Hunting in North Maine Woods
One of Maine's premier hunting destinations — 3.5 million acres of remote forest with moose, deer, bear, and upland birds.
8 min read
Overview
Hunting is one of the primary recreational uses of North Maine Woods. The region's vast commercial forestland provides habitat for Maine's most sought-after game species: moose, whitetail deer, black bear, and upland birds (ruffed grouse and woodcock). Generations of Maine hunters have built camps in these woods, and the traditions run deep.
NMW's network of logging roads provides access to remote terrain that would otherwise be unreachable. The campsites serve as base camps for hunting parties, and the checkpoint system helps managers track harvest and usage.
Season Dates at a Glance
| Species | Season | Dates (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Moose | Permit lottery | Late Sept – late Oct |
| Deer (Archery) | Expanded archery | October |
| Deer (Firearms) | Regular season | November (4 weeks) |
| Deer (Muzzleloader) | Special season | December (1 week) |
| Bear | General + bait/dogs | Late Aug – late Nov |
| Ruffed Grouse | Upland bird | Oct 1 – Dec 31 |
| Woodcock | Migratory bird | Oct 1 – mid-Nov |
Dates Are Approximate
License Requirements
All hunters need a valid Maine hunting license. Purchase online at MDIFW or at sporting goods stores before entering NMW — there is no place to buy licenses inside the woods.
License Overview
- Resident hunting
- $26
- Non-resident hunting
- $115
- Non-resident small game
- $75
- Moose permit (resident)
- $52
- Moose permit (non-resident)
- $585
- Bear permit
- $27 resident / $74 non-res
- Migratory bird stamp
- Required for woodcock
NMW-Specific Rules
- Firearms transport: Firearms must be unloaded while in your vehicle on NMW roads
- Blaze orange: Required during firearms deer season; strongly recommended anytime during fall
- Check-out: Report your harvest at the checkpoint when leaving
- Logging trucks: Continue to yield to logging trucks — hunting season is also active logging season
- Camp fires: Fire permit required at fire permit sites; use authorized sites when possible
- NMW fees: Regular checkpoint fees still apply during hunting season
Sunday Hunting
Safety
Hunting in NMW means hunting in genuine wilderness. The remoteness that makes it great also makes it dangerous if you're not prepared.
- Satellite communicator — essential, not optional. Garmin inReach or similar with SOS
- Tell someone your exact plans: where you're going, when you'll be back
- Be aware of logging truck traffic, especially on main roads
- Carry a comprehensive first aid kit
- Know the area — carry GPS and paper maps
- Hunt with a partner when possible
- See our safety guide for emergency contacts and general wilderness safety
Species Guides
Moose Hunting
Permit lottery, WMD zones, guided vs. unguided, gear, and field logistics.
Read guide →
HuntingDeer Hunting
Archery, firearms, and muzzleloader seasons, WMD regulations, and camp logistics.
Read guide →
HuntingBear Hunting
Bait, dogs, and still-hunting methods, licensing, and bear management context.
Read guide →
HuntingUpland Bird Hunting
Ruffed grouse and woodcock — best habitat, road hunting, and dog-friendly hunting.
Read guide →
Best Campsites for Hunters
Browse our campsite map to find sites in your target hunting area. Look for vehicle-accessible authorized sites with good road access — you'll need a base camp for gear storage and game processing.