WMD 3, Maine

North-central Piscataquis County dominated by spruce-fir forest, bogs, and remote ponds surrounding Moosehead Lake - the largest lake in Maine at over 74,000 acres. Terrain is flat to rolling with rugged ridges including Big Moose Mountain and the Little Moose Mountain Range. Elevation ranges from lake level (~1,023 ft) to ~3,196 ft on Katahdin's outliers. Mature softwood and mixed-wood stands make up the bulk of the landscape; hardwood ridges and regenerating clearcuts provide isolated deer wintering habitat. River drainages include the Kennebec headwaters and multiple remote coldwater streams.

low

Antlered deer (3-inch minimum) open statewide with a general license. Antlerless deer permits for WMD 3 are limited lottery draws - historically not always offered or offered in small numbers due to low northern deer densities. Applications accepted through MDIFW deer lottery portal; check annual allocations each August. Archery season runs early October through October 31; firearm season runs first week of November through late November; muzzleloader runs approximately December 1-6.

DEER: Low density compared to southern Maine WMDs; harsh winters and limited agricultural edges suppress the herd. General firearm season Nov 3-29 (approx); archery Oct 4-31; muzzleloader Dec 1-6. Antlered-only unless you draw a limited antlerless permit. MOOSE: Excellent density; 325 total permits issued (200 antlered, 125 antlerless) for 2026. Lottery draw required. Three separate hunt windows in September-October. Prime habitat in spruce-fir bogs and clear-cut edges near water. BEAR: Abundant population; general bear season Aug 25-Nov 29 (approx). Baiting is legal - bait placement begins late July, baiting season closes late September. Hunting over bait is highly effective in WMD 3's remote forest. TURKEY: No open turkey season in WMD 3 - wild turkeys are not established in the northern Maine WMDs (1-6); turkey hunting is restricted to southern and central Maine districts.

One of Maine's premier moose hunting districts with a high-density population in classic north-woods spruce-fir habitat. Remote wilderness character with minimal hunting pressure. Excellent black bear hunting with legal baiting (bait placement starts late July, baiting season through late September). World-class scenery around Moosehead Lake with access to truly roadless backcountry. Deer hunting is a secondary pursuit given low northern density, but dedicated hunters willing to scout hardwood pockets and clear-cut edges can find whitetails.