Maine Hunting Guide 2025-2026 – Seasons, Permits & Wildlife Areas
Planning your next adventure in the Pine Tree State? You’ve come to the right place. Maine offers some of the most rewarding hunting experiences in New England, with diverse wildlife populations and expansive public lands that make every trip memorable.
Whether you’re a seasoned hunter looking to bag that trophy whitetail or a newcomer eager to experience your first turkey hunt, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need for successful 2025-2026 seasons. We’ll walk through the essential dates, permit requirements, wildlife management districts, and licensing information to help both Maine residents and visiting sportsmen plan their expeditions effectively.
From the rugged Northwoods where moose roam to the coastal marshes perfect for waterfowl, Maine provides incredible diversity. Let’s dive into what makes this state a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts and ensure you’re fully prepared for the upcoming campaign.
📅 Quick Highlights
Here’s your at-a-glance overview of major species and their key dates for the 2025-2026 calendar:
Peak Season Highlights:
- Deer Archery Season: October 4-31, 2025
- Firearms Season: November 3-29, 2025
- Bear General Season: August 25 – November 29, 2025
- Spring Turkey: May 4 – June 6, 2026
- Fall Turkey: September 15 – November 7, 2025
- Moose (By Permit): Various dates from September 22 through November 8, 2025
Youth Opportunities:
- Youth Bear Day: August 23, 2025
- Youth Deer Weekend: October 24-25, 2025
- Youth Spring Turkey: May 2, 2026
- Youth Fall Turkey: September 13, 2025
Special Notes:
- Maine Resident Only Deer Day: November 1, 2025
- Expanded Archery runs September 6 – December 13, 2025 in designated areas
- Night coyote season: December 16, 2025 – August 31, 2026
Big Game Overview
Maine’s big game opportunities center around three primary species that draw hunters from across the country.
| Species | Method | Season Dates | WMDs | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deer | Expanded Archery | Sept 6 – Dec 13, 2025 | Designated areas only | 1 antlered per year* |
| Regular Archery | Oct 4 – Oct 31, 2025 | All | 1 antlered per year* | |
| Youth Hunt | Oct 24 – Oct 25, 2025 | All | 1 antlered per year* | |
| Firearms | Nov 3 – Nov 29, 2025 | All | 1 antlered per year* | |
| Muzzleloader | Dec 1 – Dec 6, 2025 | All | 1 antlered per year* | |
| Muzzleloader Extended | Dec 8 – Dec 13, 2025 | 12, 13, 15-18, 20-26, 29 | 1 antlered per year* | |
| Bear | Youth Day | Aug 23, 2025 | All | 2 bears per year |
| General Season | Aug 25 – Nov 29, 2025 | All | (1 hunting, 1 trapping) | |
| Hunting with Bait | Aug 25 – Sept 20, 2025 | All | ||
| Trapping | Sept 1 – Oct 31, 2025 | All | ||
| Hunting with Dogs | Sept 8 – Oct 31, 2025 | All | ||
| Moose | Bull-Only | Sept 22 – Sept 27, 2025 | 1-6, 10, 11, 18, 19, 27, 28 | 1 per year by permit |
| Bull-Only | Oct 13 – Oct 18, 2025 | 1-15, 17-19, 27, 28 | ||
| Antlerless-Only | Oct 27 – Nov 1, 2025 | 1-6, 8 | ||
| Antlerless-Only | Various dates TBD | 4A (Adaptive Unit) |
*Special regulations apply for WMDs 21-25 and 29 during firearms and muzzleloader periods, where either-sex deer may be harvested.
Important Bear Hunting Details:
Bait placement begins July 26, 2025. Dog training season runs July 1 – August 21, 2025. Non-residents using dogs must hunt with a Maine guide (exceptions apply).
Moose Permit Applications:
Applications accepted April through May annually. Lottery drawing occurs in June with results mailed shortly after. For current moose seasons in other regions, check out Alaska’s extensive opportunities.
Turkey Dates
Turkey populations have rebounded significantly in Maine, providing excellent opportunities for both spring and fall seasons.
