These are the changes to Maine hunting laws for 2025

By Susan Bard, Bangor Daily News Outdoors Editor

Stay informed about the latest changes and important reminders for hunting in Maine. The following updates highlight key regulations, new opportunities and clarifications that hunters should be aware of for the 2025 hunting season. These updates cover everything from digital stamp purchases and landowner privileges to specific hunting regulations and equipment policies.

Federal duck stamps go digital

Waterfowl hunters can now purchase Federal Duck Stamps online through duckstamp.com. Adult hunters must obtain both federal and state migratory waterfowl permits, while junior hunters need only the federal permit.

Landowner hunting rights clarified 

Maine resident landowners and their immediate family members can hunt on their own property without a license, provided they own and live on at least ten contiguous acres. This privilege covers firearms, archery and muzzleloader hunting but comes with restrictions: It doesn’t apply to hunters with suspended or revoked licenses, and moose hunting still requires a license regardless of land ownership. Turkey hunting has separate landowner privilege requirements.

More deer hunting opportunities in select areas 

Wildlife Management Districts 21-25 and 29 will offer either-sex deer hunting during the 2025 firearms and muzzleloader seasons. Hunters can take one deer – buck or doe – under their big game license, but this counts as their annual deer harvest. Additional deer require purchasing separate antlerless permits.

Fox tagging requirements updated 

Hunters who harvest red or gray fox must now tag their animals within 10 days of the season’s close, adding a new reporting requirement to regulations.

Property rights for abandoned equipment established 

Landowners now have clear legal authority to claim abandoned hunting equipment found on their property. When tree stands, blinds or trail cameras are left behind with no identifiable owner, property owners can remove, destroy, sell or keep the equipment.

Bear dog training restriction corrected A printing error in last year’s regulations has been fixed: nonresidents, including nonresident Maine guides, are prohibited from training dogs on bears in Maine. This correction appears in the updated 2025-2026 law book.