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2007-2008 Maine Hunting and Trapping Laws and Rules

Season dates for hunting & trapping are revised annually; dates appearing below are not valid after July, 2008.

If you would like to receive an official copy of the 2007-2008 Hunting and Trapping Laws and Rules, please send your request by email or call us at (207) 287-8000.

2007-2008 Maine Hunting and Trapping Laws and Rules PDF

The hunting and trapping laws and rules above are provided in PDF format. To view PDF documents, you will need the free Adobe Reader. If you need assistance, view our PDF Help page or contact us at ifw.webmaster@maine.gov or (207) 287-8000.

IF&W Regional Headquarters
Ashland (207) 435-3231	Greenville (207) 695-3756
Bangor (207) 941-4440	Jonesboro (207) 434-5927 (Note: There are no Game Wardens present at this location.)
Enfield (207) 732-4132 (Note: There are no Game Wardens present at this location.)	Sidney (207) 547-5300
Gray (207) 657-2345	Strong (207) 778-3324 (Note: There are no Game Wardens present at this location.)
If you are in need of the services of a Game Warden call the Regional Communication Center nearest you at the following toll-free numbers. NOTE! The Regional Communication Center numbers may be used to report a fire, ONLY if a warden or forest ranger cannot be reached. To report wildfire arson, contact the Maine Forest Service, Department of Conservation at 1-800-987-0257.
Augusta 1-800-452-4664	Houlton 1-800-924-2261
Gray 1-800-482-0730	Orono 1-800-432-7381

The Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife receives federal funds from U.S. Department of the Interior. Accordingly, all programs must be operated free from discrimination in regard to race, color, national origin, age, or disability. Any person who believes that he or she has been discriminated against should write to the Office of Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240.

Comments & Complaints

If you wish to make a comment about any member of the Department, please come to or call the closest IF&W office and talk to the appropriate staff member. Written comments should be mailed to: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, 284 State Street, 41 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0041. Receipt of your correspondence will be formally acknowledged in writing.

Accidents, Reporting

Archery Hunting for Deer

Bag Limits

Bear Hunting Information

Chronic Wasting Disease (Note: New law regarding transportation of certain wildlife into Maine from outside of the State.)

Closed and Special Regulation Areas

Commercial Shooting Areas

Consumption Advisory

Crossbow Hunting

Deer Hunting Information

Dog Training Season

Firearm Laws and Regulations, Summary

General Hunting Provisions

How to Reach Us

Hunters for Hungry Program

Hunting Equipment

Hunting Highlights/Legal Hunting Hours

Hunter Orange Clothing Requirements

Hunting Seasons

Indian Territory

Items of Interest

Junior Hunters, Laws Specific To

License Revocation Information

License Fees - Who Needs One; How to Get Them;
Requirements

Licenses, Special Privilege, (Complimentary, Military, etc.)

Miscellaneous Permits Required: (Migratory Bird, Muzzleloading, Falconry, Bear, Pheasant, Moose, Turkey, Antlerless Deer)

Muzzleloader Hunting

National Wildlife Refuges, Hunting on

National Park Service

Parks & Public Lands, Bureau of, Hunting

Posting Property

Private Property, Use of

Railroad Track Restrictions

Sportsmen's Code

Sunrise & Sunset Table/Legal Hunting Hours

Taxidermy Tips

Tagging/Transportion/Registration

Target Identification

Trapping Rules (General)

What is Trapping?

Trapping License Information

Tree Stands

Turkey Hunting

Wildlife Management Areas, Hunting on

Wildlife Management Districts

License Permit Fees - Fees listed do not include the $2 agent fee

Maine Residents

Hunting (16 & older) - $21.00
Junior Hunting (10 to 15 years) - $7.00
Small Game Hunting 1 (16 & older) - $14.00
Combination Hunting & Fishing (16 and older) - $38.00
Combination Fishing/Archery (16 and older) - $38.00
Serviceman (resident) Combination Hunting & Fishing - $3.00
Serviceman (dependant) Combination Hunting & Fishing - $20.00
Serviceman (dependent) Hunting - $10.00
Disabled War Veteran (resident) - Free
Archery Hunting (16 and older) - $21.00
Crossbow Hunting 2 (16 and older) - $25.00
Muzzleloading (10 and older) - $13.00
Trapping (16 and older) - $35.00
Junior Trapping (10 to 15 years) - $9.00
Superpack - $200.00

Non-Residents

Big Game Hunting (16 years and older) - $102.00
Combination Hunting & Fishing (16 and older) - $137.00
Small Game Hunting 1 (16 and older) - $67.00
3-day Small Game Hunting 1 (valid for 3 consecutive days) - $42.00
Junior Hunting (10 to 15 years) - $27.00
Archery Hunting (16 and older) - $62.00
Crossbow Hunting 2 (16 and older) - $48.00
Muzzleloading (10 and older) - $62.00
Trapping (any age) - $310.00

Alien (Note: New law - An alien may not hunt moose, deer, or bear without being accompanied by a person who holds a valid guide license.)

Big Game Hunting (16 and older) - $127.00
Combination Hunting & Fishing (16 and older) - $178.00
Small Game Hunting 1 (16 and older) - $72.00
Archery Hunting (16 and older) - $72.00
Crossbow Hunting 2 (16 and older) - $72.00
Muzzleloading (10 and older) - $72.00
Junior Hunting (10 to 15 years) - $27.00

Other Fees

Supersport License - $20.00
Falconry - $26.00
Duplicate License - $2.00
Taxidermist, Hide Dealer, and Guide Licenses (see Other Licenses)
Coyote Night Hunting Permit (Valid only from January 1 through June 1) - $4.00
Deer, Moose or Bear Registration - $1.00
Expanded Archery Permits - (Antlerless Deer - $12.00), (Buck $32.00)
State Migratory Waterfowl Stamp (16 and older) - $7.50
Pheasant Stamp (Cumberland and York Counties) - $17.00
Bear Permit - (Resident - $27.00), (Non-resident - $67.00)
Moose, Turkey, Antlerless Deer Permits (See Miscellaneous Permits)

(Unless otherwise noted, all licenses and permits expire on December 31 of the year issued).

1 Small game permits hunting of all species except deer, bear, wild turkey, moose, raccoon, and bobcat.

2 A resident or nonresident 10 years of age or older and under 16 years of age may hunt with a crossbow if that person holds a valid junior hunting license.

Hunting Highlights

Tree Stands - (Title 12, Section 10652, Subsection 1-B-1,2)

It is unlawful to insert any metallic or ceramic object into a tree on land of another for the purpose of erecting a ladder or tree stand, unless you have permission from the landowner. You must obtain verbal or written permission of the landowner (or representative) to erect and use a portable or permanent tree ladder or stand and the ladder or stand must be plainly labeled with a 2-inch by 4-inch tag identifying the name and address of the person or persons authorized by the landowner to use the stand or ladder.

Exception: Portable tree stands or ladders used on land within the jurisdiction of the Maine Land Use Regulation Commission and attended by the person who owns the ladder or stand shall not require landowner permission or labeling, but permanent ones do.

Note: For additional information on the use of private property see Hunting/Trapping on Private Property.

Sunday hunting is illegal in Maine.

Disposal of Remains

It is unlawful, except during normal field dressing or for baiting purposes, to drop, deposit, discard, dump or otherwise dispose of the carcass, waste parts or remains of a wild animal, unless you are on private property owned by you, or in a legally designated area.

Conditions on the Use of Crossbows

The following conditions apply to the use of crossbows:

1. only crossbows with a shoulder-type stock may be used; hand-held pistol-type crossbows are prohibited;
2. the draw weight may not be less than 100 pounds nor more than 200 pounds;
3. arrowheads, including mechanical broadheads when open, must be at least 7/8 inch in width;
4. arrows having explosive or poisonous tips are prohibited;
5. crossbows must be equipped with a mechanical trigger safety device in working condition;
6. crossbows equipped with scopes or sights may be used. (See Crossbow Hunting).

Harassment of Hunters and Trappers

It is illegal for any person to willfully interfere with the lawful hunting and trapping of any wild animal or wild bird, including the willful disturbance of wild animals or wild birds with intent to interfere with their lawful taking. (Note: This law does not limit the ownership, use, access or control of property rights otherwise provided by law).

Illuminating Wildlife

From September 1 to December 15, it is unlawful to use artificial lights from 1/2 hour after sunset until 1/2 hour before sunrise to illuminate, jack locate, attempt to locate or show up wild animals or wild birds, except raccoons. (See raccoon hunting.)

Leashed Dog Tracking License

A license is available which allows the tracking of wounded deer, moose, and bear with dogs. The application fee for this license is $27. The fee for a 3-year license is $81. A person who holds a valid license may charge a fee for dog tracking services without having to hold a guides license as long as that is the only service provided. Contact the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife for details.

Legal Hunting Hours

The legal hunting hours for wild birds and wild animals are from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. The exceptions are: spring Wild Turkey, migratory game birds, raccoon, and coyote night hunting. See Sunrise Sunset Table which lists legal hunting hours for most species.

Waste of Game

A person may not waste a wild bird or wild animal that has been wounded or killed while hunting. For purposes of this section "waste" means to intentionally leave a wounded or killed animal in the field or forest without making a reasonable effort to retrieve and render it for consumption or use.

Beginning in 2008, an apprentice license will be available.

Game Bag and Possession Limits

Deer: One may be taken annually. Additional deer may be taken by participants in the Expanded Archery Season, or by anyone possessing a bonus antlerless deer permit or superpack antlerless deer permit.

Bear: One may be taken annually, either by hunting or trapping.

Ruffed Grouse (Partridge):
Daily Bag Limit - 4
Possession Limit - 8

Bobwhite Quail:
Daily Bag Limit - 4
Possession Limit - 8

Pheasant:
Daily Bag Limit - 2
Possession Limit - 4

Wild Turkey:

Spring Hunt: One bearded Wild Turkey per permit holder.

Fall Hunt: Only Wild Turkey either sex, any age per permit holder during either the archery or shotgun season. Note: Hunters are not allowed to take one turkey during the fall archery season and then another during the fall shotgun season.

