not moved away from the efforts. These funds have played
to follow the same general trapping rules catch site. A bear caught in a trap may not a vital role in the Maine’s wildlife
regarding the labeling of traps, the tending be used in conjunction with a hunt or to management capabilities since they
of traps, and the need to obtain landowner train a dog for bear hunting. were first used in 1939.
permission. • The same rules apply to hunting and trap-
ping for bear with the use of bait. (See Revenues collected from excise
If you trap a bear, you are required to taxes on firearms, ammunition,
follow the same transportation and page 25 for rules about the use of bear
baits.) pistols, revolvers, bows and arrows
registration rules as those for bear taken by are deposited in the Federal Aid
hunting (see page 27). • You may not trap within 500 yards of a
solid waste disposal site. These areas can in Wildlife Restoration Fund, and
You are also required to follow other rules be identified by a visible line of demarca- used to support wildlife population
specific to bear trapping, as follows: tion. Exception: an agent of the commis- assessments, long-range species
• You are not allowed to have more than sioner is exempt for the purpose of live management planning, development
one trap set for bear at any time. trapping of nuisance bear. of management recommendations,
• The only legal bear traps are cable traps • All trapping licenses are issued from the implementation of management
(foot snare) and cage-type live traps. MDIFW office in Augusta and cannot be programs, acquisition and manage-
• The Belisle foot snare is prohibited. purchased online. ■ ment of wildlife habitat, and hunter
• When using a cable trap, the trap must education.
have a closing diameter of not less than
2½ inches.

TAGGING, TRANSPORTATION & REGISTRATION 27
Tagging, Transportation
& Registration
TAGGING REQUIREMENTS
Prior to presenting a bear, deer, moose, or
wild turkey for registration, a person may
not possess or leave that animal in the field
or forest unless they have securely attached
a plainly visible tag to the animal with their
name, address, and license number on the
tag.
TRANSPORTING HARVESTED ANIMALS

A person may not transport a harvested
wild animal or bird that they do not
lawfully possess, nor may they present for
registration, or allow to be registered in
their name, any bear, deer, moose, or wild
turkey that they did not lawfully kill.
Prior to registration, any harvested bear,
deer, moose, or wild turkey in transit must
be open to view, meaning that the animal is
not concealed and can be readily observed HUNTING WITH DOGS AND DOG TRAINING
in whole or in part from outside of the
vehicle or trailer transporting it. Dog Training Season • Propagation permits for domesticated
Once an animal or bird has been registered, • From July 1 through the following fowl are no longer required to possess
it may be transported by another person. March 31, dogs may be trained on fox, or use them for dog training purposes.
snowshoe hare, and raccoons. During • A person may not hunt with a dog
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS such training, it is unlawful to use or in pursuit of bear, coyote or bobcat
possess a firearm, other than a pistol or unless the dog has a collar that legibly
A Person who Kills a Bear, Deer, Moose,
a shotgun loaded with blank ammuni- provides the name, telephone number
or Wild Turkey Must: tion, except during the applicable open and address of the dog’s owner.
1. Remain with the animal until it is regis- hunting seasons on these species.
tered, (with some exceptions – see Time • A person or persons may not use more
Limits for Registering section). • Dogs may be used to hunt wild hares than six dogs at any one time to hunt
during the firearm season on deer. bear, bobcat, and coyote.
2. Present the animal for registration in
that person’s name at the first open reg- • Sporting dogs may be trained on wild • A person may not use a dog to hunt
istration station for that animal on their birds (not including wild turkey) at coyotes or bear during the period from
route any time. The commissioner may 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before
authorize with a permit the use of sunrise.
3. Leave the registration seal attached until firearms during such training to shoot
the animal is processed and packaged for • For more information on hunting bears
and kill wild birds propagated or with dogs, see page 25.
consumption. legally acquired by the permittee and
4. Pay a fee of $5.00 to register a bear, deer A person with a suspended or revoked
possessed in accordance with the laws
or moose (of which $2 is retained by pertaining to breeders, licenses. license may not train dogs.
the agent and $1 is dedicated to a Deer • Residents may train up to six dogs on Leashed Dog Tracking License
Habitat Enhancement Fund) or $2.00 to bear from July 1 to August 24, 2018
register a wild turkey. A license is available which allows the
except in portions of Washington and tracking of wounded deer, moose, and
Hancock counties that are situated bear with dogs. The fee for this license is
south of Route 9.
$25 for one year or $81 for three years.
• A person must possess a valid hunting A person who holds a valid license may
license to engage in all dog training
charge a fee for dog tracking services
activities, except Sunday or when
without having to hold a guide’s license,
training on pen-raised birds.
as long as that is the only service provid-
ed. Contact MDIFW for details.

28 TAGGING, TRANSPORTATION & REGISTRATION
TIME LIMITS FOR REGISTERING CONDITION OF ANIMAL PRESENTED FOR POSSESSION OF GIFT BEAR, DEER,
A person may not keep an unregistered REGISTRATION MOOSE, OR WILD TURKEY
bear, deer, moose, or wild turkey at home A person must present a bear, deer, moose A person may not accept as a gift any part
or any place of storage for more than or wild turkey for registration in its entire- of a bear, deer, moose, or wild turkey unless
18-hours. This does not apply to an animal ty, except that the viscera and rib cage of that animal, or part thereof, is plainly labeled
that is kept in an official registration the animal may be removed in a manner with the name and address of the person who
station for the animal or at the office of that still allows the determination of the registered it and the year it was registered. ■
a game warden. A person may exceed the animal’s sex.
18-hour limit under special circumstances,
Moose: A moose may be dismembered
but that person must still notify a game
warden within 18 hours.
for ease of transportation, and the lower BIG BUCK CLUB
legs, head and hide may be removed. If the
A person on a hunting trip in an unorga- head of the moose is not brought to the Maine has a club for deer hunters
nized township and staying at a temporary registration station, a canine tooth or the called “The Biggest Bucks in
place of lodging may keep an unregistered lower jaw must be. Parts of a moose left in Maine Club,” which is sponsored
harvested animal at the temporary place the field may not be placed where they are by:
of lodging for no more than 7 days or until visible to a person traveling on a public or The Maine Sportsman
that person leaves the woods, whichever private way. 183 State Street, Suite 101
comes first. Augusta, ME 04330
Bear: Hunters are required to remove
A person may not possess a bear, deer, a premolar tooth from the bear they To qualify, the minimum dressed
moose, or wild turkey that has not been harvest and provide the tooth when they weight (without heart, lungs, and
legally registered, except as otherwise register their bear (instructions available liver) must be 200 pounds. Appli-
provided in the statutes regarding nuisance cation blanks are available from
at registration and online). Hunters will
the Department wardens and
animals or animals causing damage. be notified of the age of the bear they
biologists or by calling the Maine
Bobcats taken by hunting must be tagged harvested on the Bear Hunting Page of Sportsman at (207) 622-4242.
by a MDIFW employee within 72 hours of the MDIFW website prior to the start of
the time they were taken. the next bear hunting season (late August).

HUNTING AREAS 29
Hunting • Hunting is not allowed in any Memorial

or Historic Site.
• Hunting is not allowed at Andrews Beach;
(207) 287-2213 or write to:
Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands
22 State House Station
Areas that portion of Bradbury Mountain State

Park west of State Route 9; Cobscook
Bay; Crescent Beach and Kettle Cove;
Damariscotta Lake; Ferry Beach; Holbook
Augusta, Maine 04333-0022
PUBLIC RESERVED LANDS

Firearms: Loaded firearms are not permit-
STATE PARKS AND HISTORIC SITES Island Sanctuary; Nickerson Lake; Owls ted in campsites, on marked hiking trails,
The Maine Department of Agriculture, Head Light; that portion of Quoddy Head at boat launching sites, or at picnic sites,
Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Parks within 1,000 feet of the lighthouse, or at
and shall not be discharged within 300 feet
Reid, Sebago Lake, Shackford Head, Two
and Lands manages one-half million acres of such areas.
Lights, and Wolfe’s Neck Woods State
of land in Maine for a mix of activities, Parks. Bear Hunting: A permit is required from
including hunting and trapping. The
• Work areas and areas with significant the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands to
safety of all visitors is the Bureau’s primary public use may be posted and closed to place bait on Public Reserved Land for the
concern, so certain heavily developed and hunting from time to time in the interest purpose of hunting bear.
high-use areas are closed to hunting for of public safety.
all or part of the year. In other areas, the • The discharging of any weapons from or WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS
bureau provides as many hunting and within 300 feet of any designated trail, All MDIFW-owned Wildlife Management
trapping opportunities as are reasonable picnic area, camping area, campsite, Areas (WMA), except Steve Powell WMA
and consistent with its mandates and with parking area, building, boat launching (Swan Island) and portions of Steep Falls
visitor safety. site, or other developed area or bridge is and Killick Pond WMA, are open for gen-
prohibited.
Hunters and trappers are asked to exercise eral-law hunting and trapping. A full list of
due caution and care for the safety and • Loaded weapons are not allowed on the these areas can be found at mefishwildlife.
treadway of any trail posted “Closed to
enjoyment of other visitors when using com Camping and fires are prohibited on
hunting”.
Bureau lands by obeying posted informa- MDIFW-owned WMAs. Permanent obser-
tion and the rules listed below. • The baiting of any animal for the purpose vation stands placed on MDIFW-owned
of hunting is not allowed.
General hunting, except where specifically WMAs require a permit.
For More Information
prohibited, is allowed from the day after Please call (207) 287-3821, TTY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES (NWR)
Labor Day to May 31. Hunting and trap-
Note: On National Wildlife Refuges that
ping must conform with State of Maine
permit hunting of upland game, persons
laws, MDIFW rules, and local ordinances.
hunting upland species other than deer and
Trapping on state park or historic site
turkey with a shotgun shall possess and
land in organized townships requires the
use only nontoxic shot while in the field.
written permission of the Bureau. There
is no hunting allowed in the restricted More restrictive regulations may apply to
zone of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway National Wildlife Refuges open to public
between May 1 and September 30. hunting and a refuge hunting permit
may be required. For more info on federal
refuge regulations, contact:
Wildlife • Rachel Carson NWR
Management 321 Port Road, Wells, ME 04090
District Map (207) 646-9226
This map is available • Maine Coastal Islands NWR
on the front inside PO Box 279, Milbridge, ME 04658
(207) 594-0600
cover of this book, in
a larger format at all • Sunkhaze Meadows NWR
103 Headquarters Rd, Baring, ME 04694
MDIFW offices, and
(207) 454-7161
at mefishwildlife.com,
where you’ll also find • Moosehorn NWR
(Baring and Edmunds Units)
individual district maps
103 Headquarters Rd
and can cross-reference Baring, ME 04694
district numbers by (207) 454-7161
town. • Lake Umbagog NWR
PO Box 240
Errol, NH 03579
(603) 482-3415
• Aroostook NWR
97 Refuge Rd.
Limestone, ME 04750
(207) 328-4634

30 HUNTING AREAS
WHITE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST CLOSED AND SPECIAL REGULATION AREAS • Jefferson & Whitefield Sanctuary
Oxford County, Maine Unity Utilities District: It is unlawful • Kineo Point Sanctuary
The public land within National Forests to hunt on the Unity Utilities District • Limington, Hollis, Waterboro Sanctuary
is open to hunting. Portable observation Property located on Route #139 and Prairie • Lowell E. Barnes Area, Oxford County
stands that do not damage live trees may Road in Unity, Waldo County. • Marsh Island Area,* Old Town: Open to
be used. Please contact the Androscoggin the taking of deer with bow and arrow
Gray Squirrels: It is unlawful to hunt gray during any open season that allow hunt-
Ranger District for more information on squirrels on any land which is dedicated
bear baiting on National Forest lands at ing of deer, including expanded archery.
as a public or private park or on any land
(603) 466-2713. • Megunticook Lake and Vicinity Sanctuary
located within the limits of the compact or
• Merrymeeting Bay Game Sanctuary
built-up portion of any city or town.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE • Monroe Island Game Sanctuary
• Acadia National Park & the Appala- Haley Pond: It is unlawful to hunt • Moosehead Lake Game Sanctuary
chian National Scenic Trail — hunting, waterfowl on Haley Pond in the town of • Moosehorn Game Sanctuary
trapping, and/ or possessing a weapon is Rangeley and Dallas Plantation, Franklin
prohibited on land administered by the • Narragansett Game Sanctuary*
County.
National Park Service. For further infor- • Oak Grove Area, Vassalboro
mation on these lands contact: Wildlife Sanctuaries and Certain • Ocean Park Game & Bird Sanctuary
• Acadia National Park Wildlife Management Areas: Unless oth- • Orrington Game Sanctuary
PO Box 177, Bar Harbor, ME 04609 erwise specifically provided, it is unlawful
• Pittston Farm Sanctuary
(207) 288-3338 to hunt or trap any wild animal or wild bird
• Prout’s Neck, Richmond’s Island;
• Appalachian Trail Park Office within the limits of any wildlife sanctuary,
any area properly posted by the State of • Rangeley Game Sanctuary
Harpers Ferry Center
Maine, or within the following described • Rangeley Lake Sanctuary
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
(304) 535-6270 territories: • Readfield and Winthrop Sanctuary
• Appalachian Trail Conference • Salmon Pond Sanctuary
• Back Bay Sanctuary, Portland
New England Regional Office • Sebago Lake Basin Area, Standish,
• Baxter State Park: Closed to all hunting
PO Box 264, South Egremont, MA 01258 Windham
except: The area north of Trout Brook
(413) 528-8002 in T6R9; in T6R10 or T2R9 and T2R10 • Somerset Game Sanctuary
Mount Desert Island (MDI) is located with- where hunting is allowed. • Standish Sanctuary
in the geographic boundary of WMD 26. • Beauchamp Sanctuary: Open to the • Stanwood Wildlife Sanctuary, Ellsworth
taking of deer with bow and arrow during • Steve Powell WMA (Swan Island),
any open season that allow hunting of Richmond
deer, including expanded archery. • Thorncrag-Stanton Bird Sanctuary
• Cape Elizabeth Sanctuary* • Tomhegan Game Sanctuary
• Carver’s Pond Waterfowl Sanctuary • Wells Sanctuary
• Colby College Area, Waterville • Wells & York Game Sanctuary
• Drake’s Island Game Sanctuary • Willow Water Game Sanctuary
• Dry Pond Sanctuary (Crystal Lake) • Woodbury Sanctuary, Litchfield,
• Fairfield Sanctuary* Monmouth
• Glencove Sanctuary • York Game Sanctuary, Franklin County
• Gray Game Sanctuary *Trapping allowed in accordance with the
• Hog Island Game Sanctuary general laws of the State.
RAILROAD TRACKS
Stay off the Tracks.

A person may not, without right:
• Enter or drive upon a railroad track
with a team or a vehicle, however
propelled
• Stand or walk on a railroad track
or railroad bridge, or pass over a
railroad bridge, except by railroad
conveyance.

