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 Archery hunting for Maine's white-tailed deer provides hunters with additional days to hunt, warmer weather conditions, and a quieter time to experience the woods. Like all deer hunting seasons, the regular archery and expanded archery seasons help keep deer populations healthy and in check. Additionally, the expanded archery zones maximize hunting opportunity in areas that would otherwise receive minimal or no hunting due to a variety of factors, such as difficult to access coastal islands or areas with high residential development and discharge ordinances. This unique hunt allows for sound wildlife management and increased hunting opportunity all while respecting other outdoor users and private landowners.
Before heading afield, here are a few reminders:
- Always ask for permission before hunting on private property. Access to private land is an incredible gift, and in order to preserve it, everyone who ventures outdoors needs to understand the contribution that landowners make.
- Only point your archery equipment in a safe direction.
- Nock your arrow only when it is safe to shoot.
- Never shoot over a ridge and always be aware of your target and beyond.
- Consider wearing an article of hunter orange to and from your hunting location to increase visibility. Remember, hunter orange is required for all crossbow hunters who are hunting in a WMD which is also open to firearms hunting for deer or moose. Learn more about hunter orange clothing requirements.
- Have a plan for meat care. September and October days tend to be much warmer than November, know how you will quickly cool and process your harvest for the highest quality meat.
- Some areas open to deer hunting have special restrictions and may not permit the use of crossbow, learn more. Hunters should also check municipal ordinances that may restrict or prohibit the discharge of certain projectiles (e.g., arrows, bullets, bolts).
Expanded Archery Season for deer is September 7 - December 14, 2024 in designated areas only. Expanded archery zones can be found online or by using the expanded archery map. Regular Archery Season (all WMDs) is October 5 - November 1, 2024.
We hope you have a wonderful fall full of memories and outdoor experiences.
Updated Archery Hunting Laws for 2024
Archery Hunting
Changes to the bowhunting license and crossbow permit occurred in 2024. A bowhunting license is now an archery license. A crossbow permit is no longer required as hunting with a bow and arrow AND crossbow are included with an archery license. Archery equipment now refers to crossbow and bow and arrow.
Use of crossbows in expanded archery areas during the expanded archery season is now permissible for any hunter who has an archery license and expanded archery permit(s). Crossbow use is NO longer permissible during the muzzleloader season. Please see note above regarding areas open to deer hunting with special restrictions and municipal ordinances.
The regular archery license allows archery equipment to be used to hunt all legal game throughout the year, except for deer during the muzzleloader season.
Obtaining an Archery License: Individuals applying for the archery hunting license must show proof of having successfully completed an archery hunter education course (which now includes crossbow safety) or of having held a Maine adult archery license in any year after 1979, or evidence of previously holding a crossbow permit in Maine prior to 2024. When proof or evidence cannot be provided, the applicant may substitute a signed affidavit. Native Americans are exempt from safety course requirements for archery and trapping.
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