Maine 2025-2026 Hunt Planner – Zones, Species & Permit Insights
Maine’s diverse landscape offers some of the Northeast’s most rewarding outdoor adventures for sportsmen and women. From the expansive northern forests to the picturesque coastal regions, the Pine Tree State presents remarkable opportunities for pursuing various game species throughout the year. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the upcoming field season, including key dates, licensing requirements, and management zones for your Maine outdoor pursuits.
Maine’s 2025-2026 Game Season at a Glance
Planning your next wilderness excursion requires understanding the carefully established timeframes for different quarry. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) meticulously sets these periods to ensure sustainable wildlife management while providing quality recreational opportunities.
| Species | Season Type | Opening Date | Closing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whitetail | Expanded Archery | September 6 | December 13 |
| Whitetail | Regular Archery | October 4 | October 31 |
| Whitetail | Firearms | November 3 | November 29 |
| Black Bear | General | August 25 | November 29 |
| Wild Turkey (Spring) | General | April 28 | May 31 |
| Wild Turkey (Fall) | General | September 15 | November 7 |
| Moose | Various (Permit Only) | September 22 | November 8 |
| Ruffed Grouse | General | September 27 | December 31 |
🦌 Big Game Opportunities: Archery & Rifle
Whitetail Pursuit
Maine offers multiple opportunities for whitetail enthusiasts with several distinct periods:
Expanded Archery: September 6 – December 13, 2025 (designated areas only)
Regular Archery: October 4 – October 31, 2025 (statewide)
Youth Hunt Weekend: October 24-25, 2025
Resident-Only Day: November 1, 2025
Regular Firearms: November 3 – November 29, 2025
Muzzleloader Statewide: December 1 – December 6, 2025
Extended Muzzleloader: December 8 – December 13, 2025 (select WMDs)
The annual bag limit stands at one antlered deer per year, with exceptions for specific permits. Antlerless deer may be harvested during certain periods with appropriate authorization. Keep in mind that during the main firearms period (November 1-December 13), only deer with antlers at least 3 inches long may be taken unless you possess an antlerless permit.
Non-residents who own 25+ acres of land in Maine and leave it open for recreational use may participate in the Resident-only day, provided they hold valid documentation.
🐻 Black Bear Pursuits
The Pine Tree State offers exceptional opportunities for bear enthusiasts with multiple methods available:
Youth Bear Day: August 23, 2025
General Season: August 25 – November 29, 2025
Baiting Period: August 25 – September 20, 2025 (bait placement allowed from July 27)
Hound Hunting: September 8 – October 31, 2025
Trapping Season: September 1 – October 31, 2025
Participants may harvest up to two bears annually—one by hunting methods and one by trapping. Each approach offers unique challenges and rewards for sportsmen seeking this iconic North American species.
🦬 Moose Expeditions (Permit Only)
Maine’s legendary moose hunts operate on a lottery system with various periods based on Wildlife Management Districts:
Bull-Only (Early): September 22-27, 2025 (WMDs 1-6, 10, 11, 18, 19, 27, 28)
Bull-Only (Middle): October 13-18, 2025 (WMDs 1-15, 17-19, 27, 28)
Antlerless-Only: October 20 – November 8, 2025 (varies by district)
Applications typically open in April-May each year. The adaptive unit hunt in WMD 4A features multiple week-long windows for antlerless-only tags. Successful applicants may harvest one moose per year, regardless of how many permits they appear on.
🦃 Turkey Season: Spring, Fall, Youth
Spring Gobbler Season
General Season: April 28 – May 31, 2025
- WMDs 7 and 9-29: Two bearded wild turkeys
- WMDs 1-6 and 8: One bearded wild turkey
Youth Turkey Day: April 26, 2025 (up to two bearded birds where the two-bird limit applies)
Fall Turkey Opportunities
General Season: September 15 – November 7, 2025
- WMDs 15-17, 20-25: Five-bird limit
- WMD 26: Three-bird limit
- WMD 28: Two-bird limit
- WMDs 6-8, 10-14, 18, 19, 27, 29: One-bird limit
- WMDs 1-5, 9: Closed to turkey harvest
Youth Fall Turkey Day: September 13, 2025
During the fall season, participants may take up to two wild turkeys (either sex, any age) per day, though they cannot exceed individual WMD limits.
