Planning your hunt starts with knowing the season dates. Below are the general hunting season dates for Maine (always verify with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife for updates):
- Deer Hunting: Typically runs from late October to late November, with variations for archery, muzzleloader, and firearm seasons.
- Turkey Hunting: Spring season runs from late April to early June, and fall season varies by zone.
- Small Game Hunting: Seasons for species like rabbit and grouse generally run from early October to late March.
- Waterfowl Hunting: Generally aligns with federal frameworks, running from early October to late December.
- Upland Bird Hunting: Seasons for pheasant and woodcock vary, typically running from October to December.
Deer Hunting Seasons
- Expanded Archery (Designated areas only): September 6, 2025 – December 13, 2025
- Regular Archery: October 4, 2025 – October 31, 2025
- Youth Deer Hunt: October 24, 2025 – October 25, 2025
- Maine Resident Only Day: November 1, 2025
- Firearms Season: November 3, 2025 – November 29, 2025
- Muzzleloader (Statewide): December 1, 2025 – December 6, 2025
- Muzzleloader (WMDs 12, 13, 15-18, 20-26, 29): December 8, 2025 – December 13, 2025
Bear Hunting Seasons
- Youth Bear Hunting Day: August 23, 2025
- General Hunting Season: August 25, 2025 – November 29, 2025
- Hunting with Bait (Bait can be placed starting July 27, 2025): August 25, 2025 – September 20, 2025
- Bear Trapping: September 1, 2025 – October 31, 2025
- Hunting with Dogs: September 8, 2025 – October 31, 2025
Moose Hunting Seasons (By Permit Only)
- Bull-Only (WMDs 1-6, 10, 11, 18, 19, 27, 28): September 22, 2025 – September 27, 2025
- Bull-Only (WMDs 1-15, 17-19, 27, 28): October 13, 2025 – October 18, 2025
- Antlerless-Only (WMDs 1-6, 8): October 27, 2025 – November 1, 2025
Wild Turkey Hunting Seasons
Spring Wild Turkey
- All Hunters (WMDs 7 and 9-29): May 4, 2026 – June 6, 2026
- All Hunters (WMDs 1-6 and 8): May 4, 2026 – June 6, 2026
- Youth Spring Wild Turkey Day: May 2, 2026
Fall Wild Turkey
- General Hunting Season (WMDs 15-17, 20-25): September 15, 2025 – November 7, 2025
- General Hunting Season (WMD 26): September 15, 2025 – November 7, 2025
- General Hunting Season (WMD 28): September 15, 2025 – November 7, 2025
- General Hunting Season (WMDs 6-8, 10-14, 18, 19, 27, 29): September 15, 2025 – November 7, 2025
- Youth Fall Wild Turkey Day: September 13, 2025
Upland and Migratory Bird Hunting Seasons
- Ruffed Grouse & Bobwhite Quail: September 27, 2025 – December 31, 2025
- Pheasant: September 27, 2025 – December 31, 2025
- Woodcock: TBD
- Common Snipe: TBD
- Ducks, Geese, Sea Ducks (Scoter, Eider, Long-Tailed Duck): See page 36 of the hunting law book
- Sora & Virginia Rails (and Gallinules): TBD
- Crows (WMDs 1-6): February 6, 2025 – April 15, 2025
- Crows (WMDs 7-29): January 22, 2025 – March 31, 2025
Other Species Hunting Seasons
- Gray Squirrel: September 27, 2025 – December 31, 2025
- Gray Squirrel (Falconry): September 27, 2025 – February 28, 2026
- Snowshoe Hare: September 27, 2025 – March 31, 2026
- Snowshoe Hare (Island of Vinalhaven): September 27, 2025 – February 28, 2026
- Bobcat: December 1, 2025 – February 21, 2026
- Fox: October 20, 2025 – February 28, 2026
- Raccoon: October 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025
For exact dates and zone-specific information, visit the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website.
Maine Hunting Rules and Regulations
Before heading out, familiarize yourself with Maine’s hunting rules and regulations to ensure a safe and legal hunt:
- All hunters must possess a valid Maine hunting license and appropriate tags.
- Follow bag limits and species-specific regulations.
- Wear hunter orange during certain seasons for safety.
- Respect private property and obtain permission before hunting on private land.
- Adhere to firearm and archery equipment regulations.
For detailed rules, check the Maine Hunting Regulations.
Top Places to Hunt in Maine
Maine offers diverse hunting opportunities across the state. Here are some of the best hunting spots:
- North Woods: Known for deer, moose, and bear hunting.
- Katahdin Region: Offers excellent deer and moose hunting opportunities.
- Down East Region: Popular for waterfowl and upland bird hunting.
- Western Mountains: Ideal for deer and bear hunting.
- Central Maine: Great for small game and turkey hunting.
Always check access and land ownership before heading out.
Maine Hunting Guides and Outfitters
If you’re new to hunting in Maine or want a guided experience, consider hiring a professional guide or outfitter. Here are some reputable options:
- Maine Hunting Guides – Specializing in deer, moose, and bear hunts.
- Northwoods Camps – Offering guided hunts in the North Woods region.
- Katahdin Outfitters – Focused on deer and moose hunts in the Katahdin region.
Maine Deer Processors
After a successful hunt, you’ll need a reliable deer processor. Here are some recommended options in Maine:
- Maine Meat Processing – Located in Augusta, offering game processing services.
- Northwoods Butcher Shop – Serving the Bangor area with high-quality game processing.
- Down East Deer Processing – A trusted processor in the Ellsworth area.
Call ahead to confirm availability and pricing.
Tips for Hunting in Maine
Make the most of your Maine hunting experience with these tips:
- Check the weather and pack accordingly, as Maine’s climate can vary greatly.
- Scout your hunting area in advance to identify game trails and feeding areas.
- Practice ethical hunting by taking clean shots and respecting wildlife.
- Carry a map, compass, or GPS device, as cell service can be limited in remote areas.