Migratory birds 2026-27

Maine dove & migratory bird hunting

American Woodcock · Wilson's Snipe · Sora · Virginia Rail

Home state

Open now

Wilson's Snipe, Sora & Virginia Rail, American Woodcock

Nonresident cost

$75.00

For the season · $50.00 for a 3-day trip

Dove

—

No dove season

Species

American Woodcock, Wilson's Snipe, Sora…

How nonresidents hunt dove and migratory birds in Maine

Nonresidents need the small game hunting license (annual or 3-day) and free HIP registration; covers woodcock, snipe and rail. No dove season (protected songbird).

Rail Sept. 1 - Nov. 20.

Season calendar

SepOctNovDecJan

Wilson's Snipe

Sora & Virginia Rail

American Woodcock

Today

Seasons & bag limits

Wilson's Snipe

Regular

Sep 1, 2026 – Jan 2, 2027

Wilson's Snipe8 daily24 poss.

Sora & Virginia Rail

Regular

Sep 1 – Nov 20, 2026

Sora & Virginia rail (combined)25 daily25 poss.

American Woodcock

Regular

Sep 26 – Nov 17, 2026

American Woodcock3 daily9 poss.

What a nonresident needs to buy

HIP Registration

Free; required for all migratory game bird hunting.

Source · checked Oct 2, 2026 ·

Free

Hunting license: choose one

Nonresident Small Game Hunting License: Agent fee not included.

Source · checked Sep 28, 2026 ·

$75.00

Total for the season

Pick a license above to compare

$75.00

Official sources

Maine migratory bird regulations Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

Last checked Oct 14, 2026.

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Maine dove & migratory bird hunting

How nonresidents hunt dove and migratory birds in Maine

Season calendar

Seasons & bag limits

Wilson's Snipe

Sora & Virginia Rail

American Woodcock

What a nonresident needs to buy

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