HUNTING AREAS 31
NATIVE AMERICAN TERRITORY Piscataquis County: T6R8 NWP. The Washington County: T5ND, BPP; T19
As a result of the Maine Native American Penobscot Nation also has exclusive MD, Indian Township, and Pleasant Point,
Claims Settlement Act of 1980, lands authority to regulate hunting and trapping Perry.
purchased by the Penobscot Native in the Penobscot Reservation, consisting of
Most of these areas will be conspicuously
American Nation and the Passamaquoddy all islands in the Penobscot River north of,
posted as Native American Territory.
Tribe within certain designated areas of and including, Indian Island, located near
Anyone wishing to hunt or trap on Native
the State are classified as Native American Old Town, Maine. Contact the Penobscot
American territory should contact the
territory and have special legal status. The Nation, Department of Natural Resources
appropriate Native American agency for
Penobscot Nation and the Passamaquoddy for specific locations of Reservation
further information.
Tribe, within their respective Native Amer- islands.
ican territories, have exclusive authority Penobscot Nation
Passamaquoddy Tribe Department of Natural Resources
to regulate hunting and trapping. At the Franklin County: Lowelltown, T1R8
time of this publication, parcels of Native 12 Wabanaki Way
WBKP.
American territory had been acquired Indian Island, ME 04468
within the following areas: Hancock County: T3&4ND. (207) 817-7331
Penobscot County: T3R9 NWP, T5R1 NBPP,
Penobscot Nation Passamaquoddy Tribe
TAR7 WELS.
Franklin County: Alder Stream Twp. Ranger Department
Somerset County: Holeb T6R1 NBKP, Box 301, Princeton, ME 04668
Penobscot County: T2R9 NWP (western Prentiss, T4R4 NBKP, Hammond Town- (207) 796-2677
portion), T3R9 NWP (eastern portion), ship, T3R4 NBKP, Alder Brook Township,
T6R8 WELS (western portion) Argyle Maine Indian Tribal-State Commission
T3R3 NBKP, Pittston Academy Grant, T2R4
Township (northern portion) and T3R1 PO Box 241, Stillwater, ME 04489
NBKP Soldiertown Township, T2R3 NBKP.
NBPP (northeastern portion). (207) 817-3799 ■
HUNTING/TRAPPING ON PRIVATE PROPERTY
Hunting & Trapping Posting of Land and Criminal Trespass

(17-A MRSA, §402)
Property is posted if it is marked with signs
on Private Property or paint in one of the following ways and in

a manner that is reasonably likely to come
to the attention of an intruder:
1. Signs must indicate that access is
The MDIFW Landowner Relations safe for entry or use by others for recre- prohibited, that access is prohibited
ational or harvesting activities or to give without permission of the landowner or
Program is actively working to warning of any hazardous condition, use, landowner’s agent, or that access for a
enhance relationships between land structure or activity on these premises to particular activity is prohibited.
persons entering for those purposes. This 2. One vertical “OSHA Safety Purple” stripe
owners and land users. at least one inch in width and at least
subsection applies regardless of whether
With approximately 94% of the land in permission has been given to pursue 8 inches in length means “Access by
Maine privately owned, everyone MUST recreational or harvesting activities on the Permission Only” when it is placed on
respect landowners and their rights. premises. trees, posts or stones between three and
Landowner wishes have to be followed by five feet off the ground. These signs or
all outdoor recreation participants to help Exceptions to Limited Duty paint stripes must mark the property at
ensure access and use of private property 1. For a willful or malicious failure to guard distances no more than 100 feet apart at
or warn against a dangerous condition, locations that are readily visible to any
in the years to come.
use, structure, or activity; and person approaching the property, and at
Summarized below are several laws enacted 2. When financial consideration is paid for all vehicular access entries from a public
by the Maine Legislature addressing the exclusive right to make use of the road.
landowners’ concerns. For more details, property for recreational activities.
consult the Maine Revised Statutes cited in In addition, landowners may also, either
Costs and Fees verbally or in writing, personally commu-
parenthesis.
The court shall award any direct legal costs, nicate to others that access is prohibited.
Landowner Liability (14 MRSA including reasonable attorneys’ fees, to Remember, it is unlawful to remove,
§159-A) Limited Duty an owner, lessee, manager, holder of an mutilate, deface or destroy a sign or paint
An owner, lessee, manager, holder of an easement or occupant who is found not to mark that is placed in order to prohibit or
easement or occupant of premises shall be liable for injury to a person or property restrict access; and it is unlawful to post
owe no duty of care to keep the premises pursuant to this section. the land of another without permission of
the landowner.

32 HUNTING/TRAPPING ON PRIVATE PROPERTY
Other Provisions of Posting Abuse of Another Persons Property Definition of projectile: For the
1. Signs or paint markings must be at all While Hunting (12 MRSA §10652) purposes of this section, “projectile” means
vehicular access entrances from a public It is unlawful to tear down a fence or wall, a bullet, pellet, shot, shell, ball, arrow, bolt
way. trample or destroy any crop, leave open and or other object propelled or launched from
2. It is unlawful to post the land of another bars or gates, destroy, tear down, deface a firearm or a bow, crossbow or similar
or to remove, destroy, mutilate or deface or otherwise damage a property posting tensile device.
any signs or paint marks. sign, or insert objects into trees on another
Trespass by Motor Vehicle (17 MRSA, person’s land without permission (see page COMMERCIAL SHOOTING AREAS
SS3853-C) 15 for observation stand information). A person may not charge any fee for access
A person may not park a motor vehicle or to land if the fee is contingent upon the
Littering taking of game on that land or directly
allow a motor vehicle under that person’s
It is unlawful to dispose of litter anywhere related to the taking of game on the land,
control to remain parked:
in this state except in areas or receptacles unless the land is an authorized commer-
1. In a private drive or private way in a designed for that purpose. As litter relates
manner that blocks or interferes with cial shooting area whose owner has been
to the proper disposal of legally taken licensed by the commissioner to charge
the free passage of other vehicles with- game, a person may not drop, deposit,
out the permission of the owner of that others for the opportunity to hunt mallard
discard, dump or otherwise dispose of a ducks, pheasants, quail, Chukar partridge,
private drive or way; or
carcass, waste parts or remains of a wild and Hungarian partridge (12 MRSA section
2. On a public highway in a manner that animal, except waste parts or remains
blocks the entrance to a private drive, 12101).
resulting from the normal field dressing of
gate or barway. The operator of a commercial shooting
lawfully harvested wild game or the lawful
Trespass Damages (14 MRSA, §7551-B) use of waste parts or remains of wild game area may authorize a person to hunt other
Any person who enters another person’s as bait. wild birds or wild animals in a commercial
land without permission and causes shooting area during the regular open
damage to that person’s property is liable Civil Trespass (12 MRSA, §10657) season on those species, in accordance
to the owner in a civil action. Violations of Prohibition with the provisions of 12 MRSA Part 13, as
this law will have the following results: While engaging in any activity regulated long as the person possesses a valid state
by the Department of Inland Fisheries & hunting license that allows the hunting of
1. If the damage is intentional, the person
Wildlife, a person, knowing that they are those wild birds and animals.
doing the damage is liable to the owner
for two times the actual damage, plus ad- not licensed or privileged to do so, may not:
The operator of the commercial shooting
ditional costs including attorneys’ fees. 1. Enter, or cause a projectile to enter, area shall provide to each person taking
2. If the damage is unintentional, the any place from which that person may
birds in that area a receipted invoice or bill
person doing the damage is liable to the lawfully be excluded and that is posted
of sale for possession and transportation of
owner for the amount of the actual dam- in accordance with Title 17-A, section
402, subsection 4, in a manner reason- those birds.
age plus additional including attorneys’
fees. ably likely to come to the attention of Enforcement
3. A person doing damage to property of intruders, or that is fenced or other- Enforcement of the trespass laws of a com-
another may also be charged criminally wise enclosed in a manner designed to mercial shooting area is the responsibility
for doing the damage. exclude intruders; or
of the owner and may not in any manner
2. Enter, remain in, or cause a projectile to be considered an MDIFW obligation.
Unlawful Cutting of Trees (14 MRSA, enter or remain in any place in defiance
§7552, and 17 MRSA, §2510) of a lawful order not to enter or an order Commercial Shooting Areas
It is unlawful for any person to intentional- to vacate that was personally communi- For a complete copy of the law governing
ly, knowingly, recklessly or negligently cut cated to that person by the owner of the commercial shooting areas, and to obtain
down or fell any tree without the consent place or another authorized person. a list of commercial shooting areas, call
of the owner of the property on which the MDIFW at (207) 287-8000. ■
tree stands.
LEGAL HUNTING HOURS 33
This time chart is NOT the sunrise and sunset time table and has already been adjusted to display the actual legal hunting hours.
Note: This table is not to be used for migratory birds, see page 40.
2018-19 LEGAL HUNTING HOURS

