Maine residents will get a head start on this year’s statewide regular firearms white-tailed deer season with the upcoming Maine Resident Only Day on Saturday. Non-residents will be able to join the hunt beginning on Monday.
The last day of the firearms season will be Nov. 24, the Saturday following Thanksgiving.
The statewide muzzleloader season will begin the following Monday, Nov. 26.
The muzzleloader season will end on Dec. 1 for Wildlife Management Districts 1 through 11, 14, 19, 27 and 28. Hunting in WMDs 12, 13, 15 through 18, 20 through 26 and 29 will continue until Dec. 8.
Hunters are permitted to take one antlered deer annually in Maine, although hunters with an any-deer permit are allowed to take either one antlered deer or one antlerless deer.
A total of 34,160 any-deer (doe) permits have been issued for 2012 in 13 of the state’s 29 WMDs, compared to 26,390 any-deer permits issued in 2011.
Hunters are also reminded that Hunters for the Hungry can take your harvest and provide it to food kitchens, shelters and other charitable organizations statewide. You can contact them at 1-888-4DEERME (433-3763)
For more information on deer hunting in Maine, or to view a complete summary of laws and regulations related to hunting with firearms, visit www.mefishwildlife.com.
Good luck everyone going out. Stay safe and get the big one.
When my grandfather gave me my first gun for Christmas it had a note attached. “May all your hunts be safe and your shots be true.” Something I’ll never forget and a fond memory when every hunting season rolls around. Good luck to all for a safe and successful harvest!
The most important thing to remember; Identify your target and make sure you have a clear shot!
Sitting this season out as I’m working “away”. Lot’s of luck to the hunters and hope I don’t see any stories in the BDN about folks getting shot during the hunt……unless they really deserved it! Just kidding, and that kid is Searsport wiht the 237 pounder make me jealous!