Snowshoe Hare:
Daily Bag Limit - 4
Possession Limit - 8

Gray Squirrel:
Daily Bag Limit - 4
Possession Limit - 8

Migratory birds (Ducks, Geese, etc.) Migratory bird hunting regulations are located in a separate publication which is printed in September (see Migratory Game Bird Hunting Schedule). The following shall be considered migratory game birds: Anatidae or waterfowl, including brant, wild ducks, geese and swans; Rallidae or rails, including coots, gullinules, sora and other rails; scolopacidae, snipe, or woodcock; Columbidae or pigeons, including doves and wild pigeons.

Other Legal Species: No limit.

Dog Training Season

Dogs may be trained on foxes, snowshoe hare, and raccoons from July 1st through the following March 31st. It is unlawful to use or possess a firearm, other than a pistol or a shotgun, loaded with blank ammunition, while training dogs on fox, snowshoe hare, or raccoons (except during the open hunting season on these species). Dogs may be used to hunt wild hares during the firearm season on deer.

Residents may train up to 4 dogs on bear from August 1st to the start of the bear hunting season, except south of Route 9 in Washington and Hancock Counties.

Sporting dogs may be trained on wild birds (does not include Wild Turkey) at any time. The commissioner may authorize the use of firearms during such training to shoot and kill wild birds propagated or legally acquired by the permittee and possessed in accordance with the laws pertaining to breeders licenses.

During dog training season, it is legal to train dogs on Sunday.

Laws Pertaining to Junior Hunters

1. Hunting Prohibited. Children under 10 years of age are not allowed to hunt.
2. Junior hunting license. Children at least 10 years of age and under 16 years of age must have a junior hunting license to hunt.
3. Hunters to be accompanied. Junior hunters (10 years of age or older and under 16) may hunt with firearms only in the presence of their parent or guardian or an adult who is at least 18 years of age. Any person who accompanies a junior hunter, other than the parent or guardian, must either possess a valid hunting license or have successfully completed a hunter education course. That presence must be unaided by visual or audio enhancement devices, including binoculars and citizen band radios.
   
   A junior hunter who turns 16 years of age may continue hunting for that year with the junior license but must complete the appropriate safety course prior to hunting without adult supervision. A junior hunter who turns 16 and continues hunting with a junior license must purchase waterfowl (Federal and State) and pheasant authorities.
   
   Junior hunters 10-15 years of age must purchase the bear permit, muzzleloading permit, expanded archery permits, and Wild Turkey permits.
4. Archery hunting. A person holding a junior hunting license may hunt with bow and arrow when accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older.
   
   Juniors hunting during the expanded archery season must purchase the expanded archery permits. Juniors must make a tag for transporting deer to a registration station. Do not use the tag on the junior hunting license if a deer is taken during the expanded archery season.
   
   Junior hunters (10 years of age or older and under 16 years) may hunt with a crossbow if that person holds a valid junior hunting license (no crossbow license required).
5. Youth deer hunting day. Junior hunters (10 years of age or older and under 16) who hold a valid junior hunting license are allowed to take one deer of either sex with either a firearm or bow and arrow on the youth deer hunting day. If they shoot a deer on the youth deer hunting day, they are prohibited from taking any additional deer unless they have been awarded a bonus antlerless deer permit or participate in the expanded archery season (designated areas only) with appropriate expanded archery permits. The parent, guardian, or qualified adult shall not possess a firearm while accompanying a participating youth hunter. All laws pertaining to hunting during the open firearms season on deer apply on the youth deer day.
6. Trappers to be accompanied. Children under 10 years of age are allowed to trap without a license but must be accompanied at all times by a parent or an approved adult who is at least 18 years of age. Children over 10 years of age and under 16 years of age who hold a junior trapping license must be accompanied, unless they have successfully completed a trapper education course.

Hunters for the Hungry

Attention hunters!! Some Maine citizens lack adequate nutrition. A gift of meat from your hunt can help out hunger in Maine. Hunters for the Hungry is a program for donating wild game meat to food kitchens, shelters and charitable organizations statewide. To find out how you can help call 1-888-4DEERME (1-888433-3763).

Licensing Requirements

Who Needs a License?

Anyone 10 years of age and over must obtain a license to hunt wild birds or wild animals.*

A person may assist in a hunt without a license or permit for that activity as long as that person does not carry hunting equipment or engage in driving deer.

• Children under 10 years of age are not allowed to hunt.
• Hunters 10 years of age to 15 years of age must possess a junior license.
• Hunters 16 years of age and over must possess an adult license to hunt. (Note: A Junior License holder who turns 16 may hunt with that Junior License for the remainder of the year except on the Youth Waterfowl Hunting Day and the Youth Deer Hunting Day).

Maine resident* landowners, including immediate family members over 10 years of age, as long as their license to hunt has not been revoked or suspended, may hunt without a license, including archery, crossbow, and muzzleloading (must purchase all other permits: bear, pheasant, expanded archery, and waterfowl) on land they own and reside provided the land exceeds 10 acres in size and is used exclusively for agricultural purposes.

What are the Requirements for Obtaining a License?

• To obtain an adult hunting license must show proof of having previously held an adult license to hunt with firearms in any year beginning with 1976 or successful completion of an approved hunter safety course from this or any other state. Residents must provide proof of residency when applying for a license.
  
  Convicted felons who have not been issued a permit to carry a firearm cannot purchase or possess a firearms hunting license in Maine (Title 15, sub-§393,sub-§§ 1 & 2.)
• 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 archery education course.

*Resident means a citizen of the U.S. who has been domiciled in this State continuously for 3 months prior to applying for any license, or an alien who has been so domiciled for one year. You will not be considered a resident unless:

a) if registered to vote, registered in Maine;

b) if licensed to drive a motor vehicle, made application for a Maine motor vehicle license;

c) if owning a motor vehicle(s) located within the State, registered each such vehicle in Maine;

d) complied with the State income tax laws; and

e) if a full-time student at a Maine college or university, resides in Maine continuously for 3 months AND satisfies above requirements.

Non-Resident means a citizen of the United States who does not fall within the definition of ALIEN OR RESIDENT.

Alien means a person who is not a citizen of the United States.

How are Licenses Obtained?

• Residents and non-residents may purchase hunting and fishing licenses online; from agents throughout the state (sporting good stores, many convenience stores and town clerks); or from the Department office in Augusta. (Note: Not all town clerks issue non-resident licenses.)
• Non-residents may also obtain them by mail from the Department office in Augusta.

It is unlawful to obtain any license or permit through misstatement or misrepresentation or to possess any license or permit which has been altered, mutilated or tampered with in any manner.

Other Hunting License Provisions:

• You are required to keep your hunting license and any necessary permits with you while hunting or transporting wild birds and wild animals and must show it to any warden, law enforcement officer, Department employee, guide, or landowner upon whose land you are hunting if requested.
• Any license issued by the Department must be signed prior to use.

Note: The Commissioner may revoke the license of any person convicted of violating the fish and wildlife laws, in addition to any penalty which may be imposed by a court of law. Some violations result in MANDATORY REVOCATION!

Superpack License. To be eligible for the superpack license, applicants must be a Maine resident. This license permits a person who has met the eligibility requirements for each license or permit to hunt and fish for all legal game and fish species subject to all the laws covering these activities:

• fishing
• hunting
• regular archery
• expanded archery (effective January 1, 2008)
• muzzleloading
• migratory waterfowl (State)
• pheasant
• spring and fall Wild Turkey
• bear
• coyote night hunt

Are There Any Other Permits Required?

There are certain permits required (in addition to the regular hunting license) as listed below:

Wild Turkey:

Maine's spring Wild Turkey season occurs in May. Hunting is allowed by permit only. There is a fall season for both archery and shotgun. Anyone who possesses an archery license or a big game hunting license may obtain a permit. See Wild Turkey Hunting.

Pheasant Permit:

Required for hunters 16 years of age or older to hunt or possess pheasant in Cumberland & York Counties. Revenue derived from this permit is dedicated to the acquisition of pheasants which are raised and released by private fish and game clubs.

Migratory Waterfowl Permit:

Required for hunters 16 years of age or older to hunt waterfowl. (Federal stamp also required.)

Coyote Night Hunting Permit:

• Required to hunt coyote at night from January 1 to June 1.
• Hunting under this permit is limited to 1/2 hour after sunset until 1/2 hour before sunrise and shall cease at midnight each Saturday and resume at 12:01AM on Monday.
• Hunters must be in possession of an electronic, hand-held or mouth-operated predator calling device. The fee for this permit is $4.00 plus agent fee.

Muzzleloading Permit:

Required for hunters 10 years of age or older prior to hunting deer during the muzzleloading deer season. See Muzzleloading Deer Season.

Falconry License:

A falconry license, in addition to a regular hunting license, is required of persons who engage in falconry. Copies of the regulations pertaining to this type of hunting are available upon request.

Bear Hunting Permit:

Required for hunters 10 years of age or older to hunt bear outside of the firearms season on deer. See Bear Hunting.

Moose:

• Hunting during the annual moose hunt is allowed by permit only.
• Currently 2,825 permits are issued and each permittee may select a subpermittee to hunt with them.
• Applications are available after January 31. See Moose Hunting.

Expanded Archery Permit:

• Restricted to designated areas (see Expanded Archery Season on Deer or contact the Department for maps of areas). Archery hunting only. Hunters who have a valid archery license will be able to purchase multiple antlerless permits for $12.00* each, and one buck permit for $32.00*. (*Plus agent fee.) Junior hunters do not need need and an archery license but must purchase the expanded archery permits - See laws pertaining to junior hunters.
• Limit is one buck and/or multiple antlerless deer (with appropriate expanded archery permits). Deer must be legally transported and registered as for other deer seasons. All other archery deer hunting laws apply.

