Maine Bag Limits
Complete daily limits, possession limits, and season limits for hunting and fishing in Maine.
Maine Bag Limits
Complete guide to daily limits, possession limits, season limits, and size restrictions for hunting and fishing in Maine. Updated for the current season.
Big Game
3 species
Game Birds
6 species
Fish Species
4 species
Total Species
14
Big Game
3 species in Maine
| Species | Daily | Possession | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | 1 | - | Per permit held | Any-deer permits by zone lottery |
| Moose | 1 | - | 1 per year | Highly competitive draw; guide required for NR |
| Black Bear | 1 | - | 1 per year | Baiting legal; excellent populations |
Upland Birds
3 species in Maine
| Species | Daily | Possession | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Turkey | 2 | - | 2 per year | Bearded birds; 1 per season type |
| Grouse | 4 | 8 | - | Ruffed and spruce grouse |
| Pheasant | 2 | 4 | - | Stocked birds only |
Small Game
1 species in Maine
| Species | Daily | Possession | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rabbit | 4 | 8 | - | - |
Fish
4 species in Maine
| Species | Daily | Possession | Season | Size Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smallmouth Bass | 5 | - | - | 12" minimum | - |
| Largemouth Bass | 5 | - | - | 12" minimum | - |
| Brook Trout | 5 | - | - | 6" minimum | - |
| Salmon | 2 | - | - | - | Landlocked salmon; water-specific rules |
Maine Special Notes
Maine moose permits are lottery-only. Non-residents must use registered guide.
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Maine Regulations Overview
State wildlife agency and regulations information
- Species Covered
- 14 species with regulations
- Big Game Species
-
- White-tailed Deer
- Moose
- Black Bear
- Wildlife Agency
- Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
This information is for reference only. Always verify regulations with your state wildlife agency before hunting or fishing.
Last verified: January 2026
Maine Bag Limits FAQ
Common questions about harvest limits in Maine
What is the deer bag limit in Maine?
In Maine, the daily deer limit is 1 with a season limit of Per permit held. Any-deer permits by zone lottery
What is the difference between daily and possession limits?
Daily limit is the maximum you can harvest in one day. Possession limit is the maximum you can have at any time, typically 2-3 times the daily limit. In Maine, possession limits help ensure hunters don't stockpile beyond reasonable personal use.
What big game can I hunt in Maine?
Maine offers hunting for: White-tailed Deer, Moose, Black Bear. Each species has specific limits and regulations - always verify current rules before hunting.
What are the fishing limits in Maine?
Maine fishing limits include: Smallmouth Bass: 5/day (12" minimum); Largemouth Bass: 5/day (12" minimum); Brook Trout: 5/day (6" minimum); Salmon: 2/day. Water-specific regulations may override general limits.
Where can I find official Maine bag limits?
For official and current bag limits, check your Maine wildlife agency website. Regulations can change annually, and specific areas may have different rules. Always carry current regulations while hunting.
Are there special regulations I should know about in Maine?
Maine moose permits are lottery-only. Non-residents must use registered guide.
Other States
View bag limits for more states
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