Updates Related to the COVID-19 State of Emergency

MDIFW Offices and Facilities

Beginning March 23, 2020, all MDIFW offices and facilities will be closed to the public.

Our services will remain available through our website at mefishwildlife.com

You can contact us directly for assistance through email, our Facebook page or by calling us at 207-287-8000 during regular business hours (Monday-Friday 8am-5pm).

Recreational Safety Courses

Most upcoming recreational safety courses have been cancelled or postponed.

Because many of the courses were scheduled at public facilities, the sponsors may have already notified students of cancellations or postponements. For current course status, please review the online schedule. Please continue to check the website for updates regarding course availability.

If you have any questions regarding course status, please contact the Regional Coordinator for your area or Recreational Safety Office at 207-287-5520

Students encouraged to complete the online firearms or bow hunter safety programs in preparation for completing the in-person field day at a later date. Learn more.

Registered Maine Guide Exams

As of March 25, 2020, all Registered Maine Guide examinations are postponed. We will notify all participants that are currently scheduled for an exam and we will work to accommodate everyone as soon as it is possible to do so safely.

Summerhaven Shooting Range

Due to staffing challenges during the current state of civil emergency, the Summerhaven Shooting Range is currently closed to public use until further notice.

Public use at the Summerhaven Shooting Range is restricted to time periods when an approved Range Safety Officer is present. Range Safety Officers at the range are trained and certified volunteers who donate their time to ensure safe shooting practices at the range.

The Range will still be available for use by Law Enforcement Agencies to meet their training needs. Agencies wishing to reserve range time, please contact Craig Gerry, MDIFW Shooting Range Coordinator at (207) 446-4249.

Moose Hunting Permit Drawing

The 2020 Maine Moose Permit Drawing, originally planned to be held in Jackman at Unity College Sky Lodge, will now be a virtual event broadcast live on June 13, 2020 at 1pm.

Along with the drawing of the names of the lucky hunters, there will be some special presentations hosted by Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Biologists and Game Wardens that will focus on moose biology, management and hunting techniques. We will share more information soon!

We will look forward to the town of Jackman hosting the moose permit drawing event in June of 2021!

The full results will be made available online by 6pm Saturday, June 13 at mefishwildlife.com

Fishing Derbies and Bass Tournaments

The issuance of fishing derby and bass tournament permits is temporarily suspended until further notice. These events often include gatherings of large groups of participants and spectators and would be inconsistent with current social distancing requirements. At this time, we are not accepting any new applications or requests to reschedule events.

Guided Hunting, Fishing, Boating and Outdoor Activities

The State of Maine has adopted a staged approach, supported by science, public health expertise and industry collaboration, to allow Maine businesses to safely open when the time is right. The plan is available at www.maine.gov/covid19/restartingmaine.

This is one of many industry guidance documents that the State is providing for businesses so they can reopen safely. Please make sure you pair this document with the general guidance document that applies to all industries, which is available on www.maine.gov/DECD.

Everyone's goal is to allow guide businesses to operate while keeping guides and clients safe and healthy. Please use common sense and keep the goal in mind.

COVID-19 Guidance Checklist: Guided Hunting, Fishing, Boating and Outdoor Activities