WMD 15, Maine

Remote Downeast interior forest spanning Washington and Hancock counties. Dominated by commercial softwood and mixed-wood timberland — spruce, fir, and northern hardwood stands interspersed with bogs, wetlands, and low-gradient river drainages. Elevations are modest but terrain is rugged and roadless in large stretches. Deer wintering areas (yards) are scattered; severe winters occur only once or twice per decade in this WMD, which benefits deer survival compared to far-northern WMDs.

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Antlered deer may be taken under a standard big-game license during archery, firearms, and muzzleloader seasons. Any-deer (antlerless) permits are issued by lottery; applications open mid-June with results posted in August. WMD 15 is a mid-density deer district — any-deer permits are available most years but not guaranteed. Permit holders may take one antlerless deer in the specific WMD for which the permit is valid. Baiting deer is prohibited June 1 through December 15.

DEER: Firearms season runs late October through November (exact dates per annual MDIFW proclamation). Archery season opens in late September; muzzleloader season follows firearms. Any-deer permits required for antlerless harvest — lottery-only, applied for mid-June. Deer densities are moderate; population benefits from relatively mild Downeast winters compared to far-north WMDs. MOOSE: Lottery permit only, WMD 12/15 paired zone. Season typically runs late September through November with sub-seasons for archery, firearms, and muzzleloader. BEAR: No permit required; baiting legal with Bureau of Parks and Lands permit required on Public Reserved Land. Bear season runs late August through late November, with trapping season also open. Abundant food sources in logged areas support strong bear numbers. TURKEY: Fall turkey season is open in WMD 15; bag limit is two bearded wild turkeys (WMDs 9-29). Spring turkey season open statewide including WMD 15. Turkey populations are present but sparse in this far-Downeast district compared to southern Maine WMDs.

One of Maine's premier moose hunting zones with healthy populations and low competition. Excellent black bear hunting over bait on expansive commercial timberlands. Very low hunting pressure across the district makes it ideal for hunters seeking solitude. Remote interior forest provides authentic backcountry hunting experiences. Deer hunting is productive along clear-cut edges, logged areas, and agricultural fringes near coastal towns.