Roughly 94% of Maine’s forest land is privately owned, and more than half of that land area is open to the public. Much of this private land is home to thousands of miles of ATV, snowmobile, and hiking trails, and other recreation opportunities such as fishing and hunting.

This incredible access is a privilege, not a right. Everyone who ventures outdoors needs to understand the contribution that landowners make and how to be a responsible, respectable land user:

When accessing private land:

1. Always ask for permission, whether or not there are signs on the property requesting that you do so, and regardless of who owns it (a private individual or a business).

2. Learn what matters most to the landowner and abide by all special requests they make.

3. If requested, give the landowner your information: name, address, phone number and vehicle description, and consider using pre-printed Landowner/Land user Courtesy Cards (PDF). Good, thorough communication is a great way to build mutual respect.

4. Know your boundaries. Learn the geographic property boundaries of the land you have permission to use and stay within them.

5. Keep it legal. Always obey the law and be safe and ethical.

6. If you see something, say something. Report any land abuse that you witness. Land abuse is a very serious problem in Maine, and each year, access to private property is lost because of it. Put yourself in the landowner’s shoes and help ensure that violators are prosecuted. If you see a violation occurring, contact Operation Game Thief at 1(800) ALERT-US [1(800) 253-7887].

7. Say thank you. Thank the landowner for the opportunity to use their property for recreation. They’ll love hearing that you enjoyed it, and that you recognize and appreciate their generosity.

8. Remember, just because you have permission does not mean your buddy has permission.

9. Be specific with what activity you are requesting to participate in on their land. For example, if you have permission to walk your dog, you may not have permission to fish.

10. When you ask for permission, make sure it is clear between you and the landowner how long the permission is granted (one season, one year) and how frequently you should check in on their wishes.

11. Be prepared! Landowners feel best about opening their land when they know users are safe and responsible.

12. If you hunt or fish on someone else’s property, offer to share your harvest with them or your knowledge. They may be interested in learning a new hobby!

13. Don’t leave property unattended on someone’s land unless you have permission, such as canoes or a four-wheeler.

14. If you are a private landowner and have a concern, please connect with one of our landowner relations corporals to help find a proactive solution.

15. Remember, tree stands and game cameras must be labeled and you need permission to leave them.

General land use best practices (for private and public land users):

16. ALWAYS stay on marked trails when snowmobiling, hiking, biking, or on an all-terrain vehicle.

17. Keep it clean. Remember that you are a guest. Always leave the land as you found it, if not better. If you see trash that someone else left, pick it up.

18. Become an Outdoor Partner to help fund MDIFW landowner relations efforts!Membership can be purchased with your hunting or fishing license online or at any licensing agent for $15.00 or purchase a membership through our online store.

19. Join an ATV or snowmobile club.

20. Help an ATV or snowmobile club with trail maintenance even if you aren’t a member.

21. Look for vertical purple stripes on trees, posts, or stones around a property. This sign indicates access by permission only.

22. Become a volunteer for our Landowner Appreciation Day and Keep Maine Clean program.  

23. Always have your dog under control.

24. Make sure your snowmobile or ATV’s exhaust is stock. Excess noise can lead a landowner to close a trail.

25. Drive at reasonable speeds to prevent accidents.

26. Purchase a Maine Sportsman License Plate.These funds help support our landowner relations program, Outdoor Partners, as well as Maine’s fish hatcheries, endangered species conservation, and develops boat launches for public access to Maine’s inland waterways.

27. Know who your local game warden is and thank them.

28. Know powerlines, railroad tracks and utilities are private property, not public.

29. Stay informed! Check out our website, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and sign up for emails for important reminders.

30. Buy local! Maine farmers often open their land to the public.

31. Leave it the way you found it. Do not cut branches, flowers, branches, or take home rocks without permission.

32. If you are hunting and tracking an animal, don’t chase it if it went on posted property or property you do not have permission to access. Call a game warden.

33. Respect the fish and wildlife that is on the land.

34. Never park in front of a gate or roadway.

35. Know your trajectory and be aware of nearby residences when hunting.

36. Be mindful of others who are recreating. Someone may be snowshoeing on the same trail you are snowmobiling on. 

37. Purchase firewood where you visit, never transport your own.

38. Offer to mentor a new hunter how to access private land responsibly.

39. Never relocate an animal on another person’s property, especially a farmers’. It is illegal.

40. Donate directly to the Outdoor Partners program to help fund landowner relations efforts.