Maine folded crossbow use into the archery hunting license, so hunters with an archery license may use a crossbow during the regular and expanded archery seasons and during the firearms season. Crossbows need at least 100 pounds draw weight and a working mechanical trigger safety, and hand-held pistol-type crossbows are prohibited. Crossbows are not allowed during the muzzleloader season or in certain areas such as Islesboro, Marsh Island in Old Town, Prout's Neck, and the Wells and Cape Elizabeth sanctuaries. Hunters must also hold the appropriate deer permit and stay within the annual bag limit.
Terrain & Hunting Landscape
Maine is a land of vast, unbroken forests, rugged mountains, and a rocky coastline. The North Woods is a remote wilderness of spruce, fir, and bog, while the western mountains offer steep, rocky terrain. Hunters often face cold, snowy conditions and must be prepared for true wilderness navigation in areas with little to no cell service.
Moose, black bear, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, ruffed grouse (partridge), snowshoe hare, sea ducks.
Public Hunting Areas
Baxter State Park (managed units), Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge, Bigelow Preserve, Donnell Pond Public Reserved Land.
Crossbow & Bowhunting Culture
Maine’s hunting culture is steeped in tradition, from the legendary "Maine Guide" services to the pursuit of massive "North Woods" whitetails and moose. The state has a unique relationship with private landowners, where a long-standing tradition of open access remains vital to the sport, alongside a strict "no Sunday hunting" law.
Season Overview
Maine crossbow hunters use the archery license during regular and expanded archery seasons and may also use crossbows during the firearms season, but not during the muzzleloader season. Local ordinances and sanctuary rules can further restrict crossbow use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a crossbow during Maine's archery season?
Yes. Maine includes crossbows under the archery hunting license, so licensed archers may use them during the regular archery season and in expanded archery areas with the required expanded archery permits.
Do I need a disability permit to use a crossbow in Maine?
No. Maine no longer requires a separate crossbow permit; crossbow use is covered by the archery license. Hunters must show proof of an approved archery hunter education course or prior Maine archery license.
What is Maine's minimum crossbow draw weight?
Maine requires a minimum crossbow draw weight of 100 pounds with no maximum, plus a working mechanical trigger safety. Maine does not set a minimum bolt speed.
Are there archery-only versus crossbow zones in Maine?
Maine does not create crossbow-only zones, but crossbows are prohibited in some areas, including Islesboro, Marsh Island in Old Town, Prout's Neck and Richmond's Island, and the Wells and Cape Elizabeth sanctuaries, where only handheld bows are allowed.
What license do I need to hunt deer with a crossbow in Maine?
You need a Maine hunting license and an archery license, plus an antlerless deer permit where required. The annual white-tailed deer bag limit applies across all weapons.
What is a notable Maine crossbow restriction?
Crossbows may not be used during the muzzleloader season for deer, and a loaded crossbow (cocked with a bolt in place) may not be carried in or on a motor vehicle, ATV, snowmobile or aircraft.
Can I hunt on Sundays in Maine?
No, Maine is one of the few remaining states with a "blue law" that prohibits hunting on Sundays. This regulation is intended to reduce conflicts between hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts and is a deeply debated topic within the state's hunting community.
What is the "Any-Deer" permit system in Maine?
In most Wildlife Management Districts, a standard license only allows the harvest of an antlered deer. To harvest an antlerless deer, hunters must apply for and win an "Any-Deer" permit in a lottery, which helps the state manage doe populations on a district-by-district basis.