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LAWS PERTAINING TO HUNTING EQUIPMENT
ARCHERY INFORMATION
NEW LAW : Changes to the bowhunting license and crossbow permit occurred in 2024 . A bowhunting license is now an archery license . A crossbow permit is no longer required as hunting with a bow and arrow AND crossbow are included with an archery license .
NEW LAW : Use of crossbows in expanded archery areas during the expanded archery season is now permissible for any hunter who has an archery license and expanded archery permit ( s ). Crossbow use is NO longer permissible during the muzzleloader season .
Seasons : The regular archery license allows archery equipment to be used to hunt all legal game throughout the year , except for deer during the muzzleloader season .
Archery Equipment : now refers to crossbow and bow and arrow .
Licenses : You must have an archery license to hunt with archery equipment .
• Junior hunters who hold a valid Junior Hunting License are allowed to hunt with archery equipment when accompanied by a junior hunter supervisor . See page 18 .
• Laws that allow you to hunt without a license on your own land under certain conditions apply to archery hunting . See page 6 .
Permits : In addition to an archery license , hunters participating in the expanded archery deer season ( designated areas only ) must also purchase permits . Multiple antlerless deer permits may be purchased for $ 12 each , and an either-sex permit for the expanded archery deer season is $ 32 .
Exceptions : Complimentary archery license holders ( Disabled Veterans , Native Americans ) and junior hunting license holders may hunt with those licenses during the expanded archery deer season .
Obtaining an Archery License : Individuals applying for the archery hunting license must show proof of having successfully completed an archery hunter education course ( which now includes crossbow safety ) or of having held a Maine adult archery license in any year after 1979 , or evidence of previously holding a crossbow permit in Maine prior to 2024 . When proof or evidence cannot be provided , the applicant may substitute a signed affidavit . Native Americans are exempt from safety course requirements for archery and trapping .
Archery Hunting Requirements :
• A hunter may carry a handgun while archery hunting , but it may NOT be used to dispatch deer . See page 15 for more information .
• Hunter orange clothing is NOT required when hunting with bow and arrow . See additional information related to hunter orange requirements below .
• All deer killed during the archery seasons must be inspected and registered at the first open deer registration station .
• It is legal to hunt until ½ hour after sunset during both archery deer seasons .
In addition , all other laws pertaining to deer hunting apply to archery hunting .
Bow and Arrow Equipment Requirements :
Required Features
• Only hand-held bow and arrow may be used .
• Draw weight must be at least 35 pounds ( there is no max ). For moose , a minimum draw weight of 45 pounds is required .
• For hunting deer , bear , and moose , arrowheads , including mechanical broadheads when open , must be at least 7/8 inch wide .
Prohibited Features
• It is unlawful to use a set bow .
• Arrows with explosive or poisonous tips are prohibited .
Crossbow Equipment Laws :
Required Features
• Only crossbows with a shoulder-type stock may be used .
• Draw weight must be at least 100 pounds ( there is no max ).
• For hunting deer , bear and moose , arrowheads , including mechanical broadheads when open , must be at least 7/8 inch wide .
• Crossbows must be equipped with a mechanical trigger safety device in working condition .
Prohibited Features
• Hand-held pistol-type crossbows are prohibited .
• Arrows with explosive or poisonous tips are prohibited .
Optional , but Allowed Features
• Crossbows equipped with scopes or sights may be used .
Native American License & Hunting : Information see pages 6 , 7 & 16 . ■
TRAIL / GAME CAMERAS LAW
People using trail and game cameras may not place a camera upon another person ’ s private land without written permission . All cameras must be labeled with the owner ’ s name and contact information .
OBSERVATION STANDS
It is unlawful to insert any metallic or ceramic object into a tree on another person ’ s land for the purpose of erecting a ladder or observation stand , unless you have permission from the landowner . You must obtain verbal or written permission of the landowner ( or representative ) to erect or use a portable or permanent ladder or observation stand , and the ladder or observation stand must be plainly labeled with a 2-inch by 4-inch tag with the names and addresses of everyone the landowner has authorized to use it .
Exception : Portable ladders or observation stands used on land within the jurisdiction of the Maine Land Use Planning Commission and attended by the person who owns the ladder or observation stand do not require landowner permission or labeling , but permanent ones do .
Note : For more information on private property use , see page 31 . Observation stands do not include portable blinds utilized at ground level that remain in the hunter ’ s physical possession and must not be left when not in use .
2024-25 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING QUESTIONS ? CALL 207 287-8000