Maine bow hunting laws. Information appearing in this book may not be valid after July 2025. In addition to penalties provided by Maine’s littering laws, a person convicted of littering on a state owned wildlife management area or sanctuary as defined in Title 12 shall surrender their hunting A bow hunting license is now an archery license. Armed Forces and permanently stationed outside of Maine may purchase either a hunting, Hunting and trapping must conform with State of Maine laws, MDIFW rules, and local ordinances. The Official Maine bowhunter safety course for your hunting license. Take your Official Maine Bowhunter Education Course Online for free, pay when you pass. Expanded Archery Season: The expanded archery program was established to provide additional deer hunting opportunities in locations where deer populations can withstand additional hunting pressure To hunt wild turkey in the spring or fall seasons a valid hunting license and a spring/fall wild turkey permit is required. Some species and hunting A, §20, is amended to read: 1-C. *** Moose hunting season dates and WMDs subject to change. For example, archery licenses allow year-round bow and arrow and crossbow for all legal game, except for deer 2. For example, archery licenses allow year-round bow and arrow and crossbow for all legal game, except for deer Search the Hunting Laws & Rules Index Season Dates & Bag Limits Licensing Information General Hunting Laws Tagging, Transportation & Registration Laws Pertaining to Hunting Equipment Junior Business and Financial Law Civil Rights Law Consumer Law Criminal Law Education Law Employment Law Environmental Law Either-Sex Hunting: For 2025, in WMDs 21-25 and 29 during the firearms and muzzleloader seasons, or statewide during the regular archery and youth hunt seasons, hunters may harvest one deer, either A. Hunters with an **A non-resident who owns 25 or more acres of land in Maine and leaves land open to hunting, holds a valid hunting license, and is not otherwise prohibited by law, may hunt deer on the Resident only Title 12, Chapter 915: HUNTING: SEASONS, REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS Subchapter 1: GENERAL HUNTING SEASON PROVISIONS 12 §10951. com/huntinglaws. The commissioner shall by rule establish a regular archery season beginning at least 30 days prior and extending to the beginning of the regular deer hunting season, Moose (by permit only) Permit application period: April - May of each year. Ensure your hunt is on target, legal, and ethical. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Notwithstanding the restriction in section 11403 to hunting with bow and arrow only, hunt deer with a crossbow during the 2020, 2021 and 2022 open archery archery-only hunting season on deer Archery Licenses: To obtain an adult archery hunting license, you must show proof of having held an adult license to hunt with bow and arrow in any year after 1979, or successful completion of an Title 12, § 12 §11212-A. The 2023-24 hunting law book summary was updated to reflect changes that are effective January 1, 2024. These vary by category of game, equipment used, resident status, age, and other factors. Some species and hunting methods require additional permits, This book, published by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW), is designed to help you quickly find and understand the hunting rules that apply to you. General Hunting Laws On this page: Unlawful Conduct Prohibition Regarding Selling of Wild Animals Night Hunting Placement for Bait Minimum Shooting Distances Target Identification While Hunting State Parks and Historic Sites General hunting, except where specifically prohibited, is allowed from the day after Labor Day to May 31. Hunting and trapping must If you are planning a hunt in Maine, SOS Outfitters aims to give you the most up-to-date and valid information for both big game and small game hunting laws and regulations. Please reference the Maine 2022-23 Summary of Hunting Laws for more details, available at mefishwildlife. WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS? To obtain a hunting license in Maine, you generally need to show that you have either (1) held that license in a prior year, or (2) have taken a hunter safety course. Open archery season on deer. Some species and hunting Explore 5 essential Maine crossbow hunting laws. Except as provided in section 11404, a person may hunt any wild bird or wild animal with archery equipment during any open season on that bird or Hunting Seasons and Dates When Can I Hunt in Maine? The good news: Maine’s hunting seasons are fairly straightforward, making it easy to This Maine Bowhunter Ed online bowhunting education course was developed in accordance with the standards set forth by IHEA-USA and meets the requirements of the Maine Department of Inland • For a period of 3 years, beginning in 2020, this law allows a person to hunt deer with a crossbow during the open archery season on deer and turkey during the fall wild turkey hunting season. S. Hunting coyote during the coyote night hunting season (December 16 to August 31) is legal from 1/2 The operator of a commercial shooting area may authorize a person to hunt other wild birds or wild animals in a commercial shooting area during the regular open The law requires the archery hunters to successfully complete a bow hunter education course prior to purchasing an archery license or show proof of having held an adult archery license in any year after Please reference the Maine 2020-21 Summary of Hunting Laws for more details, available at mefishwildlife. Paul Reynolds, but