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If you haven't filled your deer tag(s) yet, don't give up! Deer hunting can be a test of patience, but you cannot harvest a deer if you don't try or put the time in. Remember to control your scent, it is very hard to fool a deer's nose, and enjoy the beauty of being in Maine's woods.
The firearms season ends November 26, and it may be time to start thinking about muzzleloader hunting if you haven't already. To participate, you need to purchase a muzzleloader permit in addition to your big game hunting license.
When is the muzzleloader season on deer?
Statewide: November 28 - December 3, 2022
WMDs 12, 13, 15-18, 20-26, 29: December 5 - December 10, 2022
Do I need a special muzzleloader permit?
A muzzleloader permit, in addition to a valid adult big game hunting license that allows the use of firearms, is required for hunters 16 years of age or older prior to hunting deer during the muzzleloader deer season. The muzzleloader permit is included in the junior hunting license and the senior (age 70+) lifetime license.
Permits may be purchased online at mefishwildlife.com or at a local agent.
What is a muzzleloader?
Muzzleloader means a firearm that is capable of being loaded only through the muzzle; is ignited by a matchlock, wheel lock, flintlock, or caplock, including an in-line caplock or shotgun or rifle primer mechanism; has a rifled or smooth-bored barrel capable of firing only a single charge; propels a ball, bullet, or charge of shot; and may have any type of sights, including scopes.
New technology: There are new types of muzzleloaders on the market that allow for a pre-measured amount of factory loaded gun powder that is encapsulated and is not loaded through the muzzle as a traditional muzzleloader would require. The bullet is still loaded through the muzzle. This still meets the definition of a muzzleloader and is legal for hunting during the muzzleloader hunting season. The Department is frequently asked if the Nitrofire by Traditions Firearms is legal to use, the answer is yes.
Can I dispatch a deer with a pistol after I shoot it with my muzzleloader?
No, you can only use a muzzleloader during the muzzleloader season to harvest a deer (see crossbow exception below).
Can I use a bow or crossbow during the muzzleloader season?
No, you cannot use a bow or crossbow during the muzzleloader season, unless you are age 65 and over or hold the special permanent disability permit to hunt with a crossbow. Exception: Those hunting under the expanded archery designation.
Can I fill my antlerless deer permit during the muzzleloader season?
Yes, as long as you are hunting in the wildlife management district (WMD) where your permit was assigned, and have a valid hunting license and muzzleloader permit.
Do hunters 65 and over or those with a special disability permit need a muzzleloader permit to hunt with a crossbow during the muzzleloader season?
Yes, hunters who are eligible to hunt with a crossbow during the muzzleloader season on deer with a crossbow are still required to purchase the muzzleloader permit.
Am I required to wear orange?
Anyone who hunts any species with a firearm, muzzleloader, or crossbow during any firearms or muzzleloader season on deer (also on Youth Deer Day) must wear two articles of hunter orange clothing. One article must be a solid-colored hunter orange hat; the other must cover a major portion of the torso, such as a jacket, vest, coat or poncho and must be a minimum of 50% hunter orange in color (camouflage).
Antlerless deer permits are still available for purchase for WMDs 24, 25, and 29
Hunters can purchase three total antlerless deer permits. Hunters who were issued a permit through the lottery and claimed their permit by the deadline can purchase four antlerless deer permits total (one through the lottery, and three online).
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