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SUMMARY OF LAWS

MAINE 2018-19

MAINE DEPARTMENT OF INLAND FISHERIES & WILDLIFE Season dates for hunting are revised annually. Information appearing in this book may not be valid after July 2019. 3 1 2

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10 11 9 8 14 18 19 7 17 13 28 27 26 12 16 23 25 15 22 21 29

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 Deer Population Monitoring Project...... 18 TAGGING, TRANSPORTATION & 2018-19 MAINE HUNTING SEASONS... 4 Reporting Accidents & Aiding Victims...... 19 REGISTRATION...... 27 Tagging Requirements...... 27 LICENSING INFORMATION...... 6 Harassment of Hunters...... 19 Transporting Harvested Animals...... 27 Who Needs a License?...... 6 Hunters for The Hungry...... 19 Registration Requirements...... 27 What Are the Requirements?...... 6 2018 Deer Seasons & ...... 19 Hunting with Dogs and Dog Training...... 27 How Are Licenses Obtained?...... 6 CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE...... 20 Time Limits for Registering...... 28 Definitions...... 6 What is CWD?...... 20 Condition of Animal Presented for Special Licenses...... 7 Regulations on Feeding Deer...... 20 Registration...... 28 Outdoor Safety Courses...... 7 Waste of ...... 20 Possession of Gift Bear, Deer, , Apprentice Hunter License...... 7 MDIFW Check Stations...... 20 or Wild ...... 28 2018-19 Apprentice Hunter License and MOOSE HUNTING...... 21 Permit Fees...... 7 HUNTING AREAS...... 29 Moose Hunting Permit...... 21 State Parks and Historic Sites...... 29 2018-19 License and Permit Fees...... 8 2018 Moose Permit Hunt Seasons & Wildlife Management District Map...... 29 Lifetime License Fees...... 9 Bag Limits...... 21 Public Reserved Lands...... 29 Maine Lifetime License...... 9 HUNTING...... 22 Wildlife Management Areas ...... 29 Superpack License...... 9 Landowner Privileges...... 22 National Wildlife Refuges (NWR)...... 29 License Revocation Information...... 10 Wild Turkey to Be Tagged...... 22 White Mountain National Forest...... 30 GENERAL HUNTING LAWS...... 10 Wild Turkey Transportation...... 22 National Park Service...... 30 Prohibition Regarding Selling Wild Turkey Registration...... 22 of Wild Animals...... 10 Closed and Special Regulation Areas...... 30 Wild Turkey Hunting Prohibitions...... 22 Night Hunting ...... 11 Railroad Tracks...... 30 Questionnaires...... 22 Hunting...... 11 Native American Territory...... 31 Wild Turkey Legal Hunting Hours...... 22 Placement of Bait...... 11 HUNTING/TRAPPING ON PRIVATE Wild Turkey Licensing, Permit, General PROPERTY...... 31 Minimum Shooting Distances...... 11 Bag Limits & Who May Hunt...... 22 Commercial Shooting Areas...... 32 Target Identification While Hunting...... 11 Spring Wild Turkey Hunting...... 23 LEGAL HUNTING HOURS...... 33 LAWS PERTAINING TO HUNTING Fall Wild Turkey Hunting...... 23 MIGRATORY GAME ...... 34 EQUIPMENT...... 13 2018–19 Wild Turkey Seasons & Bag General Laws...... 13 Limits...... 23 Summary of Federal Regulations...... 35 Phone Numbers You Might Need...... 35 Firearms Laws...... 13 OTHER SPECIES HUNTING...... 24 Maine Migratory Hunting Zones Map...... 35 Archery Information...... 14 Other Species Permits & Licenses...... 24 2018-19 Migratory Game Birds Seasons Hunter Orange Clothing Requirements...... 14 2018-19 Other Species Seasons & Bag & Bag Limits...... 36 Releasing Dogs from Traps...... 15 Limits...... 24 Laws Specific to Merrymeeting Bay...... 38 Observation Stands...... 15 ...... 25 Stamp Art Contest...... 38 Crossbow Information...... 15 Bear Hunting Permit...... 25 Harvest Information Program...... 38 Trail/Game Cameras Law...... 15 Landowner Privileges...... 25 Stamp Requirements...... 38 JUNIOR HUNTERS...... 16 Bait...... 25 Field Possession Limit...... 39 Junior Hunting Licenses...... 16 Legal Hunting Equipment...... 25 Importation...... 39 Supervision of Junior Hunters...... 16 Bear Hunting Prohibitions...... 25 Band Recovery Reports...... 39 Youth Hunting Days...... 16 Bear Hunting with a Maine Guide...... 26 Barrow’s Goldeneye...... 39 ...... 17 Laws Regarding Registration...... 26 2018-19 Migratory Hunter’s Time Deer Hunting Prohibitions...... 17 2018 Bear Seasons & Bag Limits...... 26 & Tide Table...... 40 Areas Closed to Deer Hunting...... 17 BEAR TRAPPING...... 26 MAINE IF&W CONTACTS...... 41 Areas Open to Deer Hunting...... 17 Bear Trapping Permit...... 26 Deer Permits & Licenses...... 18 Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program...... 26 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.

2018-19 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 2018-19 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING 4 2018-19 MAINE HUNTING SEASONS 2018-19 MAINE HUNTING SEASONS

2018-2019 MAINE HUNTING SEASONS

SEASONS LIMITS DEER WMDs FIRST DAY LAST DAY BAG & POSSESSION

Firearms Season All October 29, 2018 November 24, 2018

Maine Resident Only Day* All October 27, 2018

Youth Deer Day All October 20, 2018 1 Deer Per Year** Archery All September 29, 2018 October 26, 2018

Muzzleloader Statewide All November 26, 2018 December 1, 2018

Muzzleloader 12, 13, 15-18, 20-26, 29 December 3, 2018 December 8, 2018

Expanded Archery Designated areas only September 8, 2018 December 8, 2018

**Only deer with antlers at least 3 inches long may be taken from October 29-December 8, except that any deer may be taken in desig- nated 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 BAG & POSSESSION

General Hunting Season All August 27, 2018 November 24, 2018

Youth Bear Day All August 25, 2018 2 Bear Per Year 1 by hunting, 1 by trapping Hunting with Dogs All September 10, 2018 October 26, 2018 Hunting with Bait All August 27, 2018 September 22, 2018 Bait can be placed July 28, 2018

MOOSE SEASONS LIMITS WMDs BY PERMIT ONLY FIRST DAY LAST DAY BAG & POSSESSION 1- 6, 10, 11, 18, 19, September 24, 2018 September 29, 2018 27, 28 1-14, 17-19, 27, 28 October 8, 2018 October 13, 2018 1 Moose Per Year 15, 16 October 29, 2018 November 24, 2018 by either permittee or sub-permittee Maine Resident Only Day* 15, 16 October 27, 2018

1-6 October 22, 2018 October 27, 2018

Permit application period: January through April 1

* A non-resident who owns 25 or more acres of land in Maine and leaves land open to hunting, holds a valid , and is not otherwise prohibit- ed 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.

2018-19 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 2018-19 MAINE HUNTING SEASONS 5

SPRING WILD TURKEY SEASONS LIMITS WMDs Bow & arrow, crossbow or FIRST DAY LAST DAY BAG & POSSESSION 7, 9-29 April 29, 2019 June 1, 2019 2 bearded Wild Turkeys* General Hunting Season 8 April 29, 2019 June 1, 2019 Season A Week 1 (odd year birth) 1-6 April 29, 2019 May 4, 2019 Season A Week 2 (odd year birth) 1-6 May 13, 2019 May 18, 2019 Season B Week 3 (even year birth) 1-6 May 6, 2019 May 11, 2019 1 bearded Wild Turkey* Season B Week 4 (even year birth) 1-6 May 20, 2019 May 25, 2019 All Hunters 1-6 May 27, 2019 June 1, 2019 Youth Spring Wild Turkey Day April 27, 2019

FALL WILD TURKEY SEASONS LIMITS WMDs Bow & arrow or shotgun FIRST DAY LAST DAY BAG & POSSESSION 15-17, October 1, 2018 November 7, 2018 20-25, 28 2 Wild Turkeys either sex, any age* 10-13, 18, 19, General Hunting Season October 1, 2018 November 7, 2018 1 Wild Turkey either sex, any age* 26, 27, 29 1-9, 14 Closed to Fall Turkey hunting *May take up to 2 turkeys for the season, but the second turkey must come from a WMD listed as having a two bird limit.

SEASONS LIMITS UPLAND AND MIGRATORY BIRDS WMDs FIRST DAY LAST DAY DAILY BAG POSSESSION Ruffed & Bobwhite Quail All October 1, 2018 December 31, 2018 4 8 All October 1, 2018 December 31, 2018 2 4 Woodcock All All , Geese, Sea Ducks More detailed season info on page 36. (Scoter, Eider, Long-Tailed Duck) Sora & Rails (and Gallinules) All February 2, 2019 April 15, 2019 1-6 August 1, 2018 September 22, 2018 Crows No Limit January 17, 2019 March 30, 2019 7-29 August 1, 2018 September 22, 2018

SEASONS LIMITS OTHER SPECIES WMDs FIRST DAY LAST DAY DAILY BAG POSSESSION Gray Squirrel All October 1, 2018 December 31, 2018 4 8 Gray Squirrel () All October 1, 2018 February 28, 2019 4 8 All October 1, 2018 March 31, 2019 4 8 Vinalhaven Island, Snowshoe Hare October 1, 2018 February 28, 2019 4 8 Knox County All December 1, 2018 February 21, 2019 No Limit Fox All October 15, 2018 February 28, 2019 No Limit Raccoon All October 1, 2018 December 31, 2018 No Limit Skunk, Opossum All October 15, 2018 December 31, 2018 No Limit Night Hunt All December 17, 2018 August 31, 2019 No Limit Coyote, Woodchuck, All No Closed Season for Hunting Porcupine, Red Squirrel , Lynx, No Open Season for Hunting Cottontail 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 2018-19 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 7 and 8 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. Convicted felons Note: Not all town clerks issue non-resident cannot purchase or possess a firearms licenses. Note: a junior license holder who turns 16 hunting license in Maine unless they have may hunt with that junior license for the been issued a permit to carry a firearm. All trapping licenses are issued by the remainder of the calendar year. MDIFW office in Augusta and cannot be Archery Licenses: To obtain an adult purchased online. Exception for Assisting in a Hunt: archery hunting license, you must show A person may assist in a hunt without a proof of having held an adult license to It is unlawful to obtain a license or permit license or permit for that activity, as long hunt with bow and arrow in any year through misstatement or misrepresenta- as they do not carry hunting equipment after 1979, or successful completion of an tion, or to possess a license or permit that (means to kill) or drive deer. archery education course. has been altered or tampered with in any way. Landowner Privilege: Maine resident Exceptions to Safety Course Requirement landowners and their immediate family Native American Exception: Native members may hunt without a license Americans are exempt from the safety using firearms, archery, crossbow or course requirement for archery, crossbow, muzzleloader on land they own and reside and trapping. upon, provided the land exceeds 10 acres in size and is used exclusively for agricul- Military Exception: An active-duty tural purposes. The landowner privilege member of the U.S. Armed Forces who is is not available to hunters with revoked permanently stationed outside of the U.S. or suspended licenses, and does not apply and home on leave is exempt from hunter, to moose hunting, for which a license is archery, and crossbow safety course re- still required. See page 22 for information quirements if they can show proof at time about landowner privilege for turkey of license application that their home state hunting. of record is Maine.

KEEP YOUR LICENSE WITH YOU DEFINITIONS

You are required to keep an electronic RESIDENT means a (1) U.S. citizen, • Has registered in Maine any motor and/or paper copy of your hunting (2) an alien who has lived in Maine vehicles they own that are located license and any necessary permits for at least one year, or (3) a student within the state. at a Maine college or university with you while hunting or transport- • is in compliance with Maine who has been enrolled for at least income tax laws. ing wild birds and wild animals and, one full semester, and also: if requested to do so, must present it • if registered to vote, is registered ALIEN means a person who is not for inspection to any warden, law en- in Maine. a U.S. citizen. forcement officer, MDIFW employee, • if licensed to drive a motor NON-RESIDENT means a U.S. guide or landowner upon whose land vehicle, has applied for or pos- citizen who does not fall within you are hunting. sesses a Maine driver’s license. the definition of alien or resident.

