Moosehead Area Moose Hunting Season Working Group

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) is convening a working group to gather information and perspectives on whether portions of Wildlife Management Districts (WMDs) 8, 9, 14, and 17 could be opened to moose hunting in late September while minimizing conflicts with the Moosehead region's tourism industry and other recreational users.

Purpose

The purpose of the working group is to conduct information-gathering sessions to evaluate the potential for a late September moose hunting season in portions of the Moosehead region. Discussions will focus on balancing hunting opportunity with the needs of local communities, businesses, recreational users, and visitors.

Background

In January 2026, MDIFW proposed expanding the September moose hunting season to all remaining WMDs not currently open during that season. Following public comment on the proposal, the Department chose not to move forward with opening WMDs 8, 9, 14, and 17 to September moose hunting at that time.
The Department remains interested in evaluating whether opening portions of this area to September moose hunting could increase hunting opportunity and reduce hunter congestion and user conflicts by redistributing hunters across multiple weeks.

Working Group Format

Up to three in-person working group meetings will be held in Greenville on the dates listed below. Participants will be invited to represent a range of perspectives related to moose hunting seasons in the Moosehead region, including:

  • Large landowners
  • Moose viewing guides
  • Hospitality and tourism interests
  • Municipal representatives
  • Hunters

Meetings will be open to the public, and opportunities for public comment will be provided at the conclusion of each meeting.

An online attendance option via Microsoft Teams will also be available. Those wishing to attend remotely should email Becky Orff at becky.orff@maine.gov.

The working group will serve in an advisory capacity only. Discussions may inform future Department decisions regarding moose hunting seasons in the Moosehead region.

Meeting Information

Location

Greenville Public Safety Building
10 Minden Street
Greenville, Maine

Meeting Dates

  • Wednesday, May 27, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Monday, June 8, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (if needed)