Inland Fish and Game Regulations (2026)

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PENOBSCOT NATION

CHAPTER VII

Inland Fish and Game Regulations

2026-2027

APPROVED BY CHIEF AND COUNCIL:

MARCH 17th, 2026

Table of Contents:

CHAPTER I. GENERAL .......................................................................... 3

Section 100 – General Provisions .......................................................... 3

Section 101 – Processes & Procedures ................................................. 6

Section 102 – Definitions ...................................................................... 7

Section 103 – Trapping General Provisions ........................................ 11

Section 104 – Hunting General Provisions .......................................... 12

Section 105 – Transportation & Registration...................................... 14

CHAPTER II. SPECIES SPECIFIC ........................................................... 15

Section 200 – Muskrat ........................................................................ 15

Section 201 – Mink, Marten, Otter, Fisher ......................................... 15

Section 202 – Beaver........................................................................... 15

Section 203 – Coyote, Fox, Raccoon, Bobcat, Skunk, Weasel ............. 15

Section 204 – Lynx............................................................................... 16

Section 205 – Small Game................................................................... 16

Section 206 – Waterfowl..................................................................... 16

Section 207 – Bear .............................................................................. 16

Section 208 – Deer .............................................................................. 17

Section 209 – Moose ........................................................................... 17

Section 210 – Turkey ........................................................................... 17

CHAPTER III. SUSTENANCE................................................................ 18

Section 300 – General Provisions ........................................................ 18

Section 301 – Permits ......................................................................... 19

Section 302 – Supplemental Sustenance Hunting .............................. 19

Section 303 – Fishing (Reservation) .................................................... 20

Section 304 – Fishing (Trust Lands) ..................................................... 21

CHAPTER IV. NON-MEMBER REGULATIONS ...................................... 22

Section 400 – Deer Hunting ................................................................ 22

Section 401 – Duck Hunting ................................................................ 24

Section 402 – Eel Trapping .................................................................. 24

Section 403 – Bear Hunting................................................................. 24

Section 404 – Small Game................................................................... 25

Section 405 – Moose Lottery .............................................................. 26

Section 406 – Permit Revocation ........................................................ 26

CHAPTER V. FIDDLEHEADS ................................................................ 27

Section 500 – General Provisions ........................................................ 27

Section 501 – Permits ......................................................................... 27

Violation Index ................................................................................ 28

Table 1. Sustenance Seasons & Bag Limits ........................................ 31

Table 2. General Seasons & Bag Limits .............................................. 32

Table 3. Sustenance Trapping Seasons & Bag Limits .......................... 33

Table 4. Non-member Deer Permits.................................................. 33

Big Game Tagging Stations ............................................................... 34

DNR Contact Information ................................................................. 35

CHAPTER I. GENERAL

Section 100 – General Provisions

These ordinances and regulations, adopted by the Penobscot

Nation in accordance with the Maine Implementing Act of

1979-C732, shall govern the taking of fish and wildlife within

the Penobscot Indian Territory.

State of Maine Law Title 12 shall govern (but not be limited

to) the taking of fish and wildlife, and recreational laws in all

instances where there are no applicable Tribal Ordinances.

Except as otherwise provided by Tribal Ordinance, it shall be

unlawful to hunt, fish, or trap within Penobscot Indian

Territory.

Hunting and/or trapping within the boundaries of Indian Island

is prohibited.

No penalty for violation of these ordinances shall be any less

than $25.00 and shall not exceed $1000.00 and/or 364 days in

jail.

Notwithstanding, upon determining a violation of the following

ordinances or regulations, the court may suspend that person’s

hunting privileges for a period of one year, and, upon conviction

of a second offense of the same ordinance or regulation, the

court may suspend that person’s hunting privileges for a period

of 5 years.

Section 104-H (use of fraud in procurement of licenses

or permits)

Night hunting (as defined in Section 104-A and Title 12)

Section 105 (transportation and registration of big

game).

Exceeding bag limits

Closed season violations

Section 300-A (illegal sales of meat).

No person may hunt, fish, trap, or transport animal, birds or fish

within Penobscot Indian Territory unless he possesses, and has

on his/her person, or immediately available to them:

1. A valid State of Maine hunting, fishing, and trapping license,

Penobscot Nation Sustenance Permit, or is utilizing the

services of a Penobscot Nation Guide.

2. Hunting Requirement: No person shall hunt on Penobscot

Nation Territory without a valid Penobscot Nation Permit. A

person who violates this ordinance commits a civil violation

of which a minimum fine of $150 will be imposed.

Seasons: No one shall hunt, fish, or trap outside of the open

seasons. The season dates and bag limits shall be set annually

by the Chief and Council after considering recommendations

from the Fish and Game Committee.

Bag Limits: The bag limits for wildlife taken under these

hunting regulations shall be set annually by the Chief and

Council after considering recommendations from the Fish and

Game Committee.

Personnel of the Penobscot Nation Department of Natural

Resources (or their agents), upon authorization of the Chief and

Council, may hunt, trap, possess, band, transport, and/or

release wild animals, birds, and fish for the purpose of scientific

wildlife management.

The Director of the Department of Natural Resources may

authorize the taking of nuisance animals outside of the

established open season for the species.

No person shall provide guide services for hunting within

Penobscot Indian Territory unless they are in possession of a

valid Penobscot Nation Guide license, which is issued by the

Director of Natural Resources on an annual basis to applicants

who are qualified and competent to provide such services. A

guide’s license may not be revoked without due process before

the Tribal Court.

Possession of a loaded weapon in the field, forests, or on the

water will be considered prima facie evidence of hunting.

Possession of uncased or unsecured firearms and/or bows and

arrows are prohibited within Penobscot Indian Territories if you

do not possess:

1) A valid Penobscot Nation hunting permit is required to

possess unsecured/uncased firearm within any Penobscot

Nation Territory. A person who violates this ordinance

commits a civil violation of which a minimum fine of $150

will be imposed.

2) A valid Penobscot Nation hunting permit is required to

possess an unsecured bow(s) and arrow(s) and/or

crossbow and arrows. A person who violates this

ordinance commits a civil violation of which a minimum

fine of $150 will be imposed.

No person shall intentionally interfere with the lawful hunting,

fishing, or trapping of a wild animal, wild bird, or wild fish; or

may intentionally disturb the wild animal, wild bird, or wild fish

with the intent to interfere with the hunt.

No person shall chase, harass, molest, worry or disturb any

wildlife which will cause a disruption of behavioral patterns,

including (but not limited to): migration, breathing, nursing,

feeding, or sheltering.

No person shall litter on Penobscot Indian Territory or waters.

No person shall cut trees or “tip” trees on Penobscot Indian

Territory without a permit.

It shall be unlawful to deface posters, notices, and signs while

on Penobscot Indian Territory.

All persons hunting on Penobscot Nation territory need proof of

hunter safety before acquiring a new license.

Section 101 – Implementation, Processes and

Procedures

The Fish and Game Committee may adopt, amend or repeal

ordinances pertaining to the taking of fish and wildlife within

Penobscot Indian Territory. Such changes shall become

effective only after:

1. A hearing to consider public comment,

2. Approval by the Penobscot Chief and Council,

3. Approval at a General Tribal Meeting by a majority of those

members in attendance.

The Fish and Game Committee may recommend to the Chief

and Council annual changes in seasons and/or bag limits. Such

proposals shall be submitted no later than August 1st of the

year in which they are to be applied. Such recommendations

shall be presented for comment at a Public Hearing and shall

become effective immediately upon approval of the Chief and

Council.

The Fish and Game Committee may recommend to the Chief

and Council, emergency proposals to close, alter, or shorten

seasons and/or bag limits for hunting, fishing, and trapping. The

Fish and Game Committee, when presenting such

recommendations, shall show just cause for the proposal(s).

The Chief and Council may adopt emergency rules only at a

convened Council meeting.

The Fish and Game Committee shall have the authority to

recommend to the Chief and Council any changes or additions

in the regulations concerning the issuance of hunting and

trapping access permits. Such access permits shall allow only

the specific activities as intended by the Chief and Council upon

authorization of their issuance.

Section 102 – Definitions

Abandoned Dwelling: A building that has been deserted,

neglected, unused by owner, and is falling into ruin or is

dilapidated.

Actively Participating: “Actively Participating” in hunting shall

include, but not be limited to driving, calling, luring, tracking or

otherwise pursuing or providing direct assistance to the hunter

in the taking or attempted taking of game animals. Active

Participation shall not be considered to include mere

accompaniment, verbal instructions, providing or assisting in

transportation such as operating a vehicle, boat, or canoe.

Archery Equipment: “Archery Equipment” is considered a bow

or crossbow capable of projecting an arrow of a minimum of

150 yards.

1) The arrowhead shall not be less than 7/8 of an inch in

width.

2) Only crossbows with a shoulder-type stock may be used.

3) The draw weight may not be less than 100 LBS.

4) Crossbows equipped with scopes or sights may be used.

5) Crossbows must be equipped with a mechanical trigger

safety device in working condition.

Bag Limit: “Bag Limit” means the maximum number of wild

animals, wild birds, or fish that may be taken within any given

period of time as specified by these ordinances.

Bait: “Bait” means any animal or plant or derivative of any

animal or plant that is used or placed in the fields or forests for

the purpose of attracting or luring animals.

Beaver Dam: A “beaver dam” is any dam constructed by beaver

using mud, sticks, or other debris, which in its current condition

is holding back water to the extent that the water level is

different above and below the dam.

Beaver House: A “Beaver House” is any cavity which is capped

by beaver with mud and sticks which is capable of providing a

beaver with shelter or concealment.

Big Game: “Big Game” animals shall include moose, deer and

bear.

Closed Season: “Closed Season” means the time during which it

is unlawful to hunt or trap any wild animal or wild bird, or to

take any fish, as specified by these ordinances.

DNR: “DNR” stands for the Department of Natural Resources

Firearm: “Firearm” includes any instrument used in the

propulsion of pellets, shots, shells, or bullets by action of

gunpowder.

Unsecure Firearm: “Unsecure Firearm” will be defined as a

firearm (see above) not securely wrapped or fastened in a case.

Furbearer: “Furbearers” shall include muskrat, mink, marten,

river otter, fisher, beaver, coyote, fox, raccoon, bobcat, skunk

and weasel.

Hunt: To “Hunt” means to pursue, catch, take, kill, wound, or

destroy wild animals or wild birds; or to attempt to catch, take,

kill, wound, or destroy wild animals or wild birds.

Hunting Equipment: “Hunting Equipment” is considered any

firearms of any type that are permitted under the laws

governing hunting, including muzzle-loading firearms.

