Are you interested to know about Hunting Zones in Maine?. Then kindly read this article first and foremost and plan your visit then.
Know about Hunting Zones in Maine
Maine is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts and hunting ranks as one of the most popular activities in the state.
With its variety of wildlife, plentiful hunting zones in Maine and plenty of guided hunts to choose from, you’ll never run out of ways to experience Maine’s hunting culture during your vacation.
And that’s where this guide comes in!
If you’re considering visiting Maine with the intent of hunting game while there, this guide can provide you with all the tools you need to make the most out of your trip.
Hunting Equipments You Should Carry to Hunting Zones in Maine
- A firearm, ammunition, hunting license and tag (unless you are only planning on using archery equipment)
- The appropriate clothing, including camouflage that is appropriate for the season. It’s not just a good idea to wear camo so that you can blend into the woods; it also helps prevent ticks from getting onto your skin! We recommend a full uniform of some sort, though it’s up to you what makes you feel most comfortable. And don’t forget insect repellent and sunscreen!
- An accurate map of the area where you’ll be hunting, plus an extra one for backup (you never know when you’ll get lost!)
- A compass or GPS device
- Your weapon of choice! If you’re hunting big game, use a rifle with a scope. For smaller game like squirrels, rabbits and ducks, we recommend shotgun with ammo sized appropriately for the animal being hunted. Remember: if you plan on going out with more than one person, bring enough guns and ammo to go around!
- Backpack to carry all your gear around with you
- Personal first aid kit with basic medical supplies
- Waterproof container to keep snacks in, such as beef jerky, trail mix and fruit leather . These will provide much-needed energy when you start feeling hungry while hiking through the forest. And don’t forget a bottle of water!
- Flashlight or headlamp to help see at night -Paper towels or rags to clean up blood after killing an animal. Your hands might get a little messy, but it’s worth it for fresh meat!
- Field dressing knife to skin and gut animals -Extra food to eat during the hunt, such as peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, granola bars, apples and oranges. It’s always better to have too much food than not enough!
- Large cooler or ice chest to store any meat you may kill during your trip. Again, remember to pack your favorite lunch items as well, because you never know how long the hunt will last!
- Sleeping bag or bivy sack for overnight trips. Sleeping on the ground without a bed isn’t very fun…or very safe.
- Don’t forget toiletries and anything else you may need before turning in for the night.
How many Hunting zones in Maine?
There are 29 hunting zones in Maine, each with its own unique rules and regulations.
Here’s a quick guide to help you plan your hunt.
The Northern Zone includes parts of Aroostook, Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Washington counties.
It is the largest zone in the state, and has the longest hunting season.
The East Central Zone includes parts of Androscoggin, Kennebec, Sagadahoc, and Waldo counties.
This zone has a shorter hunting season than the Northern Zone.
The Southern Zone includes parts of Cumberland, Franklin, Hancock, Knox, Lincoln, Oxford, and Somerset counties.
This is the smallest zone in the state, and has the shortest hunting season.
How can you hunt safely?
Before you head out on your hunting adventure, make sure you have the proper equipment and know how to use it.
First and foremost, you’ll need a hunting license. You can apply for one online or at a local sporting goods store.
Once you have your license, you’ll need to purchase a few key items: a shotgun, ammunition, camouflage clothing, and rubber boots.
A major part of hunting safety is knowing where you’re going and what type of game you are looking for.
To start, create a plan with your group about where you will go and what game will be hunted.
Next, search the internet to find information about any particular game that might be hunted in an area (i.e., deer).
Be sure to look up rules of hunt zones as well so that there are no surprises while hunting; some zones prohibit certain types of weapons during different times of year.
Lastly, read up on how to handle yourself when confronting an animal; many animals charge hunters when they first see them which could cause serious injury if not handled properly.
Finally, make sure you have a plan in place in case of an emergency.
You might want to let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return so they can contact law enforcement if necessary.
Laws Pertaining to Hunting Equipment in Maine
- A rifle must have a blade not exceeding 10 guage, except for muzzleloading rifles.
- A muzzleloader firearm must be at least 42 inches long with a minimum of 13-inch blade length measured from the breech end of the barrel, or 27 inches long with a minimum of 15-inch blade length measured from the breech end of the barrel.
- Blades on knives and similar articles must not exceed five inches or six ounces when measuring blade length, whichever is greater.
- The discharge of firearms may only occur between one hour after sunrise and one hour before sunset.
- Persons hunting game birds shall use shotguns no larger than 10 gauge loaded with shells containing pellets that are no larger than number four lead shot.
In those towns designated as deer management areas, all hunters must possess written permission issued by the owner of private property.
Maine provides a full list of prohibited hunting practices including:
- It is unlawful to use any automatic weapon while hunting big game, small game or migratory waterfowl.
- It is unlawful to hunt within 100 yards of any dwelling house without permission from an occupant or tenant thereof, or closer than 300 yards within any posted signs prohibiting such activity.
- It is unlawful to hunt bear over bait (whether natural foods or unnatural foods).
- It is unlawful to possess live animals as bait for big game animals. 5) It is unlawful to hunt black bears with dogs, or shoot them from a public road.
What do people hunt in Hunting Zones in Maine ?
Maine is home to quite a few large animal populations, such as deer, moose, bears, and even wild turkeys.