Antlerless Deer:

• Hunting of antlerless deer during the firearms season and muzzleloading season is restricted to those hunters who possess a valid any-deer permit, bonus antlerless deer permit, or superpack antlerless deer permit.
• Antlerless deer may be taken by hunters during the Expanded Archery Season (September - December), and the Special (October) Archery Season. Any-deer applications are available mid-June. In several WMD's, there may be more any-deer permits available than applicants. Unclaimed bonus antlerless deer permits will be allocated in a chance drawing until all permits in that district have been issued.
• Application deadline for 2007: paper applications - July 16, 2007 and online applications - August 3, 2007.

Maine's moose, and antlerless deer (firearms) hunts are "permit only" hunts. Information on these hunts is contained in separate publications. Contact the Department at (207) 287-8000 for more information or see moose and any-deer lotteries.

Special Privilege Licenses:

• Anyone serving in the U.S. Armed Forces and permanently stationed at a military base in Maine (includes spouse and dependent children if they permanently reside with that person) may purchase a resident license to hunt, trap or fish.
• Military personnel who are on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and permanently stationed outside Maine may purchase either a hunting, fishing or combination hunting and fishing license for $3.00*. Spouse and dependent children who reside with that person may obtain a combination license for $20.00, or a hunting or fishing license for $10.00 upon proof that their home of record, as recorded in a service record, is Maine. (*Plus agent fee.)
• Any citizen of a foreign nation, under 21 years of age, who is living with a family in Maine in connection with any cultural or educational exchange program may purchase a resident license to hunt or fish.
• Free license for returning servicemen. May be obtained from Defense & Veterans Services. See Complimentary Military License.
• Any Maine Indian who is a member of the Passamaquoddy, Penobscot, Maliseet, or Micmac tribe will be issued, upon application, at no charge or fee, a license to hunt, fish or trap (including archery and bear permit). (Obtained from respective tribal headquarters.)

Complimentary Licenses:

• The Complimentary Over 70 license is no longer available. For a one time fee of $8.00, a Maine resident who is 70 years of age or older can obtain a license to fish, trap, hunt, or archery (including muzzleloading, waterfowl, bear, Wild Turkey and pheasant hunting permits, or renewal of a license to guide). The fishing, hunting, and archery license including muzzleloading, waterfowl, bear, Wild Turkey and pheasant hunting permits can be obtained from IF&W's main office in Augusta or from a local license agent. The trapping license and guide renewals can only be obtained from IF&W's main office in Augusta. These may be obtained at any time in the calendar year that person turns 70.
• A Maine resident who is a war veteran and has a service-connected disability of 100%, or has served in a combat zone and has a service-connected disability of 70% or more will be issued, upon application, a complimentary license to fish, trap, or hunt (including archery, muzzleloading, waterfowl, bear, and pheasant hunting permits), or renewal of a guide license.
• Maine residents and non-residents (if reciprocal privileges exist in their home state) who are suffering from the loss of, or loss of use of, both lower extremities, will be issued, upon application, a complimentary license to hunt or fish as well as an antlerless deer permit for residents. Applications are available from the Department.

Other Licenses (available at the Augusta Office only): For detailed information on the following licenses, contact the Department at (207) 287-3614.

• Hide Dealers License: Required for anyone who commercially buys, sells or barters any raw, untanned wild animal hide, head or gall bladder from any bear.
• Seasonal Hide Dealers License: Required for any place of business that butchers wild animals and commercially sells or barters the heads or untanned hides of deer or moose that they have butchered.
• Taxidermist License: Allows a place of business to lawfully possess fish or wildlife for the sole purpose of preparing and mounting them and to also buy, sell or barter raw, untanned hides or heads of wild animals.
• Guides License: Required for anyone who receives any form of remuneration for their services in accompanying or assisting others while hunting, fishing, trapping, boating, snowmobiling, or camping at a primitive camping area.

Deer Hunting Information

Deer Hunting Seasons

• Expanded Archery (Limited Area/Permit Required): September 8, 2007 through December 8, 2007
• Special Archery (Statewide): September 27, 2007 through October 26, 2007
• Youth Deer Hunting Day: October 20, 2007
• Firearms (Maine residents only): October 27, 2007
• Firearms (All Hunters): October 29, 2007 through November 24, 2007
• Muzzleloader (See WMD Map)
  
  • Week 1 (Statewide): November 26, 2007 through December 1, 2007
  • Week 2 (WMD's 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, and 29): December 3, 2007 through December 8, 2007
  Note: A muzzleloader permit is required in addition to a hunting license to hunt deer during the muzzleloader season on deer.

Hunting of Antlered deer is legal throughout the State during any open deer hunting season.

Hunting of Antlerless deer (having antlers less than 3 inches in length measured from the skull) is prohibited except by special permit during both the firearms season and the muzzleloading season.

Deer of either sex may be taken during both archery seasons. Multiple deer may be taken during the Expanded Archery Season and one may be taken during any one of the remaining seasons (with appropriate licenses or permits).

Baiting deer by placing salt or any other bait or food to entice deer or hunting from an observation stand or blind overlooking salt, grain, fruit, nuts or other foods known to be attractive to deer, during any open hunting season on deer is prohibited. (Does not apply to hunting from an observation stand or blind overlooking: standing crops; foods that have been left as a result of normal agricultural operations or as a result of natural occurrence; or bear bait that has been placed at a bear hunting stand or blind in accordance with bear baiting laws.

Deer may not be hunted with the use of dogs, artificial lights, snares, traps, or set guns or any firearm using .22 caliber rimfire cartridges, except that .22 caliber rimfire magnum cartridges are permitted. Deer decoys are legal.

Driving deer or taking part in a deer drive is unlawful, except that 3 or fewer persons may hunt together, without the aid of noisemaking devices. Driving deer is an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase or otherwise frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any person(s) who are part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the deer.

1. There is a closed season on deer in the following areas:

• Mt. Desert Island in Hancock County;
• Cross and Scotch Islands, located in Washington County;
• The town of Isle au Haut and islands within that town, located in Knox County; and
• In wildlife sanctuaries, unless otherwise provided.* (*Beauchamp Point Sanctuary in Camden and Rockport, Knox County, is open to archery hunting for deer during any open hunting season that allows archery equipment to be used to hunt deer.)

2. Islesboro. In the town of Islesboro, Waldo County, it is lawful to hunt deer with bow and arrow only during the archery, expanded archery, or firearm season on deer.

3. Southport. In the town of Southport, Lincoln County, and on all islands within its confines, it is lawful to hunt deer with shotguns only, during the firearm season on deer.

4. Prout's Neck; Richmond's Island; Cape Elizabeth Sanctuary. Approximately 1,600 acres of this sanctuary is open to deer hunting with bow and arrow only during the archery seasons and the firearms season. (Note: Landowner permission required.)

5. Cranberry Isles. In the town of Cranberry Isles, Hancock County, it is lawful to hunt deer with bow and arrow only during the archery and firearms seasons on deer or with shotgun during the firearm season on deer.

Other provisions pertaining to deer:

• It is unlawful to hunt deer after having killed and registered one during the open season of that calendar year, (except for participants in the Expanded Archery Season, or by individuals in possession of a valid bonus deer permit or superpack antlerless deer permit).
• Gift deer may not be possessed unless clearly labeled with the name and address of the person who registered the animal, and the year it was registered.
• For information on buying, selling or bartering animals.

Municipal Ordinances. Several Maine cities and towns have adopted local ordinances which restrict or prohibit the discharge of certain projectiles (e.g., arrows, bullets). Prior to hunting near thickly settled communities, hunters should check with local authorities regarding such ordinances.

Archery Seasons

Expanded Archery Deer Season: September 8, 2007 through December 8, 2007

Special Archery Deer Season: September 27, 2007 through October 26, 2007

Fall Wild Turkey Season:

• Zone 1 (Archery Only*): (WMD's 15, 16, 17, 20, 24, 25, 26) - October 6, 2007 through October 20, 2007
• Zone 2 (Archery Only*): (WMD's 21, 22, 23) - September 27, 2007 through October 26, 2007
• Zone 3 (Archery & Shotgun): (WMD's 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25) - October 13, 2007 through October 19, 2007

The regular archery license allows bow and arrow hunting for all legal game throughout the year (except deer during the muzzleloading season), and is required to hunt deer during the special archery deer season, the expanded archery deer season, or Wild Turkey with bow and arrow during the fall Wild Turkey hunting season.

In addition to the regular archery license, hunters participating in the expanded archery deer season (designated area only), and the fall Wild Turkey archery seasons must purchase permits as follows:

Multiple antlerless deer permits may be purchased for $12* each and one antlered (buck) permit for $32* for the expanded archery deer season.

Wild Turkey permits (Spring and Fall) may be purchased for a fee of $20* for residents and $47* for non-residents.

(*Plus agent fee.)

You must possess the regular archery license in order to purchase an expanded archery permits or hunt for Wild Turkey with bow and arrow during the fall Wild Turkey hunting season.

Complimentary license holders (Disabled Veteran, Indian) and Junior license holders may hunt with those licenses during the Expanded Archery Deer season and the fall Wild Turkey Season, but must purchase the permits described above. Print a transportation tag.

Applicants for the regular archery license must show proof of having successfully completed an archery hunter education course or of having held an adult archery license in any year after 1979.

Junior hunters (at least 10 years of age and under 16) who hold a valid Junior Hunting License are allowed to hunt with bow and arrow when accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older. See Laws Pertaining to Junior Hunters.

Hunter orange clothing is NOT required when hunting with bow and arrow. Anyone who hunts with a firearm or crossbow must wear hunter orange.

A handgun may be carried by licensed* hunters while bow hunting but may NOT be used to dispatch deer. (*License to hunt with firearms.)

Laws which allow you to hunt without a license on your own land under certain conditions apply to archery hunting. See Maine resident landowner information.

Deer may be taken under the archery provisions only by means of hand-held bow with a minimum draw weight of 35 pounds, and broad-head arrow. Arrow heads (including expandable broadheads) must be at least 7/8 inch in width. It is unlawful to use a crossbow (except during the open firearm season on deer and bear - see Crossbow Hunting, or unless permitted by handicapped persons with special permits), or set bow, or to use arrows with poisonous or explosive tips.

All deer killed by bow and arrow during the archery seasons must be inspected and registered at the first open deer registration station.

It is legal to hunt until 1/2 hour after sunset during both archery deer seasons.

Deer of either sex may be taken during the regular archery season. (Deer taken during the expanded archery deer season are by appropriate permits as described above).

In addition, all other laws pertaining to deer hunting shall apply to bow hunting.

Crossbow Information

Crossbow Hunting License: To be eligible to purchase a crossbow hunting license, you must hold a valid license to hunt big game (either a big game hunting license or an archery license), and must submit proof of having successfully completed an archery hunting education course and a crossbow hunting course, or satisfactory evidence of having previously held an adult archery and crossbow hunting license in this state or any other state, province, or country in any year after 1979. When proof or evidence cannot be provided, the applicant may substitute a signed affidavit.

A resident or nonresident 10 years of age or older and under 16 years of age may hunt with a crossbow if that person holds a valid junior hunting license (no crossbow license required). With a valid crossbow hunting license, a person may hunt bear with a crossbow during the open season on bear, and may hunt deer with a crossbow during the firearm season on deer. The crossbow hunting license may not be used to hunt deer during the archery season, muzzleloading season, or expanded archery season.

Muzzleloading Deer Season

Muzzleloader

• Week 1 (Statewide): November 26, 2007 through December 1, 2007
• Week 2 (WMD's 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, and 29): December 3, 2007 through December 8, 2007
• A muzzleloading license, in addition to a valid adult or junior big game hunting license that allows the use of firearms, is required to hunt deer with muzzleloading rifles during this season.
• Hunter orange clothing is required during this season.
• Hunting hours are from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.
• Except as specified, all other laws relating to the taking of deer with firearms shall apply to the taking of deer with muzzle-loading firearms.
• Only muzzleloading firearms that are 40 caliber or greater and capable of firing only a single charge may be used to hunt deer during this season.
  
  Muzzleloading firearm means a firearm that is capable of being loaded only through the muzzle; is ignited by a matchlock, wheel lock, flintlock, or caplock, including an in-line caplock or shotgun or rifle primer mechanism; has a rifled or smooth-bored barrel capable of firing only a single charge; propels a ball, bullet, or charge of shot; and may have any type of sights, including scopes. (§10001 42-A and §11404)

Wild Turkey

Spring Wild Turkey Hunting Season:

Each person who buys a Spring Wild Turkey permit will be authorized to hunt in Season A or Season B based on their year of birth.

For the 2008 Spring Turkey hunt, hunters with “ even” birth years (years ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8) will be authorized to hunt during Season A. Hunters with “odd” birth years (years ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9) will be authorized to hunt during Season B.

The open season for Wild Turkey hunting within the turkey hunting zone shall be:

Season A:

Week # 1: April 28, 2008 through May 3, 2008
Week # 4: May 19, 2008 through May 24, 2008
Week # 5: May 26, 2008 through May 31, 2008

Season B:

Week # 2: May 5, 2008 through May 10, 2008
Week # 3: May 12, 2008 through May 17, 2008
Week # 5: May 26, 2008 through May 31, 2008

Who May Hunt: Hunters must have a valid spring Wild Turkey permit and a valid Maine resident hunting license or a valid nonresident or alien big game hunting license in order to hunt Wild Turkey. (Note: A valid archery license also permits hunting of Wild Turkey with bow and arrow in Maine.) Hunters must possess both a hunting license and spring Wild Turkey permit at all times while hunting. A person may assist in a hunt without a license or permit for that activity as long as that person does not carry hunting equipment.

Permit Fee: Maine residents $20.00*: Nonresidents and Aliens $47.00*. (*Plus agent fee)

Youth Wild Turkey Hunting Day: Youth 10 years of age or older and under 16 years of age who possess a junior hunting license and a valid spring Wild Turkey permit may hunt under supervision on Saturday, April 26, 2008. In addition, they may also hunt on any Saturday during the open Spring Wild Turkey hunting season.

Legal Hours for Spring Season: One-half (1/2) hour before sunrise until 12:00 p.m. (noon) local time.

Area Open to Hunting for Spring Season: There is one spring Wild Turkey hunting zone (WMD's 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) - see Wild Turkey hunting zone.

Bag Limit for Spring Season: One (1) bearded Wild Turkey per permit holder per season.

Legal Method for Taking Turkey During Spring Season: Only shotgun gauges 10 through 20 using shot sizes 4 through 6, or bow and arrow may be used to hunt Wild Turkeys during the Spring Wild Turkey Hunting Season. Electronic calling devices are legal.

Fall Wild Turkey Hunting Season: There will be a Fall Wild Turkey hunting season as follows:

Zone 1 (Archery Only): (WMD's 15, 16, 17, 20, 24, 25, 26) - October 6, 2007 through October 20, 2007

Zone 2 (Archery Only): (WMD's 21, 22, 23) - September 27, 2007 through October 26, 2007

Zone 3 (Archery & Shotgun): (WMD's 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25) - October 13, 2007 through October 19, 2007

Fall Wild Turkey Permits: Any person who possesses an archery license or a hunting license that allows the hunting of big game, may purchase a Wild Turkey hunting permit from a license agent to hunt during the fall Wild Turkey season.

Permit fees are $20.00* for Maine residents, and $47.00* for nonresidents and aliens. *Plus agent fee.

Bag Limit for fall Season: The bag limit for the fall Wild Turkey hunting season is one Wild Turkey of either sex and any age per permit holder.

Legal Weapons for Fall Season: Only bow and arrow may be used to hunt Wild Turkey during the fall Wild Turkey hunting season in Zone 1 and Zone 2. In Zone 3, permit holders may use (with appropriate license), bow and arrow or shotgun gauges 10 through 20 using shot sizes 4 through 6.

Legal Hunting Time for Fall Season: Legal hunting time is from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.

Note: The fall shotgun Wild Turkey season involves tactics that are different from the "sit and call" approach and hunters are reminded to use extreme caution while hunting.

The following laws and regulations are specific to Spring and Fall Wild Turkey hunting. Hunters must also comply with all other applicable fish and wildlife laws of Title 12, Maine Revised Statutes.

Any private landowner is eligible to hunt Wild Turkeys on their own land without a turkey hunting permit if:

1. that person owns a particular piece of land that is 25 or more contiguous acres in size and is located within the turkey hunting zone designated for the season that they wish to hunt;
2. that person is permanently domiciled on that land;
3. the land is managed for the raising and selling of dairy cattle, dairy products, or beef cattle; and
4. the land is open to hunting including hunting by permission. Any family member permanently domiciled on that land is also eligible to hunt Wild Turkeys on that land without a permit. (Family member means any family member of legal hunting age, including spouse, grandchildren, etc. who resides on the property.) A landowner must provide proof of eligibility if requested by an agent of the commissioner. All other standard reporting and tagging procedures are required. Turkey may be taken during any open week of the season.

Registration Fee: A fee of $1.00 shall be paid to register a Wild Turkey.

Mandatory Submission of Radio Collars, Leg bands, and Wing Tags: All radio collars, leg bands, and wing tags must be submitted to the Department at the time the Wild Turkey is presented for registration.

Wild Turkey to be Tagged: Any person killing a Wild Turkey shall immediately securely attach to its leg, plainly visible, tag bearing his/her full name, address, and license number.

Gift turkey are to be labeled with the name and address of the person who registered it and the year the turkey was registered.

Turkey Transportation: Any turkey being moved or transported in any manner must have securely attached, and it must be accompanied by the person who killed it. Unless the Wild Turkey has been legally registered, no person shall keep a Wild Turkey at his/her home or at any place of storage (except at the official registration station or at the office of a Maine game warden) for more than eighteen (18) hours without first notifying a game warden.

Wild Turkey Registration: All Wild Turkeys taken by hunters shall be presented for registration within 18 hours at one of the registration stations established for that purpose. The entire turkey, except the viscera, shall be presented. The fee to register a Wild Turkey is $1. All radio transmitters, leg bands and wing tags must be submitted at the time of registration.

Illegal Hunting Methods: No person may use dogs, bait, live decoys, or traps or other devices intended or designed for the purpose of capturing or ensnaring Wild Turkeys. It is unlawful to take a turkey while the turkey is in a tree. It is unlawful to engage in an organized drive of any manner while hunting Wild Turkeys.

Exception: Dogs may be used in the fall Wild Turkey hunting season only.

Other Prohibited Acts:

• No person may present a Wild Turkey for registration, or allow to be registered in his or her name, any Wild Turkey which he/she did not lawfully kill.
• No person may possess any part or parts of a Wild Turkey unless each part is plainly labeled with the name and address of the person who registered the turkey.
• It is illegal to buy, sell (or offer for sale or barter) any Wild Turkey, or to counsel or otherwise aid in buying, selling or offering for sale or barter any Wild Turkey.
• It is unlawful for the holder of a Wild Turkey hunting permit to hunt Wild Turkeys after having killed or registered a Wild Turkey during the open season of that calendar year, except as otherwise provided.
• It shall be unlawful for the holder of a Wild Turkey hunting permit to hunt Wild Turkeys outside of the turkey hunting zone.

Questionnaires: A sample of turkey permit holders, including those who did not hunt or were unsuccessful, will be asked to complete a questionnaire provided by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and return it to the Department within a period of 10 days after the close of the turkey hunting season. Information provided by hunters is an important part of the Department’s turkey management program.

Bear Hunting Information

General Hunting Season: August 27, 2007 through November 24, 2007
Hunting with Dogs Allowed: September 10, 2007 through October 26, 2007
Hunting with Bait*: August 27, 2007 through September 22, 2007

* Bait may not be used to hunt for bear from September 24, 2007 through November 24, 2007.

Hunting with the use of bait is defined as hunting from an observation stand, blind or other location which overlooks any bait or food; except standing crops and foods that have been left as a result of normal agricultural operations or natural occurrence. "Bear Bait" means any animal or plant, or derivative of an animal or plant, used to attract bear. "Bear bait" does not include any packaging or container materials that fall within the definition of litter under Title 17, §2263.

