Did You Know There Are Four Animals You Can Legally Hunt All Year Long in Maine?

Maine has a rich history in both agriculture and fish and game. From the annual potato harvest to the thousands of Maine lobstermen (and women!) that head out into the saltwater every morning to check their traps, Maine has one of the richest histories out of any state in the nation.

And, Maine hunting has become so popular, that people come in droves from around the Unites States each year to try their luck at bagging a big game animal. People from all around the country flock to Maine in the fall for both the whitetail deer hunt and the annual Maine moose hunt.

And, because of its popularity, Maine has no shortage of epic hunting camps and registered guide services that are ready to get you and your friends out into the woods for a hunt that you won't soon forget.

By now, most of us are pretty familiar with the fact that (almost) all game in Maine has a dedicated season for hunting and hunting outside of those parameters can get you into some serious trouble. You don't want to end up on North Woods Law, do you?

However, there is a small number of Maine animals that can be hunted all year long. Let's review, shall we?

According to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the first animal on the list is the woodchuck. Some of us refer to them as groundhogs or whistle-pigs, but no matter what you call them, they can certainly be a nuisance animal. You can't hunt them at night or on Sundays, but other than that, have at it!

The next animal on the list is the porcupine. These pesky critters can be a wicked problem for your domestic animals that like to roam in the yard. Each year we hear about dozens of dogs across the state that have gotten the prick of death from these babies. Just don't hunt them on Sundays- other than that, take em' out!

The red squirrel is another on the list of Maine animals that you can blow away year round. These fuzzy little critters have reddish-brown fur and use their tail to make loud noises to scare away predators. But, don't let them scare you away, you're the hunter, remember?

The last animal on the list from Maine Inland Fisheries & Wildlife is probably the most recognized 'year-round' season animal. Of course we are talking about the coyote. There is no closed season for hunting coyote in Maine, however, it's important to note that night hunting is typically only available December through August, so check the dates annually if you plan to hunt them at night.