2018-19 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. , 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 10 & 11. residing with them are also entitled to moose permits each year. These licenses • Seasonal Hide Dealers License: Required discounted rates (see pg. 8). may only be obtained from MDIFW’s main for any place of business that butchers 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 2018-19 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 2018-19 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING 8 LICENSING INFORMATION

2018-19 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 Big Game Hunting (16 and older) $140.00 Combination Hunting & Fishing (16 and older) $191.00 ALIEN**** Small Game* Hunting (16 and older) $80.00 Archery Hunting (16 and older) $85.00 Junior Hunting (0 to 15 years) $35.00 Bear Permits See page 25 & 26 Coyote Night Hunting Permit $4.00 Maine Resident $26.00 Crossbow Hunting Permit Non-resident $56.00 (16 and older)** Alien $80.00 Deer, Moose, and Bear Registration $5.00 Duplicate License $2.00 Expanded Archery Permits Antlerless Deer $12.00 (See page 18) Either Sex $32.00 PERMIT AND OTHER FEES Falconry Permit $26.00 Moose Permit See page 21 Maine Resident $13.00 Muzzleloader Permit Non-resident $69.00 (16 and older)** Alien $79.00 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, non-resident, or alien 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. ****Effective January 1, 2019 Alien Licenses will no longer be available, a person who resides outside of the country will purchase a non-resident license at the non-resident license fees. 2018-19 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 16 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 2018-19 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING 10 LICENSING INFORMATION

LICENSE REVOCATION INFORMATION

The MDIFW Commissioner may, at his Minimum Mandatory Two Year exceeding the bag limit. discretion, revoke the hunting privi- Revocation of ALL MDIFW Licenses • First offense of placing or hunting over leges of anyone convicted of a hunting • Burglary or criminal trespass of a build- bait for deer. violation, or any violation of fish and ing located within any unorganized • Destroying or tearing down a property wildlife laws. This is in addition to any township. posting sign (loss of hunting and penalties imposed by a court of law. • Theft of any equipment used for fishing license). Some violations result in mandatory hunting, fishing and trapping. • Hunting over another person’s bear revocation (summarized below): • Theft of any animal which has been bait without written permission from obtained by hunting or trapping and that person. Minimum Mandatory Ten Year which was in the possession or control Littering on WMAs Revocation of Hunting Licenses of the person who hunted or trapped In addition to penalties provided If a person is convicted of Assault While the animal. by Maine’s littering laws, a person Hunting [17A MRSA §208(A)] and Minimum Mandatory Two Year convicted of littering on a state owned the offense occurred in the context of Revocation of Hunting Licenses wildlife management area or sanctuary hunting activity, and if, through failure • Second offense of placing or hunting as defined in Title 12 shall surrender of the hunter to make proper target over bait for deer. their hunting and/or fishing licenses for identification, the offense resulted in the Hunting Violations with a Minimum a period of up to one year. injury or death of another person. One Year License Revocation Interstate Violations/Suspensions Minimum Mandatory Five Year • Illegally hunting and/or possessing Revocation of Hunting Licenses deer, bear, or moose during closed Maine is a participating member of the season. Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, an • Shooting a domestic animal while hunting. • Night hunting. agreement that recognizes suspension of hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses • Hunting under the influence of • Discharging a firearm within 100 yards across member states. This means that intoxicating liquor or drugs. of a building or residential dwelling without permission of the owner, or in illegal activities in one state can affect • Conviction of violation of 17A MRSA the owner’s absence, an adult occupant a person’s hunting, fishing, or trapping while on a hunting or fishing trip or who dwells in that location. in the pursuit of wild animals, birds or privileges in all participating states as fish and when the wounding or killing • Illegally buying and/or selling deer, well. If a person plans to hunt, fish, or of a human being has occurred. bear, moose or wild turkeys. trap in another state, and they have a • Illegally hunting/possessing wild license suspension in Maine, it is their Minimum Mandatory Three Year turkeys including using illegal hunting responsibility to contact the other state Revocation of ALL MDIFW Licenses methods. to see if they can legally hunt, fish, or • Disturbing traps. • Hunting deer, bear, moose, or wild trap in that state. turkey after having killed one and/or

GENERAL HUNTING LAWS To hunt means to pursue, catch, take, kill or harvest wild birds and wild animals (wild by also unlawful to take, possess, or needlessly nature, whether or not bred or reared in destroy the nest or of any wild bird. captivity), including any physical part of that species of mammal or bird. PROHIBITION REGARDING Unlawful Conduct: The hunting, posses- SELLING OF WILD ANIMALS sion, transporting of any species of wild Wild Birds: A person may not sell or animal or wild bird, or parts thereof, for possess for sale a wild bird, except for the which an open hunting season is not spe- of lawfully taken wild birds, and cifically provided, and except as provided in only if that sale does not violate regulations the fish and wildlife laws, is unlawful. It is of the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

2018-19 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 GENERAL HUNTING LAWS 11

Finished Wildlife Products: A person Exceptions: migratory game bird, (see page may buy, sell, barter or trade legally ob- 39), raccoon (see below), and coyote (see tained finished wildlife products, excluding page 24). federally protected wild animals and birds. RACCOON HUNTING Deer, Bear, or Moose: A person may, may be hunted at night during without a hide dealer’s license, buy or sell the open season only when the hunter: naturally shed deer or moose antlers. • Is accompanied by a dog. A person who has lawfully killed and regis- • Uses a rifle or handgun of no greater tered a deer, bear or moose may, without a power than one which uses .22 caliber hide dealer’s license, sell: long rifle ammunition. • The head, hide, antlers* and feet of that • Loads the rifle or handgun only when deer. dispatching a raccoon that is treed or • The head, hide, antlers*, feet and bones held at bay by a dog or dogs and has been of that moose. identified by flashlight. • The head, hide, teeth, gallbladder* and claws (not attached to the paws) of that PLACEMENT OF BAIT bear. As used in this section, “bait” means an an- imal, plant, or part thereof used to attract *Raw antlers and bear gallbladders may only wild animals for the purpose of hunting. be sold (including for money, barter, or trade) to a licensed hide dealer, and they must be A Person Placing Bait for Hunting tagged or accompanied with documentation Purposes Must: SUNDAY HUNTING IS containing the name and address of the • Obtain oral or written permission from person who legally killed the animal. the landowner or landowner’s agent. ILLEGAL IN MAINE • Plainly label the bait with a 2-inch by You Need a Hide Dealer’s License To: 4-inch tag containing the name and Commercially buy, sell, barter, or trade address of the baiter. any raw, untanned animal hides (including • Baiting and feeding turkey is prohibited • Clean up the bait site immediately upon during the spring wild turkey season. fur-bearing animals) or parts of wild landowner request; or if not requested, • Further restrictions apply to bear baiting, animals or birds not prohibited above. within 20 days of the last day the site is see page 25. Any parts bought or sold may not be hunted. attached to wild animal or wild bird parts A Person May NOT: MINIMUM SHOOTING DISTANCES that are prohibited from being sold. • Hunt over another person’s bait site Shooting within 100 Yards of Dwelling without the baiter’s permission. Please refer to mefishwildlife.com for the or State Owned Boat Launch: It is • Place any medicinal, poisonous, or stupe- latest changes to this license and the new unlawful to discharge any firearm, muzzle- fying substance to entice any animal. reporting requirements. loader, or crossbow, or cause a projectile to Species-specific Baiting Laws: pass as a result of that discharge, within NIGHT HUNTING • Baiting or feeding of deer is prohibited 100 yards (300 feet) of a building without Except as otherwise provided, wild birds from June 1-December 15. See page 17 permission from the owner or, in the and wild animals may not be hunted from for more information. owner’s absence, an adult occupant who ½ hour after sunset until ½ hour before • Baiting and feeding moose and turkey is dwells in that building. This provision also sunrise the following day. prohibited from September 1 to Decem- applies to state-owned boat launches that ber 15. are posted accordingly. Definitions, as Used in This Section: TARGET IDENTIFICATION WHILE HUNTING Building means any residential, commer- cial, retail, educational, religious or farm (Summary of 12 MRSA §11222) alone, or even upon sound combined structure that is designed to be occupied by A hunter may not shoot at a target with what appears to be an appendage people or domesticated animals or is being without at that point in time being of the wild animal or wild bird sought. used to shelter machines or harvested certain that the target is the wild animal • Bases identification upon an crops. essentially unobstructed view of the or wild bird sought. “Projectile” means a bullet, pellet, shot, potential target’s head and torso. shell, ball, bolt or other object propelled or A reasonable and prudent hunter: • Recognizes that sound and sight tar- launched from a firearm or crossbow. • Risks losing legitimate prey so as not get-determining factors are affected to risk destruction of human life. by a number of other considerations Exception • Neither disregards, nor fails to be including, but not limited to, the Persons target practicing on land that aware of, the risk of causing the death distance to the target, surrounding or they own or have permission to use may of another human being as a conse- intervening terrain and cover, lighting discharge a crossbow within 100 yards of a quence of misidentification. and weather conditions, the hunter’s dwelling, provided the projectile does not • Never bases identification upon sound hearing, eyesight, and experience enter another person’s property. level, and other people nearby.

QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 2018-19 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING 12 GENERAL HUNTING LAWS

Hunting Under the Influence: It is • Persons who are at least 21 years of age, Note: A loaded clip may be carried in a unlawful to hunt while under the influence or are at least 18 years of age and a mem- motor vehicle, but it must not be inserted of intoxicating liquor or drugs. ber or honorably discharged veteran of in, or attached to, a firearm; a crossbow the armed forces or National Guard, may may be carried as long it is not cocked Possession of Hunting Equipment on carry a loaded pistol or revolver in or on and armed; a muzzleloader is considered Sunday: Possession of hunting equipment a motor vehicle if they are not otherwise to be loaded only if charged with powder, in the fields and forests or on the waters prohibited from carrying a firearm. Upon projectile and a primed ignition device or or ice of this state on Sunday is prima facie contact with a law enforcement officer, mechanism. evidence of a violation of Sunday hunting a person carrying a concealed handgun law, unless the equipment is securely without a permit must notify the officer Shooting From or Over a Public Paved wrapped in a complete cover, fastened in immediately. Way: A person may not shoot or discharge a case, or carried in at least two separate • Paraplegics and leg amputees may shoot any firearm, crossbow, or bow and arrow pieces in such a way that it cannot be fired from motor vehicles. at any wild animal or bird from any public without the pieces being joined together • Migratory waterfowl may be hunted from paved way (any road treated with bitumi- (for the purpose of this paragraph, a a motorboat in accordance with federal nous or concrete material), from within 10 firearm clip, magazine, or cylinder is not regulation. feet of the edge of its pavement, or from considered a “piece”). • A person who is hunting may rest a the right-of-way of any controlled access loaded firearm or crossbow that is under highway. Bows and arrows must be kept in a case or their control on the vehicle to shoot only cover if broadheads or field points are kept when the vehicle is not in motion and the Shooting of Domestic Animals: It is un- attached to the arrows. engine is off. lawful for any person, while on a hunting trip, to negligently, carelessly, or willfully Exception: A person may possess hunting • A person may shoot from a motorboat shoot and wound or kill any domestic equipment on Sunday for legitimate if that boat is not being propelled by the animal or bird. activities such as target practice, sighting motor and forward momentum of the in rifles, etc. boat has stopped. However, the wanton Firearms on School Property: Posses- waste law allows you to shoot crippled sion of a firearm or crossbow on public Airborne Hunting: A person on the waterfowl from a motorboat under power school property or discharging one within ground or airborne may not use aircraft on coastal waters and all waters of rivers 500 feet of school property, except as used (including drones & remote-controlled and streams lying seaward of the first in supervised educational programs or by aircraft) to aid or assist in hunting deer, upstream bridge. law enforcement officials, is illegal. bear, or moose. • A person who is hunting who is on but Harassment of lawful hunter or Shooting from a Motor Vehicle or not within an enclosed area or passenger trapper: It is unlawful for any person to Motorboat or Possessing a Loaded compartment of an ATV or snowmobile may shoot a firearm or crossbow or rest a willfully interfere with the lawful hunting Firearm or Crossbow in or on a Motor loaded firearm or crossbow that is under or trapping of any wild animal or wild Vehicle: It is unlawful to shoot while in or the person’s control on the ATV or snow- bird, including the willful disturbance of on a motor vehicle, motorboat, snowmobile mobile to shoot only when the vehicle is wild animals or wild birds with intent to or ATV or have a loaded firearm or cross not in motion and the engine is off. interfere with their lawful taking. bow while in or on a motor vehicle, trailer, • While target shooting, not hunting, a or other type of vehicle being hauled by Disposal of Remains: It is unlawful, person who is on but not within an en- a motor vehicle except as specifically except during normal field dressing or for closed area or passenger compartment of allowed. a vehicle may shoot a firearm or crossbow baiting purposes, to dispose of the carcass, Exemptions or rest a loaded firearm or crossbow that waste parts, or remains of a wild animal, • A holder of a valid Maine concealed weap- is under their control on the vehicle to unless you are on private property that you on permit may carry a loaded pistol or shoot only when the vehicle isn’t in mo- own, or property where you have landown- revolver in a motor vehicle as prescribed tion and the engine is off. er’s permission to do so. ■ by Title 25 sub 2001A.

DISTURBING TRAPS

It is unlawful to take or disturb any trap, any wildlife animal which is caught in a trap, without permission from the owner of the trap. An individual convicted of a disturbing traps, will lose any license in effect, and be ineligible to purchase any license issued by the Department for 3 years.

2018-19 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 LAWS PERTAINING TO HUNTING EQUIPMENT 13 LAWS PERTAINING TO HUNTING EQUIPMENT

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

QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 2018-19 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING 14 LAWS PERTAINING TO HUNTING EQUIPMENT

Carrying Concealed Firearms: A person ARCHERY INFORMATION American) and junior hunting license hold- may carry a concealed handgun without Seasons: The regular archery license allows ers may hunt with those licenses during a permit and may have that concealed, bow and arrow hunting for all legal game the expanded archery deer season. loaded pistol or revolver in, or on, a motor throughout the year, except for deer during Obtaining an Archery License: Appli- vehicle or trailer if: the muzzleloader season. cants for the regular archery license must • The person is 21 years of age or older and Licenses: You must have an archery show proof of having successfully com- is not otherwise prohibited from possess- license to hunt during the regular and pleted an archery hunter education course ing a firearm or; expanded archery deer seasons, or hunt or of having held a Maine adult archery • The person is 18 years of age or older and with a bow and arrow in general. license in any year after 1979. When under 21 years of age and on active duty proof or evidence cannot be provided, the in the Armed Forces of the Permits: In addition to an archery license, applicant may substitute a signed affidavit. or the National Guard or is an honorably hunters participating in the expanded Native Americans are exempt from safety discharged veteran of the Armed Forces archery deer season (designated areas course requirements for archery, crossbow, of the United States or the National only) must also purchase permits. Multiple and trapping. Guard and is not otherwise prohibited antlerless deer permits may be purchased from carrying a firearm. for $12 each, and an either-sex permit for • Junior hunters who hold a valid Junior Upon contact with a law enforcement offi- the expanded archery deer season is $32. Hunting License are allowed to hunt with cer, a person carrying a concealed handgun bow and arrow when accompanied by an Exceptions: Complimentary archery without a permit is required to notify them adult supervisor (see page 16). license holders (Disabled Veteran, Native immediately. • A hunter may carry a handgun while bowhunting, but it may NOT be used to dispatch deer. See page 13 for more information. HUNTER ORANGE CLOTHING REQUIREMENT • Laws that allow you to hunt without a license on your own land under certain Hunter orange is defined as a day- Moose Hunting Season conditions apply to archery hunting (see light fluorescent orange color with a Anyone who hunts any species with page 6). dominant wave length between 595 a firearm or crossbow in a Wildlife • Deer & bear may be taken under the and 605 nanometers, excitation purity Management District that is open to archery provisions only by means of of at least 85% and luminance factor moose hunting must wear one article hand-held bow with a minimum draw of at least 40%. A decal on an article of of solid-colored hunter orange clothing weight of 35 pounds (for moose a clothing that is otherwise solid hunter (hats count). When moose season minimum draw weight of 45 pounds is orange is permissible. Articles of hunter overlaps the firearms season on deer, required), and broad-head arrow. Arrow orange clothing must be in good and then two pieces must be worn. All laws heads (including expandable mechanical broadheads) must be at least ⅞ inch in serviceable condition and visible from pertaining to deer hunting apply to width. It is unlawful to use a set bow, or all sides. moose hunters during these seasons. to use arrows with poisonous or explosive Firearms and Muzzleloader Bear, Turkey, and Upland Game tips. Hunters 65 years of age or older may Seasons on Deer Bird Hunters hunt any wild bird or wild animal with a crossbow during any open season on that Anyone who hunts any species with When hunting bears, turkeys, and wild bird or wild animal. a firearm, muzzleloader, or crossbow upland game birds, hunter orange • Hunter orange clothing is NOT required during any firearms or muzzleloader clothing is only required when hunting when hunting with bow and arrow. season on deer (also on Youth Deer Day) with a firearm or crossbow during the Anyone who hunts with a firearm or must wear two articles of hunter orange firearms hunting season on deer, the crossbow must wear hunter orange (see clothing. One article must be a sol- muzzleloader season on deer, or within more information on the left). id-colored hunter orange hat; the other an open moose hunting district during • All deer killed by bow and arrow during must cover a major portion of the torso, moose hunting season. the archery seasons must be inspected such as a jacket, vest, coat or poncho Waterfowl Hunters and registered at the first open deer and must be a minimum of 50% hunter registration station. orange in color (). are not affected by the provisions above while hunting from a boat, blind, or in • It is legal to hunt until ½ hour after sun- Archery Seasons on Deer conjunction with waterfowl decoys. set during both archery deer seasons. Hunter orange clothing is not required • In WMDs where no any-deer permits are while hunting with a bow and arrow Exception issued, archers and junior hunters are not allowed to harvest antlerless deer during during the archery seasons. Any hunter whose religion prohibits wearing hunter orange may wear red the archery season on deer. (Deer taken instead. All minimum wear require- during the expanded archery deer season ments for hunter orange still apply are by appropriate permit as described when hunter red is substituted for above.) hunter orange. In addition, all other laws pertaining to deer hunting apply to archery hunting.

2018-19 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 LAWS PERTAINING TO HUNTING EQUIPMENT 15

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 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 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 season with the appropriate permits. OBSERVATION STANDS Crossbow Permits For Native Americans, see page 19. To purchase a crossbow hunting permit, Crossbow Equipment Laws It is unlawful to insert any metallic you must first a valid hunting license (big Required Features or ceramic object into a tree on game license for big game species or small another person’s land for the purpose • Only crossbows with a shoulder-type game license for turkey and small game stock may be used. of erecting a ladder or observation species), and must submit proof of having stand, unless you have permission • Draw weight must be at least 100 pounds successfully completed an archery hunting (there is no max). from the landowner. You must obtain education course and a crossbow hunting • Arrowheads, including mechanical broad- verbal or written permission of the course or satisfactory evidence of having landowner (or representative) to heads when open, must be at least ⅞ inch previously held adult archery and crossbow wide. erect or use a portable or permanent hunting permits in any year after 1979. ladder or observation stand, and the • Crossbows must be equipped with a me- If you cannot provide proof or evidence, a chanical trigger safety device in working ladder or observation stand must signed affidavit can be substituted. condition. be plainly labeled with a 2-inch by 4-inch tag with the names and Valid junior hunting license holders may Prohibited Features addresses of everyone the landowner hunt with a crossbow without purchasing • Hand-held pistol-type crossbows are has authorized to use it. permits. prohibited Crossbow Seasons • Arrows with explosive or poisonous tips Exception: Portable ladders or are prohibited observation stands used on land By Maine State Law, a crossbow is not within the jurisdiction of the Maine considered a firearm. A person may hunt Optional, but Allowed Features Land Use Regulation Commission any wild bird or animal with a crossbow • Crossbows equipped with scopes or sights may be used. ■ and attended by the person who during any open season on that bird or owns the ladder or observation stand animal while still following all the other do not require landowner permission laws pertinent to that species, except that a TRAIL/GAME CAMERAS LAW or labeling, but permanent ones do. licensed crossbow hunter 64 years of age or younger may not hunt wild turkey during People using trail and game cameras Note: For more information on the fall turkey season or hunt deer during may not place a camera upon an- private property use, see page 31. the expanded archery, special October other person’s private land without Observation stands do not include archery or muzzleloader seasons. portable blinds utilized at ground written permission. All cameras level that remain in the hunter’s Hunters 65 years or older, or who have a must be labeled with the person’s physical possession. special handicap permit to use a crossbow, name and contact information. may use a crossbow for any species in

QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 2018-19 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING 16 JUNIOR HUNTERS Junior Hunters JUNIOR HUNTING LICENSES in the presence of, and under the effective If a person is continuing to hunt on a Children 16 and under must have a junior control of, an adult supervisor. junior hunting license and has turned 16 hunting license to hunt. There is no • Hunters under the age of 10 must be in they may hunt on youth hunting days. minimum age to purchase a junior hunting the presence of, and under the effective If that 16 year old who is hunting with a license. control of, an adult supervisor who junior hunting license has completed their remains at all times within 20 feet of the hunter safety course they still must have After a junior hunter’s 16th birthday, hunter. adult supervision on the youth hunting they may continue to hunt on their junior A. “Adult Supervisor” Means: days only. license for the remainder of the calendar 1. The parent or guardian of the junior year, or take the hunter safety course and On these days, all laws pertaining to hunter who holds or has held a valid hunting deer, bear, spring wild turkey upgrade to an adult license. Upgrading will Maine hunting license or successfully and waterfowl apply. The accompanying allow them to hunt without supervision; completed a hunter safety course. parent, guardian or qualified adult, shall but if they do so, they must also purchase 2. A person 18 years of age or older who: necessary permits. not possess a firearm, bow and arrow or a. Is approved by the parent or guardian crossbow, except on youth waterfowl days*. Junior license holders can hunt with a of the junior hunter; and On youth deer, bear and spring turkey firearm, bow and arrow, or crossbow (see b. Holds or has held a valid Maine hunt- days the parent, guardian or qualified adult pg. 15 for more crossbow information). ing license or successfully completed may carry a handgun pursuant to Title 25 a hunter safety course. The license includes hunting permits for M.R.S. SS 2001-A, but the handgun may muzzleloader, spring and fall turkey, bear, B. “In the Presence of” Means: not be used for the purpose of hunting. coyote night hunt, pheasant, state mi- in visual and voice contact without the 16-year-olds still hunting on valid junior gratory waterfowl, one expanded archery use of visual or audio enhancement antlerless deer permit, and one expanded devices, including but not limited to hunting licenses may hunt on youth archery either sex permit. binoculars and citizen band radios. hunt days without purchasing additional permits, except for migratory waterfowl Note: A lifetime license purchased for a YOUTH HUNTING DAYS youth hunt days, which require anyone 16 hunter under 16 years of age is considered Junior hunters who hold a valid junior or older to obtain a valid Federal Migratory a junior license until upgraded to an adult hunting license (including a lifetime Bird Hunting Stamp. ■ license by contacting MDIFW. license) can participate in special youth hunting days for bear, deer, spring wild SUPERVISION OF JUNIOR HUNTERS turkey, and migratory waterfowl. • Hunters from 10–15 years of age must be

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 Bear August 25, 2018 the 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 per- mits are issued) with a firearm, bow and arrow, or crossbow. If a junior hunter shoots a deer Deer October 20, 2018 on the youth deer hunting day, 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 April 27, 2019 Wild Turkey crossbow, but cannot exceed an individual WMD bag limit. See wild turkey, pages 22-23.

