Maine 2025-27 Hunting Season Dates
Quick answer
Maine's listed 2025-27 firearm deer season runs Nov 2-28, 2026.
Regular Archery White-tailed Deer opens Oct 3, 2026 and closes Oct 30, 2026.
Night Hunting Coyote opens Dec 16, 2025 and closes Aug 31, 2026.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to Maine DIFW.
- firearm deer
- Nov 2-28, 2026
- archery deer
- Oct 3-30, 2026
- coyote
- Dec 16, 2025-Aug 31, 2026
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Key seasons by species
We summarize official agency information and link to the source for verification. Regulations can change, and zone details matter. Always confirm final dates, bag limits, permits, and legal requirements with Maine DIFW before hunting.
Proposed 2026-27
federal openings
in Maine
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing hunting and fishing access changes at 2 stations in Maine. Public comment closes June 26, 2026.
Deer
White-tailed Deer
Expanded Archery
Sep 12-Dec 12, 2026
Additional deer may be harvested with antlerless deer permit(s) or during expanded archery season with appropriate permits. Either-sex WMDs will be posted after rulemaking is final late spring 2026.
Zone: Designated areas only
White-tailed Deer
Regular Archery
Oct 3-30, 2026
Zone: All
White-tailed Deer
Youth Deer Hunt
Oct 23-24, 2026
Zone: All
White-tailed Deer
Youth
Oct 23-24, 2026
Youth Deer Hunt
Zone: All
White-tailed Deer
Maine Resident Only Day
Oct 31-31, 2026
A non-resident who owns 25+ acres in Maine and leaves land open to hunting may also hunt on this day with a verification form.
Zone: All
White-tailed Deer
Firearms
Nov 2-28, 2026
Zone: All
White-tailed Deer
Regular Firearm
Nov 2-28, 2026
Firearms Season
Zone: All
White-tailed Deer
Muzzleloader
Nov 30-Dec 5, 2026
Muzzleloader Statewide
Zone: All (Statewide)
White-tailed Deer
Muzzleloader Statewide
Nov 30-Dec 5, 2026
Zone: All
White-tailed Deer
Muzzleloader
Dec 7-12, 2026
Zone: WMDs 12, 13, 15-18, 20-26, 29
Turkey
18 listed rowsWild Turkey
Fall General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Closed to taking of Wild Turkeys in fall season.
Zone: WMDs 1, 2, 4, 5, 9
Wild Turkey
Firearm/Archery - Fall General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Closed to taking of Wild Turkeys. Fall season.
Zone: WMDs 1, 2, 4, 5, 9
Wild Turkey
Spring General - Youth Days
May 1-2, 2026
Youth Spring Wild Turkey Days. Archery equipment or shotgun.
Wild Turkey
Youth - Spring
May 1-2, 2026
Youth Spring Wild Turkey Days. Spring season.
Wild Turkey
Firearm/Archery - Spring General
May 4-Jun 6, 2026
Spring season. Archery equipment or shotgun.
Zone: WMDs 1-6 and 8
Wild Turkey
Spring General
May 4-Jun 6, 2026
Archery equipment or shotgun. May harvest up to 2 turkeys for spring season but individual WMD bag limit cannot be exceeded.
Zone: WMDs 7 and 9-29
Wild Turkey
Firearm/Archery - Spring General
May 4-Jun 6, 2026
Spring season. Archery equipment or shotgun.
Zone: WMDs 7 and 9-29
Wild Turkey
Spring General
May 4-Jun 6, 2026
Archery equipment or shotgun. May harvest up to 2 turkeys for spring season but individual WMD bag limit cannot be exceeded.
Zone: WMDs 1-6 and 8
Wild Turkey
Youth - Fall
Sep 12-12, 2026
Youth Fall Wild Turkey Day. Single day event.
Wild Turkey
Fall General - Youth Day
Sep 12-12, 2026
Youth Fall Wild Turkey Day. Archery equipment or shotgun.
Wild Turkey
Fall General
Sep 14-Nov 7, 2026
Archery equipment or shotgun. May harvest up to 5 turkeys for fall season but individual WMD bag limit cannot be exceeded.
Zone: WMDs 3, 6-8, 10-14, 18, 19, 27, 29
Wild Turkey
Fall General
Sep 14-Nov 7, 2026
Archery equipment or shotgun. May harvest up to 5 turkeys for fall season but individual WMD bag limit cannot be exceeded.
Zone: WMD 26
Show 6 more turkey rows
Wild Turkey
Firearm/Archery - Fall General
Sep 14-Nov 7, 2026
No more than two wild turkeys (either-sex, any age) may be harvested per permit holder per day. Fall season. Archery equipment or shotgun.
Zone: WMD 26
Wild Turkey
Fall General
Sep 14-Nov 7, 2026
Archery equipment or shotgun. May harvest up to 5 turkeys for fall season but individual WMD bag limit cannot be exceeded.
Zone: WMD 28
Wild Turkey
Firearm/Archery - Fall General
Sep 14-Nov 7, 2026
No more than two wild turkeys (either-sex, any age) may be harvested per permit holder per day. Fall season. Archery equipment or shotgun.
Zone: WMDs 3, 6-8, 10-14, 18, 19, 27, 29
Wild Turkey
Firearm/Archery - Fall General
Sep 14-Nov 7, 2026
No more than two wild turkeys (either-sex, any age) may be harvested per permit holder per day. Fall season. Archery equipment or shotgun.
Zone: WMD 28
Wild Turkey
Firearm/Archery - Fall General
Sep 14-Nov 7, 2026
No more than two wild turkeys (either-sex, any age) may be harvested per permit holder per day. Fall season. Archery equipment or shotgun.
Zone: WMDs 15-17, 20-25
Wild Turkey
Fall General
Sep 14-Nov 7, 2026
Archery equipment or shotgun. No more than 2 wild turkeys (either-sex, any age) may be harvested per permit holder per day, not exceeding WMD bag limit.
Zone: WMDs 15-17, 20-25
Bear
Black Bear
Youth
Aug 28-29, 2026
Youth Bear Days
Zone: All
Black Bear
Youth Bear Days
Aug 28-29, 2026
Zone: All
Black Bear
Hunting with Bait
Aug 31-Sep 26, 2026
Bait can be placed starting August 1, 2026
Zone: All
Black Bear
Firearm
Aug 31-Nov 28, 2026
General Hunting Season
Zone: All
Black Bear
General Hunting Season
Aug 31-Nov 28, 2026
Zone: All
Black Bear
Trapping
Sep 1-Oct 31, 2026
Bear Trapping
Zone: All
Black Bear
Youth - Hunting with Dogs
Sep 12-12, 2026
Youth Bear Hunting with Dogs Day
Zone: All
Black Bear
Youth Bear Hunting with Dogs Day
Sep 12-12, 2026
Zone: All
Black Bear
Hunting with Dogs
Sep 14-Oct 30, 2026
Bear dog training season is July 1 - August 27, 2026
Zone: All
Moose
Moose
Firearm - Bull Only
Sep 28-Oct 3, 2026
By permit only. A person may only harvest one moose per year regardless of how many permits they may be listed on. Season dates and WMDs subject to change.
Zone: WMDs 1-6, 10, 11, 18, 19, 27, 28
Moose
Bull-Only (Permit)
Sep 28-Oct 3, 2026
By permit only. A person may only harvest one moose per year regardless of how many permits. Must be permittee or sub-permittee. Season dates and WMDs subject to change.
Zone: WMDs 1-6, 10, 11, 18, 19, 27, 28
Moose
Firearm - Bull Only
Oct 12-17, 2026
By permit only. A person may only harvest one moose per year regardless of how many permits they may be listed on. Season dates and WMDs subject to change.
Zone: WMDs 1-15, 17-19, 27, 28
Moose
Bull-Only (Permit)
Oct 12-17, 2026
By permit only. A person may only harvest one moose per year regardless of how many permits. Must be permittee or sub-permittee. Season dates and WMDs subject to change.
