Maine’s Youth Deer Hunting Days to be held this week
Maine Adds a Second Youth Deer‑Hunting Weekend
Junior hunters under 16 can now hunt a deer on both Friday and Saturday before the adult season starts.
Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (DIFW) has opened a new two‑day window for licensed junior hunters. Beginning next season, children who are 15 or younger and hold a junior license will be able to harvest a deer on both Friday and Saturday of the designated Youth Deer‑Hunting Weekends. The move, announced after a 2023 expansion, follows more than two decades during which the state offered only one such day.
The new schedule is part of the state’s effort to give young hunters a chance to experience a traditional pastime while still keeping safety as a top priority. Junior hunters must always be accompanied by an adult who meets the licensing or safety training requirements set by DIFW. The adult’s responsibility is to ensure the hunter follows all state regulations and handles the weapon safely.
How the Seasons Stack Up
The archery season for deer is already in progress and will finish on October 30 in most regions of Maine. Following that, the firearms season will open for adult residents on October 31, with non‑resident adults beginning on November 2. Both resident and non‑resident hunters will have until November 28 to complete their harvests.
After the firearms season, the muzzleloader season begins on November 30 and runs through December 5 in the majority of the state. In a few districts, the season is extended into December to accommodate local hunting traditions.
A Look at Last Year’s Numbers
The 2025 harvest report released by DIFW shows that 55,876 deer were taken by Maine hunters that year. That figure dwarfs the totals for other large‑game species and underscores how popular deer hunting remains in the state. The new Youth Deer‑Hunting Days are expected to add a small but meaningful number to those totals, while also fostering a sense of stewardship among Maine’s youngest outdoor enthusiasts.
Getting the Details
The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife lists the exact dates for the Youth Deer‑Hunting Weekends each year on its website, along with the required licensing forms and safety guidelines. Hunters and parents can also find comprehensive information on season dates, bag limits, and gear regulations on the DIFW’s rules and regulations page.
For those interested in applying for a junior license or learning more about the accompanying adult requirements, the department’s website offers step‑by‑step instructions and downloadable forms.
The expansion reflects a growing recognition of the importance of outdoor education for younger generations. While the state’s wildlife agency does not provide specific enrollment figures yet, early indications suggest that many families are eager to take advantage of the new opportunity. As the next hunting season approaches, junior hunters and their supervising adults will have a fresh chance to step into the woods, practice responsible shooting, and help maintain Maine’s rich wildlife heritage.
