Maine's 2025 moose harvest report highlights key trends

The state's moose herd data shows success rates, age distribution, and management impacts.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife recently released its 2025 moose harvest report, providing a comprehensive look at the state's moose herd through detailed registration and age data. The report shows a 57% overall success rate from 4,075 permits, with the adaptive management hunt in WMD 4A seeing a significant decline in success. The harvest was dominated by younger animals, with about 76% of moose between 0.5 and 4.5 years old.

Why it matters

Maine's moose population is an important natural resource and economic driver for the state, with the annual moose hunt drawing thousands of hunters. The harvest data provides insights into the health and management of the herd, which can inform future policies and regulations around hunting permits and seasons.

The details

The 2025 moose season registered 2,309 total kills from 4,075 permits, for an overall success rate of 57%. Permit allocations have remained relatively steady over the past five years. The adaptive WMD 4A hunt produced 140 kills from 520 permits, for a 27% success rate, down significantly from previous years. Several northern districts, including WMDs 1, 2, 5, and 6, accounted for about half the statewide harvest and posted success rates exceeding 60%. September bull hunts lagged behind October seasons in many areas.

  • The 2025 moose season took place in Maine.
  • The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife recently released the 2025 moose harvest report.

The players

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

The state agency responsible for managing Maine's wildlife, including the annual moose hunt.

Wyatt McCarthy

A hunter who shot a bull moose on opening day in Zone 11, accompanied by his father Kirby and cousin Russ Linscott.

Lee Kantar

The state moose biologist who attributed the lower September bull hunt success rates in part to drought and warmer-than-normal conditions.

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What they’re saying

“The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife recently released its 2025 moose harvest report, providing a comprehensive look at the state's herd through detailed registration and age data.”

— Susan Bard, Bangor Daily News Outdoors Editor (observer-me.com)

The takeaway

The 2025 moose harvest report highlights the ongoing management challenges faced by Maine's wildlife officials, as they work to balance hunting opportunities, herd health, and environmental factors like drought and warming temperatures. The data provides valuable insights that can inform future policies and regulations to ensure the long-term sustainability of Maine's iconic moose population.