DAY SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST
01 5:27 - 7:42 6:03 - 6:46 6:43 - 5:54 6:23 - 4:26 6:43 - 4:35 6:25 - 5:13 5:43 - 5:52 5:46 - 7:33 4:55 - 8:10 4:23 - 8:44 4:23 - 8:55 4:51 - 8:31
02 6:04 - 6:44 6:45 - 5:52 6:43 - 4:36 6:24 - 5:15 5:42 - 5:54 5:45 - 7:34 4:54 - 8:11 4:24 - 8:55 4:52 - 8:30
03 5:30 - 7:38 6:06 - 6:42 6:46 - 5:51 6:25 - 4:25 6:43 - 4:37 5:43 - 7:35 4:52 - 8:13 4:22 - 8:45 4:24 - 8:54 4:53 - 8:29
04 5:31 - 7:36 6:07 - 6:40 6:26 - 4:25 6:43 - 4:38 6:21 - 5:18 5:38 - 5:56 5:41 - 7:36 4:51 - 8:14 4:21 - 8:46 4:25 - 8:54
05 5:32 - 7:35 6:08 - 6:38 5:49 - 4:48 6:27 - 4:25 6:43 - 4:39 6:20 - 5:19 5:36 - 5:58 5:39 - 7:38 4:21 - 8:47 4:25 - 8:54 4:56 - 8:26
06 5:33 - 7:33 6:09 - 6:36 5:50 - 4:47 6:28 - 4:24 6:19 - 5:20 5:34 - 5:59 5:37 - 7:39 4:48 - 8:16 4:20 - 8:48 4:26 - 8:53 4:57 - 8:25
07 5:34 - 7:31 5:51 - 4:46 6:29 - 4:24 6:42 - 4:41 6:17 - 5:22 5:33 - 6:00 4:47 - 8:17 4:20 - 8:48 4:58 - 8:23
08 5:36 - 7:29 6:12 - 6:33 5:53 - 4:44 6:30 - 4:24 6:42 - 4:42 6:16 - 5:23 5:31 - 6:02 5:34 - 7:41 4:46 - 8:19 4:20 - 8:49 4:28 - 8:53 4:59 - 8:22
09 6:13 - 6:31 5:54 - 4:43 6:42 - 4:43 6:15 - 5:25 5:29 - 6:03 5:32 - 7:43 4:44 - 8:20 4:28 - 8:52 5:00 - 8:20
10 5:38 - 7:25 6:14 - 6:29 5:56 - 4:42 6:32 - 4:24 6:42 - 4:44 5:30 - 7:44 4:43 - 8:21 4:19 - 8:50 4:29 - 8:52 5:01 - 8:19
11 5:39 - 7:23 6:16 - 6:27 6:33 - 4:24 6:41 - 4:45 6:12 - 5:28 6:25 - 7:06 5:28 - 7:45 4:42 - 8:22 4:19 - 8:51 4:30 - 8:51
12 5:40 - 7:22 6:17 - 6:26 5:58 - 4:40 6:33 - 4:24 6:41 - 4:46 6:10 - 5:29 6:24 - 7:07 5:27 - 7:46 4:19 - 8:51 4:31 - 8:51 5:04 - 8:16
13 5:42 - 7:20 6:18 - 6:24 6:00 - 4:39 6:34 - 4:24 6:09 - 5:30 6:22 - 7:08 5:25 - 7:48 4:39 - 8:24 4:19 - 8:52 4:32 - 8:50 5:05 - 8:14
14 5:43 - 7:18 6:01 - 4:38 6:35 - 4:25 6:40 - 4:49 6:08 - 5:32 6:20 - 7:10 4:38 - 8:26 4:19 - 8:52 5:06 - 8:13
15 5:44 - 7:16 6:21 - 6:20 6:02 - 4:37 6:36 - 4:25 6:39 - 4:50 6:06 - 5:33 6:18 - 7:11 5:21 - 7:50 4:37 - 8:27 4:19 - 8:53 4:33 - 8:49 5:07 - 8:11
16 6:22 - 6:19 6:04 - 4:36 6:39 - 4:51 6:05 - 5:35 6:16 - 7:12 5:20 - 7:51 4:36 - 8:28 4:34 - 8:48 5:09 - 8:10
17 5:46 - 7:12 6:23 - 6:17 6:05 - 4:35 6:37 - 4:25 6:38 - 4:53 5:18 - 7:53 4:35 - 8:29 4:19 - 8:54 4:35 - 8:47 5:10 - 8:08
18 5:47 - 7:10 6:25 - 6:15 6:38 - 4:26 6:38 - 4:54 6:01 - 5:37 6:13 - 7:15 5:16 - 7:54 4:34 - 8:30 4:19 - 8:54 4:36 - 8:46
19 5:49 - 7:08 6:26 - 6:14 6:08 - 4:33 6:39 - 4:26 6:37 - 4:55 6:00 - 5:39 6:11 - 7:16 5:14 - 7:55 4:19 - 8:54 4:37 - 8:45 5:12 - 8:05
20 5:50 - 7:06 6:27 - 6:12 6:09 - 4:32 6:39 - 4:27 5:58 - 5:40 6:09 - 7:17 5:13 - 7:56 4:32 - 8:32 4:19 - 8:55 4:38 - 8:44 5:13 - 8:03
21 5:51 - 7:05 6:10 - 4:31 6:40 - 4:27 6:35 - 4:58 5:57 - 5:42 6:07 - 7:19 4:31 - 8:33 4:19 - 8:55 5:14 - 8:01
22 5:52 - 7:03 6:30 - 6:09 6:12 - 4:31 6:40 - 4:28 6:35 - 4:59 5:55 - 5:43 6:05 - 7:20 5:09 - 7:59 4:30 - 8:34 4:19 - 8:55 4:40 - 8:43 5:16 - 8:00
23 6:31 - 6:07 6:13 - 4:30 6:34 - 5:01 5:53 - 5:44 6:03 - 7:21 5:08 - 8:00 4:29 - 8:35 4:41 - 8:42 5:17 - 7:58
24 5:55 - 6:59 6:32 - 6:06 6:14 - 4:29 6:41 - 4:29 6:33 - 5:02 5:06 - 8:01 4:28 - 8:36 4:20 - 8:55 4:42 - 8:41 5:18 - 7:56
25 5:56 - 6:57 6:34 - 6:04 6:41 - 4:29 6:32 - 5:03 5:50 - 5:47 5:59 - 7:24 5:05 - 8:03 4:27 - 8:37 4:20 - 8:55 4:43 - 8:40
26 5:57 - 6:55 6:35 - 6:02 6:17 - 4:28 6:42 - 4:30 6:31 - 5:05 5:48 - 5:48 5:58 - 7:25 5:03 - 8:04 4:21 - 8:55 4:44 - 8:39 5:20 - 7:53
27 5:58 - 6:53 6:36 - 6:01 6:18 - 4:28 6:42 - 4:31 5:47 - 5:50 5:56 - 7:26 5:01 - 8:05 4:26 - 8:39 4:21 - 8:55 4:45 - 8:37 5:22 - 7:51
28 5:59 - 6:51 6:19 - 4:27 6:42 - 4:31 6:29 - 5:08 5:45 - 5:51 5:54 - 7:27 4:25 - 8:40 4:21 - 8:55 5:23 - 7:49
29 6:01 - 6:49 6:39 - 5:58 6:20 - 4:27 6:42 - 4:32 6:28 - 5:09 5:52 - 7:29 4:58 - 8:08 4:24 - 8:41 4:22 - 8:55 4:47 - 8:35 5:24 - 7:47
30 6:41 - 5:56 6:21 - 4:26 6:27 - 5:10 5:50 - 7:30 4:57 - 8:09 4:24 - 8:42 4:49 - 8:34 5:25 - 7:46
31 6:42 - 5:55 6:43 - 4:34 6:26 - 5:12 4:23 - 8:43 4:50 - 8:33 5:26 - 7:44
*Legal hunting hours are based on sunrise/sunset in Bangor, Maine (Eastern Standard Time).
Exceptions: Raccoon, Coyote, and Migratory Bird hunting (see separate legal hunting hours for these species).

34 MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS
Migratory Game Birds

For the purpose of this section, migratory 3. Possession for the Purpose of 5. Wounded Live Migratory Game Birds
game birds include and are limited to spe- Processing, Transportation, or Storage Every migratory game bird wounded by
cies in the following families: 1. Anatidae Tagging Requirement: A hunter who hunting and reduced to possession by the
(wild ducks, geese, and brant); 2. Rallidae legally takes and possesses migratory game hunter shall be immediately killed and
(rails, coots, moorhens and gallinules); birds and wishes to place or leave any such become a part of the daily bag limit.
and 3. Scolopacidae (woodcock and birds in the custody of any other person
6. Possession of Plumage
snipe). Except as expressly provided in the for picking, cleaning, processing, shipping,
Any person, without a permit, may possess
regulations, it is unlawful to hunt, capture, transportation, or storage (including
and transport for his own use the plumage
kill, take, possess, transport, buy or sell any temporary storage) must sign and attach
and skins of lawfully taken migratory game
migratory game bird or part thereof. a tag to the birds stating the hunter’s ad-
birds.
1. Hunting Methods dress, the total number and kinds of birds,
Aids and Equipment: It is lawful to hunt and the date such birds were killed. No 7. Wanton Waste of Migratory
migratory game birds with dogs, artificial person may receive or have in custody any Game Birds
decoys, manually or mouth-operated bird migratory game birds belonging to another No person shall kill or cripple any migra-
calls, hand-held bow and arrow, crossbow, person unless such birds are tagged as tory game bird pursuant to this regulation
the practice of falconry, or with a shotgun provided above. without any visible means to retrieve and
not larger than No.10 gauge and incapable without making a reasonable effort to
Untagged Birds: If birds are not tagged
of holding more than three shells, fired retrieve the bird and include it in his daily
as provided above, the only legal place of
from the shoulder. Every other method is bag limit.
storage is the personal abode of the hunter
unlawful. who legally took and possesses the birds. The shooting of crippled waterfowl from
Watercraft: It is lawful to hunt migratory a motorboat under power is permitted on
Vehicles: Legally possessed migratory
game birds from floating craft (except a those coastal waters and all waters of rivers
game birds being transported in any
sinkbox), including those capable of being and streams lying seaward from the first
vehicle as the personal baggage of the
propelled by motor, sail and wind, or upstream bridge.
possessor are not deemed to be in storage
both, only when (1) the motor has been or temporary storage. Additionally, Maine state law states that
completely shut off and/or the sails furled, a person may not waste a wild bird that
Record Keeping: Any commercial picking
as the case may be, and (2) the progress or has been wounded or killed by that person
establishment or cold-storage or locker
motion of the craft in the water has ceased while hunting, or intentionally leave any
plant receiving, possessing, or having in
and the craft is drifting, beached, moored, wounded or killed animal in the field or
custody any migratory game birds must
resting at anchor, or is being propelled forest without making a reasonable effort
maintain accurate records showing the
solely by paddle, oars, or pole. It is lawful to retrieve and render it for consumption
numbers and kinds of such birds, the dates
to use a motor or sail on a craft as a means or use.
received and disposed of, and the names
of retrieving or picking up dead or injured
and addresses of the persons from whom 8. Open Seasons, Limits, and
birds.
such birds were received and to whom Other Provisions
2. Transportation they were delivered. These records shall Migratory game birds may be taken only in
Any person, without a permit, may be retained for a period of 1 year from accordance with open seasons, legal shoot-
transport lawfully killed and possessed the close of the open season on migratory ing hours, and daily bag and possession
migratory game birds into, within, or out game birds in the state where the picking limits.
of any State, or export such birds to a establishment or cold-storage or locker
Bag Limit: No person may take in any one
foreign country during and after the open plant is located.
day more than the daily bag limit or aggre-
seasons in the State where taken, subject to
4. Termination of Possession gate daily bag limit, whichever applies.
the conditions and restrictions:
For the purposes of this part, the posses- Possession Limit: No person may possess
Identifiable Condition: If such birds sion of birds legally taken and properly more birds lawfully taken than the pos-
are dressed, one fully-feathered wing tagged by any hunter shall be deemed to session limit or the aggregate possession
must remain attached to each bird so as to have ceased when such birds have been limit, whichever applies.
permit species identification while being delivered by the hunter to a person other
transported between the place where taken than the hunter: Opening Day: On the opening day of the
and the personal abode of the possessor or season, no person shall possess any freshly
1. as a gift
a commercial preservation facility. killed migratory game birds in excess of the
2. to a post office daily bag limit, or aggregate daily bag limit,
Properly Marked Package: The package 3. to a common carrier whichever applies.
or container in which such birds are trans- 4. to a commercial cold-storage or locker
ported shall have the name and address of plant for subsequent transportation by Closed Season: No person may possess
both the shipper and the consignee and the postal service or a common carrier to any freshly killed migratory game birds
an accurate statement of the numbers and someone other than the hunter during the closed season.
kinds of birds contained therein clearly
and conspicuously marked on the outside
thereof.
MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS 35
SUMMARY OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS individual afflicted with paralysis of the soil stabilization practice; b) from a blind
NOTICE: The material below is only a sum- lower half of the body with involvement or other place of concealment camou-
mary of Federal rules. Each hunter should of both legs, usually due to disease of or flaged with natural vegetation; c) from
also consult the actual Federal regulations, injury to the spinal cord. a blind or other place of concealment
F. By the use or aid of live decoys. All live, camouflaged with vegetation from ag-
which may be found in Title 50, code of
tame or captive ducks and geese shall be ricultural crops, as long as such camou-
Federal Regulations, Part 20.
removed for a period of 10 consecutive flaging does not result in the exposing,
RESTRICTIONS. No person shall take days prior to hunting, and confined depositing, distributing or scattering of
migratory game birds: within an enclosure which substantially grain or other feed.
A. While possessing shot (either in shot reduces the audibility of their calls and J. A person must also retain the bird in his
shells or as loose shot for muzzleload- totally conceals such tame birds from the actual custody, at the place where taken
ing) other than steel shot or such shot sight of migratory waterfowl. or between that place and either (a) his
approved as nontoxic while taking Anati- G. Using records or tapes of migratory bird automobile or principle means of land
dae (ducks, geese, and brant), coots and calls or sounds, or electrically amplified transportation; or (b) his personal abode
any species that make up aggregate bag imitations of bird calls. or temporary or transient place of lodging.
limits during concurrent seasons. H. By means or aid of any motor driven
B. With a trap, snare, net, rifle, pistol, swiv- land, water, or air conveyance, or any
el gun, shotgun larger than 10-guage, sailboat used for the purpose of or PHONE NUMBERS YOU MIGHT NEED
punt gun, battery gun, machine gun, resulting in the concentrating, driving,
fishhook, poison, drug, explosive, or rallying, or stirring up of any migratory Game Warden Headquarters
stupefying substance. bird.
Ashland...................... (207) 435-3231
C. With a shotgun capable of holding more I. By the aid of baiting or on or over any
baited area, where a person knows or Gray............................ (207) 657-2345
than three shells, unless it is plugged
reasonably should know that the area Greenville................... (207) 695-3756
with a one-piece filler that cannot be
removed without disassembling the gun. is or has been baited. However, nothing Bangor....................... (207) 941-4470
in this paragraph prohibits the taking Sidney........................ (207) 547-5300
D. From a sink box (a low floating device,
having a depression affording the hunter of migratory game birds on or over the
following lands or areas that are not If you are unable to locate a warden at
a means of concealment beneath the one of the above headquarters, contact
surface of the water). otherwise baited areas: a) standing crops
or flooded standing crops; standing, either the MDIFW headquarters in
E. From or with the aid or use of a car or flooded, or manipulated natural veg- Augusta at (207) 287-2766 or the
other motor-driven land conveyance, etation; flooded harvested croplands; nearest State Police Barracks.
or any aircraft, except that paraplegics or lands or areas where seeds or grains
and single or double amputees of the have been scattered solely as a result of a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
legs may take from any stationary motor normal agricultural planting, harvesting, E. Orland................... (207) 469-6842
vehicle or stationary motor-driven post-harvest manipulation or normal
land conveyance. “Paraplegic” means an
Maine Migratory Hunting Zones Map

Wildlife Management Districts
8 South/Coastal Zone line (Route 1)
14
18 19
North/South Zone Line Segments
Stony Brook to Rte 9
7 17 Rte 9 to Rte 15
13 Rte 15 to I-95
28 27
I-95 to Rte 202
26 Rte 202 to Rte 11
12 16 23 Rte 11 to Rte 110

Rte 110 to Maine-New Hampshire Border
25
22
15 HELP STOP THE
SPREAD OF
21 29 INVASIVE PLANTS!
Clean your boat trailer and gear
20 24 of all plants and plant fragments.