Hunter Orange: “Hunter Orange” means a daylight fluorescent

orange color with a dominate wave length between 595 and

605 nanometers, excitation purity not less than 85% and

luminance factor not less than 40%.

Litter: “Litter” shall be defined as depositing any non-organic

material on the ground or in the water.

Motor vehicle: A “Motor Vehicle” means any motor-driven

vehicle except motor boats.

Muskrat House: A “Muskrat House” means any cavity which is

capped by muskrats with vegetative matter and is capable of

providing a muskrat with shelter or concealment.

Non-Tribal Person: A “Non-Tribal Person” or “NonMember”

means any person who is not listed on the Penobscot Nation

Census list.

Nuisance Animal: A “nuisance animal” is one that is creating a

conflict to pets, humans, wildlife or property.

Open Season: “Open season” means the time during which it is

lawful to hunt, trap or possess wild animals, birds or fish, as

specified and limited by these ordinances.

PIN: “PIN” stands for the Penobscot Indian Nation

Possession Limit: “Possession Limit” means the maximum

number of wild animals, birds or fish that may be possessed

under any one license at any given time as specified by these

ordinances.

Sunrise: “Sunrise” means the time computed and established

for sunrise for Bangor, Maine by the nautical Almanac Office of

the United States Naval Observatory, converted to the legal

standard time in force in this State on this day.

Sunset: “Sunset” means the time computed and established for

sunset for Bangor, Maine by the nautical Almanac Office of the

United States Naval Observatory, converted to the legal

standard time in force in this State on this day.

Sustenance: “Sustenance” means the taking of wild animals or

birds for use or consumption by a Tribal Member or his

household,

or trapping as a means of support of a Tribal Member or

household.

AA.

Tipping: “Tipping” shall be defined as removing 6 or more

inches of the end of softwood tree branches.

AB.

Trap: A “Trap” is defined as a device so constructed so that

when set it has the ability to catch, hold or kill a wild animal.

This device can include, but is not limited to, so-called common

foot traps, so-called conibear or killer-type traps, so-called

colony traps and box or cage-type traps. For the purposes of

these ordinances, snares or snare traps are not considered

traps.

AC.

Trapping: The activity of “Trapping” means the setting, placing

or tending of any device, the purpose of which is to catch, hold

or kill any wild animal. The activity of trapping shall also mean

for a person to actively aid or assist another person in the

setting, placing, or tending of a trapping device, except that

mere accompaniment shall not be considered trapping.

AD.

Tribal Member: “Tribal Member” means a person who is listed

on the Penobscot Nation census list.

AE.

Wildlife: “Wildlife” means any species of the animal kingdom,

except fish, which is wild by nature, whether or not bred or

reared in captivity, and includes any part, egg or offspring

thereof, or the dead body or parts thereof. Wildlife includes

wild animals and wild birds.

Section 103 – Trapping General Provisions

All furbearers taken (except muskrat) shall be tagged and/or

registered by the Penobscot Nation Director of Natural

Resources or his designated agent within 10 days after the close

of the season. Upon recommendation of the Fish and Game

Committee to the Chief and Council, tagging and/or registration

fees may be charged for certain animals.

All persons setting or tending traps shall have each trap plainly

labeled with his or her name and address.

Traps not labeled in accordance with Section 103-B shall be

subject to confiscation and forfeiture to the Penobscot Nation.

No person, except for the Director of the Department of Natural

Resources or his authorized agent, may at any time, check,

remove, take, or otherwise disturb a trap or remove any wild

animals from a trap other than his own, without the consent of

the trap owner.

It shall be unlawful for any person to fail to check each non-kill

trap at least once in every calendar day on all Penobscot Indian

Territories.

It shall be unlawful for any person to go more than 7 calendar

days before checking any kill-type trap on all Penobscot Indian

Territories.

It shall be unlawful for any persons to deposit, place, or

otherwise use any poisonous or stupefying substance

for the purpose of taking, killing, wounding, or molesting any

wild

animal or wild bird.

It shall be lawful to use bait/or scent in the trapping of all

furbearers.

It shall be lawful to take and possess any furbearer taken

incidental to the trapping of a species for which the season is

open; however all incidental takes must be reported to DNR.

All Tribal Members who are sustenance trapping must register

with the Department of Natural Resources Administration each

calendar year.

Section 104 – Hunting General Provisions

It shall be unlawful to hunt any wild bird or wild animal between

½ hour after sunset and ½ hour before sunrise. Raccoon may be

taken with .22 caliber firearm at any time during the open

season. Coyote may be taken at night during the special night

season.

Any person who has attained the age of 10 years old, but not

yet reached the age of 16 years may hunt with firearms, only if

accompanied (at all times while hunting) by a parent, guardian,

or by an adult approved by the parent or guardian.

Any person hunting during the open general season or

sustenance season must wear one article of hunter orange

clothing which is in good and serviceable condition and visible

on all sides. Persons hunting waterfowl from a boat or blind or

in conjunction with waterfowl decoys placed on the water need

not wear hunter orange clothing.

It is unlawful for anyone to hunt while under the influence of

alcohol, drugs, or narcotics.

It shall be unlawful for any person to refuse to

produce proper identification or permits upon

request of any law enforcement personnel.

It shall be unlawful to use fraud, misstatement, or

misrepresentation in procurement of a hunting, fishing, or

trapping

permit or license, which has been altered, tampered with, or

mutilated in any manner.

No person shall use archery or hunting equipment with

poisonous or explosive tips.