North Zone: September 15, 2018 ALL duck species - except Harlequins, Barrow’s Goldeneye, Moorhens and Gallinules - may & December 8, 2018 be hunted on these days, including geese. For the October 20, November 3, and December 8 youth days, the limit is under the Regular Season limit. On September 15, South Zone: September 22, October 20, November 3, and December 8, scoters, eiders, and long-tailed Waterfowl September 22, 2018 ducks may be taken as part of the 6 bird daily limit on regular ducks. Also on these dates, & October 20, 2018 2 Black Ducks may be taken.) Must follow regular season bag limits and exceptions. *Th e supervisor may not carry a firearm, bow and arrow, or crossbow while accompanying Coastal Zone: a youth hunter on a youth hunt day except when it occurs during the early goose season the September 22, 2018 accompanying adult may hunt for geese only. & November 3, 2018

2018-19 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 DEER HUNTING 17 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 10 & 11. 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.

QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 2018-19 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING 18 DEER HUNTING

DEER PERMITS & LICENSES Expanded Archery Permit deer permits are not issued. Any-deer Muzzleloader Permit • Restricted to designated areas (contact permits are acquired by lottery only and applications are available mid-June. • Muzzleloader means a firearm that is MDIFW, or see our website, for maps of capable of being loaded only through the areas). • In several WMDs, there may be more any- muzzle; is ignited by a matchlock, wheel • Archery hunting only. deer permits available than applicants. lock, flintlock, or caplock, including an • Hunters who have a valid archery license Unclaimed bonus antlerless deer permits in-line caplock or shotgun or rifle primer can purchase multiple antlerless deer will be allocated in a chance drawing until mechanism; has a rifled or smooth-bored permits and one either-sex permit. all permits in that district have been issued. barrel capable of firing only a single • Deer must be legally transported and reg- charge; propels a ball, bullet, or charge istered as required for other deer seasons. • Maine’s antlerless deer (firearms) hunt is a “permit only” hunt. ■ of shot; and may have any type of sights, • All other archery deer hunting laws apply. including scopes. • Junior hunters may hunt during this • 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 allows the use of firearms, is required for expanded archery antlerless deer permit hunters 16 years of age or older prior to and one either sex permit. If the hunter hunting deer during the muzzleloader wants to take additional deer, unlimited deer season. The muzzleloader permit is expanded archery antlerless deer permits included in the junior hunting license and may be purchased. the senior (age 70+) lifetime license. Antlerless Deer Permit • Hunter orange clothing is required during • Hunting of antlerless deer during the this season (see page 14). firearms season and muzzleloader season • Hunting hours are from ½ hour before is restricted to those hunters who possess sunrise to ½ hour after sunset. a valid any-deer permit, bonus antlerless • Except as specified, all other laws relating deer permit, or superpack antlerless deer to the taking of deer with firearms shall permit. apply to the taking of deer with muzzle- • Antlerless deer may be taken by hunt- 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 during this season.

DEER POPULATION MONITORING PROJECT

MDIFW biologists annually collect To that end, MDIFW has initiated a weather-related data (i.e., temperature, 5-year population monitoring project snow depth, and deer sinking depth) that uses GPS Satellite collar technology from 27 representative sites across to track survival/mortality trends Maine to calculate a weather severity among Maine’s antlerless deer popula- index (WSI). tions. 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 NOTICE TO DOG estimate an all-inclusive annual 2. Assess seasonal survival rates for the OWNERS over-winter mortality rate (WMR) adult female (≥1.5 years) and fawn of white-tailed deer, which accounts segments of the population It is unlawful to allow any dog to for predation, malnutrition, physical run at large at any time, except limitations of deer, etc. 3. Assess cause-specific mortality of adult female and fawn populations when used for hunting. (“AT Since the correlation between WSI and LARGE” means off the premises WMR was identified, it has become a 4. Reassess the current winter severity of the owner and not under the cornerstone of Maine’s deer manage- index and try to identify a new, more control of any person by means of ment system. simplistic, metric personal presence or attention.) But because the metric derives from 5. Begin to understand predator-prey It is unlawful to allow any dog to an ecological relationship, which may dynamics for white-tailed deer in chase, wound, or kill a deer or change over time, our high wildlife Maine moose at any time or any other management standards require that wild animal in closed season. we continue to monitor its efficacy.

2018-19 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 DEER HUNTING 19

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.

2018 DEER SEASONS & BAG LIMITS

SEASON DATES DAILY BAG & POSSESSION LIMIT

Expanded Archery September 8, 2018 - December 8, 2018 (limited area/permit required)

Regular Archery (Statewide) September 29, 2018 - October 26, 2018*

Maine Residents Only: Firearms October 27, 2018 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 October 29, 2018 - November 24, 2018 Archery Season within the expanded archery zones or by anyone possess- ing a bonus antlerless deer permit or Youth Deer Hunting Day October 20, 2018 superpack antlerless deer permit. Week 1: All Wildlife Management Districts (WMD’s) November 26, 2018 - December 1, 2018 Muzzleloader Week 2: WMD’s 12, 13, 15-18, 20-26, 29 December 3, 2018 - December 8, 2018

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 15 for information on the use of crossbows.

QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 2018-19 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING 20 CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE Chronic Wasting Disease WHAT IS CWD? • CWD is a fatal brain disease of white- tailed deer, , caribou, moose, and . It is similar to mad cow disease which occurs in cattle. • CWD occurs in wild deer populations in 18 U.S. states and two Canadian provinc- es, including states as close as Pennsylva- nia and New York. • CWD has not yet been recorded as being transmissible to people. However, a hu- man variant of the disease does exist. • CWD can persist in the environment • MDIFW prohibits the transportation outside of a host for many years. of unprocessed deer carcasses, and/or parts, into Maine from states that are • CWD has a 100% mortality rate in deer. not directly adjacent to our state. CWD Monitoring and Prevention Note: Cervid carcasses or parts from • Refrain from feeding deer during the in Maine New Hampshire and provinces of New winter months, as high densities of deer • Maine has actively monitored for CWD Brunswick, Labrador, Newfoundland, and within a small area can increase disease each year since 1999, and since that time are exempt from this transporta- transmission. screened approximately 9,000 wild deer. tion restriction. • Do not use urine-based lures, as CWD has Thus far, Maine proudly remains CWD • MDIFW will not transplant deer from been shown to be spread via bodily fluids. free. other states into Maine. To the best of our knowledge, commercial • It is illegal for individuals to bring into lures are not currently monitored for Maine cervid carcasses or parts, except MDIFW Recommends that Individuals: CWD. If you choose to utilize a urine- that the following carcass parts may • Contact their regional wildlife biologist, based lure, be certain to place it in a be imported and possessed: boned-out or warden, if an animal shows clinical location that deer cannot come in contact meat, hardened antlers, skull caps that signs of illness, such as loss of fear of with. ■ have been cleaned free of brain and other humans, drooling, and/or excessive tissues, capes and hides with no skull weight loss. attached, teeth, and finished taxidermy • Take precautionary steps such as using mounts. latex gloves while processing a harvested CAUTION ON LIVER deer, and sterilizing their equipment fol- & KIDNEY lowing processing. These steps will help REGULATIONS ON FEEDING DEER to reduce potential transmission of the CONSUMPTION disease to humans. Again, thus far CWD Feeding deer is prohibited from June has not been identified in a person. The Maine Department of Inland 1 to December 15. The Commission- • Avoid consumption of the brain and Fisheries and Wildlife and the er can stop anyone from feeding deer spinal tissues. Maine Center for Disease Control at any time if there is a public safety and Prevention recommend that hazard or if it is harmful to the deer the liver and kidneys of moose not be eaten because of possible population. 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.

2018-19 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 MOOSE HUNTING 21 Moose Hunting

MOOSE HUNTING PERMIT moose hunt is eligible to apply for a moose Permits for Sporting Camp Owners: Maine’s moose hunt is a “permit only” hunting permit in that calendar year. A Beginning in 2019, the Commissioner may hunt. 2,500 permits were issued for the person under the age of 10 on the opening allocate up to 2% of the moose hunting 2018 moose hunt. Each permittee may day of the moose hunting season may permits for a special chance lottery that is select a subpermittee to hunt with them. apply to earn a point in the lottery system, separate from the regular moose permit Applications are available by January 31. but cannot receive a permit. lottery, to hunting outfitters who meet the specific requirements defined in the A person may not hunt moose with an Permits for 65 Years Old and Older: apprentice hunter license. The bag limit is A resident 65 years of age or older with 30 law. If a qualified applicant is drawn in the one moose per year, by either permittee points or more in the moose lottery system lottery, the cost to purchase the permit is ■ or subpermittee. A person 10 years of who applies for a moose permit is guaran- $1,500. age or older on the opening day of the teed a permit.

2018 MOOSE PERMIT HUNT SEASONS & BAG LIMITS

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT DATES DAILY BAG & POSSESSION LIMIT

1-6, 10, 11, 18, 19, 27, 28 September 24, 2018 - September 29, 2018

1–14, 17–19, 27, 28 October 8, 2018 - October 13, 2018

1-6 October 22, 2018 - October 27, 2018 Only 1 may be taken annually with permit. 15, 16 October 29, 2018 to November 24, 2018

15, 16 October 27, 2018 Maine Resident Permit Holders Only All dates are inclusive except that hunting is prohibited on Sunday. See page 15 for information on the use of crossbows.

QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 2018-19 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING 22 WILD TURKEY HUNTING Wild Turkey Hunting Anyone who possesses a big game WILD TURKEY TRANSPORTATION QUESTIONNAIRES or small game firearms license or Any wild turkey being moved or transport- A sample of wild turkey permit holders, archery license may obtain a combina- ed in any manner must have a tag securely including those who did not hunt or were attached, and it must be accompanied by unsuccessful, will be asked by MDIFW to tion spring/fall wild turkey permit. the person who killed it. Unless the wild complete a questionnaire and return it turkey has been legally registered, no within 10 days of the close of the wild tur- LANDOWNER PRIVILEGES person shall keep a wild turkey at his/her key hunting season. Information provided The following laws and regulations are spe- home or at any place of storage (except at by hunters is an important part of our wild cific to spring and fall wild turkey hunting the official registration station or at the turkey management program. 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 WILD TURKEY LEGAL HUNTING HOURS Any private landowner is eligible to hunt notifying a game warden. Legal hunting time is from ½ hour before wild turkeys on their own land without a sunrise to ½ hour after sunset. turkey hunting permit if: WILD TURKEY REGISTRATION 1. That person owns a particular piece of All wild turkeys taken by hunters shall be WILD TURKEY LICENSING, PERMIT, land that is 25 or more contiguous acres presented for registration within 18 hours GENERAL BAG LIMITS & WHO MAY HUNT in size and is located within the turkey at one of the registration stations estab- License & Permit hunting zone designated for the season lished for that purpose. At registration, the The spring and fall wild turkey hunting that they wish to hunt; entire turkey, except the viscera, must be seasons are open to all hunters with valid 2. That person is permanently domiciled on presented, and all radio transmitters, leg big or small game hunting licenses. A that land; bands and wing tags must be submitted to combination spring/fall wild turkey permit 3. The land is managed for the raising and MDIFW. The fee to register a wild turkey is is also required and available for $20, plus selling of dairy cattle, dairy products, or $2.00. agent fee. beef cattle; and 4. The land is open to hunting including WILD TURKEY HUNTING PROHIBITIONS General Bag Limits hunting by permission only. No Person May: The spring/fall turkey permit allows the taking of two (2) bearded wild turkeys Any family member permanently domiciled 1. Employ the use of a dog or dogs in any manner while hunting turkey except in the spring and two (2) wild turkeys of on that land is also eligible to hunt wild during the fall season; either sex in the fall, but an individual turkeys on that land without a permit. 2. Engage in an organized drive of any WMD bag limit cannot be exceeded. (Family member means any family mem- manner; ber, including spouse, grandchildren, etc. Who May Hunt who resides on the property). A landowner 3. Use bait; The turkey hunter must possess the spring/ must provide proof of eligibility if request- 4. Use a trap or other device intended or fall wild turkey permit and their hunting ed by an agent of the commissioner. designed to capture or ensnare wild license at all times while hunting. A person turkeys; may assist in a hunt without a license or All other standard reporting and tagging 5. Shoot a turkey while it is in a tree; permit for that activity as long as that procedures are required. Turkey may be 6. Present for registration, or allow to be person does not carry a firearm, archery or taken during any open week of the season. registered in his or her name, a wild crossbow equipment (means to kill). Landowners are allowed a bag limit of 2 turkey that he/she did not lawfully kill; bearded wild turkeys in the spring season 7. Hunt wild turkeys within a WMD that is and 2 turkeys of either sex in the fall closed to hunting wild turkeys. season. Please check the WMD in which 8. Possess any part or parts of a wild turkey you are hunting as some are closed, some unless each part is plainly labeled with are open with a bag limit of one turkey, the name and address of the person who and some are open with a bag limit of registered the turkey, and the year it was two turkeys. registered; 9. Buy, sell, offer for sale or barter, or aid WILD TURKEY TO BE TAGGED someone in buying, selling, or offering Any person killing a wild turkey shall for sale or barter, any wild turkey (except immediately and securely attach to it, the plumage of legally taken turkeys). a plainly visible tag bearing his/her full 10. Hunt or register a wild turkey during name, address and license number. A gift the spring or fall turkey season after turkey must be labeled with the name and having killed or registered two turkeys address of the person who registered it and already during the same season. the year the turkey was registered.

