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Your Complete 2025 Maine Hunting License Guide – Seasons, Fees & Online Permits

  • Writer: Gerry Caron
    Gerry Caron
  • 14 hours ago
  • 6 min read


Your Complete 2025 Maine Hunting License Guide – Seasons, Fees & Online Permits

Hunt with Confidence: Your Complete 2025 Maine Hunting License Guide – Seasons, Fees & Online Permits

If you’re planning a hunting trip in Maine, your first step is securing a valid Maine hunting license — the legal key to the woods. Whether you're a resident or visitor, Maine requires licenses and species-specific permits. In this comprehensive guide, we break down everything you need to know — from license types, season dates, permit costs, and how to apply — so you can focus on the hunt, not the paperwork. Here is your complete 2025 Maine Hunting License Guide.


Why You Need a Hunting License in Maine

Hunting in Maine without the proper license is illegal and can result in steep penalties. The state structures its licensing by resident status, age, method of hunting (archery, firearm, muzzleloader), and target species. Some seasons, like moose or antlerless deer, require additional permits beyond your base license.

Licenses are valid for one calendar year, starting January 1 (or from the date of purchase if bought later in the year).You may purchase your license online or through local agents such as town clerks, sporting goods stores, or other authorized vendors. Maine + apps1.web.maine.gov


How to Buy: Online & Agent Options

  • Online: Use the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (MDIFW) licensing portal (MOSES system). apps1.web.maine.gov

  • In Person / Agents: Many town offices, town clerks, bait shops, or outdoor retailers issue licenses. Some agents may charge an extra handling fee (~$2) especially for permits. Maine + apps1.web.maine.gov

  • First-time trapping licenses must be obtained at MDIFW’s Augusta office. apps1.web.maine.gov


If you're unsure how to proceed, MDIFW can help:

License Types & Costs (2025)

License Type

Maine Resident

Nonresident / Visitor

Hunting (Big Game / Archery)

$26 + agent fee eRegulations + swedenmaine.org

$115 + agent fee eRegulations+1

Small Game Only

(when hunting only small game) – see MDIFW tables eRegulations

—

Combination Fishing & Hunting

$43 + agent fee eRegulations+3Maine+3swedenmaine.org+3

$150 + agent fee eRegulations+2swedenmaine.org+2

Special / Lifetime / Superpack

Superpack: $207 (residents) eRegulations+2apps1.web.maine.gov+2

Lifetime and nonresident options follow statutory schedule mainelegislature.org+2newgloucester.com+2

Some key permit costs:


Note: All fees are subject to change; always check latest MDIFW tables before purchasing.


What Your Hunting License Covers

  • A Big Game License allows you to hunt species like deer, bear, moose, bobcat, and raccoon (subject to permit rules). You do not need a separate small game license if you hold a big game license. Maine+3eRegulations+3Maine+3

  • A Small Game License covers all game species except deer, bear, moose, raccoon, and bobcat. Maine+1

  • Additional Permits are required for certain species or methods — for example moose, antlerless deer, turkey, bear with bait, nocturnal coyote, etc. eRegulations+2Maine+2

  • Some licenses include permits for special privileges (especially for juniors, lifetime license holders, or those over 70) — check MDIFW rules. Maine+1


2025–2026 Season Dates & Bag Limits (Key Highlights)

Below are select season dates and limits. Always verify with the official MDIFW regulations before heading out.


Deer Seasons

  • Expanded Archery (designated areas): Sept 6 – Dec 13, 2025

  • Regular Archery: Oct 4 – Oct 31, 2025

  • Firearms Season: Nov 3 – Nov 29, 2025

  • Muzzleloader (statewide): Dec 1 – Dec 6, 2025

  • Some units (WMDs 12, 13, 15–18, 20–26, 29) have extended muzzleloader window: Dec 8 – Dec 13, 2025

  • Bag Limits: One antlered deer per year (exceptions apply in WMDs 21–25 & 29 during certain seasons) — additional deer require antlerless deer permits. Maine+1