Zone: WMDs 1-15, 17-19, 27, 28
Moose
Antlerless-Only (Permit)
Oct 26-31, 2026
By permit only. A person may only harvest one moose per year regardless of how many permits. Must be permittee or sub-permittee. Season dates and WMDs subject to change. Permit application period: April-May each year.
Zone: WMDs 1-6, 8
Moose
Firearm - Antlerless Only
Oct 26-31, 2026
By permit only. A person may only harvest one moose per year regardless of how many permits they may be listed on. Season dates and WMDs subject to change.
Zone: WMDs 1-6, 8
Waterfowl
38 listed rowsBrant
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Dates to be determined.
Zone: Coastal Zone
Brant
Firearm
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Zone: South Zone
Brant
Firearm
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Zone: Coastal Zone
Brant
Firearm
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Zone: North Zone
Brant
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Dates to be determined.
Zone: South Zone
Brant
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Dates to be determined.
Zone: North Zone
Canada Goose
Early
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Dates to be determined.
Zone: North Zone
Canada Goose
Early
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Dates to be determined.
Zone: South Zone
Canada Goose
Early
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Dates to be determined.
Zone: Coastal Zone
Canada Goose (Early)
Firearm
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Zone: South Zone
Canada Goose (Early)
Firearm
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Zone: North Zone
Canada Goose (Early)
Firearm
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Zone: Coastal Zone
Show 26 more waterfowl rows
Canada Goose (Regular), White-Fronted Geese
Firearm
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Zone: South Zone
Canada Goose (Regular), White-Fronted Geese
Firearm
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Zone: Coastal Zone
Canada Goose (Regular), White-Fronted Geese
Firearm
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Zone: North Zone
Canada Goose, White-Fronted Geese
Regular
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Dates to be determined.
Zone: South Zone
Canada Goose, White-Fronted Geese
Regular
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Dates to be determined.
Zone: Coastal Zone
Canada Goose, White-Fronted Geese
Regular
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Dates to be determined.
Zone: North Zone
Ducks (including Mergansers and American Coots)
Firearm
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Zone: Coastal Zone
Ducks (including Mergansers and American Coots)
Firearm
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Exceptions: Harlequin Ducks, Barrow's Goldeneye, Moorhens & Gallinules closed. Coots: 5 additional beyond 6 duck limit, possession limit 15. Mergansers: 5 additional in aggregate. Various species-specific limits apply.
Zone: North Zone
Ducks (including Mergansers and American Coots)
Firearm
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Zone: South Zone
Ducks and Geese
Youth
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Special Youth Waterfowl Hunt. All duck species except Harlequins, Barrow's Goldeneye, and Moorhens and Gallinules may be hunted. Special regulations apply to youth and accompanying adult.
Zone: South Zone
Ducks and Geese
Youth
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Special Youth Waterfowl Hunt. All duck species except Harlequins, Barrow's Goldeneye, and Moorhens and Gallinules may be hunted. Special regulations apply to youth and accompanying adult.
Zone: North Zone
Ducks and Geese
Youth
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Special Youth Waterfowl Hunt. All duck species except Harlequins, Barrow's Goldeneye, and Moorhens and Gallinules may be hunted. Special regulations apply to youth and accompanying adult.
Zone: Coastal Zone
Ducks, Geese
Youth Waterfowl Hunt
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
All duck species except Harlequins, Barrow's Goldeneye, Moorhens and Gallinules may be hunted, including geese. Special regulations apply to youth and accompanying adult. Hunting prohibited on Sunday.
Zone: Coastal Zone
Ducks, Geese
Youth Waterfowl Hunt
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
All duck species except Harlequins, Barrow's Goldeneye, Moorhens and Gallinules may be hunted, including geese. Special regulations apply to youth and accompanying adult. Hunting prohibited on Sunday.
Zone: South Zone
Ducks, Geese
Youth Waterfowl Hunt
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
All duck species except Harlequins, Barrow's Goldeneye, Moorhens and Gallinules may be hunted, including geese. Special regulations apply to youth and accompanying adult. Hunting prohibited on Sunday.