Spring Wild Turkey (Archery or Shotgun)
| Season Type | WMDs | Dates | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Hunters | 7, 9-29 | May 4 – June 6, 2026 | 2 bearded birds* |
| All Hunters | 1-6, 8 | May 4 – June 6, 2026 | 1 bearded bird* |
| Youth Day | All eligible WMDs | May 2, 2026 | Up to 2 bearded from 2-bird limit areas |
Fall Wild Turkey (Archery or Shotgun)
| Season Type | WMDs | Dates | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Season | 15-17, 20-25 | Sept 15 – Nov 7, 2025 | 5 wild turkeys** |
| General Season | 26 | Sept 15 – Nov 7, 2025 | 3 wild turkeys** |
| General Season | 28 | Sept 15 – Nov 7, 2025 | 2 wild turkeys** |
| General Season | 3, 6-8, 10-14, 18, 19, 27, 29 | Sept 15 – Nov 7, 2025 | 1 wild turkey** |
| General Season | 1, 2, 4, 5, 9 | — | Closed |
| Youth Day | Various | Sept 13, 2025 | Special youth regulations apply |
*Spring season total cannot exceed 2 birds, but individual WMD limits apply.
**Fall season total cannot exceed 5 birds, but individual WMD limits cannot be exceeded.
Daily bag limit during fall season: No more than 2 turkeys (either-sex, any age) per day, not exceeding WMD limits.
Furbearer Opportunities
Maine provides year-round or extended seasons for various furbearer species, making it attractive for trappers and predator hunters.
| Species | Season Dates | WMDs | Bag Limit | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coyote | No closed season (daylight) | All | No limit | Night hunting: Dec 16, 2025 – Aug 31, 2026 |
| Night season: Dec 16 – Aug 31 | All | No limit | Permit required for night hunting | |
| Bobcat | Dec 1, 2025 – Feb 21, 2026 | All | No limit | |
| Fox | Oct 20, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026 | All | No limit | |
| Raccoon | Oct 1 – Dec 31, 2025 | All | No limit | |
| Skunk, Opossum | Oct 20 – Dec 31, 2025 | All | No limit | |
| Woodchuck, Porcupine, Red Squirrel | No closed season | All | No limit |
Dog Training and Hunting: If using dogs for bear, bobcat, coyote, raccoon, or fox, a Dog Training and Hunting Permit ($12) is required. Non-residents using dogs must hunt with a registered Maine guide (certain exceptions apply).
For comparison with other northeastern states, Connecticut offers different furbearer opportunities worth exploring.
Small Game Section
Small game provides excellent opportunities for beginning hunters and those seeking diverse bag limits throughout extended seasons.
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ruffed Grouse & Bobwhite Quail | Sept 27, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025 | 4 | 8 |
| Pheasant | Sept 27, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025 | 2 | 4 |
| Gray Squirrel | Sept 27, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026 | 4 | 8 |
| Gray Squirrel (Falconry) | Sept 27, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026 | 4 | 8 |
| Snowshoe Hare | Sept 27, 2025 – Mar 31, 2026 | 4 | 8 |
| Snowshoe Hare (Vinalhaven Island) | Sept 27, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026 | 4 | 8 |
Pheasant Special Requirements: Hunters pursuing pheasant in York and Cumberland Counties must obtain a Pheasant Permit ($27) in addition to their base hunting license.
Closed Species: Spruce grouse, lynx, and cottontail rabbit have no open seasons for pursuing.
Complete Waterfowl Seasons
Waterfowl hunting in Maine requires both state and federal permits, with seasons coordinated between state regulations and federal migratory bird frameworks.
Duck Seasons by Zone
| Zone | Season Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Zone | Sept 29 – Dec 6, 2025 | 6 | 18 |
| South Zone | Oct 1-11, 2025 & Oct 29 – Dec 25, 2025 | 6 | 18 |
| Coastal Zone | Oct 4-11, 2025 & Nov 6, 2025 – Jan 6, 2026 | 6 | 18 |
Goose Seasons
| Species/Season | Zone | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada Goose (Early) | All | Sept 1-25, 2025 | 8 (North), 10 (South/Coastal) | 24 (North), 30 (South/Coastal) |
| Canada Goose (Regular) | North | Oct 1 – Dec 9, 2025 | 2 | 6 |
| South | Oct 1-11 & Oct 29 – Dec 25, 2025 | 2 | 6 | |
| Coastal | Oct 4-11 & Oct 25, 2025 – Jan 6, 2026 | 3 | 9 | |
| Snow Geese | All | Oct 1, 2025 – Jan 30, 2026 | 25 | No limit |
| Brant | North | Sept 20 – Nov 1, 2025 | 1 | 3 |
| South | Oct 1-11 & Oct 29 – Nov 20, 2025 | 1 | 3 | |
| Coastal | Oct 4-11 & Dec 11, 2025 – Jan 6, 2026 | 1 | 3 |
Other Migratory Birds
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Woodcock | Sept 27 – Nov 18, 2025 | 3 | 9 |
| Common Snipe | Sept 1, 2025 – Jan 2, 2026 | 8 | 24 |
| Sora & Virginia Rails | Sept 1 – Nov 20, 2025 | 25 (aggregate) | 25 |
Required Stamps: All waterfowl hunters need both a State Migratory Waterfowl Permit ($7.50) and Federal Duck Stamp ($25). Youth hunters under 16 are exempt from the federal stamp requirement.
