Know the 2026 Youth Deer Hunting Rules
Licensed junior hunters may take one antlered deer OR one antlerless deer statewide during Youth Deer Hunting Days without an antlerless deer permit. The deer counts toward the junior hunter’s annual bag limit, and additional deer may only be taken when the hunter meets the requirements for applicable antlerless deer permits or expanded archery opportunities.
A few important reminders:
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If a junior hunter harvests an antlered deer: They cannot take additional deer unless they have the appropriate antlerless deer permits or qualify to participate in an expanded archery season with the required permits.
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If a junior hunter harvests an antlerless deer without an antlerless deer permit: They cannot take an antlered deer or additional antlerless deer unless they have the appropriate permits or qualify for expanded archery opportunities.
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If a junior hunter harvests an antlerless deer with an antlerless deer permit: They can continue hunting for an antlered deer or additional antlerless deer if they have the appropriate permits or qualify for expanded archery opportunities. Additional antlerless deer permits are available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis in Wildlife Management Districts (WMDs) 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 29.
Review the current regulations before heading afield to make sure you understand the bag limits and permit requirements.
Youth Deer Hunting: Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate in Youth Deer Hunting Days?
Junior hunters with a valid junior hunting license, including a lifetime license, may participate with a qualified junior hunter supervisor.
A junior hunter supervisor must be the hunter’s parent or guardian who holds or has held a valid Maine hunting license or completed a hunter safety course, or an adult age 18 or older who is approved by the parent or guardian and meets the same licensing or safety-course requirement.
What ages qualify for a junior hunting license?
Anyone who has not yet turned 16 must have a junior hunting license to hunt. There is no minimum age to purchase one. Hunters who turn 16 during the calendar year may continue hunting on their junior license for the remainder of that year, subject to applicable hunter safety and supervision requirements.
Can nonresidents participate?
Yes. Youth Deer Hunting Days are open to nonresident junior hunters who meet the applicable junior license requirements, including eligible hunters who turn 16 during the calendar year.
Can an adult supervisor carry a firearm or other equipment used to harvest a deer?
No. While supervising a junior hunter on Youth Deer Hunting Days, an adult supervisor may not possess equipment intended to kill wildlife. This restriction does not apply to a sidearm carried for personal protection.
What happens if a junior hunter wounds a deer?
The junior hunter is responsible for dispatching the deer. Young hunters should only take a shot when they are confident in their ability to make an ethical harvest and should be prepared for the responsibility that follows.
Good luck to everyone heading into the woods this weekend! Take the time to teach, learn, and enjoy the experience. The memories made along the way may be the best part of the hunt.
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