Maine Hunting Laws and Regulations

Who is required to complete hunter education in Maine?

According to Maine law, all hunters must complete hunter education certification in order to acquire a hunting license, unless they can furnish proof of having possessed an adult license to hunt with firearms in 1976 or any year earlier.

Is completion of the Maine state agency-approved course required in order to buy a license?

Yes. In order to buy a license, Maine requires that first-time hunters must complete a course approved by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife and IHEA-USA. Education is not required for hunters who can show proof of an adult hunting license issued in 1976 or any year since.

Elsewhere

Hunting education is currently required in several U.S. states and Canadian provinces.

Reciprocity

All U.S. states, provinces, and other countries that have mandatory hunter education requirements will accept the Maine Hunter Education Firearms Card. Likewise, Maine will accept Hunter Education certifications that are issued by other jurisdictions that meet official IHEA-USA requirements. (This is known as “reciprocity.”)

What Makes a Course Approved?

To be approved by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, a course must teach hunters to become:

• Safe (by following all hunting safety rules)
• Responsible (about hunting, wildlife, conservation, and hunting laws)
• Knowledgeable (by knowing and demonstrating acceptable behavior and attitudes while hunting)
• Involved (in joining and participating in hunting and conservation organizations)

Meets IHEA-USA Standards

This Maine Hunter Ed online hunting education course was developed in accordance with the standards set forth by IHEA-USA and meets the requirements of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife hunter safety mandate.

About the Standards

In 1999 the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA-USA) adopted a set of performance guidelines for basic hunter education courses. These standards have been used internationally by hunter education administrators to evaluate minimum core content in hunter education courses. Industry partners, including the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife and Hunter Ed, have used the revised standards to develop new student manuals and alternative delivery methods for hunter education.

Our Commitment to Hunter Education

Hunter Ed is committed to making sure Maine hunter education students learn the skills and information needed to have a safe, successful, and fun hunt. We strive to ensure this Maine online hunter safety course helps you become a more knowledgeable and ethical hunter. Educated hunters play an important role in making Maine a leader in conservation and wildlife management.

We accomplish that goal by working with Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife and IHEA-USA to produce a course that’s accurate, interesting, and easy to understand.

As a new hunter, you can be proud of your contributions to wildlife conservation and your role as a steward of our natural resources.