Moose Hunting in North Maine Woods

The Permit Lottery

Maine moose hunting permits are issued exclusively through an annual lottery managed by MDIFW (Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife). There is no over-the-counter permit — you must win the lottery to hunt moose in Maine.

Apply online at MDIFW's moose hunting page. Maine residents and non-residents can both apply. Each permit holder designates one sub-permittee who may also shoot during the hunt.

WMD Zones in North Maine Woods

Maine is divided into Wildlife Management Districts (WMDs). When you apply for the lottery, you choose a WMD zone. WMDs 1–8 cover most of the North Maine Woods territory and have the highest moose density in the state.

• WMDs 1–4 — Aroostook County, northern NMW. High moose density, more remote
• WMDs 5–6 — Central NMW including Chamberlain, Telos, Chesuncook area
• WMDs 7–8 — Southern NMW including KI Jo-Mary, Millinocket area

Season Dates

The moose season is typically split into three one-week segments from late September through late October. Your permit is valid for one specific week.

Cost Breakdown

Guided vs. Unguided

This is one of the biggest decisions you'll make. Both approaches have their merits:

Guided Hunts ($3,000–6,000+)

• Guide handles scouting, calling, field dressing, and hauling
• Local knowledge of moose patterns and terrain
• Equipment and base camp usually provided
• Strongly recommended for first-time moose hunters
• Higher success rates (80%+ with good guides)

Unguided (DIY)

• Much cheaper — just permit, license, and expenses
• Requires significant advance scouting
• Need your own plan for hauling 800–1,200 lbs of animal from the woods
• Need calling skills and local knowledge
• More rewarding for experienced hunters

What to Expect

A typical moose hunt in NMW involves:

• Setting up a base camp at a vehicle-accessible campsite
• Early morning drives on logging roads, glassing bogs and clear-cuts
• Cow calling from open areas near bogs (especially effective during rut)
• Watching gravel pits and pond edges at dawn and dusk
• A lot of waiting — moose hunting requires patience
• Once harvested: field dress, quarter, and transport to a registration station

Best Regions for Moose Hunting

Moose are found throughout NMW, but the highest density areas include:

• Aroostook County / northern NMW — highest moose density in the state
• Ragmuff Stream / Seboomook area — many bogs and feeding areas
• Chamberlain / Telos region — remote, less hunting pressure
• Golden Road corridor — accessible but productive

Gear List for Moose Hunting

• Rifle: .30-06, .308, .300 Win Mag, or similar (200+ yard capability)
• Binoculars (10x42 minimum) and spotting scope
• Moose call (cow call essential, bull grunt optional)
• Blaze orange vest and hat
• Game bags (4 large quarter bags)
• Sharp knives, bone saw, and sharpening steel
• Game cart or ATV plan for hauling
• Coolers and ice for meat transport
• Tarp and rope
• Rubber boots (you'll be in bogs)
• Satellite communicator

Emergency Planning

Moose hunting combines heavy physical labor (hauling quarters) with remote terrain and cool weather. Be prepared for medical emergencies:

• Carry a satellite communicator with SOS — non-negotiable
• Don't over-exert — heart attacks during meat hauling are a real risk
• Tell someone your exact hunting location and check-in schedule
• Carry a comprehensive first aid kit including a tourniquet
• Know the nearest registration station and hospital

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