Sharpen Your Skills: Get Ready for Hunting Season

August is National Shooting Sports Month, a nationwide initiative created by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) to recognize the shooting sports community, promote safe and responsible participation, and highlight the important role shooting sports play in supporting conservation efforts nationwide.

National Shooting Sports Month encourages people of all experience levels to enjoy recreational shooting, develop their skills, and spend time at the range while prioritizing safety.

With Maine's fall hunting seasons fast approaching, August is also the perfect time to make sure your firearm is ready for the season ahead. Whether you're planning to hunt moose, bear, deer, or another game species this fall, don't wait until the last minute to sight in your rifle and make sure that equipment is dialed in.

Support Conservation

Recreational shooters contribute significantly to conservation efforts through the Pittman-Robertson Act, which allocates excise taxes from firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment to state wildlife conservation programs. This funding supports habitat restoration, wildlife research, hunter education, and public-access projects, ensuring sustainable ecosystems and healthy wildlife populations.

Visit the Range

Visit one of Maine's state-owned and operated shooting ranges in Fryeburg or Summerhaven for a day of target shooting or to sight in and prepare for hunting season. MDIFW ranges are available for public use, free of charge during scheduled hours, when an authorized Range Safety Officer is on duty. The ranges are open to everyone—from first-time shooters and new hunters to experienced marksmen. Range rules help ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all participants.

Weekdays are often the best time to visit and avoid larger crowds.

Take the Next Step

Fine-tune your skills with a Next Step Workshop. Designed for participants of all experience levels, MDIFW's Outdoor Programs offer educational and mentored opportunities that help build confidence, develop practical skills, and provide hands-on experience in a safe and supportive environment. Programs include learn-to-hunt workshops, introductory firearms courses, female-focused outdoor skills events, and more. Whether you're preparing for your first hunt or looking to build on existing skills, we can help you take the next step in your outdoor journey.

Pass It On: Scouting the Next Generation of Hunters

With the kids out of school for a while longer, National Shooting Sports Month is also a great time to introduce the next generation to Maine's outdoor traditions and prepare for an upcoming youth hunt. Several youth hunting days are just around the corner, giving young hunters a chance to gain valuable experience in the field before the regular season begins.

Upcoming youth hunting days include:

More information

• Purchase your Hunting License or Permit
• Check Season Dates and Bag Limits
• 2026-2027 Legal Hunting Hours (PDF)
• Download the latest Hunting Lawbook
• Safety courses
• What does my hunting license cover?
• Plan your Hunt
• Where to Hunt