Maine's resident-only deer-hunting day is Saturday, Oct. 31, followed by the regular firearms season from Nov. 2 through Nov. 28, according to the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife's 2026 hunting rules.
Hunting is prohibited on Sundays. Regular archery season ends Oct. 30, while expanded archery continues in designated areas through Dec. 12.
A narrow exception allows some nonresidents to hunt on resident-only day. They must own at least 25 acres in Maine, leave that land open to hunting, hold a valid license and complete the required verification form.
During the firearms and muzzleloader seasons, wildlife management districts 21 through 25 and 29 allow hunters to take one deer of either sex under their big-game license. That animal counts toward the license's annual allowance. Taking additional deer requires the appropriate permits.
Other areas have different restrictions, and municipal ordinances can limit hunting methods. The state rules page includes closed areas, district restrictions and permit requirements.