2018-19 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 WILD TURKEY HUNTING 23

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

2018–19 WILD TURKEY SEASONS & BAG LIMITS

SEASON DATES BAG LIMIT

Wildlife Management Districts 15-17, 20-25, 28 2 Wild Turkeys, either sex, any age October 1 - November 7, 2018 Fall Wild Turkey Wildlife Management Districts (bow and arrow or shotgun) 10-13, 18-19, 26, 27, and 29 1 Wild Turkey, either sex, any age* October 1 - November 7, 2018

Wildlife Management Districts 1-9, 14 Closed to Hunting

Wildlife Management Districts 7, 9-29 2 bearded Wild Turkeys April 29 - June 1, 2019

Wildlife Management District 8 1 bearded Wild Turkey* April 29 - June 1, 2019

Wildlife Management Districts 1-6 Season A**, Week 1: April 29-May 4, 2019 1 bearded Wild Turkey* Spring Wild Turkey and May 13 - May 18, 2019 (bow and arrow, crossbow or shotgun) Wildlife Management Districts 1-6 Season B**, May 6 - May 11, 2019 and May 1 bearded Wild Turkey* 20-May 25, 2019

Wildlife Management Districts 1-6 1 bearded Wild Turkey* All hunters: May 27 - June 1, 2019

Youth Spring Wild Turkey Hunting Day May take up to 2 bearded Wild Turkeys April 27, 2019 from WMD’s that have a 2 bird limit.

All dates are inclusive except that hunting is prohibited on Sunday. See page 15 for information on the use of crossbows. *May take up to 2 turkeys for the season, but the second turkey MUST come from a WMD listed as having a 2 bird limit. **During “odd” numbered years hunters with “odd” birth years will be authorized to hunt during Season A; hunters with “even” birth years will be authorized to hunt during Season B. During “even” numbered years, hunters with “even” birth years will be authorized to hunt during season A; hunters with “odd” birth years will be authorized to hunt during Season B.

QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 2018-19 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING 24 OTHER SPECIES HUNTING Other Species Hunting OTHER SPECIES PERMITS & LICENSES Falconry License Crows Pheasant Permit A falconry license, in addition to a regular Crows are neither migratory waterfowl hunting license, is required of persons who nor migratory game birds. The use of lead A Pheasant Permit is required for hunters engage in falconry. Copies of the regula- shot and shotguns capable of holding more 16 years of age or older hunting on an tions pertaining to this type of hunting are than three shells is permitted. A migratory adult license, in order to hunt or pos- available upon request. To obtain a falconry waterfowl stamp is not required. sess pheasant in Cumberland and York license, contact MDIFW. counties. Revenue derived from this permit is dedicated to the acquisition of which are raised and released by private 2018-19 OTHER SPECIES SEASON AND BAG LIMITS fish and game clubs. Coyote Night Hunting Permit SEASON DATES BAG LIMIT POSSESSION LIMIT A Coyote Night Hunting Permit (valid Pheasant* October 1 - December 31, 2018 2 4 January 1 to December 31, and available for $4*) allows the permit holder to hunt October 1 - December 31, 2018 4 8 coyote at night (defined as 1 hour after () sunset until 1 hour before sunrise) from December 17 to August 31. Bobwhite Quail October 1 - December 31, 2018 4 8 Hunters must be in possession of a preda- Wildlife Management Districts 1–6 tor calling device (electronic, hand-held, or August 1 - September 22, 2018 mouth-operated). February 2 - April 15, 2019 Crow No Limit The use of artificial lights to hunt coyote at Wildlife Management Districts 7–29 night is permitted. The use of dogs to hunt August 1 - September 22, 2018 coyote at night is prohibited. January 17-March 30, 2019 In addition, the commissioner may appoint Gray Squirrel October 1 - December 31, 2018 agents to hunt for coyotes at night using 4 8 Gray Squirrel artificial lights from September 1 to De- October 1, 2018 - February 28, 2019 cember 15. The commissioner shall make (Falconry) affected members of the public and law enforcement officers aware of any night October 1, 2018 - March 31, 2019 Snowshoe Hare 4 8 hunting operation. Season on Island of Vinalhaven *Plus agent fee. October 1, 2018 - February 28, 2019

Bobcat** December 1, 2018 - February 21, 2019 No Limit

ATTENTION Fox October 15, 2018 - February 28, 2019 No Limit TURKEY HUNTERS Raccoon October 1 - December 31, 2018 No Limit The Department is collaborating with the University of Maine Skunk & Opossum October 15 - December 31, 2018 No Limit on a research project to better understand the population During daylight hunting hours dynamics of wild turkeys. As January 1 - December 31, 2019 part of this research we will be Coyote No Limit marking wild turkeys using leg Night hunting (see info to the left) bands, wing tags and back pack December 17, 2018 - August 31, 2019 style radio transmitters in a Woodchuck, number of areas throughout the Red Squirrel, No Closed Season for Hunting No Limit state. If you shoot a turkey with a & Porcupine band or transmitter, please report it using the contact information Cottontail printed on the bird’s leg band or Rabbit, Spruce No Open Season radio transmitter. Grouse, Lynx All dates are inclusive except that hunting is prohibited on Sunday. See page 15 for information on the use of crossbows. *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. **Bobcat taken by hunting must be tagged within 72 hours of harvest.

2018-19 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 BEAR HUNTING 25 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 and Aliens $74.00* • If a non-resident or alien wishes to hunt bear during the regular firearms season on deer, a late-season beer 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 plainly labeled with a 2 inch by 4 inch tag only and not larger than 10 gauge), bow hunting permit. See page 6 for special with the name and address of the baiter. and arrow (with a minimum draw weight of landowner privileges. • The bait is placed more than 500 yards 35 lbs.) or crossbow (with a minimum draw from any solid waste disposal site or weight of 100 lbs.). The use of a firearms BAIT campground. with .17 or .22 caliber rimfire cartridges, Bait may be placed 30 days prior to the • The bait is placed more than 500 yards or a shotgun with shotloads to hunt bear is bear hunting with bait season and no from an occupied dwelling, unless written prohibited. later than October 31. Bait areas must be permission is granted by the owner or cleaned up by November 10. Bait can be tenant. BEAR HUNTING PROHIBITIONS used to assist dog hunters and trappers, • The bait areas will be cleaned up by A person cannot, within 50 yards of a bait but it is illegal to shoot a bear over bait November 10 as defined by the State site and without written permission from after the close of the hunting with bait litter law. the person who maintains the bait site: season. • The person hunting from another person’s • hunt, trap, molest, or harass bear stand or blind has the owner’s permission. Hunting with the use of bait is defined as • release a dog or dogs to hunt bear • The person placing bait on another per- hunting from an observation stand, blind, • train dogs on bear or other location that overlooks any bait or son’s land has the landowner’s permis- sion (oral or in writing). It is unlawful to: food, except standing crops and foods that have been left as a result of normal agricul- • The bait is placed no sooner than 30 days • disturb or interfere with a bait site using before opening day of the season and no chemicals or any other method tural operations or natural occurrence. later than October 31. • use dogs to hunt bear during the open Bear bait means any animal, plant, or *If placing bait on a wildlife management firearm season on deer derivative thereof, used to attract bear. area, you need to secure a permit from • use more than 6 dogs at any one time to This does not include packaging or contain- MDIFW. To apply for a bear baiting hunt for bear er materials that fall within the definition permit, contact the wildlife biologist in • kill or wound a bear that is treed or held of litter under Title 17, §2263. your administrative region (see p. 41). at bay by another person’s dog or dogs A person may not place any medicinal, unless you have permission from the *If placing bait on Public Reserved Land, poisonous, or stupefying substance to person conducting the hunt you need to secure a permit from the entice any animal, including bear. • hunt or trap bear, or release dogs for Bureau of Parks and Lands (for info, call that purpose, within 500 yards of a solid Bait may not be placed to entice, hunt or 207-287-3821). waste disposal site trap black bear unless: • A person may not hunt bear after having • The bait is placed at least 50 yards from Baiting of animals is prohibited in State 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. year. A person can kill and register two Bear may be taken by use of rifle, hand- • The observation stand, blind, or bait area is bear, one by hunting and one by trapping. guns, muzzleloader, shotguns (with slugs

QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 2018-19 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING 26 BEAR TRAPPING

BEAR HUNTING WITH A MAINE GUIDE Hunters will be notified of the age of the For more info on buying, selling or • Non-residents must employ, and hunt in bear they harvested on the Bear Hunting bartering animals, see pages 10 & 11. the presence of, a resident Maine guide in page of the MDIFW website prior to the For info on tracking wounded bear, deer order to hunt bear with dogs. If the non- start of the start of the next bear hunting or moose with a Leashed Dog Tracking resident is a licensed Maine guide, they season (late August). License, see page 27. ■ may hunt bear with dogs themselves, and may guide residents, but cannot guide non-residents. 2018 BEAR SEASONS & BAG LIMITS • The total number of clients with a li- censed guide may not exceed five. SEASON DATES DAILY BAG & POSSESSION LIMIT LAWS REGARDING REGISTRATION General Hunting August 27 - November 24, 2018 • Prior to registration, bears may be cut up for ease of transportation, but all parts Hunting with Dogs September 10 - October 26, 2018 (except for the viscera and rib cage) must be presented and in such a manner that Hunting with Bait the sex of the animal can be determined. Bait can be placed August 27 - September 22, 2018 2 may be taken • Gift bear must have each part clearly July 28, 2018 annually—1 by labeled with the name and address of the hunting, 1 by trapping person who registered the animal and the Trapping September 1 - October 31, 2018 year in which it was registered. Youth Bear Note: Hunters are required to remove a Hunting Day August 25, 2018 premolar tooth from the bear they har- Bait can be placed vest and provide the tooth at registration July 28, 2018 (instructions available at the registration stations and online at mefishwildlife.com). All dates are inclusive except that hunting is prohibited on Sunday. See page 15 for information on the use of crossbows. For information on bear trapping, see page 26. Bear Trapping

BEAR TRAPPING PERMIT • Each cable trap must be set at or below A bear trapping permit and a trapping ground level in such a manner as to catch FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE license are required to set a trap for a bear the animal only by the foot or leg. All bear RESTORATION PROGRAM traps must be tended at least once a day. during the annual bear trapping season • You are not allowed to catch a bear in a (September 1 - October 31). You are The Federal Aid in Wildlife Resto- allowed to take one bear by trapping and trap and allow another person to kill or register the bear. ration Act of 1937, commonly known one bear by hunting annually (see page 25). as the Pittman- Robertson (PR) Act, The fee for a bear trapping permit is $27 • You cannot continue to trap for bear after you have already killed or registered one established a “User Pay/User Benefit” for residents and $67 for non-resident and in a trap. philosophy for funding state wildlife aliens. • Bears caught in traps must be killed or resource restoration and conservation If you trap for black bear, you are required released and not moved away from the efforts. These funds have played to follow the same general trapping rules catch site. A bear caught in a trap may not a vital role in the Maine’s wildlife regarding the labeling of traps, the tending be used in conjunction with a hunt or to management capabilities since they of traps, and the need to obtain landowner train a dog for bear hunting. were first used in 1939. permission. • The same rules apply to hunting and trap- ping for bear with the use of bait. (See Revenues collected from excise If you trap a bear, you are required to taxes on firearms, ammunition, follow the same transportation and page 25 for rules about the use of bear baits.) pistols, revolvers, bows and arrows registration rules as those for bear taken by are deposited in the Federal Aid hunting (see page 27). • You may not trap within 500 yards of a solid waste disposal site. These areas can in Wildlife Restoration Fund, and You are also required to follow other rules be identified by a visible line of demarca- used to support wildlife population specific to bear trapping, as follows: tion. Exception: an agent of the commis- assessments, long-range species • You are not allowed to have more than sioner is exempt for the purpose of live management planning, development one trap set for bear at any time. trapping of nuisance bear. of management recommendations, • The only legal bear traps are cable traps • All trapping licenses are issued from the implementation of management (foot snare) and cage-type live traps. MDIFW office in Augusta and cannot be programs, acquisition and manage- • The Belisle foot snare is prohibited. purchased online. ■ ment of wildlife habitat, and hunter • When using a cable trap, the trap must education. have a closing diameter of not less than 2½ inches.

