Kristi Noem Participated in Maine Moose Hunt
The South Dakota governor documented a moose hunt in Maine where her daughter harvested a bull moose.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Hunting
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South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem recently shared photos from a hunting trip in Maine. During the excursion, her daughter, Kassidy Noem Peters, successfully harvested a bull moose.
Why it matters
The hunt took place on land associated with recent high-profile property acquisitions in the region. These activities highlight the intersection of private land ownership and regulated big-game hunting access in the state.
Maine moose hunting permits are obtainable through a lodge lottery or a state-run auction of 10 tags. Lodge-issued permits currently range in cost from $15,000 to over $30,000.
The players
Kristi Noem
She is the current Governor of South Dakota.
Kassidy Noem Peters
She is the daughter of South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem.
Donald J. Trump Jr.
He is a businessman and the son of the President of the United States.
Austin Theriault
His family was the previous owner of the 3,900 acres of land acquired in Crystal and Island Falls.
The details
Kristi Noem confirmed her presence on the trip via social media photos, which featured the bull moose harvested by Kassidy Noem Peters. The activity occurred near Crystal and Island Falls, an area where Donald J. Trump Jr. and his firm purchased 3,900 acres of land in 2024.
Timeline
November 2024: Donald J. Trump Jr. purchased 3,900 acres of land.
October 1, 2026: Kristi Noem posted photos of the moose hunt.
Culture Shift
This event reflects a growing trend of high-net-worth individuals securing private access to rural land for exclusive sporting opportunities. It marks a departure from traditional public-access hunting models as more acreage is consolidated under private management.
For residents and local hunters, the consolidation of land impacts traditional access to regional hunting grounds. The high cost of lodge-purchased permits serves as a barrier for average sportsmen compared to the limited public auction tags.
The takeaway
Understanding the permit structure is essential for anyone looking to hunt moose in the state. Prospective hunters should evaluate the cost difference between entering the competitive state lottery and purchasing premium tags through private lodges.
Further reading
Learn more about regulations and opportunities in Maine Hunting.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Bangor Daily News.
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