SUMMARY OF MAINE HUNTING LAWS

2019-2020

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife | Season dates for hunting are revised annually. Information appearing in this book may not be valid after July 2020. 3 1 2

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20 24 MAINE’S WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS For a more detailed map and information on WMDs, please visit mefishwildlife.com

DIGITAL VERSION AVAILABLE Download a PDF copy of this book at mefishwildlife.com/huntinglaws SUMMARY OF HUNTING LAWS to easily reference from your TABLE OF CONTENTS computer or mobile device.

LAWS OF THE MAINE OUTDOORS...... 2 JUNIOR HUNTERS...... 17 Legal Hunting Equipment...... 26 2019-20 MAINE HUNTING SEASONS.. 4 Junior Hunting Licenses...... 17 Bear Hunting Prohibitions...... 26 LICENSING INFORMATION...... 6 Supervision of Junior Hunters...... 17 Bear Hunting with a Maine Guide...... 27 Who Needs a License?...... 6 Youth Hunting Days...... 17 Laws Regarding Registration...... 27 What Are the Requirements?...... 6 DEER HUNTING...... 18 2019 Bear Seasons & Bag Limits...... 27 How Are Licenses Obtained?...... 6 Deer Hunting Prohibitions...... 18 BEAR TRAPPING...... 28 Definitions...... 6 Areas Closed to Deer Hunting...... 18 Bear Trapping Permit...... 28 Special Licenses...... 7 Areas Open to Deer Hunting...... 18 Design & Deployment Standards...... 28 Outdoor Safety Courses...... 7 Deer Permits & Licenses...... 19 Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Apprentice Hunter License...... 7 Deer Population Monitoring Project...... 19 Program...... 28 2019-20 Apprentice Hunter License and Reporting Accidents & Aiding Victims...... 20 HUNTING AREAS...... 29 Permit Fees...... 7 Harassment of Hunters...... 20 State Parks and Historic Sites...... 29 2019-20 License and Permit Fees...... 8 2019 Deer Seasons & Bag Limits...... 20 Wildlife Management District Map...... 29 Lifetime License Fees...... 9 CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE...... 21 Public Reserved Lands...... 29 Maine Lifetime License...... 9 What is CWD?...... 21 Wildlife Management Areas ...... 29 Superpack License...... 9 Regulations on Feeding Deer...... 21 National Wildlife Refuges (NWR)...... 29 License Revocation Information...... 10 Waste of Game...... 21 White Mountain National Forest...... 30 GENERAL HUNTING LAWS...... 11 MDIFW Check Stations...... 21 National Park Service...... 30 Prohibition Regarding Selling MOOSE HUNTING...... 22 Baxter State Park...... 30 of Wild Animals...... 11 Moose Hunting Permit...... 22 Closed and Special Regulation Areas...... 30 Night Hunting ...... 11 2019 Moose Permit Hunt Seasons & Railroad Tracks...... 30 Raccoon Hunting...... 11 Bag Limits...... 22 Native American Territory...... 31 Placement of Bait...... 11 WILD TURKEY HUNTING...... 23 HUNTING/TRAPPING ON PRIVATE Minimum Shooting Distances...... 11 Landowner Privileges...... 23 PROPERTY...... 31 Target Identification While Hunting...... 12 Wild Turkey to Be Tagged...... 23 Commercial Shooting Areas...... 32 Tagging, Transportation & Registration.....12 Wild Turkey Transportation...... 23 LEGAL HUNTING HOURS...... 33 Time Limits for Registering...... 13 Wild Turkey Registration...... 23 MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS...... 34 Condition of Animal Presented Wild Turkey Hunting Prohibitions...... 23 Summary of Federal Regulations...... 35 for Registration...... 13 Wild Turkey Legal Hunting Hours...... 23 Phone Numbers You Might Need...... 35 Possession of Gift Bear, Deer, Moose, Wild Turkey Licensing, Permit, Maine Migratory Hunting Zones Map...... 35 or Wild Turkey...... 13 & Who May Hunt...... 23 2019-20 Migratory Game Birds Seasons Hunting with Dogs and Dog Training...... 13 Spring Wild Turkey Hunting...... 24 & Bag Limits...... 36 LAWS PERTAINING TO HUNTING Fall Wild Turkey Hunting...... 24 Laws Specific to Merrymeeting Bay...... 38 EQUIPMENT...... 14 2019–20 Wild Turkey Seasons & Duck Stamp Art Contest...... 38 General Laws...... 14 Bag Limits...... 24 Harvest Information Program...... 38 Firearms Laws...... 14 OTHER SPECIES HUNTING...... 25 Stamp Requirements...... 38 Disturbing Traps...... 14 Other Species Permits & Licenses...... 25 Field Possession Limit...... 39 Trail/Game Cameras Law...... 14 2019-20 Other Species Seasons & Importation...... 39 Archery Information...... 15 Bag Limits...... 25 Band Recovery Reports...... 39 Hunter Orange Clothing Requirements...... 15 BEAR HUNTING...... 26 Barrow’s Goldeneye...... 39 Releasing Dogs from Traps...... 16 Bear Hunting Permit...... 26 2019-20 Migratory Bird Hunter’s Time Crossbow Information...... 16 Landowner Privileges...... 26 & Tide Table...... 40 Observation Stands...... 16 Bait...... 26 MAINE IF&W CONTACTS...... 41 2 LAWS OF THE MAINE OUTDOORS - DIGITAL

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 the hunting rules that apply to you. We’ve also fish and wildlife. 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.

2019-20 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 LAWS 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.

QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 2019-20 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING 4 2019-20 MAINE HUNTING SEASONS 2019-20 MAINE HUNTING SEASONS

2019-20 MAINE HUNTING SEASONS

SEASONS LIMITS DEER WMDs FIRST DAY LAST DAY DAILY BAG & POSSESSION

Firearms Season All November 4, 2019 November 30, 2019

Maine Resident Only Day* All November 2, 2019

Youth Deer Day All October 26, 2019 1 Deer Per Year** Archery All October 5, 2019 November 1, 2019

Muzzleloader Statewide All December 2, 2019 December 7, 2019

Muzzleloader 12, 13, 15-18, 20-26, 29 December 9, 2019 December 14, 2019

Expanded Archery Designated areas only September 7, 2019 December 14, 2019

**Only deer with antlers at least 3 inches long may be taken from November 2-December 14, except that any deer may be taken in des- ignated 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 26, 2019 November 30, 2019

Youth Bear Day All August 24, 2019

Hunting with Dogs All September 9, 2019 November 1, 2019 2 Bear Per Year 1 by hunting, 1 by trapping Hunting with Bait All August 26, 2019 September 21, 2019 Bait can be placed July 27, 2019

Bear Trapping All September 1, 2019 October 31, 2019

MOOSE SEASONS LIMITS WMDs BY PERMIT ONLY FIRST DAY LAST DAY DAILY BAG & POSSESSION 1- 6, 10, 11, 18, 19, September 23, 2019 September 28, 2019 27, 28 1-14, 17-19, 27, 28 October 14, 2019 October 19, 2019 1 Moose Per Year 1-6 October 28, 2019 November 2, 2019 by either permittee or sub-permittee Maine Resident Only Day* 15, 16 November 2, 2019

15, 16 November 4, 2019 November 30, 2019

Permit application period: January 22, 2019-May 15, 2019. These dates and districts are proposed and are subject to change.

*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.

2019-20 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 2019-20 MAINE HUNTING SEASONS 5

SPRING WILD TURKEY SEASONS LIMITS WMDs Bow & arrow, crossbow or shotgun FIRST DAY LAST DAY DAILY BAG & POSSESSION 7 and 9-29 May 4, 2020 June 6, 2020 2 bearded Wild Turkeys All Hunters 1-6 and 8 May 4, 2020 June 6, 2020 1 bearded Wild Turkey* Youth Spring Wild Turkey Day May 2, 2020 *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 or shotgun FIRST DAY LAST DAY DAILY BAG & POSSESSION 15-17, 20-25 September 16, 2019 November 7, 2019 5 Wild Turkeys either sex, any age** 26 September 16, 2019 November 7, 2019 3 Wild Turkeys either sex, any age**

General Hunting Season 28 September 16, 2019 November 7, 2019 2 Wild Turkeys either sex, any age** 10-13, 18, 19, September 16, 2019 November 7, 2019 1 Wild Turkey either sex, any age** 27 & 29 1-9, 14 Closed to taking of Wild Turkeys Youth Fall Wild Turkey Day September 14, 2019 **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 28, 2019 December 31, 2019 4 8 Pheasant All September 28, 2019 December 31, 2019 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, 2019 September 20, 2019 1-6 February 7, 2020 April 15, 2020 Crows No Limit August 1, 2019 September 20, 2019 7-29 January 23, 2020 March 31, 2020

SEASONS LIMITS OTHER SPECIES WMDs FIRST DAY LAST DAY DAILY BAG POSSESSION Gray Squirrel All September 28, 2019 December 31, 2019 4 8 Gray Squirrel (Falconry) All September 28, 2019 February 28, 2020 4 8 Snowshoe Hare All September 28, 2019 March 31, 2020 4 8 Vinalhaven Island, Snowshoe Hare September 28, 2019 February 28, 2020 4 8 Knox County Bobcat All December 2, 2019 February 21, 2020 No Limit Fox All October 21, 2019 February 28, 2020 No Limit Raccoon All October 1, 2019 December 31, 2019 No Limit Skunk, Opossum All October 21, 2019 December 31, 2019 No Limit Coyote Night Hunt All December 16, 2019 August 31, 2020 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.

QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 2019-20 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING 6 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.

WHO NEEDS A LICENSE? WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS? HOW ARE LICENSES OBTAINED? In general, anyone who hunts wild birds or To obtain a hunting license in Maine, you From MDIFW: Residents and non-residents animals in Maine needs a hunting license. generally need to show that you have either may obtain hunting licenses from the The type of license you need depends upon (1) held that license in a prior year, or (2) MDIFW office in Augusta, either in person, your age, resident status, and other factors, taken a hunter safety course. License-spe- online at mainefishwildlife.com, or (for and there are some exceptions. See the cific requirements and exceptions follow. non-residents) by mail. charts on pages 8 and 9 for all available Firearms Licenses: When applying for an From Agents: Licenses can also be pur- hunting licenses and fees. adult firearms hunting license in Maine, chased from agents throughout the state In addition to a license, most hunting you must show proof of residency, and (sporting good stores, many convenience activities also require a permit. See individ- that you have either possessed an adult stores, town clerks, and turnpike service ual species pages for details. license to hunt with firearms in any prior centers). Agents who process applications year beginning with 1976, or successfully online for moose and antlerless deer permits Junior and Adult Hunters: Hunters under age 16 must possess a junior license, completed an approved hunter safety may charge a fee of $2.00. and those 16 and up need an adult license. course in any U.S. state, province or coun- Note: Not all town clerks issue non-resident try. Convicted felons cannot purchase or licenses. Note: a junior license holder who turns 16 possess a firearms hunting license in Maine may hunt with that junior license for the unless they have been issued a permit to All trapping licenses are issued by the remainder of the calendar year. carry a firearm. MDIFW office in Augusta and cannot be purchased online. Exception for Assisting in a Hunt: Archery Licenses: To obtain an adult A person may assist in a hunt without a archery hunting license, you must show It is unlawful to obtain a license or permit license or permit for that activity, as long proof of having held an adult license to through misstatement or misrepresenta- as they do not carry hunting equipment hunt with bow and arrow in any year tion, or to possess a license or permit that (means to kill) or drive deer. after 1979, or successful completion of an has been altered or tampered with in any way. Landowner Privilege: Maine resident archery education course. landowners and their immediate family Exceptions to Safety Course Requirement members may hunt without a license Native American Exception: Native using firearms, archery, crossbow or Americans are exempt from the safety muzzleloader on land they own and reside course requirement for archery, crossbow, upon, provided the land exceeds 10 acres and trapping. in size and is used exclusively for agricul- tural purposes. The landowner privilege Military Exception: An active-duty is not available to hunters with revoked member of the U.S. Armed Forces who is or suspended licenses, and does not apply permanently stationed outside of the U.S. to moose hunting, for which a license is and home on leave is exempt from hunter, still required. See page 23 for information archery, and crossbow safety course re- about landowner privilege for turkey quirements if they can show proof at time hunting. of license application that their home state of record is Maine.

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 a citizen of the United States who within the state; license and any necessary permits has been domiciled in the State for with you while hunting or transport- • is in compliance with the state 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- above requirements. forcement officer, MDIFW employee, • if licensed to drive a motor 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.

2019-20 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 LICENSING 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. adult license. reside with that person) may purchase a 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 Anywhere: Residents who are districts, sports clubs, civic groups, Recreational Safety Division Office. and others, and are taught statewide on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces Recreational Safety Division and permanently stationed outside of by volunteer instructors certified by (207) 287-5220 Maine may purchase either a hunting, MDIFW. 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 pages 11 & 12. 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 wild animals and commercially sells or Any citizen of a office in Augusta. Exchange Students: 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 Disabled Veterans: Maine resident aquoddy Tribe, the Penobscot Nation, the of wild animals. This includes skull and and non-resident veterans (if reciprocal Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, or the bone mounts, commonly referred to as privileges exist in their home state) who Aroostook Band of Micmacs, if the person European mounts. 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 reservation governor or the Aroostook receives any form of remuneration for and have a service-connected disability Micmac Council stating that they are an their services in accompanying or assist- of 50% or more will be issued, upon enrolled member of that federally recog- ing others while hunting, fishing, trap- application, a complimentary license that nized nation, band or tribe. ping, boating, snowmobiling, ATVing, or 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 2019-20 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 adult supervisor at least 18 years Resident Archery $26.00 of age who has held a valid hunting license Non-resident Hunting (includes bear & turkey permits) $115.00 for the prior three consecutive years. The supervisor is responsible for ensuring Non-resident Small Game (includes turkey permit) $75.00 that the holder of an apprentice hunter license follows safe hunting protocol as Non-resident Crossbow Permit $56.00 well as all hunting laws. Non-resident Archery $75.00 Fees listed do not include agent fee.

QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 2019-20 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING 8 LICENSING INFORMATION

2019-20 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.

2019-20 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 LICENSING 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.).

QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 2019-20 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING 10 LICENSING INFORMATION

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 result in mandatory revocation • Theft of any animal which has been bait without written permission from 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 Revocation of Hunting Licenses the animal. In addition to penalties provided by Maine’s littering laws, a person Minimum Mandatory Two Year If a person is convicted of Assault While convicted of littering on a state owned Revocation of Hunting Licenses Hunting [17A MRSA §208(A)] and 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 over bait for deer. hunting activity, and if, through failure 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 Minimum Mandatory Five Year deer, bear, or moose during closed Maine is a participating member of the season. Revocation of Hunting Licenses Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, an • Night hunting. agreement that recognizes suspension of • Shooting a domestic animal while hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses hunting. • Discharging a firearm within 100 yards 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. fish and when the wounding or killing trap in another state, and they have a 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

2019-20 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 GENERAL 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. HUNTING Unlawful Conduct: The hunting, posses- sion, transporting of any species of wild IS ILLEGAL animal or wild bird, or parts thereof, for which an open hunting season is not spe- IN MAINE cifically provided, and except as provided in the fish and wildlife laws, is unlawful. It is also unlawful to take, possess, or needless- without the baiter’s permission. ly destroy the nest or eggs of any wild bird. • Place any medicinal, poisonous, or stupe- PROHIBITION REGARDING Please refer to mefishwildlife.com for the fying substance to entice any animal. SELLING OF WILD ANIMALS latest changes to this license and the new Species-specific Baiting Laws: reporting requirements. • Baiting or feeding of deer is prohibited Wild Birds: A person may not sell or from June 1-December 15. See page 18 possess for sale a wild bird, except for the NIGHT HUNTING for more information. plumage of lawfully taken wild birds, Except as otherwise provided, wild birds • Baiting and feeding moose and turkey is and only if that sale does not violate and wild animals may not be hunted from prohibited from September 1 to Decem- regulations of the federal Migratory Bird ½ hour after sunset until ½ hour before ber 15. Treaty Act. sunrise the following day. • Baiting and feeding turkey is prohibited during the spring wild turkey season. A person Exceptions: migratory game bird, (see page Finished Wildlife Products: • Further restrictions apply to bear baiting, may buy, sell, barter or trade legally ob- 40), raccoon (see below), and coyote (see see page 26. tained finished wildlife products, excluding page 25). federally protected wild animals and birds. MINIMUM SHOOTING DISTANCES RACCOON HUNTING Deer, Bear, or Moose: A person may, Raccoons may be hunted at night during Shooting within 100 Yards of Dwelling without a hide dealer’s license, buy or sell the open season only when the hunter: or State Owned Boat Launch: It is naturally shed deer or moose antlers. unlawful to discharge any firearm, muzzle- • Is accompanied by a dog. A person who has lawfully killed and regis- loader, or crossbow, or cause a projectile to • Uses a rifle or handgun of no greater pass as a result of that discharge, within tered a deer, bear or moose may, without a power than one which uses .22 caliber hide dealer’s license, sell: 100 yards (300 feet) of a building without long rifle ammunition. permission from the owner or, in the • The head, hide, antlers* and feet of that • Loads the rifle or handgun only when owner’s absence, an adult occupant who deer. dispatching a raccoon that is treed or dwells in that building. This provision also held at bay by a dog or dogs and has been • The head, hide, antlers*, feet and bones applies to state-owned boat launches that identified by flashlight. of that moose. are posted accordingly. • The head, hide, teeth, gallbladder* and claws (not attached to the paws) of that PLACEMENT OF BAIT Definitions, as Used in This Section: bear. As used in this section, “bait” means an an- Building means any residential, commer- imal, plant, or part thereof used to attract *Raw antlers and bear gallbladders may only cial, retail, educational, religious or farm wild animals for the purpose of hunting. be sold (including for money, barter, or trade) structure that is designed to be occupied by to a licensed hide dealer, and they must be A Person Placing Bait for Hunting people or domesticated animals or is being tagged or accompanied with documentation Purposes Must: used to shelter machines or harvested containing the name and address of the • Obtain oral or written permission from crops. person who legally killed the animal. the landowner or landowner’s agent. “Projectile” means a bullet, pellet, shot, • Plainly label the bait with a 2-inch by You Need a Hide Dealer’s License To: shell, ball, bolt or other object propelled or 4-inch tag containing the name and launched from a firearm or crossbow. Commercially buy, sell, barter, or trade address of the baiter. any raw, untanned animal hides (including • Clean up the bait site immediately upon Exception fur-bearing animals) or parts of wild landowner request; or if not requested, Persons target practicing on land that animals or birds not prohibited above. within 20 days of the last day the site is they own or have permission to use may Any parts bought or sold may not be hunted. discharge a crossbow within 100 yards of a attached to wild animal or wild bird parts A Person May NOT: dwelling, provided the projectile does not that are prohibited from being sold. • Hunt over another person’s bait site enter another person’s property.

QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 2019-20 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING 12 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, in the fields and forests or on the waters or rest a loaded firearm or crossbow that 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 Way: A person may not shoot or discharge attached to the arrows. regulation. any firearm, crossbow, or bow and arrow • A person who is hunting may rest a Exception: A person may possess hunting 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 animal or bird. Motorboat or Possessing a Loaded and streams lying seaward of the first Firearm or Crossbow in or on a Motor upstream bridge. Firearms on School Property: Posses- Vehicle: It is unlawful to shoot while in or • A person who is hunting who is on but sion of a firearm or crossbow on public on a motor vehicle, motorboat, snowmobile school property or discharging one within or ATV or have a loaded firearm or cross not within an enclosed area or passenger compartment of an ATV or snowmobile 500 feet of school property, except as used bow while in or on a motor vehicle, trailer, may shoot a firearm or crossbow or rest a in supervised educational programs or by 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 interfere with their lawful taking. A hunter may not shoot at a target with what appears to be an appendage 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 aware of, the risk of causing the death distance to the target, surrounding or intervening terrain and cover, lighting TAGGING, TRANSPORTATION & of another human being as a conse- REGISTRATION quence of misidentification. and weather conditions, the hunter’s • 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

2019-20 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 GENERAL 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. to registration, any harvested bear, deer, bear, bobcat, and coyote. 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. open to view, meaning that the animal is coyotes or bear during the period from not concealed and can be readily observed • Sporting dogs may be trained on wild 1 hour after sunset to 1 hour before birds (not including wild turkey) at sunrise. in whole or in part from outside of the any time. The commissioner may vehicle or trailer transporting it. Once an • For more information on hunting bears 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 A person with a suspended or revoked be transported by another person. and kill wild birds propagated or license may not train dogs. Registration Requirements: A Person legally acquired by the permittee and possessed in accordance with the laws who Kills a Bear, Deer, Moose, or Wild Leashed Dog Tracking License Turkey must: pertaining to breeders, licenses. • Residents may train up to six dogs on A license is available which allows the 1. Remain with the animal until it is bear from July 1 to August 23, 2019 tracking of wounded deer, moose, and 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 to provided in the statutes regarding nuisance visible to a person traveling on a public or TIME LIMITS FOR REGISTERING animals or animals causing damage. private way. Bobcats taken by hunting must be tagged A person may not keep an unregistered Bear: Hunters are required to remove bear, deer, moose, or wild turkey at home by a MDIFW employee within 72 hours of a premolar tooth from the bear they or any place of storage for more than the time they were taken. register a wild harvest and provide the tooth when they 18-hours. This does not apply to an animal turkey. register their bear (instructions available that is kept in an official registration at registration and online). Hunters will CONDITION OF ANIMAL PRESENTED 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 FOR REGISTRATION harvested on the Bear Hunting Page of the 18-hour limit under special circumstances, A person must present a bear, deer, moose MDIFW website prior to the start of the but that person must still notify a game or wild turkey for registration in its entire- next bear hunting season (late August). warden within 18 hours. ty, except that the viscera and rib cage of the animal may be removed in a manner A person on a hunting trip in an unorga- POSSESSION OF GIFT BEAR, DEER, that still allows the determination of the MOOSE, OR WILD TURKEY nized township and staying at a temporary animal’s sex. place of lodging may keep an unregistered A person may not accept as a gift any part harvested animal at the temporary place Moose: A moose may be dismembered of a bear, deer, moose, or wild turkey un- of lodging for no more than 7 days or until for ease of transportation, and the lower less that animal, or part thereof, is plainly that person leaves the woods, whichever legs, head and hide may be removed. If the labeled with the name and address of the comes first. head of the moose is not brought to the person who registered it and the year it was registration station, a canine tooth or the registered. ■ A person may not possess a bear, deer, lower jaw must be. Parts of a moose left in moose, or wild turkey that has not been the field may not be placed where they are legally registered, except as otherwise

QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 2019-20 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING 14 LAWS PERTAINING TO HUNTING EQUIPMENT LAWS PERTAINING TO HUNTING EQUIPMENT

with a magazine capacity of more than GENERAL LAWS 5 cartridges (plus 1 in the chamber for a DISTURBING TRAPS Wild animals and wild birds may be total of 6), unless the magazine has been hunted only by the use of rifles, handguns, permanently altered to contain not more shotguns (not larger than 10-gauge), than 5 cartridges. It is unlawful to take or disturb any muzzleloader, handheld bow and arrow, Note: This provision does not apply to trap, any wildlife animal which is crossbow, or falconry. .22 caliber rimfire guns or to auto-loading caught in a trap, without permission Deer and moose decoys are legal, as are pistols with barrel lengths of less than 8 from the owner of the trap. An laser sights (red dots or beam) for firearms inches. individual convicted of disturbing a and bows. 3-shell Max for Migratory Game Birds: trap, will lose any license in effect, Electronic calling devices are legal for deer, It is unlawful to hunt any migratory game and be ineligible to purchase any bear, turkey, moose, and coyote, but are bird with a shotgun capable of holding license issued by the Department for more than 3 shells unless the magazine illegal for migratory game birds. 3 years. has been cut off, altered, or plugged with Illegal Devices: a one-piece filler (incapable of removal • It is unlawful to hunt with the use of without disassembling the gun), so as to (or sell or offer for sale for the purpose reduce the capacity of the gun to not more of hunting) a set gun, or any medici- nal, poisonous or stupefying substance than 3 shells in the magazine and chamber TRAIL/GAME CAMERAS LAW (except rodenticide for orchard mouse combined. control and gas cartridges for woodchuck Silencers: It is unlawful to hunt with or People using trail and game cameras control). possess for hunting any firearm fitted or may not place a camera upon an- • Drawlocks and set bows are illegal unless contrived with any device for deadening other person’s private land without otherwise permitted for disabled hunters. the sound of the explosion without a written permission. All cameras • Crossbows cannot be used to hunt wild permit. turkeys in the fall season, or deer during must be labeled with the person’s the expanded archery, regular October ar- Bullet Types: It is unlawful to hunt with name and contact information. chery, or the muzzleloader season. Please cartridges that contain tracer bullets or see exceptions and additional information explosive bullets. related to crossbow hunting on page 16. Cartridges: A loaded magazine may be carried in a Illegal Use of Lights: From September • Firearms with .17 or .22 caliber rimfire cartridges may not be used for deer, motor vehicle, but it must not be inserted 1 to December 15, it is unlawful to use in or attached to a firearm. artificial lights from ½ hour after sunset moose, or bear hunting, except that .22 until ½ hour before sunrise to illuminate, magnum can be used for deer hunting. Firearms may be transported in a motor jack, locate, attempt to locate or show up • Shotguns using shot loads can not be vehicle without a concealed firearms wild birds or animals, except raccoons, used to hunt bear or moose. permit provided they are (1) unloaded which may be hunted at night with electric Archery Season Provisions: No firearms and in plain view, or (2) are unloaded and flashlights during the open season (see of any kind may be carried while hunting placed in a remote secure area (such as a General Hunting Provisions for details). deer with a bow and arrow during the locked trunk) away from the control of the An exception to this may be made for special or expanded archery seasons on occupants of the motor vehicle. deer, except a person may carry a handgun agents appointed by the commissioner to For the purpose of this law, a muzzleloader in accordance with title 25 section 2001-A; hunt coyotes at night during this period is considered to be loaded only if charged but it cannot be used to shoot a deer or under policies established by MDIFW. with powder, a projectile, and a primed dispatch a wounded deer. ignition device or mechanism. A crossbow FIREARMS LAWS Loaded Firearms in Motor Vehicles: is considered loaded if cocked and armed. It is Unlawful to Hunt with, or Possess It is unlawful to have a loaded firearm or Exceptions apply when carrying a con- for Hunting, Any: crossbow in or on a motor vehicle (includ- cealed pistol or revolver. • Automatic firearm (a firearm that con- ing trailer, ATV, aircraft, snowmobile, or tinues to fire as long as the trigger is held railway car), unless otherwise specified. back). See page 12 for more information. • Auto-loading firearm (a firearm that reloads itself after each shot and requires a separate trigger pull for each shot)

2019-20 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 LAWS PERTAINING TO HUNTING EQUIPMENT 15

Carrying Concealed Firearms: A person antlerless deer permits may be purchased weight of 35 pounds (for moose a may carry a concealed handgun without for $12 each, and an either-sex permit for minimum draw weight of 45 pounds is a permit and may have that concealed, the expanded archery deer season is $32. required), and broad-head arrow. Arrow loaded pistol or revolver in, or on, a motor heads (including expandable mechanical Exceptions: Complimentary archery vehicle or trailer if: broadheads) must be at least ⅞ inch in license holders (Disabled Veteran, Native width. It is unlawful to use a set bow, or • The person is 21 years of age or older and American) and junior hunting license hold- to use arrows with poisonous or explosive is not otherwise prohibited from possess- ers may hunt with those licenses during tips. Hunters 65 years of age or older may ing a firearm or; the expanded archery deer season. hunt any wild bird or wild animal with a • The person is 18 years of age or older and crossbow during any open season on that Appli- under 21 years of age and on active duty Obtaining an Archery License: wild bird or wild animal. cants for the regular archery license must in the Armed Forces of the United States • Hunter orange clothing is NOT required show proof of having successfully com- or the National Guard or is an honorably when hunting with bow and arrow. discharged veteran of the Armed Forces pleted an archery hunter education course Anyone who hunts with a firearm or of the United States or the National or of having held a Maine adult archery crossbow must wear hunter orange (see Guard and is not otherwise prohibited license in any year after 1979. When more information below). from carrying a firearm. proof or evidence cannot be provided, the • All deer killed by bow and arrow during Upon contact with a law enforcement offi- applicant may substitute a signed affidavit. the archery seasons must be inspected cer, a person carrying a concealed handgun Native Americans are exempt from safety and registered at the first open deer without a permit is required to notify them course requirements for archery, crossbow, registration station. immediately. and trapping. • It is legal to hunt until ½ hour after sun- • Junior hunters who hold a valid Junior set during both archery deer seasons. ARCHERY INFORMATION Hunting License are allowed to hunt with • In WMDs where no any-deer permits are Seasons: The regular archery license allows bow and arrow when accompanied by an issued, archers and junior hunters are not bow and arrow hunting for all legal game adult supervisor (see page 17). allowed to harvest antlerless deer during throughout the year, except for deer during • A hunter may carry a handgun while the archery season on deer or within a the muzzleloader season. bowhunting, but it may NOT be used portion of a WMD that is outside of the to dispatch deer. See page 14 for more area where any-deer permits are allocated Licenses: You must have an archery information. (this applies when only a portion of a license to hunt during the regular and • Laws that allow you to hunt without a WMD has any-deer permits allocated). expanded archery deer seasons, or hunt license on your own land under certain (Deer taken during the expanded archery with a bow and arrow in general. conditions apply to archery hunting (see deer season are by appropriate permit as described above.) Permits: In addition to an archery license, page 6). hunters participating in the expanded • Deer & bear may be taken under the In addition, all other laws pertaining to archery deer season (designated areas archery provisions only by means of deer hunting apply to archery hunting. only) must also purchase permits. Multiple hand-held bow with a minimum draw

HUNTER ORANGE CLOTHING REQUIREMENT

Hunter orange is defined as a day- ored hunter orange hat; the other must Bear, Turkey, and Upland Game light fluorescent orange color with a cover a major portion of the torso, such as Bird Hunters dominant wave length between 595 a jacket, vest, coat or poncho and must be When hunting bears, turkeys, and and 605 nanometers, excitation purity a minimum of 50% hunter orange in color upland game birds, hunter orange of at least 85% and luminance factor (camouflage). clothing is only required when hunting of at least 40%. A decal on an article of with a firearm or crossbow during the Archery Seasons on Deer clothing that is otherwise solid hunter firearms hunting season on deer, the Hunter orange clothing is not required orange is permissible. Articles of hunter muzzleloader season on deer, or within while hunting with a bow and arrow during orange clothing must be in good and an open moose hunting district during the archery seasons. serviceable condition and visible from moose hunting season. all sides. Moose Hunting Season Waterfowl Hunters Anyone who hunts any species with a fire- are not affected by the provisions above Firearms and Muzzleloader arm or crossbow in a Wildlife Management while hunting from a boat, blind, or Seasons on Deer District that is open to moose hunting in conjunction with waterfowl decoys. Anyone who hunts any species with must wear one article of solid-colored Exception: Any hunter whose religion a firearm, muzzleloader, or crossbow hunter orange clothing (hats count). When prohibits wearing hunter orange may during any firearms or muzzleloader moose season overlaps the firearms season wear red instead. All minimum wear season on deer (also on Youth Deer Day) on deer, then two pieces must be worn. All requirements for hunter orange still must wear two articles of hunter orange laws pertaining to deer hunting apply to apply when hunter red is substituted for clothing. One article must be a solid-col- moose hunters during these seasons. hunter orange.

QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 2019-20 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING 16 LAWS PERTAINING TO HUNTING EQUIPMENT

RELEASING DOGS FROM TRAPS

A dog’s reaction to being caught in a foothold trap can vary from calm to frightened, but upon being released they do not normally SIDE VIEW sustain injury. The most common trap type used in Maine is the coilspring variety (shown here), and other types that you might come across operate by similar mechanisms. If your dog gets caught in one of them, follow these steps:

Get Help: If available, get a second release tension on the jaws and allow person to assist you. you to remove the dog’s foot. Protect Yourself: Some dogs may Respect the Trapper, and Obey the attempt to bite, especially as the trap Law: It is unlawful to take or destroy TOP VIEW is removed from their foot. Protect a trap without permission from the yourself by securing the dog’s muzzle owner. using a jacket or vest, or by placing a Prevent Future Incidents: Trappers barrier between you and the dog. commonly use lures and urine to Open the Trap: If possible, put the attract furbearers such as foxes and trap flat on the ground. To open the coyotes. You can train your dog to trap, push down on the levers located avoid trap locations by utilizing these at either end of the jaws. This will scents in mock trap sets.

CROSSBOW INFORMATION laws pertinent to that species, except that a OBSERVATION STANDS Crossbow Permits licensed crossbow hunter 64 years of age or younger may not hunt wild turkey during To purchase a crossbow hunting permit, the fall turkey season or hunt deer during It is unlawful to insert any metallic you must first a valid hunting license (big the expanded archery, special October or ceramic object into a tree on game license for big game species or small archery or muzzleloader seasons. another person’s land for the purpose game license for turkey and small game of erecting a ladder or observation species), and must submit proof of having Hunters 65 years or older, or who have a stand, unless you have permission successfully completed an archery hunting special handicap permit to use a crossbow, from the landowner. You must obtain education course and a crossbow hunting may use a crossbow for any species in verbal or written permission of the course or satisfactory evidence of having season with the appropriate permits. landowner (or representative) to previously held adult archery and crossbow For Native American License & Hunting erect or use a portable or permanent hunting permits in any year after 1979. Information see pages 6, 7 & 15. ladder or observation stand, and the If you cannot provide proof or evidence, a ladder or observation stand must signed affidavit can be substituted. Crossbow Equipment Laws Required Features be plainly labeled with a 2-inch Valid junior hunting license holders may • Only crossbows with a shoulder-type by 4-inch tag with the names and hunt with a crossbow without purchasing stock may be used. addresses of everyone the landowner permits. • Draw weight must be at least 100 pounds has authorized to use it. Crossbow Seasons (there is no max). Exception: Portable ladders or New Law begins January 1, 2020 and lasts • Arrowheads, including mechanical broad- observation stands used on land for 3 years, that expands crossbow hunting heads when open, must be at least ⅞ inch within the jurisdiction of the Maine to the Regular October Archery Season wide. Land Use Regulation Commission on deer and during the Fall Wild Turkey • Crossbows must be equipped with a me- and attended by the person who Hunting Season. It specifies that a person chanical trigger safety device in working owns the ladder or observation stand condition. using a crossbow during the open archery do not require landowner permission season may not harvest an antlerless deer Prohibited Features or labeling, but permanent ones do. unless that person possesses an antlerless • Hand-held pistol-type crossbows are deer permit. prohibited Note: For more information on • Arrows with explosive or poisonous tips private property use, see page 31. By Maine State Law, a crossbow is not are prohibited Observation stands do not include considered a firearm. A person may hunt portable blinds utilized at ground any wild bird or animal with a crossbow Optional, but Allowed Features level that remain in the hunter’s during any open season on that bird or • Crossbows equipped with scopes or sights physical possession. animal while still following all the other may be used. ■

2019-20 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 JUNIOR HUNTERS 17

YOUTH HUNTING DAYS Junior Hunters Junior hunters who hold a valid junior hunting license (including a lifetime JUNIOR HUNTING LICENSES gratory waterfowl, one expanded archery license) can participate in special youth Children 16 and under must have a junior antlerless deer permit, and one expanded hunting days for bear, deer, spring and fall hunting license to hunt. There is no minimum archery either sex permit. wild turkey, and migratory waterfowl. age to purchase a junior hunting license. Note: A lifetime license purchased for a If a person is continuing to hunt on a After a junior hunter’s 16th birthday, hunter under 16 years of age is considered junior hunting license and has turned 16 they may continue to hunt on their junior a junior license until upgraded to an adult they may hunt on youth hunting days. license for the remainder of the calendar license by contacting MDIFW. If that 16 year old who is hunting with a year with or without taking the hunter junior hunting license has completed their SUPERVISION OF JUNIOR HUNTERS safety course. If the junior hunter does hunter safety course they still must have • Hunters from 10–15 years of age must be take the hunter safety course appropriate in the presence of, and under the effective adult supervision on the youth hunting for the method in which they intend to control of, an adult supervisor. days only. hunt with, he or she may only hunt under • Hunters under the age of 10 must be in On these days, all laws pertaining to the supervision of an adult who meets the the presence of, and under the effective hunting deer, bear, spring and fall wild adult supervisor definition. If the junior control of, an adult supervisor who turkey and waterfowl apply. The accompa- hunter does take the hunter safety course, remains at all times within 20 feet of the nying parent, guardian or qualified adult, he or she may hunt without supervision hunter. shall not possess a firearm, bow and arrow and keep all the junior hunter permits or crossbow, except on youth waterfowl but must carry their valid junior hunting A. “Adult Supervisor” Means: days*. On youth deer, bear and spring license as well as their hunter safety 1. The parent or guardian of the junior hunter who holds or has held a valid and fall turkey days the parent, guardian card. The junior hunter is not required Maine hunting license or successfully or qualified adult may carry a handgun to upgrade to the adult license until the completed a hunter safety course. pursuant to Title 25 M.R.S. SS 2001-A, calendar year they turn 17 but they may 2. A person 18 years of age or older who: but the handgun may not be used for the upgrade to the adult license in their 16th a. Is approved by the parent or guardian purpose of hunting. year. Upgrading while they are 16 years of the junior hunter; and of age will require them to purchase any 16-year-olds still hunting on valid junior necessary permits. b. Holds or has held a valid Maine hunt- hunting licenses may hunt on youth ing license or successfully completed hunt days without purchasing additional Junior license holders can hunt with a a hunter safety course. permits, except for migratory waterfowl firearm, bow and arrow, or crossbow (see B. “In the Presence of” Means: youth hunt days, which require anyone 16 pg. 15 for more crossbow information). in visual and voice contact without the or older to obtain a valid Federal Migratory The license includes hunting permits for use of visual or audio enhancement Bird Hunting Stamp. ■ muzzleloader, spring and fall turkey, bear, devices, including but not limited to coyote night hunt, pheasant, state mi- binoculars and citizen band radios.

YOUTH HUNTING SPECIES YOUTH HUNTING DAY(S) REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO JUNIOR HUNTERS A licensed junior hunter may hunt bear with a firearm, bow and arrow, or crossbow during the Bear August 24, 2019 youth bear hunting day. Use of dogs is prohibited; hunting over bait or still hunting is permitted. Participants are allowed to take one deer of either sex (in WMD’s where antlerless deer permits are issued) with a firearm, bow and arrow, or crossbow. If a junior hunter shoots a deer on the youth deer hunting day or within a portion of a WMD that is outside of the Deer October 26, 2019 area where any-deer permits are allocated (this applies when only a portion of a WMD has any-deer permits allocated), they are prohibited from taking any additional deer, unless they have been awarded a bonus antlerless-deer permit or participate in the expanded archery season (designated areas only) with appropriate expanded archery permits. Spring Participants may take up to two bearded wild turkeys with a shotgun, bow and arrow, or May 2, 2020 Wild Turkey crossbow, but cannot exceed an individual WMD bag limit. See wild turkey, pages 23-24. Fall Participants may take up to two wild turkeys on this day, with a shotgun or bow and arrow, but September 14, 2019 cannot exceed an individual WMD bag limit. If hunting in different WMDs, the order in which Wild Turkey they are taken does not matter. North Zone: ALL duck species - except Harlequins, Barrow’s Goldeneye, Moorhens and Gallinules - may September 14, 2019 be hunted on these days, including geese. For the October 19, November 9, and December 7 & December 7, 2019 youth days, the goose limit is under the Regular Season limit. On September 14, South Zone: September 21, October 19, November 9, and December 7, scoters, eiders, and long-tailed Waterfowl September 21, 2019 ducks may be taken as part of the 6 bird daily limit on regular ducks. Also on these dates, & October 19, 2019 2 Black Ducks may be taken.) Must follow regular season bag limits and exceptions. Coastal Zone: *The supervisor may not carry a firearm, bow and arrow, or crossbow while accompanying September 21, 2019 a youth hunter on a youth hunt day except when it occurs during the early goose season the & November 9, 2019 accompanying adult may hunt for geese only.

QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 2019-20 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING 18 DEER HUNTING Deer Hunting Hunting of antlerless deer (a deer that has no antlers or has antlers less than 3 inches in length measured from the skull) is prohibited except by special permit during both the firearms and muzzleloader seasons. In WMDs where no any-deer permits are issued, archers and junior hunters are also not allowed to harvest antlerless deer. Multiple deer may be taken during the expanded archery season, and one may be taken during any one of the remaining sea- sons (with appropriate licenses or permits).

DEER HUNTING PROHIBITIONS Baiting deer by placing salt, grain, fruit, nuts or other foods or bait known to be attractive to deer, or hunting from an observation stand or blind overlooking such bait, is prohibited from June 1 to December 15. This does not apply to hunting from an observation stand or blind overlooking: • Standing crops • Foods that have been left as a result of a address of the person who registered the • Islesboro, Waldo County, is open to natural occurrence or normal agricultural animal, and the year it was registered. deer hunting with bow and arrow only during the archery, expanded archery, or operations Buying, Selling, and Bartering Deer: firearms seasons on deer. • Bear bait that has been placed at a bear see pages 11 & 12. hunting stand or blind in accordance with • Prout’s Neck; Richmond’s Island; Cape bear baiting laws AREAS CLOSED TO DEER HUNTING Elizabeth Sanctuary contains approxi- • Mt. Desert Island in Hancock County; mately 1,600 acres open to deer hunting, Illegal Equipment: Deer may not be hunted with bow and arrow only, during the open with the use of dogs, artificial lights, • Cross and Scotch Islands, located in special archery season and the firearms snares, traps, set guns or any firearm using Washington County; season on deer. .17 or .22 caliber rimfire cartridges, except • The town of Isle au Haut and islands with- Note: Landowner permission required. that .22 caliber rimfire magnum cartridges in that town, located in Knox County; and are permitted. Deer decoys are legal. • Wildlife sanctuaries, with exceptions • Southport: In the town of Southport, listed below. Lincoln County, and on all islands within Driving Deer: A person may not partic- its confines, it is lawful to hunt deer ipate in a hunt for deer during which an AREAS OPEN TO DEER HUNTING with shotguns only, during the firearms organized or planned effort is made to But with these Special Restrictions: season. drive deer. Four or more persons working • Beauchamp Point Sanctuary in Camden Municipal Ordinances: Several Maine cit- together to move deer constitutes such an and Rockport, Knox County, is open to ies and towns have adopted local ordinanc- effort. archery hunting for deer during any open es that restrict or prohibit the discharge of One and Done: It is unlawful to hunt hunting season that allows archery equip- certain projectiles (e.g., arrows, bullets). deer after having killed or registered one ment to be used to hunt deer. Prior to hunting near densely populated during the open season of that calendar • Cranberry Isles in Hancock County is communities, hunters should check with year, unless you are participating in the open to bow and arrow hunting for deer local authorities regarding such ordinances. expanded archery season on deer (see page only during the archery and firearms seasons on deer and to shotgun hunting Towns may regulate the discharge of fire- 18) or possess a valid bonus or superpack during the firearms season on deer. arms as provided by Title 30-A; however, antlerless deer permit. • The island of Frenchboro is open to deer they cannot regulate or charge fees to Gift deer: Gift deer may not be possessed hunting with shotgun only during the hunt, fish or trap. unless clearly labeled with the name and firearms season on deer.

2019-20 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 DEER HUNTING 19

DEER PERMITS & LICENSES Expanded Archery Permit applications are available mid-June. Muzzleloader Permit • Restricted to designated areas (contact • In several WMDs, there may be more any- • Muzzleloader means a firearm that is MDIFW, or see our website, for maps of deer permits available than applicants. capable of being loaded only through the areas). Unclaimed bonus antlerless deer permits muzzle; is ignited by a matchlock, wheel • Archery hunting only. will be allocated in a chance drawing until lock, flintlock, or caplock, including an • Hunters who have a valid archery license all permits in that district have been in-line caplock or shotgun or rifle primer can purchase multiple antlerless deer issued. mechanism; has a rifled or smooth-bored permits and one either-sex permit. • Maine’s antlerless deer (firearms) hunt barrel capable of firing only a single • Deer must be legally transported and reg- is a “permit only” hunt. ■ charge; propels a ball, bullet, or charge istered as required for other deer seasons. of shot; and may have any type of sights, • All other archery deer hunting laws apply. including scopes. • Junior hunters may hunt during this BIG BUCK CLUB • A muzzleloader permit, in addition to a season with their junior hunting license. valid adult big game hunting license that The junior hunting license includes one Maine has a club for deer hunters allows the use of firearms, is required for expanded archery antlerless deer permit hunters 16 years of age or older prior to called “The Biggest Bucks in Maine and one either sex permit. If the hunter Club,” which is sponsored by: hunting deer during the muzzleloader wants to take additional deer, unlimited deer season. The muzzleloader permit is expanded archery antlerless deer permits The Maine Sportsman included in the junior hunting license and may be purchased. 183 State Street, Suite 101 the senior (age 70+) lifetime license. Augusta, ME 04330 Antlerless Deer Permit • Hunter orange clothing is required during • Hunting of antlerless deer during the To qualify, the minimum dressed this season (see page 15). firearms season and muzzleloader season weight (without heart, lungs, and • Hunting hours are from ½ hour before is restricted to those hunters who possess liver) must be 200 pounds. Appli- sunrise to ½ hour after sunset. a valid any-deer permit, bonus antlerless cation blanks are available from • Except as specified, all other laws relating deer permit, or superpack antlerless deer the Department wardens and to the taking of deer with firearms shall permit. biologists or by calling the Maine apply to the taking of deer with muzzle- • Antlerless deer may be taken by hunt- Sportsman at (207) 622-4242. loaders. ers during the expanded (September • Only muzzleloaders that are 40 caliber or – December) and regular (October) greater and capable of firing only a single archery seasons. Archers may not take charge and crossbows by persons 65 years antlerless deer in WMDs where any- of age or older may be used to hunt deer deer permits are not issued. Any-deer during this season. permits are acquired by lottery only and

DEER POPULATION MONITORING PROJECT

MDIFW biologists annually collect To that end, MDIFW has initiated a weather-related data (i.e., temperature, population monitoring project that snow depth, and deer sinking depth) uses GPS Satellite collar technology to from 26 representative sites across track survival/mortality trends among Maine to calculate a weather severity Maine’s antlerless deer populations. index (WSI). The project’s primary goals are to: This index has been used since 1973 1. Reevaluate the correlation between at the statewide and WMD levels to WSI and WMR for white-tailed deer estimate an all-inclusive annual NOTICE TO DOG 2. Assess seasonal survival rates for the over-winter mortality rate (WMR) adult female (≥1.5 years) and fawn OWNERS of white-tailed deer, which accounts segments of the population for predation, malnutrition, physical It is unlawful to allow any dog to limitations of deer, etc. 3. Assess cause-specific mortality of run at large at any time, except adult female and fawn populations Since the correlation between WSI and when used for hunting. (“AT WMR was identified, it has become a 4. Reassess the current winter severity LARGE” means off the premises cornerstone of Maine’s deer manage- index and try to identify a new, more of the owner and not under the ment system. simplistic, metric control of any person by means of personal presence or attention.) But because the metric derives from 5. Begin to understand predator-prey an ecological relationship, which may dynamics for white-tailed deer in It is unlawful to allow any dog to change over time, our high wildlife Maine chase, wound, or kill a deer or management standards require that moose at any time or any other we continue to monitor its efficacy. wild animal in closed season.

QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 2019-20 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING 20 DEER HUNTING

REPORTING ACCIDENTS & AIDING VICTIMS

Any person who knows or has reason to believe that they have inflicted injury to another person by the use of firearms, crossbow or bow and arrow is required to make themselves known to the victim and render such first aid and assistance as they are capable of under the circumstances. The incident must be reported by the quickest means, to a game warden or other law enforcement officer.

HARASSMENT OF HUNTERS

It is illegal for any person to willfully interfere with the lawful hunting of any wild animal or wild bird, including the willful disturbance of HUNTERS FOR THE HUNGRY wild animals or wild birds with intent to interfere with their lawful taking. Attention hunters! Some Maine citizens lack adequate nutrition. Note: This law does not limit the A gift of meat from your hunt can help reduce hunger in Maine. ownership, use, access, or control of Hunters for the Hungry is a program for donating wild game meat to food property rights otherwise provided kitchens, shelters, and charitable organizations statewide. by law. To find out how you can help call (207) 287-7513.

2019 DEER SEASONS & BAG LIMITS

SEASON DATES DAILY BAG & POSSESSION LIMIT

Expanded Archery September 7, 2019 - December 14, 2019 (limited area/permit required)

Regular Archery (Statewide) October 5, 2019 - November 1, 2019*

Maine Residents Only: Firearms November 2, 2019 Only 1 may be taken annually. (allows use of bow and arrow, Exception: Additional deer may be crossbows**, firearms, or muzzleloaders) All Hunters: taken by participants in the Expanded November 4, 2019 - November 30, 2019 Archery Season within the expanded archery zones or by anyone possess- ing a bonus antlerless deer permit or Youth Deer Hunting Day October 26, 2019 superpack antlerless deer permit. Week 1: All Wildlife Management Districts (WMD’s) December 2, 2019 - December 7, 2019 Muzzleloader Week 2: WMD’s 12, 13, 15-18, 20-26, 29 December 9, 2019 - December 14, 2019

All dates are inclusive except that hunting is prohibited on Sunday. *During the regular archery season, participants may take a deer of either sex if hunting in a WMD where antlerless deer permits are issued. **See page 16 for information on the use of crossbows. New Law begins January 1, 2020 and lasts for 3 years, that expands crossbow hunting to the Regular October Archery Season on deer and during the Fall Wild Turkey Hunting Season.

