WMD 6, Maine
Unit info
- Game species
- Deer, Moose, Turkey, Bear
- Group
- WMDs 1–9
- Area
- 1,435 mi²
- Public land
- N/A
Moose — season & harvest
- Reported harvest
- 191
Draw odds for Moosearen't on file for this unit yet. Check your state wildlife agency website for current draw statistics.
Black Bear — season & harvest
- Reported harvest
- 314
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
- 676
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 Moose, Black Bear, White-tailed Deer so far. Deer, Turkey, Bear also occur here — that data can be added as the community contributes.
About this unit
AI-compiled · sourcedMaine WMD 6 covers the western mountains of Franklin and Somerset counties — the Rangeley Lakes region — a vast boreal and mixed forest landscape with limited deer numbers but exceptional moose and black bear hunting. This is prime moose permit country with a lottery-based bull and antlerless permit system, outstanding bear hunting over bait, and a restricted spring turkey season. Hunters should expect low deer density, deep wilderness, and some of Maine's most remote and rewarding big-game habitat.
Rugged western Maine mountain terrain centered on the Rangeley Lakes region in Franklin and Somerset counties. Characterized by boreal spruce-fir forest, mixed hardwood ridges, bog complexes, and numerous lakes and ponds. Elevations range from 1,000 to over 4,000 feet (including parts of the Appalachian highlands). Dense conifer cover dominates, with hardwood edges along logging roads and clear-cuts providing browse. Watershed includes the Rangeley, Mooselookmeguntic, Richardson, and Aziscohos lakes system.
Low
Antlerless deer permits required for either-sex harvest during firearms and muzzleloader seasons; WMD 6 is a restricted northern WMD with historically limited or zero antlerless permit allocations due to low deer density and harsh winters. Bucks-only rule effectively applies during firearm season without an antlerless permit. Expanded archery season runs August 1 through February 6 (either-sex under archery license). Any-deer permits are lottery-drawn; check MDIFW annual permit allocations — WMD 6 typically receives very few or no antlerless permits in severe winters.
DEER: Low-density population typical of northern Maine WMDs; harsh winters suppress herd. Firearms season follows standard Maine statewide dates (late October through November). Archery Aug 1-Feb 6. Muzzleloader season in December. Antlerless permits rarely or sparingly issued for WMD 6 — plan for bucks-only firearms hunt. MOOSE: Lottery permit system; bull and antlerless permits issued separately. High-quality habitat; moose frequently seen throughout the district. BEAR: Excellent bear hunting; baiting season opens late July with hunting starting late August through late September. Hound hunting also legal. WMD 6 outfitters frequently guide bear hunts. TURKEY: Spring season May 4-June 6 (1 bearded bird limit). WMDs 1-6 have a fall turkey season with a 1-bird bag limit. Turkey populations are lower in this northern WMD compared to southern Maine.
One of Maine's premier moose hunting zones with genuine wilderness character. Exceptional black bear hunting with baiting legal from late July; professional outfitters operate extensively in this region. Rangeley Lakes area is iconic Maine North Woods. Low competition from other hunters. Archery deer season extended through winter. Spring turkey season available with 1 bearded bird limit.
Questions, tips & discussion
Ask anything about WMD 6— or drop a tip or trick: access points, where game holds, glassing spots, conditions, crowding, gear that worked. This is where the unit's species-specific intel gets built, hunter by hunter.
Nothing posted yet about WMD 6.
Be the first — ask a question (“Best public access on the north end?”) or share a tip (“Glass the burn scars off the main ridge at first light”).
Boundaries: MDIFW official Wildlife Management Districts. Community info last updated 23d ago.