No person shall use or carry firearms of any kind while hunting

with a bow and arrow during the archery only season.

Sunday hunting shall be prohibited on Penobscot Indian

Territory except as allowed for under Chapter III (Sustenance

Hunting) and Chapter IV (Non-Tribal Member Permit

Regulations).

It shall be unlawful for any person to refuse/fail to show

location of kill to a game warden upon the request of

the warden. Such request shall be made no later than 36 hours

following registration of the animal.

It shall be unlawful to waste a wild bird or animal that has

been wounded or killed by that person while hunting. For

purposes of this section, “waste” means to intentionally leave a

wounded or killed animal in the field or forest without making a

reasonable effort to retrieve and render it for consumption or

use. This subsection does not apply to coyote.

Tree stands and game cameras shall be labeled with the

owner’s name, address and phone number, unless associated

with a tagged bait site.

Hunting permits may be issued without fee to spouses of

Penobscot Nation tribal members. Such permits will be issued

in accordance with established general hunting seasons and

annual non-member permit regulations except that such

permits shall allow hunting on Sunday.

It shall be unlawful to possess a loaded firearm or shoot from a

motor vehicle (including trailer, ATV, snowmobile, aircraft or

railway car) or motorboat unless:

The motorboat is not propelled by its motor.

It shall be unlawful to attempt to locate wildlife by means of

artificial lighting from September 1st – January 30th during the

times of ½ hour after unset until ½ hour before sunrise.

Section 105 – Transportation and Registration of

Animals

All Moose, Deer, and Bear harvested must be tagged

immediately with the name, address, and license number of the

person who harvested the animal. Such tag shall be securely

attached to the animal and must be plainly visible.

All Moose, Deer, and Bear harvested shall be presented for

registration to a designated registration agent or a designated

Penobscot Nation registration station within 24 hours of being

harvested unless a Tribal Game Warden has been notified of the

kill within 24 hours and reasonable justification is provided for

not registering said animal. Persons staying at remote camps

may delay such registration for not more than 7 additional days

provided that the animal is available at said camp for inspection

and is taken directly to a registration station or agent when

transported from said camp.

CHAPTER II. SPECIES SPECIFIC

Section 200 – Muskrat

It shall be unlawful to set or place a trap within 25 feet of any

muskrat house. For the purpose of this restriction, socalled bank dens are not considered muskrat houses.

Section 201 – Mink, Marten, River Otter & Fisher

Mink, River Otter, Marten, and Fisher may be taken by means of

a steel trap only, except that said animals, when held in a steel

trap, may be killed with a .22 caliber firearm; but not within the

boundaries of Indian Island.

Traps for Fisher and Marten may be set on any size tree of any

angle. Traps must be set at least 4 feet off the ground.

Section 202 – Beaver

It shall be unlawful to trap Beaver within 10 feet of any Beaver

House, within 5 feet of any Beaver Dam, and within 4 feet of

other trapper’s set. For the purpose of this restriction, so-called

bank dens shall not be considered as Beaver Houses.

It shall be unlawful to remove any of the stored winter food

supply of Beaver.

Section 203 – Coyote, Fox, Raccoon, Bobcat, Skunk &

Weasel

Closed general season for trapping.

Any hunting permit holders may also hunt coyotes during the

dates of their spring permitted hunt.

Coyote sustenance night season is limited to ½ hour after

sunset to ½ hour before sunrise.

Section 204 – Lynx

Closed general season. There shall be no hunting lynx.,

trapping, or possessing of Canada

Section 205 – Small Game

Small Game shall include: Quail, Pheasant, Grouse (Partridge),

Snowshoe Hare, Gray Squirrel and Woodcock.

It shall be unlawful to hunt or possess Spruce Grouse.

Section 206 – Waterfowl

Waterfowl shall include: Brant, Wild Ducks, Geese and Swans.

No person shall hunt Waterfowl within the Reservation unless

he possesses a Sustenance permit or a valid access permit to do

so, issued by the Penobscot Nation, except that persons under

16 years of age are not required to possess a permit when

accompanied by a hunter possessing a valid permit.

It shall be unlawful to use any form of lead shot while hunting

Waterfowl.

It shall be unlawful to hunt Waterfowl with a shot gun without a

plug in the magazine or with more than 3 shells in the magazine.

Section 207 – Bear

Hunting Bear with dogs is prohibited.

Trapping Bear is prohibited.

All Bear sites must be tagged with the Hunter’s name, address

and phone number.

All Bear sites must be at least 500 yards from a dwelling. This

does not include buildings that have been abandoned.

All Bear sites (GPS Coordinates) must be submitted to the Tribal

Wardens one (1) week before the start of the Hunt.

Section 208 – Deer

It shall be unlawful to drive deer on Penobscot Indian Territory

other than the Reservation (River Islands), and within the Argyle

Indian Territory.

No firearm may be used to hunt Deer which uses .17 or .22

Caliber rim fire cartridges, except .22 Magnum.

No one shall place or hunt over bait for Deer.

Section 209 – Moose

Except as provided in Chapter III, or as may be provided by

special lottery approved by the Chief and Council there shall

be no open general season for the taking of Moose.

It shall be illegal to use shotguns, and .17 or .22 Caliber rim fire

firearms while hunting Moose.

Section 210 – Turkey

A. No one shall use bait while turkey hunting.

CHAPTER III. SUSTENANCE

Section 300 – General Provisions

It shall be unlawful to buy or sell Bear, Deer, Moose, or Wild

Turkey.

