2024-2025 Maine Hunting Seasons: Key Dates and Bag Limits
Maine’s diverse wildlife and vast wilderness make it a premier destination for hunting enthusiasts. Whether you're after deer, bear, or moose, it’s important to plan your hunt around the state’s regulated seasons to ensure compliance with local laws. Below is a breakdown of the 2024-2025 Maine hunting seasons for deer, bear, and moose, including key dates, Wildlife Management Districts (WMDs) maps and bag limits.
Deer Hunting Seasons 2024-2025
Whether you prefer archery, firearms, or muzzleloader hunting, Maine’s deer hunting seasons offer plenty of opportunities across the state.
Expanded Archery Season (Designated Areas Only)
Dates: September 7, 2024 - December 14, 2024
Bag Limit: 1 antlered deer per year. Exceptions apply for hunters in certain zones with antlerless deer permits.
Regular Archery Season (All WMDs)
Dates: October 5, 2024 - November 1, 2024
Bag Limit: 1 antlered deer per year.
Youth Deer Hunt (All WMDs)
Dates: October 25-26, 2024
Special youth hunting weekend for young hunters to experience deer hunting with adult supervision.
Maine Resident Only Day (All WMDs)
Date: November 2, 2024
Note: Non-residents owning 25+ acres of land in Maine may also hunt on this day, provided the land remains open for public hunting. A verification form is required.
Firearms Season (All WMDs)
Dates: November 4, 2024 - November 30, 2024
Bag Limit: 1 antlered deer per year.
Muzzleloader Seasons
Statewide: December 2, 2024 - December 7, 2024
WMDs 12, 13, 15-18, 20-26, 29: December 9, 2024 - December 14, 2024
Important Note: Only deer with antlers at least 3 inches long may be harvested from November 2, 2024 - December 14, 2024, except in designated WMDs where antlerless deer are permitted during specific seasons (such as Youth Hunt or Expanded Archery with permits).
Bear Hunting Seasons 2024-2025
Bear hunting in Maine is an exciting challenge, with opportunities to hunt with bait, dogs, and traps. Here are the dates and bag limits for the upcoming season:
Youth Bear Hunting Day
Date: August 24, 2024
A special day for young hunters to pursue bear with adult supervision.
General Bear Hunting Season
Dates: August 26, 2024 - November 30, 2024
Bag Limit: 2 bears per year (1 by hunting, 1 by trapping).
Hunting with Bait
Dates: August 26, 2024 - September 21, 2024
Bait can be placed as early as July 27, 2024.
Bear Trapping
Dates: September 1, 2024 - October 31, 2024
Hunting with Dogs
Dates: September 9, 2024 - November 1, 2024
Moose Hunting Seasons 2024-2025
Maine’s moose hunting is by permit only, and a successful application is required to participate. The season is divided by Wildlife Management Districts (WMDs) and into bull-only and antlerless-only categories.
Antlerless-Only Hunt (WMD 4A - Adaptive Unit Hunt)
Dates: October 21, 2024 - October 26, 2024,
Dates: October 28, 2024 - November 2, 2024
Dates: November 4, 2024 - November 9, 2024
Bull-Only Hunt (WMDs 1-6, 10, 11, 18, 19, 27, 28)
Dates: September 23, 2024 - September 28, 2024
Bull-Only Hunt (WMDs 1-15, 17-19, 27, 28)
Dates: October 14, 2024 - October 19, 2024
Antlerless-Only Hunt (WMDs 1-6, 8)
Dates: October 28, 2024 - November 2, 2024
Permit Application Period: April - May of each year.
Maine Hunting Tips and Regulations
Permits and Licenses: Make sure to secure the appropriate hunting permits for deer, bear, or moose in the WMD you plan to hunt. For moose hunting, a special permit is required, and only a limited number are issued each year.
Check WMD Boundaries: Wildlife Management Districts (WMDs) regulate the hunting seasons for each species, and it’s important to be aware of these boundaries when planning your hunt.
Youth and Resident Hunts: Special hunting days for youth and Maine residents only allow for a more exclusive and relaxed hunting experience. Make sure to take advantage of these opportunities if you qualify.
For more detailed information on hunting regulations, season dates, or to obtain permits, please visit the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife’s official website at www.maine.gov/ifw or contact their customer service line.
Plan Your 2024-2025 Maine Hunting Adventure
Whether you're after a trophy buck, a challenging moose hunt, or an exhilarating bear season, Maine offers diverse hunting experiences for every enthusiast. Remember to always check local regulations and be prepared with the appropriate licenses and permits to ensure a safe and legal hunt.
What to Do in Moosehead Lake
Want more information? Check out our Moosehead News for the latest updates on seasonal events, local news, and detailed guides to make the most of your visit to the Moosehead Lake region.
Boating: Explore the lake's serene waters.
Hiking: Explore the the wilderness.
Fishing: Discover prime fishing spots.
Camping: Find the best campsites for a wilderness retreat.
Local Attractions: Learn about must-see sights in the region.
Stay updated with the latest happenings and news in the Moosehead Lake region. Learn more about what to do and where to go in the Moosehead Lake area and beyond.
Perfect Accommodation for Your Visit
Look no further for the perfect accommodation during your visit to the Monson, Shirley, Greenville, Rockwood, and Jackman areas of Maine. Moose River Lookout offers an idyllic retreat nestled along the serene Moose River at the base of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains in Rockwood.
Ultimate Outdoor Getaway
With direct backyard access to Maine's Interconnected Trail System (ITS66) and a private dock on the river, adventure awaits right outside your door. Whether you're into hiking, golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, skiing, or snowmobiling, you'll find it all just steps away from our doorstep.
Book Your Stay
Experience the ultimate outdoor getaway in the heart of Maine's natural beauty. For inquiries or to make a reservation, please don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to Moose River Lookout our Rockwood Moose River cabin!
Phone: 800-544-0300
Email: mooseriverlookout@gmail.com
Address: 4054 Rockwood Rd Rockwood, ME 04478
Website: Moose River Lookout
Get ready for a successful season in the beautiful Maine wilderness!