Is it illegal in Maine to hunt near a building without permission? | Fact brief

It is illegal in Maine to discharge a firearm, bow or crossbow within 100 yards of a building without permission from the building owner or an authorized adult occupant if the owner’s not around.

It is also illegal to “possess a wild animal or wild bird taken in violation of this subsection,” the law states.

Initially, the statute only applied to firearms. The Maine Legislature added bows and crossbows in 2021, citing many instances of bowhunters shooting wild animals close to residences.

Under the 2021 law, it is also illegal to cause an arrow or bolt to cross someone else’s land within 100 yards of a building without permission from the owner or an authorized adult occupant.

Violating the law is a Class E crime, punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and six months in jail.