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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 ? In general , anyone who hunts wild birds or animals in Maine needs a hunting license . The type of license you need depends upon your age , resident status , and other factors , and there are some exceptions . See the charts on pages 8 and 9 for all available hunting licenses and fees .
In addition to a license , most hunting activities also require a permit . See individual species ’ pages for details .
Junior and Adult Hunters : Hunters under age 16 must possess a junior license , and those 16 and up need an adult license .
Note : a junior license holder who turns 16 may hunt with that junior license for the remainder of the calendar year .
Exception for Assisting in a Hunt : A person may assist in a hunt without a license or permit for that activity , as long as they do not carry hunting equipment ( means to kill ) or drive deer . Exception : See dog training and hunting permit requirement on page 13 .
Landowner Privilege : Maine resident landowners and their immediate family members may hunt without a license using firearms , archery or muzzleloader on land they own and reside upon , provided the land exceeds 10 acres in size and is used exclusively for agricultural purposes . The landowner privilege is not available to hunters with revoked or suspended licenses , and does not apply to moose hunting , for which a license is still required . See page 23 for information about landowner privilege for turkey hunting .
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS ? To obtain a hunting license in Maine , you generally need to show that you have either ( 1 ) held that license in a prior year , or ( 2 ) have taken a hunter safety course . License-specific requirements and exceptions follow . Lost your hunter safety card or certificate ? Call 207-287-5220 for a replacement card or to find your hunter safety certification number ( applies to hunter , archery hunter , and trapping ).
Firearms Licenses : When applying for an adult firearms hunting license in Maine , you must show proof of residency , and that you have either possessed an adult license to hunt with firearms in any year begin- ning with 1976 , or successfully completed an approved hunter safety course in any U . S . state , province or country . Convicted felons cannot purchase or possess a firearms hunting license in Maine unless they have been issued a permit to carry a firearm .
Archery Licenses : An archery license allows a person to hunt with a bow and arrow or crossbow . To obtain an adult archery hunting license , you must show proof of having held an adult license to hunt with bow and arrow in any year after 1979 , successful completion of an archery education course , or evidence of previously holding a crossbow permit in Maine prior to 2024 . See page 16 for more details .
Exceptions to Safety Course Requirement :
Native American Exception : Native Americans are exempt from the safety course requirement for archery and trapping .
Military Exception : An active-duty member of the U . S . Armed Forces who is permanently stationed outside of the U . S . and home on leave is exempt from firearms and archery safety course requirements if they can show proof at time of license application that their home state of record is Maine .
HOW ARE LICENSES OBTAINED ? From MDIFW : Residents and non-residents may obtain hunting licenses from the MDIFW office in Augusta , either in person , online at mainefishwildlife . com , or ( for non-residents ) by mail .
DEFINITIONS
RESIDENT means a citizen of the United States or a person who is not a citizen of the United States who has been domiciled in the State for one year who :
• if registered to vote , is registered in this State ;
• if licensed to drive a motor vehicle , has made application for or possesses a motor vehicle operator ’ s license issued by the State ;
From Agents : Licenses can also be purchased from agents throughout the state ( sporting good stores , many convenience stores , town clerks , and turnpike service centers ). Agents who process applications online for moose and antlerless deer permits may charge a fee of $ 2.00 .
Note : Not all town clerks issue non-resident licenses .
A person buying a trapping license for the first time must purchase it from the MDIFW office in Augusta ( in person , by email at ifw . licensing @ maine . gov , or by mail ). As of 2021 , trapping license renewals including bear permits can be purchased online . Visit mefishwildlife . com or call ( 207 ) 287-8000 for more information .
It is unlawful to obtain a license or permit through misstatement or misrepresentation , or to possess a license or permit that has been altered or tampered with in any way .
Guide Required for Big Game Hunters from New Brunswick or Quebec : Any resident of New Brunswick or Quebec who is not a U . S . Citizen and who wishes to hunt bear , deer , moose , or wild turkey in Maine must be accompanied by a Maine Guide unless they can provide documentation to MDIFW that they own or lease land in Maine , are current on property taxes for that land and keep that land open to hunting . That person ’ s family member including a parent , spouse , daughter or son or a grandchild who is less than 18 years of age also qualifies .
• has registered in Maine any motor vehicles they own that are located within the state ;
• is in compliance with the state income tax laws ;
• is a full-time student at a Maine college or university who satisfies above requirements .
NONRESIDENT means a person who does not fall within the definition of a resident .
2024-25 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING QUESTIONS ? CALL 207 287-8000