SUMMARY OF - Town of Kingfield, Maine
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S U M M A R Y O F
M A I N E
HUNTING
L AWS
2020-2021
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife | Season dates for hunting are revised annually. Information appearing in this book may not be valid after July 2021.3
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24 MAINE’S WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS
For a more detailed map and information on WMDs, please visit mefishwildlife.comDIGITAL
VERSION AVAILABLE
Download a PDF copy
of this book at
mefishwildlife.com/huntinglaws
S U M M A R Y O F H U N T I N G L AW S to easily reference from your
TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S computer or mobile device.
LAWS OF THE MAINE OUTDOORS...... 2 Supervision of Junior Hunters.....................17 Bear Hunting with a Maine Guide...............27
2020-21 MAINE HUNTING SEASONS.. 4 Youth Hunting Days.....................................17 Laws Regarding Registration........................27
LICENSING INFORMATION................... 6 DEER HUNTING..................................... 18 2020 Bear Seasons & Bag Limits..................27
Who Needs a License?....................................6 Deer Hunting Prohibitions...........................18 BEAR TRAPPING.................................. 28
What Are the Requirements?.........................6 Areas Closed to Deer Hunting......................18 Bear Trapping Permit....................................28
How Are Licenses Obtained?..........................6 Areas Open to Deer Hunting........................18 Design & Deployment Standards.................28
Definitions......................................................6 Deer Permits & Licenses...............................18 Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration
Special Licenses...............................................7 Deer Population Monitoring Project............19 Program.........................................................28
Outdoor Safety Courses..................................7 Reporting Accidents & Aiding Victims........20 Legal Devices.................................................28
Apprentice Hunter License.............................7 Harassment of Hunters................................20 HUNTING AREAS.................................. 29
2020-21 Apprentice Hunter License and 2020 Deer Seasons & Bag Limits.................20 State Parks and Historic Sites......................29
Permit Fees......................................................7 Wildlife Management District Map.............29
CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE............. 21
2020-21 License and Permit Fees..................8 What is CWD?...............................................21 Public Reserved Lands..................................29
Lifetime License Fees......................................9 Regulations on Feeding Deer........................21 Wildlife Management Areas ........................29
Maine Lifetime License...................................9 Waste of Game..............................................21 National Wildlife Refuges (NWR)................29
Superpack License...........................................9 MDIFW Check Stations................................21 White Mountain National Forest.................30
License Revocation Information..................10 National Park Service....................................30
MOOSE HUNTING................................. 22
GENERAL HUNTING LAWS...................11 Moose Hunting Permit.................................22 Baxter State Park...........................................30
Prohibition Regarding Selling 2020 Moose Permit Hunt Seasons & Closed and Special Regulation Areas...........30
of Wild Animals.............................................11 Bag Limits......................................................22 Railroad Tracks..............................................30
Night Hunting ..............................................11 Native American Territory...........................31
WILD TURKEY HUNTING..................... 23
Raccoon Hunting..........................................11
Landowner Privileges...................................23 HUNTING/TRAPPING ON PRIVATE
Placement of Bait..........................................11 PROPERTY.............................................. 31
Wild Turkey to Be Tagged.............................23
Minimum Shooting Distances......................11 Commercial Shooting Areas.........................32
Wild Turkey Transportation.........................23
Target Identification While Hunting...........12
Wild Turkey Registration.............................23 LEGAL HUNTING HOURS.................... 33
Tagging, Transportation & Registration.....12
Wild Turkey Hunting Prohibitions..............23 MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS................... 34
Time Limits for Registering.........................13 Summary of Federal Regulations.................35
Wild Turkey Legal Hunting Hours...............23
Condition of Animal Presented Phone Numbers You Might Need.................35
Wild Turkey Licensing, Permit,
for Registration.............................................13
& Who May Hunt..........................................23 Maine Migratory Hunting Zones Map.........35
Possession of Gift Bear, Deer, Moose,
Spring Wild Turkey Hunting........................24 2020-21 Migratory Game Birds Seasons
or Wild Turkey...............................................13
Fall Wild Turkey Hunting.............................24 & Bag Limits..................................................36
Hunting with Dogs and Dog Training..........13
2020-21 Wild Turkey Seasons & Laws Specific to Merrymeeting Bay.............38
LAWS PERTAINING TO HUNTING Bag Limits......................................................24 Duck Stamp Art Contest...............................38
EQUIPMENT............................................14
OTHER SPECIES HUNTING................. 25 Harvest Information Program.....................38
General Laws.................................................14
Other Species Permits & Licenses................25 Stamp Requirements....................................38
Firearms Laws...............................................14
2020-21 Other Species Seasons & Field Possession Limit..................................39
Disturbing Traps...........................................14
Bag Limits......................................................25 Importation...................................................39
Trail/Game Cameras Law..............................14
BEAR HUNTING.................................... 26 Band Recovery Reports.................................39
Archery Information.....................................15
Bear Hunting Permit.....................................26 Barrow’s Goldeneye.......................................39
Hunter Orange Clothing Requirements......15
Landowner Privileges...................................26 2020-21 Migratory Bird Hunter’s Time
Crossbow Information..................................16
Bait.................................................................26 & Tide Table...................................................40
Observation Stands......................................16
Legal Hunting Equipment............................26 MAINE IF&W CONTACTS......................41
JUNIOR HUNTERS................................. 17 Bear Hunting Prohibitions...........................26
Junior Hunting Licenses..............................172 LAWS OF THE MAINE OUTDOORS - D IGITAL
LAWS OF THE
MAINE OUTDOORS
Being a responsible user of the Maine outdoors means staying
informed of, and complying with, the current laws and rules.
This book, published by the Maine Department WHY DIGITAL LAW BOOKS?
of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW), is In 2016, we printed over 700,000 law books. That’s a
designed to help you quickly find and understand lot of paper and a lot of money diverted from Maine’s
fish and wildlife.
the hunting rules that apply to you. We’ve also
included handy tools to help you stay in compliance,
like charts of legal hunting hours already adjusted
for sunrise and sunset. And in the back, you’ll find
MDIFW contact info, including regional game
With 77% of the U.S. population using smartphones
warden communication centers.
in 2017, our agency’s mission clearly directed us to
Our popular summary guides make it easy to find make a shift. And while we are still printing some
and follow the laws and rules that apply to you, books (available at license agent locations), we’re
asking you to do your part and make use of the
no matter what outdoor activity you’re interested
convenient and responsible digital options.
in. And now, our NEW digital formats allow you
As a bonus, the digital options are searchable and
to quickly check a technical rule, confirm legal
always on hand, as long as you have your mobile
hunting hours, look up best practices and more— device. If you always keep it on you (and charged) to
from anywhere, anytime. take photos or use the GPS, this is a no-brainer.
2 0 2 0 - 2 1 S TAT E O F M A I N E S U M M A R Y O F L AW S & R U L E S H U N T I N G Q U E STI O N S? C A L L 2 07 2 87-8 000LAWS OF THE MAINE OUTDOORS - DIGITAL 3 NO CELL COVERAGE IN THE WOODS? NO PROBLEM. Just go to mefishwildlife.com/laws and browse by activity. Before you head into the woods, follow these instructions to save an offline law book or quick-reference guide to your mobile device. FROM YOUR IPHONE FROM YOUR ANDROID FROM YOUR COMPUTER 1. Download the Adobe 1. In Chrome, go to: Go to mefishwildlife.com/laws Acrobat Reader app. mefishwildlife.com/laws. to save a copy and/or print just 2. In Safari, go to: 2. Select the link for the PDF the pages you need. mefishwildlife.com/laws. you want to download. Don’t have home access to a 3. Click the link for the PDF 3. Choose to download the file computer or the Internet? you want to download. to your Downloads folder 1. Consider asking a friend or 4. When it opens, tap on the OR family member to help. share icon in the bottom center 4. Download the Adobe Acrobat 2. Visit your local library. of the screen, then tap ‘Copy to Reader app and open the PDF. Adobe Acrobat.’ The file is now saved in your Adobe Acrobat app and your Files app for offline viewing. QUE ST IONS? CA LL 2 07 287-8 000 2 0 2 0 - 2 1 S TAT E O F M A I N E S U M M A R Y O F L AW S & R U L E S H U N T I N G
4 2020-21 MAINE HUNTING SEASONS
2020-21 MAINE HUNTING SEASONS
2020-21 MAINE HUNTING SEASONS
SEASONS LIMITS
DEER WMDs
FIRST DAY LAST DAY DAILY BAG & POSSESSION
Firearms Season All November 2, 2020 November 28, 2020
Maine Resident Only Day* All October 31, 2020
Youth Deer Day All October 24, 2020
1 Deer Per Year**
Archery/Crossbow All October 3, 2020 October 30, 2020
Muzzleloader Statewide All November 30, 2020 December 5, 2020
Muzzleloader 12, 13, 15-18, 20-26, 29 December 7, 2020 December 12, 2020
Expanded Archery Designated areas only September 12, 2020 December 12, 2020
**Only deer with antlers at least 3 inches long may be taken from October 31-December 12, 2020, except that any deer may be taken in
designated WMDs by hunters with any-deer permits. Exceptions: Additional deer may be taken by participating in the Expanded Archery
Season, or by anyone possessing a bonus antlerless deer permit or superpack antlerless deer permit. Note: In WMDs where no any-deer
permits are issued, it is bucks only for youth hunters on youth deer day and also bucks only for archers during the archery season on deer.
SEASONS LIMITS
BEAR WMDs
FIRST DAY LAST DAY DAILY BAG & POSSESSION
General Hunting Season All August 31, 2020 November 28, 2020
Youth Bear Day All August 29, 2020
Hunting with Dogs All September 14, 2020 October 30, 2020 2 Bear Per Year
1 by hunting, 1 by trapping
Hunting with Bait
All August 31, 2020 September 26, 2020
Bait can be placed August 1, 2020
Bear Trapping All September 1, 2020 October 31, 2020
MOOSE SEASONS LIMITS
WMDs
BY PERMIT ONLY FIRST DAY LAST DAY DAILY BAG & POSSESSION
1- 6, 10, 11, 18, 19,
September 28, 2020 October 3, 2020
27, 28
1-14, 17-19, 27, 28 October 12, 2020 October 17, 2020
1 Moose Per Year
1-6 October 26, 2020 October 31, 2020 by either permittee or
sub-permittee
Maine Resident Only Day* 15, 16 October 31, 2020
15, 16 November 2 , 2020 November 28, 2020
Permit application period: January 22, 2020-May 15, 2020.
*A non-resident who owns 25 or more acres of land in Maine and leaves land open to hunting, holds a valid hunting license, and is not otherwise prohibited
by law, may hunt deer on the Resident only day, anywhere in the state. A verification form must be completed and can be located on our website.
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SPRING WILD TURKEY SEASONS LIMITS
WMDs
Bow & arrow, crossbow or shotgun FIRST DAY LAST DAY DAILY BAG & POSSESSION
7 and 9-29 May 3, 2021 June 5, 2021 2 bearded Wild Turkeys*
All Hunters
1-6 and 8 May 3, 2021 June 5, 2021 1 bearded Wild Turkey*
May take up to 2 bearded Wild Turkeys
Youth Spring Wild Turkey Day May 1, 2021
from WMDs that have a 2 bird limit.
*May take up to 2 turkeys for the spring season, but an individual WMD bag limit cannot be exceeded. The order in which they are taken does not matter.
FALL WILD TURKEY SEASONS LIMITS
WMDs
Bow & arrow, crossbow or shotgun FIRST DAY LAST DAY DAILY BAG & POSSESSION
15-17, 20-25 September 14, 2020 November 7, 2020 5 Wild Turkeys either sex, any age**
26 September 14, 2020 November 7, 2020 3 Wild Turkeys either sex, any age**
General Hunting Season 28 September 14, 2020 November 7, 2020 2 Wild Turkeys either sex, any age**
6, 10-13, 18,
September 14, 2020 November 7, 2020 1 Wild Turkey either sex, any age**
19, 27 & 29
1-5, 7-9, 14 Closed to taking of Wild Turkeys
Youth Fall Wild Turkey Day September 12, 2020
**May take up to five wild turkeys for the fall season, but cannot exceed an individual WMD bag limit, the order in which they are taken does not
matter. No more than two wild turkeys may be harvested per permit holder per day.
SEASONS LIMITS
UPLAND AND MIGRATORY BIRDS WMDs
FIRST DAY LAST DAY DAILY BAG POSSESSION
Ruffed Grouse & Bobwhite Quail All September 26, 2020 December 31, 2020 4 8
Pheasant All September 26, 2020 December 31, 2020 2 4
Woodcock All
Common Snipe All
Ducks, Geese, Sea Ducks More detailed season info on page 36.
(Scoter, Eider, Long-Tailed Duck)
Sora & Virginia Rails (and Gallinules) All
August 1, 2020 September 25, 2020
1-6
February 5, 2021 April 15, 2021
Crows No Limit
August 1, 2020 September 25, 2020
7-29
January 21, 2021 March 31, 2021
SEASONS LIMITS
OTHER SPECIES WMDs
FIRST DAY LAST DAY DAILY BAG POSSESSION
Gray Squirrel All September 26, 2020 December 31, 2020 4 8
Gray Squirrel (Falconry) All September 26, 2020 February 27, 2021 4 8
Snowshoe Hare All September 26, 2020 March 31, 2021 4 8
Vinalhaven Island,
Snowshoe Hare September 26, 2020 February 27, 2021 4 8
Knox County
Bobcat All December 1, 2020 February 20, 2021 No Limit
Fox All October 19, 2020 February 27, 2021 No Limit
Raccoon All October 1, 2020 December 31, 2020 No Limit
Skunk, Opossum All October 19, 2020 December 31, 2020 No Limit
Coyote Night Hunt All December 16, 2020 August 31, 2021 No Limit
Coyote, Woodchuck,
All No Closed Season for Hunting
Porcupine, Red Squirrel
Spruce Grouse, Lynx,
No Open Season for Hunting
Cottontail Rabbit
Note: Except for migratory game birds, there is no hunting season on any species of bird or animal which is not listed above.
QUE ST IONS? CA LL 2 07 287-8 000 2 0 2 0 - 2 1 S TAT E O F M A I N E S U M M A R Y O F L AW S & R U L E S H U N T I N G6 LICENSING INFORMATION
LICENSING INFORMATION
Read on to learn how Maine law defines the major hunting license types, what they allow, and how to obtain one.
Native American Exception: Native
WHO NEEDS A LICENSE? WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?
Americans are exempt from the safety
In general, anyone who hunts wild birds or To obtain a hunting license in Maine, you
course requirement for archery, crossbow,
animals in Maine needs a hunting license. generally need to show that you have either
and trapping.
The type of license you need depends upon (1) held that license in a prior year, or (2)
your age, resident status, and other factors, taken a hunter safety course. License-spe- Military Exception: An active-duty
and there are some exceptions. See the cific requirements and exceptions follow. member of the U.S. Armed Forces who is
charts on pages 8 and 9 for all available permanently stationed outside of the U.S.
Firearms Licenses: When applying for an
hunting licenses and fees. and home on leave is exempt from hunter,
adult firearms hunting license in Maine,
archery, and crossbow safety course re-
In addition to a license, most hunting you must show proof of residency, and
quirements if they can show proof at time
activities also require a permit. See individ- that you have either possessed an adult
of license application that their home state
ual species pages for details. license to hunt with firearms in any prior
of record is Maine.
Junior and Adult Hunters: Hunters year beginning with 1976, or successfully
completed an approved hunter safety
under age 16 must possess a junior license, HOW ARE LICENSES OBTAINED?
and those 16 and up need an adult license. course in any U.S. state, province or coun-
From MDIFW: Residents and non-residents
try. Convicted felons cannot purchase or
Note: a junior license holder who turns 16 may obtain hunting licenses from the
possess a firearms hunting license in Maine
may hunt with that junior license for the MDIFW office in Augusta, either in person,
unless they have been issued a permit to
remainder of the calendar year. online at mainefishwildlife.com, or (for
carry a firearm.
non-residents) by mail.
Exception for Assisting in a Hunt: Archery Licenses: To obtain an adult
A person may assist in a hunt without a From Agents: Licenses can also be pur-
archery hunting license, you must show
license or permit for that activity, as long chased from agents throughout the state
proof of having held an adult license to
as they do not carry hunting equipment (sporting good stores, many convenience
hunt with bow and arrow in any year
(means to kill) or drive deer. stores, town clerks, and turnpike service
after 1979, or successful completion of an
centers). Agents who process applications
Landowner Privilege: Maine resident archery education course.
online for moose and antlerless deer permits
landowners and their immediate family Exceptions to Safety Course Requirement may charge a fee of $2.00.
members may hunt without a license
using firearms, archery, crossbow or Crossbow Permits: To obtain a crossbow Note: Not all town clerks issue non-resident
muzzleloader on land they own and reside permit you must show proof of having held licenses.
upon, provided the land exceeds 10 acres a license or permit to hunt with crossbow
All trapping licenses are issued by the
in size and is used exclusively for agricul- in any year after 1979 or successful
MDIFW office in Augusta and cannot be
tural purposes. The landowner privilege completion of a crossbow safety course.
purchased online.
is not available to hunters with revoked The applicant must also show proof of
successful completion of either a firearms It is unlawful to obtain a license or permit
or suspended licenses, and does not apply
safety course or an archery safety course or through misstatement or misrepresenta-
to moose hunting, for which a license is
must have held either one of these licenses. tion, or to possess a license or permit that
still required. See page 23 for information
has been altered or tampered with in any
about landowner privilege for turkey
way.
hunting.
KEEP YOUR LICENSE WITH YOU DEFINITIONS
You are required to keep an electronic RESIDENT means a citizen of the • has registered in Maine any motor
and/or paper copy of your hunting United States or a person who is not vehicles they own that are located
license and any necessary permits a citizen of the United States who within the state;
has been domiciled in the State for • is in compliance with the state
with you while hunting or transport- one year who: income tax laws;
ing wild birds and wild animals and,
if requested to do so, must present it • if registered to vote, is registered • is a full-time student at a Maine
in this State; college or university who satisfies
for inspection to any warden, law en-
• if licensed to drive a motor above requirements.
forcement officer, MDIFW employee,
vehicle, has made application for NONRESIDENT means a person
guide or landowner upon whose land
or possesses a motor vehicle oper- who does not fall within the
you are hunting. ator’s license issued by the State; definition of a resident.
2 0 2 0 - 2 1 S TAT E O F M A I N E S U M M A R Y O F L AW S & R U L E S H U N T I N G Q U E STI O N S? C A L L 2 07 2 87-8 000LICENSING INFORMATION 7
SPECIAL LICENSES
OUTDOOR SAFETY COURSES
Special Privilege Licenses
Military Currently Stationed in Maine:
Anyone serving in the U.S. Armed Forces Maine law requires all firearms, archery, Courses are scheduled based on
and permanently stationed at a military crossbow, or trapping license applicants instructor availability, with pre-registra-
base in Maine (including spouse and to complete an outdoor safety course, tion typically required. To view course
dependent children if they permanently unless they have previously held an listings, visit mefishwildlife.com.
reside with that person) may purchase a adult license.