All of these animals are hunted by locals and tourists alike.
The opening day for the hunting season will vary depending on the type of animal being hunted but as a general rule it begins at around 6 am.
If you’re an out-of-state resident, this may affect your license eligibility.
There’s no need to worry though; not all states require hunters to have licenses!
In addition to their hunting season, Maine also has an abundance of fishing opportunities that can be easily accessed via lakes and rivers all over the state.
What guns can you hunt with in Hunting Zones in Maine ?
Hunting is a key part of the culture and economy of Maine.
There are 14 types of game animals you can hunt with depending on which region you’re hunting in.
The common game animals found throughout the state are deer, grouse, turkey, bear, coyote, raccoon and beaver.
Common sporting rifles used include 30-06 Springfield rifle or 30-30 Winchester rifle for bigger game like deer; 17 Remington rifle for coyote; 22 LR Rimfire or 22 Long Rifle for grouse and rabbit; 16 gauge shotgun for small game like squirrels and raccoons.
Be aware that not all guns are legal for every type of animal, so make sure you know what type of animal you’re going after before bringing your gun.
It’s also important to note that if the gun is not a semiautomatic firearm, it must have an action by which an empty shell is ejected from the firing chamber without recocking or reloading while another round from the magazine is loaded into the firing chamber and then fired, making it a semiautomatic firearm.
The requirement means that most bolt-action firearms and single shot firearms are illegal as they require manual loading after each shot.
Most hunters use semiautomatic firearms because they offer more firepower than manually loaded firearms.
What is the most hunted animal in Hunting Zones in Maine ?
In Maine, hunting for big game animals is popular. Moose, black bear, and caribou are the most hunted animals.
Trout is the most hunted game fish, with many fishing enthusiasts coming from neighboring states and countries just to fish for trout in Maine’s innumerable rivers and lakes.
White-tailed deer hunts are plentiful in both southern and northern regions of the state.
The northeastern region has an abundance of small mammals such as snowshoe hare, fox squirrels, coyotes, raccoons, red foxes and gray foxes.
Ruffed grouse hunting opportunities abound throughout the state; it is estimated that there are between 2 million and 3 million ruffed grouse per square mile in Maine.
Bears and moose populations have stabilized after decades of overhunting.
Deer populations on the other hand have been decreasing since 2005, due to chronic wasting disease (CWD).
The majority of bears that are killed each year are females that threaten human safety or property, while a small percentage are taken during controlled hunting seasons.
Caribou numbers remain low because they live in high altitude areas where hunters do not usually hunt them.
Can you hunt public land in Maine?
In most cases, you can only hunt public land in Maine with a landowner’s permission.
And while it is possible to find a rare public parcel of land with open hunting, that generally requires luck and sleuthing on your part.
That said, there are many conservation easements and acquisitions taking place across the state that may provide public access at some point in the future.
The best way to stay updated on these initiatives is by contacting your local Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife office or consulting the Land Trust Alliance website.
Can I hunt with an AR pistol in Maine?
Hunting with an AR pistol is not legal in Maine.
However, it can be used as a non-magnified sighting device for those who want to hunt without the hassle of rifle, shotgun or muzzleloader hunting.
It can also be used for home defense and tactical use.
The legalities surrounding hunting with AR pistols are currently being debated throughout states like Georgia and California, but there’s still some time before these laws might apply at home, too.
For now, if you’re looking for a more streamlined option that allows you to hunt both small game and big game while retaining the ease of aiming offered by your typical handgun, consider looking into what an AR pistol has to offer.
Is Maine a good state for hunting?
Maine is an amazing state for hunting because of the diversity.
In the hunting zones in Maine, there are lot of small game and large game animals, which makes it fun for new hunters and seasoned veterans alike.
Different animals have different seasons for hunting, so be sure to do your research before heading out into the woods!
There are usually more animals found during specific months, like early fall or late winter, but most locals will be able to help you identify what kind of game you’re looking for and when it’s going to be active.
Maine can also provide an abundance of trophies if that’s what you’re looking for- something that isn’t easy to find at other states.
And even though there are plenty of smaller animals available to hunt, Maine has all four major North American big game species: whitetail deer, black bear, moose and wild turkey.
If you want a break from chasing after some cute little woodland creatures, there’s no shortage of bigger beasts waiting for you in Maine.
Every season is great for hunting zones in Maine, but the best times are September and October.
September hunts are long, usually starting before sunrise and going until late afternoon with a mid-morning break for lunch.
Mid-October hunts start around an hour or two after sunrise and usually end before 2:00 pm.
Either way, when you’re out on the hunt, it’s important to have the right gear.
Verdict about Hunting Zones in Maine
Hunting is a pastime that takes time and patience, it’s not something that you can go into without having the right gear.
That’s why it’s so important to make sure you’re fully prepared before venturing out into the wilds of our great state.
Do your research beforehand, be prepared for all weather conditions, and always be aware of your surroundings—you never know what might jump out at you.
As we hope you’ve learned, there’s more to hunting than shooting animals. But make sure you have the right equipment before you head out into the great outdoors.
Investing in gear that will last and work efficiently will give you a higher success rate and make the hunt more enjoyable.
Hope you would be very much interested to visit hunting zones in Maine by now after reading this article.
Have a great hunt in Maine. Happy Hunting.
