Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife

06/02/2026

Bear attacks are very uncommon and black bears rarely become aggressive when encountered, but it's still wise to give bears space and know what to do if an unexpected encounter happens in the Maine outdoors.

To avoid black bear encounters while hiking:

👀 Be aware of your surroundings and keep kids within sight.
👥 Hike in groups, stay together, and make noise in thick cover.
🐶 Keep dogs on a leash or leave them home.
🐻 Carry bear spray, and know how to use it.

Learn more: mefishwildlife.com/livingwithblackbears

06/01/2026

June in Maine is hard to beat. The mosquitoes and blackflies are hungry—but so are the fish.

Across the state, our fisheries biologists are reporting cool water temperatures, strong insect hatches, active fish, and some of the best angling opportunities of the season. From tiny brook trout streams and remote ponds to big lakes full of salmon and bass, June is prime time to wet a line.

Don’t be afraid to explore. The small brook you pass every day, the pond down a logging road, or the lake you’ve never tried before might just become your new favorite fishing spot.

June is also one of the best times to get kids hooked—fish are active, eager, and often easy to catch, which means plenty of action from the bank, dock, or boat (and hopefully a few fish stories on the ride home).

Read the full June Fishing Report to see what’s happening in your region: mefishwildlife.com/fishingreport

06/01/2026

Level up your next adventure by becoming an Outdoor Partner!

It's easy to opt in when you buy your hunting or fishing license online, or score Outdoor Partners merch from our store. Every contribution helps protect access to the places you play. Plus, you'll be entered into weekly drawings for prizes that amplify adventure.

Shoutout to Outdoor Partners Program sponsors for crushing it with June prizes!

NEMO Equipment Endless Promise Backpack
L.L.Bean Quest Travel Rod & Reel
Old Town Watercraft hat and tshirt
Outdoor Partners water bottle and Minus33 Merino Wool Clothing socks

Join the mission: mefishwildlife.com/outdoorpartners.

05/31/2026

Maine Warden Service is proud to announce the promotion of Investigator Josh Smith to the position of Investigator Sergeant.

An experienced police officer with a degree in conservation law enforcement, Sergeant Smith began his career as a warden in 2006. He patrolled Monticello and Rumford districts until he was promoted to Investigator in 2020.

Sergeant Smith has been an important figure in the agency’s hiring and training process. A mentor for new wardens, he has served as a member of the cadre staff for several Maine Criminal Justice Academy and Advanced Warden Training Academy classes.

Well-versed in search warrants and major case investigations, his experience and meticulous attention to detail are perfectly suited for his new supervisory role. Sergeant Smith will lead our statewide investigative unit and will be instrumental in the Department’s ongoing efforts to protect Maine’s waters from aquatic invasive species.

Congratulations Investigator Sergeant Smith!

05/30/2026

Energy was high, competition was fierce, and smiles were contagious at the 2026 Game Warden Olympics! We have a sneaking suspicion there are a few future biologists and Maine Game Wardens at Elm Street School .

From map and compass to casting a line, identifying fish and wildlife, and conquering an outdoor obstacle course, these kids proved they have the skill and drive to thrive in the Maine outdoors!

Connecting with our communities and spending time with the next generation is one of the greatest privileges of wearing the badge. These youth are already stepping up to protect Maine's natural resources. Maine's future is in great hands. Go Panthers!

05/29/2026

Zero fees, zero pressure. Free Fishing Weekend is this weekend!

Untangling time, clumsy casts, or missed bites? It’s fine - it’s free! This weekend, time to learn, practice, or get back in the swing of things doesn’t take a license, just a sense of humor, a little luck, and an appreciation for the Maine outdoors. You never know – by the end of the weekend you could actually catch a brook trout instead of a tree branch!

📅 When: Saturday May 30 – Sunday May 31
😎 Who: Anyone except those whose license has been suspended or revoked.
🎣 What: No fishing license required. All other laws and regulations apply.

Plan your weekend with help from our Maine Fishing Guide at mefishwildlife.com/fishingguide

05/28/2026

The Maine Moose Lottery Drawing is making a big splash at the Acton Fairgrounds this year!

🫎 Thursday, June 18: Campground check-in fires up at noon.

🫎 Friday, June 19: Festivities kick off with a car show, touch-a-truck, motor cycle rodeo, truck pulling, rides, food, and live music.

🫎 Saturday, June 20: Fry pan toss and moose calling competitions lead up to the main event. The Moose Lottery Drawing is scheduled from 1pm to 5pm, and results will be locked and loaded online by 6pm.

Full event schedule: me2026mooseloto.com

05/27/2026

Talking turkey could be your calling!

The goal is to use simple hen sounds to attract a tom within your effective range for an ethical shot. It’s part of what makes spring turkey such an engaging hunt!

🦃 Starter calls: Yelps, clucks, and cuts to say, “I’m here, come over!”
🦃 Golden rule: Less is more. Good scouting beats excessive calling.
🦃 The tools: Slate (pot) calls, box calls, and mouth (diaphragm) calls are all inexpensive and versatile.
🦃 Pro tip: Practice at home, not in the field, so the birds don’t catch on.

Remember, you don’t need to be an expert for calling to add to the experience. Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good!

05/26/2026

Support for swallows! This building for birds is the first of its kind in the Northeast.

Development is a well-known challenge for wildlife and habitat, but for some species, building removal can be just as impactful. Cliff swallow colonies rely heavily on bridges and buildings for nesting habitat, and construct nests with nothing but mud, spit, and determination.

One Hancock County cliff swallow colony is facing the loss of their nesting site, an old building scheduled for necessary demolition. Maine’s Threatened cliff swallow population can’t afford to lose even one colony, so conservation partners rolled up their sleeves to do some nest construction of their own.

Before spring migration, a team of conservation partners installed a nesting structure nearby. Custom-built for cliff swallows, it includes hand-made clay nests courtesy of Mara Silver of Swallow Conservation. Artificial nests were also added to the existing building to boost the population while allowing time for birds to investigate and transition to the free-standing structure prior to future demolition.

If successful, this proactive project could pioneer a new method for broader bird conservation.

Thank you to Maine Natural History Observatory Swallow Conservation, Maine Audubon , Frenchman Bay Conservancy, and McMullen Landscape Construction & Maintenance for your dedication, creativity, and collaboration!

05/25/2026

🦅 It looks like the weather will be clearing up in time to spend the afternoon with an an eagle at Maine Wildlife Park for Memorial Day! 🇺🇸

Today, we honor and remember those who served our country and gave so much so future generations could explore, learn, and enjoy places like this. Bring the family out to celebrate the beauty of Maine and the wildlife we’re lucky to share it with.