Maine

Maine Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply (2026)

Complete guide to Maine hunting license costs, requirements, seasons, and regulations for the Calendar year (Jan 1 – Dec 31) season.

Last updated: March 2026

Resident License $26 General hunting

Non-Resident License $115 General hunting

Hunter Education Required Born after 1975-01-01

Online Purchase Yes Calendar year (Jan 1 – Dec 31)

LICENSE FEES

Maine Hunting License Fees 2026

Current hunting license costs for residents and non-residents. License year: Calendar year (Jan 1 – Dec 31).

Resident Licenses

Resident Hunting (Big Game) $26 —

Resident Archery Only $26 —

Resident Small Game $16 —

Resident Combo Hunt + Fish $42 —

Resident Super Pack $202 —

Resident Junior Hunting (10-15) $7 —

Resident Senior (70+) Free —

Non-Resident Licenses

Non-Resident Big Game Hunting — $115

Non-Resident Small Game — $75

Non-Resident Archery Only — $75

Non-Resident 3-Day Small Game — $47

Tags & Permits

Antlerless Deer Permit $12 $12

Moose Permit $52 $585

Bear Permit (Res) $10 Free

Bear Permit (NR Bait/Hound) Free $74

Wild Turkey Permit $20 $20

Dog Training/Hunting Permit $12 $12

Endorsements & Stamps

Muzzleloader Permit $16 Required for muzzleloader deer season; NR: $25

Pheasant Permit $18 For stocked pheasant hunting areas

Federal Duck Stamp $25 Required for waterfowl 16+; valid Jul 1 – Jun 30

HIP Certification Free Free; required for migratory bird hunters

PURCHASE

How to Buy a Maine Hunting License

Multiple convenient options to get your license quickly.

Buy Online (Recommended)

Visit moses.maine.gov. Create account or sign in. Select big game ($26), small game ($16), or combo ($42). Add turkey permit ($20), bear permit ($10), archery permit. Apply for moose lottery separately. Pay with credit/debit card. Print license and permits

Buy In Person

Town offices statewide, Local sporting goods stores, MDIFW regional offices

Buy By Phone

Call 207-287-8000. Agent fee may apply

Shop for hunting gear at our partners:

Bass Pro Shops → Cabela's → Amazon → Academy Sports →

Pro Tip

The easiest way to buy your Maine hunting license is online through the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife. You'll get your license instantly and can start hunting right away.

EDUCATION

Hunter Education Requirements in Maine

Who needs it: All hunters born on or after January 1, 1975

Online course: Available — Cost: Free

Field day required: Yes, in-person field day required

Minimum age: 10 years old

Apprentice/deferral program: Available — hunt under supervision while completing education

Military exemption: Yes, active duty military may be exempt

Start Your Hunter Education Course

EXEMPTIONS

Who Can Hunt for Free (or at a Discount) in Maine?

Youth (Under 10) Free Must hunt with licensed adult within arm's reach

Youth (10-15) $7 license Junior hunting; must hunt with adult

Senior (70+) Free lifetime Free combination hunting + fishing; no renewal needed

Disabled Veteran (100%) Free 100% service-connected: free licenses + permits

Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in ME pay resident rates

Landowner (Sunday) Sunday hunting on own land Private landowners can hunt Sundays on own land (post-2022 law)

SEASONS

Maine Hunting Seasons 2026-2027

Key hunting season dates and weapon restrictions.

White-tailed Deer Archery (Expanded) Sep 6 – Dec 13 Bow and crossbow; 3+ month season

White-tailed Deer Youth Deer Day Late Oct – 1 day Any legal weapon; ages 10-15 with adult

White-tailed Deer Firearms Nov 1 – Nov 29 Rifle, shotgun; rifles allowed statewide

White-tailed Deer Muzzleloader Nov 30 – Dec 6 Muzzleloader; permit required

Moose Lottery (3 Zones) Sep-Nov – Varies by zone Rifle, bow, muzzleloader; iconic Maine hunt

Black Bear Bait Season Aug 25 – Sep 20 Any legal; baiting legal — unique to ME

Black Bear Hound Season Sep 8 – Oct 31 Dogs allowed; $12 dog training permit

Black Bear Still Hunt Nov 1 – Nov 29 Concurrent with firearms deer season

Turkey Youth Spring Late Apr – 1 day Shotgun, bow; supervised youth

Turkey Spring May 1 – May 31 Shotgun, bow; $20 permit

Turkey Fall Oct 4 – Nov 1 Shotgun, bow

Ruffed Grouse Regular Oct 1 – Dec 31 Shotgun; classic Maine upland

Woodcock Regular Oct 1 – Nov 14 Shotgun; HIP required

Snowshoe Hare Regular Oct 1 – Mar 31 Shotgun, .22 rifle; 6-month season

Duck/Waterfowl Regular Oct-Dec – Zone-specific Shotgun (non-toxic shot)

Coyote Year-Round Jan 1 – Dec 31 No limit; night hunting with permit

BAG LIMITS

Maine Bag Limits

Daily and seasonal harvest limits for major game species.

White-tailed Deer 1 1 antlered (3" min) + 1 antlerless by permit Rifles allowed; Some WMDs are Any-Deer

Moose 1 1 ~2,500 permits annually; sub-permittee system; iconic Maine experience

Black Bear 1 2 Bait + hounds legal; ~36,000 bears statewide — largest in eastern US

Turkey (Spring) 1 2 Bearded turkeys; $20 permit

Turkey (Fall) 1 1 Either sex

Ruffed Grouse 4 No season limit Classic upland; North Woods tradition

Woodcock 3 No season limit Federal migratory; HIP required

Snowshoe Hare 4 No season limit 6-month season; beagle tradition

COMPARE

How Maine Compares to Neighboring States

See how hunting license costs stack up in the region.

Maine $26 $115

New Hampshire $32 $113

Compare All 50 States

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Maine Hunting Licenses

How much is a hunting license in Maine?

Resident: $26 big game, $16 small game, $42 combo. NR big game: $115, small game: $75. Super Pack: $202 (everything bundled). Youth 10-15: $7. Seniors 70+: FREE lifetime.

Can I hunt moose in Maine?

Yes — Maine has ~75,000 moose, largest Lower 48 population. Permits: $52 res / $585 NR by lottery. App fees $15-$55 NR (1-10 chances). ~2,500 permits/year with sub-permittee system. Iconic Maine experience.

Is bear baiting legal in Maine?

Yes — Maine is one of very few states allowing bear bait (Aug 25 – Sep 20), hound hunting (Sep 8 – Oct 31), and still hunting (Nov 1-29). Season limit: 2 bears. ~36,000 bears — largest eastern US population. Bear permit: $10 res / $74 NR.

Can I hunt on Sunday?

Yes — since 2022, Sunday hunting is legal on PRIVATE land with written landowner permission. Still prohibited on Sundays on public land. This was a major change after decades of Sunday hunting bans.

What is the Super Pack license?

The $202 Super Pack bundles: big game hunting + fishing + archery + muzzleloader + crossbow permits. Best value for avid Maine hunters who participate in multiple seasons. Saves over $40 vs. buying individually.

How long is archery deer season?

Sep 6 – Dec 13 — over 3 months. Expanded archery available in some WMDs. Crossbow season may have specific dates. Some of the best whitetail bowhunting in New England.

Do seniors hunt free?

Yes — ME residents 70+ get a FREE lifetime combination hunting and fishing license. One of the best senior programs in the Northeast. No renewal ever needed.

Can I buy online?

Yes, through MOSES at moses.maine.gov. Also at town offices and authorized agents statewide. Moose lottery applications submitted separately through MDIFW.