Bait may not be used to hunt or trap black bear unless:

• The bait is placed at least 50 yards from any travel way that is accessible by a conventional 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive vehicle;
• The stand, blind, or bait area is plainly labeled with a 2 inch by 4 inch tag with the name and address of the baiter;
• The bait is placed more than 500 yards from any solid waste disposal site or campground;
• The bait is placed more than 500 yards from an occupied dwelling, unless written permission is granted by the owner or leasee;
• The bait is placed not more than 30 days before the opening day of the season and not after October 31st;
• The bait areas will be cleaned up by November 10th as defined by the State litter laws; and
• The person hunting from any stand or blind of another person has permission of the owner of that stand or blind.

A permit is required from the Bureau of Parks and Lands (207) 287-3821 to place bait on Public Reserved Land for the purpose of hunting bear. Baiting of animals is prohibited in State Parks and Historic Sites.

A permit is required by the White Mountain National Forest for the purpose of placing bear bait on National Forest lands. Contact the Evans Notch Visitor Center in Bethel, Maine at (207) 824-2134 for further information.

Bear Hunting Permit: Outside of the firearms season on deer, a special bear hunting permit (in addition to a hunting license) is required to hunt for bear. During the firearms season on deer, a person may legally take a bear by virtue of a regular hunting license. The fee for a bear hunting permit is $27.00* for residents and $67.00* for non-residents and aliens. The special permit is not required when trapping for bear. (*Plus agent fee.) Note: Effective January 1, 2008, nonresidents will be required to obtain a permit to hunt bear during the regular firearm season on deer).

• Dogs may not be used to hunt bear during the open firearm season on deer.
• No more than 4 dogs may be used at any one time to hunt for bear.
• Nonresidents may not use a dog or dogs to hunt for bear unless they employ and hunt with a resident Maine guide. (This section does not apply to non-residents who hold a valid Maine guide license - they may hunt bear with the use of dogs themselves and guide residents but not non-residents). The total number of clients with a licensed guide may not be more than three.
• You may not kill or wound a bear that is treed or held at bay by another person's dog or dogs unless you have permission from the person conducting the hunt.
• You may not hunt or trap bear or release dogs to hunt for bear within 200 yards from sites permitted or licensed for the disposal of solid waste.
• Prior to registration, bears may be cut up for ease of transportation, but all parts of the bear (except for the viscera and rib cage) must be presented and in such a manner that the sex of the animal can be determined.
• It is unlawful to hunt bear after having killed and registered one during the open season of that calendar year.
• Gift bear may not be possessed unless each part is clearly labeled with the name and address of the person who registered the animal and the year in which it was registered.
• Information on buying, selling or bartering animals.
• Information on tracking wounded bear see Leashed Dog Tracking License.

Notice to Dog Owners: It is unlawful to allow any dog to run at large at any time, except when used for hunting. ("AT LARGE" means off the premises of the owner and not under the control of any person by means of personal presence or attention.) It is unlawful to allow any dog to chase, wound, or kill a deer or moose at any time or any other wild animal in closed season.

Registering and Transporting
Transportation Tags PDF

1. Tagging requirements. Prior to presenting a bear, deer, moose, or wild turkey for registration, a person may not possess or leave that animal in the field or forest unless that person has securely attached a plainly visible tag to the animal with that person's name, address, and license number on the tag. For information on tagging furbearers taken during any open hunting season, see tagging furbearers.
2. Transporting harvested animals. A person may not transport a harvested wild animal or wild bird unless that animal is lawfully possessed by the person. Once the animal or bird has been registered, it may be transported by another person. A person may not present for registration or allow to be registered in that person’s name, a bear, deer, moose, or Wild Turkey that that person did not lawfully kill.
3. Transportation prior to registration. Prior to registration, a person may not transport a harvested bear, deer, moose, or Wild Turkey unless that animal is open to view. For purposes of this section, “open to view” means the animal is not concealed and can be readily observed in whole or in part from outside of the vehicle or trailer being used to transport the animal.
4. Registration requirements. A person who kills a bear, deer, moose, or Wild Turkey must:
   • Remain with the animal until it is registered, except as provided in #5 below.
   • Present that animal for registration in that person’s name at the first open registration station for that animal on the route taken by that person; and
   • Leave the registration seal attached to the animal until the animal is processed and packaged for consumption.
5. Time limits for registering. A person may not keep an unregistered bear, deer, moose or Wild Turkey at home or any place of storage for more than 18 hours. This does not apply to an animal that is kept in an official registration station for the animal or at the offi ce of a game warden. A person may leave an unregistered harvested animal in the woods if that person notifies a game warden within 18 hours as to the location of that animal and the circumstances necessitating leaving that animal in the woods.
   
   A person on a hunting trip in an unorganized township and staying at a temporary place of lodging may keep an unregistered harvested animal at the temporary place of lodging for no more than 7 days or until that person leaves the woods, whichever comes first.
   
   A person may not possess a bear, deer, moose, or Wild Turkey that has not been legally registered except as otherwise provided in the statutes regarding animals causing damage or nuisance.
6. Condition of animal presented for registration. A person may not present a bear, deer, moose or Wild Turkey for registration unless it is presented in its entirety, except that the viscera and rib cage of the animal may be removed in a manner that still allows the determination of the sex of the animal; and a moose may be dismembered for ease of transportation, and the lower legs, head and hide of a moose may be removed. If the head of the moose is not brought to the registration station, a canine tooth or the lower jaw must be presented at the time of registration. Parts of a moose not presented for registration may not be placed where they are visible to a person traveling on a public or private way.
7. Possession of gift bear, deer, moose or wild turkey. A person may not possess any part or parts of a bear, deer, moose, or Wild Turkey given to that person unless that gift bear, deer, moose or Wild Turkey is plainly labeled with the name and address of the person who registered it and the year it was registered by that person.

General Hunting Provisions

TO HUNT means to pursue, catch, take, kill or harvest wild birds and wild animals (wild by nature, whether or not bred or reared in captivity including any physical part of that species of mammal or bird) or attempt to catch, take, kill or harvest wild animals or wild birds.

1. 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 in the fish and wildlife laws, is unlawful. It is also unlawful to take, possess or needlessly destroy the nest or eggs of any wild bird.
2. Buying and Selling Wild Animals and Wild Birds. It is unlawful to buy or sell any wild bird, turkey, deer, bear or moose except:
   • Plumage of legally taken wild birds may be bought or sold as provided by Federal law;
   • The head, hide, antlers, and feet of lawfully possessed deer and head, hide, antlers, feet and bones of moose may be bought or sold;
   • The head, hide, teeth, gall bladder, and claws of lawfully possessed bear may be bought or sold.
3. Night hunting. Except as otherwise provided, wild birds and wild animals may not be hunted from 1/2 hour after sunset until 1/2 hour before sunrise of the following day. Exceptions: migratory bird, turkey, raccoon and coyote.
4. Raccoon hunting. Raccoons may be hunted at night during the open season only when the hunter is:

   a) accompanied by a dog;
   
   b) uses an electric flashlight to locate raccoons that are treed, or held at bay, by a dog or dogs, and;
   
   c) uses a rifle or handgun of no greater power than one which uses .22 caliber long rifle ammunition; said rifle to be loaded only when being used to dispatch a raccoon that is treed or held at bay by dogs.

5. Shooting within 100 yards of dwelling. It is unlawful to discharge a firearm or crossbow within 100 yards of a residential dwelling or a farm building used for sheltering livestock, machines, or harvested crops without permission from the owner, or in the owners absence, an adult occupant who dwells in that location.
6. Shooting from a motor vehicle or motorboat or possessing a loaded firearm or crossbow in or on a motor vehicle. It is unlawful to shoot while in or on a motor vehicle or motorboat or have a loaded firearm or crossbow while in or on a motor vehicle, trailer, or other type of vehicle being hauled by a motor vehicle except as specifically allowed.
   
   (Note: A loaded clip may be carried in a motor vehicle, but it must not be inserted in, or attached to, a firearm; a crossbow may be carried as long as it is not cocked and armed; a muzzle-loading firearm is considered to be loaded ONLY if charged with powder, lead and a primed ignition device or mechanism.)
   
   a. Persons who hold a valid Maine permit to carry a concealed weapon may carry a loaded pistol or revolver in a motor vehicle.
   
   b. Paraplegics and single or double amputees of the legs may shoot from motor vehicles that are not in motion.
   
   c. Migratory waterfowl may be hunted from a motorboat in accordance with federal regulations.
   
   d. A person may shoot from a motorboat if that boat is not being propelled by the motor.
7. Possession of hunting equipment on Sunday. Possession of hunting equipment in the fields and forests or on the waters or ice of this State on Sunday is prima facie evidence of a violation of §11205 (Sunday hunting) unless: the hunting equipment is carried, securely wrapped in a complete cover, fastened in a case, or carried in at least 2 separate pieces in such a manner that it cannot be fired unless the separate pieces are joined together. For the purpose of this paragraph, a clip, a magazine, or a cylinder of a firearm shall not be considered a piece of the firearm. Bows and arrows must be kept in a case or cover if broadheads or fi eld points are kept attached to the arrows. Title 10501 §9
   
   A person may possess hunting equipment on Sunday for legitimate activities such as target practice, sighting in rifles, etc. For example, it is lawful for a person to possess a firearm for the purpose of target practice in a gravel pit that is located in a wooded area on a Sunday. A game warden may ask the person to explain the purpose of possessing the hunting equipment (the firearm). Once the warden’s observations, and the explanation given by that person, indicate that they were in fact target practicing, and absent any further evidence of hunting on Sunday; then that will normally satisfy the game warden.
8. Shooting from or over a public paved way. A person is guilty of hunting from or over a public paved way if that person shoots at any wild animal or wild bird from any public paved way or within 10 feet of the edge of the pavement of the public paved way or from within the right-of-way of any controlled access highway or discharges any firearm or crossbow over a public paved way (any road treated with bituminous or concrete material).
9. Airborne hunting. A person on the ground or airborne may not use aircraft to aid or assist in hunting big game (deer, bear, moose).
10. Shooting of domestic animals. It is unlawful for any person, while on a hunting trip, to negligently, carelessly, or willfully shoot and wound or kill any domestic animal or domestic bird.
11. Hunting under the influence. It is unlawful to hunt while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs.
12. Firearms and crossbows on school property. Possession of a firearm on public school property or discharging one within 500 feet of school property, except as used in supervised educational programs or by law enforcement officials, is a violation of Title 20-A Section 6552.

