Turkey hunting is a popular pastime in Maine, with separate spring and fall wild turkey seasons. For those looking to bag a turkey this year, it’s important to understand the different regulations, seasons, and permits required. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to turkey hunting seasons in Maine so you know exactly when you can legally hunt wild turkeys.
Overview of Turkey Seasons in Maine
There are two main turkey hunting seasons in Maine
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Spring turkey season – Running from late April to late May Only bearded turkeys may be harvested,
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Fall turkey season – Running from mid September to early November. Turkeys of either sex may be harvested.
The dates for both seasons vary slightly each year. Season length and bag limits depend on the Wildlife Management District (WMD).
When Does Spring Turkey Season Start?
The opening day of spring turkey season is in late April each year. In 2025, opening day across most WMDs is April 28th. The season runs until May 31st in most areas.
Some WMDs have shorter seasons or lower bag limits. WMDs 1-6 and 8 open on April 28th but close earlier on May 26th. The bag limit here is just 1 bearded turkey.
There is also a special Youth Spring Turkey Hunting Day on the Saturday before the season opens for hunters under 16 years old. In 2025, this youth day is April 26th.
When Does the Fall Turkey Season Start?
Maine’s fall wild turkey season begins in mid to late September each year. In 2024, the fall season opens on September 16th in most WMDs where fall turkey hunting is permitted.
The fall turkey season runs until early November – closing on November 7th in 2024.
As with spring, some WMDs have shorter seasons or lower bag limits. WMDs 1-5 and 9 are actually closed for fall turkey hunting.
There is also a special one-day Youth Fall Turkey Hunt before the main season opens to hunters under 16 years old. In 2024, this is September 14th.
Turkey Hunting Regulations and Permits
Several permits and licenses are required for turkey hunting in Maine:
- A valid big or small game hunting license
- A combination spring/fall wild turkey permit ($20 fee)
- In fall, an archery license for bow hunting
The permits must be carried while hunting turkeys. Non-residents can also purchase turkey hunting permits in Maine.
Other regulations include:
- No baiting allowed
- No electronic calling devices in spring
- Dogs allowed in fall only
- Shooting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset
- Turkeys may not be shot while in a tree
Fall vs Spring Wild Turkey Hunting
The main differences between the fall and spring turkey seasons are:
Fall
- Either sex may be harvested
- Dogs and electronic calls are allowed
- WMDs have individual bag limits
- More tactics like drives are permitted
Spring
- Only bearded turkeys may be taken
- No dogs or electronic calls allowed
- Most WMDs have a 2 bird limit
- More stationary hunting from blinds
Registering Your Harvest
Hunters must register any wild turkeys they harvest within 18 hours. You can now register turkeys online or at in-person registration stations.
The turkey must be labeled with name, address, and year of harvest. And you may only possess turkey parts if properly registered.
Following the dates, permits, and regulations outlined here will ensure you have an ethical and legal turkey hunt in Maine. Both the fall and spring seasons offer exciting opportunities to harvest these challenging birds. Check the 2024-2025 hunting law booklet for any regulation changes before you head out. Good luck this turkey season!
Spring Wild Turkey Hunting
The spring wild turkey hunting season is open statewide.
- Shotgun: A person can use shotgun gauges 10 through 20, using shot sizes 4 through 6 or mixed loads that include shot sizes 4 through 7. In addition, shotgun gauges 10 through 28, including .410, may be used with shot sizes 7 through 9 in Tungsten Super Shot (TSS). A person must possess a valid big or small game hunting license and a turkey permit.
- Archery Equipment: A person must possess a valid archery license, and a turkey permit.
- Dogs: It is unlawful to hunt with dogs during the spring wild turkey season.
- Electronic Calling Devices: The use of electronic calling devices is legal.
Wild Turkey Hunting Prohibitions
No person may:
- Employ the use of a dog or dogs in any manner while hunting turkey except during the fall season;
- Engage in an organized drive of any manner;
- Use bait;
- Use a trap or other device intended or designed to capture or ensnare wild turkeys;
- Shoot a turkey while it is in a tree;
- Present for registration, or allow to be registered in his or her name, a wild turkey that he/she did not lawfully kill;
- Hunt wild turkeys within a WMD which is closed to hunting wild turkeys.
- Possess any part or parts of a wild tur key unless each part is plainly labeled with the name and address of the person who registered the turkey, and the year it was registered;
- Buy, sell, offer for sale or barter, or aid someone in buying, selling, or offering for sale or barter, any wild turkey (except the plumage of legally taken turkeys).
- Hunt or register a wild turkey during the spring season after having killed or registered two turkeys.
- Possess any part or parts of a wild turkey unless each part is plainly labeled with the name and address of the person who registered the turkey, and the year it was registered;
The Department is collaborating with the University of Maine on a research project to better understand the population dynamics of wild turkeys. As part of this research we marked wild turkeys using leg bands, wing tags and back pack style radio transmitters in a number of areas throughout the state. If you shoot a turkey with a band or transmitter, please report it using the contact information printed on the birdâs leg band or radio transmitter.
All radio transmitters must be submitted to MDIFW. Hunters can keep any leg bands or wing tags as long as they have reported them to MDIFW.
Quick Tips for Your First Turkey Season (Maine 2020 Turkey Hunt part one)
FAQ
Can you shoot two turkeys in one day in Maine?
Which state has the earliest turkey season?
How early to go out turkey hunting?
Do you need a permit to hunt turkey in Maine?
When is Maine wild turkey hunting season 2024?
When is the Maine Spring Wild Turkey Hunting Season 2024? Beginning on April 29 and concluding on June 1 of 2024. How many turkeys can hunters take during the Spring in Maine? Two bearded birds are allowed in the bag for hunters in WMD 7 and 9-29, while just one bearded turkey is allowed in districts 1-6 and 8.
Do you need a permit to hunt a Turkey in Maine?
The spring and fall wild turkey hunting seasons are open to all hunters with valid Maine big or small game firearms or archery licenses. A combination spring/fall wild turkey permit is also required and available for $20, plus agent fee.
How long can you keep a wild turkey in Maine?
Unless the wild turkey has been legally registered, no person shall keep a wild turkey at his/her home or at any place of storage (except at the oficial registration station or at the ofice of a Maine Game Warden) for more than eighteen (18) hours without irst notifying a game warden.
When is the best time to hunt a Turkey?
Legal hunting time is from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset. The spring and fall wild turkey hunting seasons are open to all hunters with valid big or small game hunting licenses. A combination spring/fall wild turkey permit is also required and available for $20, plus agent fee.