Other Available Game
Maine offers additional species that provide unique opportunities throughout the year.
| Species | Season Dates | WMDs | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crows | Aug 1 – Sept 20, 2025 & Feb 2 – Apr 15, 2026 | 1-6 | No limit |
| Crows | Aug 1 – Sept 20, 2025 & Jan 17 – Mar 31, 2026 | 7-29 | No limit |
Note: No open seasons exist for spruce grouse, lynx, or cottontail rabbit. Hunters should be aware that except for migratory game birds, no seasons are authorized for species not specifically listed in regulations.
Hunting Zones and Public Lands
Maine divides the state into 29 Wildlife Management Districts (WMDs) for regulation purposes. Each district may have specific rules, bag limits, and season dates that differ from statewide regulations.
Key Public Land Resources:
| Land Type | Acreage | Access Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wildlife Management Areas | 120,000+ acres | Managed by Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife |
| State Parks (hunting allowed) | Various | Check individual park regulations |
| Public Reserved Lands | Extensive | Bureau of Parks and Lands management |
| Private Lands (open to hunting) | ~10 million acres | Approximately 50% of forested private land |
Important Zone Information:
- Approximately 94% of Maine’s forested land is privately owned
- About half of private forested land remains open to public hunting
- Always verify current access permissions and boundaries
- Some areas may have specific weapon restrictions or seasonal closures
Navigation Resources: The official Maine Wildlife Management District map is available through the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife. Digital mapping tools and GPS coordinates help hunters identify boundaries and access points.
Permits, Tags & Licenses Details
Understanding Maine’s licensing structure ensures you’re properly prepared for your hunt. All licenses are valid for the calendar year (January 1 through December 31) or from purchase date if bought after January 1.
Basic Hunting Licenses
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Game (Firearm) | $26 | $115 | All legal species including small game |
| Archery | $26 | $75 | All species legal for archery |
| Small Game Only | $15 | $75 | Small game, upland birds, waterfowl |
| 3-Day Non-Resident Small Game | — | $50 | Short-term small game license |
| 6-Day Non-Resident Archery | — | $26 | Short-term archery license |
Special Permits and Add-Ons
| Permit Type | Fee | Required For |
|---|---|---|
| Antlerless Deer Permit | $12 | Harvesting doe deer (lottery and over-counter) |
| Bear Permit (Resident) | $10 | Bear hunting before firearms deer season |
| Bear Permit (Non-Resident Full) | $74 | Full bear season |
| Bear Permit (Non-Resident Late) | $40 | During firearms deer season only |
| Moose Permit (Resident) | $52 | All moose hunting |
| Moose Permit (Non-Resident) | $585 | All moose hunting |
| Turkey Permit (Spring/Fall) | $20 | Both spring and fall turkey seasons |
| Muzzleloader Permit (Resident) | $13 | Muzzleloader deer season |
| Muzzleloader Permit (Non-Resident) | $69 | Muzzleloader deer season |
| Either-Sex Expanded Archery | $32 | Expanded archery areas |
| State Migratory Waterfowl Stamp | $7.50 | All waterfowl hunting |
| Federal Duck Stamp | $25 | All waterfowl hunting (required federally) |
| Pheasant Permit | $27 | York and Cumberland counties only |
| Coyote Night Hunt Permit | $4 | Night coyote hunting |
| Dog Training/Hunting Permit | $12 | Using dogs for bear, bobcat, coyote, raccoon, fox |
Special License Categories
Junior License: Includes multiple permits (muzzleloader, turkey, bear, coyote night hunt, pheasant, waterfowl stamp, expanded archery permits). Available to hunters under 16 years old.
