"This is a wonderful way to introduce young hunters to the sport of hunting," said Roland D. Martin, Commissioner, Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Junior Deer Hunters get their own day October 22 Hunters who are 10 and older and younger than 16 and possess a junior hunting license (either resident or non-resident) can hunt deer on this day if they are under he direct supervision of a parent, guardian or a qualified adult. A qualified adult is a person at least 18 years of age approved by that youth hunter's parent or guardian, and this person must hold a valid Maine hunting license or have successfully completed a hunter safety course. The accompanying adult cannot possess a firearm.

The junior hunter on this day can take one deer of either sex, by firearm or by bow and arrow, anywhere in the state that is open to hunting. An any-deer permit is not needed to take a female deer on this day. If the youth hunter tags a deer, they still may hunt other deer seasons if they possess a bonus deer permit or hunt with a bow and arrow in an expanded archery zone.