Updated Laws for 2024

Archery Hunting 

Changes to the bowhunting license and crossbow permit occurred in 2024. A bowhunting license is now an archery license. A crossbow permit is no longer required as hunting with a bow and arrow AND crossbow are included with an archery license. Archery equipment now refers to crossbow and bow and arrow.

Use of crossbows in expanded archery areas during the expanded archery season is now permissible for any hunter who has an archery license and expanded archery permit(s). Crossbow use is NO longer permissible during the muzzleloader season.

The regular archery license allows archery equipment to be used to hunt all legal game throughout the year, except for deer during the muzzleloader season.

Obtaining an Archery License: Individuals applying for the archery hunting license must show proof of having successfully completed an archery hunter education course (which now includes crossbow safety) or of having held a Maine adult archery license in any year after 1979, or evidence of previously holding a crossbow permit in Maine prior to 2024. When proof or evidence cannot be provided, the applicant may substitute a signed affidavit. Native Americans are exempt from safety course requirements for archery and trapping.

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