Maine’s moose population is the largest of all the lower 48 states, estimated at 60-70,000 animals.
This presents an incredible hunting opportunity for those lucky enough to win a Maine moose permit. And the appeal is no secret — every year, the Maine moose hunt is among the most coveted in the nation, with an average of 50,000 applications for the 2,000 to 3,000 moose permits typically issued.
The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. on May 15, 2018.
Success rates for permit holders over the past 10 years have been over 70 percent. Every year, among those success stories are several moose exceeding 1,000 lbs. dressed weight; and trophy racks are not uncommon.
To hunt for moose in Maine, apply for a permit. Because of high demand, permits are administered through a chance lottery.
Apply online here.
Fill out the online moose permit application and select preferences, including: WMD preferences:
Indicate which districts you’d be willing to accept a permit in, and if you’d accept a permit in another WMD if your name is drawn and all of your top choices are filled; season preferences if you only want to hunt in a specific month; antlerless preference, and whether or not you would accept an antlerless permit.
Also, name a sub-permittee , someone authorized to participate with you in your moose hunt. You can designate an alternate sub-permittee, and can apply with MDIFW to change either of these names up to 30 days before the hunting season begins.
The Lottery drawing will be held at the Skowhegan Moose Fest June 8-10 at the Skowhegan Fairgrounds, with the drawing taking place June 9. More information on the Moose Festival can be found here.