2019-20 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE 21 Chronic Wasting Disease WHAT IS CWD? • CWD is a fatal brain disease of white- tailed deer, mule deer, caribou, moose, and elk. It is similar to mad cow disease which occurs in cattle. • CWD occurs in wild deer populations in 24 U.S. states and 2 Canadian provinces, including states as close as Pennsylvania and New York. Thus far, Maine proudly remains • CWD has not yet been recorded as being CWD free. transmissible to people. However, a • It is illegal for individuals to bring into similar disease does exist in humans. Maine cervid carcasses or parts, except • CWD can persist in the environment that the following carcass parts may outside of a host for many years. be imported and possessed: boned-out meat, hardened antlers, skull caps that disease to humans. Again, thus far CWD • CWD has a 100% mortality rate in deer. have been cleaned free of brain and other has not been identified in a person. CWD Monitoring and Prevention tissues, capes and hides with no skull • Avoid consumption of the brain and in Maine attached, teeth, and finished taxidermy spinal tissues. • Maine has actively monitored for CWD mounts. • Refrain from feeding deer during the each year since 1999, and since that time • MDIFW prohibits the transportation winter months, as high densities of deer screened approximately 11,000 wild deer. of unprocessed deer carcasses, and/or within a small area can increase disease parts, into Maine from states that are transmission. not directly adjacent to our state. • Do not use urine-based lures, as CWD has REGULATIONS ON FEEDING DEER Note: Cervid carcasses or parts from been shown to be spread via bodily fluids. New Hampshire are exempt from the To the best of our knowledge, commercial Feeding deer is prohibited from June transportation exemption. lures are not currently monitored for CWD. If you choose to utilize a urine- 1 to December 15. The Commission- • MDIFW will not transplant deer from er can stop anyone from feeding deer based lure, be certain to place it in a other states into Maine. location that deer cannot come in contact at any time if there is a public safety with. ■ hazard or if it is harmful to the deer MDIFW Recommends that Individuals: population. A new law in 2019 allows • Contact their regional wildlife biologist, the Commissioner to prohibit or or warden, if an animal shows clinical CAUTION ON LIVER limit the feeding of deer, bear, moose signs of illness, such as loss of fear of and wild turkey if there is docu- humans, drooling, and/or excessive & KIDNEY mented evidence of chronic wasting weight loss. CONSUMPTION disease (CWD) in the State or within • Take precautionary steps such as using 50 miles of the border of the State or latex gloves while processing a harvested The Maine Department of Inland if there is a reason to believe that the deer, and sterilizing their equipment fol- Fisheries and Wildlife and the lowing processing. These steps will help Maine Center for Disease Control type or location of feed may create to reduce potential transmission of the and Prevention recommend that a public safety hazard or may have the liver and kidneys of moose a detrimental effect on deer, bear, not be eaten because of possible moose and wild turkey. MDIFW CHECK STATIONS contamination with the heavy metal cadmium. Also, recent stud- ies have shown smaller amounts Our wildlife biologists annually WASTE OF GAME of cadmium in liver tissues from collect information that allows Maine deer, and deer, elk and MDIFW to assess the condition and antelope from other states. Maine A person may not waste a wild productivity of Maine’s deer popu- health officials recommend bird or wild animal that has been lation. Much of the information we limiting deer liver consumption wounded or killed while hunting. collect comes from hunter-harvest- to 0.8 pounds in one sitting and 1 For purposes of this section “waste” ed deer. As such, the information 1 to 1 ⁄3 pounds per week. Human means to intentionally leave a you provide us with is used directly symptoms of acute cadmium wounded or killed animal in the for deer management purposes, in poisoning include severe nausea, field or forest without making a Maine. A summary of the infor- vomiting, diarrhea, muscle cramps reasonable effort to retrieve and mation we collect from you can be and salivation. There is no known render it for consumption or use. found within our Annual Research health risk from eating moose meat or deer meat. This law does not apply to coyotes. and Management Reports.

QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 2019-20 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING 22 MOOSE HUNTING Moose Hunting

MOOSE HUNTING PERMIT A new law has changed the definition of ineligibility period to reapply for a moose Maine’s moose hunt is a “permit only” antlerless moose to mean: a moose without permit. hunt. 2,820 permits were issued for the antlers. An Anterless moose permit allows 2019 moose hunt. Each permittee may Permits for 65 Years Old and Older: the permittee to harvest a female moose select a subpermittee to hunt with them. A resident 65 years of age or older with 30 without antlers or a male calf moose Applications are available by January 31. points or more in the moose lottery system without antlers. A person may not hunt moose with an who applies for a moose permit is guaran- apprentice hunter license. The bag limit is Permit donation to veterans: Beginning teed a permit. one moose per year, by either permittee in 2019, a person who receives a moose Permits for Hunting Lodges: Beginning or subpermittee. A person 10 years of permit may transfer that permit to a in 2019, the Commissioner may allocate age or older on the opening day of the disabled veteran or may return the permit up to 2% of the moose hunting permits moose hunt is eligible to apply for a moose to MDIFW so the permit can be transfered for a special chance lottery that is separate hunting permit in that calendar year. A to a disabled veteran through the Depart- from the regular moose permit lottery, to person under the age of 10 on the opening ment of Veteran’s Affairs. The disabled hunting outfitters who meet the specific re- day of the moose hunting season may veteran must meet eligibility and permit quirements defined in the law. If a qualified apply to earn a point in the lottery system, requirements. A transferor and a transferee applicant is drawn in the lottery, the cost but cannot receive a permit. of the permit are subject to the elimination to purchase the permit is $1,500. ■ of any accumulated points and the 3-year

2019 MOOSE PERMIT HUNT SEASONS & BAG LIMITS

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT DATES DAILY BAG & POSSESSION LIMIT

1-6, 10, 11, 18, 19, 27, 28 September 23, 2019 - September 28, 2019

1–14, 17–19, 27, 28 October 14, 2019 - October 19, 2019

1-6 October 28, 2019 - November 2, 2019 Only 1 may be taken annually with permit. 15, 16 November 2, 2019 Maine Resident Permit Holders Only

15, 16 November 4, 2019 - November 30, 2019

All dates are inclusive except that hunting is prohibited on Sunday. See page 16 for information on the use of crossbows.

2019-20 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 WILD TURKEY HUNTING 23 Wild Turkey Hunting Anyone who possesses a big game or small game firearms license or archery license may obtain a combination spring/fall wild turkey permit.

LANDOWNER PRIVILEGES person shall keep a wild turkey at his/her The following laws and regulations are spe- home or at any place of storage (except at cific to spring and fall wild turkey hunting the official registration station or at the seasons. Hunters must also comply with all office of a Maine Game Warden) for more other applicable fish and wildlife laws. than eighteen (18) hours without first notifying a game warden. Any private landowner is eligible to hunt wild turkeys on their own land without a turkey hunting permit if: ATTENTION 1. That person owns a particular piece of TURKEY HUNTERS land that is 25 or more contiguous acres in size and is located within the turkey The Department is collaborating hunting zone designated for the season with the University of Maine that they wish to hunt; on a research project to better 2. That person is permanently domiciled on understand the population 7. Hunt wild turkeys within a WMD that that land; dynamics of wild turkeys. As is closed to hunting wild turkeys. 3. The land is managed for the raising and part of this research we will be marking wild turkeys using leg 8. Possess any part or parts of a wild tur- selling of dairy cattle, dairy products, or key unless each part is plainly labeled beef cattle; and bands, wing tags and back pack style radio transmitters in a with the name and address of the 4. The land is open to hunting including person who registered the turkey, and hunting by permission only. number of areas throughout the state. If you shoot a turkey with a the year it was registered; Any family member permanently domiciled band or transmitter, please report 9. Buy, sell, offer for sale or barter, or aid on that land is also eligible to hunt wild it using the contact information someone in buying, selling, or offering turkeys on that land without a permit. printed on the bird’s leg band or for sale or barter, any wild turkey (Family member means any family mem- radio transmitter. (except the plumage of legally taken ber, including spouse, grandchildren, etc. turkeys). who resides on the property). A landowner 10. Hunt or register a wild turkey during must provide proof of eligibility if request- the spring season after having killed or registered two turkeys. ed by an agent of the commissioner. WILD TURKEY REGISTRATION All wild turkeys taken by hunters shall be 11. Hunt or register a wild turkey during All other standard reporting and tagging presented for registration within 18 hours the spring season after having killed or procedures are required. Turkey may be at one of the registration stations estab- registered five turkeys. taken during any open week of the season. lished for that purpose. At registration, the Landowners are allowed a bag limit of up to WILD TURKEY LEGAL HUNTING HOURS entire turkey, except the viscera, must be 2 bearded wild turkeys in the spring season Legal hunting time is from ½ hour before presented, and all radio transmitters must and up to 5 wild turkeys of either sex in the sunrise to ½ hour after sunset. be submitted to MDIFW. Hunters can keep fall season. Please check the WMD in which any leg bands or wing tags as long as they you are hunting as some are closed, and WILD TURKEY LICENSING, PERMIT, have reported them to MDIFW. The fee to others have bag limits varying anywhere & WHO MAY HUNT register a wild turkey is $2.00. from 1, up to 5 turkeys. License & Permit WILD TURKEY HUNTING PROHIBITIONS The spring and fall wild turkey hunting WILD TURKEY TO BE TAGGED No Person May: seasons are open to all hunters with valid Any person killing a wild turkey shall big or small game hunting licenses. A immediately and securely attach to it, 1. Employ the use of a dog or dogs in any manner while hunting turkey except combination spring/fall wild turkey permit a plainly visible tag bearing his/her full during the fall season; is also required and available for $20, plus name, address and license number. A gift 2. Engage in an organized drive of any agent fee. turkey must be labeled with the name and manner; address of the person who registered it and Who May Hunt 3. Use bait; the year the turkey was registered. The turkey hunter must possess the spring/ 4. Use a trap or other device intended or fall wild turkey permit and their hunting WILD TURKEY TRANSPORTATION designed to capture or ensnare wild license at all times while hunting. A person turkeys; Any wild turkey being moved or transport- may assist in a hunt without a license or ed in any manner must have a tag securely 5. Shoot a turkey while it is in a tree; permit for that activity as long as that attached, and it must be accompanied by 6. Present for registration, or allow to be person does not carry a firearm, archery or the person who killed it. Unless the wild registered in his or her name, a wild crossbow equipment (means to kill). turkey has been legally registered, no turkey that he/she did not lawfully kill;

QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 2019-20 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING 24 WILD TURKEY HUNTING

valid big or small game firearms hunting ing .410, may be used with shot sizes 7 SPRING WILD TURKEY HUNTING license or an archery license as well as a through 9 in Tungsten Super Shot (TSS). The spring wild turkey hunting season is turkey permit and crossbow permit. (A A person must possess a valid big or open statewide. person must have taken an archery and small game hunting license and a turkey Equipment crossbow hunting education course or permit. • Shotgun: A person can use shotgun- show proof that they have previously • Bow & Arrow: A person must possess a gauges 10 through 20, using shot sizes held an archery and crossbow hunting valid archery license, and a turkey permit. 4 through 6 or mixed loads that include license prior to purchasing their crossbow • Crossbow: Only hunters 65 years of age shot sizes 4 through 7. In addition, permit). and older and those with a crossbow dis- shotgun gauges 10 through 28, includ- • Dogs: It is unlawful to hunt with dogs ability permit may use a crossbow (valid ing .410, may be used with shot sizes 7 during the spring wild turkey season. hunting license and turkey permit also through 9 in Tungsten Super Shot (TSS). • Electronic Calling Devices: The use of required). A person must possess a valid big or electronic calling devices is legal. • Electronic Calling Devices: The use of small game hunting license and a turkey electronic calling devices is legal. permit. FALL WILD TURKEY HUNTING • Dogs: Use of dogs is legal to hunt wild • Bow & Arrow: A person must possess a Equipment turkey during the fall season. valid archery license, and a turkey permit. • Shotgun: A person can use shotgun Note: The fall shotgun wild turkey season • Crossbow: A crossbow may be used to gauges 10 through 20, using shot sizes involves tactics that are different from hunt wild turkeys during the spring wild 4 through 6 or mixed loads that include the “sit and call” approach, and hunters turkey hunting season. A person hunting shot sizes 4 through 7. In addition, are reminded to use extreme caution with a crossbow must possess either a shotgun gauges 10 through 28, includ- while hunting. ■

2019-20 WILD TURKEY SEASONS & BAG LIMITS

SEASON DATES BAG LIMIT

All dates are inclusive except that hunting is prohibited on Sunday. Wildlife Management Districts 15-17, 20-25 5 Wild Turkeys, either sex, any age* September 16 - November 7, 2019

Wildlife Management District 26 3 Wild Turkeys, either sex, any age* September 16 - November 7, 2019 Fall Wild Turkey Wildlife Management District 28 2 Wild Turkeys, either sex, any age* (bow and arrow or shotgun) September 16 - November 7, 2019

Wildlife Management Districts 10-13, 18-19, 26, 27, and 29 1 Wild Turkey, either sex, any age* September 16 - November 7, 2019

Wildlife Management Districts 1-9, 14 Closed to taking of Wild Turkeys May take up to 2 Wild Turkeys of any sex Youth Fall Wild Turkey Hunting Day or age, without exceeding a WMD bag limit September 14, 2019 that has a 1-bird limit. *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.

Wildlife Management Districts 7, 9-29 2 bearded Wild Turkeys** All hunters: May 4 - June 6, 2020 Wildlife Management Districts 1-6 and 8 1 bearded Wild Turkey** All hunters: May 4 - June 6, 2020 Spring Wild Turkey (bow and arrow, crossbow or shotgun) Youth Spring Wild Turkey Hunting Day May take up to 2 bearded Wild Turkeys May 2, 2020 from WMD’s 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.

See page 16 for information on the use of crossbows.

2019-20 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 OTHER SPECIES HUNTING 25 Other Species Hunting

OTHER SPECIES PERMITS & LICENSES New England Cottontail Rabbits all year round. This is Maine’s only native rabbit and IFW is actively trying to restore Pheasant Permit If you are hunting in southern Maine, MDIFW would like to know if you acciden- its population. Identifying new areas where A Pheasant Permit is required for hunters tally take or see New England cottontail the rabbit occurs could greatly benefit 16 years of age or older hunting on an rabbits. Cottontail rabbits are smaller than restoration efforts. Please let us know adult license, in order to hunt or pos- snowshoe hare, have hind feet less than about any rabbits you see by contacting a sess pheasant in Cumberland and York 4 inches in length, and do not turn white biologist in your region. counties. Revenue derived from this permit in the winter. Their coat remains brown is dedicated to the acquisition of pheasants which are raised and released by private fish and game clubs. 2019-20 OTHER SPECIES SEASON AND BAG LIMITS Coyote Night Hunting Permit A Coyote Night Hunting Permit (valid SPECIES DATES BAG LIMIT POSSESSION LIMIT January 1 to December 31, and available for $4*) allows the permit holder to hunt Pheasant* September 28 - December 31, 2019 2 4 coyote at night (defined as 1 hour after Ruffed Grouse sunset until 1 hour before sunrise) from September 28 - December 31, 2019 4 8 December 16 to August 31. (Partridge) Hunters must be in possession of a preda- Bobwhite Quail September 28 - December 31, 2019 4 8 tor calling device (electronic, hand-held, or mouth-operated). Crow For Crow See pg 36 The Department now allows the gifting of unregistered coyotes. A tag must be Gray Squirrel September 28 - December 31, 2019 attached to each gifted coyote with the 4 8 name and hunting or trapping license of Gray Squirrel September 28, 2019 - February 28, the person who harvested the coyote, the (Falconry) 2020 harvest method (hunt or trap), harvest date, and harvest town. This information September 28, 2019 - March 31, 2020 must be presented accurately to the tag- Snowshoe Hare Season on Island of Vinalhaven 4 8 ging agent when the animal is registered. September 28, 2019 - February 28, The use of artificial lights to hunt coyote at 2020 night is permitted. The use of dogs to hunt coyote at night is prohibited. Bobcat** December 1, 2019 - February 21, 2020 No Limit

In addition, the commissioner may appoint Fox October 21, 2019 - February 28, 2020 No Limit agents to hunt for coyotes at night using artificial lights from September 1 to De- Raccoon October 1 - December 31, 2019 No Limit cember 15. The commissioner shall make affected members of the public and law Skunk & Opossum October 21 - December 31, 2019 No Limit enforcement officers aware of any night hunting operation. During daylight hunting hours *Plus agent fee. January 1 - December 31, 2020 Falconry License Coyote No Limit A falconry license, in addition to a regular Night hunting (see info to the left) hunting license, is required of persons who December 16, 2019 - August 31, 2020 engage in falconry. Copies of the regula- Woodchuck, tions pertaining to this type of hunting are Red Squirrel, No Closed Season for Hunting No Limit available upon request. To obtain a falconry & Porcupine license, contact MDIFW. Cottontail Crows Rabbit, Spruce No Open Season Crows are neither migratory waterfowl Grouse, Lynx nor migratory game birds. The use of lead All dates are inclusive except that hunting is prohibited on Sunday. shot and shotguns capable of holding more See page 16 for information on the use of crossbows. than three shells is permitted. A migratory *In York and Cumberland counties, a permit is required to hunt or possess pheasant. Permit is not required to hunt or possess pheasant throughout the remainder of the State. waterfowl stamp is not required. **Bobcat taken by hunting must be tagged 10 days of the time they were harvested.

QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 2019-20 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING 26 BEAR HUNTING Bear Hunting

BEAR HUNTING PERMIT To hunt for bear prior to the firearms season on deer, a valid hunting license and a bear permit is required. The fee for this permit is: • Residents $27.00* • Non-Residents $74.00* • If a non-resident wishes to hunt bear during the regular firearms season on deer, a late-season bear hunting permit and a valid hunting license is required. The fee for the late-season bear permit is $40.00* • To trap for bear, a trapping license and bear trapping permit is required. See Maine Trapping Laws for more information. *Plus agent fee. LANDOWNER PRIVILEGES Qualified landowners may hunt bear on their own land without a big game license, but are required to have a valid bear • The observation stand, blind, or bait area is only and not larger than 10 gauge), bow plainly labeled with a 2 inch by 4 inch tag hunting permit. See page 6 for special and arrow (with a minimum draw weight of with the name and address of the baiter. landowner privileges. 35 lbs.) or crossbow (with a minimum draw • The bait is placed more than 500 yards weight of 100 lbs.). The use of a firearms BAIT from any solid waste disposal site or with .17 or .22 caliber rimfire cartridges, campground. Bait may be placed 30 days prior to the or a shotgun with shotloads to hunt bear is • The bait is placed more than 500 yards bear hunting with bait season and no prohibited. from an occupied dwelling, unless written later than October 31. Bait areas must be permission is granted by the owner or BEAR HUNTING PROHIBITIONS cleaned up by November 10. Bait can be tenant. used to assist dog hunters and trappers, A person cannot, within 50 yards of a bait • The bait areas will be cleaned up by but it is illegal to shoot a bear over bait site and without written permission from November 10 as defined by the State the person who maintains the bait site: after the close of the hunting with bait litter law. • hunt, trap, molest, or harass bear season. • The person hunting from another person’s • release a dog or dogs to hunt bear Hunting with the use of bait is defined as stand or blind has the owner’s permission. • train dogs on bear hunting from an observation stand, blind, • The person placing bait on another per- or other location that overlooks any bait or son’s land has the landowner’s permis- It is unlawful to: food, except standing crops and foods that sion (oral or in writing). • disturb or interfere with a bait site using have been left as a result of normal agricul- • The bait is placed no sooner than 30 days chemicals or any other method tural operations or natural occurrence. before opening day of the season and no • use dogs to hunt bear during the open later than October 31. firearm season on deer Bear bait means any animal, plant, or • If placing bait on a wildlife management derivative thereof, used to attract bear. • use more than 6 dogs at any one time to area, you need to secure a permit from hunt for bear This does not include packaging or contain- MDIFW. To apply for a bear baiting per- er materials that fall within the definition • kill or wound a bear that is treed or held mit, contact the wildlife biologist in your at bay by another person’s dog or dogs of litter under Title 17, §2263. administrative region (see p. 41). unless you have permission from the A person may not place any medicinal, • If placing bait on Public Reserved Land, person conducting the hunt poisonous, or stupefying substance to you need to secure a permit from the • hunt or trap bear, or release dogs for entice any animal, including bear. Bureau of Parks and Lands (for info, call that purpose, within 500 yards of a solid 207-287-3821). Bait may not be placed to entice, hunt or waste disposal site trap black bear unless: Baiting of animals is prohibited in State • A person may not hunt bear after having • The bait is placed at least 50 yards from Parks and Historic Sites. killed one by hunting and may not trap any travel way that is accessible by a bear after having killed one by trapping, conventional 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive LEGAL HUNTING EQUIPMENT during the open season of that calendar vehicle. Bear may be taken by use of rifle, hand- year. A person can kill and register two guns, muzzleloader, shotguns (with slugs bear, one by hunting and one by trapping.

2019-20 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 BEAR HUNTING 27

BEAR HUNTING WITH A MAINE GUIDE (instructions available at the registration For more info on buying, selling or • Non-residents must employ, and hunt in stations and online at mefishwildlife.com). bartering animals, see pages 11 & 12. the presence of, a resident Maine guide in Hunters will be notified of the age of the For info on tracking wounded bear, deer order to hunt bear with dogs. If the non- bear they harvested on the Bear Hunting or moose with a Leashed Dog Tracking resident is a licensed Maine guide, they page of the MDIFW website prior to the License, see page 13. ■ may hunt bear with dogs themselves, and start of the start of the next bear hunting may guide residents, but cannot guide season (late August). non-residents. • The total number of clients with a li- censed guide may not exceed five. 2019 BEAR SEASONS & BAG LIMITS LAWS REGARDING REGISTRATION SEASON DATES DAILY BAG & POSSESSION LIMIT • Prior to registration, bears may be cut up August 26 - General Hunting for ease of transportation, but all parts November 30, 2019 (except for the viscera and rib cage) must September 9 - be presented and in such a manner that Hunting with Dogs November 1, 2019 the sex of the animal can be determined. 2 may be taken • Gift bear must have each part clearly Hunting with Bait August 26 - annually—1 by labeled with the name and address of the Bait can be placed July 27, 2019 September 21, 2019 hunting, 1 by trapping person who registered the animal and the September 1 - Trapping year in which it was registered. October 31, 2019 Note: Hunters are required to remove a Youth Bear Hunting Day premolar tooth from the bear they har- August 24, 2019 Bait can be placed July 27, 2019 vest and provide the tooth at registration All dates are inclusive except that hunting is prohibited on Sunday. See page 16 for information on the use of crossbows. For information on bear trapping, see page 28.

QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 2019-20 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING 28 BEAR TRAPPING

FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE Bear Trapping RESTORATION PROGRAM BEAR TRAPPING PERMIT for bear: The Federal Aid in Wildlife Resto- A bear trapping permit and a trapping • The cable must have a minimum closing ration Act of 1937, commonly known license are required to set a trap for a bear diameter of not less than 2½ inches as the Pittman-Robertson (PR) Act, during the annual bear trapping season • The cable must be at least 3/16 inches in established a “User Pay/User Benefit” (September 1 - October 31). You are diameter philosophy for funding state wildlife allowed to take one bear by trapping and • The cable must include at least one resource restoration and conservation one bear by hunting annually (see page 27). swivel, which is typically located between efforts. These funds have played The fee for a bear trapping permit is $27 the foot loop and the anchor point a vital role in the Maine’s wildlife management capabilities since they for residents and $67 for non-residents. Deployment Standards for ALL Cable were first used in 1939. If you trap for black bear, you are required Traps Used to Capture Black Bears to follow the same general trapping rules • The cable must be set at or below ground Revenues collected from excise regarding the labeling of traps, the tending level in such a manner as to catch the taxes on firearms, ammunition, of traps, and the need to obtain landowner animal only by the foot or leg. pistols, revolvers, bows and arrows permission. • Drags are prohibited. are deposited in the Federal Aid If you trap a bear, you are required to • The cable must be securely attached to a in Wildlife Restoration Fund, and follow the same transportation and fixed anchor point. used to support wildlife population registration rules as those for bear taken • If a tree is used as an anchor, it must be assessments, long-range species by hunting (page 27). at least 6 inches in diameter at 4.5 feet management planning, development You are also required to follow other rules above ground level and must be free of of management recommendations, specific to bear trapping, as follows: limbs for at least 7 feet above the ground. implementation of management • You are not allowed to have more than • The catch circle, which is the distance programs, acquisition and manage- one trap set for bear at any time. from the anchor to the end of the closed ment of wildlife habitat, and hunter cable loop, must be no greater than 8 education. • The only legal bear traps are cable traps feet. (foot snare) and cage-type live traps. • The area within the catch circle must be • All bear traps must be tended at least clear of woody vegetation, debris and once a day. manmade material that could cause feathers, hair or any other solid substance • You are not allowed to catch a bear in a entanglement of a trapped bear. This that used to be part of an animal. This trap and allow another person to kill or restriction does not include a tree used as includes live or dead fish. register the bear. an anchor. Sticks and rocks, and rotten/ • Only non-animal based bait and/or lure • You cannot continue to trap for bear after decaying woody material may be used for can be placed within the device and it you have already killed or registered one stepping guides, blocking, and backing must be placed below the trigger. in a trap. for trap sets, if they are not rooted to the ground. • The opening to the device must be • Bears caught in traps must be killed or covered by a weight of at least 30 pounds released and not moved away from the Design Standards for Bucket, Tube when set, placed, and tended to prevent catch site. A bear caught in a trap may not access by non-target species. be used in conjunction with a hunt or to or Pipe-style Traps Used to Capture train a dog for bear hunting. Black Bears • The same rules apply to hunting and Whenever a cable trap is used in con- LEGAL DEVICES trapping for bear with the use of bait. junction with a device that is designed to Examples of Commercially Available (See page 26 for rules about the use of capture a bear when it reaches into the Legal devices (when set according to bear baits). device to obtain bait (e.g. bucket, tube, or the parameters described above): • You may not trap within 500 yards of a pipe-style traps): • WCS PRO 12, ADAX12 or Wilson solid waste disposal site. These areas can • The trigger must be recessed at least 12 • Aldrich foot-snare be identified by a visible line of demarca- inches below the opening of the device. • Fremont foot-snare tion. • The opening and inside diameter of the • M-15 (if modified to an opening diameter Exception: an agent of the commissioner device must be no more than 6 inches. and inside diameter no greater than 6 is exempt for the purpose of live trapping • A bucket or other similar device can be inches and trigger recessed at least 12 of nuisance bear. used if it is modified to have an opening inches below the opening of the device) • All trapping licenses are issued from the and inside diameter no greater than 6 • Crit-r-Done MDIFW office in Augusta and cannot be inches. • Select-a-Catch 1000 purchased online. Deployment Standards for Bucket, Examples of Commercially Available Tube or Pipe-style Traps Used to Illegal Devices DESIGN & DEPLOYMENT STANDARDS Capture Black Bears • Belisle foot snare Design Standards for All Cable Traps • Animal-based bait and/or lure cannot be • Unmodified M-15 ■ Used to Capture Black Bears placed within the bucket, tube or pipe. Whenever a cable trap is used to trap Animal-based bait is defined as animal matter including meat, skin, bones,

2019-20 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 HUNTING AREAS 29

• Hunting is not allowed in any Memorial PUBLIC RESERVED LANDS Hunting or Historic Site. Firearms: Loaded firearms are not permit- • Hunting is not allowed at Andrews Beach; ted in campsites, on marked hiking trails, that portion of Bradbury Mountain State at boat launching sites, or at picnic sites, Park west of State Route 9; Cobscook and shall not be discharged within 300 feet Areas Bay; Crescent Beach and Kettle Cove; of such areas. Damariscotta Lake; Ferry Beach; Holbook A permit is required from STATE PARKS AND HISTORIC SITES Island Sanctuary; Nickerson Lake; Owls Bear Hunting: The Maine Department of Agriculture, Head Light; that portion of Quoddy Head the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands to Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Parks within 1,000 feet of the lighthouse, or at place bait on Public Reserved Land for the and Lands manages one-half million acres Reid, Sebago Lake, Shackford Head, Two purpose of hunting bear. of land in Maine for a mix of activities, Lights, and Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Parks. WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS including hunting and trapping. The All MDIFW-owned Wildlife Management safety of all visitors is the Bureau’s primary • Work areas and areas with significant public use may be posted and closed to Areas (WMA), except Steve Powell WMA concern, so certain heavily developed and (Swan Island) and portions of Steep Falls high-use areas are closed to hunting for hunting from time to time in the interest of public safety. and Killick Pond WMA, are open for gener- all or part of the year. In other areas, the al-law hunting and trapping. Information bureau provides as many hunting and • The discharging of any weapons from or within 300 feet of any designated trail, on WMAs, including maps can be found trapping opportunities as are reasonable picnic area, camping area, campsite, at maine.gov/ifw. Permanent hunting and consistent with its mandates and with parking area, building, boat launching stands placed on MDIFW-owned WMAs visitor safety. site, or other developed area or bridge is require a permit, and bear baiting/trapping Hunters and trappers are asked to exercise prohibited. is authorized by permit only. Contact the due caution and care for the safety and • Loaded weapons are not allowed on the appropriate Regional office for permit enjoyment of other visitors when using treadway of any trail posted “Closed to inquiries. hunting”. Bureau lands by obeying posted informa- Bartlett Island, within the Town of Mount • The baiting of any animal for the purpose tion and the rules listed below. Desert, Hancock County is a Privately of hunting is not allowed. General hunting, except where specifically owned WMA and hunting is allowed by prohibited, is allowed from the day after For More Information landowner permission only. Labor Day to May 31. Hunting and trap- Please call (207) 287-3821, TTY ping must conform with State of Maine (207) 287-2213 or write to: NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES (NWR) laws, MDIFW rules, and local ordinances. Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands Note: On National Wildlife Refuges that Trapping on state park or historic site 22 State House Station permit hunting of upland game, persons land in organized townships requires the Augusta, Maine 04333-0022 hunting upland species other than deer and written permission of the Bureau. There turkey with a shotgun shall possess and is no hunting allowed in the restricted use only nontoxic shot while in the field. zone of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway More restrictive regulations may apply to between May 1 and September 30. National Wildlife Refuges open to public hunting and a refuge hunting permit may be required. For more info on federal refuge regulations, contact: • Rachel Carson NWR 321 Port Road, Wells, ME 04090 Wildlife (207) 646-9226 Management • Maine Coastal Islands NWR District Map PO Box 279, Milbridge, ME 04658 (207) 594-0600 This map is available • Sunkhaze Meadows NWR on the front inside 103 Headquarters Rd, Baring, ME 04694 cover of this book, in (207) 454-7161 a larger format at all • Moosehorn NWR MDIFW offices, and (Baring and Edmunds Units) at mefishwildlife.com, 103 Headquarters Rd where you’ll also find Baring, ME 04694 individual district maps (207) 454-7161 and can cross-reference • Lake Umbagog NWR district numbers by PO Box 240 town. Errol, NH 03579 (603) 482-3415 • Aroostook NWR 97 Refuge Rd. Limestone, ME 04750 (207) 328-4634

QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 2019-20 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING 30 HUNTING AREAS

WHITE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST the Park where hunting and trapping are • Fairfield Sanctuary* Oxford County, Maine permitted, the general laws of the State • Glencove Sanctuary pertaining to hunting and trapping apply, The public land within National Forests • Gray Game Sanctuary except that moose hunting and baiting is open to hunting. Portable observation • Hog Island Game Sanctuary any animals for hunting purposes are stands that do not damage live trees may • Jefferson & Whitefield Sanctuary prohibited. For more information, visit be used. Please contact the Androscoggin • Kineo Point Sanctuary baxterstatepark.org Ranger District for more information on • Limington, Hollis, Waterboro Sanctuary bear baiting on National Forest lands at CLOSED AND SPECIAL REGULATION AREAS • Lowell E. Barnes Area, Oxford County (603) 466-2713. • Marsh Island Area,* Old Town: Open to Unity Utilities District: It is unlawful the taking of deer with bow and arrow to hunt on the Unity Utilities District NATIONAL PARK SERVICE during any open season that allow hunt- • Acadia National Park & the Appala- Property located on Route #139 and Prairie ing of deer, including expanded archery. Road in Unity, Waldo County. chian National Scenic Trail — hunting, • Megunticook Lake and Vicinity Sanctuary trapping, and/ or possessing a weapon is Gray Squirrels: It is unlawful to hunt gray • Merrymeeting Bay Game Sanctuary prohibited on land administered by the squirrels on any land which is dedicated • Monroe Island Game Sanctuary National Park Service. For further infor- as a public or private park or on any land mation on these lands contact: • Moosehead Lake Game Sanctuary located within the limits of the compact or • Moosehorn Game Sanctuary • Acadia National Park built-up portion of any city or town. PO Box 177, Bar Harbor, ME 04609 • Narragansett Game Sanctuary* (207) 288-3338 Haley Pond: It is unlawful to hunt • Oak Grove Area, Vassalboro • Appalachian Trail Park Office waterfowl on Haley Pond in the town of • Ocean Park Game & Bird Sanctuary Harpers Ferry Center Rangeley and Dallas Plantation, Franklin • Orrington Game Sanctuary Harpers Ferry, WV 25425 County. • Pittston Farm Sanctuary (304) 535-6270 Wildlife Sanctuaries and Certain • Prout’s Neck, Richmond’s Island; • Appalachian Trail Conference Wildlife Management Areas: Unless oth- New England Regional Office • Rangeley Game Sanctuary erwise specifically provided, it is unlawful PO Box 264, South Egremont, MA 01258 • Rangeley Lake Sanctuary (413) 528-8002 to hunt or trap any wild animal or wild bird • Readfield and Winthrop Sanctuary within the limits of any wildlife sanctuary, Mount Desert Island (MDI) is located with- • Salmon Pond Sanctuary any area properly posted by the State of in the geographic boundary of WMD 26. Maine, or within the following described • Sebago Lake Basin Area, Standish, Windham territories: BAXTER STATE PARK • Somerset Game Sanctuary Hunting and trapping are prohibited • Back Bay Sanctuary, Portland • Standish Sanctuary within the Park. Use or possession of any • Beauchamp Sanctuary: Open to the • Stanwood Wildlife Sanctuary, Ellsworth firearm, bow and arrow, sling shot, or taking of deer with bow and arrow during any open season that allow hunting of • Steve Powell WMA (Swan Island), air rifle or pistol is prohibited. Firearms Richmond may be transported through the Park if deer, including expanded archery. • Thorncrag-Stanton Bird Sanctuary kept in a car trunk, enclosed in a case, or • Cape Elizabeth Sanctuary* • Tomhegan Game Sanctuary otherwise inaccessible to use. Bows may be • Carver’s Pond Waterfowl Sanctuary transported through the Park if unstrung • Colby College Area, Waterville • Wells Sanctuary or enclosed in a case. This rule does not • Drake’s Island Game Sanctuary • Wells & York Game Sanctuary apply north of Trout Brook and Wadleigh • Dry Pond Sanctuary (Crystal Lake) • Willow Water Game Sanctuary Brook in T6 R9; in T6 R10; or in T2 R9 and • Woodbury Sanctuary, Litchfield, in T2 R10 north of the West Branch of the Monmouth Penobscot River, east to the thread of Abol • York Game Sanctuary, Franklin County Stream and west to the thread of the West *Trapping allowed in accordance with the Branch of the Penobscot River. Hunting general laws of the State. with dogs is prohibited. In the areas within

RAILROAD TRACKS

Stay off the Tracks. A person may not, without right: • Enter or drive upon a railroad track with a team or a vehicle, however propelled • Stand or walk on a railroad track or railroad bridge, or pass over a railroad bridge, except by railroad conveyance.

2019-20 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 HUNTING AREAS 31

NATIVE AMERICAN TERRITORY Piscataquis County: T6R8 NWP. The Washington County: T5ND, BPP; T19 As a result of the Maine Native American Penobscot Nation also has exclusive MD, Indian Township, and Pleasant Point, Claims Settlement Act of 1980, lands authority to regulate hunting and trapping Perry. in the Penobscot Reservation, consisting of purchased by the Penobscot Native Most of these areas will be conspicuously all islands in the Penobscot River north of, American Nation and the Passamaquoddy posted as Native American Territory. and including, Indian Island, located near Tribe within certain designated areas of Anyone wishing to hunt or trap on Native Old Town, Maine. Contact the Penobscot the State are classified as Native American American territory should contact the Nation, Department of Natural Resources territory and have special legal status. The appropriate Native American agency for for specific locations of Reservation Penobscot Nation and the Passamaquoddy further information. Tribe, within their respective Native Amer- islands. Penobscot Nation ican territories, have exclusive authority Passamaquoddy Tribe to regulate hunting and trapping. At the Department of Natural Resources Franklin County: Lowelltown, T1R8 12 Wabanaki Way time of this publication, parcels of Native W B K P. American territory had been acquired Indian Island, ME 04468 within the following areas: Hancock County: T3&4ND. (207) 817-7331 Penobscot County: T3R9 NWP, T5R1 NBPP, Passamaquoddy Tribe Penobscot Nation TAR7 WELS. Franklin County: Alder Stream Twp. Ranger Department Somerset County: Holeb T6R1 NBKP, Box 301, Princeton, ME 04668 Penobscot County: T2R9 NWP (western Prentiss, T4R4 NBKP, Hammond Town- (207) 796-2677 portion), T3R9 NWP (eastern portion), ship, T3R4 NBKP, Alder Brook Township, Maine Tribal-State Commission T6R8 WELS (western portion) Argyle T3R3 NBKP, Pittston Academy Grant, T2R4 Township (northern portion) and T3R1 13 Commissary Point Rd NBKP Soldiertown Township, T2R3 NBKP. Trescott, ME 04652 NBPP (northeastern portion). (207) 733-2222 ■

HUNTING/TRAPPING ON PRIVATE PROPERTY

Posting of Land and Criminal Trespass (17-A MRSA, §402) Hunting & Trapping Property is posted if it is marked with signs or paint in one of the following ways and in a manner that is reasonably likely to come on Private Property to the attention of an intruder: 1. Signs must indicate that access is The MDIFW Landowner Relations safe for entry or use by others for recre- prohibited, that access is prohibited ational or harvesting activities or to give without permission of the landowner or Program is actively working to warning of any hazardous condition, use, landowner’s agent, or that access for a enhance relationships between land structure or activity on these premises to particular activity is prohibited. owners and land users. persons entering for those purposes. This 2. One vertical “OSHA Safety Purple” stripe subsection applies regardless of whether at least one inch in width and at least With approximately 94% of the land in permission has been given to pursue 8 inches in length means “Access by Maine privately owned, everyone MUST recreational or harvesting activities on the Permission Only” when it is placed on respect landowners and their rights. premises. trees, posts or stones between three and Landowner wishes have to be followed by five feet off the ground. These signs or all outdoor recreation participants to help Exceptions to Limited Duty paint stripes must mark the property at ensure access and use of private property 1. For a willful or malicious failure to guard distances no more than 100 feet apart at or warn against a dangerous condition, in the years to come. locations that are readily visible to any use, structure, or activity; and person approaching the property, and at Summarized below are several laws enacted 2. When financial consideration is paid for all vehicular access entries from a public by the Maine Legislature addressing the exclusive right to make use of the road. landowners’ concerns. For more details, property for recreational activities. In addition, landowners may also, either consult the Maine Revised Statutes cited in Costs and Fees parenthesis. verbally or in writing, personally commu- The court shall award any direct legal costs, nicate to others that access is prohibited. Landowner Liability (14 MRSA including reasonable attorneys’ fees, to Remember, it is unlawful to remove, §159-A) Limited Duty an owner, lessee, manager, holder of an mutilate, deface or destroy a sign or paint An owner, lessee, manager, holder of an easement or occupant who is found not to mark that is placed in order to prohibit or easement or occupant of premises shall be liable for injury to a person or property restrict access; and it is unlawful to post owe no duty of care to keep the premises pursuant to this section. the land of another without permission of the landowner.

QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 2019-20 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING 32 HUNTING/TRAPPING ON PRIVATE PROPERTY

Other Provisions of Posting Abuse of Another Persons Property Definition of projectile: For the 1. Signs or paint markings must be at all While Hunting (12 MRSA §10652) purposes of this section, “projectile” means vehicular access entrances from a public It is unlawful to tear down a fence or wall, a bullet, pellet, shot, shell, ball, arrow, bolt way. trample or destroy any crop, leave open and or other object propelled or launched from 2. It is unlawful to post the land of another bars or gates, destroy, tear down, deface a firearm or a bow, crossbow or similar or to remove, destroy, mutilate or deface or otherwise damage a property posting tensile device. any signs or paint marks. sign, or insert objects into trees on another Trespass by Motor Vehicle (17 MRSA, person’s land without permission (see page COMMERCIAL SHOOTING AREAS SS3853-C) 16 for observation stand information). A person may not charge any fee for access A person may not park a motor vehicle or to land if the fee is contingent upon the Littering allow a motor vehicle under that person’s taking of game on that land or directly It is unlawful to dispose of litter anywhere control to remain parked: related to the taking of game on the land, in this state except in areas or receptacles unless the land is an authorized commer- 1. In a private drive or private way in a designed for that purpose. As litter relates cial shooting area whose owner has been manner that blocks or interferes with to the proper disposal of legally taken the free passage of other vehicles with- licensed by the commissioner to charge game, a person may not drop, deposit, others for the opportunity to hunt mallard out the permission of the owner of that discard, dump or otherwise dispose of a private drive or way; or ducks, pheasants, quail, Chukar partridge, carcass, waste parts or remains of a wild and Hungarian partridge (12 MRSA section 2. On a public highway in a manner that animal, except waste parts or remains blocks the entrance to a private drive, 12101). resulting from the normal field dressing of gate or barway. lawfully harvested wild game or the lawful The operator of a commercial shooting Trespass Damages (14 MRSA, §7551-B) use of waste parts or remains of wild game area may authorize a person to hunt other Any person who enters another person’s as bait. wild birds or wild animals in a commercial land without permission and causes shooting area during the regular open damage to that person’s property is liable Civil Trespass (12 MRSA, §10657) season on those species, in accordance to the owner in a civil action. Violations of Prohibition with the provisions of 12 MRSA Part 13, as this law will have the following results: While engaging in any activity regulated long as the person possesses a valid state by the Department of Inland Fisheries & 1. If the damage is intentional, the person hunting license that allows the hunting of Wildlife, a person, knowing that they are doing the damage is liable to the owner those wild birds and animals. not licensed or privileged to do so, may not: for two times the actual damage, plus ad- The operator of the commercial shooting ditional costs including attorneys’ fees. 1. Enter, or cause a projectile to enter, area shall provide to each person taking any place from which that person may 2. If the damage is unintentional, the birds in that area a receipted invoice or bill lawfully be excluded and that is posted person doing the damage is liable to the of sale for possession and transportation of owner for the amount of the actual dam- in accordance with Title 17-A, section those birds. age plus additional including attorneys’ 402, subsection 4, in a manner reason- fees. ably likely to come to the attention of Enforcement 3. A person doing damage to property of intruders, or that is fenced or other- Enforcement of the trespass laws of a com- another may also be charged criminally wise enclosed in a manner designed to mercial shooting area is the responsibility exclude intruders; or for doing the damage. of the owner and may not in any manner 2. Enter, remain in, or cause a projectile to be considered an MDIFW obligation. Unlawful Cutting of Trees (14 MRSA, enter or remain in any place in defiance §7552, and 17 MRSA, §2510) of a lawful order not to enter or an order Commercial Shooting Areas It is unlawful for any person to intentional- to vacate that was personally communi- For a complete copy of the law governing ly, knowingly, recklessly or negligently cut cated to that person by the owner of the commercial shooting areas, and to obtain down or fell any tree without the consent place or another authorized person. a list of commercial shooting areas, call of the owner of the property on which the MDIFW at (207) 287-8000. ■ tree stands. 2019-20 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 LEGAL HUNTING HOURS 33

This time chart is NOT the sunrise and sunset time table and has already been adjusted to display the actual legal hunting hours. Note: This table is not to be used for migratory birds, see page 40.

2019-20 LEGAL HUNTING HOURS

DAY SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST

01 6:03 - 6:46 6:43 - 5:54 6:43 - 4:35 6:25 - 5:13 5:45 - 7:33 4:54 - 8:11 4:22 - 8:44 4:23 - 8:55 4:52 - 8:31

02 5:28 - 7:41 6:04 - 6:44 6:44 - 5:53 6:23 - 4:25 6:43 - 4:35 5:40 - 5:55 5:43 - 7:35 4:53 - 8:12 4:22 - 8:45 4:24 - 8:54

03 5:29 - 7:39 6:05 - 6:42 6:24 - 4:25 6:43 - 4:36 6:23 - 5:16 5:38 - 5:56 5:41 - 7:36 4:21 - 8:46 4:25 - 8:54 4:54 - 8:28

04 5:31 - 7:37 6:06 - 6:41 5:47 - 4:50 6:26 - 4:25 6:43 - 4:37 6:22 - 5:17 5:37 - 5:58 5:40 - 7:37 4:50 - 8:15 4:21 - 8:47 4:25 - 8:54 4:55 - 8:27

05 5:32 - 7:35 6:08 - 6:39 5:48 - 4:49 6:27 - 4:25 6:20 - 5:19 5:35 - 5:59 5:38 - 7:38 4:49 - 8:16 4:20 - 8:48 4:56 - 8:25

06 5:33 - 7:33 5:50 - 4:47 6:28 - 4:24 6:43 - 4:39 6:19 - 5:20 5:33 - 6:00 5:36 - 7:40 4:47 - 8:17 4:20 - 8:48 4:27 - 8:53 4:57 - 8:24

07 5:34 - 7:31 6:10 - 6:35 5:51 - 4:46 6:29 - 4:24 6:42 - 4:40 6:18 - 5:21 5:31 - 6:01 5:34 - 7:41 4:46 - 8:18 4:27 - 8:53 4:59 - 8:22

08 6:11 - 6:33 5:52 - 4:45 6:42 - 4:42 6:16 - 5:23 5:32 - 7:42 4:45 - 8:19 4:19 - 8:50 4:28 - 8:52 5:00 - 8:21

09 5:37 - 7:28 6:13 - 6:31 5:54 - 4:44 6:31 - 4:24 6:42 - 4:43 6:28 - 7:04 5:30 - 7:43 4:43 - 8:21 4:19 - 8:50 4:29 - 8:52

10 5:38 - 7:26 6:14 - 6:30 6:32 - 4:24 6:42 - 4:44 6:14 - 5:26 6:26 - 7:05 5:29 - 7:45 4:19 - 8:51 4:30 - 8:51 5:02 - 8:18

11 5:39 - 7:24 6:15 - 6:28 5:57 - 4:41 6:32 - 4:24 6:41 - 4:45 6:12 - 5:27 6:24 - 7:07 5:27 - 7:46 4:41 - 8:23 4:19 - 8:51 4:30 - 8:51 5:03 - 8:17

12 5:40 - 7:22 6:17 - 6:26 5:58 - 4:40 6:33 - 4:24 6:11 - 5:29 6:22 - 7:08 5:25 - 7:47 4:40 - 8:24 4:19 - 8:52 5:04 - 8:15

13 5:41 - 7:20 5:59 - 4:39 6:34 - 4:24 6:40 - 4:47 6:09 - 5:30 6:20 - 7:09 5:23 - 7:49 4:38 - 8:25 4:19 - 8:52 4:32 - 8:49 5:06 - 8:13

14 5:42 - 7:18 6:19 - 6:23 6:01 - 4:38 6:35 - 4:25 6:40 - 4:49 6:08 - 5:31 6:19 - 7:11 5:22 - 7:50 4:37 - 8:26 4:33 - 8:49 5:07 - 8:12

15 6:20 - 6:21 6:02 - 4:37 6:39 - 4:50 6:06 - 5:33 5:20 - 7:51 4:36 - 8:28 4:19 - 8:53 4:34 - 8:48 5:08 - 8:10

16 5:45 - 7:14 6:22 - 6:19 6:03 - 4:36 6:36 - 4:25 6:39 - 4:51 6:15 - 7:13 5:18 - 7:52 4:35 - 8:29 4:19 - 8:54 4:35 - 8:47

17 5:46 - 7:13 6:23 - 6:17 6:37 - 4:25 6:38 - 4:52 6:03 - 5:36 6:13 - 7:14 5:17 - 7:54 4:19 - 8:54 4:36 - 8:46 5:10 - 8:07

18 5:47 - 7:11 6:24 - 6:16 6:06 - 4:34 6:38 - 4:26 6:38 - 4:54 6:02 - 5:37 6:11 - 7:16 5:15 - 7:55 4:33 - 8:31 4:19 - 8:54 4:37 - 8:46 5:11 - 8:05

19 5:48 - 7:09 6:26 - 6:14 6:07 - 4:33 6:38 - 4:26 6:00 - 5:38 6:09 - 7:17 5:13 - 7:56 4:32 - 8:32 4:19 - 8:54 5:13 - 8:04

20 5:50 - 7:07 6:09 - 4:32 6:39 - 4:26 6:36 - 4:56 5:59 - 5:40 6:07 - 7:18 5:11 - 7:57 4:31 - 8:33 4:19 - 8:55 4:39 - 8:44 5:14 - 8:02

21 5:51 - 7:05 6:28 - 6:11 6:10 - 4:32 6:39 - 4:27 6:36 - 4:58 5:57 - 5:41 6:06 - 7:20 5:10 - 7:59 4:30 - 8:34 4:40 - 8:43 5:15 - 8:00

22 6:29 - 6:09 6:11 - 4:31 6:35 - 4:59 5:55 - 5:43 5:08 - 8:00 4:29 - 8:35 4:20 - 8:55 4:41 - 8:42 5:16 - 7:59

23 5:53 - 7:01 6:31 - 6:08 6:13 - 4:30 6:40 - 4:28 6:34 - 5:00 6:02 - 7:22 5:07 - 8:01 4:28 - 8:36 4:20 - 8:55 4:42 - 8:41

24 5:54 - 6:59 6:32 - 6:06 6:41 - 4:29 6:33 - 5:02 5:52 - 5:45 6:00 - 7:23 5:05 - 8:02 4:20 - 8:55 4:43 - 8:40 5:19 - 7:55

25 5:56 - 6:57 6:33 - 6:04 6:15 - 4:29 6:41 - 4:29 6:32 - 5:03 5:50 - 5:47 5:58 - 7:25 5:03 - 8:04 4:27 - 8:38 4:21 - 8:55 4:44 - 8:39 5:20 - 7:54

26 5:57 - 6:56 6:35 - 6:03 6:16 - 4:28 6:42 - 4:30 5:49 - 5:48 5:56 - 7:26 5:02 - 8:05 4:26 - 8:39 4:21 - 8:55 5:21 - 7:52

27 5:58 - 6:54 6:18 - 4:28 6:42 - 4:30 6:30 - 5:06 5:47 - 5:49 5:54 - 7:27 5:00 - 8:06 4:25 - 8:40 4:21 - 8:55 4:46 - 8:37 5:22 - 7:50

28 5:59 - 6:52 6:37 - 6:00 6:19 - 4:27 6:42 - 4:31 6:29 - 5:07 5:45 - 5:51 5:52 - 7:28 4:59 - 8:07 4:25 - 8:41 4:47 - 8:35 5:23 - 7:48

29 6:39 - 5:58 6:20 - 4:27 6:28 - 5:09 5:44 - 5:52 4:57 - 8:09 4:24 - 8:42 4:22 - 8:55 4:48 - 8:34 5:24 - 7:46

30 6:02 - 6:48 6:40 - 5:57 6:21 - 4:26 6:43 - 4:33 6:27 - 5:10 5:49 - 7:31 4:56 - 8:10 4:23 - 8:43 4:23 - 8:55 4:49 - 8:33

31 6:42 - 5:55 6:43 - 4:34 6:26 - 5:11 5:47 - 7:32 4:51 - 8:32 5:27 - 7:43

*Legal hunting hours are based on sunrise/sunset in Bangor, Maine (Eastern Standard Time). Exceptions: Raccoon, Coyote, and Migratory Bird hunting (see separate legal hunting hours for these species).

QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 2019-20 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING 34 MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS Migratory Game Birds For the purpose of this section, migratory 3. Possession for the Purpose of 5. Wounded Live Migratory Game Birds game birds include and are limited to spe- Processing, Transportation, or Storage Every migratory game bird wounded by cies in the following families: 1. Anatidae Tagging Requirement: A hunter who hunting and reduced to possession by the (wild ducks, geese, and brant); 2. Rallidae legally takes and possesses migratory game hunter shall be immediately killed and (rails, coots, moorhens and gallinules); birds and wishes to place or leave any such become a part of the daily bag limit. and 3. Scolopacidae (woodcock and birds in the custody of any other person 6. Possession of Plumage snipe). Except as expressly provided in the for picking, cleaning, processing, shipping, Any person, without a permit, may possess regulations, it is unlawful to hunt, capture, transportation, or storage (including and transport for his own use the plumage kill, take, possess, transport, buy or sell any temporary storage) must sign and attach and skins of lawfully taken migratory game migratory game bird or part thereof. a tag to the birds stating the hunter’s ad- birds. 1. Hunting Methods dress, the total number and kinds of birds, 7. Wanton Waste of Migratory Aids and Equipment: It is lawful to hunt and the date such birds were killed. No migratory game birds with dogs, artificial person may receive or have in custody any Game Birds decoys, manually or mouth-operated bird migratory game birds belonging to another No person shall kill or cripple any migra- calls, hand-held bow and arrow, crossbow, person unless such birds are tagged as tory game bird pursuant to this regulation the practice of falconry, or with a shotgun provided above. without any visible means to retrieve and without making a reasonable effort to not larger than No.10 gauge and incapable Untagged Birds: If birds are not tagged retrieve the bird and include it in his daily of holding more than three shells, fired as provided above, the only legal place of bag limit. from the shoulder. Every other method is storage is the personal abode of the hunter unlawful. who legally took and possesses the birds. The shooting of crippled waterfowl from a motorboat under power is permitted on Watercraft: It is lawful to hunt migratory Vehicles: Legally possessed migratory those coastal waters and all waters of rivers game birds from floating craft (except a game birds being transported in any and streams lying seaward from the first sinkbox), including those capable of being vehicle as the personal baggage of the upstream bridge. propelled by motor, sail and wind, or possessor are not deemed to be in storage both, only when (1) the motor has been or temporary storage. Additionally, Maine state law states that completely shut off and/or the sails furled, a person may not waste a wild bird that Record Keeping: Any commercial picking as the case may be, and (2) the progress or has been wounded or killed by that person establishment or cold-storage or locker motion of the craft in the water has ceased while hunting, or intentionally leave any plant receiving, possessing, or having in and the craft is drifting, beached, moored, wounded or killed animal in the field or custody any migratory game birds must resting at anchor, or is being propelled forest without making a reasonable effort maintain accurate records showing the solely by paddle, oars, or pole. It is lawful to retrieve and render it for consumption numbers and kinds of such birds, the dates to use a motor or sail on a craft as a means or use. received and disposed of, and the names of retrieving or picking up dead or injured and addresses of the persons from whom 8. Open Seasons, Limits, and birds. such birds were received and to whom Other Provisions 2. Transportation they were delivered. These records shall Migratory game birds may be taken only in Any person, without a permit, may be retained for a period of 1 year from accordance with open seasons, legal shoot- transport lawfully killed and possessed the close of the open season on migratory ing hours, and daily bag and possession migratory game birds into, within, or out game birds in the state where the picking limits. of any State, or export such birds to a establishment or cold-storage or locker Bag Limit: No person may take in any one foreign country during and after the open plant is located. day more than the daily bag limit or aggre- seasons in the State where taken, subject to 4. Termination of Possession gate daily bag limit, whichever applies. the conditions and restrictions: For the purposes of this part, the posses- Possession Limit: No person may possess If such birds Identifiable Condition: sion of birds legally taken and properly more birds lawfully taken than the pos- are dressed, one fully-feathered wing tagged by any hunter shall be deemed to session limit or the aggregate possession must remain attached to each bird so as to have ceased when such birds have been limit, whichever applies. permit species identification while being delivered by the hunter to a person other transported between the place where taken than the hunter: Opening Day: On the opening day of the season, no person shall possess any freshly and the personal abode of the possessor or 1. as a gift a commercial preservation facility. killed migratory game birds in excess of the 2. to a post office daily bag limit, or aggregate daily bag limit, The package Properly Marked Package: 3. to a common carrier whichever applies. or container in which such birds are trans- 4. to a commercial cold-storage or locker ported shall have the name and address of plant for subsequent transportation by Closed Season: No person may possess both the shipper and the consignee and the postal service or a common carrier to any freshly killed migratory game birds an accurate statement of the numbers and someone other than the hunter during the closed season. kinds of birds contained therein clearly and conspicuously marked on the outside thereof. 2019-20 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS 35

SUMMARY OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS individual afflicted with paralysis of the soil stabilization practice; b) from a blind NOTICE: The material below is only a sum- lower half of the body with involvement or other place of concealment camou- mary of Federal rules. Each hunter should of both legs, usually due to disease of or flaged with natural vegetation; c) from also consult the actual Federal regulations, injury to the spinal cord. a blind or other place of concealment camouflaged with vegetation from ag- which may be found in Title 50, code of F. By the use or aid of live decoys. All live, ricultural crops, as long as such camou- Federal Regulations, Part 20. tame or captive ducks and geese shall be removed for a period of 10 consecutive flaging does not result in the exposing, RESTRICTIONS. No person shall take days prior to hunting, and confined depositing, distributing or scattering of migratory game birds: within an enclosure which substantially grain or other feed. A. While possessing shot (either in shot reduces the audibility of their calls and J. A person must also retain the bird in his shells or as loose shot for muzzleload- totally conceals such tame birds from the actual custody, at the place where taken ing) other than steel shot or such shot sight of migratory waterfowl. or between that place and either (a) his approved as nontoxic while taking Anati- G. Using records or tapes of migratory bird automobile or principle means of land dae (ducks, geese, and brant), coots and calls or sounds, or electrically amplified transportation; or (b) his personal abode any species that make up aggregate bag imitations of bird calls. or temporary or transient place of lodging. limits during concurrent seasons. H. By means or aid of any motor driven B. With a trap, snare, net, rifle, pistol, swiv- land, water, or air conveyance, or any el gun, shotgun larger than 10-guage, sailboat used for the purpose of or PHONE NUMBERS YOU MIGHT NEED punt gun, battery gun, machine gun, resulting in the concentrating, driving, fishhook, poison, drug, explosive, or rallying, or stirring up of any migratory Game Warden Headquarters stupefying substance. bird. Ashland...... (207) 435-3231 I. By the aid of baiting or on or over any C. With a shotgun capable of holding more Gray...... (207) 657-2345 than three shells, unless it is plugged baited area, where a person knows or Greenville...... (207) 695-3756 with a one-piece filler that cannot be reasonably should know that the area removed without disassembling the gun. is or has been baited. However, nothing Bangor...... (207) 941-4470 Sidney...... (207) 547-5300 D. From a sink box (a low floating device, in this paragraph prohibits the taking having a depression affording the hunter of migratory game birds on or over the following lands or areas that are not If you are unable to locate a warden at a means of concealment beneath the one of the above headquarters, contact surface of the water). otherwise baited areas: a) standing crops or flooded standing crops; standing, either the MDIFW headquarters in E. From or with the aid or use of a car or flooded, or manipulated natural veg- Augusta at (207) 287-2766 or the other motor-driven land conveyance, etation; flooded harvested croplands; nearest State Police Barracks. or any aircraft, except that paraplegics or lands or areas where seeds or grains and single or double amputees of the have been scattered solely as a result of a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service legs may take from any stationary motor normal agricultural planting, harvesting, E. Orland...... (207) 469-6842 vehicle or stationary motor-driven post-harvest manipulation or normal land conveyance. “Paraplegic” means an

Maine Migratory Hunting Zones Map

Wildlife Management Districts 8 South/Coastal Zone line (Route 1)

14 North/South Zone Line Segments 18 19 Stony Brook to Rte 9 7 17 Rte 9 to Rte 15 13 Rte 15 to I-95 28 I-95 to Rte 202 26 27 Rte 202 to Rte 11 23 Rte 11 to Rte 110 12 16 Rte 110 to Maine-New Hampshire Border 25 22 15 HELP STOP THE 29 SPREAD OF 21 INVASIVE PLANTS!

Clean your boat trailer and gear of all plants and plant fragments. 20 24

QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 2019-20 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING 36 MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS

2019-20 MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS SEASONS & BAG LIMITS

SEASON LIMITS SPECIES FIRST DAY LAST DAY DAILY BAG POSSESSION August 1, 2019 September 20, 2019 Wildlife Management February 7, 2020 April 15, 2020 Districts 1 - 6 August 1, 2020 September 25, 2020 No Limit Crows* August 1, 2019 September 20, 2019 Closed season on Ravens in all WMDs Wildlife Management January 23, 2020 March 31, 2020 Districts 7 - 29 August 1, 2020 September 25, 2020 Common Snipe** September 2, 2019 December 17, 2019 8 24 Woodcock** October 1, 2019 November 21, 2019 3 9

Rails (Sora And Virginia)*** September 2, 2019 November 9, 2019 25 Singly or in aggregate 25 North Zone September 2, 2019 September 25, 2019 6 18 Canada Goose South Zone September 2, 2019 September 25, 2019 10 30 (Early) Coastal Zone September 2, 2019 September 25, 2019 10 30 North Zone October 1, 2019 December 9, 2019

Canada Goose October 1, 2019 October 12, 2019 2 6 Regular South Zone October 30, 2019 December 25, 2019 Including Greater White-Fronted Geese October 1, 2019 October 12, 2019 Coastal Zone 3 9 October 30, 2019 January 6, 2020 Snow Geese October 1, 2019 January 31, 2020 25 No Limit Including Blue Geese 5 15 Sea Ducks No more than 4 No more than 12 Scoter, Eider, and November 11, 2019 January 18, 2020 Scoters or 4 Eiders Scoters or 12 Eiders or 4 Long-Tailed or 12 Long-Tailed Long-Tailed Duck Ducks singly or in Ducks singly or in aggregate aggregate North Zone September 23, 2019 November 30, 2019 6* 18* Regular Ducks October 1, 2019 October 12, 2019 No more than 4 No more than 12 Including Black South Zone of any one species of any one species Ducks, Scaup, Pintails, October 30, 2019 December 25, 2019 Mergansers and Singly or in aggregate October 1, 2019 October 12, 2019 American coots Coastal Zone Exceptions to these limits listed below November 11, 2019 January 6, 2020 North Zone September 23, 2019 October 26, 2019 October 1, 2019 October 12, 2019 South Zone Brant October 30, 2019 November 19, 2019 2 6 October 1, 2019 October 12, 2019 Coastal Zone December 3, 2019 January 6, 2020 All dates are inclusive except that hunting is prohibited on Sunday. *Crows are neither migratory waterfowl or migratory game birds. The use of lead shot and the use of a shotgun capable of holding more than three shells is permitted. A migratory waterfowl stamp is not required. Use of electronic calls is permitted. **Woodcock & Snipe are considered migratory game birds, not migratory waterfowl. The use of lead shot is permitted. The use of a shotgun capable of holding more than three shells is prohibited. A migratory waterfowl stamp is not required. ***Rails are considered migratory game birds not migratory waterfowl. The use of lead shot and a shotgun capable of holding more than three shells is prohibited. A migratory waterfowl stamp is not required.

2019-20 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS 37

2019-20 MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS SEASONS & BAG LIMITS

SEASONS LIMITS SPECIES AND AREA FIRST DAY LAST DAY DAILY BAG POSSESSION

North Zone December 21, 2019 February 11, 2020 3 9 Special Falconry Season In addition to the regular migratory South Zone January 9, 2020 February 29, 2020 bird season (on Ducks, Geese, Mergansers, Respectively, singly or American Coots.) in aggregate Species Restrictions Apply Coastal Zone January 9, 2020 February 29, 2020

Special Youth Waterfowl Hunts North Zone September 14, 2019 & December 7, 2019 All duck species except Harlequins, Barrow’s Goldeneye, and Moorhens and Gallinules – may be hunted on these days, including geese. South Zone September 21, 2019 & October 19, 2019 For the October 19, November 9, December 7 Special regulations apply to youth days, the goose limit is under the Regu- youth and accompanying adult. lar Season limit. On September 14, September Please see Junior Hunters 21, October 19, November 9, December 7, section. scoters, eiders, and long-tailed ducks may Coastal Zone September 21, 2019 & November 9, 2019 be taken as part of the 6 bird daily limit on regular ducks. Also on these dates, 2 Black Ducks may be taken.

EXCEPTIONS

Harlequin Ducks, Barrow’s Goldeneye, Moorhens & Gallinules Closed Season

American Coots The daily limit is 5 birds; possession limit is 15.

Northern Pintials, Mottled Ducks The daily limit on these species is 1 bird; possession limit is 3. and Fulvous Whistling Ducks

Black Duck, Scaup, Redhead and Canvasback The daily limit on these species is 2 birds; possession limit is 6.

Hunters may take five mergansers in addition to the limits on other regular ducks (not in aggregate); however, only 2 may be Mergansers hooded mergansers. It is unlawful to possess more than 15 mer- gansers at any time (only 6 of which may be hooded mergansers).

Within the Sea Duck Hunting Area defined below, hunters may Sea Ducks take 5 sea ducks in addition to the limits on regular ducks (but not more than 4 scoters or 4 eiders or 4 long-tailed ducks).

Wood Ducks The daily limit is 3 birds, possession limit is 9.

The daily limit is 2, only one may be a hen; possession limit is 6, Mallards only 3 may be hens.

QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 2019-20 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING 38 MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS

Hunting Hours: Hunting hours on mi- LAWS SPECIFIC TO MERRYMEETING BAY gratory game birds are from 1 hour before Laws outlined below apply to the waters HARVEST INFORMATION PROGRAM sunrise to sunset (see chart on page 40). of the Kennebec River, known as Merry- Sea Duck Hunting Area Defined: All meeting Bay, bounded as follows: From the If you plan to hunt woodcock, coastal waters and all waters of rivers and high tension wires at Chop’s Point to the ducks, geese, snipe, rails, or coots, streams seaward from the first upstream first dam on the Androscoggin River, to the you are required to indicate on your bridge. In all other areas, sea ducks may be first road bridge on the Muddy, Cathance, license your intention of doing so at taken only during the regular duck season Abbagadassett, and Eastern rivers and the time you purchase your license. dates and are part of the regular duck bag the Richmond-Dresden bridge on the The information will be used by the limits. Kennebec River, being in the counties of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in the Cumberland, Sagadahoc, and Lincoln. Migratory Bird Harvest Informa- Definition of North and South Zone Datum is WGS 84. Waypoints for the tion Program (H.I.P). Line: Maine-New Brunswick border in sanctuary are as follows: Baileyville, Maine west along Stony Brook to Route 9 in Baileyville. West along Route NE Corner: SE Corner: 9 to Route 15 in Bangor. West along Route 44 00.385' 43 59.5314' 69 49.1854' 69 49.5330' 15 to I-95 in Bangor. Southwest along I-95 to Route 202 (Exit 109A) in Augusta. SW Corner: NW Corner: Southwest along Route 202 to Route 11 43 59.8112' 44 00.1483' SUNDAY in Auburn. Southwest along Route 11 to 69 50.4763' 69 50.6447' Route 110 in Newfield. West along Route Edge of Rice: Browns Point: 110 to Maine-New Hampshire border. 43 59.7550' 44 00.1486' HUNTING IS Definition of Coastal Zone Line: Includes Kennebec River: Power Lines: areas south of a line beginning at the 69 50.0391' 69 49.5421' ILLEGAL IN Maine-New Brunswick border in Calais at • No artificial cover which is termed sta- the Route 1 bridge, South along Route 1 tionary blind, or parts thereof, used for MAINE to the Maine-New Hampshire border in hunting purposes shall be left or allowed Kittery. to remain in the waters of Merrymeet- ing Bay between one hour after legal Nontoxic Shot - Statewide: The use or shooting time and one hour before legal possession of ammunition loaded with shooting time. STAMP REQUIREMENTS other than nontoxic shot while hunting The State Migratory Waterfowl Permit is • No duck decoys shall be allowed to re- wild ducks, geese, brant, rails, or coots main in the waters of Merrymeeting Bay required of anyone 16 years of age or older is prohibited. Nontoxic shot means any at any time during the period from one if they are hunting on an adult license, shot type that does not cause sickness and hour after legal shooting time until one but is not required if continuing to hunt death when ingested by these birds and is hour before legal shooting time. on a junior license for the remainder of approved for use by the Director, U.S. Fish • No power boat may be operated in Mer- the calendar year. Anyone who turns 16, and Wildlife Service. Steel, bismuth-tin, rymeeting Bay at a speed in excess of 10 whether hunting on an adult license or tungsten-iron (2 types), tungsten-matrix, miles per hour except within the confines a junior license, must purchase a Federal tungsten-bronze (2 types), tungsten-poly- of the buoyed channels. Stamp and validate it with the holder’s mer, tungsten-tin-bismuth, tungsten- signature written across the face of the tin-iron-nickel, and tungsten nickel-iron stamp in ink. DUCK STAMP ART (HEVI) shot have been approved nontoxic The state permit may be purchased for by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. CONTEST $7.50 from local license agents or from On National Wildlife Refuges that permit the MDIFW office in Augusta. The Federal hunting of upland game, persons hunting Your 2019 Maine duck stamp, stamp can be purchased by visiting your upland species other than deer and turkey featuring a Canada goose, was local post office or USPS.com. designed by Richard A. Alley, Jr. with a shotgun shall possess and use only The Migratory Waterfowl Stamp is not of Isleford, Maine. It was selected nontoxic shot while in the field. required to hunt woodcock, snipe, rails by a panel of judges from among Haley Pond - Closed to Hunting: It is or crows. unlawful to hunt waterfowl on Haley Pond 13 paintings by Maine resident artists in the 2019 duck stamp art Note: All revenue from the sale of state in the Town of Rangeley and Dallas Plt. in waterfowl permits used exclusively for Franklin County. contest conducted by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries acquisition of waterfowl habitat and It is unlawful to shoot, waterfowl management activities. Wildfowl Decoys: and Wildlife. Proceeds from the or shoot at, or near, any wildfowl decoy sale of the annual duck stamps of another person, with a firearm, bow and permits are used to help and arrow or crossbow. “Near” means the area encompassed by the set of decoys and finance waterfowl management including the area 50 yards away from the programs or to acquire waterfowl outer perimeter of the set of decoys. habitat.