Exceptions: A person may sell the head, teeth, gallbladder,

claws and hide of a Bear; the head, hide and antlers of a Deer;

and the head, hide and antlers of a Moose. A person may also

sell Muskrat and/or Snowshoe Hare.

It shall be unlawful for any Non-Tribal Member to actively

participate in Sustenance Hunting.

It shall be unlawful for any Tribal Member to knowingly allow a

Non-Tribal Member to actively participate in Sustenance

Hunting. (In addition to penalties otherwise provided for the

Sustenance Permit of the Tribal Member involved shall be

revoked for the remainder of the calendar year.)

It shall be lawful for a Tribal Member to call Moose for another

Tribal Member who has a valid Sustenance Permit issued by the

Penobscot Nation.

The Seasonal Bag Limit for Moose shall be one Moose per

household. For purposes of this section, a household is defined

as all persons residing in the same dwelling as of the date of the

taking of a Moose. It shall be unlawful for any Tribal Member to

harvest a Moose after anyone, living within his or her household,

has harvested a Moose during that Sustenance Season.

Sustenance Bear Baiting may start 30 days prior to the Spring

season, and 23 days prior to the Fall season.

Tribal Members have 30 days after the last day of the Fall season,

and 20 days after the last day of the Spring season to clear bait

sites of all non-organic material.

Section 301 – Permits

Sustenance Permits, when available, shall be issued to

Penobscot Indian Nation Members upon request, except that,

Tribal Members less than 16 years of age shall be issued such

permits only upon written request of a parent or legal guardian.

Except as provided for in Sections 301-C and 303-C such permits

shall allow hunting only during the established seasons.

Sustenance Permits may be approved by the Fish and Game

Committee to Penobscot Indian Nation Tribal Members allowing

the taking of wildlife for the use and support of elderly,

handicapped, or other persons who may or may not be a

Member of the Permittee’s immediate family and who are not

capable of taking wildlife for themselves.

The Chief and Council may issue a permit designating the Tribal

Game Wardens for the taking of Moose for the elderly,

handicapped, or other persons who are not capable of taking

wildlife for themselves.

Lifetime licenses for Tribal Members must have a current address

on them. Tribal Members have 30 days to update the address

after a change.

Section 302 – Supplemental Sustenance Hunting

In addition to the Sustenance Season, DNR may issue permits to

Members of the Penobscot Indian Nation to take one male Deer

during the months of July and August.

The Chief, with the consent of the Council, may authorize the

taking of fish and/or wildlife for the purpose of consumption at

a specified Tribal Ceremony or function. The issuance of

permits under this section shall be administered by the Director

of DNR.

Section 303 – Sustenance Fishing (Reservation)

It shall be unlawful to fish outside of the open season for

Sustenance fishing. The season shall be from April 1 through

October 15. This section of the act allows for the Sustenance

fishing within the Reservation only.

The bag/size limits for fish taken under sustenance fishing shall

be as follows:

1. Atlantic Salmon

No daily bag limit

Possession limit of ten 14” – Minimum

2. Other Fish

No size or bag limit.

Except as provided for in Section 303-E, fish shall be taken by

means of rod and line fishing only, with no restrictions during

the open Sustenance season on the use of baited hooks for the

taking of any species.

Atlantic Salmon hooked on any part of the body other than the

mouth shall be immediately released.

The Director of the Department of Natural Resources may issue

permits to Penobscot Indian Nation Tribal Members allowing for

the taking of Atlantic Salmon by netting or traditional spear.

The Director of the Department of Natural may attach to such

permits any restrictions he deems appropriate.

All Atlantic salmon taken under Tribal Sustenance provisions

shall be presented for registration to a designated Tribal

registration agent or station by the person having taken such

fish within 24 hours of the catch.

Section 304 – Special Fishing Regulations

(Trust Lands)

Blanchard Pond – Alder Stream Township

1. Tribal Members under 16 years of age may take fish

under general law (flies, artificial lures, and worms

allowed).

2. Tribal Members 16 years of age and older may use artificial

lures or flies

N.L.F.A.B. – (NO LIVE FISH AS BAIT)

The use of all motors prohibited.

The use of all motors is prohibited on Snow Mountain Pond,

Alder Stream Township.

NOTE: Additional Regulations are in the State of Maine “Open Water Fishing

Regulations

CHAPTER IV. NON-TRIBAL MEMBER PERMIT

REGULATIONS

Section 400 – Deer Hunting Access Permits ($75)

Deer hunting access permits will be issued by the Department

of Natural Resources in accordance with these regulations in

keeping with the following priorities:

Non-Tribal Member Indian Spouses.

Non-Tribal Member Spouses.

Persons utilizing the services of a Penobscot Nation Guide.

Non-Members hunting with Tribal Members CampOwners.

Non-Members hunting with Tribal Member.

When the number of applications in a priority category exceeds

the number of remaining permits available, issuance shall then

be determined by random drawing.

The intent of priority No. 3 (Guide Assisted), priority No. 4

(Camp Owner), and No. 5 (Tribal Member) is to have NonMember Permittees hunting with a Penobscot Nation Guide, a

Tribal Member Camp owner, or a Tribal Member. The intent is

also that the Penobscot Nation Guide, Camp owner, and/or

Tribal Member is to be within no more than one (1) mile from

the territory in which the permit is issued for, during legal

hunting hours. It is not intended that Penobscot Nation Guide,

Camp owner, and/or Tribal Member merely use their status to

secure permits without actually performing Guide services or

without actually hunting out of the Tribal Member owned camp

or actually hunting with a Tribal Member.

The Director of DNR or his Designee shall invalidate any

permit(s) issued under priorities 3, 4, or 5 if it is determined that

the Penobscot Nation Guide, Camp Owner and/or Tribal

Member is not in compliance with the intent of this regulation.

If DNR determines that a Penobscot Nation Guide, Camp

Owner, or Tribal Member has not complied with the intent of

this regulation, DNR shall invalidate all additional "Guide

Assisted” “Camp Owner” and/or “Tribal Member” permits

obtained by virtue of that Tribal Member’s status as a Guide,

Camp Owner, or Member for the remainder of the current

general Deer season,

***DNR will determine if the Tribal Member/Guide shall lose

permits for the following year***

Deer Hunting Access Permits shall be issued on a weekly basis

(Monday thru Saturday). Ten season-long permits for Tribal

Member Spouses shall be available for each territory area open

to Deer hunting, and shall be limited to one permit per person

in any calendar year.

With the exception of the Season-Long Spouse only permit

applications bearing an August 1-31 postmark will be accepted.

Following this deadline any available permits will be distributed

on a first come first serve basis.

Only Guide Assisted permits bearing an August 1-31 postmark

will be accepted. Following this deadline any available permits

will be distributed on a first come first serve basis.

The maximum number of Deer Hunting Access Permits per

week for each Indian Territory area shall be determined

annually (Table 4, attached).

There shall be a $75.00 non-refundable application fee.

Deer Hunting Access Permit application fee shall be waived for

Non-Tribal Member Spouses.

Section 401 – Duck Hunting Access Permits ($50)

The Director of Natural Resources, or his authorized agent, may

issue Duck Hunting Permits in accordance with Section 101-D of

these Ordinances.

The Duck Hunting Access Permit fee shall be waived for persons

accompanied by a Penobscot Tribal Member. No more than

three persons may accompany any Tribal Member.

Section 402 – Eel Trapping Access Permits ($100)

The Director of Natural Resources, or his authorized agent, may

issue eel trapping permits in accordance with Section 101-D of

these ordinances. The Director may impose permit conditions

as deemed appropriate by DNR in consultation with the Fish and

Game Committee.

Section 403 – Bear Hunting Access Permits

($75-FALL, $500-SPRING)

The Director of Natural Resources, or his authorized agent, may

issue Bear Hunting Access Permits for Penobscot Trust Lands, in

accordance with Section 101-D of these Ordinances.

Any person requesting a Bear Hunting Access Permit must

obtain the services of a Penobscot Nation Guide, in order to be

eligible to obtain an Access Permit.

Fall Hunt: Access Permits will be available in the Fall, during the

general Deer season, for a fee of $50. No baiting will be

permitted for Non-Tribal Members.

Fall Bear Hunting Access Permit Application fee shall be waived

for Non-Tribal Member Spouses.

Spring Hunt: Access Permits will be available in the Spring,

during the “Spring Bear Baiting Hunt” for a fee of $500 each.

Permits for this Hunt are available through the approved Bear

Guides of the Penobscot Nation, and it is the intent that the

Penobscot Nation Guide participates fully in all aspects of the

Hunt (pre-baiting, hunting, tracking and field care, etc. of

animals). A Penobscot Guide shall be within a mile of the

Territory while baiting and Guiding Services are being provided.

The Director of DNR or his designee shall invalidate any

permit(s) issued for the Spring Bear Hunt if it is determined that

the Tribal Member Guide is not in compliance. The Director will

take into consideration extraordinary circumstances.

1. Penobscot Nation Territories will be issued to Guides.

There shall be no more than (1) Guide per Territory.

2. Baiting may not begin earlier than 30 days prior to the

start of the season.

3. Guides have 20 days after the last day of the season to

clear bait sites of all non-organic material.

4. Tribal Trust Lands with gated entry in the Spring will be

restricted to ATV (or snowmobile) use only.

5. Guides may not cut, damage, or destroy any timber over

(3) inches in diameter, except with written permission

from DNR.

6. The Director of DNR reserves the right to shut down the

Spring Bear Baiting Hunt at any time for any reason.

Section 404 – Small Game Access Permits ($75)

The Director of the Department of Natural Resources or his

authorized agent may issue Small Game Hunting Permits for

Penobscot Nation Trust Lands in accordance with Section 101-D

of these Ordinances.

Any person requesting a Small Game Permit must obtain the

services of a registered Penobscot Nation Guide, Camp Owner,

or be accompanied by a Tribal Member.

Guides, Camp Owners, or Tribal Members are required to be

within or no more than one (1) mile from the Territory the

Permit is issued for during legal hunting hours.

Section 405 – Special Moose Auction

Five (5) Moose Permits will be auctioned off to the highest

bidder.

Applications will be available through Penobscot Nation DNR, or

www.pinmoosehunt.com

It is required for the Hunter to retain the services of an

approved Penobscot Nation Moose Guide and for that Guide to

accompany the Hunter at all times while on Trust Land.

Section 406 – Permit Revocation

Non-Member Permits will be revoked for a minimum of 1 year

and up to indefinitely following a Fish and Game violation on

Penobscot Indian Nation Territory.

1. Misdemeanor: 1-5 year loss

2. Class D Violation: Permanent loss of license

CHAPTER V. FIDDLEHEADS

Section 500 – General Provisions

The use of a knife or other cutting instrument in harvesting

fiddlehead ferns or Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) is

prohibited.

