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Maine and Massachusetts could soon see bans lifted on Sunday hunting Some states are steadily chipping away at longstanding bans on Sunday hunting, and there's a push to overturn the laws in Maine and Massachusetts, the final two states with full bans. Maine’s highest court is considering a lawsuit asking whether the state's 19th century law, which prevents hunting big game animals such as deer, moose and turkeys on Sundays, is still necessary. In Massachusetts, where hunters are also lobbying for Sunday hunting rights, there is a renewed effort to change state laws forbidding the practice. Forty states have no prohibitions on hunting on Sundays.

Post: 22 November 2023

Adrián Mora

Maine Moose Lottery: Demographics, Associations and Clubs, Laws and Hunting Seasons. How to Apply and Increase Your Odds Maine offers hunters a diverse and challenging experience shaped by its unique geography, wildlife, and traditions. With over 35,000 square miles of forests, waterways, and mountains, the state stands out as one of the premier hunting destinations in the northeastern United States. Geography and Natural Features Maine’s landscape is dominated by forests, covering nearly 89% of its total area. The North Woods, spanning 10 million acres, provide critical habitat for game species. Over 6,000 lakes and ponds, combined with 32,000 miles of rivers and streams, create ideal environments for waterfowl and other wildlife. Coastal salt marshes along the Atlantic Flyway attract migratory birds, while mountainous regions like Mount Katahdin (5,270 feet) offer rugged terrain for big game. The state’s climate, with cold winters and moderate summers, influences animal behavior and migration patterns. Hunter Demographics Maine boasts approximately 170,000 licensed hunters annually, representing about 13% of the population—one of the highest per capita rates in the U.S. Roughly 85% are male, with an average age of 47, though female participation has grown to 15%. Hunters spend an average of $1,200 per season, contributing over $200 million annually to the economy. Youth programs and mentorship initiatives have helped sustain participation, with 20% of new licenses issued to first-time hunters under 25. Unique Aspects of Hunting in Maine Maine’s vast public land access—over 17 million acres—is a major draw. Unlike many eastern states, hunters can pursue game without private leases. Dense forests (70-90% canopy coverage) require stealth-based strategies, such as tracking or tree stand hunting. Weather variability adds another layer of challenge, demanding specialized gear for rugged conditions. Primitive methods like archery and muzzleloading remain popular, with 30% of deer harvested through these means. Game Species and Hunting Methods White-Tailed Deer The primary quarry, with a population of 200,000. Archery season runs from late September to November, while rifle season occurs in November. Success rates range between 15-20%. Black Bear Maine hosts one of the largest bear populations in the East (36,000). Hunters use baiting (most common), hounding, or still-hunting during an extended season from August to November. About 3,500 bears are harvested annually. Moose Limited permits (3,000 annually) are issued via lottery. Success rates exceed 70%, making it highly sought-after. Moose hunting involves spot-and-stalk techniques in northern and eastern regions. Small Game and Waterfowl Ruffed grouse, woodcock, and snowshoe hare attract small game hunters. Waterfowl opportunities include Canada geese, mallards, and black ducks, particularly along coastal areas. Turkey hunting occurs in spring and fall. Trapping also plays a role, targeting furbearers like beaver, marten, and fox. Around 5,000 trappers harvest over 100,000 pelts annually. Seasonal Framework Maine’s hunting calendar aligns with natural wildlife cycles: Archery Deer: Late September to November. Muzzleloader Deer: Late November to early December. Bear Season: Late August to November. Moose Season: Late September to early October. Turkey: Spring (May-June) and fall (October-November). Waterfowl: Resident goose season starts in September; general waterfowl begins in late October. Youth-specific days encourage young hunters to participate. Regulations and Legal Requirements The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife oversees hunting laws. Key regulations include: Basic Hunting License ($25 residents, $101 non-residents). Special permits for bear ($27), moose (lottery-based), and antlerless deer. Firearms restrictions: Centerfire rifles (.24 caliber minimum for deer), shotguns (20 gauge or larger), and archery equipment meeting specific draw weights. Immediate tagging and reporting within 24 hours after harvest. Land access rules balancing public use with private property rights. Cultural Heritage Maine’s hunting traditions blend Native American practices with European influences. Family camps serve as hubs for passing down skills and fostering community bonds. Traditional meals like venison pot pies highlight cultural continuity. Events like moosehead breakfasts and community gatherings reinforce social ties among hunters. Interesting Facts Maine’s moose population rebounded from near extinction (fewer than 20 animals in 1900) to current levels thanks to conservation efforts. Augusta is the only U.S. capital where hunters can legally shoot deer within city limits. The state maintains a census of over 12,000 registered hunting camps. A record-breaking 918-pound moose was harvested in 2009. Albino deer sightings occur statewide, with notable concentrations in Hancock County. Maine’s combination of abundant wildlife, accessible public lands, and rich traditions makes it a standout destination for hunters seeking both challenge and connection to nature. Whether pursuing trophy moose, black bears, or waterfowl, hunters find themselves immersed in a storied culture deeply tied to the state’s wilderness.

