Give muzzleloader hunting a shot
 Maine's legendary white-tailed deer hunt can be a test of patience! If you aren't tagged out yet, you still have time! The firearms hunting season for deer ends November 29, followed by one-two weeks of muzzleloader hunting opportunity depending on which WMD you are hunting.
To participate in the muzzleloader hunting season, you need to purchase a muzzleloader permit in addition to your big game hunting license.
Looking to fill your freezer? There are still antlerless deer permits available for purchase in WMDs 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 29. Hunters can purchase three antlerless deer permits online (if a hunter acquired an antlerless deer permit through the lottery, they can have a total of four antlerless deer permits).
Frequently asked questions about Maine's muzzleloader seasons
When is the muzzleloader season on deer?
Statewide: December 1 - December 6, 2025
WMDs 12, 13, 15-18, 20-26, 29: December 8 - December 13, 2025
Do I need a special muzzleloader permit? A muzzleloader permit, in addition to a valid adult big game hunting license that allows the use of firearms, is required for hunters 16 years of age or older prior to hunting deer during the muzzleloader deer season. The muzzleloader permit is included in the junior hunting license and the senior (age 70+) lifetime license.
Permits may be purchased online at mefishwildlife.com or at a local agent.
What is a muzzleloader? Muzzleloader means a firearm that is capable of being loaded only through the muzzle; is ignited by a matchlock, wheel lock, flintlock, or caplock, including an in-line caplock or shotgun or rifle primer mechanism; has a rifled or smooth-bored barrel capable of firing only a single charge; propels a ball, bullet, or charge of shot; and may have any type of sights, including scopes.
New technology: There are new types of muzzleloaders on the market that allow for a pre-measured amount of factory loaded gun powder that is encapsulated and is not loaded through the muzzle as a traditional muzzleloader would require. The bullet is still loaded through the muzzle. This still meets the definition of a muzzleloader and is legal for hunting during the muzzleloader hunting season. The Department is frequently asked if the Nitrofire by Traditions Firearms is legal to use, the answer is yes.
Can I dispatch a deer with a pistol after I shoot it with my muzzleloader? No, you can only use a muzzleloader during the muzzleloader season to harvest a deer (see crossbow exception below).
Can I use a bow or crossbow during the muzzleloader season? No, you cannot use a bow or crossbow during the muzzleloader season unless you hold the special permanent disability permit to hunt with a crossbow. Exception: Use of bows or crossbows in expanded archery areas during the expanded archery season is permissible for any hunter who has an archery license and expanded archery permit(s).
Can I fill my antlerless deer permit during the muzzleloader season? Yes, as long as you are hunting in the wildlife management district (WMD) where your permit was assigned and have a valid hunting license and muzzleloader permit.
Can I harvest an antlerless deer without an antlerless deer permit in WMDs 21-25 and 29?For 2025, in WMDs 21-25 and 29 during the firearms and muzzleloader seasons, hunters may harvest one deer, either antlered or antlerless, under the authority of their big game hunting license. This deer counts as the hunter's one deer for the year. If a hunter wants to take additional deer, an antlerless deer permit is required.
Do hunters with a special disability permit need a muzzleloader permit to hunt with a crossbow during the muzzleloader season? Yes, hunters who hold a special disability permit who are eligible to hunt with a crossbow during the muzzleloader season on deer with a crossbow are still required to purchase the muzzleloader permit.
Am I required to wear orange? Anyone who hunts any species with a firearm, muzzleloader, or crossbow during any firearms or muzzleloader season on deer (also on Youth Deer Day) must wear two articles of hunter orange clothing. One article must be a solid-colored hunter orange hat; the other must cover a major portion of the torso, such as a jacket, vest, coat or poncho and must be a minimum of 50% hunter orange in color (camouflage).
Antlerless deer permits are still available for purchase in WMDs 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 29. Hunters may purchase three extra permits total (if a hunter acquired a lottery permit, they may have up to four total antlerless deer permits). Purchase a deer permit online at mefishwildlife.com/deerpermit
Click here for a WMD map.
Have you purchased a permit but can't remember your permit number or information?
You can look up your permit using the Purchased Permit Lookup.
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