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Updates Related to the COVID-19 State of Emergency
The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has established this page to provide information about agency program changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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
Beginning June 6, 2020, the Summerhaven Shooting Range will be open to the public during posted times when volunteer Range Safety Officers are present (see schedule at mefishwildlife.com/ranges).
Shooters are required to adhere to the COVID-19 Guidelines while they are at the range.
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. See current schedule at mefishwildlife.com/ranges
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.
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 bass tournament and fishing derby permits, which were temporarily suspended due to public health concerns related to the pandemic, has now resumed. New operational guidelines will be incorporated as conditions of permit issuance.
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