Hunting, Fishing & Gathering

Hunting, fishing and gathering are traditional pursuits in Maine.

Hunting

Hunting is allowed on Public Lands and many of the State Parks in accordance with the laws of the State of Maine, the laws and rules of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IF&W); and local ordinances. Additionally see the IF&W Wildlife Management Areas virtual tour.

  • Use our Park Search Feature and select the hunting icon under “Search by Activities” to find the allowable hunting locations on Maine State Parks and Public Lands.
  • Hunting is not allowed at State Historic Sites or Memorials or at these properties:
    • Bradbury Mountain State Park west of State Route 9
    • Cobscook Bay State Park
    • Crescent Beach and Kettle Cove State Parks
    • Damariscotta Lake State Park
    • Ferry Beach State Park
    • Holbrook Island Sanctuary State Park
    • Owls Head Light State Park
    • Quoddy Head State Park within 1,000 feet of the lighthouse
    • Reid State Park
    • Sebago Lake State Park
    • Shackford Head State Park
    • Two Lights State Park
    • Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park
  • Additional Hunting Closures and Rules are listed in the Rules for State Parks and Historic Sites.
  • Bear Baiting information.

Fishing

Fishing is a popular sport for all ages in Maine.

Gathering

Gathering is a tradition of many Maine families who make a day of berry picking and seasonal treks to the woods to collect fir tips for wreath making or birch and ash for basket making.

  • Is only allowed on Maine’s Public Lands, not on Maine State Parks and Historic Sites.
  • Permits are required for some forms of gathering. A list and contact information is provided on the gathering page.