What a combination license covers in Maine

Maine's combination hunting and fishing license lets you hunt and fish with a single permit during the same calendar year. You get one license number, one fee, and the ability to pursue both activities without buying separate licenses. The license is valid from January 1 through December 31 of the year you purchase it.

The combination license includes hunting privileges for all game species Maine allows (deer, upland birds, waterfowl, and others) and freshwater fishing for all species open to the public. You still need to follow separate seasons, bag limits, and regulations for each activity — the license itself just bundles the permission to do both into one document.

Maine residents pay one flat fee for the combination license. Non-residents pay a higher rate. Both prices are set annually by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and can change year to year, so check the department's website or call 207-287-8000 for current pricing before you buy.

Key Takeaways

  • A combination license covers both hunting and fishing in Maine for one calendar year, from January 1 through December 31.
  • You must still follow all season dates, bag limits, and species-specific rules for each activity separately.
  • Residents and non-residents pay different rates, and prices change annually.
  • You can buy a combination license online through the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website, by phone, or at authorized vendors.
  • Some hunters and anglers may save money with a combination license; others may pay more if they only pursue one activity.

When a combination license makes financial sense

If you plan to both hunt and fish during the same year, a combination license is usually cheaper than buying a hunting license and a fishing license separately. The combined fee is typically lower than the sum of the two individual licenses. However, if you only hunt or only fish, buying just the license you need will cost you less.

Residents who fish and hunt regularly throughout the year almost always save money with a combination license. Non-residents planning a multi-day trip that includes both activities also benefit from the single purchase. If you are unsure whether you will fish or hunt enough to justify the cost, remember that you can always buy a single-activity license instead.

How to purchase a combination license

You can buy a Maine combination hunting and fishing license three ways: online through the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website, by phone at 207-287-8000, or in person at an authorized vendor. Authorized vendors include sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, and some town clerk offices across Maine.

Online purchases are processed immediately, and you receive your license number by email. You can print the confirmation or show it on your phone while hunting or fishing. Phone purchases take a few minutes, and the department will mail your physical license or email a temporary confirmation. Vendor purchases vary — some print licenses on the spot, while others may take a day or two to process.

You will need to provide your name, date of birth, address, and hunting and fishing history (if applicable). Non-residents must also provide a valid out-of-state ID or driver's license. Have this information ready before you call or visit a vendor to speed up the process.

What you still need before you hunt or fish

A combination license is not the only document you may need. If you hunt deer with a firearm, you must also purchase a deer hunting permit for the season you plan to hunt. Waterfowl hunters need a federal duck stamp in addition to their license. These are separate purchases with their own fees and deadlines.

Some hunting methods require additional permits or tags. For example, hunting with a crossbow in certain seasons may require a crossbow permit, and hunting bear requires a bear hunting permit. Check the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website or the current hunting digest for a complete list of what you need for your specific activity.

Fishing for certain species may also have restrictions. Landlocked salmon and brook trout have special rules in some waters, and some lakes require a separate permit or have catch-and-release-only zones. Your combination license covers the basic right to fish, but always verify the specific rules for the water you plan to fish before you go.

Residency requirements and proof

Maine defines a resident as someone who has lived in the state for at least 12 consecutive months immediately before buying a license. If you moved to Maine less than a year ago, you must buy a non-resident license even if you now live here. Once you have been a resident for 12 months, you can switch to a resident license the following year.

You do not need to provide proof of residency when you buy online or by phone — the department verifies your address against state records. If you buy in person at a vendor, bring a driver's license or other ID showing your Maine address. Non-residents must show an out-of-state ID.

License validity and renewal

Your combination license is valid only for the calendar year in which you purchase it. On January 1 of the following year, your license expires and you must buy a new one if you want to hunt or fish. There is no grace period — hunting or fishing with an expired license is illegal, even if you buy a new one the same day.

You can purchase next year's license as early as December 1 of the current year. Many people buy their licenses in November or December to avoid the rush and to be ready when the new year begins. If you wait until January, you may encounter longer lines at vendors or delays in online processing.

What to do if you lose your license

If you lose your physical license or forget your license number, contact the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife at 207-287-8000 with your name and date of birth. They can look up your license number and email you a replacement confirmation. You can use the confirmation while waiting for a replacement physical license to arrive by mail.

Keep your license number written down or saved in your phone as backup. If you buy your license online, save the confirmation email. Having this information ready makes it much faster to get a replacement if you need one while you are out hunting or fishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a combination license if I have never hunted or fished before?

Yes. Maine does not require prior hunting or fishing experience to buy a combination license. However, if you plan to hunt, you must complete a hunter safety course before you can legally hunt. The course is separate from the license purchase and takes one or two days to complete.

Does my combination license work in other states?

No. Your Maine license is valid only in Maine. If you travel to another state to hunt or fish, you must buy that state's license. Each state manages its own licenses and does not recognize licenses from other states.

What happens if I buy a combination license but only use it to fish?

Nothing — you can use your license for only one activity if you choose. You will have paid more than if you had bought a fishing-only license, but there is no penalty for not using the hunting portion. The same applies if you only hunt.

Can I get a refund if I change my mind after buying a combination license?

Maine does not issue refunds for licenses once they are purchased. Make sure you want a combination license before you buy. If you are unsure, purchase only the single-activity license you know you will use.

Do I need a separate license for each type of fish I want to catch?

No. Your combination license covers all freshwater fish species in Maine. You do not need separate licenses for trout, bass, pike, or any other species. However, some waters have special rules or catch limits for specific species, so check local regulations before you fish.