WMD 20, Maine

Mixed upland forest, wetlands, pitch pine-scrub oak plains, and old farmland in southwestern York County. Elevations range from valley floors to modest ridges including Abbott Mountain (1,078 ft) and Knox Mountain (830 ft) in the Vernon S. Walker WMA. Stone walls and old fields mark the agricultural history; second-growth hardwood and softwood cover most of the district. Terrain is rolling to moderately hilly with numerous small ponds and stream drainages.

moderate

Antlerless deer require a permit obtained through the MDIFW antlerless deer permit lottery (applications typically open late June, close late July, drawings in August). WMD 20 is NOT an unlimited either-sex district — bucks-only applies under a standard license during firearms and muzzleloader seasons except with a drawn antlerless permit. Extended muzzleloader season applies in select WMDs but not WMD 20. Archery and youth hunt days allow either-sex statewide.

DEER: Firearms season typically opens first Monday of November; archery from late September; muzzleloader follows firearms. Antlerless permit required for does outside archery/youth seasons in WMD 20. Good deer densities for Maine standards in this southern district. TURKEY: Spring season (bearded birds, 2-bird limit) typically runs May; Fall season runs mid-September through early November with a 5-bird WMD limit (max 2/day, either sex). Turkey permit required in addition to hunting license. BEAR: Season runs late August through late November; baiting legal (requires permit when hunting over bait on WMAs); hound hunting and trapping also permitted. Healthy bear population in the mixed forest. MOOSE: No permits — WMD 20 excluded from moose hunting program.

One of Maine's most productive southern deer districts with good antler genetics and a relatively mild climate compared to northern Maine. Strong wild turkey numbers in both spring and fall. Black bear hunting over bait is legal with a guide or permit. Vernon S. Walker WMA provides 5,600+ acres of roadless upland habitat with minimal hunting pressure given the lack of formal infrastructure. Proximity to the NH border means some edge habitat farmland hunting on private land with permission.