Zone: North Zone
Ducks, Mergansers and American Coots
Falconry
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Special Falconry Season in addition to regular migratory bird season
Zone: South Zone
Ducks, Mergansers and American Coots
Falconry
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Special Falconry Season in addition to regular migratory bird season
Zone: Coastal Zone
Ducks, Mergansers and American Coots
Falconry
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Special Falconry Season in addition to regular migratory bird season
Zone: North Zone
Ducks, Mergansers, American Coots
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Dates to be determined. Harlequin Ducks, Barrow's Goldeneye, Moorhens & Gallinules closed. Coots: additional 5/day, 15 possession. Mottled Ducks/Fulvous Whistling Ducks/Scaup/Hen Eider: 1/day, 3 possession. Black Duck/Redhead/Hen Mallard/Canvasback/Eider: 2/day, 6 possession. Mallards: 4/day (2 hen), 12 possession (6 hen). Mergansers: additional 5 aggregate. Sea ducks: 3 by species (4 total), 9 by species (12 total). Pintails/Wood Ducks: 3/day, 9 possession.
Zone: North Zone
Ducks, Mergansers, American Coots
Special Falconry
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
In addition to regular migratory bird season. Dates to be determined.
Zone: North Zone
Ducks, Mergansers, American Coots
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Dates to be determined.
Zone: Coastal Zone
Ducks, Mergansers, American Coots
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Dates to be determined.
Zone: South Zone
Ducks, Mergansers, American Coots
Special Falconry
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
In addition to regular migratory bird season. Dates to be determined.
Zone: Coastal Zone
Ducks, Mergansers, American Coots
Special Falconry
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
In addition to regular migratory bird season. Dates to be determined.
Zone: South Zone
Snow Geese (including Blue Geese)
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Dates to be determined.
Snow Geese (including Blue Geese)
Firearm
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Pheasant
Pheasant
Firearm
Sep 26-Dec 31, 2026
Zone: All
Pheasant
General
Sep 26-Dec 31, 2026
Zone: All
Quail
Bobwhite Quail
Firearm
Sep 26-Dec 31, 2026
Zone: All
Bobwhite Quail
General
Sep 26-Dec 31, 2026
Zone: All
Grouse
Ruffed Grouse
General
Sep 26-Dec 31, 2026
Zone: All
Ruffed Grouse
Firearm
Sep 26-Dec 31, 2026
Zone: All
Rabbit
Snowshoe Hare
General
Sep 26, 2026-Mar 31, 2027
Zone: All
Snowshoe Hare
General - Island of Vinalhaven
Sep 26, 2026-Feb 27, 2027
Shorter season on Island of Vinalhaven
Zone: Island of Vinalhaven
Snowshoe Hare
Firearm
Sep 26, 2026-Mar 31, 2027
Season on Island of Vinalhaven: September 26, 2026 - February 27, 2027
Zone: All
Squirrel
Gray Squirrel
General
Sep 26, 2026-Jan 30, 2027
Zone: All
Gray Squirrel
Firearm
Sep 26, 2026-Jan 30, 2027
Zone: All
Gray Squirrel
Falconry
Sep 26, 2026-Feb 27, 2027
Falconry season
Zone: All
Furbearer
Bobcat
General
Dec 1, 2026-Feb 20, 2027
Zone: All
Bobcat
Firearm
Dec 1, 2026-Feb 20, 2027
Zone: All
Fox
General
Oct 20, 2025-Feb 28, 2026
Dates appear to be 2025-2026 season as listed on page
Zone: All
Fox
Firearm
Oct 20, 2025-Feb 28, 2026
Dates appear to be from prior season (2025-2026); listed on the 2026-2027 page as-is.
Zone: All
Raccoon
General
Oct 1-Dec 31, 2026
Zone: All
Raccoon
Firearm
Oct 1-Dec 31, 2026
Zone: All
Small Game
Skunk, Opossum
General
Oct 19-Dec 31, 2026
Zone: All
Skunk, Opossum
Firearm
Oct 19-Dec 31, 2026
Zone: All
Woodchuck, Porcupine, Red Squirrel
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
No closed season
Zone: All
Migratory Birds
14 listed rowsCommon Snipe
Firearm
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Migratory game bird, not migratory waterfowl. Use of lead shot permitted.
