Maine Moose Lottery

[tan]

Has anyone here won a non-resident moose tag? If so, how many years did you apply, and how many chances did you buy when you won? I'm looking to hunt moose within the next 10-15 years, and I'm not sure if I should continue applying in Maine or move to a state out west. I plan on buying 50 chances a year, as it's still cheaper than applying in most other places. Also has anyone found information on the amount of chances bought culmunitivliy from non-residents? Thanks!

 

[huntcookwrite]

It’s impossible, don’t even bother applying!

In all seriousness, though — I started applying two years ago for me, my wife, and my kids. I’ve heard of some people drawing on their first year of application, others going 10+ years. As far as I can tell, like all lotteries, it’s totally random.

But like you said, it’s relatively inexpensive, so I don’t see any reason not to at least keep your points active.

 

[Snowhunter11]

I am also a few years in on applying. Just visited the coast of Maine last summer. Not a moose to be found. Park ranger told the kids “global warming is the issue”. For the sake of my future hopeful hunt further inland and north I hope he’s wrong. ND/MN used to have a healthy population now it’s just depressing. I still have high hopes for Maine however it just surprised me the coast/ ANP seemed so devoid of big game minus whitetail. Good luck

 

[huntcookwrite]

I am also a few years in on applying. Just visited the coast of Maine last summer. Not a moose to be found. Park ranger told the kids “global warming is the issue”. For the sake of my future hopeful hunt further inland and north I hope he’s wrong. ND/MN used to have a healthy population now it’s just depressing. I still have high hopes for Maine however it just surprised me the coast/ ANP seemed so devoid of big game minus whitetail. Good luck

I think Acadia’s tough unless you get into some of the more remote parts. Just so heavily trafficked in the summer.

That being said I hiked Katadhin last summer and while we didn’t see any moose, I did see a bunch of sign around the swampy areas. So they’re out there for sure.

 

[eaglemountainman]

I started applying when I was 31. I'm now 68 and haven't pulled a tag yet. But I continue to buy $50 bucks worth every year.

 

[Jstumbaugh]

I've been applying for the last few years. I do know a couple guys that have been drawn.

 

[Wyoming Hart]

I just started applying the past few years, but I know multiple non-residents whom have drawn and some even 2 or 3 times.

 

[tan]

I think it'll be worth it in the long run. I read that the number of applicants have been declining, but moose population is rising. Still the whole chances system seems almost too good to be true.

 

[ADKHTR]

I quit applying a few years ago, I would love nothing more than to hunt moose in Maine, but I also want to do it, on my own schedule, and for that reason alone I’ve decided I’ll just go to Newfoundland when I’m ready instead of waiting for something that may never happen, I hope I live long enough to see a moose season in NY, I could be tagged out in one week up here, no joke.

 

[Parkerpusher]

I started applying when I was 31. I'm now 68 and haven't pulled a tag yet. But I continue to buy $50 bucks worth every year.

This is a man I could be friends with

 

[7mm Man]

I have been applying for 5 years or so, without even expecting to draw yet. I know two guys from my state that pulled non-resident tags after 20+ years of applying. That was 10+ years ago though. I figure 30+ years of points before really expecting to see anything. My grandfather killed on in newfoundland in the mid ninety's. Been thinking of that route too. Shot it from a boat. He said it was like the land of a million ponds and lakes.

 

[Joshk358]

I was one of the lucky ones. I drew a tag after 6 years of applying as a non resident. I drew a cow tag and through a long series of events was able to swap tags and get a bull tag in zone 4. Shot an awesome bull, 52" wide and close to B&C....perfect bull. That was in 2013. Ive been stacking up the points ever since in hopes of pulling anthoer tag.

 

[7mm Man]

I was one of the lucky ones. I drew a tag after 6 years of applying as a non resident. I drew a cow tag and through a long series of events was able to swap tags and get a bull tag in zone 4. Shot an awesome bull, 52" wide and close to B&C....perfect bull. That was in 2013. Ive been stacking up the points ever since in hopes of pulling anthoer tag.

Did you use an outfitter? I drew a cow moose tag from a turn-in out in Colorado. I had three weeks to prepare. Drove out to the Buffalo Peaks wilderness area and hunted the second week. I didn't see any moose, just some old tracks. I even talked to some locals for advice. $2,600 donated to the State of Colorado. So I thought that was a dumb/rushed idea. I went back to Colorado with an Elk and Mule deer tag for units 7 and 8 in the 4th season. Got some terrible covid or respiratory illness and struggled to get out of the truck. Place was crawling with people and all I saw were cow elk. Naturally I saw 3 moose in this area when I didn't have a tag. Needless to say 2024 sucked! At least I got some recon on two areas of Colorado.

 

[Joshk358]

I did use an outfitter, considering it a once in a lifetime type thing. Ross Lake Camps is who I used. Really good outfit.

 

[Nine Banger]

I got a cow tag last year. It was my first year applying. I purchased 10 chances.

I attribute my luck to filling out the form generically, checking all the broadest boxes basically speaking robot for “I’ll go anywhere just give me a tag”.

My impression is most non res will only go for a bull which has never been my MO and it paid off.

We learned a LOT. Saw 8 moose total.

 

[Joshk358]

I did the same as well..."i'll take any tag" option...increases your odds for sure.

 

[CMF]

We've been applying a few years now. chances are low, but never zero. And with the wife and 3 kids in also, I figure one of us will draw one day.

I'm looking to hunt moose within the next 10-15 years, and I'm not sure if I should continue applying in Maine or move to a state out west.

If you're set on hunting moose and have 10-15 years just save for a hunt in AK or Canada. I think ME also has some opportunity to purchase a landowner or depredation type tag, but It might be only cow, I don't remember. I had talked to a resident a few years back and he actually ended up drawing that year.

 

[Nine Banger]

Maine also has an auction.

Sounds like 30k will do it now but if we have another recession I bet it will get interesting.

 

[406life]

I've not drawn, and I think I have 20 points. Is it worth it, sure but should also buy the extra chances if you're doing it. But as others have stated, if you have 10 years just save for AK, Yukon, or Newfie.

 

[doc holiday13]

I am also a few years in on applying. Just visited the coast of Maine last summer. Not a moose to be found. Park ranger told the kids “global warming is the issue”. For the sake of my future hopeful hunt further inland and north I hope he’s wrong. ND/MN used to have a healthy population now it’s just depressing. I still have high hopes for Maine however it just surprised me the coast/ ANP seemed so devoid of big game minus whitetail. Good luck

As I understand it, you'll probably never see a moose if you're on the coast unless its like January

Maine is like 80% forestry production so you'll need to get back into the forestry area's to find them