Moose hunting is a popular sport in Maine, and for good reason. Moose are majestic creatures, and hunting them can be an awesome experience. However, moose hunting is also a challenging sport, and it is important to be prepared before you go.
If you are interested in moose hunting in Maine, there are a few things you need to do to get started. First, you need to obtain a hunting license from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. You can apply for a license online or by mail.
Once you have your hunting license, you then need to enter the Maine Moose Hunting Lottery. To enter the Maine Moose Lottery you must submit an application online or by mail. The application deadline is May 15th. The moose hunting lottery is held each year in May. Now that you have your hunting license and you are on of the lucky few to win a Moose Permit from the Maine Moose Hunting Lottery you need to decide where you want to hunt. Moose can be found in all parts of Maine, but they are most common in the northern and western parts of the state. You can find information about moose populations and hunting areas on the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website.
Moose hunting permit auction:
In addition to the lottery, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife also offers a moose hunting permit auction each year. The auction is held in April. To participate in the auction, you must submit a sealed bid. The highest bidder wins the permit.
The auction proceeds benefit youth conservation education programs in Maine.
If you are interested in moose hunting in Maine, I encourage you to learn more about the lottery and the auction. Moose hunting is a great way to experience the outdoors and to harvest a healthy, wild animal.
| Lottery Information | Moose Hunting Season | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| The application period is January 25 – May 15, 2023 at 11:59 pm (ET). You can enter the moose lottery online. You can choose your WMD preferences, season preferences, antlerless preferences, sub-permittee and adaptive hunt option. | Moose hunting is allowed in 21 of Maine’s 29 Wildlife Management Districts (WMDs) during certain weeks in September, October, and November, with exact dates varying by WMD. See the table below for the 2022 moose hunting season dates and permit allocations by WMD. | The application fee is $15 for residents and $55 for non-residents. The permit fee is $52 for residents and $585 for non-residents. |
| WMD | Dates | Annual Bag & Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 4A (Adaptive Unit) | October 17, 2022 – October 22, 2022 October 24, 2022 – October 29, 2022 October 31, 2022 – November 5, 2022 | Only 1 may be taken annually with permit. |
| 1-6, 10, 11, 18, 19, 27, 28 | September 26, 2022 – October 1, 2022 | Only 1 may be taken annually with permit. |
| 1-14, 17-19, 27, 28 | October 10, 2022 – October 15, 2022 | Only 1 may be taken annually with permit. |
| 1-6,8 | October 24, 2022 – October 29, 2022 | Only 1 may be taken annually with permit. |
| 15,16 Maine Resident Permit Holders Only | October 31, 2022 -November26 ,2022 | Only 1 may be taken annually with permit. |
When you are choosing a hunting spot, it is important to consider the following factors:
- Moose habitat: Moose prefer to live in forests with plenty of food and water.
- Hunting pressure: Some areas of Maine are more heavily hunted than others. You may have a better chance of success if you choose an area with less hunting pressure.
- Accessibility: Some hunting areas are more difficult to access than others. If you are not an experienced hunter, you may want to choose an area that is easier to get to.
Once you have chosen a hunting spot, you need to decide what type of equipment you need. The most important piece of equipment is a rifle that is powerful enough to take down a moose. You will also need a scope, a good pair of binoculars, and a hunting knife.
Moose hunting is a challenging sport, but it can also be an awesome experience. If you are prepared and you follow the rules, you can have a successful moose hunt.
Here are some additional tips for moose hunting in Maine:
- Scout the area before you hunt. This will help you to find moose trails and feeding areas.
- Be patient. Moose hunting can be a waiting game. You may not see a moose for hours, or even days.
- Be quiet. Moose have excellent hearing, so it is important to be quiet when you are hunting.
- Be safe. Moose are large and powerful animals. It is important to be safe when you are hunting them.
Moose hunting is a popular sport in Maine, but it is important to remember that moose are wild animals and should be treated with respect. If you are interested in moose hunting, I encourage you to learn as much as you can about the sport and to follow the rules and regulations set by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. By doing so, you can help to ensure that moose hunting remains a safe and sustainable sport for generations to come