Common Snipe
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Dates to be determined. Considered migratory game bird, not waterfowl. Lead shot permitted. Shotgun holding more than 3 shells prohibited. No waterfowl stamp required.
Crow
General
Aug 1-Sep 20, 2025
Second season: January 17, 2026 - March 31, 2026.
Zone: WMDs 7-29
Crow
Firearm
Aug 1-Sep 20, 2025
Also open January 17, 2026 - March 31, 2026. Crows are neither migratory waterfowl nor migratory game birds. Use of lead shot and electronic calls permitted.
Zone: WMDs 7-29
Crow
General
Aug 1-Sep 20, 2025
Second season: February 2, 2026 - April 15, 2026. Crows are neither migratory waterfowl nor migratory game birds. Lead shot and shotgun holding more than 3 shells permitted. No migratory waterfowl stamp required. Electronic calls permitted.
Zone: WMDs 1-6
Crow
Firearm
Aug 1-Sep 20, 2025
Also open February 2, 2026 - April 15, 2026. Crows are neither migratory waterfowl nor migratory game birds. Use of lead shot and electronic calls permitted.
Zone: WMDs 1-6
Crow
General
Jan 17-Mar 31, 2026
Second segment of crow season for WMDs 7-29.
Zone: WMDs 7-29
Crow
Firearm
Jan 17-Mar 31, 2026
Second season segment for WMDs 7-29. Crows are neither migratory waterfowl nor migratory game birds. Use of lead shot and electronic calls permitted.
Zone: WMDs 7-29
Crow
General
Feb 2-Apr 15, 2026
Second segment of crow season for WMDs 1-6.
Zone: WMDs 1-6
Crow
Firearm
Feb 2-Apr 15, 2026
Second season segment for WMDs 1-6. Crows are neither migratory waterfowl nor migratory game birds. Use of lead shot and electronic calls permitted.
Zone: WMDs 1-6
Rails (Sora and Virginia)
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Dates to be determined. Considered migratory game bird, not waterfowl. Lead shot and shotgun holding more than 3 shells prohibited. No waterfowl stamp required.
Rails (Sora and Virginia)
Firearm
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Migratory game birds, not migratory waterfowl. Use of lead shot and shotgun capable of holding more than three shells prohibited.
Show 2 more migratory birds rows
Woodcock
Firearm
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Migratory game bird, not migratory waterfowl. Use of lead shot permitted.
Woodcock
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Dates to be determined. Considered migratory game bird, not waterfowl. Lead shot permitted. Shotgun holding more than 3 shells prohibited. No waterfowl stamp required.
Coyote
Coyote
Firearm
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Daylight hunting hours, no closed season. Night hunting: December 16, 2025 - August 31, 2026
Zone: All
Coyote
General (Daylight)
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
During daylight hunting hours. No closed season for hunting.
Zone: All
Coyote
Night Hunting
Dec 16, 2025-Aug 31, 2026
Night hunting season dates as listed on page
Zone: All
Other
Spruce Grouse, Lynx, Cottontail Rabbit
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
No open season for hunting
Spruce Grouse, Lynx, Cottontail Rabbit
Firearm
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
No open season for hunting
Woodchuck, Porcupine, Red Squirrel
Firearm
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
No closed season
Zone: All
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Maine Hunting Season FAQ
When does deer season start in Maine?
September 12, 2026 is the first listed deer opener for Maine; it is expanded archery white-tailed deer Sep 12-Dec 12, 2026.
When is Maine's firearm deer season?
Nov 2-28, 2026 is the listed firearm deer window for Maine. Check zone and permit details with Maine DIFW before hunting.
When does spring turkey open in Maine?
A current spring turkey opener is not listed for Maine yet. Check Maine DIFW for the latest turkey dates.
Do I need a license to hunt in Maine?
Yes. Hunters generally need the appropriate Maine hunting license, and some seasons may require tags, permits, stamps, or zone-specific authorizations. Confirm final requirements with Maine DIFW.