Where do you hunt in Maine if you don't "know a guy?"

Submitted by zoolilba t3_z0g8fd in Maine

I would like to get into hunting. But I did not grow up doing it and it seems like most Hunter hunt on family land or land from a friend or something. I know there's state land you can hunt on. I don't mind traveling a little I'm in western Maine.

53

Comments

You must log in or register to comment.

JimBones31 t1_ix5twj3 wrote

I see comments about power lines and implied access, I just wanted to share a quick little story about how last fall I saw some guy at the Michaels in Augusta just hop out of his truck and walk into the woods with a bow. It was very unexpected 😂

77

megaman368 t1_ix7y8ge wrote

My dad had a coworker who pulled over on the side of the road in his company car and shot a deer through the passenger window. Probably should have opened the window first.

27

dreamsthebigdreams t1_ix8j9it wrote

It's legal in Augusta with a bow. You need special permission from the police.

It's expanded archery through there and you can take as many as you want... $15/ tag.

7

JimBones31 t1_ix8jfqb wrote

I imagine that's probably because of the close proximity to 95 and other Major roadways

3

[deleted] t1_ix7tw78 wrote

[deleted]

−4

JimBones31 t1_ix7u30y wrote

I understand what you're saying but your comment doesn't seem to be addressing my little story about the bowman near Michael's craft store at all.

26

saigonk t1_ix5fmvz wrote

So Maine has an implied access law, if land isn't posted then it is open for you to access and hunt on.

Now with that said, I always, and I mean ALWAYS ask landowners if I can access their land for hunting.

It is a much better way to go about it. In my case I have two spots I can hunt, one (75 acres) the landowner asked me to fully post for them so that myself and a friend are the only ones hunting there, and another in an adjoining town I have a 50 acre lot surrounded on three sides by large plots.

That land owner was so happy I asked to get access, that he said if I see anyone else...tell them to get lost. its mine to hunt as I see fit.

Now I wouldn't kick someone out, it isn't posted and that's just a dick move in my mind, so I would tell them to go see the landowner, or work with me to hunt it so that we both can be successful.

Look up GIS maps in your area, find large lots and reach out tot he owners of the land and ask them for access.

39

eljefino t1_ix65o7i wrote

This is the way. There are also hunting apps that superimpose lot lines over GPS data on your phone.

12

lama_drama99 t1_ix5fvma wrote

If it's not posted or right next to someone's hkuse (you have t0 be at least 100yards (300ft) away from buildings) it's fair game legally. Obviously use you better judgement so you don't over step. My husband and I personally find areas near powerlines that are off road ways and far enough away from houses we don't have to worry about what direction we're shooting in. The more north you go the more area you'll have to hunt as well

39

Yourbubblestink t1_ix60m2v wrote

If you are going to do this and can’t talk to the property owner, it’s helpful to at least let the game warden know.

12

lama_drama99 t1_ix6130i wrote

Well thats why I said be reasonable about where you hunt but that if you are near buildings you legally have to be at least 100yards. I wouldn't personally hunt knowingly right on someone's land withoit permission anyway, that's why we look for areas far from houses. But again, legally you don't need permission if it's not posted and your more than 100 yards away from a building. There's just a common curiosity of not being am ass hole and shooting a deer in someone's yard.

9

ncm0229 t1_ix6c686 wrote

Ok narc

−18

Yourbubblestink t1_ix6gr06 wrote

Signs get pulled down, fall down, etc. If it's not your land, it's not reasonable to assume that someone wants you on it.

29

Troll_t0ll t1_ix6o35a wrote

You should always ask the property owner even though it’s legally okay to if the land isn’t posted.

16

ppitm t1_ix86u76 wrote

It's not reasonable at all to keep people off your land if you aren't actively using it.

If you can't be bothered to slap some purple paint on a tree, you have quite the nerve to complain about people just walking through.

−4

Yourbubblestink t1_ix87u2h wrote

It’s not reasonable at all to assume that you can just walk around and hunt in property that is not yours. If you want that sort of flexibility buy yourself some land.

3

PFDulce2 t1_ix8alip wrote

It is reasonable because that’s the law. You are allowed to recreate on any land that is not properly posted, provided you are not damaging it, cutting down trees, etc.

−1

Yourbubblestink t1_ix8chh6 wrote

There’s a difference between what’s reasonable, and what’s legal sometimes. The bottom line is that hunting only exists in Maine because of the generosity of the landowners.

Anybody can walk into Walmart and buy a shotgun, but without land to use it on it’s pointless. Unless you own land yourself remember to send a thank you card to the guy who’s letting you use his property.

6

ppitm t1_ix8ctiq wrote

"It's not reasonable to assume that the law is the law."

Why are you struggling with objective reality?

−3

Yourbubblestink t1_ix8f5sn wrote

Why are you so defensive of mooching? What’s the big deal about letting your neighbor know you plan to be in his yard?

4

ppitm t1_ix8ih62 wrote

You think the entire forested area of Maine (90% of land area) is "someone's yard?"

You have some kind of deeply pathetic Stockholm Syndrome.

−5

Jory- t1_ix8nw9c wrote

Yes it is.

You just explained how to do it.

1

Imagine_Gravity_0007 t1_ix5zxbx wrote

Google ..Maine public reserve lands Most are open for hunting

24

sintixerr t1_ix7k16g wrote

I don't know why more people haven't said this .

6

-GloryHoleAttendant- t1_ix5xbw5 wrote

Depending on where you are in Western Maine, head to Northwest Maine (Rangeley, Eustis, etc.) and hit the tote roads. Most land managed by forestry/paper companies allow hunting. That said, you’ll need a vehicle equipped to handle rough roads.