Apprentice License: For hunters over 16 without hunter education. Must hunt with qualified supervisor. Includes bear and turkey permits. Cannot be used for moose hunting. Limited to five purchases per person.
Super Pack (Maine Residents Only – $207): Comprehensive license including hunting, fishing, archery, and most permits. Includes free moose lottery entry and special antlerless deer lottery consideration.
Lifetime Licenses: Available for residents and non-residents at various age brackets. Prices range from $8 (residents 70+) to $2,400 (non-resident combination for ages 6-15).
Complimentary Licenses: Available for disabled veterans (50%+ service-connected disability), enrolled members of federally recognized tribes, and paraplegic hunters.
❓ Maine Hunting Quick FAQ
Q: Do I need hunter education to hunt in Maine?
A: Yes, all hunters must complete hunter education or show proof of previous valid adult hunting license to purchase Maine hunting licenses. Apprentice licenses provide a temporary exception for new hunters.
Q: Can non-residents hunt during the Maine Residents Only Day?
A: Non-residents who own 25+ acres of land in Maine and leave it open to hunting may participate on November 1, 2025, anywhere in the state with proper verification forms completed.
Q: What’s the difference between expanded archery and regular archery seasons?
A: Expanded archery occurs in designated areas only from September 6 through December 13, requiring special permits. Regular archery is statewide October 4-31 with standard archery licenses.
Q: How do I apply for moose permits?
A: Moose permit applications are accepted April through May each year through the lottery system. Drawing occurs in June with results mailed shortly after. Application fees are separate from permit fees.
Q: Are there Sunday hunting restrictions?
A: Yes, hunting is prohibited on Sundays throughout Maine except as specifically authorized for certain activities.
Q: What weapons are legal for different seasons?
A: Archery seasons require legal archery equipment. Firearms seasons allow rifles, shotguns, and handguns meeting specifications. Muzzleloader seasons require single-shot muzzleloading firearms. Specific equipment regulations are detailed in the hunting law book.
Q: Where can I buy licenses and permits?
A: Licenses are available online at mefishwildlife.com or through local agents including town offices, sporting goods stores, and other authorized retailers. Agent fees may apply ($2 maximum per authority, $6 maximum total).
🔗 Related Hunting Resources
Official Maine Resources:
- Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife: maine.gov/ifw
- Online License Purchase: Purchase licenses and permits directly
- Hunter Education Information: Complete required safety courses
- Wildlife Management District Maps: Download official boundary maps
- Registration Stations: Locate required game registration locations
Federal Requirements:
- Federal Duck Stamp Purchase: duckstamp.com
- Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program: Required waterfowl hunter registration
- National Wildlife Refuge System: Refuge-specific hunting regulations
Regional Opportunities:
For hunters interested in expanding their range, consider exploring seasons in neighboring states. Vermont offers excellent deer and turkey opportunities, while New Hampshire provides similar seasons with different regulations.
Planning Tools:
- Weather and solunar forecasting services
- Topographic mapping applications
- Property boundary identification tools
- Game processing and taxidermy services
- Lodging and outfitter directories
Conclusion
Maine’s 2025-2026 game calendar offers exceptional diversity for hunters of all experience levels. From the challenging pursuit of trophy whitetails during peak rut activity in November to the exciting spring gobbler action, the Pine Tree State provides memorable experiences across multiple seasons.
The key to success lies in thorough preparation. Secure your licenses and permits well ahead of your planned dates, especially for limited opportunities like moose tags and antlerless deer permits. Study the Wildlife Management District boundaries where you plan to hunt, as regulations can vary significantly between zones.
Remember that Maine’s vast public and private lands require respect and responsibility. Follow all game laws, practice ethical shot selection, and maintain positive relationships with landowners who generously allow access to their properties.
Whether you’re pursuing that once-in-a-lifetime bull moose, working a gobbler during the spring woods awakening, or enjoying family time during youth weekend, Maine delivers authentic outdoor experiences that create lasting memories.
Double-check all dates and regulations with official sources before your expedition, grab your permits early to avoid disappointment, and plan responsibly for safe, successful adventures. Bookmark this guide for convenient reference throughout the upcoming seasons as you plan your Maine hunting adventures.