🦊 Furbearer Opportunities
Maine offers various seasons for furbearer species:
Bobcat: December 1, 2025 – February 21, 2026
Fox: October 20, 2025 – February 28, 2026
Raccoon: October 1 – December 31, 2025
Skunk & Opossum: October 20 – December 31, 2025
Coyote: Year-round during daylight; December 16, 2025 – August 31, 2026 for night pursuit
Several species have no closed season, including woodchuck, porcupine, and red squirrel. Importantly, there’s no open season for spruce grouse, lynx, or cottontail rabbit.
🐿️ Small Game Adventures
Maine provides plentiful opportunities for small game enthusiasts:
Ruffed Grouse & Bobwhite Quail: September 27 – December 31, 2025 (4 daily/8 possession)
Pheasant: September 27 – December 31, 2025 (2 daily/4 possession)
Gray Squirrel: September 27 – December 31, 2025 (4 daily/8 possession)
Snowshoe Hare: September 27, 2025 – March 31, 2026 (4 daily/8 possession)
Falconry practitioners enjoy an extended squirrel season through February 28, 2026.
🦆 Waterfowl Opportunities
Migratory bird seasons, including ducks, geese, sea ducks, rails, and common snipe, follow federal frameworks. For specific dates and regulations, refer to the migratory game bird regulations published by MDIFW.
Crow seasons vary by region:
- WMDs 1-6: February 6 – April 15, 2025 (additional fall dates TBD)
- WMDs 7-29: January 22 – March 31, 2025 (additional fall dates TBD)
🗺️ Maine Wildlife Management Districts
Maine divides its territory into Wildlife Management Districts (WMDs) to effectively regulate wildlife populations. These zones help biologists establish appropriate harvest levels based on local conditions and population densities.
For detailed maps of these management areas, visit the MDIFW Wildlife Management District Maps.
🎟️ License Requirements
Maine requires appropriate licensing for all field pursuits. Options include:
- Resident licenses (various types)
- Non-resident licenses (various durations)
- Youth licenses (for participants under 16)
- Combination packages (hunt/fish)
- Special permits (antlerless deer, moose, etc.)
For current fee structures and purchasing options, visit the MDIFW Licensing Page.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Are antlerless deer permits available in all Wildlife Management Districts?
No. The MDIFW allocates antlerless permits based on population objectives for each district. Some areas may have limited or no antlerless opportunities in a given year.
Can I hunt on Sundays in Maine?
No. Maine prohibits Sunday hunting, regardless of species or method.
Are there special regulations for public lands?
Yes. Different public lands may have specific regulations. Always check with the managing agency before planning your outing.
Is night hunting permitted?
Night hunting is prohibited except for coyotes during designated periods (December 16, 2025 – August 31, 2026) with appropriate licensing.
How do I apply for a moose permit?
Moose permit applications typically open in April-May through the MDIFW website. The lottery drawing usually occurs in June.
Final Thoughts for Maine Adventurers
Maine’s rich outdoor heritage provides exceptional opportunities for sportsmen and women throughout the year. Before heading afield, always verify current regulations, obtain appropriate licensing, and understand the boundaries of your chosen wildlife management district.
Remember that seasons and bag limits are established to ensure sustainable wildlife populations for future generations. By following these guidelines, you contribute to Maine’s conservation efforts while enjoying the remarkable outdoor experiences the Pine Tree State has to offer.
For the most up-to-date information, always consult the official MDIFW website or contact a regional office before planning your expedition.
Related Resources:
- Hunting Seasons: New Hampshire
- Hunting Seasons: Vermont
