Maine Hunting Laws: Your Essential Guide

As open season approaches in the U.S., it’s an exciting time for both veteran hunters and beginners. But before you head out for your first hunt in the Pine Tree State, it's vital to familiarize yourself with the Maine hunting laws.

Many seasoned hunters know that hunting laws are subject to change almost annually—designed to enhance public safety and benefit both the hunter and the hunted. So, let’s dive into the essential regulations you need to know to ensure a successful hunting experience in Maine.

Understanding Maine Hunting Laws

Before embarking on your hunting adventure, it's crucial to stay informed about Maine hunting laws. While studying state regulations can take time, getting it right is worth the effort—breaking the law can result in hefty fines, putting a serious damper on your season.

Keep reading to learn about important hunting regulations in Maine, including season dates, the animals you’re allowed to hunt, permitted weapons, how to obtain a hunting license, and much more!

1. Deer Hunting in Maine

• Firearms: October 31 – November 26
• Resident Day Only: October 29
• Youth Deer: October 22
• Archery: September 29
• Expanded Archery (Designated Areas Only): September 10 – December 10
• Muzzleloader:
  • Statewide: November 28 – December 3
  • WMD’s 12, 13, 15 through 18, 20 through 26, 29: December 5 – December 10

Basic Limits | Daily Possession:

• 1 Deer/Year
• Only deer with antlers at least 3 inches long may be taken from October 29 – December 10
• Any deer may be taken in designated WMDs by hunters with an antlerless deer permit.
• Additional deer may be taken by participating in the Expanded Archery Season or if they possess a bonus antlerless deer permit.

Want to know the basics of deer hunting? This article explains key aspects of deer senses.

Hunting Equipment Regulations

• Firearms:
  • It's unlawful to hunt with or possess:
    • Firearms that fire continuously while the trigger is held back.
    • Firearms that reload automatically after each shot.
    • Magazines exceeding 5 cartridges + 1 in the chamber (total of 6), unless modified to hold a maximum of 5.
    • Silenced firearms without a permit.
    • Tracer or explosive bullets.
    • Rimfire cartridges smaller than .22 LR, except .22 Magnum.
• Archery:
  • Hand-held bows with a minimum draw weight of 35 pounds.
  • Broadhead arrows with a minimum width of 7/8 inch (expandable mechanical broadheads included).
  • Poisonous or explosive-tipped arrows are illegal.
• Crossbows:
  • Only shoulder-type stocks are allowed; pistol-type crossbows are unlawful.
  • Minimum draw weight of 100 lbs; no maximum draw weight.
  • Must have an operational mechanical trigger safety.
  • Scopes are permitted.
• Muzzleloaders:
  • Must only fire a single charge of 40 caliber or larger.

Looking for a handy multitool to keep your weapons in top shape? Check out this 13-in-1 multitool, available here.

2. Duck Hunting in Maine

• Regular Ducks (Mergansers included):
  • North Zone: September 26 – December 3
  • South Zone: October 1 – October 15 | November 1 – December 24
  • Coastal Zone: October 1 – October 15 | November 11 – January 4, 2017

Daily Limit: 6 ducks

Possession Limit: 18 ducks

• Sea Ducks:
  • Season: November 11 – January 19, 2017

Daily Limit: 5 ducks

Possession Limit: 15 ducks

• Brant:
  • North Zone: September 26 – December 3
  • South Zone: October 1 – October 15 & November 1 – December 24
  • Coastal Zone: October 1 – October 15 & November 11 – January 4, 2017

Daily Limit: 2

Possession Limit: 6

• Special Falconry:
  • North Zone: December 22, 2016 – February 11, 2017
  • Coastal & South Zone: January 7, 2017 – February 28, 2017

Daily Bag: 3 migratory game birds

Possession Limit: 9 migratory game birds

• Youth Waterfowl:
  • North Zone: September 17 – December 10
  • South Zone: September 24 – October 22
  • Coastal Zone: September 24 – November 5

Daily Limit: 6 birds

For additional information on migratory game bird seasons and bag limits, refer to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife.

Hunting Equipment Regulations

When hunting in Maine, ensure you use the correct equipment:

• Shotgun
  • Your shotgun should be equipped with ammo not larger than a 10-gauge.
  • It must hold a maximum of three shells; modifications to meet this limit are regulated.
  • Shotguns must be designed to be fired from the shoulder.
• Hand-held bow and arrow.
• Crossbow.
• Falconry equipment.

To learn about general laws, illegal devices, and hunting orange requirements, be sure to read the official laws of MDIFW.

3. Bobcat Hunting in Maine

• Season: December 1 – February 14
• No limit on bagged bobcats.

Method of Take

Since bobcats are classified as big game, here’s the hunting equipment allowed:

• Firearms: It’s illegal to hunt with or possess:
  • Any firearm that fires continuously as long as the trigger is held.
  • Self-loading firearms after each shot.
  • Magazines exceeding a capacity of 5 cartridges + 1 in the chamber.
  • Firearms fitted with devices to muffle sounds without a permit.
  • Tracer or explosive bullets.
  • Rimfire cartridges smaller than .22 LR, excluding .22 Magnum.
• Archery equipment:
  • Hand-held bows with a minimum draw weight of 35 pounds.
  • Broadhead arrows of at least 7/8 inch wide (expandable mechanical ones included).
  • Poisonous or explosive-tipped arrows are illegal.
• Crossbows:
  • Only those with a shoulder stock are permitted; hand-held pistol types are not.
  • Must have a draw weight of no less than 100 lbs.
  • Should feature a mechanical trigger safety device.
  • Scopes are permissible.
• Muzzleloaders:
  • Must only fire one charge and be .40 caliber or larger.
• Traps may also be used.

For more information about bobcat habitats, home range, and feeding habits, visit the MDIFW website.

License Information

To obtain an adult hunting license, you must:

• Provide proof of having previously held an adult license to hunt with firearms or bow and arrow since 1976.
• Complete an approved hunter safety or archery education course.
• Provide proof of residency for state residents.

For more details on how to acquire a hunting license in Maine, visit the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife website.

Watch World-Class Hunts!

Check out this video of Nathan Theriault hunting moose in Maine:

Remaining knowledgeable about the hunting laws in Maine ensures you and your hunting companions enjoy every minute of your experience. Plus, you can even teach your friends how to make these 15 jerky recipes to enjoy during the hunt!

Is hunting in your blood? If so, you’ll want to learn more about hunting laws in other states. Get started by clicking here.

Keep your gear in top shape with this fixed-blade hunting knife available at our Amazon store. Use code NCSAVE10 for an awesome discount!

Disclaimer: All content on this site is for informational purposes only. Please read our full disclaimer.