How to Apply for Maine's Moose Lottery Starting in April

Maine's Moose Lottery application period begins soon, including for Seniors who may get a permit automatically.

Moose Permits are Like Gold to Maine Hunters

Forget the monetary lottery that you have (nearly) no chance of winning. Your odds in the Maine Moose Lottery are much better, and entering might result in a lot of moose meat in your freezer to get you through the year. These permits are like gold to hunters, so knowing how and when to sign up is essential.

File a Moose Lottery Application Online and Earn Bonus Points When You Don't Win

The Maine Moose Lottery application period begins on April 1st and ends at 11:59 p.m. on May 15, 2025. Paper applications used to be accepted, but now, all applications must be filed online.

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All eligible hunters must be able to obtain a Maine big game hunting license before or on the first day of moose hunting season.

Points are obtained by applying multiple years in a row without winning a moose permit. They are accrued as follows:

0-5 years: 1 point/year
6-10 years: 2 points/year
11-15 years: 3 points/year
16+ years: 10 points/year

Bonus points (extra chances in the drawing) are tracked by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife using a hunter's name and date of birth, so this information must be accurate on the application.

Senior Citizens May Be Eligible for a Moose Permit Without Going Through the Drawing

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A cool feature of the moose lottery is the bonus for any Maine resident who is 65 or older or will turn 65 during the calendar year of the hunt. If they have at least 30 points in the lottery system, they are guaranteed a moose permit. Eligible residents will still need to submit an application before the deadline and indicate all the seasons and Wildlife Management Districts (WMDs) where they're interested in getting a permit.

This year's Maine Moose Lottery drawing will be held in Farmington on Saturday, June 21, 2025. Once the drawing is over, the winners will be posted online on the MDIF&W website.