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Drone Rules for Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge

Washington County, Maine (ME) • United States
103 Headquarters Rd, Baring, ME 04694, USA
Lat: 45.1154 • Lng: -67.2781
Ground Not allowed Last updated: May 30, 2026
Summary
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USFWS prohibits drones on Moosehorn NWR. The refuge is one of the last places in the eastern US where the American woodcock mating flight display (timberdoodle) can be reliably observed.

Drone Rules - Moosehorn NWR, Maine

Drones are prohibited under USFWS Director's Order 210.

Airspace / Site Context

  • Two management units (Baring and Edmunds) in the Calais/Machias area; the Canada-US border (New Brunswick) is within 10 miles
  • American woodcock peenting display (April-May at dusk and dawn) is used as a population trend indicator; drone noise disrupts display and invalidates count protocols
  • Bangor International (BGR) Class C is ~75 NM west; Calais/Machias area is Class G

Key Rules

  • April-May woodcock display season: USFWS conducts annual Singing Ground Survey -- no UAS activity within 0.5 miles of survey points during dawn/dusk counts
  • Canadian border: drones must not cross into New Brunswick without Transport Canada authorization
  • USFWS Special Use Permit required; research applications go to USFWS Northeast Region

Source

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