GENERAL HUNTING LAWS 13
HUNTING WITH DOGS AND DOG TRAINING
Hunting Bear , Bobcat , Coyote , Raccoon , and Fox with Dogs
Anyone 16 years of age or older who is using a dog to hunt for bear , coyote , fox , bobcat , or raccoon ; or train for bear , fox , and raccoon must possess a Dog Training and Hunting permit . Non-residents may not train dogs on bear unless they are with a resident Maine guide possessing that permit .
Exception : A person who is training or hunting with a dog under the supervision of and in the presence of a registered Maine hunting guide who has a valid Dog Training and Hunting Permit is exempt from possessing the permit .
Any dog engaged in the above activities must have a functioning tracking collar which allows the handler to track the dog ’ s location at all times such as a GPS or VHF tracking device . The dog must also have a collar that legibly provides the name , telephone number , and address of the dog ’ s owner .
A person is in violation of civil trespass with a hunting dog if :
• They turn a hunting dog loose onto posted property ;
• They turn a hunting dog loose onto property where the landowner has communicated to the dog handler that they do not want hunting dogs on their property ; or
• A hunting dog enters property upon which a hunting dog has been previously found and a law enforcement officer has warned any handler of the hunting dog ( within the past 365 days ) that hunting dogs are not permitted on the property .
A person or persons may not use more than six dogs at any one time to hunt bear , bobcat , coyote , raccoon , and fox .
A person may not use a dog to hunt during the period from ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour before sunrise , except for raccoon ( see raccoon hunting page 11 ).
For more information on hunting bears with dogs , see page 27 .
A person with a suspended or revoked hunting license may not train dogs .
Dog Training Season
• From July 1 through the following March 31 , including Sundays , dogs may be trained on fox , gray and red squirrels , snowshoe hare , and raccoons . During such training , it is unlawful to use or possess a firearm , other than a pistol or a shotgun loaded with blank ammunition , except during the applicable open hunting seasons on these species .
• Dogs may be used to hunt snowshoe hares during the firearm season on deer .
• Sporting dogs may be trained on wild birds ( not including wild turkey ) at any time . The commissioner may authorize with a permit the use of firearms during such training to shoot and kill wild birds propagated or legally acquired by the permittee and possessed in accordance with the laws pertaining to breeders , licenses .
• Residents may train up to six dogs on bear from July 1 - August 22 , 2024 . Exceptions ; in portions of Washington and Hancock counties that are situated south of Route 9 , landowner permission is required to train dogs on land used for wild blueberry production ( this is a new law that will remain in effect through the 2024 training season ). Nonresident Maine Guides are not eligible to train dogs in Maine .
Non-residents cannot train dogs on bear starting in July unless they are with a guide with those permits .
• A person must possess a valid hunting license to engage in all dog training activities , except Sunday or when training on pen-raised birds .
• Propagation permits for domesticated fowl are no longer required to possess or use them for dog training purposes .
Leashed Dog Tracking License A license is available which allows the tracking of wounded deer , moose , and bear with dogs . The fee for this license is $ 81 for 3 years and is in addition to a one-time application fee of $ 25 . A person who holds a valid license may charge a fee for dog tracking services without having to hold a guide ’ s license , as long as that is the only service provided . Find the application form at mefishwildlife . com / forms .
NOTICE TO DOG OWNERS
It is unlawful to allow any dog to run at large at any time , except when used for hunting . “ AT LARGE ” means off the premises of the owner and not under the control of any person by means of personal presence or attention . It is unlawful to allow any dog to chase , wound , or kill a deer or moose at any time or any other wild animal in closed season .
RELEASING DOGS FROM TRAPS
A dog ’ s reaction to being caught in a foothold trap can vary from being calm to frightened , but upon being released , they do not normally sustain injury . Foothold traps are designed to hold an animal by the foot . The most common type of foothold trap used in Maine is shown here . If your dog gets caught in one of them , follow these steps :
Stay Calm and Get Help : If available , get a second person to assist you .
Protect Yourself : Some dogs may attempt to bite , especially as the trap is removed from their foot . Protect yourself by securing the dog ’ s muzzle using a jacket or vest , or by placing a barrier between you and the dog .
Courtesy of Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies
Open the Trap : If possible , pull the trap chain tight from the anchor point and put the trap flat on the ground . To open the trap , push down using your hands or feet on the levers located at either end of the jaws ( see arrows in the diagram ). This will release tension on the jaws and allow you to remove the dog ’ s foot .
Respect the Trapper , and Obey the Law : It is unlawful to take or destroy a trap without permission from the owner .
Prevent Future Incidents : Trappers commonly use lures and urine to attract furbearers such as foxes and coyotes . You can train your dog to avoid trap locations by utilizing these scents in mock trap sets .
QUESTIONS ? CALL 207 287-8000 2024-25 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING