Consider Maine if you’re planning a hunting trip on the east coast. Maine archery season offers hunters a bevy of wildlife, including moose, deer, bear, and small game, throughout the fall and spring. The Maine Outdoor Partners Program gives hunters access to private farms, public land, and forests.
Maine (ME) Archery Season, 2022-2023
While there is plenty of land open to the public for hunting, permits or permission from private landowners are necessary for seasonal hunting. Maine also offers the Hunters for the Hungry program, where hunters can donate their take to local families living on or below the poverty line.
When does Archery Season Start in ME?
Maine Deer Seasons
- Resident Only Day October 29
- Youth Day October 22
- Archery September 10-December 10**
- Expanded Archery September 11-December 11
*Season dates vary by region/Wildlife Management Districts (WMDs).
Maine Bear Seasons
- General Season August 29-November 26
- Youth Day August 27
Maine Moose Seasons
- General Season September 26-November 28**
- Resident Only Day October 29
*Season dates vary by region and by antlerless or antlered animals. Moose hunting restrictions allow hunters to harvest one moose per year. Moose hunt seasons vary by region.
Maine Wild Turkey Seasons
- Fall General Season September 19-November 7
- Fall Youth Day September 17
- Spring 2023 General Season May 1-June 3
- Spring 2023 Youth Day April 29
Hunting dates vary depending on the area. Some regions are closed to hunting.
Maine Small Game Seasons
- Gray Squirrel September 24-December 31
- Snowshoe Hare September 24-March 31
- Bobcat December 1-February 21
- Woodchuck, Coyote, Porcupine, Red Squirrel Open Season
- Coyote Night Hunt December 16-August 31
- Ruffed Grouse & Bobwhite Quail September 24-December 31
*Season dates vary by region. Special seasons, bag limits, and hunting regulations vary based on season and animals. Maine is divided into wildlife management districts (WMD), determining regional season dates.
What are the Legal Hunting Hours in Maine?
Hunting is allowed from 30-minutes before sunrise to 30-minutes after sunset.
Hunting Licenses and Permits in ME
For more information on buying hunting licenses, permits, and regulations, visit the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website.
Maine Residents
Residents (owners or renters) must permanently reside in the state for at least one year. Full-time students enrolled for at least one year in an educational institution are residents. All residents must purchase a resident hunting license.
Non-Residents
Non-residents must purchase a non-resident hunting license.
Youth Hunting Licenses
Maine non-residents and residents under 16 must purchase a junior hunting license. An adult hunter must accompany hunters aged 10 to 15. The adult must always remain within 20 feet of the junior hunter.
Senior Hunting Licenses
Maine residents aged 65 or older can purchase a lifetime hunting license at reduced rates. Residents aged 70 or older can pay a one-time licensing fee, including hunting, fishing, trapping, and archery privileges.
Disability Licenses
Maine residents with disabilities may be eligible for free hunting licenses. Non-residents may be eligible for a free hunting license if their home state offers the same privilege to residents of Maine.
Military and Veteran Licenses
Active-duty military personnel stationed in Maine may buy a resident hunting license.
Requirements for Migratory Waterfowl
Hunters aged 16 or older must purchase a Federal Duck Stamp and a Maine Migratory Waterfowl Permit for hunting migratory waterfowl. Hunters receive Proof of Harvest Information Program (HIP) participation with their state stamp.
License Expiration
Hunting licenses are valid from the date of purchase to December 31 of the same year. Lifetime hunting licenses are available for Maine residents and non-residents.
Check out our guide 30+ Hunting Rules to Keep You Safe while bowhunting in the wild.
