Waterfowl hunting season is a favorite for many… The unmatched sunrises and sunsets, the thrill of seeing waterfowl fly-in, and the camaraderie of hunting with friends (furry or human!) are just a few reasons why.
Tips provided by Fisheries Resource Technician Scott Davis
- Always respect private landowners along the river and others recreating on the water.
- Remember, it is unlawful to discharge any firearm or cause a projectile to pass as a result of that discharge, within 100 yards (300 feet) of a building without permission from the owner or, in the owner’s absence, an adult occupant who dwells in that building. This provision also applies to state-owned boat launches that are posted accordingly
- Keep the safety on until you are ready to shoot and always keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction.
- Have a clear plan with your partner. Many people duck hunt with others. Before the hunt, establish clear shooting lanes, how you will communicate, and proper muzzle control.
- Exercise boat safety. Pay attention to the weather + always tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return.
- Always wear your life jacket. If you think you will have time to put it on after you are in the water, think again. Consider an inflatable life jacket to give yourself plenty of room to move around
- Pick up after yourself and others.
Be a safe, responsible hunter
- Always respect private landowners along the river and others recreating on the water.
- Remember, it is unlawful to discharge any firearm or cause a projectile to pass as a result of that discharge, within 100 yards (300 feet) of a building without permission from the owner or, in the owner’s absence, an adult occupant who dwells in that building. This provision also applies to state-owned boat launches that are posted accordingly
- Keep the safety on until you are ready to shoot and always keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction.
- Have a clear plan with your partner. Many people duck hunt with others. Before the hunt, establish clear shooting lanes, how you will communicate, and proper muzzle control.
- Exercise boat safety. Pay attention to the weather + always tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return.
- Always wear your life jacket. If you think you will have time to put it on after you are in the water, think again. Consider an inflatable life jacket to give yourself plenty of room to move around
- Pick up after yourself and others.
View Migratory Game Bird Regulations and all Maine hunting laws at mefishwildlife.com/laws
Don’t forget your federal and state waterfowl permits
State Migratory Waterfowl Permit: The State Migratory Waterfowl Permit is required of anyone 16 years of age or older if they are hunting on an adult license, but is not required if continuing to hunt on a junior license for the remainder of the calendar year.
Federal Stamp Anyone who turns 16, whether hunting on an adult license or a junior license, must purchase a Federal Stamp. The Federal Stamp must be validated by the holder’s signature written across the face of the stamp in ink.
The state permit may be purchased for $7.50 from local license agents, online, or from the MDIFW office in Augusta. The Federal stamp can be purchased by visiting your local Post Office or USPS.com. The Migratory Waterfowl Stamp is not required to hunt woodcock, snipe, rails, or crows.
Did you know…
All revenue from the sale of state waterfowl permits is used exclusively for the acquisition of waterfowl habitat and waterfowl management activities!
This revenue was recently used to add 525 acres with more than a mile of frontage on the Sebasticook River at the Plymouth Bog Wildlife Management Area and 75 acres also with more than a mile of frontage on the Harrington River to be added to the Pleasant River Wildlife Management Area. These properties include high-quality habitats for waterfowl species and offer exceptional hunting opportunities.
