Hunting is a popular pastime in Maine, and there are many different animals that can be hunted in the state. One of the most popular animals to hunt is the javelina. Javelina hunting can be a challenging and rewarding experience. If you’re thinking about going javelina hunting in Maine, there are a few things you should know first. In this blog post, we will cover everything you need to know about javelina hunting in Maine, from the best times to go to what kind of equipment you need.
Javelina Hunting Laws in Maine
The laws governing javelina hunting in Maine are set by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. The season runs from October 1st to March 31st. A hunting license is required, and there is a limit of two javelinas per hunter.
Javelinas may be hunted with any caliber of rifle, shotgun, or handgun, as long as it is legal for hunting deer in that caliber. Crossbows are also legal for javelina hunting. Baiting is not allowed. Dogs may be used for hunting, but only under certain conditions.
All hunters must wear fluorescent orange while hunting during the daylight hours. At night, hunters must wear either fluorescent orange or camouflage that includes at least 50% fluorescent orange.
Related: Alligator Hunting in Maine
Do you need a license to hunt Javelina in Maine?
If you want to hunt Javelina in Maine, you need a license. You can get a license from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. The cost of the license is $27 for residents and $32 for non-residents. You will also need a hunting permit, which you can get from the same department. The cost of the permit is $5 for residents and $10 for non-residents.
Javelina Hunting Seasons in Maine
Javelina’s hunting season in Maine runs from October 1st through March 31st. A javelina license is required for anyone wishing to hunt javelina in Maine and can be obtained from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife. Javelina may only be hunted with firearms or archery equipment, and a minimum of four inches of bone must be exposed above the hairline when viewed from the front.
During the javelina hunting season, hunters are limited to taking two javelinas per day. Bag limits are determined by zone, and there are four zones in Maine: North, South, East, and West. The North and South zones have a bag limit of one javelina per day, while the East and West zones have a bag limit of two javelinas per day.
Hunters must also abide by all other state hunting regulations, including wearing fluorescent orange during firearms deer season and obeying all posted signs. For more information on javelina hunting in Maine, please contact the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife.
Can you hunt Javelina at night in Maine?
In Maine, javelina can only be hunted at night during the fall and winter. During these months, javelinas are most active at night and are more likely to be found near their feeding areas. Javelinas are not difficult to find during the day, but they are much more difficult to hunt at night. When hunting javelina at night, it is important to use a spotlight or other bright light to spot them. Javelinas are also more likely to be found in groups at night, so it is important to be aware of your surroundings.
Bag limits for hunting Javelina in Maine
In Maine, the bag limit for javelina is two per day and six per season. Javelina may be taken with any caliber of rifle or handgun as long as it is capable of killing the animal humanely. It is illegal to shoot javelinas from a vehicle. All javelina must be checked in with a game warden within 48 hours of harvest.
Legal ways to hunt Javelina in Maine
There are a few ways to legally hunt javelina in Maine. The first is with a shotgun during the regular deer hunting season. You can also use a rifle or a muzzleloader during the regular deer hunting season, as long as it is .35 caliber or larger. The second way to legally hunt javelina is with a bow and arrow during the regular Archery season. Finally, you can use a crossbow during the Crossbow season.
Can you use dogs to hunt Javelina in Maine?
Yes, you can use dogs to hunt Javelina in Maine. There are a few things to keep in mind when using dogs to hunt Javelina, such:
- Dogs must be well-trained and under the control of the hunter at all times.
- Dogs should be equipped with GPS tracking collars in case they get lost during the hunt.
- Dogs should be vaccinated against rabies and other diseases before being taken into the field.
When used properly, dogs can be an effective tool for hunting Javelina in Maine.
Can you hunt Javelina from a vehicle in Maine?
In Maine, you can only hunt javelina from a vehicle if you are chase hunting. This means that you must be following the animal in your vehicle, and you cannot shoot the animal while it is stationary. If you are not chase-hunting, then you must be outside of your vehicle to hunt javelina.
Final Thoughts
After spending a week hunting javelina in Maine, I’ve come to some final thoughts on the experience. Overall, I had a great time and was successful in harvesting a nice bull. The weather was perfect for hunting, and the scenery was beautiful.
There are a few things I would do differently next time, however. First, I would pack lighter. I ended up lugging around way more gear than I needed, and it made for some long days of hiking. Second, I would give myself more time to hunt. I ran out of time at the end of the week and didn’t get to explore as much as I would have liked.
All in all, though, it was a great trip and I’m already planning my next hunting adventure!