2018-19 MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS SEASONS & BAG LIMITS

SEASONS LIMITS
SPECIES AND AREA
Crows*
February 2, 2019 April 15, 2019
Wildlife Management Districts 1 - 6
August 1, 2018 September 20, 2019 No Limit
August 1, 2018 September 22, 2018 Closed season on Ravens in all WMDs
Crows*
January 17, 2019 March 30, 2019
Wildlife Management Districts 7 - 29
Common Snipe** September 1, 2018 December 15, 2018 8 24
Woodcock** October 1, 2018 November 21, 2018 3 9
Rails (Sora And Virginia)*** September 1, 2018 November 9, 2018 25 Singly or in aggregate 25
North Zone September 1, 2018 September 25, 2018 6 18
Canada Goose
South Zone September 1, 2018 September 25, 2018 10 30
(Early)
Coastal Zone September 1, 2018 September 25, 2018 10 30
North Zone October 1, 2018 December 8, 2018
Canada Goose October 1, 2018 October 13, 2018
Regular South Zone
November 1, 2018 December 26, 2018 2 6
Including Greater
White-Fronted Geese October 1, 2018 October 13, 2018
Coastal Zone
November 12, 2018 January 5, 2019
Snow Geese
October 1, 2018 January 31, 2019 25 No Limit
Including Blue Geese
5 15
Sea Ducks No more than 4 No more than 12
Scoter, Eider, and November 12, 2018 January 19, 2019 Scoters or 4 Eiders Scoters or 12 Eiders
or 4 Long-Tailed or 12 Long-Tailed
Long-Tailed Duck Ducks singly or in Ducks singly or in
aggregate aggregate
North Zone September 24, 2018 December 1, 2018 6* 18*
Regular Ducks October 1, 2018 October 13, 2018 No more than 4 of No more than 12
Including Black South Zone any one species of any one species
Ducks, Scaup, Pintails, November 1, 2018 December 26, 2018
Mergansers and Singly or in aggregate
American coots October 1, 2018 October 13, 2018
Coastal Zone Exceptions to these limits listed below
North Zone September 24, 2018 December 1, 2018
October 1, 2018 October 13, 2018
South Zone
Brant November 1, 2018 December 26, 2018 2 6
October 1, 2018 October 13, 2018
Coastal Zone
*Crows are neither migratory waterfowl or migratory game birds. The use of lead shot and the use of a shotgun capable of holding more than three shells is permitted.
A migratory waterfowl stamp is not required. Use of electronic calls is permitted.
**Woodcock & Snipe are considered migratory game birds, not migratory waterfowl. The use of lead shot is permitted.
The use of a shotgun capable of holding more than three shells is prohibited. A migratory waterfowl stamp is not required.
***R ails are considered migratory game birds not migratory waterfowl. The use of lead shot and a shotgun capable of holding more than three shells is prohibited.
A migratory waterfowl stamp is not required.

2018-19 MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS SEASONS & BAG LIMITS

SEASONS LIMITS
SPECIES AND AREA
North Zone December 22, 2018 February 12, 2019

3 9
Special Falconry Season
In addition to the regular migratory
South Zone January 7, 2019 February 27, 2019 Respectively, singly or
bird season (on Ducks, Geese, Mergansers,
American Coots.) in aggregate
Species Restrictions Apply
Coastal Zone January 7, 2019 February 27, 2019
Special Youth Waterfowl Hunts

North Zone September 15, 2018 & December 8, 2018
All duck species except Harlequins, Barrow’s
Goldeneye, and Moorhens and Gallinules –
may be hunted on these days, including geese. South Zone September 22, 2018 & October 20, 2018
For the October 20, November 3, December 8 Special regulations apply to
youth days, the goose limit is under the youth and accompanying adult.
Regular Season limit. On September 15, Please see Junior Hunters
September 22, October 20, November 3, section.
December 8, scoters, eiders, and long-tailed Coastal Zone September 22, 2018 & November 3, 2018
ducks may be taken as part of the 6 bird daily
limit on regular ducks. Also on these dates,
2 Black Ducks may be taken.
EXCEPTIONS
Harlequin Ducks, Barrow’s Goldeneye, Moorhens & Gallinules Closed Season
It is unlawful to take more than 5 American Coots in any one day

American Coots
or possess more than 15 at any time
Mottled Ducks, Fulvous Whistling Ducks The daily limit on these species is 1 bird; possession limit is 3.
Hen Mallards, Redheads, Black Ducks,

The daily limit on these species is 2 birds; possession limit is 6.
Scaup, Canvasbacks, Northern Pintails
Hunters may take five mergansers in addition to the limits on

other regular ducks (not in aggregate); however, only 2 may be
Mergansers
hooded mergansers. It is unlawful to possess more than 15 mer-
gansers at any time (only 6 of which may be hooded mergansers).
Within the Sea Duck Hunting Area defined below, hunters may
Sea Ducks take 5 sea ducks in addition to the limits on regular ducks (but not
more than 4 scoters or 4 eiders or 4 long-tailed ducks).
It is unlawful to take more than 3 wood ducks in one day or to

Wood Ducks
possess more than 9 wood ducks at any time.

