Headed out with a junior hunter tomorrow? Here is what you need to know!

mefishwildlife.com

Junior hunters who hold a valid junior hunting license (including a lifetime license) can participate in the youth deer day hunt on Saturday, October 26, 2019!

Participants are allowed to take one deer of either sex (in WMD's where any deer permits are issued) with a firearm, bow and arrow, or crossbow. In WMDs where there are no any deer permits issued, junior hunters may only take an antlered deer. All laws pertaining to hunting during the open firearms season on deer apply on the youth deer day.

If a junior hunter shoots a deer on the youth deer hunting day, they are prohibited from taking any additional deer, unless they have been awarded a bonus antlerless-deer permit or participate in the expanded archery season (designated areas only) with appropriate expanded archery permits.

Supervision of Junior Hunters

• Hunters from 10–15 years of age must be in the presence of, and under the effective control of, an adult supervisor.
• Hunters under the age of 10 must be in the presence of, and under the effective control of, an adult supervisor who remains at all times within 20 feet of the hunter.

Adult Supervisor means:

1. The parent or guardian of the junior hunter who holds or has held a valid Maine hunting license or successfully completed a hunter safety course.
2. A person 18 years of age or older who:
   1. Is approved by the parent or guardian of the junior hunter; and
   2. Holds or has held a valid Maine hunting license or successfully completed a hunter safety course.

In the presence of means: in visual and voice contact without the use of visual or audio enhancement devices, including but not limited to binoculars and citizen band radios.

Note: On Youth Only Hunting Day, the accompanying parent, guardian, or qualified adult shall not possess a firearm, bow and arrow or crossbow while accompanying a participating youth hunter.

If you plan to take a young hunter out on youth deer day, remember, preseason scouting can be critical in the success of any hunt, and scouting should include seeking landowner permission on the land you want to hunt. Asking for permission only takes a minute, and the time that it takes benefits both you and the future of hunting.

For more complete listing of hunting regulations, please visit mefishwildlife.com/laws