How Many Moose Permits Are Given Out in Maine Each Year? The Ultimate Guide

As an avid hunter and outdoorsman, I know that moose hunting is a dream hunt for many across the U.S. Maine offers a unique opportunity—the chance to hunt these majestic animals in their natural habitat. However, moose permits are extremely limited, so drawing a tag takes both luck and strategy.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Maine’s famous moose lottery including historical permit trends, application tips, costs, hunting regulations, and more. I’ll also share my insights as an experienced hunter on how to maximize your odds of securing this once-in-a-lifetime hunt. Let’s get started!

A Brief History of Moose and Moose Hunting in Maine

Before diving into the details of the permit system, it helps to understand the background of moose in Maine.

Moose are the largest member of the deer family. A mature bull can stand over 7 feet tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 1,600 pounds!

Moose were once abundant across New England, but habitat loss and overhunting caused populations to plummet by the early 1900s. Maine was one of the only states with a remnant population.

Strict hunting regulations and habitat conservation brought moose numbers rebounding over the last 50 years. Today, Maine has the largest moose population in the lower 48 states.

Moose hunting was closed statewide in 1935. Limited hunting reopened in 1980 in central and northern Maine. This closely regulated system has allowed responsible harvests while supporting a growing moose population.

Number of Moose Hunting Permits Issued in Maine

The number of moose hunting permits issued each year in Maine is determined by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IFW) through an application lottery system. Here are the historical numbers over the past 15 years:

Year	Number of Permits Issued
2022	2,820
2021	2,820
2020	3,135
2019	3,140
2018	3,657
2017	4,080
2016	4,050
2015	4,140
2014	4,025
2013	4,110
2012	4,300
2011	4,140
2010	3,140
2009	3,015
2008	3,015

As you can see, permit numbers have trended downward over the past decade as Maine’s moose population has declined from an estimated 76,000 animals in 2012 to 50,000-60,000 today.

The all-time high for permits issued was 4,730 in 2002. The 10-year average up to 2022 was 3,489 permits.

So in recent years, your chances of drawing a tag have been considerably lower than a decade ago when moose populations were at their peak.

Maine Moose Permit Drawing Odds for Residents vs. Non-Residents

State law mandates that a minimum of 10% of moose permits must be allocated to non-resident hunters. Up to 6,000 permits may go to Maine residents, while up to 500 are set aside for non-residents.

This difference leads to varying odds between the two groups:

Year	Odds for Residents	Odds for Non-Residents
2022	1 in 8	1 in 35
2021	1 in 9	1 in 27
2020	1 in 6	1 in 15
2019	1 in 8	1 in 20
2018	1 in 7	1 in 26

As you can see, residents enjoy a significantly higher probability of being drawn each year. Still, with over 50,000 applications typically submitted by residents, the odds are long no matter how you shape it up.

Don’t get discouraged! Entering the lottery annually improves your chances over time. Many hunters aren’t drawn until their 5th, 6th or even 7th try. Patience and perseverance do pay off!

Tips to Maximize Your Moose Permit Application Success

As an experienced hunter who has successfully drawn moose permits in Maine, here are my tips to maximize your odds:

• Apply every year – This shows commitment and improves chances over time. You can skip years but that breaks your consecutive chain.

• Submit multiple applications – Individuals can submit up to 4 applications per year. Apply in different wildlife management districts (WMD) to boost odds.

• Apply as a group – Up to 3 hunters can apply together on one application. Great for families or friends hunting together.

• Check your application status – After applying, log in to confirm your application is properly recorded before the deadline. Fix any entry issues immediately.

• Be ready if you get the golden ticket! – Have your hunter safety card, required licenses, and application fees ready to go. You only have a short window to claim your permit.

Moose Permit Application Process, Fees and Deadlines

Here is a summary of the key steps and costs associated with the Maine moose lottery:

• Moose Permit Lottery Application Period: Early January – early May annually. Applications accepted online, by mail and in-person.

• Permit Application Fee:

  • Maine residents: $15 per applicant

  • Non-residents: $15 per applicant

• Moose Hunting Permit Registration Fee: $27 per applicant

• Notification Period: Lottery results available online by mid-June. Selected hunters also notified by email or postal mail.

• Permit Purchase Deadline: Successful applicants must purchase their moose permit by mid-August annually. Permit fees:

  • Maine resident: $52

  • Non-resident: $585

Don’t wait until the last minute to buy your permit and license if drawn! The short window passes quickly so prepare in advance.