No persons other than a Member of the Penobscot Nation or

Spouse of such Member shall take or harvest fiddleheads

without obtaining a Permit from the Penobscot Nation DNR.

One person may not obtain more than two (2) permits in a

calendar year.

Section 501 – Permits

The Permit Fee shall be $50.00 to pick for one day, not to

exceed 1 bushel (8 gallons) of fiddleheads.

Non-Member Spouse: Any Non-Member Spouse who is

accompanied by their family will be permitted to harvest

commercially to supplement the Tribal Member’s family

income.

Permit Waiver: The fiddlehead Permit Fee shall be waived for

persons over the age of 60.

Free Permits: An Indian Person of the Passamaquoddy,

Maliseet and Mic Mac Tribes shall be issued a free permit to

pick (1) bushel of fiddleheads per permit per season. It will be

up to the Indian to prove their Membership in any one of the

three mentioned Tribes. PIN Employees are also eligible for a

free permit.

Landowner Permit: Tribal Wardens may issue a complimentary

fiddlehead permit without fee to landowners providing access

to the Penobscot River for Tribal employees and Members of

the Penobscot Nation.

VIOLATION INDEX

Section

Pg.

Violation

GENERAL

Min. Fine

100-D

100-F

100-G

100-H

100-K

$150

$150-$500

$150-$1,000

$150

$1,000

$150-$1,000

$150

$1,000

100-M

100-N

100-O

100-P

100-Q

100-R

Hunting/Trapping on Indian Island

Hunt/Trap/fish without Permit

Closed Season Violation:

Fish

Furbearers

Small Game/Waterfowl

Big Game

Exceeding the Bag Limit:

Fish

Furbearers

Small Game/Waterfowl

Big Game

Providing Guide Services without PIN

Guide Permit

Unsecure Firearm

Interference with Taking

Harassment of Wildlife

Littering

Tipping

Defacing Property

103-A

103-B

103-D

103-E, F

103-G

Failure to Tag Fur

Failure to Label Traps

Disturbing the Traps of Another

Failure to visit Traps

Use/possess poison while Trapping

$150

$200

$150

$250

TRAPPING

$200

$200-$500

$150

$200-$500

HUNTING

104-A

104-B

104-C

104-D

104-E

104-F

Night Hunting

Supervisor not accompanying Junior

Hunter

Hunter orange Required

Hunting under the Influence

Failure to produce ID/Permit

Fraudulently obtaining License/Permit

$1,000

$150

Criminal

$150

$200

104-G

104-H

104-I

104-J

104-K

104-L

104-N

104-O

Use of Arrow/Bolt with poisonous or

explosive tip

Carrying firearm while archery hunting

Hunting on Sunday

Failure to identify kill site

Waste of Wild Game

Failure to label tree stands/cameras

Loaded/discharging firearm in motor

vehicle/boat

Illuminating Wildlife

$200

Criminal

$150

$200

TRANSPORTATION/REGISTRATION

105-A

105-B

Failure to attach tag

Failure to timely register Big Game

200-A

201-C

202-A

202-B

203-A

204-A

205-B

206-B

206-C

206-D

207-A

207-B

207-C

207-D

207-E

207-F

207-G

208-A

208-B

208-C

208-D

208-E

Violation of trap set distance limits

Violation of trap set height limits

Violation of trap set distance limits

Disturbing Beaver feed bed

Closed season violation

Prohibited acts regarding endangered or

threatened species

Prohibited acts regarding endangered or

threatened species

Hunting without a permit

Hunting Waterfowl with lead shot

Hunting Waterfowl without a plug

Closed season violation

Hunting Bear with dogs

Trapping Bear

Failure to label bait sites

Failure to submit GPS coordinates

Bear site too close to a camp/house

Exceeding the Bag Limit

Closed Season violation

Driving Deer

Exceeding the Bag Limit

Use of illegal Hunting equipment

Baiting Deer

$150

$300

SPECIES SPECIFIC

$150

$200

Criminal

$150

$1,000

$500

$150

$1,000

$200

$1,000

$150

$200

209-A

209-B

210-A

Closed Season violation

Use of illegal hunting equipment

Baiting Turkey

300-A

300-B

300-C

300-E

300-G

301-A

301-B

301-D

303-A

303-B.1

303-C

303-D

303-F

304-B

304-C

304-D

Buy, sell, or offer for sale (animal)

Non-Tribal Member actively

participating in Sustenance Hunting

Tribal Member allowing a Non-Member

to actively participate in Sustenance

Hunting

Exceeding the Bag Limit

Illegal placing of Bear bait: failure to

clean site

Hunting without a permit

Failure to comply w/license requirement

Closed season violation

Exceeding the bag limit

Use of unlawful implements/devices

Fish by snagging

Failure to register Salmon

Unlawful use of live bait

Operating motor in prohibited area

$1,000

$150

$200

SUSTENANCE

$1,000

$200

$1,000

$150

$150, $20/fish

$200, $20/fish

$150

NON-TRIBAL MEMBER PERMIT REGULATIONS

403-D.2

403-D.3

403-D.4

Illegal placing of Bear Bait

Illegal placing of Bear Bait: failure to

clean site

Trespass by Motor Vehicle

500-A

500-B

Illegal use of cutting instrument

Picking fiddleheads without permit

$150

FIDDLEHEADS

$150

Fine amounts listed herein shall be minimum amount charged for an offense.

