BEAR HUNTING 27
HUNTING WITH DOGS It is unlawful to :
• Use dogs to hunt bears during the open firearm season on deer .
• Use more than 6 dogs at any one time to hunt bears .
• Kill or wound a bear that is treed or held at bay by another person ’ s dog or dogs unless you have permission from the person conducting the hunt .
2024 BEAR SEASONS & BAG LIMITS
SEASON DATES ANNUAL BAG & POSSESSION LIMIT
Youth Bear Hunting Day August 24 , 2024
General Hunting
Hunting with Bait Bait can be placed July 27 , 2024
Trapping
Hunting with Dogs
August 26 , 2024 - November 30 , 2024
August 26 , 2024 - September 21 , 2024
September 1 , 2024 - October 31 , 2024
September 9 , 2024 - November 1 , 2024
All dates are inclusive except that hunting is prohibited on Sunday . For information on bear trapping , see page 28 .
View Dog Training and Hunting permit requirements on page 13 .
The total number of nonresident clients hunting bears with dogs with a licensed resident Maine guide may not exceed five . ■
2 may be harvested annually — 1 by hunting , 1 by trapping
FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE RESTORATION PROGRAM
The Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act of 1937 , commonly known as the Pittman-Robertson ( PR ) Act , established a “ User Pay / User Benefit ” philosophy for funding state wildlife resource restoration and conservation efforts . These funds have played a vital role in the Maine ’ s wildlife management capabilities since they were first used in 1939 .
Revenues collected from excise taxes on firearms , ammunition , pistols , revolvers , bows and arrows are deposited in the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Fund , and used to support wildlife population assessments , long-range species management planning , development of management recommendations , implementation of management programs , acquisition and management of wildlife habitat , and hunter education .
QUESTIONS ? CALL 207 287-8000 2024-25 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING