Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife

08/06/2025

This is a hammerhead worm. If you are thinking that it doesn't look like it belongs in Maine, you're right! But there have been several sightings of this invasive species in Maine over the past few years. Here's what you need to know:

🌲 If they become established in Maine, they may impact soil composition and native plant growth.
❌ Don't squish or cut them. That's how they multiply!
⚠️They can cause irritation to human skin and make pets sick if ingested.
☎️ If you find them in plant soil sold at a store, report it to the Maine Warden Service at 1-800-ALERT-US or MaineOGT.org
👀 If you see one in the wild, submit your observation through iNaturalist.org.

Learn more at https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fish-wildlife/captivity/purchasing-posessing-wildlife.html

08/04/2025

Outdoor Partners preserves public access to private land by promoting responsible recreation on private land and by supporting landowners through problem solving, signage, enforcement, and cleanup.

Led by Maine Game Wardens, the Outdoor Partners Program invites all Maine outdoor enthusiasts and landowners to join in the effort to preserve Maine's unique land access legacy. It's already a rewarding experience, but our sponsors sweeten the pot every week with outdoor prizes for Outdoor Partners!

Visit mefishwildlife.com/outdoorpartners to become an Outdoor Partner and get entered into weekly prize drawings.

This month's prizes include an Old Town Watercraft hat and tee, L.L.Bean hat and $100 gift card, Tactacam Reveal Pro 3.0 game cam, onX Hunt hat and premium membership, and an Outdoor Partners water bottle paired with Minus33 Merino Wool Clothing socks.

08/04/2025

The final public comment period is now open for the draft 2025 update of Maine's State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP). Please follow the link below to review the SWAP and submit feedback by Sunday, August 31.

The SWAP identifies Species of Greatest Conservation Need, key habitats, high priority threats, and important conservation actions.

This comment period is a chance for Maine's conservation community to contribute knowledge and experience toward Maine's biodiversity blueprint for the next 10 years.

Public comments submitted through the online form will be summarized and reviewed by the Maine Wildlife Action Plan Coordination Team.

https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fish-wildlife/wildlife/wildlife-action-plan/2025-plan-revision.html

08/03/2025

You can't change the weather, but you can change where you fish, when you fish, gear, depth, and presentation. Being flexible is a key to success! Our fishing report lays out lots of options to adapt your tactics.

Take a look, bait your hook, and put another day of fishing in the books!
mefishwildlife.com/fishingreport

08/02/2025

Seven weeks down, five more to go until the 2025 Advanced Warden School Graduation!

In weeks 4-7, this class of Maine Game Wardens have been putting some miles on their boots and boats in the woods and on the water, gaining practical experience for their outdoor career.

They prepared for catching intentional violators during hunting season and educating hunters on safe and ethical practices, practiced patrolling Maine’s lakes, completed trapper education, focused on crime scene processing, and trained for tactical medicine and whitewater rafting.

It has been a busy schedule, but the class set aside time for a hike up Borestone Mountain in memory of Retired Warden Sergeant Glenn Annis whose positive impact on Maine is recognized not only to those who worked alongside him, but by those who follow in his footsteps.

Read more about the last few weeks of Advanced Warden School in our blog at the link below, and stay tuned for an update on upcoming training leading to graduation.

https://www.maine.gov/ifw/blogs/mdifw-blog/advanced-warden-school-weeks-4-7

Weeks 4 - 7 of the Advanced Warden School focused on hunting, boating, trapping, medical training, and whitewater rafting. Follow along as these future wardens continue their journey to becoming sworn law enforcement officers.

08/01/2025

Calling all Community Scientists!

Both Deer Spy and the Wild Turkey August Production Survey start today so it's time to keep your eyes peeled, collect that deer data, and tally those turkeys! 👀

Learn how to contribute observations to each project and how the data helps inform wildlife management in Maine at mefishwildlife.com/communityscience.

07/31/2025

Did you know there are no earthworms native to Maine? The downside to using earthworms to benefit gardens is the detrimental effect on our forests.

Jumping worms (Amynthas worms) are rapidly reproducing invasive worms from Asia that have become established in Maine. They have big appetites and cause declines in native plants, fungi, and invertebrates by changing soil composition.

It is illegal to import or possess invasive jumping worms, yet they are often sold under a variety of names as bait or for use in compost, so be on alert!

Learn what to do, and what not to do, if you see or suspect jumping worms in the wild or on store shelves at the link below.

https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fish-wildlife/captivity/purchasing-posessing-wildlife.html

07/30/2025

A small clue and diligence by Maine Game Wardens led to the conclusion of the illegal dumping case we shared on July 3, and the land has been cleaned up!

Warden Tenan found a partial receipt in the trash which led, through a subpoena in coordination with the Washington County District Attorney’s Office, to a suspect who admitted to the violation.

The individual acknowledged it was a poor decision, explaining that the second load of trash they properly disposed of at the local transfer station only cost $16, far less than the fines now being imposed. The individual is expected to appear in court this fall.

Maine Warden Service would like to thank both Wyman's and Cherryfield Foods for keeping their private land open for public recreational use and the Washington County District Attorney’s Office who continually support the mission of the Warden Service.

Littering is a primary reason why land gets closed. Maine Game Wardens are committed to supporting private landowners and keeping access to private land open.

You can help too by becoming an Outdoor Partner at mefishwildlife.com/outdoorpartners and deepening your knowledge of public access to private land in Maine through our podcast, Private for Public.

Reminder: This case is ongoing. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

07/29/2025

You watch wildlife and we'll crunch the numbers. Deal? Let's do science together!

August 1 marks the first day of two of Maine's most consequential annual community science projects. Deer Spy, and The Wild Turkey August Production Survey both invite community scientists to play a direct role in Maine's wildlife management.

MDIFW biologists do an incredible job monitoring Maine's white-tailed deer and wild turkeys all year, but our work is enhanced by the valuable local knowledge of Mainers with boots on the ground in all corners of the state.

If you enjoy watching wildlife from your window, spend any time exploring in the Maine outdoors, or want a reason to start, please participate. It's a fun addition to any outdoor adventure!

Visit mefishwildlife.com/communityscience learn about each project and experience just how rewarding it is when your passion for natural resources has a real impact.

07/28/2025

Just popping in to check on you because you haven't applied for your antlerless deer permit yet. Did you hit the snooze button again?

Up and at 'em! The deadline is this Thursday, July 31 at 11:59pm.

Find answers to FAQs, review what's new for this year (Either-sex hunting in designated WMDs), and apply to the lottery at mefishwildlife.com/deerpermit

07/27/2025

Hundreds of piping plover fledglings are figuring out flight on Maine's beaches! Thanks for the season update Maine Coastal Birds!

07/26/2025

You asked, and here it is! Our in-demand "You Alone in the Maine Woods" booklet is now available in our online store. It's a blaze orange classic!

First published in 1972 and last updated in 2020, this guide for outdoor enthusiasts is a go-to resource for people of all ages when exploring the Maine outdoors.

Two bucks puts emergency contacts, survival tips, safety reminders, and practical pointers in your pocket, helping you be safe, smart, and ethical in the Maine woods.

Order your copy, and some for your family, at mefishwildlife.com/store.

While you're there, check out other print items like fish and wildlife playing cards, posters, and stickers, grab some junior game warden gear, or show support for the Outdoor Partners Program!