Maine Wardens Want Hunters to Be Safe During Deer Season

Deer season in Maine is exciting, but the Maine Warden Service is reminding hunters it's also a time for safety.

Maine Firearms Season for Deer Hunting Opens November 1, 2025

Maine's firearms hunting season for deer starts Saturday, November 1, for Maine residents, and Monday, November 3, for non-residents.

READ MORE: Maine Wildlife & Health Officials Say Don't Eat Deer From These Areas

All residents are reminded to wear blaze orange if they will be anywhere near the woods.

Maine Warden Service Has Safety Tips for Hunters During Firearms Season

For hunters, the Wardens have issued a few safety reminders to keep in mind when they head into the trees.

The most important reminders center around firearms. Hunters and, in fact, anyone handling a gun, should always treat it as if it's loaded. Tragic accidents often occur with the careless use of a weapon that was thought to be empty.

Gun muzzles should always be pointed in a safe direction. Never carry your weapon in a way that, should it accidentally go off, it could harm someone.

Always safely carry your firearm, keeping your finger away from the trigger and the safety on until you're ready to shoot.

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Check and double-check to confirm not only your target, but what's beyond it if you miss.

Treestands should be used wisely, including wearing a safety harness and using a safety line. Once you're safely in your treestand, use a haul line to pull up your unloaded firearm.

Maine Wardens Advise Hunters to Have a Plan in Case They Get Lost in the Woods

Finally, remember to tell someone where you're going and when you expect to return, so that if you get lost or injured, the wardens have a starting point for their search.

Take a survival kit and a compass with you, because even the most experienced hunters can get turned around in the dark.