Post: 21 May 13:01

USA: all about hunting and fishing, news, forum.

Maine and Massachusetts could soon see bans lifted on Sunday hunting In the US, there are 40 states that have no prohibitions on hunting on Sundays Some states are steadily chipping away at longstanding bans on Sunday hunting, and there's a push to overturn the laws in Maine and Massachusetts, the final two states with full bans. Maine’s highest court is considering a lawsuit asking whether the state's 19th century law, which prevents hunting big game animals such as deer, moose and turkeys on Sundays, is still necessary. In Massachusetts, where hunters are also lobbying for Sunday hunting rights, there is a renewed effort to change state laws forbidding the practice. Forty states have no prohibitions on hunting on Sundays. The bans stem from so-called "blue laws" that also regulate which businesses can remain open and where alcohol can be sold on Sundays. Animal welfare groups, conservation organizations and others are rallying to defend the prohibitions, but the end of the laws might be in sight. Other states such as Virginia and South Carolina have in recent years rolled back what remains of their own limitations on the Sunday hunt. Residents of states where hunting is part of the culture are divided on the subject. Some hunters argue the laws protect private landowner rights, while others say the rules take away hunting opportunities — or are just plain silly. Sportsmen who oppose the laws see them as a vestige of the blue laws dating to the 17th century and limiting what activities citizens can engage in on a day governments once dedicated to prayer. Jared Bornstein, executive director of Maine Hunters United for Sunday Hunting, said allowing seven-day-a-week hunting would allow people the opportunity to harvest their own food in a state with many poor, rural communities that cannot afford soaring grocery costs. "I'm not saying that Sunday hunting is going to save the world economically, but I'm saying for a group of people, there's more of an objective benefit to it," Bornstein said. "It’s a generation’s last vestigial attempt to control the working class." The states that still have full or partial bans on Sunday hunting are all on the East Coast, where every fall sportsmen pursue wild turkeys and white-tailed deer with firearms and archery. Last year, South Carolina opened limited hunting on public lands on Sundays, and the year before that Virginia made a similar move. A few years prior North Carolina began to allow Sunday hunting on some 75% of its public hunting land, according to the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation. Laws were also loosened in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Delaware in the past five years. Maine's ongoing court case, which could legalize Sunday hunting, concerns a couple who filed a lawsuit stating the "right to food" amendment in the state's Constitution, the first of its kind in the U.S., should allow them to hunt on any day of the week. The Maine Supreme Judicial Court has heard arguments in the case, but it's unclear when it will rule, said Andy Schmidt, an attorney for the couple. The state first banned Sunday hunting in 1883. In Massachusetts, where some sources date the ban all the way back to the Puritan era, a campaign to repeal it made progress before stalling in the state Legislature in 2014. Some are continuing to try to strike the law, which is "discriminating against hunters," said John Kellstrand, president of the Mass Sportsmen's Council. A new proposal to authorize Sunday hunting via bow and arrows was introduced earlier this year. The efforts to roll back Sunday hunting up and down the East Coast face opposition from a broad range of interest groups, including animal protection advocates, state wildlife management authorities and private landowners. Maine Woodland Owners, a group representing rural landowners in the most forested state in the country, sees the Sunday hunting ban as critical to keeping private lands open for hunting access on the other days of the week, Executive Director Tom Doak said. "We're not asking for money. We're not saying pay us. We're not asking for anything but to be left alone one day a week," Doak said. "They will close their lands. They absolutely will do that." Sportsmen's groups, including the National Rifle Association and Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, have long lobbied to overturn Sunday hunting restrictions, and have had much success over the past 30 years. In that time, states including New York, Ohio and Connecticut have loosened Sunday hunting laws. Lifting bans has created hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars in economic activity, said Fred Bird, assistant manager for the northeastern states for the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation. Getting rid of what's left of these laws would remove "a regulation that has no basis in wildlife management," Bird said. "Simply put, if hunters do not have available days to go afield, they must decide whether their time, energy, and financial resources should continue to be allocated to a pursuit they are unable to fully participate in," he said. Wildlife managers in states with Sunday hunting have sometimes pushed back at efforts to overturn the bans. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife testified against a proposal earlier this year that would have allowed Sunday hunting with a bow and arrow or a crossbow. Agricultural, land owner and conservation groups also came out against the proposal, which had support from the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation and some hunters in the state. The Maine Farm Bureau Association testified it's important for land owners to have "one day of rest without disruption." The proposal was ultimately voted down in committee. However, the odds of a similar proposal coming before the Maine Legislature again seem high, testified Judy Camuso, commissioner of the wildlife department. "The topic of Sunday hunting has been a heated social debate for years," she said.

Post: 23 November 2023

Daria Patskevich

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