Hunting Hours: Hunting hours on mi- LAWS SPECIFIC TO MERRYMEETING BAY

gratory game birds are from 1/2 hour before Laws outlined below apply to the waters HARVEST INFORMATION PROGRAM
sunrise to sunset (see chart on opposite page). of the Kennebec River, known as Merry-
Sea Duck Hunting Area Defined: All meeting Bay, bounded as follows: From the If you plan to hunt woodcock,
coastal waters and all waters of rivers and high tension wires at Chop’s Point to the ducks, geese, snipe, rails, or coots,
streams seaward from the first upstream first dam on the Androscoggin River, to the you are required to indicate on your
bridge. In all other areas, sea ducks may be first road bridge on the Muddy, Cathance, license your intention of doing so at
taken only during the regular duck season Abbagadassett, and Eastern rivers and the time you purchase your license.
dates and are part of the regular duck bag the Richmond-Dresden bridge on the The information will be used by the
limits. Kennebec River, being in the counties of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in the
Cumberland, Sagadahoc, and Lincoln. Migratory Bird Harvest Informa-
Definition of North and South Zone Datum is WGS 84. Waypoints for the tion Program (H.I.P).
Line: Maine-New Brunswick border in sanctuary are as follows:
Baileyville, Maine west along Stony Brook
to Route 9 in Baileyville. West along Route NE Corner: SE Corner:
9 to Route 15 in Bangor. West along Route 44 00.385' 43 59.5314'
69 49.1854' 69 49.5330'
15 to I-95 in Bangor. Southwest along
I-95 to Route 202 (Exit 109A) in Augusta. SW Corner: NW Corner:
Southwest along Route 202 to Route 11
in Auburn. Southwest along Route 11 to
43 59.8112'
69 50.4763'
44 00.1483'
69 50.6447'
SUNDAY
Route 110 in Newfield. West along Route
110 to Maine-New Hampshire border.
Edge of Rice:
43 59.7550'
Browns Point:
44 00.1486' HUNTING IS
Definition of Coastal Zone Line: Includes
areas south of a line beginning at the
Kennebec River:
69 50.0391'
Power Lines:
69 49.5421' ILLEGAL IN
Maine-New Brunswick border in Calais at
the Route 1 bridge, South along Route 1
• No artificial cover which is termed sta-
tionary blind, or parts thereof, used for MAINE
to the Maine-New Hampshire border in hunting purposes shall be left or allowed
Kittery. to remain in the waters of Merrymeet-
ing Bay between one hour after legal
Nontoxic Shot - Statewide: The use or
shooting time and one hour before legal
possession of ammunition loaded with shooting time. STAMP REQUIREMENTS
other than nontoxic shot while hunting The State Migratory Waterfowl Permit is
• No duck decoys shall be allowed to re-
wild ducks, geese, brant, rails, or coots main in the waters of Merrymeeting Bay required of anyone 16 years of age or older
is prohibited. Nontoxic shot means any at any time during the period from one if they are hunting on an adult license,
shot type that does not cause sickness and hour after legal shooting time until one but is not required if continuing to hunt
death when ingested by these birds and is hour before legal shooting time. on a junior license for the remainder of
approved for use by the Director, U.S. Fish • No power boat may be operated in Mer- the calendar year. Anyone who turns 16,
and Wildlife Service. Steel, bismuth-tin, rymeeting Bay at a speed in excess of 10 whether hunting on an adult license or
tungsten-iron (2 types), tungsten-matrix, miles per hour except within the confines a junior license, must purchase a Federal
tungsten-bronze (2 types), tungsten-poly- of the buoyed channels. Stamp and validate it with the holder’s
mer, tungsten-tin-bismuth, tungsten- signature written across the face of the
tin-iron-nickel, and tungsten nickel-iron stamp in ink.
(HEVI) shot have been approved nontoxic DUCK STAMP ART The state permit may be purchased for
by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. CONTEST $7.50 from local license agents or from
On National Wildlife Refuges that permit the MDIFW office in Augusta. The Federal
hunting of upland game, persons hunting Your 2018 Maine duck stamp, stamp can be purchased by visiting your
upland species other than deer and turkey featuring a Northern Pintail, was local post office or USPS.com.
with a shotgun shall possess and use only designed by Joanna Hoffman of
The Migratory Waterfowl Stamp is not
nontoxic shot while in the field. Saco, Maine. It was selected by
required to hunt woodcock, snipe, rails
a panel of judges from among
Haley Pond - Closed to Hunting: It is or crows.
unlawful to hunt waterfowl on Haley Pond 13 paintings by Maine resident
artists in the 2018 duck stamp art Note: All revenue from the sale of state
in the Town of Rangeley and Dallas Plt. in waterfowl permits used exclusively for
Franklin County. contest conducted by the Maine
acquisition of waterfowl habitat and
Department of Inland Fisheries
Wildfowl Decoys: It is unlawful to shoot, waterfowl management activities.
and Wildlife. Proceeds from the
or shoot at, or near, any wildfowl decoy
sale of the annual duck stamps
of another person, with a rifle, pistol, or
shotgun with a ball, slug, or buckshot. and permits are used to help
“Near” means the area encompassed by finance waterfowl management
the set of decoys and including the area 50 programs or to acquire waterfowl
yards away from the outer perimeter of the habitat.
set of decoys.

FIELD POSSESSION LIMIT Dual Violation

No person shall possess more than one A violation of State migratory bird regula-
daily bag limit while in the field or while re- tions is also a violation of Federal regula-
turning from the field to one’s car, hunting tions.
camp, home, etc. Caution BARROW’S GOLDENEYE
More restrictive regulations may apply to
IMPORTATION National Wildlife Refuges open to public
For information regarding the importation The Maine Department of Inland
hunting. For additional information on
of migratory birds killed in another coun- Fisheries and Wildlife wishes to con-
Federal refuge regulations, see contact
try, hunters should consult 50 CFR 20.61 tinue the lawful hunting of Common
information on page 29. ■
through 20.66. One fully-feathered wing Goldeneyes while ensuring adequate
must remain attached to all migratory game protection of the Barrow’s Golden-
birds being transported between the port eye, a Threatened Species under the
of entry and one’s home or to a migratory Maine Endangered Species Act.
bird preservation facility. No person shall HELP STOP WILDLIFE
Barrow’s and Common Goldeneyes
import migratory game birds killed in any VIOLATIONS look very similar. Our goal is to
foreign country, except Canada, unless
such birds are dressed (except as required Dial Operation Game Thief
reduce the unintentional take of Bar-
in 20.63), drawn, and the head and feet are row’s in Maine by improving duck
1-800-ALERT US (253-7887)
removed. No person shall import migratory hunters’ abilities to distinguish them
game birds belonging to another person. from Common Goldeneyes.
Barrow’s are known to congregate in
certain areas.
BAND RECOVERY REPORTS
Despite our efforts, we suspect that
Anyone finding a band or recovering a few Barrow’s Goldeneyes may
one while hunting should log onto: be unintentionally shot. In these
reportband.gov cases, hunters are required to report
to your local game warden, and
Results will provide better estimates surrender to MDIFW, any that are
of survival and harvest rates and will taken during legal waterfowl hunting
reduce high costs associated with activities. There is no penalty for
banding studies. reporting this.

Please see legal hunting time table for all other species on page 33.
2018-19 MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTER’S TIME & TIDE TABLE

LEGAL HUNTING HOURS TIDE* LEGAL HUNTING HOURS TIDE*
DATE OPEN CLOSE HIGH LOW DATE OPEN CLOSE HIGH LOW
9/1/18 05:27 AM 07:12 PM 03:46 PM 09:31 AM 11/17/18 06:05 AM 04:05 PM 06:13 AM 12:17 PM
9/3/18 05:30 AM 07:08 PM 05:09 AM 11:13 AM 11/19/18 06:08 AM 04:03 PM 07:47 AM 01:59 PM
9/4/18 05:31 AM 07:06 PM 06:11 AM 12:14 PM 11/20/18 06:09 AM 04:02 PM 08:30 AM 02:44 PM
9/8/18 05:36 AM 06:59 PM 10:24 AM 04:25 PM 11/24/18 06:14 AM 03:59 PM 11:14 AM 05:02 AM
9/10/18 05:38 AM 06:55 PM 12:08 PM 05:54 AM 11/26/18 06:17 AM 03:58 PM 12:50 PM 06:37 AM
9/15/18 05:44 AM 06:46 PM 04:15 PM 09:59 AM 12/1/18 06:23 AM 03:56 PM 05:41 AM 11:49 AM
9/24/18 05:55 AM 06:29 PM 11:29 AM 05:19 AM 12/10/18 06:32 AM 03:54 PM 12:47 PM 06:38 AM
10/23/18 06:31 AM 05:37 PM 10:50 AM 05:00 PM 1/8/19 06:42 AM 04:12 PM 12:23 PM 06:13 AM
10/30/18 06:41 AM 05:26 PM 03:56 PM 09:41 AM 1/15/19 06:39 AM 04:20 PM 05:15 AM 11:33 AM
11/16/18 06:04 AM 04:06 PM 05:20 AM 11:20 AM
*Tide information listed is estimated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Although these are estimates, they are expected to be useful for planning purposes.
Tide Conversions: Tide information listed is for Portland. For Merrymeeting Bay (Richmond), add 2 hrs. 48 minutes for high tide; for Jonesport, subtract 23 minutes; for Bath,
add 1 hr. 1 minute; for Rockland, subtract 16 minutes; for Waldoboro, subtract 16 minutes.
All times listed through October 31 are Eastern Daylight Time; after that date, they are Eastern Standard Time (for Bangor).

