Moose Information for Mainers

One of Our Animals is the MAINE MOOSE

Moose Hunting In Maine

General Information

Alces alces americana

According to state wildlife biologists, Maine's moose population is estimated at 29,000. For the 2007 season, the success rate for hunters was 71 percent. Hunters killed 2,052 moose out of a possible 2,880 permits issued. Every year, several moose exceed 1,000 lbs. dressed weight. Trophy racks are not uncommon.

Who May Hunt

Only holders of a valid moose hunting permit and their subpermittee's may hunt moose.

Legal Methods for Taking Moose

Moose may be hunted with rifle, shotgun, handgun, muzzleloader, or bow and arrow. Shotguns using shot loads and .22 caliber rimfire firearms are prohibited.

Other Restrictions

The bag limit is one moose per permit holder. The moose may be shot by either the permittee or the subpermittee. It is illegal to drive moose in the State of Maine.

Season

Hunters holding valid moose permits and their designated subpermittee may hunt moose in one of twenty three Wildlife Management Districts (WMD's), which cover over 21,000 square miles. Successful bidders of the moose auction may select the hunting zone of their choice.

New Changes Beginning 2009

Notice: Beginning in 2009, moose permit applications will only be accepted online. Paper applications will no longer be printed or mailed. The online application process will be available starting in early January of 2009.