Walking or Standing on Railroad Tracks or Bridge or Entering Track With Team or Vehicle

1. Walking or standing on track or bridge. A person may not, without right, stand or walk on a railroad track or railroad bridge or pass over a railroad bridge except by railroad conveyance.
2. Entering Track. A person may not, without right, enter upon a railroad track with a team or a vehicle however propelled or drive any team or propel a vehicle upon a railroad track.
   
   For penalties, see Title 23, Chapter 611, §7007

Laws Pertaining to Hunting Equipment

1. Legal methods. Wild animals and wild birds may be hunted only by the use of firearms (not larger than 10-gauge), hand-held bow and arrow, or by falconry.
   
   Deer decoys are legal; laser sights (red dots or beam) for firearms and bows are legal.
   
   Electronic calling devices are currently legal for deer, bear, turkey, moose, and coyote hunting. Electronic calling devices are illegal for migratory game birds.
   
   (Crossbows*, drawlocks, and set bows are illegal unless permitted otherwise for disabled hunters.) *Crossbows are legal during the firearm seasons on deer and bear - See Crossbow Hunting.
2. Shotgun to be plugged. It is unlawful to hunt any migratory game bird with a shotgun originally capable of holding more than 3 shells unless the magazine has been cut off, altered, or plugged with a one-piece filler (incapable of removal without disassembling the gun), so as to reduce the capacity of the gun to not more than 3 shells in the magazine & chamber combined.
3. Automatic firearm (a firearm that continues to fire as long as the trigger is held back). It is unlawful to hunt with or possess for hunting any automatic firearm.
4. Auto-loading firearm (a firearm which reloads itself after each shot and requires a separate trigger pull for each shot). It is unlawful to hunt with or possess for hunting any auto-loading firearm which has a magazine capacity of more than 5 cartridges,* unless the magazine has been permanently altered to contain not more than 5 cartridges.
   
   (Note: This provision does not apply to .22 caliber rimfire guns or to auto-loading pistols with barrel lengths of less than 8 inches). *Plus 1 in the chamber for a total of 6.
5. Silencer. It is unlawful to hunt with or possess for hunting any firearm fitted or contrived with any device for deadening the sound of the explosion.
6. Illegal cartridges. Cartridges which contain tracer bullets or explosive bullets may not be used for hunting.
7. Illegal use of lights. From September 1 to December 15, it is unlawful to use artificial lights from 1/2 hour after sunset until 1/2 hour before sunrise to illuminate, jack, locate, attempt to locate or show up wild animals or wild birds except raccoons which may be hunted at night with electric flashlights during the open season.
8. 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 poisonous or stupefying substance (except rodenticide for orchard mouse control and gas cartridges for woodchuck control.)

Hunter Orange Clothing Requirements

• Waterfowl Hunters are not affected by the provisions below while hunting from a boat, blind, or in conjunction with waterfowl decoys.
• Firearms Season on Deer: Anyone who hunts any species with a firearm or a crossbow during any firearms season on deer (also on Youth Deer Day) must wear two articles of hunter orange clothing. One article must be a solid-colored hunter orange hat; the other must cover a major portion of the torso, such as a jacket, vest, coat or poncho and must be a minimum of 50% hunter orange in color (camouflage).
• Moose Hunting Season: Anyone who hunts any species with a firearm or a crossbow in a Wildlife Management District that is open to moose hunting must wear one article of solid-colored hunter orange clothing.
• Muzzle-loading Season on Deer: The hunter orange clothing requirements listed above under the firearms hunting season on deer apply.
• Expanded and Special Archery Seasons on deer, hunter orange clothing is not required.
• Bear and Bird Hunters: Only required when hunting during the firearms hunting season on deer, the muzzleloading season on deer, or within an open moose hunting district during moose hunting season.

Articles of Hunter Orange Clothing must in good and serviceable condition and visible from all sides. A decal on an article of clothing that is otherwise solid-colored hunter orange does not disqualify that article of clothing from satisfying the requirements of this subsection. Hunter Orange means a daylight fluorescent orange color with a dominant wave length between 595 and 605 nanometers, excitation purity not less than 85% and luminance factor of not less than 40%.

Sportsmen's Code

1. Obey the Game Laws. They represent the best program our legislaters have been able to devise to preserve the continuance of this wonderful sport for next year and the years to come - for all of us.
2. Be Adequately Armed for the Game You Are Hunting. Hunt only with a mechanically safe firearm of sufficient power for the use intended. Then bear in mind of that gun to inflict injury to others and yourself.
3. Respect the Rights of Property Owners. All your hunting will probably be done on someone else’s land. Put yourself in the landowner’s position: would you like to be asked if it’s alright to hunt on your land? A few destructive hunters can spoil a fine privilege for everyone else. Stay clear of farm buildings, farm animals, and farm children. Lumbermen and woodcutters have a right to be in the woods too.
4. Extend Courtesy to Your Fellow Hunters. You’ve probably watched a good hunting dog honor another’s point. A good hunter should surely be at aleast courteous. Give the other fellow plenty of room to work in.
5. Aim Only for a Clean Kill. A deer is a beautiful, sensitive animal as well as a wary, intelligent prize. Never shoot at a deer unless enough of the animal is clearly exposed so that you can hit a vital spot. A snap shot at a distant flash of a deer’s tail will probably result in either a miss or a wounded deer wandering off to die a slow, wasted, agonizing death. Or you may find you’ve shot another hunter. Don’t have either on your conscience.
6. Never Forget - Guns Don’t Kill by Themselves. Always Remember - Practice Hunter Safety.

License Revocation Information

Hunters should be aware of the fact that a conviction for any hunting violation may result in the revocation of their hunting privileges.

Minimum Mandatory Ten Year Revocation of Hunting Licenses

• If a person is convicted of Assault While Hunting [17A MRSA §208(A)] and the offense occurred in the context of hunting activity, and if, through failure of the hunter to make proper target identification, the offense resulted in the death of another person.

Minimum Mandatory Five Year Revocation of Hunting Licenses

• Shooting a domestic animal while hunting;
• Hunting under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs;
• Conviction of violation of 17A MRSA while on a hunting or fishing trip or in the pursuit of wild animals, birds or fish and when the wounding or killing of a human being has occurred.

Minimum Mandatory Three Year Revocation of ALL Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (DIF&W) Licenses

• Disturbing traps.

Minimum Mandatory Two Year Revocation of ALL DIF&W Licenses

Persons convicted of burglary or criminal trespass of a building located within any unorganized township; theft of any equipment used for hunting, fishing and trapping; or theft of any animal which has been obtained by hunting or trapping and which was in the possession or control of the person who hunted or trapped the animal.

Hunting Violations with a Minimum One Year License Revocation

In addition, the Commissioner may suspend all other Department licenses held if a person is convicted of any of the following violations:

• Illegally hunting and/or possessing deer, bear, or moose during closed season.
• Night hunting.
• Discharging a firearm within 100 yards of a residential dwelling without permission of the owner, or in the owners absence, an adult occupant who dwells in that location.
• Trapping bear after having killed one.
• Illegally buying and/or selling moose or Wild Turkeys.
• Illegally hunting/possessing Wild Turkeys including using illegal methods to hunt Wild Turkeys.
• Hunting deer, bear, or moose after having killed one and/or exceeding the bag limit on deer, bear, or moose.

Summary of Firearms Laws

NOTICE to all nonimmigrant aliens temporarily importing firearms and ammunition into the United States.

Legal firearms for hunting: Handguns, rifles and shotguns not larger than 10-gauge are legal for hunting in Maine, except as follows: Automatic firearms are illegal. Auto-loading firearms are illegal if they hold more than 6 cartridges (does not apply to .22 caliber rimfire guns or to auto-loading pistols with barrel less than 8 inches.)

Illegal devices for hunting: Silencers, tracer bullets, explosive bullets, set guns.

Deer hunting: No firearm may be used which uses .22 rimfire cartridges, except .22 magnum. No firearms of any kind may be carried while hunting deer with a bow and arrow during the special archery season on deer and the expanded archery season on deer, except that a person who also holds a license that allows hunting with firearms may carry a handgun.

Moose hunting: It is illegal to use .17, or .22 caliber rimfire firearms, shotguns using shot loads or a crossbow.

Carrying concealed firearms: A permit is required to carry a concealed firearm in Maine, except that licensed hunters and trappers are exempt while engaged in these activities; the latter provision does not authorize the carrying of a concealed or loaded firearm in a motor vehicle. Some town offices or city halls issue these permits to residents. If not, contact Maine State Police. Non-residents may obtain concealed weapons permits from the chief of the Maine State Police: (207) 624-7210.

Loaded firearms in motor vehicles: It is unlawful to have a loaded firearm or crossbow in or on a motor vehicle (including trailer, ATV, aircraft, snowmobile, or railway car). A loaded clip may be carried in a motor vehicle, but it must not be inserted in a firearm. Persons who hold a Maine concealed firearms permit may carry a loaded pistol or revolver in a motor vehicle. Firearms may be transported in a motor vehicle without a concealed firearms permit provided they are (1) unloaded and in plain view, or (2) are unloaded and placed in a remote secure area (such as a locked trunk) away from the control of the occupants of the motor vehicle. For purposes of this law, a muzzle-loading firearm is considered to be loaded only if charged with powder, lead and a primed ignition device or mechanism. This provision also applies to crossbows.

It is Illegal to:

• Discharge a firearm or crossbow within 100 yards of a residential dwelling or a farm building used for sheltering livestock, machines, or harvested crops without permission of the owner, or in the owners absence, an adult occupant who dwells in that location.
• Possess firearms or crossbows on public school property or discharge a firearm within 500 feet of school property.

Other Illegal Areas: Firearms or crossbows may not be carried on game preserves. Firearms must be in a case or stored in the trunk of a car when transported through Baxter State Park.

