Maine Inland Fisheries & Wildlife

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife oversees the conservation and responsible use of Maine's natural resources. From enforcing hunting laws and registering certain vehicles to providing education about Maine's resources and overseeing conservation programs, Maine's Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Department plays a significant role in the lives of anglers, hunters, trappers, conservationists and, of course, Maine's wildlife.

  1. History

    • The earliest iteration of Maine's Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Department started in 1880. Maine's legislature asked two commissioners to oversee game wardens who were to patrol the woods and waterways for unlawful poaching. For the first several years, game wardens received one half of all fines they collected instead of a salary.

    Permits

    • Maine's Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife issues hunting, trapping, fishing, all-terrain vehicle (ATV), snowmobile and boat permits to Maine residents and visitors. Certain permits require a lottery process if the number of permits requested is expected to exceed the number available.

    Hunting and Trapping

    • Aside from managing hunting and trapping permits and enforcing hunting and trapping laws, Maine's Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife provides hunters and trappers with useful regional information such as profiles of wildlife and tips for sighting certain animals.

    Fishing

    • The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife provides anglers with more than permits and regulations. It also provides the public with survey maps of lakes, information about invasive aquatic plants and general education about fish migration and habitats.

    Education and Grants

    • The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife administers the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund, which supports conservation projects across the state. The department also offers courses on topics like "Becoming an Outdoors Woman," "Outdoor Ethics" and various age-specific school programs.