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.