Maine Bear Season 2026
Maine bear season dates start with Aug 31-Nov 28, 2026. The table below keeps every listed bear row together with zones and notes where available.
Quick answer
Maine's listed 2026 bear season runs Aug 31-Nov 28, 2026.
General Hunting Season Black Bear opens Aug 31, 2026 and closes Nov 28, 2026.
Trapping Black Bear opens Sep 1, 2026 and closes Oct 31, 2026.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to Maine DIFW.
Bear
Black Bear
Firearm
General Hunting Season
Zone: All
Black Bear
General Hunting Season
Zone: All
Black Bear
Trapping
Bear Trapping
Zone: All
Black Bear
Hunting with Dogs
Bear dog training season is July 1 - August 27, 2026
Zone: All
Black Bear
Youth
Youth Bear Days
Zone: All
Black Bear
Youth Bear Days
Zone: All
Black Bear
Hunting with Bait
Bait can be placed starting August 1, 2026
Zone: All
Black Bear
Youth - Hunting with Dogs
Youth Bear Hunting with Dogs Day
Zone: All
Black Bear
Youth Bear Hunting with Dogs Day
Zone: All
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Nearby bear seasons
Maine Bear Season FAQ
When does bear season open in Maine?
August 28, 2026 is the earliest listed bear opener in Maine — youth black bear runs Aug 28-29, 2026. Confirm zone and permit details with Maine DIFW.
What are the 2026 bear season dates in Maine?
Maine lists 9 bear season windows: Youth Black Bear (Aug 28-29, 2026); Youth Bear Days Black Bear (Aug 28-29, 2026); Firearm Black Bear (Aug 31-Nov 28, 2026); Hunting with Bait Black Bear (Aug 31-Sep 26, 2026); General Hunting Season Black Bear (Aug 31-Nov 28, 2026); Trapping Black Bear (Sep 1-Oct 31, 2026); Youth - Hunting with Dogs Black Bear (Sep 12-12, 2026); Youth Bear Hunting with Dogs Day Black Bear (Sep 12-12, 2026); and more. Always verify against Maine DIFW before hunting.
Are there different bear seasons in Maine?
Yes — Maine lists separate bear seasons for Youth Black Bear, Youth Bear Days Black Bear, Firearm Black Bear, Hunting with Bait Black Bear, General Hunting Season Black Bear, Trapping Black Bear. Each can carry its own dates, zones, and weapon rules; see the table above and Maine DIFW.
Do I need a license to hunt bear in Maine?
Yes. Maine generally requires the appropriate hunting license, and bear hunting may also require tags, permits, stamps, or zone authorizations. Confirm requirements with Maine DIFW.