National Hunting and Fishing Day

National Hunting and Fishing Day is an opportunity to recognize hunters and anglers as a driving force in conservation, protectors of wild places, and mentors in the Maine outdoors. We reflect on the many ways in which hunting and fishing have shaped the future of Maine’s natural resources, and celebrate each story of successful species recovery, land preservation, and protection of resources for the next generation.

In honor of National Hunting and Fishing Day, we welcome you to discover how your time on the water and in the woods could help fund and protect the Maine outdoors, and explore some resources to help you get started.

Three images side by side of two hunters, an MDIFW truck, and two fly anglers in fall.

Funding for Future Conservation

Every time a hunter purchases a license, permit, or certain hunting equipment, a portion of that sale goes directly to conservation.

Industry federal excise taxes have been crucial to American conservation since 1937 when the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, known as Pittman-Robertson (PR), was passed. It was followed in 1950 by the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act, known as Dingell-Johnson (DJ). PR funds, collected through an 11% federal excise tax on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment and a 10% excise tax on handguns, have been critical to conserving, monitoring, and managing mammals, birds, and habitat throughout the state. DJ funds, collected through the excise tax on fishing and boating equipment and motorboat fuel, are used to ensure clean water, healthy fish populations, and public access to Maine's waterways. For every $1.00 that Maine puts into management for wild mammals, wild birds, sport fish species, and outdoor access we can receive $3.00 more from PR and DJ funds.

Learn more: Federal Excise Tax Supports Fish and Wildlife Management

A piping plover on a beach — Hunting doesn't just help manage game species, it funds conservation of non-game, Threatened and Endangered Species, such as the piping plover.

Healthy Benefits for You, Your Community, and Fish & Wildlife

Hunting and fishing are gateways to the outdoors and a way for both kids and adults to connect with the natural world, all while boosting Maine's economy. Studies show that spending time outside supports better mental health, physical fitness, and overall well-being. Harvesting food from Maine's woods and waters secures healthy, free-range, lean protein for the whole family, and can even help communities in need through Maine's Hunters for the Hungry program. Hunters and anglers also support fish and wildlife health by providing data to biologists who manage and monitor populations, and by maintaining populations at levels their habitat can support.

Learn more: The Benefits of Hunting

A mother and son in a hunting blind, smiling and holding deer antlers. — The best family memories are made outdoors. MDIFW is here to support every family interested in learning to hunt together: Youth Hunting

Hunting for Habitat

Hunting helps fun land acquisition which protects habitat for hundreds of species, and opens up thousands of acres for public recreation. It is the most permanent conservation action for fish and wildlife. MDIFW currently manages approximately 136,000 acres of Wildlife Management Areas across the state. All revenue from the sale of state waterfowl permits is used exclusively for acquisition of waterfowl habitat and management activities, and since 2022, $12 from each antlerless deer hunting permit has helped acquire and manage over 10,000 acres of critical deer wintering habitat.

Learn more: Funds from Antlerless Deer Permits Help Purchase and Manage over 10,000 Acres of Critical Habitat

Several deer together in a snowy forest setting.

Everyone is welcome to be a part of Maine's hunting and fishing conservation community! Ready to go all in for the Maine outdoors?

Do the Prep Work

Buy your first Maine hunting or fishing license: MOSES
Download our mobile app to store all your hunting and fishing licenses in one place, find places to explore, keep Maine's outdoor laws right in your pocket, and more: ME Outdoors
Being a responsible user of the Maine outdoors means staying informed of, and complying with, the current laws and rules: Laws of the Maine Outdoors
Complete any required safety courses

Keep Learning

Take advantage of the numerous hands-on workshops and programs offered through our Outdoor Programs.
Sign up for NatureQuest, a seasonal challenge designed to elevate your sense of adventure.
Connect with a Maine hunting mentor: Learnhunting.org

Other Resources

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