2018-19 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 TAGGING, TRANSPORTATION & REGISTRATION 27 Tagging, Transportation & Registration

TAGGING REQUIREMENTS Prior to presenting a bear, deer, moose, or wild turkey for registration, a person may not possess or leave that animal in the field or forest unless they have securely attached a plainly visible tag to the animal with their name, address, and license number on the tag.

TRANSPORTING HARVESTED ANIMALS A person may not transport a harvested wild animal or bird that they do not lawfully possess, nor may they present for registration, or allow to be registered in their name, any bear, deer, moose, or wild turkey that they did not lawfully kill. Prior to registration, any harvested bear, deer, moose, or wild turkey in transit must be open to view, meaning that the animal is not concealed and can be readily observed HUNTING WITH DOGS AND DOG TRAINING in whole or in part from outside of the vehicle or trailer transporting it. Dog Training Season • Propagation permits for domesticated Once an animal or bird has been registered, • From July 1 through the following fowl are no longer required to possess it may be transported by another person. March 31, dogs may be trained on fox, or use them for dog training purposes. snowshoe hare, and raccoons. During • A person may not hunt with a dog REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS such training, it is unlawful to use or in pursuit of bear, coyote or bobcat A Person who Kills a Bear, Deer, Moose, possess a firearm, other than a pistol or unless the dog has a collar that legibly a shotgun loaded with blank ammuni- provides the name, telephone number or Wild Turkey Must: tion, except during the applicable open and address of the dog’s owner. 1. Remain with the animal until it is regis- hunting seasons on these species. tered, (with some exceptions – see Time • A person or persons may not use more Limits for Registering section). • Dogs may be used to hunt wild hares than six dogs at any one time to hunt during the firearm season on deer. bear, bobcat, and coyote. 2. Present the animal for registration in that person’s name at the first open reg- • Sporting dogs may be trained on wild • A person may not use a dog to hunt istration station for that animal on their birds (not including wild turkey) at coyotes or bear during the period from route any time. The commissioner may 1 hour after sunset to 1 hour before authorize with a permit the use of sunrise. 3. Leave the registration seal attached until firearms during such training to shoot • For more information on hunting bears the animal is processed and packaged for and kill wild birds propagated or consumption. with dogs, see page 25. legally acquired by the permittee and A person with a suspended or revoked 4. Pay a fee of $5.00 to register a bear, deer possessed in accordance with the laws or moose (of which $2 is retained by pertaining to breeders, licenses. license may not train dogs. the agent and $1 is dedicated to a Deer • Residents may train up to six dogs on Leashed Dog Tracking License Habitat Enhancement Fund) or $2.00 to bear from July 1 to August 24, 2018 register a wild turkey. A license is available which allows the except in portions of Washington and tracking of wounded deer, moose, and Hancock counties that are situated bear with dogs. The fee for this license is south of Route 9. $25 for one year or $81 for three years. • A person must possess a valid hunting A person who holds a valid license may license to engage in all dog training charge a fee for dog tracking services activities, except Sunday or when without having to hold a guide’s license, training on pen-raised birds. as long as that is the only service provid- ed. Contact MDIFW for details.

QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 2018-19 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING 28 TAGGING, TRANSPORTATION & REGISTRATION

TIME LIMITS FOR REGISTERING CONDITION OF ANIMAL PRESENTED FOR POSSESSION OF GIFT BEAR, DEER, A person may not keep an unregistered REGISTRATION MOOSE, OR WILD TURKEY bear, deer, moose, or wild turkey at home A person must present a bear, deer, moose A person may not accept as a gift any part or any place of storage for more than or wild turkey for registration in its entire- of a bear, deer, moose, or wild turkey unless 18-hours. This does not apply to an animal ty, except that the viscera and rib cage of that animal, or part thereof, is plainly labeled that is kept in an official registration the animal may be removed in a manner with the name and address of the person who station for the animal or at the office of that still allows the determination of the registered it and the year it was registered. ■ a game warden. A person may exceed the animal’s sex. 18-hour limit under special circumstances, Moose: A moose may be dismembered but that person must still notify a game for ease of transportation, and the lower warden within 18 hours. BIG BUCK CLUB legs, head and hide may be removed. If the A person on a hunting trip in an unorga- head of the moose is not brought to the Maine has a club for deer hunters nized township and staying at a temporary registration station, a canine tooth or the called “The Biggest Bucks in place of lodging may keep an unregistered lower jaw must be. Parts of a moose left in Maine Club,” which is sponsored by: harvested animal at the temporary place the field may not be placed where they are of lodging for no more than 7 days or until visible to a person traveling on a public or The Maine Sportsman that person leaves the woods, whichever private way. 183 State Street, Suite 101 comes first. Augusta, ME 04330 Bear: Hunters are required to remove A person may not possess a bear, deer, a premolar tooth from the bear they To qualify, the minimum dressed moose, or wild turkey that has not been harvest and provide the tooth when they weight (without heart, lungs, and liver) must be 200 pounds. Appli- legally registered, except as otherwise register their bear (instructions available cation blanks are available from provided in the statutes regarding nuisance at registration and online). Hunters will the Department wardens and animals or animals causing damage. be notified of the age of the bear they biologists or by calling the Maine taken by hunting must be tagged harvested on the Bear Hunting Page of Sportsman at (207) 622-4242. by a MDIFW employee within 72 hours of the MDIFW website prior to the start of the time they were taken. the next bear hunting season (late August).

2018-19 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 HUNTING AREAS 29

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

QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 2018-19 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING 30 HUNTING AREAS

WHITE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST CLOSED AND SPECIAL REGULATION AREAS • Jefferson & Whitefield Sanctuary Oxford County, Maine Unity Utilities District: It is unlawful • Kineo Point Sanctuary The public land within National Forests to hunt on the Unity Utilities District • Limington, Hollis, Waterboro Sanctuary is open to hunting. Portable observation Property located on Route #139 and Prairie • Lowell E. Barnes Area, Oxford County stands that do not damage live trees may Road in Unity, Waldo County. • Marsh Island Area,* Old Town: Open to be used. Please contact the Androscoggin the taking of deer with bow and arrow Gray Squirrels: It is unlawful to hunt gray Ranger District for more information on during any open season that allow hunt- squirrels on any land which is dedicated ing of deer, including expanded archery. bear baiting on National Forest lands at as a public or private park or on any land • Megunticook Lake and Vicinity Sanctuary (603) 466-2713. located within the limits of the compact or • Merrymeeting Bay Game Sanctuary built-up portion of any city or town. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE • Monroe Island Game Sanctuary • Acadia National Park & the Appala- Haley Pond: It is unlawful to hunt • Moosehead Lake Game Sanctuary chian National Scenic Trail — hunting, waterfowl on Haley Pond in the town of • Moosehorn Game Sanctuary trapping, and/ or possessing a weapon is Rangeley and Dallas Plantation, Franklin • Narragansett Game Sanctuary* prohibited on land administered by the County. National Park Service. For further infor- • Oak Grove Area, Vassalboro mation on these lands contact: Wildlife Sanctuaries and Certain • Ocean Park Game & Bird Sanctuary • Acadia National Park Wildlife Management Areas: Unless oth- • Orrington Game Sanctuary erwise specifically provided, it is unlawful PO Box 177, Bar Harbor, ME 04609 • Pittston Farm Sanctuary to hunt or trap any wild animal or wild bird (207) 288-3338 • Prout’s Neck, Richmond’s Island; within the limits of any wildlife sanctuary, • Appalachian Trail Park Office • Rangeley Game Sanctuary Harpers Ferry Center any area properly posted by the State of • Rangeley Lake Sanctuary Harpers Ferry, WV 25425 Maine, or within the following described (304) 535-6270 territories: • Readfield and Winthrop Sanctuary • Salmon Pond Sanctuary • Appalachian Trail Conference • Back Bay Sanctuary, Portland • Sebago Lake Basin Area, Standish, New England Regional Office • Baxter State Park: Closed to all hunting Windham PO Box 264, South Egremont, MA 01258 except: The area north of Trout Brook (413) 528-8002 in T6R9; in T6R10 or T2R9 and T2R10 • Somerset Game Sanctuary Mount Desert Island (MDI) is located with- where hunting is allowed. • Standish Sanctuary in the geographic boundary of WMD 26. • Beauchamp Sanctuary: Open to the • Stanwood Wildlife Sanctuary, Ellsworth taking of deer with bow and arrow during • Steve Powell WMA (Swan Island), any open season that allow hunting of Richmond deer, including expanded archery. • Thorncrag-Stanton Bird Sanctuary • Cape Elizabeth Sanctuary* • Tomhegan Game Sanctuary • Carver’s Pond Waterfowl Sanctuary • Wells Sanctuary • Colby College Area, Waterville • Wells & York Game Sanctuary • Drake’s Island Game Sanctuary • Willow Water Game Sanctuary • Dry Pond Sanctuary (Crystal Lake) • Woodbury Sanctuary, Litchfield, • Fairfield Sanctuary* Monmouth • Glencove Sanctuary • York Game Sanctuary, Franklin County • Gray Game Sanctuary *Trapping allowed in accordance with the • Hog Island Game Sanctuary general laws of the State.

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.

2018-19 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 Indian Tribal-State Commission T6R8 WELS (western portion) Argyle T3R3 NBKP, Pittston Academy Grant, T2R4 PO Box 241, Stillwater, ME 04489 Township (northern portion) and T3R1 NBKP Soldiertown Township, T2R3 NBKP. NBPP (northeastern portion). (207) 817-3799 ■

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 2018-19 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) 15 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 out the permission of the owner of that discard, dump or otherwise dispose of a private drive or way; or ducks, pheasants, quail, , 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. 2018-19 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.

