Hunting with Dogs

Dog Training Season

• Dogs may be trained on fox, snowshoe hare, and raccoons from July 1st through the following March 31st. It is unlawful to use or possess a firearm, other than a pistol or a shotgun, loaded with blank ammunition, while training dogs on fox, snowshoe hare, or raccoons (except during the open hunting season on these species). Dogs may be used to hunt wild hares during the firearm season on deer.
• Residents may train up to 6 dogs on bear from July 1st to the 4th day preceding the open season on hunting bear, which is August 23, 2012. This does not pertain to portions of Washington and Hancock counties that are situated south of Route 9.
• Sporting dogs may be trained on wild birds (does not include wild turkey) at any time. The commissioner may authorize the use of firearms during such training to shoot and kill wild birds propagated or legally acquired by the permittee and possessed in accordance with the laws pertaining to breeders licenses.
• During dog training season, it is legal to train dogs on Sunday.
• A person must possess a valid hunting license to engage in these activities.
• A person may not hunt with a dog in pursuit of bear, coyote or bobcat unless the dog has a collar that legibly provides the name, telephone number and address of the owner of that dog.
• A person or persons may not use more than 6 dogs at any one time to hunt coyotes or bobcats.
• A person may not use a dog to hunt coyotes during the period from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise.

Leashed Dog Tracking License

A license is available which allows the tracking of wounded deer, moose, and bear with dogs. The fee for this license is $27. The fee for a 3-year license is $81. A person who holds a valid license may charge a fee for dog tracking services without having to hold a guides license as long as that is the only service provided. Contact the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife for details.