Maine Hunting License Guide — Updated for 2026. License types, fees, permits, where to buy, and season dates.
Whether you’re a Maine resident heading out for deer season or planning a trip from out of state, this guide covers everything you need to hunt legally in Maine in 2026 — which license to buy, what it costs, the permits different game requires, and where to get it. Maine’s hunting is among the best in the Northeast, from white-tailed deer and black bear to moose, turkey, and waterfowl across millions of acres of accessible woods.
Quick answer: A Maine hunting license costs $26 for residents and $115 for non-residents in 2026. You can buy online through the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) or from licensing agents statewide. Most hunters also need species-specific permits (deer, bear, turkey) on top of the base license, and all first-time hunters must show proof of hunter education.
Do You Need a Hunting License in Maine?
Yes. Anyone hunting wild birds or animals in Maine needs a valid hunting license, with the specific license depending on your age and residency. A resident is someone who has lived in Maine for at least one year (full-time students enrolled in a Maine institution for a year may also qualify). Non-residents need a non-resident license. On top of the base license, many types of hunting require additional permits — deer (antlerless), bear, turkey, and moose all have their own rules, covered below.
At What Age Do You Need a Hunting License in Maine?
Hunters under 16 need a junior hunting license, which is discounted and includes privileges for several species. Hunters 16 and older need an adult hunting license. All first-time hunters, regardless of age, must show proof of having completed a hunter safety (hunter education) course before buying a license — this can be from Maine or any other US state or Canadian province.
What Types of Maine Hunting Licenses Are Available?
Maine offers a range of licenses depending on residency, age, and what you plan to hunt. The most common are the resident and non-resident adult hunting licenses, the junior license for hunters under 16, and the combination hunting-and-fishing license for those who do both. Serious hunters often choose the resident-only Super Pack, which bundles nearly every license, permit, and stamp into one. Short-term and small-game-only options are also available for non-residents on shorter trips.
2026 Maine Hunting License Fees
Resident Fees
- Resident Hunting License: $26
- Resident Combination Hunting & Fishing: $43
- Junior Hunting License (under 16): discounted (see MDIFW for current rate)
- Super Pack (resident only): around $202-212 — bundles hunting, fishing, archery, muzzleloader, turkey, bear, migratory waterfowl stamp, pheasant, and more; the best value for hunters who pursue multiple species
Non-Resident Fees
- Non-Resident Hunting License: $115
- Non-Resident Small Game / short-term options: available at lower cost for limited hunting
- Note: the non-resident base license runs roughly 340% above the resident rate — factor permits and tags on top when budgeting a trip.
License fees and permit rules can change; always confirm current pricing on the official MDIFW site before purchasing.
What Permits Do You Need for Deer, Bear, Turkey, and Moose?
The base hunting license lets you hunt many species, but Maine’s biggest game each has its own permit or rules:
- Deer: The base license covers antlered deer during open seasons. Antlerless (doe) hunting requires a separate antlerless deer permit, allocated by district. A muzzleloader permit ($16 resident / $25 non-resident) is required for the muzzleloader season.
- Bear: Hunting bear requires a bear permit. Non-residents hunting bear with dogs must hunt in the presence of a licensed Maine guide — a “confirm early” item that affects trip scheduling and cost.
- Turkey: A wild turkey permit is required in addition to the hunting license.
- Moose: Moose hunting is by lottery only. You apply for the annual moose permit lottery; winners receive a permit for a specific zone and season. It is one of the most sought-after hunts in the Northeast.
Where Can You Buy a Maine Hunting License?
You can buy a Maine hunting license two ways: online through the MDIFW licensing system (instant digital delivery, available 24/7), or in person from licensing agents statewide — sporting goods stores, many convenience stores, town clerks, and turnpike service centers. Agents processing moose or antlerless deer permit applications may charge a $2 fee. Note that not all town clerks issue non-resident licenses, and first-time trapping licenses must be purchased in person at the MDIFW office in Augusta. You’ll need a valid ID and proof of hunter education to buy.
Maine Hunting Season Dates (2026)
Maine’s deer season structure runs from early fall into December: expanded archery opens in September, regular archery in early October, the youth deer day and residents-only day in late October / early November, the firearms season through most of November, and muzzleloader in early December. Bear season opens in late summer, turkey has spring and fall seasons, and waterfowl follows the federal framework. Exact dates shift each year and some (like moose zones) can change, so always confirm the current dates on the official MDIFW season page before you hunt.
Maine Hunting License FAQ
How much is a Maine hunting license in 2026?
A Maine hunting license costs $26 for residents and $115 for non-residents in 2026. A resident combination hunting-and-fishing license is $43, and the resident-only Super Pack (which bundles most licenses and permits) runs about $202-212. Species permits for deer, bear, and turkey cost extra.
Can I buy a Maine hunting license online?
Yes. Maine hunting licenses can be purchased online through the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) licensing system, with instant digital delivery. You’ll need a valid ID, proof of hunter education, and payment. Licenses are also sold by agents statewide.
Do you need hunter education to get a Maine hunting license?
Yes. All first-time hunters must show proof of completing a hunter safety (hunter education) course before buying a license. Maine accepts hunter education certificates from any US state or Canadian province, not just Maine.
How much is a non-resident Maine hunting license?
A non-resident Maine hunting license costs $115 in 2026 — roughly 340% more than the $26 resident rate. Non-residents can also buy small-game-only and short-term options at lower cost, plus species permits and tags as needed.
Do you need a license to hunt on your own land in Maine?
Maine residents who own farmland or who hunt on their own land should check current MDIFW rules, as there are specific provisions for resident landowners. In general, a hunting license is required, but some exemptions and reduced-fee options exist for qualifying resident landowners — confirm your situation on the official MDIFW site.
How do you get a Maine moose permit?
Maine moose hunting is by lottery only. You apply for the annual moose permit lottery (there is an application fee); if drawn, you receive a permit for a specific wildlife management district and season. Demand far exceeds permits, so many hunters apply for years before being selected.
Planning to fish as well? See our Maine Fishing License Guide — a resident combination license covers both. Moving to Maine? Our Moving to Maine guide covers what new residents need to know. MaineGuide.com has been Maine’s resource guide since 1995.