2019-20 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS 39

FIELD POSSESSION LIMIT Dual Violation No person shall possess more than one A violation of State migratory bird regula- daily bag limit while in the field or while re- tions is also a violation of Federal regula- turning from the field to one’s car, hunting tions. camp, home, etc. Caution BARROW’S GOLDENEYE More restrictive regulations may apply to IMPORTATION National Wildlife Refuges open to public For information regarding the importation hunting. For additional information on The Maine Department of Inland of migratory birds killed in another coun- Federal refuge regulations, see contact Fisheries and Wildlife wishes to con- try, hunters should consult 50 CFR 20.61 information on page 29. ■ tinue the lawful hunting of Common through 20.66. One fully-feathered wing Goldeneyes while ensuring adequate must remain attached to all migratory game protection of the Barrow’s Golden- birds being transported between the port eye, a Threatened Species under the of entry and one’s home or to a migratory Maine Endangered Species Act. bird preservation facility. No person shall HELP STOP WILDLIFE import migratory game birds killed in any VIOLATIONS Barrow’s and Common Goldeneyes foreign country, except Canada, unless look very similar. Our goal is to such birds are dressed (except as required Dial Operation Game Thief reduce the unintentional take of Bar- row’s in Maine by improving duck in 20.63), drawn, and the head and feet are 1-800-ALERT US (253-7887) removed. No person shall import migratory hunters’ abilities to distinguish them game birds belonging to another person. from Common Goldeneyes. Barrow’s are known to congregate in certain areas. BAND RECOVERY REPORTS Despite our efforts, we suspect that Anyone finding a band or recovering a few Barrow’s Goldeneyes may one while hunting should log onto: be unintentionally shot. In these reportband.gov cases, hunters are required to report to your local game warden, and Results will provide better estimates surrender to MDIFW, any that are of survival and harvest rates and will taken during legal waterfowl hunting reduce high costs associated with activities. There is no penalty for banding studies. reporting this.

QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 2019-20 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING 40 MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS

Please see legal hunting time table for all other species on page 33.

2019-20 MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTER’S TIME & TIDE TABLE LEGAL HUNTING HOURS TIDE* LEGAL HUNTING HOURS TIDE* DATE OPEN CLOSE HIGH LOW DATE OPEN CLOSE HIGH LOW 09/02/19 05:28 AM 07:11 PM 02:03 PM 07:48 AM 11/18/19 06:06 AM 04:04 PM 02:51 PM 08:38 AM 09/03/19 05:29 AM 07:09 PM 02:56 PM 08:38 AM 11/19/19 06:07 AM 04:03 PM 03:52 PM 09:38 AM 09/04/19 05:31 AM 07:07 PM 03:51 PM 09:32 AM 11/20/19 06:09 AM 04:02 PM 04:57 PM 10:42 AM 09/05/19 05:32 AM 07:05 PM 04:49 PM 10:29 AM 11/21/19 06:10 AM 04:02 PM 05:44 AM 11:49 AM 09/06/19 05:33 AM 07:03 PM 05:29 AM 11:28 AM 11/22/19 06:11 AM 04:01 PM 06:46 AM 12:56 PM 09/07/19 05:34 AM 07:01 PM 06:33 AM 12:31 PM 11/23/19 06:13 AM 04:00 PM 07:44 AM 01:59 PM 09/09/19 05:37 AM 06:58 PM 08:39 AM 02:38 PM 11/25/19 06:15 AM 03:59 PM 09:28 AM 03:48 PM 09/10/19 05:38 AM 06:56 PM 09:33 AM 03:32 PM 11/26/19 06:16 AM 03:58 PM 10:16 AM 04:39 PM 09/11/19 05:39 AM 06:54 PM 10:20 AM 04:18 PM 11/27/19 06:18 AM 03:58 PM 11:04 AM 05:28 PM 09/12/19 05:40 AM 06:52 PM 11:02 AM 05:00 PM 11/28/19 06:19 AM 03:57 PM 11:51 AM 05:38 AM 09/13/19 05:41 AM 06:50 PM 11:40 AM 05:30 AM 11/29/19 06:20 AM 03:57 PM 12:38 PM 06:25 AM 09/14/19 05:42 AM 06:48 PM 12:16 PM 06:04 AM 11/30/19 06:21 AM 03:56 PM 01:25 PM 07:12 AM 09/16/19 05:45 AM 06:44 PM 01:20 PM 07:08 AM 12/02/19 06:23 AM 03:55 PM 03:08 PM 08:55 AM 09/17/19 05:46 AM 06:43 PM 01:52 PM 07:40 AM 12/03/19 06:24 AM 03:55 PM 04:03 PM 09:51 AM 09/18/19 05:47 AM 06:41 PM 02:25 PM 08:14 AM 12/04/19 06:26 AM 03:55 PM 05:00 PM 10:49 AM 09/19/19 05:48 AM 06:39 PM 03:03 PM 08:51 AM 12/05/19 06:27 AM 03:55 PM 05:42 AM 11:47 AM 09/20/19 05:50 AM 06:37 PM 03:46 PM 09:34 AM 12/06/19 06:28 AM 03:54 PM 06:34 AM 12:45 PM 09/21/19 05:51 AM 06:35 PM 04:36 PM 10:22 AM 12/07/19 06:29 AM 03:54 PM 07:22 AM 01:38 PM 09/23/19 05:53 AM 06:31 PM 06:17 AM 12:15 PM 12/09/19 06:31 AM 03:54 PM 08:47 AM 03:06 PM 09/24/19 05:54 AM 06:29 PM 07:21 AM 01:19 PM 12/10/19 06:32 AM 03:54 PM 09:25 AM 03:46 PM 09/25/19 05:56 AM 06:27 PM 08:25 AM 02:24 PM 12/11/19 06:32 AM 03:54 PM 10:03 AM 04:26 PM 09/26/19 05:57 AM 06:26 PM 09:23 AM 03:24 PM 12/12/19 06:33 AM 03:54 PM 10:42 AM 05:06 PM 09/27/19 05:58 AM 06:24 PM 10:17 AM 04:21 PM 12/13/19 06:34 AM 03:54 PM 11:23 AM 05:10 AM 09/28/19 05:59 AM 06:22 PM 11:08 AM 05:15 PM 12/14/19 06:35 AM 03:55 PM 12:06 PM 05:53 AM 09/30/19 06:02 AM 06:18 PM 12:48 PM 06:33 AM 12/16/19 06:36 AM 03:55 PM 01:42 PM 07:29 AM 10/01/19 06:03 AM 06:16 PM 01:37 PM 07:22 AM 12/17/19 06:37 AM 03:55 PM 02:37 PM 08:24 AM 10/02/19 06:04 AM 06:14 PM 02:27 PM 08:12 AM 12/18/19 06:38 AM 03:56 PM 03:38 PM 09:24 AM 10/03/19 06:05 AM 06:12 PM 03:21 PM 09:05 AM 12/19/19 06:38 AM 03:56 PM 04:43 PM 10:28 AM 10/04/19 06:06 AM 06:11 PM 04:18 PM 10:01 AM 12/20/19 06:39 AM 03:56 PM 05:24 AM 11:34 AM 10/05/19 06:08 AM 06:09 PM 05:05 AM 11:01 AM 12/21/19 06:39 AM 03:57 PM 06:25 AM 12:42 PM 10/07/19 06:10 AM 06:05 PM 07:10 AM 01:09 PM 12/23/19 06:40 AM 03:58 PM 08:21 AM 02:45 PM 10/08/19 06:11 AM 06:03 PM 08:10 AM 02:11 PM 12/24/19 06:41 AM 03:59 PM 09:12 AM 03:38 PM 10/09/19 06:13 AM 06:01 PM 09:02 AM 03:06 PM 12/25/19 06:41 AM 03:59 PM 10:02 AM 04:28 PM 10/10/19 06:14 AM 06:00 PM 09:48 AM 03:53 PM 12/26/19 06:42 AM 04:00 PM 10:49 AM 05:15 PM 10/11/19 06:15 AM 05:58 PM 10:29 AM 04:34 PM 12/27/19 06:42 AM 04:00 PM 11:34 AM 05:21 AM 10/12/19 06:17 AM 05:56 PM 11:06 AM 05:12 PM 12/28/19 06:42 AM 04:01 PM 12:18 PM 06:05 AM 10/14/19 06:19 AM 05:53 PM 12:13 PM 06:00 AM 12/30/19 06:43 AM 04:03 PM 01:45 PM 07:33 AM 10/15/19 06:20 AM 05:51 PM 12:45 PM 06:32 AM 12/31/19 06:43 AM 04:04 PM 02:30 PM 08:19 AM 10/16/19 06:22 AM 05:49 PM 01:17 PM 07:06 AM 01/01/20 06:43 AM 04:05 PM 03:19 PM 09:08 AM 10/17/19 06:23 AM 05:47 PM 01:51 PM 07:42 AM 01/02/20 06:43 AM 04:05 PM 04:11 PM 10:01 AM 10/18/19 06:24 AM 05:46 PM 02:30 PM 08:21 AM 01/03/20 06:43 AM 04:06 PM 05:06 PM 10:55 AM 10/19/19 06:26 AM 05:44 PM 03:16 PM 09:05 AM 01/04/20 06:43 AM 04:07 PM 05:38 AM 11:52 AM 10/21/19 06:28 AM 05:41 PM 05:09 PM 10:54 AM 01/06/20 06:43 AM 04:09 PM 07:18 AM 01:43 PM 10/22/19 06:29 AM 05:39 PM 05:58 AM 11:56 AM 01/07/20 06:42 AM 04:10 PM 08:05 AM 02:31 PM 10/23/19 06:31 AM 05:38 PM 07:02 AM 01:02 PM 01/08/20 06:42 AM 04:12 PM 08:50 AM 03:16 PM 10/24/19 06:32 AM 05:36 PM 08:05 AM 02:09 PM 01/09/20 06:42 AM 04:13 PM 09:34 AM 04:00 PM 10/25/19 06:33 AM 05:34 PM 09:03 AM 03:11 PM 01/10/20 06:42 AM 04:14 PM 10:18 AM 04:45 PM 10/26/19 06:35 AM 05:33 PM 09:56 AM 04:07 PM 01/11/20 06:41 AM 04:15 PM 11:04 AM 05:30 PM 10/28/19 06:37 AM 05:30 PM 11:36 AM 05:21 AM 01/13/20 06:40 AM 04:17 PM 12:39 PM 06:24 AM 10/29/19 06:39 AM 05:28 PM 12:24 PM 06:10 AM 01/14/20 06:40 AM 04:19 PM 01:30 PM 07:16 AM 10/30/19 06:40 AM 05:27 PM 01:12 PM 06:58 AM 01/15/20 06:39 AM 04:20 PM 02:24 PM 08:10 AM 10/31/19 06:42 AM 05:25 PM 02:01 PM 07:47 AM 01/16/20 06:39 AM 04:21 PM 03:24 PM 09:09 AM 11/01/19 06:43 AM 05:24 PM 02:52 PM 08:38 AM 01/17/20 06:38 AM 04:22 PM 04:27 PM 10:12 AM 11/02/19 06:44 AM 05:23 PM 03:46 PM 09:32 AM 01/18/20 06:38 AM 04:24 PM 05:00 AM 11:17 AM 11/04/19 05:47 AM 04:20 PM 04:46 PM 10:31 AM 01/20/20 06:36 AM 04:26 PM 07:04 AM 01:33 PM 11/05/19 05:48 AM 04:19 PM 05:34 AM 11:33 AM 01/21/20 06:36 AM 04:28 PM 08:03 AM 02:33 PM 11/06/19 05:50 AM 04:17 PM 06:31 AM 12:35 PM 01/22/20 06:35 AM 04:29 PM 08:58 AM 03:27 PM 11/07/19 05:51 AM 04:16 PM 07:23 AM 01:31 PM 01/23/20 06:34 AM 04:30 PM 09:48 AM 04:16 PM 11/08/19 05:52 AM 04:15 PM 08:09 AM 02:20 PM 01/24/20 06:33 AM 04:32 PM 10:35 AM 05:01 PM 11/09/19 05:54 AM 04:14 PM 08:50 AM 03:02 PM 01/25/20 06:32 AM 04:33 PM 11:19 AM 05:05 AM 11/11/19 05:57 AM 04:11 PM 10:03 AM 04:18 PM 01/27/20 06:30 AM 04:36 PM 12:38 PM 06:26 AM 11/12/19 05:58 AM 04:10 PM 10:37 AM 04:54 PM 01/28/20 06:29 AM 04:37 PM 01:17 PM 07:06 AM 11/13/19 05:59 AM 04:09 PM 11:11 AM 05:30 PM 01/29/20 06:28 AM 04:39 PM 01:57 PM 07:46 AM 11/14/19 06:01 AM 04:08 PM 11:47 AM 05:36 AM 01/30/20 06:27 AM 04:40 PM 02:39 PM 08:29 AM 11/15/19 06:02 AM 04:07 PM 12:25 PM 06:15 AM 01/31/20 06:26 AM 04:41 PM 03:25 PM 09:15 AM 11/16/19 06:03 AM 04:06 PM 01:08 PM 06:57 AM

*Tide information listed is estimated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Although these are estimates, they are expected to be useful for planning purposes. Tide Conversions: Tide information listed is for Portland. For Merrymeeting Bay (Richmond), add 2 hrs. 48 minutes for high tide; for Jonesport, subtract 23 minutes; for Bath, add 1 hr. 1 minute; for Rockland, subtract 16 minutes; for Waldoboro, subtract 16 minutes. All times listed through October 31 are Eastern Daylight Time; after that date, they are Eastern Standard Time (for Bangor).

2019-20 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 S

41

SUMMARY OF HUNTING LAWS All In for the Maine Outdoors

MAIN OFFICE GOVERNOR ADMINISTRATIVE REGIONS 284 State Street, 41 SHS Janet T. Mills Region A – Gray...... (207) 657-2345 Augusta, ME 04333-0041 Region B – Sidney...... (207) 287-5300 COMMISSIONER (207) 287-8000 Judy A. Camuso Region C – Jonesboro...... (207) 434-5925 WEBSITE Region D – Strong...... (207) 778-3322 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER mefishwildlife.com Timothy E. Peabody Region E – Greenville...... (207) 695-3756 Region F – Enfield...... (207) 732-4131 OPERATION GAME THIEF MDIFW ADVISORY COUNCIL 1-800-ALERT US (253-7887) Jerry Scribner (Vice-Chair) Region G – Ashland...... (207) 435-3231 Androscoggin, Kennebec, & Bangor Research Office...... (207) 941-4440 REGIONAL COMMUNICATION CENTERS Sagadahoc Counties...... (207) 495-7751 If you are in need of the services of a game The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries Albro Cowperthwaite warden or need to report a wildfire or re- and Wildlife receives federal funds from the quest a campfire permit from Forestry call Aroostook County...... (207) 227-2851 U.S. Department of the Interior. According- the Department of Public Safety Dispatch Matthew E. Thurston (Chair) ly, all Department programs and activities at the following toll-free numbers: Cumberland County...... (207) 926-4147 must be operated free from discrimination Augusta...... 1-800-452-4664 Shelby Rousseau in regard to race, color, national origin, age, Houlton...... 1-800-924-2261 Franklin & Oxford or handicap. Any person who believes that Counties...... (207) 446-4638 Bangor...... 1-800-432-7381 he or she has been discriminated against Lindsay Ware should write to the Office of Equal Oppor- Hancock County...... (207) 812-1366 tunity, U.S. Department of the Interior, Kristin Peet Washington, D.C. 20240. Knox, Lincoln, & Waldo COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS Counties...... (207) 991-1470 Written comments should be mailed to: Robert Duschene Maine Department of Inland Penobscot County...... (207) 827-3782 Fisheries & Wildlife Lawrence Farrington 284 State Street Piscataquis & Somerset 41 State House Station Counties...... (207) 695-2017 Augusta, ME 04333-0041 Brian D. Smith Washington County...... (207) 255-1000 Shawn J. Sage York County...... (207) 329-7096

QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 2019-20 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING 42

fli 2019-20 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWSmefishwildlife.com & RULES HUNTING QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000