Maine Moose Lottery Applications are Now Being Accepted Online

Online applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Moose Permit Lottery.

Maine Moose Permits are Treasured Because Only a Few Are Given Out Each Year

It may seem early to think about a Fall moose hunt, but for the hunting enthusiasts who try every year to get a permit, it's an exciting time, because you can't hunt moose in Maine without one.

It would be wonderful if everyone who wanted a permit could get one, but to control the moose population, the hunt is limited.

READ MORE: Earth's Deadliest Animal Will Soon Return to Maine

3,705 permits will be given out in the 2026 drawing, including antlered and antlerless.

Maine Moose Permit Applications Must be Submitted Online

Applications for the moose lottery are only accepted online, and there are a few things you need to know before you fill one out:

• Which Wildlife Management Districts (WMDs) are you willing to hunt?
• Would you accept a permit in a different WMD if your top choices are already filled?
• What's your preferred hunting season - September Bull, October Bull, or October Antlerless?
• Would you be willing to accept an antlerless permit?
• Who will be your sub-permittee and alternate?

When you know who, what, when, and where, go online to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife's website and apply.

Maine Hunters Have Until Mid-May to Get Their Moose Permit Applications Submitted

Applications are accepted online only and are due before May 18, 2026, at 11:59 pm.

This year's moose permit lottery is being held on June 20, 2026, at the Acton Fairgrounds. Hosted by the York County Shrine Club and the Masons of Southern Maine, the event will run from 1 to 5 pm.

If that's too far for you to travel, no worries. The results will be posted by 6 pm that night, so everyone can check the lists.

Fingers crossed!