Hunting

Hunting is permitted only in the areas east of the East Branch of the Penobscot River.

NPS / Anne Longman

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!

 

Contact Us

To clarify questions of park boundary locations or other issues, contact us by email or phone as listed below.

Email Us

/kaww/index.htm

Voice: 207-456-6001

 

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 the Compendium.

• 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.

• Baiting is prohibited pursuant to existing deed restrictions on NPS parcels open to hunting east of the East Branch of the Penobscot River.

• Bear hunting with dogs (pursue/chase hunting) within the monument is prohibited pursuant to existing deed restrictions on NPS parcels open to hunting east of the East Branch of the Penobscot River. Refer to the Superintendent's Compendium for more information.

• Trapping is ONLY permitted within the Hunt Farm Tract of the monument based on existing deed restrictions on all other NPS parcels open to hunting east of the East Branch of the Penobscot River.
  
  The following activities are prohibited on NPS lands:

• Maine law prohibits discharging a firearm, bow, or crossbow within 100 yards of a building or residential dwelling without the owner's permission.

• 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.

Season Dates and Bag Limits

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

 

Hikers wearing blaze orange during hunting season.

NPS / Alyssa Mattei

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.

 

Hunting is only permitted in areas east of the East Branch of the Penobscot River. Be aware of safety guidance during hunting season.

NPS