Resident deer tag or permit entry cost.
ME
Deer Hunting in Maine: Tags, Seasons & Regulations (2026)
Deer hunting in Maine starts with the current deer cost entries, season dates, bag limits, and CWD rules.
Resident Tag $26 Deer tag/permit
Non-Resident Tag $115 Non-resident deer tag
Primary Season Sep 6 – Dec 13 Expanded Archery
Draw Required? No (OTC) Over-the-counter tags
DEER QUICK ANSWER
Maine Deer Tag Cost, Season & Rules: Quick Answer
Start here for Maine deer tag cost, primary season timing, draw status, and CWD planning before using the full tables below.
Use this before adding the base license and trip permits.
Most hunters can start from the state license portal and available deer permits.
Expanded Archery; also check Regular Archery.
For Maine deer hunting, use the listed resident and non-resident deer cost entries together with the note: Antlered deer is covered by the big game hunting license; antlerless deer requires an antlerless permit where available. Because this page lists over-the-counter access, the main risk is choosing the correct weapon season, zone, and add-on permit. Maine does not list a current CWD detection here, but carcass import rules can still affect travel.
OVERVIEW
Deer Hunting in Maine
Maine deer hunting starts with the big game hunting license: $26 for residents and $115 for nonresidents. That license covers antlered deer under the statewide 3-inch antler definition, while antlerless deer requires a WMD-specific antlerless deer permit where available. Maine has not detected CWD in its deer herd and uses carcass import restrictions to reduce risk from outside jurisdictions. Because antlerless opportunity, expanded archery areas, residents-only day access, and muzzleloader extensions all depend on WMD or license status, Maine deer planning should be done by WMD and permit rather than by a blanket statewide tag claim.
Species present: White-tailed Deer
SEASONS
Maine Deer Season Dates (2026)
All archery, firearm, and muzzleloader season dates.
Multiple Seasons
Maine offers 7 distinct deer seasons. Check specific zone dates with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife — dates and bag limits may vary by management unit.
COSTS
Maine Deer Tag Fees
Resident vs. non-resident tag and permit costs.
Resident
$26
Deer tag / permit
Non-Resident
$115
Over-the-counter tag available
Antlered deer is covered by the big game hunting license; antlerless deer requires an antlerless permit where available
PLAN YOUR NEXT STEP
Choose the right Maine deer planning path
Jump into the state hub, shortlist pages, and deer-planning tools before you work through every remaining section.
Check the full Maine license setup
Move back to the main state hub when you need the base license, non-resident options, or add-on permits outside deer tags.
Compare Maine with other deer options
Use shortlist pages when you are deciding between states instead of reviewing each deer page one by one.
Use deer-planning tools next
Shift from deer-tag detail into season timing, trip budgeting, and cross-state deer planning helpers.
Add a wider 2026 cost view
Check benchmark and non-resident premium reports before you commit to one deer state or trip budget.
REGULATIONS
CWD & Deer Hunting Regulations in Maine
Chronic Wasting Disease status, antler restrictions, and weapon rules.
CWD Status
Not Detected
CWD Testing / Transport
No in-state detection listed
Maine restricts importation of high-risk cervid carcass parts from most outside jurisdictions; check MDIFW import rules before returning with a deer.
Bag Limit
Daily: 1 · Season: 1 antlered (3" min) + 1 antlerless by permit
Antlered must be 3"+ antlers; antlerless requires WMD-specific permit
Allowed Weapons
Bow, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader
Official Source
Always verify current regulations with the official source: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife . Season dates, bag limits, and CWD regulations may change annually.
FAQ
Deer Hunting in Maine — FAQ
Is CWD testing mandatory in Maine?
No mandatory deer testing applies statewide. Maine has not detected CWD in its deer herd, and MDIFW uses surveillance plus import restrictions on high-risk cervid parts from outside jurisdictions.
What are the antler restrictions?
Hunters are permitted to take only 1 antlered deer per year. To qualify as an antlered buck, the deer must have at least one antler 3 inches long or longer.
Can I bring a deer harvested in another state into Maine?
Do not bring a whole or unprocessed cervid carcass into Maine from most outside jurisdictions. MDIFW allows low-risk parts such as boned-out meat, cleaned skull caps, cleaned teeth, hides without heads, and finished taxidermy under current rules.
What deer species can I hunt in Maine?
Maine is home to White-tailed Deer. Allowed weapons include bow, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader.
Can non-residents hunt deer in Maine?
Yes, non-residents can hunt deer in Maine with the nonresident big game hunting license, currently listed at $115. Antlerless deer requires a separate antlerless permit where available.