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State Guide

Maine Hunting Guide 2026

Complete Maine hunting guide for 2026: seasons, license costs, draw odds, GMU boundaries, bag limits, and regulations. Compare every game species at a glance.

Wildlife Agency

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

Official Site

Hunter safety course required for first-time buyers

Maine Hunting Seasons

Whitetail Deer

Res: $25 Non-res: $115
Season Type Opens Closes
Archery Sep 9 Dec 9
Rifle Oct 30 Nov 25
Muzzleloader Nov 27 Dec 2

Typical season windows, not 2026 dates — this table carries no year and has not been verified against the agency for the current season. Confirm with Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife before you plan around them.

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1 (antlered; antlerless by permit in some WMDs)

Any-deer permits by lottery for antlerless deer. Season dates differ by zone. Big woods hunting in the north and suburban deer in the south.

Turkey

Res: $25 Non-res: $115
Season Type Opens Closes
Shotgun May 1 May 31
Archery Sep 9 Nov 4

Typical season windows, not 2026 dates — this table carries no year and has not been verified against the agency for the current season. Confirm with Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife before you plan around them.

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 2 (1 spring, 1 fall)

Spring bearded turkey. Fall archery season. Turkey populations expanding northward. Turkey permit required.

Moose

Res: $52 Non-res: $585
Season Type Opens Closes
Rifle Sep 25 Nov 25

Typical season windows, not 2026 dates — this table carries no year and has not been verified against the agency for the current season. Confirm with Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife before you plan around them.

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1

Permit by lottery only. Maine has the largest moose population in the lower 48. Three season periods. Subpermittee system allows a hunting partner.

Bear

Res: $25 Non-res: $74
Season Type Opens Closes
Rifle Aug 28 Nov 25
Archery Sep 9 Nov 4

Typical season windows, not 2026 dates — this table carries no year and has not been verified against the agency for the current season. Confirm with Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife before you plan around them.

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1

Baiting, trapping, and dog hunting all legal for bear. September bait season is most popular. One of the highest black bear populations in the eastern US.

Duck/Waterfowl

Res: $25 Non-res: $115
Season Type Opens Closes
Shotgun Oct 1 Nov 25

Typical season windows, not 2026 dates — this table carries no year and has not been verified against the agency for the current season. Confirm with Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife before you plan around them.

Bag limits: daily: 6, season: No season limit

Federal duck stamp required. Atlantic Flyway. Sea duck hunting along the coast is a unique opportunity.

Planning Tools

Maine Hunting FAQ

Do I need a hunting license in Maine?
Yes. All hunters in Maine must hold a valid hunting license from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Non-residents typically pay higher fees. A hunter safety course is required for first-time license buyers.
What is the hunting license cost in Maine?
Maine license costs vary by species. Whitetail Deer: resident $25, non-resident $115. Turkey: resident $25, non-resident $115.
When is deer season in Maine?
Maine deer seasons: Archery: Sep 9 - Dec 9, Rifle: Oct 30 - Nov 25, Muzzleloader: Nov 27 - Dec 2.
Does Maine require a hunter safety course?
Yes, Maine requires hunter education certification for all first-time hunters. The course covers firearm safety, hunting laws, wildlife conservation, and ethical hunting practices.
Who manages hunting regulations in Maine?
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife manages all hunting licenses, regulations, and wildlife management in Maine. Their website (https://www.maine.gov/ifw) has current season dates, license purchasing, and regulation booklets.