AUGUSTA — Although Maine’s regular firearm season for deer and bear ended Saturday — as did moose season in southern parts of the state — the black-powder firearms season for deer continues for another two weeks.

Additionally, bird hunting wings along to year’s end, and the waterfowl hunting season for regular ducks and geese ends Saturday, Dec. 5, in the north zone and Wednesday, Dec. 23, in the south zone, according to a Tuesday report from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

Deer hunting with a muzzleloader or black-powder rifle is under way through Saturday in all of Maine’s wildlife management districts.

Then, on Monday, Dec. 7, an extended muzzleloader season continues for hunters in western, central and southern Maine in WMDs 12, 13, 15-18, 20-26 and 29 only, according to Lee Kantar, MDIFW deer and moose biologist.

It should be a prime time to hunt deer due to colder temperatures which get them moving, and the possibility of snow.

“During muzzleloader season, things have quieted down in the woods,” Kantar stated in the report. “Fewer hunters are out, hopefully, there is cooler weather, and the possibility of tracking snow makes this season a great time to pursue deer.”

In addition to their hunting license, muzzleloader hunters are required to have a muzzleloader permit, which is available at IF&W, online at www.mefishwildlife.com, or at any of the 840 licensing agents statewide.

Bird hunting in December provides a chance to pursue ruffed grouse, pheasants and quail until Dec. 31. In Cumberland and York counties, an additional permit is required to hunt or possess pheasants.

Waterfowl hunters are advised to check IF&W regulations due to seasons ending this month, whereas the sea duck season doesn’t end until Jan. 31.

[email protected]