Moose Population Trends and Management in Maine

Permit numbers each year align with Maine’s moose population and management objectives. So what’s the status of the iconic moose herd?

Unfortunately, Maine’s moose population has been in decline over the past 10 years. Biologists estimate moose numbers have dropped from 76,000 animals in 2012 down to 50,000-60,000 moose today.

Exact causes are uncertain but several likely factors:

• Habitat changes from regrowth of clearcut forests
• Increased predation pressure from coyotes, bears and winter ticks
• Climate change impacts on temperature, water and forage patterns
• High moose density increased disease transmission and parasite loads

To combat the decline, the IFW has reduced permit allotments to relieve hunting pressure. They also actively manage habitat and predation threats to support moose.

While numbers have fallen from the peak, Maine’s moose herd remains the largest in the lower 48 states. Careful stewardship will hopefully sustain moose for generations to come.

Top Regions and Locations to Hunt Moose in Maine

Moose live across much of Maine, but certain regions offer better opportunity. Areas with the highest moose concentrations include:

• Extreme northwestern Maine near the Canadian border – vast commercial forests and remote wilderness make ideal moose habitat.

• Northeast “Downeast” Maine – mix of forestland, lakes, bogs and ocean coastline provides excellent resources

• Northern section above Greenville up through Chesuncook Lake – vast commercial timberlands attract moose

Within these broad regions, your best areas are where human activity is limited. Places away from major roads and developments hold more moose.

Focus your search near water sources like streams, ponds, rivers and wetlands where moose gather to feed and water. Marshy areas and regenerating cutover forests also attract moose.

Talk to guides and experienced locals to dial in the best WMDs and specific sites. Scouting the area before your hunt will also improve your odds tremendously.

Moose Hunting Success Rates in Maine

Across the past decade, hunters who draw a coveted permit enjoy excellent success:

• 2022 – Over 80% success rate reported
• 2021 – 75% success rate
• 2020 – 76% success rate
• 2019 – Over 80% success rate
• 2018 – 82% success rate
• 2017 – 79% success rate

Many factors like weather, hunter effort and skill impact success. But overall, the odds of bagging a moose once you have a permit are in your favor.

The IFW encourages mandatory reporting so biologists can continue monitoring Maine’s moose population. Officials use permit reporting compliance as one factor when awarding future permits.

What You Need to Know to Legally Hunt Moose in Maine

While we’ve covered permits and odds, it’s also crucial to know the rules for your hunt:

Required Safety Courses: All moose hunters must complete an approved moose hunting orientation course before receiving their permit. Online and in-person classes are available.

Other Mandatory Licenses: A valid Maine big game hunting license is required before applying for the moose lottery. Non-residents need either a Non-resident Big Game Hunting License or must hunt with a Maine Guide.

Legal Hunting Methods: Moose may only be harvested by shooting with firearms, bow and arrow, or crossbow. Specific equipment regulations apply.

Season Dates and Legal Hunting Hours: Maine’s moose hunt generally runs from late September through late November annually. Legal shooting hours are set.

Antler Regulations: A legal moose must have antlers with at least three tines on one side. Calf moose are protected.

Tagging, Transporting and Reporting: Strict protocols must be followed for tagging, transporting and reporting your harvested moose.

Following the regulations is critical to preserve Maine’s moose herd and hunting tradition. Significant penalties exist for violations, including loss of hunting privileges.

Be sure to review the official rules guide from IFW before your hunt to ensure you have a legal, ethical and rewarding experience.

Why Limited Moose Permits?

Reading through all these restrictions, you may wonder why moose permits are so limited in Maine.

The goals are to:

• Maintain a healthy, sustainable moose population

• Enable responsible recreational harvest opportunities when surplus allows

• Support Maine’s rich outdoor heritage

• Fund critical wildlife management programs through permit fees

If you don’t draw a permit, don’t get discouraged. Your application dollars still directly support Maine’s outstanding wildlife conservation efforts. The lottery system also ensures future generations can enjoy moose.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully this guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Maine moose hunting permit process. The lottery system limits opportunity, but also maintains moose as a treasured wildlife resource. With preparation and persistence, you can draw a tag for the hunt of a lifetime!

For more details be sure to regularly check the moose hunting page on the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website. Wishing you the best of luck in your future applications! Let me know if you have any other questions about this incredible hunting experience.