Bear Seasons

  • Youth Bear Day (all WMDs): begins August 23, 2025

  • General Season: August 25 – November 29, 2025

  • Baiting allowed starting July 26 for specified period

  • Bear trapping and dog seasons also scheduled Maine+1


Moose (Permit Only)

  • Applications accepted during spring (April–May) via lottery

  • Seasons vary by WMD; e.g. Bull-only hunts in WMDs 1–6, 10–11, 18, 19, 27, 28 around Sept 22–27 or Oct 13–18

  • Antlerless hunts in some units late October to early November

  • Limit: One moose per permittee / sub-permittee Maine+2apps1.web.maine.gov+2


Wild Turkey (Fall)

  • Season: Sept 15 – Nov 7, 2025

  • Bag limits vary by WMD (1–5 turkeys per permit holder, but must not exceed WMD-specific limits) Maine+2apps1.web.maine.gov+2


Tips to Streamline Your Licensing & Permits

  1. Buy early — some permits (antlerless deer, moose) are limited and may sell out.

  2. Print or carry your license electronically — you must have your license/permit on hand while hunting. The City of Brewer, Maine+1

  3. Stay updated — regulations, WMDs, and dates may change. Always refer to the latest MDIFW hunting laws.

  4. Check agent availability — not all town clerks issue nonresident licenses. Maine

  5. Apply for special permits (moose, antlerless deer) in early spring via lottery or first-come, first-served.

  6. Complete a hunter-safety/archery course if this is your first license or you're applying for a new method (e.g. bow). Maine+1


Contact, Resources & Official Links

Final Thoughts: Get Your Maine Hunting License Before the Season

Don’t let red tape ruin your hunting season. By securing your Maine hunting license, locking in necessary permits, and double-checking season dates ahead of time, you set yourself up for a seamless and legal outdoor adventure.


What to Do in the Moosehead Lake Region & Beyond: Your Complete Guide to Outdoor Adventure & Local Attractions

Planning a trip to the Moosehead Lake region in Maine? You're in for an unforgettable experience packed with adventure, breathtaking natural beauty, and cozy lodging options. From high-adrenaline ATV trails to peaceful paddles on glassy waters, the Moosehead Lake area is a four-season playground perfect for outdoor lovers, families, and anyone looking to unplug and explore.

Want more insider tips? Discover top recommendations at Moose River Lookout, your go-to resource for:

  • 🛶 Boating & paddling routes

  • 🎣 Fishing hotspots

  • 🏕️ Wilderness camping sites

  • 🥾 Trail maps for hiking & nature walks

  • 🍽️ Local dining & shopping recommendations


  • Stay updated with the latest happenings and news in the Moosehead Lake region. Learn more about what to do and where to go in the Moosehead Lake area and beyond.


🏡 Where to Stay: Moose River Lookout – Your Basecamp for Adventure

Located in Rockwood, Maine, Moose River Lookout is the ultimate vacation home rental for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Nestled on the Moose River, this cozy home features:

  • Private Dock with access to Moosehead Lake

  • 3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | Sleeps 7

  • Free WiFi & TV

  • Backup Generator

  • Easy driveway access for trailers & ATVs

  • Direct access to ITS66 Snowmobile Trails

  • Year-round availability for summer AND winter sports

Whether you're hiking Blue Ridge, casting a line in the river, or hitting the snowmobile trails—Moose River Lookout is where your Maine vacation begins.


Ultimate Outdoor Getaway

With direct backyard access to Maine's Interconnected Trail System (ITS66) and a private dock on the river, adventure awaits right outside your door. Whether you're into hiking, golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, skiing, or snowmobiling, you'll find it all just steps away from our doorstep.


Book Your Stay

Experience the ultimate outdoor getaway in the heart of Maine's natural beauty. For inquiries or to make a reservation, please don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to Moose River Lookout, lodging Rockwood Maine a Vacation Home Rental, on Moose River with access to Moosehead Lake and Mt. Kineo!


Looking at a moose at the top of Mt Kineo from Moose River









Whether you're after trophy deer, moose, bear, or turkeys, the right paperwork means you can focus on what truly matters — the thrill of the hunt.

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