The Maine Sportsman’s August 2026 Issue – It’s all about the Bears!
Maine has more black bears than any other New England state. In fact, Maine’s biologists have managed its bear population of 35,000 animals with such success that sportsmen are allowed to take two bears each year – one by hunting, and a second by trapping.
The Maine Sportsman magazine celebrates the start of bear season this month with a cover photo of a massive bruin, and with bear-hunting columns by Bill Pierce, Jim Fahey, Bill Graves, William Sheldon and Staci Warren.
Maine offers two Youth Bear Hunting Days this month – August 28 and 29, 2026. The General Season begins August 31 and runs through November 28. Hunting with bait runs August 31 through September 26, while bear trapping occurs September 1 through October 31. The season for hunting bear with dogs runs September 14 through October 30, and the Saturday before that season starts (September 12) is set aside as “Youth Bear Hunting with Dogs” Day.
For those hunters gearing up for Maine’s upcoming moose season, our maestro statistician Troy Frye offers up bull moose harvest information, 2010 – 2024.
Shifting our attention to salt water – In honor of Shark Week 2026, we present Bob Humphrey’s ocean fishing column focusing on Porbeagle sharks, which are among Maine’s most numerous sharks and which pose challenges for anglers trying to reel in a groundfish.
Our August issue also offers information and entertainment on trout fishing (“Cast a Longer Line,” by William Clunie), Shooting Sports (“Practical Shooting for the Woods,” by Jake Mowry); Del Temple’s perfect day at the range, busting 100 clays out of 100 shots, by Brad Varney; finding the perfect youth deer rifle, by Ethan Emerson; and the resurgence of the .32-20 for Cowboy Action shoots, by Col. J.C. Allard.
All this, plus wardens pursuing night hunters, the latest “gravel bikes” craze, thoughtful editorial content, great letters to the editor, and the best cartoons east of Westbrook and south of Northport.
Once again this month, we hope we’ve met our goal of exceeding your expectations. Write us at Will@MaineSportsman.com with questions or comments. Enjoy!
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