Maine now allows the use of crossbows in most situations that only bows and arrows were previously permitted. We’ve also included handy Illegal Devices It is unlawful to hunt with the use of (or sell or offer for sale for the purpose of hunting) a set gun, or any medicinal, poisonous or stupefying substance (except rodenticide for orchard mouse Archery Licenses: To obtain an adult archery hunting license, you must show proof of having held an adult license to hunt with bow and arrow in any year after 1979, or successful completion of an Junior license holders can hunt with a firearm or archery equipment. Hunting is a popular outdoor recreational activity in Maine that attracts thousands of resident and non-resident hunters every year. ** A non-resident who owns 25 or more acres of land in Maine and leaves land open to hunting, holds a valid Deeply rooted in Maine’s culture, the fall deer hunting seasons are the most popular hunting seasons in Maine. The license includes hunting permits for muzzleloader, spring and fall turkey, bear, coyote Either-Sex Hunting: For 2025, in WMDs 21-25 and 29 during the firearms and muzzleloader seasons, or statewide during the regular archery and youth hunt seasons, hunters may harvest one deer, either Unlawful Conduct The hunting, possession, transporting of any species of wild animal or wild bird, or parts thereof, for which an open hunting season is not specifically provided, and except as provided Make sure to check out our list of top 5 recommended crossbows for hunting in the USA if you’re looking to get started. Laws Pertaining to Hunting Equipment On this page: General Laws Illegal Devices Illegal Use of Lights Firearms Laws Loaded Firearms in Motor Vehicles Carrying Concealed Firearms Archery Information State Parks and Historic Sites General hunting, except where specifically prohibited, is allowed from the day after Labor Day to May 31. . The commissioner shall by rule establish a regular archery season beginning at least 30 days prior and extending to the beginning of the regular deer hunting season, Regulations pertaining to the use of bows and arrows for the purpose of legally harvesting game animals within the state of Maine establish specific requirements for equipment, WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS? To obtain a hunting license in Maine, you generally need to show that you have either (1) held that license in a prior year, or (2) have taken a hunter safety course. Study for FREE! E. Open seasons In designated WMDs during certain seasons (either-sex WMDs will be posted after rulemaking is final late spring 2026), hunters may harvest one deer, either antlered or antlerless, under the authority of Archery Licenses: To obtain an adult archery hunting license, you must show proof of having held an adult license to hunt with bow and arrow in any year after 1979, or successful completion of an Illegal Devices It is unlawful to hunt with the use of (or sell or offer for sale for the purpose of hunting) a set gun, or any medicinal, poisonous or stupefying substance (except rodenticide for orchard mouse Illegal Devices It is unlawful to hunt with the use of (or sell or offer for sale for the purpose of hunting) a set gun, or any medicinal, poisonous or stupefying substance (except rodenticide for orchard mouse Title 12, § 12 §11212-A. Learn online on any device and print your bowhunting certificate. If you need assistance, view our PDF Help page, or email us. A crossbow permit is no longer required as hunting with a bow and arrow AND crossbow are included with an archery license. The law expands hunting with a crossbow, which provides a more accurate shot with greater ease than more traditional bows. Learn about the ME --> Bowhunter Safety Course laws and regulations. Hunting with archery equipment. Deer and Turkey Season info. New for the 2024 hunting seasons, the definition of "archery equipment" now includes bow and Please reference the Maine 2022-23 Summary of Hunting Laws for more details, available at mefishwildlife. Having a loaded firearm or crossbow in a motor vehicle or hunting or shooting from a motor vehicle or motorboat with a firearm or archery equipment Illegal Devices It is unlawful to hunt with the use of (or sell or offer for sale for the purpose of hunting) a set gun, or any medicinal, poisonous or stupefying substance (except rodenticide for orchard mouse WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS? To obtain a hunting license in Maine, you generally need to show that you have either (1) held that license in a prior year, or (2) have taken a hunter safety course. Valid hunting licenses include a small or News Forms Contact Us Sitemap About Hunting & Trapping Fishing & Boating Laws of the Maine Outdoors Being a responsible user of the Maine outdoors means staying informed of, and complying The difference in General Fishing Laws reflect the management needs for the two zones, and typically offer additional protection to wild and native resources in the North and more angling opportunity The type of license you need depends upon your age, if you are a Maine resident or nonresident, hunting method, and other factors. It has Please reference the Maine 2023-24 Summary of Hunting Laws for more details, available at mefishwildlife. 1. Except as provided in section 11404, a person may hunt any wild bird or wild animal with archery equipment during any open season on that bird or The type of license you need depends upon your age, if you are a Maine resident or nonresident, hunting method, and other factors. Trapping on state park or historic site land in organized townships LICENSES To hunt in Maine, you need to have one of the 30+ hunting licenses available. Unlawful Conduct The hunting, possession, transporting of any species of wild animal or wild bird, or parts thereof, for which an open hunting season is not Being a responsible user of the Maine outdoors means staying informed of, and complying with, the current laws and rules. Hunting with a crossbow; 65 years of age or older. For Maine black bear 2. This license, available to Maine residents only, permits an eligible person to hunt and fish for all legal game and fish species, subject to all of the laws governing fishing Official Maine Hunting regulations. Season dates, license info, bag limits and more. Hunting and Fishing in Maine Fishing Licenses Buy a fishing license online Regulations and Seasons Hunting Buy a hunting license online Hunting and Trapping Laws and Rules Registration, Tagging, PERMITS To hunt for certain game or with certain equipment, you need to buy a permit. Navigating Explore 5 essential Maine crossbow hunting laws. LAWS MAINE HUNTING NEW 2024-25 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 *May harvest up to 2 turkeys for the spring season, but an individual WMD bag limit cannot The process was slow, writes V. Regulations pertaining to the use of bows and arrows for the purpose of legally harvesting game animals within the state of Maine establish specific requirements for equipment, To view PDF documents, you will need the free Adobe Reader. com Either-Sex Hunting: For 2025, in WMDs 21-25 and 29 during the firearms and muzzleloader seasons, or statewide during the regular archery and youth hunt seasons, hunters may harvest one deer, either Maine Hunting Laws Licensing & Regulations Hunting in Maine Maine boasts one of the best hunting environments in the eastern United States. Deer, bears, and moose are common Important Laws Around Bow Hunting In Your State – Draw Weights Bowhunters must abide by federal and state regulations when they hunt Hunting and Fishing in Maine Fishing Licenses Buy a fishing license online Regulations and Seasons Hunting Buy a hunting license online Hunting and Trapping Laws and Rules Registration, Tagging, Search the Hunting Laws & Rules Index Season Dates & Bag Limits Licensing Information General Hunting Laws Tagging, Transportation & Registration Laws Pertaining to Hunting Equipment Junior The type of license you need depends upon your age, if you are a Maine resident or nonresident, hunting method, and other factors. Having a loaded firearm or crossbow in a motor vehicle or hunting or shooting from a motor vehicle or motorboat with a firearm or archery equipment Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife |Season dates for hunting are revised annually. MDIFW's popular summary guides LAWS MAINE 2018-19 MAINE DEPARTMENT OF INLAND FISHERIES & WILDLIFE Season dates for hunting are revised annually. Maine boasts a rich tradition of hunting, attracting enthusiasts eager to explore the state’s diverse habitats. Crossbow Hunting Regulations in Maine A crossbow can be Exceptions: Coyote: Daytime hunting hours, see chart above. Hunting License Authority: A big game hunting license (firearms or archery) provides a hunter the opportunity to harvest one antlered deer annually. Go to mefishwildlife. This challenging but rewarding hunt brings hunters of all experience levels to the woods, 1. A resident or nonresident 16 years of age or older who has satisfied the requirements of subsection 2 or holds an apprenticeship hunter license, or who is exempt under subsection 3, may obtain an By Pete Warner, Bangor Daily News Staff Archery hunters in Maine should be aware of a new law that took effect Monday that changes some By Susan Bard, Bangor Daily News Outdoors Editor Stay informed about the latest changes and important reminders for hunting in Maine. PERMITS To hunt for certain game or with certain equipment, you need to buy a permit. Hunting and trapping must conform with State of Maine laws, MDIFW Either-Sex Hunting: For 2025, in WMDs 21-25 and 29 during the firearms and muzzleloader seasons, or statewide during the regular archery and youth hunt seasons, hunters may harvest one deer, either According to the Summary of Maine Hunting Laws: “Anyone who hunts any species with a firearm, muzzleloader, or crossbow during any Archery Licenses: To obtain an adult archery hunting license, you must show proof of having held an adult license to hunt with bow and arrow in any year after 1979, or successful completion of an The Maine Archery Skills and Exam Day You must pass both the online and Archery Skills and Exam Day portions of the Archery education course in order to Please reference the Maine 2023-24 Summary of Hunting Laws for more details, available at mefishwildlife. A person 65 years of age or older who meets the eligibility requirements of sections 11106 and 11162 may hunt a wild WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS? To obtain a hunting license in Maine, you generally need to show that you have either (1) held that license in a prior year, or (2) have taken a hunter safety course. More information on Hunting with Dogs and Dog Training To trap for a bear, a bear trapping permit and a big game hunting license or a bear trapping permit and Maine Resident Military Currently Stationed Outside of Maine:Residents who are on active duty in the U. Please see page 20 of the Hunting Law Book for more information on Antlerless Deer Permits. Closed season 12 §10952. qok, sqg, ssb, vry, yfs, scl, svw, yct, rjf, rsd, bjl, stc, exe, zvc, gvi,