2018-19 LEGAL HUNTING HOURS

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

01 5:27 - 7:42 6:03 - 6:46 6:43 - 5:54 6:23 - 4:26 6:43 - 4:35 6:25 - 5:13 5:43 - 5:52 5:46 - 7:33 4:55 - 8:10 4:23 - 8:44 4:23 - 8:55 4:51 - 8:31

02 6:04 - 6:44 6:45 - 5:52 6:43 - 4:36 6:24 - 5:15 5:42 - 5:54 5:45 - 7:34 4:54 - 8:11 4:24 - 8:55 4:52 - 8:30

03 5:30 - 7:38 6:06 - 6:42 6:46 - 5:51 6:25 - 4:25 6:43 - 4:37 5:43 - 7:35 4:52 - 8:13 4:22 - 8:45 4:24 - 8:54 4:53 - 8:29

04 5:31 - 7:36 6:07 - 6:40 6:26 - 4:25 6:43 - 4:38 6:21 - 5:18 5:38 - 5:56 5:41 - 7:36 4:51 - 8:14 4:21 - 8:46 4:25 - 8:54

05 5:32 - 7:35 6:08 - 6:38 5:49 - 4:48 6:27 - 4:25 6:43 - 4:39 6:20 - 5:19 5:36 - 5:58 5:39 - 7:38 4:21 - 8:47 4:25 - 8:54 4:56 - 8:26

06 5:33 - 7:33 6:09 - 6:36 5:50 - 4:47 6:28 - 4:24 6:19 - 5:20 5:34 - 5:59 5:37 - 7:39 4:48 - 8:16 4:20 - 8:48 4:26 - 8:53 4:57 - 8:25

07 5:34 - 7:31 5:51 - 4:46 6:29 - 4:24 6:42 - 4:41 6:17 - 5:22 5:33 - 6:00 4:47 - 8:17 4:20 - 8:48 4:58 - 8:23

08 5:36 - 7:29 6:12 - 6:33 5:53 - 4:44 6:30 - 4:24 6:42 - 4:42 6:16 - 5:23 5:31 - 6:02 5:34 - 7:41 4:46 - 8:19 4:20 - 8:49 4:28 - 8:53 4:59 - 8:22

09 6:13 - 6:31 5:54 - 4:43 6:42 - 4:43 6:15 - 5:25 5:29 - 6:03 5:32 - 7:43 4:44 - 8:20 4:28 - 8:52 5:00 - 8:20

10 5:38 - 7:25 6:14 - 6:29 5:56 - 4:42 6:32 - 4:24 6:42 - 4:44 5:30 - 7:44 4:43 - 8:21 4:19 - 8:50 4:29 - 8:52 5:01 - 8:19

11 5:39 - 7:23 6:16 - 6:27 6:33 - 4:24 6:41 - 4:45 6:12 - 5:28 6:25 - 7:06 5:28 - 7:45 4:42 - 8:22 4:19 - 8:51 4:30 - 8:51

12 5:40 - 7:22 6:17 - 6:26 5:58 - 4:40 6:33 - 4:24 6:41 - 4:46 6:10 - 5:29 6:24 - 7:07 5:27 - 7:46 4:19 - 8:51 4:31 - 8:51 5:04 - 8:16

13 5:42 - 7:20 6:18 - 6:24 6:00 - 4:39 6:34 - 4:24 6:09 - 5:30 6:22 - 7:08 5:25 - 7:48 4:39 - 8:24 4:19 - 8:52 4:32 - 8:50 5:05 - 8:14

14 5:43 - 7:18 6:01 - 4:38 6:35 - 4:25 6:40 - 4:49 6:08 - 5:32 6:20 - 7:10 4:38 - 8:26 4:19 - 8:52 5:06 - 8:13

15 5:44 - 7:16 6:21 - 6:20 6:02 - 4:37 6:36 - 4:25 6:39 - 4:50 6:06 - 5:33 6:18 - 7:11 5:21 - 7:50 4:37 - 8:27 4:19 - 8:53 4:33 - 8:49 5:07 - 8:11

16 6:22 - 6:19 6:04 - 4:36 6:39 - 4:51 6:05 - 5:35 6:16 - 7:12 5:20 - 7:51 4:36 - 8:28 4:34 - 8:48 5:09 - 8:10

17 5:46 - 7:12 6:23 - 6:17 6:05 - 4:35 6:37 - 4:25 6:38 - 4:53 5:18 - 7:53 4:35 - 8:29 4:19 - 8:54 4:35 - 8:47 5:10 - 8:08

18 5:47 - 7:10 6:25 - 6:15 6:38 - 4:26 6:38 - 4:54 6:01 - 5:37 6:13 - 7:15 5:16 - 7:54 4:34 - 8:30 4:19 - 8:54 4:36 - 8:46

19 5:49 - 7:08 6:26 - 6:14 6:08 - 4:33 6:39 - 4:26 6:37 - 4:55 6:00 - 5:39 6:11 - 7:16 5:14 - 7:55 4:19 - 8:54 4:37 - 8:45 5:12 - 8:05

20 5:50 - 7:06 6:27 - 6:12 6:09 - 4:32 6:39 - 4:27 5:58 - 5:40 6:09 - 7:17 5:13 - 7:56 4:32 - 8:32 4:19 - 8:55 4:38 - 8:44 5:13 - 8:03

21 5:51 - 7:05 6:10 - 4:31 6:40 - 4:27 6:35 - 4:58 5:57 - 5:42 6:07 - 7:19 4:31 - 8:33 4:19 - 8:55 5:14 - 8:01

22 5:52 - 7:03 6:30 - 6:09 6:12 - 4:31 6:40 - 4:28 6:35 - 4:59 5:55 - 5:43 6:05 - 7:20 5:09 - 7:59 4:30 - 8:34 4:19 - 8:55 4:40 - 8:43 5:16 - 8:00

23 6:31 - 6:07 6:13 - 4:30 6:34 - 5:01 5:53 - 5:44 6:03 - 7:21 5:08 - 8:00 4:29 - 8:35 4:41 - 8:42 5:17 - 7:58

24 5:55 - 6:59 6:32 - 6:06 6:14 - 4:29 6:41 - 4:29 6:33 - 5:02 5:06 - 8:01 4:28 - 8:36 4:20 - 8:55 4:42 - 8:41 5:18 - 7:56

25 5:56 - 6:57 6:34 - 6:04 6:41 - 4:29 6:32 - 5:03 5:50 - 5:47 5:59 - 7:24 5:05 - 8:03 4:27 - 8:37 4:20 - 8:55 4:43 - 8:40

26 5:57 - 6:55 6:35 - 6:02 6:17 - 4:28 6:42 - 4:30 6:31 - 5:05 5:48 - 5:48 5:58 - 7:25 5:03 - 8:04 4:21 - 8:55 4:44 - 8:39 5:20 - 7:53

27 5:58 - 6:53 6:36 - 6:01 6:18 - 4:28 6:42 - 4:31 5:47 - 5:50 5:56 - 7:26 5:01 - 8:05 4:26 - 8:39 4:21 - 8:55 4:45 - 8:37 5:22 - 7:51

28 5:59 - 6:51 6:19 - 4:27 6:42 - 4:31 6:29 - 5:08 5:45 - 5:51 5:54 - 7:27 4:25 - 8:40 4:21 - 8:55 5:23 - 7:49

29 6:01 - 6:49 6:39 - 5:58 6:20 - 4:27 6:42 - 4:32 6:28 - 5:09 5:52 - 7:29 4:58 - 8:08 4:24 - 8:41 4:22 - 8:55 4:47 - 8:35 5:24 - 7:47

30 6:41 - 5:56 6:21 - 4:26 6:27 - 5:10 5:50 - 7:30 4:57 - 8:09 4:24 - 8:42 4:49 - 8:34 5:25 - 7:46

31 6:42 - 5:55 6:43 - 4:34 6:26 - 5:12 4:23 - 8:43 4:50 - 8:33 5:26 - 7:44

*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 2018-19 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. 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. 2018-19 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 2018-19 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING 36 MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS

2018-19 MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS SEASONS & BAG LIMITS

SEASONS LIMITS SPECIES AND AREA FIRST DAY LAST DAY DAILY BAG POSSESSION August 1, 2018 September 22, 2018 Crows* February 2, 2019 April 15, 2019 Wildlife Management Districts 1 - 6 August 1, 2018 September 20, 2019 No Limit August 1, 2018 September 22, 2018 Closed season on Ravens in all WMDs Crows* January 17, 2019 March 30, 2019 Wildlife Management Districts 7 - 29 August 1, 2019 September 20, 2019 Common Snipe** September 1, 2018 December 15, 2018 8 24 Woodcock** October 1, 2018 November 21, 2018 3 9

Rails (Sora And Virginia)*** September 1, 2018 November 9, 2018 25 Singly or in aggregate 25 North Zone September 1, 2018 September 25, 2018 6 18 Goose South Zone September 1, 2018 September 25, 2018 10 30 (Early) Coastal Zone September 1, 2018 September 25, 2018 10 30 North Zone October 1, 2018 December 8, 2018 October 1, 2018 October 13, 2018 Regular South Zone November 1, 2018 December 26, 2018 2 6 Including Greater White-Fronted Geese October 1, 2018 October 13, 2018 Coastal Zone November 12, 2018 January 5, 2019 Snow Geese October 1, 2018 January 31, 2019 25 No Limit Including Blue Geese 5 15 Sea Ducks No more than 4 No more than 12 Scoter, Eider, and November 12, 2018 January 19, 2019 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 24, 2018 December 1, 2018 6* 18* Regular Ducks October 1, 2018 October 13, 2018 No more than 4 of No more than 12 Including Black South Zone any one species of any one species Ducks, Scaup, Pintails, November 1, 2018 December 26, 2018 Mergansers and Singly or in aggregate October 1, 2018 October 13, 2018 American coots Coastal Zone Exceptions to these limits listed below November 12, 2018 January 5, 2019 North Zone September 24, 2018 December 1, 2018 October 1, 2018 October 13, 2018 South Zone Brant November 1, 2018 December 26, 2018 2 6 October 1, 2018 October 13, 2018 Coastal Zone November 12, 2018 January 5, 2019 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.

2018-19 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS 37

2018-19 MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS SEASONS & BAG LIMITS

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

North Zone December 22, 2018 February 12, 2019 3 9 Special Falconry Season In addition to the regular migratory South Zone January 7, 2019 February 27, 2019 bird season (on Ducks, Geese, Mergansers, Respectively, singly or American Coots.) in aggregate Species Restrictions Apply Coastal Zone January 7, 2019 February 27, 2019

Special Youth Waterfowl Hunts North Zone September 15, 2018 & December 8, 2018 All duck species except Harlequins, Barrow’s Goldeneye, and Moorhens and Gallinules – may be hunted on these days, including geese. South Zone September 22, 2018 & October 20, 2018 For the October 20, November 3, December 8 Special regulations apply to youth days, the goose limit is under the youth and accompanying adult. Regular Season limit. On September 15, Please see Junior Hunters September 22, October 20, November 3, section. December 8, scoters, eiders, and long-tailed Coastal Zone September 22, 2018 & November 3, 2018 ducks may 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

It is unlawful to take more than 5 American Coots in any one day American Coots or possess more than 15 at any time

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

Hen , Redheads, Black Ducks, The daily limit on these species is 2 birds; possession limit is 6. Scaup, , Northern Pintails

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).

It is unlawful to take more than 3 wood ducks in one day or to Wood Ducks possess more than 9 wood ducks at any time.

QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 2018-19 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 opposite page). 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 2018 Maine duck stamp, stamp can be purchased by visiting your upland species other than deer and turkey featuring a , was local post office or USPS.com. designed by Joanna Hoffman of with a shotgun shall possess and use only The Migratory Waterfowl Stamp is not Saco, Maine. It was selected by nontoxic shot while in the field. required to hunt woodcock, snipe, rails 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 2018 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 rifle, pistol, or and permits are used to help shotgun with a ball, slug, or buckshot. “Near” means the area encompassed by finance waterfowl management the set of decoys and including the area 50 programs or to acquire waterfowl yards away from the outer perimeter of the habitat. set of decoys.

2018-19 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 2018-19 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.

