It's also an excellent state for an Eastern moose hunt.
So, what do you need to know to plan for the hunting seasons in Maine? Use this guide to learn about season dates, bag limits, hunting licenses, and more. We'll also help you find the best public or private land for a successful hunt.
Updated March 31, 2026
When Can I Hunt in Maine?
The good news is that the hunting seasons in Maine are straightforward, making it easy to plan your year around the game and open seasons for your hunts. However, you'll want to plan ahead for a moose hunt, as these hunts are by permit only.
Note that season dates can vary based on specific WMDs, so pay close attention to where you plan to hunt for the correct season dates.
Please note that the season information we provide here is the latest available from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (MDIFW). We'll update this guide with new season information as it becomes available.
We also recommend checking official resources for the latest hunting season dates in case any information changes as you plan your hunt.
Maine Hunting Season Dates | |
|---|---|
Deer
| Bear Hunting Season in Maine
When hunting with bait, hunters can place the bait on July 27, 2025. |
MooseMoose hunts are by permit only. The permit application period runs from April through May each year.
| TurkeySpring Archery or Shotgun
Fall Archery or Shotgun
|
Maine Waterfowl Season
| Upland Birds
|
Other Wild Game
| |
Visit the MDIFW website for more information about season dates for hunting and trapping.
What are the Bag Limits for Hunting in Maine?
How many bears, deer, or turkeys can you bring home this year? To comply with the laws for the hunting seasons in Maine, check the bag limits for every animal on your list to hunt.
Here's a brief overview of the state's bag limits.
Maine Hunting Season Bag Limits | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Deer | 1 antlered per year | Brant | 1 per day (3 in possession) |
| Bear | 2 bears per year (1 hunting, 1 trapping) | Crow | No limits |
| Moose | 1 per year by permit | Snipe | 8 per day (24 in possession) |
| Turkey | 1 or 2 bearded (spring, depending on WMD) 1-5 (fall, depending on WMD) | Woodcock | 3 per day (9 in possession) |
| Ducks | 6 per day (18 in possession) | Rails (Sora & Virginia) | 25 per day in aggregate (25 in possession) |
| Canada Goose (Early) | 8 per day, 24 in possession (North Zone) 10 per day, 30 in possession (South and Coastal Zones) | Gray Squirrel | 4 per day (8 in possession) |
| Canada Goose (Regular) | 2 per day, 6 in possession (North and South Zones) 3 per day, 9 in possession (Coastal Zone) | Snowshoe Hare | 4 per day (8 in possession) |
| Snow Geese | 25 per day | Coyote | No limits |
| Pheasant | 2 per day (4 in possession) | Ruffed Grouse & Bobwhite Quail | 4 per day (8 in possession) |
What Do I Need to Know About the Hunting Regulations Maine Puts in Place?
All hunters must pass a hunter education course (or show proof of having a valid license before) to purchase an adult hunting license. Licenses are valid for one year starting January 1 each year (or the date you purchase the license).
Maine offers junior and adult licenses. Licenses are also based on resident vs. non-resident status. Most hunts also require a specific permit.
You can buy a hunting license online or through in-person locations, including town offices.
Why Do Hunters Hunt in Maine?
Despite its small size, Maine is a great state to hunt a variety of wild game, including big game. The state has more 200-lb whitetail bucks per square mile than almost any other state.
Plus, the turkey population has made a comeback, so you also have opportunities to bring home a gobbler.
So, if you're after moose, bear, whitetail, and turkey this year, Maine offers all of this and more. Or, if you're thinking of smaller game hunts, you'll find plenty of pheasant, quail, and waterfowl to fit that "bill."
Where Should I Hunt?
Don't be fooled by the overall size of the state! There's plenty of land to hunt in Maine.
The state manages over 120,000 acres of land through Wildlife Management Units (WMAs). Hunters can also hunt in some state parks and public reserved lands. The state is also divided into 29 Wildlife Management Districts (WMDs) to help with management recommendations.
Additionally, about 94% of the state's forested land is privately owned, with about half of that area open to hunters. This comes to about 10 million acres to track game and tag out. Much of the terrain is marked by lots of forests and unpopulated areas, which is perfect for big game habitats and beautiful treks to tag out.
With HuntWise, you can scout the land to find the best places for your hunt—even before you pack your gear and head out. Our map layers (including LiDAR) and public/private boundary lines help you visualize various hunt areas so you're prepared for any hunt, any season.
What Else Do I Need Before I Can Hunt?
Whether you're excited about bear hunting season in Maine or bringing home a trophy buck, you need the right gear!
Successful hunts require the right clothing (whether you're looking for new early-season clothing or thinking ahead to late-season hunts), good binoculars, a sharp hunting knife, and a good rifle, shotgun, or bow.
Navigate the Hunting Seasons in Maine with HuntWise
We hope this guide helps you plan successful hunting seasons in Maine this year—but (again) don't forget to check official resources for the latest details.
Do you have everything you need for success? Make sure you have the HuntWise hunting app! Our 3-D maps, layers, and forecasting features give you an advantage over other hunters. We also help improve your chances of tagging out—no matter what you hunt.
Plus, Elite subscribers enjoy access to more tools in the app, including up to 15 days of weather and animal activity forecasting.
Content most recently reviewed and updated for the latest season dates and details March 31, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We have answers to your questions about hunting seasons in Maine!
Q: Why is Sunday hunting illegal in Maine?
A: No hunting on Sundays in Maine is a long-standing “blue law” dating back to colonial times. Today, it’s kept to give non-hunters a guaranteed day for outdoor recreation and to reduce land-use conflicts.
Q: Can you hunt on your own land without a license in Maine?
A: Generally, no, you can't hunt your own land without a license in Maine. Owning the land does not waive the license requirement. There are limited exceptions for some small game, but for most regulated species, you still need the proper hunting license and permits.
Q: Can you shoot a coyote on Sunday in Maine?
A: No, you can't shoot a coyote on Sunday in Maine. The Sunday hunting ban applies to all species, including coyotes.
Q: Can I shoot a deer on my property in Maine?
A: Yes, you can shoot a deer on your property in Maine if it’s legal season, you have the correct deer permit/tag, and you follow all hunting laws. Being on your own property doesn’t change the rules.
Q: Can I bait deer in Maine?
A: Yes, you can bait deer in Maine depending on the time of year. Baiting deer is prohibited from June 1 to December 15.