Closed and Special Regulation Areas:

1. Unity Utilities District. It is unlawful to hunt on the Unity Utilities District Property located on Route #139 and Prairie Road in Unity, Waldo County.
2. Gray Squirrels. It is unlawful to hunt gray squirrels on any land which is dedicated as a public or private park or on any land located within the limits of the compact or built-up portion of any city or town.
3. Haley Pond. It is unlawful to hunt waterfowl on Haley Pond in the town of Rangeley and Dallas Plantation, Franklin County.

4. Wildlife Sanctuaries and certain Wildlife Management Areas. Unless otherwise specifically provided, it is unlawful to hunt or trap any wild animal or wild bird within the limits of any wildlife sanctuary, any area properly posted by the State of Maine, or within the following described territories:

• Back Bay Sanctuary, Portland
• Baxter State Park closed to all hunting except: The area north of Trout Brook in T6R9; in T6R10 or T2R9 and T2R10 where hunting is allowed.
• Beauchamp Sanctuary - see information on bow and arrow hunting
• Carver's Pond Waterfowl Sanctuary
• Colby College Area, Waterville
• Drake's Island Game Sanctuary
• Dry Pond Sanctuary (Crystal Lake)
• Fairfield Sanctuary - Trapping is allowed in accordance with the general laws of the State.
• Glencove Sanctuary
• Gray Game Sanctuary
• Hog Island Game Sanctuary
• Jefferson & Whitefield Sanctuary
• Kineo Point Sanctuary
• Limington, Hollis, Waterboro Sanctuary
• Lowell E. Barnes Area, Oxford County
• Marsh Island Area, Old Town, Orono (Penobscot County) - Trapping is allowed in accordance with the general laws of the State.
• Megunticook Lake and Vicinity Sanctuary
• Merrymeeting Bay Game Sanctuary
• Monroe Island Game Sanctuary
• Moosehead Lake Game Sanctuary
• Moosehorn Game Sanctuary
• Narragansett Game Sanctuary - Trapping is allowed in accordance with the general laws of the State.
• Oak Grove Area, Vassalboro
• Ocean Park Game & Bird Sanctuary
• Orrington Game Sanctuary
• Pittston Farm Sanctuary
• Prout's Neck; Richmond's Island; Cape Elizabeth Sanctuary - see information bow and arrow hunting. Trapping is allowed in accordance with the general laws of the State.
• Rangeley Game Sanctuary
• Rangeley Lake Sanctuary
• Rangeley Plantation Sanctuary
• Readfield and Winthrop Sanctuary
• Salmon Pond Sanctuary
• Sebago Lake Basin Area, Standish, Windham
• Somerset Game Sanctuary
• Standish Sanctuary
• Stanwood Wildlife Sanctuary, Ellsworth
• Steve Powell WMA (Swan Island), Richmond
• Thorncrag-Stanton Bird Sanctuary
• Tomhegan Game Sanctuary
• Wells Sanctuary
• Wells & York Game Sanctuary
• Willow Water Game Sanctuary
• Woodbury Sanctuary, Litchfield, Monmouth
• York Game Sanctuary, Franklin County

Indian Territory

As a result of the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act of 1980, lands purchased by the Penobscot Indian Nation and the Passamaquoddy Tribe within certain designated areas of the State are classified as Indian territory and have special legal status. The Penobscot Nation and the Passamaquoddy Tribe, within their respective Indian territories, have exclusive authority to regulate hunting and trapping. At the time of this publication, parcels of Indian territory had been acquired within the following areas:

Penobscot Nation:

Franklin County: Alder Stream Twp.

Penobscot County: T2R9 NWP (western portion), T3R9 NWP (eastern portion), T6R8 WELS (western portion) Argyle Township (northern portion) and T3R1 NBPP (northeastern portion).

Piscataquis County: T6R8 NWP. The Penobscot Nation also has exclusive authority to regulate hunting and trapping in the Penobscot Reservation, consisting of all islands in the Penobscot River north of, and including, Indian Island, located near Old Town, Maine. Contact the Penobscot Nation, Department of Natural Resources for specific locations of Reservation islands.

Passamaquoddy Tribe:

Franklin County: Lowelltown, T1R8 WBKP.

Hancock County: T3&4ND.

Penobscot County: T3R9 NWP, T5R1 NBPP, TAR7 WELS.

Somerset County: Holeb T6R1 NBKP, Prentiss, T4R4 NBKP, Hammond Township, T3R4 NBKP, Alder Brook Township, T3R3 NBKP, Pittston Academy Grant, T2R4 NBKP Soldiertown Township, T2R3 NBKP.

Washington County: T5ND, BPP; T19 MD, Indian Township, and Pleasant Point, Perry.

Most of these areas will be conspicuously posted as Indian Territory. Anyone wishing to hunt or trap on Indian territory should contact the appropriate Indian agency for further information.

Penobscot Indian Nation:
Department of Natural Resources
12 Wabanaki Way
Indian Island, ME 04468;
(207) 827-7776, Extension 230

Passamaquoddy Tribe:
Ranger Department
Box 301
Princeton, ME 04668
(207) 796-2677

Maine Indian Tribal-State Commission
PO Box 186
Hudson, ME 04449
(207) 394-2045

Wildlife Management Areas

All Wildlife Management Areas (WMA), except Steve Powell WMA (Swan Island), owned and managed by the Department are open for general law hunting and trapping. For more information, see Wildlife Management Areas.

Camping, fires, and permanent tree stands are all prohibited on Department-owned WMA's.

State Parks and Historic Sites

The Maine Department of Conservation, Bureau of Parks and Lands manages one-half million acres of land in Maine for a mix of activities, including hunting and trapping, for its citizens and visitors. The safety of all visitors is of primary concern to the bureau. Certain heavily developed and high-use areas are closed to hunting for all or part of the year. At other areas, the bureau provides as many hunting and trapping opportunities as are reasonable and consistent with its mandates and visitor safety.

Hunters and trappers are asked to exercise due caution and care for the safety and enjoyment of other visitors when using Bureau lands by obeying posted information and the rules listed below.

General hunting, except where specifically prohibited, is allowed from October 1 - April 30. Hunting and trapping shall take place in conformity with the laws of the State of Maine, rules of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and local ordinances. Trapping on State park or historic site land in organized townships requires the written permission of the Bureau. There will be no hunting allowed on State park lands or restricted zone of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, between May 1 and September 30.

1. Hunting is not allowed in any Memorial or Historic Site.
2. Hunting is not allowed at Andrews Beach; that portion of Bradbury Mountain State Park west of State Route 9; Cobscook Bay; Crescent Beach and Kettle Cove; Damariscotta Lake; Ferry Beach; Holbook Island Sanctuary; Nickerson Lake; Owls Head Light; that portion of Quoddy Head within 1,000 feet of the lighthouse; Reid; Sebago Lake; Shackford Head; Two Lights; and Wolfe's Neck Woods State Parks.
3. Work areas and areas with significant public use may be posted and closed to hunting from time to time in the interest of public safety.
4. The discharging of any weapons from or within 300' of any trail, picnic area, camping area, campsite, parking area, building, boat launching site or other developed area or bridge is prohibited. Loaded weapons are not allowed on the treadway of any trail posted "Closed to hunting".
5. The baiting of any animal for the purpose of hunting is not allowed.

For more information, please call (207) 287-3821, TTY (207) 287-2213, or write the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands, 22 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0022.

Public Reserved Lands

Firearms - Loaded firearms are not permitted in campsites, on marked hiking trails, or at boat launching sites and picnic sites and shall not be discharged within 300 feet of such areas.

Bear Hunting - A permit is required from the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands to place bait on Public Reserved Land for the purpose of hunting bear.

National Wildlife Refuges

NOTE: On National Wildlife Refuges which permit hunting of upland game, persons hunting upland species other than deer and turkey with a shotgun shall possess and use only nontoxic shot while in the field.

More restrictive regulations may apply to National Wildlife Refuges open to public hunting. For additional information on federal refuge regulations, contact:

1. Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, 321 Port Road, Wells, ME 04090; (207) 646-9226.
2. Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge, P.O. Box 279, Milbridge, ME 04658; (207) 546-2124.
3. Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, 1168 Main Street, Old Town, ME 04468; (207) 827-6138.
4. Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge (Baring and Edmunds Units), RR #1, Box 202, Baring, ME 04694; (207) 454-7161.
5. Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge, P.O. Box 240, Errol, NH 03579; (603) 482-3415.

White Mountain National Forest (Oxford County, Maine)

The public land within National Forests is open to hunting. Portable tree stands that do not damage live trees may be used. Please contact the Bethel office of the Androscoggin Ranger District for more information on bear baiting on National Forest lands at (207) 824-2134.

National Park Service

Acadia National Park and the Appalachian National Scenic Trail - hunting, trapping, and/or possessing a weapon is prohibited on land administered by the National Park Service. For further information on these lands contact:

• Acadia National Park, PO Box 177, Bar Harbor, ME 04609 - (207) 288-8791
  (Note: Mount Desert Island, also known as MDI, is located within the geographic boundary of WMD 26.)
• Appalachian Trail Park Office, Harpers Ferry Center, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425 - (304) 535-6278
• Appalachian Trail Conference, New England Regional Office, PO Box 312, Lyme, NH 03768-0312 - (603) 795-4935.

Hunting/Trapping on Private Property

The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Landowner Relations Program is actively working towards enhancing the relationship between landowners and land users. With approximately 94% of the land in Maine privately owned, everyone MUST respect landowners and their rights. Landowner wishes have to be followed by all outdoor recreation participants to help ensure access and use of private property in the years to come.

The Maine Legislature has enacted laws that address the concerns of landowners.

Summarized below are several of those laws and a brief description of each. For further detail on these laws, consult Maine Revised Statues cited in parenthesis.

Landowner Liability (14 MRSA §159-A)

Limited Duty. An owner, lessee, manager, holder of an easement or occupant of premises shall owe no duty of care to keep the premises safe for entry or use by others for recreational or harvesting activities or to give warning of any hazardous condition, use, structure or activity on these premises to persons entering for those purposes. This subsection applies regardless of whether permission has been given to another to pursue recreational or harvesting activities on the premises.