2018-19 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 9/1/18 05:27 AM 07:12 PM 03:46 PM 09:31 AM 11/17/18 06:05 AM 04:05 PM 06:13 AM 12:17 PM 9/3/18 05:30 AM 07:08 PM 05:09 AM 11:13 AM 11/19/18 06:08 AM 04:03 PM 07:47 AM 01:59 PM 9/4/18 05:31 AM 07:06 PM 06:11 AM 12:14 PM 11/20/18 06:09 AM 04:02 PM 08:30 AM 02:44 PM 9/5/18 05:32 AM 07:05 PM 07:18 AM 01:18 PM 11/21/18 06:10 AM 04:01 PM 09:10 AM 03:27 PM 9/6/18 05:33 AM 07:03 PM 08:24 AM 02:24 PM 11/22/18 06:12 AM 04:01 PM 09:50 AM 04:10 PM 9/7/18 05:34 AM 07:01 PM 09:26 AM 03:26 PM 11/23/18 06:13 AM 04:00 PM 10:31 AM 04:53 PM 9/8/18 05:36 AM 06:59 PM 10:24 AM 04:25 PM 11/24/18 06:14 AM 03:59 PM 11:14 AM 05:02 AM 9/10/18 05:38 AM 06:55 PM 12:08 PM 05:54 AM 11/26/18 06:17 AM 03:58 PM 12:50 PM 06:37 AM 9/11/18 05:39 AM 06:53 PM 12:57 PM 06:43 AM 11/27/18 06:18 AM 03:58 PM 01:44 PM 07:30 AM 9/12/18 05:40 AM 06:52 PM 01:45 PM 07:31 AM 11/28/18 06:19 AM 03:57 PM 02:43 PM 08:28 AM 9/13/18 05:42 AM 06:50 PM 02:34 PM 08:19 AM 11/29/18 06:20 AM 03:57 PM 03:47 PM 09:32 AM 9/14/18 05:43 AM 06:48 PM 03:23 PM 09:08 AM 11/30/18 06:21 AM 03:56 PM 04:55 PM 10:40 AM 9/15/18 05:44 AM 06:46 PM 04:15 PM 09:59 AM 12/1/18 06:23 AM 03:56 PM 05:41 AM 11:49 AM 9/17/18 05:46 AM 06:42 PM 05:51 AM 11:50 AM 12/3/18 06:25 AM 03:55 PM 07:41 AM 01:58 PM 9/18/18 05:47 AM 06:40 PM 06:52 AM 12:50 PM 12/4/18 06:26 AM 03:55 PM 08:35 AM 02:53 PM 9/19/18 05:49 AM 06:38 PM 07:51 AM 01:49 PM 12/5/18 06:27 AM 03:55 PM 09:23 AM 03:44 PM 9/20/18 05:50 AM 06:36 PM 08:45 AM 02:43 PM 12/6/18 06:28 AM 03:54 PM 10:08 AM 04:30 PM 9/21/18 05:51 AM 06:35 PM 09:34 AM 03:32 PM 12/7/18 06:29 AM 03:54 PM 10:50 AM 05:13 PM 9/22/18 05:52 AM 06:33 PM 10:16 AM 04:15 PM 12/8/18 06:30 AM 03:54 PM 11:29 AM 05:18 AM 9/24/18 05:55 AM 06:29 PM 11:29 AM 05:19 AM 12/10/18 06:32 AM 03:54 PM 12:47 PM 06:38 AM 9/25/18 05:56 AM 06:27 PM 12:03 PM 05:52 AM 12/11/18 06:33 AM 03:54 PM 01:28 PM 07:19 AM 9/26/18 05:57 AM 06:25 PM 12:36 PM 06:25 AM 12/12/18 06:33 AM 03:54 PM 02:11 PM 08:01 AM 9/27/18 05:58 AM 06:23 PM 01:11 PM 07:00 AM 12/13/18 06:34 AM 03:54 PM 02:57 PM 08:47 AM 9/28/18 05:59 AM 06:21 PM 01:49 PM 07:38 AM 12/14/18 06:35 AM 03:55 PM 03:46 PM 09:36 AM 9/29/18 06:01 AM 06:19 PM 02:31 PM 08:19 AM 12/15/18 06:36 AM 03:55 PM 04:39 PM 10:29 AM 10/1/18 06:03 AM 06:16 PM 04:12 PM 09:57 AM 12/17/18 06:37 AM 03:55 PM 06:07 AM 12:21 PM 10/2/18 06:04 AM 06:14 PM 05:12 PM 10:55 AM 12/18/18 06:38 AM 03:56 PM 06:56 AM 01:15 PM 10/3/18 06:06 AM 06:12 PM 05:59 AM 12:00 PM 12/19/18 06:39 AM 03:56 PM 07:45 AM 02:06 PM 10/4/18 06:07 AM 06:10 PM 07:07 AM 01:08 PM 12/20/18 06:39 AM 03:57 PM 08:32 AM 02:55 PM 10/5/18 06:08 AM 06:08 PM 08:13 AM 02:15 PM 12/21/18 06:40 AM 03:57 PM 09:18 AM 03:43 PM 10/6/18 06:09 AM 06:06 PM 09:13 AM 03:18 PM 12/22/18 06:40 AM 03:58 PM 10:06 AM 04:32 PM 10/8/18 06:12 AM 06:03 PM 10:59 AM 05:08 PM 12/24/18 06:41 AM 03:59 PM 11:44 AM 05:30 AM 10/9/18 06:13 AM 06:01 PM 11:47 AM 05:33 AM 12/25/18 06:41 AM 03:59 PM 12:37 PM 06:22 AM 10/10/18 06:14 AM 05:59 PM 12:33 PM 06:19 AM 12/26/18 06:42 AM 04:00 PM 01:32 PM 07:17 AM 10/11/18 06:16 AM 05:57 PM 01:17 PM 07:05 AM 12/27/18 06:42 AM 04:01 PM 02:31 PM 08:16 AM 10/12/18 06:17 AM 05:56 PM 02:02 PM 07:50 AM 12/28/18 06:42 AM 04:01 PM 03:33 PM 09:18 AM 10/13/18 06:18 AM 05:54 PM 02:47 PM 08:36 AM 12/29/18 06:42 AM 04:02 PM 04:38 PM 10:24 AM 10/15/18 06:21 AM 05:50 PM 04:27 PM 10:14 AM 12/31/18 06:43 AM 04:04 PM 06:20 AM 12:39 PM 10/16/18 06:22 AM 05:49 PM 05:14 AM 11:10 AM 1/1/19 06:43 AM 04:05 PM 07:20 AM 01:42 PM 10/17/18 06:23 AM 05:47 PM 06:12 AM 12:09 PM 1/2/19 06:43 AM 04:06 PM 08:14 AM 02:38 PM 10/18/18 06:25 AM 05:45 PM 07:09 AM 01:08 PM 1/3/19 06:43 AM 04:07 PM 09:04 AM 03:28 PM 10/19/18 06:26 AM 05:44 PM 08:03 AM 02:04 PM 1/4/19 06:43 AM 04:08 PM 09:49 AM 04:14 PM 10/20/18 06:27 AM 05:42 PM 08:51 AM 02:55 PM 1/5/19 06:43 AM 04:09 PM 10:30 AM 04:56 PM 10/22/18 06:30 AM 05:39 PM 10:14 AM 04:21 PM 1/7/19 06:42 AM 04:11 PM 11:46 AM 05:36 AM 10/23/18 06:31 AM 05:37 PM 10:50 AM 05:00 PM 1/8/19 06:42 AM 04:12 PM 12:23 PM 06:13 AM 10/24/18 06:32 AM 05:36 PM 11:26 AM 05:14 AM 1/9/19 06:42 AM 04:13 PM 01:00 PM 06:50 AM 10/25/18 06:34 AM 05:34 PM 12:02 PM 05:50 AM 1/10/19 06:42 AM 04:14 PM 01:39 PM 07:29 AM 10/26/18 06:35 AM 05:32 PM 12:40 PM 06:29 AM 1/11/19 06:41 AM 04:15 PM 02:20 PM 08:10 AM 10/27/18 06:36 AM 05:31 PM 01:22 PM 07:10 AM 1/12/19 06:41 AM 04:16 PM 03:05 PM 08:55 AM 10/29/18 06:39 AM 05:28 PM 02:59 PM 08:45 AM 1/14/19 06:40 AM 04:19 PM 04:46 PM 10:36 AM 10/30/18 06:41 AM 05:26 PM 03:56 PM 09:41 AM 1/15/19 06:39 AM 04:20 PM 05:15 AM 11:33 AM 10/31/18 06:42 AM 05:25 PM 04:59 PM 10:43 AM 1/16/19 06:39 AM 04:21 PM 06:08 AM 12:33 PM 11/1/18 06:43 AM 05:24 PM 05:50 AM 11:50 AM 1/17/19 06:38 AM 04:23 PM 07:04 AM 01:32 PM 11/2/18 06:45 AM 05:22 PM 06:56 AM 01:00 PM 1/18/19 06:38 AM 04:24 PM 07:59 AM 02:28 PM 11/3/18 06:46 AM 05:21 PM 08:00 AM 02:07 PM 1/19/19 06:37 AM 04:25 PM 08:53 AM 03:22 PM 11/5/18 05:49 AM 04:18 PM 08:52 AM 03:05 PM 1/21/19 06:35 AM 04:28 PM 10:39 AM 05:06 PM 11/6/18 05:50 AM 04:17 PM 09:41 AM 03:56 PM 1/22/19 06:35 AM 04:29 PM 11:32 AM 05:16 AM 11/7/18 05:51 AM 04:16 PM 10:27 AM 04:44 PM 1/23/19 06:34 AM 04:31 PM 12:25 PM 06:10 AM 11/8/18 05:53 AM 04:14 PM 11:10 AM 05:29 PM 1/24/19 06:33 AM 04:32 PM 01:20 PM 07:04 AM 11/9/18 05:54 AM 04:13 PM 11:51 AM 05:40 AM 1/25/19 06:32 AM 04:33 PM 02:16 PM 08:01 AM 11/10/18 05:56 AM 04:12 PM 12:32 PM 06:22 AM 1/26/19 06:31 AM 04:35 PM 03:15 PM 09:01 AM 11/12/18 05:58 AM 04:10 PM 01:59 PM 07:49 AM 1/28/19 06:29 AM 04:38 PM 05:23 PM 11:09 AM 11/13/18 06:00 AM 04:09 PM 02:47 PM 08:36 AM 1/29/19 06:28 AM 04:39 PM 05:51 AM 12:16 PM 11/14/18 06:01 AM 04:08 PM 03:38 PM 09:27 AM 1/30/19 06:27 AM 04:40 PM 06:52 AM 01:20 PM 11/15/18 06:02 AM 04:07 PM 04:33 PM 10:23 AM 1/31/19 06:26 AM 04:42 PM 07:50 AM 02:18 PM 11/16/18 06:04 AM 04:06 PM 05:20 AM 11:20 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). 2018-19 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 Paul R. LePage Region A – Gray...... (207) 657-2345 Augusta, ME 04333-0041 Region B – Sidney...... (207) 547-5300 (207) 287-8000 COMMISSIONER Chandler E. Woodcock Region C – Jonesboro...... (207) 434-5927 WEBSITE Region D – Strong...... (207) 778-3324 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER mefishwildlife.com Timothy E. Peabody Region E – Greenville...... (207) 695-3756 OPERATION GAME THIEF Region F – Enfield...... (207) 732-4132 MDIFW ADVISORY COUNCIL In State: 1-800-ALERT US (253-7887) Jerry Scribner Region G – Ashland...... (207) 435-3231 Out of State: (207) 287-6057 Androscoggin, Kennebec, & Bangor Research Office...... (207) 941-4440 Sagadahoc Counties...... (207) 495-7751 REGIONAL COMMUNICATION CENTERS The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries If you are in need of the services of a game Richard “Dick” Fortier and Wildlife receives federal funds from the warden call the Department of Public Aroostook County...... (207) 496-1221 U.S. Department of the Interior. According- Safety Dispatch at the following toll-free Matthew E. Thurston (Vice-Chair) ly, all Department programs and activities numbers: Cumberland County...... (207) 926-4147 must be operated free from discrimination Augusta...... 1-800-452-4664 Sheridan R. Oldham in regard to race, color, national origin, age, Houlton...... 1-800-924-2261 Franklin & Oxford or handicap. Any person who believes that Bangor...... 1-800-432-7381 Counties...... (207) 864-4323 he or she has been discriminated against should write to the Office of Equal Oppor- Note! The State Police numbers may be Jeffrey C. Lewis tunity, U.S. Department of the Interior, used to report a fire, ONLY if a fire warden Hancock County...... (207) 460-6859 Washington, D.C. 20240. or forest ranger cannot be reached. To Gunnar Gundersen report wildfire arson call 1-800-987-0257 Knox, Lincoln, & Waldo COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS — The Maine Forest Service, Department Counties...... (207) 563-1959 of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. Written comments should be mailed to: Donald Dudley (Chair) Maine Department of Inland Penobscot County...... (207) 538-5173 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) 255-4508 Shawn J. Sage York County...... (207) 329-7096

QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 2018-19 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING 42

fli 2018-19 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWSmefishwildlife.com & RULES HUNTING QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000