41
S U M M A RY O F H U N T I N G L AWS
All In for the Maine Outdoors
MAIN OFFICE GOVERNOR ADMINISTRATIVE REGIONS

284 State Street, 41 SHS Paul R. LePage Region A – Gray................... (207) 657-2345
Augusta, ME 04333-0041 Region B – Sidney................ (207) 547-5300
(207) 287-8000 COMMISSIONER
Chandler E. Woodcock Region C – Jonesboro......... (207) 434-5927
WEBSITE Region D – Strong............... (207) 778-3324
DEPUTY COMMISSIONER
mefishwildlife.com Region E – Greenville.......... (207) 695-3756
Timothy E. Peabody
OPERATION GAME THIEF Region F – Enfield............... (207) 732-4132
MDIFW ADVISORY COUNCIL
In State: 1-800-ALERT US (253-7887) Region G – Ashland............. (207) 435-3231
Jerry Scribner
Out of State: (207) 287-6057
Androscoggin, Kennebec, & Bangor Research Office....... (207) 941-4440
REGIONAL COMMUNICATION CENTERS Sagadahoc Counties............ (207) 495-7751
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries
If you are in need of the services of a game Richard “Dick” Fortier and Wildlife receives federal funds from the
warden call the Department of Public Aroostook County............... (207) 496-1221 U.S. Department of the Interior. According-
Safety Dispatch at the following toll-free
Matthew E. Thurston (Vice-Chair) ly, all Department programs and activities
numbers:
Cumberland County............ (207) 926-4147 must be operated free from discrimination
Augusta...............................1-800-452-4664 in regard to race, color, national origin, age,
Sheridan R. Oldham
Houlton...............................1-800-924-2261 Franklin & Oxford or handicap. Any person who believes that
Bangor................................1-800-432-7381 Counties............................... (207) 864-4323 he or she has been discriminated against
Jeffrey C. Lewis should write to the Office of Equal Oppor-
Note! The State Police numbers may be
Hancock County.................. (207) 460-6859 tunity, U.S. Department of the Interior,
used to report a fire, ONLY if a fire warden
or forest ranger cannot be reached. To Washington, D.C. 20240.
Gunnar Gundersen
report wildfire arson call 1-800-987-0257 Knox, Lincoln, & Waldo COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS
— The Maine Forest Service, Department Counties............................... (207) 563-1959 Written comments should be mailed to:
of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.
Donald Dudley (Chair) Maine Department of Inland
Penobscot County............... (207) 538-5173 Fisheries & Wildlife
Lawrence Farrington 284 State Street
Piscataquis & Somerset 41 State House Station
Counties............................... (207) 695-2017 Augusta, ME 04333-0041
Brian D. Smith
Washington County............ (207) 255-4508
Shawn J. Sage
York County......................... (207) 329-7096

42
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2 0 1 8 - 1 9 S TAT E O F M A I N E S U M M A R Y O F Lmefishwildlife.com
AW S & R U L E S H U N T I N G Q U E STI O N S? C A L L 2 07 2 87-8 000

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S U M M A R Y O F

MAINE DEPARTMENT OF INLAND FISHERIES & WILDLIFE

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S computer or mobile device.

2 0 1 8 - 1 9 S TAT E O F M A I N E S U M M A R Y O F L AW S & R U L E S H U N T I N G Q U E STI O N S? C A L L 2 07 2 87-8 000

NO CELL COVERAGE IN THE WOODS? NO PROBLEM.

FROM YOUR IPHONE FROM YOUR ANDROID FROM YOUR COMPUTER

Q UESTION S? CALL 207 287-8 000 2 0 1 8 - 1 9 S TAT E O F M A I N E S U M M A R Y O F L AW S & R U L E S H U N T I N G

2018-19 MAINE HUNTING SEASONS

Firearms Season All October 29, 2018 November 24, 2018

Maine Resident Only Day* All October 27, 2018

Youth Deer Day All October 20, 2018

Muzzleloader Statewide All November 26, 2018 December 1, 2018

Muzzleloader 12, 13, 15-18, 20-26, 29 December 3, 2018 December 8, 2018

Expanded Archery Designated areas only September 8, 2018 December 8, 2018

Youth Bear Day All August 25, 2018

MOOSE SEASONS LIMITS

1-6 October 22, 2018 October 27, 2018

Permit application period: January through April 1

2 0 1 8 - 1 9 S TAT E O F M A I N E S U M M A R Y O F L AW S & R U L E S H U N T I N G Q U E STI O N S? C A L L 2 07 2 87-8 000

SPRING WILD TURKEY SEASONS LIMITS

FALL WILD TURKEY SEASONS LIMITS

Q UESTION S? CALL 207 287-8 000 2 0 1 8 - 1 9 S TAT E O F M A I N E S U M M A R Y O F L AW S & R U L E S H U N T I N G

KEEP YOUR LICENSE WITH YOU DEFINITIONS

2 0 1 8 - 1 9 S TAT E O F M A I N E S U M M A R Y O F L AW S & R U L E S H U N T I N G Q U E STI O N S? C A L L 2 07 2 87-8 000

Q UESTION S? CALL 207 287-8 000 2 0 1 8 - 1 9 S TAT E O F M A I N E S U M M A R Y O F L AW S & R U L E S H U N T I N G

2018-19 LICENSE AND PERMIT FEES

LIFETIME LICENSE FEES

5 years & under $150 $150 $150 $150 $250 $400

6-15 years of age $300 $300 $300 $300 $500 $800

65 years of age $50 $50 $50 $50 $80 $110

66 years of age $40 $40 $40 $40 $64 $94

67 years of age $30 $30 $30 $30 $48 $78

68 years of age $20 $20 $20 $20 $32 $52

69 years of age $10 $10 $10 $10 $16 $26

5 years & under $450 $450 $450 $450 $750 $1,200

6-15 years of age $900 $900 $900 $900 $1,500 $2,400

*Hunting, fishing, archery

Q UESTION S? CALL 207 287-8 000 2 0 1 8 - 1 9 S TAT E O F M A I N E S U M M A R Y O F L AW S & R U L E S H U N T I N G

LICENSE REVOCATION INFORMATION

GENERAL HUNTING LAWS

To hunt means to pursue, catch,

2 0 1 8 - 1 9 S TAT E O F M A I N E S U M M A R Y O F L AW S & R U L E S H U N T I N G Q U E STI O N S? C A L L 2 07 2 87-8 000

Q UESTION S? CALL 207 287-8 000 2 0 1 8 - 1 9 S TAT E O F M A I N E S U M M A R Y O F L AW S & R U L E S H U N T I N G

It is unlawful to take or disturb any

2 0 1 8 - 1 9 S TAT E O F M A I N E S U M M A R Y O F L AW S & R U L E S H U N T I N G Q U E STI O N S? C A L L 2 07 2 87-8 000

GENERAL LAWS agents appointed by the commissioner to Cartridges:

Q UESTION S? CALL 207 287-8 000 2 0 1 8 - 1 9 S TAT E O F M A I N E S U M M A R Y O F L AW S & R U L E S H U N T I N G

2 0 1 8 - 1 9 S TAT E O F M A I N E S U M M A R Y O F L AW S & R U L E S H U N T I N G Q U E STI O N S? C A L L 2 07 2 87-8 000

RELEASING DOGS FROM TRAPS

A dog’s reaction to being caught in a foothold trap can vary from

CROSSBOW INFORMATION season with the appropriate permits.

Q UESTION S? CALL 207 287-8 000 2 0 1 8 - 1 9 S TAT E O F M A I N E S U M M A R Y O F L AW S & R U L E S H U N T I N G

SPECIES YOUTH HUNTING DAY(S) REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO JUNIOR HUNTERS

2 0 1 8 - 1 9 S TAT E O F M A I N E S U M M A R Y O F L AW S & R U L E S H U N T I N G Q U E STI O N S? C A L L 2 07 2 87-8 000

DEER HUNTING PROHIBITIONS

Q UESTION S? CALL 207 287-8 000 2 0 1 8 - 1 9 S TAT E O F M A I N E S U M M A R Y O F L AW S & R U L E S H U N T I N G

DEER POPULATION MONITORING PROJECT

MDIFW biologists annually collect To that end, MDIFW has initiated a

2 0 1 8 - 1 9 S TAT E O F M A I N E S U M M A R Y O F L AW S & R U L E S H U N T I N G Q U E STI O N S? C A L L 2 07 2 87-8 000

Any person who knows or has reason

It is illegal for any person to willfully

2018 DEER SEASONS & BAG LIMITS

SEASON DATES DAILY BAG & POSSESSION LIMIT

Regular Archery (Statewide) September 29, 2018 - October 26, 2018*