Deer Hunting Laws and Rules in Maine

If you live in Maine, you should be aware of all the rules and regulations concerning deer hunting before you head out. Hunting deer is perfectly legal in the state, but there are some restrictions, especially for which type of deer you hunt, which weapons you hunt them with, and where you hunt them. Being aware of these laws can not only protect you as you hunt and afterward, but also keep you and those who are with you safe.

Also ensure that you have the correct permits. There are many different kinds of permits, especially depending on your hunting location, which season it is, how many deer you aim to take, and which tools you plan on using to hunt. There are muzzleloader permits, expanded archery permits, and permits to take more than one deer.

Deer Hunting Prohibitions

When it comes to the deer themselves, hunting of antlerless deer (deers that have no antlers, or have antlers that are less than three inches in length) is prohibited except by special permit. This applies in both the firearms season and the muzzleloader season. There may be certain areas where no any-deer permits are issued, and in these locations, archers and junior hunters are also not allowed to harvest antlerless deer.

Be aware of exactly what season it currently is, as well—there’s a difference between firearms season and other seasons. During archery season, multiple deer may be taken. However, during any of the other remaining seasons, only one may be taken, unless you have a valid bonus or superpack antlerless deer permit.

Restrictions on Tools, Weapons, or Means

It’s prohibited to bait deer by placing grain, fruit, nuts, salt, or other foods from June 1 to December 15. Deer may also not be hunted with the use of artificial lights, dogs, snares, traps, or set guns. You may also not use any firearm that utilizes .17 or .22 caliber rimfire cartridges. Any deer decoys, however, are legal.

Restrictions on Location

Certain areas, such as Mt. Desert Island, Cross and Scotch Island, and Isle au Haut are completely closed to deer hunting. Some areas are open to deer hunting, but with special restrictions, such as Cranberry Isles, which is open to bow and arrow hunting only during the archer and firearm season, and the island of Frenchboro, which is open to deer hunting only with shotguns and only during the firearms season. Before you head out, look into your planned location to see what they currently allow and during which season. Many towns only allow deer hunting with shotguns during firearms season.

Conclusion

When you set out to hunt deer in Maine, the most important things to keep in mind are what season it is, and what’s allowed in the specific location you’ll be hunting in. Always ensure that you get the correct permits, and never take more than one deer unless you have a permit to do so. By following these laws and rules, you can stay safe and operate efficiently during deer hunting in Maine.

The Thrills of Hunting Wild Game in Maine

The state of Maine is famous for its hunting culture that has become an attraction to visitors looking for an adrenaline rush chasing down game in the woods. Maine is blessed with beautiful nature that ranges from lush forests, scenic highlands and unlimited rivers which traverse the countryside giving life to the area. When it comes to the availability of wild game Maine doesn’t disappoint, with birds, small animals as well as the big game which is a favorite to tourists who flock to the state during the hunting season.

Wild Game in Maine

Animals that make up the majority of the game in Maine include the wild turkey, duck, Grouse, Moose, Deer, Bears and other small game like rabbits, squirrels, quails, and pheasants. All of these animals have been living in Maine for ages and are protected by the government of Maine with the aim of maintaining their numbers in the wild. Depending on the size of the animal there are some hunting tools and weapons that are not allowed into the parks.

Hunting Season

Hunting is regulated and scheduled to be conducted during specific dates across the year. It is illegal to walk into a forest and start hunting without a license or permission. Each animal has its specific day for hunting. Deer hunting takes place from the 28th October to the 9th of December. Bear hunting commences in August and lasts till November. Moose hunting begins on the 25th of September and lasts till the 25th of November. Wild Turkey season starts on the 2nd of October till the 28th of May. All these come with limits which ensure the animals are not wiped out.

Hunting Rules and Regulations

Hunting of deer with no antlers or with antlers that are less than 3 inches is prohibited as they are considered to be young to qualify as game. It is illegal to hunt using dogs, cruel snares, and traps, artificial light or high caliber firearms. Potential hunters must possess a hunting license which only allows them a specific number of times they are allowed to participate in hunting in a year. All hunting licenses expire on the 31st of December of the same year from the date of issue; if an individual wishes to do more hunting, there are special permits which can be acquired through a special request.

Personal Conduct

With or without rules hunters are expected to respect nature. Animals feel pain. Therefore, special consideration has to be observed when hunting them, hunters are expected not to injure animals unnecessarily. Besides, they are allowed to litter their habitat with foreign material.