Hunting

Hunting is only permitted in the areas east of the East Branch of the Penobscot River. Hunting in the park is governed by both state and federal laws. Please follow all applicable state and federal laws while hunting in the park. Your safety is our top priority!

Rules and Regulations

Specific rules for hunting within Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument are outlined in the Superintendent's Compendium, under 36 CFR §2.2 – WILDLIFE PROTECTION(b)(2). The hunting areas maps are located in Appendices B and C of this document.

• All hunters are required to obtain a current State of Maine hunting license to hunt within the monument. Hunting regulations in the monument are in accordance with the State of Maine Summary of Hunting Laws Guide, found at https://www.maine.gov/ifw/hunting-trapping/hunting-laws/index.html.

• Give wildlife space. Bears must have a minimum of 50 yards. Deer and moose must have at least 25 yards.

• Baiting is prohibited.

• Hunting with dogs (pursue/chase hunting) within the monument is prohibited. The use of telemetry devices on dogs is considered hunting with dogs, which is not permitted. Telemetry used to facilitate the collection of dogs that have entered the monument after being legally released outside monument boundaries for bird retrieval while hunting is not considered hunting. Refer to the Superintendent's Compendium for more information.

• Trapping is ONLY permitted within the Hunt Farm Tract of the monument.
  

  Activities Prohibited on National Park Service Land

  In some instances, National Park Service regulations may be more stringent than state laws. The following activities are prohibited on NPS lands:

• Hunting is prohibited within 500' of any riverway, building, administrative compound, or public use facility and 100' of any designated campsite, or 50' of any road.

• Shooting across or toward any public hiking trail is also not allowed.

• The construction of permanent tree stands is not allowed. Stands must be portable, of a design that does not damage the tree, and must be removed at the end of each day's hunt. Screw-in ladder steps are prohibited, as is brushing out shooting lanes.

• Vehicles must remain on the established county roadways. Off-road travel is prohibited. ATV use is not permitted within the monument.

• Transporting unregistered game animals into a neighboring state by boat or other conveyance is a violation of state and federal law.

Season Dates and Bag Limits

Refer to the Maine Dept of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife season dates and bag limit laws and rules.

Safety

A successful trip is a safe trip!

• Hunters, please review the Maine Game Wardens safety guidance when preparing for your hunting trip.
• Not a hunter? Be aware!
  • Know when hunting seasons start and end.
  • Dress to be seen: wear blaze-orange or hi-vis colors.
  • Be aware of areas, private and public, that allow hunting.