Exceptions to Limited Duty.

1. For a willful or malicious failure to guard or warn against a dangerous condition, use, structure or activity; and
2. When financial consideration is paid for the exclusive right to make use of the property for recreational activities.

Costs and fees. The court shall award any direct legal costs, including reasonable attorney's fees, to an owner, lessee, manager, holder of an easement or occupant who is found not to be liable for injury to a person or property pursuant to this section.

Posting of Land (17-A MRSA, §402): Posting may be done in one of the following four ways:

1. Use of signs placed no further than 100 feet apart that deny access for a particular activity or for all activities.
2. Paint system utilizing two silver horizontal paint marks placed on trees, rocks, fence posts or other objects now mean access by permission only. (These objects must be placed no further apart than 100 feet.)
3. Landowners may post their land "in a manner reasonably likely to come to the attention of the intruder."
4. Landowners may verbally or in writing convey to others to stay off their property.

Other provisions of posting.

1. Signs or paint markings must be at all vehicular access entrances from a public way.
2. It is unlawful to post the land of another and to remove, destroy, mutilate or deface any signs or paint marks.
3. Trespass by a motor vehicle is a violation of the trespass law.

Trespass Damages (14 MRSA, §7551-B): Any person who enters the land of another without permission and causes damage to the property of another is liable to the owner in a civil action. Violations of this law will have the following results:

1. If the damage is intentional, the person doing the damage is liable to the owner for 2 times the actual damage plus additional costs which includes the attorney fees of the landowner.
2. If the damage is unintentional, the person doing the damage is liable to the owner for the amount of the actual damage plus additional costs which includes attorney fees of the landowner.
3. A person doing damage to property of another may also be charged criminally for doing the damage.

Unlawful cutting of trees (14 MRSA, §7552, and 17 MRSA, §2510): It is unlawful for any person to intentionally, knowingly, recklessly or negligently cut down or fell any tree without the consent of the owner of the property on which the tree stands.

Abuse of Another Persons Property While Hunting (12 MRSA §10652):

It is unlawful to tear down a fence or wall, destroy any crop, leave open any bars or gates, or insert objects into trees on another person's land without permission. See tree stand information.

Littering: It is unlawful to dispose of litter anywhere in this state except in areas or receptacles designed for that purpose.

Civil Trespass Prohibition (12 MRSA §10657):

While engaging in any activity regulated by the Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, a person, knowing that the person is not licensed or privileged to do so, may not:

1. Enter or cause a projectile to enter any place from which that person may lawfully be excluded and that is posted in accordance with Title 17-A, section 402, subsection 4 or in a manner reasonably likely to come to the attention of intruders or that is fenced or otherwise enclosed in a manner designed to exclude intruders; or
2. Enter or remain in or cause a projectile to enter or remain in any place in defiance of a lawful order not to enter or an order to vacate that was personally communicated to that person by the owner of the place or another authorized person.

Definition. For the purposes of this section, “projectile” means a bullet, pellet, shot, shell, ball, arrow, bolt or other object propelled or launched from a firearm or a bow, crossbow or similar tensile device.

For information on other provisions of these laws, contact the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s Landowner Coordinator at (207) 287-2104.

Always Seek Permission before engaging in any form of outdoor recreation on property which belongs to someone else. If you know you are welcome to use someone's land, don't abuse the privilege. If you don't know if you are welcome, find out. If the land is posted or you know you are not welcome, find another location. A hunting or trapping license does not give you the right — stated or implied — to go on another person's land against their wishes.

Items of Interest

Chronic Wasting Disease - Transportation of Certain Wildlife into Maine From Outside of the State

Chronic Wasting Disease or CWD is a fatal brain disease of white-tailed deer, mule deer, caribou, moose and elk. It now occurs in several mid-western and western states and a couple of western Canadian provinces. Where it is established, CWD can be very destructive to local deer, caribou, moose and elk herds, as well as to the hunting economies these populations support.

Although there is no known link between CWD and any human disease, health officials advise against consuming meat from CWD-infected deer. The CWD disease agent, a type of protein, accumulates in certain high-risk tissues in a sick deer or elk's body. These include: the brain, spinal cord, spleen, lymph nodes, tonsils, eyes, saliva, urine, and feces. Deer meat is not known to harbor the disease agent, unless it is contaminated by other high-risk tissues.

In Maine, we have been monitoring for the presence of CWD in wild and captive deer since 1999. To date, no CWD diseased animals have been detected. To keep Maine free of CWD, the Department of Agriculture (captive deer and elk) and the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (white-tailed deer) are actively working to prevent the introduction of CWD. Here's how hunters can help:

Urine-based Deer Lures

At this time, we do not know whether any captive/farmed deer or elk used by the lure industry have ever contracted CWD. To date, urine-based deer lures are not being checked for the presence of CWD proteins. Until more is known about whether commercial deer lures pose a risk of spreading CWD, we recommend that hunters use caution in spreading urine-based lures in the environment, and avoid placing the lures on their clothing or skin. Avoid placing deer lures on the ground or on vegetation where deer can reach them. Deer lures can be safely placed above deer height, allowing air circulation to disperse the scent.

It is illegal for individuals to bring into Maine cervid carcasses or parts, except that the following carcass parts may be imported and possessed:

1. boned-out meat;
2. hardened antlers;
3. skull caps that have been cleaned free of brain and other tissues;
4. capes and hides with no skull attached;
5. teeth; and
6. finished taxidermy mounts.

This transportation restriction applies to both any cervid wild by nature and to any cervid killed in a commercial hunting preserve, that are taken in any state, province, or country outside of Maine.

Any person who imports into Maine any cervid carcass or parts described above and is notified that the animal has tested positive for CWD must report the test results to the Department within 72 hours of receiving notification.

It is legal for individuals to transport through the State of Maine cervid carcasses or parts destined for other states, provinces, and countries. Such transportation is to occur without undue delay and using the most reasonably direct route through Maine to the final destinationfor the cervid carcass or parts and in a manner that is both leak-proof and that prevents their exposure to the environment.

For more detailed information on CWD, see CWD Fact Sheet.

Target Identification While Hunting

This is a summary of 12 MRSA § 7406-A.

While hunting, a hunter may not shoot at a target without being certain that it is the wild animal or wild bird sought.

A reasonable and prudent hunter:

• Bears the risk of loss of legitimate prey to avoid the risk of the destruction of human life; neither disregards the risk of causing the death of another human being nor fails to be aware of that risk as a consequence of misidentification; and never bases identification upon sound alone or even upon sound in combination with what appears to be an appendage of the wild animal or wild bird sought.
• Bases identification upon obtaining an essentially unobstructed view of the head and torso of the potential target.
• Recognizes that these sound and sight target-determining factors are affected by a number of other considerations, including, but not limited to the distance to the target, surrounding or intervening terrain and cover, lighting and weather conditions, the hunter's own ability to hear and see, the hunters own experience and the proximity of other persons in the hunter's immediate vicinity.

Reporting Accidents and Aiding Victims

Any person who knows or has reason to believe that they have inflicted injury to another person by the use of firearms or bow and arrow is required to make themselves known to the victim and render such first aid and assistance as they are capable of under the circumstances. The incident must be reported by the quickest means, to a game warden or other law enforcement officer.

Commercial Shooting Area

A person may not charge any fee for access to land if the fee is contingent upon the taking of game on that land or directly related to the taking of game on the land unless the land is an authorized commercial shooting area licensed as follows: The Commissioner may issue licenses for the establishment and operation of commercial shooting areas, authorizing the owner of a commercial shooting area to charge others for the opportunity to hunt mallard ducks, pheasants, quail, Chukar partridge, and Hungarian partridge in that area. (12 MRSA section 12101)

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 season on those species, in accordance with the provisions of 12 MRSA Part 13, as long as the person possesses a valid state hunting license that allows the hunting of those wild birds and wild animals.

The operator of the commercial shooting area shall provide to each person taking birds in that area a receipted invoice or bill of sale for possession and transportation of those birds.

Enforcement:

Enforcement of the trespass laws of a commercial shooting area is the responsibility of the owner and may not in any manner be considered an obligation of the Department.

Commercial Shooting Areas:

Hunting on commercial shooting areas is governed by the license provisions of Section 12101. For a complete copy of this law, and to obtain a list of commercial shooting areas, call the Information Center at 287-8000.

Department Check Stations

Our wildlife biologists collect information that is valuable in determining regional deer herd productivity and condition and figuring sex and age ratios. You will receive facts and figures from last year's season, and the information you provide will be a basis for management decisions to be made next year. We would appreciate your participation whether you are successful or not.

A Caution on Liver & Kidney Consumption

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and the State Bureau of Health recommend that the liver and kidneys of moose not be eaten because of possible contamination with the heavy metal cadmium. Also, recent studies have shown smaller amounts of cadmium in liver tissues from Maine deer, and deer, elk and antelope from other States. Maine health officials recommend that deer liver consumption be limited to 0.8 pounds in one sitting and 1 to 1-1/3 pounds per week. Human symptoms of acute cadmium poisoning include severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle cramps and salivation. There is no known health risk from eating moose meat or deer meat.

Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program

The Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act of 1937, commonly known as the Pittman-Robertson (PR) Act established a "User Pay/User Benefit" philosophy for funding State wildlife restoration and conservation efforts directed towards America's wildlife resources. These funds have played a vital role in the management of Maine's wildlife since they were first used in 1939 to enhance the Department's wildlife management capabilities. Revenues are collected from excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, pistols, revolvers, bows and arrows and deposited in the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Fund.

These funds support a wide array of projects in Maine which include: wildlife population assessments, long-range species management planning, development of management recommendations, implementation of management programs, acquisition and management of wildlife habitat, and hunter education.

Wildlife Management Districts

See Wildlife Management Districts where you'll find individual district maps and a list of towns and district numbers for each town.

Big Buck Club

Maine has a club for deer hunters called "The Biggest Bucks in Maine Club", which is sponsored by The Maine Sportsman (PO Box 9