2021 Any Deer Permit Application Deadline This Week

Hunters seeking to apply for an any deer permit are running low on time. The deadline is quickly approaching.

Applications are being accepted for the 2021 Any Deer Permit Lottery. Those who apply need to have a valid Big Game Hunting License. Applications are only being accepted online. The application period is open until 11:59 p.m., Aug. 17.

Apply online here.

An any deer permit allows the permittee to hunt antlerless deer, or bucks with antlers less than three inches in length. There's no fee to apply for an any-deer permit. The drawing will be held September 10.

The names of selected hunters will be posted online. If you're selected, you need to write down your corresponding any deer permit number. It's suggested you keep that number with your hunting license so it's readily available when needed at a tagging station. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife no longer mails transportation tags or physical any deer permits.

According to data from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the 2020 season yielded 33,157 deer harvested throughout Maine. For comparison, Maine wildlife biologists issued 109,890 doe, or "any deer," permits for the 2020 firearms season. That was a new record number of hunters went into the season with any deer permits. 68,145 permits were issued in 2019.

IFW will issue 153,910 any deer permits for the upcoming deer season.