Maine § 11401. - Open and closed seasons for deer

Full text of Maine Maine Revised Statutes § 11401. — Open and closed seasons for deer, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 11401.. Open and closed seasons for deer

1. Open and closed seasons. This subsection applies to open and closed seasons for deer.

A. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection and sections 10952, 11152, 11153, 11403 and 11404 or by rule adopted by the commissioner pursuant to subsection 2, there is an open season for deer in each calendar year in all counties of the State between September 15th and December 20th annually. In a year that the regular season extends beyond November 30th, the regular season must start no later than the 4th Monday preceding Thanksgiving. [PL 2025, c. 333, §11 (AMD).]

B. The commissioner may shorten the open season on deer in any part of the State, as long as:

(1) The demarcation of the areas with the shortened season follows recognizable physical boundaries, such as rivers and railroad rights-of-way; and

(3) The Saturday preceding the first day of open season on deer is an open day for residents of the State and for nonresidents who meet the qualifications under paragraph E. [PL 2017, c. 164, §13 (AMD).]

C. [PL 2013, c. 408, §15 (RP).]

D. [PL 2013, c. 408, §15 (RP).]

E. Notwithstanding paragraph B, subparagraph (3), a nonresident who owns 25 or more acres of land in the State and leaves that property open to hunting, holds a valid hunting license and is not otherwise prohibited by law may hunt deer on the Saturday preceding the first day of open season on deer. [PL 2017, c. 356, §1 (AMD).]

2. Rule. The commissioner by rule may:

A. Open any of the areas closed to deer hunting listed in rule, as long as the legislative body of each affected town approves the opening. For purposes of this subsection, "affected town" means a town, township or municipality that contains within its borders any area proposed to be opened pursuant to this paragraph; [PL 2025, c. 333, §12 (NEW).]

B. Create special hunting seasons or expanded archery seasons for the taking of deer in any part of the State to maintain deer populations in balance with available habitat, subject to the provisions of this paragraph.

(1) The demarcation of each area must follow recognizable physical boundaries, such as rivers, roads and railroad rights-of-way.

(2) The commissioner may establish limits on the number of deer taken or possessed by persons during a special season or expanded archery season. Limits established by the commissioner under this subparagraph are exceptions to the limits imposed under section 11501.

(3) The commissioner may specify types of weapons and hunting methods to be used during a special season or expanded archery season.

(4) The commissioner may specify fees for permits issued during a special season, as long as they do not exceed the fees established in section 11153; and [PL 2025, c. 333, §12 (NEW).]

C. Establish a 2-day youth deer hunting period, to be held on the Friday and Saturday preceding the Saturday designated as an open day for residents of the State pursuant to section 11401. [PL 2025, c. 333, §12 (NEW).]

Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A.

Source: official Maine text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Maine § 11401.

What does Maine Revised Statutes § 11401. cover?

Section 11401. ("Open and closed seasons for deer") is part of the Maine Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Maine. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Maine § 11401.?

A common citation format is "Maine Revised Statutes § 11401." (Maine). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Maine law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maine official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maine attorney.

How does Maine § 11401. apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maine can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Official text of § 11401. at the Maine source

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maine.