The 2016 Moose Permit Lottery is Accepting Applications

The Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife has opened up the application period for the 2016 Moose Lottery.

If you've ever dreamed of hunting for moose, you'll want to start thinking about getting your name in the lottery. Each year, names are drawn in June to decide who will be given permits for the annual moose hunt. It is illegal to hunt moose in Maine without one of these permits, so they're in high demand!

The online application process is fast and simple. Plus, you'll receive instant confirmation that you've successfully entered the lottery. To apply, just visit the website for the IF&W. The deadline for online applications is 11:59 pm. on May 16th, 2016.

If you prefer to apply by snail mail, paper applications are available by calling the Department at (207) 287-8000, or by printing them from the website. Completed paper applications must be postmarked by April 1st, 2016 or delivered to 284 State Street in Augusta, Maine by 5:00 p.m. on April 1st, 2016.

Persistence in this process pays off in the form of bonus points, which are awarded to Maine residents for each consecutive year the applicant has applied for the lottery since 1998, without being selected. Each bonus point gives the applicant an additional chance in the drawing.  For Maine residents, bonus points are earned at the rate of one per year for years one to five, two per year for years six to 10, three per year for years 11 to 15, and 10 per year for years 16 and beyond. Since 2011, applicants can skip a year and not lose any of their bonus points.

The moose permit drawing will be held on June 11th, 2016 at the Kittery Trading Post, in Kittery, Maine. For more information, log onto the website for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife.