The Top 6 Reasons Maine Is the Best State for Deer Hunting

Hunting is one of the few activities where you can spend hours and hours outdoors and not get sick of it. You start off getting your area ready early in the morning and patiently wait for the perfect deer to come across your path. There are days when you just sit and wait and don’t see anything. But the days you do come across a deer make the waiting worth it. Maine is known for being an amazing place to hunt deer. These are the reasons why Maine has become a place where hunters dream of going.

The Habitat of Maine Helps Make Deer Bigger Than Most

Maine is known for being a beautiful state with tons of open areas to roam. Almost every inch of Maine that hasn’t been developed, which is the bulk of Maine, is considered to be a good habitat for deer to live in. This quality habitat means deer are getting plenty of nutrients and are healthy, should you want to eat the meat of the deer you hunt. It also provides a scenic background to look at and appreciate during the times you’re waiting for a deer to approach you.

The Deer Density in Maine Is Larger Than Most States

When hunting, it’s smart to look for places that have the most of the animal you’re trying to hunt. Maine currently has more than 300,000 deer roaming around, which equates to roughly ten every square mile on average. In the southern part of the state, those numbers can climb up to 40 per square mile. You’ll want to avoid the northern part of the state, as there’s only an average of two per square mile. Odds are, you’re going to find a deer in Maine at some point during your trip.

Maine Has A Long Hunting Season

Starting in early September, you may use archery in designated areas in Maine to hunt deer. Later in the month, you may bring out the crossbow until late October. This gives you a chance to practice a skill that’s going away in society today. Firearms season starts in late October and winds down in late November. The last part of hunting season allows you to use a muzzleloader on certain dates between late November and early to mid-December. It’s important to know you can only bag one antlered deer per season according to the state. You should also check yearly for the exact dates, as they do fluctuate.

The Weather in Maine is Comfortable During Hunting Season

During October and November, the prime of hunting season, the weather in the southern part of Maine is ideal for hunting. This is where the bulk of the deer are. In Portland, the average temperature is between 40 degrees and 50 degrees. It also rarely snows during this part of the year in Maine, giving you better visibility. With all of the equipment that’s required to hunt and clothing to blend in, there truly isn’t a better time of year to be outdoors and hunting deer.

Getting A Hunting License in Maine is Easy, Yet Reasonable

The steps for acquiring a hunting license in Maine are easy, but help you be as safe as you can. To obtain the license, you’ll have to either prove you’ve had one in the past or have taken two classes on safety. You’ll also need to have a firearms, archery, or crossbow license, depending on what you’re looking to do. Each of these licenses requires the completion of a safety course. After that, you’re all set and good to go. This may seem like a lot to do, but you only have to do it once, as the license is renewable each year.

Maine Has A Great Hunting Culture

Around 15% of the population in Maine hunt — the sixth highest percent of a state’s population who hunt in the United States. This is an advantage for people who love to hunt in bigger groups. The state prides itself on being open to hunting and allowing you to do so while having the right training and education. If you’re looking for a great deer hunting culture to join, consider going to Maine. You’ll fit right in.