Antlerless Deer Permit Reminders
 A licensed hunter with an antlerless deer permit can harvest an antlerless deer in the designated district and an antlered deer statewide. Antlerless deer permits may be acquired through the lottery, and any remaining permits will be available for purchase on the MDIFW website.
The antlerless deer permit lottery will be open June 26 - July 31, 2025 at 11:59 PM (ET). Applications must be completed online. There is no fee to apply to the antlerless deer permit lottery. If you receive a permit, you must pay the $12 permit fee and $2 agent fee to claim the permit.
Pre-payment option
Applicants have the option to pay for their permit at time of application, if their first choice WMD is a WMD where the applicant is almost certain to receive a permit based on the number of permits available in that WMD. WMDs/subunit eligible for pre-payment option include: WMD 15-17, 20-25, 26a, and 29. If for some reason you do not receive a permit in the lottery, we will refund your payment in full.
Dates to know
-
Lottery Application Open: June 26 – July 31, 2025 at 11:59 PM
-
Lottery Drawing: August 14, 2025
-
Lottery Permit Payment Due: September 11, 2025 at 11:59 PM
-
Extra Permits for Sale: September 16, 2025
Proposed change for 2025: Either-sex hunting in designated WMDs
In Wildlife Management Districts 21–25 and 29, hunters may harvest one deer, either antlered or antlerless, under the authority of their big game hunting license during the firearms and muzzleloader seasons (no antlerless deer permit required). This deer counts as the hunter’s one deer for the year. If a hunter wants to take an additional deer, an antlerless deer permit is required.
*This proposal is still pending rulemaking process and subject to change.
Either-sex hunting is also permitted during the youth hunt (October 24 and 25, 2025) and regular archery season statewide.
Funds from Antlerless Deer Permits Help Purchase over 10,000 Acres of Critical Habitat
Proceeds from the antlerless deer permit fee help fund the purchase and management of deer wintering areas (DWAs), a critical habitat for white-tailed deer living at the northern end of their range. Since 2022, these funds have helped acquire and manage over 10,000 acres of DWAs.
More information
About Antlerless Deer Permits
Antlerless Deer Permit Lottery
Antlerless Deer Permit Frequently Asked Questions
Super Pack Antlerless Deer Permit Frequently Asked Questions
Managing Buck Age Structure
Help Keep CWD out of Maine
Hunting with Nonlead Ammunition
|
