IF&W Information Center

Can you take two deer during the Expanded Archery Season with a bow and still take a 3rd deer in the Special Archery, Firearms, or Muzzleloading
seasons?

IF&W Information Center

IF&W Information Center

If you need more information the email address below will answer any technical questions from the State. They are pretty good at answering emails. 

Contact the State DIF&W at this email address 

No permit or license is required unless you are hunting, or your weapon is concealed. To carry a concealed weapon, you must obtain a concealed weapons permit. You may carry a weapon with you on your trip for protection without a concealed weapons permit as long as the weapon is not concealed (must be exposed). However, possession of a firearm in the woods or in an unorganized
township on Sunday is prima facie evidence of Sunday hunting, unless the firearm is carried, securely wrapped, in a complete cover; is fastened in a
case; or is carried in at least 2 separate pieces in such a manner that it cannot be fired, unless the separate pieces are joined together. 

Summary of firearms laws 
Legal firearms for hunting: Handguns, rifles and shotguns not larger than 10-gauge are legal for hunting in Maine, except as follows: Automatic firearms are illegal. Auto-loading firearms are illegal if they hold more than 6 cartridges* (does not apply to .22 caliber rimfire guns or to auto-loading pistols with barrel less than 8"). See Auto-loading firearms. 

Illegal devices for hunting: Silencers, tracer bullets, explosive bullets, set guns. Deer hunting: No firearm may be used which uses .22 rimfire cartridges, except .22 magnum. 

Moose hunting: It is illegal to use .22 caliber rimfire firearms or shotguns using shot loads. 

No firearms of any kind may be carried while hunting deer with a bow and arrow during the special archery season on deer and the expanded archery season on deer, except that a person who also holds a license that allows hunting with firearms may carry a handgun. 

Carrying concealed firearms. A permit is required to carry a concealed firearm in Maine, except that licensed hunters and trappers are exempt while engaged in these activities; the latter provision does not authorize the carrying of a concealed or loaded firearm in a motor vehicle. Some town offices or city halls issue these permits to residents. If not, contact Maine State Police. Non-residents may obtain concealed weapons permits from
the chief of the Maine State Police; telephone: (207)624-8775. 

Loaded firearms in motor vehicles: It is unlawful to have a loaded firearm in or on a motor vehicle (including trailer, ATV, aircraft, snowmobile, or railway car). A loaded clip may be carried in a motor vehicle, but it must not be inserted in a firearm. Persons who hold a Maine concealed firearms permit may carry a loaded pistol or revolver in a motor vehicle. Firearms may be transported in a motor vehicle without a concealed firearms permit provided they are (1) unloaded and in plain view, or (2) are unloaded and placed in a remote secure area (such as a locked trunk) away from the control of the occupants of the motor vehicle. For purposes of this law, a muzzle-loading firearm is considered to be loaded only if charged with powder, lead and a primed ignition device or mechanism.

Inland Fisheries & Wildlife
Information Center
284 State Street 41 SHS
Augusta, ME  04333-0041
207-287-5226