Maine is one of the most popular states for crossbow hunting, and for a good reason. With regulations in place to protect both the hunter and the animal, Maine offers an exciting and challenging hunting experience. In this guide, we’ll outline the regulations governing crossbow hunting in Maine and provide tips on how to best enjoy this outdoor sport.
We tried hard to provide the most up-to-date information, but please check the regulations if you are unsure of any details. We are not legal advisors and are not liable for any incorrect information. Keep in mind this information is provided for general reference only.
Maine Crossbow Hunting Regulations
- The question are crossbows legal in Maine can be answered by examining the hunting seasons they are permitted.
- First and foremost, you must have a crossbow hunting permit which you can obtain after getting an archery hunting license.
- You also need to complete the crossbow hunting educational program.
- According to the new law of Jan 2020 to Dec 2022, you can now do crossbow hunting during the Regular October Archery Season and Fall Wild Turkey Hunting Season.
- The new law also specifies that if you use the crossbow during the open archery season, you can harvest an antlerless deer only if you have the antlerless deer permit.
- One must be at least 16 years old to hunt with a crossbow.
- If you are under 16 you can hunt with the crossbow without having a crossbow permit or completing a hunter educational course but should be under the supervision of an expert hunter supervisor.
- Crossbows can be used to hunt deer, bear, and moose during applicable firearm hunting season.
- You can use the crossbow for hunting turkey both in the spring and fall hunting season.
- For a crossbow to be legal for hunting, it must have a draw weight of at least 100 pounds, this type of crossbow can buy under 200 dollars.
- Also, it must have a shoulder-type stock, while the broadheads used must be at least 7/8 inches wide.
- Crossbows must be equipped with mechanical safety triggers.
- Arrows with explosive or poisonous tips are prohibited, as are hand-held pistol crossbows.
- You can use a crossbow scope or sight mounting on top of the crossbow.
- During the muzzleloader season, it is strictly prohibited to the use of crossbow.
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The above pieces of information are only a general guide. If you find any errors or omissions, please let us know. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
About The Author:
Lake Streeter, A Gun enthusiast, and loves to hunt in the middle of the wood. Always check the latest hunting gears out in the market and try to share his honest opinion with the audience in Tarheel3Gun.
1 thought on “Crossbow Hunting Laws and Regulations In Maine”
I have a question regarding handheld crossbows. Are they legal to carry on one’s person, openly, as one would a gun as long as they are disarmed/unloaded. Now I don’t mean in a holster, of course, but hung from a strap of a belt. Would it also be legal to carry a full-sized crossbow on ones back in public. I happen to prefer them to guns, and would like to know what public restrictions may apply.