For information on becoming a
resident license to hunt, trap, or fish. These 6 to 12-hour courses (depending volunteer instructor, contact your local
Maine Resident Military Currently on the subject) are sponsored by school Regional Safety Coordinator or the
Stationed Outside of Maine: Residents districts, sports clubs, civic groups, Recreational Safety Division Office.
who are on active duty in the U.S. Armed and others, and are taught statewide
by volunteer instructors certified by
Recreational Safety Division
Forces and permanently stationed outside
MDIFW. (207) 287-5220
of Maine may purchase either a hunting,
fishing, trapping, or combination hunting
and fishing license for the Maine Resident
Serviceman combination price upon verifi- coyote night hunt, crossbow, one expanded • Hide Dealers License: See prohibition
cation that Maine is their home of record. archery antlerless and one either sex. regarding selling of wild animals section
Their spouse and any dependent children Veterans must still apply for any-deer and on page 11.
residing with them are also entitled to moose permits each year. These licenses • Seasonal Hide Dealers License: Required
discounted rates (see pg. 8). may only be obtained from MDIFW’s main for any place of business that butchers
office in Augusta. wild animals and commercially sells or
Exchange Students: Any citizen of a
barters the heads or untanned hides of
foreign nation under age 21 who is living Native Americans: The commissioner deer or moose that they have butchered.
with a family in Maine for a cultural or shall issue a complimentary lifetime hunt- • Taxidermist License: Allows a place
educational exchange program may ing, archery, trapping and fishing license, of business to lawfully possess fish or
purchase a resident license to hunt or fish. including permits and other permissions wildlife for the sole purpose of preparing
Complimentary Licenses needed to hunt, trap and fish, to a person, and mounting them and to also buy, sell
who is an enrolled member of the Passam- or barter raw, untanned hides or heads of
Disabled Veterans: Maine resident
aquoddy Tribe, the Penobscot Nation, the wild animals. This includes skull and bone
and non-resident veterans (if reciprocal mounts, commonly referred to as Europe-
Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, or the
privileges exist in their home state) who an mounts and freeze-dried mounts.
Aroostook Band of Micmacs, if the person
have been honorably discharged from the
presents certification from the respective • Guides License: Required for anyone who
U.S. Armed Forces or the National Guard receives any form of remuneration for
reservation governor or the Aroostook
and have a service-connected disability their services in accompanying or assist-
Micmac Council stating that they are an
of 50% or more will be issued, upon ing others while hunting, fishing, trap-
enrolled member of that federally recog-
application, a complimentary license that ping, boating, snowmobiling, ATVing, or
nized nation, band or tribe.
entitles the holder to all privileges they camping at a primitive camping area.
are qualified to receive including hunting, Other Licenses
trapping, archery, and fishing. The license Available at the Augusta Office only. For
also includes the following permits: bear detailed information on the following li-
hunt, bear trap, muzzleloader, migratory censes, contact MDIFW at (207) 287-5232.
waterfowl, pheasant, spring and fall turkey,
APPRENTICE HUNTER LICENSE 2020-21 APPRENTICE HUNTER LICENSE AND PERMIT FEES
An apprentice hunter license is available
to a resident or non-resident 16 years or
LICENSE FEE
older who has never held a valid adult
hunting license. A person may not obtain Resident Hunting (includes bear and turkey permits) $26.00
an apprentice hunter license more than
five times. A person holding this license Resident Crossbow Permit $26.00
may not hunt other than in the presence
of an apprentice supervisor at least 18 Resident Archery $26.00
years of age who has held a valid hunting Non-resident Hunting (includes bear & turkey permits) $115.00
license for the prior three consecutive
years. The supervisor is responsible for Non-resident Small Game (includes turkey permit) $75.00
ensuring that the holder of an apprentice
hunter license follows safe hunting proto- Non-resident Crossbow Permit $56.00
col as well as all hunting laws. Non-resident Archery $75.00
Fees listed do not include agent fee.
QUE ST IONS? CA LL 2 07 287-8 000 2 0 2 0 - 2 1 S TAT E O F M A I N E S U M M A R Y O F L AW S & R U L E S H U N T I N G8 LICENSING INFORMATION
2020-21 LICENSE AND PERMIT FEES
LICENSE FEE
Big Game Hunting (16 and older) $26.00
Junior Hunting (0 to 15 years old) $8.00
Small Game* Hunting (16 and older) $15.00
Combination Hunting & Fishing (16 and older) $43.00
Combination Fishing & Archery (16 and older) $43.00
Serviceman (resident) Combination Hunting & Fishing $3.00
MAINE RESIDENTS
Serviceman (dependent) Combination Hunting & Fishing $20.00
Serviceman (dependent) Hunting $10.00
Disabled War Veteran (resident) FREE
Archery Hunting (16 and older) $26.00
Apprentice Hunter License (16 and older) See info on page 7
Superpack $201.00
Big Game Hunting (16 and older) $115.00
Combination Hunting & Fishing (16 and older) $150.00
Small Game* Hunting (16 and older) $75.00
3-Day Small Game* Hunting (valid for 3 consecutive days) $50.00
NON- RESIDENTS
Junior Hunting (0 to 15 years) $35.00
Archery Hunting (16 and older) $75.00
6-Day Archery Hunting (16 and older) $26.00
Apprentice Hunter License (16 and older) See info on page 7
Bear Permits See page 26 & 27
Coyote Night Hunting Permit $4.00
Crossbow Hunting Permit Maine Resident $26.00
(16 and older)** Non-resident $56.00
Deer, Moose, and Bear Registration $5.00
Duplicate License $2.00
Expanded Archery Permits Antlerless Deer $12.00
(See page 19) Either Sex $32.00
PERMIT AND OTHER FEES Falconry Permit $26.00
Moose Permit See page 22
Muzzleloader Permit Maine Resident $13.00
(16 and older)** Non-resident $69.00
Pheasant Permit (Cumberland and York Counties) $17.00
State Migratory Waterfowl Permit (16 and older)*** $7.50
Outdoor Partners Program $15.00
Taxidermist, Hide Dealer, and Guide Licenses See info on page 7
Wild Turkey Permit $20.00
Fees listed do not include the agent fee.
The commissioner may revoke all licenses and permits issued to any person who fails to pay the fees due and may recover fees associated with insufficient funds.
*Small game license permits hunting of all legal species except deer, bear, moose, raccoon, and bobcat.
**A resident and non-resident, under 16 years of age may hunt with a crossbow or muzzleloader if that person holds a valid junior hunting license.
