Maine Deer Season 2026
Maine deer season dates start with Sep 12-Dec 12, 2026. The table below keeps every listed deer row together with zones and notes where available.
Quick answer
Maine's listed 2026 firearm deer season runs Nov 2-28, 2026.
Regular Archery White-tailed Deer opens Oct 3, 2026 and closes Oct 30, 2026.
Expanded Archery White-tailed Deer opens Sep 12, 2026 and closes Dec 12, 2026.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to Maine DIFW.
Deer
White-tailed Deer
Expanded Archery
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
Zone: All
White-tailed Deer
Youth Deer Hunt
Zone: All
White-tailed Deer
Youth
Youth Deer Hunt
Zone: All
White-tailed Deer
Maine Resident Only Day
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
Zone: All
White-tailed Deer
Regular Firearm
Firearms Season
Zone: All
White-tailed Deer
Muzzleloader
Muzzleloader Statewide
Zone: All (Statewide)
White-tailed Deer
Muzzleloader Statewide
Zone: All
White-tailed Deer
Muzzleloader
Zone: WMDs 12, 13, 15-18, 20-26, 29
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Nearby deer seasons
Maine Deer Season FAQ
When does deer season open in Maine?
September 12, 2026 is the earliest listed deer opener in Maine — expanded archery white-tailed deer runs Sep 12-Dec 12, 2026. Confirm zone and permit details with Maine DIFW.
What are the 2026 deer season dates in Maine?
Maine lists 10 deer season windows: Expanded Archery White-tailed Deer (Sep 12-Dec 12, 2026); Regular Archery White-tailed Deer (Oct 3-30, 2026); Youth Deer Hunt White-tailed Deer (Oct 23-24, 2026); Youth White-tailed Deer (Oct 23-24, 2026); Maine Resident Only Day White-tailed Deer (Oct 31-31, 2026); Firearms White-tailed Deer (Nov 2-28, 2026); Regular Firearm White-tailed Deer (Nov 2-28, 2026); Muzzleloader White-tailed Deer (Nov 30-Dec 5, 2026); and more. Always verify against Maine DIFW before hunting.
Are there different deer seasons in Maine?
Yes — Maine lists separate deer seasons for Expanded Archery White-tailed Deer, Regular Archery White-tailed Deer, Youth Deer Hunt White-tailed Deer, Youth White-tailed Deer, Maine Resident Only Day White-tailed Deer, Firearms White-tailed Deer. Each can carry its own dates, zones, and weapon rules; see the table above and Maine DIFW.
Do I need a license to hunt deer in Maine?
Yes. Maine generally requires the appropriate hunting license, and deer hunting may also require tags, permits, stamps, or zone authorizations. Confirm requirements with Maine DIFW.