Table 1: Season Dates & Bag Limits

SUSTENANCE: FALL 2026 - SPR 2027

Species

Moose

Deer

Bear

Snowshoe Hare

Ruffed Grouse

Geese

Ducks

Fox, Raccoon,

River Otter

Coyote

Coyote – Night

Season

Turkey

Dates

Bag Limits

Sept 12th – Nov 30th

(Either sex)

Dec 1 – Dec 31

Aug 31-Sept 11

* archery only

Sept 1 – Nov 30

1 moose per person.

1 moose per household.

Bulls only/All Areas

Annual limit: (2) deer all

seasons combined

Either sex

Sept 12-Dec 31

Dec 1-Dec 31

Fall:’26: Aug 15 – Dec 31

Aug 15 – Sept 14 (bait)

Sept 15-Dec 31 (no bait)

SPR ’27: May 3-June 28

Sept 1 – Mar 31

* snares legal Dec-Mar

Sept 1 – Dec 31

Sept 1 – Nov 30

FIREARM SEASON

Any Sex

1 bear per person per season

8 per day, No possession limit

Oct 1 – Dec 31

8 per day, No possession limit

4 per day

* may not include more than 3

wood ducks & 1 black duck

No bag limit

No closed season

Jan 1 – April 30

No bag limit

Fall: Sept 1 – Dec 31

Spr: April 1 – May 31

4 per season – male or female

4 bearded total

* 8 total both seasons

NOTE: SUSTENANCE HUNTING IS ALLOWED ON SUNDAY,

SPOUSES MAY HUNT ON SUNDAY.

Table 2: Season Dates & Bag Limits

GENERAL (Non-Member): FALL 2026- SPR 2027

Species

Dates

Bag Limits

Notes

2026: Sept 21-Oct 2

(Excluding Sat &

Sun)

2027: Sept 20-Oct 1

(Excluding Sat &

Sun)

Oct 26 – Nov 28

1 moose per permit

holder

No hunting on

River Islands

Fall: Oct 27 – Nov

SPR: May 3-June 25

2027

1 bear per person

Small

Game

State Seasons

State Limits (daily &

possession)

Ruffed

Grouse

Oct 5– Nov 13

State Limits (daily &

possession)

Waterfowl

State Seasons

State Limits (daily &

possession)

No bag limit

Moose

Deer

Bear

Coyote

Fall: Sept 14-Nov 23

SPR: Apr 27-June 22

TURKEY

Spr ’27: May 3- June

1 deer per person

Bag limits for a

territory will not

exceed the amount

of permits allocated

for that territory

Federal, State

stamps required

OPEN TO ANY

PERMIT

HOLDERS

2 Male Turkey Per

Person

* GENERAL SEASONS are those seasons open to all persons regardless

of tribal membership. “Access Permits” for Non-Tribal Members are

required for waterfowl, deer, moose, bear, and small game hunting

(including grouse), and eel potting.

**BUCKS will be defined as having antlers 3 inches or greater.

Table 3: Season Dates & Bag Limits

SUSTENANCE TRAPPING: FALL 2026 - SPR 2027

Species

Dates

Bag Limits

Beaver

Oct 1 – Apr 30

No bag limit

Muskrat

Mink, Otter,

Marten, Fox,

Fisher, Skunk,

Coyote, Bobcat,

Raccoon, Weasel

Oct 1 – April 30

Oct 1 – Jan 31

No bag limit

Notes

Table 4: 2026 Non-Member Deer Permits

Territory

Mattamiscontis

(T2&3R9 and T2R8)

Matagamon (T6R8)

Argyle

Alder Stream (T2R5)

Williamsburg

Lakeville

Grindstone

Regular

Permits

Guide

Permits

Total

15 buck*

5 buck

10 buck

5 buck

10 buck

7 buck

5 any sex

3 buck

5 any sex

5 buck

5 any sex

* Spousal permits will be any sex

** 10 additional season long deer permits will be provided by DNR for

the citizens of Lakeville on a first come first serve basis (due to a prior

arrangement with the Town).

BIG GAME TAGGING STATIONS

C&J VARIETY

86 PARK STREET

MILO, MAINE 04463

INDIAN ISLAND PD

25 WABANAKI WAY

INDIAN ISLAND, MAINE 04468

MATAGAMON WILDERNESS CAMPGROUND STORE

159 ROUTE 11

PATTEN, MAINE 04765

MID MAINE TAXIDERMY

13 WHITE ROAD

LAGRANGE, MAINE 04453

FLAGSTAFF GENERAL STORE

108 MAIN STREET

STRATTON, ME 04982

SWANS CUSTOM MEAT CUTTING

55 HOMESTEAD LANE

SPRINGFIELD, ME 04487

NORTHVIEW FARM

66 DUNN ROAD

DEXTER, ME. 04930

Penobscot Nation Department of Natural

Resources Contact Information:

Chuck Loring Jr.

Director of the Department of Natural Resources

(207) 817-7330

Charlie.Loring.Jr@Penobscotnation.org

Faye A Lawson

Office Manager

(207) 817-7331

Faye.Lawson@Penobscotnation.org

LOGAN PARDILLA

Game Warden Supervisor

(207) 356-7820

Ben Simpson

Wildlife Biologist

(207) 817-7363

Benjamin.Simpson@Penobscotnation.org

Penobscot Nation Dispatch

(207) 817-7358

This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.