2022 Maine Upland Bird + Small Game Seasons Open This Weekend
The hunting season in Maine is heating up. This weekend, bird season starts throughout the state.
Another hunting season starts this weekend. September 24 marks the start of Maine's upland bird and small game seasons. Some migratory bird seasons also begin on Saturday, like woodcock. Waterfowl Northern Zones will open to regular duck hunting on September 26, and Southern Zones on October 1. Huntable upland birds include ruffed grouse, bobwhite quail, and pheasant. Small game species include gray squirrel and snowshoe hare.
Hunters need to possess a valid Maine hunting license or small game license. If hunting duck or other migratory birds, a State Migratory Waterfowl Permit, and Federal Migratory Waterfowl Permit is required. Federal Migratory Waterfowl Permits can be purchase at a local post office.
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife reminds hunters "it is imperative that the hunter be certain of his/her target before discharging a firearm." Ruffed grouse and spruce grouse can look very similar, however, there is no open season on spruce grouse. More information on identifying differences between the two birds can be found here.
Maine's fall turkey hunt is underway. The season opened to all Monday, September 19. During the fall season hunters can take turkeys of either sex, or age. In some WMDs up to five turkeys can be harvested during the season. A hunter may harvest only one turkey in WMDs 6-8,10-14, 18, 19, 27, and 29.
Season Bag Limits by WMD:
- Five Turkeys - 15-17, 20-25.
- Three Turkeys - 26.
- One Turkey - 6-8,10-14, 18, 19, 27, and 29.
- Closed to Turkey Hunting - 1-5, and 9.
Last year, The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife made changes to the tagging and registering requirements for harvested turkeys. Now, hunted fall turkeys do not need to be transport tagged or registered. Harvested spring turkeys are still required to be tagged, and registered, in its entirety.