***In addition to the State Migratory Waterfowl Permit, a Federal Migratory Waterfowl Permit is required.
2 0 2 0 - 2 1 S TAT E O F M A I N E S U M M A R Y O F L AW S & R U L E S H U N T I N G Q U E STI O N S? C A L L 2 07 2 87-8 000LICENSING INFORMATION 9
LIFETIME LICENSE FEES
COMBINATION COMBINATION
RESIDENTS FISHING HUNTING ARCHERY TRAPPING
OF ANY TWO* OF ANY THREE*
5 years & under $150 $150 $150 $150 $250 $400
6-15 years of age $300 $300 $300 $300 $500 $800
65 years of age $50 $50 $50 $50 $80 $110
66 years of age $40 $40 $40 $40 $64 $94
67 years of age $30 $30 $30 $30 $48 $78
68 years of age $20 $20 $20 $20 $32 $52
69 years of age $10 $10 $10 $10 $16 $26
70 and older $8.00— Covers all authorities that you are qualified to receive, see below.
COMBINATION COMBINATION
NON RESIDENTS FISHING HUNTING ARCHERY TRAPPING
OF ANY TWO* OF ANY THREE*
5 years & under $450 $450 $450 $450 $750 $1,200
6-15 years of age $900 $900 $900 $900 $1,500 $2,400
*Hunting, fishing, archery
These fees are subject to change. Please check with the Department for current fees.
MAINE LIFETIME LICENSE pheasant, spring and fall turkey, coyote SUPERPACK LICENSE
A Maine Tradition and night hunt, crossbow, one expanded ar-
chery antlerless and one expanded archery This license, available to Maine
a Gift that Lasts a Lifetime residents only, permits an eligible
A lifetime license, purchased for yourself either sex. (Must still apply for any deer
and moose permits each year). person to hunt and fish for all legal
or as a gift, allows the bearer to fish, trap, game and fish species, subject
and/or hunt for their lifetime, regardless Note: If you purchased a senior lifetime to all of the laws governing fishing,
of where they live in the future. Revenues license before age 70, you do NOT have to hunting, and archery. The Super-
generated by these licenses are deposited pay the $8.00 fee, and the permits listed in pack license includes muzzleloader,
in a special trust fund that provides long- the previous paragraph are included with crossbow, migratory waterfowl,
term financial support for Maine’s fish your lifetime license anytime during the
pheasant, spring/fall turkey, bear,
and wildlife. calendar year you turn 70 years of age.
coyote night hunt, and three ex-
Applicants 70+ Years of Age A lifetime license holder who turns 16 panded archery antlerless permits.
For a one-time fee of $8.00, a senior years of age is able to hunt with their It also includes one free chance in
lifetime license entitles the holder to all lifetime license as an adult big game license the moose lottery and entry into
privileges they are qualified to receive upon showing proof of having completed a special category in the annual
including hunting, trapping, archery, and the required safety course. Contact MDIFW any-deer permit lottery. Person
fishing. The license also includes the to upgrade to an adult license, and obtain must meet all respective safety
following permits: bear hunt, bear trap, all necessary permits. See page 17 for more course requirements to hunt with
muzzleloader, migratory waterfowl, information on Junior Hunters. ■ individual methods (i.e. crossbow,
archery, etc.).
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LICENSE REVOCATION INFORMATION
The MDIFW Commissioner may, at Minimum Mandatory Two Year exceeding the bag limit.
their discretion, revoke the hunting Revocation of ALL MDIFW Licenses • First offense of placing or hunting over
privileges of anyone convicted of a • Burglary or criminal trespass of a build- bait for deer.
hunting violation, or any violation ing located within any unorganized • Destroying or tearing down a property
of fish and wildlife laws. This is in township. posting sign (loss of hunting and
addition to any penalties imposed • Theft of any equipment used for fishing license).
by a court of law. Some violations hunting, fishing and trapping. • Hunting over another person’s bear
• Theft of any animal which has been bait without written permission from
result in mandatory revocation
obtained by hunting or trapping and that person.
(summarized below):
which was in the possession or control Littering on WMAs
Minimum Mandatory Ten Year of the person who hunted or trapped
the animal. In addition to penalties provided
Revocation of Hunting Licenses
by Maine’s littering laws, a person
If a person is convicted of Assault While Minimum Mandatory Two Year
convicted of littering on a state owned
Hunting [17A MRSA §208(A)] and Revocation of Hunting Licenses
wildlife management area or sanctuary
the offense occurred in the context of • Second offense of placing or hunting as defined in Title 12 shall surrender
hunting activity, and if, through failure over bait for deer.
their hunting and/or fishing licenses for
of the hunter to make proper target Hunting Violations with a Minimum a period of up to one year.
identification, the offense resulted in the One Year License Revocation
injury or death of another person. • Illegally hunting and/or possessing Interstate Violations/Suspensions
deer, bear, or moose during closed Maine is a participating member of the
Minimum Mandatory Five Year
season. Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, an
Revocation of Hunting Licenses
• Night hunting. agreement that recognizes suspension of
• Shooting a domestic animal while
• Discharging a firearm within 100 yards hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses
hunting.
of a building or residential dwelling across member states. This means that
• Hunting under the influence of
without permission of the owner, or in illegal activities in one state can affect
intoxicating liquor or drugs.
the owner’s absence, an adult occupant a person’s hunting, fishing, or trapping
• Conviction of violation of 17A MRSA who dwells in that location. privileges in all participating states as
while on a hunting or fishing trip or
• Illegally buying and/or selling deer, well. If a person plans to hunt, fish, or
in the pursuit of wild animals, birds or
bear, moose or wild turkeys. trap in another state, and they have a
fish and when the wounding or killing
of a human being has occurred. • Illegally hunting/possessing wild license suspension in Maine, it is their
turkeys including using illegal hunting responsibility to contact the other state
Minimum Mandatory Three Year methods. to see if they can legally hunt, fish, or
Revocation of ALL MDIFW Licenses • Hunting deer, bear, moose, or wild trap in that state.
• Disturbing traps. turkey after having killed one and/or
2 0 2 0 - 2 1 S TAT E O F M A I N E S U M M A R Y O F L AW S & R U L E S H U N T I N G Q U E STI O N S? C A L L 2 07 2 87-8 000GENERAL HUNTING LAWS 11
GENERAL HUNTING LAWS
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 SUNDAY
that species of mammal or bird.
Unlawful Conduct: The hunting,
HUNTING
possession, transporting of any species of
wild animal or wild bird, or parts thereof,
IS ILLEGAL
for which an open hunting season is not IN MAINE
specifically provided, and except as provid-
ed in the fish and wildlife laws, is unlawful.
It is also unlawful to take, possess, or
• Place any medicinal, poisonous, or stupe-
needlessly destroy the nest or eggs of any fying substance to entice any animal.
wild bird except the English or European Any parts bought or sold may not be
attached to wild animal or wild bird parts Species-specific Baiting Laws:
house sparrow, the European starling and
that are prohibited from being sold. • Baiting or feeding of deer is prohibited
the rock pigeon (a.k.a. rock dove). from June 1-December 15. See page 18
for more information.
PROHIBITION REGARDING NIGHT HUNTING
• Baiting and feeding moose and turkey is
SELLING OF WILD ANIMALS Except as otherwise provided, wild birds
prohibited from September 1 to Decem-
and wild animals may not be hunted from
Wild Birds: A person may not sell or ber 15.
½ hour after sunset until ½ hour before
possess for sale a wild bird, except for the • Baiting and feeding turkey is prohibited
sunrise the following day.
plumage of lawfully taken wild birds, during the spring wild turkey season.
Exceptions: migratory game bird, (see page • Further restrictions apply to bear baiting,
and only if that sale does not violate
40), raccoon (see below), and coyote (see see page 26.
regulations of the federal Migratory Bird page 25).
Treaty Act. MINIMUM SHOOTING DISTANCES
Finished Wildlife Products: A person RACCOON HUNTING Shooting within 100 Yards of Dwelling
may buy, sell, barter or trade legally ob- Raccoons may be hunted at night during or State Owned Boat Launch: It is
tained finished wildlife products, excluding the open season only when the hunter: unlawful to discharge any firearm, muzzle-
federally protected wild animals and birds. • Is accompanied by a dog. loader, or crossbow, or cause a projectile to
Deer, Bear, or Moose: A person may, • Uses a rifle or handgun of no greater pass as a result of that discharge, within
without a hide dealer’s license, buy or sell power than one which uses .22 caliber 100 yards (300 feet) of a building without
naturally shed deer or moose antlers. long rifle ammunition. permission from the owner or, in the
• Loads the rifle or handgun only when owner’s absence, an adult occupant who
A person who has lawfully killed and regis- dispatching a raccoon that is treed or dwells in that building. This provision also
tered a deer, bear or moose may, without a held at bay by a dog or dogs and has been applies to state-owned boat launches that
hide dealer’s license, sell: identified by flashlight. are posted accordingly.
• The head, hide, antlers* and feet of that
deer.
PLACEMENT OF BAIT Definitions, as Used in This Section:
As used in this section, “bait” means an an- Building means any residential, commer-
• The head, hide, antlers*, feet and bones cial, retail, educational, religious or farm
imal, plant, or part thereof used to attract
of that moose. structure that is designed to be occupied by
wild animals for the purpose of hunting.
• The head, hide, teeth, gallbladder* and people or domesticated animals or is being
claws (not attached to the paws) of that A Person Placing Bait for Hunting
used to shelter machines or harvested
bear. Purposes Must:
crops.
*R aw antlers and bear gallbladders may only • Obtain oral or written permission from
be sold (including for money, barter, or trade) the landowner or landowner’s agent. “Projectile” means a bullet, pellet, shot,
to a licensed hide dealer, and they must be • Plainly label the bait with a 2-inch by shell, ball, bolt or other object propelled or
tagged or accompanied with documentation 4-inch tag containing the name and launched from a firearm or crossbow.
containing the name and address of the address of the baiter.
Exception
person who legally killed the animal. • Clean up the bait site immediately upon
Persons target practicing on land that
landowner request; or if not requested,
You Need a Hide Dealer’s License To: within 20 days of the last day the site is they own or have permission to use may
Commercially buy, sell, barter, or trade hunted. discharge a crossbow within 100 yards of a
any raw, untanned animal hides (including dwelling, provided the projectile does not
A Person May NOT:
fur-bearing animals) or parts of wild enter another person’s property.
• Hunt over another person’s bait site
animals or birds not prohibited above. without the baiter’s permission.
QUE ST IONS? CA LL 2 07 287-8 000 2 0 2 0 - 2 1 S TAT E O F M A I N E S U M M A R Y O F L AW S & R U L E S H U N T I N G12 GENERAL HUNTING LAWS
Hunting Under the Influence: It is Exemptions not in motion and the engine is off.
unlawful to hunt while under the influence • A holder of a valid Maine concealed weap- • While target shooting, not hunting, a
of intoxicating liquor or drugs. on permit may carry a loaded pistol or person who is on but not within an en-
revolver in a motor vehicle as prescribed closed area or passenger compartment of
Possession of Hunting Equipment on by Title 25 sub 2001A.
Sunday: Possession of hunting equipment a vehicle may shoot a firearm or crossbow
• Persons who are at least 21 years of age, or rest a loaded firearm or crossbow that
in the fields and forests or on the waters or are at least 18 years of age and a mem- is under their control on the vehicle to
or ice of this state on Sunday is prima facie ber or honorably discharged veteran of shoot only when the vehicle isn’t in mo-
evidence of a violation of Sunday hunting the armed forces or National Guard, may tion and the engine is off.
law, unless the equipment is securely carry a loaded pistol or revolver in or on
wrapped in a complete cover, fastened in a motor vehicle if they are not otherwise Note: A loaded clip may be carried in a
a case, or carried in at least two separate prohibited from carrying a firearm. Upon motor vehicle, but it must not be inserted
pieces in such a way that it cannot be fired contact with a law enforcement officer, in, or attached to, a firearm; a crossbow
without the pieces being joined together a person carrying a concealed handgun may be carried as long it is not cocked
(for the purpose of this paragraph, a without a permit must notify the officer and armed; a muzzleloader is considered
firearm clip, magazine, or cylinder is not immediately. to be loaded only if charged with powder,
considered a “piece”). • Paraplegics and leg amputees may shoot projectile and a primed ignition device or
from motor vehicles. mechanism.
Bows and arrows must be kept in a case or
• Migratory waterfowl may be hunted from Shooting From or Over a Public Paved
cover if broadheads or field points are kept a motorboat in accordance with federal
attached to the arrows. Way: A person may not shoot or discharge
regulation.
any firearm, crossbow, or bow and arrow
Exception: A person may possess hunting • A person who is hunting may rest a
at any wild animal or bird from any public
equipment on Sunday for legitimate loaded firearm or crossbow that is under
their control on the vehicle to shoot only paved way (any road treated with bitumi-
activities such as target practice, sighting nous or concrete material), from within 10
in rifles, etc. when the vehicle is not in motion and the
engine is off. feet of the edge of its pavement, or from
Airborne Hunting: A person on the • A person may shoot from a motorboat the right-of-way of any controlled access
ground or airborne may not use aircraft if that boat is not being propelled by the highway.
(including drones & remote-controlled motor and forward momentum of the Shooting of Domestic Animals: It is un-
aircraft) to aid or assist in hunting deer, boat has stopped. However, the wanton lawful for any person, while on a hunting
bear, or moose. waste law allows you to shoot crippled trip, to negligently, carelessly, or willfully
waterfowl from a motorboat under power
Shooting from a Motor Vehicle or shoot and wound or kill any domestic
on coastal waters and all waters of rivers
Motorboat or Possessing a Loaded and streams lying seaward of the first
animal or bird.
Firearm or Crossbow in or on a Motor upstream bridge. Firearms on School Property: Posses-
Vehicle: It is unlawful to shoot while in or sion of a firearm or crossbow on public
on a motor vehicle, motorboat, snowmobile • A person who is hunting who is on but
not within an enclosed area or passenger school property or discharging one within
or ATV or have a loaded firearm or cross 500 feet of school property, except as used
compartment of an ATV or snowmobile
bow while in or on a motor vehicle, trailer, in supervised educational programs or by
may shoot a firearm or crossbow or rest a
or other type of vehicle being hauled by loaded firearm or crossbow that is under law enforcement officials, is illegal.
a motor vehicle except as specifically the person’s control on the ATV or snow-
allowed. mobile to shoot only when the vehicle is Harassment of lawful hunter or
trapper: It is unlawful for any person to
willfully interfere with the lawful hunting
TARGET IDENTIFICATION WHILE HUNTING or trapping of any wild animal or wild
bird, including the willful disturbance of
(Summary of 12 MRSA §11222) alone, or even upon sound combined wild animals or wild birds with intent to
with what appears to be an appendage interfere with their lawful taking.
A hunter may not shoot at a target
without at that point in time being of the wild animal or wild bird sought. Disposal of Remains: It is unlawful,
certain that the target is the wild animal • Bases identification upon an except during normal field dressing or for
or wild bird sought. essentially unobstructed view of the baiting purposes, to dispose of the carcass,
potential target’s head and torso. waste parts, or remains of a wild animal,
A reasonable and prudent hunter: • Recognizes that sound and sight tar- unless you are on private property that you
• Risks losing legitimate prey so as not get-determining factors are affected own, or property where you have landown-
to risk destruction of human life. by a number of other considerations er’s permission to do so.
• Neither disregards, nor fails to be including, but not limited to, the
distance to the target, surrounding or
aware of, the risk of causing the death
intervening terrain and cover, lighting
TAGGING, TRANSPORTATION &
of another human being as a conse-
quence of misidentification. and weather conditions, the hunter’s REGISTRATION
• Never bases identification upon sound hearing, eyesight, and experience Tagging Requirements: Prior to pre-
level, and other people nearby. senting a bear, deer, moose, or wild turkey
for registration, a person may not possess
2 0 2 0 - 2 1 S TAT E O F M A I N E S U M M A R Y O F L AW S & R U L E S H U N T I N G Q U E STI O N S? C A L L 2 07 2 87-8 000GENERAL HUNTING LAWS 13
or leave that animal in the field or forest
unless they have securely attached a plainly HUNTING WITH DOGS AND DOG TRAINING
visible tag to the animal with their name,
address, and license number on the tag. Dog Training Season Hunting with Dogs
Transporting Harvested Animals: A • From July 1 through the following • A person may not hunt with a dog
person may not transport a harvested March 31, dogs may be trained on fox, in pursuit of bear, coyote or bobcat
wild animal or bird that they do not snowshoe hare, and raccoons. During unless the dog has a collar that legibly
lawfully possess, nor may they present for such training, it is unlawful to use or provides the name, telephone number
registration, or allow to be registered in possess a firearm, other than a pistol or and address of the dog’s owner.
their name, any bear, deer, moose, or wild a shotgun loaded with blank ammuni- • A person or persons may not use more
turkey that they did not lawfully kill. Prior tion, except during the applicable open than six dogs at any one time to hunt
hunting seasons on these species. bear, bobcat, and coyote.
to registration, any harvested bear, deer,
moose, or wild turkey in transit must be • Dogs may be used to hunt wild hares • A person may not use a dog to hunt
during the firearm season on deer. coyotes or bear during the period from
open to view, meaning that the animal is
not concealed and can be readily observed • Sporting dogs may be trained on wild 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before
birds (not including wild turkey) at sunrise.
in whole or in part from outside of the
any time. The commissioner may • For more information on hunting bears
vehicle or trailer transporting it. Once an authorize with a permit the use of with dogs, see page 26.
animal or bird has been registered, it may firearms during such training to shoot
be transported by another person. A person with a suspended or revoked
and kill wild birds propagated or
legally acquired by the permittee and license may not train dogs.
Registration Requirements: A Person
who Kills a Bear, Deer, Moose, or Wild possessed in accordance with the laws
pertaining to breeders, licenses. Leashed Dog Tracking License
Turkey must:
• Residents may train up to six dogs on A license is available which allows the
1. Remain with the animal until it is tracking of wounded deer, moose, and
bear from July 1 to August 27, 2020
registered, (with some exceptions – see except in portions of Washington and bear with dogs. The fee for this license
Time Limits for Registering section). Hancock counties that are situated is in addition to a one-time application
2. Present the animal for registration in south of Route 9. fee of $25. $81 for three years. A person
that person’s name at the first open • A person must possess a valid hunting who holds a valid license may charge a
registration station for that animal on license to engage in all dog training fee for dog tracking services without
their route. activities, except Sunday or when having to hold a guide’s license, as long as
3. Leave the registration seal attached until training on pen-raised birds. that is the only service provided. Contact
the animal is processed and packaged for • Propagation permits for domesticated MDIFW for details.
consumption. fowl are no longer required to possess
or use them for dog training purposes.
4. Pay a fee of $5.00 to register a bear, deer
or moose (of which $2 is retained by
the agent and $1 is dedicated to a Deer
Habitat Enhancement Fund) or $2.00 A person may not possess a bear, deer, lower jaw must be. Parts of a moose left in
to register a wild turkey, all of which is moose, or wild turkey that has not been the field may not be placed where they are
retained by the agent. legally registered, except as otherwise visible to a person traveling on a public or
TIME LIMITS FOR REGISTERING provided in the statutes regarding nuisance private way.
