Maine Warden Service – Augusta, ME

Conservation Law Enforcement

The Maine Warden Service headquarters is housed within the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) main office at 353 Water Street. As the oldest conservation law enforcement agency in the United States, its primary mission is to protect Maine’s fish and wildlife resources. Game Wardens are fully vested law enforcement officers responsible for enforcing hunting, fishing, and trapping laws, as well as regulating the operation of recreational vehicles such as ATVs, snowmobiles, and watercraft.

Search and Rescue

Beyond resource protection, the Warden Service plays a critical role in public safety. It is the lead agency for coordinating search and rescue (SAR) operations in the woodlands and inland waters of the state. The Augusta headquarters serves as the command center for:

• Incident Management: coordinating large-scale searches for lost hikers, hunters, and children.
• Specialized Teams: deploying the Dive Team, K-9 Unit, and Aviation Division for complex recovery missions.

Licensing and Registration Services

Located in the same facility is the MDIFW’s licensing division. Residents and visitors can access a variety of administrative services at the public counter, including:

• Registrations: Registering boats, snowmobiles, and ATVs.
• Licenses: Purchasing hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses.
• Permits: Obtaining specialized permits for guides, taxidermy, and other wildlife-related activities.