UMaine reserves the right to restrict access to its properties, including temporary closures, to accommodate specific research or educational activities. UMaine reserves the right to revoke any individual’s or group’s privilege to hunt on any UMaine-managed property, in its sole discretion.

Hunting and trapping are not allowed on the 660-acre main residential campus located in Orono and the adjacent Demeritt Forest in Orono and Old Town, nor on the 240-acre residential campus in Machias. Further, the UMaine Firearms Guide prohibits weapons or ammunition from being worn, displayed, used, or possessed on either residential campus. 

All UMaine-managed properties and their current access status are detailed on the UMaine Lands Access Status List. This list does not include property owned or managed by other UMS universities or units. Hunting and trapping access on each property is designated as “unrestricted,” “by permission only,” or “no hunting.” All UMaine-managed properties not included on the UMaine Lands Access Status List are designated “no hunting” unless permission is otherwise granted in writing by the Director of the Maine Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station (MAFES) or their designee.

“Unrestricted” applies to property on which there are no university-imposed restrictions on hunting or trapping. Written permission from the university is not required for access. Please note: Maine law requires written landowner permission for the placement of tree stands, traps, bait piles, and trail and game cameras. To request that permission, please contact the property manager listed on the UMaine Lands Access Status List. 

“By permission only” applies to property on which limited hunting or trapping is allowed at the discretion of the property manager, who must provide permission in writing. Links to written permission applications and contact information for property managers can be accessed via the UMaine Lands Access Status List. Signs/purple paint are posted at all prominent entrances and every 100’ around the property’s perimeter to the extent practicable, consistent with state law. Even with written permission to hunt or trap on the property, a person may not discharge, or cause a projectile to pass as a result of a discharge, within 100’ of a building or residential dwelling.

“No hunting” applies to property on which hunting or trapping is not allowed. UMaine will make reasonable efforts to post signs/purple paint at all prominent entrances and every 100’ around the property’s perimeter to the extent practicable, consistent with state law. If a hunter or trapper is unsure whether a particular property allows hunting or trapping, they should review the UMaine Lands Access Status List, which is the authoritative source for hunting and trapping on UMaine properties.