MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS 37
2025-26 MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS SEASONS & BAG LIMITS
SPECIES AND AREA
SEASONS
LIMITS FIRST DAY LAST DAY DAILY BAG POSSESSION
Special Falconry Season In addition to the regular migratory bird season( for the take of Ducks, Mergansers and American Coots)
North Zone December 15, 2025 February 4, 2026
South Zone January 7, 2026 February 27, 2026
Coastal Zone January 7, 2026 February 27, 2026
3 9
Respectively, singly or in aggregate Species Restrictions Apply
Special Youth Waterfowl Hunts All duck species except Harlequins, Barrow’ s Goldeneye, and Moorhens and Gallinules – may be hunted on these days, including geese. For the September 27, October 18, and December 13 youth days, the goose limit is under the Regular Season daily bag limit.
North Zone September 20, 2025 & December 13, 2025
South Zone September 20, 2025 & October 18, 2025
Coastal Zone September 27, 2025 & October 18, 2025
Special regulations apply to youth and accompanying adult. Please see Junior Hunters section.
DAILY BAG LIMIT EXCEPTIONS CONTINUED FROM PG. 36 Harlequin Ducks, Barrow’ s Goldeneye, Moorhens and Gallinules
American Coots
Mottled Ducks, Fulvous Whistling Ducks, Scaup and Hen Eider
Closed Season
In addition to the 6 duck daily bag limit, hunters may harvest 5 coots. It is unlawful to possess more than 15 coots at any time.
The daily limit on these species is 1 bird; possession limit is 3.
Black Duck, Redhead, Hen Mallards, Canvasback and Eider
Mallards
Mergansers( Common, Red-breasted and Hooded)
The daily limit on these species is 2 birds; possession limit is 6.
The daily limit is 4( 2 hen mallards); possession limit is 12( 6 hen mallards).
In addition to the 6 duck daily bag limit, hunters may harvest 5 mergansers in the aggregate, with a species specific limit of 5. It is unlawful to possess more than 15 mergansers at any time.
Sea Ducks( Scoter, Eider, and Long-Tailed Duck)
The daily limit is 3 by species( 4 total sea ducks), possession limit is 9 by species( 12 total seas ducks). Except that the daily bag limit for eiders is 2, not to exceed 1 hen eider; and possession limit for hen eiders is 3, with the total possession limit for all eiders being 9.
Northern Pintails and Wood Ducks The daily limit is 3 birds, possession limit is 9.
QUESTIONS? CALL 207 287-8000 2025-26 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING