The deer hunting times, they are changing. And crossbow hunters will be very happy about that. After several years of debating, studying and researching the impact it might have on its white-tailed deer herd, Maine has finally approved the use of crossbows during the regular archery season.

Starting this year, crossbows are legal in the Pine Tree State. That’s right, crossbows are legal in addition to recurves and compounds during the state’s bowhunting season.

Crossbow hunting had been allowed in Maine prior to this year, but it was restricted for use during the firearms season in November. The change in the law will essentially double the amount of time hunters can be afield with a crossbow by providing hunters the month of October to bowhunt with a crossbow.

According to the Press Herald, the law will be in place for three years and then evaluated by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. All crossbow hunters must have a valid hunting license, complete the crossbow education course and obtain a crossbow hunting permit – cost is $26 for residents and $56 for non-residents.

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According to Deer & Deer Hunting historical data, despite its rich deer hunting history, Maine is one of the least hunter-populated states in North America. The state’s bowhunting season typically attracts fewer than 14,000 participants (13,700 as of last year). Those hunters bag approximately 2,000 deer per year statewide. 

Conversely, Maine has about 175,000 gun-hunters, and the gun-deer harvest average is 25,173, according to the Deer Hunters’ Almanac®.

The new crossbow hunting opportunities won’t come easy for newcomers. Before being allowed to hunt, newcomers must complete BOTH hunter education and crossbow hunter education courses. Most programs combine these certificates in one class, but be sure to check with your local hunter ed advisor before running out and trying to buy a license.