Youth hunters in Maine will get a jump start on the deer season this weekend.

Since October 3, hunters have been hitting the woods with their bows and crossbows in search of deer. Youth hunters will the first this season to take to woods, rife in hand. Youth deer day is set for October 24. Junior hunters who hold a valid junior hunting license can participate in this specially designated hunting day.

On Halloween, the firearms season will open to Maine resident hunters. The special day gives Mainers an opportunity to get an early start to the deer season. The season opens to all on November 2, and runs through November 28.

This deer season is forecast to be a big one, with a record amount of any deer permits issued. Maine wildlife biologists proposed 109,890 permits for the upcoming firearms season. 68,145 permits were issued in 2019.

The winners are posted here.

If you've been 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.

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