A person may not keep an unregistered animals or animals causing damage. Bob- Bear: Hunters are required to remove
bear, deer, moose, or wild turkey at home cats taken by hunting must be tagged by a a premolar tooth from the bear they
or any place of storage for more than 18 MDIFW employee within 10 calendar days harvest and provide the tooth when they
hours. This does not apply to an animal of the time they were taken and a tooth register their bear (instructions available
that is kept in an official registration and tissue sample must be taken. at registration and online). Hunters will
station for the animal or at the office of be notified of the age of the bear they
a game warden. A person may exceed the
CONDITION OF ANIMAL PRESENTED
harvested on the Bear Hunting Page of the
18-hour limit under special circumstances, FOR REGISTRATION MDIFW website prior to the start of the
but that person must still notify a game A person must present a bear, deer, moose next bear hunting season (late August).
warden within 18 hours. or wild turkey for registration in its entire-
A person on a hunting trip in an unorga-
ty, except that the viscera and rib cage of POSSESSION OF GIFT BEAR, DEER,
the animal may be removed in a manner
nized township and staying at a temporary MOOSE, OR WILD TURKEY
that still allows the determination of the
place of lodging may keep an unregistered A person may not accept as a gift any part
animal’s sex.
harvested animal at the temporary place of a bear, deer, moose, or wild turkey un-
of lodging for no more than 7 days or until Moose: A moose may be dismembered less that animal, or part thereof, is plainly
that person leaves the woods, whichever for ease of transportation, and the lower labeled with the name and address of the
comes first. legs, head and hide may be removed. If the person who registered it and the year it was
head of the moose is not brought to the registered. ■
registration station, a canine tooth or the
QUE ST IONS? CA LL 2 07 287-8 000 2 0 2 0 - 2 1 S TAT E O F M A I N E S U M M A R Y O F L AW S & R U L E S H U N T I N G14 LAWS PERTAINING TO HUNTING EQUIPMENT
LAWS PERTAINING TO
HUNTING EQUIPMENT
permanently altered to contain not more
GENERAL LAWS
Wild animals and wild birds may be
than 5 cartridges. DISTURBING TRAPS
hunted only by the use of rifles, handguns, Note: This provision does not apply to
shotguns (not larger than 10-gauge), .22 caliber rimfire guns or to auto-loading
It is unlawful to take or disturb any
muzzleloader, handheld bow and arrow, pistols with barrel lengths of less than 8
inches. trap or wild animal caught in a trap
crossbow, or falconry. without permission from the owner
3-shell Max for Migratory Game Birds:
Deer and moose decoys are legal, as are It is unlawful to hunt any migratory game of the trap. An individual convicted
laser sights (red dots or beam) for firearms bird with a shotgun capable of holding of disturbing a trap, will lose any
and bows. more than 3 shells unless the magazine license in effect, and be ineligible to
Electronic calling devices are legal for deer, has been cut off, altered, or plugged with purchase any license issued by the
bear, turkey, moose, and coyote, but are a one-piece filler (incapable of removal Department for 3 years.
illegal for migratory game birds. without disassembling the gun), so as to
reduce the capacity of the gun to not more
Illegal Devices:
• It is unlawful to hunt with the use of than 3 shells in the magazine and chamber
(or sell or offer for sale for the purpose combined.
of hunting) a set gun, or any medici- Silencers: It is unlawful to hunt with or
TRAIL/GAME CAMERAS LAW
nal, poisonous or stupefying substance possess for hunting any firearm fitted or
(except rodenticide for orchard mouse contrived with any device for deadening People using trail and game cameras
control and gas cartridges for woodchuck the sound of the explosion without a may not place a camera upon an-
control).
permit. other person’s private land without
• Drawlocks and set bows are illegal unless
otherwise permitted for disabled hunters. Bullet Types: It is unlawful to hunt with written permission. All cameras
• Crossbows cannot be used to hunt deer cartridges that contain tracer bullets or must be labeled with the person’s
during the expanded archery or the muz- explosive bullets. name and contact information.
zleloader season. Please see exceptions Cartridges:
and additional information related to • Firearms with .17 or .22 caliber rimfire
crossbow hunting on page 16. cartridges may not be used for deer, placed in a remote secure area (such as a
Illegal Use of Lights: From September moose, or bear hunting, except that .22 locked trunk) away from the control of the
1 to December 15, it is unlawful to use magnum can be used for deer hunting. occupants of the motor vehicle.
artificial lights from ½ hour after sunset • Shotguns using shot loads cannot be used For the purpose of this law, a muzzleloader
until ½ hour before sunrise to illuminate, to hunt bear or moose. is considered to be loaded only if charged
jack, locate, attempt to locate or show Archery Season Provisions: No firearms with powder, a projectile, and a primed
up wild birds or animals, except raccoons, of any kind may be carried while hunting ignition device or mechanism. A crossbow
which may be hunted at night with deer with a bow and arrow during the is considered loaded if cocked and armed.
flashlights during the open season (see special or expanded archery seasons on Exceptions apply when carrying a con-
General Hunting Provisions for details). deer, except a person may carry a handgun cealed pistol or revolver.
An exception to this may be made for in accordance with title 25 section 2001-A;
Carrying Concealed Firearms: A person
agents appointed by the commissioner to but it cannot be used to shoot a deer or
may carry a concealed handgun without
hunt coyotes at night during this period dispatch a wounded deer.
a permit and may have that concealed,
under policies established by MDIFW. Loaded Firearms in Motor Vehicles: loaded pistol or revolver in, or on, a motor
It is unlawful to have a loaded firearm or vehicle or trailer if:
FIREARMS LAWS crossbow in or on a motor vehicle (includ-
It is Unlawful to Hunt with, or Possess • The person is 21 years of age or older and
ing trailer, ATV, aircraft, snowmobile, or
for Hunting, Any: is not otherwise prohibited from possess-
railway car), unless otherwise specified. ing a firearm or;
• Automatic firearm (a firearm that con-
See page 12 for more information. • The person is 18 years of age or older and
tinues to fire as long as the trigger is held
back). A loaded magazine may be carried in a under 21 years of age and on active duty
• Auto-loading firearm (a firearm that motor vehicle, but it must not be inserted in the Armed Forces of the United States
reloads itself after each shot and requires in or attached to a firearm. or the National Guard or is an honorably
a separate trigger pull for each shot) discharged veteran of the Armed Forces
with a magazine capacity of more than Firearms may be transported in a motor of the United States or the National
5 cartridges (plus 1 in the chamber for a vehicle without a concealed firearms Guard and is not otherwise prohibited
total of 6), unless the magazine has been permit provided they are (1) unloaded from carrying a firearm.
and in plain view, or (2) are unloaded and
2 0 2 0 - 2 1 S TAT E O F M A I N E S U M M A R Y O F L AW S & R U L E S H U N T I N G Q U E STI O N S? C A L L 2 07 2 87-8 000You can also read
