WMD 16, Maine
Unit info
- Game species
- Deer, Moose, Turkey, Bear
- Group
- WMDs 10–19
- Area
- 892 mi²
- Public land
- N/A
Black Bear — season & harvest
- Reported harvest
- 16
Draw odds for Black Beararen't on file for this unit yet. Check your state wildlife agency website for current draw statistics.
White-tailed Deer — season & harvest
- Reported harvest
- 2,941
Draw odds for White-tailed Deeraren't on file for this unit yet. Check your state wildlife agency website for current draw statistics.
Season & harvest data is published for Black Bear, White-tailed Deer so far. Deer, Moose, Turkey, Bear also occur here — that data can be added as the community contributes.
About this unit
AI-compiled · sourcedMaine WMD 16 covers coastal Downeast Washington County — a vast expanse of mixed spruce-fir forest, bogs, blueberry barrens, and tidal wetlands stretching from Machias to Calais. The district offers an exceptional diversity of big game hunting including moose by permit (bull-only lottery), a healthy black bear population, some of Maine's best fall turkey hunting, and a recovering whitetail deer herd with antlerless permits available over the counter in recent years.
Coastal Downeast Maine — dense mixed spruce-fir and northern hardwood forest broken by extensive peatlands, bogs, blueberry barrens, tidal rivers, and saltwater marshes. Elevations are low and rolling. The district spans much of Washington County from the Bold Coast to the Canadian border, encompassing the Machias River and St. Croix River drainages. Wetlands and riparian corridors are extensive, providing prime moose and waterfowl habitat.
low
Antler restriction applies statewide (3-inch minimum). Antlerless deer permits are issued by lottery; WMD 16 has had over-the-counter antlerless permit availability in recent years, indicating a deer herd with room for doe harvest. Extended muzzleloader season runs Dec 7-12. Deer densities are moderate — northern coastal WMDs tend toward lower densities than southern Maine but WMD 16 benefits from agricultural edges (blueberry barrens) and wetland browse.
DEER: Firearms season Nov 2-28; archery Oct 3-30; youth hunt Oct 23-24; extended muzzleloader Dec 7-12. Antlerless permits available by lottery and recent OTC availability suggests surplus. MOOSE: Bull-only lottery zone, Oct 12-17 window; apply April-May; strong population in spruce-fir and bog country. BEAR: General season Aug 31-Nov 28 statewide; baiting legal with bait placed from Aug 1; hunting with dogs legal Sept 14-Oct 30; 2-bear annual bag limit (1 by hunting, 1 by trapping). TURKEY: Fall season Sept 14-Nov 7 with a generous 5-bird seasonal bag (WMDs 15-17); spring season opens June 2027 with 2-bearded-bird limit; WMD 16 offers good turkey numbers in the blueberry barrens and forest-edge habitat.
One of Maine's premier moose hunting districts with strong bull populations in the spruce-fir forest. Excellent fall turkey hunting — WMDs 15-17 carry a 5-bird fall bag limit, among the most liberal in the state, reflecting robust turkey numbers. Bear hunting with bait is legal and productive in the thick coastal forest. Low hunting pressure and vast undeveloped landscape reward hunters willing to work remote terrain. Blueberry barrens create outstanding edge habitat for deer and turkey.
Questions, tips & discussion
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Boundaries: MDIFW official Wildlife Management Districts. Community info last updated 23d ago.