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Moose Permit FAQ
If you have questions that are not answered below or need assistance with a moose permit or moose hunting, please contact us at ifw.moosepermit@maine.gov.
Bonus Points
Q. Is there a number of bonus points that guarantees a permit?
A. No. Bonus points increase your chances but do not guarantee selection.
The only exception is Maine residents age 65 or older with at least 30 bonus points, who are guaranteed a permit if they apply.
Q. The application shows fewer bonus points than I expected. Why?
A. The bonus point system began in 1998, and points are only accumulated from that year forward. Even if you applied every year since 1998, the maximum number of bonus points possible in 2026 is 160.
Bonus points are based on consecutive years of applying and increase over time. Purchasing additional chances (nonresidents only) does not increase bonus points.
Your total may be lower than expected if:
- You received a moose permit (points reset after winning)
- You did not apply for two consecutive years
- Your name or date of birth was entered differently on past applications
For a full explanation of how bonus points are earned, tracked, and lost, see the Bonus Points section.
Q. Do non-resident applicants reduce a resident's chances of being selected?
A. No. Resident and non-resident permits are allocated separately, and the drawings are conducted independently. No more than 8% of permits may be issued to non-residents.
A portion of permits (up to 2%) is also allocated to hunting lodges. Because permits are distributed by Wildlife Management District (WMD), this can result in some districts having no permits available to non-residents in a given year.
Non-residents may purchase additional chances, but those chances apply only within the non-resident drawing and do not affect resident odds.
Application
Q. Do I need a hunting license to apply?
A. No. You do not need a license to apply. If selected, you must purchase a Maine big game hunting license before paying for your permit.
Q. What is the minimum age to apply?
A. You must be at least 10 years old by the first day of the September moose season to be eligible for a permit.
Applicants under age 10 may apply for bonus points only but are not eligible to receive a permit or serve as a sub-permittee.
Q. I submitted my application but did not receive a confirmation. What should I do?
A. Confirmation emails are sent from noreply@informe.org. Check your spam or junk folder first.
You can also return to the application page and reenter your information. If your application was submitted, you will be prompted to enter your confirmation number.
If you still cannot locate your confirmation, contact ifw.moosepermit@maine.gov or call (207) 287-8000.
Q. Can I edit my application after submitting it?
A. Yes. Return to the application page and reenter your information. You will need your confirmation number to make changes.
If you entered incorrect contact information and cannot access your confirmation, contact MDIFW for assistance.
Sub-permittees
Q. What is a sub-permittee?
A. A sub-permittee is a person authorized to hunt with the permit holder. Either the permit holder or sub-permittee may harvest the moose.
Both must be in physical contact while hunting. The sub-permittee may not hunt independently.
Q. Can I change or add a sub-permittee?
A. Yes. Sub-permittee and alternate information can be updated during the online payment process.
After the payment site closes, changes must be made using the Updating Moose Permit Information Form and submitted at least five business days before the hunt.
It is illegal to sell a sub-permittee or alternate designation.
Q. Can I be listed as a sub-permittee on multiple applications?
A. Yes. However, a person may only harvest one moose per year. Once a sub-permittee harvests a moose, they may not participate as a sub-permittee on another permit.
Q. Can I be a sub-permittee after holding a permit last year?
A. Yes. The three-year waiting period applies only to receiving a permit, not serving as a sub-permittee.
Q. Can a resident and nonresident be listed together on a permit?
A. Yes. Residency does not matter for sub-permittees or alternates.
Lottery and Chances
Q. Can residents purchase additional chances?
A. No. Only nonresidents may purchase additional chances.
Resident and nonresident permits are allocated separately, and the drawings are conducted independently. Non-resident participation does not reduce the number of permits available to residents.
Q. What is a "chance" for nonresidents?
A. A chance is an additional entry in the nonresident lottery drawing. Purchasing more chances increases your odds for that year only.
Additional chances do not carry over to future years. Bonus points are accumulated separately.
Permits and Hunting
Q. When will I receive my permit?
A. Permits are mailed approximately 10–12 business days before your hunt begins.
Q. Can I transfer my permit to someone else?
A. Only in rare, extenuating circumstances and with approval from the Department.
Q. Can my sub-permittee hunt without me?
A. No. The permit holder must be present at all times.
Q. Will I lose my bonus points if I receive a permit but do not hunt?
A. Yes. Bonus points are lost when you are awarded a permit, regardless of whether you hunt or harvest a moose.
Q. Can I get another permit next year if I win this year?
A. No. If you receive a permit, you must wait three full years before becoming eligible again. During that time, you may apply for bonus points and serve as a sub-permittee.