Maine

[Prouzy]

Maybe  I am not able to find or see it, but from what I gather, Maine treats airguns as firearms? But the only reference I see to hunting with airguns is in the faq where it states it is legal for small game.  But if in fact they are treated as firearms, Im wondering specifically about deer and coyote? The other issue is that anything that is afixxed to a firearm (again, would apply to airguns if being perceived the same) to reduce its sound report is illegal without a permit.  I think Ive seen hunting vids with airguns that are moderated/shrouded in the state of Maine, however I could be wrong.  This is why Im posting in forums first, as I do know it is apporpriate to contact law enforcement and fish and game/conservation, however I dont want to draw any undue attention.

Anyone in Maine have experience with this?

Chris

[Always Learning]

Maybe  I am not able to find or see it, but from what I gather, Maine treats airguns as firearms? But the only reference I see to hunting with airguns is in the faq where it states it is legal for small game.  But if in fact they are treated as firearms, Im wondering specifically about deer and coyote? The other issue is that anything that is afixxed to a firearm (again, would apply to airguns if being perceived the same) to reduce its sound report is illegal without a permit.  I think Ive seen hunting vids with airguns that are moderated/shrouded in the state of Maine, however I could be wrong.  This is why Im posting in forums first, as I do know it is apporpriate to contact law enforcement and fish and game/conservation, however I dont want to draw any undue attention.

Anyone in Maine have experience with this?

Chris

As of October this year hunting with a silencer is legal in Maine. Maine is also a "Must sign state" meaning that any satisfactory background checked citizen will be able to get approval to purchase a Federal silencer permit.

Off the shelf shrouded weapons are an area that needs your judgement. If in doubt, ask the Fish and Wildlife people and/or read what Pyramyd Air is saying about manufactures responsibility. We can go into stores and buy these guns be it Wally World of the local hardware or sporting goods store. If they are illegal they would not be on the shelves.

I will get a shrouded air rifle before an add-on TKO type product. Would a TKO type device need a federal permit? I am do not know but I am taking the safe approach.

•Deer may not be hunted with the use of dogs, artificial lights, snares, traps, set guns or any firearm using .17 or .22 caliber rimfire cartridges, except that .22 caliber rimfire magnum cartridges are permitted. Deer decoys are legal.  (Large Caliber Air rifles are not addressed. When in Doubt Ask!)

What is Small Game in Maine?
Maine Small Game Hunting License: A resident small game hunting license or nonresident small game hunting license permits persons 16 years of age or older to hunt all legal game species except deer, bear, turkey, moose, raccoon and bobcat with a firearm or bow and arrow.

Starlings and house sparrows are legal to shoot where shooting is permitted.

Maine likes hunting small game with an airgun. It is safer in most areas than a .22 or other rifles which carry too far.

[Prouzy]

Thanks Steve

"Off the shelf shrouded weapons are an area that needs your judgement. If in doubt, ask the Fish and Wildlife people and/or read what Pyramyd Air is saying about manufactures responsibility. We can go into stores and buy these guns be it Wally World of the local hardware or sporting goods store. If they are illegal they would not be on the shelves."

Judgement and assumptions do not always coincide with others' interpretation of the law :-)  We (family/friends) have had several other discussions that have led to communications with Fish and Game, and in many cases resulted in different responses from enforcement.

" (Large Caliber Air rifles are not addressed. When in Doubt Ask!)  "

Thats what Im doing  , looking for people's experience and opinions.  For example, if someone is actually hunting coyote or deer with airguns in Maine, or used shrouded airguns for any hunting, or have come across issues when attempting to do so.  Thats is correct, ie written deer regs but have not seen the regs for airguns other than the FAQ response to airguns and small game.  Just curious about this comment on the site and the relationship of airguns to firearms.  I will communicating with enforcement, after I attempt to gather information from the public so I can properly prepare myself for a discussion such as people's interpretation. 

It does appear that coyote can be taken, as classified as small game, again wondering if anyone has done so.  I just dont recall seeing any airgunners posting anything on that but maybe just not something folks are doing. 

Thanks for the comments, I appreciate it!  Happy shooting and lets pray we have a manageable winter, its coming :-)