23

zoolilba OP t1_ix5yyf3 wrote

Thanks I'm fairly familiar with rangly. I'll look into it. I have a jeep and a truck so that's all good.

5

petrified_eel4615 t1_ix6qm20 wrote

If you are in that area, stay away from the AT & the Navy base, just a heads up.

16

-GloryHoleAttendant- t1_ix63nms wrote

Morton Cutoff and and Richards Road (both just past Cupsuptic Campground off Route 16) are good places to start. They’re fairly well maintained as far as logging roads go and there’s plenty of game.

4

[deleted] t1_ix7t82z wrote

Shoot me a DM and I’ll send you coordinates later today

2

Bywater t1_ix5soe9 wrote

Find a local Rod and Gun club, they will point you in the right direction.

17

svengoalie t1_ix5iwwg wrote

Drop some coin on a guide the first time you go out. If you don't have a lot of experience you can learn a lot of dos and don'ts from them.

14

robbins290 t1_ix5tfd9 wrote

As a land owner of some acreage for hunting. If there is a sign that says “access by permission only”

Get permission before going out.

Other then that. Go out in the woods and start scouting.

14

Weekly_Inside_5720 t1_ix6tg8t wrote

I grew up in Missouri and have lived in Maine for over a decade. I’ll never get over this.

Always find out who owns the land and get permission. If not don’t trespass.

4

Kai_Emery t1_ix6y5pe wrote

Too many people feel entitled to other peoples land, the atv situation in casco is a mess because of it. (That may be a less than local Issue though given out of state users)

8

sy33d_am33r_ali t1_ix7r8qf wrote

It’s not trespassing if it’s not posted. Just because Missouri has draconian trespassing laws doesn’t mean we need to project that culture on Maine.

4

Odd-Mountain3076 t1_ix7vboi wrote

Exactly, One of the things I love about Maine. I don't hunt, not that Im against it, just don't feel like butchering my kill as I have a weak stomach for such things. Though being able to wander the woods without worry is nice.

3

robbins290 t1_ix8mbu1 wrote

You can drop it off at a butcher. Thats what i do. Cones back in marked, vacuumed sealed packages. No mess or left overs. Its the way to go

3

icecoldjuggalo t1_ix7ame4 wrote

I don’t follow — was Missouri different trespass-wise, and if so in which way? Laws are different?

3

shlamtaster t1_ix7k7ot wrote

In both NH and Maine you are able to use other people's land for recreational purposes including hunting unless posted not to trespass. In Tennessee (and I'm guessing Missouri as well) there's a good chance you'd be shot and it would be legal because you were trespassing. Hard to wrap your mind around wandering into other people's land coming from that.

8

Weekly_Inside_5720 t1_ix7oj88 wrote

Exactly. It just seems disrespectful to walk on to someone else’s land and use their resources without their permission.

4

ppitm t1_ix8726s wrote

> I grew up in Missouri and have lived in Maine for over a decade. I’ll never get over this.

Welcome to a free state.

1

Weekly_Inside_5720 t1_ix93rxh wrote

Lol ok. I like Maine a lot more but respecting landowners and asking for permission to use their land makes a lot more sense. Plus you can’t even hunt on Sunday so I guess each state has their own benefit.

5

enjoiart t1_ix67v4d wrote

Just another tip, property lines can be marked with signs or purple paint on trees signifying private property.

14

BrotherMainer t1_ix69ueo wrote

Some state parks are open for hunting. That was a TIL moment for me when I went for a walk at Range Pond State Park a few weeks ago and they had signs posted.

6

theora55 t1_ix6akoe wrote

Unposted land that is not near homes, barns, farm animals. Call your local game wardens, ask for advice. Take a gun/ hunting safety class to meet hunters. There's some national forest in Maine, not sure if hunting is allowed, but you could find out.

5

realtorKen t1_ix70a49 wrote

I’m not posted. Come to Orland friends! I’m just not into it but I have a cedar swamp. Sorry but I won’t sit in a stand. However I will loudly play my Trianon Thomas organ with dual Leslie speakers and attract the venison. #weirddude

5

mainemariners t1_ix96124 wrote

Crank those Leslies baby! Love to hear them whirly birds get goin!

2

QuartoDeBano t1_ix62p4b wrote

If you would like to hunt in a town nearby I would go to that towns Website and look at the tax maps. These show the individual lots and you can find out who owns them and contact them for permission to cover all your bases. Or OnX hunt app shows lot lines over a aerial map but doesn’t seem to work in every town

4

Subject_Painter_2082 t1_ix6hdb7 wrote

Corporate land that isn’t posted. Logging roads, cell tower land, power line corridors others mentioned. Out in WM Check out the meat eaters land access project. Use on x to find who owns what parcels.

4

Subject_Painter_2082 t1_ix6hs1d wrote

Also, depending the type of hunting archery v firearm— for archery you can usually get a map from your town of town property you’re allowed to hunt, and the season is WAY longer.

4

JillStencil t1_ix6bj05 wrote

Land trust properties (especially lmf funded)

2

Lesbianinfinance t1_ix8qnzs wrote

Better question is how you do anything in Maine if you don't "know a guy"

2

muthermcreedeux t1_ix95r59 wrote

My parents always hunted off the Boundary Road in Standish and off the power lines in Baldwin.

1

atxJohnR t1_ix7udr6 wrote

Dick Cheney, is that you?

−4

[deleted] t1_ix6z6l7 wrote

[removed]

−7

zoolilba OP t1_ix7eoou wrote

I feel like you're say I should kill people. Like a day after a shooting in Colorado.

6